1 00:00:13,139 --> 00:00:15,976 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ 2 00:00:19,604 --> 00:00:21,606 [nervous panting] 3 00:00:25,485 --> 00:00:27,112 - Come on, come on. 4 00:00:30,073 --> 00:00:31,533 [scratching] 5 00:00:32,701 --> 00:00:34,119 [elevator dings] 6 00:00:42,377 --> 00:00:43,336 [sighs] 7 00:00:50,260 --> 00:00:53,138 [lights crackle] 8 00:00:58,018 --> 00:01:00,854 ♪ 9 00:01:02,063 --> 00:01:04,065 [scratching] 10 00:01:05,150 --> 00:01:06,192 [lights crackle] 11 00:01:11,406 --> 00:01:13,533 [Kendra gasps] 12 00:01:16,286 --> 00:01:18,914 [people whispering] 13 00:01:20,624 --> 00:01:22,626 ♪ 14 00:01:24,586 --> 00:01:27,380 [crackling, whispering continues] 15 00:01:35,764 --> 00:01:38,683 [Kendra screams] 16 00:01:43,605 --> 00:01:45,023 [inhales] 17 00:01:46,775 --> 00:01:49,277 ♪ Gimme Some More by Busta Rhymes playing ♪ 18 00:01:52,447 --> 00:01:55,408 ♪ 19 00:02:00,580 --> 00:02:02,123 ♪ Y'all niggas had enough, gimme some more ♪ 20 00:02:02,123 --> 00:02:03,959 ♪ Y'all niggas want the wild shit, gimme some more ♪ 21 00:02:03,959 --> 00:02:05,794 ♪ Yo, Spliff, where the weed at, gimme some more ♪ 22 00:02:05,794 --> 00:02:07,462 ♪ I know y'all niggas need that, gimme some more ♪ 23 00:02:07,462 --> 00:02:09,381 ♪ Even though we gettin' money, you can gimme some more ♪ 24 00:02:09,381 --> 00:02:11,132 ♪ Cars and the big crib, gimme some more ♪ 25 00:02:11,132 --> 00:02:12,676 ♪ Everybody spread love, gimme some more ♪ 26 00:02:12,676 --> 00:02:14,469 ♪ If you want it, let me hear you say, gimme some more ♪ 27 00:02:14,469 --> 00:02:16,096 ♪ Yo, live nigga shit, know what I mean ♪ 28 00:02:16,096 --> 00:02:18,306 ♪ I represent while we gettin' money and reign supreme ♪ 29 00:02:18,306 --> 00:02:20,934 ♪ song continues on headphones ♪ 30 00:02:22,143 --> 00:02:23,270 [elevator dings] 31 00:02:23,645 --> 00:02:25,272 ♪ song stops ♪ 32 00:02:27,607 --> 00:02:30,235 ♪ light music playing ♪ 33 00:02:31,778 --> 00:02:34,531 [distant vacuum cleaner runs] 34 00:02:41,997 --> 00:02:45,041 ♪ 35 00:03:06,354 --> 00:03:09,357 ♪ Selfish Soul by Sudan Archives playing ♪ 36 00:03:12,903 --> 00:03:15,155 ♪ If I cut my hair, hope I grow it long ♪ 37 00:03:15,155 --> 00:03:17,157 ♪ Back long, back time like way before ♪ 38 00:03:17,157 --> 00:03:19,492 ♪ If I wear it straight, will they like me more ♪ 39 00:03:19,784 --> 00:03:21,620 ♪ Like those girls on front covers ♪ 40 00:03:21,620 --> 00:03:23,997 ♪ Long hair make 'em stay little longer ♪ 41 00:03:23,997 --> 00:03:26,499 ♪ Stay hair, stay straight though we feel ashamed ♪ 42 00:03:26,499 --> 00:03:28,877 ♪ By the curls, waves, and natural things ♪ 43 00:03:28,877 --> 00:03:30,879 ♪ Curls, waves, and natural things ♪ 44 00:03:30,879 --> 00:03:32,923 ♪ Okay, one time if I grow it long ♪ 45 00:03:32,923 --> 00:03:35,133 ♪ Am I good enough, am I good enough ♪ 46 00:03:35,133 --> 00:03:37,510 ♪ About time I embrace myself and soul ♪ 47 00:03:37,510 --> 00:03:39,512 ♪ Time I feed my selfish soul ♪ 48 00:03:40,430 --> 00:03:43,433 ♪ 49 00:03:43,433 --> 00:03:46,853 ♪ It's been so long since I had a sew in ♪ 50 00:03:46,853 --> 00:03:48,688 VERA PARINI: Nella! - Vera! 51 00:03:48,688 --> 00:03:49,981 Morning, hi. 52 00:03:49,981 --> 00:03:51,399 [Nella laughs nervously] [Vera laughs] 53 00:03:51,399 --> 00:03:52,776 Look what arrived. 54 00:03:52,776 --> 00:03:55,403 - [gasps] Oh, I see. Ooh, it's a real brick. 55 00:03:55,403 --> 00:03:57,113 - Seriously, you could knock someone out with that thing. 56 00:03:57,113 --> 00:03:58,531 - Oh, and that's exactly what we wanna do, 57 00:03:58,531 --> 00:04:00,825 we wanna get this brick absolutely everywhere. 58 00:04:00,825 --> 00:04:02,369 - Ah! Don't hit me with the brick! 59 00:04:02,369 --> 00:04:03,995 - Yes. - Right. 60 00:04:03,995 --> 00:04:05,080 - Funny. Oh. 61 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:09,084 Now, we just need Sam to pick a damn cover. 62 00:04:09,084 --> 00:04:12,045 Hey, has Leonard brought those mockups over yet? 63 00:04:12,045 --> 00:04:13,964 - I already told him that we need them by the end of the day. 64 00:04:13,964 --> 00:04:15,757 - And did you get the Colin cutout? 65 00:04:15,757 --> 00:04:16,841 - It's on its way. 66 00:04:16,841 --> 00:04:20,136 - God, as always, Nella, you're the best. [sighs] 67 00:04:20,929 --> 00:04:24,057 Mm. I wanna talk to you about the Colin Franklin later. 68 00:04:25,058 --> 00:04:26,685 - The one with Shartricia? 69 00:04:26,685 --> 00:04:28,270 - Mm-hm, you read it, right? 