A Christmas Miracle (2024) Movie Script
1
[upbeat music]
[birds chirping]
[Granny humming]
I can smell 'em upstairs.
- Hmm.
- Oh hi! You look nice!
Grandma's biscuits, baby.
Yeah.
I hate to eat and
run, but I gots to go
Not before giving
me some sugar.
Ew.
What do you mean, ew?
How do you think you got
here, little man? Huh?
- A stork?
- Stork.
Go get some breakfast
with your granny.
What's up? I thought you said
your sister was coming over.
Yeah. You know
Lisa, always late.
Late Lisa.
Yeah. I gotta go.
I'm gonna be late just like her.
[Granny] Bye, Dalton.
Ma, I can't eat
myself. I gotta run too.
Oh, you two work too hard.
This holiday jubilee
isn't gonna plan itself.
No, it's not.
Man, all these years later,
it's still going strong.
We had some good times
there, didn't we?
Sure did.
And when they asked me to
run the show this year,
you know I couldn't say no.
Of course you couldn't.
It's gonna be great, too.
I hope so.
They keep cutting my budget,
so we'll be lucky to have one.
Well, I'm here if
you need my help, baby.
You coming to help with
Dylan is more than enough, Ma.
Like you could keep
me from my grandbabies.
I know!
Thank you so much.
- I love you.
- Oh, I love you. Love you.
Oh, and you'll see Esta
when she comes from
campus later on.
I can't believe the girl
is almost outta college.
You and me both.
All right, Ma, I gotta go.
- All right. Be careful.
- All right, bubba.
See you later.
Bye, Mom. Love you.
I love you too.
Be good for Granny, okay?
Careful on those roads, baby.
I will.
Alright, Dyl, it's
just you and me.
Eat those waffles, and
after breakfast, guess what?
We're gonna do a
puzzle with Granny.
Oh yes. 1,000 piece.
Great State of Maine.
Oh, yeah, we're gonna
start up at Presque Isle.
Then we're gonna
go down the coast.
We're gonna go to Portland.
We're gonna go to
Worcester Park.
I already have the lobster done.
Looking for the tentacles.
You can find the tentacles.
Then we got the apple orchard.
We got the potato farm.
[tense music]
Listen, I care about
the community just as much as you do.
So believe me when I say
that the mixed-use commercial
district is a good thing.
It'll bring more revenue
to the city and more jobs.
Trust me. It's a win for all.
Ah, you tripping now.
[crowd booing]
[Constituent]
What about the kids?
Unfortunately, we're out
of time for today's meeting.
We will table any new concerns
at the next town hall.
Have a good holiday season.
[crowd murmuring]
If you wanna make this happen,
we gonna have to find a way to
make some room in the budget.
We've already made major
cuts across the board.
Schools, infrastructure,
public safety.
There's nothing
else left to cut.
Well, there is this.
[melancholy music]
Oh!
[bright music]
So what's it gonna be?
I know you wanna get back to
your wife's delicious eggnog.
We have a deal or what?
[Businessman] Looks like
Christmas came early, gentlemen.
I'm in.
I'll send over the
signed counter on Monday.
Yes, sir.
And as always, it's a pleasure
doing business with you.
And Merry Christmas.
My man!
Yeah.
Yes.
Whew, man.
I almost thought we was
gonna lose that one, bro.
I was scared for a second,
but we made it happen.
Yes, sir. I'm
just glad it's done.
Now I can officially
relax, get outta work mode.
Get ready to spend
Christmas with the fam.
You know what I'm talking about?
What about you?
Going down to the
Bahamas? See your pops?
I'm not really thinking
of that right now, okay?
Come on now, Jay.
What? It's been
like two years now.
Dalton.
Hey, all right.
I'm not gonna pry.
- Good.
- I'm not gonna pry.
Besides, I have bigger issues.
What's that?
So my apartment got
flooded this morning.
- What?
- Yeah.
[phone ringing]
And I hope that that's the
maintenance man calling
to let me know when
it's gonna be ready.
Gotta take this.
All right.
Handle your business, bro.
Hello?
[tense music]
What's up?
You can't be serious.
Well, do you have another
unit for me to stay in
until you get this fixed?
Good. When will it be ready?
The day after Christmas?
What am I supposed
to do 'til then?
You know what? Nevermind, okay.
I'll get a hotel
room at your expense.
Rubbish!
Bro, you good?
My apartment.
They won't have my unit ready
until the day after Christmas.
So you gonna be
homeless for Christmas?
Nah, it's fine, man.
I'll get a hotel
room or something.
Bro. In a hotel
for the holiday?
That's crazy, man.
Look, you can stay
with me and my family.
I can't do that, bro.
I insist, bro.
Like I said, you're family.
Work family is still
family, all right.
We got plenty of room.
I can't let you
go out like that.
Look, bro, I appreciate
the offer, okay?
But don't worry about
me, man. I'll be fine.
You go spend time
with your family.
It's Christmas.
All right.
Well, if you change your mind,
the offer still
stands, all right?
Just lemme know.
And Merry Christmas.
[gentle music]
Merry Christmas.
Handle your
business, all right?
[bright music]
Ah, working hard
or hardly working?
That depends. Who's asking?
Oh!
Oh gosh.
Huh?
This, huh?
Should go perfectly right?
That's a good combination.
Okay. Yeah.
I'm so glad you volunteered
this year, Patricia.
You've been a lifesaver.
Well, I figured
it'd be a good way
to get integrated back
into my old little, you
know, stomping ground.
I didn't know
you were from here.
Oh yeah.
I went to high school
here and graduated,
and then went on to college
and never came back.
Until now.
Until now.
[phone ringing]
I gotta take this.
Hey, I'm so glad you called.
I was gonna ask you about
the caterer for the Jubilee.
So I was thinking...
[melancholy music]
I see.
I understand.
Yeah.
Okay.
Roz? What's going on?
Our funding's been cut.
Wait, so does
this mean that...
I guess we should start
packing all this stuff up.
No.
I'll take it home.
[gentle music]
Hi, how can I help you?
Yes, I'll do the
blueberry muffin.
Okay. Is that all?
- Yes, please. Thank you.
- [Server] Okay.
Let's go wash my hands.
Finally.
I'm so sorry.
There was someone sitting here,
but I guess he decided to leave.
You wouldn't happen to want a
blueberry muffin, would you?
Oh, girl. That's exactly
what I came in here for.
[Server] Well, here you go.
It's yours and
it's on the house.
Oh, thank you so
much. I appreciate it.
[Server] No problem. You
have a merry Christmas.
You as well.
I believe you're
on the wrong seat.
Excuse me?
Is that my muffin?
Your muffin?
The waitress you
said that you left.
I went to wash my hands.
Oh.
Oh, okay.
Well, look, with the
day I've been having,
- I think I deserve my muffin.
- Listen, wait, wait,
let's not even talk
about the day you had.
Now if you'd excuse me...
[playful music]
Wait, you just...
You gonna take the
paper off of my muffin?
You gonna bite into my muffin?
Mm-mm-mm.
You gonna stare me in
my eyes while you savor
the goodness, the sweet
goodness of my muffin?
You can have that
little funky muffin.
You can have that muffin.
That's why you got
crumbs on your mouth.
So good.
Merry Christmas.
[phone ringing]
Reservation.
Hi.
I've been calling all
the hotels in town
and you are the last on my list.
Please tell me you
have a room available.
[patrons chattering]
That's fine. I understand.
Thank you.
Merry freaking Christmas.
[patrons chattering]
[melancholy music]
[phone ringing]
Hey, Dalton.
Does that offer still stand?
See? See? Look at that. Look.
That's a foul.
- That's a foul.
- That would've never happened
- when MJ was playing, boy.
- I don't know.
Exactly.
You gotta let me come down.
You can't intrude my space
and then they gonna
call it a foul.
[Tim] Exactly. Yeah.
- Let them play basketball-
- You know about MJ?
- [Pete] The way you're-
- I talked about the GOAT,
- right?
- [Pete] Supposed to
play basketball.
Hey, man. So this guy
who's coming over, right?
He doesn't have any family?
What's up with that?
I mean, he has his pops,
but he said they haven't
spoken in years, so...
[Pete] In years?
[Dalton] You know how that go.
[Pete] Yeah. That's deep, bro.
Yeah.
I just wish I could help
him get back on track, man.
Because at the end of
the day, whatever it is,
you know, it's not worth it.
No, I feel you on that.
I feel you on that.
You definitely don't get
that time back though.
[Dalton] Right?
That's a tough one.
And look, I know you mean well,
but sometimes you gotta
let these things play out
on their own.
[Dalton] Right.
It's just how it is.
Oh, here she come.
Uh-oh. Uh-oh.
What's up baby? You all right?
Nothing a hot
shower won't fix.
Come on, Dylan.
- Let's go read with Granny.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You sure you don't wanna
stay with Daddy and the boys?
Yeah!
It's man time.
- Right here.
- My man.
Blow it up. Bam.
He trying to crack
the knuckle now too
because, you know, boom.
Uncle Pete got bricks for hands!
Hey, Roz, before you
go and I come in peace-
- Every time you
say I come in peace,
I know you're about to
do the exact opposite.
I feel attacked by
your words right now.
What is it, Tim? I have
to get dinner started.
Yeah, well, actually
it is about dinner.
Could you put real salt
in the chicken this time,
because last time that
pink stuff just was not it.
Am I right fellas?
You coming for my chicken?
Well, it's just giving,
oh, what do the kids
say? Unseasoned.
- Unseasoned?
- [Tim] Yeah.
You don't need salt anyway
with your blood pressure
climbing Mount Everest.
[Pete] Shots fired.
Yes. I think you
look cute today.
[Pete] Got 'em!
Wow.
[Dalton] Wow.
That was personal.
I feel...
[Dalton] You gonna learn, bro.
Why did she have to
bring up my blood pressure?
You see my ring? You
gonna learn something.
She knows I'm sensitive
about my blood pressure.
You ain't ready for that.
That's the Himalayan.
You gotta put a little extra.
- Once the Himalayan-
- [Tim] We're talking about.
Get the grinder.
[Tim] Chicken, man.
- Come on.
- Sea salt.
- Yours is high too!
- You sensitive.
- She ain't lying.
- Mine?
- You know yours is high!
- The only thing high
- is my bank account.
- Anyway.
Those meatballs smell good.
Ooh, thank you, Mama.
And these greens
are gonna be good
once I get them all clean.
Yeah, you gotta put some
elbow grease into those.
Like my mother did.
- Yes.
- Back in the day.
Hey.
Hey, sis.
Hey.
Hold up.
Lisa, you eating a vegetable
instead of some dessert?
Who are you?
Roz, what have you
done to my daughter?
Oh, look, I
would've had a muffin,
but Scrooge stole it
right from under me.
Come again?
It's a long story.
Any luck finding an apartment?
Not really.
I mean, I saw a
place that I liked,
but the unit is available
the day after Christmas so...
- So soon.
- Yeah.
So I passed on it, but I saw
a condo that I really liked
and it's available in
six months, so we'll see.
Yeah.
Well, you know, I
gotta be honest, honey.
I'm gonna be sad
with both my girls,
you know, moving
miles away from me.
- Oh, Ma.
- [Lisa] Are you crying?
But look, at least we
will be in the same city.
Tweedledee, Tweedledum.
[Lisa And Roz]
Tweedledee, Tweedledum.
Wait, am I Tweedledum?
Sometimes. Yeah,
but I still love you.
[Lisa] I love you.
I'm still gonna
be sad, you know?
Mom, you can always
move closer to us.
Yeah.
It's a nice thought, honey.
But the only moving I'm be
doing at my age is picking up
this remote control,
changing the channel
on my television set.
It's a flat screen.
Okay. It's the
same thing. Stop.
Oh God.
When I think back
to all the ripping
and running I did with your
father, God rest his soul,
and my career, raising
you two girls.
I'm good.
I'm actually settled.
I'm really happy just doing me.
Yeah.
Doing me.
Wait, doing me?
Yeah, doing me. You know?
- Wait, Mama done found a man.
- Yes.
You are silly.
Out of my business.
[Lisa And Roz] Wait,
wait, wait, wait.
When they start
getting secretive,
there's always a Miss
Shirley or Mr. Willy.
- [Granny] Okay!
- Lurking around.
I still got it going on.
- I told you.
- See!
I told you!
Mama got a man!
[Granny] Stop it!
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
You all are a mess.
You all are a mess.
Okay, look, look, look,
I don't have time for
all this foolishness.
We have dinner to finish.
If you're not gonna help,
outta my kitchen, please.
That's fine with me.
I need to get off my feet.
And besides this
hair is killing me.
I need to take this wig
off, 'cause it hurts.
- All right, Ms. Wig.
- Mm-hm.
Okay.
Oh, just pull it back
and put it in a nice
ponytail like I used to do.
[Lisa] Okay, okay.
Yeah, some pomade.
Oh.
[Granny] Can't stand it.
Hey, Mama, I
need to take this.
Can you watch the
pot for me please?
Honey, do you.
You know I got dinner.
[Roz] Thank you.
[curious music]
That should do the trick.
Mama's got a man, hey
Mama's got a man, hey
Mama's got a man, hey
[phone beeping]
[phone ringing]
[Patricia] Roz, hey, girl.
Hey. Patricia, is this true?
[Patricia] Mm-hm.
Girl, I'm afraid so.
They are trying to
tear down the area
where your community center is
and rebuild it with mixed-use
commercial real estate.
What do you have?
South Side news alerts
on or something?
[Patricia] Well, my sorority
sister's an assignment editor
at the local station.
It ran across her desk from
an insider at the board.
I heard Eleanor Bradley
is the deciding vote.
And she's speeding it up by
voting the day after Christmas.
Huh?
Why am I not surprised?
It's one thing to
cancel the jubilee,
but does she care nothing
about sick children?
See, the proceeds, were supposed
to go to the Wishful
Thinking Foundation.
So what about them? Just
forget about them, right?
[Patricia] And
she's speeding it up
by voting the day
after Christmas.
That's crazy.
I'll talk to you
later, Patricia.
I'll see you.
