Provided by explosiveskull https://twitter.com/kaboomskull
It's gonna be okay, Daddy.
It's gonna be okay.
The recent death toll of Black teens killed
continues to rise
as Detroit mourns yet another
in a string of seemingly senseless...
They were signing a promissory note
to which every American was to fall heir.
This note was a promise that all men,
yes, Black men as well as white men,
would be guaranteed the unalienable right
to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.
Now is the time
to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time
to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation
to the sunlit path of racial justice.
Now is the time
to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time
to rise from the dark and desolate valley
of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.
Dominick! Good to see you.
Another morning jog, my love?
- I adore a man in shape. - Yeah, what gave it away, Eva?
Spandex.
You have such nice little kutas.
Come, sit!
I'll bring your usual.
Be right back, love.
Your favorite,
scrambled eggs and bacon.
Dominick,
let me find you a nice, wholesome girl.
I have a niece.
Ooh...
she's...
she's cute, she's cute.
I'm already seeing someone.
Well, why don't you bring her?
Well, she...
she lives in, uh, Royal Oak.
She barely makes it to the city, so...
Well, you bring her in to meet the real love of your life, hm?
Peter?
Jesus, it's about time!
Hey, Dom.
Things got a little outta control over here,
but I'll get right to it.
Clarissa isn't happy.
Well, what did she say?
Another book!
- Dom! - Shut up, Peter.
Look, man, two years is a long time
to only have produced a few pages
and a laundry list of broken promises.
Look, how long do you expect her to wait?
As long as it takes!
You make her wait, that's your fucking job!
Asshole.
I'm out front, where are you?
Okay.
Carla.
Carla!
Girl, you scared the hell outta me!
I'm sorry!
Here, scoot over.
You eat today?
I had a snack.
A snack?
Ain't like I got a lot of options.
You need to go to the shelter.
I'm fine right here.
Here.
I ain't takin' your money, Renata, you know this.
You should.
It ain't mine to take!
It's mine to give away! Here.
You know, the house Odell was squattin' in
caught fire last night.
That's the sixth one this month.
Hm.
I've seen my share.
Almost died in a house fire once.
- Who, you? - Mm-hmm.
I was a dumb broad
playin' hide-and-seek with some friends.
I hid in an old abandoned car
parked in a nearby garage about
a block from where we lived?
It was a great hidin' spot, to be honest.
But what I didn't know,
junkies were gettin' their fix,
they lit a mattress on fire,
burnt the whole place down.
How did you get out?
My friend Michelle.
She was the only one who knew where I was.
I told her I was gonna hide,
and told her not to tell the other girls.
When she saw the smoke,
she ran straight down to tell my father,
and he warned me to stay away from the car and the house,
but naturally I didn't listen.
- Hm. - Ugh.
When he found me, my sweat drenched
this beautiful peach-colored dress
that my grandparents got me for Christmas.
He shoulda beat the shit outta you,
beat your ass!
I woulda!
Oh, my gosh.
He didn't have to.
He couldn't even look at me.
You know how a father looks at his daughter like...
she's his everything?
Yeah, he never quite looked at me like that ever again,
to be honest.
And it was all over a game of hide-and-seek?
Nah.
Ah, there's my ride.
You take care of yourself, Carla.
- Don't I always? - Hm.
Go to the shelter.
You gonna give me a bag of these raggedy-ass peanuts?
Girl, bye.
Dominick Darga?
We know each other?
We should,
after a 30-page dissertation on your analysis
and theories on death.
You're something like a mentor to me.
They call you Dr. Death.
Who does?
Us, you know, your followers?
Interesting.
Subpoena?
No.
Then what brings you to the court?
At 8:30 PM yesterday evening on Detroit's West Side,
another shooting involving the Southfield police
has occurred, killing two
unarmed African American teens.
Another, if you don't mind, Sam.
You sure?
Always.
What can I get you guys?
Two Manhattans, please.
Witnesses say that the two men were unarmed
but did not comply with the officer's demands
as he ordered them out of the car.
Shoulda just got outta the car.
Excuse me, what was that?
Nothin', man.
Just thinkin' out loud.
Well, repeat yourself, please.
I'd love to hear your viewpoint on oppression of our people.
You seem so insightful.
All I said was
they shoulda just got outta the car.
What for?
Because an officer asked him to.
What for?
I don't know.
I wasn't there.
But if an officer asked me to get outta the car,
I would get outta the car.
Do you also think he would have pulled a gun on you?
Babe, that's enough.
No, no, no, babe.
Let him finish.
I just wanna understand how he thinks
the law's supposed to work.
I don't know.
I wasn't there.
Well, let me tell you.
He wouldn't have pulled it on you.
You're not a threat.
You don't look harmful.
He doesn't look at you and see someone
who could potentially be a risk
all because you decided to stay
out the damn sun a little longer.
