[Duckwrth's "Power Power" playing]
♪ And when they dropping off all that drip for free ♪
♪ You know you got power ♪
♪ And when they tryna throw the whole damn bag at me ♪
♪ Oh, yeah, I know I got power ♪
♪ I got power ♪
Circle up.
Come on. Hustle, hustle.
Team is looking good.
Keep this up, and we'll be back dominating like I know we can.
Until then, I have good news.
The Georgia Athletic Conference has singled out
one of our players.
Simone Hicks has been awarded Player of the Week.
As you know, she's won her last 4 matches
by a wide margin.
Keep it up, Simone. Great job. Whoo!
[Clap clap clap clap]
Wow.
Come on. Hit the showers. Let's go.
Tootie: You know this don't make you
better than any of us.
Congrats, but I hope you're not surprised
that the ladies don't want to celebrate anyone
when the team as a whole is losing.
Quintin: Yo, J., where we at with intake?
Your dean is here telling you
to make sure we're straight.
I know.
The guys that's been coming out
to the interest events have been dope.
-We're good. -You sure?
Because everything's got to be perfect
so when these cats go underground,
we got no problem.
That needs to happen soon.
Yo, steady, bro. I got it, all right?
-I'm working on it. -All right.
Tick tock, bro.
Man: Let's go, baby. Let's get it, man.
Let's get it, new one-rep max.
[Clap clap clap clap clap]
Uh!
New one-rep max. You got it, baby.
[Damon pants]
Yaah!
Up, up, up, up! Let's get it!
Come on! Aah!
Let's go! Let's go!
Hoo! Let's go.
Jessie: So bring it in.
As you know, high-school recruits
are arriving today for their official visits,
so as you host them in the dorms,
take them to classes, and show them around campus,
let them see the best of you and Bringston.
Marcus: All right. That's it. Hit the showers.
Come on now. All right. I got you.
Damon, J.R.
What's up, Coach?
Y'all do the research on Jerry Ikeda?
Oh, yeah, Coach.
Dude's a beast-- batting .508,
33 RBIs, 11 homeruns,
13 stolen bases, real deal.
How many programs want this kid?
Every PWI from here to California,
and word is, he was just at Hawkins.
That's why it's crucial that you boys prove to Jerry
that Bringston is where he belongs.
Damon: What's up, Player of the Week?
That's what I like to see.
See, why couldn't I get the same energy
from my teammates you're giving me?
They didn't give you flowers?
Not even a damn petal.
I wanted a sisterhood, but all I've gotten
is co-workers on the court.
You don't need them.
Your Bringston family's fire.
Period, but-- I don't know--
I can't explain it.
I just--
I want to be a part of something
bigger than myself, too.
Hmm.
[Cell phone chimes]
Well, does that include Lando?
I mean, I saw y'all getting pretty close
during Black Joy Day.
Uh-uh. Imma stop you right there.
Oh...
I need to mind my business.
-Please and thank you. -OK.
Talking about wanting a sisterhood.
What, like a sorority?
Like PKZ more specifically.
I know.
I admit I judged them a little bit at first,
but--I don't know-- they bond with each other.
Their dedication to the community
and the legacy feels like it could be
something I'm looking for.
Well, I mean, it looks like
they having a community service event,
like, now.
You should maybe go.
Good eyes. Thanks.
Mm-hmm. Good luck.
Nico: The 25th annual Black Legends Luncheon
is this Friday.
We'll keep the same focus as last year,
and we're going to go with the classic theme
MLK and this teachings.
I have a thought, if I may.
Goes without saying you've done a great job
upholding Bringston's
Black History Month traditions,
but what if we tried something different
for the luncheon?
The SGA isn't the only org on campus
that should have a say in an event like this.
There are so many other perspectives
on Black history that we could tap into.
Babe, I appreciate your thoughts, and I--
we will take them into consideration.
Now let's move on.
[Exhales]
Is Simone to blame for that scowl?
Simone has no effect on my mood.
Really? I thought you might be worried
about your record after her Player of the Week win.
No one's supposed to tie my record,
let alone breaking it.
I won Player of the Week 3 times last year...
consecutively, I might add.
Mm. OK. Well, no one's close yet.
How's that shoulder?
I'm speaking with my orthopedist tomorrow,
so hopefully, he'll clear me for competitive play.
And if he doesn't?
Have a good day, Rome.
[Exhales]
Coach Marcus.