70 00:04:28,270 --> 00:04:29,980 - I couldn't finish it fast enough. 71 00:04:29,980 --> 00:04:32,941 - Oh, well, great. Richard wants it in copyediting ASAP. 72 00:04:32,941 --> 00:04:34,859 So, I want your thoughts. 73 00:04:36,152 --> 00:04:38,572 ♪ soft jazzy music plays ♪ 74 00:04:38,572 --> 00:04:40,073 [both chuckle politely] 75 00:04:40,865 --> 00:04:42,784 YANG: Yep, pulling them up now, Maisy. 76 00:04:42,784 --> 00:04:44,786 Yes, those pages were sent. 77 00:04:44,786 --> 00:04:46,997 Yes, you would look great with bangs. 78 00:04:47,914 --> 00:04:49,124 Yes, really. 79 00:04:49,124 --> 00:04:50,292 Okay, see you later. 80 00:04:51,126 --> 00:04:54,713 [sighs] Maisy's trying to squeeze every last drop out of me before I go. 81 00:04:54,713 --> 00:04:56,840 - Yang, I am begging you, 82 00:04:56,840 --> 00:04:58,592 [softly] please don't go. 83 00:04:58,592 --> 00:05:00,969 You are literally the only one that I like. 84 00:05:00,969 --> 00:05:04,431 Besides, aren't you gonna miss all of this, glamour? 85 00:05:05,265 --> 00:05:07,267 - I think I'll take law school. 86 00:05:07,267 --> 00:05:09,978 - But what about the possibility of editing books? 87 00:05:10,687 --> 00:05:11,730 [script thumps] 88 00:05:11,730 --> 00:05:13,356 Of telling stories? 89 00:05:13,356 --> 00:05:16,151 So, that... I don't know, 90 00:05:16,151 --> 00:05:17,152 a nerdy, little Black girl 91 00:05:17,152 --> 00:05:18,904 who didn't grow up with kids who looked like her 92 00:05:18,904 --> 00:05:21,031 could imagine a bigger world? 93 00:05:21,031 --> 00:05:22,365 Feel less alone? 94 00:05:22,365 --> 00:05:23,742 - Aw. 95 00:05:24,159 --> 00:05:25,869 [slight chuckle] Books were your friends. 96 00:05:25,869 --> 00:05:26,870 - I had friends. 97 00:05:26,870 --> 00:05:28,204 - Were they hobbits? 98 00:05:28,914 --> 00:05:31,917 - Nella? Could you hand out the invitations 99 00:05:31,917 --> 00:05:33,293 to Colin's announcement party, please? 100 00:05:33,293 --> 00:05:34,794 Thank you. 101 00:05:34,794 --> 00:05:36,046 [door slams] 102 00:05:37,631 --> 00:05:40,717 ♪ soft ambient music playing ♪ 103 00:05:51,019 --> 00:05:51,895 - Did you get my email? 104 00:05:51,895 --> 00:05:53,813 - Ah, Sophie! 105 00:05:53,813 --> 00:05:55,690 Announce yourself, damn. 106 00:05:55,690 --> 00:05:57,484 - Sorry, hi. 107 00:05:57,484 --> 00:05:59,903 - Hi. - Did you read that piece I sent? 108 00:06:03,990 --> 00:06:09,079 - "The Token in the Corporate Machine: Being Black in a White Workplace." 109 00:06:09,371 --> 00:06:10,413 - Did you read it? 110 00:06:10,413 --> 00:06:11,790 - In the last 30 seconds? 111 00:06:11,790 --> 00:06:14,584 - It is such an important topic. 112 00:06:14,584 --> 00:06:16,920 And, you know, I'm always looking for better ways 113 00:06:16,920 --> 00:06:18,964 to be an ally to you. 114 00:06:18,964 --> 00:06:22,217 That piece got me so fired up. 115 00:06:22,926 --> 00:06:23,969 - Mm. 116 00:06:23,969 --> 00:06:27,264 - Anyway, you should read it, like, maybe right now, 117 00:06:27,264 --> 00:06:28,807 and share if it resonates. 118 00:06:29,432 --> 00:06:33,144 Oh, and, uh, here's a manuscript for Vera. 119 00:06:33,144 --> 00:06:34,980 Richard might offer on it. 120 00:06:48,451 --> 00:06:49,869 [deep sigh] 121 00:06:51,746 --> 00:06:54,374 [lights crackling] 122 00:06:57,544 --> 00:06:58,962 [groans] 123 00:06:59,588 --> 00:07:02,424 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ 124 00:07:03,550 --> 00:07:05,010 - What the? 125 00:07:08,805 --> 00:07:11,808 ♪ 126 00:07:17,397 --> 00:07:18,231 [low shriek] 127 00:07:20,901 --> 00:07:21,902 - You okay? 128 00:07:29,409 --> 00:07:30,243 - Yeah. 129 00:07:31,745 --> 00:07:32,871 Yeah, I'm fine. 130 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:37,083 - Don't let this place suck the life out of you. 131 00:07:42,047 --> 00:07:44,633 [phone rings] 132 00:07:48,845 --> 00:07:50,096 - Wagner Books. 133 00:07:50,889 --> 00:07:53,725 ♪ mysterious theme playing ♪ 134 00:08:14,079 --> 00:08:16,831 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ 135 00:08:31,304 --> 00:08:32,138 PERSON: Excuse me. 136 00:08:38,645 --> 00:08:41,106 [laughter] 137 00:08:44,109 --> 00:08:46,319 MAISY GLENDOWER: We are so excited. HAZEL-MAY MCCALL: Very excited. 138 00:08:46,319 --> 00:08:47,779 MAISY: There she is! 139 00:08:47,779 --> 00:08:49,489 Nella, come. 140 00:08:49,489 --> 00:08:51,324 There's someone you have to meet. 141 00:08:51,324 --> 00:08:54,452 Hazel, this is Nella. Nella, meet Hazel-May McCall, 142 00:08:54,452 --> 00:08:55,704 my new assistant. 143 00:08:57,330 --> 00:08:58,623 - Really? 