[Patricia] Okay, bye-bye.
[bright music]
[gentle music]
It's been a while.
[gentle music continues]
Esta?
Esta!
Esta!
[curious music]
Dad!
You know you can't be
scaring me like that.
You trying to send
me to heaven early?
Just wanna let you
know I still got it.
I don't care how old you are,
I can still scare
you, little girl.
So you think it's funny, huh?
Oh, it's kind of funny.
You should have saw your face.
What's wrong with you?
Why are you so sleepy anyway?
You just got here.
It's been a long day.
Oh, it's been a long day?
You sound like you're
a 40-year-old woman.
Well, I am grown.
Oh, now you're grown.
Right.
You not that grown. Not yet.
How was your test?
I know it was finals
time and everything.
Oh, well I aced them.
But I know, I know,
I'm in control
of my own success or failure.
Exactly.
Mackenzies control their
own success and failures.
Good girl.
So what's up with
your little boyfriend?
How's Bryan?
Bryan's great.
We're fine.
And actually, I have to go
and say hi to the family.
So if you excuse me,
we'll chat later.
I guess we will chat later.
Trying to take my
daughter away from me.
[family laughing]
No, no. For real.
So I'm standing in
line and she says,
"You look like Barack Obama."
I said, "Come on girl.
You better stop."
Boy, ain't nobody said you
look like no damn Barack Obama.
And I said, "Look, Michelle",
you are making a fool of
yourself, so please, hush girl."
And I'm 6"9'.
[Tim] Well, I mean,
in the right shoes.
[Dalton] I'm going to the NBA.
[doorbell rings]
That must be your friend.
Right.
[Esta] Thank you.
He's right on time too.
I'll be right back guys.
[Pete] Yes, indeed.
She's lovely. Can I say that?
She is just so effervescent.
Yeah, yeah, I was
wondering about that.
Because of "Becoming."
I read "Becoming."
Yeah. Yeah. You read that?
Guys, this is my work
family, James Pender.
James, this is my real family.
[Lisa coughs]
[curious music]
[Granny] Welcome, James.
Have a seat boss.
This is for you.
I got a seat for you, all right.
You okay, auntie?
Sorry.
We met earlier.
How was my muffin?
Oh, this is Scrooge?
Mm-hm.
Wait, what?
Oh, so I'm Scrooge now?
I am so sorry.
Where are my manners?
Let me go make you a plate.
[James] Thank
you. I'm starving.
So there weren't
any homeless shelters
available this evening?
Lisa, could you
calm down, please?
You know what, brother,
you need to watch the
company that you keep
'cause this one right
here, he's a muffin thief.
[James chuckles]
What's so funny?
All this over a $4 muffin.
I thought you were a big girl.
Oh no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, brother.
It is about the audacity.
It's about the audacity?
[Lisa] Actually, it was 5.69.
Well...
Was it cranberry walnut?
- [Lisa] Blueberry.
- Blueberry.
That's not even the good one.
All right, y'all bickering
like an old married couple
over a blueberry muffin.
Is that what you telling me?
- Exactly.
- You know what?
All I know is
just make sure you don't
steal nothing else of mine,
'cause I wanted that
sugary goodness.
[James] Are you
always this hangry?
- Oh my God, guys.
- [Lisa] Hangry?
Can we just relax
and enjoy dinner?
Our top story tonight,
South Side Community Center
is in fear of closing.
Over to you, Kelly.
Here's what's happening
in the community.
Rumors are circulating
about plans
to transform South Side into
a bustling mixed-use district,
exchanging its humble roots
for commercial viability.
The South Side Community
Center faces closing
- amid the severe budget cut.
- Are you okay?
Let's hope Eleanor Bradley
has a change of heart
before the deadline vote.
We'll keep you posted
with all the updates.
And as always, I'm Kelly
J. Rough, and this is KTLZ.
Are they trying to cancel
the Christmas Jubilee?
Can they do that?
If Eleanor Bradley doesn't
change her mind, yeah.
Just the city to do
something like this.
They only care about
capitalism over community.
Yeah, but at what cost?
The South Side Community
Center Christmas Jubilee
has been a staple in this
community for decades.
I mean, it means so much to
the people that live here
and the foundations
that they've given to.
This is not cool, man.
You ladies and gentlemen
are busting your butt
to make sure this
event is special.
Now they just gonna turn their
backs on you just like that?
Right. There's gotta be
something we can do, right?
Well, they cut my
budget this afternoon,
so with no money we're screwed.
There's no catering,
no music, no games.
We're done.
No, we are not done, okay?
I don't care if I gotta
spend my own money.
I'll cook the food.
Hell, I even wear the
Santa Claus outfit.
It is still happening.
Same here. I'm in.
The community deserves this.
- That's right.
- Man, I'm in too.
Count us all in. Let's do it.
Exactly.
Just like that. Jubilee
is back on, baby.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Guys, guys, I am flattered.
But you didn't
come here to work.
What about Christmas?
Baby, Christmas
is about giving.
And what better way
to spend it than this?
Now, not another
word, all right?
I want everybody to get a
good night's sleep tonight,
because tomorrow we have a what?
[Family] A Christmas
Jubilee to save!
Yeah!
All right, let's go!
Come on, little mans, come
help Grandma clean up.
Really?
You all right?
Yeah.
Hey, I think she likes you.
[gentle music]
[dramatic music]
Now, time is of the essence
so we don't have
any of it to waste.
We will be vigilant,
we will be resourceful,
and we will be-
- Hungry if you
don't hurry this up.
What?
Nothing. Just carry on
And we will be winners.
Now, Dalton, I have you
down as this year's Santa.
[Tim] Oh boy.
Esta, you're on cookie duty.
Mom, I have you
tasked with the food.
Now, small bites, nothing fancy.
And Pete, I have you and Tim
on breakdown, set
up, and cleaning.
What? Why do we get stuck
with the heavy lifting?
It's a setup!
Get something light!
Lisa, I have you and James.
Oh, and James?
Yes, James, I have
you two on games.
You playing a game.
Sorry I'm late. Traffic.
Oh no, you're right on time.
Everybody, this is-
Patricia?
[curious music]
Huh?
Peter Mackenzie.
You two know each other?
Yeah.
No, we had some history.
Something like that. Yeah.
Okay. Well,
Patricia, you know Pete
and here's the
rest of the family.
Rest of the family,
this is Patricia.
She's been helping me with
the jubilee this year.
So anything you need,
you just let me know.
Can you help me
with the marketing?
I want the community to know
this event is going forward,
with or without the
state's funding.
You got it!
- Okay.
- [Granny] All right!
All right, Jubilee troops.
Let's get this party started!
[family cheering]
[Dylan] Left
face, forward march!
[feet thudding]
[family chanting]
[bright music]
[birds chirping]
Whoa!
[bright music continues]
[festive music]
[Pete] Oh my goodness.
I don't think I've ever
seen you work that hard.
Yeah.
Shocking myself.
Anything for Roz, though.
- Yes.
- [Pete] Yeah.
Roz is a special woman.
Yeah.
If I recall correctly,
you were too.
I heard about your wife.
Oh, she lived an amazing life.
[melancholy music]
Couldn't have asked for
anything more than that. Yeah.
How about yourself?
No.
Never?
No.
I almost got engaged
and then I called it off.
[melancholy music continues]
Why'd you do that?
My heart wasn't in it.
Yeah, it's getting late.
I should probably get
back to the house.
Yeah.
I should probably leave too.
I have a lot to do on my list.
- [Pete] Okay.
- Thanks to Roz.
Yeah, tell me about it.
Probably gonna need to soak
in a hot tub after tonight.
Yeah, just make sure
you get home safely.
Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow?
Yeah.
Oh, I should be here tomorrow.
All right.
I'm here.
Yep.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Oh man.
[Pete sighs]
[Dalton sighs]
Hey, hey.
Happy holidays.
Look, I need you to
do me a favor, man.
I need you to locate a
William Pender for me.
He's down in the Bahamas.
Yeah. It's kinda important.
Thank you, bro.
[curious music]
[Roz snores]
[bright festive music]
[gentle music]
Good morning, Dad.
Hey, little girl.
Where are you off to?
Just gonna meet some
friends at the mall.
The mall? I thought
you were on cookie duty.
What's up with that?
Trust me, I already baked
a gazillion yesterday.
Did you now?
Mm-hm.
Okay, what's up with your
little boyfriend, Bryan?
I haven't seen him around
since you've been back.
Actually, I'm running late.
So I'll see y'all later.
So it's like that?
Oh hey, girl.
Oh, bro.
I feel like I'm
working a second job
messing around with your wife.
You know, she got us out here.
We need to have some benefits
for all this work
we've been doing.
That's why I'm leaving.
That's my cue.
[Lisa] No, no,
no, come on now.
No, no, you deal with that.
I got stuff to do.
[Lisa] Really?
You gonna leave?
- Mm-mm, you deal with it.
- Are you serious?
That's your sister, baby.
That's your wife,
and you married her!
Twice, two times.
First time wasn't enough.
Dare I say good morning?
Oh, I was hoping you wouldn't.
So is it a normal
occurrence for you
to always wake up on the
wrong side of the bed?
So is waking up
on the wrong side
of the bed a normal
occurrence for you?
[Lisa grunting]
Come on.
You know what, just hurry up
and get something
to eat so we can get
to this doggone center.
[Lisa scoffing]
Uh-huh?
Okay, did I mention
there'll be lots of press?
And to top it off, half
of the research is going
to the children's hospital
where they can further
cancer research,
and the other half is going
to make wishes come true
for those same cancer patients
through the Wishful
Thinking Foundation.
Now, if that doesn't
pull at your heart,
do you even have one?
Thank you. You are
doing a great thing.
And I will be on the
lookout for the wire.
Okay.
Yes! That's what
I'm talking about!
[Patricia grunts]
Hey. Whoa.
Peter, I didn't know
that you were still here.
Yeah.
I'm just trying to finish up
some decorations last
minute before noon.
That way, I could
just relax and chill.
Okay. So where's Tim?
You know, your guess
is as good as mine.
I guess I need a new partner.
That you do.
He hasn't changed.
Not one bit.
Oh my goodness.
So what are you
so excited about?
Oh, okay.
So look, you are
looking at someone
who just scored a
major sponsorship
with Nolan Brands,
and they are going to
cover most of the event!
Girl, you a bad mother!
Gimme some.
- Yes!
- The woman!
How'd you make that happen?
Oh, well, I just happen
to have the gift of gab.
You always had
the gift of gab.
[Patricia] Stop!
So this is really
gonna happen?
- Yes. Yes.
- Wow.
Congratulations, Patricia.
- That is so nice.
- Thank you.
- Come on. Right?
- [Patricia] Thank you.
Yes.
Patricia.
Patricia, Patricia.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I just...
Did I do something wrong?
[melancholy music]
No, you didn't
do anything wrong.
You're doing everything right.
It's me. It's not you.
It's just, I dunno, it
just still feels wrong.
I know it's weird, but it
feels like I'm still married.
I mean, yeah.
I'm just a friend.
An old friend, right?
Oh, actually,
you're more than that.
[melancholy music continues]
Would this have anything
to do with how we ended?
I mean, I went off to college
on a athletic scholarship
halfway across the country.
I didn't think I was
ever gonna see you again.
So I kind of gave up on us.
[melancholy music continues]
You don't have to explain.
Oh, I know I don't
have to explain,
but I think I
least owe you that.
[melancholy music continues]
What I felt for you was real.
I never thought I'd
feel that way again.
And then I met Clara
and she was amazing
and fell in love.
We got married, and I mean...
And here I thought that I
wasn't good enough for you.
Come on! What?
God no!
[melancholy music continues]
I'm sorry you felt that
way for all those years.
I'm glad I got a
chance to see you again
so I can give you the
apology that you deserve.
Ooh. Yeah.
So...
Ooh!
Roz should be here.
And by now it's...
- [Pete] Right.
- I'm gonna go.
Right.
[Patricia] So
I'm gonna go, okay?
Okay. Nice. It
was good seeing you.
It's been way, way too long.
Yeah, you too.
[Pete] Yeah.
[bright festive music]
You know, maybe we should
have dinner sometime, like,
but whenever you are ready.
I'm ready.
How about tonight?
Tonight?
[bright festive music continues]
I'd like that.
[Pete] Good.
You have my number right?
Yeah. I got your number.
[bright festive music continues]
[Pete laughs]
Stop playing.
[shoes squeaking]
I told you I'm the
corn hole queen, sweetie.
What you are is lucky.
- Now, watch this.
- Mm.
Okay.
I told you I had
to school my brother-in-law
a couple years ago.
Now it's your turn.
Whatever.
I just hope those kids
enjoy this boring game.
Boring?
Ain't nothing boring
about this game.
You need to expand your mind.
Coming from a lady who grew
up playing duck-duck-goose
and red light, green light.
I hear you. Watch.
Huh?
You know, jealousy
doesn't look good on you.
Are you saying I look good?
Anyway.
[Lisa laughs]
Woo!
You see it!
Down with it.
Give a little shuffle with it.
You feel me?
[James and Lisa laughing]
That was a good one.
That was a good one.
But seriously though,
our budget for this
game is really thin.
So we have to
choose between this
and red light, green light.
Kids.
I choose this game. Corn hole.
You know what?
You got a problem with it?
Let's race to it then.
The first person down those
poles wins their choice.
Deal?
Wait, you wanna race me?
Oh yeah.
You wanna smoke me?
Oh yeah.
Like a brisket.
Let's go get these biscuits.
Don't say I didn't tell you.
You feel me though?
You ready for this?
You ready for this?
You don't want
the smoke, though.
- We'll see how it goes.
- Let's go, let's go.
Stretch now.
I don't want you over
here complaining,
talking about I didn't
stretch good enough.
Get in there.
Whoa, whoa.
Okay. You ready?
Mm-hm, yeah.
- On your mark.
- Let's go, let's go.
- Get set.
- Okay. Call it.
[bright music]
Go!
[Lisa laughing]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow
down, slow down, slow down.
I got you, I got you.
[James and Lisa laughing]
Oh.