Jerry, so glad you made it.
-Great to be here. -All right.
Can't believe it's been two years
since you saw me at that showcase.
Yeah, and listen.
If you have any questions or if there's anything
you need, just let me know, all right?
I'm always reachable.
I do have a question.
Why aren't you head coach anymore?
I took a couple steps back
for personal reasons, all right,
but I'm very much committed to the team
and to you becoming a Bringston Lion,
all right?
Jerry, this is Damon, our ace...
-What's up, bro? -What's up? What's up?
J.R., our centerfielder.
What's up?
They're gonna be your hosts.
I'm gonna leave you in their capable hands.
All right. Take care of him now.
Um, welcome to Bringston, bro.
Thanks for coming out.
I'm happy to be here.
So you'll be staying with me.
My roommate's out of town, and...
I know you probably seen me on the news,
the whole MLB-prospect thing,
but I'm just a regular dude,
so don't feel intimidated.
KEK is one of the Exquisite Eight, right?
Look at this dude.
What you know about Exquisite Eight?
Man, I know KEK is, like, the best frat out there.
Y'all are committed to brotherhood.
Chapters throw the best parties.
Ah, youngblood knows his stuff.
Hey, if you ever want to learn more,
I'll take you by the frat house.
-For real? -Yeah.
When?
Like--like now. Come on.
Wait, wait, wait, y'all.
J., we were supposed to show him around campus.
Can we do the rest of that stuff
on the schedule tomorrow?
Besides, Caf food can't compare to Q's brisket.
Come on.
All right. Let's go see KEK house, then.
Whoa. You got class.
Stuff that big head of yours with some knowledge.
Ha ha! You mind? Thanks.
Take you to the house, right out here,
no bus or nothing.
Aqueelah: PKZ is known for community service.
Today we're decorating backpacks
for the kids in foster care.
Most don't know that the kids oftentimes
have to keep their belongings in trash bags.
Hopefully, this is a source of comfort for them,
a reminder that they matter,
so grab your backpacks and some supplies
and let's get to work.
[Applause]
[Indistinct conversation]
Ooh.
I like the rhinestones.
They're very glam.
One of the athletes I mentor says
rhinestones make everything better.
Oh, so you're not new
to the community-service life, then.
Nope. I honestly wish I had more time for it.
You have to be the change you want to see, you know?
I love that. Yeah.
It's like we have the same brain or something.
I'm Melody, by the way.
Simone, rhinestone extraordinaire.
Ha ha ha!
So what brought you to PKZ?
I guess I just want to be a part
of something bigger than myself,
you know, something with a legacy
I can inherit and pass on.
Guess we really do have the same brain.
Ha ha ha!
Simone: Seriously?
Wait. You know Tootie?
Against my will, yeah.
Tootie: OMG, hey, sis.
Ha! Ahh... Loving the skirt.
-Hey. -You know Simone?
We're teammates on the tennis squad,
and now, since she's made Top 6,
we're practically sisters.
I would not describe what we are as sisters. I--
Did y'all know that Simone won
Player of the Week from the conference?
-Oh. -Truly a rising star.
It was nothing, really.
No. It's inspiring,
especially with all the time you spend
mentoring young tennis players.
I love watching you rise
because there's room for all of us to shine.
-OK. It's giving. -Ah! Ha ha ha!
All right. All right. Let's get back to it.
Yep.
Aqueelah: OK, ladies. Let's meet back here tomorrow.
We'll go deliver the backpacks. Thank you so much for your time.
Hey, Aqueelah,
I'm really glad I came.
This is such a great cause.
Thank you.
I hope to see you tomorrow.
Oh, you will. I just need the time.
Which I gave at the start of the meeting.
If you hadn't been late,
then you wouldn't have missed the information,
but women like Tootie showed up
two hours early to help us.
Well, I'm sorry I was late, but I--
If you're genuinely interested,
you'll figure out what time we're meeting.
I hope you rise to the challenge.
Get a chance to look over those talking points
for our recruitment presentation?
Yeah. I did, and I have some thoughts.
Few of the recruits asked me
why am I no longer head coach,
and I think we should use the truth
about my medical leave as a way to talk
about the mental-wellness resources we offer.
Look. That's important.
I agree that mental health is important,
but the key to any sales pitch
is to keep things positive.
OK.
Thea: My orthopedist said there's still
too much inflammation in my shoulder,
so I've been researching alternative methods
to reduce the inflammation.