144 00:08:58,623 --> 00:08:59,457 Wow. 145 00:09:01,585 --> 00:09:02,752 Hi. 146 00:09:02,752 --> 00:09:04,796 It's so nice to meet you. 147 00:09:04,796 --> 00:09:06,256 - Uh, Hazel, 148 00:09:06,256 --> 00:09:08,633 Nella will show you the ropes once you get started. 149 00:09:08,633 --> 00:09:10,302 She's Vera's assistant. 150 00:09:10,302 --> 00:09:12,137 - The iconic Vera Parini? 151 00:09:12,137 --> 00:09:13,138 - Yeah. 152 00:09:13,138 --> 00:09:15,015 - Who can forget that Vogue profile? 153 00:09:15,015 --> 00:09:18,184 Ugh, those pictures at the beach house in Montauk. 154 00:09:18,184 --> 00:09:19,477 - It was a rental. 155 00:09:19,477 --> 00:09:20,687 It doesn't matter, I mean, 156 00:09:20,687 --> 00:09:23,273 Colin Franklin really opened doors for her. 157 00:09:23,273 --> 00:09:26,401 Y-- This is gonna be so much fun having you here, Hazel. 158 00:09:26,860 --> 00:09:28,695 - Yeah, it's, it's gonna be fun. 159 00:09:28,695 --> 00:09:30,071 MAISY: And important. 160 00:09:30,071 --> 00:09:33,283 Hazel mentors underprivileged students up in Harlem. 161 00:09:33,283 --> 00:09:35,994 - We use the term "opportunity challenged." 162 00:09:35,994 --> 00:09:37,162 - Oh. HAZEL: Yeah. 163 00:09:37,162 --> 00:09:40,665 Our job is to embolden them beyond their circumstances. 164 00:09:40,665 --> 00:09:42,000 Anything for my hood. 165 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:43,001 NELLA ROGERS: Oh, you're from Harlem? 166 00:09:43,001 --> 00:09:45,128 - Oh, Black mecca born and bred. 167 00:09:45,128 --> 00:09:47,797 MAISY: Oh, Nella and I, actually both from Connecticut. 168 00:09:47,797 --> 00:09:49,341 It's not as cool as Harlem, 169 00:09:49,341 --> 00:09:51,885 but we turned out all right, didn't we, Nella? 170 00:09:51,885 --> 00:09:53,678 - Did you go to college up there, too? 171 00:09:53,678 --> 00:09:54,804 - Uh, UVA. 172 00:09:54,804 --> 00:09:55,847 HAZEL: Mm. - You? 173 00:09:55,847 --> 00:09:57,474 - Yeah, uh, Howard, class of '19. 174 00:09:58,350 --> 00:09:59,351 NELLA: Wow. HAZEL: Mm. 175 00:09:59,351 --> 00:10:01,519 - You must have some crazy homecoming stories. 176 00:10:01,519 --> 00:10:03,438 - I mean, girl, the ones I can remember. 177 00:10:03,438 --> 00:10:05,106 Lil Baby performed my senior year. 178 00:10:05,106 --> 00:10:05,941 - What? 179 00:10:05,941 --> 00:10:08,485 - Girl, it was serious, I am still recovering. 180 00:10:08,485 --> 00:10:10,820 NELLA: Oh, my God, what I would give. HAZEL: Mm. 181 00:10:10,820 --> 00:10:11,696 - A kidney. 182 00:10:11,696 --> 00:10:12,781 I would give a kidney. [Hazel laughing] 183 00:10:12,781 --> 00:10:13,740 - Give me the kidney then. 184 00:10:13,740 --> 00:10:15,116 - Well, I-- [both laugh] 185 00:10:15,116 --> 00:10:16,868 - See, see? - I was ready to give it to you 186 00:10:16,868 --> 00:10:18,745 if you wanted it. [both laughing] 187 00:10:18,745 --> 00:10:21,539 [Maisy laughing] 188 00:10:21,539 --> 00:10:24,292 - Well, you girls are gonna have a lot to talk about 189 00:10:24,292 --> 00:10:25,544 and a lot of time to do that. 190 00:10:25,544 --> 00:10:27,045 I'm just gonna walk you out, Haze. 191 00:10:27,045 --> 00:10:28,588 Ooh, ooh, ooh. 192 00:10:28,588 --> 00:10:29,965 Is that a fun nickname for us? 193 00:10:29,965 --> 00:10:32,300 Haze, Maze. 194 00:10:32,717 --> 00:10:33,927 - I gotta get back for tutoring. 195 00:10:33,927 --> 00:10:36,012 Uh, I will see you all very soon. 196 00:10:36,012 --> 00:10:37,639 Very, very excited to be here. - Yeah. 197 00:10:37,639 --> 00:10:40,225 MAISY: Oh! Well, let me walk you out. 198 00:10:40,225 --> 00:10:42,644 There's just a few questions-- [quietly] She's great! 199 00:10:42,644 --> 00:10:44,563 I have to ask you. 200 00:10:50,735 --> 00:10:54,197 ♪ soft jazzy music playing ♪ 201 00:10:54,197 --> 00:10:56,157 - The new Yang is Black. 202 00:10:56,157 --> 00:10:59,452 - Bitch, I lit so many intention candles for this. 203 00:10:59,452 --> 00:11:01,621 - It's like Wagner realized that we're in 2023 204 00:11:01,621 --> 00:11:03,039 and there can no longer just be one of us. 205 00:11:03,039 --> 00:11:04,249 - Duh, finally! 206 00:11:04,249 --> 00:11:07,377 So, tell me all about homegirl. What's her name? W-What's her vibe? 207 00:11:07,377 --> 00:11:09,462 - Um, Hazel-May McCall. - Okay. 208 00:11:09,462 --> 00:11:11,756 - And, Malaika, she is so cool. 209 00:11:11,756 --> 00:11:13,884 Like, even you would borrow clothes from her. 210 00:11:14,509 --> 00:11:16,970 - I would only borrow clothes from Rihanna, 211 00:11:16,970 --> 00:11:19,639 on our honeymoon in Greece. 