♪ I know, they know I'm on my way ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah
♪ I know, they know I'm on my way ♪
♪ I'm on my way, yeah
♪ I know, they know I'm on my way, way ♪
♪ No sleep, grindin', been up for days, days ♪
♪ They talk too much, get out my way, way ♪
♪ You're my enemies, all of y'all my enemies ♪
♪ I know, they know I'm on my way ♪
♪ No sleep, grindin', been up for days ♪
♪ They talk too much, get out my way ♪
♪ You're my enemies, all of y'all my enemies ♪
♪ No time for the negative, get ghosted, ho, let me live ♪
♪ Don't you got kids, why you sellin' this drama, drama, drama? ♪
♪ Check your etiquette
How was your weekend in Rome?
Rome? Oh, no. He got a little hotep-y,
so he's on time-out right now.
And you gonna tell me where you were last night?
In heaven.
Professor: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the first week of classes.
As we are coming off the Martin Luther King Holiday,
it should come as no surprise that we're starting
this semester off on the subject of the good reverend.
Your first assignment will focus not on King
but on the men and women who walked with him,
people whose names aren't as well-known to history
but without whom the movement wouldn't have succeeded.
So, yes, we were Kings,
but we were also Cottons, Youngs...
Abernathys.
Professor: Exactly.
Aqueelah.
J.R., how are you?
J.R.: Good. I actually wanted to holla at you
about a joint KEK/PKZ thing.
You can just email me.
Look, that wasn't-- it was just really--
OK, we used to date.
Yeah, I could feel the love.
You're in my T.A. section for this course,
so here's some extra reading.
Wait. You're in engineering? I thought you was a singer.
You're in engineering? I thought you were an athlete.
You see how that works?
OK. Heh.
When people think about the Birmingham bus boycotts,
they think about Rosa Parks and Dr. King,
but there was a teenage girl named
Claudette Colvin who refused to leave her seat
9 months before Parks.
And local activists E.D. Nixon
and Jo Ann Robinson
led the charge to challenge segregation
on those buses in 1956.
So they should be credited
for the boycott's success as well.
I don't know if... [Chuckles]
I would actually say it was a success.
It eliminated discrimination
in mass transit
and kicked off the Civil Rights movement.
But a lot of Black small businesses
couldn't compete once folks would go to the bigger White-owned stores.
But that's not what we're talking about.
Well, maybe you should be.
My family came from Birmingham.
And two years after the boycott,
my great-uncle's car service business went bankrupt.
So what, you're pro-segregation?
No. Look, I just think there's a conversation
about whether integration
undercut the unity and financial stability of the community.
An all-Black environment has its rewards.
Case in point: the HBCU we're in right now.
See, not everything is so simplistic.
[Soft laughter]
No one said anything about simplistic.
Professor: OK, good points all around,
but we're out of time.
More to come.
Hey, so, uh, that was fun.
I'm, um--
The dude who tried to mansplain me
in front of the entire class?
See, now, what you call mansplaining
I just call healthy debate.
Well, I mean, I'm open to a healthy debate,
but next time, just leave your simplistic arrogance
and ego at home.
Nathaniel: Well, damn. You didn't have to snatch his wig.
You could've just asked for it.
I am done letting people walk all over me.
Not Tootie and not anyone else.
And this semester, I am embracing
my inner bad bitch on and off the court.
OKENYO: ♪ Full of knowledge, but beyond the rights of college ♪
♪ Yeah
Good to be back, man.
Figured out how you gonna handle
having our dad as your new coach?
Nothing to figure out. He's the coach.
Hey, you think you can do that?
J., I'm putting all the drama to the side.
I just want to pitch, man.
Beating Tennessee Central's not gonna be easy.
I don't need any distractions.
Athlete: Yeah!
Ah! I didn't expect a welcome back, man.
I appreciate it. Heh!
Marcus: I appreciate you all welcoming me back
as assistant coach.
