[narrator] previously on queen sugar...
He adores you.
And you're just so good and gentle with him.
So thank you.
Good old boys in blue won't be happy
when you put this on tru papers.
Just so you know, I got your back.
I appreciate it.
We feel you could make an excellent candidate for state senator.
There will be a lot of scrutiny on you,
if you move forward.
[man 1] you know if you ever need anybody to talk to.
I'm here for you the way you were here for me.
We're up to our necks in payday loans.
Got some pickup work from my boy, theo.
[woman 1] theo from prison.
And then I told them,
I... Needed some time to really reflect on what it would all mean.
Stepping into the political spotlight at such a level, it just...
Isn't something to be rushed.
Need to relax.
Or better yet, work out.
Because you are clearly putting me to shame.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah, well, now I gotta workout with these women.
These are some of the fiercest players that I have ever seen.
And we're just in practices two months before the first game.
-They're amazing. -You're amazing.
Are you flirting with me, councilwoman?
I am.
Hmm, would you like to towel me off?
Oh, I would if I could.
Come on, do little spin. Show off that physique.
You like that?
Slower.
[laughs]
["nova" playing]
♪ dreams never die take flight as the world turns ♪
♪ keep the colors in the line ♪
♪ take flight as the world turns ♪
♪ keep the colors in the line ♪
♪ take flight ♪
♪ dreams never die ♪
♪ keep the colors in the line ♪
♪ keep the colors in the line take flight ♪
[laughs]
y'all better leave me alone.
We've been in a pandemic.
[violet and charley laughs]
not all of us have a hollywood at home,
who paints her toes after he sucks on the little, freaky stuff y'all into.
-Just saying. -[everyone laughs]
I'm so glad we could do this.
We need to make more time for things like this...
For each other.
This whole at home spa day was...
Was actually davis's idea.
In a way he's always telling me,
"charley, you'll burn out if you don't slow down."
[laughs]
okay.
So whenever I mentioned davis's name, you guys do that.
So... What?
You've mentioned davis's name about 15 times since we've been here.
You're so sprung.
Like more than when you first met him even.
I don't know. I just... I feel...
More free...
More myself than I was back then.
I was just, I was trying to be perfect back in college
for him
and I make him perfect for everyone.
Now, I know who he is.
And, and he knows who I am.
And we like what we see.
Finally.
Sprung.
-Mmm-hmm. -[violet laughs]
[nova] he's right though.
Audrey lord said,
"taking care of myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation."
mm.
[violet] girl, I don't know much about audrey,
but I know, that's the truth.
[chuckles]
[violet laughing]
[phone beeps]
I got to go.
Wait, what?
-What about what audrey says? -Sorry to cut this short but you stay.
Muah, and um...
No, no, no.
There's a, there's pasta in the fridge and, um, and wine.
Okay. Love you.
Hmm.
[door closes]
I feel you staring at me.
Looking like rihanna, be looking on them yatchs.
Oh, I don't. Fairly certain I don't.
-[laughs] -that's why I'm starin'.
Okay.
This is so amazing.
Thank you for bringing me here.
You're welcome.
I'm sorry if you felt like I doubted you before.
I was worried about you.
And...
I wanted to show up for you.
The way you've always shown up for me.
Always show up for me.
That's why you getting spoiled this weekend.
Sit back, relax, enjoy it.
Rihanna and baby would like something to drink.
-Oh, and a snack. -Yes, ma'am.
Sure that's it?
Mmm-hmm.
All right, baby.
[both laughs]
charley.
Good to see you.
Thank you for meeting me on short notice.
Of course. Sounded important.
I figured I'd jump right in. Time is of the essence.
Your gayle king interview made some big waves.
That was the intent to take control of the narrative.
About me, my political goals, my family life.
You did just that. We were impressed.
But I have to level with you, honestly,
we didn't anticipate the reaction it got.
And it was the way people reacted
that brought us to this decision.
Charley.
We no longer want you to run for louisiana state senate.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
I know I would have made a great state senator.
And, yes, gayle king was a risky move
but... Not only did I own my story, I owned my power.
I always have.
I will never apologize for that.
You say you want more progressive black women
running for office in the south,
but then you try to tamp us down
when we don't fit into whatever... "little box"
-we designed for us, and I-- -councilwoman bordelon.
This meeting was to share that the party would aggressively support you
running for united states congress in 2022.
That's why I brought you here.
[serene music playing]
hey, liza, I just sent you the new piece for my editor's column.
-Queue it up, please. -[liza] got it.
I'm taking the rest of the weekend off.
[liza] good for you girl.
