Being Mary Jane (2013) s02e11 Episode Script
Reading The Signs
Previously on Being Mary Jane I am engaged, and I want more.
I like you, Sheldon, and I like where this is going.
You should have pushed harder.
There is more to good journalism than interrogating people, Kara.
It's not journalism.
It's advocacy.
Cynthia called in sick tonight.
- I get to do Prime Time tonight? - Yes! I'm not attacking you, Ms.
Foy.
I'm simply asking you if you think that your book is being used to further a political agenda.
If you're really paying attention to my show, you would see that we're not all that different at all.
When I look at you, I see an ugly black woman too.
Welcome to the show, Mary Jane Paul.
I'm gonna start out by saying there is not one thing that's ugly about you.
Well, thank you, and I kind of got myself in the hot seat on that one, huh? - Yes, you did.
But for the 12 people out there who may still have dial-up and have no idea what we're talking about, why don't we roll your interview just from a couple days ago? And then we'll talk about it.
If you were really paying attention to my show, you would see that we're not all that different at all.
I mean, granted, we may not agree on certain issues, but we're both fighting to be heard and fighting to be taken seriously and to be seen.
So when it comes down to it, I see an ugly black woman too.
Mary Jane Paul, come on.
You know that you're not supposed to become the story.
We don't make the news; we just report the news.
How does it feel being on the other side of that journalistic line? First of all, let me just say that being an ugly black woman has absolutely nothing to do with appearance.
It's about the people who feel that their voices have been stifled by society, people who are trying to be heard, for every little thing that they've been given in this life.
Those people, those are the ugly black women that I'm talking about.
Regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation, those people, I am speaking for them, people who feel like their stories don't matter.
It's time for all of us to stand up You are very passionate about it, but you said "feel.
" Feelings aren't facts when you're reporting the news.
The fact is, there is a whole segment of our population that feels that their stories do not matter and that they have no voice.
I'm speaking to those people.
You're supposed to call that, though, and then bring those stories to life.
But I want to ask you about the Tea Party, the religious right.
How do you respond to them calling you a racist for calling this woman an ugly black woman on national television? I think that the beautiful thing about this country is that we are all entitled to an opinion and to speak our opinions, and they are justifiably doing that.
I would also say that there are several shows and more power to them.
I'm going to continue to use my show, Talk Back with Mary Jane Paul, to speak to the people whose voices and stories have been largely ignored and I make no apologies about that.
What do you see? The cult of personality I know your anger I know your dreams I've been everything you want to be Hey, come on, Mary.
You've been famous for a while now, but even you got to admit all this buzz has gone and made you a star.
I don't pay attention to that stuff.
Girl, please; look, you ain't even got to front, not for me, anyway.
Whatever, PJ As quickly as it all comes, it goes.
It's just how I-- Not if mom can help it.
Look, she been calling everybody she knows bragging on you, okay, Telling the whole world how her baby done hit the big time.
I'm saying it's not enough that I have my own news show or the fact that I was on the air for, what, over a decade? Yeah, Good Morning America starts talking about me, Don't trip.
You know how she is.
But that new song is hot, though.
What new song? Hang on.
You didn't hear it? No.
Let me pull this up for you right quick.
Follow me Listen to this.
When I look at you I see an ugly black woman Oh Hey, look, you know you made it when you get auto-tuned.
Okay, not setting the bar too high, are we? Jeez.
It's hot though, right? Yeah, it's cool.
All right, look, do your thing.
Bye, ugly black woman.
All right, later, girl.
- Bye.
- Be careful what you say today.
The whole world's watching.
Great to meet you, Mary Jane Paul.
I'm actually a big fan of your show.
Oh? Oh? Critics argue that your book tour is merely the blueprint for the No Child Left Behind model that the Republicans used during the Bush administration.
You know what? I'm not a politician.
I'm a big fan of your show.
Not at all.
Not at all.
Not at all.
Not at all.
I was going to be interviewed by Cynthia, not by you and your liberal agenda.
I feel ambushed.
I feel attacked.
You have the opportunity to explain your position right here - No.
- Right now.
And I would love it if you did that.
You read my book? Well, I've seen your show.
And you're a race-baiter.
You think the world sees you as an ugly black woman, always the victim, always misunderstood, and you're really just a broken record.
Oh.
Oh.
I'm a woman.
I'm sorry.
I don't see the connection.
Oh, let me connect the dots for you.
Excuse me? Let me connect the dots for you.
Excuse me? When I look at you, I see an ugly black woman too.
Look in my eyes What do you see? The cult of personality I know your anger I know your dreams I've been everything you want to be Oh, I'm the cult of personality Like Mussolini and Kennedy I'm the cult of personality The cult of personality Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Neon lights, Nobel Prize When a mirror speaks Hi.
Thank you so much for watching.
You won't have to follow me Only you can set me free Thank you so much for watching.
I've got to get to work, you guys.
Thank you for watching.
I sell the things you need to be I'm the smiling face on your TV Oh, I'm the cult of personality I exploit you Still you love me I tell you one and one makes three Oh, I'm the cult of personality Hey, Cynthia.
Welcome back.
You feeling better? Let's just cut the crap, okay? You and I both know damn well that I was never sick.
No, I didn't know that.
Usually when people say things like that, I tend to believe them.
Yeah, well, it's all bullcrap.
and they are going to use you to do it.
- When did they tell you that? - They didn't.
But when they tell you you're looking tired and to go take a few days off to relax, that's usually not a good sign.
- You're being paranoid.
- Am I? You're the face of the network.
They built this whole place around you, Cynthia.
If you had not helped them launch it, there would be no SNC.
All true, every word of it.
But after what happened to you at CNN, you should know better than anyone that there is no loyalty in news.
- This is different.
- Is it? Before this, I spent 18 years at ABC, than a sad-looking cake and a couple of cheap bottles of champagne.
You're, what, mid-40s? Look at all the female anchors over 50 still going.
There's Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer You're just now hitting your prime.
Well, now I see why they love you so much.
Even I can't tell if you're lying.
