All American (2018) s05e12 Episode Script

1
A very wise man once said,
"life is a series of losses,
but losses breed lessons,
and lessons create blessings,"
except I don't think he'd
ever felt a loss like this
Or maybe he had, and he
was just stronger than me
'cause that's what I'm trying to find
my strength, for me,
for them, for everyone.
Expectations.
It's a dangerous word
because expectations of grief,
expectations of strength
can often force us to push
down how we're truly feeling.
Thank God for our real friends,
the ones who see us through the veil
and hold us accountable;
No expectations,
just there to constantly remind us
that this isn't our fault,
even if our pain is
telling us otherwise.
But in those extra-quiet moments,
when the pain from the loss
becomes too unbearable,
and every ounce of your
shattered heart is screaming,
"what are we going to do?"
We finally find strength
in the place you least expect.
So, I know you said
you needed some time.
Um, I'm here whenever you're ready,
uh, because, you know, you and me,
we got all the time in the world.
Hey, man.
How'd you know I was here?
- This room's always been your quiet place.
- Mm-hmm.
- You OK?
- Yeah. Yeah, I'm straight.
Was that Coach Baker's voice
I heard on the voicemail?
Look, man, it's OK
if you're not OK, Spence.
Coach Baker meant a lot to all
of us, but what you guys had
was special
And I know you. You're
probably sitting here right now
thinking about all the ways you
can help everyone else through this,
which is why I'm here to ask you,
how can I help you through this?
I appreciate you, D.
Moms is probably
wondering where you are.
I'll let her know you're with me.
- How do you think he got here?
- Ah.
There's no way we're letting
you grieve alone, man.
I'm good. I'm good, for real.
Now, Jordan, Olivia, Mrs. Baker,
- them's the ones we need to be loving on.
- Agreed,
and we'll be there for them.
But right now,
your mama need a big
old hug from her boys.
- Yeah.
- Ah.
Thank you for, um
I know making beds isn't your thing.
Yeah, but Being
by your side is, so
I'm happy to do this.
Thanks.
- It's OK if you need to get that.
- No.
Everything else can wait.
Hey.
Hey.
You were right about the whole "bed
not being my thing" thing, so
I'mma let Spence take over.
Yeah.
- Subtle.
- Shut up.
How you holding up?
Same.
You?
Same, but this ain't about me right now.
Of course it is.
My dad was
Such a bright light.
You were a huge part
of that light, Spencer.
We all were
Even Jabari.
Yeah, I seen him this morning.
- He's worried about you all.
- How's he doing?
He's pretty broken up,
but I want the truth about
how you really doing, Liv.
I don't know how to help my mom.
She's so lost without Dad,
and I can't find the words to help her.
I have to write a
eulogy for a funeral
That none of us are ready for.
I have no clue what to say about him.
Look, just
Start with something simple, you know?
"My dad was"
I don't know if I'm ready
to say my dad's name in the past tense.
OK.
"My dad is."
Start there.
Hey. I'm so sorry.
I I tried to get
here as fast as I could,
and the traffic was insane.
Um, were you able to
find your dad's blue suit?
- I can't go in there.
- In where?
His closet,
- or any any room, for that matter.
- Jordan.
We we were just playing
catch at the combine, and
How is he gone?
I I should have been on the bus.
- I should have been on the bus. I could have saved him.
- No. Hey, hey.
- I could have stopped him. You
- No, no, no. Listen to me. Listen to me.
OK, look, what you're
What you're feeling
is totally normal, OK?
Your heart's just not ready to accept
what the universe decided.
But
You still have your dad's memory
and his legacy,
his favourite blue suit.
Well, you will once you and
I go to his closet and
And get it together, if that's OK.
- Yeah.
- OK.
Laura?
Laura?
Just checking on you, mama.
We got some food coming shortly, OK?
What about you, Mr. Baker?
- How you holding up?
- I've been steady, for the most part.
It's Laura I'm worried about,
and you, too, Grace.
Losing a child, losing a spouse,
losing a best friend
none of it is easy.
I can't lie.
This is a different type of hurt.
But I know it is for all of us.
You know, the best way to help that
is to plan the perfect
home-going for Billy.
Amen, speaking of
which, do we have a date?
That's not the right suit, Jordan.
Uh but you said to
get Dad's blue suit.
- This was the only blue suit in the closet.
- Yes! That's navy blue!