So the next time you get pulled over,
ask yourself how harmful you think you look.
Thanks.
And why do you keep her around?
Hold on, baby.
The fuck you say?
Nothin', man.
Say it again.
- Stop it! - Knock it off!
Hey! Get off him!
Call the police!
Get off him!
James!
Get off him! Get off!
Call the police!
Uh, traffic violation.
It was nice meeting you.
Uh, Mr. Darga, wait!
Could I get your autograph?
Or a selfie?
I apologize, ma'am.
10:30.
Dom! Dom!
Hey!
I haven't seen you at the meetings lately.
You okay?
Yeah, yeah, I'm okay, Connie, I just, uh...
Just been, you know, doin' stuff.
- New book? - Yeah.
You're full of shit.
What do you want, Connie?
Oh, right, here.
Six months dry.
You should be proud!
Excuse me.
Are these the actual delivery locations?
Hazel Park, Royal Oak,
got a couple here in Palmer Woods.
Yeah, looks right.
Palmer Woods, in the city?
You ain't one of those sadity, suburban,
never cross 8 Mile soccer dads, are you?
No. I mean...
I love the city, all right?
I live downtown.
Okay, so what brings you by?
Just felt like helpin' out the poor and the sick?
Community service.
Oh, we have a budding criminal on our hands!
Look, I'll have the city drops rescheduled.
You ever deliver for hospice?
Those are cancer patients.
Should be nice and safe for you.
Sh...!
It's you!
Do I know you?
What are you doin' here?
That's a funny question comin' from a person
sittin' right in front of my house.
You live here?
Step further than 40 acres and a mule.
- I didn't mean it like that. - Save yourself the exposition.
It's fine.
Time waits for no man.
Come on.
This way.
Ah!
I'm at a loss for words.
Well, silence is the equivalent of saying everything.
Would you like something to drink?
- Water. - I'm havin' wine.
2:00 in the afternoon?
Rather not.
Suit yourself.
Man of letters, I see.
Not lately.
Solomon.
Pardon?
Solomon McNeil, my name.
For a man of conjecture,
you don't seem to always ask the right questions.
Sorry.
Guess I was just takin' it all in.
It's an amazing house you have.
Just slipped my mind.
Well, the spotlight seems to intimidate you.
You sure?
You have Animal Days in your collection.
Dr. Morris signed it for me.
You know his work?
Taught at Oxford,
Curator of Mammals at the London Zoo.
I reference his work in my dissertation.
You know, I couldn't quite rationalize
Congo the Chimp as some sort of
abstract expressionist painter.
I mean, he's a monkey.
Some would say the same for Jackson Pollock.
Would you?
Get out!
A painting by a monkey?
I fancy the irony.
Go on.
A family heirloom from the Detroit riots.
You sure you won't have one?
What?
Mr. McNeil,
if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were
tryin' to get me drunk.
Solomon is fine.
Are you recovering?
No, no, I just gave it up
for Lent.
Well, damn it, do you eat?
You know, it's gettin' late, I really should be, uh,
I just came by to drop off these lunches.
Dinner'll be served in 15 minutes.
Broiled porterhouse.
Medium?
Yeah, medium's perfect.
Where's yours?
My doctor preaches longevity through sacrifice.
You know, in the den I saw a picture of a woman.
My wife, Amanda.
Where's she?
Take a guess.
That's a horribly morbid joke.
You're a new face to the hospice run.
Who got you caught up in pandering to old people?
Hm, long story.
I got nothin' but time.
What's with the ring?
You're not Jewish.
It's King Solomon's ring.
It's said to have power over demons.
- You know Solomon's seal. - Yeah.
Star of David.
My mother said I had a wise spirit.
Said she felt it when I was in the womb,
so she gave me the name Solomon.
I had this made in her honor.
Talisman, so to speak.
Any demons I should know about?
Well, don't we all have demons?
I mean, I'm 80 years old.
Monkeys on my back, skeletons in my closet,
it's all a part of the fabric of life.
Hey, what are you, 30?
You haven't accumulated as much misfortune,
or at least I hope so.
You know Dr. Morris concluded that
Congo the chimp
was tryin' to put order in the lines on the canvas.
Now, Pollock, his aim
was to disrupt order.
Give a lot of credit to a monkey.
Yeah, maybe you give too little.
Hello? Hello...
Oh, I didn't know you had company.
Dom, my daughter Renata.
She's... What are you doin' here?
Château Lafite.
What?
Bottle's priceless.
Precisely why I need it.
And what, may I ask, is the special occasion?
I should be goin'.
I got a lot of deliveries, and, uh,
I'm actually runnin' late, so.
Hey, look, Renata, stop.
At least let me walk my friend to the door.
Thank you.
Your hospitality has been
unexpected.
Well, that's the best kind, if you ask me.
I will be seeking your candor in the future.
Nothing?
Oh, gosh.
