Being Mary Jane (2013) s04e06 Episode Script
Getting Home
1 Previously, on "Being Mary Jane" Everyone in my family wants me to talk about what happened again.
That cop goin' back to work is all over the news now, but it's gonna die down.
Treyvion's having nightmares.
I'm ready for it to be over.
Your pose with Orlando Lagos was so cool.
I showed it to everyone at school.
Really? He's one of our favorite players.
How do you know him? He's just a friend.
- Why don't you just admit it? - Admit what? That this is all a lie, Dante! You used me.
It's gone, Dante.
The money I had to give it all back.
What do you mean you gave it all back? Congratulations.
You're about to celebrate your 40th.
It looks like you might be in a real relationship.
What? The northeast states are still in a deep freeze following three days of record breaking low temperatures.
We have full coverage.
But, first, let's check in with Mary Jane Paul who's outside with fans braving the cold.
Mary Jane? The crowd outside is a bit thinner than usual.
But I've been joined by a group of some very daring young men who don't mind the cold.
Tell us where you're from, and why you're outside dressed like this.
Hey, yeah, we're students from New York City University and we're from Canada.
For Canuks this is beach weather.
Well, there you have it, America.
According to these guys, we should all be out here in our bikinis.
Live from outside the newsroom of "Great Day USA," I'm Mary Jane Paul.
Ronda, Aaron, back to you.
Which one of you no-home- trainin' ass clowns threw it? - Who threw it? - Mary Jane.
Inside now, please.
Mary Jane you cannot lose your cool every time some idiot catcalls you.
That wasn't a catcall.
That was assault.
And I'm pressing charges.
It was a friggin' snowball and you know what? It was funny and it's probably gonna make the year end bloopers.
Hopefully, even TMZ, if we're lucky.
And that's a good thing.
Anything that ingratiates you with the audience is a good thing, yes.
Sorry, I think I've got seasonal affective disorder.
Well, I've got the perfect remedy for that.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Thurgood Marshall's confirmation to the Supreme Court, and the Racial Justice Coalition is throwing a huge gala, and I got Garrett to send us to Atlanta to cover it.
That sounds like a gig with Ronda's name written all over it.
Forget about Ronda because Aaron's on vacation next week, so, if Ronda's in Atlanta I'd get to sit in the anchor chair.
Exactly.
And you know Ronda ain't gonna let that happen - without a fight.
- Right Let's look on the bright side.
Here we come, Atlanta! Hello? Hello? - Wait! - What? We've gotta start researching.
There's gonna be a ton of civil rights leaders there, the mayor of Atlanta.
Done.
- Oh - Mm-hm.
And this is why you're the best producer in the game.
Tell me, bitch, how did you get Garrett to let you go instead of Justin? Well, I was on my way to Atlanta anyway to go and see the boys, and, girl, since I have started working with Orlando, I have finally cracked that damn office boys' club.
- It's a beautiful thing.
- "Working with Orlando.
" Is that what we're calling it these days? We fly in the morning, chica.
Be ready.
Pick up the phone baby I know you're home baby - I'm in the zone baby - Hello? Anybody home? - Hey! It is you! - Hey! - How are you? - Oh - Oh, my goodness.
- Hi, Mom.
Oh, a sight for sore eyes.
- Hey, sis.
- Hey, how are ya? - You still with that job? - Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Where's the show puttin' you up now? - Four Seasons.
- Oh "Great Day USA" does not play.
- Auntie! - Hey! - Hi, baby.
- Hi! You look so good! I'm sorry to be running off like as soon as you get here, but I've gotta go get Treyvion from school.
- Okay.
- It's not time yet.
School's not out.
Yeah, he had a little incident.
- He bit some kid.
- Oh, he's just overtired.
That's why he's acting out like that.
Is he still having nightmares? Almost every night.
It's crazy.
Maybe I can just stay here and then that way I can help with Treyvion.
- Oh.
- You'd do that? Of course.
It's only a couple of days.
- I'll get your room ready.
- Thanks, Mom.
You settling in okay? Yeah.
Sure.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Do I detect the slightest bit of trepidation? Babe, you were so looking forward to this trip.
You were over the moon about this trip.
No, I still am.
It's just being back at home in my old room I'm sort of afraid of falling back into old habits.
Ah, yeah, the binge drinking and the chain smoking.
No, more like meddling and judging Things my family brings out in me.
Look, babe, everyone reverts to their 15-year-old self when they're around family.
Nope, not gonna let that happen.
You can't control everything, MJ.
There may be something unexpected coming your way.
Oh, God, I hope not.
I detest surprises.
Anybody gonna get that? Hold on.
Surprise.
Aww I can't believe you flew all this way to surprise me.
It's no big deal.
My agent booked a last-minute gig and I thought, since you were here Well, I wish you would've told me before I gave up my hotel room.
Yes, I'm still here.
Okay, thank you.
No luck.
There's three conventions in town, so, unless you wanna stay at a roach-infested no-tell motel, you've gotta bunk here.
Sex in your parents' house.
Taboo.
I like that.
Hey.
Pauletta, who is this young man? Oh, I'm just the delivery guy.
She was giving me my tip.
He's kidding.
This is Lee and he flew down to surprise me.
How are you, young man? I'm Pauletta's father, Paul Patterson.
This is my wife, Helen.
Such a pleasure to meet you both.
You flew all this way to surprise my daughter? - It sounds serious.
- No, Mom.
And where are you staying while you're here, Mr.
Lee? - In the guest room with me? - Nice try, little Pauletta.
The guest bedroom has a leak and your father's patching it.
Mr.
Lee, you stay down here in the family room, and you can stay with Treyvion he'll love that.
Bring this young man into the kitchen so I can get to know him while I'm cookin'.
Pauletta? Yeah, I'll explain later.
So, how did you two meet? At a comedy club in Manhattan.
I was performing Yeah, Lee's a stand up comedian.
He's really funny.
Mm, why I ain't laughed yet? I was performing when I saw this radiant woman sat at the bar.
Of course, she shot me down at the first approach.
You don't have to tell us that.
There's nothing wrong with being picky.
My aunt is too successful to end up with any old riffraff.
Well, I'm glad you were persistent, but she can be a little stubborn.
But you seem to have the temperament that can handle her.
I'm not that stubborn.
Lee, sweetie, have you had enough? Would you like another helping? Well, what's this? Oh, that's, uh, that's hog's head cheese As suggesting as it may suggest.
They tried to get us to eat that when we were kids, but we wouldn't go near it.
Yeah, Granddad tricked me into eating some when I was little.
I was so sick.
Ugh, I can still taste it.
Come on, cut me up a slice.
Don't do it.
- It can't be that bad.
- It looks like pâté.
What's in this hog's head cheese? Nothing that actually resembles cheese.
It's more of a jelly made from the meat of a hog's head.
That ain't all that's in it.
