Why did you come in so late last night?
Me and Chance were just catching up.
Please tell me you read everybody's script.
[Hattie] Look, I'm sorry. Things got crazy.
I promise, next week, I got y'all.
[pastor] It's a questionnaire that requires you
to look at your partner and your relationship.
Enjoying your new life as an actress?
Ah, well, I still have to teach yoga part-time.
You wanna grab a drink sometime?
[Ida B.] I feel like every time I try
to do something nice, you have an issue.
We're experiencing two very different Hollywoods.
I'm bisexual.
[Idina] All right. I think we should get started.
Hattie, you're up.
-So y'all ready for my notes? -[Idina] Mm-hmm.
[Hattie] Okay, I wrote 'em down.
-[Idina] All right. -Okay.
Jackson, I thought your script was a really cool idea,
but that last act needs so much work.
I'm aware.
And all the women are sounding the same.
I mean, you gotta give me some variety, bro.
And why did you have the dad kill his boss like that?
I mean, he could have gave him a warning or something first.
It just came out of nowhere, and honestly, I didn't buy it.
Tisha. Tisha, Tisha, Tisha.
-You got skills, okay? -Hey!
But I could not stand your damn protagonist.
She reminded me of this girl
that I used to date back in the day
that was always sucking her teeth for no reason.
And it also seemed like she was always mad about something
and I just didn't know what, you know?
Damn, can you just be nice for a second?
And, I don't know, it feels very angry Black woman.
And I know we trying to get away from that trope.
-Let that go. -Uh-huh.
Idina, my girl,
your script was so relatable.
Like, I could really see myself in Robbie.
I mean, she was hilarious, a bit of a hot mess,
but I liked her.
The only thing I didn't understand
was why Isabelle was so into her, though.
Like, Izzy had a great life.
She's got the fly store. She's got the cool whip.
She's obviously a great cook.
Why is she following behind this dusty-ass girl?
I don't know, I guess I'm just not here
for the unrequited lesbian love story right now.
Maybe 'cause I've been through that shit too many times.
And the truth is,
these characters are just a little too happy for me.
I mean, I've been through that shit.
Ain't nothing happy about it.
And to be real with you,
at one point, I just wished they would just move on
and go their separate ways, but then you wouldn't have a show,
so never mind.
All right, thank you, Hattie, for being overly prepared.
Oh, yeah, I told you I was gon' come prepared today.
-[Idina] Mm. -Yeah, I ain't come to play.
So how did I do?
[stammers] Uh, you did great.
Just next time, you don't have to go so hard.
When we say first brush,
we just want your general thoughts,
not everything you hated about it.
Oh, my bad.
See, I ain't used to being around people.
Well, if you wanna get staffed,
you're gonna have to get used to it.
You right.
But honestly, I think you'll be great in a room.
I'm pretty sure you're gonna get on
most of the people's nerves...
[laughter]
But you'll keep everybody awake.
Well, I'll take that.
So you really didn't like my script, huh?
Nah, I liked it,
and it was really nice to read somebody else's script
instead of just staring at my own all day.
-Yeah, I feel the same way. -Mm-hmm.
And it also reminds me I'm not the only one out here
struggling to get words on the page.
Yeah.
Thank you, Idina.
Being a part of this group has been really nice.
It's been really nice having you.
Hey, would you wanna go catch a movie, or--
Oh, shit.
Is everything okay?
Marie's calling an emergency meeting.
What's the emergency?
I don't know, but it must be something serious
'cause she ain't called one of these in a minute.
Look, I'ma go figure out what's going on.
-I'll catch you later? -[Idina] Okay, cool.
And you need to bring snacks next time.
[Hattie] I got you.
I'ma bring some barbeque pork rinds next time.
[Idina] What? Don't nobody eat those.
upbeat piano music
Chuck is bi?!
You know, technically, this ain't a real emergency,
right, because I already knew that.
But I'm just glad that he's owning his truth.
I need to process this.
-Have you processed this? -Yes, I have.