As I thank our guest, actress, author, and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, whose foundation, Hollyrod, offers help and hope to families living with autism and Parkinson's Disease, I can't help but recall a quote from renowned author Toni Morrison who reminds us to make a difference about something other than yourselves.
I'm Mary Jane Paul.
- Hey.
- Oh, boy.
What's up? I just had a little drama with my folks, I may have to leave to New York tonight.
I want to talk about what Her Highness had to say.
Well, she thinks that they're pushing her out and that we're next in line to fill her time slot.
I knew it.
I told you.
Didn't I tell you? Nobody takes off out of the blue like that unless they're going under the knife or they're about to get the axe.
How does everyone seem to know about this rule except for me? - I don't know.
- Sorry, guys.
But Greg's asking for you two upstairs.
Oh, okay, tell him we'll be there in just a minute.
Okay, and Sharay's in his office too.
Oh.
What a coinkydink.
Let's go.
on making the most of your opportunities Viral impact.
I swear, those words go in one ear and out the other.
Forgive my ignorance.
I have an account, but apparently someone in the mailroom posts on my behalf.
She's our VP of Communications.
Same difference.
My point is, I'm thrilled with all of the Viral impact.
Before I proceed, I need to know that I can trust the two of you.
Can I trust you, Mary Jane? - Yeah, of course.
- Yeah.
The four people in this room are the only ones who know what I'm about to tell you, so if it leaks out, I'll know where it came from.
That being said, we decided to make a change.
Cynthia doesn't know it yet, but these two weeks will be her last, and it's our intention to have the two of you replace her assuming you want the job, that is.
Thank you, Sharay.
We most definitely want this job; thank you.
We'll be contacting your reps to work out the details, but assuming all goes as planned, you two will be on Prime Time before you know it.
Oh, my goodness.
Thank you so much, Sharay, for this vote of confidence.
We really appreciate it.
Thank you so much.
Yes.
Mary Jane, mind sticking around? I'd like for the two of us to chat.
Absolutely.
I'll just meet you downstairs.
Of course.
Thanks again.
I love your heels.
I've been admiring them since you walked in.
- Gucci? - Good eye.
Yeah, speaking of shoes, if you're not careful, I will steal those right off your feet.
When I look at you, I see so much of myself.
I love how fearless and stubborn you can be, how you know what you want and how you're willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
I understand that.
I do.
But you've got to know that some people are going to be threatened by your resolve.
I wasn't aware of anyone being threatened by me.
Greg's not like us, and though he's very good at what he does, he rarely has an original idea, so from now on, whenever he speaks, you should assume that he's acting directly on my behalf, okay? Okay.
So is this about the kind of stories that I can do and the target demo? At the end of the day, this is still a business, and while I'd never ask you to stifle your creativity, since that's what makes you who you are, I will need you to tone down the all-black agenda and shift your focus over to doing some broader, more far-reaching stories.
Can you do that for me? Good, so it's settled then.
I'm so glad that we got to talk, and please know if you ever need anything, my door is always open.
Thank you.
Make sure you keep her on a short leash.
The last thing we need around here is to have an ugly black woman running wild.
You sure this is the best idea? No.
But we have to play the hand we've been dealt.
Let's just ride this sudden popularity of hers to a bump in ratings.
It'll make the board happy.
We'll get some kudos for a diversity hire, and then if she doesn't fall into place, we'll find someone else.
That's what I need.
Yep.
Oh, I got to go.
I got to go.
Bye.
Hey, what did she say? She just wants us to play ball.
I mean, we mainly talked about shoes.
She is a smart woman.
Mm-hmm, she did her research.
She knows your weak spot.
Yeah, it all felt very calculated.
That's because it is.
Testing our loyalty or trying to create a bond.
Either way, she's definitely using us.
And don't even think about going to Cynthia, okay? Listen to me.
We are this close to our dream gig, baby girl, all right? So don't go screwing it up now.
This is supposed to be a really great thing.
No, I know, and it's not that I'm not excited.
I am.
It's just I know that nightly news has always been our ultimate goal, and it still very well may be, but I'm just finally doing work that I'm really proud of.
And we're being rewarded for it.
Yeah, but at what cost, Kara? I'm up to 1 million Twitter followers ever since we started doing the all-black stories.
I know our ratings are higher than they report to us, is finally making a real difference.
Okay, well, nobody's telling you you can't do your black-centric stories.
We just, you know, we've got to mix it up a little sometimes.
Don't you see how ridiculous that sounds? I guarantee you nobody's telling Cynthia to do fewer white stories.
Hmm? Ever since we've had a black president, it's like now there are generations of black kids-- who literally and truly believe anything is possible.
So knowing that, don't you sort of feel obligated to give those kids a perspective of the world that they can't get anywhere else? Well, if you don't think seeing a black female news anchor on Prime Time isn't making a difference, you're crazy.
Mary Jane, look what you did.
You made one comment--one-- and it went viral.
You started a movement, girl.
It's hardly a movement.
Well, call it what you want.
It sure as hell was something huge.
And yet and still that's the very thing that Sharay wants me to change.
Right now, Kara, the possibilities are endless.
I've got people calling my agent offering me book deals, saying they want me to be a motivation speaker for 15 grand a pop.
I mean, even broadcast news is back on the table as a realistic option again.
Okay, okay, okay, I see where this is coming from.
This isn't about making a difference.
This is about making money.
Why can't it be about both? I've been trying to find my context.
You know, "How do I help?" How do I make a difference?" I mean, the money--the money just keeps me relevant.
Mary Jane, I hear you.
But this is a bird in a hand.
I know that you're having doubts with all these opportunities coming your way and everything, but, mama, this gig-- this one right here-- could be our game-changer for both of us.
being on the other side of the camera? Do you? Kara, you've got a good, what, We see what they're doing to Cynthia.
- I got, what, 10 years tops? - Stop.
If you start thinking that way, you're gonna make yourself crazy.
Which is exactly why I've got to take a step back and really think everything through.
And I've got to make the best decision for-- for both of us.
What's gonna be best for both of our careers? Okay.
All right, just, you know, girl, whatever you decide, just remember that we are in this together, okay? - I know.
