Pose (2018) s02e05 Episode Script
What Would Candy Do?
1 No secrets.
WOMAN: What about trust? It's better to read people's minds.
ANNOUNCER: Legion.
All new, Mondays at 10:00 on FX.
[DANCE MUSIC.]
ANNOUNCER: FX presents Pose.
SUE SIMMONS: First there was the Twist, then the Mashed Potato, the Hustle.
In the '70s, everyone wanted to learn to dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
But in 1990, all anyone wants to do is "Vogue".
Madonna's song, "Vogue", is in its third week at number one on the pop charts, And the once-obscure dance moves popularized by the Material Girl's hit, borrowed from New York's hidden ball culture, are now truly "in fashion".
SUE SIMMONS: What's your name? I'm Missy Thompson from Staten Island.
I work as an executive assistant and I started taking the late ferry and having my husband order pizza for dinner so I could stay in the city and take this class.
[CROWD SCREAMING, CHEERING.]
I've met girls from New Jersey and Scarsdale and the Upper West Side, even.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- And what do you think it that it is that's drawing all of you here? - MISSY AND CROWD: Madonna! - [CHEERING.]
If you're interested in learning how to Vogue, classes are being taught at the YMCA three days a week by resident experts.
But be sure to sign up early.
Channel 5 News is being told that most classes are already full for the next four weeks.
Sue Simmons, Manhattan.
You got to help me.
Slow down.
Looks like you about to have a heart attack.
I need you to add one more class this week.
I've kicked gangbangers off the basketball court and shooed homeless men out of the pool, no problem.
But these bridge and tunnel bitches are terrifying.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
- You better stop with that.
- Honestly, Damon.
I've never seen anything like it.
- Hmm.
- They can't get enough of you.
- Aw - That little half-smile makes - all the ladies drop they drawers.
- Okay.
I am more than happy to add another class, let's just make sure that everybody keeps their drawers - up, okay? - [LAUGHING.]
DAMON: Five, six, seven, eight.
One.
Two.
Three, four.
Do you understand Crisper.
Crisper.
Now, I need you to move your arms as if they're swords.
- [GIGGLING.]
- They're swords, okay? - And knives, okay? Yes.
- [IMITATES SWINGING BLADES.]
- Right there.
Uh-huh.
Come on.
- [LAUGHS.]
- Step up to the front.
- [LAUGHS IN DISBELIEF.]
[STUDENTS CHEERING.]
DAMON: Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two.
Three.
Four.
Word.
[STUDENTS WHOOPING.]
Clap it up, clap it up, clap it up! [CHEERING.]
Hey.
Do you think you can teach my husband to move his hips like you do? - Is he black? - No.
[SINGSONGY.]
: Then sorry.
No can do.
- Oh Oh.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- No, but good work.
- You're hilarious.
- Thank you.
Thanks.
- Good work.
Good work, you guys.
- Thank you.
- Excellent work.
Great work today.
Thanks.
First time? Was it that obvious? Yes.
- [LAUGHING.]
: Oh - But, you can get the hang of it, okay? Uh, you know.
The movements are pretty simple, it's just about gettin' it - in your body.
You know? - Now, I know that's not true.
You know, I'm not actually here to learn how to dance.
I'm here for you.
I'm a scout.
I recruit dancers for concert tours.
There is an address on the back of this card, be there at 9:00 a.
m.
on Saturday.
I'm skipping you to the front - of the line.
- Uh, for what? For your audition for Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour.
[STUDIO DOOR OPENS, SHUTS.]
[MANIC WHOOPING.]
[MUTTERING EXCITEDLY.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[FOOTFALLS APPROACH.]
PRAY TELL: The category is Live Work Pose! Pose 2x05 What Would Candy Do? BLANCA: I told y'all this was gonna be the year we break out.
First Miss Angel with her modeling - and now Damon on the road - [LIL PAPI GRUNTING.]
with Ma-fucking-donna! - [LAUGHS.]
- ANGEL: Oh, my God.
You gonna be a celebrity.
- Like, bodyguards and everything.
- [LAUGHING.]
I'm telling you, Mother's always right.
- Thank you, daughter.
- DAMON: No, but hold your horses.
It's just an audition.
You want me to be your manager like how I am with Angel? I can manage the both of y'all.
You could be my second client.
What time's the audition? Saturday, 9:00 in the morning.
Yo, how did you even hear about it? One of the dancers from the Taylor Dane tour introduced me to the talent scout.
So I showed her some dance moves right there on the spot.
Didn't even shake her hand first, she told me she was gonna jump me to the front of the line.
Boy, what's that mean, "the front of the line"? It means that she already knows that I'm better than all those other bitches auditioning.
[CHUCKLES.]
They just dancers copying what they've seen in the video.
- ANGEL: Mm-hmm.
- I mean, this, this is our life.
LIL PAPI: Yeah, you think Madonna's gonna be there? I hear she likes Latin boys.
I don't know.
But I hear she's really hands-on - with everything.
- I always thought, given the opportunity, that she and I would be - best friends.
- Me, too.
Please, like that specimen of perfection would be desperately seeking to spend a moment with any of you peasants.
Pump it, pump it That being said, if you do book this job, I will be expecting an introduction.
I'll try to send you all a postcard from Cannes.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- I've never in my life wanted something more than this.
I mean, forget Al B.
Sure! or Taylor Dane.
This is Madonna.
This is worldwide.
Even my mom and - dad may see this.
- I'm so proud of you.
I am so proud of myself.
Look at the opportunities I've provided for my children.
What you're about to do is going to make this house the most legendary of all times.
Make my day.
[HUMMING SOFTLY.]
You know, it's nice to see you not depressed - on that couch no more.
- Uh, depressed? Girl.
[SCOFFS.]
I'm just stretching.
Enjoying that extra space since them rug rats moved up out of there.
Now you know you can't fool your mother.
It's natural to miss someone even if that someone is a low-down dog of a cheater.
Have you seen Ricky lately? At a ball here and there.
[BLANCA MUTTERS.]
- You know, I tried to talk to him.
- Mm-hmm? And he pretended like he didn't see me and just walked away.
I just don't understand how you can love somebody and give them your heart and soul and they just [EXHALES.]
they just get over you so easily.
I doubt that Ricky is over it.
He's just not showing it, that's all.
You don't get over your first love that easy.
Ricky wasn't my first love.
[SCOFFS.]
Dance was.
I feel [CHUCKLES.]
Feel like I'm falling in love all over again.
Now, see, that's my son.
An artist.
Using his heartbreak for work.
Do you really think I can be in Madonna's league? Yes, I do.
I believe you got the talent and the energy and all you need is a break.
[CHUCKLES.]
Thank you.
[DAMON CHUCKLING.]
Wait, hold on.
There's someone you got to talk to before you go - to that audition.
- Who? - Helena.
- No.
No No.
No, no, no, no, no.
You know she's not gonna let me drop a scholarship just to go dance behind - some pop star.
- That is her call, but if she says no, you're staying in school.
You only got one semester until you graduate, Damon.
One.
Think about it.
HELENA: Five, six, seven, eight.
Second break, step, step.
Mess around.
Step, step.
Passé.
Step, step.
Stag jump.
Table jump.
[CLAPPING CONTINUES.]
Straighten those legs on the jeté.
Come on, students.
Get it together.
Damon, come over here.
Show the combination from the top.
Five, six, seven, eight.
And that is how you do it, class.
Try to keep up, dancers.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Oh, Helena, wait.
Hey, you.
Good work today.
If only the rest of my seniors were - as dedicated as you are.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Thank you.
Uh, but I need to talk to you about something.
Uh, can I buy you coffee? - Sure.
- Great.
DAMON: I know you're disappointed, but I really want to do it.
It's not classical dance, but it is a would tour.
It sounds like an incredible opportunity.
It also sounds like you've made up your mind.
- I have.