Don't get that.
McNeil.
So this is how you spend your day off?
It's called my day off.
Why are you calling me?
Trust me, I didn't want to.
Have you been watching the news?
No.
I'll keep this short and sweet.
The white male, Justin Johnson,
he was just brought in on suspected self-defense charges.
Victim, Black male.
He was shot in the stomach.
He's in critical.
Oh, God.
Okay, so, how does any of this concern me?
Witnesses at the crime scene are giving a different account
of the story than the suspect.
They're saying that it wasn't self-defense,
and Justin's asking for you.
You've got to be kidding me.
He says you're the best in the city.
It's an open-and-shut case.
Witnesses were present.
He's adamant!
He's gonna lose,
unless he can get a few white guys on the jury
to hold out for him.
Don't shoot the messenger!
Don't worry.
So much for a day off, huh?
I'm gonna go get Caleb later, why don't you come with me?
Must be nice to have a dad that's the mayor.
You haven't met him yet.
It's not time.
Why not?
Losing a mother isn't something you just bounce back from.
He's not ready.
He's not ready, or you aren't?
I'll talk to you later, okay?
Lookin' for Selena?
Yeah.
Do I know you?
She talks a lot about you, though.
Ah, I hope good things.
Yeah, sure.
She actually just stepped out, can I take a message?
No, no.
No sweat.
No, I was just, um,
just thought I'd catch her in passing.
I was on my way to a friend's, that's all.
Just wanted to check on things... her, rather.
Yup.
Good luck with that.
Thanks.
- Your name? - Zack.
Zack.
Ugh, that's a good grip.
Push.
So...
you made a $250,000 bail overnight.
Yeah, so what?
Pleading self-defense, right?
Yeah.
If I had a dollar for every time
- I had somebody come in my... - Look, lady,
I was the one who hired you, okay?
Do you really think you're in control here?
You hired me because of what I symbolize,
what I represent.
You're just another spoiled white boy
taking target practice
- on innocent... - You know what?
I can find someone else.
Wait.
Tell me exactly what happened.
I haven't seen this much action since my wife was alive.
Unannounced is always a surprise!
Your lunches, I'm just stopping by to drop 'em off.
Please.
So, uh,
what do you do?
What do you mean?
What do you do, like, for a living?
You never said.
You never asked.
Professor?
Convoluted riddles,
the, uh, open-ended responses,
seeming wealth of knowledge, literature!
You don't get a house like this on a teacher's salary.
Tenure?
Mm, not quite.
All right, so then, uh,
you must have inherited it.
I like to think I worked hard for the luxuries I relish.
You're right, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that
- you didn't work... - Stop it, stop it.
I'm a writer, just like you,
or was.
Like novels?
I just, I never heard your name before.
More or less.
But you know, I am hungry.
Let's go get somethin' to eat.
What, you think I eat that stuff?
Man, you can catch cancer just smellin' that!
Well, they're actually for my wife, Amanda.
They never took her off the list.
I'll tell you about it over dinner.
Come on, let's go.
Okay.
- Okay, eight. - Eight.
Let's see, that'd be 1964.
Illinois beat Washington in the Rose Bowl.
The Red Wings lost to
Toronto for the Stanley Cup,
and LBJ started the war on poverty,
and the first Ford Mustang was produced.
Wow.
Sounds like a hell of a year!
You're a living vault.
Well, it wasn't all rosy.
What do you mean?
Well, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed.
With it, brought a lot of joy
and a lot of problems.
Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison
down in South Africa.
J. Edgar Hoover goes on to describe Martin Luther King
as the most notorious liar.
Dr. King was very disturbed by Hoover's comments.
Wait, you talked to Dr. King?
Briefly, yes.
My wife, Amanda, accompanied me.
She was beautiful.
How long were you married?
Almost 40 years.
Seems like a lifetime, to be honest.
And you?
I noticed the outline on your finger there.
- Oh. - Weddin' band.
Ugh, only four years, barely anything.
Hm.
Were you in love?
Of course.
- Still there. - No,
not in the least bit.
You're lying, I can tell.
You know the story about the guy who watches
a wedding in reverse?
The girl takes the ring off, she goes right down the aisle,
back in the truck, and pfft, off she goes.
You have any regrets?
You ever, uh, have an affair?
Yes!
Of course!
Amanda did too.
We explored,
among other things,
always with an open line of communication.
Oh, so you were
- free spirits? - Intertwined spirits.
And the whole guilt thing?
Some, of course.
Guilt, regret,
they linger around like unwelcome relatives,
but at some point you have to move forward.
So, what, you were free to,
to roam, and go off and,
- bang a waitress or something? - Yeah!
You have no ties.
You unbind yourself from the things
that cause self-oppression.
You're too young.
So, your next book?
Um, pardon?
Where is it?
It doesn't exist.
Why?
- I can't write! - What do you mean?