- Please? I know.
- Oh, shoot.
- Just get it.
You know, go take care of your family.
- Are you sure? - As many times as you've had my back? - I got you.
- You call me.
I'm serious, M.
J.
, all right? - Go, go, go.
- Fine.
All right.
All right, mama, I'll be back tomorrow.
Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Hey, come on in.
Oh, and hello to you too.
Sorry.
- Hi.
- Hi.
So last week wasn't a temporary thing.
They officially offered me Cynthia's job today.
Wow.
And last week, I would've been overjoyed and jumped at the chance, but I don't know.
Right now, I just sort of feel like I'm selling out.
You know? Wow.
Okay.
What's all this? Uh, you were thinking tonight we would try all kinds of things.
Well, it's one step at a time.
Something smells so good.
Oh, it's saffron in the rice.
Oh.
Make yourself comfortable.
Pour yourself a drink, and I'm going to go put on some music.
Nice.
All right, they showed me how to do this.
You all right over there? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Um, I had this guy come over last week to install a new stereo, and he showed me how to do it, and I just don't remember what he did.
You want me to come look at it? I think I got it.
Something in here.
So they could come over and read the fine print? You got jokes.
That should be it.
Come on! What about Oh, okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm--I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
You all right, chief? Yeah, I--I got it.
I--it's something that he told me to push the one and Nice, huh? I'm sorry about all that.
No.
You sure put forth a lot of effort tonight.
Any particular reason? No.
How do you mean? Oh, I don't know, the candles, the slow jams.
the saffron.
No, I just figure we'd have a nice meal, some nice wine, and afterwards, if you're up for it, What's so funny? Nothing, these DVDs remind me of something.
It's nothing, really.
Doesn't seem like nothing.
Okay, I have seen the whole French film move done to death.
I've used it myself.
Um, but yeah, it's--it's no big deal.
That's not a move.
It was, you know, you seem like a person who likes foreign films.
Oh, do I? Really? Yeah.
You don't think we're a little too old to be playing games? I mean, come on.
I'm not playing anything.
Look, if you don't want to see the damn film, I couldn't care less, really.
Okay, calm down.
Pump the brakes.
I'm just saying that this is really, I mean-- and you have to admit, all of this is--it's a lot.
It's a whole hell of a lot, and I'm sure to the 25-year-olds, this stuff works wonders.
I mean, it's a panty-dropper move, so I get it.
But to me, it's just coming across corny.
Oh, jeez.
Now you're mad.
Not my intention.
It's no big deal.
I think you're just taking it the wrong way.
You know? It's just dinner and a movie, Mary Jane.
And I appreciate it.
I totally appreciate it.
It's just a bit much.
That's fine.
It's all good.
I get it.
You have no idea that this is entirely your fault, do you? - Entirely? - Yeah.
I think that's a bit of a stretch.
It's not my fault the man is sensitive salad.
What? Mary Jane, come on.
Are you kidding me? You called the man corny.
I mean, what the hell did you expect to happen? I assumed he would have taken it as constructive criticism.
A man goes out of his way to plan a romantic dinner for you.
Constructive or not, that was not gonna ever end well.
No, I think you're making too big of a deal out of it.
It wasn't that bad.
Yeah, that's probably why you guys sat in silence for the rest of the night.
You're right.
I'm an awful person.
Oh, see, I didn't say-- I didn't say all of that.
No, I'm an awful person.
I'm an awful person.
Okay, maybe misguided, but see, what it is is that you women don't realize it, but your words have the power to either lift a man up or to crush his spirit, especially when someone likes you enough to go to that kind of effort.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Please, enough.
Okay, so, what is the likelihood that this whole thing just might blow over? - I mean, that could happen.
- It could.
I don't know, Mary Jane.
It's all dependent on the person, I guess.
You know, there was this guy back in college, Donovan Rossi.
- Oh.
- Mmm.
We're in my room making out.
Now, we didn't really know what the hell we were doing.
It was all kind of awkward.
Now, at this point, I had already been with a woman, but I had never been with a guy-- - Whoa, okay.
Hold up.
- What? Pause Pause.
Okay, how did I not know that you'd slept with a freaking woman? - Hey.
- Okay.
And now that I do know, oh, it's blowing my mind.
- Girl.
- Okay, that's all.
- Back to you.
- Okay.
- You were making out.
- Doing our thing.
- So things started to heat up.
- Mm-hmm.
Clothes started coming off, and then there I am standing in front of him buck naked, and he starts to laugh.
- Oh, damn.
- Oh, my gosh.
And before I knew it, he ran out of the room, and we never spoke again.
It's 'cause you were like Oh, please, child.
My point is, in that moment, Donovan realized that he wasn't gay.
And he just freaked out.
That poor guy.
Jeez.
What do you mean, poor guy? Mary Jane, look, okay, in that moment, no matter how many times I play it over in my head, The whole point of me baring my soul to you is to show you the depth of what Sheldon may be feeling after you laughed in his face and that are were two sides--always--to a story.
It couldn't be that bad, could it? I mean, I don't know.
Apparently neither do you.
I'd reach out to him.
Pun intended? You know, you can laugh it off, avoid this if you want to, but drawing off of my own experience, are back on familiar territory for one game.
Quite a bit on the line as they've been struggling of late.
Hi, Ma.
What are you doing here? How you doing? I thought you said you were gonna call when your flight landed? How are you? Thank you.
I--stop.
Hector.
Please pause the game, huh? - Get up.
Come on.
Say hello.
- It's all right.
It's okay.
Don't worry about it.
Don't get up, pop.
How you doing? Good to see you.
Better than some, worse than others.
You know how it is.
Hey, how 'bout those Knicks, huh? You think Phil Jackson'll bring us the championship? Only if he gets his ass back on the bench where he belongs.
We got Derek Fisher.
- He's a Laker.
- Oh, brother.
Hey, hey, hey, are you hungry? No, no, no, actually, I got something on the plane.
- You look hungry.
- Ay, stop it.
- Come on.
- You look good, Ma.
Okay, come on.
