We have a common goal here.
[file slaps]
Lacey McCullough.
I need information.
Details.
What do you know about her?
What do you need me for?
I thought you were the FBI.
Okay.
So what can you tell me?
What is it you think I can do for you?
We are trying to build an airtight case.
We need as many people as we can behind this.
I know you're not exactly allies with Miss McCullough.
Of course not, trust me.
I want Lacey McCullough just as much as you.
Maybe more.
Well, then I need evidence, testimony.
Something for this investigation.
Don't you think if I had anything,
I would give it to you?
Don't waste my time.
So what do you want to know?
Well, we all know you're in the running
to be a Supreme Court judge,
So it's especially important if you can help in any way.
That depends on how bad you want to take her down.
And I'm sure we can agree
there's way more than what's included in this little file.
I'm listening.
So it's all about strategy.
She's only as smart as her last move.
[phone buzzing]
Excuse me.
- Oh, shit. - What is it?
Turn that off.
REPORTER: Governor Barclay has pardoned
a group of incarcerated individuals,
one of whom is Antoinette McCullough.
This is part of the governor's new initiative
to introduce change into the community.
Coming to you live from the Holy Spirit Community Center,
this is Tracy Michele Nelson.
That son of a bitch.
♪ No more talking about it♪
♪ The way it is, the way it is♪
♪ It's no mystery♪
♪ There's no getting around it♪
♪ When you're here, when you're here♪
♪ We got chemistry♪
♪ We light up♪
♪ When we ignite♪
♪ We are stars♪
♪ In a darkened sky♪
♪ When you leave♪
♪ Don't forget to remember♪
♪ Don't forget to remember me♪
♪ When you leave♪
♪ Don't forget to remember♪
♪ Don't forget to remember me♪
♪ Remember me♪♪
[applause]
Hello, and welcome to the Holy Spirit Community Center.
It is my great pleasure and honor
to present to you governor Barclay and his family.
[applause]
This center is a great example
of the hope of this community
and investment in our young people.
And it is something to celebrate.
[cheering]
BARCLAY: What you see behind me...
- Sweetie pie. - Thank you.
It's not just a community center that you all deserve.
- Here he goes. - This represents change.
Still recycling the same old bullshit from 20 years ago.
You sounds surprised.
You can't trust him
no further than you can see him.
Never could have.
What's his story, anyway?
Let's just say he had his hand
in a shitload of mistakes we made.
Hmm, he ain't always been a governor,
but he's always been a grimy snake.
Oh, in that future he's talking about building,
he's just talking about himself.
'Cause what he doesn't tell you is
he'll either destroy you
or put you in a position to destroy yourself.
Hmm.
Just like he did with Tony.
BIG D: When you're a child,
you do things that children do.
You're impulsive, perhaps a little selfish
thinking and walking
and acting as if there are no consequences.
There's more to this story.
My mother, you, Sears...
What happened between all of you?
BIG D: But then there comes a time
when you have to grow up and say fuck it
to all that childish shit.
It's time you knew the truth.
The whole truth.
Okay, girl, you got us out here. What's all this about?
- Really? - Yeah.
Ladies, between the five of us
our reach is long enough
to control every aspect of this city.
We are going to take over L.A.
[laughing]
And, um, how do we do this when I'm in office?
By using the systems that use us.
Money laundering, deal brokering,
by any legal or illegal means necessary.
A little bit of power goes a long way
and we document everything...
here.
Names, dates, receipts,
every single detail needs to be tracked
so we all know what goes on
and can use it if we need to.
So what's the plan?
We use our specialties.
Floyd, you handle everything involving the law.
The judicial system is your expertise.
Lawyers, judges, FBI, CIA
and the entire police force.
Do what's necessary to bend the law.
Just don't break that bitch.
[laughing]
I got you on that one.
Sears, you are going to be the Mayor,
next governor.
And there is no doubt in our minds
that you are going to be the first black woman president.
That's right.
[all agreeing]
Since politics is your lane,
you are going to make laws and create policies
that affect every single human being in this country.
With you in position,
our community will benefit greatly.
And I'll continue to use my influence as the First Lady.
I'll make sure our paper adds up.
