Queen Sugar (2016) s05e03 Episode Script
Late-April 2020
1
Previously on "Queen Sugar"
Didn't tell me your ex-wife
was going to be here.
HAILEY: He's always had a thing
for the exotic.
Did you think you were the only one?
She is the only one.
MICAH: I'm almost 20 years old.
I don't need to consult you
every time I want to make a
decision, like some little boy.
They want us worried about harvest.
We get to choose
how we deal with things.
They can't steal our joy
unless we let them.
I just been keeping an eye out
on that virus stuff.
We here for you. Whatever you need.
So, I'm giving you a heads-up.
Vi's Pies will have to close
for a couple weeks.
REPORTER: In the state of Louisiana,
the grave danger farmhands face
are outbreaks from the coronavirus,
especially during crop season,
where labor shortages
threaten harvesting
and a farm's viability to survive.
Produce crops such as berries
have a short life span.
If a farm doesn't have enough
workers to harvest
in that small window of time,
they're done for the season.
Other crops such as corn and sugarcane,
which rely heavily on machinery,
sadly are having to see
their crops go to waste
due to the closing of the local mills
A direct effect from COVID-19
Leaving this Louisiana crop season
and the farming community in jeopardy.
Benny Ben. What's good with you?
Oh, this COVID thing got us all.
But we gonna make it through.
That's right.
Hey, look, I'll bring you back
next season.
That's my word.
Chris?
What's up, brotha?
No, can't start up again.
We gotta wait it out.
The cane looks beautiful right now.
It's so high.
I ain't really seen it like this.
We usually done harvesting by now.
Wait a sec.
For real?
You tested positive?
♪♪
Oh, that's crazy.
Hey, look, I appreciate you.
We gonna be back on the land in no time.
That's right.
Be safe. You, too, now.
All right.
[ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
[ BIRD SQUAWKING ]
[ SIGHS ]
♪♪
Dreams never die ♪
Take flight as the world turns ♪
Dreams never die ♪
Take flight as the world turns ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Take flight ♪
Dreams never die ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Take flight ♪
[ DEVICE BEEPS, MUSIC PLAYS ]
Good morning.
Mm.
Good morning.
♪♪
You don't mind me sitting here
♪♪
do you?
Too close to you ♪
You can stay as long as you'd like.
Don't ♪
In fact, I insist.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Once I'm done with my meetings
and our community check-in
I'll make sure the rest of your day
♪♪
is busy.
- I like busy.
- Oh, I know you do.
You're in love with a singer ♪
So I sing you to bed ♪
I love being quarantined with you.
Mm.
You know, I feel bad for saying it
And I start to pretend ♪
but this time
has been pretty terrific.
Just being
together.
The summer's just begun ♪
It's a privilege, and I'm thankful.
You know we have ♪
We are definitely privileged. [ SIGHS ]
People are out there struggling.
But inside here
with us, it's been
beautiful
and intimate.
I'm grateful for you, too.
Too close to you ♪
Intimate like three times a day.
You don't mind, do you?
- No.
- Didn't think so.
Don't leave so soon ♪
Oooh ♪
Did you get the honey butter ham
and potato salad ready
for Parthena's delivery?
I got it right here.
You should have heard her talking about
how much she missed being able to host
Easter dinner at her house
for her grandkids.
- She sounded so sad.
- Ah.
Well, I'm sure all this
goodness you cooked up
is gon' hit the spot
and cheer her right up.
Mm, you know what?
Put one of these dutch apple
cherry pies in her order, too.
[ PAPER CRINKLING ]
You know, baby, all this
feels like some kind of test.
What you mean?
M-Maybe this is how we
find out what we're made of.
You know, as a people, as a community.
Do we or do we not
have each other's back?
- I believe that.
- Mm-hmm.
Between this place closing down
and my place never opening up,
it's the worst test I ever took.
But we gotta just keep doing our part,
keep doing our best.
Yep, at least we can get all this
into the bellies of folks who need it
instead of my trash can.
Which is where it would've
had to go, you know,
if it stayed in that
freezer much longer.
[ CELLPHONE RINGING ]
Hey, there, Mama.
WILLA MAE: Hey, son.
Hey, there, Ms. Willa Mae!
- Hey, Vi!
- She said, "Hey, Vi!"
[ LAUGHTER ]
Hey, you get that package I sent you?
Mama, what you mean
it's still on the porch?
[ LAUGHS ] I told you
she wasn't gon' open it
until 14 days passed.
[ CHUCKLES ] She said, "You right."
H-Hey, tell Willa Mae that I s
Mama, Vi, look,
I'm not gon' keep playing
phone operator, now, all right?
Is it okay if I talk to my mama?
[ CHUCKLES ] Go on.
He's grumpy.
Mama, you know I got
all your essentials.
I got you Vitamin E. I got you Benadryl.
I got all that stuff that you asked for.
You better open it up.
And the fact of the matter is,
St. Jo is just a blip
on the state's radar right now.
We couldn't get funding
to expand our hospital's ICU
before the pandemic.
Can't expect it now.
And now, we're at capacity.
Yeah, we're beyond capacity.
This was just supposed to be two weeks.
Now we're weeks into this.
We got the ER setting up triage
tents in the parking lots,
but what happens when they
fill up completely, huh?
Where will sick people go then?
And this is why we can't afford people
not adhering to the stay-at-home order.
Lives are in the balance.
Not to mention we're still
waiting on federal funds
for the elderly and unemployed.
Well, according to our
COVID-19 Task Force Report,
the majority of St. Jo's businesses
have either shuttered or are
in the process of doing so.
What do you mean, "in the process"?
Non-essentials shouldn't be operating
outside of the mandated
guidelines period.
Yeah, and I should be in
the Bahamas workin' on my tan,
but that ain't happenin'.
COUNCIL MEMBER #1: People take issue
with what's deemed "essential", Charley,
and they aren't gonna
let go of something
they've spent their entire
lives building without a fight.
Is that why your Aunt Violet's diner
is still open for business, Charley?
The diner is not open for business.
Oh, well, I drove by there
the other day,
and it looked like some
activity was going on in there.
"Activity."
Violet Bordelon is doing
more for her community
than you have or ever will, Jackson.
Calm down and do your job.
I'm done here.
♪♪
That's what I need.
A nice, hot cup of coffee.
- Who said this was coffee?
- [ LAUGHS ]
[ CHUCKLES ]
Before we kick off
our Tru Papers' Good Neighbor Action,
I'd like to thank you all
for showing up,
for putting these care packages together
for the people of St. Jo
with such love and respect.
So, if anyone asks
for more of anything
Hand sanitizer, masks, whatever
We don't understand the word "no".
Just direct them to the
Tru Papers helpline,
and we'll accommodate.
We are love in action.
All right, let's hit it. [ LAUGHS ]
♪♪
- You ready?
- Always.
♪♪
Oh, heartache ♪
It always seems to find you ♪
I should put it where they can see it.
is always knocking at your door ♪
When there's more losses than gains ♪
[ DOORBELL BUZZES ]
Just hoping that the sun
will shine again ♪
No, there won't always be rain ♪
They say trouble don't last always ♪
So ♪
Hold on, brother, please hold on ♪
You're under the weight
of the struggle ♪
We're only here for a few days ♪
But those days ♪
But those days are full of trouble ♪
It's a good day.
Final stop ahead.
Gotta save the best for last.
♪♪
So, how many "Karens"
you have to fight off
to get all this?
Ugh, God, I barely got out
of that store alive.
The shelves were totally empty,
completely wiped out.
It's like we're living the apocalypse.
