- Hey, yo! Back up, gimme some space. - Hey, calm down. Don't mess up my fit.
Why you getting fitted anyway?
We waited three years for the Harlem Renaissance dance,
and you can't even go.
You know? I actually had an itinerary planned.
7:00 p.m., we strut in. 7:10, drop a verse at the literary salon.
7:45, we go up. You broke that plan.
- Nothing that can't be fixed. - Fixed? What, you expect to fix Mom?
Yo, you still haven't turned in that assignment,
- which was one paragraph. - I started it.
Well, you should have finished it.
Yo, the crew was about to do it big together.
'Cause next year... (SCOFFS) ...gonna be a whole new game.
- You and the crew, huh? - Yeah.
First of all, Vondie's boo'd up with Angela.
- So good luck getting in between them. - (SCOFFS)
And second, you should have invited Maya, yo.
You're the one missing out. Besides,
- nothing is keeping me from Alexis. - Oh, really?
Well, you must have a doppelgänger because have you met our mom?
Yeah, before you. I'm older remember?
- By four minutes. - And in that time, I learned a lot.
Hey, don't trip, aight? It's gonna work out, Filth.
Tie me up.
Oh, oh you didn't learn how to tie your tie?
- Nah. Not in four minutes. - (SCOFFS) You know, whatever, all right?
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
(THEME MUSIC CONCLUDES)
Babe, your nose.
(SNIFFS) Hmm.
It's my sinuses, probably. (CLEARS THROAT)
Mm.
- How do I look? - (CHUCKLES)
You sure are colorful. Handsome, but colorful.
- Can you help me? - I clean up nice, right?
- Well, a lot nicer than our first date. - That wasn't a date. I was 12.
- And ashy. - And you loved these ashy lips.
- Did I? - Mm-hmm.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
- So how you feeling? - I'm nervous. (SIGHS)
So much is riding on tonight.
We got a flash flood warning. You know, I probably should just cancel the dance,
but Basil invited alums so I can beg for money.
- Now, I... (SIGHS) - Yeah.
...I can't even find my favorite earrings.
I got you, babe. Whatever you need, DJ Chuck Da Man is your right hand.
- (EXHALES) Mm. - I can't wait to spin some hits.
If you spin anything, those kids are gonna run out of the gym
and never talk to us again. You got my playlist, right?
(CHUCKLES) No, I got my playlist.
- Did you hear back from your doctor? - Mm-hmm, it's all good, baby.
(JEWELRY RATTLING)
And tonight, it's going to be even better.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah. So you got the look that turns every page in my book.
- (GROANS) - You're on fire tonight.
And the way your butter melts,
gonna charm all the cheese off those donors.
(CHUCKLES) Filthy'd be proud.
Yeah. Where you think he get it from?
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Ooh! Mm.
Zora Neale Hurston would call them
- some righteous rags. (CHUCKLES) - Thank you very much.
- Handsome. - As in impeccable.
- CRYSTAL: Mm-hmm. - As in, flawlessly dipped?
And why are you flawlessly dipped, JB? Because I told you no paper, no dance.
Now, I know you're struggling, but rules are rules.
- You don't just get to... - I did it. I turned it in.
- Fantastic. See, I know you hate it... - (SCOFFS)
...but going back on your medication is gonna do wonders JB, 'kay?
Well, I guess someone can Lindy Hop with me, hmm? (CHUCKLES)
- I got you, Mom. Oh. - (CHUCKLES) Yeah.
- CRYSTAL: See ya. - See you.
(CLEARS THROAT) Looking smooth.
- Come on, y'all ready? - Dad, I love you. But respectfully,
there's no way we're riding with y'all.
It's already bad enough y'all gonna be there.
- What? The man ain't the man no more? - Is the man cool? Is my question.
- Yeah, he thinks he is. (CHUCKLES) - CHUCK: Hmm.
The man is cooler than the polar bear's toenails.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
- JB: All right. - Look at me. Look at me. Look at me.
Move out my way.
- JB: What? - 'Scuse me.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Look, something's going on.
Dad's sick or something. But I don't know exactly.
Sick? Yo, didn't Mom just say his blood pressure was high?
Maybe, but I feel like it's more than that.
Granny got the same thing, and she takes a pill and keeps it moving.
- I'm worried, man. - Relax, bro.
Yo, you're the one who's always saying Dad will be fine.
- So he will be. - (SIGHS)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Did you really do that paper?
(RAIN PATTERS OUTSIDE)
I uploaded a blank document.
- Oh, my God. - Yo, by the time anyone checks,
I'll have already written it. I can even do it later tonight.
- Nobody's gonna know. - Mom's gonna know.
- You're playing with fire. - And I might get burned, but not tonight.