Is it me or is it getting
a little warm in here?
Oh and you smell like old
water and cool spices.
Ooh.
Well, you better get off me
before somebody get pregnant.
I'll keep my hands to myself.
[phone ringing]
Hey, you got some
good news for me?
Ah, yeah, I understand.
Thank you for calling.
All right.
Hey, is everything okay?
Yeah, the condo I wanted
is just no longer available.
Back to square one.
[melancholy music]
Oh.
So who's homeless now?
Kidding, okay? I'm just kidding.
It's a joke. Sorry.
Hey, I understand.
I've been there before.
Do you?
Because right now it just
feels like everything
that I want is just outta reach.
Even that damn muffin.
Oh, you still on this muffin?
You know what, I gotta
figure some things out.
[bright music]
It is freezing, man.
God dang!
So what's been going
on with you, bro?
You been looking like somebody
stole your bike all damn day.
- Yeah, bro.
- Yeah.
I just been
thinking a lot, bro.
- I'm thinking, thinking.
- Okay.
Tell us something we don't know.
It's about Patricia.
Oh, so that's
what this is about.
- Yeah, yeah.
- It's always about
a damn girl with this guy, man.
Now, truth be told,
Patricia's holding
herself together, man.
- She's still a looker.
- Man!
Ooh, she's looking
beautiful, bro.
- Yeah.
- Little sexy chocolate.
Yes, indeed.
Oh, you trying to get
some of that old school,
- light that old flame.
- Yeah, light that flame.
Back in the day.
I don't know, bro.
I just, it's been years
since my wife died
and I still feel
guilty even feeling
that way about somebody.
Am I crazy for that or what?
You not crazy, bro.
But there's no rule book
to moving on either.
You can't fault yourself
for having feelings
for somebody else.
And that doesn't
diminish the feelings
that you already established
with your wife either.
That's forever.
That's true.
I can't believe what
I'm saying this, but-
- Yeah, he's actually
sounding intelligent.
Dalton, he
actually has a point.
[Pete] Right.
I mean, I'm the
only one with a wife,
you know what I'm saying?
[Pete] Oh wow.
We must have talked.
Look, the truth is, man,
Claire was a great
woman and she was.
But I think she'd
want you to be happy.
And if you see something
in someone else,
maybe you should explore it.
Right. That's a
good point, man.
And you never know,
you might have ran into
Patricia for a reason.
[Pete] Yeah.
But you won't find out
if you keep being
stuck in the past.
- That's true, man.
- Almost like my feet about
to get stuck to the ground
because it's cold out here, man.
Y'all is tripping.
- But you know what.
- [Pete] What?
I find it funny
that I'm the youngest,
but I keep having to give
you two relationship advice.
You know what I'm saying?
That means I
taught you well then.
- Right. Right.
- That's what that means.
- Okay. Yeah.
- Take your butt inside, man.
All right, D, man.
We'll see you later.
Hey, does Patricia
have a sister?
[playful music]
Bruh, can I dip my feet
in the water before
you go swimming?
That's on you, man.
I'm just asking
about the sister.
Can you do that for me?
Can you do me a solid?
I'll check it
out for you, man.
- All right, man.
- All right.
Look, you'll be
good. It'll work out.
All right.
Crazy.
[playful music continues]
[door taps]
Hey.
I'm off the clock.
I got you something.
What's this?
Open it.
[Lisa sighs]
[gentle music]
The blueberry muffin.
The one and only.
I figured since I wasn't
being much of a gentleman
the last time,
I'd get you a new
one to make up.
Can we start over?
Sure.
Okay.
Good night.
Hey.
Hey, James.
Yeah?
Thank you.
No, really, thank you.
[gentle music continues]
[playful music]
Okay. Yeah, let
me go to my room.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah.
Mine is so spacious.
Yeah, it's a
nice muffin though.
I'm sure you could enjoy it.
Yeah, it's a really,
really big muffin too.
Yeah.
And soft.
You'll love it.
And tasty.
Yeah.
It's really nice.
Very nourishing for the soul.
- And the body.
- Yeah.
The bed looks nice and warm.
Yeah.
[James] Okay. You
have a good night.
You too.
I must love my family.
I am finally finished.
If I see another chicken wing,
I am gonna absolutely scream.
More chicken?
More chicken.
Ma, you're an angel though.
I couldn't have done
this without you.
You either, baby girl.
Well, you know we
have your back, Mom.
[Roz] I do.
I'm still trying to figure out
how you found a sponsor
this late in the game.
Then again, I did raise my girls
to turn over every stone
until she sees green.
Every stone.
Proud of you, Roz.
Thank you, Ma.
I love you.
I love you too, baby.
- Boom.
- Boo-yah.
So what did you get for Dalton?
Come on, tell the truth.
Ooh, I wanna know!
A car detailing service.
Yeah.
That is not a
Christmas gift, Roz.
My car stays clean.
His car stays clean.
It's very practical.
You are my practical daughter.
- Yes.
- I will give you that.
- Yes.
- All right, baby.
What did you get for...
I'm still thinking.
[bell rings]
Who is that this
time of night?
I don't know.
But here, here.
[Esta] We gotta
get some weapons.
- Okay.
- Baby girl, right here.
Thank you.
[tense music]
[bell rings]
Well, go ahead, Roz.
But, Ma...
- Okay.
- I taught you
to be courageous.
[tense music continues]
Go ahead.
[Esta] Go on, Mama.
[Granny] Okay, Esta?
[Esta] Yeah.
[tense music continues]
[Granny] Go ahead, honey.
- Go ahead.
- I'm scared!
Don't get scared.
Don't be scared.
I raised you to be
strong and brave.
- Got your back!
- Go ahead.
Go ahead.
Right.
[family screaming]
Just cooking!
[Esta] It's Patricia!
- [Roz] Hi!
- Is this a bad time?
No, no, no.
- Come on, Esta.
- Come on in.
Let's give them some privacy.
No, no, no, no,
no. You're fine.
Everyone needs to hear this too.
[Granny] Oh. Oh.
Well, you're scaring me.
What is it?
It turns out that Nolan
Brands is playing a major part
in this multi-use development.
And being that my connect's
boss is good friends
with Eleanor Bradley,
they don't wanna
ruffle any feathers,
you know, considering that
she could possibly be running
for mayor in the next election.
Sounds like a lot
of politics to me.
Yeah.
I'm afraid so.
Ms. Bradley is only concerned
with the golden prize.
Like this development could
bring a lot of revenue
to the city and that would
look good on her part.
So after all this
time and effort,
they're just now
considering this?
And we're less than 48
hours away from the event.
So what aren't you
saying, Patricia?
Well, Nolan Brand is going
to pull the sponsorship offer.
- Oh. Are you serious?
- Wow!
Look, I'm sorry to be
the bearer of bad news.
No, it's fine. Thank
you for telling me.
Okay. I should go.
[Granny] Yeah.
I'm sorry, Roz.
Yeah. Merry Christmas.
[Patricia] Merry Christmas.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
[Patricia] Goodnight.
Honey. Don't you worry!
- Mama!
- Baby, don't worry.
There must be something
that we can do.
Yeah, Mom.
I can call my friends
and we can be the talent.
- Yeah.
- No.
Or we bake extra cookies.
- Yeah!
- No, no.
I failed the community.
- I failed you guys.
- What?
Honey, stop talking like that.
Stop talking like that.
You have failed no one.
And wait a minute,
you're my daughter.
You're definitely not a failure.
I'm not like you, Mama.
And I feel like one.
This feels awful. I feel awful.
I think I'm gonna
sleep this off, Mom.
- Really?
- Yes.
Oh, honey.
Oh honey, are you sure?
Baby girl, I'll see
you in the morning.
- Yes, mom.
- Goodnight, Mom.
I just need to sleep
this failure off.
- I'll see you in the morning.
- Oh, baby, hot chocolate?
[Roz] No.
Goodnight honey. Sweet
dream, sugar plum kisses.
Okay. Get the pans, honey.
Come on. Come on.
We tried.
We did.
We're gonna figure this out.
[gentle music]
So what's up with you
and my sister-in-law?
Hm?
I've seen the way y'all
look at each other.
I mean, she's single,
you're single.
I am single.
Single. Okay, good.
Look, Lisa's been through a
lot in her last relationship
and she's been trying
to move forward.
I just don't want
her to lose focus
on something that's not real.
You get what I'm saying?
I hear you.
And I respect that.
For me, I really enjoy
spending time with her.
Only time will tell
where it goes from there.
Good answer.
But your game needs work
because that, my
friend, is checkmate.
Wait, wait.
I told you, brother,
I am the master.
No, what you are is lucky.
That's not luck, my friend.
I mean, we could run
it back if you want.
[James] No, no, no. You
go ahead and run it back.
Okay.
I have to go upstairs
and get something.
Yeah, right.
Oh yeah. Your skills? Yeah,
they're at the front door.
Oh yeah. Very
funny. I hear you.
Okay, but whatever you
played out, good one.
- [Dalton] No it's not.
- But that was just luck.
[Dalton] Yeah,
I'm sure it was.
I'll probably get Dylan
to come play with you.
Oh, brother, he can't
even tie his shoes.
- Come on, please.
- Something sketchy
about this game, I know.
[phone ringing]
Hey, were you able
to connect with him?
Yeah.
Really?
Yeah.
If he's on the other line,
go ahead, link him in.
Hello, Mr. Pender.
I apologize for
interrupting your holiday,
but I was calling
about your son, James.
Yes, sir.
I'm gonna do
everything in my power
to get you and
James talking again.
Yeah, I know it's
gonna be a miracle,
but we can make it happen.
Yes, sir.
You have a good night.
[phone beeps]
[door creaks]
- James.
- Who was that?
Did you hear that?
Who was that on the phone?
[tense music]
That was your father, man.
How could you do that?
Y'all need to
talk, bro. I mean...
Dalton, respectfully,
this does not involve you.
You know I understand
that, bro. But-
But nothing!
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
This does not have
anything to do with you.
Okay, calm down.
All right, my kids
are here, man.
All right?
Listen to me.
I used to be just like you, bro,
angry with my
father all the time
'cause he would
constantly let me down.
And it got to the point
where I was fed up
with being disappointed
and I cut him off.
And he would call and call
and I would never answer.
And then a month later,
he got in a car accident
and he was gone.
[finger snapping]
Just like that.
Now I'm telling you now, man,
there is nothing
that I wouldn't give
to have that man call
me one more time.
You know how many people wish
they could have a relationship
with their father, man?
But you got that chance,
you got that opportunity.
And I'm telling you, I
know it's not perfect, bro,
but come on.
At least you still
got him around.
So come on, James.
I know you mad at me, man,
but at this point, bro,
I don't even care.
You need to make things
right with your father, man.
He's the only one you got.
[tense music continues]
Dalton, is everything okay?
Yeah.
James.
- Hey.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Give him some space, baby.
Yeah.
[tense music continues]
Hey.
I didn't think anybody was up.
Yeah.
Couldn't sleep.
[Lisa sighs]
Same.
[fridge rattles]
[James coughs]
Are you okay?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Well, you know,
sometimes talking helps.
'Cause otherwise you could
get emotionally constipated
and then it's stuck in
you and it won't come out.
And the next thing you know,
you can't get it out of you.
So I'm basically here
to make sure you
don't get constipated.
So go ahead.
A couple of years
ago, I got a call
that my mother was sick
and had to rush to the hospital.
[melancholy music]
My parents moved back to the
Bahamas after I graduated.
So as for me,
there was no way I could
get to her quick enough.
We called and called,
but no one could reach him.
No one could reach who?
My father.
My mother ended up dying
alone in a cold room
while my father was busy
in bed with another woman.
Oh, James, I'm so sorry.
Since then, every time I think
about it, I just get angry.
The selfishness of it all.
I couldn't look at him in
the face after all that.
He's tried to reach out
to me a couple of times,
but I can't do it.
So here we are.
Look, James,
I don't wanna overstep..
Then don't.
I need to get some rest, okay?
Are we still on for tomorrow?
Yeah. Back on tomorrow.
All right.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
[bright music]
So what's up?
You've been sitting up
here like this for a while.
You wanna talk about it?
You have enough
problems of your own.
I don't wanna dump mine on you.
It's okay, love.
Just let me know what you need.
At this point, it
just is what it is.
I really thought we
could pull this off.
Mom did all the food and
everyone took the day off.
And for what?
What do you mean?
They did it for you
and for the community.
They love you, Roz.
There's nothing else
you could've done.
Trust me, baby.
You're just being nice.
I'm telling the truth.
Well, I think I need
to be alone for a minute.
I'm gonna go for a walk.
Thank you.
[wind whooshing]
[tense music]
Boo!
I got you good, huh?
Why would you even wanna
scare your old man like that?
Well, you look spooky doing
that so I guess it's fitting.
Well, it's not
Halloween, it's Christmas.
You need to get your
holidays together.
Why you even out here messing
with me, little girl? Hmm?
What you want?
Nothing much.
Everyone just seems so on edge.
Yeah, I know.
Life has been life-in',
and a lotta disappointing
things have been happening.
So, yeah.
With all the drama,
it just doesn't even
feel like Christmas.
I know it feels different,
but it's still Christmas
and we're all here together.
That's the only
thing that matters.
Family, love.
And heck, like Auntie Lisa said,
we took in a homeless man, so...
Mr. James is not homeless.
Homeless or not,
we did a good deed.
So we gonna be all right.
[phone ringing]
"Do not answer."
Who's that?
Anyone ever tell
you that you're nosy?
I am nosy.
I'm your father.
I got the right to be nosy,
and I know what do
not answer means.
So who was that?
Bryan.
I knew it.
I know everything.
You can't hide
nothing from me, girl.
I noticed you took him
off all your social media,
and his little big head
behind ain't been
popping up at my house.
So what happened?
We broke up.
Well, kind of.
Esta, how do you kinda
break up with somebody?
Come on.
I didn't tell him yet.
Now, little girl, you know
we don't do that round here.
Accountability.
Hold up.
Did that little boy
do something to you?
- What? No.
- Did he hurt you, Esta?
- No.
- Esta tell me.