But - Hmm.
Blanca won't let me audition unless I get your permission to do it.
I mean, you bent over backwards to get me that scholarship.
And I never want to disrespect you by going against your wishes, I [EXHALES.]
I [MUTTERS.]
Maybe I need to help you understand how much it means to me that somebody thinks that I'm good enough to audition, I [LAUGHING.]
What? I know you're good enough, Damon.
I was your age when Lester Horton asked me to join his company.
My teacher at the time thought I was crazy to drop my studies and go dance for him.
[CHUCKLES.]
But she also knew those audiences needed to see me.
A strong, talented black woman taking up space in those white concert halls and auditoriums.
The world needs to see you, Damon.
A man who knows who he is.
I'm not going to say no to this level of exposure.
Even if pop music isn't my cup of tea.
[BOTH CHUCKLING.]
You have my blessing.
You don't need a teacher anymore.
You're the teacher now.
Teach the world who you are.
- Thank you, Helena.
- [SOFT CHUCKLE.]
But you got to promise me you'll come back and finish your degree when this tour is over.
I promise.
I will.
Good.
Now go to rehearsal.
[EXHALES.]
All right, y'all, all hands on deck.
We got to do right by Damon and make sure he gets the support he deserves.
This is your moment, baby.
This is the moment I have been waiting for, children.
And I need each of you to do your part.
Little Ricky here has been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime mainstream opportunity.
We cannot let him fuck this up.
BLANCA: All right, listen, our baby boy has got the goods.
He just don't got that polish, - that star-level sheen yet.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- DAMON: Quiet.
- We all need to chip in and get Damon a look - to make him stand out.
- ELEKTRA: I won't coddle you.
I don't nurture.
And I'll never deliver inspiring pep talks that end in hugs.
But I am a provider.
And I need Wintour to yield results.
I expect excellence.
Nothing less.
So go out and make this boy over.
You have 24 hours.
And I am not lifting a single finger.
You can't touch this One more.
Yes.
Can't touch this Can't touch this It is all about precision.
- Yeah? - My, my, my my music hits me so hard Makes me say, oh, my Lord Thank you for blessin' me With a mind to rhyme and two hype feet It feels good, when you know you're down A super dope homeboy from the Oaktown And I'm known as such And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch Look in my eyes, man, can't touch this Fresh new kicks, and pants You gotta like that, now you know you wanna dance So move outta yo seat And get a fly girl and catch this beat - [GROWLING.]
- While it's rollin', hold on Pump a little bit and let 'em know It's goin' on, like that, like that Cold on a mission, so fall on back Let 'em know that you're too much And this is a beat, uh, they can't touch - DAMON: Ugh - Beauty is pain, baby boy.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh - Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh - Stop! Hammer time! Let Mother inspect you, child.
Hmm.
Mm.
My work is done.
I have washed off the filth of Evangelista.
You are officially a Wintour.
Now, let me ask you something.
Do you still carry a torch for Damon? [SCOFFS.]
Please.
He's ancient history.
Good.
We Wintours are ruthless.
I expect you to leave him beaten, balled up in a corner and crying for his brick of a mother.
And if you are unable to bring glory to my house with a spot on Madonna's tour, don't bother returning.
[DAMON WHOOPING.]
- Oh! - Whoa! Yes, bitch! Aw, you is looking fly as hell.
Look at you, all shiny and polished - just like Momma said.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- We see you, and she ain't lying.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Now, get some fuel before your big day.
DAMON: I can't eat right now.
My stomach can't stop turning.
Aw, that's just butterflies in your belly.
- That's good luck.
- LIL PAPI: Not if they make you shit yourself while you're doing a thing Okay, listen up.
Damon, you ready.
You got the talent.
You're intelligent.
You look good.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- And more important, you got heart, and that's what they're gonna see.
So break a leg, baby.
[SIGHS.]
I don't know where I would be without you all.
And no matter what happens, we always gonna be here.
- Hm.
- And I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
Yeah, and it just got a little harder for me to stand out.
[CHUCKLES.]
Looks like we're in the same group.
I mean, I shouldn't be surprised that I see a familiar face.
Looks like every dancer from the city is here.
Well, they looking for the best of the best.
Looks like we the only two from ballroom, though.
Think we got a good shot? I think you got a good shot.
Thanks.
- Group seven.
- Good luck.
You, too.
TRE: Y'all have an opportunity to go on tour with the biggest pop star working today.
You know why you're here, so show me what you got.
And make it count.
["DEEP IN VOGUE" BY MALCOLM MCLAREN PLAYING.]
La la la la la la la la la La la la la La la Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Imagine yourself Runway modeling In freeze-frame At the ball That's what they call Voguing Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue.
Ooh! I have not danced like that ever in my life.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, man Oh, thanks.
Mm.
Yo, for what it's worth, - you were really good.
- Thank you, so were you.
Everybody in there was.
Especially him.
Do you really think we got a shot - at getting this callback? - They got to call us back.
I think it's definitely one of the three of us.
Well, I guess we wait for that call.
- Yeah, I hope you get that call.
- Thank you.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- I hope I get that call, too.
[BOTH CHUCKLING.]
Mother, can you sit down? You're making me nervous.
It's been a day since your audition.
How long were they gonna make you wait? They should be getting back to me today.
- Oh! - [TELEPHONE RINGING.]
Hello? Yeah, okay, one sec.
Damon, it's for you.
Hello? I understand.
Thank you so much.
- What did they say? - I, uh, I got the callback.
Good.
[LAUGHING.]
: I got the callback.
We got the callback.
Thanks for calling.
- [SIGHS.]
- Oh, Damon.
[CRYING.]
: I got a callback.
- What? [SQUEALS.]
- I can't believe it.
I've been working so hard for this! And it's Let me tell you, - it's all worth it.
- You about to dance for Madonna! No, no, no, not yet, not yet.
It-It's just a callback, - it's just a callback.
- What? Just a callback? This is about acceptance.
Someone from ballroom culture is about to get their chance, you're about to be a part of No, you about to influence popular culture.
Oh, my baby about to be mainstream! [LAUGHS.]
You're still at it? Enough.
Come lay with me before we head out.
I got to practice.
This Butch Queen Vogue Femme category is not an easy one for me.
[SIGHS.]
The competition tonight is stiff.
I'm stiff.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Come to bed.
After the ball, I promise.
I got to conserve my energy.
Humping for 30 minutes isn't gonna affect whether you win or lose.
How would you know? You never walked a ball, you ain't in a house.
Excuse me for wanting to be independent, to not have a master.
The fuck's that supposed to mean? You're a follower.
You let that bitch Elektra pull you around like a dog on a short leash.
Ay, you need to watch your mouth.
And you need to grow a pair of balls.
Yeah? Stand up for yourself.
Be a man and say what's on your mind.
Okay, I will.
I made a mistake ending things with Damon.
- Then go back to him! - I can't believe I ever blew up my life for you.
Damon believed in me, in my dreams.
You're just a selfish, self-centered bitch.
Tired of your toxic-ass energy.
Toxic? Yeah, I'm living the happy life you're pretending to live.
I don't need to pollute my body with the negativity you keep spreading.
That's not what you were saying last night when your legs - were behind my shoulders.
- You know, if your swerve game was so good - Mm-hmm? - you wouldn't need a map to find my G-spot.
- I got some advice for you, boo.
- Mm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Learn to swallow your pride as well as you do men and maybe - you wouldn't end up alone.
- Boy, bye.
I'm blessed and highly favored.
I will not be alone! Tonight is the last night that Ricky has the opportunity to practice for his audition with Queen Madonna, otherwise known as my future best friend.
While I was praying for guidance on how best to help dear Ricky, a single question kept appearing in my mind.
W.
W.
C.
D.
? What would Candy do? She was not a thinker.
She did not have the capacity to ruminate on a problem.
She took action, which is what we are going to do.