The hog's feet, the hog's heart, and the hog's tongue.
- Um - Mmm! My compliments to you, Mrs.
Patterson.
Well, well Actually, it's Paul's specialty.
Yep, my grandfather taught me how to make it.
It's a Southern delicacy.
Unfortunately, our saditty children are too good to enjoy the food of our ancestors.
- Saditty? - What does that mean? All right, guys, well, I'm gonna let you all teach Lee here all about slave cuisine and Southern slang while I go get my press credentials.
Or maybe you should come with me.
He's in good hands.
Bye.
Go on.
So, saditty? Great.
Hey, Mary Jane! I got your credentials ready, mama.
- Oh, thank you.
- You're welcome.
Here you go.
Look who's here.
- Scott, Max, come here.
- Oh, my God.
Hi! - I know, right? - Look at you.
- What's up? - How are you? Look how grown you two have gotten.
Listen, why don't you guys go check out the refreshment table, grab your stuff, and can you get me a lemonade? - Okay.
Sure.
- All right? Say goodbye.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Max is officially a grown man.
Yeah, and that man is having sex.
I'm about to have the talk with him.
Well, if he's already having sex, isn't it a little late to be having a talk with him? Oh, no, no, no, no, not the birds and the bees talk.
The don't knock anybody up talk.
I thought I at least had one more year.
- I can't believe this.
- It's gonna be okay, mama.
We'll talk about that later.
I've gotta get them home.
- So, I'll be back in a bit.
- Just wrap him in a condom.
- Mary Jane.
- Oh, my goodness.
Vladimir Fredrick, how are you? Good.
You? Oh, Sophia! Hi, how are you, and Luke.
My goodness.
Mary Jane, back from the Big Apple.
.
You know Tell us all about "Great Day USA.
" Is that Aaron as hot in person as he is on screen? Okay, the show is amazing and, yes, Aaron is equally as hot in person.
I'm having the time of my life.
It sure looks like it.
Your wardrobe budget must be, what, astronomical? Girl, those designers give us all that stuff for free.
No, I so hate you.
I hate her right now.
Show us some pix of little Carlo so I can hate on you, too.
I have had two more since you left.
- What? - Elaina and Amelia.
Oh, my God, they're so cute.
How do you do it? I'm weekend anchor now.
With three kids, something had to go.
What's the biggest change you had to make for morning TV? Probably forging a deeper connection to the sunnier side of my disposition.
Well, that can't be easy for you.
Oh, Vlad, as charming as ever.
Are you still the man over at "Today's Top News"? Ten years in September and, um, it's not public yet, but I've been promoted Evening anchor.
- What? - You got the anchor chair? I knew it.
After your series on the Orlando nightclub shooting, they had to give it to you.
Vlad, that's amazing.
Okay, yeah, that plastic smile don't fool me.
I know.
It burns.
I got there first.
I'm glad to know some things never change.
Look at this one.
Can you imagine an eight year old obsessed with Sam Cooke? Letta, she was just such an odd child.
Okay, yeah, storytime's over.
We're gonna get outta here.
Good.
Show him some Atlanta.
Hey, y'all should check out a couple of the new spots.
No, none of that hippity hoppity mess.
Helen's right.
That's not the way to get the flavor of the city.
How about this? How about you guys let me figure it out? But don't stay out too late.
Go get your groove on, man.
- Have a good time.
- Thank you.
Already I cannot wait to break out.
Come on.
I think they're amazing.
Hm I know where I wanna take you.
There's something about you girl You've got me Love me love me love me - Don't stop me - Oh, yes.
I love this.
Oh, man, I started sneaking out here when I was 13.
There's something so romantic about drive-ins.
Do you guys have these in the UK? No, this is strictly an American phenomenon.
Really? God, I have so many memories out here like my first date, my first kiss.
Oh.
My first - Really? - Oh, yeah.
- You lost your - Oh.
- here.
- Oh, yeah.
In the back seat of Dwayne Payton's Toyota Celica.
" Poetic Justice" was playing in the background.
You know what? This makes perfect sense.
It's why you love movie theater popcorn so much.
Aww You're so cute.
Makes me love her and support her What's wrong, baby? Is it the kids? No.
It's Redd Redd Turner he passed away.
He was my old friend.
Oh, baby, I'm sorry.
I know how much he meant to you to this day.
Let's not discuss this around the kids.
I don't wanna put a damper on Letta's visit.
I understand.
I'm gonna be okay.
Mrs.
Patterson! - Oh? - Uh Lord have mercy! Oh Oh! God I have a husband and two sons.
This is not my first run-in with male anatomy.
However, if I catch you whippin' that thing out here, under my roof, I'm gonna have to chop it off.
Snip! I understand.
I am so sorry.
Mm hm.
Mary Jane, a minute, please.
Mom, I'm so sorry.
I know how serious you take the whole separate beds thing.
Pauletta, how serious are you about Lee? I'm not seeing anybody else, and neither is he, and he wants me to meet his kids.
He has kids? Yeah, mom, he's got two with a baby mama in the UK.
Okay This isn't a bad thing 'cause you're about to turn 40, and your egg carton empty, and even if you had any left, they'd probably crack.
Is he a good father? Very good, from what I can tell.
Okay, he's already got kids, he came here to visit your family, uh I'm gonna gonna stop you right there.
I can assure you, Lee came to Atlanta to perform, not to propose.
Well, I don't know.
He's already got your father teaching him to make hog's head cheese.
Now you just wait and see, mm-hm? A man can't be that interested in hog's head cheese.
Uh, I understand the rules.
I just Okay, I will.
You, too.
You all right? That was Treyvion's school.
They said if he has another incident, they're gonna kick him out.
What? For biting a kid? This isn't the first time.
It happened before.
He's been suspended twice.
What? When? A couple of weeks ago and then another time before that.
Jesus, Niecy, you didn't wanna tell anybody? And admit that I'm failing Treyvion After all that's happened with that settlement money.
Niecy, you're not a bad mom.
Treyvion is not a bad kid.
This is about his nightmares.
Yeah, well, try telling the school that.
Treyvion cannot be the only kid who misbehaves this way.
Well, Darlene's son has the same biting issue, but she and her husband are major donors, and if the school loses their kid, they lose their coin.
This isn't about money.
It's partly about money, but, let me guess.
- Darlene's White.
- Yeah.
You haven't been watching the morning show? Niecy, this kind of thing has been happening all over the country.
Black kids are receiving harsher punishment for the exact same infractions.
Treyvion's just the latest example.
So, what should I do? You fight for your kid to get the same treatment as his peers.
You got this.
Here you go, Mom.
Cue cards all numbered and in order.
- Wonderful.
- Can I go now? - The dance is about to start.
- That's fine.
Listen, but before you go, I just I wanna talk to you.
Okay? One minute.
- Mom, what are you doing? - Take it.