'Cause I'm blocked, okay?
There we go with that spotlight, again.
What's with all the questions?
Force of habit.
I know you saw the copy of your book in my study.
Don't be ashamed.
It was a thorough breakdown
of the psychosis one faces
when staring into the face of death.
I'll help you write your next book.
That is, if you're willing.
Can't wait to hear this story.
Is this who you've been with all night?
A complete stranger?
All of a sudden all the interest in your old man?
Don't bother.
Long as I got wine, I guess.
I don't like you alone with strangers.
Girl, I'm a grown ass man!
That's beside the point.
- I'm still your daughter... - Look, now
excuse me while I go to the restroom.
Another project human, huh?
What?
Why the sudden interest in an old affluent Black man?
Just met him delivering his lunches.
So you have no life.
Great.
More like wanted to give back.
Doesn't hurt to help those in need.
He's not in need, I'm here.
- Are you? - What the hell
do you know about me or my father?
I'm sorry, it's not my place.
Damn right it's not!
You know, to be honest, I,
I heard it was a great way to pick up women.
Parents too old to take care of themselves,
kids move back to help out.
Kind of like women who steal wine from their fathers
to impress a date.
That was good.
I appreciate the flattery,
but I have never been interested in your kind.
Blunt and honest,
I like it.
So I take it you don't like white men?
No, writers.
All right, how did you know?
Because I know my father.
You're all the same.
You think you have all the answers,
and you're never as truthful as you play to be.
It's annoying.
Do you have all the answers?
If you're hanging out with my father,
then yes, I do.
Possible ideas,
uh, unconventional, interracial
love on the brink of collapse due to an egotistical father,
forbidden romance.
Too Romeo and Juliet.
Two lawyers try the same case.
They fall for each other,
thus compromising the trial.
The dissection of an interracial relationship
between two drastically different characters.
Possible.
So, how is he?
He's convinced he did nothing wrong.
He shot the guy.
Half the city saw it.
The system was made for people like Justin.
Scared suburban white kid
versus tough Black boy from the city.
So we're taking this?
Girl, yes, we've practically already won.
True.
A sister's gotta eat, right?
The mayor seems to be smitten by you.
Yeah, he wants me to meet his kid.
So?
It's not time.
Do you love him?
Let's not get too deep over lunch.
He's the first man that you've met in a while
that makes you feel the way that you do.
Just let him in!
Don't you think you're just a little out of line?
Damn, I gotta go, uh,
do me a favor and look into this guy named Dominick Darga.
A perp?
No, a curiosity.
Keep it between us.
Let me know what you find.
Okay.
Okay, I'll see you
in a few months, Solomon.
I know things seem grim right now,
but you have time.
That's the most important part.
Everything okay?
For now.
Can I get you anything?
How 'bout a new body?
Cancer's back.
It's metastasizing.
Sorry to hear that.
Yeah, I'm old.
It's to be expected.
You want some gum?
Sure, thank you.
All I have is a $20.
Sir, the trip's already been paid for.
I beg your pardon?
Your ride, it's already been covered.
- By who? - Your daughter.
It's all set up beforehand.
The trip's already paid.
Well, how's that even possible?
It's an app, sir.
Hm.
Can I go somewhere else?
Sure.
Why didn't you call me?
That's like 100 stairs, I would have come down
- to get you! - No, man, some exercise now.
Come in, please.
Just watch your step.
Don't mind the mess.
Little water or something?
Oh, no, I'm fine.
You okay?
Just a little tickle, I'm fine.
What are you doin' here?
Just visiting a friend.
Got something to show you.
Well, my schedule's clear.
Let me just get my keys.
Don't worry, no need.
Let's go.
Here he is.
You know these rides aren't free?
Don't worry about it, it's taken care of.
You sure you know what you're doing?
Sure, it's fine.
Come on, let's go.
Hello, Amanda.
I want you to meet someone.
This is the young man I've been tellin' you about, Dom.
Dom, my wife, Amanda.
It's a pleasure, Mrs. McNeil.
How often do you come out here?
Oh, when I can.
Driving's discouraging at my age,
but that was all taken care of today.
The solidarity out here is peaceful.
Forget what quiet even sounds like.
We don't have to stay long.
We can take our time.
Baseball fan?
I never got into it.
Really?
You're from Detroit!
You don't watch the Tigers?
That was my father all day long.
I could never sit still long enough to enjoy it.
Your father.
Never heard you mention him.
Why?
Straight to the point.
Well, what you want, dinner and a movie?
I thought we were done with the formalities.
He doesn't exist.
In this life?
In my life.
I don't know who he is.
I mean, I've got,
you know, some fond memories, of course,
but that's about it.
He left after my mom died.
Said it was too much for him to handle on his own.
Never saw him again.
Well, who raised you?
My grandparents.
Old as dirt.
That's why I took to books and literature
so I could learn the things I needed to know.