Is that Candy's hammer? Her prized possession.
And if she were here, she would use it to break Damon's motherfucking foot.
It's the only way to ensure Ricky's victory and my topless sunbathing vacation in Capri with Miss M.
So, you want us to just stroll up on Damon - and smash him in the foot? - Do I have to explain everything?! You get close and then you throw it at his foot as hard as you can and in the chaos that follows, cry and say how sorry you are and that you had just applied Vaseline Intensive Care lotion to your hands and the hammer slipped out of them.
Seriously? How're we gonna aim a hammer like that? [TUTTING.]
Candy would've found a way.
I'm not comfortable with this.
Ricky is good.
He can win on his own.
No.
I will not risk failure.
This is too important - to this house.
- Then why don't you do it? Oh, shit.
A mother never gets her hands dirty.
As an added incentive, whoever throws the hammer gets to accompany me to Madonna's birthday party.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
All right, all right, all right.
It's all happening for us, children.
"Vogue" has hit number one on the charts, - and the word is out - [CROWD WHISTLING, APPLAUDING.]
ballroom is in.
- [WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
- Come on, now.
Ladies and gentlemen, ballroom has gone mainstream and I am here for it.
- [WHOOPING, CHEERS.]
- All right, let's get this party started.
The category is: Runway.
Bring it like old-school, black and white cinema.
[WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Yes, girl.
Work it out with that side step.
We see you, girl.
- Yes.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
I likey, likey, likey.
Work it out, work it out.
Honey, I see you.
Uh-huh.
Work it out.
And what have we here? Very Joan.
Very Crawford.
- Yes.
- ANGEL: We need your help.
- What happened? - Just come.
Come on.
'Cause there's music in the air And lots of lovin' everywhere I see you, boo.
Hey, tell them what you just told me.
I know I'm betraying Mother Elektra, but this bitch has gone - too far this time.
- She put a hit out - on Damon.
- A hit? On his life? No.
His foot.
It's all going down tonight.
We're supposed to make it - look like an accident.
- They talking about it's for Candy, but we know it's just 'cause - they want Ricky to win.
- Hello, bitch? Why am I here if you're telling the whole story? - My bad.
- She says, - it's what Candy would do.
- Man.
Hold on a minute.
Did they bring her actual hammer? - Yes.
- Oh, hell no.
Elektra.
I'm not going to even ask you if it's true, 'cause I know it is.
Blanca, dear.
I can't imagine what you're talking about.
If anything happens to my child, I will kill you.
[CROWD WHISTLING.]
I wasn't planning on hobbling him for life.
He's young, wounds heal.
There'll be other opportunities for him.
Don't you see this is not an opportunity for Damon or Ricky? They're standing in for all of us.
You know, you may be seven feet tall, hobnobbing with the glitterati, but no one really sees you.
No one sees any of us.
Not until right now, this moment.
How are they gonna ignore any of us when one of our own is out there dancing in front of thousands of people? You know what? You are one of us.
And the light that those boys are about to shine our way is gonna light you up, too.
So give me that goddamn hammer and call off these dogs.
You ruin all my plans, mongrel.
Wintours.
[CLAPS LOUDLY.]
PRAY TELL: The category is Fringe Fever.
I see you feeling fabulous in all that fringe, Francine.
Looking don't cost nothing.
[CROWD WHISTLING, WHOOPING.]
- Where you been? - You're mad cute.
- Mm-hmm.
- I've been working doubles, trying to pull my own weight, you know? I feel you.
Work's been a good distraction for me, too.
Especially with with all the Candy stuff.
Blanca told me Ford got you booked.
Mm-hmm.
I booked another Wet n Wild campaign.
- No.
- And Ms.
Ford got me an Essence cover try.
Yo.
That's what's up.
I'll tell you what, when you book that cover, we gonna take a rain check on that dinner.
Angel.
You look good, girl.
[CHEERING.]
Bro, you got this, Papo.
Go out there and slay, you know? All right.
All right, y'all ready for this next one? Is this shit on? Y'all ready for this next one? [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
PRAY TELL: Yeah, all right.
The category is: Butch Queen Vogue Femme.
I'm-a need y'all to execute on it tonight.
You hear me? I need to see it soft and dainty.
And dramatic.
And severe.
Aw, bring it.
[PRAY TELL LAUGHS.]
Yeah, baby.
Ooh, I see you, bitch.
With that press and curl, you will sit by the stove tonight.
With that iron, baby, before you came out.
You going for that trophy tonight, you going for that grand prize, baby.
Uh-huh.
That swirl, that swish, that swirl and [GRUNTS.]
[GRUNTING RHYTHMICALLY.]
Ah, oh, but Mr.
Damon Evangelista has something to say about that.
He says, "No, ma'am.
" "Not tonight, you ain't snatching my trophy from me tonight, honey.
Nuh-nuh, not, not tonight.
Oh, you can take that shit elsewhere, you ain't snatching my trophy.
" He said, "Ooh, no, ma'am.
" Yes, the mess around, bitch.
[GRUNTS.]
Hah! Oh! Hah! [CROWD CHEERING.]
Yes.
[LAUGHS.]
Oh! - [CROWD CHEERS.]
- Oh, yes.
What? Ricky Wintour.
He's feeling very peevish.
The swirl like Diana, honey.
He didn't come to play with you hoes tonight.
Oh, Spinderella.
Spin like fucking Diana Ross, bitch.
He's giving you sensuous and sexy - and fabulous.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Work it out! Ricky Wintour.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- We're seen.
See, that is how you vogue the house down.
Boots, bitch.
All right, y'all.
- Give 'em a hand.
Give 'em a hand.
- [WHOOPING.]
[CROWD APPLAUDS, WHOOPS.]
Come on to the center, bitches.
Act like y'all know what we do.
All right.
For Ms.
Duckwalk.
Judges, your scores.
Eight, eight, eight, eight, eight.
Quack, quack, boo-boo.
Sorry, baby.
Not tonight.
And next, for Damon Evangelista.
Judges, your scores.
Ten, ten, ten, - ten, ten.
- [CROWD WHISTLING, WHOOPING.]
[WHOOPING.]
PRAY TELL: Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
And lastly, but certainly not leastly the sexy and the sensuous Ricky Wintour.
Judges, your scores.
Ten.
Ten, ten, ten nine.
What? What you mad about, Elektra? - Don't be mad, bitch.
- [CROWD JEERS LIGHTLY.]
Children always wind up paying for the sins of the mother.
Come on and get this trophy.
Grand prize, Damon Evangelista.
- Give it up.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Give it up.
Y'all know y'all got to give it up.
That's how you do a ball, bitch.
That is how you do it.
Yeah Come on now, give him a hand.
Damon Evangelista! Give it up, give it up, give it up.
Yeah Oh, oh, you leaving? Oh, you mad? Get the fuck out of here, bitch.
Yeah Dance, dance, dance.
You know I still owe you that slice and a stroll.
Didn't you just end things - with Damon? - [SUCKS TEETH.]
[SCOFFS.]
You're a little drunk, babe.
- And messy.
- Oh, that's how it's gon' be? [SCOFFS, SNICKERS.]
Ooh.
- Looks like somebody's game slipping, player.
- [SUCKS TEETH.]
I'm so glad that I'm here.
You might need a coach.
Please, I invented the game.
Yeah, yeah.
- I know.
[LAUGHS.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
So what're you still doing here? I just wanted to give this to you.
- You don't have to.
- Oh, I know I don't.
But I want to.
You were better out there tonight.
- Yeah, I was.
- All right, all right.
See, I know.
Uh, yeah, that-that mouth and that-that ego - are still there even when you're drinking.
- Right? - [CHUCKLES.]
- But no, seriously.
You were really good out there.
And you were good at the audition, too.
You gon' get picked for that tour.
I know it.
- Mm-hmm? Mm-mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
- All right.