Now, you all ready to win?
-Yes, sir! -All right!
OK, we got one more team member to introduce.
I want you all to give a warm welcome
to former Hawkins pitcher and new Lions starter
Lando Johnson.
[Applause]
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm so excited to be here at Bringston.
It's been a dream since I was a kid.
And I promise, I'mma give everything to this team.
OK. All right, fellas, let's go. Out to the field.
Let's go. Let's go.
So for our first match, we'll be hosting
Willis-Cobb University.
I'm sure you recall
they were supposed to merge with Bringston last semester,
so there may be some residual hard feelings.
Rise above. Let's start with backhand drills.
Ooh. My bad.
Hey.
So I've been watching a ton of Willis-Cobb matches
just to kind of get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses.
You want to meet up later tonight?
I'm happy to go over it with you guys.
When you say "you guys," does that also include them?
Simone: Oh, please. Tootie and her crew made it very clear
that they're not about this team life, so no.
They will not be getting any extra help from me.
What the hell do you think you're doing?
So when was you gonna mention
that you recruited another pitcher?
Look, I did what was best for the team.
It was your decision to leave, Damon.
Once he had you, Shaw agreed to release Lando,
so I scooped him up.
I didn't know you'd come back at the last minute.
So how is this supposed to work?
Who's pitching this week's opening game?
I made a promise to Lando when I recruited him
that he'd be Bringston's ace pitcher.
I'm not going back on that.
So he's gonna pitch the opener,
and you will be number 2.
Number 2? What, you want me to pitch behind Lando because what?
You suddenly decide that you want to be a person of character?
Have you lost your mind? I ain't nobody's number 2?
I just can't tell if I should be, like,
excited or sick or, I don't know, both.
I have to prove myself every single day in class,
and I have to re-audition at the end of the semester
just to stay a dance major.
Damn. But, again, not worried.
You convinced her once. You'll convince her again.
I'm just glad for now that you have a schedule
you're happy with
'cause mine is trash.
By the time I cleared up that whole registration mess,
there was only one music class still open.
Look at that.
[Stifled chuckle]
Now it's you taking musical theater.
Aw. I love it.
Oh, so you just gonna clown me?
No. I'm truly just trying to be supportive.
Oh, you want to be supportive?
-Yeah. -Huh?
-Yes, I do. -For real?
[Knock on door]
Man: Cam!
Dad? Wh--what are you doing here?
You won't answer any calls or texts.
Then we get this notification that
you're not enrolled for the spring semester.
Your mother's at home freaking out,
so I'm here to finish the conversation
we started at Christmas.
Well, I have nothing left to say.
And I cleared up that enrollment stuff,
so I'm registered now.
OK. For how long?
What is your plan, Cameron?
Um, um...
Hi. I just want to introduce myself.
I'm--I'm Keisha, Cam's girlfriend.
Nice to meet you, Keisha.
Sorry for barging in like this,
but Cam and I really need to talk.
-Well, I'm-- -Oh, no, no, no.
Your dad's right.
You two should talk, privately.
Talk.
[Muffled sound of Damon and Jessie arguing]
Mm-mm. You don't want to go in there.
Why not?
If it's about pitching, I should be part of the conversation.
Trust me, they're not just talking pitching.
There's a whole bunch of father-son crap going on as well.
I thought Coach was your dad.
Long story. Coach is his dad as well.
Wait. What?
Hit the showers, boys. Go on, now. All right?
J.R.: Yes, sir, Coach.
Jessie: ...eventually...
But we don't need you as coach.
Damon, Damon,
don't you have a class or something to get to?
If this is how you plan on inspiring team spirit,
you off to one hell of a start, Jessie.
I had a feeling you might come here.
You know me way too well.
[Chuckles]
I just thought I'd peek in.
I mean, I love my new job. I do.
But I miss teaching and being around students.
Well, you got family dinner.
You say the word, and I'll pack that joint out with more of us.