-See you on Monday. -[liza] okay, you have a good one, all right?
Hmm.
♪ you bring magic in my life ♪
-[door bangs] -[indistinct chatter]
don't make any sudden move.
Hands over your head.
Get out of bed.
My name is nova bordelon.
I am the owner of this house and the only person who lives here.
I have no weapons, what have you broken into my home?
We have a warrant to search this property for narcotics.
[indistinct chatter]
looks like a bunch of liberal trash from this liberal trash.
Huh. Hey, wait!
[siren wailing]
how long have you lived at this residence?
You need to answer me.
How long have you lived here?
I've been here for 13 months.
How can you afford a home like this by yourself?
You taking money from the movement like all your friends?
I work.
I have speaking engagements. My book was on the times bestsellers list.
And our website gets over two million unique impressions a month.
Professional shit stirrer.
Got it.
[laughs]
I very much know that we've been to like five of these screenings now,
but I... Don't think I'll ever take going to the movies for granted again.
Yo, I know what you mean.
It's like all the things that were normal before are like amazing now.
[laughs]
why you laughing at me?
I'm not laughing, I'm just... Enjoying.
It really seems like you're doing better these days.
Yeah.
-Get in there. -Yeah.
You know?
You want to get some food or something?
I'm sorry bro, I'm... Getting lunch with a friend.
A friend.
[laughs] yeah, just a friend.
Or just seeing how it goes for now, but...
-Yeah, someone I'm... Sort a into, I guess. -Okay.
What's their name?
Why?
So I could look them up and make sure I approve.
Yeah, mister I date older women wants to offer approval.
-Okay. - Touché.
[woman 2] and nine...
And 10...
11...
12...
Go daddy!
13...
-Yeah. -Yeah.
14...
You got it right?
15...
16...
17...
18...
19...
-Yeah. -And 20! No more, no more, not on my watch.
No injuries. No, no.
Wooh!
Still got it!
[everyone laughs]
-I going to keep my eyes on you. -Yeah.
Okay, well...
I'm headed out to run some errands, you need anything?
No, I'm good. I'm good.
Just be careful.
Daddy, it's hard not to be careful.
The speed limit here is like five miles.
Give us country folks some credit. At least 10.
[laughs] you know what? You are right.
And I need to stop talking about this place
like my kids don't always tell me I'm country deep down.
Hey, daddy!
Why don't I grab some supper on the way home,
and we can have a father-daughter day.
-Hmm. -Yeah, we can video chat with linda and joseph.
They've been asking about you.
This sounds good, sounds good.
Okay.
See you when you get back.
So. What now?
Say what, chief?
-A buzz cut. -A buzz cut.
Yes.
[laughs]
I don't know man. Trying to look like a cop?
I just think I look cool.
If a buzz cut is what you want,
a buzz cut is what you gonna get.
Speaking of cops, chief was in here early.
-For what? -Looking for ralph angel.
Said he had a couple of questions about a buddy of his.
I was coming back later to talk to you.
[phone vibrating]
yeah, what's up, boy?
[hollywood] what is it, bro? You got a problem.
Your boy, theo, got arrested.
Wait, what?
-What you mean he got arrested? -[hollywood] ah-ha!
Chief came by at the barber shop.
Talked to the owner, all the barbers and customers.
Asking about your boy and you.
Are you still there?
Yeah.
Take it, man.
I want to get it covered for you.
But if the cops come back sniffing around,
I'm not gonna lie for theo.
Now, especially because he got me and my business up in this mess.
Now you owe that one with me.
[ralph angel] I don't know what to say.
[hollywood] why would he even...
Why would he even say that he was in here with you?
[ralph angel] I don't know.
Did some work for him recently, but...
I don't know.
What kind of work did you do?
This is not going to blow back on you now, is it?
I'll handle it when I get back.
I appreciate the heads up.
[music playing]
[car door closes]
[chuckles]
[everyone laughs]
what do you think?
Mr. Hollywood said I look fresh.
Well, I totally agree.
Now, if you go on upstairs and get yourself washed up
I get some of that pie queen for us.
-Okay. -Mmm-hmm.
Go on.
-Say thank you. -Thank you.
To him.
[laughing]
thanks for making me look fresh.
That's all you, bro.
We are so grateful to you, mr. Hollywood.
I know you're a busy man and there you are...
Other the places you could be.
Look, it ain't a thing, all right?
Boy's becoming a celebrity in the barbershop.
-Is that right? -Uh-huh.
So should I start calling him hollywood junior?
[laughs] no, no, no.
Gabe is mighty fine enough.