Hm.
- Still hurtin', huh? - No, I'm healing.
- Healing, or suppressing? - See, there you go again
with the fuckin' questions.
Are you writing a book?
Why you doin' this?
Well, you find your answers through books.
I find mine in people.
They're much deeper than any book.
But anyway,
kinda stopped following the Tigers.
Lost interest, you know.
Probably watch just outta habit.
What happened?
Well, you know, racism.
Back in my day,
you know, during desegregation,
they couldn't stand to see a Black player on the field.
Speaking of racist, your daughter hates me.
Oh, man, come on.
There's not a hateful bone
in that stubborn little girl's body.
She's just a product of me.
You know, being raised by a social activist
isn't an easy thing.
I mean, she's, you know, understood to see
people who look like you as the enemy.
That's all.
So you agree?
That we're the causes?
Does that make you a racist?
Wait a minute.
Would I be racist
if I took you to meet my deceased wife,
offer you hospitality in my home?
I mean, sure, there's a lot of anguish,
but, you know, when people who look like you
judge people who look like me by a shade of color...
...it makes you keep your guard up.
She's callous.
Ah, she's got some differences she needs to reconcile.
Oh.
Speak of the angel.
- Time to get you back? - No, not quite.
The day is still young.
Let's go.
Hi, welcome!
What would you like today?
Mm, how about two cappuccinos for me and my son here?
He's adopted.
You do like cappuccinos, don't you?
Of course you do.
Okay, what size would you like?
- Small. - Okay.
Oh, what the hell?
Let's have a large.
Okay, that'll be $9.56.
- Okay. - Absolutely not.
No, no, no, let me.
It's not every day you get to treat your son.
- Keep your money. - For what?
Dental adhesive and prune juice?
Money has no value to me.
- Here you are, young lady. - Thank you.
...going to a Michigan football game.
I can't believe you haven't been to one.
I haven't had anyone to go with.
Well, now you do.
It'd be a shame to leave this earth without seeing
one of the greatest football institutions
throw the skin around.
Now, to see that Big House.
Let me guess.
A double shot caramel macchiato.
Decided to live a little.
- Who cares? - Really, Dad?
Did you want some?
You can have it.
- You can try it. - No.
- It's good. - Mm-mm, no.
I do not know where that mouth has been.
Wouldn't you like to find out?
Mm-mm, you couldn't pay me enough.
Priceless commodity.
You don't even know.
Will you look there?
Smiling looks good on you.
Oh, I just want to work in peace.
Yeah, let's leave her be.
I got to take off anyway, Pops.
How are you getting home?
Uber.
Mm, I love that app!
You guys owe me big time, by the way.
Hey, I know how you can make it up to me.
The mayor's gala is next weekend, and...
Dad?
Dad!
Dad...
I don't ask for much.
All I'm asking is for you to stop by for a few hours.
Some really important benefactors will be there
and they'd love to meet you.
Stuffy room full of uninteresting Black people?
I think I'll pass.
Dad, please?
You'll even have a plus-one.
Oh, good, that means Dom can tag along.
Oh, gosh.
Can't we just go down to the retirement home
and pick out one of those nice, sweet, little old ladies,
you know, the ones who knit and smell funny?
Are you that jealous of him?
I mean, Dom has done a lot of good for me
in the time I've gotten to know him.
I didn't think I'd ever be so fine
with somebody that delivers lunches.
But he needs me,
and I can see it, and I know I can help him.
That part of your life is over.
The ability to save a soul never dies, Renata.
If he doesn't go, I don't go.
Fine.
But he better look nice.
Oh, he will.
Hello!
Marcel, work your magic, if you will.
Magic? I think he's quite scrumptious as is,
but I'll see what I can do for him.
It's definitely a challenge for my wallet.
Dom, indulge me.
What are we doing here?
Look, a man should always have
a great-fitting suit in his wardrobe.
You never know what the occasion can call for.
Yeah.
I guess.
May I?
Gap in my adolescent development.
Minor setback.
No problem.
Seriously, why are we doing this?
The mayor's gala is in two nights.
You're my plus-one.
Oh, am I?
Thanks for consulting my opinion on the matter.
Yeah, I probably should have, shouldn't I?
Luckily...
I don't have anything going on.
Then it's a date.
Marcel!
Home sweet home.
It was good to see you back, Dom.
You haven't gotten up to talk in a while.
Yeah, I've been, uh, feeling the pull.
That happens.
That's why I'm here, right?
For you.
So how are you doing?
You be honest.
I'm good, Connie.
Really, no, I'm good.
I'm in a good place.
Okay.
I never thanked you...
...for being my rock through all this.
I mean, really, like...
- I'm grateful. - Mm.
You can't change your past.
You're dealing with that the best way you know how.
I see your growth.
It's...
It's beautiful.
I...
Mm.
No.