And the one I need is light blue!
It's the one he wore the
day we renewed our vows!
Well, w we can look
again, Mom. It's OK.
Yeah, I'm down to help, too.
I I was with Jordan, and
I promise looking again won't
help. The suit wasn't there.
Maybe it's at the cleaners?
I'll check the cleaners.
- OK.
- I I'm sorry, Mom.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped.
It's just this is all, uh
It's all too much the flowers,
gift baskets, the food. It's
I just want to bury my husband in peace.
And you will. We'll
make sure it's perfect.
I don't want perfect. I
just want it to be over!
Tomorrow, OK? I picked the date.
- The funeral's tomorrow.
- Tomorrow?
- Mom, that won't give dad's out-of-state friends enough
- Just stop!
I shared your father
with his football teams
and the whole damn world
for most of his life,
and now he's gone and I don't
want to share him anymore.
So the funeral is tomorrow.
Family and close friends only.
OK? That's my decision.
- My girlfriend's pregnant, Coach.
- You got a big heart.
You're a great coach,
and you'll be an even better father.
Yo, Ash.
Did you, uh, check
your texts from Spence?
Uh, no. Everything cool?
Yeah, uh, they're moving Coach
Baker's funeral to tomorrow.
Wow.
A lot sooner than I thought, but OK.
You were on the bus
with Coach Baker, bro.
I know that's weighing on you.
This is just a mental-health check.
Appreciate that.
Um
Thankful to be alive.
Just wish the outcome
could have been different.
I know.
Life really is a gift that
can be returned at any time.
Know that Coach Baker, he'd
Want me to spin this
close call into a positive.
Anything I can do to help?
Maybe we both need to
make every day count
Especially by the time
my kid's here next year.
Yeah. Done.
Anything for baby Ash.
Wait. N-Next year?
Dude. Dude, yeah?
Yeah. Jaymee's pregnant.
What? Oh, that's amazing, bro!
Oh, my gosh, you're gonna
be an amazing father,
and and I'll be the
world's greatest uncle.
I mean, Funcle JJ is
officially loading, huh?
Let's go, man.
- Oh, my gosh.
- I know.
Oh, and is it cool if we
keep his poster in the pulpit?
- Absolutely.
- OK.
- And we're good to start at 11 A.M.?
- We are.
- Thank you, Pastor Weeks.
- It's the least I can do.
Billy was the people's champ.
My sincerest condolences, Mrs. Baker.
So how many guests were
you thinking for tomorrow?
Oh, uh, no more than 15.
Just family and close friends.
Is there a problem, Pastor?
None whatsoever. Uh, it's just, um,
respectfully, Billy
was beloved by so many.
I mean, if you're worried about the
space, we could always add more chairs.
That way, we can give
him a bigger celebration.
Space has nothing to
do with my decision.
It's simply what I want,
respectfully.
Now, if you don't mind, I'd love
to see the rest of your church.
Absolutely.
Where you going?
To see what else she needs.
Well, that's dope, you being
there for Ms. Baker, but
I got it from here, man,
so go ahead and do whatever
you need to do for you.
I am doing what I need to do.
Like taking the time to properly grieve.
Come on, Coop.
Bro, you've been moving nonstop
since we lost Coach Baker,
OK, from organising the funeral
to doing the programs to checking
on everyone's mental health.
When you gonna stop in
and check on yourself?
Listen, in the last
two years, I lost Shawn,
my pops, and now Coach Baker.
I guess you could say I'm
built for moments like this.
Is that Spencer about the repast?
Uh, no, but there's
one at the house after.
Wait. What's a repast?
It's like a funeral afterparty.
Mrs. Baker's cool with that?
Apparently so, as long as it's just us.
Hey where is Spencer, anyway?
Feel like he hasn't
stopped since we got here.
He hasn't stopped since
everything happened.
You OK, baby?
Yeah.
Spencer Alonzo James,
- don't make me ask you again.
- I'm good.
I'm good, you know. I just needed
a second before things get started.
- We should probably go take our seats.
- Yeah.
How are you both doing?
We're OK, Mom.
We're just worried about you.
I love you both so very much.
You're the best thing
that your dad and I ever did.
I am so sorry that you didn't
have more time with him.
It's time.
When Jesus is ♪
My portion ♪
A constant friend ♪
Is he ♪
His eye is on ♪
Billy was not only a beloved father,
a wonderful husband,
coach, and principal.