Your dad told me you were having sex.
So, you're giving me this here? - Yes.
- Right now? Max, I've been trying to have this conversation with you for two days.
Look at me.
Do you know about safe sex? Huh? Are you being careful? Like you're being careful with Orlando? Don't try and pretend you guys are just friends.
I'm not four years old.
What I do in my private life is my business, okay? But my sex life is your business? Yes, it is my job to be in your business.
I am your mother.
My business is a 16 year old girl with braces.
I think I can handle it.
Come over here.
I'll see you later, Mom.
Be careful.
A lot of the traditional Black cuisine was born out of slavery.
They had to make do with the leftover parts from the cow and the pigs.
Stuff White folks didn't want.
That's right.
That's where tripe and chitlins and hog maws and pig's feet and hog's head cheese come from.
It's amazing, the resilience of our people in this country.
I remember, as a little boy, knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandfather, whose face, arms, and body bore the scars of slavery.
He would take me to market with him.
I can't tell you how many times I witnessed this strong, dignified man turn into a cowering submissive in front of those White shop owners.
The humiliation was hard to watch.
Uh, anyway, uh, that's why I make this.
My kids think it's nasty.
But it reminds me of my Papa and all the things he went through to give us a better life.
Oh I still can't believe this is happening.
My two favorite men bonding over hog's head cheese.
Well, you'd better get ready because in about eight hours, you'll get to taste my first official batch.
Excuse me, I'm gonna go wash up.
Thank you.
Oh, jeez, it's almost 7:00.
I've gotta get changed.
All right, you go on.
Do your thing.
- I'll see you in an hour.
- All right.
Ohhh! Oh, this looks good.
I do not mind if I do.
You cannot be hungry again.
Ravenous.
- What did you just say? - Ravenous? Famished.
Dude, can't you just say hungry? All right, hungry.
What are you up to? I'm dealing with my son's preschool Something you wouldn't know nothing about, 'cause I know you probably went to some fancy boarding school, or something like that.
Unh unh, no, no.
You and me have much more in common than you know.
How's that? I'm a single father.
Years ago, my son was acting out.
He was fighting.
He, uh, got kicked out of three nurseries.
- You got a kid? - Kids.
Plural.
How are you dealing with the preschool issue? Ooh! I've heard your, uh, tweets have gotten you in a bit of a pickle before.
A kielbasa fried pickle.
Look, do you mind if we take this in a different direction? I am, after all, the man with a good humor.
- Well, humor me, then.
- Okay.
- - Okay.
You a'ight for a foreigner, Lee.
I'm gonna take that as a compliment.
You should.
Don't eat all the pie, dude.
Oh, I cannot guarantee that.
How do I look? Ooh.
Ooh.
Ooh.
I know what Niecy would say.
Damn, girl, you look fine! Oh, that's what I like to hear.
What were you guys talking about? - Oh, Treyvion.
- Hm Now I don't mean to pry, but have you guys ever thought about therapy for him? No, Black families here, we don't normally do the whole therapy thing.
Ah, yes, that makes sense.
Why get the mental health care you so desperately need, when you can suffer in silence? Exactly.
I mean, truth be told, my mom thinks all Treyvion needs is Sunday School, you know, to pray the nightmares out of him.
That sounds like a plot from an '80s horror movie.
Exactly.
You ready? I'm Mary Jane Paul live from the Thurgood Marshall dedication here in Atlanta.
Mayor Reed, Mayor Reed, Hi, Mary Jane Paul from "Great Day USA.
" Can you explain to our viewers the significance of this event and what it means to you? Well, Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American appointed to the US Supreme Court.
He played an essential role in ending legal segregation.
I'm just thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate his legacy.
You actually knew Thurgood Marshall.
In fact, in 1977, Judge Marshall swore you in as the first African-American ambassador to the UN.
Can you tell us a little something about the man you knew Thurgood Marshall to be.
When I was in the sixth grade class in 1941, we had a teacher take us down to a federal courtroom, and I heard this tall, skinny young man arguing the case for equal salaries between Black and White teachers, so, when I started working with Martin Luther King in '61, I knew that there was 20 years of legal foundation that he had prepared that made it possible for us to do the demonstrations we did.
We've got Dr.
C.
T.
Vivian here.
It's such an honor.
You were so instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement, riding some of the first Freedom Buses throughout the South and working very closely along side Dr.
Martin Luther King.
Tell us, what does Thurgood Marshall's legacy mean to you? It was his understanding of law, and his courage to force the courts into doing what, in the South, they did not want to do.
It's that combination that made it possible for him to go on later, but for all of us to move forward.
Can I get a beer? Thanks, man.
Are you having fun yet? I'm thoroughly enjoying watching you.
You're killing it.
Oh, wow, look who's here.
Who? It's Judge McAllister.
Kara's been circling him for months.
Oh, the guy who's been nominated for the Supreme Court.
Yeah, it's looking like he is turning down every producer here.
He's here celebrating Thurgood Marshall, so he's aware of the optics.
Maybe I have a shot? - or at your chambers.
- Honored.
Honored.
Honored.
Uh, don't waste your time there, Mary Jane.
I am this close to getting the judge to sit down with me.
Close is not a done deal, Vlad.
Oh.
Mary Jane thinks she's gonna score this interview for "Great Day USA.
" I'm definitely gonna try.
Oh, are you gonna fit it in between cooking segments? You won't be laughing when I get a seat at his table.
I want in on this.
Me, too.
Count me in.
You do know I have more game than all of you put together, right? Well, then, let's let the best "man" win.
Easy money, honey.
Good luck.
I have to figure out a way to get Vlad away from the judge.
What are you doing? If I told you, what fun would that be? You know I detest surprises.
Shh.
Sorry, I'm Lee Truitt.
You're that famous cable news anchor, right? Ah, Vladimir Frederick.
Did you hear Reverend Jackson's making a special appearance? He's pulling up now.
Where'd you hear that? Oh, manager.
He was talking to that White guy.
What's his name? The Silver Fox.
Anderson Cooper? Next drink's on me, man.
Reverend Jackson.
All right.
Judge McAllister.
Hi, I'm Mary Jane Paul from "Great Day USA.
" Miss Paul, a pleasure.
You have some proper manners, Your Honor.
Well, my mother always told me: good manners show people you respect them, and their feelings.
Your mother sounds like a wise woman.
Well, I owe her everything.
This is a remarkable event, isn't it? It is.
As a judge, yourself, you must feel pretty honored just to be here tonight.
I do.
I'm truly honored to be here.
And to quote the late President Johnson, Justice Marshall symbolized what is truly best about our American society.
The belief that human rights must be satisfied through the orderly processes of law.
I'm sure you have been approached by every journalist here tonight, Then you're aware of my reservations regarding interviews.