- [CHUCKLES.]
But just promise me that you gon' stop drinking.
Okay? Now you need to have a clear mind - and remember this moment.
- [EXHALES.]
'Cause I'm gonna want to hear all about it.
Never will forget the day we met Girl, I'm gonna miss you I broke up with Chris.
Sorry to hear that.
I was better when I was with you.
No, you're pretty good on your own, too.
You just need to learn how to stand on your own two feet.
Okay? Sitting here, wasting my time I just don't know What I should do All right.
It's a tragedy For me to see the dream is over And I never will forget The day we met, girl, I'm gonna miss you.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER, TRAFFIC PASSING.]
Man, my ass has never been worked that hard before.
That's a lie.
[LAUGHING.]
: Oh, he got jokes.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
I'm glad to see you still got a sense of humor.
Congratulations.
[CHUCKLES.]
I knew he was gonna get it.
Fuck.
I really wanted this.
I mean, we did the best we could.
Just because this didn't happen don't mean that we won't have the other opportunities.
Eh, you sound like Blanca when you're talking all positive and shit.
I let my house and Elektra down, end of story.
Okay, all right, listen to me.
This is bigger than you or me or Elektra.
I mean, letting the establishment know that we created the mainstream.
They're gonna have to put respect on our names.
Yeah.
Oh, hey, I'm glad you're still here.
You ran out of there so quickly.
Oh, I'm-I'm sorry about that.
I just felt like I just let you down.
Oh, you win some, you lose some.
That's showbiz.
What matters is you brought it.
- You were both so good.
- You think so? I do, which is why I-I wanted to tell you about another audition, if you're interested.
- Of course we are.
- What's it for? You're never gonna believe it.
They're rebooting Solid Gold.
- What's Solid Gold? - Ooh, what's Solid Gold? Boy, it's just the best TV music countdown show ever! Oh, my God.
I'm gonna be a Solid Gold dancer? - Well, you have to audition first.
- [LAUGHING.]
: Oh, my God.
- Oh, okay.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Ah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Take care.
- [SQUEALS.]
[LAUGHS.]
I'll see you.
JIM: Solid Gold is not a nothing property.
This show was the darling of syndicated television.
Discovered Arsenio Hall.
And one of the dancers went on to Hollywood.
Lucinda Dickey had a substantial role in Ninja III: The Domination.
Oh, yeah, I think I saw that.
What I'm trying to say is, this is an important project, but for some reason I was able to buy the rights to reboot it on the cheap, which means we're only shooting a pilot and I can't pay more than scale.
So how many dancers are you hiring? [EXHALES.]
The old show had ten.
We're going with three.
[SIGHS.]
We just have one demand.
You got to take both of us.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
I thought you were gonna ask for something real.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, of course.
That's why you're both here.
I want both of you.
MALE ANNOUNCER: It's time for Solid Gold.
Featuring your new favorite Solid Gold dancers.
Ricky.
Damon.
Solid Gold, putting rhythm in my soul MALE ANNOUNCER: And Las Vegas nudie revue legend, Riddle Rene.
There's a song that's unreeling To fit the way that I'm feeling My head keeps spinning to music Spinning to gold MALE ANNOUNCER: And now, for the week's top ten countdown, coming in at number ten, here's Perfect Gentlemen's "Ooh La La".
Solid Gold! Ooh, la la Ooh, la la I can't Can't get over you MALE ANNOUNCER: Holding tight at number nine this week is "U Can't Touch This" - by MC Hammer.
- Oh, my Lord Thank you for blessin' me with a mind to rhyme And two hype feet, it feels good when you know You're down, a super dope homeboy from the Oaktown And I'm known as such And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch.
MALE ANNOUNCER: "Sending All My Love" by Linear slides down from number five to number eight this week.
Sending all my love to you MALE ANNOUNCER: There will be quite a few ladies in America sending their love to you, newcomer Ricky.
Way to go.
Nothing compares MALE ANNOUNCER: Moving down, but still holding strong in the top ten is Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U".
It must have been love, but it's over now MALE ANNOUNCER: Here is "It Must Have Been Love" by Pretty Woman Julia Roberts' favorite band Roxette.
That girl is poison Never trust a big butt and a smile That girl is poison Poison.
Friends come and friends may go My friend, you're real, I know True self you have shown You're all right with me MALE ANNOUNCER: We enter the top three with "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips, climbing slowly but steadily.
You hold on for one more day You hold on For one more day hold on For one more day.
MALE ANNOUNCER: And the anticipation mounts.
Here's Heart's "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You.
" To hold on to MALE ANNOUNCER: And holding strong at number one is Madonna's "Vogue".
Let your body move to the music, hey Hey, hey, come on, vogue Let your body go with the flow - Go with the flow - You know you can do it - [ECHOING.]
: Vogue.
- [AUDIENCE CHEERING.]
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh, that is so silly.
You were on your leg, though, no shade.
- No, I tried.
I - You were just getting very - on your leg, okay? - Oh, God.
- No, I'm serious.
- Thank you.
- That was so fun.
- So good.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Well, I hope we did enough in there to get this thing picked up.
Girl, I hope so, too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
If anything, I'll see you cuties at the next cattle call.
- You sure will.
- All right, all right.
- See you.
- Nice to meet you.
You, too.
Look, I'm just gonna say it.
We did that.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I mean What? Oh, my God.
I'm so excited.
- Oh, my God.
- I mean, can you believe it? [SIGHS.]
Two years ago, we was dancing in the balls, and here we are now.
Now.
Filming a real-life, full type TV show! I didn't want to say nothing 'cause I don't like jinxing stuff, but I got a feeling this reboot's gonna go - and it's gonna be huge.
- Mm-hmm.
I had the best time with you today.
I, uh I don't want it to end.
I had a good time, too.
[SIGHS.]
But we need to keep this on the dance floor.
We are way too close, way too close to making it, for us to put our energy anywhere else.
Even true love? Look, I messed up, and I know you're scared, but I've changed, D.
You made me a better person, a better dancer.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't want nobody, just you.
[SIGHS.]
We can start over.
Friends? [SIGHS.]
Yeah.
Friends.
[CHUCKLES.]
[LAUGHS.]
Who knows? Maybe even stars of a big TV show.
Maybe.
See you.
Yeah Pay attention! We got to fight for each other.
- You special.
- Ballroom is not a trend.
It's about family.
ANNOUNCER: Pose.
All new, Tuesdays at 10:00 on FX.
This is business.
Let's make some money.
I will bring you all down, one by one.
FRANKLIN: Playin' a different game now.
ANNOUNCER: In space, no one can hear you Sc [ALL SCREAMING.]
Jeez, calm down.
You want some of this? Ow! I think they might, actually.
Screw it.
If we're dyin' in here, I'm gonna go ahead and finish that cake.
Something must be depleting power from the ship! Did someone leave the fan on in the bathroom again? - What the - Uh-oh.
ANNOUNCER: Archer 1999.
All new, Wednesdays at 10:00 on FXX.
CHIP: Kids are not laughing at clowns anymore.
- They're scared of them.
- Ugh! Go away! Do you want to know what my life coach would say? You have a life coach? Don't you need a life first? We let others take control of our lives.
A controlling mother.
- I've been thinking about maybe moving out.
- Are you in a cult? - LIFE COACH: A bullying brother.
- [LAUGHS.]
Do you know that you are in charge? [CRASHES.]
ANNOUNCER: Baskets.
All new, Thursdays at 10:00 on FX.
SWITCH: Why do you need a time traveler? - To go back in time.
- How far? Well, how far can you go? ANNOUNCER: Legion.
All new, Mondays at 10:00 on FX.
WOMAN: What about trust? It's better to read people's minds.
ANNOUNCER: Legion.
All new, Mondays at 10:00 on FX.
[DANCE MUSIC.]
ANNOUNCER: FX presents Pose.