Here.
Turmeric, medicated plasters,
acupuncture,
therapeutic ultrasound,
cryotherapy.
What do you think I should try?
Uh, turmeric, maybe acupuncture.
Well, what do you think about, like, cortisone?
I think that it's risky.
Well, Granny Mays gets injections
in her knee, like, a couple times a year.
It's pretty common.
Yeah, but, baby, if you use too much of it,
it could cause infection,
degrade tissue, even rupture a tendon.
But if it could help--
No. No. Those are shortcuts.
You don't need them,
and that's the boyfriend and the athlete talking.
Yeah.
Well, how-- how's the recruit?
Have you heard from J.R.?
Uh...no, not a text.
Well, if you're trying to hide
how much that bothers you, you're failing.
I don't know. Something's up with J.R.
I mean, he's been mad competitive lately,
and I don't get why he didn't invite me over.
Well, you should go clear the air with J.R.
and go get Jerry.
And why would I do that?
Because you let a 17-year-old
high-school student spend the night
partying at a frat house, how do you think
Coach Marcus is gonna feel about that?
Yeah. I better get over there.
Yeah.
Amara: This looks delicious.
You took care of everyone else
on Black Joy Day.
I wanted to make sure someone took care of you.
Thank you.
I mean, I read that article about it,
and it sounds like you had to spend
the whole day with that reporter.
Hmm, is this cayenne I'm tasting
on these home fries or a hint of...
jealously?
Oh, I can read between the lines.
Ralph wants more than just the story.
Hope you told him you have a man.
I thought we weren't telling anyone
about this...us.
It's just a joke.
Heh heh.
To secret, drama-free lovers.
Hmm.
[Gasps]
Oh, babe, these are beautiful.
They're a peace offering.
I know you're in your feelings
about the SGA meeting.
I was, but now I'm not.
Am I gonna like what comes next?
Some of the members of SGA came to me
about my idea to transform the luncheon
into a showcase for the lesser-known clubs on campus.
-What? -Just listen.
Have you ever seen In Between the Mimes perform
or the Bringston Players?
These groups deserve a chance to give us
their unique take on our history.
If you sign off, I'll take care of the rest.
Oh, Nate, what am I gonna do with you?
OK. you have my support.
Mm...
Good.
Oh...
-I got action. I got it. -Come on now.
[All talking at once]
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
Hey, Damon, what you doing here?
Oh, I thought I'd come through
and chill with you and Jerry.
Yeah, but Jerry actually wanted
to roll by the training gym,
do a whole tour of the facility this afternoon.
You should run point on that.
Imma go and grab Jerry while you get going.
Quintin: Damon, you made it.
Man, J.R. finally made good on his promise.
We've been telling him to bring you by for weeks.
Quintin: He told you about the interest meeting
this weekend, right?
Yeah. Yeah. He did. I just--
You know, I've been busy-- y'all know me--
but today I had time for a visit,
thought I'd come through and see what KEK was all about.
Excuse me.
Jerry! Ha ha!
Melody, right? Sorry.
I don't know if you remember me.
Yeah, rhinestone extraordinaire.
After all that praise from Tootie,
you're kind of hard to forget.
Right. Look.
I was hoping you could help me.
I missed the info for the bag drop-off,
so I was wondering if you could tell me
what time everyone is meeting.
Are we, like, allowed to do that?
Why wouldn't we be?
I just want the sisters to know
that I'm serious about this,
and attendance to these events
is so important, so--
Yeah. Yeah.
Just don't tell anybody I told you.
I don't want to get in trouble with PKZ
before I even get a chance to pledge and--
Got it.
OK. Ha ha! Right on, and...
[Indistinct conversation]
Ha ha ha!
Wes: Damon, we need you in KEK, bro.
Quintin: Having a celebrity in the house
would raise our rep on campus.
Right.
J.R.: Yeah, but Damon's not a celebrity.
Damon: Come on. That's not true, bro.
You know that. Ha ha ha!
Look. Coach Marcus just texted me.
We should get Jerry to the athletics tour.
Come on.
Nah. Think I'll stay.
I wanted to see your probate step show video.
I heard you was wobbling,
and not like the line dance.
It's time for you to go, bro.
-I just got here. -Fine.
How about I kick your ass at flip cup,
see how many shots it take you
to start wobbling, not like the line dance?