I am aware, sir, but you must be aware that these cable outfits, they need ratings, and to get those ratings, they will excoriate your record like bloodhounds, and yet, still, magically only pull in 300,000 viewers.
Now "Great Day USA," we've got five million viewers.
Our show is friendly, and relatable.
It's the perfect opportunity for the public to meet the man behind the robe.
I appreciate your candor, Miss Paul.
You make a strong argument.
Have you thought about going into law? Yeah, I considered it.
But we both know that the law is not about the truth.
I'm someone who believes that the news still is.
I'm impressed, Miss Paul, and like good manners, I appreciate that.
Well To good manners.
To good manners.
- Lee Truitt.
- A shot of that.
Was it her plan or yours Distracting me while she goes in for the kill? Guilty as charged.
A'ight.
Man, that Mary Jane.
She always gets exactly what she wants.
What is it about her? When we were cub reporters, I must have asked her out a half a dozen times.
She only dates ballers, shot-callers, men with deep pockets that can do something for her.
I mean, that's Mary Jane.
You know, always lookin' out for number one.
Screw everybody else.
Maybe she's changed.
Women like that don't change.
Okay, second thought.
They do change.
But not for very long.
I'll take it from here, Mary Jane.
Judge McAllister.
There's someone I'd like you to meet.
I think you'd really like him.
Excuse me, Miss Paul.
He is layin' it on thick tonight.
You know Vlad.
He can't stand to lose a bet.
It seems like him and McAllister are already old friends.
It's so good to see you, Mary Jane.
- Bye.
- Yeah, bye.
Good luck.
I am so sorry.
I really thought we had him.
Don't worry, we've got bigger fish to catch in New York.
Oh.
Wait.
Hold up.
I still may have a pulse.
You know all that research you did on McAllister and his family? Yes.
I'm about to put it to good use.
A powerful image.
A powerful man.
Madam Attorney General, Mary Jane Paul.
Oh, it's so nice to meet you.
You know, I noticed you standing not too far away from your husband earlier, and I've gotta say your receiving line rivaled his.
Don't tell him that.
Tonight, I am simply here as Judge McAllister's wife.
You must be so proud of your husband.
I really am.
He's gotta be proud of you as well.
I hear your next move may be taking over the National Women's Health Organization? Where did you hear that? That's not public knowledge yet.
I've got my sources.
You know, it's always good keeping tabs on women who make a real difference.
Mm.
You look familiar.
Now what do you do for a living? I'm a journalist and a correspondent with "Great Day USA.
" - Do you know it? - Do I know it? Of course.
I watch it every morning.
I just love that Ronda Sales.
Smart cookie, that one.
Ronda was my idol.
It has been a dream working with her.
You know, we were trying to convince your husband to come on our show.
I think that is a fantastic idea.
Your husband does not think so.
Oh, leave that to me.
We'll be in touch, hm? A toast to you, MJ, for landing the biggest whale of the night.
And to you, Lee, for that valuable assist.
Hear! Hear! I am happy to dust off the old improv skills for a good cause.
It hurts.
Here's to the best "man" with the prettiest face.
You know, if I had your tits, I would have scored McAllister, too.
Come on, Vlad.
Come on.
Don't be a sore loser.
Why don't you listen to your mate and piss off.
Oh what? She's tough.
She can take it right, MJ? Shit, man.
I appreciate you defending me, babe.
Where did all that come from? Darth Vlad-er.
He had pretty harsh words for you.
Yeah, he was drunk.
He said you were a self serving bitch, who only looks after number one.
Damn.
You really shoulda hit him harder.
Is there anything to it? Or is Vlad just salty you never gave him the time of day? Salty might be a good word, but the Mary Jane that he described that was in the past.
I'm different.
- Are you? - I am.
And the biggest difference is I'm actually making an effort.
Well, if you can so can I.
Yeah.
Did I ever tell you getting in a bar fight in the South has always been one of my fantasies.
Really? Well, remind me to never question your masculinity ever again.
When you told me about your trip down here, I asked my agent to book me a gig.
I wanted to meet your family.
- I'm glad you did.
- Me, too.
Oh, wait, I've got something for us.
Yeah yeah - Wow.
- Ooh wee The way you touch, mmm The way you kiss, ah yeah Girl, you know, you know I'm in, I'm into this, all right And girl you know, mmm What Vlad said I'm so sorry.
No, shhh.
How and where and when to make To make a move Baby you know You need only touch me girl And I'm a slave for you Yeah yeah And I lose all self control And I do what I do 'Cause I'm so into you I can't let go Yeah yeah oh Tell me what you want.
Tell me you love me.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Oh oh In your bed, in your bed Making love Making sweet love, sweet love Oof! That album has to be here somewhere.
Oh, Mom I found out why Lee really came to Atlanta.
Oh? Oh, no, no, not to propose, Mom.
Sorry.
Oh.
He did wanna meet my family.
He loves me.
I'm so happy for you.
Now, now, this this Lee, he he just might be the one.
Now don't go muckin' it up.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Oh, you found it! There ain't nothin' I can do Or nothin' I can say Mom, is that you? Yeah, 50 years ago.
Mmm, I was singing with a blues band with a man named Redd Turner, and he passed just a few days ago.
It brought back a flood of memories.
Oh I gave up doing what I love because I fell in love with your Daddy.
But don't get me wrong.
I wanted to get married and have a family.
But I've always regretted that I gave up my singing career.
Always.
Now I want you to have this.
Mm-hm, as a reminder.
It doesn't have to be that way with you, Letta.
You can have it all.
Remember that.
Baby girl Auntie? - Hey, you all packed up? - Well, I'm gettin' there.
- How's Treyvion? - He's better.
You being here this weekend really helped.
You know, before I leave, I wanted to ask you something.
Would you ever consider taking Treyvion I I would I just I don't want him to be labeled some kind of mental case.
No, they would never label him that way.
I promise.
But, Niecy, he needs help.
I'm willing to pay for it.
Yeah, I'll do it.
He needs it.
I'll do it.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
I love you.
It was good having you.
Thank you, Atlanta, Georgia, for the humidity.
Damn, it's hot down here! - For the bar fight.
- Oooh And, most of all, for the hog's head cheese.
Oh, my God, Auntie, Beyoncé just liked my tweet.
Wait, let me see that.
My tweet.
Damn, girl, you wrote that? Lee helped me out.
He's really dope.
Yeah, he is.
Now I have a very special guest for you, ladies and gentlemen.
Atlanta's very own, ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Miss Helen Patterson, who's gonna come up here and sing us a blues number.
Come on, Miss Helen.
Come on.
I'd like to dedicate this song to a very dear friend of 50 years, Redd Turner.
There ain't nothin' I can do Or nothin' I can say That folks don't criticize me But I'm gonna do Just as I want to Anyway I don't care Just what people say If I should take a notion To jump up into the ocean Ain't nobody's business If I do If I go to church on Sunday Then cabaret all day Monday.