SUE SIMMONS: First there was the Twist, then the Mashed Potato, the Hustle.
In the '70s, everyone wanted to learn to dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
But in 1990, all anyone wants to do is "Vogue".
Madonna's song, "Vogue", is in its third week at number one on the pop charts, And the once-obscure dance moves popularized by the Material Girl's hit, borrowed from New York's hidden ball culture, are now truly "in fashion".
SUE SIMMONS: What's your name? I'm Missy Thompson from Staten Island.
I work as an executive assistant and I started taking the late ferry and having my husband order pizza for dinner so I could stay in the city and take this class.
[CROWD SCREAMING, CHEERING.]
I've met girls from New Jersey and Scarsdale and the Upper West Side, even.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- And what do you think it that it is that's drawing all of you here? - MISSY AND CROWD: Madonna! - [CHEERING.]
If you're interested in learning how to Vogue, classes are being taught at the YMCA three days a week by resident experts.
But be sure to sign up early.
Channel 5 News is being told that most classes are already full for the next four weeks.
Sue Simmons, Manhattan.
You got to help me.
Slow down.
Looks like you about to have a heart attack.
I need you to add one more class this week.
I've kicked gangbangers off the basketball court and shooed homeless men out of the pool, no problem.
But these bridge and tunnel bitches are terrifying.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
- You better stop with that.
- Honestly, Damon.
I've never seen anything like it.
- Hmm.
- They can't get enough of you.
- Aw - That little half-smile makes - all the ladies drop they drawers.
- Okay.
I am more than happy to add another class, let's just make sure that everybody keeps their drawers - up, okay? - [LAUGHING.]
DAMON: Five, six, seven, eight.
One.
Two.
Three, four.
Do you understand Crisper.
Crisper.
Now, I need you to move your arms as if they're swords.
- [GIGGLING.]
- They're swords, okay? - And knives, okay? Yes.
- [IMITATES SWINGING BLADES.]
- Right there.
Uh-huh.
Come on.
- [LAUGHS.]
- Step up to the front.
- [LAUGHS IN DISBELIEF.]
[STUDENTS CHEERING.]
DAMON: Five, six, seven, eight.
One, two.
Three.
Four.
Word.
[STUDENTS WHOOPING.]
Clap it up, clap it up, clap it up! [CHEERING.]
Hey.
Do you think you can teach my husband to move his hips like you do? - Is he black? - No.
[SINGSONGY.]
: Then sorry.
No can do.
- Oh Oh.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- No, but good work.
- You're hilarious.
- Thank you.
Thanks.
- Good work.
Good work, you guys.
- Thank you.
- Excellent work.
Great work today.
Thanks.
First time? Was it that obvious? Yes.
- [LAUGHING.]
: Oh - But, you can get the hang of it, okay? Uh, you know.
The movements are pretty simple, it's just about gettin' it - in your body.
You know? - Now, I know that's not true.
You know, I'm not actually here to learn how to dance.
I'm here for you.
I'm a scout.
I recruit dancers for concert tours.
There is an address on the back of this card, be there at 9:00 a.
m.
on Saturday.
I'm skipping you to the front - of the line.
- Uh, for what? For your audition for Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour.
[STUDIO DOOR OPENS, SHUTS.]
[MANIC WHOOPING.]
[MUTTERING EXCITEDLY.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[FOOTFALLS APPROACH.]
PRAY TELL: The category is Live Work Pose! Pose 2x05 What Would Candy Do? BLANCA: I told y'all this was gonna be the year we break out.
First Miss Angel with her modeling - and now Damon on the road - [LIL PAPI GRUNTING.]
with Ma-fucking-donna! - [LAUGHS.]
- ANGEL: Oh, my God.
You gonna be a celebrity.
- Like, bodyguards and everything.
- [LAUGHING.]
I'm telling you, Mother's always right.
- Thank you, daughter.
- DAMON: No, but hold your horses.
It's just an audition.
You want me to be your manager like how I am with Angel? I can manage the both of y'all.
You could be my second client.
What time's the audition? Saturday, 9:00 in the morning.
Yo, how did you even hear about it? One of the dancers from the Taylor Dane tour introduced me to the talent scout.
So I showed her some dance moves right there on the spot.
Didn't even shake her hand first, she told me she was gonna jump me to the front of the line.
Boy, what's that mean, "the front of the line"? It means that she already knows that I'm better than all those other bitches auditioning.
[CHUCKLES.]
They just dancers copying what they've seen in the video.
- ANGEL: Mm-hmm.
- I mean, this, this is our life.
LIL PAPI: Yeah, you think Madonna's gonna be there? I hear she likes Latin boys.
I don't know.
But I hear she's really hands-on - with everything.
- I always thought, given the opportunity, that she and I would be - best friends.
- Me, too.
Please, like that specimen of perfection would be desperately seeking to spend a moment with any of you peasants.
Pump it, pump it That being said, if you do book this job, I will be expecting an introduction.
I'll try to send you all a postcard from Cannes.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- I've never in my life wanted something more than this.
I mean, forget Al B.
Sure! or Taylor Dane.
This is Madonna.
This is worldwide.
Even my mom and - dad may see this.
- I'm so proud of you.
I am so proud of myself.
Look at the opportunities I've provided for my children.
What you're about to do is going to make this house the most legendary of all times.
Make my day.
[HUMMING SOFTLY.]
You know, it's nice to see you not depressed - on that couch no more.
- Uh, depressed? Girl.
[SCOFFS.]
I'm just stretching.
Enjoying that extra space since them rug rats moved up out of there.
Now you know you can't fool your mother.
It's natural to miss someone even if that someone is a low-down dog of a cheater.
Have you seen Ricky lately? At a ball here and there.
[BLANCA MUTTERS.]
- You know, I tried to talk to him.
- Mm-hmm? And he pretended like he didn't see me and just walked away.
I just don't understand how you can love somebody and give them your heart and soul and they just [EXHALES.]
they just get over you so easily.
I doubt that Ricky is over it.
He's just not showing it, that's all.
You don't get over your first love that easy.
Ricky wasn't my first love.
[SCOFFS.]
Dance was.
I feel [CHUCKLES.]
Feel like I'm falling in love all over again.
Now, see, that's my son.
An artist.
Using his heartbreak for work.
Do you really think I can be in Madonna's league? Yes, I do.
I believe you got the talent and the energy and all you need is a break.
[CHUCKLES.]
Thank you.
[DAMON CHUCKLING.]
Wait, hold on.
There's someone you got to talk to before you go - to that audition.
- Who? - Helena.
- No.
No No.
No, no, no, no, no.
You know she's not gonna let me drop a scholarship just to go dance behind - some pop star.
- That is her call, but if she says no, you're staying in school.
You only got one semester until you graduate, Damon.
One.
Think about it.
HELENA: Five, six, seven, eight.
Second break, step, step.
Mess around.
Step, step.
Passé.
Step, step.
Stag jump.
Table jump.
[CLAPPING CONTINUES.]
Straighten those legs on the jeté.
Come on, students.
Get it together.
Damon, come over here.
Show the combination from the top.
Five, six, seven, eight.
And that is how you do it, class.
Try to keep up, dancers.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Oh, Helena, wait.
Hey, you.
Good work today.
If only the rest of my seniors were - as dedicated as you are.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Thank you.
Uh, but I need to talk to you about something.
Uh, can I buy you coffee? - Sure.
- Great.
DAMON: I know you're disappointed, but I really want to do it.
It's not classical dance, but it is a would tour.
It sounds like an incredible opportunity.
It also sounds like you've made up your mind.
- I have.
But - Hmm.
Blanca won't let me audition unless I get your permission to do it.
I mean, you bent over backwards to get me that scholarship.
And I never want to disrespect you by going against your wishes, I [EXHALES.]
I [MUTTERS.]