Aw. Not unless you all learn how to do more
than boil rice.
You know we beat your rice.
-Mm. -Dr. Patterson.
I've been looking for you.
Oh. Uh, well, you found me, Mister...?
Nico Logan,
president of the Student Government Association.
I've been trying to set a meeting with you
to discuss SGA business.
Oh, it's been a busy time.
Traditionally, Student Government meets
with the president a week before classes start.
We're behind schedule.
I thought the student body was important to you.
Um, excuse me.
My aunt said what she said.
She's busy, and she is with a student--me.
So why don't you make your appointment
and let us finish our conversation?
Someone's feeling feisty today.
No. I'm sensitive to disrespect these days.
Things aren't getting better with Tootie and the girls?
I'm standing my ground.
I'm not gonna let them distract me
or drive me away from what I love.
Remember, the way we carry ourselves
has consequences.
Cam: So this was the remaining total, and so
I applied for a grant that's covering most of my tuition,
and I got a work-study job with President Patterson.
That plus odd jobs are covering everything else.
Does this grant cover you for all 4 years?
No.
Cam...
look, your mom and I have been talking.
And if football truly is over for you,
then we think it's best that you move back to L.A.
Bringston is where I belong.
And I even found something that I love
as much as football.
What's that?
I want to pursue music.
[Chuckling] You have got to be kidding!
That's not a future.
And that's exactly why I don't return your calls.
I don't need your sarcasm or your criticism.
Look, I got to get to work.
This conversation's not over.
It is for me.
Cameron Shemar Watkins, walk out on me again
and see what happens.
Look, I got classes this afternoon
and then practice with the ATLs after that.
How long are you in town for?
A couple days.
How about dinner, tomorrow night?
But, Dad, you got to be willing
to at least hear me out.
[Sighs]
Marcus: I'm sorry, Damon. It's his call.
You just have to accept it.
What? But it was supposed to be me and you,
and now we both playing backup?
We'll both just have to adjust, OK?
Try being more gracious.
Maybe you should reach out to Lando
and welcome him on the team.
What?
Or just ignore him.
Coach.
Hmm, where is Nate hiding,
and why is she so slow to respond to my texts?
Don't ask me.
So how did it go?
Damon: Coach wants me
to welcome Lando into my spot with open arms,
so there's that.
That sucks. I'm sorry.
What is up with these funky new transfer students?
Like, this one fool in my American History class,
he really tried to play me in front of the whole class.
Lo and behold.
Lando: Mind if I join you?
Look, um, Lando, I might have to accept you on the team,
but don't get it twisted.
We not about to be boys.
Wait. This is Lando?
Yeah.
Actually, I was talking to her.
I thought we could finish our debate from class.
Keisha: You know, handsome young brothers
are always welcome, so... [Taps table]
Actually, n-no. The seat is taken.
Sorry.
Right.
Y'all enjoy your day.
We will.
Mm-mm, no. You all rude as hell.
This cutthroat, athletic energy is harshing my artistic vibe,
so I'm gonna go meet my daddy
and then go to class.
[Exhales] Honestly, Damon,
no shade to Coach Marcus, but he's wrong.
You don't have to accept being second to him.
This is your team and your spot,
so fight for it.
OK, then. Heh!
I guess the "bad bitch" Simone rumors are true, huh?
Hey. We got to do what we got to do, right?
♪ Clap, clap, clap, clap...
Damon: Lando.
Listen, my bad for how I came at you earlier.
Nah, I get it. I've been in your position literally.
All right. Cool.
'cause I just think that if we're gonna be working together,
we should be completely honest.
You know? So real talk,
I think the coach only made you starter
because there's some personal stuff going on between us.
That's it.
I'm here to play ball, all right,
not get caught up in your daddy issues.
But if the decision was based purely on talent,
I'd be starting,
and everybody on the team knows it.
All right.
Get one thing straight, all right?
You're not better than me.