You know you can tell
me the truth, right?
Dad, no.
Bryan is great. Okay?
It's just, I'm not the same
person I was years ago.
We just feel like two
different people now.
Baby, that's just
a part of growing up.
People grow apart.
There's nothing wrong with that.
He's my best friend though,
and I don't wanna hurt him.
So you gonna keep
hurting him by lying to him
and not telling him the truth?
I guess you're right.
I know I'm right
'cause I'm the daddy.
Okay, well, looks like I
have a phone call to make, huh?
Yeah, you do.
I'm gonna go upstairs and
try to get my mind right.
You do that.
Let him down easy.
Wish me luck.
You don't need luck.
You're a Mackenzie.
[gentle music]
My little girl's
not a baby no more.
[phone ringing]
Hey, Bryan, can we talk?
Can you meet me at
the youth center now?
Yeah. Okay, see you then.
[Esta sighs]
[Noel panting]
Oh. Roz?
Noel.
I thought that was you.
Oh my goodness.
What are you doing
around this way?
You know, I'm all over.
I was out taking a
quick run, you know,
to clear up the mind.
Join the club.
Yeah.
Looks like there's
something heavy on yours.
Is it that obvious?
Go ahead, lay it
on your old friend.
What's bothering you?
You know, I have my son now,
trying to create new memories
and holiday traditions for him.
And I've taken on this jubilee
and it just seems
like at every turn,
someone's trying
to shut it down.
Shut it down?
Yeah. That damn
Eleanor Bradley.
Cutting funding from all
the community programs
and redeveloping the district
into this mixed-use
commercial space.
It's crazy.
Ah, I see.
Well, can you find a sponsor
that might invest in
the event this year,
just to get you through?
Had one.
The most promising one
backed out at the last minute
to not ruffle feathers.
A whole community
tradition just obliterated.
So what are you gonna do, Roz?
I don't know.
Eleanor Bradley's office
isn't taking my calls,
so I give up.
Roz, you never struck me
as a type that just quit.
Yeah. Well, do you
have any suggestions?
'Cause I don't know what to do.
Yes.
If they are not
gonna come to you,
then you take the fight to them.
[tense music]
Take the fight to them?
Oh, I don't know.
Noel?
What in the world?
[bright music]
[bright music continues]
Hey, Roz, where are you
off to with such a hurry?
To Eleanor Bradley's house.
Oh, wait, wait. Did
I hear you correctly?
You heard me right,
and don't try to
talk me out of it.
- Roz...
- Tim, the community
deserves a holiday event
and I'm gonna see to
it that we have one.
Okay, so what
are you gonna do?
Just show up on her
doorstep unannounced?
And then what?
I didn't think that far,
but I'm going and that's that.
I'll see you when I get back.
Hold on. I'm coming with you.
[bright music continues]
[gentle music]
Why haven't I heard from you?
I needed some space.
Was it something I did?
No, it's not you. It's me.
Why is this sounding
like a breakup?
[melancholy music]
I figured as much.
Things between us
have been weird.
Why didn't you say anything?
I guess I didn't want
to face the inevitable
This past year,
I've been thinking
a lot about what I want
my future to look like
and hit me like a ton of bricks.
I don't know exactly
what I want,
but I know it's not this.
That's definitely not
what I wanted to hear.
But I'm glad you told me.
But I still want
us to be friends.
You're my best friend, Esta.
That's never gonna change.
Come on, bring it in.
[melancholy music continues]
[wind whooshing]
[doorbell rings]
See no one's here. Let's go.
[Roz] No, Tim.
[doorbell rings]
Can I help you?
As a matter of fact, you can.
Oh, this is
already going well.
My name is Rozalyn Mackenzie,
and I'm in charge of putting
on the Christmas Jubilee
for the Southern District.
The same district your team
just stripped funding from.
I beg your pardon?
I mean no disrespect,
but my team has been
working hard all fall
to put on this event.
And no funding means all
of our work was in vain.
You do realize you are
trespassing on private property?
You also realize
that's a crime, right?
Yes. And it's a risk
we are willing to take.
It was a hard enough blow
when arts was taken
out of schools.
But to remove the only thing
that this community
looks forward
to year after year every year,
that's too much to bear.
We need youth centers
and things like this
to bring us together.
While I appreciate
your passion,
this isn't the time or the
place for this conversation.
Ms. Bradley, wait, wait, wait.
Excuse me?
Please hear us out.
We're not troublemakers.
We just happen to be two people
who really care
about this event.
Make your point, fast.
I happen to be a
product of this community,
and it was at this
very youth center
where I honed my athletic skills
which have allowed me to go
to college on a scholarship.
[gentle music]
It kept me off the streets.
I made friends and mentors
who became like family to me.
And we used to always look
forward to the Christmas Jubilee
because, for one moment in time,
no matter what was
going on in the world,
we came together and we
celebrated with each other.
To strip that away
from a community
that needs everything
now would be unfortunate.
We humbly ask that
you reconsider your position on this.
- Please.
- Please.
Hey, hey. It's okay.
Look, Roz, I mean,
sometimes things just
don't work out, right?
[Roz] All the
time things don't.
I guess you guys
don't want this money?
Mrs. Bradley,
are you for real?
Are you for real?
Took a lotta guts
to come here today.
Wasn't very smart, but
I get your point.
Don't look. Don't
look at the check.
I can't guarantee what's
gonna happen next year,
but for this year's Jubilee,
this should cover
all of the expenses.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
You two go on and
put on an amazing show
and let me worry
about everything else.
[Roz] Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.
- [Tim] Yeah.
- Merry Christmas.
- Yeah, merry Christmas
to you.
- And all a good night.
- And all of your friends
- and family.
- Your dog.
- Everybody and the dog.
- And people that you know.
She gave us this money!
We didn't get arrested.
We didn't get arrested.
She wrote a check.
She wrote a check.
She wrote check.
She got the money, hey!
- We gotta call Dalton!
- Okay, call him, call him,
call him.
[phone rings]
- Hey, Dalton.
- It's Tim.
And Roz.
We did it.
Tell everyone the Christmas
Jubilee is back on.
Back on!
We got the money, we got...
Get outta this neighborhood.
[bright music]
Hey, how are you?
Can we talk?
I thought you
were avoiding me.
Okay. I deserve that.
Yeah.
It would be really
important if we could talk
and we could step outside
away from everybody.
And I really do have something
that I'd like to say.
Please?
Let me get my coat.
- Lead the way.
- All right.
Did you want fried or baked?
Okay. Here you go.
Okay.
And here's some salad.
Here's some salad. There you go.
Mama, when is our break?
Because this food is
looking good and I'm hungry.
Well, it smells good too.
I mean, I think this is the
last push of the afternoon
and after that, you
should be in luck.
[phone ringing]
[Lisa sighs]
What?
It's the leasing office.
Well, answer it.
It could be good news.
And use your professional voice.
I don't wanna use
my professional voice.
Roll your Rs.
- Okay. Okay, Mom.
- Don't play with me.
All right.
Hello?
Yeah, this is Lisa.
Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Yeah.
I can come in tomorrow
to sign the papers.
Yeah. Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah. Happy Kwanzaa.
Alright. You too. Thank you.
- Well? You...
- [Lisa] I got the apartment!
Oh, honey!
I knew you could do it.
I am so proud of you, baby.
Oh, thank you, Mama.
I feel a little bad
'cause we leaving
you all by yourself
and you gonna be alone
and nobody to talk to.
You should feel bad.
No, I'm just kidding.
Honey, don't feel bad, baby,
because Mama may have..
Hey?
[Granny] A special friend.
Is this a special
friend dance?
- Wait, you snapping, Mama?
- Uh-huh.
You snapping!
I knew it. I knew it! I knew it!
I told you, I knew it!
I knew it!
Who you been spending
time with? Mr. Jones?
Outta my business.
Wait, wait, did
you just tell me
to get outta your business?
Oh, I did.
Oh, you told me to
get off your street?
Get in the car,
Mama. Get in the car.
You told me to get
off your street.
- Okay.
- Get in the car.
Close the door.
[Granny and Lisa humming]
Speed bump!
[Granny and Lisa laughing]
Oh, Mom.
You're so silly.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Mama.
Oh, baby.
All right, enough
about my business.
Let's get back to the
business of serving
so you can take
your little break.
Okay, well I know what
you been serving up,
them breasts and them thighs.
Stop and talk about some
drumsticks and the wings.
Mm-hm, them wings, them
chickens be clucking.
You know what I mean?
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
I see you, Mama!
Would you stop?
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Stop!
Shoot.
Them wings was flap,
flap, flap, flap.
[bright music]
James.
Hey, man.
I just wanna apologize
about the other night.
It wasn't my position
to say anything.
I'm sorry, bro.
Well, I appreciate
you owning up to that.
Just wanna make sure
you good, man. That's all.
I'm good, bro. Good.
Cool.
Let me go find my wife.
I know she's around
here somewhere.
My dad called.
[bright music]
Yeah?
The other day, I heard
you loud and clear.
And you were right.
My Dad and I, we need to talk.
Proud of you man.
Love you, brother.
Love you too, brother.
[bright music continues]
[phone beeping]
Hey, Dad.
Long time.
I miss you.
Yeah, everything is going well.
Sorry about dinner
the other night.
I just figured
you got cold feet.
Yeah. It's that obvious?
Peter, I've been knowing
you for years. Okay?
I knew an excuse
when I hear one.
Well, thank you for not
calling me out on that.
Why would I?
Clearly you weren't ready,
and I had to respect that.
[gentle music]
You know, sometimes I
forget how selfless you are.
I often wonder what
would've happened between us
if distance hadn't
kept us apart.
[gentle music continues]
I'm sorry.
Please don't apologize.
That was years ago
and we were young.
[gentle music continues]
Just think that you think I'm
awful for thinking that way.
Peter, I'm not trying
to replace your wife.
[gentle music continues]
Those shoes can never be filled.
So stop thinking that, okay?
Yeah, I know.
I appreciate you saying that.
You know, no one knows
the guilt that you feel
for sometimes even
wanting to move forward.
[gentle music continues]
I must say when I saw
you again, Patricia,
I felt alive.
I haven't felt that
way in quite a while.
I think I'm ready.
[gentle music continues]
Well, as a matter of fact,
I know I am ready
to explore that.
You leave in a couple of days.
I do. I do.
But until I'm gone,
there's always dinner.
Oh, so we gonna go for
real this time, okay?
Yeah, let's do it
for real this time.
And if everything goes well,
there just might be a plane
ticket waiting for you.
I'd love that.
[gentle music continues]
Sounds good.
I like that too.
This way, pretty lady.
[gentle music continues]
Oh my gosh. You always
had a way with words.
[Pete] Yes, indeed.
[car rumbling]
[door creaks]
Hey, you.
I was wondering where you went.
[James] Hey.
What's going on?
You want the good
news or the bad news?
I'll take the good news first.
I spoke to my dad today.
What? James!
I need to know the details.
When? How?
I just go off
the phone with him.
It was something we
needed, you know?
Felt so good talking to him.
Wow. That's incredible.
Well, what's next for you two.
Well, I plan to go out there
to go see him in a few days.
It's been a while.
[James chuckles]
So what's the bad news then?
The bad news is my
apartment called me today
to tell me that they
have a unit ready for me.
[traffic whooshing]
Well, that's good news, right?
Not really.
Well, why is that?
Because I don't get to wake
up every morning to see you.
Are you flirting with me, sir?
Look, I know my
flirting game is off,
so just cut me some slack, okay?
It needs a little help.
I mean, it needs a
little something.
Yeah, I know. I know.
Getting to know you this
past week has been amazing,
and you and Dalton, you guys
have really changed my life.
And for that, I'm
really grateful.
[gentle music]
Well, look, I would've
did it for anybody.
Oh, just anybody?
So I'm not special?
I mean, you might
be a little special.
[James] What? Just a little?
Like a little bit.
Like about, you know,
about around there.
Oh.
Gimme your phone.
[gentle music continues]
Here's my number.
Call me.
[gentle music continues]
Maybe I will.
[gentle music continues]
I could only be so lucky.
So when do you plan
to move out here?
Oh, I didn't tell you?
I'm coming in February.
I found a place
and I just gotta tie
up a few loose ends.
Well, when you move here,
I'd like to take
you out for dinner.
[gentle music continues]
I would like that.
Bet you would.
[gentle music continues]
Anyway, I gotta run.
I need to make it to the liaison
office before they close.
[gentle music continues]
You know,
there's something else.
[gentle music continues]
Merry Christmas, Miss Lisa.
[playful music]
Oh!
Merry Christmas.
Feliz Navidad, ooh.
Let's go. It starts at home.
Focus son. Let's go.
Okay, and Mackenzie.
- [Dylan] That was close.
- Close, yeah. Yeah.
Really close.
All right, one more time.
Let's go. Let's go.
I believe in you.
- Yes! Yes!
- Yes!
That's what I'm talking about!
Right here.
That's my son!
[upbeat music]
Mrs. Bradley.
Please, call me Eleanor.
To what do we
owe this pleasure?
Well, I wanted to check
out the Jubilee for myself.
And job well done.
As a matter of fact,
I appreciate what you're
doing for the community.
The money you raise for the
Wishful Thinking Foundation,
it's incredible.
Thank you.
It was challenging this year,
but we exceeded our goals.
That you did.
And to see this all for myself,
I see things differently now.
What does this mean, Eleanor?
This means that I'm voting
to keep the South Side in place.
This area needs
things like this.
So thank you for reminding
me of what's important.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
Everyone appreciates it.
Thank you.
Well, you definitely pulled
off a Christmas miracle.
Oh, Merry Christmas!
Oh, okay.
Merry freaking
Christmas, son! Yes!
Come on, let's party.
We pulled this thing off.
[upbeat music continues]
I am so grateful.
You guys have
saved this holiday.
You've been superheroes for me,
and I love and
appreciate you so much.
Of course, Mom.
We love you and appreciate you.
Anything for you, baby.
We love you.
Aw.
[Family] Merry Christmas.