Look like you made out fine to me.
I mean, I did what I could.
We might have some weird
food combinations for meals,
but I think we'll be okay for a while.
I sanitize, you put away?
Let's do it.
Where's Blue?
In his room, catching up with school.
Internet been actin' all wonky all day.
- Kickin' him offline.
- Ugh.
It's been happening
like that all morning.
Our Internet is so slow.
Yeah, I think everything
been moving slow
in St. Jo right now.
Wi-Fi been tripping.
It's not like we have the latest
fiber optic cables out here,
though, in the first place.
I mean, if his classes
are gon' be online,
shouldn't the school district
make sure all they students
could access the Internet?
Theoretically? Yes.
Practically? A whole other story.
[ SIGHS ]
Spent most of the day
checking in on folks.
Trying to explain this
COVID thing and how it's
been messing everything up.
[ SIGHS ]
Are you okay?
[ SIGHS ] What am I saying?
Of course you're not okay.
Actually, I am.
Weird enough, I
I just got a calm about everything.
I had to let go of some people.
Shit is bad, and
Yeah, I don't know when it's gon' start
looking good again, but
did what I had to do, and
feel like I did the right thing.
I mean
what about getting your crop loan?
Couldn't that help?
Banks ain't givin' loans
to no farms right now.
To be honest, I'm happy
we ain't harvest.
It would have went to waste
like all them other farms
throwin' out all they product.
[ SIGHS ] Next year
the soil will be three times as rich.
We could recoup everything
we didn't make this year,
so I'm I'm not worried about that.
Feel like the land's
gon' take care of us.
Just gotta be patient.
You have a really beautiful
outlook on this.
[ CHUCKLES ]
I mean, it ain't come easy.
You seen the ups and downs, but
hell, this is where we at.
Guess it is what it is, right?
Yeah.
Okay, well, we have
the money that you've saved
from not prepping for the harvest.
But, um, have you thought about
asking Charley for a loan,
just to tide us over?
Darla, I'm not asking
Charley for anything.
Especially not no loan.
I can't go running to Charley
every time somethin' come up.
Look, I need you to trust me.
I've been here before.
We just gotta take our time,
but we gon' figure it out together.
All right?
♪♪
[ SIGHS ] My job is saying we're closed
to the public for three weeks,
and then we have a meeting online.
Hopefully, they'll tell us
when we get to go back,
and then, when I have my paycheck
from my full-time job,
that'll help us, right?
♪♪
It should.
It will.
Like I said, we got this.
Just gotta believe.
The council has been getting reports
of businesses flouting
the safety protocols.
We are just making
care packages for folks
who are struggling and can't get in.
You know that.
Are Nova and Calvin still delivering?
As long as it's contactless
delivery, it's fine.
I know that, Councilwoman Bordelon.
It's not me.
It's what the State
of Louisiana is mandating.
Oh, the same state that stopped
accepting applications
for the Small Business Relief Fund?
Got people like me out here
robbin' Peter to pay Paul,
trying to keep our heads above water?
[ SIGHS ]
I am working
to help get the backlog cleared,
but there's talk of the Health Inspector
going around shutting people down.
I don't want you to get
caught up in that.
Well, I appreciate that, Charley.
But how long is this gon' go on?
I mean, people are not gonna
stay at home forever.
People need people.
Y-You know, to touch
and feel each other.
It's supposed to be two weeks.
It's been a lot longer than that.
I know.
Trust me
I know.
♪♪
How's Micah?
He's coming home tonight.
Finally.
[ INHALES DEEPLY ]
Semester's almost over.
[ SIGHS ] He stuck it out in his dorm,
but I think he finally ran out of food.
[ BOTH LAUGH ]
I'm just glad he's gonna
be under my roof.
Yeah, well, good luck.
Mm?
I just remember when Nova came back
after being away at school.
Ooh, her and Ernest fought
like cats and dogs.
Well, that's That's not me and Micah.
Okay.
Well, just remember He's grown.
And once you have lived on your own,
it's hard to live under
somebody else's rules again.
♪♪
REPORTER: says once-bustling
city streets
have become eerily quiet, while
lines outside hospitals
- [ KNOCK ON DOOR ]
- stretch around the block.
Makeshift morgues are being prepared.
- [ DOOR OPENS ]
- The governor says
in three weeks coronavirus
Hey, Mr. Prosper.
Ah, Nova.
I got some essentials for you,
plus a few meals from Aunt Vi
and a whole peach and pecan pie.
[ LAUGHS ]
It's good to see you.
I'd give you a hug if I could, but ju
Uh, just just leave
those things in the kitchen.
I will. It's good to see you.
Been thinkin' about you.
Yes, I appreciate that.
I'm I'm doing fine.
You gettin' out any?
I'm fine.
Well, this care package has masks,
hand sanitizer, cleaning products.
If you like, I could
put it away for you,
make sure everything's
where it should be.
Just, uh, leave it
on the kitchen counter,
- and I'll get to it.
- Mr. Prosper, you sure
you don't need help
with anything before I go?
If I need anything, Nova,
I'll make it known to ya.
Thank you.
Okay.
- Okay.
- [ DOOR OPENS ]
in response, tenants
are demanding that no one
should have to pay their rent
until the pandemic is over.
Analysts say that the pandemic
may last anywhere
from six months to a year.
DARLA: If you carry this over to here
No, but then that makes that not work.
[ SIGHS ] How about I try
- dividing this first
- Mm.
then carry it over
and add the remainder?
Bam! I got it.
Okay. Look at Einstein.
Guess my work here is done.
- You got this.
- Don't go.
You can stay and be my
moral support.
Your "moral support." Pssh, whatever.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Morning, Pops.
- Morning, Blue.
Thought you had that staff
meeting online today?
I do, but, uh, I wanted to help him
with his math packet first
before getting online.
And the Internet's acting up again.
We're having technical difficulties.
[ CHUCKLES ]
You should probably
figure out that meeting.
Them work hours are important.
I know, but, uh
I-I don't want him to get
more behind than he already is.
It's just one lesson.
[ CHUCKLES ] I'm sure he'll be fine.
You're right.
I know. [ SIGHS ] I just
I can't seem to think
clearly these days.
It's Come on, Blue.
- Hmm?
- Let's let your mommy use the computer.
Okay.
- See you later, Ma.
- Bye.
Bye.
Come on, Einstein.
Guess it's just you and me.
What we workin' on today?
Trying not to go stir-crazy.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Sounds like a plan.
[ LAUGHS ]
♪♪
And Vi been working so hard
at the diner,
I figured this would be
a good surprise for her.
Now, do I put this bourbon
on the chicken skin
or in the sauce?
Hollingsworth, what are you doing?
Are you trying to get everybody drunk?
You do not soak the chicken
in those spirits.
- Okay.
- Y-Y-You put it in the sauce.
- I hear you, Mama.
- That's right.
What you doing after dinner tonight?
I-I'm supposed to be playing bridge
with my ladies on the computer.
We'll see how that go.
Ohh, that sound like fun.
Y'all gon' have a good time.
Eh, I don't know.
You have to keep your eye
on Miss Christine.
You know she like to cheat
even when we get together
playing in person.
So I don't know what kind of stuff
she might try to pull
while we all virtual.
- [ LAUGHS ]
- Yeah, she do be cheating.
[ COUGHING ]
That don't sound good.
[ COUGHING CONTINUES ]
Oh, that ain't nothing.
Everything ain't the 'Rona.
I'm fine.
It just is a little dry
in here this time of day.
I just need to turn that humidifier on.
- That's all.