But most importantly, I'll make sure we are kept
well beneath the radar of the IRS.
Your ass knows you can balance a bank book
down to the last red penny.
- [laughing] - TONY: Exactly.
That's what I do.
And Walls you are the Queen of Nightlife.
You are always in the know
and you have the trust of one percent and the hood.
Nothing and no one makes moves in L.A.
without you knowing first.
So keep your ear to the streets.
This way we will always be one step ahead
of everyone in this town.
And Her.
This is where it gets tricky.
Because public opinion is shaped by news,
television, magazines, newspapers.
We will use your influence
in mass media to control the masses.
But because we need you to stay in power at all costs.
We will never be photographed together
and we will not be in person.
And you will communicate with us by phone only.
You will be a voice going forward, got it?
- HER: Got it. - We need a headquarters.
- Oh, yeah. - Ooh.
Somewhere we can bring the elite,
get them loose and talking.
Exactly.
And our headquarters will be underground.
Only the most influential and powerful people
in Los Angeles will be able to attend
it's by invite only,
with an exclusive membership fee.
Every power broker in L.A. will come here
and indulge in their darkest proclivities.
And when they do,
we will own them.
HER: From this point on, since I'm invisible,
I'll take ownership of the dungeon.
- [laughing] - It just got real.
Damn right.
And we can also use our spouse's talents.
Rev can handle philanthropy and religious influence.
And Ben is a brilliant coder.
So he'll handle technology
by putting all these power moves into play...
we are going to take over this city.
Motherfucking brilliant.
- [laughing] - Yes.
ALL: God is within her.
She shall not fail.
[music]
[overlapping chatter]
Pow!
I'm about to run Boston,
I've never been there, but buckle up.
Why don't you go and talk 'em that?
[hip hop music playing]
I'm like the Black Larry Bird of stage playing, you know?
[laughing]
Babe, turn that up, that's my shit.
- Yeah! - That's my wife!
You better know it, baby.
You know your wife is wretched, right?
That's why I love her, that's why I love her.
Wait, look who's on TV!
Turn the music down real quick.
[overlapping chatter]
We all know the challenges of Los Angeles.
- Come on, man. - Stop playing.
SEARS: To meet those challenges,
we need real leadership and solutions.
And that solution I have.
Vote Sears for mayor.
An advocate you know with results you can trust.
FLOYD: That's what I'm talking about!
TONY: We need a toast, we need a toast.
Sears, you are an inspiration.
I know I speak for all of us
when I say how proud we are of you.
You represent everything this city needs.
We love you, we support you.
And we are so blessed
to call you our friend and our sister.
- To Sears. - ALL: To Sears!
I know that's right.
Oh my God--
Don't make me cry, don't make me cry.
BIG D: Bitch, don't cry. Drink.
[all laughing]
[hip hop music playing]
♪ So you got a different move now ♪
♪ Relationships seem to shine
♪ Move
[moaning]
♪ Okay, actually on a ride
♪ There're no after hours
♪ I call her phone
♪ With my sneaky link 'cause I put it down ♪
♪ Protected a natural
♪ I pull it out
♪ I get her wet and then when she take a shower ♪
♪ Turn it to a waterfall, down dripping ♪
♪ Dripping now, she calling me ♪
♪ Don't matter, I know the way ♪
[moaning]
♪ All right, all right
♪ I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ Now, I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ Now I came to clap my hands
♪ My hands
- ♪ I came to stomp my feet - ♪ My feet
♪ Say, I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ I don't know what you came to do ♪
♪ Oh, I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ I don't know what you came to do ♪
- Amen, Amen, Amen. - [cheering and applause]
All right.
[laughing]
As always, the Unity Inspirational Ensemble
get us ready for the word.
- Amen! - Amen.
And now, to bring us our message this morning,
our very own Pastor McCullough.
[cheering and applause]
Preach, pastor, preach!
Give God the glory this morning.
- Amen. - Yes, sir.
I mean that's good for me,
it might be even good for the choir.
But I need you to give God the glory this morning.
- Amen. - Okay?
Now we cooking with grease,
since I need you to turn it to your Bible to
1 Corinthians 13.
When you get it, please say "Amen."