I want everybody to bow their heads.
Principal Baker was
a good friend of mine
and he provided an opportunity
for me to take care of my daughter,
but what I'm gonna miss the most is, uh,
the dance battles.
Here to do a reading of the eulogy
will be Olivia Baker.
After that, we'll open
it up for everybody
to share a word about Billy.
Um
M-My dad is
My dad is
Uh
A a lot of things.
Um
He wore a lot of hats
and, um
I'm sorry.
- Um
- Take your time, baby,
- take your time.
- Um
Hey, hey.
You all right? I got you, all right?
Um
So, did you guys know
ahem the colour blue
Is supposed to bring peace,
tranquility, and good vibes?
I think that's why it's
Dad's favorite color.
But, guessing, uh, that you guys
all love my dad as much as we do,
you already knew that.
I'd love to know more.
We we'd love to,
so, um,
if anyone has anything they'd like
to share about my dad, please
come on up.
You ain't gonna get up
there and say nothing?
Finally getting
something in your stomach.
That's good.
You sure this repast
won't be too much for you?
So far, so good.
Spencer's been amazing, by the
way. He took care of everything.
Speaking of my first-born,
have you guys seen him?
Oh, he he went to Lou's
to pick up food for me.
It was Billy's Favorite.
Wow. That's the first time I've
said his name without crying,
which I wonder what that says about me.
It just means you're a
tiny step closer to healing.
Least that's how it was for
me after Jasmyn's mom passed.
Exactly. It's just your
head telling your heart
you got this, and, hey,
we got you.
Nice job on the eulogy save.
Thanks, G.W.
Blue was indeed your
dad's favorite color.
Fireworks, the colour
blue, and Boyz II Men
were probably his 3 greatest loves
Until he met your mom.
- OK, food's here.
- Great.
- Yay!
- Come on, come on.
Seeing people laughing and
eating at a repast is never easy.
It seems they've all just
Moved on.
You seem to be doing OK.
We all find our peace in different ways.
How did you find yours?
The moment that I realised that your dad
and my beloved Mary were reunited.
Hmm.
I believe she comes
bearing gifts for you.
- Yeah.
- See ya.
See ya.
- Hi.
- Hi.
What was that about?
G.W.'s secret to, uh, moving on
Which, admittedly, I
am I am nowhere near.
Hey, um, you know, if you just
want to duck out, and, like,
take some time for yourself,
clear your head, I'll cover for you.
No, I'm not
I can't bail on Liv and my mom.
Hey, I'm gonna make sure
they're fine, OK? Just go.
- Thank you, Layla.
- Yeah.
You know, Darius has
been killing it at work,
so we're definitely gonna
hold you down until you decide
you're ready to come back, Ms. Baker.
What is Jabari doing here?
I don't know, but I'll handle it.
Yeah, why don't we get
you some food or something?
Get something, get something.
Hey, look, um,
bro, you can't be
here. You gotta bounce.
He will. He will. He just
paying his respects. Come on.
Um, I didn't order damn mashed potatoes.
I ordered sweet potatoes!
Um, I I checked the container.
How hard is it for Lou's
to get the order right?!
- Yo, we have other food, Mrs. Ba
- I don't want other food!
OK.
- I'll just go back.
- That won't be necessary.
Are you sure?
'Cause it's right around the
corner. He can just go back.
- I'll just go back.
- He can just go back.
- I have to.
- It's all good, Mrs. Baker.
- I can just go back.
- No one is going back, OK?!
No one is going back!
Hey, think fast, old man!
Ooh. Awoo!
- "Old man"?
- Yup.
Ooh, that's a little wobbly!
And you're the one who taught
me how to throw a spiral.
Oh. Never had your arm, though.
You know
The only pain that matches
losing a child is losing
A soulmate.
And, sadly, I'm the
only person in this room
that's experienced both.
I can't even imagine what
you are going through.
Least you got to say good-bye to Mary.
I'm not trying to compare the two.
I'm just trying to be there
for my daughter-in-law.
I was doing so good, too, you know? I
I
I said Billy's name
without getting choked up,
but then there's
Jabari, just in my house.
This isn't his fault, Laura.
Billy chose
to go back on that bus.
That 17-year-old boy
watched his mentor
sacrifice his life for him.
No child should have to carry that.
The anger you're feeling has
nothing to do with this kid.