212 00:11:19,639 --> 00:11:20,599 - 'Kay. - Yeah. 213 00:11:20,599 --> 00:11:21,266 [Malaika laughs] 214 00:11:21,266 --> 00:11:22,100 OWEN: Hey! 215 00:11:22,100 --> 00:11:22,934 - Hey. - Hi. 216 00:11:22,934 --> 00:11:24,311 - Sorry I'm late. 217 00:11:24,311 --> 00:11:26,771 The, uh, new mural at school got defaced. 218 00:11:26,771 --> 00:11:28,023 Took forever to clean off. 219 00:11:28,023 --> 00:11:29,482 - It's only been up for, like, two days. - Yeah. 220 00:11:29,482 --> 00:11:30,650 - Fuckin' hate kids. 221 00:11:30,650 --> 00:11:32,027 - And it was so nice. 222 00:11:32,027 --> 00:11:34,029 It was a picture of a bunch of people holding hands, 223 00:11:34,029 --> 00:11:35,113 saying, "You belong here." 224 00:11:35,113 --> 00:11:36,573 - What'd they draw this time? 225 00:11:36,573 --> 00:11:37,407 - Guess. 226 00:11:37,407 --> 00:11:38,825 - Dicks. [Malaika giggles] 227 00:11:38,825 --> 00:11:40,827 - Hey, w-what's the deal with the new girl? 228 00:11:40,827 --> 00:11:42,454 NELLA/MALAIKA: Black! 229 00:11:42,829 --> 00:11:44,873 - Amazing! Ha-- Should we have her over? 230 00:11:44,873 --> 00:11:46,166 - Owen, that's a great idea. 231 00:11:46,166 --> 00:11:49,586 Then we can be work friends and real friends. 232 00:11:49,586 --> 00:11:50,503 - I'ma get more shots. 233 00:11:50,503 --> 00:11:53,840 - Ooh, I don't think we need more. - Ah, but I do! 234 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:55,175 [phone dings] 235 00:11:55,175 --> 00:11:56,384 - Oh, my God. 236 00:11:56,384 --> 00:11:57,135 - What? 237 00:11:58,053 --> 00:11:59,346 - The dicks are back. [Nella laughs] 238 00:11:59,346 --> 00:12:00,388 I have to go. - Yeah. 239 00:12:00,388 --> 00:12:01,640 - I'm sorry. - It's okay. 240 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:02,474 - I love you. - Love you. 241 00:12:02,474 --> 00:12:05,101 - Shots o'clock, babies! What's going on? 242 00:12:05,393 --> 00:12:06,895 - Cockblocked by dicks. 243 00:12:06,895 --> 00:12:07,896 - Damn. 244 00:12:08,396 --> 00:12:10,440 Congratulations, baby girl. - Thank you. 245 00:12:13,318 --> 00:12:15,070 [indistinct chatter] 246 00:12:20,242 --> 00:12:21,451 VERA: Nella! 247 00:12:21,451 --> 00:12:23,411 Come, come, sit. 248 00:12:23,411 --> 00:12:24,287 Sit, sit. 249 00:12:26,373 --> 00:12:30,126 I just wanted to tell you that you have been doing a fantastic job. 250 00:12:30,126 --> 00:12:32,379 All of our authors, they love working with you, 251 00:12:32,379 --> 00:12:36,258 and you got Sam Lewis to go on that college tour. 252 00:12:36,258 --> 00:12:39,344 And your edits, they're just brilliant. 253 00:12:39,344 --> 00:12:40,345 So, 254 00:12:41,221 --> 00:12:44,683 I am ready to recommend your promotion to assistant editor. 255 00:12:44,683 --> 00:12:46,434 I am gonna talk to Richard about it tomorrow. 256 00:12:46,434 --> 00:12:48,311 - Oh, my God. [Vera giggles] 257 00:12:48,311 --> 00:12:49,187 Really? 258 00:12:49,187 --> 00:12:50,397 - Yes! - That's amazing. 259 00:12:50,397 --> 00:12:53,108 - Well, I will keep you updated. - Okay. 260 00:12:53,108 --> 00:12:56,319 - And now, Colin Franklin, Needles and Pins, 261 00:12:56,319 --> 00:12:58,196 I want your thoughts. 262 00:12:58,196 --> 00:12:59,531 - O-Oh, right now? 263 00:12:59,531 --> 00:13:03,034 - [chuckling] Yes, right now. And as always, don't hold back. 264 00:13:03,034 --> 00:13:05,287 - [inhales] Um, 265 00:13:05,287 --> 00:13:08,498 guess I should just get right into it. [laughs nervously] 266 00:13:08,498 --> 00:13:12,377 Uh, this character... Shartricia, 267 00:13:12,377 --> 00:13:14,296 the only Black character, 268 00:13:15,672 --> 00:13:17,382 is problematic. 269 00:13:17,382 --> 00:13:19,801 - Oh, say more. 270 00:13:19,801 --> 00:13:23,430 - Well, I can appreciate that Colin wants to represent the opioid epidemic 271 00:13:23,430 --> 00:13:25,265 through a diverse perspective. 272 00:13:25,265 --> 00:13:26,474 - Diversity matters. 273 00:13:26,474 --> 00:13:30,020 - Sure, but... Colin 274 00:13:31,021 --> 00:13:33,273 has written an idea of a person 275 00:13:33,273 --> 00:13:36,359 that somehow also manages to hit on every harmful stereotype. 276 00:13:36,359 --> 00:13:38,361 I mean, a baby daddy whose name she doesn't know, 277 00:13:38,361 --> 00:13:40,739 literally zero friends who aren't crack addicts, 278 00:13:40,739 --> 00:13:42,157 and her name, 279 00:13:42,157 --> 00:13:43,825 and all of this coming from a white author. 280 00:13:43,825 --> 00:13:46,786 I just think that a lot of Black readers are gonna find her 281 00:13:48,997 --> 00:13:50,415 unsatisfying. 