Ain't nobody's business If I do Ain't nobody's business If I do yeh Woo
That cop goin' back to work is all over the news now, but it's gonna die down.
Treyvion's having nightmares.
I'm ready for it to be over.
Your pose with Orlando Lagos was so cool.
I showed it to everyone at school.
Really? He's one of our favorite players.
How do you know him? He's just a friend.
- Why don't you just admit it? - Admit what? That this is all a lie, Dante! You used me.
It's gone, Dante.
The money I had to give it all back.
What do you mean you gave it all back? Congratulations.
You're about to celebrate your 40th.
It looks like you might be in a real relationship.
What? The northeast states are still in a deep freeze following three days of record breaking low temperatures.
We have full coverage.
But, first, let's check in with Mary Jane Paul who's outside with fans braving the cold.
Mary Jane? The crowd outside is a bit thinner than usual.
But I've been joined by a group of some very daring young men who don't mind the cold.
Tell us where you're from, and why you're outside dressed like this.
Hey, yeah, we're students from New York City University and we're from Canada.
For Canuks this is beach weather.
Well, there you have it, America.
According to these guys, we should all be out here in our bikinis.
Live from outside the newsroom of "Great Day USA," I'm Mary Jane Paul.
Ronda, Aaron, back to you.
Which one of you no-home- trainin' ass clowns threw it? - Who threw it? - Mary Jane.
Inside now, please.
Mary Jane you cannot lose your cool every time some idiot catcalls you.
That wasn't a catcall.
That was assault.
And I'm pressing charges.
It was a friggin' snowball and you know what? It was funny and it's probably gonna make the year end bloopers.
Hopefully, even TMZ, if we're lucky.
And that's a good thing.
Anything that ingratiates you with the audience is a good thing, yes.
Sorry, I think I've got seasonal affective disorder.
Well, I've got the perfect remedy for that.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Thurgood Marshall's confirmation to the Supreme Court, and the Racial Justice Coalition is throwing a huge gala, and I got Garrett to send us to Atlanta to cover it.
That sounds like a gig with Ronda's name written all over it.
Forget about Ronda because Aaron's on vacation next week, so, if Ronda's in Atlanta I'd get to sit in the anchor chair.
Exactly.
And you know Ronda ain't gonna let that happen - without a fight.
- Right Let's look on the bright side.
Here we come, Atlanta! Hello? Hello? - Wait! - What? We've gotta start researching.
There's gonna be a ton of civil rights leaders there, the mayor of Atlanta.
Done.
- Oh - Mm-hm.
And this is why you're the best producer in the game.
Tell me, bitch, how did you get Garrett to let you go instead of Justin? Well, I was on my way to Atlanta anyway to go and see the boys, and, girl, since I have started working with Orlando, I have finally cracked that damn office boys' club.
- It's a beautiful thing.
- "Working with Orlando.
" Is that what we're calling it these days? We fly in the morning, chica.
Be ready.
Pick up the phone baby I know you're home baby - I'm in the zone baby - Hello? Anybody home? - Hey! It is you! - Hey! - How are you? - Oh - Oh, my goodness.
- Hi, Mom.
Oh, a sight for sore eyes.
- Hey, sis.
- Hey, how are ya? - You still with that job? - Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Where's the show puttin' you up now? - Four Seasons.
- Oh "Great Day USA" does not play.
- Auntie! - Hey! - Hi, baby.
- Hi! You look so good! I'm sorry to be running off like as soon as you get here, but I've gotta go get Treyvion from school.
- Okay.
- It's not time yet.
School's not out.
Yeah, he had a little incident.
- He bit some kid.
- Oh, he's just overtired.
That's why he's acting out like that.
Is he still having nightmares? Almost every night.
It's crazy.
Maybe I can just stay here and then that way I can help with Treyvion.
- Oh.
- You'd do that? Of course.
It's only a couple of days.
- I'll get your room ready.
- Thanks, Mom.
You settling in okay? Yeah.
Sure.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Do I detect the slightest bit of trepidation? Babe, you were so looking forward to this trip.
You were over the moon about this trip.
No, I still am.
It's just being back at home in my old room I'm sort of afraid of falling back into old habits.
Ah, yeah, the binge drinking and the chain smoking.
No, more like meddling and judging Things my family brings out in me.
Look, babe, everyone reverts to their 15-year-old self when they're around family.
Nope, not gonna let that happen.
You can't control everything, MJ.
There may be something unexpected coming your way.
Oh, God, I hope not.
I detest surprises.
Anybody gonna get that? Hold on.
Surprise.
Aww I can't believe you flew all this way to surprise me.
It's no big deal.
My agent booked a last-minute gig and I thought, since you were here Well, I wish you would've told me before I gave up my hotel room.
Yes, I'm still here.
Okay, thank you.
No luck.
There's three conventions in town, so, unless you wanna stay at a roach-infested no-tell motel, you've gotta bunk here.
Sex in your parents' house.
Taboo.
I like that.
Hey.
Pauletta, who is this young man? Oh, I'm just the delivery guy.
She was giving me my tip.
He's kidding.
This is Lee and he flew down to surprise me.
How are you, young man? I'm Pauletta's father, Paul Patterson.
This is my wife, Helen.
Such a pleasure to meet you both.
You flew all this way to surprise my daughter? - It sounds serious.
- No, Mom.
And where are you staying while you're here, Mr.
Lee? - In the guest room with me? - Nice try, little Pauletta.
The guest bedroom has a leak and your father's patching it.
Mr.
Lee, you stay down here in the family room, and you can stay with Treyvion he'll love that.
Bring this young man into the kitchen so I can get to know him while I'm cookin'.
Pauletta? Yeah, I'll explain later.
So, how did you two meet? At a comedy club in Manhattan.
I was performing Yeah, Lee's a stand up comedian.
He's really funny.
Mm, why I ain't laughed yet? I was performing when I saw this radiant woman sat at the bar.
Of course, she shot me down at the first approach.
You don't have to tell us that.
There's nothing wrong with being picky.
My aunt is too successful to end up with any old riffraff.
Well, I'm glad you were persistent, but she can be a little stubborn.
But you seem to have the temperament that can handle her.
I'm not that stubborn.
Lee, sweetie, have you had enough? Would you like another helping? Well, what's this? Oh, that's, uh, that's hog's head cheese As suggesting as it may suggest.
They tried to get us to eat that when we were kids, but we wouldn't go near it.
Yeah, Granddad tricked me into eating some when I was little.
I was so sick.
Ugh, I can still taste it.
Come on, cut me up a slice.
Don't do it.
- It can't be that bad.
- It looks like pâté.
What's in this hog's head cheese? Nothing that actually resembles cheese.
It's more of a jelly made from the meat of a hog's head.
That ain't all that's in it.
The hog's feet, the hog's heart, and the hog's tongue.