Keep me company, huh? How you been? So how long you get to stay this time? Probably just go overnight, unfortunately.
You've texted me, like, 14 times.
And each one was more cryptic than the other.
You've got to be kidding me.
Come on.
Every day, all he does is scream at that TV.
okay, he comes and he tells me that we're moving to a condo What? That we're selling the house.
Can you believe that crap? No, no, that doesn't make any sense.
Yeah, out of nowhere.
Just like that.
There's got to be some kind of explanation.
Yeah, well, if you can find it, all right, you tell me.
Because he's like talking to a wall.
- PapÃ? - Oh.
Kare bear.
Hi, Lily pad.
- How are you doing? - I heard that you were coming.
But I had to see it with my own two eyes.
- Ooh, my goodness.
- Hi, Mom.
- You look beautiful.
Oh, my goodness.
What is this? Nice.
Did Daddy buy this for you? Yeah, yeah, a while back.
Is that why you're always defending him, 'cause he buys you nice gifts? - It's a knockoff, okay? - Mm-hmm.
Yeah, well, the difference is, I paid for this myself.
Enough, both of you, huh? If you're here to try to talk them out of selling the house-- Wait, you mean him.
And in what universe is it a good idea to sell this house? Actually, the way the market is rebounding, What? Since when are you a real estate expert? Last I heard, you were an unemployed hairdresser.
You're not here 10 minutes, and you're already criticizing - Big surprise.
- Okay, you listen to me, okay? Kara's here because I asked her to come.
I am tired of you and your dad ganging up on me.
- Ma-- - No, shh.
I don't care what the market looks like, huh? I am not selling my house, and that's final.
Lily, how could you possibly be siding with him on this? Seriously, they've lived here for, like, 40 fricking years.
You act like she paid for the place all on her own.
- Because she practically did.
- Why would you even say that? - God.
- Oh, my God.
Forget it.
Never mind.
I really miss you.
I do.
I really do miss you very much.
Yeah.
Well, it's not like we don't talk; we talk.
It's not.
Why didn't you call me about this house stuff? and save the day.
- Well-- - Just leave it alone.
Daddy promised me that it's gonna be all right.
They've dug a deep hole for themselves to dig out of.
And honestly, there's just not that many shovels in New York.
Oh, my God.
Wait, Mark.
Hey, Help.
What did you do now? Oh, yeah.
You're trying too hard.
What about this last part? I mean, I just met him, so kind of? Okay, let's see.
How about something like this? You know you love me.
Glad I could help.
Wait, wait, so now what? Now we just wait.
Hey, Pop.
Hey.
I hope they don't cancel my flight.
So, Pop how bad is it? What are you talking about? Things are good.
You know, it's so crazy how being away gives you such clarity.
About what? How much you hate me? Hate you? You actually think I hate you, PapÃ? That's--I don't hate you.
PapÃ, that's because I work too much.
That's it.
Nothing else.
At least you're getting paid.
Oh God It's so amazing how much you and I are so alike.
Boy, we hate to lose.
No matter what obstacle gets in our way, You never lost a day in your life.
How about the fact that I gave so much of myself at work that I lost everything that I value? I never get to see you guys anymore.
And you know what else we have in common, Pap� We always think we can do everything by ourselves, So why don't you do me a favor and put your pride aside and just give me a number, and let me write a check, and Mamà never has to know anything about this.
PapÃ, just give me a number.
I don't care what it takes.
I will do anything to keep you guys in this house for good.
I want to help you.
It's already too late for that.
What do you mean? I had to sign the deed over to Johnny B.
a few months ago.
Oh, no, you didn't.
Why didn't you come to me? Would you ever ask your kids for money? What does that mean? Besides, it just it snowballed.
Before I knew it, I was in so deep, let alone the principal.
But now, even that's just about tapped out.
And I can't bring myself to tell her.
Okay? Oh, my God.
Oh, God.
Well, I won't ask you what she said.
This way, you don't have to lie to my face.
How did you find out? that's when you have to start watching your back.
Take off your shoes So what, you're just gonna pay their rent for a little while? How can you even afford that? I can't.
I can't.
Sometimes you've just got to suck it up and do whatever you got to do.
I've never seen my dad like that.
anything just for her not to have to deal with any of this.
Oh, boy.
I bet that Prime Time bump in your paycheck, that'll help out a little bit.
Absolutely.
Cheers to that.
To keep terrorists from sneaking something harmful into the plane, yet last year, It's hard to believe that's gonna be you in a few weeks.
Let's make sure our deals close first before we start to celebrate too much.
and climbing the corporate ladder and racing towards an imaginary finish line that come to find out might not even exist.
I just I just wanted to enjoy where I was at for once, you know? Right.
And like it or not, where I'm at is right here being offered a promotion.
Not a bad place to be.
Not a bad place to be.
She's such a pro.
My God, you would have no idea she's on her way out.
Just goes to show, you never know what people are going through.
Right? What the hell is this? I don't really see the confusion.
Don't you think it's a little formal, his use of the period that way? I mean, why not use dashes or ellipses? Like, maybe there's more to come.
Give a girl some hope.
Maybe there isn't.
Maybe you should be preparing yourself for that possibility.
And it's just so cryptic in its simplicity.
"Thank you," period.
Well, unless it's not cryptic at all.
You don't know Sheldon the way I do.
Everything that man does has a purpose, and he did this precisely because he knew it would drive me crazy, and it's driving me crazy.
I mean, really? It takes 24 hours to write, "Thank you," period? Yeah.
I hate dating.
Okay.
I keep lying to myself, I don't need nobody else Wow.
But I do, I need you I can't sleep on it Maybe I've been thinking too deep on it Before you say anything, I just want to apologize for showing up unannounced.
Okay.
Well, you, uh, before I got your text, I was really starting to worry.
'Cause it took you so long to respond, and I started to get nervous if I wasn't gonna hear from you again.
I wasn't sure if you would, either.
Well, you know, I--I'm just really sorry, 'cause I didn't--I didn't mean to make you feel any kind of way.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Oh.
Sure, yeah.
I'll--I'll just go.