282 00:13:52,584 --> 00:13:53,710 - Wow. 283 00:13:53,710 --> 00:13:56,004 - Oh, well, you said not to hold back, so. 284 00:13:56,004 --> 00:13:58,632 - And you didn't, um. 285 00:14:01,218 --> 00:14:03,887 Well, I'm glad you brought this to me first. 286 00:14:03,887 --> 00:14:06,306 You did bring this to me first, didn't you, Nella, not Colin? 287 00:14:06,306 --> 00:14:07,557 - Oh, my God, no. 288 00:14:07,557 --> 00:14:08,433 - Okay. - No! 289 00:14:08,433 --> 00:14:10,143 There's no way on Earth that I would say this Colin 290 00:14:10,143 --> 00:14:11,144 before talking to you. 291 00:14:11,144 --> 00:14:12,520 - Great, great. 292 00:14:12,520 --> 00:14:15,440 So, when Colin comes in for the announcement party, 293 00:14:15,440 --> 00:14:17,817 you are gonna tell him that you love Needles and Pins 294 00:14:17,817 --> 00:14:19,444 and nothing else. 295 00:14:20,237 --> 00:14:23,615 - [muttering] S-- So-sorry? 296 00:14:23,615 --> 00:14:25,825 - I hear you, and I'm listening, 297 00:14:25,825 --> 00:14:31,248 but... Colin keeps the lights on at Wagner. 298 00:14:31,248 --> 00:14:32,874 He's an icon. 299 00:14:33,541 --> 00:14:35,043 I mean, look at him. 300 00:14:38,213 --> 00:14:41,299 - So, you're saying-- - Compliment him, earn his trust, 301 00:14:41,299 --> 00:14:43,009 then you can give him your honest feedback, 302 00:14:43,009 --> 00:14:45,804 but the sweet before the bitter, that's the editor's job. 303 00:14:48,807 --> 00:14:50,016 Nella, 304 00:14:50,016 --> 00:14:51,393 you're really talented 305 00:14:52,143 --> 00:14:53,979 and I want you to excel here. 306 00:14:54,938 --> 00:15:00,610 But, sometimes... part of excelling 307 00:15:00,610 --> 00:15:03,738 is... being diplomatic. 308 00:15:03,738 --> 00:15:04,823 You understand? 309 00:15:05,657 --> 00:15:06,575 - Um, 310 00:15:08,493 --> 00:15:09,869 yeah, I think so. 311 00:15:09,869 --> 00:15:10,996 - Great. 312 00:15:10,996 --> 00:15:13,331 Well, I've gotta run, 313 00:15:13,331 --> 00:15:16,001 but I will talk to Richard soon. 314 00:15:16,543 --> 00:15:19,087 [sighs] Oh, and Nella? 315 00:15:20,171 --> 00:15:22,007 Keep this between us. 316 00:15:23,300 --> 00:15:24,467 Okay. [slight chuckle] 317 00:15:30,765 --> 00:15:33,685 [ambient street sounds, siren blares] 318 00:15:33,685 --> 00:15:35,687 [water running] 319 00:15:46,531 --> 00:15:47,699 [Nella sighs] 320 00:15:57,959 --> 00:16:00,045 - Is it weird of me to say that 321 00:16:01,463 --> 00:16:04,382 it's just really nice that you're here? 322 00:16:04,382 --> 00:16:06,343 - Girl, I get it. - Okay! 323 00:16:06,343 --> 00:16:09,763 - Yeah, no, look, right back at you. 324 00:16:09,763 --> 00:16:12,224 - If you have any questions-- 325 00:16:12,224 --> 00:16:15,018 - I have questions about all of it. 326 00:16:17,938 --> 00:16:20,106 NELLA: All right, she's in publicity, I don't know her name, 327 00:16:20,106 --> 00:16:22,525 but she does have a framed picture of Ronald Reagan, so. 328 00:16:22,525 --> 00:16:23,735 - Oh, my God. - Mm-hm. 329 00:16:23,735 --> 00:16:26,738 - In 20-- In 2023? - Mm-hm. Mm-hm. 330 00:16:26,738 --> 00:16:28,406 Oh, that's Greg. 331 00:16:28,406 --> 00:16:29,824 He's in accounts payable. HAZEL: Uh-huh. 332 00:16:29,824 --> 00:16:31,618 - And he doesn't realize that we can all hear him 333 00:16:31,618 --> 00:16:33,370 farting in his office. [Hazel laughs] 334 00:16:33,370 --> 00:16:35,163 Yeah. - Ah! 335 00:16:35,747 --> 00:16:38,458 I-- You know, I mean, it still sounds better 336 00:16:38,458 --> 00:16:40,961 than my old lit mag job in Boston. 337 00:16:40,961 --> 00:16:42,462 Mm, yeah. 338 00:16:42,462 --> 00:16:45,006 I lasted barely a year before I had to get out. 339 00:16:45,006 --> 00:16:47,300 - Boston? Yikes. - Mm. 340 00:16:47,300 --> 00:16:48,718 You want a mint before we go back? 341 00:16:48,718 --> 00:16:50,303 - Yes, please. - Okay. 342 00:16:50,303 --> 00:16:54,057 - Vera is always telling me that she has heightened olfactory receptors. 343 00:16:54,057 --> 00:16:55,183 - What does that mean? 344 00:16:55,183 --> 00:16:58,687 - She doesn't like my lotion. HAZEL: [laughs] Wow. 345 00:16:58,687 --> 00:17:01,356 - Wait, Burning Heart? That's my favorite book. 346 00:17:01,356 --> 00:17:03,567 - It's mine, too. 347 00:17:04,109 --> 00:17:06,903 Wait, okay, and check this. 348 00:17:09,698 --> 00:17:10,907 It's signed. 349 00:17:10,907 --> 00:17:13,702 - Oh, my God. [Hazel chuckles] 350 00:17:14,160 --> 00:17:16,913 Oh, I would kill to meet Diana Gordon. 