Come on, fellas. Help me move this...
Let's go, then.
Flash Garments: ♪ Aw, you gonna decide you want to go? ♪
♪ Right now ♪
♪ One night in town ♪
♪ Fresh to the ground ♪
♪ Battle of the bands ♪
♪ Jump in the crowd ♪
♪ On top of the world right now ♪
♪ I'm on top of the world right now ♪
♪ Hey ♪
[Cheering]
Damon: All right. So what?
Little drinking-game win didn't mean anything.
Yeah. Whatever, bro.
You know, I bet if we take this out to the field,
it'd be a different story.
Wes: Challenge.
Yeah, J. He's trying to play you.
Come on. I see you can drink.
Can you play baseball?
-Let's go. -Come on.
OK, girl. You're 15 minutes early.
Why am I talking to my damn self?
Because I'm in this lecture hall by my damn self.
[Tyrone Briggs' "Main Attraction" playing]
Briggs: ♪ Oh, that's how we roll... ♪
All right, Mr. .508. Let's see what you got.
Briggs: ♪ Turn up for the people ♪
♪ And we got some movie playing, Tarantino ♪
♪ Now, show numbers top 10 ♪
♪ I get to the Black guy with the top square ♪
♪ I need any land if I'm not dead... ♪
-Damn. -That was nice.
Jerry: Hey, J.R., you up, player.
Briggs: ♪ Well, you're not like me ♪
♪ Everywhere that I go, it's all eyes on me ♪
♪ Hey, trying to compete... ♪
Damon: Hey, J., you know the bruhs like me so much,
they already gave me a line name?
Just throw the ball, Damon.
Briggs: ♪ A sheep to a lion ♪
♪ I'm the one everybody got they eyes on ♪
♪ Right, on your mark, get set... ♪
Uh!
Ooh! Ooh!
Hey, yo, you want to pitch the ball better?
How about you start swinging better, man?
You got to follow through.
Briggs: ♪ Yo, we're gonna get drunk ♪
Wes: Come on, J.R. You got it. Come on.
Briggs: ♪ I came to put on a show ♪
Uh!
[Ball hits backstop]
You trying to hit me with the ball?
Hey, you sure you're a Bringston Lion?
Ha ha ha! Damn.
You know what? I'm sick of your ass.
Wes: J.R., J.R.
J.R.: Say something else out your big-ass mouth.
What? Come on, J.
I'm just giving you what I'm getting, right?
If ego and dumbass fighting
is what Bringston baseball's about,
I'm not interested.
Look. Jerry. Jerry!
Hey.
Rome, I can't talk right now,
boyfriend emergency.
You know, you came to me for help,
and now it feels like you're avoiding me.
Yeah. That's because your help means
another cortisone injection.
No, thank you.
Why? We're not talking about PEDs.
Cortisone isn't even illegal
and just barely will even show up in your blood test.
There are still side effects.
Please. You had two injections in 6 weeks.
That doesn't even cause a headache.
I took 7 to get through my injury last semester.
OK. Well, I don't use shortcuts.
Oh, and I thought you were an elite athlete
who wouldn't let anything distract her
from playing pro tennis.
I am.
Hmm, doesn't look like it,
but if you're cool with being
some baseball player's girlfriend
and former Player of the Week, fine.
Hey, Coach, we got your text.
Y'all care to explain this, huh?
Jerry e-mailed me and said, "Thanks for the visit,
but Bringston isn't a good fit."
-What happened? -Damon happened.
Oh, I know you're not trying to say this is my fault.
Yeah. Jerry was having a great time
until you showed up.
OK, and where was he having a great time?
Marcus: Enough! Enough, all right?
Now, what the hell is going on with you two?
Just last week, y'all was thick as thieves.
Look. You know what?
I don't care, all right?
Find Jerry and fix this.
Hey, yo, you really messed up.
No, no, J. You messed up.
Were you ever gonna tell me
that KEK was interested in me?
No.
Why? No, bro. Why?
I thought that KEK was all about legacy.
You're my family.
You don't want me part of that legacy?
Look, Damon.
You're one of those dudes
who take up all the oxygen in a room,
and it's not even something you mean to do.
It just happens.
OK, so what are you trying to say, man?
We share parents. We share baseball.
We share our Bringston friends.
Look. I just needed something that was mine,
and that something was KEK until they
decided the great Damon Sims looked good
repping black and silver.