Maybe I need to help you understand how much it means to me that somebody thinks that I'm good enough to audition, I [LAUGHING.]
What? I know you're good enough, Damon.
I was your age when Lester Horton asked me to join his company.
My teacher at the time thought I was crazy to drop my studies and go dance for him.
[CHUCKLES.]
But she also knew those audiences needed to see me.
A strong, talented black woman taking up space in those white concert halls and auditoriums.
The world needs to see you, Damon.
A man who knows who he is.
I'm not going to say no to this level of exposure.
Even if pop music isn't my cup of tea.
[BOTH CHUCKLING.]
You have my blessing.
You don't need a teacher anymore.
You're the teacher now.
Teach the world who you are.
- Thank you, Helena.
- [SOFT CHUCKLE.]
But you got to promise me you'll come back and finish your degree when this tour is over.
I promise.
I will.
Good.
Now go to rehearsal.
[EXHALES.]
All right, y'all, all hands on deck.
We got to do right by Damon and make sure he gets the support he deserves.
This is your moment, baby.
This is the moment I have been waiting for, children.
And I need each of you to do your part.
Little Ricky here has been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime mainstream opportunity.
We cannot let him fuck this up.
BLANCA: All right, listen, our baby boy has got the goods.
He just don't got that polish, - that star-level sheen yet.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- DAMON: Quiet.
- We all need to chip in and get Damon a look - to make him stand out.
- ELEKTRA: I won't coddle you.
I don't nurture.
And I'll never deliver inspiring pep talks that end in hugs.
But I am a provider.
And I need Wintour to yield results.
I expect excellence.
Nothing less.
So go out and make this boy over.
You have 24 hours.
And I am not lifting a single finger.
You can't touch this One more.
Yes.
Can't touch this Can't touch this It is all about precision.
- Yeah? - My, my, my my music hits me so hard Makes me say, oh, my Lord Thank you for blessin' me With a mind to rhyme and two hype feet It feels good, when you know you're down A super dope homeboy from the Oaktown And I'm known as such And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch Look in my eyes, man, can't touch this Fresh new kicks, and pants You gotta like that, now you know you wanna dance So move outta yo seat And get a fly girl and catch this beat - [GROWLING.]
- While it's rollin', hold on Pump a little bit and let 'em know It's goin' on, like that, like that Cold on a mission, so fall on back Let 'em know that you're too much And this is a beat, uh, they can't touch - DAMON: Ugh - Beauty is pain, baby boy.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh - Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh - Stop! Hammer time! Let Mother inspect you, child.
Hmm.
Mm.
My work is done.
I have washed off the filth of Evangelista.
You are officially a Wintour.
Now, let me ask you something.
Do you still carry a torch for Damon? [SCOFFS.]
Please.
He's ancient history.
Good.
We Wintours are ruthless.
I expect you to leave him beaten, balled up in a corner and crying for his brick of a mother.
And if you are unable to bring glory to my house with a spot on Madonna's tour, don't bother returning.
[DAMON WHOOPING.]
- Oh! - Whoa! Yes, bitch! Aw, you is looking fly as hell.
Look at you, all shiny and polished - just like Momma said.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- We see you, and she ain't lying.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Now, get some fuel before your big day.
DAMON: I can't eat right now.
My stomach can't stop turning.
Aw, that's just butterflies in your belly.
- That's good luck.
- LIL PAPI: Not if they make you shit yourself while you're doing a thing Okay, listen up.
Damon, you ready.
You got the talent.
You're intelligent.
You look good.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- And more important, you got heart, and that's what they're gonna see.
So break a leg, baby.
[SIGHS.]
I don't know where I would be without you all.
And no matter what happens, we always gonna be here.
- Hm.
- And I'm so proud of you.
Thank you.
Yeah, and it just got a little harder for me to stand out.
[CHUCKLES.]
Looks like we're in the same group.
I mean, I shouldn't be surprised that I see a familiar face.
Looks like every dancer from the city is here.
Well, they looking for the best of the best.
Looks like we the only two from ballroom, though.
Think we got a good shot? I think you got a good shot.
Thanks.
- Group seven.
- Good luck.
You, too.
TRE: Y'all have an opportunity to go on tour with the biggest pop star working today.
You know why you're here, so show me what you got.
And make it count.
["DEEP IN VOGUE" BY MALCOLM MCLAREN PLAYING.]
La la la la la la la la la La la la la La la Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Imagine yourself Runway modeling In freeze-frame At the ball That's what they call Voguing Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue Deep in vogue.
Ooh! I have not danced like that ever in my life.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, man Oh, thanks.
Mm.
Yo, for what it's worth, - you were really good.
- Thank you, so were you.
Everybody in there was.
Especially him.
Do you really think we got a shot - at getting this callback? - They got to call us back.
I think it's definitely one of the three of us.
Well, I guess we wait for that call.
- Yeah, I hope you get that call.
- Thank you.
- [CHUCKLING.]
- I hope I get that call, too.
[BOTH CHUCKLING.]
Mother, can you sit down? You're making me nervous.
It's been a day since your audition.
How long were they gonna make you wait? They should be getting back to me today.
- Oh! - [TELEPHONE RINGING.]
Hello? Yeah, okay, one sec.
Damon, it's for you.
Hello? I understand.
Thank you so much.
- What did they say? - I, uh, I got the callback.
Good.
[LAUGHING.]
: I got the callback.
We got the callback.
Thanks for calling.
- [SIGHS.]
- Oh, Damon.
[CRYING.]
: I got a callback.
- What? [SQUEALS.]
- I can't believe it.
I've been working so hard for this! And it's Let me tell you, - it's all worth it.
- You about to dance for Madonna! No, no, no, not yet, not yet.
It-It's just a callback, - it's just a callback.
- What? Just a callback? This is about acceptance.
Someone from ballroom culture is about to get their chance, you're about to be a part of No, you about to influence popular culture.
Oh, my baby about to be mainstream! [LAUGHS.]
You're still at it? Enough.
Come lay with me before we head out.
I got to practice.
This Butch Queen Vogue Femme category is not an easy one for me.
[SIGHS.]
The competition tonight is stiff.
I'm stiff.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Come to bed.
After the ball, I promise.
I got to conserve my energy.
Humping for 30 minutes isn't gonna affect whether you win or lose.
How would you know? You never walked a ball, you ain't in a house.
Excuse me for wanting to be independent, to not have a master.
The fuck's that supposed to mean? You're a follower.
You let that bitch Elektra pull you around like a dog on a short leash.
Ay, you need to watch your mouth.
And you need to grow a pair of balls.
Yeah? Stand up for yourself.
Be a man and say what's on your mind.
Okay, I will.
I made a mistake ending things with Damon.
- Then go back to him! - I can't believe I ever blew up my life for you.
Damon believed in me, in my dreams.
You're just a selfish, self-centered bitch.
Tired of your toxic-ass energy.
Toxic? Yeah, I'm living the happy life you're pretending to live.
I don't need to pollute my body with the negativity you keep spreading.
That's not what you were saying last night when your legs - were behind my shoulders.
- You know, if your swerve game was so good - Mm-hmm? - you wouldn't need a map to find my G-spot.
- I got some advice for you, boo.
- Mm.
- Mm-hmm.
- Learn to swallow your pride as well as you do men and maybe - you wouldn't end up alone.
- Boy, bye.
I'm blessed and highly favored.
I will not be alone! Tonight is the last night that Ricky has the opportunity to practice for his audition with Queen Madonna, otherwise known as my future best friend.
While I was praying for guidance on how best to help dear Ricky, a single question kept appearing in my mind.
W.
W.
C.
D.
? What would Candy do? She was not a thinker.
She did not have the capacity to ruminate on a problem.
She took action, which is what we are going to do.
Is that Candy's hammer? Her prized possession.
And if she were here, she would use it to break Damon's motherfucking foot.