CROWD: Amen.
And it reads,
"When I was a child,
"I spoke as a child,
"I understood as a child.
- WOMAN: Yes. - "I thought as a child
"but when I became a man,
I put away childish things."
[crowd agreeing]
Now in this example,
Paul is referring to the ways of our childhood
as an immaturity to be left behind.
MAN: Mm, Amen.
Now, family, I want you to know
that this is often a source of division amongst God's people.
[crowd agreeing]
It's time to put aside our childish ways,
our fighting,
our arguing over monetary gain.
- [crowd agreeing] - Amen!
Can I get an Amen?
- Amen! - Amen!
PASTOR: Can I get a Hallelujah?
- Hallelujah. - Hallelujah.
It's time to grow up in the faith...
WOMAN: Yes!
by following a way of love
and to hold each other accountable.
- WOMAN: Yes! - To God and to each other.
[crowd agreeing]
Amen.
Can I get an Amen?
WOMAN: Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
That's what I'm talking about.
You know why?
'Cause God has all of us.
[band starts playing]
♪ I don't know what you come to do ♪
♪ I come to shout for joy
♪ For joy
♪ I come to shout for joy
♪ For joy
♪ I'm here to shout for joy
♪ For joy
♪ I'm here to shout for joy
♪ For joy
SLOAN: Great sermon today.
That's what I'm talking about, Rev.
Yeah, I appreciate that Sloan,
but you know, I can't take credit for it.
I'm just a messenger for the Lord.
See, and that's exactly why the community loves you now.
A man of God who put the work of God
before himself, you don't see that every day, Rev.
We're getting there, maybe in a few more years,
I'll be able to expand like I want.
God-willing?
God-willing.
Same over here.
- [knocking on door] - But--
BARCLAY: Gentlemen, I apologize if I'm intruding.
No, not at all, Councilman Barclay.
Everybody's welcome in the house of the Lord.
[chuckles] BARCLAY: All right.
If you don't mind, I would
just like a word with you, Reverend.
Of course. Sloan, give us a moment?
Yeah, I could do that.
I'll be right outside.
Let me know if you need anything.
Yeah.
I won't take up too much of your time, all right?
I know you're a very busy man,
Growing your church and all.
I mean, we are looking to expand,
but that's a little ways in the future.
Mm, see, the future is exactly
what I want to talk to you about.
I have been made aware of your interest
in a certain property for the relocation of your church.
I want you to know you have my full support.
Hell, have my resources.
Anything else you need to ensure that that transition
goes as smoothly as possible.
Of course I'm interested.
But that property is on track to go to the Marzilis.
I'm sure you and I can come up with a more amicable agreement.
If you can come up with the money for the city permits,
I can guarantee that property will be yours.
And why is that, Councilman?
Well, let's just say I have a...
vested interest in this community.
As well as you and your influence.
In this mayoral election.
I would greatly appreciate your support, Reverend.
Why me?
A man of your esteem in this community
would hold a major impact with the...
minority votes.
I'm sure you understand.
Think it over.
I'm sure you'll come to the mutual understanding
of the benefits that it's gonna have.
You have a blessed day, Reverend.
Do I want to know what that was about?
[sighs]
REVEREND: Okay, you two, enough playing.
Time for bed.
- DANIEL: Oh, dad. - [mockingly] "Oh, dad."
- Give you mama kiss. - Night, Mommy.
Love you, Mommy.
Good night, babies, love you.
So, Councilman Barclay came by the church this morning.
For what?
Well, he wants to give us an opportunity
to purchase the city permits
for the new church location.
- And? - What do you mean?
I mean, what the hell does he want?
A man like Barclay isn't exactly giving handouts.
Well, he said all we have to do
is vote for him in the mayor election.
Well, we know that's not happening.
Do we?
Yes, you know we're voting for Sears.
That's not even a question.
I'm just saying I think you need to think about the offer.
What is there to think about?
You're asking me to consider
betraying a woman who is like a sister to me.
And for what?
To support that white man
who doesn't even like us coloreds?
I'm asking you to think about the bigger picture.
Think about what this means for our family,
for the church, for the community.
