Backstage (2016) s02e07 Episode Script
In Her Shadow
[Jax.]
Previously on Backstage DJ Diamondmind asked us if you would do vocals on his next track.
What? [chuckles.]
[Kit.]
Why should I care what Jax is saying about DJ Diamondmind? Because you are Diamondmind.
You've kept my secret this whole time? I need to tell you something.
I kissed someone else.
I have to say, I was surprised when George told me you made him VP.
I want to say thank you.
It means a lot, to both of us.
I think I like him, Kit.
I've decided to mentor two students to compete in a duet at the CAMDAs.
You obviously don't want me here! Just admit it, Mom.
Beckett Bradstreet is Helsweel's son? Strong as a lion Chasing down my prey I'm a rolling stone Coming fast down the highway I'm a rolling stone Mark my words when I say I'm invincible And you're no match for me On my worst day I'm a rolling stone And I'm a rolling stone I'm a rolling stone Coming fast down the highway Mr.
Bradstreet, like a gazelle, not a rhinoceros.
Mark my words when I say I'm invincible And you're no match for me On my worst day [Helsweel.]
Extend.
Lengthen your spine.
Show some effort, Mr.
Bradstreet.
Satisfactory.
If we want Tumpane to crush us.
Hydrate if you must.
Mr.
Bradstreet, with me.
[girl coughing.]
Looks like Helsweel's wrath has a new target.
It's as if the dance gods heard my pleas.
Can I have 50 bucks? We all know if Helsweel picks on you, she cares about you.
And I don't think Helsweel's gonna stop caring about her son any time soon.
Totally unfair.
Helsweel spends so much time on Beckett.
How can you say that? You're being ridiculous.
No, enough! You know what? I'm not dancing at the CAMDAs.
I quit.
[door opens, closes.]
You have two minutes to fix your mistakes.
Then we'll do it again.
- You know what this means? - We're totally gonna win the duets.
- [giggles.]
- Yes! Right.
If Beckett's out of the CAMDAs' duets, then So am I.
["Sparks" playing.]
My eyes are open but I cannot see And I'm up and walking Still feels like a dream Until our eyes adjust I guess We're only feeling in the darkness Oh, oh, oh - We just need a spark - Oh, oh - To light up the dark - Oh, oh I can feel you with me I can feel you with me - We just need a spark - Oh, oh - To light up the dark - Oh, oh I can feel you with me I can feel you with me We just need a spark [sighs.]
So, how do we convince Beckett not to quit? Maybe we don't.
Maybe I just accept that I won't be dancing a duet for CAMDAs.
At least we can watch them together.
Uh, no, not gonna happen.
You have to dance.
- Fine, I'll do it.
- You'll do what? I'll talk to Beckett.
He listens to me.
Kind of.
Sometimes.
Helsweel told you to stay away.
I'm not letting you get in trouble because of me.
What is she gonna do? Give me more detention? Stop me from dancing? Good point.
But [sighs.]
I should be the one to do it.
- I'll talk to him myself.
- [scoffs.]
What are you gonna say? I'll just tell Beckett that if he doesn't dance with me, I'll let everyone know Helsweel's his mom.
- Carly.
- I'm kidding.
I would never do that.
Maybe I can appeal to Beckett's competitive side.
Remind him that we're good enough to win.
- This will work.
- It has to.
[humming.]
- May I be of assistance? - Sure.
I'd love a licorice tea.
I meant something CAMDAs-related, and licorice and tea should never go together.
Okay, I need this photo on the front of these CAMDA programs.
- Incorrect.
- Excuse me? You need these photos digitized and added to the layout before you start printing.
So does that mean you can handle it? [sighs.]
It's my area of expertise and I am your vice president.
I can handle this.
It's all yours.
[humming.]
So? So? No way I get my work done with you sitting there looming over me.
[chuckles.]
We have to finish my DJ Diamondmind track and your vocals are all that's left.
I'm done with that pity project.
That was just Jax trying to cover up his guilt for kissing that girl.
She has a point.
Okay.
So you don't want your voice on the track of a legendary DJ then? I see what you're doing and it won't work.
Listen, I've got this crazy idea that I'm pretty stoked about.
Your voice is perfect.
No.
Helping DJ D is actually helping Jax and that's not gonna happen.