- You sure about that?
- I'm fine, son.
- All right.
'Cause you know I will go
straight up to Baton Rouge
with the quickness.
You better stay at your house
and mind your business.
I'm fine. Okay?
I'm good! I'm great!
I told you.
Just fine, all right?
Now, what are you making for dessert?
Cut up some fruit or something.
That'd go nice with that chicken.
All right.
No, I'm I'm not rockin' with it, man.
It couldn't be me.
It could b
Anybody who gets a back tat
is gonna regret it when they're, like
[LAUGHING] 45.
I'm s
Mom, um, I'm just
I'm just talking to my boys.
I'ma Hey, I'ma hit y'all back.
All right.
- Hey.
- Welcome home.
Thank you.
I'm gonna, um clean all this up.
I was just Zoomin'
for a philosophy final I got coming up.
I thought I'd come in here
and relax for a second.
Yeah, that's fine. Really.
It's actually wonderful to have
you home safe and sound.
In a couple days, we'll get you a test
so we can be together
and not have to wear these masks.
Yeah, I understand.
And just so you know [ SIGHS ]
I'm an adult. You are an adult.
So it's all good.
"It's all good"?
Yep.
It's all good.
[ LAUGHS ] Okay, Mom.
Thank you.
So, what do you want for dinner?
Oh.
I was actually gonna go for a drive.
You know, just clear my head.
You know, maybe stop by
a friend's place really quick.
Wait.
We talked about this
before you came home.
- I know. I just
- You agreed not to visit
friends, frat brothers, Keke anyone
until the stay-at-home order's lifted.
Yeah, well
at least the Keke part will be easy.
Oh, no. What happened?
♪♪
[ LAUGHS ] She broke up with me
for some other guy.
Yeah, she got a whole new boyfriend.
Whoa.
I mean
I'm shocked.
I'm sorry.
MICAH: Yeah.
I mean, it's for the better.
You know, we we We ran our course.
Just
different
paths.
♪♪
Uhhhhh
but dinner.
I will eat whatever you make.
I'm starving.
I'm very hungry.
So hungry.
Thank you.
♪♪
That's one way to cut down
on the grocery bill.
Just grow it yourself.
Well I'll have a lot more
time to spend
on getting this growing.
I've been officially laid off.
You said laid off?
What you mean, laid off? What happened?
[ SIGHS ] Apparently,
there was an outbreak
among the staff that was
still working on-site.
Seven people came up positive.
To be safe,
they're shutting everything down
until further notice.
♪♪
So, what's gon' happen
to all them people
and their insurance claims?
It'll get backlogged.
♪♪
They paying you still?
For two weeks
and then I get, um
furloughed.
What's that mean?
[ SIGHS ] It means that, um,
we're still technically employees
and we still get benefits
but no checks.
♪♪
Seems in good condition.
Kept her up well.
She run well, too.
Brand-new clutch, new tires.
Just got the 'draulics
replaced last year.
So, what you think?
What are you askin' for it?
$8,500. $8,500?
It's a little steep, ain't it?
Look, man, four-wheel drive,
three-speed diesel with a 60-inch hitch.
I don't think so.
I'll give you $5,500 for it.
[ LAUGHS ]
Shit, I ain't giving it away.
Look, man, times is hard,
but not that hard.
Hey, I appreciate you stopping by.
You have a good one.
$6,000.
$6,500 cash, and that's
as high as it gets.
$7,500.
I'll meet you at $7,000.
I'm not trying to get over on you.
It's all I got.
♪♪
I hear you.
You got a deal if you got cash.
Okay.
I'll start the paperwork.
♪♪
While you were sleeping ♪
I made us a new world ♪
While you were laughing ♪
- Come on.
- I gave up this old world ♪
Why wouldn't I? ♪
While you were dancing,
I gave up all future plans ♪
Sorry if I disturbed you.
You're not.
Who are you praying for?
Prosper.
There's nothing like
the passing time ♪
Clearing his energy.
Removing some of the loneliness
the despair I believe
he's starting to feel.
♪♪
That visit really got to you.
We thought we'd be home for two weeks.
It's been six.
And he's been locked in
alone all that time.
And I walk in, and he's watching
what's happening in New York.
Overflowing morgues.
Essential workers exposing
themselves and their families
because there's not enough
damn protective care.
I mean, really?
They're literally asking
people to stay at home
until they can't breathe anymore.
What is that?
How is he supposed to process that
sitting in that house alone?
I'm worried about him, too.
Yeah.
I'm worried for everyone, frankly.
People our age, young people, children.
I mean, everyone is having
a whole different
set of issues around this.
Yeah.
My kids are having a rough time.
They are?
Yeah, they're restless.
♪♪
No interaction with other kids,
having to learn online.
This whole thing is just not easy.
They keep telling me they want things
to go back the way they were.
[ SCOFFS ]
Don't we all.
Don't we all.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
[ FACETIME RINGING ]
[ SIGHS ]
[ RINGING ]
Hello Hello? Eh, Miss Florence?
Hey, hey. This is, uh, Hollywood.
This is Willa Mae's son, yeah.
I'm Have you talked
to my mother lately?
Yeah, I ha
I haven't been able to
get a hold of her all day.
Oh, thank you. Y
If you could stop by,
that would be perfect.
Yeah.
Yeah, thank you so much. Thank you.
All right.
All right, all right.
You have a good one, now.
Okay, all right. Bye-bye.
[ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
[ INSECTS BUZZING, BIRDS CHIRPING ]
You've been spending
a lot of time out here.
Sold one of my tractors today.
Thought it would put a dent
in some of these bills, but
[ SIGHS ]
it just ain't gon' cut it.
♪♪
Truth is
I can't bring in harvest this year.
It's just a fact.
Gotta accept it.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Guess it come with the territory, huh?
[ TAPS RAILING ]
My daddy struggled
[SIGHS] and I ain't no different.
♪♪
Shit, the last thing I'ma do
is let my pride get in the way
of me supporting my family.
I don't want you selling off
pieces of your life
just to support us.
I don't feel good about that.
[ SIGHS ]
I'm gonna get another job.
♪♪
Well, I am, too.
What?
That's right.
I'm gonna let this harvest return itself
back to the land and
I'ma go ahead and get me a regular job.
Can't control things, Darla.
You can only control
how you feel about them.
[ CHUCKLES ]
That's what Mama always used to say.
♪♪
- Wise woman.
- Uh-huh.
Very wise. [ CHUCKLES ]
Real question is, who's hirin'?
Got about 20 million people
out of work right now
with this COVID thing.
That's true.
[ SIGHS ]
What about, um
convalescent and nursing homes?
I read they're short on staff.
But that might be risky.
What ain't risky in 2020, baby?
♪♪
No Skips, no skips, no skips ♪
[ CELLPHONE RINGS ]
Everyday I just song I make ♪
No rewind or forward
with me I'm on play ♪
Hello?
Yeah, this him.
Don't trip ♪
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah. No.
That's perfect.
4:00 p.m.?
4:00 p N-No, that Yeah.
Yeah, will do.
All right.
♪♪
[ EXHALES SLOWLY ]
I agree with you. I'm just
I never thought of it that way.
You feel me?
Like, I guess I saw it both
ways, but that makes more sense.
- [ KNOCK ON DOOR ]
- Come in.
- Hey.
- Hey.
I'm heading out. You need anything?
I'm good. I'm just on
the phone with my friend.
GIRL: Oh, my God. Is that your mom?
I love her so much!
Ooh, can I say hi, please?
[ LAUGHS ] Yeah, you're on speaker.