- Um - Mmm! My compliments to you, Mrs.
Patterson.
Well, well Actually, it's Paul's specialty.
Yep, my grandfather taught me how to make it.
It's a Southern delicacy.
Unfortunately, our saditty children are too good to enjoy the food of our ancestors.
- Saditty? - What does that mean? All right, guys, well, I'm gonna let you all teach Lee here all about slave cuisine and Southern slang while I go get my press credentials.
Or maybe you should come with me.
He's in good hands.
Bye.
Go on.
So, saditty? Great.
Hey, Mary Jane! I got your credentials ready, mama.
- Oh, thank you.
- You're welcome.
Here you go.
Look who's here.
- Scott, Max, come here.
- Oh, my God.
Hi! - I know, right? - Look at you.
- What's up? - How are you? Look how grown you two have gotten.
Listen, why don't you guys go check out the refreshment table, grab your stuff, and can you get me a lemonade? - Okay.
Sure.
- All right? Say goodbye.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Max is officially a grown man.
Yeah, and that man is having sex.
I'm about to have the talk with him.
Well, if he's already having sex, isn't it a little late to be having a talk with him? Oh, no, no, no, no, not the birds and the bees talk.
The don't knock anybody up talk.
I thought I at least had one more year.
- I can't believe this.
- It's gonna be okay, mama.
We'll talk about that later.
I've gotta get them home.
- So, I'll be back in a bit.
- Just wrap him in a condom.
- Mary Jane.
- Oh, my goodness.
Vladimir Fredrick, how are you? Good.
You? Oh, Sophia! Hi, how are you, and Luke.
My goodness.
Mary Jane, back from the Big Apple.
.
You know Tell us all about "Great Day USA.
" Is that Aaron as hot in person as he is on screen? Okay, the show is amazing and, yes, Aaron is equally as hot in person.
I'm having the time of my life.
It sure looks like it.
Your wardrobe budget must be, what, astronomical? Girl, those designers give us all that stuff for free.
No, I so hate you.
I hate her right now.
Show us some pix of little Carlo so I can hate on you, too.
I have had two more since you left.
- What? - Elaina and Amelia.
Oh, my God, they're so cute.
How do you do it? I'm weekend anchor now.
With three kids, something had to go.
What's the biggest change you had to make for morning TV? Probably forging a deeper connection to the sunnier side of my disposition.
Well, that can't be easy for you.
Oh, Vlad, as charming as ever.
Are you still the man over at "Today's Top News"? Ten years in September and, um, it's not public yet, but I've been promoted Evening anchor.
- What? - You got the anchor chair? I knew it.
After your series on the Orlando nightclub shooting, they had to give it to you.
Vlad, that's amazing.
Okay, yeah, that plastic smile don't fool me.
I know.
It burns.
I got there first.
I'm glad to know some things never change.
Look at this one.
Can you imagine an eight year old obsessed with Sam Cooke? Letta, she was just such an odd child.
Okay, yeah, storytime's over.
We're gonna get outta here.
Good.
Show him some Atlanta.
Hey, y'all should check out a couple of the new spots.
No, none of that hippity hoppity mess.
Helen's right.
That's not the way to get the flavor of the city.
How about this? How about you guys let me figure it out? But don't stay out too late.
Go get your groove on, man.
- Have a good time.
- Thank you.
Already I cannot wait to break out.
Come on.
I think they're amazing.
Hm I know where I wanna take you.
There's something about you girl You've got me Love me love me love me - Don't stop me - Oh, yes.
I love this.
Oh, man, I started sneaking out here when I was 13.
There's something so romantic about drive-ins.
Do you guys have these in the UK? No, this is strictly an American phenomenon.
Really? God, I have so many memories out here like my first date, my first kiss.
Oh.
My first - Really? - Oh, yeah.
- You lost your - Oh.
- here.
- Oh, yeah.
In the back seat of Dwayne Payton's Toyota Celica.
" Poetic Justice" was playing in the background.
You know what? This makes perfect sense.
It's why you love movie theater popcorn so much.
Aww You're so cute.
Makes me love her and support her What's wrong, baby? Is it the kids? No.
It's Redd Redd Turner he passed away.
He was my old friend.
Oh, baby, I'm sorry.
I know how much he meant to you to this day.
Let's not discuss this around the kids.
I don't wanna put a damper on Letta's visit.
I understand.
I'm gonna be okay.
Mrs.
Patterson! - Oh? - Uh Lord have mercy! Oh Oh! God I have a husband and two sons.
This is not my first run-in with male anatomy.
However, if I catch you whippin' that thing out here, under my roof, I'm gonna have to chop it off.
Snip! I understand.
I am so sorry.
Mm hm.
Mary Jane, a minute, please.
Mom, I'm so sorry.
I know how serious you take the whole separate beds thing.
Pauletta, how serious are you about Lee? I'm not seeing anybody else, and neither is he, and he wants me to meet his kids.
He has kids? Yeah, mom, he's got two with a baby mama in the UK.
Okay This isn't a bad thing 'cause you're about to turn 40, and your egg carton empty, and even if you had any left, they'd probably crack.
Is he a good father? Very good, from what I can tell.
Okay, he's already got kids, he came here to visit your family, uh I'm gonna gonna stop you right there.
I can assure you, Lee came to Atlanta to perform, not to propose.
Well, I don't know.
He's already got your father teaching him to make hog's head cheese.
Now you just wait and see, mm-hm? A man can't be that interested in hog's head cheese.
Uh, I understand the rules.
I just Okay, I will.
You, too.
You all right? That was Treyvion's school.
They said if he has another incident, they're gonna kick him out.
What? For biting a kid? This isn't the first time.
It happened before.
He's been suspended twice.
What? When? A couple of weeks ago and then another time before that.
Jesus, Niecy, you didn't wanna tell anybody? And admit that I'm failing Treyvion After all that's happened with that settlement money.
Niecy, you're not a bad mom.
Treyvion is not a bad kid.
This is about his nightmares.
Yeah, well, try telling the school that.
Treyvion cannot be the only kid who misbehaves this way.
Well, Darlene's son has the same biting issue, but she and her husband are major donors, and if the school loses their kid, they lose their coin.
This isn't about money.
It's partly about money, but, let me guess.
- Darlene's White.
- Yeah.
You haven't been watching the morning show? Niecy, this kind of thing has been happening all over the country.
Black kids are receiving harsher punishment for the exact same infractions.
Treyvion's just the latest example.
So, what should I do? You fight for your kid to get the same treatment as his peers.
You got this.
Here you go, Mom.
Cue cards all numbered and in order.
- Wonderful.
- Can I go now? - The dance is about to start.
- That's fine.
Listen, but before you go, I just I wanna talk to you.
Okay? One minute.
- Mom, what are you doing? - Take it.
Your dad told me you were having sex.
So, you're giving me this here? - Yes.