He used to cry every day for his daddy when he first left.
I barely even mentioned him.
You just don't know what it's like having you around.
So wonderful that my baby has a good man
like you in his life.
I wish I did too.
Well, look here, that's a good kid up there,
all right, and you tell him I'll see him soon, all right?
All right.
No.
Hell no, I didn't come up here for all that.
And you know what, you do have...
Somebody who's good to you in your life.
Vi.
-I'm sorry I-- -no, you are out of line.
After everything that woman's done for you.
This is how you repay her?
[cries]
no. Are you okay?
Dominic, there's nothing you can do.
-You live in this residence? -I'm her neighbor.
Then this doesn't concern you.
Anything you do to her, anyone on this block concerns me, this is my community.
Where's my phone? I want to document it.
-No, no. -You can't stop me from recording.
Hey. No, no, no.
Look at me. Focus on me.
Don't give them that power, nova.
We're okay.
Shit.
Hey, nothing to see here, just routine search.
Sit up.
[siren wailing]
[car honking]
[indistinct chatter]
vi?
[violet] I will be out in a sec, just fixing my hair.
Do me a favor. Grab prosperous pies.
Okay, I'm ready.
What's wrong?
Vi, I've got something to tell you.
What is it, hollywood? You are making me nervous.
I don't know, a good way to say it.
Celine tried to kiss me.
She did what?
Baby, the woman has issues.
After all I've done for her, this is how...
How does someone do that to somebody else?
-How could she-- -that's what I said.
-How did she get close enough to you to try? -Whoa.
Vi, she leaned in and found herself
in a place where she wasn't wanted or invited.
Baby, baby, baby.
I only got a sweet tooth for one kind of dessert.
And that's you.
Period.
-I know. -Yeah.
Let's go to prosperous.
But, we're gonna make a stop first.
[serene music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[chuckles]
what's so funny?
I was just about to call you.
What are you up to?
Where are you?
New orleans.
I had to come into the city for a meeting
with some party reps that are, that are in town.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Yeah. All good.
I don't want to bore you with the details.
I'm sitting in the park that I asked you to meet me at a few months ago.
Remember?
Hmm. You know I do.
I love it here.
Makes me feel close to you.
I miss you so much.
I miss you too.
Will you have some time to... Come for a visit?
Before you get really started over there.
Yeah, I don't think so. I got a lot to prep, but...
Maybe you can come for a visit.
Maybe.
Oh, as much as I love st. Jo, there is nothing like--
- the sun. -The restaurants.
Hiking trails in kenneth hahn park.
Drives up the malibu coast.
Yeah, I feel sorry for saying this but...
You know, coaching job in daily life...
It just doesn't mean as much if it keeps us apart.
It takes a lot to make charley bordelon speechless.
Oh, yeah, I just need to think about...
How to make it all happen.
It's not all on you. Okay, I'm thinking too.
We'll... Figure it out.
You're not carrying anything between us alone.
You hear me?
[laughs]
no, nah, nah, nah.
God must have a soft spot for ugly
'cause look at micah, I'm just saying.
I'm just putting it out there.
See, if you ain't talk so much smack,
I might've let you win.
[indistinct chatter]
-what's up, man? How did it go? -What's up.
It was great.
-Yeah. -[isaiah] yeah.
Is, you want to take my spot?
I'm tired of hearing this man mouth.
You can't handle the heat you know isaiah soft ass can.
-[laughs] -hold on, I'm definitely in.
I got four and a possible.
-Me too. Let's bet eight. -Uh-huh.
Yeah, yeah, I'mma say eight too.
-Somebody is lying but okay. -Somebody is lying.
Look at the partners putting out matching cards.
I'm trying not to cut my partner. That's how you play spades.
You'd know that
if you actually know how to win, bro.
You guys do make great partners.
Just don't go all brokeback mountain after the game.
Seriously? What the hell is your problem?
I mean, if you're worried about your own business, kirk, you'd actually have some...
That's why we just took your queen.
Another woman.
-Begging to be rid of your ass. -[laughs]
I saw a water bug running away from kirk, the other day?
I knew it must have been a girl bug 'cause all the women on campus
be running when they see this dude coming.
[laughs]
even his hairline is running away from his face.
He don't got nothin' to say.
Right.
Nobody's there.
They're gone.
What was that mean?
It means that she and gabriel just took off.
It's no good, hollywood.
She doesn't have much money.
She can't use her credit cards 'cause her husband will know where she is.
I think she went back down.
Lord. Well, I can't even think about that right now.
Damn it.
Well.
I guess I'll just try and call her later.