- She can hear you.
- For real?
Oh, my goodness! Uh, hello, Charley!
- I mean, Ms. Bordelon-West.
- Who is that?
- Wait, I mean, Miss Bordelon!
- Hold on.
It's this girl I go to school with.
She look like SZA, and she
is obsessed with you.
Please say hi and make her day.
♪♪
- [ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
- Hey.
Hello. It's Charley Bordelon.
- How are you?
- Oh, my gosh!
- It's your voice!
- [ LAUGHS ]
Yep, it's my voice, all right.
Nice to meet you. Okay, bye-bye.
Bye! Oh, my God!
She's so nice!
And in all the magazines and stuff
and in the sidelines at the games,
she always looks so damn good.
You always look so damn good.
I'm serious.
Here you go.
I'm looking forward to
spending some time with you.
You know,
after this is all over. Some real time.
Yeah, I want that, too.
A lot.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Yeah, I'll bet you do.
[ TELEPHONE RINGS IN DISTANCE ]
[ SIGHS ]
RECEPTIONIST: Mr. Bordelon?
Come on back.
[ CLEARS THROAT ]
[ CLEARS THROAT ]
And then, pending
a negative COVID-19 test,
you'll be required to finish
our mandatory protocols
and procedures workshop.
That's if you're hired.
Any questions so far?
No, ma'am.
Mr. Bordelon, y-you're clear
that this is a custodial
position, right?
Yes, ma'am. I'm clear.
And I very much
appreciate the opportunity.
Do you?
I-I mean, you're a farmer by trade.
Used to being your own boss.
A-And the pay here
Well, I guess what
I'm getting at is that
this is a caregiving business.
Our number-one priority is the safety
and well-being of our elderly.
I understand.
This isn't a job you take
just because your money's gotten funny.
It's unglamorous work,
and we hold our residents most sacred.
I'm not looking
for just a clock-puncher.
I want someone that
wants to be of service
to our residents.
I've found that those are
our team members
that work out the best.
Ms. Thompson
my father is Ernest Bordelon.
He was a farmer.
He also pushed a broom for a living.
Waxed floors, scrubbed toilets.
Did what he had to do for his family.
But he did it with his head up.
You know, growing up,
he taught me to do the same.
Checked his ego at the door.
So, I take pride in making sure
folk live in dignity.
I admit my money is kind of funny.
In fact, it's hilarious.
But being here is a choice,
and I know what it takes,
and I understand what this is.
As you also said, I am a boss,
so I know what
a good employee look like.
♪♪
I'm here to solve
your problems, Ms. Thompson.
♪♪
Can you start on Monday?
Yes, I can.
[ RINGING ]
[ SIGHS ]
♪♪
[ SIGHS DEEPLY ]
Chamomile, honey, a little bit of lemon.
Stirred with a cinnamon stick.
So, how's Prosper?
I couldn't get a hold of him just now.
Baby, thank you for this.
I know your mama's on your mind.
Yeah.
Her neighbor says she stopped by,
checked on her.
Yeah, she was doing okay,
just a bit lethargic.
I looked up that symptom.
It wasn't good.
Every time I talk to Mama,
she says she's okay,
and, Vi, I don't like it.
Well, maybe you should run on
up there and see about her.
It'll put your mind at peace
to lay eyes on her.
Baby, what about your deliveries?
Well, your mama's more important.
♪♪
Well, maybe I'll
head out first light,
check on Prosper first.
♪♪
- MAN: Time to play
- WOMAN: satellite and radar
- [ CELLPHONE RINGING, VIBRATING ]
- [ CHANNEL CHANGING ]
REPORTER: is New Orleans,
the city with the highest
death rate in the country.
Streets usually vibrant
with music and tourists
are empty tonight.
Meantime, hospitals are filled
and rapidly running out of supplies.
15 years after Hurricane Katrina,
residents are hunkered down
once again in their homes,
weathering a radically different storm.
REPORTER #2: The FBI reported
that Chinese and Asian-Americans
are now experiencing
increased hate crimes
due to the coronavirus global outbreak.
This trend also includes minors
as alleged perpetrators.
Just this week,
police said teens attacked
a 51-year-old woman
on a New York City bus,
throwing anti-Asian statements
against her
and accusing her
of causing the coronavirus.
President Trump said
that this week and next
will probably be the toughest
in the fight against the coronavirus.
While speaking at the
Coronavirus Task Force briefing
on Saturday, Trump
[ CELLPHONE RINGING, VIBRATING ]
- but added that
- [ CHANNEL CHANGES ]
[ INDISTINCT CONVERSATION ]
[ RINGING, VIBRATING CONTINUES ]
[ SIGHS ]
[ RINGING, VIBRATING CONTINUES ]
Hey, Hollywood.
[ LAUGHS ] Hey, Prosper.
It's not Hollywood. It's Nova.
Oh. H-Hi, Nova.
Uh, Hollywood just called,
and I-I thought he was-s calling
How are you feeling, Prosper?
And don't say fine. None of us are fine.
I really want to know
how you're doing over there.
I'm a little worried about you.
Yeah, uh
I-I-I'm sorry I was rude
when you came by.
T-That ain't me.
You weren't rude, and there's
no need to apologize.
Everybody's going through it.
Yeah.
But also, everyone's
different, you know?
Going through it in different ways.
Yeah, I suppose.
♪♪
Well
♪♪
Can I talk to you about this story
I'm working on for Tru Papers?
It's about the new movement
to help get the homeless
off the street and into
these empty hotels
that are closed due to the virus.
I'd love to get a quote
for you from this article.
Get your opinion.
Oh, y Uh, s-sure.
Y-Y-Yeah, I-I'd be h-happy
to help if I can.
Thanks, Prosper.
[ SEWING MACHINE WHIRRING ]
- [ WHIRRING STOPS ]
- Mmm.
Somebody cleans up well.
Well, you must have forgot
I make everything look good, baby.
[ BOTH CHUCKLE ] That you do.
[ WINCES ]
That line-up, though.
Here I go, thinking you was my friend.
I am your friend.
- I-I'm just saying.
- Well, I'm just saying,
seeing that a brother
can't get to a barber,
I think I did a pretty fine job
lining myself up.
DARLA: [ CHUCKLES ] You did.
I'm just kidding.
You look fine.
You look good.
Thank you, I guess.
How you feeling about your first day?
Better than I thought.
Glad to have a check
comin' in, you know?
Just counting my blessings.
Mm.
But tell me what you got
going on over here.
Don't you worry about what
I got going on over here.
This is going to be awesome.
- Let you tell it.
- Mm-hmm.
I'm proud of you.
Got us all plugged in
this barren land ♪
I know.
- I'ma see you later?
- Mm-hmm.
Keep it up.
I put your lunch in the cooler.
I promise you
that they'll be prancing ♪
- Thank you, baby.
- Mm-hmm.
- Have a good day.
- You, too.
[ WHIRRING RESUMES ]
- [ DOOR CLOSES ]
- There's something higher ♪
Something we can't see ♪
The methane burns
and it puts us out with ease ♪
Gotta find balance ♪
I can't explain ♪
The rock is so consistent ♪
With a slight change ♪
Gotta find balance ♪
I can't explain ♪
The rock is so consistent ♪
With a slight change ♪
Connected or neglected ♪
I just hope you stay protected ♪
These are just created obstacles ♪
We're just stuck between the lines ♪
And there ain't too much to see ♪
I just let the music move me ♪
the powers at be ♪
There's something higher ♪
Something we can't see ♪
Gotta find balance ♪
Previously on "Queen Sugar"
Didn't tell me your ex-wife
was going to be here.