- Right now? Max, I've been trying to have this conversation with you for two days.
Look at me.
Do you know about safe sex? Huh? Are you being careful? Like you're being careful with Orlando? Don't try and pretend you guys are just friends.
I'm not four years old.
What I do in my private life is my business, okay? But my sex life is your business? Yes, it is my job to be in your business.
I am your mother.
My business is a 16 year old girl with braces.
I think I can handle it.
Come over here.
I'll see you later, Mom.
Be careful.
A lot of the traditional Black cuisine was born out of slavery.
They had to make do with the leftover parts from the cow and the pigs.
Stuff White folks didn't want.
That's right.
That's where tripe and chitlins and hog maws and pig's feet and hog's head cheese come from.
It's amazing, the resilience of our people in this country.
I remember, as a little boy, knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandfather, whose face, arms, and body bore the scars of slavery.
He would take me to market with him.
I can't tell you how many times I witnessed this strong, dignified man turn into a cowering submissive in front of those White shop owners.
The humiliation was hard to watch.
Uh, anyway, uh, that's why I make this.
My kids think it's nasty.
But it reminds me of my Papa and all the things he went through to give us a better life.
Oh I still can't believe this is happening.
My two favorite men bonding over hog's head cheese.
Well, you'd better get ready because in about eight hours, you'll get to taste my first official batch.
Excuse me, I'm gonna go wash up.
Thank you.
Oh, jeez, it's almost 7:00.
I've gotta get changed.
All right, you go on.
Do your thing.
- I'll see you in an hour.
- All right.
Ohhh! Oh, this looks good.
I do not mind if I do.
You cannot be hungry again.
Ravenous.
- What did you just say? - Ravenous? Famished.
Dude, can't you just say hungry? All right, hungry.
What are you up to? I'm dealing with my son's preschool Something you wouldn't know nothing about, 'cause I know you probably went to some fancy boarding school, or something like that.
Unh unh, no, no.
You and me have much more in common than you know.
How's that? I'm a single father.
Years ago, my son was acting out.
He was fighting.
He, uh, got kicked out of three nurseries.
- You got a kid? - Kids.
Plural.
How are you dealing with the preschool issue? Ooh! I've heard your, uh, tweets have gotten you in a bit of a pickle before.
A kielbasa fried pickle.
Look, do you mind if we take this in a different direction? I am, after all, the man with a good humor.
- Well, humor me, then.
- Okay.
- - Okay.
You a'ight for a foreigner, Lee.
I'm gonna take that as a compliment.
You should.
Don't eat all the pie, dude.
Oh, I cannot guarantee that.
How do I look? Ooh.
Ooh.
Ooh.
I know what Niecy would say.
Damn, girl, you look fine! Oh, that's what I like to hear.
What were you guys talking about? - Oh, Treyvion.
- Hm Now I don't mean to pry, but have you guys ever thought about therapy for him? No, Black families here, we don't normally do the whole therapy thing.
Ah, yes, that makes sense.
Why get the mental health care you so desperately need, when you can suffer in silence? Exactly.
I mean, truth be told, my mom thinks all Treyvion needs is Sunday School, you know, to pray the nightmares out of him.
That sounds like a plot from an '80s horror movie.
Exactly.
You ready? I'm Mary Jane Paul live from the Thurgood Marshall dedication here in Atlanta.
Mayor Reed, Mayor Reed, Hi, Mary Jane Paul from "Great Day USA.
" Can you explain to our viewers the significance of this event and what it means to you? Well, Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American appointed to the US Supreme Court.
He played an essential role in ending legal segregation.
I'm just thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate his legacy.
You actually knew Thurgood Marshall.
In fact, in 1977, Judge Marshall swore you in as the first African-American ambassador to the UN.
Can you tell us a little something about the man you knew Thurgood Marshall to be.
When I was in the sixth grade class in 1941, we had a teacher take us down to a federal courtroom, and I heard this tall, skinny young man arguing the case for equal salaries between Black and White teachers, so, when I started working with Martin Luther King in '61, I knew that there was 20 years of legal foundation that he had prepared that made it possible for us to do the demonstrations we did.
We've got Dr.
C.
T.
Vivian here.
It's such an honor.
You were so instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement, riding some of the first Freedom Buses throughout the South and working very closely along side Dr.
Martin Luther King.
Tell us, what does Thurgood Marshall's legacy mean to you? It was his understanding of law, and his courage to force the courts into doing what, in the South, they did not want to do.
It's that combination that made it possible for him to go on later, but for all of us to move forward.
Can I get a beer? Thanks, man.
Are you having fun yet? I'm thoroughly enjoying watching you.
You're killing it.
Oh, wow, look who's here.
Who? It's Judge McAllister.
Kara's been circling him for months.
Oh, the guy who's been nominated for the Supreme Court.
Yeah, it's looking like he is turning down every producer here.
He's here celebrating Thurgood Marshall, so he's aware of the optics.
Maybe I have a shot? - or at your chambers.
- Honored.
Honored.
Honored.
Uh, don't waste your time there, Mary Jane.
I am this close to getting the judge to sit down with me.
Close is not a done deal, Vlad.
Oh.
Mary Jane thinks she's gonna score this interview for "Great Day USA.
" I'm definitely gonna try.
Oh, are you gonna fit it in between cooking segments? You won't be laughing when I get a seat at his table.
I want in on this.
Me, too.
Count me in.
You do know I have more game than all of you put together, right? Well, then, let's let the best "man" win.
Easy money, honey.
Good luck.
I have to figure out a way to get Vlad away from the judge.
What are you doing? If I told you, what fun would that be? You know I detest surprises.
Shh.
Sorry, I'm Lee Truitt.
You're that famous cable news anchor, right? Ah, Vladimir Frederick.
Did you hear Reverend Jackson's making a special appearance? He's pulling up now.
Where'd you hear that? Oh, manager.
He was talking to that White guy.
What's his name? The Silver Fox.
Anderson Cooper? Next drink's on me, man.
Reverend Jackson.
All right.
Judge McAllister.
Hi, I'm Mary Jane Paul from "Great Day USA.
" Miss Paul, a pleasure.
You have some proper manners, Your Honor.
Well, my mother always told me: good manners show people you respect them, and their feelings.
Your mother sounds like a wise woman.
Well, I owe her everything.
This is a remarkable event, isn't it? It is.
As a judge, yourself, you must feel pretty honored just to be here tonight.
I do.
I'm truly honored to be here.
And to quote the late President Johnson, Justice Marshall symbolized what is truly best about our American society.
The belief that human rights must be satisfied through the orderly processes of law.
I'm sure you have been approached by every journalist here tonight, Then you're aware of my reservations regarding interviews.
I am aware, sir, but you must be aware that these cable outfits, they need ratings, and to get those ratings, they will excoriate your record like bloodhounds, and yet, still, magically only pull in 300,000 viewers.