Tonight, we turn up. Come on, man. Together, me and you. Like Kobe and Shaq.
- Nah, like Spike and Denzel. - Mm.
- Mo' Better, baby. - You mean X.
- (SCOFFS) - Both.
(SWING MUSIC PLAYING)
Stop. Hat. And go.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Hey, yo, I'll see you inside.
FILTHY: Yo.
Awesome.
The night is beautiful. So the faces of my people.
The stars are beautiful. So the eyes of my people.
Watch us shine
on some sleek Black boy afterglow.
I hope you got your tickets
'cause we're about to put on a show.
(APPLAUDS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Josh Bell is my name, but Filthy McNasty is my claim to fame.
I play to win. Like all the greats. Tonight is the night we celebrate.
Beautiful also is the son.
Sleek Black boy at the cabaret tomorrow, who knows?
That's why I say, "Dance today."
- MALE VOICE: Yeah. - FEMALE VOICE: All right.
(CROWD APPLAUDING)
(RAP MUSIC PLAYING)
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
(MUSIC WARPS AND SLOWS)
As you know, the Harlem Renaissance is an integral part of Hughes's identity.
That pivotal moment where art and expression gave birth
to a new form of Black joy.
Well our kids, they strive to embody that spirit.
Well, they succeeded. I mean, this is great.
Basil Guidry! Looking sharp, my boy.
All right. I see they let the poker king in the building. Lamont!
- Hey, thanks for braving the storm. - What's happening, baby?
What's happening is you took my money out on the poker table,
and then you brought me in here
- to take some more of my cash. - (CLEARS THROAT)
- You sure that was me? - That's that Basil hustle, baby.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
But seriously, Dr. Bell and I are thrilled to host you.
I'm sure I don't have to remind you how special of a place Hughes is.
Yeah, and with the budget cuts, schools are left to fend for themselves.
So, we will need to lean on the benevolence of our benefactors.
Well, I'm happy to help.
Well, we have a couple of new additions. I'd love to take you on a tour...
Hey, why don't I? I'm sure you have your hands full,
Dr. Bell, right?
Right this way, Lamont. How your mama now?
LAMONT: Oh, she doing good.
(RAP MUSIC PLAYING)
(LIGHT CHIMING)
(CHEERS) Is that my boy Big V in the house?
- What's up? - VONDIE: What up, Filthy? How you doing?
- You know Angela, right? - Oh yeah, yeah, for sure.
And this is Paul, my other date.
- I thought you and Vondie were dating. - What are labels?
We just are. Like me and Paul.
- I just am. - I'm not.
Uh, you guys wanna take a picture?
- Yeah, sure. - No, no, no, no. Let's go dance.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYS)
(FIREWORKS CRACKING)
- Hey. - Maya, you look...
Fine, doesn't she?
- What's up, Filthy? - How did you get here?
- I invited him. - What? Why?
This is our crew's night. Our finale. He's not a part of that.
- Our crew? - Yeah.
Are you even listening to yourself? You don't run the world, Filthy.
You don't even run your own life.
And, uh, don't think I forgot about that unfinished business.
After you.
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Okay, guys. Heads up. - (CAMERA CLICKS)
(SLURPING)
RIFF RAFF 1: Mm-hmm.
- (DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES) - (GROANS)
- FILTHY: What y'all doing in here? - What it look like? We talking about NFTs.
Non-fungible tokens, bro.
What's up, Reading Rainbow? Tell me, what's the definition of this room?
- (MIMICS LAUGHTER) - (BOTH CHUCKLE)
Yo, why y'all drinking in here?
Aren't y'all afraid somebody's gonna come?
You ask a lot of questions. Sure you ain't narcing for mom?
(SCOFFS) Absolutely not. I'm cool.
Yeah, okay. Where's your brother? Y'all usually attached at the hip.
Um...
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
ALEXIS: JB, where are you taking me?
JB: Patience is a virtue, aight? Just please keep singing.
Don't know why There's no sun up in the sky
Stormy weather
You're my favorite thing.
- This moment is the best. - (THUNDER RUMBLING)
Oh, just the moment? Is that all you want from me?
- Since you asked. - (CHUCKLES) I can't with you, JB.
Except, I also can't stop with you.
For real? I was worried.
About me?
'Bout us.
I didn't mean to dump all my problems on you like that.
- It was too much. - I'm here for it.
Look, you don't have to worry. I'm a safe space.
You are.
There's something I wanna show you.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CROWD CLAMORING)
- (ELECTRICITY ZAPPING) - (THUNDER RUMBLING)
- Hey, watch your step. - (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(WHISTLE BLOWS)
All right, okay. Don't panic. You know the drill.