It's the only way to ensure Ricky's victory and my topless sunbathing vacation in Capri with Miss M.
So, you want us to just stroll up on Damon - and smash him in the foot? - Do I have to explain everything?! You get close and then you throw it at his foot as hard as you can and in the chaos that follows, cry and say how sorry you are and that you had just applied Vaseline Intensive Care lotion to your hands and the hammer slipped out of them.
Seriously? How're we gonna aim a hammer like that? [TUTTING.]
Candy would've found a way.
I'm not comfortable with this.
Ricky is good.
He can win on his own.
No.
I will not risk failure.
This is too important - to this house.
- Then why don't you do it? Oh, shit.
A mother never gets her hands dirty.
As an added incentive, whoever throws the hammer gets to accompany me to Madonna's birthday party.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
All right, all right, all right.
It's all happening for us, children.
"Vogue" has hit number one on the charts, - and the word is out - [CROWD WHISTLING, APPLAUDING.]
ballroom is in.
- [WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
- Come on, now.
Ladies and gentlemen, ballroom has gone mainstream and I am here for it.
- [WHOOPING, CHEERS.]
- All right, let's get this party started.
The category is: Runway.
Bring it like old-school, black and white cinema.
[WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Yes, girl.
Work it out with that side step.
We see you, girl.
- Yes.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
I likey, likey, likey.
Work it out, work it out.
Honey, I see you.
Uh-huh.
Work it out.
And what have we here? Very Joan.
Very Crawford.
- Yes.
- ANGEL: We need your help.
- What happened? - Just come.
Come on.
'Cause there's music in the air And lots of lovin' everywhere I see you, boo.
Hey, tell them what you just told me.
I know I'm betraying Mother Elektra, but this bitch has gone - too far this time.
- She put a hit out - on Damon.
- A hit? On his life? No.
His foot.
It's all going down tonight.
We're supposed to make it - look like an accident.
- They talking about it's for Candy, but we know it's just 'cause - they want Ricky to win.
- Hello, bitch? Why am I here if you're telling the whole story? - My bad.
- She says, - it's what Candy would do.
- Man.
Hold on a minute.
Did they bring her actual hammer? - Yes.
- Oh, hell no.
Elektra.
I'm not going to even ask you if it's true, 'cause I know it is.
Blanca, dear.
I can't imagine what you're talking about.
If anything happens to my child, I will kill you.
[CROWD WHISTLING.]
I wasn't planning on hobbling him for life.
He's young, wounds heal.
There'll be other opportunities for him.
Don't you see this is not an opportunity for Damon or Ricky? They're standing in for all of us.
You know, you may be seven feet tall, hobnobbing with the glitterati, but no one really sees you.
No one sees any of us.
Not until right now, this moment.
How are they gonna ignore any of us when one of our own is out there dancing in front of thousands of people? You know what? You are one of us.
And the light that those boys are about to shine our way is gonna light you up, too.
So give me that goddamn hammer and call off these dogs.
You ruin all my plans, mongrel.
Wintours.
[CLAPS LOUDLY.]
PRAY TELL: The category is Fringe Fever.
I see you feeling fabulous in all that fringe, Francine.
Looking don't cost nothing.
[CROWD WHISTLING, WHOOPING.]
- Where you been? - You're mad cute.
- Mm-hmm.
- I've been working doubles, trying to pull my own weight, you know? I feel you.
Work's been a good distraction for me, too.
Especially with with all the Candy stuff.
Blanca told me Ford got you booked.
Mm-hmm.
I booked another Wet n Wild campaign.
- No.
- And Ms.
Ford got me an Essence cover try.
Yo.
That's what's up.
I'll tell you what, when you book that cover, we gonna take a rain check on that dinner.
Angel.
You look good, girl.
[CHEERING.]
Bro, you got this, Papo.
Go out there and slay, you know? All right.
All right, y'all ready for this next one? Is this shit on? Y'all ready for this next one? [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
PRAY TELL: Yeah, all right.
The category is: Butch Queen Vogue Femme.
I'm-a need y'all to execute on it tonight.
You hear me? I need to see it soft and dainty.
And dramatic.
And severe.
Aw, bring it.
[PRAY TELL LAUGHS.]
Yeah, baby.
Ooh, I see you, bitch.
With that press and curl, you will sit by the stove tonight.
With that iron, baby, before you came out.
You going for that trophy tonight, you going for that grand prize, baby.
Uh-huh.
That swirl, that swish, that swirl and [GRUNTS.]
[GRUNTING RHYTHMICALLY.]
Ah, oh, but Mr.
Damon Evangelista has something to say about that.
He says, "No, ma'am.
" "Not tonight, you ain't snatching my trophy from me tonight, honey.
Nuh-nuh, not, not tonight.
Oh, you can take that shit elsewhere, you ain't snatching my trophy.
" He said, "Ooh, no, ma'am.
" Yes, the mess around, bitch.
[GRUNTS.]
Hah! Oh! Hah! [CROWD CHEERING.]
Yes.
[LAUGHS.]
Oh! - [CROWD CHEERS.]
- Oh, yes.
What? Ricky Wintour.
He's feeling very peevish.
The swirl like Diana, honey.
He didn't come to play with you hoes tonight.
Oh, Spinderella.
Spin like fucking Diana Ross, bitch.
He's giving you sensuous and sexy - and fabulous.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Work it out! Ricky Wintour.
- [CROWD CHEERING.]
- We're seen.
See, that is how you vogue the house down.
Boots, bitch.
All right, y'all.
- Give 'em a hand.
Give 'em a hand.
- [WHOOPING.]
[CROWD APPLAUDS, WHOOPS.]
Come on to the center, bitches.
Act like y'all know what we do.
All right.
For Ms.
Duckwalk.
Judges, your scores.
Eight, eight, eight, eight, eight.
Quack, quack, boo-boo.
Sorry, baby.
Not tonight.
And next, for Damon Evangelista.
Judges, your scores.
Ten, ten, ten, - ten, ten.
- [CROWD WHISTLING, WHOOPING.]
[WHOOPING.]
PRAY TELL: Uh-huh.
Uh-huh.
And lastly, but certainly not leastly the sexy and the sensuous Ricky Wintour.
Judges, your scores.
Ten.
Ten, ten, ten nine.
What? What you mad about, Elektra? - Don't be mad, bitch.
- [CROWD JEERS LIGHTLY.]
Children always wind up paying for the sins of the mother.
Come on and get this trophy.
Grand prize, Damon Evangelista.
- Give it up.
- [CROWD WHOOPING, WHISTLING.]
Give it up.
Y'all know y'all got to give it up.
That's how you do a ball, bitch.
That is how you do it.
Yeah Come on now, give him a hand.
Damon Evangelista! Give it up, give it up, give it up.
Yeah Oh, oh, you leaving? Oh, you mad? Get the fuck out of here, bitch.
Yeah Dance, dance, dance.
You know I still owe you that slice and a stroll.
Didn't you just end things - with Damon? - [SUCKS TEETH.]
[SCOFFS.]
You're a little drunk, babe.
- And messy.
- Oh, that's how it's gon' be? [SCOFFS, SNICKERS.]
Ooh.
- Looks like somebody's game slipping, player.
- [SUCKS TEETH.]
I'm so glad that I'm here.
You might need a coach.
Please, I invented the game.
Yeah, yeah.
- I know.
[LAUGHS.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
So what're you still doing here? I just wanted to give this to you.
- You don't have to.
- Oh, I know I don't.
But I want to.
You were better out there tonight.
- Yeah, I was.
- All right, all right.
See, I know.
Uh, yeah, that-that mouth and that-that ego - are still there even when you're drinking.
- Right? - [CHUCKLES.]
- But no, seriously.
You were really good out there.
And you were good at the audition, too.
You gon' get picked for that tour.
I know it.
- Mm-hmm? Mm-mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
- All right.