- Dom. - You're right.
Your place. I was never good in a car.
Dom, Dom...
I'm your sponsor.
Okay, you're in recovery,
and I want to see you through the end...
...unflawed.
Okay?
I was proud of you tonight.
Yes?
Please tell me you're dressed.
Maybe, maybe not.
Dom...
I will be.
We're pulling up in 15.
All right.
Hey.
- I'll take that. - Thank you.
Wow, you look beautiful.
Thank you, I'm surprised you noticed.
You actually don't look too bad yourself.
I'm actually impressed.
There she is.
- Dr. McNeil. - Mayor.
May I?
Brace yourself.
- Hi, may I get you a drink? - Yeah, I'll take a water,
sparkling, if you have it.
- All right. - Pops?
- Your best cabernet. - You got it.
- I'll take that coat for you. - Thank you.
- And off she goes. - She gets it from you.
At least something rubbed off on her.
Hm.
I don't belong here.
It's all part of the evolution.
Some very powerful people in this room.
It would behoove you to make their acquaintance.
Oh, there's a friend right there.
- I'll save you. - Oh, thank God.
Actually, this, uh...
This really isn't my scene.
I don't feel like I fit in, if you catch my drift.
I don't either.
You look right at home.
Don't let the dress fool you.
This is nothing but a formality.
It's doing more than fool me.
Good.
Is this a thing?
Um...
I meant... I'm sorry, I meant you and the mayor.
Oh!
Um, well, we're not exclusive or anything,
but it's not like we're seeing other people.
We're friends, but not really.
Hell, what are we?
Asking the wrong guy.
I don't know, I think, uh...
...vulnerability is key in any relationship.
Hm.
Being able to reveal who you truly are to someone.
Don't let the obvious cloud destiny.
Clearly, you've been hanging out with my father
way too long.
Maybe.
So, do you have any family in the area, Dom?
- Oh, child... - Only child I know of.
And the wife?
With the pool boy.
So, no wife and kids.
Not a care in the world, huh?
How did you end up here?
Friends in high places.
Don't rush kids.
Pardon?
I had a son.
Shot dead on the playground.
Fifteen years old.
Can you believe that?
You say that with such passivity.
- I have to. - Good grades
isn't gonna be enough.
You're gonna have to be excellent
to really be taken seriously.
So, how about that gumbo?
Excellent.
A taste of our people.
You ever try chitterlings?
Oh, girl, you got to say it with much more gusto.
We pronounce it "chitlins."
I have not had the pleasure of trying chitlins.
You ever try duck blood soup?
That just sounds foul.
The taste of my people.
Excuse me.
So, Mr. Darga, what's your take
on the racial imbalance here in the city of Detroit?
Oh, sure, ask the white guy.
But, seriously, I don't know.
I just think there's so much talk
about equality these days.
I don't understand why race
is such a tough topic to grasp.
You know, I live here like anyone else.
Are you saying that you don't have a place here of your own?
I like to feel home at home,
if you know what I mean.
- So what did you get? - So, get this.
That guy you asked about, Dominick Darga,
he was charged with aggravated assault
three years ago after a bar fight
broke out at Roland's.
- And his defense? - Self defense,
but the fight was provoked by him.
- And the victim? - Here's the kicker.
The victim's statement and eyewitnesses state
that the fight was provoked
after Darga made racial slurs to the victim
when he learned that he was dating a white woman.
And let me guess, the victim was Black.
You got it.
Another, please.
Thanks.
I don't think anyone should be hired
just because they're Black or white.
You don't believe in affirmative action?
Is it affirmative
any more than the NAACP means advancement?
You're walking on a thin line now, son.
The NAACP does a lot to bolster the Black community.
Bert and I didn't have any problem
in letting our cards lapse.
- Too political. - Political?
You can't talk about race
without dragging in politics, honey.
Mr. Darga here rather prefers to hide
in his pale, conservative suburbs
rather than be in the mean streets of the city.
You don't know shit about me.
You're right, we don't.
You sit here, pass judgment,
make statements on race and not feeling at home,
but no one knows who you really are.
You can't just show up and expect to have
any inclination of what our people go through.
So tell us...
What have you experienced?
What have you witnessed?
- What have you done? - Renata...
Let him speak.
I'm afraid I don't know what to say.
No? Okay.
Let me help you then.
Dominick Darga, white male, 34,
accused of beating the hell out of a brother
after finding out he was dating a white woman.
She's drunk.
- Look, why don't we just... - What I am is right.
See, I knew something wasn't right
from the beginning.
Young, white hipster all of a sudden finds himself
in the home of an affluent Black man
all under some basis of, what, delivering lunches?
Says he wants to give back, right?
- Just let me explain. - There's nothing to explain.
- Is this true, Dom? - Oh, it's true.
Christina pulled his file for me.
It's all there.