Maybe you had more opportunity, more shine,
but more talent? Nah.
Well, if you really believe that,
there's one way you could prove it.
♪ We got the goods, yeah, I know... ♪
♪ We got the goods, yeah...
A pitch-off?
Yeah, we talked, and we both agree it's the best way.
Fellas, the subject is closed.
Reopening it will only cause more confusion for the team.
Actually, I think it would unite the team.
It'll certainly legitimize the choice
of starting pitcher in their eyes.
The choice isn't theirs.
It's mine.
I'm not scared, sir.
I know what I got, and I'm happy to prove it.
Fine. Pitch-off,
tomorrow morning before practice.
Now, get your asses out of my office.
Thank you, Coach.
Actually, I think this will be good--
-Don't ever do that again. -Wait. Excuse me.
You're not the coach anymore, Marcus.
When I make a decision,
I don't need you undermining me in front of my players.
I didn't sign up to be your yes-man.
Do you know I fought to get you back on this team?
I had parents who didn't believe you were
stable enough to be here.
So when I make a decision, I expect you to back me
like I backed you.
This is me backing you, man.
I know Damon, and he would never accept
second spot to anyone unless he felt it was earned.
You're dismissed.
And if you ever tell me how to coach my son again,
you're fired.
Mr. Watkins,
late for class?
No, sir. I, um...
Wait. Heh. Hold up. You ain't the president no more.
Do I have to answer that question?
Had you shook for a second there.
How you doing, son?
Honestly, I've had better days.
You waiting on Keisha?
Apparently, she had to meet with her dance teacher early,
so now I'm enjoying scaring former students
on their way to class instead.
Well, I should get going, then.
It's good to see you, sir.
You know, um, I'm not Keisha, but I've got some time.
We could talk about why it's not one of those better days.
Uh, my dad's in town.
He and my mom want me to move back to L.A.
I'm sorry to hear that.
We're supposed to have dinner tomorrow night
to talk it out, but we gonna need
some kind of buffer, so I'm hoping Keisha can come.
What if I came, too?
Excuse me?
Who better to convince your dad about
this university's brilliance than its president emeritus?
I mean, if you wouldn't mind, sir,
that would actually be great.
Done. Keisha and I will be there tomorrow night.
OK. Thank you. Bet.
[Zeke chuckling]
You know, Keisha was right about you, man.
You're different. A little more chill.
It's amazing what letting go of a high-pressure job will do.
Yeah. Or it's the secret girlfriend Keisha thinks you're hiding,
something about goofy smiles when you text
and whispered phone calls.
You'd better get to class, son.
Oh, yeah. I better. [Zeke chuckling]
Hey, J.R.
Good luck against Tennessee Central this week.
Thanks. Heh.
Nice fit.
Appreciate it. Yeah.
Yo, what the hell is going on?
You tell me.
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought--
Look, all these girl--never mind.
Oh. Oh. You mean all the "Hey, J.R.s."
Aren't you some big baseball star now?
-I guess. -You guess?
OK. Whatever. You trying to tell me
that girls aren't sliding into your DMs?
It's ho season.
Look, I am not embracing any kind of ho season.
I am a relationship kind of brother.
Oh, right, right.
That--that was your ex who gave you
the Heisman in class today, no?
I mean, I'm just glad to see that the relationship thing's
working out for you.
-Damn! -I'm just saying.
Whoa.
OK!
Hand on chest, hand on waist.
Need to take some notes.
So how about we go out Saturday night,
celebrate surviving the first week of classes?
I'd love to, but I have family dinner, remember?
Family dinner...with President Amara.
That's really a thing?
It's the best thing.
I got class. I'll call you later?
J.R.: Somebody got a sneaky link...
♪ Hey, somebody got-- ♪
I don't know what you're talking about.
I'll have to hang out with y'all more often.
You messier than my soaps.
OK, since you two want to be nosy,
Nico is my ex.
Things rekindled over the holiday.