- [CHUCKLES.]
But just promise me that you gon' stop drinking.
Okay? Now you need to have a clear mind - and remember this moment.
- [EXHALES.]
'Cause I'm gonna want to hear all about it.
Never will forget the day we met Girl, I'm gonna miss you I broke up with Chris.
Sorry to hear that.
I was better when I was with you.
No, you're pretty good on your own, too.
You just need to learn how to stand on your own two feet.
Okay? Sitting here, wasting my time I just don't know What I should do All right.
It's a tragedy For me to see the dream is over And I never will forget The day we met, girl, I'm gonna miss you.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER, TRAFFIC PASSING.]
Man, my ass has never been worked that hard before.
That's a lie.
[LAUGHING.]
: Oh, he got jokes.
[BOTH LAUGHING.]
I'm glad to see you still got a sense of humor.
Congratulations.
[CHUCKLES.]
I knew he was gonna get it.
Fuck.
I really wanted this.
I mean, we did the best we could.
Just because this didn't happen don't mean that we won't have the other opportunities.
Eh, you sound like Blanca when you're talking all positive and shit.
I let my house and Elektra down, end of story.
Okay, all right, listen to me.
This is bigger than you or me or Elektra.
I mean, letting the establishment know that we created the mainstream.
They're gonna have to put respect on our names.
Yeah.
Oh, hey, I'm glad you're still here.
You ran out of there so quickly.
Oh, I'm-I'm sorry about that.
I just felt like I just let you down.
Oh, you win some, you lose some.
That's showbiz.
What matters is you brought it.
- You were both so good.
- You think so? I do, which is why I-I wanted to tell you about another audition, if you're interested.
- Of course we are.
- What's it for? You're never gonna believe it.
They're rebooting Solid Gold.
- What's Solid Gold? - Ooh, what's Solid Gold? Boy, it's just the best TV music countdown show ever! Oh, my God.
I'm gonna be a Solid Gold dancer? - Well, you have to audition first.
- [LAUGHING.]
: Oh, my God.
- Oh, okay.
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Ah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Take care.
- [SQUEALS.]
[LAUGHS.]
I'll see you.
JIM: Solid Gold is not a nothing property.
This show was the darling of syndicated television.
Discovered Arsenio Hall.
And one of the dancers went on to Hollywood.
Lucinda Dickey had a substantial role in Ninja III: The Domination.
Oh, yeah, I think I saw that.
What I'm trying to say is, this is an important project, but for some reason I was able to buy the rights to reboot it on the cheap, which means we're only shooting a pilot and I can't pay more than scale.
So how many dancers are you hiring? [EXHALES.]
The old show had ten.
We're going with three.
[SIGHS.]
We just have one demand.
You got to take both of us.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
I thought you were gonna ask for something real.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah, of course.
That's why you're both here.
I want both of you.
MALE ANNOUNCER: It's time for Solid Gold.
Featuring your new favorite Solid Gold dancers.
Ricky.
Damon.
Solid Gold, putting rhythm in my soul MALE ANNOUNCER: And Las Vegas nudie revue legend, Riddle Rene.
There's a song that's unreeling To fit the way that I'm feeling My head keeps spinning to music Spinning to gold MALE ANNOUNCER: And now, for the week's top ten countdown, coming in at number ten, here's Perfect Gentlemen's "Ooh La La".
Solid Gold! Ooh, la la Ooh, la la I can't Can't get over you MALE ANNOUNCER: Holding tight at number nine this week is "U Can't Touch This" - by MC Hammer.
- Oh, my Lord Thank you for blessin' me with a mind to rhyme And two hype feet, it feels good when you know You're down, a super dope homeboy from the Oaktown And I'm known as such And this is a beat, uh, you can't touch.
MALE ANNOUNCER: "Sending All My Love" by Linear slides down from number five to number eight this week.
Sending all my love to you MALE ANNOUNCER: There will be quite a few ladies in America sending their love to you, newcomer Ricky.
Way to go.
Nothing compares MALE ANNOUNCER: Moving down, but still holding strong in the top ten is Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U".
It must have been love, but it's over now MALE ANNOUNCER: Here is "It Must Have Been Love" by Pretty Woman Julia Roberts' favorite band Roxette.
That girl is poison Never trust a big butt and a smile That girl is poison Poison.
Friends come and friends may go My friend, you're real, I know True self you have shown You're all right with me MALE ANNOUNCER: We enter the top three with "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips, climbing slowly but steadily.
You hold on for one more day You hold on For one more day hold on For one more day.
MALE ANNOUNCER: And the anticipation mounts.
Here's Heart's "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You.
" To hold on to MALE ANNOUNCER: And holding strong at number one is Madonna's "Vogue".
Let your body move to the music, hey Hey, hey, come on, vogue Let your body go with the flow - Go with the flow - You know you can do it - [ECHOING.]
: Vogue.
- [AUDIENCE CHEERING.]
- [LAUGHTER.]
- Oh, that is so silly.
You were on your leg, though, no shade.
- No, I tried.
I - You were just getting very - on your leg, okay? - Oh, God.
- No, I'm serious.
- Thank you.
- That was so fun.
- So good.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Well, I hope we did enough in there to get this thing picked up.
Girl, I hope so, too.
[CHUCKLES.]
Yeah.
If anything, I'll see you cuties at the next cattle call.
- You sure will.
- All right, all right.
- See you.
- Nice to meet you.
You, too.
Look, I'm just gonna say it.
We did that.
- [LAUGHS.]
- I mean What? Oh, my God.
I'm so excited.
- Oh, my God.
- I mean, can you believe it? [SIGHS.]
Two years ago, we was dancing in the balls, and here we are now.
Now.
Filming a real-life, full type TV show! I didn't want to say nothing 'cause I don't like jinxing stuff, but I got a feeling this reboot's gonna go - and it's gonna be huge.
- Mm-hmm.
I had the best time with you today.
I, uh I don't want it to end.
I had a good time, too.
[SIGHS.]
But we need to keep this on the dance floor.
We are way too close, way too close to making it, for us to put our energy anywhere else.
Even true love? Look, I messed up, and I know you're scared, but I've changed, D.
You made me a better person, a better dancer.
[CHUCKLES.]
I don't want nobody, just you.
[SIGHS.]
We can start over.
Friends? [SIGHS.]
Yeah.
Friends.
[CHUCKLES.]
[LAUGHS.]
Who knows? Maybe even stars of a big TV show.
Maybe.
See you.
Yeah Pay attention! We got to fight for each other.
- You special.
- Ballroom is not a trend.
It's about family.
ANNOUNCER: Pose.
All new, Tuesdays at 10:00 on FX.
This is business.
Let's make some money.
I will bring you all down, one by one.
FRANKLIN: Playin' a different game now.
ANNOUNCER: In space, no one can hear you Sc [ALL SCREAMING.]
Jeez, calm down.
You want some of this? Ow! I think they might, actually.
Screw it.
If we're dyin' in here, I'm gonna go ahead and finish that cake.
Something must be depleting power from the ship! Did someone leave the fan on in the bathroom again? - What the - Uh-oh.
ANNOUNCER: Archer 1999.
All new, Wednesdays at 10:00 on FXX.
CHIP: Kids are not laughing at clowns anymore.
- They're scared of them.
- Ugh! Go away! Do you want to know what my life coach would say? You have a life coach? Don't you need a life first? We let others take control of our lives.
A controlling mother.
- I've been thinking about maybe moving out.
- Are you in a cult? - LIFE COACH: A bullying brother.
- [LAUGHS.]
Do you know that you are in charge? [CRASHES.]
ANNOUNCER: Baskets.
All new, Thursdays at 10:00 on FX.
SWITCH: Why do you need a time traveler? - To go back in time.
- How far? Well, how far can you go? ANNOUNCER: Legion.
All new, Mondays at 10:00 on FX.