The funny thing is, you all bought
his modest charade on being accepted into the community
all while he's further pushing the divide
by beating the living hell out of us!
Guess that's how he pushes for acceptance.
Oh, Dad, you were so quick to find
your next Project Human that you didn't even think
to look into the stranger
who was trying to take my place!
- You were never there! - How dare you!
Enough!
Mr. McNeil, how are you feeling?
Mr. McNeil, you're in the hospital.
Do you remember how you got here?
I'll tell him.
Just give us a minute?
Now I do.
You lied to me.
You never asked.
And the lunches...
When were you gonna tell me you were dying?
I'm dying.
So, Project Human.
You were studying me this whole time?
You came to me, not the other way around, son.
But I was just a project.
You were an opportunity.
- And what am I now? - A liar.
That makes two of us.
You know, the crazy thing is, nobody asked
for my side of the story.
You had every opportunity to tell it.
- So did you. - This isn't about me.
Own your spotlight.
It's all about you.
All right, you know what? I...
I just came here to make sure you're okay.
It looks like you're already there.
You still haven't told me the full story.
Maybe some other time, Pops.
Didn't expect to see you here.
To see my father?
Look, Dom, it was funny the first few times,
but now you're really starting to piss me off.
You don't know a damn thing about me
or my father's relationship, okay?
You couldn't stand the fact that me and your father
had something you two never had.
That really killed you on the inside, didn't it?
Did you really feel threatened by me,
or did you just try to make me feel as bad as you were?
'Cause if so, you did a hell of a job.
You did that all on your own.
Look, I was just trying to do something
for someone I really loved!
Just stay the hell away from us.
That's the plan.
Shit. Aghh!
- Yeah? - Yeah, Dom,
this manuscript you sent over?
It's trash.
It's a work in progress.
It's a start, Peter.
No, it... it's terrible,
and this is coming straight from Clarissa.
All right, so... so now what?
I don't know, Dom.
Clarissa is thinking about cutting her losses
at this point.
You're a liability more than you are an asset.
Let me guess, that's coming straight from the top.
I'm sorry, Dom.
Liability.
Do you love him?
He's everything to me.
Then fight for him.
Fight for that.
You look good, Dom.
So do you.
Look, you know I'm here for you, but...
Why did you reach out for me?
'Cause I miss you.
I miss us.
Some things are better left in the past.
That's what one of your books said.
I know, but I wasn't talking about...
Nothing is ever gonna be the same.
It's not meant to be.
It's called change.
What, for the worst?
Dom, you were a rude, depressed drunk.
I didn't even recognize the man
I was laying next to sometimes.
I would think losing a child would do that.
You forgot about me!
I was grieving just as much as you!
And where were you?
You're right.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
You're sorry.
Your sorry can't fix this.
Your sorries can't fix everything.
All right, look, let's just...
No.
I think you should go.
Thanks.
- Your name? - Zack.
Zack.
Goddammit!
Fuck you, Zack!
Zack!
Is that you, God?
Dad, it's stuffy in here.
I'm fine.
You're not fine.
- You're... - Dying?
Don't spend your days with somebody on their last.
I've already packed my stuff and moved in.
You're still my father.
Have you called Dom?
Are you being serious?
Do you deny your affection for him?
Dad, please, don't read me.
You're my daughter.
I know when you're interested in someone.
Give him a call.
Good morning, sunshine.
- Where am I? - My condo.
Lots of vomiting and rehydration.
I brought you coffee.
- Where's my clothes? - Right there.
They were filthy.
There was no way you were getting into my bed
in that condition.
How did I get here?
Friendly neighborhood police officer dropped you off.
- God, where's... - Hey.
Just relax.
Day One of your recovery starts today.
- Connie? - Yes.
Did we...
What do you think?
Get some rest.
I'll take you home in a bit.
Ugh.
She's beautiful.
You did well.
Pardon?
You're the girl from Royal Oak, no?
The beautiful one Dom has told me all about.
Yeah.
Yeah, I am.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
You come visit more often.
I like you.
I like you too.
What?
What was that?
I'm so sorry.
Eva thinks of herself
as kind of a matchmaker,
and she tried to set me up with one of her relatives,
and let's just say, her skills need refining.
Didn't go well, right?
Mm.
How are you feeling?
Fine.
Better.
Oh.
I don't know.
Look...
- About last night... - Don't.
What's done is done, and we move on.
Do we?
What are you holding on to, Dom?
Everything.
Let it out.
- I can't. - Oh, fuck fear.
Oh, uh...
I'm in love.
It's not you.
Don't worry. No offense.
None taken.
But can I ask who?
A friend of a friend.
So...
I... I can't.
I'm, like, all screwed up
on all fronts.
To jump into a relationship right now?
Then you take it slow.
Okay, there's no timeline on these types of things.
It's kind of like recovery.
You can't... thank you.
You can't expedite the process.