We can grow quicker.
Being more accessible will mean
we'll be more in tune with God's purpose.
But this could cost Sears the election.
This will benefit everyone,
including Sears.
Think about the impact we can make.
And when we get more resources, we can put them behind her.
Yeah, but you don't know Sears.
She's not going to be that understanding.
So you think she's gonna talk about what she knows
to blow up the plan?
No, she wouldn't do that.
Her name is in the book.
And all of her involvement with the Power 5,
she knows I know that information
and she can't risk it getting out.
Then we have nothing to worry about.
You're right.
So say we support Barclay as our candidate.
He pulls some strings to get us the permits.
But how are we gonna pay for them?
Don't worry about it.
We'll figure something out.
♪ It's like coke
♪ And I can't feel my face
♪ I'm all over you
♪ But diamonds in my chain ♪
♪ Chain
♪ Tonight you get to see
- The pension. - What?
The Police Department's pension.
Since I'm over the accounting,
I can just move a little from the discretionary fund.
No one would notice a few cents missing.
Then we can fulfill our end of the bargain.
We can get the permits and buy the property.
We'll put it right back.
[phone ringing]
I know, you guys gotta go.
Great idea.
Yeah, this is--
Keep going, just keep going.
How's it going over here?
- Fabulous. - Amazing.
What do we got?
Oh, we work here with everything.
- Uh-huh. - [indistinct]
- Oh, my God. - She's gonna call this guy.
That's insane.
Oh, my God.
Yes, yes, yes, lots of fights.
Keep going, girl.
- Hey. - Hey.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Of course.
Keep up the good work.
[creaking]
What's wrong?
Rev and I are going to back Councilman Barclay
in the mayoral election.
What the fuck are you talking about?
Where is this coming from?
Remember where you are, Sears.
It's not what you think.
We talked it over and Barclay is going to get us city permits
for a new property for the church.
Yeah, I know where I am and I still don't give a fuck.
You're just gonna push me to the side
so that you two can get a new church?
It's not like that.
Then make it make sense, Tony,
because it sounds exactly like that.
We are looking at the bigger picture.
What bigger picture?
Betrayal?
No.
I see.
You're just a greedy, selfish bitch.
And here I am buying into all this sister talk.
Look, Sears, I'm trying to reason with you.
Now, I'm sorry that this is not working out like we had hoped.
But if you can't see
how this is going to be better for all of us,
then maybe you're the one being the selfish bitch.
My whole life I dreamt of this.
Ever since I was a child,
I worked my ass off.
You know this.
You are the First Lady.
What's that scripture?
"Say you are my sister.
"That I may do well because of you.
"That my life may be spared because of you.
For your sake."
[cheering]
Oh, you know, I think the community is very lovely.
I'm very happy to be here.
[cheering]
[muttering]
REPORTER: Well, it was an extremely close election,
but we have a winner and it is James Barclay.
We go live now to the celebration.
[clattering]
♪
Hey, it's Corbin.
I just came across something
I think you're gonna want to see.
I have evidence that suggests someone's been stealing
thousands of dollars from the police pension.
SEARS: Mm-hm, what?
So that's how she was able to afford the city permits?
CORBIN: Well...
Let me check, okay.
I think you're right.
What do you mean, think?
I just showed you the hard and fast evidence.
Tony McCullough stole thousands of dollars
from the police pension.
I see.
[chuckles]
Well, we need to do something about this.
- Let me handle it. - Are you sure?
I mean, this is your friend we're talking about.
Ex friend.
And yes, I'm very sure.
I need to handle this myself.
Jackpot!
Right, sure.
I understand.
That makes sense.
I'll let her know. Thank you.
Sorry, babe.
Shit.
The lawyer said with the mounting evidence
in this investigation,
it's just not looking good.
What the hell are we gonna do?
I don't know.
I can't believe this shit.
We're really about to go to prison.
Tony, you're jumping the gun right now.
They haven't even made our arrest yet
and we still haven't had the trial.
But it's all there.
The lawyer was right.
It's only a matter of time before they come and get us.
And buying this?
Sure as hell doesn't make us look innocent.