That's too bad, because I'm taking your advice.
I'm putting Kit Dunn on the track for the first time as a feature.
Really? I thought that it would be fitting that the person who inspired me to do that gets to sing the vocals for the track.
[sighs.]
So this has everything to do with me and nothing to do with Jax.
Sold.
I've already started the lyrics, so - And yet you made me beg.
- Mm-hmm.
[sighs.]
Hey.
Are you okay? Why? [scoffs.]
Because you seemed a little upset earlier with Helsweel.
Ms.
Helsweel.
And because we're dance partners.
Not anymore.
So that's it? Helsweel gives you a little criticism and you just walk away.
Look, it's complicated.
Believe me, I know.
What's that supposed to mean? Nothing.
I just Life is complicated.
[chuckles.]
So obviously, your situation is complicated too.
You're acting really weird.
I am weird, so weird.
Can we get back to the CAMDAs? - What do you think you know? - We know Helsweel's your mom.
What happened to leaving that part out? Oops.
Great.
So does the whole school know now? [sighs.]
Uh, no.
We won't tell anyone.
But you can't throw away all the work we've done all because you got into a fight with your mom.
It's it's not that simple.
- You don't get it.
- What don't we get? To her, I'm a dancer first, and a son last.
It's none of your business.
I'm done with the CAMDAs and there's nothing anyone can do to change my mind.
That did not go well.
What now? I hate to say it, but I think we need to talk to Uh, no.
Bad idea.
Bad.
Can you think of a better option? [both sigh.]
- [Scarlett.]
Wow.
- [George.]
It's just a mock up.
It looks great.
Can I see the printed version? Oh, uh, I haven't printed it yet.
What? George, we need the programs done today.
We have hundreds to print.
Obviously.
But we have to make them look perfect first.
In this situation, perfect means getting the job done.
That definition is completely incorrect.
Where did you attend elementary school? I didn't mean it literally.
Look.
Perfect or not perfect, start printing them.
Now.
[panting.]
Oh, no.
No.
Are we sure about this? You're right.
The only way Beckett dances the duet is if he and Helsweel make up.
- You don't have to come with me.
- I know.
And there she is now.
Ms.
Dobson has been telling me what an extraordinary choreographer you are, ad nauseam.
We're having the best time.
My solo's gonna be the best.
Well, humility is the key to success.
- [Carly.]
Can we talk? - I thought we were.
Alone.
See you at rehearsal.
We, um, noticed that you and Beckett had a kerfuffle this morning.
[softly.]
"Kerfuffle"? Well, it's good to know that you can both see and hear.
What is this about? I really want to dance the duet at the CAMDAs, and Beckett, he's a special dancer.
So if he quits, then Carly won't be able to do the duet.
Which we worked so hard on.
Beckett and me I, together.
He's not quitting.
He'll come around.
It's like V and I.
When we have a conflict around dance, we try to remember that we're like family.
And when we take care of our family, the dance seems to take care of itself.
[Vanessa.]
We've seen what can happen when dance gets in the way.
And we just don't want that to happen to Beckett.
And you.
Anything else? [indistinct chatter.]
Aidan.
Aidan, I lost my wristband.
I need to find it.
My cue's coming up, but I'll help as soon as I'm done.
Unacceptable.
Scarlett's counting on me to print these programs.
If I don't Here.
Here.
You got mine.
But that's your wristband.
If I take yours, it defeats the purpose.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
Baltazar approaches, you must hide.
Look, that's my cue.
Just retrace your steps and I'll come as soon as I'm done.
[sighs.]
Retrace my steps, retrace my steps.
Light bulb.
["Something Shiny" playing.]
I thought we could set The world on fire Mm But now we barely recognize desire And then something shiny caught your eye, now I wonder If I could ever love someone again If I could ever love someone again [vocalizing.]
Shouldn't we sing these bummer lyrics in a poppy up-tempo style so they feel ironic? It's the first Kit Dunn feature.
I want to try something different.
A lot of artists shy away from digital distortion, but I love it.
Cool, but what about the tempo? Won't it clash with the drum track? I want synths in this song and the human head is a completely organic and entirely unique synthesizer.
Obviously.
[keyboard clicks.]
[vocalizing.]
- [keyboard clicks.]