HAILEY: He's always had a thing
for the exotic.
Did you think you were the only one?
She is the only one.
MICAH: I'm almost 20 years old.
I don't need to consult you
every time I want to make a
decision, like some little boy.
They want us worried about harvest.
We get to choose
how we deal with things.
They can't steal our joy
unless we let them.
I just been keeping an eye out
on that virus stuff.
We here for you. Whatever you need.
So, I'm giving you a heads-up.
Vi's Pies will have to close
for a couple weeks.
REPORTER: In the state of Louisiana,
the grave danger farmhands face
are outbreaks from the coronavirus,
especially during crop season,
where labor shortages
threaten harvesting
and a farm's viability to survive.
Produce crops such as berries
have a short life span.
If a farm doesn't have enough
workers to harvest
in that small window of time,
they're done for the season.
Other crops such as corn and sugarcane,
which rely heavily on machinery,
sadly are having to see
their crops go to waste
due to the closing of the local mills
A direct effect from COVID-19
Leaving this Louisiana crop season
and the farming community in jeopardy.
Benny Ben. What's good with you?
Oh, this COVID thing got us all.
But we gonna make it through.
That's right.
Hey, look, I'll bring you back
next season.
That's my word.
Chris?
What's up, brotha?
No, can't start up again.
We gotta wait it out.
The cane looks beautiful right now.
It's so high.
I ain't really seen it like this.
We usually done harvesting by now.
Wait a sec.
For real?
You tested positive?
♪♪
Oh, that's crazy.
Hey, look, I appreciate you.
We gonna be back on the land in no time.
That's right.
Be safe. You, too, now.
All right.
[ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
[ BIRD SQUAWKING ]
[ SIGHS ]
♪♪
Dreams never die ♪
Take flight as the world turns ♪
Dreams never die ♪
Take flight as the world turns ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Take flight ♪
Dreams never die ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Keep the colors in the lines ♪
Take flight ♪
[ DEVICE BEEPS, MUSIC PLAYS ]
Good morning.
Mm.
Good morning.
♪♪
You don't mind me sitting here
♪♪
do you?
Too close to you ♪
You can stay as long as you'd like.
Don't ♪
In fact, I insist.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Once I'm done with my meetings
and our community check-in
I'll make sure the rest of your day
♪♪
is busy.
- I like busy.
- Oh, I know you do.
You're in love with a singer ♪
So I sing you to bed ♪
I love being quarantined with you.
Mm.
You know, I feel bad for saying it
And I start to pretend ♪
but this time
has been pretty terrific.
Just being
together.
The summer's just begun ♪
It's a privilege, and I'm thankful.
You know we have ♪
We are definitely privileged. [ SIGHS ]
People are out there struggling.
But inside here
with us, it's been
beautiful
and intimate.
I'm grateful for you, too.
Too close to you ♪
Intimate like three times a day.
You don't mind, do you?
- No.
- Didn't think so.
Don't leave so soon ♪
Oooh ♪
Did you get the honey butter ham
and potato salad ready
for Parthena's delivery?
I got it right here.
You should have heard her talking about
how much she missed being able to host
Easter dinner at her house
for her grandkids.
- She sounded so sad.
- Ah.
Well, I'm sure all this
goodness you cooked up
is gon' hit the spot
and cheer her right up.
Mm, you know what?
Put one of these dutch apple
cherry pies in her order, too.
[ PAPER CRINKLING ]
You know, baby, all this
feels like some kind of test.
What you mean?
M-Maybe this is how we
find out what we're made of.
You know, as a people, as a community.
Do we or do we not
have each other's back?
- I believe that.
- Mm-hmm.
Between this place closing down
and my place never opening up,
it's the worst test I ever took.
But we gotta just keep doing our part,
keep doing our best.
Yep, at least we can get all this
into the bellies of folks who need it
instead of my trash can.
Which is where it would've
had to go, you know,
if it stayed in that
freezer much longer.
[ CELLPHONE RINGING ]
Hey, there, Mama.
WILLA MAE: Hey, son.
Hey, there, Ms. Willa Mae!
- Hey, Vi!
- She said, "Hey, Vi!"
[ LAUGHTER ]
Hey, you get that package I sent you?
Mama, what you mean
it's still on the porch?
[ LAUGHS ] I told you
she wasn't gon' open it
until 14 days passed.
[ CHUCKLES ] She said, "You right."
H-Hey, tell Willa Mae that I s
Mama, Vi, look,
I'm not gon' keep playing
phone operator, now, all right?
Is it okay if I talk to my mama?
[ CHUCKLES ] Go on.
He's grumpy.
Mama, you know I got
all your essentials.
I got you Vitamin E. I got you Benadryl.
I got all that stuff that you asked for.
You better open it up.
And the fact of the matter is,
St. Jo is just a blip
on the state's radar right now.
We couldn't get funding
to expand our hospital's ICU
before the pandemic.
Can't expect it now.
And now, we're at capacity.
Yeah, we're beyond capacity.
This was just supposed to be two weeks.
Now we're weeks into this.
We got the ER setting up triage
tents in the parking lots,
but what happens when they
fill up completely, huh?
Where will sick people go then?
And this is why we can't afford people
not adhering to the stay-at-home order.
Lives are in the balance.
Not to mention we're still
waiting on federal funds
for the elderly and unemployed.
Well, according to our
COVID-19 Task Force Report,
the majority of St. Jo's businesses
have either shuttered or are
in the process of doing so.
What do you mean, "in the process"?
Non-essentials shouldn't be operating
outside of the mandated
guidelines period.
Yeah, and I should be in
the Bahamas workin' on my tan,
but that ain't happenin'.
COUNCIL MEMBER #1: People take issue
with what's deemed "essential", Charley,
and they aren't gonna
let go of something
they've spent their entire
lives building without a fight.
Is that why your Aunt Violet's diner
is still open for business, Charley?
The diner is not open for business.
Oh, well, I drove by there
the other day,
and it looked like some
activity was going on in there.
"Activity."
Violet Bordelon is doing
more for her community
than you have or ever will, Jackson.
Calm down and do your job.
I'm done here.
♪♪
That's what I need.
A nice, hot cup of coffee.
- Who said this was coffee?
- [ LAUGHS ]
[ CHUCKLES ]
Before we kick off
our Tru Papers' Good Neighbor Action,
I'd like to thank you all
for showing up,
for putting these care packages together
for the people of St. Jo
with such love and respect.
So, if anyone asks
for more of anything
Hand sanitizer, masks, whatever
We don't understand the word "no".
Just direct them to the
Tru Papers helpline,
and we'll accommodate.
We are love in action.
All right, let's hit it. [ LAUGHS ]
♪♪
- You ready?
- Always.
♪♪
Oh, heartache ♪
It always seems to find you ♪
I should put it where they can see it.
is always knocking at your door ♪
When there's more losses than gains ♪
[ DOORBELL BUZZES ]
Just hoping that the sun
will shine again ♪
No, there won't always be rain ♪
They say trouble don't last always ♪
So ♪
Hold on, brother, please hold on ♪
You're under the weight
of the struggle ♪
We're only here for a few days ♪
But those days ♪
But those days are full of trouble ♪
It's a good day.
Final stop ahead.
Gotta save the best for last.
♪♪
So, how many "Karens"
you have to fight off
to get all this?
Ugh, God, I barely got out
of that store alive.
The shelves were totally empty,
completely wiped out.
It's like we're living the apocalypse.
Look like you made out fine to me.
I mean, I did what I could.