Probably 'cause you already knew, right?
Hattie, if he didn't come out to you, you're just assuming.
Girl, I know my people.
Then why didn't you tell me about it?
Because I couldn't tell you that I think your man is gay.
Well, he's not.
You right. He's bi.
So what are we doing about this?
We're not doing anything. We're still gonna be together.
And that's not abnormal.
I know a lot of straight dudes that date bi girls
and a lot of bi dudes that date straight girls.
And, you know, that's just how it goes.
It's okay.
So you guys are okay?
Yeah, we're fine.
And he's cool with you telling us that he's bi?
I asked for his permission last night.
How forward-thinking of you.
I just wanted you both to know.
I'm still digesting.
I've digested.
Me and Ben hung out the other night.
Why?
He asked me to have drinks with him.
-Mm-mm. -He's not that bad.
Well, he's definitely ready to leave Lauren.
He just wants a Black trophy on his arm.
Do not fall for his bullshit.
[phone rings] Oh, shit. I gotta take this.
Don't tell anyone else about Chuck.
-We got you. -Duh.
-Bye. -[Marie] Bye.
Hello?
I'm still in shock, by the way.
I don't know why.
When are you gonna tell Marie about you and Ida?
I don't know.
Whenever I know what the hell we are.
upbeat music
[Marie] I emailed you the proposal.
Did you get it?
I did, and I got some questions for you.
Okay.
Why do we need Monument?
Why do we need any of these white folks?
Because historical dramas cost money.
-I got money. -Not enough to pay for this.
I know people with more money than me.
It isn't just about the money.
You need infrastructure, distribution,
someone to take care of all the paperwork.
We can get people to do all of that.
Look, I've been hustling my whole life.
If I get to the pros, I can make a damn movie.
Those are two very different things.
I get it.
You're not here for it right now, and that's okay.
I'ma keep working on you.
Then we gon' get there.
Okay, well, in the meantime, can we talk directors?
[Quintrell] We can talk Black directors.
Perfect, because that's all I have to present.
Wonderful. That's all I wanted to hear.
[chuckles]
Why are you so happy?
'Cause I finally found my writer community,
and 'cause I'm finally not scared of you.
[laughter]
[Ida B.] Am I really that scary?
Yes.
I'm just blunt.
[Hattie] And you can be a little cold too.
[executive] Ida B.!
-[Ida B.] Hey. -So glad to run into you.
Uh, what a surprise to see you here.
I am loving the new season
of "Cocoa's Butter," by the way.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, this is Hattie.
She is an amazing young writer.
[executive] Look at you,
always mentoring the next generation.
Yeah, that's Ida B., all right,
always reaching back while climbing the corporate ladder.
[executive] Hattie, pay close attention.
You've got a lot to learn from this smart lady.
Oh, I'm taking notes.
-[executive] She's adorable. -Yes, she is.
Do you ladies need anything else?
-Just the check. -Hattie.
I'll pay for my shit. You can pay for yours.
-Hattie-- -I'll come back in a bit.
You know, man, I don't know why I keep giving you chances.
What was I supposed to do? Introduce you as my girlfriend?
You could have at least introduced me as your friend.
I would have taken that.
I thought you were taking care of your half of the bill.
I'll Cash App you.
[camera shutter clicking]
-Hey. -Hey.
Don't be scared. Take your moment.
I don't know.
It feels weird to walk down a red carpet
if nobody knows who I am.
Random people walk red carpets all the time.
I know; I don't wanna be one of those people.
If you keep killing it on social media,
you'll be the most famous person here.
You just need to keep building your brand.
Yeah, but if I keep building my brand,
I won't have any time to focus on my craft.
There are a lot of big stars who haven't worked
on their craft in years.
-I know; I can tell. -[laughs]
Trust me. You're a star.
hip-hop music
Yeah, a big bang when you swing
That's too much to handle
Drop a yogi insane, need to burn...
[Ben] Here we go.
Ooh, let's take a selfie.
-[Ben] All right. -Okay.