Apparently, the storm has knocked out our electricity,
but emergency lights have come on. Faculty members, please,
let's gather all the students inside the gym
and make sure everyone is safe and accounted for
- and report back to me, okay? All right? - FEMALE VOICE: Okay.
(BREATHES HEAVILY) I'mma check the generator.
Chuck, you look like you need to sit down.
'Scuse me. This is not a good look for the alum donors.
Do you ever stop?
Basil, can you see if there's someplace more comfortable
- for them, please? - Like where?
Do you want me to book 'em a room on the third floor?
If there's availability.
What's your problem, bro? Basil, your boss is asking for your help.
No problem at all.
Actually, I'mma take 'em somewhere classy with some more light.
See if I can salvage this evening and get that money. Hmm.
Night, Basil.
(SCOFFS) Evening, y'all.
- Hey. - (CRYSTAL SIGHS)
- I'm checking the backup power. - No, we got that.
You meet me in study hall.
- (THUNDER RUMBLING) - (BREATHES HEAVILY)
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
Yo, you ever need something-something, I'm your dude, my dude.
Well, now that you mention it,
I was wondering do you guys have anywhere else to be?
- Nah, man, we entrepreneurs. - RIFF RAFF 2: We make our own schedule.
Cool. Well, in that case, can I cop the speaker?
- Why? What you thinking? - Well, I'm thinking the party ain't over.
- Whoo! Okay, yeah. Yeah! - Whoa! All right!
CRYSTAL: So, we need a new generator.
- JANICE: Add it to the list. - (CRYSTAL CHUCKLING)
CRYSTAL: Just wanted one night to be special for the kids.
Is that too much to ask?
- Please. You can't control the weather. - Mm-hmm.
- And what's going on with Basil? - What do you mean?
I know kissing butt is his forte, but he just seems extra smarmy tonight.
He can't help it. He's got high opinions of himself.
Or his opinion is that he should be principal.
- I don't know. Maybe he's right. - I know you didn't just say that.
We're not gonna have a pity party, sis. We just gotta turn the dance around.
Well, I don't know. Something is going on with Chuck, too.
I can feel it, something is not right.
- Is he sick? - CRYSTAL: You know Chuck.
I'd be a fool to wait for him to tell me. And you know that is something I'm not.
- Mm-hmm. I got the kids. - Ah. Wish me luck.
I found a way to turn the party back up. So, what's up, man, you okay?
- No. - Paul, huh?
She said she was bringing a friend. Why'd she invite him? That's just foul.
I've treated her like a Disney queen since sixth grade.
- And this is how she treats me? - I get it.
- Me personally, I wouldn't let that slide. - Man, that ain't right.
But what if she brought Paul as a sort of test for you, you know?
An opportunity for you to prove yourself to her.
You gotta go hard in the paint.
- You think that's what she means? - All you gotta do is learn her language.
Love language.
- How do I do that? - I have no idea.
But, as long as you're still in the game, you still have a chance.
I... I really don't know what you just said.
But thanks, Filthy.
- Hey, you know where JB is? - I saw him slip away with Alexis.
I wonder if that player is able to think about anything else.
- (CHUCKLES) Yeah. - VONDIE: I'll see you, bro.
- (SIGHS) - Hey, man, that sounded good to me.
(CHUCKLES) Thanks, man. Look, I'll see you guys later.
- RIFF RAFF 2: See you later, man. - See you, man.
ALEXIS: Maybe we should go back to the gym.
But we're already here.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
- ALEXIS: I didn't know you took art. - I don't. Mr. Epps is cool.
He lets me come by after school and hang.
It's one of my favorite places.
(RAIN PATTERS OUTSIDE)
What's going on, JB?
Me and Filthy, we've always had these goals.
Our whole life is mapped out. He's so sure of it.
And what about you? Y'all are twins, and you have the same genes,
but you can have different dreams.
My mom put me back on my meds.
I hate it, but without it, it feels like I'm drowning.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
And my dad...
Filthy swears something's going on with him, but...
I don't know.
There's not a lot of things that keep me grounded.
You're one of them, and the other...
is art.
It's like music on a canvas. Lyrical therapy.
There's no storm in my head when I'm painting.
- I never knew. - I never told anyone
or shown anyone. Not even Filthy, but...
(ROMANTIC MUSIC SWELLS)
- (THUNDER RUMBLING) - (CELLPHONE KEYPAD CLICKING)
BELL BROTHER 2: Maybe Vondie was right. JB's head was into Alexis
and he wasn't thinking of anything else.
JB might've been willing to take punishment for his lie,
but I wasn't.
ALEXIS: When did you have time to do this?
I know it's not great, but I've been working on it for a while.
Yeah, it's not that great.
What? Are you serious? No, it's so dope, JB. Tell me about it.
Um. Okay.
See, he's on this never-ending search for his other wing.