- Your vocal chords vibrate, sending the sound that bounces off the roof of the mouth past the lips in whatever shape you create.
[chuckles.]
[vocalizing.]
[sighs.]
The original vocal drips of emotion.
And even though we distorted your voice, your personality is still there.
No amount of manipulation can hide it.
It's incredible.
Yup, it's probably the best thing I've ever done.
Really? Uh, sure.
But I say that about every new track.
[chuckles.]
And sent.
I'll follow up later to see what my label's response is.
Thanks, Kit, for convincing me to do this.
Yup, bad idea.
Bad.
It's over.
I'm not dancing a duet in the CAMDAs, end of story.
No, you can't give up.
We'll find you a new partner.
[sighs.]
Like who? Like Antonio? [scoffs.]
From Sloane's crew? He doesn't know a pirouette from a pas de bourrée.
- John? - Too tall.
Adam? Too full of himself.
- Alex? - Two left feet.
[sighs.]
I get it, I get it.
No one's as good as Beckett.
It's not even about the CAMDAs anymore.
The look on Helsweel's face, she was so Human? - I've never seen her like that before.
- [sighs.]
We were just trying to do the right thing.
For you, for Beckett, for her.
And what's the right thing to do now? [both.]
Apologize.
And to gracefully bow to the CAMDAs.
Right after we finish our punishment.
[both sigh.]
Of course, they chose today to finally take out the garbage.
Unless there's a photocopier in here, you're in big trouble, little man.
I lost my wristband.
Someone must have thrown it out.
You need to help me.
Starlets don't dumpster dive, and we definitely don't have time to be looking for some silly little bracelet.
Wristband, and it's not silly.
- George, seriously, you're being - I can't work without it.
Okay.
Sorry.
Just tell me where you got it and I'll buy you a new one.
It's not the same.
I made one for Aidan and he made one for me.
How am I supposed to finish your programs? How am I supposed to do anything? I'm useless without this.
Useless.
- I understand.
- No, you don't.
See this? My sister got it for me last year for my birthday.
It's my good luck charm, and I never sing without it.
But you sing all the time.
That's why I never take it off.
Okay, let's look for your bracelet.
- Wristband.
- Wristband.
[Bianca.]
Kit.
Any feedback? - Pitchfork did a pre-review.
- What? That's amazing.
"DJ D's latest track shows a bold new direction for the talented producer that's sure to stay in your ear long after the song ends.
The use of TV star Bianca Blackwell's voice is a stroke of genius.
DJ D even gives his assistant mention on the credits as the ultimate act of charity.
" Ouch.
Whatever.
Who cares? They didn't even mention my name.
I'll always be his assistant.
Kit, bold new direction, stroke of genius, those are about you.
Those are about DJ D.
DJ D is you.
And I'll be stuck in his shadow forever.
It's your own shadow that's falling over you.
So, what do I do about it? What did you say to me? No amount of manipulation can hide my voice.
So? So you can manipulate your image all you want, but you can't hide the real you.
Nothing is worth more than your talent.
No superhero DJ in a diamond helmet.
Now if the diamonds were real Maybe it's time to step out into the light.
Let everyone see the face behind the mask.
This is disgusting! Oh, um [groans.]
So it's blue and extremely small.
Do we have anything else to go by? Uh, it's probably crumpled up in paper towels and paint supplies.
So we'll find it by next CAMDAs.
Don't be ridiculous.
We have 'til Wednesday.
- Wednesday? - Garbage day.
Wait, wait, George.
You are forgiven.
For what? I can only assume you were the one who threw it out in the first place.
Finally.
How long was that scene? Worst timing ever.
It's a Spanish tragedy.
What can I say? I came to help, but looks like somebody beat me to it.
- Oh.
- [chuckles.]
Thanks for taking the hit this time.
Can we do thank yous later? We have programs to attend to.
I need, like, nine showers.
I must look terrible.
Impossible.
Come on.
[Kit, in robotic voice.]
I've done a lot in a few short years.
Tours, charts, tearing up the dance floors, but [in normal voice.]
I haven't done it alone.
I've had the help of friends.
The help of family.
People who have always been there, even when it hasn't been easy.
I want to make sure that I mention everyone who has helped made me what I am.
Because I am I can't do it.