Let's get to prosperous.
Why can't folks just act right?
[indistinct chatter over pa]
lieutenant.
Looks like we found something.
You're coming with us.
I'm sure you realize that marijuana is illegal substances
-in state of louisiana. -I have a card for medicinal use.
You can make this harder on yourself or easier, you decide.
Fine.
Hey.
I'll watch the house, make sure they don't pull nothing up.
Then I'll meet you at the station.
-Is there someone else I could call? -Get in the car.
Someone from your family?
Anyone?
I got you. I got you. I got you.
[siren wailing]
[indistinct chatter over television]
when those egg rolls get here, you're gonna have a problem.
Don't judge me.
But, I think that I will be having dessert first.
This pie is calling my name.
You want a slice too?
You okay?
I'm all good.
Ralph angel, I know you.
I lied to you.
Supposed to be the best harvest we've ever seen.
Them loans out just so we had everything I needed.
Everything we needed.
But it makes sense when that cane came in, but...
It's no good.
They offered me a job.
Said, I just had to drive the car.
I said no.
The soil came back poisoned and bones on the land.
Ain't viable.
So I drove the car.
They all just got arrested.
I don't know what they know.
About me.
I just need a space to breathe.
Space for us to breathe.
[sighs]
look, I know I messed up.
-[scoffs] -but please, just tell me you understand.
How... Many times...
Did I beg you?
-I know. -To tell me the truth,
-baby, I know. -To be honest with me.
I know.
And you choose to lie.
You lied.
So much.
That you made me feel wrong.
Like...
Like, I was wrong to worry.
[knocking on door]
[man] food delivery.
[sighs]
is this what it's gonna be like?
Constant fear.
Looking over our shoulders.
I'll get the door.
One almond milk latte.
-Hey. -Muah.
Thank you.
So sweet to treat your mama.
-[laughs] -it's the least I could do, you raise me and all.
I did do that.
So, what's up?
Not that I mind a surprise weekend visit.
I promised not to make it a habit.
I, I was in town for meeting. And I...
Wanted to talk something over with you first.
Micah, the party has asked me to run for congress.
What?
-My mom on the squad. -[laughs]
hanging with aoc and the crew, okay.
-I haven't made a decision. -Okay.
Might mean, stepping into a hot spotlight again.
For all of us.
Okay.
I can handle that.
Thank you for that.
You are... Extraordinary, you know that?
But there is more, I am, I might have to go back to los angeles.
To run in california.
Okay.
Okay, well where do you stand on all of this?
Does dad play into this at all or...
Honestly, I... I've spent so much of my life.
Choosing between one or the other.
Love or ambition.
Even when I didn't realize it, I still had to choose.
I'm not sure how I feel about that anymore.
Is there anything I can do?
No.
Not yet.
I just wanted to... Let you in on where it was.
-No surprises, you know. -No surprises.
How are you feeling?
Much better.
Much better, I feel like the fog is finally starting to clear.
I'm so relieved.
Now, I'm-- you know I'm never too busy for you.
-You can always call me. -No.
But I got people taking care of me here too.
-You do? -Yeah.
Like who?
My friend isaiah.
-Is he the one that you mentioned earlier? -Yeah.
He's becoming one of my best friends.
Hmm.
-You know what I learned about college? -What?
People don't actually listen.
No, they just wait until it's their turn to speak and try to sound smart.
But isaiah actually listens.
Yeah, something I admire about him.
Well, you should invite him over for dinner sometime.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
-He would actually love that. -Hmm.
Some of the guys...
Were talking about us, 'cause you know, we're close
-and... Isaiah might be gay. -Oh, he's gay.
Queer. I actually don't know.
You don't talk about it.
Hasn't come up.
Well, what do you talk about?
Everything.
Art, culture, politics,
space travel, meditation, sports,
just stupid stuff, serious stuff, anything and everything.
Micah, you know there's nothing wrong with it.
I mean, I love you.
And I support you no matter what.
Yeah, I know, I know, but that's not what I'm saying.
It's just, it's bold and like
just because we're guys we can't be close?
Who made that rule?
It shouldn't matter if he's queer or if I'm queer, you know.
We all need our people, and he's one of mine.
It's my brother.
Micah, haters come in all forms.
It isn't always that you got the job they wanted.
The fancy house or the girlfriend or the boyfriend.
Some people, they...
Just can't take you in,
because your spirit is free
and they wonder, "who are you to be truly free when they aren't."
definitely experiencing some of that here.
As we get older, it gets harder to find real love,
real friendship, so...
When you do, hold on to those people.
And just tell the haters kindly kiss your ass.