-Me. -[camera shutter clicks]
[chuckles] Okay.
[notifications chime]
They love you.
Hmm?
So it's basically a movie about joy.
[Nia] That sounds amazing.
Yeah, it'll feature people doing positive things.
-[Nia] Nice! -Like falling in love.
[Nia] Ooh!
Looking up the sky and laughing for no reason.
At the end, everyone goes to space,
and they fight evil aliens.
Wow! That sounds...interesting.
[Ben] Well, it's still early days,
-but my bosses love the concept. -[Nia] Okay.
Yeah. Marie hates it, of course.
Yeah, she hates anything that's not serious.
[Ben] I keep telling her to lighten up.
You've been telling her that for years.
My mission is to make a movie that everyone likes.
-That's impossible. -Nothing is impossible.
Hi, we can sit you now, if you wanna follow me, please?
[both] Okay.
[indistinct chatter]
solemn music
Can't get on the road, 'cause I ain't done yet
Time is causing conflict
Yeah, wonder where I'm at, probably somewhere different
Been dull, I guess there's somethin' I'm missing...
-[Idina] It hurt, don't it? -[Hattie] What?
[Idina] Getting rejected by somebody you like.
[Hattie] Look, I apologized to you.
We had a whole "coming to Jesus" about it.
Please don't throw that back in my face right now.
I'm distraught.
Please, you know she ain't shit,
but you still keep crawling back.
Yeah, man, she...
she rented out a whole restaurant for us.
She gave me notes on my script.
She lets me drink after her.
And we had a connection, all right?
Then why are you here?
Because I needed to be with a friend tonight.
But you got two best friends.
Okay, and they're straight,
and sometimes, they don't understand, so--
So I'm your gay friend?
No, you're somebody who gets me.
Yeah, but I can't be your shoulder to cry on
every time she breaks your heart.
I know, and I'm not trying to use you.
I just like hanging out with you.
And I like hanging out with you too.
You've changed my life.
-Really? -Yeah.
I mean, you let me into your writers' group.
You don't let me get away with shit.
And, you know, I can always count on you.
That means something to me.
[phone buzzes]
I wonder who that is.
If you keep running back, she'll never change.
I know.
She wants me to meet her at her house.
Of course, she does.
I think I'm gonna break it off.
-[Idina] Yeah, right. -I'm serious.
Like, I can't take this no more.
Wow. I'm proud of you.
Pray for me.
-[Idina] Okay. -No, I mean it.
When I ask people to pray for me,
I really want you to.
I'm not really a believer.
But my father is a preacher, so I got you.
I didn't know your father was a preacher.
-Yep. -How come you never told me?
You never asked.
Mine's a comic.
Ha! That explains a lot.
[chuckles] Why? 'Cause I'm so funny?
No, 'cause you're always broke.
[laughter]
Damn, you ain't had to do me like that, though.
I'm just saying, the life of a comic.
That's it. I'ma go, on that note.
I think it's time for me to go.
-A'ight. -All right.
[Ben] I know "Cocoa's Butter" is a good show,
but just be careful you don't get stuck there.
I wouldn't mind that.
I'm sure the people are nice,
but at some point, you're gonna have to move on.
-[Nia] Move on to what? -[Ben] Movies.
Who's gonna put me in a movie? You?
[Ben] I have the power to do that.
I'm serious. You're a leading lady.
Can I be a complicated leading lady?
I think people want someone effervescent
and funny and carefree.
-That sounds a little boring. -[Ben] Trust me.
It's what the people want. Hmm?
romantic music
[Hattie] Why are we outside?
-It's a surprise. -[Hattie] Okay.
-Now, open. -[Hattie] Mm-hmm.
Did you really make us our own Cinespia?
Yeah, I did.
You know this is another version
of us being at that restaurant alone, right?
No, no, this is just an apology for earlier.
Look, I know that I still have work to do.
Yeah, I mean...
until you can start to acknowledge whatever this is,
I ain't kissing you, I ain't touching you.