[camera shutter clicks]
[bright music]
[gentle festive music]
[singers vocalizing]
[upbeat music]
[birds chirping]
[Granny humming]
I can smell 'em upstairs.
- Hmm.
- Oh hi! You look nice!
Grandma's biscuits, baby.
Yeah.
I hate to eat and
run, but I gots to go
Not before giving
me some sugar.
Ew.
What do you mean, ew?
How do you think you got
here, little man? Huh?
- A stork?
- Stork.
Go get some breakfast
with your granny.
What's up? I thought you said
your sister was coming over.
Yeah. You know
Lisa, always late.
Late Lisa.
Yeah. I gotta go.
I'm gonna be late just like her.
[Granny] Bye, Dalton.
Ma, I can't eat
myself. I gotta run too.
Oh, you two work too hard.
This holiday jubilee
isn't gonna plan itself.
No, it's not.
Man, all these years later,
it's still going strong.
We had some good times
there, didn't we?
Sure did.
And when they asked me to
run the show this year,
you know I couldn't say no.
Of course you couldn't.
It's gonna be great, too.
I hope so.
They keep cutting my budget,
so we'll be lucky to have one.
Well, I'm here if
you need my help, baby.
You coming to help with
Dylan is more than enough, Ma.
Like you could keep
me from my grandbabies.
I know!
Thank you so much.
- I love you.
- Oh, I love you. Love you.
Oh, and you'll see Esta
when she comes from
campus later on.
I can't believe the girl
is almost outta college.
You and me both.
All right, Ma, I gotta go.
- All right. Be careful.
- All right, bubba.
See you later.
Bye, Mom. Love you.
I love you too.
Be good for Granny, okay?
Careful on those roads, baby.
I will.
Alright, Dyl, it's
just you and me.
Eat those waffles, and
after breakfast, guess what?
We're gonna do a
puzzle with Granny.
Oh yes. 1,000 piece.
Great State of Maine.
Oh, yeah, we're gonna
start up at Presque Isle.
Then we're gonna
go down the coast.
We're gonna go to Portland.
We're gonna go to
Worcester Park.
I already have the lobster done.
Looking for the tentacles.
You can find the tentacles.
Then we got the apple orchard.
We got the potato farm.
[tense music]
Listen, I care about
the community just as much as you do.
So believe me when I say
that the mixed-use commercial
district is a good thing.
It'll bring more revenue
to the city and more jobs.
Trust me. It's a win for all.
Ah, you tripping now.
[crowd booing]
[Constituent]
What about the kids?
Unfortunately, we're out
of time for today's meeting.
We will table any new concerns
at the next town hall.
Have a good holiday season.
[crowd murmuring]
If you wanna make this happen,
we gonna have to find a way to
make some room in the budget.
We've already made major
cuts across the board.
Schools, infrastructure,
public safety.
There's nothing
else left to cut.
Well, there is this.
[melancholy music]
Oh!
[bright music]
So what's it gonna be?
I know you wanna get back to
your wife's delicious eggnog.
We have a deal or what?
[Businessman] Looks like
Christmas came early, gentlemen.
I'm in.
I'll send over the
signed counter on Monday.
Yes, sir.
And as always, it's a pleasure
doing business with you.
And Merry Christmas.
My man!
Yeah.
Yes.
Whew, man.
I almost thought we was
gonna lose that one, bro.
I was scared for a second,
but we made it happen.
Yes, sir. I'm
just glad it's done.
Now I can officially
relax, get outta work mode.
Get ready to spend
Christmas with the fam.
You know what I'm talking about?
What about you?
Going down to the
Bahamas? See your pops?
I'm not really thinking
of that right now, okay?
Come on now, Jay.
What? It's been
like two years now.
Dalton.
Hey, all right.
I'm not gonna pry.
- Good.
- I'm not gonna pry.
Besides, I have bigger issues.
What's that?
So my apartment got
flooded this morning.
- What?
- Yeah.
[phone ringing]
And I hope that that's the
maintenance man calling
to let me know when
it's gonna be ready.
Gotta take this.
All right.
Handle your business, bro.
Hello?
[tense music]
What's up?
You can't be serious.
Well, do you have another
unit for me to stay in
until you get this fixed?
Good. When will it be ready?
The day after Christmas?
What am I supposed
to do 'til then?
You know what? Nevermind, okay.
I'll get a hotel
room at your expense.
Rubbish!
Bro, you good?
My apartment.
They won't have my unit ready
until the day after Christmas.
So you gonna be
homeless for Christmas?
Nah, it's fine, man.
I'll get a hotel
room or something.
Bro. In a hotel
for the holiday?
That's crazy, man.
Look, you can stay
with me and my family.
I can't do that, bro.
I insist, bro.
Like I said, you're family.
Work family is still
family, all right.
We got plenty of room.
I can't let you
go out like that.
Look, bro, I appreciate
the offer, okay?
But don't worry about
me, man. I'll be fine.
You go spend time
with your family.
It's Christmas.
All right.
Well, if you change your mind,
the offer still
stands, all right?
Just lemme know.
And Merry Christmas.
[gentle music]
Merry Christmas.
Handle your
business, all right?
[bright music]
Ah, working hard
or hardly working?
That depends. Who's asking?
Oh!
Oh gosh.
Huh?
This, huh?
Should go perfectly right?
That's a good combination.
Okay. Yeah.
I'm so glad you volunteered
this year, Patricia.
You've been a lifesaver.
Well, I figured
it'd be a good way
to get integrated back
into my old little, you
know, stomping ground.
I didn't know
you were from here.
Oh yeah.
I went to high school
here and graduated,
and then went on to college
and never came back.
Until now.
Until now.
[phone ringing]
I gotta take this.
Hey, I'm so glad you called.
I was gonna ask you about
the caterer for the Jubilee.
So I was thinking...
[melancholy music]
I see.
I understand.
Yeah.
Okay.
Roz? What's going on?
Our funding's been cut.
Wait, so does
this mean that...
I guess we should start
packing all this stuff up.
No.
I'll take it home.
[gentle music]
Hi, how can I help you?
Yes, I'll do the
blueberry muffin.
Okay. Is that all?
- Yes, please. Thank you.
- [Server] Okay.
Let's go wash my hands.
Finally.
I'm so sorry.
There was someone sitting here,
but I guess he decided to leave.
You wouldn't happen to want a
blueberry muffin, would you?
Oh, girl. That's exactly
what I came in here for.
[Server] Well, here you go.
It's yours and
it's on the house.
Oh, thank you so
much. I appreciate it.
[Server] No problem. You
have a merry Christmas.
You as well.
I believe you're
on the wrong seat.
Excuse me?
Is that my muffin?
Your muffin?
The waitress you
said that you left.
I went to wash my hands.
Oh.
Oh, okay.
Well, look, with the
day I've been having,
- I think I deserve my muffin.
- Listen, wait, wait,
let's not even talk
about the day you had.
Now if you'd excuse me...
[playful music]
Wait, you just...
You gonna take the
paper off of my muffin?
You gonna bite into my muffin?
Mm-mm-mm.
You gonna stare me in
my eyes while you savor
the goodness, the sweet
goodness of my muffin?
You can have that
little funky muffin.
You can have that muffin.
That's why you got
crumbs on your mouth.
So good.
Merry Christmas.
[phone ringing]
Reservation.
Hi.
I've been calling all
the hotels in town
and you are the last on my list.
Please tell me you
have a room available.
[patrons chattering]
That's fine. I understand.
Thank you.
Merry freaking Christmas.
[patrons chattering]
[melancholy music]
[phone ringing]
Hey, Dalton.
Does that offer still stand?
See? See? Look at that. Look.
That's a foul.
- That's a foul.
- That would've never happened
- when MJ was playing, boy.
- I don't know.
Exactly.
You gotta let me come down.
You can't intrude my space
and then they gonna
call it a foul.
[Tim] Exactly. Yeah.
- Let them play basketball-
- You know about MJ?
- [Pete] The way you're-
- I talked about the GOAT,
- right?
- [Pete] Supposed to
play basketball.
Hey, man. So this guy
who's coming over, right?
He doesn't have any family?
What's up with that?
I mean, he has his pops,
but he said they haven't
spoken in years, so...
[Pete] In years?
[Dalton] You know how that go.
[Pete] Yeah. That's deep, bro.
Yeah.
I just wish I could help
him get back on track, man.
Because at the end of
the day, whatever it is,
you know, it's not worth it.
No, I feel you on that.
I feel you on that.
You definitely don't get
that time back though.
[Dalton] Right?
That's a tough one.
And look, I know you mean well,
but sometimes you gotta
let these things play out
on their own.
[Dalton] Right.
It's just how it is.
Oh, here she come.
Uh-oh. Uh-oh.
What's up baby? You all right?
Nothing a hot
shower won't fix.
Come on, Dylan.
- Let's go read with Granny.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You sure you don't wanna
stay with Daddy and the boys?
Yeah!
It's man time.
- Right here.
- My man.
Blow it up. Bam.
He trying to crack
the knuckle now too
because, you know, boom.
Uncle Pete got bricks for hands!
Hey, Roz, before you
go and I come in peace-
- Every time you
say I come in peace,
I know you're about to
do the exact opposite.
I feel attacked by
your words right now.
What is it, Tim? I have
to get dinner started.
Yeah, well, actually
it is about dinner.
Could you put real salt
in the chicken this time,
because last time that
pink stuff just was not it.
Am I right fellas?
You coming for my chicken?
Well, it's just giving,
oh, what do the kids
say? Unseasoned.
- Unseasoned?
- [Tim] Yeah.
You don't need salt anyway
with your blood pressure
climbing Mount Everest.
[Pete] Shots fired.
Yes. I think you
look cute today.
[Pete] Got 'em!
Wow.
[Dalton] Wow.
That was personal.
I feel...
[Dalton] You gonna learn, bro.
Why did she have to
bring up my blood pressure?
You see my ring? You
gonna learn something.
She knows I'm sensitive
about my blood pressure.
You ain't ready for that.
That's the Himalayan.
You gotta put a little extra.
- Once the Himalayan-
- [Tim] We're talking about.
Get the grinder.
[Tim] Chicken, man.
- Come on.
- Sea salt.
- Yours is high too!
- You sensitive.
- She ain't lying.
- Mine?
- You know yours is high!
- The only thing high
- is my bank account.
- Anyway.
Those meatballs smell good.
Ooh, thank you, Mama.
And these greens
are gonna be good
once I get them all clean.
Yeah, you gotta put some
elbow grease into those.
Like my mother did.
- Yes.
- Back in the day.
Hey.
Hey, sis.
Hey.
Hold up.
Lisa, you eating a vegetable
instead of some dessert?
Who are you?
Roz, what have you
done to my daughter?
Oh, look, I
would've had a muffin,
but Scrooge stole it
right from under me.
Come again?
It's a long story.
Any luck finding an apartment?
Not really.
I mean, I saw a
place that I liked,
but the unit is available
the day after Christmas so...
- So soon.
- Yeah.
So I passed on it, but I saw
a condo that I really liked
and it's available in
six months, so we'll see.
Yeah.
Well, you know, I
gotta be honest, honey.
I'm gonna be sad
with both my girls,
you know, moving
miles away from me.
- Oh, Ma.
- [Lisa] Are you crying?
But look, at least we
will be in the same city.
Tweedledee, Tweedledum.
[Lisa And Roz]
Tweedledee, Tweedledum.
Wait, am I Tweedledum?
Sometimes. Yeah,
but I still love you.
[Lisa] I love you.
I'm still gonna
be sad, you know?
Mom, you can always
move closer to us.
Yeah.
It's a nice thought, honey.
But the only moving I'm be
doing at my age is picking up
this remote control,
changing the channel
on my television set.
It's a flat screen.
Okay. It's the
same thing. Stop.
Oh God.
When I think back
to all the ripping
and running I did with your
father, God rest his soul,
and my career, raising
you two girls.
I'm good.
I'm actually settled.
I'm really happy just doing me.
Yeah.
Doing me.
Wait, doing me?
Yeah, doing me. You know?
- Wait, Mama done found a man.
- Yes.
You are silly.
Out of my business.
[Lisa And Roz] Wait,
wait, wait, wait.
When they start
getting secretive,
there's always a Miss
Shirley or Mr. Willy.
- [Granny] Okay!
- Lurking around.
I still got it going on.
- I told you.
- See!
I told you!
Mama got a man!
[Granny] Stop it!
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
Mama got a man
You all are a mess.
You all are a mess.
Okay, look, look, look,
I don't have time for
all this foolishness.
We have dinner to finish.
If you're not gonna help,
outta my kitchen, please.
That's fine with me.
I need to get off my feet.
And besides this
hair is killing me.
I need to take this wig
off, 'cause it hurts.
- All right, Ms. Wig.
- Mm-hm.
Okay.
Oh, just pull it back
and put it in a nice
ponytail like I used to do.
[Lisa] Okay, okay.
Yeah, some pomade.
Oh.
[Granny] Can't stand it.
Hey, Mama, I
need to take this.
Can you watch the
pot for me please?
Honey, do you.
You know I got dinner.
[Roz] Thank you.
[curious music]
That should do the trick.
Mama's got a man, hey
Mama's got a man, hey
Mama's got a man, hey
[phone beeping]
[phone ringing]
[Patricia] Roz, hey, girl.
Hey. Patricia, is this true?
[Patricia] Mm-hm.
Girl, I'm afraid so.
They are trying to
tear down the area
where your community center is
and rebuild it with mixed-use
commercial real estate.
What do you have?
South Side news alerts
on or something?
[Patricia] Well, my sorority
sister's an assignment editor
at the local station.
It ran across her desk from
an insider at the board.
I heard Eleanor Bradley
is the deciding vote.
And she's speeding it up by
voting the day after Christmas.
Huh?
Why am I not surprised?
It's one thing to
cancel the jubilee,
but does she care nothing
about sick children?
See, the proceeds, were supposed
to go to the Wishful
Thinking Foundation.
So what about them? Just
forget about them, right?
[Patricia] And
she's speeding it up
by voting the day
after Christmas.
That's crazy.
I'll talk to you
later, Patricia.
I'll see you.
[Patricia] Okay, bye-bye.