Now "Great Day USA," we've got five million viewers.
Our show is friendly, and relatable.
It's the perfect opportunity for the public to meet the man behind the robe.
I appreciate your candor, Miss Paul.
You make a strong argument.
Have you thought about going into law? Yeah, I considered it.
But we both know that the law is not about the truth.
I'm someone who believes that the news still is.
I'm impressed, Miss Paul, and like good manners, I appreciate that.
Well To good manners.
To good manners.
- Lee Truitt.
- A shot of that.
Was it her plan or yours Distracting me while she goes in for the kill? Guilty as charged.
A'ight.
Man, that Mary Jane.
She always gets exactly what she wants.
What is it about her? When we were cub reporters, I must have asked her out a half a dozen times.
She only dates ballers, shot-callers, men with deep pockets that can do something for her.
I mean, that's Mary Jane.
You know, always lookin' out for number one.
Screw everybody else.
Maybe she's changed.
Women like that don't change.
Okay, second thought.
They do change.
But not for very long.
I'll take it from here, Mary Jane.
Judge McAllister.
There's someone I'd like you to meet.
I think you'd really like him.
Excuse me, Miss Paul.
He is layin' it on thick tonight.
You know Vlad.
He can't stand to lose a bet.
It seems like him and McAllister are already old friends.
It's so good to see you, Mary Jane.
- Bye.
- Yeah, bye.
Good luck.
I am so sorry.
I really thought we had him.
Don't worry, we've got bigger fish to catch in New York.
Oh.
Wait.
Hold up.
I still may have a pulse.
You know all that research you did on McAllister and his family? Yes.
I'm about to put it to good use.
A powerful image.
A powerful man.
Madam Attorney General, Mary Jane Paul.
Oh, it's so nice to meet you.
You know, I noticed you standing not too far away from your husband earlier, and I've gotta say your receiving line rivaled his.
Don't tell him that.
Tonight, I am simply here as Judge McAllister's wife.
You must be so proud of your husband.
I really am.
He's gotta be proud of you as well.
I hear your next move may be taking over the National Women's Health Organization? Where did you hear that? That's not public knowledge yet.
I've got my sources.
You know, it's always good keeping tabs on women who make a real difference.
Mm.
You look familiar.
Now what do you do for a living? I'm a journalist and a correspondent with "Great Day USA.
" - Do you know it? - Do I know it? Of course.
I watch it every morning.
I just love that Ronda Sales.
Smart cookie, that one.
Ronda was my idol.
It has been a dream working with her.
You know, we were trying to convince your husband to come on our show.
I think that is a fantastic idea.
Your husband does not think so.
Oh, leave that to me.
We'll be in touch, hm? A toast to you, MJ, for landing the biggest whale of the night.
And to you, Lee, for that valuable assist.
Hear! Hear! I am happy to dust off the old improv skills for a good cause.
It hurts.
Here's to the best "man" with the prettiest face.
You know, if I had your tits, I would have scored McAllister, too.
Come on, Vlad.
Come on.
Don't be a sore loser.
Why don't you listen to your mate and piss off.
Oh what? She's tough.
She can take it right, MJ? Shit, man.
I appreciate you defending me, babe.
Where did all that come from? Darth Vlad-er.
He had pretty harsh words for you.
Yeah, he was drunk.
He said you were a self serving bitch, who only looks after number one.
Damn.
You really shoulda hit him harder.
Is there anything to it? Or is Vlad just salty you never gave him the time of day? Salty might be a good word, but the Mary Jane that he described that was in the past.
I'm different.
- Are you? - I am.
And the biggest difference is I'm actually making an effort.
Well, if you can so can I.
Yeah.
Did I ever tell you getting in a bar fight in the South has always been one of my fantasies.
Really? Well, remind me to never question your masculinity ever again.
When you told me about your trip down here, I asked my agent to book me a gig.
I wanted to meet your family.
- I'm glad you did.
- Me, too.
Oh, wait, I've got something for us.
Yeah yeah - Wow.
- Ooh wee The way you touch, mmm The way you kiss, ah yeah Girl, you know, you know I'm in, I'm into this, all right And girl you know, mmm What Vlad said I'm so sorry.
No, shhh.
How and where and when to make To make a move Baby you know You need only touch me girl And I'm a slave for you Yeah yeah And I lose all self control And I do what I do 'Cause I'm so into you I can't let go Yeah yeah oh Tell me what you want.
Tell me you love me.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Oh oh In your bed, in your bed Making love Making sweet love, sweet love Oof! That album has to be here somewhere.
Oh, Mom I found out why Lee really came to Atlanta.
Oh? Oh, no, no, not to propose, Mom.
Sorry.
Oh.
He did wanna meet my family.
He loves me.
I'm so happy for you.
Now, now, this this Lee, he he just might be the one.
Now don't go muckin' it up.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Oh, you found it! There ain't nothin' I can do Or nothin' I can say Mom, is that you? Yeah, 50 years ago.
Mmm, I was singing with a blues band with a man named Redd Turner, and he passed just a few days ago.
It brought back a flood of memories.
Oh I gave up doing what I love because I fell in love with your Daddy.
But don't get me wrong.
I wanted to get married and have a family.
But I've always regretted that I gave up my singing career.
Always.
Now I want you to have this.
Mm-hm, as a reminder.
It doesn't have to be that way with you, Letta.
You can have it all.
Remember that.
Baby girl Auntie? - Hey, you all packed up? - Well, I'm gettin' there.
- How's Treyvion? - He's better.
You being here this weekend really helped.
You know, before I leave, I wanted to ask you something.
Would you ever consider taking Treyvion I I would I just I don't want him to be labeled some kind of mental case.
No, they would never label him that way.
I promise.
But, Niecy, he needs help.
I'm willing to pay for it.
Yeah, I'll do it.
He needs it.
I'll do it.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
I love you.
It was good having you.
Thank you, Atlanta, Georgia, for the humidity.
Damn, it's hot down here! - For the bar fight.
- Oooh And, most of all, for the hog's head cheese.
Oh, my God, Auntie, Beyoncé just liked my tweet.
Wait, let me see that.
My tweet.
Damn, girl, you wrote that? Lee helped me out.
He's really dope.
Yeah, he is.
Now I have a very special guest for you, ladies and gentlemen.
Atlanta's very own, ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Miss Helen Patterson, who's gonna come up here and sing us a blues number.
Come on, Miss Helen.
Come on.
I'd like to dedicate this song to a very dear friend of 50 years, Redd Turner.
There ain't nothin' I can do Or nothin' I can say That folks don't criticize me But I'm gonna do Just as I want to Anyway I don't care Just what people say If I should take a notion To jump up into the ocean Ain't nobody's business If I do If I go to church on Sunday Then cabaret all day Monday.
Ain't nobody's business If I do Ain't nobody's business If I do yeh Woo