I've been lying to myself I don't need nobody else But I do I do I need you Yeah Yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah
I like you, Sheldon, and I like where this is going.
You should have pushed harder.
There is more to good journalism than interrogating people, Kara.
It's not journalism.
It's advocacy.
Cynthia called in sick tonight.
- I get to do Prime Time tonight? - Yes! I'm not attacking you, Ms.
Foy.
I'm simply asking you if you think that your book is being used to further a political agenda.
If you're really paying attention to my show, you would see that we're not all that different at all.
When I look at you, I see an ugly black woman too.
Welcome to the show, Mary Jane Paul.
I'm gonna start out by saying there is not one thing that's ugly about you.
Well, thank you, and I kind of got myself in the hot seat on that one, huh? - Yes, you did.
But for the 12 people out there who may still have dial-up and have no idea what we're talking about, why don't we roll your interview just from a couple days ago? And then we'll talk about it.
If you were really paying attention to my show, you would see that we're not all that different at all.
I mean, granted, we may not agree on certain issues, but we're both fighting to be heard and fighting to be taken seriously and to be seen.
So when it comes down to it, I see an ugly black woman too.
Mary Jane Paul, come on.
You know that you're not supposed to become the story.
We don't make the news; we just report the news.
How does it feel being on the other side of that journalistic line? First of all, let me just say that being an ugly black woman has absolutely nothing to do with appearance.
It's about the people who feel that their voices have been stifled by society, people who are trying to be heard, for every little thing that they've been given in this life.
Those people, those are the ugly black women that I'm talking about.
Regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation, those people, I am speaking for them, people who feel like their stories don't matter.
It's time for all of us to stand up You are very passionate about it, but you said "feel.
" Feelings aren't facts when you're reporting the news.
The fact is, there is a whole segment of our population that feels that their stories do not matter and that they have no voice.
I'm speaking to those people.
You're supposed to call that, though, and then bring those stories to life.
But I want to ask you about the Tea Party, the religious right.
How do you respond to them calling you a racist for calling this woman an ugly black woman on national television? I think that the beautiful thing about this country is that we are all entitled to an opinion and to speak our opinions, and they are justifiably doing that.
I would also say that there are several shows and more power to them.
I'm going to continue to use my show, Talk Back with Mary Jane Paul, to speak to the people whose voices and stories have been largely ignored and I make no apologies about that.
What do you see? The cult of personality I know your anger I know your dreams I've been everything you want to be Hey, come on, Mary.
You've been famous for a while now, but even you got to admit all this buzz has gone and made you a star.
I don't pay attention to that stuff.
Girl, please; look, you ain't even got to front, not for me, anyway.
Whatever, PJ As quickly as it all comes, it goes.
It's just how I-- Not if mom can help it.
Look, she been calling everybody she knows bragging on you, okay, Telling the whole world how her baby done hit the big time.
I'm saying it's not enough that I have my own news show or the fact that I was on the air for, what, over a decade? Yeah, Good Morning America starts talking about me, Don't trip.
You know how she is.
But that new song is hot, though.
What new song? Hang on.
You didn't hear it? No.
Let me pull this up for you right quick.
Follow me Listen to this.
When I look at you I see an ugly black woman Oh Hey, look, you know you made it when you get auto-tuned.
Okay, not setting the bar too high, are we? Jeez.
It's hot though, right? Yeah, it's cool.
All right, look, do your thing.
Bye, ugly black woman.
All right, later, girl.
- Bye.
- Be careful what you say today.
The whole world's watching.
Great to meet you, Mary Jane Paul.
I'm actually a big fan of your show.
Oh? Oh? Critics argue that your book tour is merely the blueprint for the No Child Left Behind model that the Republicans used during the Bush administration.
You know what? I'm not a politician.
I'm a big fan of your show.
Not at all.
Not at all.
Not at all.
Not at all.
I was going to be interviewed by Cynthia, not by you and your liberal agenda.
I feel ambushed.
I feel attacked.
You have the opportunity to explain your position right here - No.
- Right now.
And I would love it if you did that.
You read my book? Well, I've seen your show.
And you're a race-baiter.
You think the world sees you as an ugly black woman, always the victim, always misunderstood, and you're really just a broken record.
Oh.
Oh.
I'm a woman.
I'm sorry.
I don't see the connection.
Oh, let me connect the dots for you.
Excuse me? Let me connect the dots for you.
Excuse me? When I look at you, I see an ugly black woman too.
Look in my eyes What do you see? The cult of personality I know your anger I know your dreams I've been everything you want to be Oh, I'm the cult of personality Like Mussolini and Kennedy I'm the cult of personality The cult of personality Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Mary Jane! Neon lights, Nobel Prize When a mirror speaks Hi.
Thank you so much for watching.
You won't have to follow me Only you can set me free Thank you so much for watching.
I've got to get to work, you guys.
Thank you for watching.
I sell the things you need to be I'm the smiling face on your TV Oh, I'm the cult of personality I exploit you Still you love me I tell you one and one makes three Oh, I'm the cult of personality Hey, Cynthia.
Welcome back.
You feeling better? Let's just cut the crap, okay? You and I both know damn well that I was never sick.
No, I didn't know that.
Usually when people say things like that, I tend to believe them.
Yeah, well, it's all bullcrap.
and they are going to use you to do it.
- When did they tell you that? - They didn't.
But when they tell you you're looking tired and to go take a few days off to relax, that's usually not a good sign.
- You're being paranoid.
- Am I? You're the face of the network.
They built this whole place around you, Cynthia.
If you had not helped them launch it, there would be no SNC.
All true, every word of it.
But after what happened to you at CNN, you should know better than anyone that there is no loyalty in news.
- This is different.
- Is it? Before this, I spent 18 years at ABC, than a sad-looking cake and a couple of cheap bottles of champagne.
You're, what, mid-40s? Look at all the female anchors over 50 still going.
There's Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer You're just now hitting your prime.
Well, now I see why they love you so much.
Even I can't tell if you're lying.
As I thank our guest, actress, author, and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, whose foundation, Hollyrod, offers help and hope to families living with autism and Parkinson's Disease, I can't help but recall a quote from renowned author Toni Morrison who reminds us to make a difference about something other than yourselves.