[bright music]
[gentle music]
It's been a while.
[gentle music continues]
Esta?
Esta!
Esta!
[curious music]
Dad!
You know you can't be
scaring me like that.
You trying to send
me to heaven early?
Just wanna let you
know I still got it.
I don't care how old you are,
I can still scare
you, little girl.
So you think it's funny, huh?
Oh, it's kind of funny.
You should have saw your face.
What's wrong with you?
Why are you so sleepy anyway?
You just got here.
It's been a long day.
Oh, it's been a long day?
You sound like you're
a 40-year-old woman.
Well, I am grown.
Oh, now you're grown.
Right.
You not that grown. Not yet.
How was your test?
I know it was finals
time and everything.
Oh, well I aced them.
But I know, I know,
I'm in control
of my own success or failure.
Exactly.
Mackenzies control their
own success and failures.
Good girl.
So what's up with
your little boyfriend?
How's Bryan?
Bryan's great.
We're fine.
And actually, I have to go
and say hi to the family.
So if you excuse me,
we'll chat later.
I guess we will chat later.
Trying to take my
daughter away from me.
[family laughing]
No, no. For real.
So I'm standing in
line and she says,
"You look like Barack Obama."
I said, "Come on girl.
You better stop."
Boy, ain't nobody said you
look like no damn Barack Obama.
And I said, "Look, Michelle",
you are making a fool of
yourself, so please, hush girl."
And I'm 6"9'.
[Tim] Well, I mean,
in the right shoes.
[Dalton] I'm going to the NBA.
[doorbell rings]
That must be your friend.
Right.
[Esta] Thank you.
He's right on time too.
I'll be right back guys.
[Pete] Yes, indeed.
She's lovely. Can I say that?
She is just so effervescent.
Yeah, yeah, I was
wondering about that.
Because of "Becoming."
I read "Becoming."
Yeah. Yeah. You read that?
Guys, this is my work
family, James Pender.
James, this is my real family.
[Lisa coughs]
[curious music]
[Granny] Welcome, James.
Have a seat boss.
This is for you.
I got a seat for you, all right.
You okay, auntie?
Sorry.
We met earlier.
How was my muffin?
Oh, this is Scrooge?
Mm-hm.
Wait, what?
Oh, so I'm Scrooge now?
I am so sorry.
Where are my manners?
Let me go make you a plate.
[James] Thank
you. I'm starving.
So there weren't
any homeless shelters
available this evening?
Lisa, could you
calm down, please?
You know what, brother,
you need to watch the
company that you keep
'cause this one right
here, he's a muffin thief.
[James chuckles]
What's so funny?
All this over a $4 muffin.
I thought you were a big girl.
Oh no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, brother.
It is about the audacity.
It's about the audacity?
[Lisa] Actually, it was 5.69.
Well...
Was it cranberry walnut?
- [Lisa] Blueberry.
- Blueberry.
That's not even the good one.
All right, y'all bickering
like an old married couple
over a blueberry muffin.
Is that what you telling me?
- Exactly.
- You know what?
All I know is
just make sure you don't
steal nothing else of mine,
'cause I wanted that
sugary goodness.
[James] Are you
always this hangry?
- Oh my God, guys.
- [Lisa] Hangry?
Can we just relax
and enjoy dinner?
Our top story tonight,
South Side Community Center
is in fear of closing.
Over to you, Kelly.
Here's what's happening
in the community.
Rumors are circulating
about plans
to transform South Side into
a bustling mixed-use district,
exchanging its humble roots
for commercial viability.
The South Side Community
Center faces closing
- amid the severe budget cut.
- Are you okay?
Let's hope Eleanor Bradley
has a change of heart
before the deadline vote.
We'll keep you posted
with all the updates.
And as always, I'm Kelly
J. Rough, and this is KTLZ.
Are they trying to cancel
the Christmas Jubilee?
Can they do that?
If Eleanor Bradley doesn't
change her mind, yeah.
Just the city to do
something like this.
They only care about
capitalism over community.
Yeah, but at what cost?
The South Side Community
Center Christmas Jubilee
has been a staple in this
community for decades.
I mean, it means so much to
the people that live here
and the foundations
that they've given to.
This is not cool, man.
You ladies and gentlemen
are busting your butt
to make sure this
event is special.
Now they just gonna turn their
backs on you just like that?
Right. There's gotta be
something we can do, right?
Well, they cut my
budget this afternoon,
so with no money we're screwed.
There's no catering,
no music, no games.
We're done.
No, we are not done, okay?
I don't care if I gotta
spend my own money.
I'll cook the food.
Hell, I even wear the
Santa Claus outfit.
It is still happening.
Same here. I'm in.
The community deserves this.
- That's right.
- Man, I'm in too.
Count us all in. Let's do it.
Exactly.
Just like that. Jubilee
is back on, baby.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Guys, guys, I am flattered.
But you didn't
come here to work.
What about Christmas?
Baby, Christmas
is about giving.
And what better way
to spend it than this?
Now, not another
word, all right?
I want everybody to get a
good night's sleep tonight,
because tomorrow we have a what?
[Family] A Christmas
Jubilee to save!
Yeah!
All right, let's go!
Come on, little mans, come
help Grandma clean up.
Really?
You all right?
Yeah.
Hey, I think she likes you.
[gentle music]
[dramatic music]
Now, time is of the essence
so we don't have
any of it to waste.
We will be vigilant,
we will be resourceful,
and we will be-
- Hungry if you
don't hurry this up.
What?
Nothing. Just carry on
And we will be winners.
Now, Dalton, I have you
down as this year's Santa.
[Tim] Oh boy.
Esta, you're on cookie duty.
Mom, I have you
tasked with the food.
Now, small bites, nothing fancy.
And Pete, I have you and Tim
on breakdown, set
up, and cleaning.
What? Why do we get stuck
with the heavy lifting?
It's a setup!
Get something light!
Lisa, I have you and James.
Oh, and James?
Yes, James, I have
you two on games.
You playing a game.
Sorry I'm late. Traffic.
Oh no, you're right on time.
Everybody, this is-
Patricia?
[curious music]
Huh?
Peter Mackenzie.
You two know each other?
Yeah.
No, we had some history.
Something like that. Yeah.
Okay. Well,
Patricia, you know Pete
and here's the
rest of the family.
Rest of the family,
this is Patricia.
She's been helping me with
the jubilee this year.
So anything you need,
you just let me know.
Can you help me
with the marketing?
I want the community to know
this event is going forward,
with or without the
state's funding.
You got it!
- Okay.
- [Granny] All right!
All right, Jubilee troops.
Let's get this party started!
[family cheering]
[Dylan] Left
face, forward march!
[feet thudding]
[family chanting]
[bright music]
[birds chirping]
Whoa!
[bright music continues]
[festive music]
[Pete] Oh my goodness.
I don't think I've ever
seen you work that hard.
Yeah.
Shocking myself.
Anything for Roz, though.
- Yes.
- [Pete] Yeah.
Roz is a special woman.
Yeah.
If I recall correctly,
you were too.
I heard about your wife.
Oh, she lived an amazing life.
[melancholy music]
Couldn't have asked for
anything more than that. Yeah.
How about yourself?
No.
Never?
No.
I almost got engaged
and then I called it off.
[melancholy music continues]
Why'd you do that?
My heart wasn't in it.
Yeah, it's getting late.
I should probably get
back to the house.
Yeah.
I should probably leave too.
I have a lot to do on my list.
- [Pete] Okay.
- Thanks to Roz.
Yeah, tell me about it.
Probably gonna need to soak
in a hot tub after tonight.
Yeah, just make sure
you get home safely.
Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow?
Yeah.
Oh, I should be here tomorrow.
All right.
I'm here.
Yep.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Oh man.
[Pete sighs]
[Dalton sighs]
Hey, hey.
Happy holidays.
Look, I need you to
do me a favor, man.
I need you to locate a
William Pender for me.
He's down in the Bahamas.
Yeah. It's kinda important.
Thank you, bro.
[curious music]
[Roz snores]
[bright festive music]
[gentle music]
Good morning, Dad.
Hey, little girl.
Where are you off to?
Just gonna meet some
friends at the mall.
The mall? I thought
you were on cookie duty.
What's up with that?
Trust me, I already baked
a gazillion yesterday.
Did you now?
Mm-hm.
Okay, what's up with your
little boyfriend, Bryan?
I haven't seen him around
since you've been back.
Actually, I'm running late.
So I'll see y'all later.
So it's like that?
Oh hey, girl.
Oh, bro.
I feel like I'm
working a second job
messing around with your wife.
You know, she got us out here.
We need to have some benefits
for all this work
we've been doing.
That's why I'm leaving.
That's my cue.
[Lisa] No, no,
no, come on now.
No, no, you deal with that.
I got stuff to do.
[Lisa] Really?
You gonna leave?
- Mm-mm, you deal with it.
- Are you serious?
That's your sister, baby.
That's your wife,
and you married her!
Twice, two times.
First time wasn't enough.
Dare I say good morning?
Oh, I was hoping you wouldn't.
So is it a normal
occurrence for you
to always wake up on the
wrong side of the bed?
So is waking up
on the wrong side
of the bed a normal
occurrence for you?
[Lisa grunting]
Come on.
You know what, just hurry up
and get something
to eat so we can get
to this doggone center.
[Lisa scoffing]
Uh-huh?
Okay, did I mention
there'll be lots of press?
And to top it off, half
of the research is going
to the children's hospital
where they can further
cancer research,
and the other half is going
to make wishes come true
for those same cancer patients
through the Wishful
Thinking Foundation.
Now, if that doesn't
pull at your heart,
do you even have one?
Thank you. You are
doing a great thing.
And I will be on the
lookout for the wire.
Okay.
Yes! That's what
I'm talking about!
[Patricia grunts]
Hey. Whoa.
Peter, I didn't know
that you were still here.
Yeah.
I'm just trying to finish up
some decorations last
minute before noon.
That way, I could
just relax and chill.
Okay. So where's Tim?
You know, your guess
is as good as mine.
I guess I need a new partner.
That you do.
He hasn't changed.
Not one bit.
Oh my goodness.
So what are you
so excited about?
Oh, okay.
So look, you are
looking at someone
who just scored a
major sponsorship
with Nolan Brands,
and they are going to
cover most of the event!
Girl, you a bad mother!
Gimme some.
- Yes!
- The woman!
How'd you make that happen?
Oh, well, I just happen
to have the gift of gab.
You always had
the gift of gab.
[Patricia] Stop!
So this is really
gonna happen?
- Yes. Yes.
- Wow.
Congratulations, Patricia.
- That is so nice.
- Thank you.
- Come on. Right?
- [Patricia] Thank you.
Yes.
Patricia.
Patricia, Patricia.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I just...
Did I do something wrong?
[melancholy music]
No, you didn't
do anything wrong.
You're doing everything right.
It's me. It's not you.
It's just, I dunno, it
just still feels wrong.
I know it's weird, but it
feels like I'm still married.
I mean, yeah.
I'm just a friend.
An old friend, right?
Oh, actually,
you're more than that.
[melancholy music continues]
Would this have anything
to do with how we ended?
I mean, I went off to college
on a athletic scholarship
halfway across the country.
I didn't think I was
ever gonna see you again.
So I kind of gave up on us.
[melancholy music continues]
You don't have to explain.
Oh, I know I don't
have to explain,
but I think I
least owe you that.
[melancholy music continues]
What I felt for you was real.
I never thought I'd
feel that way again.
And then I met Clara
and she was amazing
and fell in love.
We got married, and I mean...
And here I thought that I
wasn't good enough for you.
Come on! What?
God no!
[melancholy music continues]
I'm sorry you felt that
way for all those years.
I'm glad I got a
chance to see you again
so I can give you the
apology that you deserve.
Ooh. Yeah.
So...
Ooh!
Roz should be here.
And by now it's...
- [Pete] Right.
- I'm gonna go.
Right.
[Patricia] So
I'm gonna go, okay?
Okay. Nice. It
was good seeing you.
It's been way, way too long.
Yeah, you too.
[Pete] Yeah.
[bright festive music]
You know, maybe we should
have dinner sometime, like,
but whenever you are ready.
I'm ready.
How about tonight?
Tonight?
[bright festive music continues]
I'd like that.
[Pete] Good.
You have my number right?
Yeah. I got your number.
[bright festive music continues]
[Pete laughs]
Stop playing.
[shoes squeaking]
I told you I'm the
corn hole queen, sweetie.
What you are is lucky.
- Now, watch this.
- Mm.
Okay.
I told you I had
to school my brother-in-law
a couple years ago.
Now it's your turn.
Whatever.
I just hope those kids
enjoy this boring game.
Boring?
Ain't nothing boring
about this game.
You need to expand your mind.
Coming from a lady who grew
up playing duck-duck-goose
and red light, green light.
I hear you. Watch.
Huh?
You know, jealousy
doesn't look good on you.
Are you saying I look good?
Anyway.
[Lisa laughs]
Woo!
You see it!
Down with it.
Give a little shuffle with it.
You feel me?
[James and Lisa laughing]
That was a good one.
That was a good one.
But seriously though,
our budget for this
game is really thin.
So we have to
choose between this
and red light, green light.
Kids.
I choose this game. Corn hole.
You know what?
You got a problem with it?
Let's race to it then.
The first person down those
poles wins their choice.
Deal?
Wait, you wanna race me?
Oh yeah.
You wanna smoke me?
Oh yeah.
Like a brisket.
Let's go get these biscuits.
Don't say I didn't tell you.
You feel me though?
You ready for this?
You ready for this?
You don't want
the smoke, though.
- We'll see how it goes.
- Let's go, let's go.
Stretch now.
I don't want you over
here complaining,
talking about I didn't
stretch good enough.
Get in there.
Whoa, whoa.
Okay. You ready?
Mm-hm, yeah.
- On your mark.
- Let's go, let's go.
- Get set.
- Okay. Call it.
[bright music]
Go!
[Lisa laughing]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow
down, slow down, slow down.
I got you, I got you.
[James and Lisa laughing]
Oh.
Is it me or is it getting
a little warm in here?