[both laughing]
you know, I'm loving this.
[laughs]
just like those daddy-daughter-dates we used to have when you were little.
-Me too. -[laughs]
you know, I'm really shocked about this italian,
'cause it's almost as good as anything I've had in chicago.
Yeah, well, ain't soul food is hitting the spot.
Dad, you already had two slices.
Why'd you buy it if you didn't want me to eat it?
All right, good point.
But just don't fill up on it.
-'cause we still have tiramisu for dessert. -Oh.
-Since we're treating ourselves. -Mmm-hmm.
I know what we need.
-What's that? -Some wine.
Wine?
Daddy. [laughs]
-oh! -[violet] hey, hey, hey.
Hey, hey.
I forgot I told vi and hollywood to stop by.
-[violet] okay? -[prosper] yeah.
Come on in.
-Hi, violet. -Hey, billie.
-[billie] hollywood. -Hey, billie.
You bring the pie?
[laughs]
prosper denton, have I ever come without your pie?
[prosper laughs]
[hollywood] looking good.
Looking better every day, oh...
-We disturbing something over here? -No, no, no.
That's all right, we're just finishing up.
Why don't you guys stay and maybe we'll have dessert.
-Pie for dessert? -No, I think we're gonna head on back.
-No, that sounds good. -You know what? I'm fine, y'all go ahead, have some pie.
Something wrong with my pie, billie?
Of course not, violet. I didn't mean anything by it.
Sounds like you did.
Well, it's just that
daddy and I were finally spending some quality time together.
But y'all go ahead and have your pie.
Come on, billie.
We're all family here.
-She's not my family. -She's not my family, daddy.
I think we are about to head out.
I'm not going anywhere. I have had it up to here with your disrespect.
Why can't you respect my relationship with my father, violet?
[violet] that's rich.
You didn't respect my marriage.
[hollywood] vi!
Let you know, I'm not going out with me and billie.
-Not you. -For over 20 years.
I have let you paint yourself as the only victim here, violet.
But jimmy dale hurt me too.
A grown ass man tried to force himself on me.
And when I fought back his ego was so wounded.
That he spread vicious rumors about me.
I was a child.
I didn't deserve that.
What I deserved, was for the adults in my life to believe me.
And to protect me.
And not hurt me more by perpetuating his lies.
I understand that you thought that you were being cheated on, violet,
but did you ever stop to think and ask me, if what you heard was true?
Billie, billie.
Vi.
-Prosper, we'll-- -yeah.
You doing okay?
[scoffs]
I will be, soon as he gives me another.
You know I hate whiskey.
But it's daddy's favorite. So...
For years, I tried to get into it.
Just taste like struggle to me.
Gets you real wasted though.
He asked me to find you.
He's worried about you.
I wish believe that.
You know what happens when,
you let... Hurt...
And shame run you out of your home.
People never get to see...
How hard you fought to survive.
To become the woman that you are now.
So then you know too?
I know what it's like.
To feel shame over past secrets.
Tried to... Drown them in the same way,
but... Eventually...
They all just come back to the surface.
Violet.
She brought it to the surface.
And she is wrong for that.
She's just too wrapped up in her own pain.
That's her journey.
Deep down,
you know, you are going to have to deal with all of this someday.
Or else you wouldn't have come back.
Surviving...
Isn't just about moving past the pain.
It's how you harness it.
What you make from it.
And from what I can tell you have made...
A great life in chicago.
Raising two beautiful children.
-I did my best. -And you succeeded.
You are a strong woman.
You're a fierce woman.
You're a good mother.
And you are a good daughter.
You're a survivor.
There's no shame on that.
God.
Cover me.
Bring me resilience.
Strength.
Give me clarity, god.
Cover me.
[door opens]
you finally ready to talk?
I am ready to go home.
I've been here for about four hours.
Because you've come in here about every 30 minutes and this is the eighth time.
That's interrogation tactics 101.
But every hour you detain me here unlawfully,
it's going to cost the city of new orleans thousands of taxpayer dollars
when I sue your asses.
The quarter ounce of weed you found is a misdemeanor,
for which normally I would have been ticketed,
and made to pay a fine based on louisiana state laws
and local new orleans ordinances.
But as I stated before,
I have a medical use card and I'm sure you know that.
Because I keep it in the same place
where I keep the marijuana you found.
So really, this is nothing more than the state abusing
its power and punishing me for my voice,
but I've grown tired of this harassment.
So yes.
I am ready to go home.
Release me.
Now!
Thank you.
You've been here all this time.
I told you, I'd be here.
[music playing]