I'm Mary Jane Paul.
- Hey.
- Oh, boy.
What's up? I just had a little drama with my folks, I may have to leave to New York tonight.
I want to talk about what Her Highness had to say.
Well, she thinks that they're pushing her out and that we're next in line to fill her time slot.
I knew it.
I told you.
Didn't I tell you? Nobody takes off out of the blue like that unless they're going under the knife or they're about to get the axe.
How does everyone seem to know about this rule except for me? - I don't know.
- Sorry, guys.
But Greg's asking for you two upstairs.
Oh, okay, tell him we'll be there in just a minute.
Okay, and Sharay's in his office too.
Oh.
What a coinkydink.
Let's go.
on making the most of your opportunities Viral impact.
I swear, those words go in one ear and out the other.
Forgive my ignorance.
I have an account, but apparently someone in the mailroom posts on my behalf.
She's our VP of Communications.
Same difference.
My point is, I'm thrilled with all of the Viral impact.
Before I proceed, I need to know that I can trust the two of you.
Can I trust you, Mary Jane? - Yeah, of course.
- Yeah.
The four people in this room are the only ones who know what I'm about to tell you, so if it leaks out, I'll know where it came from.
That being said, we decided to make a change.
Cynthia doesn't know it yet, but these two weeks will be her last, and it's our intention to have the two of you replace her assuming you want the job, that is.
Thank you, Sharay.
We most definitely want this job; thank you.
We'll be contacting your reps to work out the details, but assuming all goes as planned, you two will be on Prime Time before you know it.
Oh, my goodness.
Thank you so much, Sharay, for this vote of confidence.
We really appreciate it.
Thank you so much.
Yes.
Mary Jane, mind sticking around? I'd like for the two of us to chat.
Absolutely.
I'll just meet you downstairs.
Of course.
Thanks again.
I love your heels.
I've been admiring them since you walked in.
- Gucci? - Good eye.
Yeah, speaking of shoes, if you're not careful, I will steal those right off your feet.
When I look at you, I see so much of myself.
I love how fearless and stubborn you can be, how you know what you want and how you're willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
I understand that.
I do.
But you've got to know that some people are going to be threatened by your resolve.
I wasn't aware of anyone being threatened by me.
Greg's not like us, and though he's very good at what he does, he rarely has an original idea, so from now on, whenever he speaks, you should assume that he's acting directly on my behalf, okay? Okay.
So is this about the kind of stories that I can do and the target demo? At the end of the day, this is still a business, and while I'd never ask you to stifle your creativity, since that's what makes you who you are, I will need you to tone down the all-black agenda and shift your focus over to doing some broader, more far-reaching stories.
Can you do that for me? Good, so it's settled then.
I'm so glad that we got to talk, and please know if you ever need anything, my door is always open.
Thank you.
Make sure you keep her on a short leash.
The last thing we need around here is to have an ugly black woman running wild.
You sure this is the best idea? No.
But we have to play the hand we've been dealt.
Let's just ride this sudden popularity of hers to a bump in ratings.
It'll make the board happy.
We'll get some kudos for a diversity hire, and then if she doesn't fall into place, we'll find someone else.
That's what I need.
Yep.
Oh, I got to go.
I got to go.
Bye.
Hey, what did she say? She just wants us to play ball.
I mean, we mainly talked about shoes.
She is a smart woman.
Mm-hmm, she did her research.
She knows your weak spot.
Yeah, it all felt very calculated.
That's because it is.
Testing our loyalty or trying to create a bond.
Either way, she's definitely using us.
And don't even think about going to Cynthia, okay? Listen to me.
We are this close to our dream gig, baby girl, all right? So don't go screwing it up now.
This is supposed to be a really great thing.
No, I know, and it's not that I'm not excited.
I am.
It's just I know that nightly news has always been our ultimate goal, and it still very well may be, but I'm just finally doing work that I'm really proud of.
And we're being rewarded for it.
Yeah, but at what cost, Kara? I'm up to 1 million Twitter followers ever since we started doing the all-black stories.
I know our ratings are higher than they report to us, is finally making a real difference.
Okay, well, nobody's telling you you can't do your black-centric stories.
We just, you know, we've got to mix it up a little sometimes.
Don't you see how ridiculous that sounds? I guarantee you nobody's telling Cynthia to do fewer white stories.
Hmm? Ever since we've had a black president, it's like now there are generations of black kids-- who literally and truly believe anything is possible.
So knowing that, don't you sort of feel obligated to give those kids a perspective of the world that they can't get anywhere else? Well, if you don't think seeing a black female news anchor on Prime Time isn't making a difference, you're crazy.
Mary Jane, look what you did.
You made one comment--one-- and it went viral.
You started a movement, girl.
It's hardly a movement.
Well, call it what you want.
It sure as hell was something huge.
And yet and still that's the very thing that Sharay wants me to change.
Right now, Kara, the possibilities are endless.
I've got people calling my agent offering me book deals, saying they want me to be a motivation speaker for 15 grand a pop.
I mean, even broadcast news is back on the table as a realistic option again.
Okay, okay, okay, I see where this is coming from.
This isn't about making a difference.
This is about making money.
Why can't it be about both? I've been trying to find my context.
You know, "How do I help?" How do I make a difference?" I mean, the money--the money just keeps me relevant.
Mary Jane, I hear you.
But this is a bird in a hand.
I know that you're having doubts with all these opportunities coming your way and everything, but, mama, this gig-- this one right here-- could be our game-changer for both of us.
being on the other side of the camera? Do you? Kara, you've got a good, what, We see what they're doing to Cynthia.
- I got, what, 10 years tops? - Stop.
If you start thinking that way, you're gonna make yourself crazy.
Which is exactly why I've got to take a step back and really think everything through.
And I've got to make the best decision for-- for both of us.
What's gonna be best for both of our careers? Okay.
All right, just, you know, girl, whatever you decide, just remember that we are in this together, okay? - I know.
- Please? I know.
- Oh, shoot.