Oh and you smell like old
water and cool spices.
Ooh.
Well, you better get off me
before somebody get pregnant.
I'll keep my hands to myself.
[phone ringing]
Hey, you got some
good news for me?
Ah, yeah, I understand.
Thank you for calling.
All right.
Hey, is everything okay?
Yeah, the condo I wanted
is just no longer available.
Back to square one.
[melancholy music]
Oh.
So who's homeless now?
Kidding, okay? I'm just kidding.
It's a joke. Sorry.
Hey, I understand.
I've been there before.
Do you?
Because right now it just
feels like everything
that I want is just outta reach.
Even that damn muffin.
Oh, you still on this muffin?
You know what, I gotta
figure some things out.
[bright music]
It is freezing, man.
God dang!
So what's been going
on with you, bro?
You been looking like somebody
stole your bike all damn day.
- Yeah, bro.
- Yeah.
I just been
thinking a lot, bro.
- I'm thinking, thinking.
- Okay.
Tell us something we don't know.
It's about Patricia.
Oh, so that's
what this is about.
- Yeah, yeah.
- It's always about
a damn girl with this guy, man.
Now, truth be told,
Patricia's holding
herself together, man.
- She's still a looker.
- Man!
Ooh, she's looking
beautiful, bro.
- Yeah.
- Little sexy chocolate.
Yes, indeed.
Oh, you trying to get
some of that old school,
- light that old flame.
- Yeah, light that flame.
Back in the day.
I don't know, bro.
I just, it's been years
since my wife died
and I still feel
guilty even feeling
that way about somebody.
Am I crazy for that or what?
You not crazy, bro.
But there's no rule book
to moving on either.
You can't fault yourself
for having feelings
for somebody else.
And that doesn't
diminish the feelings
that you already established
with your wife either.
That's forever.
That's true.
I can't believe what
I'm saying this, but-
- Yeah, he's actually
sounding intelligent.
Dalton, he
actually has a point.
[Pete] Right.
I mean, I'm the
only one with a wife,
you know what I'm saying?
[Pete] Oh wow.
We must have talked.
Look, the truth is, man,
Claire was a great
woman and she was.
But I think she'd
want you to be happy.
And if you see something
in someone else,
maybe you should explore it.
Right. That's a
good point, man.
And you never know,
you might have ran into
Patricia for a reason.
[Pete] Yeah.
But you won't find out
if you keep being
stuck in the past.
- That's true, man.
- Almost like my feet about
to get stuck to the ground
because it's cold out here, man.
Y'all is tripping.
- But you know what.
- [Pete] What?
I find it funny
that I'm the youngest,
but I keep having to give
you two relationship advice.
You know what I'm saying?
That means I
taught you well then.
- Right. Right.
- That's what that means.
- Okay. Yeah.
- Take your butt inside, man.
All right, D, man.
We'll see you later.
Hey, does Patricia
have a sister?
[playful music]
Bruh, can I dip my feet
in the water before
you go swimming?
That's on you, man.
I'm just asking
about the sister.
Can you do that for me?
Can you do me a solid?
I'll check it
out for you, man.
- All right, man.
- All right.
Look, you'll be
good. It'll work out.
All right.
Crazy.
[playful music continues]
[door taps]
Hey.
I'm off the clock.
I got you something.
What's this?
Open it.
[Lisa sighs]
[gentle music]
The blueberry muffin.
The one and only.
I figured since I wasn't
being much of a gentleman
the last time,
I'd get you a new
one to make up.
Can we start over?
Sure.
Okay.
Good night.
Hey.
Hey, James.
Yeah?
Thank you.
No, really, thank you.
[gentle music continues]
[playful music]
Okay. Yeah, let
me go to my room.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah.
Mine is so spacious.
Yeah, it's a
nice muffin though.
I'm sure you could enjoy it.
Yeah, it's a really,
really big muffin too.
Yeah.
And soft.
You'll love it.
And tasty.
Yeah.
It's really nice.
Very nourishing for the soul.
- And the body.
- Yeah.
The bed looks nice and warm.
Yeah.
[James] Okay. You
have a good night.
You too.
I must love my family.
I am finally finished.
If I see another chicken wing,
I am gonna absolutely scream.
More chicken?
More chicken.
Ma, you're an angel though.
I couldn't have done
this without you.
You either, baby girl.
Well, you know we
have your back, Mom.
[Roz] I do.
I'm still trying to figure out
how you found a sponsor
this late in the game.
Then again, I did raise my girls
to turn over every stone
until she sees green.
Every stone.
Proud of you, Roz.
Thank you, Ma.
I love you.
I love you too, baby.
- Boom.
- Boo-yah.
So what did you get for Dalton?
Come on, tell the truth.
Ooh, I wanna know!
A car detailing service.
Yeah.
That is not a
Christmas gift, Roz.
My car stays clean.
His car stays clean.
It's very practical.
You are my practical daughter.
- Yes.
- I will give you that.
- Yes.
- All right, baby.
What did you get for...
I'm still thinking.
[bell rings]
Who is that this
time of night?
I don't know.
But here, here.
[Esta] We gotta
get some weapons.
- Okay.
- Baby girl, right here.
Thank you.
[tense music]
[bell rings]
Well, go ahead, Roz.
But, Ma...
- Okay.
- I taught you
to be courageous.
[tense music continues]
Go ahead.
[Esta] Go on, Mama.
[Granny] Okay, Esta?
[Esta] Yeah.
[tense music continues]
[Granny] Go ahead, honey.
- Go ahead.
- I'm scared!
Don't get scared.
Don't be scared.
I raised you to be
strong and brave.
- Got your back!
- Go ahead.
Go ahead.
Right.
[family screaming]
Just cooking!
[Esta] It's Patricia!
- [Roz] Hi!
- Is this a bad time?
No, no, no.
- Come on, Esta.
- Come on in.
Let's give them some privacy.
No, no, no, no,
no. You're fine.
Everyone needs to hear this too.
[Granny] Oh. Oh.
Well, you're scaring me.
What is it?
It turns out that Nolan
Brands is playing a major part
in this multi-use development.
And being that my connect's
boss is good friends
with Eleanor Bradley,
they don't wanna
ruffle any feathers,
you know, considering that
she could possibly be running
for mayor in the next election.
Sounds like a lot
of politics to me.
Yeah.
I'm afraid so.
Ms. Bradley is only concerned
with the golden prize.
Like this development could
bring a lot of revenue
to the city and that would
look good on her part.
So after all this
time and effort,
they're just now
considering this?
And we're less than 48
hours away from the event.
So what aren't you
saying, Patricia?
Well, Nolan Brand is going
to pull the sponsorship offer.
- Oh. Are you serious?
- Wow!
Look, I'm sorry to be
the bearer of bad news.
No, it's fine. Thank
you for telling me.
Okay. I should go.
[Granny] Yeah.
I'm sorry, Roz.
Yeah. Merry Christmas.
[Patricia] Merry Christmas.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
[Patricia] Goodnight.
Honey. Don't you worry!
- Mama!
- Baby, don't worry.
There must be something
that we can do.
Yeah, Mom.
I can call my friends
and we can be the talent.
- Yeah.
- No.
Or we bake extra cookies.
- Yeah!
- No, no.
I failed the community.
- I failed you guys.
- What?
Honey, stop talking like that.
Stop talking like that.
You have failed no one.
And wait a minute,
you're my daughter.
You're definitely not a failure.
I'm not like you, Mama.
And I feel like one.
This feels awful. I feel awful.
I think I'm gonna
sleep this off, Mom.
- Really?
- Yes.
Oh, honey.
Oh honey, are you sure?
Baby girl, I'll see
you in the morning.
- Yes, mom.
- Goodnight, Mom.
I just need to sleep
this failure off.
- I'll see you in the morning.
- Oh, baby, hot chocolate?
[Roz] No.
Goodnight honey. Sweet
dream, sugar plum kisses.
Okay. Get the pans, honey.
Come on. Come on.
We tried.
We did.
We're gonna figure this out.
[gentle music]
So what's up with you
and my sister-in-law?
Hm?
I've seen the way y'all
look at each other.
I mean, she's single,
you're single.
I am single.
Single. Okay, good.
Look, Lisa's been through a
lot in her last relationship
and she's been trying
to move forward.
I just don't want
her to lose focus
on something that's not real.
You get what I'm saying?
I hear you.
And I respect that.
For me, I really enjoy
spending time with her.
Only time will tell
where it goes from there.
Good answer.
But your game needs work
because that, my
friend, is checkmate.
Wait, wait.
I told you, brother,
I am the master.
No, what you are is lucky.
That's not luck, my friend.
I mean, we could run
it back if you want.
[James] No, no, no. You
go ahead and run it back.
Okay.
I have to go upstairs
and get something.
Yeah, right.
Oh yeah. Your skills? Yeah,
they're at the front door.
Oh yeah. Very
funny. I hear you.
Okay, but whatever you
played out, good one.
- [Dalton] No it's not.
- But that was just luck.
[Dalton] Yeah,
I'm sure it was.
I'll probably get Dylan
to come play with you.
Oh, brother, he can't
even tie his shoes.
- Come on, please.
- Something sketchy
about this game, I know.
[phone ringing]
Hey, were you able
to connect with him?
Yeah.
Really?
Yeah.
If he's on the other line,
go ahead, link him in.
Hello, Mr. Pender.
I apologize for
interrupting your holiday,
but I was calling
about your son, James.
Yes, sir.
I'm gonna do
everything in my power
to get you and
James talking again.
Yeah, I know it's
gonna be a miracle,
but we can make it happen.
Yes, sir.
You have a good night.
[phone beeps]
[door creaks]
- James.
- Who was that?
Did you hear that?
Who was that on the phone?
[tense music]
That was your father, man.
How could you do that?
Y'all need to
talk, bro. I mean...
Dalton, respectfully,
this does not involve you.
You know I understand
that, bro. But-
But nothing!
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
This does not have
anything to do with you.
Okay, calm down.
All right, my kids
are here, man.
All right?
Listen to me.
I used to be just like you, bro,
angry with my
father all the time
'cause he would
constantly let me down.
And it got to the point
where I was fed up
with being disappointed
and I cut him off.
And he would call and call
and I would never answer.
And then a month later,
he got in a car accident
and he was gone.
[finger snapping]
Just like that.
Now I'm telling you now, man,
there is nothing
that I wouldn't give
to have that man call
me one more time.
You know how many people wish
they could have a relationship
with their father, man?
But you got that chance,
you got that opportunity.
And I'm telling you, I
know it's not perfect, bro,
but come on.
At least you still
got him around.
So come on, James.
I know you mad at me, man,
but at this point, bro,
I don't even care.
You need to make things
right with your father, man.
He's the only one you got.
[tense music continues]
Dalton, is everything okay?
Yeah.
James.
- Hey.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Give him some space, baby.
Yeah.
[tense music continues]
Hey.
I didn't think anybody was up.
Yeah.
Couldn't sleep.
[Lisa sighs]
Same.
[fridge rattles]
[James coughs]
Are you okay?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Well, you know,
sometimes talking helps.
'Cause otherwise you could
get emotionally constipated
and then it's stuck in
you and it won't come out.
And the next thing you know,
you can't get it out of you.
So I'm basically here
to make sure you
don't get constipated.
So go ahead.
A couple of years
ago, I got a call
that my mother was sick
and had to rush to the hospital.
[melancholy music]
My parents moved back to the
Bahamas after I graduated.
So as for me,
there was no way I could
get to her quick enough.
We called and called,
but no one could reach him.
No one could reach who?
My father.
My mother ended up dying
alone in a cold room
while my father was busy
in bed with another woman.
Oh, James, I'm so sorry.
Since then, every time I think
about it, I just get angry.
The selfishness of it all.
I couldn't look at him in
the face after all that.
He's tried to reach out
to me a couple of times,
but I can't do it.
So here we are.
Look, James,
I don't wanna overstep..
Then don't.
I need to get some rest, okay?
Are we still on for tomorrow?
Yeah. Back on tomorrow.
All right.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
[bright music]
So what's up?
You've been sitting up
here like this for a while.
You wanna talk about it?
You have enough
problems of your own.
I don't wanna dump mine on you.
It's okay, love.
Just let me know what you need.
At this point, it
just is what it is.
I really thought we
could pull this off.
Mom did all the food and
everyone took the day off.
And for what?
What do you mean?
They did it for you
and for the community.
They love you, Roz.
There's nothing else
you could've done.
Trust me, baby.
You're just being nice.
I'm telling the truth.
Well, I think I need
to be alone for a minute.
I'm gonna go for a walk.
Thank you.
[wind whooshing]
[tense music]
Boo!
I got you good, huh?
Why would you even wanna
scare your old man like that?
Well, you look spooky doing
that so I guess it's fitting.
Well, it's not
Halloween, it's Christmas.
You need to get your
holidays together.
Why you even out here messing
with me, little girl? Hmm?
What you want?
Nothing much.
Everyone just seems so on edge.
Yeah, I know.
Life has been life-in',
and a lotta disappointing
things have been happening.
So, yeah.
With all the drama,
it just doesn't even
feel like Christmas.
I know it feels different,
but it's still Christmas
and we're all here together.
That's the only
thing that matters.
Family, love.
And heck, like Auntie Lisa said,
we took in a homeless man, so...
Mr. James is not homeless.
Homeless or not,
we did a good deed.
So we gonna be all right.
[phone ringing]
"Do not answer."
Who's that?
Anyone ever tell
you that you're nosy?
I am nosy.
I'm your father.
I got the right to be nosy,
and I know what do
not answer means.
So who was that?
Bryan.
I knew it.
I know everything.
You can't hide
nothing from me, girl.
I noticed you took him
off all your social media,
and his little big head
behind ain't been
popping up at my house.
So what happened?
We broke up.
Well, kind of.
Esta, how do you kinda
break up with somebody?
Come on.
I didn't tell him yet.
Now, little girl, you know
we don't do that round here.
Accountability.
Hold up.
Did that little boy
do something to you?
- What? No.
- Did he hurt you, Esta?
- No.
- Esta tell me.
You know you can tell
me the truth, right?