Hold on, bro. Where you going?
I'm going to do what Coach said--
find Jerry.
-Mm. -Ha ha ha!
Ha ha!
[Exhales]
You look beautiful.
Are you sure you don't want to come with me?
Nathaniel worked really hard
to put everything together.
I think it might confuse people
to see me on campus,
especially with Keisha out of town.
It won't confuse people
if we tell them you're my boyfriend.
Zeke, I'm almost 40.
I thought the days of sneaking around
with a man were behind me.
I'm worried Keisha's not ready for me
to move on yet.
I have to put her first.
I think you're
underestimating your daughter.
Um, I think we should talk about this later.
Have fun at the event.
[Door opens]
[Door closes]
Yo, been looking everywhere for you, man.
We just want to apologize.
You come too far to leave this early.
Look. I got good vibes from Coach Marcus,
but this school has been through a lot lately.
I mean, it almost closed.
There was a bomb threat,
and clearly, there's tension on the team, too.
I'm big on family, and I want to find
a place that really feels like home.
I don't think BU's it.
Maybe it's Hawkins for me, after all.
Whoa, whoa. Look.
We know we messed up, all right,
and we let our drama get in the way
of showing you the best of Bringston,
but just give us another shot.
D., there is that event later,
celebrate Black History Month.
That's perfect. Look. Look, Jerry.
If you were serious about attending an HBCU,
you can't leave without really seeing
what it's like to be a part of us.
OK. Let's see it, then.
Let me grab those.
You took them last time.
-The royal treatment now. Ha! -Ha ha ha!
Jerry: Wow.
Nathaniel: Welcome to Soulfo' Friday. Ha ha ha!
This is a unique celebration of Black history,
and I am high-key excited
because y'all are about to be blessed
by a variety of artists who will remind us
that there isn't just one story
that represents all that Blackness is,
so chill, eat,
and we'll get this thing going in a few.
Heh.
[Cheering and applause]
-What's up, fam? -Hey.
I hear you're interested in PKZ.
Want me to put in a good word?
Do not bother.
I'm putting PKZ in my rearview.
Already?
Between catty PKZ interests
purposely playing me
and them mean girls on the tennis court,
clearly my instincts are off
when it comes to finding sisterhood.
Look. I have faith the tennis stuff
is gonna work itself out,
and as for PKZ, look,
you sought them out for a reason.
Trust that.
How? I don't even trust me.
By remembering who you are. Look.
You have this ability to dig in people's hearts
to make them better.
Don't let drama on the tennis team
and a rough patch with PKZ make you act
like someone that you're not.
Jessie: We're one of the fastest growing
athletic programs at any HBCU, and with your help,
we'll be one of the best programs at any school.
Now I'll hand it over to Assistant Coach Marcus Turner
to talk about the academic resources at Bringston.
[Applause]
[Exhales]
All right.
There's an elephant in the room I'd like to address.
Last semester, I stepped down as head coach
due to a mental-health issue.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder
after I left the minors,
and when I was at my lowest,
Bringston gave me a second chance
as well as access to resources to stay balanced.
Now, at Bringston, we care about cultivating
strong, young athletes and well-rounded human beings.
It's the body and mind for us here--
no shame, just support.
[Applause]
Man: ♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Hit me in between the-- ♪
[Cheering and applause]
Nathaniel: OK, In Between the Mimes.
Y'all did that. Ha ha ha!
You know, this performance was inspired
by the HIV epidemic of the Eighties and Nineties,
and it serves as a good reminder that in this day and age,
HIV's not a death sentence, so get tested, get treated.
Our program will resume in one minute.
[Applause]
I have to say, president to president,
this event is incredible.
You and Nate truly are a dream team.
I'm lucky to have her.
Nathaniel: OK, y'all. Let's get back to it.
Poetry has gotten me through some dark times in my life,
so this art form is very special to me,
so I'd like to read you something.
[Exhales]
Sweet stalks standing tall
mixed with the dirt that birthed you,
strong and mighty like the spring,
yellow like the sun-- dandelion.
They call you a weed, infestation.
They come for your worth.
You take up space, but you continue to rise
in pocket and patches in spite of pesticides and lawnmowers.
Oh, oh, they try, but still you rise.
You are born. You repeat. You grow.
[Cheering and applause]
You live.
You...matter.
Thank you.
[Cheering and applause]
This was inspired by my Nico,
so, babe, come celebrate this moment with me.