DJ Diamondmind is retiring.
Forever.
Previously on Backstage DJ Diamondmind asked us if you would do vocals on his next track.
What? [chuckles.]
[Kit.]
Why should I care what Jax is saying about DJ Diamondmind? Because you are Diamondmind.
You've kept my secret this whole time? I need to tell you something.
I kissed someone else.
I have to say, I was surprised when George told me you made him VP.
I want to say thank you.
It means a lot, to both of us.
I think I like him, Kit.
I've decided to mentor two students to compete in a duet at the CAMDAs.
You obviously don't want me here! Just admit it, Mom.
Beckett Bradstreet is Helsweel's son? Strong as a lion Chasing down my prey I'm a rolling stone Coming fast down the highway I'm a rolling stone Mark my words when I say I'm invincible And you're no match for me On my worst day I'm a rolling stone And I'm a rolling stone I'm a rolling stone Coming fast down the highway Mr.
Bradstreet, like a gazelle, not a rhinoceros.
Mark my words when I say I'm invincible And you're no match for me On my worst day [Helsweel.]
Extend.
Lengthen your spine.
Show some effort, Mr.
Bradstreet.
Satisfactory.
If we want Tumpane to crush us.
Hydrate if you must.
Mr.
Bradstreet, with me.
[girl coughing.]
Looks like Helsweel's wrath has a new target.
It's as if the dance gods heard my pleas.
Can I have 50 bucks? We all know if Helsweel picks on you, she cares about you.
And I don't think Helsweel's gonna stop caring about her son any time soon.
Totally unfair.
Helsweel spends so much time on Beckett.
How can you say that? You're being ridiculous.
No, enough! You know what? I'm not dancing at the CAMDAs.
I quit.
[door opens, closes.]
You have two minutes to fix your mistakes.
Then we'll do it again.
- You know what this means? - We're totally gonna win the duets.
- [giggles.]
- Yes! Right.
If Beckett's out of the CAMDAs' duets, then So am I.
["Sparks" playing.]
My eyes are open but I cannot see And I'm up and walking Still feels like a dream Until our eyes adjust I guess We're only feeling in the darkness Oh, oh, oh - We just need a spark - Oh, oh - To light up the dark - Oh, oh I can feel you with me I can feel you with me - We just need a spark - Oh, oh - To light up the dark - Oh, oh I can feel you with me I can feel you with me We just need a spark [sighs.]
So, how do we convince Beckett not to quit? Maybe we don't.
Maybe I just accept that I won't be dancing a duet for CAMDAs.
At least we can watch them together.
Uh, no, not gonna happen.
You have to dance.
- Fine, I'll do it.
- You'll do what? I'll talk to Beckett.
He listens to me.
Kind of.
Sometimes.
Helsweel told you to stay away.
I'm not letting you get in trouble because of me.
What is she gonna do? Give me more detention? Stop me from dancing? Good point.
But [sighs.]
I should be the one to do it.
- I'll talk to him myself.
- [scoffs.]
What are you gonna say? I'll just tell Beckett that if he doesn't dance with me, I'll let everyone know Helsweel's his mom.
- Carly.
- I'm kidding.
I would never do that.
Maybe I can appeal to Beckett's competitive side.
Remind him that we're good enough to win.
- This will work.
- It has to.
[humming.]
- May I be of assistance? - Sure.
I'd love a licorice tea.
I meant something CAMDAs-related, and licorice and tea should never go together.
Okay, I need this photo on the front of these CAMDA programs.
- Incorrect.
- Excuse me? You need these photos digitized and added to the layout before you start printing.
So does that mean you can handle it? [sighs.]
It's my area of expertise and I am your vice president.
I can handle this.
It's all yours.
[humming.]
So? So? No way I get my work done with you sitting there looming over me.
[chuckles.]
We have to finish my DJ Diamondmind track and your vocals are all that's left.
I'm done with that pity project.
That was just Jax trying to cover up his guilt for kissing that girl.
She has a point.
Okay.
So you don't want your voice on the track of a legendary DJ then? I see what you're doing and it won't work.
Listen, I've got this crazy idea that I'm pretty stoked about.
Your voice is perfect.
No.
Helping DJ D is actually helping Jax and that's not gonna happen.
That's too bad, because I'm taking your advice.