I know, but then, when I saw him,
all I could think about was Billy.
Talk to him. He's just
a kid, and he's hurting.
I know he is.
We all are.
Exactly.
How's my mom doing?
She's figuring things out.
We just have to move at her speed.
Yeah.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Uh
Are you just now getting here?
Uh, yeah, yeah. My bad.
I I had to drop Asher
at his doc appointment
for his arm and then stop
by the house for a sec.
No worries.
There's plenty of food in
the fridge. Help yourself.
Awesome.
Are you drunk?
I can smell the bourbon.
OK, yes, I had a few sips,
- but I promise I'm not
- Are you serious?
Of all the days to do this,
you're gonna do this today?
- Hey, what's going on?
- JJ's drunk.
- No, I'm not.
- It doesn't matter.
I cannot with the lies right
now, so please just go, JJ,
now.
You're literally trash.
- Thanks for calling.
- Yeah.
I heard what happened with my mom and
Figured I should reach out.
I shouldn't have come inside.
You were just paying your respects,
and I know how hard that must have been.
Speaks to who you are as a person,
and it explains what my dad saw in you.
Jabari, I need you to hear me.
What happened to my dad
was not your fault.
Truthfully, he would have done
that for any of his players.
That means a lot, J.
- Salute.
- Yeah.
Man, your dad taught
me everything I know
From the classroom
to the football field.
Yeah.
Yeah, that field was his sanctuary.
Big facts.
He had planned to come back and
make the official announcement
on Billy Baker Field that
he was staying at South Crenshaw.
Wait. For real?
It was one of the last
things he said to me
and my teammates on that bus
And he was gonna invite everybody, man:
Ex-players, current players,
hell, everyone in the community.
He wanted us to know that he wasn't
just committed to the school, but
To the community, too.
He was doubling down
on South Crenshaw, man,
for good.
Hmm.
- Hey.
- Hey.
I want to throw my dad a celebration.
OK, yeah. What kind of
celebration and when?
Tonight, Billy Baker Field.
- Tonight?
- Yes, my dad was planning
on telling the community
that he was staying
at South Crenshaw, but
he never had the chance,
and I know that my mom wanted
some private funeral, but
I just feel like the
community needs their chance
to celebrate my dad, too,
celebrate the man that he
was, OK? I mean, we all do.
Right. Um, I mean, I guess we can
get the Vortex to pitch in and help.
I just I have one question:
Are you sure your mom's
gonna be down with this?
I'm not, um, which
Which is why we're not gonna tell her.
Mmm. Um, and you're
sure you're OK with that?
Yes, I am.
Look, Layla, this is me trying
to respect my mom's wishes, but
honour what my dad wanted, too.
- OK.
- Great.
So, you think you're ready to
have this conversation with Jabari?
I don't know if I can do it
But I feel like I have to try.
- I'm proud of you.
- Thanks.
The house is awfully quiet.
Something's up.
Isn't it funny how we say that,
no matter how old our kids are?
OK, what are you two not telling me?
The kids are planning
a celebration for Billy,
tonight at the Billy Baker Field,
something for the whole community.
And no one told me?
They didn't know if
you'd be ready for it, and
they still wanted to honour
their father's wishes.
And if you are ready,
obviously, they would
love for you to be there.
Well, they're right. I'm not ready.
Mmm.
Got your text. What's going
on? We couldn't talk at home?
Jordan's cooking up a dope idea
outside on the football field,
but I figured I'd steal
a couple minutes with you
before chaos descends.
What's up?
Thank you.
- For what?
- For showing up for me.
Spence, you're my brother.
I'm always gonna be here.
That voicemail that Billy left
The one I keep listening to?
I didn't miss the call that day.
I declined it
'cause I was still angry at him
for taking the head-coach gig at GAU.
I'd give anything
to get that moment back,
but, uh, time doesn't run backwards,
so now I stay running
for everybody that needs Coach
right now and can't have him.
I gotta be there for them.
And you stay running
because if you stop,
your mind's gonna take you right
back to declining that call.
When'd you get so smart, man?
See the James brothers
got the invite, too?
Uh, all I know is that apparently
Jordan is planning something dope,
and now seems like a good idea
to see if he needs help with that.
I just, um, I wanted to say thank you.
I mean, you are the glue
that kept my family
together this week, and
I mean, especially with my
mom and the funeral stuff,
it just means a lot.