351 00:17:16,913 --> 00:17:20,208 - Yeah. It was, uh, life-changing. 352 00:17:20,208 --> 00:17:22,377 - This book is literally why I work at Wagner, 353 00:17:22,377 --> 00:17:24,796 because of Kendra Rae Phillips editing it here. 354 00:17:24,796 --> 00:17:28,174 - Yeah, and working with her childhood bestie, Diana? 355 00:17:28,174 --> 00:17:30,010 It's such a cool story. 356 00:17:30,010 --> 00:17:31,803 - Can't even imagine having that kind of success 357 00:17:31,803 --> 00:17:34,431 as a Black woman back then. - Mm. 358 00:17:35,223 --> 00:17:37,017 - Least things are getting better. 359 00:17:37,017 --> 00:17:38,268 - Are they? 360 00:17:38,268 --> 00:17:41,104 You can't wear your preferred lotion in the workplace? 361 00:17:41,104 --> 00:17:42,564 - Okay. 362 00:17:42,564 --> 00:17:46,192 But you're here, so now there's two of us. 363 00:17:46,192 --> 00:17:49,237 That must mean something is going in the right direction. 364 00:17:49,237 --> 00:17:51,740 The system is changing, we're changing it. 365 00:17:52,407 --> 00:17:53,909 - Yes, we are. 366 00:17:53,909 --> 00:17:54,910 - Hm. 367 00:17:55,785 --> 00:17:57,996 - You know that hall of white people they have here? 368 00:17:57,996 --> 00:17:59,247 - Yeah. - Mm. 369 00:17:59,247 --> 00:18:04,669 I... took a selfie with Kendra Rae's photo after my interview. 370 00:18:06,046 --> 00:18:07,464 - Hm. 371 00:18:08,173 --> 00:18:11,301 - Oh, that's lame. [Nella chuckles] 372 00:18:11,301 --> 00:18:13,553 That's lame. [chuckles] [Nella laughing] 373 00:18:13,553 --> 00:18:16,223 - You know, I actually might think that there was something wrong with you 374 00:18:16,223 --> 00:18:19,434 if you hadn't. [both laughing] 375 00:18:21,269 --> 00:18:23,480 - H-- Come on. Hey, twin lames! 376 00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:25,732 [indistinct chatter] 377 00:18:26,942 --> 00:18:29,736 ♪ soft ambient music playing ♪ 378 00:18:32,405 --> 00:18:34,157 - Boys. EMPLOYEE: Mm-hm. 379 00:18:34,157 --> 00:18:35,158 - Richard. 380 00:18:37,452 --> 00:18:39,120 - Hazel-May McCall. 381 00:18:40,330 --> 00:18:41,414 Richard Wagner. 382 00:18:41,414 --> 00:18:43,583 - It is very nice to meet you, Mr. Wagner. 383 00:18:43,583 --> 00:18:45,627 - Please, call me Richard. 384 00:18:45,627 --> 00:18:47,963 Only my children call me Mr. Wagner. 385 00:18:47,963 --> 00:18:50,215 I'm kidding, I don't have children. 386 00:18:50,215 --> 00:18:51,883 Hi, Nella! [Hazel chuckles] 387 00:18:52,634 --> 00:18:54,427 Welcome to Wagner. 388 00:18:54,427 --> 00:18:57,013 I trust Maisy's been treating you nicely. 389 00:18:57,013 --> 00:18:59,266 [whispering] Has she mentioned that she went to Yale? 390 00:18:59,266 --> 00:19:00,183 'Cause that's coming. 391 00:19:00,183 --> 00:19:02,310 - [scoffs] Twice, yeah. [Richard chuckles] 392 00:19:02,310 --> 00:19:05,397 Um, but, I mean, honestly, it's just such an honor to be here. 393 00:19:05,397 --> 00:19:09,401 Everyone's been really supportive, great, especially Nella. 394 00:19:09,401 --> 00:19:14,030 - Well, Nella is our rising star. She's the glue around here. 395 00:19:14,030 --> 00:19:15,865 - Yeah, I can see that. 396 00:19:16,616 --> 00:19:18,326 - All right, I'll see you both at the party. 397 00:19:18,326 --> 00:19:21,288 Anything you need, my door's always open. 398 00:19:21,288 --> 00:19:22,414 [taps desk] 399 00:19:26,209 --> 00:19:27,586 - Surprisingly cool. 400 00:19:27,586 --> 00:19:29,379 - Yeah, he is. [Hazel chuckles] 401 00:19:32,424 --> 00:19:34,718 [message dings] 402 00:19:35,093 --> 00:19:36,678 [Nella groans] 403 00:19:37,178 --> 00:19:40,265 - Mm? Mm-mm. 'Scuse me. 404 00:19:40,265 --> 00:19:41,391 I heard that loud and clear. 405 00:19:41,391 --> 00:19:42,809 [Nella chuckles] What's up? 406 00:19:44,144 --> 00:19:46,062 - Wagner's just-- 407 00:19:46,897 --> 00:19:48,231 You'll see. 408 00:19:48,231 --> 00:19:49,858 [Hazel scoffs] 409 00:19:51,192 --> 00:19:54,404 - [chuckles] Come on, sis, spill that tea. 410 00:19:55,405 --> 00:19:56,823 [Nella sighs] 411 00:19:56,823 --> 00:19:58,742 [phones ringing, office chatter] 412 00:20:00,410 --> 00:20:03,121 - Okay, so, I have this author-- 413 00:20:03,121 --> 00:20:04,831 - Mm-hm. - Colin Franklin. 414 00:20:04,831 --> 00:20:06,750 - The Terrorist Next Door dude. 415 00:20:06,750 --> 00:20:08,752 [whispering] Yo, that movie sucked. 416 00:20:08,752 --> 00:20:11,379 - Yeah, and he's about to come out with a new book 417 00:20:11,379 --> 00:20:12,839 on the opioid epidemic, 418 00:20:12,839 --> 00:20:15,508 and he wrote this Black character, Shartricia. 