OK. So why haven't you introduced any of us to this Nico?
Because last year in my grief,
I may have overshared, so now Keisha despises him.
And I really don't want to hear her mouth,
so can you two keep this on the low?
I know nothing.
What?
Keisha will find out eventually.
Isn't it best coming from you?
[Liquid pouring]
[Music playing]
You showed up outside your old class
at the start of the day, didn't you?
No.
Maybe. Yes. [Chuckles]
But Simone was there to help me let go,
and then she got in a thing with our SGA president,
so there was no time to mourn not being a teacher anymore.
Ah, yes, Nico Logan.
I get the sense he's not ecstatic about me.
Three bits of advice on presidential politics:
first, people will be looking for you to fail.
Learned that.
Second, you'll make sacrifices,
and you still won't be able to make everybody happy.
Learning that.
And, last, Nico Logan will always be a pain in your ass.
[Both chuckle]
[Exhales]
Do you miss it, Zeke?
Certain aspects,
but I'm enjoying getting back to medicine much more.
Besides...
when I was president,
I had to keep everyone at arm's length.
Couldn't even tell the woman I liked that
I had feelings for her.
Well, that woman is grateful you shot your shot
during Christmas break.
And even though we are keeping it to ourselves,
you are definitely one good thing
that's come out of all this.
There'll be more.
[Chuckles]
You got this...
President Patterson. [Cell phone vibrating]
Funny. It doesn't feel like I've got this.
"Is Bringston's new president showing
favoritism towards her niece and her friends?"
"I hear you can get a hook-up
if you get in on her family dinners."
[Sighs] Freaking Nico.
Jerika: This analysis of Willis-Cobb is bomb, Simone.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Simone: OK, so Linda Miller.
OK. Whatever.
Good luck tomorrow.
We don't need your luck.
Damn. You're really that chick.
And what is that supposed to mean?
You got the whole mean girl thing on lock, huh?
Boy, you don't know me.
Yeah. I'm starting to think that's a good thing.
Anyway...
Coach Hinds: OK, Lions, ignore them.
Huddle up.
Coach Hinds: On 3. 1, 2, 3.
Bringston...
Athletes: Lions, let's go!
Simone: To beat your opponent,
you got to really know them...
♪ When they speaking over drip, how you feelin' with it? ♪
♪ All I ever knew, stay true to... ♪
Simone: think like them.
♪ Keep a smile in my pocket for two ♪
♪ More reasons to love and another two reasons... ♪
Simone: Know that she tracks the ball really well
when you hit her deep shots,
but she struggles with short balls
♪ ...With the girls, I'm in love with you all ♪
♪ I'm in love with this phase in life ♪
♪ I'm in love when my feelings is right ♪
♪ Well, it's love when you blinded with all ♪
♪ When it's life without love... ♪
[Laughing]
♪ Said we're gonna dance... ♪
Simone: Don't get in a comfort zone, though,
'cause just when you think you got it all wrapped up...
♪ Stars alight, yo, dance with the devil... ♪
Simone: that's when they'll attack.
[Cheering]
Athlete: Maybe it's a good thing we didn't merge
if this is the quality of talent we'd be playing with.
[Chuckles]
♪ In my heyday, I would never say Mayday ♪
♪ 'Cause no one ever come to save me ♪
♪ Hey, yo, let's go... ♪
Simone: Find their weakness...
[Growls]
Simone: before they find yours.
Force them into a vulnerable position.
Vary your spin so they can't get into rhythm.
♪ Dance with the devil in the pale moonlight ♪
♪ Yeah, the dangerous things that's all delight ♪
♪ Yo, dance with the devil on the darkest days... ♪
Simone: They may be good...
but you know we're better.
♪ Yo, dance with the devil ♪
♪ On the darkest days... ♪
♪ It's all fun and games, hey! ♪
♪ Yo, dance with the devil... ♪
Simone: Return hard, and just keep attacking...