[Applause]
Damon: So does this help you forget
all the fighting with me and my brother?
Wait. You and J.R. are related?
So what's the story?
[Chuckles]
Look.
You seem like a cool dude,
but I don't really share my business
with strangers, man.
OK. Then I guess I'm gonna have to tell Coach Marcus
I couldn't connect with the Bringston players,
so committing to Hawkins.
[Chuckles]
Um...
All right.
J.R. and I, we found out
that we were brothers a few months ago,
and I thought we were really tight, but...
I guess not.
Question--is J.R. older than you?
Yeah. How'd you know?
Man, I got an older brother, too.
You know, when I was younger,
I used to want to follow him around.
I wanted to do everything he did.
I idolized him.
Hold up.
I'm not following J.R. around.
Bro, it was obvious he didn't want you
at the KEK house, and it was obvious
you knew, and you stayed anyway.
I mean, yeah, because
frat brothers were interested in me.
He didn't tell me,
said he wanted to do his own thing.
You know that's totally normal, right?
Y'all go to the same college.
You play on the same team.
It makes sense J.R. needs his own space.
I didn't even want to join KEK,
just messed me up that J.
didn't want me to be a part of that, you know?
That is classic little-brother behavior
right there.
My money is going on you two working things out.
When I read PKZ's creed...
sisterhood stands out the most.
Where are you going with this?
PKZ should bring out the best in women,
not the worst.
You've got interests who are so anxious
about joining that one of them
felt the need to set me up.
Aqueelah, that's not sisterhood.
I have no control over who shows interest in PKZ.
But you do have say over the culture
they find when they do.
You didn't give me the event time
as punishment, and that right there
is giving mean-girl energy.
Honestly, I was really interested in PKZ.
I thought it'd be free of the drama,
full of sisterhood, and I don't know
where you're from, but where I grew up,
sisterhood includes grace.
You're right... kind of,
but as part of our process,
we do have to challenge you all
to weed out the ones who aren't interested
for the right reasons.
It's important because once you cross,
you're a sister for life,
but, like you said,
there's always room for grace.
Hmm.
What?
Our founders had the ability
to read you for filth but always with love.
You just did that effortlessly.
[Chuckles]
We need the best of you, Simone.
That's why I've been pursuing you so hard.
Don't give up on us yet.
I can't wait to hear your excuse
for abandoning me in the middle
of the most important night
of my collegiate life.
Nathaniel, please.
You had plenty of people there to support you.
Nico, I'm constantly supporting you,
standing by your side as the president's partner.
I've dimmed my light on more occasions
than I can count for you,
and you couldn't let me shine for one night?
I never asked you to do any of that.
Nico, this isn't gonna work.
Oh, wait. Are you--
Are you breaking up with me
over a stupid event?
No, no. No, no, no, no. No.
I'm breaking up with you for me.
I have been through too much,
fought too hard to exist as me.
I shine too bright,
and damn if I'm not proud of that.
I will never dim that light for anyone
ever again.
Come here, baby.
How much of that did you hear?
Enough to know I am so proud of you
for speaking your truth.
Come here.
Hey.
Look.
-The KEK thing, I get it. -Hey, listen.
I was acting like a little punk.
I do get it, J.
KEK is your thing,
and I'm not gonna jump on it.
I guess we're getting a late start
to this whole sibling thing, huh?
Yeah, but look.
Next time, it would help
if you just, you know, use your words.
Oh, you're telling me use my words.
-Ha ha! -Ha! Look at this.
Man, how we gonna convince this dude
to be a Lion?
I don't know, man.
He's big on family,
said that he wanted a place
that feels like home.
Hmm.
I got an idea.
Come on.
Thea: Look. You don't need Nico, OK?
I know, but it just still hurts.
Simone: Don't run from the pain.
Someone very wise once told me
that you have to let the tape play.
Exactly. Just feel all your feelings.
Thank you for putting the knives away
long enough to be here for me.
If it's one thing Thea and I can agree on,
it's that we got you.
Got one more thing to show you.
What's that?
-Our Bringston fam. -Ha ha ha!
Oh, you're good?
No, but I'll get there. Who's the cutie?
This is our recruit Jerry.
Uh, yeah.
This is Simone, Nate, and my girlfriend Thea.
Hey.
We just wanted to give him a taste
of our Bringston family,
but clearly now is not the time.