419 00:20:15,508 --> 00:20:18,428 - I'm sorry? - And she is so bad 420 00:20:18,428 --> 00:20:20,263 for the culture, like, on every level. 421 00:20:20,263 --> 00:20:23,600 - [scoffs] Please send that to me 'cause I love a good hate-read. 422 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:25,101 - Yeah, me too, 423 00:20:25,101 --> 00:20:28,271 but he's our biggest author and I work with him, 424 00:20:28,271 --> 00:20:31,274 so... now I have to decide [sends text] 425 00:20:31,274 --> 00:20:32,692 if I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind 426 00:20:32,692 --> 00:20:33,860 or hold my tongue. 427 00:20:33,860 --> 00:20:36,029 - I don't know what I would do, to be honest. 428 00:20:36,029 --> 00:20:37,656 - Yeah, it's tough. 429 00:20:38,782 --> 00:20:42,118 Look, everyone here is very excited about this book. 430 00:20:42,702 --> 00:20:45,080 It's gonna be huge for the company. 431 00:20:45,830 --> 00:20:49,918 - If Colin's book rubs you the wrong way, 432 00:20:49,918 --> 00:20:51,127 trust it. 433 00:20:51,127 --> 00:20:53,380 You're probably not the only one who feels that way 434 00:20:53,380 --> 00:20:56,424 and any respectable writer would appreciate you saving his ass 435 00:20:56,424 --> 00:20:59,636 before it's published, right? - Yeah. 436 00:20:59,636 --> 00:21:02,055 - If she's dangerous, 437 00:21:02,055 --> 00:21:03,890 he's gotta hear that. 438 00:21:05,767 --> 00:21:07,394 - I don't know. 439 00:21:07,936 --> 00:21:09,813 There's this promotion. 440 00:21:09,813 --> 00:21:11,982 You know, I just-- I don't know if I can go out on a limb like that right now. 441 00:21:11,982 --> 00:21:15,402 - You know what? If you need me, I'll back you. 442 00:21:16,027 --> 00:21:18,238 When the time is right, just say the word. 443 00:21:19,322 --> 00:21:20,156 - Thank you. 444 00:21:21,366 --> 00:21:23,285 - What have we here? 445 00:21:23,285 --> 00:21:26,288 Ooh. It's not mine. It's not mine, is it? 446 00:21:26,288 --> 00:21:28,790 Am I right? Attention, everyone! 447 00:21:28,790 --> 00:21:31,376 Relax, this is not a drill! 448 00:21:31,376 --> 00:21:33,211 [exhales] Daddy's home. 449 00:21:33,211 --> 00:21:34,754 [office applauds] VERA: Colin! 450 00:21:34,754 --> 00:21:36,590 - Oh, Vera! - Ah! Oh! 451 00:21:36,590 --> 00:21:38,383 - Mwah! Mwah! - Mwah! Mwah! Oh! 452 00:21:38,383 --> 00:21:39,217 - Great to see you. 453 00:21:39,217 --> 00:21:41,636 Everybody, remain seated, everything's fine! 454 00:21:41,636 --> 00:21:43,346 [Vera laughing] Everything's fine, I promise. 455 00:21:43,346 --> 00:21:46,016 - Come with me, you handsome man! COLIN FRANKLIN: What? Oh! 456 00:21:46,016 --> 00:21:47,893 There's me! VERA: Oh my go-- 457 00:21:47,893 --> 00:21:50,896 [office door shuts] [conversation continues muffled] 458 00:21:53,607 --> 00:21:55,066 - Girl. 459 00:21:59,905 --> 00:22:01,531 ♪ 460 00:22:01,531 --> 00:22:03,033 COLIN: Mm. - Fill it to the brim. 461 00:22:03,033 --> 00:22:05,035 [indistinct chatter] 462 00:22:05,035 --> 00:22:07,037 ♪ 463 00:22:10,290 --> 00:22:12,208 - You know, at my last job, when they released a magazine, 464 00:22:12,208 --> 00:22:13,877 all we got were bagels. 465 00:22:13,877 --> 00:22:16,421 Just bagels, no cream cheese. [Nella chuckles] 466 00:22:17,172 --> 00:22:19,591 - Good afternoon, everyone. 467 00:22:20,300 --> 00:22:21,718 Thank you for joining us 468 00:22:21,718 --> 00:22:25,222 to celebrate the announcement of Colin Franklin's new book 469 00:22:25,222 --> 00:22:29,434 and thank you, Colin, for such a long and fruitful relationship. 470 00:22:29,434 --> 00:22:30,435 COLIN: Mm. 471 00:22:30,435 --> 00:22:33,730 [office applauds] 472 00:22:35,523 --> 00:22:40,862 - So, let us all raise a glass to yet another num-- 473 00:22:40,862 --> 00:22:42,489 Thank you, Maisy. - Oh. 474 00:22:42,489 --> 00:22:46,368 - To yet another number-one bestseller. 475 00:22:47,118 --> 00:22:49,537 You can guarantee that, right? 476 00:22:49,537 --> 00:22:51,539 - Well, isn't that your job? 477 00:22:51,539 --> 00:22:53,708 [all laughing] - [laughs] Yeah. 478 00:22:53,708 --> 00:22:55,752 [laughing continues] Now you-- 479 00:22:55,752 --> 00:22:57,587 [muttering] 480 00:22:57,587 --> 00:22:59,839 [quietly] God, I miss doing these on Zoom. 481 00:22:59,839 --> 00:23:02,175 ♪ light R&B music playing ♪ [indistinct chatter] 482 00:23:02,175 --> 00:23:03,885 SOPHIE: Probably not a Phish fan, 483 00:23:03,885 --> 00:23:07,639 but Trey Anastasio is one of the greatest living musicians, 484 00:23:07,639 --> 00:23:09,724 like, of our time, basically. 