And to think all of this
because of that bullshit with Barclay.
So, wait, this is my fault?
Did I say that?
Seems like you're the one that's accusing me
of getting us into this mess.
It was your idea to get the money for the permits.
You just didn't get it back fast enough.
Yes, it was my idea.
And you wanna know why?
Because I'm the one that always has to come up
with all the solutions.
I'm the one who actually has to execute
your bright ideas because you love to make a plan
without thinking about how it affect others.
Just like Sears.
Now wait a damn minute.
- We both wanted-- - No.
You wanted and like always,
I wanted to give you what you wanted.
Only for it to backfire on me.
You never take responsibilities for your actions.
You always want to make excuses and blame others.
When it was you.
We can figure this out, babe.
We just gotta think smart.
What other choice do we have?
15 years.
That's the minimum.
What about Lacey and Daniel?
They can't lose us.
And they won't.
John ten, verse eleven.
"I'm a good shepherd,
and a good shepherd gives his life for a sheep."
I'll confess.
What?
I'll tell them it was my idea.
That won't matter.
I'm the one that actually did it.
I'll confess.
I can't let you do that.
If you go down for this,
it'll ruin everything we've fought for.
Our family, this church.
How will it look to the community
if the pastor goes to prison?
They don't have anything on you.
They don't even have proof
that you knew what I was doing.
There's nothing to convict you
other than your association with me, so...
I'll tell him it was all me and I acted alone.
Hey, babe, I've got to tell you,
Sloan's going to come by after work.
TONY: Okay.
Antoinette McCullough,
you're under arrest for embezzlement and fraud.
- What? - OFFICER: Anything you say
can be held against you in the counter law.
You have the right to an attorney.
What do you mean?
I didn't do anything.
Wow, wow, wow, hold on. What's going on here?
What's going on?
- Tony, don't say a word. - Mom!
TONY: Lacey-- Lacey.
It's okay, baby, don't worry.
I don't know what's going on,
but I guarantee you I'm gonna find out.
Don't worry.
I'm going to make sure she's okay.
[crying]
[knocking on door]
Come in.
Hey.
Here are these copies you wanted.
Thanks, Lacey.
Ah, sit down for a minute.
How you holding up?
It's been hard.
I know, honey.
Listen, Tony's conviction destroyed all of us.
Especially you, Daniel, your father.
But know this.
We are doing everything in our power to get her out.
I just wish there was more that I could do.
There is.
You can continue to be focused and determined.
I don't want your emotions about all of this
to distract you from your goals.
You are smart, baby,
and you don't need to get sidetracked.
You are Tony's child,
And don't you forget it.
We will have to help our girl out and send her some--
- Hey-- - No touching, ladies.
It's good to see you, too.
How are you?
I've been better.
I would kill for a decent shower
and a bed that doesn't feel like concrete.
Ugh.
We are working with your lawyer on your appeals.
But honey, these things take time.
Well, I've got plenty of that, so--
How is Lacey?
Trying to be strong like you.
Can you guys just do me one favor?
Can you please just watch out for my family?
Especially my babies.
I know this is killing them.
- Absolutely. - Of course.
You know, you don't have to ask us that.
15 years is a long time.
I just hate that my children are in the middle of this.
Everything I did,
I did because I wanted to make a better way for them
and now look at me.
It's going to be all right.
Mm-hm, you'll be all right.
Read any good books lately?
Ah...
Yeah, but nothing to hold my interest.
I'm surprised.
Usually there's a good one or two.
You would think so, right?
I guess we haven't found anything worth reading
since we started the book club.
But we'll keep you posted if we find something juicy.
Tony, there's something I think you should know.
I think Sears has something to do with your investigation.
I can't prove it exactly, but...
After what happened with the election
and her connections at the precinct--
If Sears had anything to do with this,
she better hope I serve every bit of this sentence.
[knocking on door]
Ah!
Reverend McCullough.
Please, have a seat.
Appreciate you agreeing to meet with me.
Of course.
Reverend Barrington McCullough calls requesting a meeting,
well, it must be dire.
I'm sure you heard what happened to my wife.
Of course.
I do hate that for her.
- We need your help. - My help?