♪ Devil, devil... ♪
until she runs out of steam.
♪ Dev
[Cheering and applause]
♪ Yo, dance with the devil... ♪
Jerika: Girl! Yay, Simone!
♪ Yo, dance with the devil on the darkest days ♪
♪ All fun and games... ♪
All right, fellas.
That was impressive by both of you,
but fair is fair.
Damon Sims will pitch the opener at Tennessee Central.
[Applause] Congratulations.
Damon: Let's go, baby! Go get it.
Come on, man. I'm back, baby. I'm back.
Yes, sir!
Six, you're supposed to be cheering Jade on,
not over here snacking.
First off, get my name right.
And besides, Jade didn't show me an ounce of support
during my game, so I'm gonna keep that same energy.
So the real Simone Hicks comes out.
Under that "Let's be friends" front,
you're just a selfish bitch, like everybody else.
Call me a bitch one more time and see what happens.
Ah, ladies, need I remind you
who your actual opponents are here?
Please remember who and where you are
and conduct yourselves accordingly.
Prince O: ♪ Wetin dey go happen to me
♪ Happen to me
♪ Late at night, I crave your body ♪
♪ I crave your body
♪ All the things she doin' to me... ♪
Pace: And 1, 2, 3, 4.
All right. [Clapping]
That's it for today. Decent class.
You had very good energy on the routine this evening.
Thank you.
But your form is lacking.
You were sluggish on your dégagé,
and your shoulders are far too stiff
for the Gwara Gwara.
OK. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Uh, let's see it.
Right now?
I want to see how you make the adjustments.
Do you have somewhere else more important to be, Keisha?
Yes.
No. I just--I have this thing.
No. I'm ready. I'm ready.
[Indistinct conversations]
Is your girlfriend gonna be joining us soon?
Um...
Looks like she got caught up in dance class.
She can't make it.
Ha ha. So she's into dance,
and now you're into music.
I think I'm seeing the root of this problem.
What is that?
Cam...
do you know how many wannabe musicians
are bagging groceries back in Crenshaw?
You need to pursue something more practical.
Zeke: Lucius, if I may, I had the same concerns
when my daughter switched from premed to dance.
But at some point, we got to let our kids pursue their passion.
My family can't afford half-baked dreams.
Dad!
Cam: Why don't you just come to the baseball game tomorrow
and hear me sing with the ATLs?
See for yourself.
I have to catch a flight in the morning,
so you have fun with your barbershop quartet.
But come the end of this semester,
you're moving home and going in state.
No.
I'm not leaving Bringston.
I'll make it work here with or without your support.
Respectfully.
[Sighs]
Um...
[Continues, indistinct]
Coach?
Uh, I want to explain what happened earlier.
Not now, Hicks.
There's only so much disappointment I can handle.
Well, I apologized for the argument, but--
It's not just that.
Those Willis-Cobb ladies came in here with chips on their shoulders,
and rather than band together,
you let them school us.
Coach, I did my part.
You told me to step up my game, and that's exactly what I did.
Congrats. You won.
But it doesn't matter if you win individually if we lose as a team.
We needed unity today.
And I've tried to bring unity,
and it gets shoved back in my face.
Everyone just needs to accept the fact that this is not a team.
It's just a bunch of people pursuing the same sport.
And, honestly, at this point, I don't see a problem with it.
Too bad you didn't share your Willis-Cobb analysis
with all your teammates.
And the fact that you don't think that's a problem
is the problem.
J.R.: Hey, Aqueelah, can I sit here?
I just want to say I'm sorry
for the way things ended between us,
for thinking that you cheated,
not knowing that Kevin had taken advantage of you.
I hurt you,
and I let a really good thing slip away.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
But, real talk, I can't be mad at you
for not knowing about something I wasn't willing to share
until just a couple months ago.
Hey, you know, if Kevin wouldn't have got expelled,
I'd have kicked his ass for you, right?