We might have some weird
food combinations for meals,
but I think we'll be okay for a while.
I sanitize, you put away?
Let's do it.
Where's Blue?
In his room, catching up with school.
Internet been actin' all wonky all day.
- Kickin' him offline.
- Ugh.
It's been happening
like that all morning.
Our Internet is so slow.
Yeah, I think everything
been moving slow
in St. Jo right now.
Wi-Fi been tripping.
It's not like we have the latest
fiber optic cables out here,
though, in the first place.
I mean, if his classes
are gon' be online,
shouldn't the school district
make sure all they students
could access the Internet?
Theoretically? Yes.
Practically? A whole other story.
[ SIGHS ]
Spent most of the day
checking in on folks.
Trying to explain this
COVID thing and how it's
been messing everything up.
[ SIGHS ]
Are you okay?
[ SIGHS ] What am I saying?
Of course you're not okay.
Actually, I am.
Weird enough, I
I just got a calm about everything.
I had to let go of some people.
Shit is bad, and
Yeah, I don't know when it's gon' start
looking good again, but
did what I had to do, and
feel like I did the right thing.
I mean
what about getting your crop loan?
Couldn't that help?
Banks ain't givin' loans
to no farms right now.
To be honest, I'm happy
we ain't harvest.
It would have went to waste
like all them other farms
throwin' out all they product.
[ SIGHS ] Next year
the soil will be three times as rich.
We could recoup everything
we didn't make this year,
so I'm I'm not worried about that.
Feel like the land's
gon' take care of us.
Just gotta be patient.
You have a really beautiful
outlook on this.
[ CHUCKLES ]
I mean, it ain't come easy.
You seen the ups and downs, but
hell, this is where we at.
Guess it is what it is, right?
Yeah.
Okay, well, we have
the money that you've saved
from not prepping for the harvest.
But, um, have you thought about
asking Charley for a loan,
just to tide us over?
Darla, I'm not asking
Charley for anything.
Especially not no loan.
I can't go running to Charley
every time somethin' come up.
Look, I need you to trust me.
I've been here before.
We just gotta take our time,
but we gon' figure it out together.
All right?
♪♪
[ SIGHS ] My job is saying we're closed
to the public for three weeks,
and then we have a meeting online.
Hopefully, they'll tell us
when we get to go back,
and then, when I have my paycheck
from my full-time job,
that'll help us, right?
♪♪
It should.
It will.
Like I said, we got this.
Just gotta believe.
The council has been getting reports
of businesses flouting
the safety protocols.
We are just making
care packages for folks
who are struggling and can't get in.
You know that.
Are Nova and Calvin still delivering?
As long as it's contactless
delivery, it's fine.
I know that, Councilwoman Bordelon.
It's not me.
It's what the State
of Louisiana is mandating.
Oh, the same state that stopped
accepting applications
for the Small Business Relief Fund?
Got people like me out here
robbin' Peter to pay Paul,
trying to keep our heads above water?
[ SIGHS ]
I am working
to help get the backlog cleared,
but there's talk of the Health Inspector
going around shutting people down.
I don't want you to get
caught up in that.
Well, I appreciate that, Charley.
But how long is this gon' go on?
I mean, people are not gonna
stay at home forever.
People need people.
Y-You know, to touch
and feel each other.
It's supposed to be two weeks.
It's been a lot longer than that.
I know.
Trust me
I know.
♪♪
How's Micah?
He's coming home tonight.
Finally.
[ INHALES DEEPLY ]
Semester's almost over.
[ SIGHS ] He stuck it out in his dorm,
but I think he finally ran out of food.
[ BOTH LAUGH ]
I'm just glad he's gonna
be under my roof.
Yeah, well, good luck.
Mm?
I just remember when Nova came back
after being away at school.
Ooh, her and Ernest fought
like cats and dogs.
Well, that's That's not me and Micah.
Okay.
Well, just remember He's grown.
And once you have lived on your own,
it's hard to live under
somebody else's rules again.
♪♪
REPORTER: says once-bustling
city streets
have become eerily quiet, while
lines outside hospitals
- [ KNOCK ON DOOR ]
- stretch around the block.
Makeshift morgues are being prepared.
- [ DOOR OPENS ]
- The governor says
in three weeks coronavirus
Hey, Mr. Prosper.
Ah, Nova.
I got some essentials for you,
plus a few meals from Aunt Vi
and a whole peach and pecan pie.
[ LAUGHS ]
It's good to see you.
I'd give you a hug if I could, but ju
Uh, just just leave
those things in the kitchen.
I will. It's good to see you.
Been thinkin' about you.
Yes, I appreciate that.
I'm I'm doing fine.
You gettin' out any?
I'm fine.
Well, this care package has masks,
hand sanitizer, cleaning products.
If you like, I could
put it away for you,
make sure everything's
where it should be.
Just, uh, leave it
on the kitchen counter,
- and I'll get to it.
- Mr. Prosper, you sure
you don't need help
with anything before I go?
If I need anything, Nova,
I'll make it known to ya.
Thank you.
Okay.
- Okay.
- [ DOOR OPENS ]
in response, tenants
are demanding that no one
should have to pay their rent
until the pandemic is over.
Analysts say that the pandemic
may last anywhere
from six months to a year.
DARLA: If you carry this over to here
No, but then that makes that not work.
[ SIGHS ] How about I try
- dividing this first
- Mm.
then carry it over
and add the remainder?
Bam! I got it.
Okay. Look at Einstein.
Guess my work here is done.
- You got this.
- Don't go.
You can stay and be my
moral support.
Your "moral support." Pssh, whatever.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Morning, Pops.
- Morning, Blue.
Thought you had that staff
meeting online today?
I do, but, uh, I wanted to help him
with his math packet first
before getting online.
And the Internet's acting up again.
We're having technical difficulties.
[ CHUCKLES ]
You should probably
figure out that meeting.
Them work hours are important.
I know, but, uh
I-I don't want him to get
more behind than he already is.
It's just one lesson.
[ CHUCKLES ] I'm sure he'll be fine.
You're right.
I know. [ SIGHS ] I just
I can't seem to think
clearly these days.
It's Come on, Blue.
- Hmm?
- Let's let your mommy use the computer.
Okay.
- See you later, Ma.
- Bye.
Bye.
Come on, Einstein.
Guess it's just you and me.
What we workin' on today?
Trying not to go stir-crazy.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Sounds like a plan.
[ LAUGHS ]
♪♪
And Vi been working so hard
at the diner,
I figured this would be
a good surprise for her.
Now, do I put this bourbon
on the chicken skin
or in the sauce?
Hollingsworth, what are you doing?
Are you trying to get everybody drunk?
You do not soak the chicken
in those spirits.
- Okay.
- Y-Y-You put it in the sauce.
- I hear you, Mama.
- That's right.
What you doing after dinner tonight?
I-I'm supposed to be playing bridge
with my ladies on the computer.
We'll see how that go.
Ohh, that sound like fun.
Y'all gon' have a good time.
Eh, I don't know.
You have to keep your eye
on Miss Christine.
You know she like to cheat
even when we get together
playing in person.
So I don't know what kind of stuff
she might try to pull
while we all virtual.
- [ LAUGHS ]
- Yeah, she do be cheating.
[ COUGHING ]
That don't sound good.
[ COUGHING CONTINUES ]
Oh, that ain't nothing.
Everything ain't the 'Rona.
I'm fine.
It just is a little dry
in here this time of day.
I just need to turn that humidifier on.
- That's all.
- You sure about that?
- I'm fine, son.
- All right.