I'm putting Kit Dunn on the track for the first time as a feature.
Really? I thought that it would be fitting that the person who inspired me to do that gets to sing the vocals for the track.
[sighs.]
So this has everything to do with me and nothing to do with Jax.
Sold.
I've already started the lyrics, so - And yet you made me beg.
- Mm-hmm.
[sighs.]
Hey.
Are you okay? Why? [scoffs.]
Because you seemed a little upset earlier with Helsweel.
Ms.
Helsweel.
And because we're dance partners.
Not anymore.
So that's it? Helsweel gives you a little criticism and you just walk away.
Look, it's complicated.
Believe me, I know.
What's that supposed to mean? Nothing.
I just Life is complicated.
[chuckles.]
So obviously, your situation is complicated too.
You're acting really weird.
I am weird, so weird.
Can we get back to the CAMDAs? - What do you think you know? - We know Helsweel's your mom.
What happened to leaving that part out? Oops.
Great.
So does the whole school know now? [sighs.]
Uh, no.
We won't tell anyone.
But you can't throw away all the work we've done all because you got into a fight with your mom.
It's it's not that simple.
- You don't get it.
- What don't we get? To her, I'm a dancer first, and a son last.
It's none of your business.
I'm done with the CAMDAs and there's nothing anyone can do to change my mind.
That did not go well.
What now? I hate to say it, but I think we need to talk to Uh, no.
Bad idea.
Bad.
Can you think of a better option? [both sigh.]
- [Scarlett.]
Wow.
- [George.]
It's just a mock up.
It looks great.
Can I see the printed version? Oh, uh, I haven't printed it yet.
What? George, we need the programs done today.
We have hundreds to print.
Obviously.
But we have to make them look perfect first.
In this situation, perfect means getting the job done.
That definition is completely incorrect.
Where did you attend elementary school? I didn't mean it literally.
Look.
Perfect or not perfect, start printing them.
Now.
[panting.]
Oh, no.
No.
Are we sure about this? You're right.
The only way Beckett dances the duet is if he and Helsweel make up.
- You don't have to come with me.
- I know.
And there she is now.
Ms.
Dobson has been telling me what an extraordinary choreographer you are, ad nauseam.
We're having the best time.
My solo's gonna be the best.
Well, humility is the key to success.
- [Carly.]
Can we talk? - I thought we were.
Alone.
See you at rehearsal.
We, um, noticed that you and Beckett had a kerfuffle this morning.
[softly.]
"Kerfuffle"? Well, it's good to know that you can both see and hear.
What is this about? I really want to dance the duet at the CAMDAs, and Beckett, he's a special dancer.
So if he quits, then Carly won't be able to do the duet.
Which we worked so hard on.
Beckett and me I, together.
He's not quitting.
He'll come around.
It's like V and I.
When we have a conflict around dance, we try to remember that we're like family.
And when we take care of our family, the dance seems to take care of itself.
[Vanessa.]
We've seen what can happen when dance gets in the way.
And we just don't want that to happen to Beckett.
And you.
Anything else? [indistinct chatter.]
Aidan.
Aidan, I lost my wristband.
I need to find it.
My cue's coming up, but I'll help as soon as I'm done.
Unacceptable.
Scarlett's counting on me to print these programs.
If I don't Here.
Here.
You got mine.
But that's your wristband.
If I take yours, it defeats the purpose.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
Baltazar approaches, you must hide.
Look, that's my cue.
Just retrace your steps and I'll come as soon as I'm done.
[sighs.]
Retrace my steps, retrace my steps.
Light bulb.
["Something Shiny" playing.]
I thought we could set The world on fire Mm But now we barely recognize desire And then something shiny caught your eye, now I wonder If I could ever love someone again If I could ever love someone again [vocalizing.]
Shouldn't we sing these bummer lyrics in a poppy up-tempo style so they feel ironic? It's the first Kit Dunn feature.
I want to try something different.
A lot of artists shy away from digital distortion, but I love it.
Cool, but what about the tempo? Won't it clash with the drum track? I want synths in this song and the human head is a completely organic and entirely unique synthesizer.
Obviously.
[keyboard clicks.]
[vocalizing.]
- [keyboard clicks.]