Simone: Actually, it is.
Nate, up on your feet.
we're gonna let the tape play
with a little bit of play.
J.R.: All right. I got dibs on foosball.
OK. Kicking your butt would make me feel better.
Thea: Who wants to take me in ping pong?
Damon: I will as long as you don't cheat this time.
Jerry: Hey, you know I got a great arm, right?
I'm gonna go grab my tablet to call Cam and Keisha.
Come on. Come on.
"You are formally invited to an official PKZ initiate meeting
"at the PKZ house at 10 P.M.
"Bring your resume.
Dress is business casual. This meeting is confidential."
[Knocks on door]
Hey.
Um, I just wanted to say thank you.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Mm.
All right, girl.
Come on so you can whoop J.R.'s ass.
What's this?
Nothing more important than you.
Oh, oh, you're going.
Nate, I really don't have--
You're going, but not before
I make you a bad bitch in heels.
[Giggles]
Whoo, OK, OK. This is giving.
Hey, that was cool how you came together
for your friend.
That's how we do.
It's family.
Yeah. I guess I was coming into BU
with preconceived notions.
You know, the players at Hawkins,
they didn't have the best things
to say about you.
I mean, come on. They are our rivals, bro.
Yeah. I get it.
I mean, the whole rivals thing,
I guess that explains why Lando did
what he did, I guess.
It says something about Bringston
y'all could put that aside
and still play together.
[Chuckles]
Uh, I don't really know what you mean.
Oh, I just mean it wasn't cool
that he was secretly recording your practices
at Hawkins before you transferred
and then leaked it to the media.
You're a good dude for letting that go.
Thea. Thea!
[Beep]
I've noticed an increase in your workouts lately.
Stop pressuring yourself.
No, Coach. I'm just--
Yeah. I guess I am kind of feeling the pressure.
You got to take your foot off the gas
and give your body some time.
I think it might be time
to consider redshirting.
And sit out the whole season?
Coach, no way.
I know.
I know it's not ideal,
but it'll allow you time to heal, OK?
Your health comes first.
Do yourself a favor and think about it.
-Uh-uh. -Y--
Woman: ♪ That's what you want? ♪
♪ Let me see your light, let me see your light shine ♪
No plans tonight?
Woman: ♪ On everything, everything ♪
♪ Let me see you shine ♪
♪ Shine ♪
♪ On everything, everything ♪
Ahh.
Marcus: Look, Jessie.
I know you didn't want me to talk about that.
No. You did great.
I told you not to discuss those issues
out of fear it would scare recruits away.
In reality, you probably curried
more favor than my boring presentation.
You make a difference, Marcus.
It's no surprise why my sons love you.
[Gulp]
[Knocks on door]
-Hey. -Hey.
I'm sorry about earlier.
I've been thinking,
and I don't know why I'm so hesitant.
I honestly think Keisha would be thrilled.
I know why.
It has nothing to do with Keisha
and everything to do with you not being ready.
You're not done mourning your wife yet, Zeke.
No. Amara--
I get it, and I don't want to rush you.
I'm flattered you wanted to try with me,
but I'm grown and too bright a light
to be anybody's secret.
Hmm.
I understand.
I'm not giving up on us, though.
One day, our timing will be right.
[Exhales]
Hey.
You rang?
I am not sitting out the season.
I'm reclaiming my spot on the team.
I want the third cortisone shot.
[Ding]
-Yo. -Damon, what is going on?
Are you OK? You were blowing up--
Lando, Lando.
He's the one who leaked the video
of me practicing at Hawkins.
Seriously?
He told you that?
No. He didn't.
Jerry heard it from some Hawkins players
when he went on his visit.
OK. Wait, so this is a rumor.
But it tracks.
I've been saying he's not a good dude from the jump.
Damon, please don't tell me
that you're telling me this
because you think that me and Lando--
No, no. What? No.
I'm trying to look out for you,
all right?
He's not a good guy,
and look.
Whatever you two got going on, I'm just--
We don't even know if this is for real,
and I told you, my love life
is not up for discussion.
And why is that?
You give me advice on Thea all the time.
Yeah, because you asked. I'm not asking you.
Oh, my God, why are you being
so hardheaded right now?
OK. I can't do this.
Last semester, everything with you and Jordan,
I'm not gonna go down that path again.
Our personal lives are off limits,
and if you can't respect that,
then we need some distance.
Greg, move your head.