'Cause you know I will go
straight up to Baton Rouge
with the quickness.
You better stay at your house
and mind your business.
I'm fine. Okay?
I'm good! I'm great!
I told you.
Just fine, all right?
Now, what are you making for dessert?
Cut up some fruit or something.
That'd go nice with that chicken.
All right.
No, I'm I'm not rockin' with it, man.
It couldn't be me.
It could b
Anybody who gets a back tat
is gonna regret it when they're, like
[LAUGHING] 45.
I'm s
Mom, um, I'm just
I'm just talking to my boys.
I'ma Hey, I'ma hit y'all back.
All right.
- Hey.
- Welcome home.
Thank you.
I'm gonna, um clean all this up.
I was just Zoomin'
for a philosophy final I got coming up.
I thought I'd come in here
and relax for a second.
Yeah, that's fine. Really.
It's actually wonderful to have
you home safe and sound.
In a couple days, we'll get you a test
so we can be together
and not have to wear these masks.
Yeah, I understand.
And just so you know [ SIGHS ]
I'm an adult. You are an adult.
So it's all good.
"It's all good"?
Yep.
It's all good.
[ LAUGHS ] Okay, Mom.
Thank you.
So, what do you want for dinner?
Oh.
I was actually gonna go for a drive.
You know, just clear my head.
You know, maybe stop by
a friend's place really quick.
Wait.
We talked about this
before you came home.
- I know. I just
- You agreed not to visit
friends, frat brothers, Keke anyone
until the stay-at-home order's lifted.
Yeah, well
at least the Keke part will be easy.
Oh, no. What happened?
♪♪
[ LAUGHS ] She broke up with me
for some other guy.
Yeah, she got a whole new boyfriend.
Whoa.
I mean
I'm shocked.
I'm sorry.
MICAH: Yeah.
I mean, it's for the better.
You know, we we We ran our course.
Just
different
paths.
♪♪
Uhhhhh
but dinner.
I will eat whatever you make.
I'm starving.
I'm very hungry.
So hungry.
Thank you.
♪♪
That's one way to cut down
on the grocery bill.
Just grow it yourself.
Well I'll have a lot more
time to spend
on getting this growing.
I've been officially laid off.
You said laid off?
What you mean, laid off? What happened?
[ SIGHS ] Apparently,
there was an outbreak
among the staff that was
still working on-site.
Seven people came up positive.
To be safe,
they're shutting everything down
until further notice.
♪♪
So, what's gon' happen
to all them people
and their insurance claims?
It'll get backlogged.
♪♪
They paying you still?
For two weeks
and then I get, um
furloughed.
What's that mean?
[ SIGHS ] It means that, um,
we're still technically employees
and we still get benefits
but no checks.
♪♪
Seems in good condition.
Kept her up well.
She run well, too.
Brand-new clutch, new tires.
Just got the 'draulics
replaced last year.
So, what you think?
What are you askin' for it?
$8,500. $8,500?
It's a little steep, ain't it?
Look, man, four-wheel drive,
three-speed diesel with a 60-inch hitch.
I don't think so.
I'll give you $5,500 for it.
[ LAUGHS ]
Shit, I ain't giving it away.
Look, man, times is hard,
but not that hard.
Hey, I appreciate you stopping by.
You have a good one.
$6,000.
$6,500 cash, and that's
as high as it gets.
$7,500.
I'll meet you at $7,000.
I'm not trying to get over on you.
It's all I got.
♪♪
I hear you.
You got a deal if you got cash.
Okay.
I'll start the paperwork.
♪♪
While you were sleeping ♪
I made us a new world ♪
While you were laughing ♪
- Come on.
- I gave up this old world ♪
Why wouldn't I? ♪
While you were dancing,
I gave up all future plans ♪
Sorry if I disturbed you.
You're not.
Who are you praying for?
Prosper.
There's nothing like
the passing time ♪
Clearing his energy.
Removing some of the loneliness
the despair I believe
he's starting to feel.
♪♪
That visit really got to you.
We thought we'd be home for two weeks.
It's been six.
And he's been locked in
alone all that time.
And I walk in, and he's watching
what's happening in New York.
Overflowing morgues.
Essential workers exposing
themselves and their families
because there's not enough
damn protective care.
I mean, really?
They're literally asking
people to stay at home
until they can't breathe anymore.
What is that?
How is he supposed to process that
sitting in that house alone?
I'm worried about him, too.
Yeah.
I'm worried for everyone, frankly.
People our age, young people, children.
I mean, everyone is having
a whole different
set of issues around this.
Yeah.
My kids are having a rough time.
They are?
Yeah, they're restless.
♪♪
No interaction with other kids,
having to learn online.
This whole thing is just not easy.
They keep telling me they want things
to go back the way they were.
[ SCOFFS ]
Don't we all.
Don't we all.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
[ FACETIME RINGING ]
[ SIGHS ]
[ RINGING ]
Hello Hello? Eh, Miss Florence?
Hey, hey. This is, uh, Hollywood.
This is Willa Mae's son, yeah.
I'm Have you talked
to my mother lately?
Yeah, I ha
I haven't been able to
get a hold of her all day.
Oh, thank you. Y
If you could stop by,
that would be perfect.
Yeah.
Yeah, thank you so much. Thank you.
All right.
All right, all right.
You have a good one, now.
Okay, all right. Bye-bye.
[ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
[ INSECTS BUZZING, BIRDS CHIRPING ]
You've been spending
a lot of time out here.
Sold one of my tractors today.
Thought it would put a dent
in some of these bills, but
[ SIGHS ]
it just ain't gon' cut it.
♪♪
Truth is
I can't bring in harvest this year.
It's just a fact.
Gotta accept it.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Guess it come with the territory, huh?
[ TAPS RAILING ]
My daddy struggled
[SIGHS] and I ain't no different.
♪♪
Shit, the last thing I'ma do
is let my pride get in the way
of me supporting my family.
I don't want you selling off
pieces of your life
just to support us.
I don't feel good about that.
[ SIGHS ]
I'm gonna get another job.
♪♪
Well, I am, too.
What?
That's right.
I'm gonna let this harvest return itself
back to the land and
I'ma go ahead and get me a regular job.
Can't control things, Darla.
You can only control
how you feel about them.
[ CHUCKLES ]
That's what Mama always used to say.
♪♪
- Wise woman.
- Uh-huh.
Very wise. [ CHUCKLES ]
Real question is, who's hirin'?
Got about 20 million people
out of work right now
with this COVID thing.
That's true.
[ SIGHS ]
What about, um
convalescent and nursing homes?
I read they're short on staff.
But that might be risky.
What ain't risky in 2020, baby?
♪♪
No Skips, no skips, no skips ♪
[ CELLPHONE RINGS ]
Everyday I just song I make ♪
No rewind or forward
with me I'm on play ♪
Hello?
Yeah, this him.
Don't trip ♪
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah. No.
That's perfect.
4:00 p.m.?
4:00 p N-No, that Yeah.
Yeah, will do.
All right.
♪♪
[ EXHALES SLOWLY ]
I agree with you. I'm just
I never thought of it that way.
You feel me?
Like, I guess I saw it both
ways, but that makes more sense.
- [ KNOCK ON DOOR ]
- Come in.
- Hey.
- Hey.
I'm heading out. You need anything?
I'm good. I'm just on
the phone with my friend.
GIRL: Oh, my God. Is that your mom?
I love her so much!
Ooh, can I say hi, please?
[ LAUGHS ] Yeah, you're on speaker.
- She can hear you.
- For real?