- Just get it.
You know, go take care of your family.
- Are you sure? - As many times as you've had my back? - I got you.
- You call me.
I'm serious, M.
J.
, all right? - Go, go, go.
- Fine.
All right.
All right, mama, I'll be back tomorrow.
Okay.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Hey, come on in.
Oh, and hello to you too.
Sorry.
- Hi.
- Hi.
So last week wasn't a temporary thing.
They officially offered me Cynthia's job today.
Wow.
And last week, I would've been overjoyed and jumped at the chance, but I don't know.
Right now, I just sort of feel like I'm selling out.
You know? Wow.
Okay.
What's all this? Uh, you were thinking tonight we would try all kinds of things.
Well, it's one step at a time.
Something smells so good.
Oh, it's saffron in the rice.
Oh.
Make yourself comfortable.
Pour yourself a drink, and I'm going to go put on some music.
Nice.
All right, they showed me how to do this.
You all right over there? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Um, I had this guy come over last week to install a new stereo, and he showed me how to do it, and I just don't remember what he did.
You want me to come look at it? I think I got it.
Something in here.
So they could come over and read the fine print? You got jokes.
That should be it.
Come on! What about Oh, okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm--I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
You all right, chief? Yeah, I--I got it.
I--it's something that he told me to push the one and Nice, huh? I'm sorry about all that.
No.
You sure put forth a lot of effort tonight.
Any particular reason? No.
How do you mean? Oh, I don't know, the candles, the slow jams.
the saffron.
No, I just figure we'd have a nice meal, some nice wine, and afterwards, if you're up for it, What's so funny? Nothing, these DVDs remind me of something.
It's nothing, really.
Doesn't seem like nothing.
Okay, I have seen the whole French film move done to death.
I've used it myself.
Um, but yeah, it's--it's no big deal.
That's not a move.
It was, you know, you seem like a person who likes foreign films.
Oh, do I? Really? Yeah.
You don't think we're a little too old to be playing games? I mean, come on.
I'm not playing anything.
Look, if you don't want to see the damn film, I couldn't care less, really.
Okay, calm down.
Pump the brakes.
I'm just saying that this is really, I mean-- and you have to admit, all of this is--it's a lot.
It's a whole hell of a lot, and I'm sure to the 25-year-olds, this stuff works wonders.
I mean, it's a panty-dropper move, so I get it.
But to me, it's just coming across corny.
Oh, jeez.
Now you're mad.
Not my intention.
It's no big deal.
I think you're just taking it the wrong way.
You know? It's just dinner and a movie, Mary Jane.
And I appreciate it.
I totally appreciate it.
It's just a bit much.
That's fine.
It's all good.
I get it.
You have no idea that this is entirely your fault, do you? - Entirely? - Yeah.
I think that's a bit of a stretch.
It's not my fault the man is sensitive salad.
What? Mary Jane, come on.
Are you kidding me? You called the man corny.
I mean, what the hell did you expect to happen? I assumed he would have taken it as constructive criticism.
A man goes out of his way to plan a romantic dinner for you.
Constructive or not, that was not gonna ever end well.
No, I think you're making too big of a deal out of it.
It wasn't that bad.
Yeah, that's probably why you guys sat in silence for the rest of the night.
You're right.
I'm an awful person.
Oh, see, I didn't say-- I didn't say all of that.
No, I'm an awful person.
I'm an awful person.
Okay, maybe misguided, but see, what it is is that you women don't realize it, but your words have the power to either lift a man up or to crush his spirit, especially when someone likes you enough to go to that kind of effort.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Please, enough.
Okay, so, what is the likelihood that this whole thing just might blow over? - I mean, that could happen.
- It could.
I don't know, Mary Jane.
It's all dependent on the person, I guess.
You know, there was this guy back in college, Donovan Rossi.
- Oh.
- Mmm.
We're in my room making out.
Now, we didn't really know what the hell we were doing.
It was all kind of awkward.
Now, at this point, I had already been with a woman, but I had never been with a guy-- - Whoa, okay.
Hold up.
- What? Pause Pause.
Okay, how did I not know that you'd slept with a freaking woman? - Hey.
- Okay.
And now that I do know, oh, it's blowing my mind.
- Girl.
- Okay, that's all.
- Back to you.
- Okay.
- You were making out.
- Doing our thing.
- So things started to heat up.
- Mm-hmm.
Clothes started coming off, and then there I am standing in front of him buck naked, and he starts to laugh.
- Oh, damn.
- Oh, my gosh.
And before I knew it, he ran out of the room, and we never spoke again.
It's 'cause you were like Oh, please, child.
My point is, in that moment, Donovan realized that he wasn't gay.
And he just freaked out.
That poor guy.
Jeez.
What do you mean, poor guy? Mary Jane, look, okay, in that moment, no matter how many times I play it over in my head, The whole point of me baring my soul to you is to show you the depth of what Sheldon may be feeling after you laughed in his face and that are were two sides--always--to a story.
It couldn't be that bad, could it? I mean, I don't know.
Apparently neither do you.
I'd reach out to him.
Pun intended? You know, you can laugh it off, avoid this if you want to, but drawing off of my own experience, are back on familiar territory for one game.
Quite a bit on the line as they've been struggling of late.
Hi, Ma.
What are you doing here? How you doing? I thought you said you were gonna call when your flight landed? How are you? Thank you.
I--stop.
Hector.
Please pause the game, huh? - Get up.
Come on.
Say hello.
- It's all right.
It's okay.
Don't worry about it.
Don't get up, pop.
How you doing? Good to see you.
Better than some, worse than others.
You know how it is.
Hey, how 'bout those Knicks, huh? You think Phil Jackson'll bring us the championship? Only if he gets his ass back on the bench where he belongs.
We got Derek Fisher.
- He's a Laker.
- Oh, brother.
Hey, hey, hey, are you hungry? No, no, no, actually, I got something on the plane.
- You look hungry.
- Ay, stop it.
- Come on.
- You look good, Ma.
Okay, come on.
Keep me company, huh? How you been? So how long you get to stay this time? Probably just go overnight, unfortunately.