- Your vocal chords vibrate, sending the sound that bounces off the roof of the mouth past the lips in whatever shape you create.
[chuckles.]
[vocalizing.]
[sighs.]
The original vocal drips of emotion.
And even though we distorted your voice, your personality is still there.
No amount of manipulation can hide it.
It's incredible.
Yup, it's probably the best thing I've ever done.
Really? Uh, sure.
But I say that about every new track.
[chuckles.]
And sent.
I'll follow up later to see what my label's response is.
Thanks, Kit, for convincing me to do this.
Yup, bad idea.
Bad.
It's over.
I'm not dancing a duet in the CAMDAs, end of story.
No, you can't give up.
We'll find you a new partner.
[sighs.]
Like who? Like Antonio? [scoffs.]
From Sloane's crew? He doesn't know a pirouette from a pas de bourrée.
- John? - Too tall.
Adam? Too full of himself.
- Alex? - Two left feet.
[sighs.]
I get it, I get it.
No one's as good as Beckett.
It's not even about the CAMDAs anymore.
The look on Helsweel's face, she was so Human? - I've never seen her like that before.
- [sighs.]
We were just trying to do the right thing.
For you, for Beckett, for her.
And what's the right thing to do now? [both.]
Apologize.
And to gracefully bow to the CAMDAs.
Right after we finish our punishment.
[both sigh.]
Of course, they chose today to finally take out the garbage.
Unless there's a photocopier in here, you're in big trouble, little man.
I lost my wristband.
Someone must have thrown it out.
You need to help me.
Starlets don't dumpster dive, and we definitely don't have time to be looking for some silly little bracelet.
Wristband, and it's not silly.
- George, seriously, you're being - I can't work without it.
Okay.
Sorry.
Just tell me where you got it and I'll buy you a new one.
It's not the same.
I made one for Aidan and he made one for me.
How am I supposed to finish your programs? How am I supposed to do anything? I'm useless without this.
Useless.
- I understand.
- No, you don't.
See this? My sister got it for me last year for my birthday.
It's my good luck charm, and I never sing without it.
But you sing all the time.
That's why I never take it off.
Okay, let's look for your bracelet.
- Wristband.
- Wristband.
[Bianca.]
Kit.
Any feedback? - Pitchfork did a pre-review.
- What? That's amazing.
"DJ D's latest track shows a bold new direction for the talented producer that's sure to stay in your ear long after the song ends.
The use of TV star Bianca Blackwell's voice is a stroke of genius.
DJ D even gives his assistant mention on the credits as the ultimate act of charity.
" Ouch.
Whatever.
Who cares? They didn't even mention my name.
I'll always be his assistant.
Kit, bold new direction, stroke of genius, those are about you.
Those are about DJ D.
DJ D is you.
And I'll be stuck in his shadow forever.
It's your own shadow that's falling over you.
So, what do I do about it? What did you say to me? No amount of manipulation can hide my voice.
So? So you can manipulate your image all you want, but you can't hide the real you.
Nothing is worth more than your talent.
No superhero DJ in a diamond helmet.
Now if the diamonds were real Maybe it's time to step out into the light.
Let everyone see the face behind the mask.
This is disgusting! Oh, um [groans.]
So it's blue and extremely small.
Do we have anything else to go by? Uh, it's probably crumpled up in paper towels and paint supplies.
So we'll find it by next CAMDAs.
Don't be ridiculous.
We have 'til Wednesday.
- Wednesday? - Garbage day.
Wait, wait, George.
You are forgiven.
For what? I can only assume you were the one who threw it out in the first place.
Finally.
How long was that scene? Worst timing ever.
It's a Spanish tragedy.
What can I say? I came to help, but looks like somebody beat me to it.
- Oh.
- [chuckles.]
Thanks for taking the hit this time.
Can we do thank yous later? We have programs to attend to.
I need, like, nine showers.
I must look terrible.
Impossible.
Come on.
[Kit, in robotic voice.]
I've done a lot in a few short years.
Tours, charts, tearing up the dance floors, but [in normal voice.]
I haven't done it alone.
I've had the help of friends.
The help of family.
People who have always been there, even when it hasn't been easy.
I want to make sure that I mention everyone who has helped made me what I am.
Because I am I can't do it.
DJ Diamondmind is retiring.
Forever.