I'm just trying to do my part,
helping y'all find y'all
footing in this new normal.
I don't know that it
will ever feel normal.
- No.
- I think that's why I couldn't finish my eulogy,
'cause my dad is
A lot of things, but
Most importantly, he was my everything.
How am I supposed to
put that into words?
Hmm
kinda sounds like you just did.
Yeah.
Yo! Hey.
Brought a few friends with me.
Frausto.
What's good, my boy?
Thank you for coming, man.
Come on, Spence. You know
we had to pull up for Coach.
- Oh, yeah.
- Goat of all coaches.
Facts. Definitely a dope way
to celebrate his greatness.
- Wait. What happened to Layla?
- She is
- Picking up a last-minute necessity.
- Hmm.
OK. So, uh, real quick, uh,
we still have a few more people
arriving and some setting-up
to do on the football field, but
I just wanted to say thank you all
for making this possible.
This school is, um,
it's where my dad broke
records as a player
and and won games as a coach
Including a championship game last year
that I can finally admit
Oh, so now you want
to give us our flowers?
OK.
But but in all seriousness, OK, um,
we always hear about how much,
you know, my dad meant
to you guys, um
But you guys have no idea
how much you meant to my dad, um,
so let's get to the field
and get this small
celebration underway, huh?
Small?
Wait till you see the
crowd forming outside.
OK.
Willie, what are you doing here?
I was in the neighborhood
and figured why the hell not?
I love what you've done with the place.
The pictures Billy used to
send me don't do it justice.
- He sent you pictures?
- All the time.
We used to talk on the
phone every Wednesday.
When did this happen?
Months ago.
The best thing that ever
happened for my son and I.
We'd end each call with
"I love you."
I guess that's
Why you're dealing
with his death so well.
Yeah. You know, Mary and I thought
we'd be in this house forever,
chasing the sun together.
Once I lost her, I lost hope in love
until you and Billy moved in.
You brought love back into this home;
not just the two of you,
but Jordan and Olivia, too.
I am guessing that you
knew about tonight, too?
I was the first one
Jordan reached out to.
You should be my plus-one.
Oh, I
- I don't think I'm ready for that.
- Of course you are.
You are the main reason
Billy is so embraced.
When you moved back here, you
gave him back to his community.
All they want to do is give back to you
and say thank you.
Thank you again for doing this.
Coach Baker really was your biggest fan.
I'm just glad to be here for you all.
It's a very special celebration.
Good evening, everybody. Uh,
my name is Shawn Stockman.
Coach, this is for you.
There's a reason ♪
For everything ♪
And a purpose for everyone ♪
Like the seasons ♪
Were made to change ♪
That's why we appreciate each one ♪
There's roads we all must travel ♪
Though the destination is the same ♪
- But the footprints we leave ♪
-
-
- Behind's what make ♪
- The journey worth all the pain ♪
-
Now listen, don't you cry ♪
Wipe the tears away from your eyes ♪
I'm all right ♪
It's OK ♪
My work is all done ♪
Jabari.
- I'll be on the field.
- OK.
Ms. Baker, look, I
I am so sorry. I ne
Me first.
Billy gave up his life for you,
and now I need you to take
everything he taught you
and make the most of the
life that you still have.
Can you promise me that?
Yes, ma'am. You you got my word.
I need more than your word.
I need your commitment,
your dedication,
and proof
that you're making an impact
Because that's how Billy would do it.
Don't let us down.
I won't.
Oh.
- What's what's what's this?
- Fireworks.
It ain't a celebration
for Billy without these.
Wow, G.W., this this is r
Um, ahem. Mom. Mom, look, I
I can explain. Everything
It's OK.
OK.
A wise man
Once said that life
Is a series of losses,
but losses breed lessons and
Lessons create blessings.
That wise man was my husband.
I honestly didn't believe him
till just now because
for the past few days, I've been
pushing back on the idea of community
and sharing my grief for Billy with you.
But truthfully, I wouldn't
be here without you,
and I realise that I can't
move forward without you.
Billy is
My loss
The greatest loss,
my pain, my lesson.
But you
I'm so grateful that all of you
have turned into my blessing.
Thank you.
Spencer James?
My bad. Didn't mean to, uh, startle you.
Billy Baker,
varsity coach, Beverly High.
- Beverly Hills, huh?
- Yes, sir.
Greg, move your head.