You've texted me, like, 14 times.
And each one was more cryptic than the other.
You've got to be kidding me.
Come on.
Every day, all he does is scream at that TV.
okay, he comes and he tells me that we're moving to a condo What? That we're selling the house.
Can you believe that crap? No, no, that doesn't make any sense.
Yeah, out of nowhere.
Just like that.
There's got to be some kind of explanation.
Yeah, well, if you can find it, all right, you tell me.
Because he's like talking to a wall.
- PapÃ? - Oh.
Kare bear.
Hi, Lily pad.
- How are you doing? - I heard that you were coming.
But I had to see it with my own two eyes.
- Ooh, my goodness.
- Hi, Mom.
- You look beautiful.
Oh, my goodness.
What is this? Nice.
Did Daddy buy this for you? Yeah, yeah, a while back.
Is that why you're always defending him, 'cause he buys you nice gifts? - It's a knockoff, okay? - Mm-hmm.
Yeah, well, the difference is, I paid for this myself.
Enough, both of you, huh? If you're here to try to talk them out of selling the house-- Wait, you mean him.
And in what universe is it a good idea to sell this house? Actually, the way the market is rebounding, What? Since when are you a real estate expert? Last I heard, you were an unemployed hairdresser.
You're not here 10 minutes, and you're already criticizing - Big surprise.
- Okay, you listen to me, okay? Kara's here because I asked her to come.
I am tired of you and your dad ganging up on me.
- Ma-- - No, shh.
I don't care what the market looks like, huh? I am not selling my house, and that's final.
Lily, how could you possibly be siding with him on this? Seriously, they've lived here for, like, 40 fricking years.
You act like she paid for the place all on her own.
- Because she practically did.
- Why would you even say that? - God.
- Oh, my God.
Forget it.
Never mind.
I really miss you.
I do.
I really do miss you very much.
Yeah.
Well, it's not like we don't talk; we talk.
It's not.
Why didn't you call me about this house stuff? and save the day.
- Well-- - Just leave it alone.
Daddy promised me that it's gonna be all right.
They've dug a deep hole for themselves to dig out of.
And honestly, there's just not that many shovels in New York.
Oh, my God.
Wait, Mark.
Hey, Help.
What did you do now? Oh, yeah.
You're trying too hard.
What about this last part? I mean, I just met him, so kind of? Okay, let's see.
How about something like this? You know you love me.
Glad I could help.
Wait, wait, so now what? Now we just wait.
Hey, Pop.
Hey.
I hope they don't cancel my flight.
So, Pop how bad is it? What are you talking about? Things are good.
You know, it's so crazy how being away gives you such clarity.
About what? How much you hate me? Hate you? You actually think I hate you, PapÃ? That's--I don't hate you.
PapÃ, that's because I work too much.
That's it.
Nothing else.
At least you're getting paid.
Oh God It's so amazing how much you and I are so alike.
Boy, we hate to lose.
No matter what obstacle gets in our way, You never lost a day in your life.
How about the fact that I gave so much of myself at work that I lost everything that I value? I never get to see you guys anymore.
And you know what else we have in common, Pap� We always think we can do everything by ourselves, So why don't you do me a favor and put your pride aside and just give me a number, and let me write a check, and Mamà never has to know anything about this.
PapÃ, just give me a number.
I don't care what it takes.
I will do anything to keep you guys in this house for good.
I want to help you.
It's already too late for that.
What do you mean? I had to sign the deed over to Johnny B.
a few months ago.
Oh, no, you didn't.
Why didn't you come to me? Would you ever ask your kids for money? What does that mean? Besides, it just it snowballed.
Before I knew it, I was in so deep, let alone the principal.
But now, even that's just about tapped out.
And I can't bring myself to tell her.
Okay? Oh, my God.
Oh, God.
Well, I won't ask you what she said.
This way, you don't have to lie to my face.
How did you find out? that's when you have to start watching your back.
Take off your shoes So what, you're just gonna pay their rent for a little while? How can you even afford that? I can't.
I can't.
Sometimes you've just got to suck it up and do whatever you got to do.
I've never seen my dad like that.
anything just for her not to have to deal with any of this.
Oh, boy.
I bet that Prime Time bump in your paycheck, that'll help out a little bit.
Absolutely.
Cheers to that.
To keep terrorists from sneaking something harmful into the plane, yet last year, It's hard to believe that's gonna be you in a few weeks.
Let's make sure our deals close first before we start to celebrate too much.
and climbing the corporate ladder and racing towards an imaginary finish line that come to find out might not even exist.
I just I just wanted to enjoy where I was at for once, you know? Right.
And like it or not, where I'm at is right here being offered a promotion.
Not a bad place to be.
Not a bad place to be.
She's such a pro.
My God, you would have no idea she's on her way out.
Just goes to show, you never know what people are going through.
Right? What the hell is this? I don't really see the confusion.
Don't you think it's a little formal, his use of the period that way? I mean, why not use dashes or ellipses? Like, maybe there's more to come.
Give a girl some hope.
Maybe there isn't.
Maybe you should be preparing yourself for that possibility.
And it's just so cryptic in its simplicity.
"Thank you," period.
Well, unless it's not cryptic at all.
You don't know Sheldon the way I do.
Everything that man does has a purpose, and he did this precisely because he knew it would drive me crazy, and it's driving me crazy.
I mean, really? It takes 24 hours to write, "Thank you," period? Yeah.
I hate dating.
Okay.
I keep lying to myself, I don't need nobody else Wow.
But I do, I need you I can't sleep on it Maybe I've been thinking too deep on it Before you say anything, I just want to apologize for showing up unannounced.
Okay.
Well, you, uh, before I got your text, I was really starting to worry.
'Cause it took you so long to respond, and I started to get nervous if I wasn't gonna hear from you again.
I wasn't sure if you would, either.
Well, you know, I--I'm just really sorry, 'cause I didn't--I didn't mean to make you feel any kind of way.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Oh.
Sure, yeah.
I'll--I'll just go.
I've been lying to myself I don't need nobody else But I do I do I need you Yeah Yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah