Power (2014) s04e09 Episode Script
That Ain't Me
1 GHOST: Previously on Power Oh, my God! You were never here.
[screams.]
Who the fuck is Tony Teresi? Teresi is your father.
He left you.
He left us.
This is our chance to make a difference, and it starts now.
An opportunity to rebuild this community, a community I grew up in, come on, I can't be more excited.
Still thinking about going to war with the Jimenez? Are the Serbians on board with this? What the fuck are you questioning me for? What if I told you I could deliver Tommy's entire organization? He's holding his primeras as weak.
They don't trust him.
Why should we trust you? There's this prep school in Connecticut.
It's called Choate.
We could just get away, together.
Brains, tell him to stop! Please, I won't say anything.
BRAINS: Yo, where'd he go? Tariq! JOE: They say this is a big, rich town I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I gotta make it, this is where it goes down I just happen to come up hard Legal or illegal, baby, I gotta make it 50 CENT: I never took a straight path nowhere Life's full of twists and turns, bumps and bruises I live, I learn I'm from that city full of yellow cabs and skyscrapers It's hard to get a start in these parts without paper Homey, I grew up in hell, a block away from heaven That corner every 15 minutes, they moving seven Pure snow, bag it, then watch it go Occupational options, get some blow or some hos Shoot the ball or the strap, learn to rap or to jack Fuck it, man, in the meantime Go head and pump a pack This my regal, royal flow, my James Bond bounce That 007, that's 62 on my count I'm an undercover liar, I lie under the covers Look a bitch in the eyes and tell her, baby, I love ya You're my inspiration, you're my motivation You're the reason that I'm moving with no hesitation JOE: They say this is a big, rich town Yeah, I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I gotta make it, this is where it goes down Legal or illegal, baby, I gotta make it Why do you want to attend Choate, Tariq? For a change, I guess.
What's this? For Van Allen school records.
Go ahead, open it.
And you know what I see? I see the records of a kid who's smart, really smart.
But who's had a decline, both academically and socially in the last few months.
Well, my dad, he was arrested for a crime that he didn't commit.
I struggled.
I admit that, but I want to go back to being the student I was.
A student that got good grades, a student whose teachers liked him.
I just need a place to focus on my work and my future, and I feel like Choate is the place.
TARIQ: It's not looking too good, is it? Well, actually, son, the interviewer told me he's gonna recommend you for Choate, so Looking quite good.
[chuckles.]
I'm proud of you, son.
Oh.
I got something to show you.
They finally saying your pops is innocent.
Finally the truth.
[soft piano music.]
You think Kanan's gonna try to come after us because we saw him kill Jukebox? Has Kanan reached out to you? No, but, I mean, aren't you a little worried that he might try to kill us because he thinks you might snitch on him? You snitched on him before.
Who told you I snitched on Kanan? Jukebox did.
Before you got there.
Kanan knows reporting me to the police is reporting himself.
I'm guilty, we're guilty by association.
If he goes down, we go down.
Got it.
Look, son, I know what guilt can do to a person.
It eats at you until Until you don't know who you are anymore.
But what happened to Jukebox, it ain't your fault, 'Riq.
I know.
Thanks, Dad.
[speaking Spanish.]
[groans.]
[whimpers.]
You know, you don't need to stay with me.
I'm okay.
I don't care.
I'm keeping an eye on you for at least the rest of the week.
It was the only way Mike would confess.
And like I said, it's over.
He's dead now.
- Paz.
- What? I'm glad he's dead.
I bet you are too.
[soft music.]
Yo, I got to thank you again for taking care of that Fed rat.
Well, you must be doing some big business to have that kind of heat on you.
TOMMY: You know it.
They've been trying to catch me for a minute.
I'm slippery.
Yeah, well, your pop used to run with the biggest and the baddest too, you know.
Your Sicilian family would be proud.
I'm proud.
Get the fuck outta here.
I'm part Sicilian? It makes sense.
I eat the shit out of pizza.
TERESI: Hey, I got a favor to ask you, Tommy.
I want to meet you.
I mean, in person.
Teresi, I got felonies on my record.
Only way I'm meeting you is if I'm in handcuffs.
Listen, they, um, they make exceptions for immediate family.
All you gotta do is prove that you're my son.
How am I gonna do that? I only just found out.
Fuckin' Ma.
Listen, you can't blame your mother for trying to wipe me out of your life.
All right? I hurt her real bad.
Now, that does not mean that everything Kate says about me is true.
But she's got proof.
I am not the kind of guy who would deny his own son.
That ain't me.
CO's coming.
Gotta go.
[laughter.]
Yo, yo.
What's going on? Takin' bets on what war Tommy's gonna get us into today.
[laughter.]
Look, man, he came through with the Jimenez shit, though, right, so Which he started.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Period.
I don't care who's responsible for the détente.
I'm just here for the dope.
Tommy been acting real crazy lately, but if shit go back to normal, we a'ight.
SPANKY: Yep, shonuff.
- Yo yo, yo yo.
- [phone buzzing.]
- You know, that's right.
- As long as the weight is good, I'm good.
All right, cool.
Look, so the shipment comes in tonight, Tommy's straight.
It's all good now.
All right? - Vaya.
- Yes, sir.
- Later, my player.
- Yo, yo.
Hmm.
Yo, still good with tomorrow? Yeah.
You sure about Tommy? Yeah, dog.
Trust me.
He's gonna flip his shit.
Look, he'll piss everyone off, and y'all tired of Tommy's bullshit.
We're gonna walk together.
Look no primeras, no soldiers, no war.
No war is the only way we get that Jimenez deal.
All right? We got this.
Let's get it.
Your actions were very brave, AUSA Valdes.
I was looking forward to meeting you.
If I may, I was happy to hear the new U.
S.
Attorney for Eastern District was a woman.
It's a new direction for the department.
And it needs one, after this scandal.
The silver lining is that Mike's death officially closes both the Knox and Lobos cases.
Your catch saved the Justice Department's ass.
Jesus, I would have loved to light Sandoval up on that stand.
I wanted Mike to stand trial too.
We lost the opportunity to make an example of him, which means my first duty is to restore the public's faith in us.
I need your leadership to do that, if you're up for it.
Of course.
I'm ready to lead.
Great.
Right away the PR folks want us to make an appearance at the Destroy Injustice Gala.
The nonprofit for the wrongfully convicted.
Why would we go to that? They're honoring James St.
Patrick as the DOJ's Victim of the Year or some shit.
Whatever you need.
Good news is this'll be the last time St.
Patrick's name is said in this office.
We are so done with him.
Agreed.
No more James St.
Patrick.
Now I need your advice.
This is just between us.
Who's the better replacement for Mike as Head of Criminal? Mak or Saxe? Why not me? You said it yourself: I saved the Justice Department's ass.
Only after putting our asses on the line time and time again.
Honestly, Angela, if you were me, would you put you in charge? We've heard these sentiments before: reinvesting in the community, youth outreach.
What makes this project and this alliance between the two of you unique? James St.
Patrick is a member of this community who has seen the dark side of the system firsthand.
His message of hope and perseverance is a unique inspiration.
I hear you've been named Destroy Injustice's Man of the Year? Yes, and it's an honor.
One that he richly deserves.
[chuckles.]
Uh, if you're done with my portion of the interview, mind if I excuse myself? - Absolutely.
- Thank you.
I just have a couple more questions for James.
Did you ever think you'd be standing here as a child? The only antidote to poverty is opportunity, Olivia.
So when I was a child, standing here, um, there was a girl from my hood, a girl who got an opportunity.
She got a scholarship to go to a prep school, Choate.
It changed her life forever.
I of course had to stay here and fend for myself on these streets.
I am so humble that my success and the examples of my failures can be of help to those in need.
You are the king of sound bites, aren't you? [laughs.]
[laughter.]
The first of many boxes you'll be receiving now that James has been cleared of Where should I put this? Oh, right here is fine.
You know, I just want to say thank you for everything.
- Mm.
- [both chuckle.]
Uh, there's something that's been bothering me, Tasha.
You know I plan on leaving James.
- [laughs.]
- I mean, now that the case is over.
No, no, not that.
I told you and James that Mike Sandoval was being held at the MCC? Less than 24 hours later he was dead.
Mike Sandoval was a dirty prosecutor in jail with a bunch of people he sent there.
Anybody could have killed him.
Anybody.
That is true.
Mm-hmm.
Well, you know, I'm thinking about expanding the weave shop with LaKeisha.
Open up a second store.
Then some more.
And, uh, hopefully turn it into a franchise.
But, you know, in order to do that, I need money.
I don't have enough money to invest, Tasha.
Oh, not your money.
James is starting his real estate project, and once he starts getting real money coming in and we divorce You will invest the alimony.
And I'll be independent.
Mm.
Yo, why you ain't answering my texts, son? He don't look so shook.
What do I got to be shook about? You know, you ran out the house so fast, um, I thought you might be runnin' to the cops.
Man, I ain't no snitch.
Ask Ray Ray.
He know I'm straight.
Ray Ray? You talkin' to him? No, I'm just saying, I ain't no snitch.
Snitchin' now would make me guilty by association.
Now where's my cut of the lick? Working on it.
Young'un.
[swish.]
It's always good to have the press on your side.
You'll soon be New York's favorite black.
Speaking of which, how is Councilman Tate coming along? I think we'll get the votes needed in the city council meeting, and your doubts about Councilman Tate will be disproved, once and for all.
In my experience, knowing who to trust is the most important skill to have, which is why I'll be taking the reins at the presentation.
You said you were a silent partner.
That was before you went behind my back and brought Tate on board.
Besides, I fear your coalition might be a bit too Afrocentric for their tastes.
My presence will help dilute all the Authenticity.
Okay, listen to me, Simon.
Since we're expanding roles, I want a bigger role in the planning of the project.
Is this about compensation? You do understand your participation is in lieu of repayment of the money you owe me.
I want to be more than a face.
I want to be the man I was in that interview today: a business owner who's improving my community.
You are free to do as much community organizing as you'd like.
Unfortunately, the business end of the deal is closed.
See you tomorrow for the vote.
[smack.]
Get out of my shit! You're ruining my organization.
You got the organization skills of a schizophrenic.
Where's my birth certificate? What the hell do you need that for? I just need it! Ah! This is a Kate Moscatelli first edition Susie Jane doll, you moron! If you don't give me my birth certificate, I'm gonna smash all of 'em.
- Okay.
- [gasps.]
No.
Fine.
Here.
You happy? Yeah.
No! This ain't it! This ain't what I'm looking for, Teresi said that you had something that proved that he was my dad.
I need it to go visit him.
Are you fucking kidding me? You can't go visit him.
You don't tell me what to do, you lyin' bitch.
You know what I'm here for.
Give me that fuckin' paper.
[screaming.]
Give me that goddamn paper.
Give me that goddamn paper.
What are you gonna do? You kidding me? Are you gonna hurt your mother? The soft little mama's boy? Yeah, Ma.
That's right.
What do you think happened to Holly, Ma? Huh? It's there.
It's an envelope.
- Where? - In my scrapbook clippings there.
Point to it.
There.
He was at the hospital? He was there that day? Let me explain.
He wanted to take you from me, Tommy.
His wife couldn't have kids.
Thomas Patrick Teresi.
He gave me his name? He wanted to give you to her to raise, but you're mine.
My baby.
That sweet face.
He wouldn't leave his wife.
I changed your name.
I gave you my father's name.
He gave me his fucking name! He's he's, um, a criminal and a murderer.
I'm a criminal and a murderer! You can't blame that on Teresi.
Maybe things would be different if he was around.
You're fine the way you are.
Tommy.
Hmm.
Tommy.
Stay the fuck away from me, Ma.
Forever.
Tommy.
[tense music.]
[door slams.]
[sniffs.]
[sighs.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[hip-hop music playing.]
I ain't hear from y'all niggas in a minute.
What's good, Ray Ray? Been hearing about y'all down at the precinct, though.
- Yeah? - Two perps.
No forced entry, armed robbery gone wrong.
Candy left at the scene.
That sound like some idiots I know.
You weren't supposed to pull any licks without my okay.
Don't worry about it.
I just need to know if it was y'all so I could help y'all cover it up.
All right? Supposed to have been a big ass lick, man.
That jewelry nigga's bitch.
Took us to the safe, mad easy, then that Tariq kid fucked it up.
Tariq? He ain't going to say shit the cops 'cause that mean he go down too.
Look, y'all got bigger issues than the fuckin' cops, man.
That Tariq ain't just some spoiled kid from the city.
His dad is a motherfucker, man.
And his friend is Slim.
They prolly out lookin' for y'all asses as we speak.
I can't save y'all niggas from that.
- Yo - [gunshot.]
Man, it ain't gotta be like that [shell bounces on floor.]
Hm.
[Vince Staples "BagBak".]
This is for my future baby mama Hope your skin as black as midnight I'll take you out that Honda I can put you in a Benz I can balance out your chakras Fornication is a sin, we can fuck all night regardless Oh father, oh the heavens, as I pray for new McLarens Pray the police don't come blow me down 'Cause of my complexion Everybody think they know me now Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me better Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me better Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me, homie [explosion.]
Floating on the Dions Go until they take my bro and 'em out them city CRs Prison system broken Racial war commotion We on now, we on now So does this sudden interest in switching to the defense table have anything to do with the fact that you didn't get that promotion to Head of Criminal? Does your interest in me joining your firm have anything to do with your suspension? Please.
Angela, James getting cleared means I will too, eventually.
Look, I'm a realist.
I think if I had you on my team, we'd never lose another federal criminal case again.
You are a walking symbol of prosecutorial misconduct.
I think we'd make a great team.
Two legal mavericks, taking the Constitution to task, bending the law to our will? I don't bend the law to my will.
- I uphold the law.
- Hmm.
That's the difference between me and you.
I helped Jamie because he was innocent.
Do you even care if your clients are innocent? - No, I really don't.
- [laughs.]
Innocent or guilty, everyone's entitled to a defense.
Even rich people.
This was a terrible idea.
No, no it's a good Sit back down.
- Awful.
- At least pay for my soup.
You invited me to lunch, remember? What the fuck? - Look, man, look.
- How in the fucking fuck did this fucking happen? Man, the fire marshal said it was electric, like like an accident or something.
- Bullshit.
- Look, one of the Serbs died in there, man, the entire warehouse went up.
I mean, the good news is, the reports never mentioned the drugs.
That went up too.
That's terrible fucking news! Yo, yo, yo.
Fellas, fellas, fellas.
SPANKY: What's going on? Where the fuck is our product, man? We need our shit.
You got insurance? Callahan, if I didn't fuckin' love you, insurance.
All right, first of all, there ain't no such thing as insurance in the drug game.
Yeah, so what does that mean for us, man? Well, what it means is, you're gonna have to wait.
But don't worry; I'm gonna figure this out.
We already gave you the money for our dope.
We got businesses to run, man.
And the last time you tried to figure it out, you almost got us into war with the fucking Jimenez.
I'm thinking it's time we part ways.
Oh.
Yeah? Yeah, is that right? Is that right? Is that fuckin' right? You know, they say the measure of a man is not how he acts when shit's going good, but how he acts when that shit done popped off and all he's left with is a million dollars' worth of ashes and his cock in his hand.
It's not a direct quote.
What I'm saying is, all I'm asking for is a moment, just a little time to make this right.
Poncho, we got history.
Boys, come on.
Father, you know I'm good for it.
[tense music.]
All right, Tommy.
Cristobal? Come here.
Come on, come on, come on.
Get the fuck outta here.
Fuck off.
Did I stutter, motherfucker? Fuck outta here.
Punk motherfucker.
All right, fellas.
You'll hear from me soon.
Hey, so, look, where we going, man, Tommy? Look, all I need you to do, I need you to keep the primeras in line until I come up with a plan.
So you need back-up.
I know it was the Jimenez.
But what I don't know is [sniffs.]
how the fuck did they know about that shipment? [light chuckle.]
What do you want to do about it? Tommy? I'ma kill every last one of 'em.
Start with that David Blaine looking motherfucker Cristobal.
Then the Jimenez, and the Serbs are gonna help.
What a time to be alive.
Never thought I'd see a black-owned business take back the hood at this magnitude.
It's incredible.
What's wrong? Well, Councilman, I was reading over my contract with Stern And couldn't help but notice, uh, way back here In the fine print, it says that Stern will receive an overwhelming majority of the compensation.
Now, I'm no mathematician, but correct me if I'm wrong, with my share at 51%, technically, it's a black-owned business.
But once again, I feel like this asshole has bought my black ass off an auction block.
[sighs.]
This redevelopment loan was earmarked explicitly for black-owned or minority businesses.
What Stern's doing is fraud.
It could bust up this entire deal.
Look, the development is more important, obviously, than my compensation.
I just wanted to point out Hold on, hold on tight.
Maybe there's something I can do.
Hmm? Hm.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Mmm.
[indistinct chatter.]
Excuse us for just a moment, Mr.
Williams.
Good morning, Raina.
Officer Raymond Jones is it? - Mm-hmm.
- Would like to speak to Tariq.
Is your brother at school today? No, ma'am.
Uh, is he in trouble? No, I just had a few questions.
You know where I can find him? Sorry, officer.
No.
Okay, well, thanks anyway.
Thanks for your help, Ms.
Chambers.
MR.
WILLIAMS: Class? Can I have your attention, please? [door clicks shut.]
So, you really leaving? Yep.
My dad is making me go to Connecticut for school.
People is bougie as fuck up there.
[laughs.]
You got any more of this so I could take it up there with me? No.
But maybe I could if we meet in the city before you go.
I mean, you could come to my school dance.
[laughs.]
I ain't got nothing to wear, at least not to your school, no way.
But I could still meet you after.
I could bring lean and we can do something else? All right.
I'll give you the address for the dance.
So I was thinking we could start with Harlem.
- Mm-hmm.
- You gotta get a hair stylist who specializes in blowouts too, 'cause you know I'm trying to get that DryBar money, girl.
Mm-hmm, and there's a lot of white girls up there now too.
Mm-hmm.
And you sure you're okay with ending your business with Tommy? 'Cause I don't want his drug shit anywhere near me.
I want to go clean.
Like, for real, completely.
From now on, any business that we do together, it'll be legit.
I promise.
Now I got a question for you.
Why you didn't tell me about you and Tommy? - You knew.
- Yeah, I knew.
I figured that shit out.
I ain't stupid.
And Tommy admitted it.
He really hurt you, huh? It's fine.
It's my fault anyway.
I can't keep just doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Shit don't work like that.
I'm done with this shit, T.
Keisha, I have felt the exact same way, and I felt that way for a while, but So what changed? Please don't tell me you buying into this shit now that Ghost is clear.
Ghost? Hell, no.
Ain't anybody thinking about him.
Okay, I'm telling you, once Ghost has got his project up and running, I'ma ask him for a divorce.
Fuck our pre-nup.
I'ma get mine.
Trust.
Ghost don't know it yet, but he's about to get me my way out.
Hm.
STERN: As you can see, an M-1 special mixed use zoning variance for parcel 24703 will revitalize a community desperately in need of a new lifeline.
Mr.
St.
Patrick and I are ready to be of service.
Thank you, Mr.
Stern.
If there are no other questions, the committee will now vote on the proposed variance.
I'd like to call upon an order to the committee before we vote.
- Councilman Tate has the floor.
- Thank you.
Uh, something troubling caught my eye as I was reading through the paperwork submitted by Mr.
St.
Patrick and Mr.
Stern.
Well, I'm sure whatever it is can be remedied.
Your business agreement with Mr.
St.
Patrick states that he is 51% owner, yet the compensation schedule reads as if he's only a small shareholder in your company.
[tense music.]
Well, I TATE: I want to remind you the reason the council took your bid to revitalize parcel 24703 is solely based on your partnership with Mr.
St.
Patrick and his minority status.
I had no idea of the disparity.
I assure you my lawyers [clears throat.]
will be rigorously reprimanded for the error and correct it immediately.
Mr.
St.
Patrick and I thank you, Councilman Tate, for keeping us rigorously honest.
The committee will vote in absentia when we see the new contract.
This committee is adjourned.
[gavel smacks.]
[knock on door.]
'Riq.
'Riq! Come on, get up.
- 'Riq! - What? Look, there was this cop at school looking for you today.
I don't know if it's about that Kanan guy or Dad.
Are you in trouble? What was his name? Officer Raymond Jones.
- Ray Ray.
- Who? He's a dirty cop.
He tried to kidnap me that night Dad got arrested.
Is this why you want to go to Choate? To get away from him? If I get out of town, it will all go away.
You should tell Mom.
That's why he wants to talk to me, to make sure I don't tell Mom or Dad.
Listen, Raina, you cannot tell anyone.
You can't.
It'll just make things worse if you snitch.
I mean, I'm serious.
You cannot tell! I won't tell.
I mean it.
I won't tell.
I swear.
I'm not starting a war with the Jimenez because you fucked up.
Building was old, you were responsible for upkeep.
None of this concerns me.
- [phone buzzes.]
- TOMMY: Well, hold on.
- Jason, this does concern you, - because if I don't supply those primeras, you're gonna lose out on all of New York.
What if you gave me a new supply on consignment? I can give it to these guys.
I mean, tomorrow you'd have your money with - No, Tommy.
- Within Tommy, Tommy! - Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
- Hey, hey.
No clean money.
No drugs.
You know how I operate.
Besides, after all this, you think I should continue to work with you? TOMMY: Y-yes, Jason, of course.
I think you should be working with me because you're gonna get paid.
I'ma get you that money.
I know how you operate.
Fine.
My man.
Thank you.
All right.
Let's get this man some dough! [sighs.]
I see.
[elevator dings.]
- Two weeks.
- TOMMY: Tasha! Call the Hindus and tell 'em Vishnu need a big fuckin' sacrifice, like huge! I need some clean cash, stat.
Um Um, yes, thank you so much, Dean Davis.
I will get back to you as soon as I speak to my husband and Tariq.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Okay, bye-bye.
Um, where's Tariq going? A school in Connecticut.
No, you can't just send a kid away 'cause he got a couple of problems, Tash.
I'm not sending him anywhere.
He wants to go.
What was all the screaming and hollering about Vishnu and clean money? Shit's gone sideways.
I need to re-up.
So can you move some hair and cut me a check? [sighs.]
Tommy Look, I can't clean money for you at the shop anymore.
I'm done with things going sideways.
I'm done with this life.
- I'm - Oh.
I'm going legit, for real.
This is about Keisha, right? I'll talk to her.
No, it's too late for that now.
I asked you to have my back with her, and you blew her off, you did not do what you said, and look at where the fuck we are now.
Yeah, I totally fucked up, okay? - Yeah.
- But, Tasha, you a G, like me.
This game is in your blood.
Don't let her change who you are.
I'm not doing it for her, Tommy.
I'm doing it for me.
What about me? You'll find another way.
Look, I can teach you how to clean money on your own.
I mean, you got this.
Yeah.
I know, I got this.
All on my own.
Tommy! [elevator dings.]
Yo, Tommy.
What happened with that prosecutor, Sandoval? Did y'all have anything to do with that? Couldn't let that motherfucker see another day.
Thanks for nothing, T.
[scoffs.]
Yo, I never seen you walk that fast! Love and Hip-Hop about to be on? You know what? Fuck you, Tommy.
Fuck me? What you talkin' about, fuck me? Come on, I want to talk to you.
Get in the car.
About what? [scoffs.]
Keisha, please.
Come on! It's important.
Get in the car.
Please.
It's important.
It's important.
Please, please, get in the car.
I want to apologize to you.
What I did to you was wrong.
Just disappearing like that.
No call, no text, nothing.
You just go ghost like that, right? Can we talk in the car? Please? In the car? - What, Tommy? - Come on, please? - What? - Keisha.
Shit in my life has been going fuckin' crazy.
I had to go to Chicago.
I I found out my father is alive.
- Really? - Yeah.
My fuckin' mother's been lying to me my whole life.
I mean, she's fucked.
He's fucked.
I'm fucked.
We all fucked.
But now I'm in trouble, and I need you.
So that's it, then? You need my help.
Yes, I do.
I need you to let me clean money through the weave shop again.
Tasha already told me that she's trying to go legit, but I think it's 'cause you hate me, which you have every reason.
I just Keisha, I just want to make shit right with us.
I need you.
No, stop.
- No.
- Come on.
- No.
- Come on, Keisha.
I don't want to do this.
Come on, yeah you do.
- No, I don't.
- Yeah, you do.
- Get off me, Tommy! - Come on.
- No, get off of me.
- What are you talking about? - Where you going? - The fuck you think this is? You think because the dick got good I'ma play myself like a fool again? Just so you could turn around and do the same shit to me again? I'm not even built like that, Tommy.
That ain't even me, yo.
Yo, Keisha.
It ain't even like that.
I'm gonna have to leave public service altogether, I think.
And go fully corporate.
As much as I'd like you to be rich, money buys shoes, not happiness.
You used to love your job; you like putting bad guys in jail.
I did.
But the money would make all our lives easier.
Don't settle.
[knock on door.]
Hi.
- Hello.
- Come in.
John, this is my sister, Paz.
Nice meeting you.
I was just leaving, but maybe I should stay.
Bye, Paz.
You look nice.
I'm going to the Destroy Injustice Gala.
I'm getting the Head of Criminal job.
I want you to come back when I do.
You're a pit bull, and we need someone like you on our side.
Because you can't win with me sitting at the defense table.
No one will convict after I tell them about my firsthand experience of corruption at the AUSA's office.
Yeah, corruption you participated in, until it no longer served you.
I can't believe you would turn something like this down.
If Tameika really wanted to restore the department's reputation, she should have promoted me.
The government that embraces the whistleblower is a trustworthy government.
You know, calling what you did "whistle blowing" is a stretch, even for you.
Have a good night, John.
[tense music.]
Good night, Angela.
[chatter on TV.]
You two were once business rivals, now you're partners.
What changed? GHOST: Um, I believe it to be our mutual passion for our community projects.
You know, we realized that we were more powerful working together, separately.
So Simon needed someone who speaks the language.
[speaks Spanish.]
SÃ.
[crash.]
[sirens blaring in distance.]
The only antidote to poverty, Olivia, is opportunity.
Dad, this is amazing.
I promised myself the night I was arrested to make it up to you guys.
You three deserve to be proud of your father.
I am, Dad.
And I'm happy now that Tariq's going to Choate.
Really? Uh, I thought you'd be disappointed that he's going to go and not you.
Why the change of heart? - [elevator dings.]
- Raina? TOMMY: Yo! - What's up, fam? - GHOST: Hey.
Why so fancy? Y'all going back to court? No.
Me and 'Riq have a school dance.
Mom and Dad have the Destroy Injustice Gala.
Oh, I'm I'm not gonna go to the gala tonight.
I think I'm gonna just stay home and rest.
- You don't need me, do you? - I guess not.
This is a beautiful necklace, baby girl.
You look gorgeous.
Tariq, I need you to keep an eye on her with those boys tonight.
Ha.
Ghost, we need to talk.
Yeah.
[groans.]
TATE: His message of hope and perseverance is a unique inspiration.
Uh, I know you like playing Mr.
Innocent these days, but you may want to consider doing a less bragging when you're on the news.
You may want to consider not coming to my house high in front of my kids.
What the fuck is wrong with you, Tommy? I need all the clean money that you owe me from Kanan and from Milan to handle my primeras.
The Jimenez torched my shit, and I need to resupply, - otherwise I'm gonna lose 'em.
- You got Jimenez problems? How do you have Jimenez problems? I thought I fixed that, man.
How'd you fuck that up that quickly? I didn't fuck up shit! They're playing both of us.
You should watch your back too.
No, the only person I need to watch my back with is Teresi.
Kate called me, telling me you want to fucking visit him at MCC? You just fuckin' hired him to kill a Fed for us.
Did you fuckin' forget? You don't think I thought of that? - What the fuck? - You got your panties in a twist - because he knows who you are.
- No, he knows who I was, Tommy, and he threatened to take that away from me at MCC.
Come on, man.
Teresi's a fucking loose end.
He ain't no fucking loose end, he's my family.
You see, your kids are in there watching their dad on TV.
Well, TV dad was the only dad I had as a kid.
And you're so threatened that you're gonna blow up your spot as John Q.
Citizen that I can't have something good.
I ain't the fuckin' reason you can't have something good! Fuckin' give me that.
You're the fuckin' reason you can't have something good.
- Oh, really? - Obviously.
You're back on the shit, Tommy.
You're snorting your own fuckin' product.
Look, man, I get it, okay? I I know it's hard, what happened to Holly.
Don't mention Holly.
Ghost, that's a mistake.
And the drug game is hard too, but you fuckin' made that choice, okay, so you fuckin' up now, you expect that Teresi is supposed to sweep into your life and fuckin' fix shit? Come on, man, it's too late for daddy shit.
What the fuck, man? Come on.
You wanna go? Let's go! You fuckin' happy now? Huh? Last time you fuckin' stormed at me, I was 14 years old.
There's a fuckin' scar right here.
I know it.
Good to see you're still 14, Tommy.
Just go write that check.
Fuck you.
[snaps finger.]
Get out of the house, Tommy.
Don't come back till you're sober.
All right, but if you lay one finger on Teresi without asking for my permission, this time I will kill you.
Were you scared when you saw Brain shoot that lady? What? I don't know what you're talking about.
I don't fuck with him.
Why you lyin'? Hey, listen, I only called 'cause I thought you was gonna bring me some lean.
You gonna come or not? I'm supposed to be your girl, so you're supposed to tell me things, but if not, I gotta go.
No, I ain't catch the body.
No, I wasn't scared when Brains did that shit.
None of that shit scares me.
I wanna hear more, but I gotta jump.
I'll catch you at the spot.
[soft laughter.]
You bitched out for a bitch.
Ha.
He did it for the lean, not me.
It was a compliment, lil cuz.
Now give me the phone.
[tense music.]
[laughs.]
Got the money! Yo, where the fuck is everybody? - Is it true? - What? Is it true you're mounting a war against the Jimenez again? I didn't get into the drug game for the violence.
I'm a man of the cloth, for Chrissake.
I'm sorry, Tommy, but I'm out.
- You - I tried to stop 'em, man.
Them? Yeah, they're all out.
I wanted to tell you in person.
I owed you that much.
Get your fuckin' hand off of me.
[sighs.]
And you, you dumb motherfucker.
- What? - I give you one job.
- Yo - To keep the primeras on the hook.
Hold the fuck up, man! Now look what happened! Yo, you hold the fuck up! All I've been doing for the past few days is helping you get your shit together.
Yo, Jason's right, man.
You gotta stop blaming motherfuckers for your fuck-ups.
Done with this shit, man.
I should walk too.
Oh, thank God.
Nothing would make me happier than to never see your face again.
You sure about that? Do I look sure? Let me explain something to you, Thomas.
If I walk, I'm gone for good, man.
You hear me? Get the fuck outta here.
Damn.
Man, I don't need you.
Bounce, motherfucker.
I don't need you.
I don't need nobody! You sure he won't wonder where you are? [chuckles.]
It's his big night.
Trust me, he'll be so busy smiling and shaking hands, he won't even remember I was invited in the first place.
I was invited.
What? It's a criminal defense organization.
I sit on the board.
But I'd much rather be here with you.
- Oh, yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
[laughs.]
- Sure you would.
- That's right, come here.
[jazzy piano music.]
[cheers and applause.]
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
- Congratulations, man.
- Thank you.
It's good to see you vindicated.
I appreciate it.
Good to see you too.
There he is.
Hey, James, excuse me for a moment.
Okay.
[indistinct chatter.]
- Simon.
- James.
Thank you, man, for the night.
You look dapper.
You too.
Our contract has been modified, and the council has approved the rezoning.
We are off to the races.
Good I must apologize for Councilman Tate, I didn't know he was gonna do that.
James, when will you ever learn to trust me? [laughs.]
Simon, when you learn to behave in a more trustworthy manner.
Do you know why Joshua Kantos dropped out as a witness against you for your trial? I don't care about your past, James.
I'm focused on our future.
I can trust that you will always mistrust me, but I can't promise that I will always be so tolerant.
It's time for you to learn who to trust, James.
- Now, if you'll excuse me - [glasses clink.]
I have a novelty check to sign in your honor.
[tense music.]
Hey, Angie.
[gasps.]
Jamie, hello.
I'm glad you're here.
One second.
[indistinct chatter.]
I am a prosecutor.
Destroy Injustice is made up of concerned, smart defense lawyers, but we all have the same goal: the protection of the constitutional rights of the citizens of New York, along with our new Head of Criminal Angela Valdes.
TAMEIKA: Come on up, Angela.
[applause.]
Ain't this about a bitch.
Spending too much time with Donovan.
Have fun, I'm not sticking around for this shit.
Thank you, U.
S.
Attorney Robinson.
I am humbled to be the Eastern District of New York's new Head of Criminal.
Tariq, you're going to Choate? I'm gonna miss you so much.
Will you text me? - Yeah.
- [gasps.]
'Riq, did you know this is gonna be our first birthday apart from each other? Oh, yeah, I didn't even think about that.
[phone buzzing.]
Hold up.
I'll be right back.
Where you going? It's cool, Raina, I'll be right back.
[tense music.]
Hey.
Congratulations.
You too.
And thank you for catching Mike.
I know you risked your life.
I I know you didn't do it for me.
How you doing, you okay? I am now.
It all worked out for the best.
Yeah.
So what's next? When we were kids, it was the Supreme Court You had a chance to go to Choate.
What? You said you didn't have a chance.
In your interview, you didn't go to Choate because you chose not to.
You said you couldn't leave Tommy, remember? What would have happened if you did? Don't matter now, right? We got the dream we dreamed in Queens, Angie.
You know, the funny thing is, we never would have come to this moment if it wasn't for each other.
[soft music.]
I guess that's true.
I should go.
Yeah, okay.
Good luck, Angie Valdes.
You too.
James! Councilman.
Hell of an evening, huh? Oh, man, it was a special night.
- I want to thank you for it.
- Sure.
You're the cat I saw on the block, right? Sup, man? I'd like for you to meet Alphonse.
He's our new community liaison.
And we gotta make sure that he's kept whole.
What is this about, Rashad? [clears throat.]
Listen.
I did you a huge favor by making sure you got more of Stern's cut.
Now it's time for you to reciprocate.
Make that happen.
[car horn honks in distance.]
[chuckles.]
You fucking did it, man! Yeah, man.
Got myself fired, brother.
You got major fuckin' balls, man.
Cojones, man.
[laughs.]
No, man I just saw the opportunity and I took it.
You know, Ghost, Kanan, Tommy, none of the niggas think I got what I got in me.
- Mm-hmm.
- The naive, young boy shit.
Man, fuck that.
So I used it against 'em.
There's advantages to being underestimated.
Amen.
How we looking with the other thing, though? Going down as we speak.
[Marco Polo & Torae "Danger.]
Danger, danger Danger, danger Sound the alarm Anger, reload the chamber Them Brooklyn boys is back with a banger Your moms ain't say not to talk to a strangers Cuz now you in danger, danger Heads ain't ready for these clips we got Tre, pound, see yet the to rock ya not Orville Redinbocker I'll pop your top Til Taana Gardner heartbeat stop Danger, danger Danger, danger [muffled chatter.]
[buzzer sounds.]
[buzzer sounds.]
[door creaks.]
[door lock clicks.]
[both chuckle.]
You [laughing.]
You go.
You look like an old-ass version of me.
[laughs.]
Tommy.
How you doing? I've been better.
Yeah? Anything I can help with? [ominous music.]
Yeah.
Maybe so.
I'd like to meet the rest of our family.
[muffled dance music playing.]
Yo, Destiny! Yo, Destiny! [dog barking in distance.]
Yo, I I ain't say shit, Ray Ray.
Hey, be cool, B.
I know you're a G and everything.
Hey, man, I just wanted to make sure you [grunts.]
[tense music.]
This bitch-ass nigga.
Hey! You were at my school the other day looking for Tariq.
Yeah, I was I was just headed to find your principal.
I know who you are, Ray Ray.
You need to leave my brother alone.
My father's gonna kill you.
[heartbeat pounding.]
[gunshot.]
Don't use the word, "forever" We live too long to be so loved People change and I can be tethered Raina? We think we are the only ones You can't walk the streets a ghost anymore You can't walk the streets a ghost anymore Days form like new figures down my road Beauty always in the lust You always landed on your feet in the past [humming.]
And I noticed I can still ghost the streets And I noticed I can still ghost the streets I noticed just how slow The killer bee's wings beat And how wonderful How wonderful How wonderful you are
[screams.]
Who the fuck is Tony Teresi? Teresi is your father.
He left you.
He left us.
This is our chance to make a difference, and it starts now.
An opportunity to rebuild this community, a community I grew up in, come on, I can't be more excited.
Still thinking about going to war with the Jimenez? Are the Serbians on board with this? What the fuck are you questioning me for? What if I told you I could deliver Tommy's entire organization? He's holding his primeras as weak.
They don't trust him.
Why should we trust you? There's this prep school in Connecticut.
It's called Choate.
We could just get away, together.
Brains, tell him to stop! Please, I won't say anything.
BRAINS: Yo, where'd he go? Tariq! JOE: They say this is a big, rich town I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I gotta make it, this is where it goes down I just happen to come up hard Legal or illegal, baby, I gotta make it 50 CENT: I never took a straight path nowhere Life's full of twists and turns, bumps and bruises I live, I learn I'm from that city full of yellow cabs and skyscrapers It's hard to get a start in these parts without paper Homey, I grew up in hell, a block away from heaven That corner every 15 minutes, they moving seven Pure snow, bag it, then watch it go Occupational options, get some blow or some hos Shoot the ball or the strap, learn to rap or to jack Fuck it, man, in the meantime Go head and pump a pack This my regal, royal flow, my James Bond bounce That 007, that's 62 on my count I'm an undercover liar, I lie under the covers Look a bitch in the eyes and tell her, baby, I love ya You're my inspiration, you're my motivation You're the reason that I'm moving with no hesitation JOE: They say this is a big, rich town Yeah, I just come from the poorest part Bright lights, city life I gotta make it, this is where it goes down Legal or illegal, baby, I gotta make it Why do you want to attend Choate, Tariq? For a change, I guess.
What's this? For Van Allen school records.
Go ahead, open it.
And you know what I see? I see the records of a kid who's smart, really smart.
But who's had a decline, both academically and socially in the last few months.
Well, my dad, he was arrested for a crime that he didn't commit.
I struggled.
I admit that, but I want to go back to being the student I was.
A student that got good grades, a student whose teachers liked him.
I just need a place to focus on my work and my future, and I feel like Choate is the place.
TARIQ: It's not looking too good, is it? Well, actually, son, the interviewer told me he's gonna recommend you for Choate, so Looking quite good.
[chuckles.]
I'm proud of you, son.
Oh.
I got something to show you.
They finally saying your pops is innocent.
Finally the truth.
[soft piano music.]
You think Kanan's gonna try to come after us because we saw him kill Jukebox? Has Kanan reached out to you? No, but, I mean, aren't you a little worried that he might try to kill us because he thinks you might snitch on him? You snitched on him before.
Who told you I snitched on Kanan? Jukebox did.
Before you got there.
Kanan knows reporting me to the police is reporting himself.
I'm guilty, we're guilty by association.
If he goes down, we go down.
Got it.
Look, son, I know what guilt can do to a person.
It eats at you until Until you don't know who you are anymore.
But what happened to Jukebox, it ain't your fault, 'Riq.
I know.
Thanks, Dad.
[speaking Spanish.]
[groans.]
[whimpers.]
You know, you don't need to stay with me.
I'm okay.
I don't care.
I'm keeping an eye on you for at least the rest of the week.
It was the only way Mike would confess.
And like I said, it's over.
He's dead now.
- Paz.
- What? I'm glad he's dead.
I bet you are too.
[soft music.]
Yo, I got to thank you again for taking care of that Fed rat.
Well, you must be doing some big business to have that kind of heat on you.
TOMMY: You know it.
They've been trying to catch me for a minute.
I'm slippery.
Yeah, well, your pop used to run with the biggest and the baddest too, you know.
Your Sicilian family would be proud.
I'm proud.
Get the fuck outta here.
I'm part Sicilian? It makes sense.
I eat the shit out of pizza.
TERESI: Hey, I got a favor to ask you, Tommy.
I want to meet you.
I mean, in person.
Teresi, I got felonies on my record.
Only way I'm meeting you is if I'm in handcuffs.
Listen, they, um, they make exceptions for immediate family.
All you gotta do is prove that you're my son.
How am I gonna do that? I only just found out.
Fuckin' Ma.
Listen, you can't blame your mother for trying to wipe me out of your life.
All right? I hurt her real bad.
Now, that does not mean that everything Kate says about me is true.
But she's got proof.
I am not the kind of guy who would deny his own son.
That ain't me.
CO's coming.
Gotta go.
[laughter.]
Yo, yo.
What's going on? Takin' bets on what war Tommy's gonna get us into today.
[laughter.]
Look, man, he came through with the Jimenez shit, though, right, so Which he started.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Period.
I don't care who's responsible for the détente.
I'm just here for the dope.
Tommy been acting real crazy lately, but if shit go back to normal, we a'ight.
SPANKY: Yep, shonuff.
- Yo yo, yo yo.
- [phone buzzing.]
- You know, that's right.
- As long as the weight is good, I'm good.
All right, cool.
Look, so the shipment comes in tonight, Tommy's straight.
It's all good now.
All right? - Vaya.
- Yes, sir.
- Later, my player.
- Yo, yo.
Hmm.
Yo, still good with tomorrow? Yeah.
You sure about Tommy? Yeah, dog.
Trust me.
He's gonna flip his shit.
Look, he'll piss everyone off, and y'all tired of Tommy's bullshit.
We're gonna walk together.
Look no primeras, no soldiers, no war.
No war is the only way we get that Jimenez deal.
All right? We got this.
Let's get it.
Your actions were very brave, AUSA Valdes.
I was looking forward to meeting you.
If I may, I was happy to hear the new U.
S.
Attorney for Eastern District was a woman.
It's a new direction for the department.
And it needs one, after this scandal.
The silver lining is that Mike's death officially closes both the Knox and Lobos cases.
Your catch saved the Justice Department's ass.
Jesus, I would have loved to light Sandoval up on that stand.
I wanted Mike to stand trial too.
We lost the opportunity to make an example of him, which means my first duty is to restore the public's faith in us.
I need your leadership to do that, if you're up for it.
Of course.
I'm ready to lead.
Great.
Right away the PR folks want us to make an appearance at the Destroy Injustice Gala.
The nonprofit for the wrongfully convicted.
Why would we go to that? They're honoring James St.
Patrick as the DOJ's Victim of the Year or some shit.
Whatever you need.
Good news is this'll be the last time St.
Patrick's name is said in this office.
We are so done with him.
Agreed.
No more James St.
Patrick.
Now I need your advice.
This is just between us.
Who's the better replacement for Mike as Head of Criminal? Mak or Saxe? Why not me? You said it yourself: I saved the Justice Department's ass.
Only after putting our asses on the line time and time again.
Honestly, Angela, if you were me, would you put you in charge? We've heard these sentiments before: reinvesting in the community, youth outreach.
What makes this project and this alliance between the two of you unique? James St.
Patrick is a member of this community who has seen the dark side of the system firsthand.
His message of hope and perseverance is a unique inspiration.
I hear you've been named Destroy Injustice's Man of the Year? Yes, and it's an honor.
One that he richly deserves.
[chuckles.]
Uh, if you're done with my portion of the interview, mind if I excuse myself? - Absolutely.
- Thank you.
I just have a couple more questions for James.
Did you ever think you'd be standing here as a child? The only antidote to poverty is opportunity, Olivia.
So when I was a child, standing here, um, there was a girl from my hood, a girl who got an opportunity.
She got a scholarship to go to a prep school, Choate.
It changed her life forever.
I of course had to stay here and fend for myself on these streets.
I am so humble that my success and the examples of my failures can be of help to those in need.
You are the king of sound bites, aren't you? [laughs.]
[laughter.]
The first of many boxes you'll be receiving now that James has been cleared of Where should I put this? Oh, right here is fine.
You know, I just want to say thank you for everything.
- Mm.
- [both chuckle.]
Uh, there's something that's been bothering me, Tasha.
You know I plan on leaving James.
- [laughs.]
- I mean, now that the case is over.
No, no, not that.
I told you and James that Mike Sandoval was being held at the MCC? Less than 24 hours later he was dead.
Mike Sandoval was a dirty prosecutor in jail with a bunch of people he sent there.
Anybody could have killed him.
Anybody.
That is true.
Mm-hmm.
Well, you know, I'm thinking about expanding the weave shop with LaKeisha.
Open up a second store.
Then some more.
And, uh, hopefully turn it into a franchise.
But, you know, in order to do that, I need money.
I don't have enough money to invest, Tasha.
Oh, not your money.
James is starting his real estate project, and once he starts getting real money coming in and we divorce You will invest the alimony.
And I'll be independent.
Mm.
Yo, why you ain't answering my texts, son? He don't look so shook.
What do I got to be shook about? You know, you ran out the house so fast, um, I thought you might be runnin' to the cops.
Man, I ain't no snitch.
Ask Ray Ray.
He know I'm straight.
Ray Ray? You talkin' to him? No, I'm just saying, I ain't no snitch.
Snitchin' now would make me guilty by association.
Now where's my cut of the lick? Working on it.
Young'un.
[swish.]
It's always good to have the press on your side.
You'll soon be New York's favorite black.
Speaking of which, how is Councilman Tate coming along? I think we'll get the votes needed in the city council meeting, and your doubts about Councilman Tate will be disproved, once and for all.
In my experience, knowing who to trust is the most important skill to have, which is why I'll be taking the reins at the presentation.
You said you were a silent partner.
That was before you went behind my back and brought Tate on board.
Besides, I fear your coalition might be a bit too Afrocentric for their tastes.
My presence will help dilute all the Authenticity.
Okay, listen to me, Simon.
Since we're expanding roles, I want a bigger role in the planning of the project.
Is this about compensation? You do understand your participation is in lieu of repayment of the money you owe me.
I want to be more than a face.
I want to be the man I was in that interview today: a business owner who's improving my community.
You are free to do as much community organizing as you'd like.
Unfortunately, the business end of the deal is closed.
See you tomorrow for the vote.
[smack.]
Get out of my shit! You're ruining my organization.
You got the organization skills of a schizophrenic.
Where's my birth certificate? What the hell do you need that for? I just need it! Ah! This is a Kate Moscatelli first edition Susie Jane doll, you moron! If you don't give me my birth certificate, I'm gonna smash all of 'em.
- Okay.
- [gasps.]
No.
Fine.
Here.
You happy? Yeah.
No! This ain't it! This ain't what I'm looking for, Teresi said that you had something that proved that he was my dad.
I need it to go visit him.
Are you fucking kidding me? You can't go visit him.
You don't tell me what to do, you lyin' bitch.
You know what I'm here for.
Give me that fuckin' paper.
[screaming.]
Give me that goddamn paper.
Give me that goddamn paper.
What are you gonna do? You kidding me? Are you gonna hurt your mother? The soft little mama's boy? Yeah, Ma.
That's right.
What do you think happened to Holly, Ma? Huh? It's there.
It's an envelope.
- Where? - In my scrapbook clippings there.
Point to it.
There.
He was at the hospital? He was there that day? Let me explain.
He wanted to take you from me, Tommy.
His wife couldn't have kids.
Thomas Patrick Teresi.
He gave me his name? He wanted to give you to her to raise, but you're mine.
My baby.
That sweet face.
He wouldn't leave his wife.
I changed your name.
I gave you my father's name.
He gave me his fucking name! He's he's, um, a criminal and a murderer.
I'm a criminal and a murderer! You can't blame that on Teresi.
Maybe things would be different if he was around.
You're fine the way you are.
Tommy.
Hmm.
Tommy.
Stay the fuck away from me, Ma.
Forever.
Tommy.
[tense music.]
[door slams.]
[sniffs.]
[sighs.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[hip-hop music playing.]
I ain't hear from y'all niggas in a minute.
What's good, Ray Ray? Been hearing about y'all down at the precinct, though.
- Yeah? - Two perps.
No forced entry, armed robbery gone wrong.
Candy left at the scene.
That sound like some idiots I know.
You weren't supposed to pull any licks without my okay.
Don't worry about it.
I just need to know if it was y'all so I could help y'all cover it up.
All right? Supposed to have been a big ass lick, man.
That jewelry nigga's bitch.
Took us to the safe, mad easy, then that Tariq kid fucked it up.
Tariq? He ain't going to say shit the cops 'cause that mean he go down too.
Look, y'all got bigger issues than the fuckin' cops, man.
That Tariq ain't just some spoiled kid from the city.
His dad is a motherfucker, man.
And his friend is Slim.
They prolly out lookin' for y'all asses as we speak.
I can't save y'all niggas from that.
- Yo - [gunshot.]
Man, it ain't gotta be like that [shell bounces on floor.]
Hm.
[Vince Staples "BagBak".]
This is for my future baby mama Hope your skin as black as midnight I'll take you out that Honda I can put you in a Benz I can balance out your chakras Fornication is a sin, we can fuck all night regardless Oh father, oh the heavens, as I pray for new McLarens Pray the police don't come blow me down 'Cause of my complexion Everybody think they know me now Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me better Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me better Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me Bag-bagbak, bagbak you don't know me, homie [explosion.]
Floating on the Dions Go until they take my bro and 'em out them city CRs Prison system broken Racial war commotion We on now, we on now So does this sudden interest in switching to the defense table have anything to do with the fact that you didn't get that promotion to Head of Criminal? Does your interest in me joining your firm have anything to do with your suspension? Please.
Angela, James getting cleared means I will too, eventually.
Look, I'm a realist.
I think if I had you on my team, we'd never lose another federal criminal case again.
You are a walking symbol of prosecutorial misconduct.
I think we'd make a great team.
Two legal mavericks, taking the Constitution to task, bending the law to our will? I don't bend the law to my will.
- I uphold the law.
- Hmm.
That's the difference between me and you.
I helped Jamie because he was innocent.
Do you even care if your clients are innocent? - No, I really don't.
- [laughs.]
Innocent or guilty, everyone's entitled to a defense.
Even rich people.
This was a terrible idea.
No, no it's a good Sit back down.
- Awful.
- At least pay for my soup.
You invited me to lunch, remember? What the fuck? - Look, man, look.
- How in the fucking fuck did this fucking happen? Man, the fire marshal said it was electric, like like an accident or something.
- Bullshit.
- Look, one of the Serbs died in there, man, the entire warehouse went up.
I mean, the good news is, the reports never mentioned the drugs.
That went up too.
That's terrible fucking news! Yo, yo, yo.
Fellas, fellas, fellas.
SPANKY: What's going on? Where the fuck is our product, man? We need our shit.
You got insurance? Callahan, if I didn't fuckin' love you, insurance.
All right, first of all, there ain't no such thing as insurance in the drug game.
Yeah, so what does that mean for us, man? Well, what it means is, you're gonna have to wait.
But don't worry; I'm gonna figure this out.
We already gave you the money for our dope.
We got businesses to run, man.
And the last time you tried to figure it out, you almost got us into war with the fucking Jimenez.
I'm thinking it's time we part ways.
Oh.
Yeah? Yeah, is that right? Is that right? Is that fuckin' right? You know, they say the measure of a man is not how he acts when shit's going good, but how he acts when that shit done popped off and all he's left with is a million dollars' worth of ashes and his cock in his hand.
It's not a direct quote.
What I'm saying is, all I'm asking for is a moment, just a little time to make this right.
Poncho, we got history.
Boys, come on.
Father, you know I'm good for it.
[tense music.]
All right, Tommy.
Cristobal? Come here.
Come on, come on, come on.
Get the fuck outta here.
Fuck off.
Did I stutter, motherfucker? Fuck outta here.
Punk motherfucker.
All right, fellas.
You'll hear from me soon.
Hey, so, look, where we going, man, Tommy? Look, all I need you to do, I need you to keep the primeras in line until I come up with a plan.
So you need back-up.
I know it was the Jimenez.
But what I don't know is [sniffs.]
how the fuck did they know about that shipment? [light chuckle.]
What do you want to do about it? Tommy? I'ma kill every last one of 'em.
Start with that David Blaine looking motherfucker Cristobal.
Then the Jimenez, and the Serbs are gonna help.
What a time to be alive.
Never thought I'd see a black-owned business take back the hood at this magnitude.
It's incredible.
What's wrong? Well, Councilman, I was reading over my contract with Stern And couldn't help but notice, uh, way back here In the fine print, it says that Stern will receive an overwhelming majority of the compensation.
Now, I'm no mathematician, but correct me if I'm wrong, with my share at 51%, technically, it's a black-owned business.
But once again, I feel like this asshole has bought my black ass off an auction block.
[sighs.]
This redevelopment loan was earmarked explicitly for black-owned or minority businesses.
What Stern's doing is fraud.
It could bust up this entire deal.
Look, the development is more important, obviously, than my compensation.
I just wanted to point out Hold on, hold on tight.
Maybe there's something I can do.
Hmm? Hm.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Mmm.
[indistinct chatter.]
Excuse us for just a moment, Mr.
Williams.
Good morning, Raina.
Officer Raymond Jones is it? - Mm-hmm.
- Would like to speak to Tariq.
Is your brother at school today? No, ma'am.
Uh, is he in trouble? No, I just had a few questions.
You know where I can find him? Sorry, officer.
No.
Okay, well, thanks anyway.
Thanks for your help, Ms.
Chambers.
MR.
WILLIAMS: Class? Can I have your attention, please? [door clicks shut.]
So, you really leaving? Yep.
My dad is making me go to Connecticut for school.
People is bougie as fuck up there.
[laughs.]
You got any more of this so I could take it up there with me? No.
But maybe I could if we meet in the city before you go.
I mean, you could come to my school dance.
[laughs.]
I ain't got nothing to wear, at least not to your school, no way.
But I could still meet you after.
I could bring lean and we can do something else? All right.
I'll give you the address for the dance.
So I was thinking we could start with Harlem.
- Mm-hmm.
- You gotta get a hair stylist who specializes in blowouts too, 'cause you know I'm trying to get that DryBar money, girl.
Mm-hmm, and there's a lot of white girls up there now too.
Mm-hmm.
And you sure you're okay with ending your business with Tommy? 'Cause I don't want his drug shit anywhere near me.
I want to go clean.
Like, for real, completely.
From now on, any business that we do together, it'll be legit.
I promise.
Now I got a question for you.
Why you didn't tell me about you and Tommy? - You knew.
- Yeah, I knew.
I figured that shit out.
I ain't stupid.
And Tommy admitted it.
He really hurt you, huh? It's fine.
It's my fault anyway.
I can't keep just doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Shit don't work like that.
I'm done with this shit, T.
Keisha, I have felt the exact same way, and I felt that way for a while, but So what changed? Please don't tell me you buying into this shit now that Ghost is clear.
Ghost? Hell, no.
Ain't anybody thinking about him.
Okay, I'm telling you, once Ghost has got his project up and running, I'ma ask him for a divorce.
Fuck our pre-nup.
I'ma get mine.
Trust.
Ghost don't know it yet, but he's about to get me my way out.
Hm.
STERN: As you can see, an M-1 special mixed use zoning variance for parcel 24703 will revitalize a community desperately in need of a new lifeline.
Mr.
St.
Patrick and I are ready to be of service.
Thank you, Mr.
Stern.
If there are no other questions, the committee will now vote on the proposed variance.
I'd like to call upon an order to the committee before we vote.
- Councilman Tate has the floor.
- Thank you.
Uh, something troubling caught my eye as I was reading through the paperwork submitted by Mr.
St.
Patrick and Mr.
Stern.
Well, I'm sure whatever it is can be remedied.
Your business agreement with Mr.
St.
Patrick states that he is 51% owner, yet the compensation schedule reads as if he's only a small shareholder in your company.
[tense music.]
Well, I TATE: I want to remind you the reason the council took your bid to revitalize parcel 24703 is solely based on your partnership with Mr.
St.
Patrick and his minority status.
I had no idea of the disparity.
I assure you my lawyers [clears throat.]
will be rigorously reprimanded for the error and correct it immediately.
Mr.
St.
Patrick and I thank you, Councilman Tate, for keeping us rigorously honest.
The committee will vote in absentia when we see the new contract.
This committee is adjourned.
[gavel smacks.]
[knock on door.]
'Riq.
'Riq! Come on, get up.
- 'Riq! - What? Look, there was this cop at school looking for you today.
I don't know if it's about that Kanan guy or Dad.
Are you in trouble? What was his name? Officer Raymond Jones.
- Ray Ray.
- Who? He's a dirty cop.
He tried to kidnap me that night Dad got arrested.
Is this why you want to go to Choate? To get away from him? If I get out of town, it will all go away.
You should tell Mom.
That's why he wants to talk to me, to make sure I don't tell Mom or Dad.
Listen, Raina, you cannot tell anyone.
You can't.
It'll just make things worse if you snitch.
I mean, I'm serious.
You cannot tell! I won't tell.
I mean it.
I won't tell.
I swear.
I'm not starting a war with the Jimenez because you fucked up.
Building was old, you were responsible for upkeep.
None of this concerns me.
- [phone buzzes.]
- TOMMY: Well, hold on.
- Jason, this does concern you, - because if I don't supply those primeras, you're gonna lose out on all of New York.
What if you gave me a new supply on consignment? I can give it to these guys.
I mean, tomorrow you'd have your money with - No, Tommy.
- Within Tommy, Tommy! - Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
- Hey, hey.
No clean money.
No drugs.
You know how I operate.
Besides, after all this, you think I should continue to work with you? TOMMY: Y-yes, Jason, of course.
I think you should be working with me because you're gonna get paid.
I'ma get you that money.
I know how you operate.
Fine.
My man.
Thank you.
All right.
Let's get this man some dough! [sighs.]
I see.
[elevator dings.]
- Two weeks.
- TOMMY: Tasha! Call the Hindus and tell 'em Vishnu need a big fuckin' sacrifice, like huge! I need some clean cash, stat.
Um Um, yes, thank you so much, Dean Davis.
I will get back to you as soon as I speak to my husband and Tariq.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Okay, bye-bye.
Um, where's Tariq going? A school in Connecticut.
No, you can't just send a kid away 'cause he got a couple of problems, Tash.
I'm not sending him anywhere.
He wants to go.
What was all the screaming and hollering about Vishnu and clean money? Shit's gone sideways.
I need to re-up.
So can you move some hair and cut me a check? [sighs.]
Tommy Look, I can't clean money for you at the shop anymore.
I'm done with things going sideways.
I'm done with this life.
- I'm - Oh.
I'm going legit, for real.
This is about Keisha, right? I'll talk to her.
No, it's too late for that now.
I asked you to have my back with her, and you blew her off, you did not do what you said, and look at where the fuck we are now.
Yeah, I totally fucked up, okay? - Yeah.
- But, Tasha, you a G, like me.
This game is in your blood.
Don't let her change who you are.
I'm not doing it for her, Tommy.
I'm doing it for me.
What about me? You'll find another way.
Look, I can teach you how to clean money on your own.
I mean, you got this.
Yeah.
I know, I got this.
All on my own.
Tommy! [elevator dings.]
Yo, Tommy.
What happened with that prosecutor, Sandoval? Did y'all have anything to do with that? Couldn't let that motherfucker see another day.
Thanks for nothing, T.
[scoffs.]
Yo, I never seen you walk that fast! Love and Hip-Hop about to be on? You know what? Fuck you, Tommy.
Fuck me? What you talkin' about, fuck me? Come on, I want to talk to you.
Get in the car.
About what? [scoffs.]
Keisha, please.
Come on! It's important.
Get in the car.
Please.
It's important.
It's important.
Please, please, get in the car.
I want to apologize to you.
What I did to you was wrong.
Just disappearing like that.
No call, no text, nothing.
You just go ghost like that, right? Can we talk in the car? Please? In the car? - What, Tommy? - Come on, please? - What? - Keisha.
Shit in my life has been going fuckin' crazy.
I had to go to Chicago.
I I found out my father is alive.
- Really? - Yeah.
My fuckin' mother's been lying to me my whole life.
I mean, she's fucked.
He's fucked.
I'm fucked.
We all fucked.
But now I'm in trouble, and I need you.
So that's it, then? You need my help.
Yes, I do.
I need you to let me clean money through the weave shop again.
Tasha already told me that she's trying to go legit, but I think it's 'cause you hate me, which you have every reason.
I just Keisha, I just want to make shit right with us.
I need you.
No, stop.
- No.
- Come on.
- No.
- Come on, Keisha.
I don't want to do this.
Come on, yeah you do.
- No, I don't.
- Yeah, you do.
- Get off me, Tommy! - Come on.
- No, get off of me.
- What are you talking about? - Where you going? - The fuck you think this is? You think because the dick got good I'ma play myself like a fool again? Just so you could turn around and do the same shit to me again? I'm not even built like that, Tommy.
That ain't even me, yo.
Yo, Keisha.
It ain't even like that.
I'm gonna have to leave public service altogether, I think.
And go fully corporate.
As much as I'd like you to be rich, money buys shoes, not happiness.
You used to love your job; you like putting bad guys in jail.
I did.
But the money would make all our lives easier.
Don't settle.
[knock on door.]
Hi.
- Hello.
- Come in.
John, this is my sister, Paz.
Nice meeting you.
I was just leaving, but maybe I should stay.
Bye, Paz.
You look nice.
I'm going to the Destroy Injustice Gala.
I'm getting the Head of Criminal job.
I want you to come back when I do.
You're a pit bull, and we need someone like you on our side.
Because you can't win with me sitting at the defense table.
No one will convict after I tell them about my firsthand experience of corruption at the AUSA's office.
Yeah, corruption you participated in, until it no longer served you.
I can't believe you would turn something like this down.
If Tameika really wanted to restore the department's reputation, she should have promoted me.
The government that embraces the whistleblower is a trustworthy government.
You know, calling what you did "whistle blowing" is a stretch, even for you.
Have a good night, John.
[tense music.]
Good night, Angela.
[chatter on TV.]
You two were once business rivals, now you're partners.
What changed? GHOST: Um, I believe it to be our mutual passion for our community projects.
You know, we realized that we were more powerful working together, separately.
So Simon needed someone who speaks the language.
[speaks Spanish.]
SÃ.
[crash.]
[sirens blaring in distance.]
The only antidote to poverty, Olivia, is opportunity.
Dad, this is amazing.
I promised myself the night I was arrested to make it up to you guys.
You three deserve to be proud of your father.
I am, Dad.
And I'm happy now that Tariq's going to Choate.
Really? Uh, I thought you'd be disappointed that he's going to go and not you.
Why the change of heart? - [elevator dings.]
- Raina? TOMMY: Yo! - What's up, fam? - GHOST: Hey.
Why so fancy? Y'all going back to court? No.
Me and 'Riq have a school dance.
Mom and Dad have the Destroy Injustice Gala.
Oh, I'm I'm not gonna go to the gala tonight.
I think I'm gonna just stay home and rest.
- You don't need me, do you? - I guess not.
This is a beautiful necklace, baby girl.
You look gorgeous.
Tariq, I need you to keep an eye on her with those boys tonight.
Ha.
Ghost, we need to talk.
Yeah.
[groans.]
TATE: His message of hope and perseverance is a unique inspiration.
Uh, I know you like playing Mr.
Innocent these days, but you may want to consider doing a less bragging when you're on the news.
You may want to consider not coming to my house high in front of my kids.
What the fuck is wrong with you, Tommy? I need all the clean money that you owe me from Kanan and from Milan to handle my primeras.
The Jimenez torched my shit, and I need to resupply, - otherwise I'm gonna lose 'em.
- You got Jimenez problems? How do you have Jimenez problems? I thought I fixed that, man.
How'd you fuck that up that quickly? I didn't fuck up shit! They're playing both of us.
You should watch your back too.
No, the only person I need to watch my back with is Teresi.
Kate called me, telling me you want to fucking visit him at MCC? You just fuckin' hired him to kill a Fed for us.
Did you fuckin' forget? You don't think I thought of that? - What the fuck? - You got your panties in a twist - because he knows who you are.
- No, he knows who I was, Tommy, and he threatened to take that away from me at MCC.
Come on, man.
Teresi's a fucking loose end.
He ain't no fucking loose end, he's my family.
You see, your kids are in there watching their dad on TV.
Well, TV dad was the only dad I had as a kid.
And you're so threatened that you're gonna blow up your spot as John Q.
Citizen that I can't have something good.
I ain't the fuckin' reason you can't have something good! Fuckin' give me that.
You're the fuckin' reason you can't have something good.
- Oh, really? - Obviously.
You're back on the shit, Tommy.
You're snorting your own fuckin' product.
Look, man, I get it, okay? I I know it's hard, what happened to Holly.
Don't mention Holly.
Ghost, that's a mistake.
And the drug game is hard too, but you fuckin' made that choice, okay, so you fuckin' up now, you expect that Teresi is supposed to sweep into your life and fuckin' fix shit? Come on, man, it's too late for daddy shit.
What the fuck, man? Come on.
You wanna go? Let's go! You fuckin' happy now? Huh? Last time you fuckin' stormed at me, I was 14 years old.
There's a fuckin' scar right here.
I know it.
Good to see you're still 14, Tommy.
Just go write that check.
Fuck you.
[snaps finger.]
Get out of the house, Tommy.
Don't come back till you're sober.
All right, but if you lay one finger on Teresi without asking for my permission, this time I will kill you.
Were you scared when you saw Brain shoot that lady? What? I don't know what you're talking about.
I don't fuck with him.
Why you lyin'? Hey, listen, I only called 'cause I thought you was gonna bring me some lean.
You gonna come or not? I'm supposed to be your girl, so you're supposed to tell me things, but if not, I gotta go.
No, I ain't catch the body.
No, I wasn't scared when Brains did that shit.
None of that shit scares me.
I wanna hear more, but I gotta jump.
I'll catch you at the spot.
[soft laughter.]
You bitched out for a bitch.
Ha.
He did it for the lean, not me.
It was a compliment, lil cuz.
Now give me the phone.
[tense music.]
[laughs.]
Got the money! Yo, where the fuck is everybody? - Is it true? - What? Is it true you're mounting a war against the Jimenez again? I didn't get into the drug game for the violence.
I'm a man of the cloth, for Chrissake.
I'm sorry, Tommy, but I'm out.
- You - I tried to stop 'em, man.
Them? Yeah, they're all out.
I wanted to tell you in person.
I owed you that much.
Get your fuckin' hand off of me.
[sighs.]
And you, you dumb motherfucker.
- What? - I give you one job.
- Yo - To keep the primeras on the hook.
Hold the fuck up, man! Now look what happened! Yo, you hold the fuck up! All I've been doing for the past few days is helping you get your shit together.
Yo, Jason's right, man.
You gotta stop blaming motherfuckers for your fuck-ups.
Done with this shit, man.
I should walk too.
Oh, thank God.
Nothing would make me happier than to never see your face again.
You sure about that? Do I look sure? Let me explain something to you, Thomas.
If I walk, I'm gone for good, man.
You hear me? Get the fuck outta here.
Damn.
Man, I don't need you.
Bounce, motherfucker.
I don't need you.
I don't need nobody! You sure he won't wonder where you are? [chuckles.]
It's his big night.
Trust me, he'll be so busy smiling and shaking hands, he won't even remember I was invited in the first place.
I was invited.
What? It's a criminal defense organization.
I sit on the board.
But I'd much rather be here with you.
- Oh, yeah? - Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
[laughs.]
- Sure you would.
- That's right, come here.
[jazzy piano music.]
[cheers and applause.]
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
- Congratulations, man.
- Thank you.
It's good to see you vindicated.
I appreciate it.
Good to see you too.
There he is.
Hey, James, excuse me for a moment.
Okay.
[indistinct chatter.]
- Simon.
- James.
Thank you, man, for the night.
You look dapper.
You too.
Our contract has been modified, and the council has approved the rezoning.
We are off to the races.
Good I must apologize for Councilman Tate, I didn't know he was gonna do that.
James, when will you ever learn to trust me? [laughs.]
Simon, when you learn to behave in a more trustworthy manner.
Do you know why Joshua Kantos dropped out as a witness against you for your trial? I don't care about your past, James.
I'm focused on our future.
I can trust that you will always mistrust me, but I can't promise that I will always be so tolerant.
It's time for you to learn who to trust, James.
- Now, if you'll excuse me - [glasses clink.]
I have a novelty check to sign in your honor.
[tense music.]
Hey, Angie.
[gasps.]
Jamie, hello.
I'm glad you're here.
One second.
[indistinct chatter.]
I am a prosecutor.
Destroy Injustice is made up of concerned, smart defense lawyers, but we all have the same goal: the protection of the constitutional rights of the citizens of New York, along with our new Head of Criminal Angela Valdes.
TAMEIKA: Come on up, Angela.
[applause.]
Ain't this about a bitch.
Spending too much time with Donovan.
Have fun, I'm not sticking around for this shit.
Thank you, U.
S.
Attorney Robinson.
I am humbled to be the Eastern District of New York's new Head of Criminal.
Tariq, you're going to Choate? I'm gonna miss you so much.
Will you text me? - Yeah.
- [gasps.]
'Riq, did you know this is gonna be our first birthday apart from each other? Oh, yeah, I didn't even think about that.
[phone buzzing.]
Hold up.
I'll be right back.
Where you going? It's cool, Raina, I'll be right back.
[tense music.]
Hey.
Congratulations.
You too.
And thank you for catching Mike.
I know you risked your life.
I I know you didn't do it for me.
How you doing, you okay? I am now.
It all worked out for the best.
Yeah.
So what's next? When we were kids, it was the Supreme Court You had a chance to go to Choate.
What? You said you didn't have a chance.
In your interview, you didn't go to Choate because you chose not to.
You said you couldn't leave Tommy, remember? What would have happened if you did? Don't matter now, right? We got the dream we dreamed in Queens, Angie.
You know, the funny thing is, we never would have come to this moment if it wasn't for each other.
[soft music.]
I guess that's true.
I should go.
Yeah, okay.
Good luck, Angie Valdes.
You too.
James! Councilman.
Hell of an evening, huh? Oh, man, it was a special night.
- I want to thank you for it.
- Sure.
You're the cat I saw on the block, right? Sup, man? I'd like for you to meet Alphonse.
He's our new community liaison.
And we gotta make sure that he's kept whole.
What is this about, Rashad? [clears throat.]
Listen.
I did you a huge favor by making sure you got more of Stern's cut.
Now it's time for you to reciprocate.
Make that happen.
[car horn honks in distance.]
[chuckles.]
You fucking did it, man! Yeah, man.
Got myself fired, brother.
You got major fuckin' balls, man.
Cojones, man.
[laughs.]
No, man I just saw the opportunity and I took it.
You know, Ghost, Kanan, Tommy, none of the niggas think I got what I got in me.
- Mm-hmm.
- The naive, young boy shit.
Man, fuck that.
So I used it against 'em.
There's advantages to being underestimated.
Amen.
How we looking with the other thing, though? Going down as we speak.
[Marco Polo & Torae "Danger.]
Danger, danger Danger, danger Sound the alarm Anger, reload the chamber Them Brooklyn boys is back with a banger Your moms ain't say not to talk to a strangers Cuz now you in danger, danger Heads ain't ready for these clips we got Tre, pound, see yet the to rock ya not Orville Redinbocker I'll pop your top Til Taana Gardner heartbeat stop Danger, danger Danger, danger [muffled chatter.]
[buzzer sounds.]
[buzzer sounds.]
[door creaks.]
[door lock clicks.]
[both chuckle.]
You [laughing.]
You go.
You look like an old-ass version of me.
[laughs.]
Tommy.
How you doing? I've been better.
Yeah? Anything I can help with? [ominous music.]
Yeah.
Maybe so.
I'd like to meet the rest of our family.
[muffled dance music playing.]
Yo, Destiny! Yo, Destiny! [dog barking in distance.]
Yo, I I ain't say shit, Ray Ray.
Hey, be cool, B.
I know you're a G and everything.
Hey, man, I just wanted to make sure you [grunts.]
[tense music.]
This bitch-ass nigga.
Hey! You were at my school the other day looking for Tariq.
Yeah, I was I was just headed to find your principal.
I know who you are, Ray Ray.
You need to leave my brother alone.
My father's gonna kill you.
[heartbeat pounding.]
[gunshot.]
Don't use the word, "forever" We live too long to be so loved People change and I can be tethered Raina? We think we are the only ones You can't walk the streets a ghost anymore You can't walk the streets a ghost anymore Days form like new figures down my road Beauty always in the lust You always landed on your feet in the past [humming.]
And I noticed I can still ghost the streets And I noticed I can still ghost the streets I noticed just how slow The killer bee's wings beat And how wonderful How wonderful How wonderful you are