Oh, my goodness! Uh, hello, Charley!
- I mean, Ms. Bordelon-West.
- Who is that?
- Wait, I mean, Miss Bordelon!
- Hold on.
It's this girl I go to school with.
She look like SZA, and she
is obsessed with you.
Please say hi and make her day.
♪♪
- [ CELLPHONE BEEPS ]
- Hey.
Hello. It's Charley Bordelon.
- How are you?
- Oh, my gosh!
- It's your voice!
- [ LAUGHS ]
Yep, it's my voice, all right.
Nice to meet you. Okay, bye-bye.
Bye! Oh, my God!
She's so nice!
And in all the magazines and stuff
and in the sidelines at the games,
she always looks so damn good.
You always look so damn good.
I'm serious.
Here you go.
I'm looking forward to
spending some time with you.
You know,
after this is all over. Some real time.
Yeah, I want that, too.
A lot.
- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.
[ CHUCKLES ]
Yeah, I'll bet you do.
[ TELEPHONE RINGS IN DISTANCE ]
[ SIGHS ]
RECEPTIONIST: Mr. Bordelon?
Come on back.
[ CLEARS THROAT ]
[ CLEARS THROAT ]
And then, pending
a negative COVID-19 test,
you'll be required to finish
our mandatory protocols
and procedures workshop.
That's if you're hired.
Any questions so far?
No, ma'am.
Mr. Bordelon, y-you're clear
that this is a custodial
position, right?
Yes, ma'am. I'm clear.
And I very much
appreciate the opportunity.
Do you?
I-I mean, you're a farmer by trade.
Used to being your own boss.
A-And the pay here
Well, I guess what
I'm getting at is that
this is a caregiving business.
Our number-one priority is the safety
and well-being of our elderly.
I understand.
This isn't a job you take
just because your money's gotten funny.
It's unglamorous work,
and we hold our residents most sacred.
I'm not looking
for just a clock-puncher.
I want someone that
wants to be of service
to our residents.
I've found that those are
our team members
that work out the best.
Ms. Thompson
my father is Ernest Bordelon.
He was a farmer.
He also pushed a broom for a living.
Waxed floors, scrubbed toilets.
Did what he had to do for his family.
But he did it with his head up.
You know, growing up,
he taught me to do the same.
Checked his ego at the door.
So, I take pride in making sure
folk live in dignity.
I admit my money is kind of funny.
In fact, it's hilarious.
But being here is a choice,
and I know what it takes,
and I understand what this is.
As you also said, I am a boss,
so I know what
a good employee look like.
♪♪
I'm here to solve
your problems, Ms. Thompson.
♪♪
Can you start on Monday?
Yes, I can.
[ RINGING ]
[ SIGHS ]
♪♪
[ SIGHS DEEPLY ]
Chamomile, honey, a little bit of lemon.
Stirred with a cinnamon stick.
So, how's Prosper?
I couldn't get a hold of him just now.
Baby, thank you for this.
I know your mama's on your mind.
Yeah.
Her neighbor says she stopped by,
checked on her.
Yeah, she was doing okay,
just a bit lethargic.
I looked up that symptom.
It wasn't good.
Every time I talk to Mama,
she says she's okay,
and, Vi, I don't like it.
Well, maybe you should run on
up there and see about her.
It'll put your mind at peace
to lay eyes on her.
Baby, what about your deliveries?
Well, your mama's more important.
♪♪
Well, maybe I'll
head out first light,
check on Prosper first.
♪♪
- MAN: Time to play
- WOMAN: satellite and radar
- [ CELLPHONE RINGING, VIBRATING ]
- [ CHANNEL CHANGING ]
REPORTER: is New Orleans,
the city with the highest
death rate in the country.
Streets usually vibrant
with music and tourists
are empty tonight.
Meantime, hospitals are filled
and rapidly running out of supplies.
15 years after Hurricane Katrina,
residents are hunkered down
once again in their homes,
weathering a radically different storm.
REPORTER #2: The FBI reported
that Chinese and Asian-Americans
are now experiencing
increased hate crimes
due to the coronavirus global outbreak.
This trend also includes minors
as alleged perpetrators.
Just this week,
police said teens attacked
a 51-year-old woman
on a New York City bus,
throwing anti-Asian statements
against her
and accusing her
of causing the coronavirus.
President Trump said
that this week and next
will probably be the toughest
in the fight against the coronavirus.
While speaking at the
Coronavirus Task Force briefing
on Saturday, Trump
[ CELLPHONE RINGING, VIBRATING ]
- but added that
- [ CHANNEL CHANGES ]
[ INDISTINCT CONVERSATION ]
[ RINGING, VIBRATING CONTINUES ]
[ SIGHS ]
[ RINGING, VIBRATING CONTINUES ]
Hey, Hollywood.
[ LAUGHS ] Hey, Prosper.
It's not Hollywood. It's Nova.
Oh. H-Hi, Nova.
Uh, Hollywood just called,
and I-I thought he was-s calling
How are you feeling, Prosper?
And don't say fine. None of us are fine.
I really want to know
how you're doing over there.
I'm a little worried about you.
Yeah, uh
I-I-I'm sorry I was rude
when you came by.
T-That ain't me.
You weren't rude, and there's
no need to apologize.
Everybody's going through it.
Yeah.
But also, everyone's
different, you know?
Going through it in different ways.
Yeah, I suppose.
♪♪
Well
♪♪
Can I talk to you about this story
I'm working on for Tru Papers?
It's about the new movement
to help get the homeless
off the street and into
these empty hotels
that are closed due to the virus.
I'd love to get a quote
for you from this article.
Get your opinion.
Oh, y Uh, s-sure.
Y-Y-Yeah, I-I'd be h-happy
to help if I can.
Thanks, Prosper.
[ SEWING MACHINE WHIRRING ]
- [ WHIRRING STOPS ]
- Mmm.
Somebody cleans up well.
Well, you must have forgot
I make everything look good, baby.
[ BOTH CHUCKLE ] That you do.
[ WINCES ]
That line-up, though.
Here I go, thinking you was my friend.
I am your friend.
- I-I'm just saying.
- Well, I'm just saying,
seeing that a brother
can't get to a barber,
I think I did a pretty fine job
lining myself up.
DARLA: [ CHUCKLES ] You did.
I'm just kidding.
You look fine.
You look good.
Thank you, I guess.
How you feeling about your first day?
Better than I thought.
Glad to have a check
comin' in, you know?
Just counting my blessings.
Mm.
But tell me what you got
going on over here.
Don't you worry about what
I got going on over here.
This is going to be awesome.
- Let you tell it.
- Mm-hmm.
I'm proud of you.
Got us all plugged in
this barren land ♪
I know.
- I'ma see you later?
- Mm-hmm.
Keep it up.
I put your lunch in the cooler.
I promise you
that they'll be prancing ♪
- Thank you, baby.
- Mm-hmm.
- Have a good day.
- You, too.
[ WHIRRING RESUMES ]
- [ DOOR CLOSES ]
- There's something higher ♪
Something we can't see ♪
The methane burns
and it puts us out with ease ♪
Gotta find balance ♪
I can't explain ♪
The rock is so consistent ♪
With a slight change ♪
Gotta find balance ♪
I can't explain ♪
The rock is so consistent ♪
With a slight change ♪
Connected or neglected ♪
I just hope you stay protected ♪
These are just created obstacles ♪
We're just stuck between the lines ♪
And there ain't too much to see ♪
I just let the music move me ♪
the powers at be ♪
There's something higher ♪
Something we can't see ♪
Gotta find balance ♪