She-- we--
my wife and I,
we were just trying to make sure
that we can afford the permit for the building.
This is all just one big misunderstanding.
I don't know how I can help you, Reverend.
You owe us.
We help you get in the office,
We endorsed you as our candidate.
I believe I've expressed my gratitude, mm?
Didn't you get the property for your church
like I promised?
Listen, this is my wife,
and I can't have her sitting in prison over this.
Please, I know there's something you can do
or someone you can call.
As far as I'm concerned,
our business is complete.
Now, I'm sorry you wasted your time,
- Governor Barclay-- - Have a good day, Reverend.
[eerie music]
[people chattering]
REVEREND: It's a very big day for my baby girl.
All grown up.
She graduated from law school.
Man, I'm so proud of her.
To Lacey.
ALL: To Lacey.
[cheering]
Damn, girl.
You ever take breaks?
A break? What's that?
Let me help you.
Only the best to celebrate.
And what are we celebrating?
Your graduation.
I feel bad that I missed it.
You know, me and Hannibal had that vacation thing
planned for a minute.
How did you know I needed this, O?
Because I know you.
Thank you.
Still working on Tony's case?
Yeah.
So far I can't find anything
to overturn her conviction.
The Lace I know wouldn't stop
until she got what she wanted.
Is that an insult or a compliment?
[chuckles] Both.
I guess you're right.
Family is all I have.
Ever since she was sentenced,
my dad has thrown himself into the church
and Daniel--
Daniel is just out of control.
And what about you?
I'm just trying to do what I can for Tony.
No, I mean you.
Like, how are you feeling?
Honestly?
I'm scared, O.
I'm scared of failing my mother,
of failing myself.
If I can't do this, then what is there for me?
You need to start worrying about yourself, Lace.
There's a lot of things in life.
I just don't want you to wake up one day
and have any regrets.
[music]
♪ Yeah
I don't want to have any regrets.
♪ Oh yeah
♪ You gonna make me see tonight, oh ♪
♪ I'm over here waiting for you ♪
♪ Is you causing my pain and pleasure right now ♪
♪ Baby, we've been talking for months ♪
Dad?
[piano music]
What I was gonna say--
- Do you know how many-- - Okay--
- What is this? - Ah, it's--
- Where did you get this? - Does it matter?
Who are these people?
What have you all been doing?
Lacey, you do not need to be worried about this.
This is none of your business.
It involves my mother, so it is my business.
It's complicated.
Tony wouldn't want us getting you mixed up in this.
My mom would want my help.
And if there's anything in there
that could possibly get her out of jail,
then I need to know.
Please.
Let me take this off your hands.
Ooh, child.
I'm glad she found it and not the police.
BARCLAY: This represents rebirth.
This represents the future.
[applause]
Thank you.
BIG D: Some people don't like change
because it interferes with how they think,
how they grew up, what they were taught.
And like an idiot,
they keep on doing the same things
over and over,
expecting a different result.
Hopefully, one day they realize
they need to be smart about shit.
Move different.
Because whether they like it or not,
change is coming.
So it's better to be prepared.
Either that or learn the hard way.
♪ I don't care if I'm perfect♪
♪ I know I'm sick of being complacent♪
♪ Why you still in my face when♪
♪ I can't hear what you're saying♪
♪ No, boy, you're not so persuasive♪
♪ Now it's giving invasion♪
♪ Usually, honey, I'm more chill ♪
♪ And not so calculated♪
♪ When my cup is full, and somehow I'm still faded♪
♪ Moving to the rhythm, feeling blue♪
♪ I guess I'm jaded♪
♪ Suffocated by your energy♪
♪ And now I feel like I can barely breathe♪
♪ Choking on the clouds of the loud♪
♪ I can't even hear the sound♪
♪ Don't know what's come over me♪
♪ Walking through the cloud♪
♪ And I'm smothered by the smiles when I'm down♪
♪ Now I can barely breathe♪
♪ I'm suffocated by the smoke and mirrors♪
♪ I gotta pray to make my vision clearer♪
♪ I wanna go, won't be surprised if you stay♪
♪ You don't get it, you don't understand the difference...♪