I ain't doing nothing with you.
Oh, that's pretty harsh.
Something's gotta change.
That's fair.
[Hattie] Uh-uh-uh.
No holding hands either.
So you're gonna sit down next to me watching Mahogany,
and not hold my hand?
We watching Mahogany?
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
Well, I guess we can do a light hand-touch.
-Light gripping. -[laughs]
[soft romantic music playing on screen]
Don't use my own moves against me.
Mmm.
Oh, you got the good shit.
Yeah, I asked the guy for the most expensive vape they had.
-Is this shit gold-plated? -I think so.
upbeat music
[Chuck] I think Quintrell has a point.
Y'all don't need a studio to make that movie.
[Marie] Yes, we do.
No, things are changing.
Now, I know you were raised by old school execs,
but there's a new way of doing things.
I think that's just wishful thinking.
No, that's you not wanting things to change.
Of course, I want things to change.
I-I think the industry sucks.
[Chuck] Then start working outside of it.
I don't wanna bite the hand that feeds me.
[Chuck] Oh, you mean the same hand
that chose Ben over you for the promotion.
Too soon.
[Chuck] I'm not telling you to quit your job.
I'm just saying, you hear the brother out.
If the movie goes up in flames, I'm blaming you.
The last time I faced my fear,
things didn't go too bad.
I hear you.
[Chuck] Success.
[soft romantic music playing on screen]
[Hattie] A'ight.
Wait, so you're really not gonna stay over?
[Hattie] Yeah, I'm gonna go.
No kiss good night?
Nah, I don't-- I don't think that's smart.
[Ida B.] Okay.
I mean, look,
you know how much I like hanging out with you, and--
I've enjoyed it as well.
But I really think that we should take a break.
[Ida B.] From what?
I mean, we're not even really a couple.
Exactly.
I mean, I'm tired of being in shit
when I don't really know what it is.
It makes me sad.
apprehensive hip-hop music
Well, I don't want that.
I know we could just keep playing these games,
but at the end of the day,
I'm gon' lose.
Thank you for this.
But you don't really mean that
So what do we do now?
It's funny how it all turned out
So where do we go now?
Hey, can you meet me at our spot?
Sometimes I just
Rather stay at home and chill
Sometimes I wish
I ain't never catch feelings
Just wanna roll it, smoke him up, no prime
Roll it, roll it, roll it up one time
Why your loving always gets me high?
I'm so confused
Why do you do this to me every time?
It's supposed to fill me...
[both] Hey.
-[chuckles] -[Hattie] What?
What you been smoking?
Some expensive shit.
-I thought you were broke. -[Hattie] I am.
My friend hooked it up.
-[server] There you are. -[Marie] Thank you.
Who is this friend?
Oh, so you don't wanna tell me?
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'll be a'ight.
It sounded like something was wrong on the phone.
No, nothing's wrong.
I just wanted to see you.
How are you?
For real?
Yeah, for real.
I can't stop fantasizing about Quintrell.
I don't know what to do about it.
Shit, ain't nothing wrong with fantasizing about people.
I do that shit all the time.
Shit, I had a dream about CeCe Peniston last night.
[laughter]
-Throwback. -Right.
Finally, it's happened to me
Right in front of my face
But I just cannot hide it
- Meeting Mr. Right -Sing.
The man of my dreams
The one who shows me true love
Or at least it seems
[both] With brown cocoa skin and curly black hair
It's just the way he looks at me
That gentle, loving stare
- Finally-- -Oh, that was a little high.
[both] You've come along
The way I feel about you
- It just can't be wrong -Can't be.
[both] 'Cause if you only knew
The way I feel about you
I just can't describe it, oh, no-no
Okay. Okay, do it again.
-[stammers] Me? -Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead.
Oh, no-no
You want to hear me do it again?
-You do it. You do it. - Oh, no-no
-Okay! -[laughter]
Yeah, that sounded like a little Janet, a little bit.
Had to go a little sultry.
[upbeat music]