Then it's a good thing he did.
Can't have superstar Lions outfielder Jessie Raymond Jr.
risking damage to his hand.
Don't believe the hype, all right?
OK. All right. Believe it.
-OK. OK. Ha ha. -Believe it a little bit.
So, um...
What, you got to go?
Yeah. Yeah. [Chuckles]
Um, you want to come to my game later?
That was closure, J.R.,
not a new beginning.
I'll see you around.
Tootie: No, I know it's not an excuse.
But, look, no. I almost had the match.
I went through everything. I went through everything.
They had something up on us,
and you know it wasn't my fault. Y--yes.
Yes, ma'am.
Damn. What'd you do to make her cry?
Tootie: Yes, ma'am...
Did you pull her hair,
body-check her with a tennis ball? Heh!
Damon, shut up. It's not funny.
Have I gotten that bad?
[Chuckles]
You tell me. How you sleeping at night?
Fine. I get it. I've become the devil, but--
Whoa, whoa. Whoa. I didn't say that.
Well, you didn't have to.
Lando and Coach Hinds already said it for you.
Thea and Tootie have been giving my teammates crap
since day one.
Now, all of a sudden, I'm the team disappointment?
Well, maybe your coach has higher expectations for you.
Simone, you're a natural leader, all right?
You're the one who brings people together.
Just look at family dinner.
Well, now my aunt's getting judged for it.
The point is the bar is higher for you
because you're a better person.
Trust me. I hate saying this,
but Lando's right.
You're not the mean girl.
There's a point in between doormat and bitch,
where you still get to be Simone.
Just find it.
All right. I got to go. Game time.
You coming to the game, right?
Yeah. I just got to take care of something first.
All right. You better be there.
I will. [Damon chuckles]
Keisha: Thank you for being there for Cam.
I can't believe that I couldn't make it.
How's he doing?
Hurt but determined.
Mm-hmm.
Honey, I know it took me a second
to get on board the dance train,
but I hope you know how proud of you I am.
I do. And you're the reason why I have hope
that Cam's dad will come around at some point,
however long that takes.
Anything is possible.
[Chuckles]
Keisha: Hey, stranger. Where you been?
Oh, you know. Crazy first week, pre-law classes.
Hey, Dr. Allen.
Zeke: Hey. Keisha: OK. Let's go.
Cam sings in 20 minutes.
Oh.
So you can tell me where you've been all week on the way.
How you doing, son? You got this?
I was gonna ask you the same thing, Coach.
We got this.
Thanks for everything, man.
All right.
♪ Lift every voice
♪ And sing
♪ Until earth and heaven ring
ATLs: ♪ Ring with the harmonies
Cam: ♪ Of Liberty
ATLs: ♪ Let our rejoicing rise
♪ High as the listening skies
Cam: ♪ Let it
ATLs: ♪ Resound
Cam: ♪ Loud as the
ATLs: ♪ Rolling sea
[Cheering and applause]
Play ball!
Damon, Make sure you throw breaking balls.
I know fastballs are your thing,
but the scouting report on this first batter says--
Look, I know what it says, all right?
Look, I don't need you to coach me, all right?
I need you...
to stay out my way.
Damon: Let's go, baby. Yes, sir.
Ah, man.
J.R.: There we go.
I'm proud of you, boy.
Welcome back, baby.
Hey, Damon, let me holla at you for a minute.
What's up?
I just wanted to say congratulations on the win today.
Thanks, bro. Appreciate it.
Hey, I told you I wanted to come to Bringston, right?
Yeah. Um, something about family legacy.
My dad, his dad, a couple of uncles,
my older brother, all Lions.
I want to add to their legacy.
But why are you telling me this?
'Cause I know legacy's important to you, too.
But all this family issues you got going on with Coach
is getting in the way of that.
Whoa, whoa. Whoa. Coach Raymond is not my family.
I watched you two.
I see how you get under each other's skin.
Only family can do that.