485 00:23:09,724 --> 00:23:12,102 - Um, sorry, Sophie, Hazel's doing, like, a-- 486 00:23:12,102 --> 00:23:13,103 - Oh. 487 00:23:13,103 --> 00:23:14,646 [Nella chuckles] No worries, yeah. 488 00:23:14,646 --> 00:23:17,023 I know deep down there's a Phish Head inside of you. 489 00:23:17,023 --> 00:23:18,441 - There really isn't. 490 00:23:20,485 --> 00:23:23,530 - Ah, Nella, Hazel was just telling Colin 491 00:23:23,530 --> 00:23:26,074 that she read Needles and Pins today. 492 00:23:26,950 --> 00:23:29,411 - You read it? This afternoon? 493 00:23:29,411 --> 00:23:31,538 - Yeah, I did. I wanted to be prepared. 494 00:23:31,538 --> 00:23:35,500 - Since you've read it, I have to ask, it's my baby, what did you think? 495 00:23:35,500 --> 00:23:40,714 - Actually, Nella and I were talking, and I know that she had some thoughts. 496 00:23:41,590 --> 00:23:44,593 ♪ tense music playing ♪ 497 00:23:48,889 --> 00:23:52,309 - Well, it's rich. - [chuckling] Yes, right? 498 00:23:52,893 --> 00:23:54,102 - Yeah. 499 00:23:55,270 --> 00:23:56,438 And tragic. 500 00:23:56,438 --> 00:23:58,106 - Hm. - In a, in a good way. 501 00:24:02,694 --> 00:24:05,405 But. - Uh-oh, there's a "but." 502 00:24:05,405 --> 00:24:07,324 - No, there's no "but," there's no "but." 503 00:24:09,993 --> 00:24:11,202 - I'm sorry. 504 00:24:12,078 --> 00:24:17,709 I just have to say that... Shartricia... is problematic. 505 00:24:18,752 --> 00:24:21,254 She hits on a lot of harmful stereotypes for Black people 506 00:24:21,254 --> 00:24:23,590 and it's dangerous, she's dangerous. 507 00:24:23,590 --> 00:24:25,592 ♪ 508 00:24:27,135 --> 00:24:30,889 And I know that a lot of other people... feel that way. 509 00:24:40,523 --> 00:24:42,734 The whole thing is a little, um-- 510 00:24:44,903 --> 00:24:47,864 [sighs] I'm sorry, I'm not really explaining myself very well. 511 00:24:47,864 --> 00:24:52,077 - Oh, no, no, I, I, I think I understand very clearly. 512 00:24:52,869 --> 00:24:56,039 It's dangerous. That's what, that's what you said? 513 00:24:56,998 --> 00:24:58,625 What did you think? 514 00:25:00,293 --> 00:25:03,213 - I'm sorry, me? - Yeah, could be helpful. 515 00:25:03,213 --> 00:25:05,674 - Uh, I really liked the book. 516 00:25:05,674 --> 00:25:08,385 It's very, very gripping 517 00:25:08,385 --> 00:25:11,388 and I think Shartricia has potential. 518 00:25:11,388 --> 00:25:14,849 I'm excited to read it again with a specific eye on her, 519 00:25:14,849 --> 00:25:17,435 but it read really well. 520 00:25:17,435 --> 00:25:20,230 COLIN: [chuckling] Yes. I'm so glad you liked it. 521 00:25:20,230 --> 00:25:21,898 - Mm. COLIN: So, thank you. 522 00:25:21,898 --> 00:25:26,152 I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the book, it's not for everybody, my books. 523 00:25:26,152 --> 00:25:28,488 I mean, just mostly everybody. - Oh. [scoffs] 524 00:25:28,488 --> 00:25:32,409 - Am I right? Based on... the numbers. 525 00:25:32,409 --> 00:25:33,868 [Vera laughs] Based on the numbers. 526 00:25:33,868 --> 00:25:35,870 Richard needs to talk to me, I, I forgot, 527 00:25:35,870 --> 00:25:38,540 so I'll, um, [snaps fingers] I will see you all later. 528 00:25:38,540 --> 00:25:40,250 Very good, thank you! 529 00:25:42,127 --> 00:25:43,628 - [quietly] What was that? 530 00:25:43,920 --> 00:25:45,338 - I-- 531 00:25:45,338 --> 00:25:46,506 Uh-- 532 00:25:46,506 --> 00:25:48,508 - My office, first thing tomorrow. 533 00:25:50,886 --> 00:25:56,057 - Hazel, we would love for you to write an editorial letter for Colin as well. 534 00:25:56,558 --> 00:25:59,769 I think the more eyes we have on this, the better. 535 00:25:59,769 --> 00:26:03,565 - Wow, I'd love to, Richard, thank you! 536 00:26:03,565 --> 00:26:04,816 - Good. 537 00:26:04,816 --> 00:26:07,444 Good, follow me. Let's talk. 538 00:26:10,405 --> 00:26:12,741 ♪ 539 00:26:20,582 --> 00:26:23,001 [siren blaring, ambient street sounds] 540 00:26:49,861 --> 00:26:52,864 ♪ ominous music playing ♪ 541 00:26:54,491 --> 00:26:56,117 - What the fuck? 542 00:27:03,667 --> 00:27:05,210 [loud noise] [Nella gasps] 543 00:27:05,210 --> 00:27:06,836 [rattling] 544 00:27:06,836 --> 00:27:08,296 [lights crackling] 545 00:27:08,296 --> 00:27:10,924 ♪ dramatic music playing ♪ 546 00:27:23,270 --> 00:27:24,479 [lights crackle] 547 00:27:29,734 --> 00:27:32,279 ♪ 548 00:27:43,081 --> 00:27:43,915 [gasps] 549 00:27:43,915 --> 00:27:45,166 [lights crackle] 550 00:27:46,334 --> 00:27:48,545 ♪ 551 00:27:49,796 --> 00:27:51,256 [panting] 552 00:27:52,215 --> 00:27:54,718 ♪ 553 00:28:21,912 --> 00:28:23,914 ♪