He knew I wouldn't be able to do it.
What?
This friend of mine,
he said that I should seek out other options,
to sleep around.
He knew I wouldn't be able to do it.
And that's a good thing?
Yeah.
Ah.
Man, this Creed ain't worth the fine hair
on the ass of Rocky.
- You think so? - I know so.
Creed is a much better representation
of a struggling fighter.
He's more relatable, realistic.
- How so? - Because this fighter
is struggling with something we can actually feel.
Living up to his father's legacy,
the struggle with identity of not knowing
who his father was personally, yet knowing what that means
and still trying to find the time to find himself.
Rocky changed the entire movie industry.
- How do you mean? - It was first.
So, because somebody was first means it's better?
No, it's original.
Wait, so you mean to tell me
that just because something is original,
you can't come along years later
and modify it to make it better?
- Where's the Oscar? - What about an Oscar?
- Does Creed have an Oscar? - It should have won
every Oscar that year.
Can we please just watch the movie, please?
That'd be great.
- You okay, Dad? - I'm fine, baby.
You need me to get you something?
No, I'm okay.
Normally, I don't do this.
Hey, look, kiddo, look, I managed to salvage
what's left of you and Clarissa's relationship.
For what it's worth,
she really thinks you're an amazing writer,
so she is willing to take a courtesy meeting
to pitch another idea.
But you have got to knock this one out of the park.
Hello?
- Dom, are you there? - Yeah.
Did you hear what I just said?
Clarissa is taking another chance.
Well, what about a children's book?
Okay, look, Dom, just be there tomorrow at 11:00,
and don't make me look like shit.
Got it.
Mm.
It's 2:30 in the afternoon.
Why are you drinking?
Why are you here?
Look, things got a little crazy at the gala.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I guess my father passing out in the middle of the foyer
wasn't enough to meet the docket.
I wanted to apologize.
Don't.
What do you mean?
Mm.
Don't, as in I don't want or need your apology.
You know what, you can be a real...
Mm!
Mm.
I was gonna say handful.
Mm.
You know what? I'm gonna go.
Okay.
Why don't you call me when you can fit me
into that busy schedule?
Solomon McNeil.
Uh, sir, only family members
are allowed back there right now,
- so if you could just... - Okay, what room is he in?
Sir, if you could please take a s...
- I'm his son. - Sir!
This wasn't supposed to happen like this.
They called me back.
Finally, the publisher.
They want me to write another book.
I was gonna run it by you.
You were everything.
Okay?
I wanted to tell you, but...
...I just didn't get the chance.
I should have.
It's a good thing we went to that football game,
though, right?
I could've used more time.
You rest.
I'm sorry.
That's not orange juice.
A screwdriver.
My fourth.
I was an awful daughter.
He knew exactly who you were.
I wasn't ready for this.
Excuse me.
"Dearest Dom,
write big, live bigger,
and relish both to the end of your days.
Above all, believe that you hold your fate
in your hands.
Cherish your spotlight.
All my love, son.
Solomon."
"P.S. the books and card catalogue are yours.
Use them well."
He was always writing on them damn cards.
They were organized by date.
These start November 4th, 1991.
When did he start his practice?
Mm, 1963, I believe.
"February 2nd, 1963.
Black male, 35, agitated, sits rigidly."
This was his first patient.
"March 25th, 1965.
MLK completes his march to Montgomery.
He's glorious on the steps of the statehouse."
"September 11th, 2001.
Terrorists destroy the World Trade Center."
The patient cards behind it
seem to reference that event.
It's like a psychology of the country.
Am I in there?
These are yellow.
"October 6th, 2015.
Number 023867.
Learns of ex-wife's new lover and spirals downward."
That's five days ago.
I'm number 023867.
Thank you, enjoy.
And to whom shall I make this out to?
Aren't you supposed to look your devoted fans
in the eyes, Mr. Darga?
- Connie. - Hey.
- How are you? - Good.
- It's so good to see you. - You too.
How are you?
Can't complain, obviously.
Yeah.
Hey.
You knocked this one out of the park.
The book or...
...this?
Both.
I had a lot of help this time.
Oh, yeah, how is Renata?
Are you still trying the take-it-slow thing?
Yeah, she's, uh...
She's good.
She's really good.
Can I get the signature, please?
Oh, right.
- It was good to see you. - It was good to see you.
Take care of yourself, okay?
You too.
...they were signing a promissory note
to which every American was to fall heir.
This note was the promise that all men,
yes, Black men as well as white men,
would be guaranteed the unalienable rights
of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Now is the time
to make real the promises of democracy;
now is the time
to rise from the dark and desolate valley
of segregation to the sunlit path
of racial justice.
Now is the time
to make real the promises of democracy;
now is the time
to rise from the dark and desolate valley
of segregation to the sunlit path
of racial justice.
Provided by explosiveskull https://twitter.com/kaboomskull