So, yeah, you had a good game today,
but eventually, all this family mess
is gonna bleed over.
It's gonna bring this team down.
Now, you supposed to be a leader around here, right?
I know I wouldn't want it to be my legacy.
[Music playing]
Hey.
I'm really proud of you
for fighting for your new dream
and for killing it at the game today.
Thanks. It's a shame my dad doesn't feel the same.
You know, I can't believe he didn't come hear me sing today.
Actually, he did.
My dad saw him for a second.
He left right after you got done singing.
For real?
Yes. Cam, that's progress.
[Knock on door]
Hey.
Thank you for coming.
Uh, thank you for the invite,
though I'm still not sure this ain't no setup.
[Both chuckle]
Simone: Being new, it can get lonely.
And I know that all too well.
And I also didn't give you the warmest of welcomes,
so consider this a do-over.
Appreciate that.
And where it may not have been the warmest of welcomes,
it was a fun one.
Well, I do love a good debate,
but you were right.
The girl you met this week, it wasn't quite me,
so hi.
Simone Hicks.
Lando Johnson.
Amara: Lando, come on in. You are on dumplings duty.
Yes, ma'am. OK. [Chuckles]
Simone, can I talk to you real quick?
Uh, yeah.
What's up?
What the hell are you doing?
I'm finding my middle ground and I'm making amends.
I was rude as hell to Lando,
and, honestly, he didn't deserve that.
[Sighs]
You know, it's funny 'cause
Lando reminded me tonight that
I'm supposed to be a leader, too.
I think it's time I, uh,
I make some amends of my own,
at least my share of it.
Well, there's no time like the present.
[Chuckles] Not with Lando.
I mean with my family.
♪ ...Me again
♪ Remember
♪ Remember my name...
♪ Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh... ♪
Marcus!
Hey, what's up, man?
It's been a long day. Um, something I can do for you?
Yeah. Uh...
I need to know my son.
Could you...
[Exhales]
could you tell me about Damon, please?
[Music playing]
[Laughter]
Keisha: You're on fire... [Laughter]
[Indistinct conversations]
Keisha: Don't. Look at how he's eating right now.
Simone: Ew. J.R.!
Sorry. Look, I hate to eat and run, but I got a date.
Cam: Uh-oh. That mean somebody embracing ho-ing season?
That mean Gabby got a big mouth.
And maybe...yes to a little ho-ing season.
[All speaking at once]
[Laughter]
Keisha: OK, OK.
Actually, before you leave, J.R.,
I have an announcement to make.
Lando: Oh, uh, y'all want me to leave?
[Chuckles] No. That's OK.
I love these dinners with you guys.
You know I do. They're special.
Keisha: Hear! Hear!
And screw whoever that nosy narc was
talking smack about us on Yard Yack.
It had to be Nico Logan, right, Auntie?
I mean, think about it.
He overheard us talking about family dinner,
and then he got pissed when I told him to wait his turn.
Why does that not surprise me?
Nate, I'm so happy you dumped his toxic ass.
Nathaniel: You don't know that it was him.
Maybe you shouldn't spread rumors without receipts.
Amara: OK, it doesn't matter. The point--
I'm sorry, Dr. P. Nate, why are you defending him?
He broke your heart.
Damon: Yo, who is this Nico guy? What's going on now?
Nico was m--
[Sighs]
Nico is my boyfriend.
We're back together.
Wait. And you...
you kept that from me?
Nate, he's a narcissist.
He made you cry for weeks. What are you doing...
Cam: Keisha, chill. Keisha: Don't talk to me.
Cam: What? Simone: Keisha.
You don't got to date him.
You gonna answer my question?
Amara: OK, enough. Enough!
Enough.
Whether it was Nico or not,
the person was right about one thing:
these dinners give you unfair access to me
as Bringston's president.
Wait, wait. What are you saying, Dr. P.?
Tonight was our last family dinner.
Greg, move your head.