Dad, no.
Bryan is great. Okay?
It's just, I'm not the same
person I was years ago.
We just feel like two
different people now.
Baby, that's just
a part of growing up.
People grow apart.
There's nothing wrong with that.
He's my best friend though,
and I don't wanna hurt him.
So you gonna keep
hurting him by lying to him
and not telling him the truth?
I guess you're right.
I know I'm right
'cause I'm the daddy.
Okay, well, looks like I
have a phone call to make, huh?
Yeah, you do.
I'm gonna go upstairs and
try to get my mind right.
You do that.
Let him down easy.
Wish me luck.
You don't need luck.
You're a Mackenzie.
[gentle music]
My little girl's
not a baby no more.
[phone ringing]
Hey, Bryan, can we talk?
Can you meet me at
the youth center now?
Yeah. Okay, see you then.
[Esta sighs]
[Noel panting]
Oh. Roz?
Noel.
I thought that was you.
Oh my goodness.
What are you doing
around this way?
You know, I'm all over.
I was out taking a
quick run, you know,
to clear up the mind.
Join the club.
Yeah.
Looks like there's
something heavy on yours.
Is it that obvious?
Go ahead, lay it
on your old friend.
What's bothering you?
You know, I have my son now,
trying to create new memories
and holiday traditions for him.
And I've taken on this jubilee
and it just seems
like at every turn,
someone's trying
to shut it down.
Shut it down?
Yeah. That damn
Eleanor Bradley.
Cutting funding from all
the community programs
and redeveloping the district
into this mixed-use
commercial space.
It's crazy.
Ah, I see.
Well, can you find a sponsor
that might invest in
the event this year,
just to get you through?
Had one.
The most promising one
backed out at the last minute
to not ruffle feathers.
A whole community
tradition just obliterated.
So what are you gonna do, Roz?
I don't know.
Eleanor Bradley's office
isn't taking my calls,
so I give up.
Roz, you never struck me
as a type that just quit.
Yeah. Well, do you
have any suggestions?
'Cause I don't know what to do.
Yes.
If they are not
gonna come to you,
then you take the fight to them.
[tense music]
Take the fight to them?
Oh, I don't know.
Noel?
What in the world?
[bright music]
[bright music continues]
Hey, Roz, where are you
off to with such a hurry?
To Eleanor Bradley's house.
Oh, wait, wait. Did
I hear you correctly?
You heard me right,
and don't try to
talk me out of it.
- Roz...
- Tim, the community
deserves a holiday event
and I'm gonna see to
it that we have one.
Okay, so what
are you gonna do?
Just show up on her
doorstep unannounced?
And then what?
I didn't think that far,
but I'm going and that's that.
I'll see you when I get back.
Hold on. I'm coming with you.
[bright music continues]
[gentle music]
Why haven't I heard from you?
I needed some space.
Was it something I did?
No, it's not you. It's me.
Why is this sounding
like a breakup?
[melancholy music]
I figured as much.
Things between us
have been weird.
Why didn't you say anything?
I guess I didn't want
to face the inevitable
This past year,
I've been thinking
a lot about what I want
my future to look like
and hit me like a ton of bricks.
I don't know exactly
what I want,
but I know it's not this.
That's definitely not
what I wanted to hear.
But I'm glad you told me.
But I still want
us to be friends.
You're my best friend, Esta.
That's never gonna change.
Come on, bring it in.
[melancholy music continues]
[wind whooshing]
[doorbell rings]
See no one's here. Let's go.
[Roz] No, Tim.
[doorbell rings]
Can I help you?
As a matter of fact, you can.
Oh, this is
already going well.
My name is Rozalyn Mackenzie,
and I'm in charge of putting
on the Christmas Jubilee
for the Southern District.
The same district your team
just stripped funding from.
I beg your pardon?
I mean no disrespect,
but my team has been
working hard all fall
to put on this event.
And no funding means all
of our work was in vain.
You do realize you are
trespassing on private property?
You also realize
that's a crime, right?
Yes. And it's a risk
we are willing to take.
It was a hard enough blow
when arts was taken
out of schools.
But to remove the only thing
that this community
looks forward
to year after year every year,
that's too much to bear.
We need youth centers
and things like this
to bring us together.
While I appreciate
your passion,
this isn't the time or the
place for this conversation.
Ms. Bradley, wait, wait, wait.
Excuse me?
Please hear us out.
We're not troublemakers.
We just happen to be two people
who really care
about this event.
Make your point, fast.
I happen to be a
product of this community,
and it was at this
very youth center
where I honed my athletic skills
which have allowed me to go
to college on a scholarship.
[gentle music]
It kept me off the streets.
I made friends and mentors
who became like family to me.
And we used to always look
forward to the Christmas Jubilee
because, for one moment in time,
no matter what was
going on in the world,
we came together and we
celebrated with each other.
To strip that away
from a community
that needs everything
now would be unfortunate.
We humbly ask that
you reconsider your position on this.
- Please.
- Please.
Hey, hey. It's okay.
Look, Roz, I mean,
sometimes things just
don't work out, right?
[Roz] All the
time things don't.
I guess you guys
don't want this money?
Mrs. Bradley,
are you for real?
Are you for real?
Took a lotta guts
to come here today.
Wasn't very smart, but
I get your point.
Don't look. Don't
look at the check.
I can't guarantee what's
gonna happen next year,
but for this year's Jubilee,
this should cover
all of the expenses.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
You two go on and
put on an amazing show
and let me worry
about everything else.
[Roz] Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.
- [Tim] Yeah.
- Merry Christmas.
- Yeah, merry Christmas
to you.
- And all a good night.
- And all of your friends
- and family.
- Your dog.
- Everybody and the dog.
- And people that you know.
She gave us this money!
We didn't get arrested.
We didn't get arrested.
She wrote a check.
She wrote a check.
She wrote check.
She got the money, hey!
- We gotta call Dalton!
- Okay, call him, call him,
call him.
[phone rings]
- Hey, Dalton.
- It's Tim.
And Roz.
We did it.
Tell everyone the Christmas
Jubilee is back on.
Back on!
We got the money, we got...
Get outta this neighborhood.
[bright music]
Hey, how are you?
Can we talk?
I thought you
were avoiding me.
Okay. I deserve that.
Yeah.
It would be really
important if we could talk
and we could step outside
away from everybody.
And I really do have something
that I'd like to say.
Please?
Let me get my coat.
- Lead the way.
- All right.
Did you want fried or baked?
Okay. Here you go.
Okay.
And here's some salad.
Here's some salad. There you go.
Mama, when is our break?
Because this food is
looking good and I'm hungry.
Well, it smells good too.
I mean, I think this is the
last push of the afternoon
and after that, you
should be in luck.
[phone ringing]
[Lisa sighs]
What?
It's the leasing office.
Well, answer it.
It could be good news.
And use your professional voice.
I don't wanna use
my professional voice.
Roll your Rs.
- Okay. Okay, Mom.
- Don't play with me.
All right.
Hello?
Yeah, this is Lisa.
Yeah, that sounds perfect.
Yeah.
I can come in tomorrow
to sign the papers.
Yeah. Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah. Happy Kwanzaa.
Alright. You too. Thank you.
- Well? You...
- [Lisa] I got the apartment!
Oh, honey!
I knew you could do it.
I am so proud of you, baby.
Oh, thank you, Mama.
I feel a little bad
'cause we leaving
you all by yourself
and you gonna be alone
and nobody to talk to.
You should feel bad.
No, I'm just kidding.
Honey, don't feel bad, baby,
because Mama may have..
Hey?
[Granny] A special friend.
Is this a special
friend dance?
- Wait, you snapping, Mama?
- Uh-huh.
You snapping!
I knew it. I knew it! I knew it!
I told you, I knew it!
I knew it!
Who you been spending
time with? Mr. Jones?
Outta my business.
Wait, wait, did
you just tell me
to get outta your business?
Oh, I did.
Oh, you told me to
get off your street?
Get in the car,
Mama. Get in the car.
You told me to get
off your street.
- Okay.
- Get in the car.
Close the door.
[Granny and Lisa humming]
Speed bump!
[Granny and Lisa laughing]
Oh, Mom.
You're so silly.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Mama.
Oh, baby.
All right, enough
about my business.
Let's get back to the
business of serving
so you can take
your little break.
Okay, well I know what
you been serving up,
them breasts and them thighs.
Stop and talk about some
drumsticks and the wings.
Mm-hm, them wings, them
chickens be clucking.
You know what I mean?
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
I see you, Mama!
Would you stop?
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Stop!
Shoot.
Them wings was flap,
flap, flap, flap.
[bright music]
James.
Hey, man.
I just wanna apologize
about the other night.
It wasn't my position
to say anything.
I'm sorry, bro.
Well, I appreciate
you owning up to that.
Just wanna make sure
you good, man. That's all.
I'm good, bro. Good.
Cool.
Let me go find my wife.
I know she's around
here somewhere.
My dad called.
[bright music]
Yeah?
The other day, I heard
you loud and clear.
And you were right.
My Dad and I, we need to talk.
Proud of you man.
Love you, brother.
Love you too, brother.
[bright music continues]
[phone beeping]
Hey, Dad.
Long time.
I miss you.
Yeah, everything is going well.
Sorry about dinner
the other night.
I just figured
you got cold feet.
Yeah. It's that obvious?
Peter, I've been knowing
you for years. Okay?
I knew an excuse
when I hear one.
Well, thank you for not
calling me out on that.
Why would I?
Clearly you weren't ready,
and I had to respect that.
[gentle music]
You know, sometimes I
forget how selfless you are.
I often wonder what
would've happened between us
if distance hadn't
kept us apart.
[gentle music continues]
I'm sorry.
Please don't apologize.
That was years ago
and we were young.
[gentle music continues]
Just think that you think I'm
awful for thinking that way.
Peter, I'm not trying
to replace your wife.
[gentle music continues]
Those shoes can never be filled.
So stop thinking that, okay?
Yeah, I know.
I appreciate you saying that.
You know, no one knows
the guilt that you feel
for sometimes even
wanting to move forward.
[gentle music continues]
I must say when I saw
you again, Patricia,
I felt alive.
I haven't felt that
way in quite a while.
I think I'm ready.
[gentle music continues]
Well, as a matter of fact,
I know I am ready
to explore that.
You leave in a couple of days.
I do. I do.
But until I'm gone,
there's always dinner.
Oh, so we gonna go for
real this time, okay?
Yeah, let's do it
for real this time.
And if everything goes well,
there just might be a plane
ticket waiting for you.
I'd love that.
[gentle music continues]
Sounds good.
I like that too.
This way, pretty lady.
[gentle music continues]
Oh my gosh. You always
had a way with words.
[Pete] Yes, indeed.
[car rumbling]
[door creaks]
Hey, you.
I was wondering where you went.
[James] Hey.
What's going on?
You want the good
news or the bad news?
I'll take the good news first.
I spoke to my dad today.
What? James!
I need to know the details.
When? How?
I just go off
the phone with him.
It was something we
needed, you know?
Felt so good talking to him.
Wow. That's incredible.
Well, what's next for you two.
Well, I plan to go out there
to go see him in a few days.
It's been a while.
[James chuckles]
So what's the bad news then?
The bad news is my
apartment called me today
to tell me that they
have a unit ready for me.
[traffic whooshing]
Well, that's good news, right?
Not really.
Well, why is that?
Because I don't get to wake
up every morning to see you.
Are you flirting with me, sir?
Look, I know my
flirting game is off,
so just cut me some slack, okay?
It needs a little help.
I mean, it needs a
little something.
Yeah, I know. I know.
Getting to know you this
past week has been amazing,
and you and Dalton, you guys
have really changed my life.
And for that, I'm
really grateful.
[gentle music]
Well, look, I would've
did it for anybody.
Oh, just anybody?
So I'm not special?
I mean, you might
be a little special.
[James] What? Just a little?
Like a little bit.
Like about, you know,
about around there.
Oh.
Gimme your phone.
[gentle music continues]
Here's my number.
Call me.
[gentle music continues]
Maybe I will.
[gentle music continues]
I could only be so lucky.
So when do you plan
to move out here?
Oh, I didn't tell you?
I'm coming in February.
I found a place
and I just gotta tie
up a few loose ends.
Well, when you move here,
I'd like to take
you out for dinner.
[gentle music continues]
I would like that.
Bet you would.
[gentle music continues]
Anyway, I gotta run.
I need to make it to the liaison
office before they close.
[gentle music continues]
You know,
there's something else.
[gentle music continues]
Merry Christmas, Miss Lisa.
[playful music]
Oh!
Merry Christmas.
Feliz Navidad, ooh.
Let's go. It starts at home.
Focus son. Let's go.
Okay, and Mackenzie.
- [Dylan] That was close.
- Close, yeah. Yeah.
Really close.
All right, one more time.
Let's go. Let's go.
I believe in you.
- Yes! Yes!
- Yes!
That's what I'm talking about!
Right here.
That's my son!
[upbeat music]
Mrs. Bradley.
Please, call me Eleanor.
To what do we
owe this pleasure?
Well, I wanted to check
out the Jubilee for myself.
And job well done.
As a matter of fact,
I appreciate what you're
doing for the community.
The money you raise for the
Wishful Thinking Foundation,
it's incredible.
Thank you.
It was challenging this year,
but we exceeded our goals.
That you did.
And to see this all for myself,
I see things differently now.
What does this mean, Eleanor?
This means that I'm voting
to keep the South Side in place.
This area needs
things like this.
So thank you for reminding
me of what's important.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
Everyone appreciates it.
Thank you.
Well, you definitely pulled
off a Christmas miracle.
Oh, Merry Christmas!
Oh, okay.
Merry freaking
Christmas, son! Yes!
Come on, let's party.
We pulled this thing off.
[upbeat music continues]
I am so grateful.
You guys have
saved this holiday.
You've been superheroes for me,
and I love and
appreciate you so much.
Of course, Mom.
We love you and appreciate you.
Anything for you, baby.
We love you.
Aw.
[Family] Merry Christmas.
[camera shutter clicks]
[bright music]
[gentle festive music]
[singers vocalizing]