And because of that,
the thing he wants the most is just out of his reach.
If he finds it, it'll feel less like he's falling,
- and more like he can fly. - Like you, huh?
And what's the thing you want most?
I don't know yet. Something bigger, bolder.
Something you're passionate about?
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(LIGHTNING CRACKS)
Yo. I know how to start my essay. It just came to me.
- In a flash of lightning? Okay. - (CELLPHONE KEYPAD CLICKING)
What? What is it?
Filthy did my assignment.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC ENDS ABRUPTLY)
(SIGHS)
- Dr. Bell. So why did I get detention? - Tell me what's going on.
CHUCK: Come sit down.
Between the high blood pressure and the diabetes...
CRYSTAL: I knew it.
That nosebleed was not your sinuses. What is going on, Chuck?
Doctor...
Hong said that I am...
at risk for...
renal failure.
- What does that mean? - CHUCK: It means that I need a...
(CLEARS THROAT) ...a kidney transplant.
- A transplant? - I know it's a lot.
How long have you known?
- Couple of weeks. - And you didn't tell me?
You're not gonna ignore this. We are raising two boys in this world.
They need their father.
I need their father to be here for them, and I need my husband to be here for me.
Yeah, I know it's, it's...
- it's a lot now. I know... - I'm your wife, Chuck.
If you're not confiding in me, then what do we...
We're gonna get through this. We got a big village,
We're just gonna ask our family and friends to test for a kidney match.
- We gotta tell the boys. - No, babe, I can't.
What do you think they're gonna do if they find out one day
that they could've saved their father's life?
That's why I don't want them to know.
I don't even wanna speak of my boys taking a risk for me. Not today, not ever.
- I never said today, Chuck. - CHUCK: What, babe?
I'm talking about never. I'm serious. I, I... I don't care. This is my life.
It is not just your life, Chuck. We are a team!
This is our life. We are not giving up.
- Okay. Mm-hmm. - We are not giving up, Chuck.
Vondie, just let things unfold.
- PAUL: Just be. - ANGELA: Come on.
Yo, V, what's up? What was that?
She said I'm supposed to let things unfold.
- What does that mean? - Yo, you wrote my paper? Why?
Look, I was helping you.
You were nowhere close to finishing that paper.
- Mom was gonna cook you. - Then let her.
Man, I'm sick of you controlling my life.
Come on, JB. There's a time and a place. This isn't it.
Yo, tell Josh that. Not me.
Look, she don't need to tell Josh nothing. Yo, you ruining my night, man.
- You all are. - Nobody cares about your night, bro.
Obviously, you don't. Running off with her and all.
Maya bringing stupid Zoom. I mean, what kind of friend does that?
- Filthy, what is going on? - FILTHY: Oh, nothing.
I'm just pointing out the simple fact that Vondie is stuck in the multiverse.
My brother left me.
And one of my closest friends is boo'd up with a complete idiot.
Josh.
She is not boo'd up with him.
I'm the one who told her you all used to be close.
So I kinda gave her the idea.
So what, you trying to ruin
- my night, too? - Hey, take the bass out your voice.
- Stop talking to my mom like that, bro. - Yo, that's my mom, too.
And to be honest, I think it's probably better
you don't like basketball anymore 'cause you weren't very good.
- Filthy, that's enough. - I'm better than you ever were.
- In your dreams. - In my life. Any day, any time.
Any day, any time, huh?
How about today? Matter of fact, how about now?
Careful what you ask for, little bro.
This'll definitely mess up some of your little plans.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
BELL BROTHER 2: Squall. Noun.
As in a sudden disturbance or commotion.
Often a violent storm accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning.
As in...
The storm outside is nothing compared to the squall I'm about to bring in here.
Your words ain't gonna save you here, Filthy.
Oh, yeah? We gonna see about that.
- Check ball. - FEMALE VOICE: All right, let's go, boys.
MALE VOICE: Let's go, JB!
- (RAP MUSIC PLAYING) - (CROWD CHEERING)
- MALE VOICE: Yeah! - (CROWD CHEERS)
FEMALE VOICE: Nice shot!
MALE VOICE: Come on!
Let's go, JB! Nice, defense, defense.
- Game point. - Don't choke.
- MALE VOICE 1: Come on, JB, you got it. - MALE VOICE 2: All right, JB! Come on.
MALE VOICE: Killin' it, JB!
FEMALE VOICE: Come on, JB!
BELL BROTHER 2: Basketball rule number three.
Sometimes you win even when you lose
because you learn what it's gonna take to come out on top.
Hey!
That's what type of energy we need if we're going to win the playoffs, man.
- Come here, man. - (CROWD CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
- JB: Thanks, Filthy. Good game. - Hey, last dance.
FEMALE VOICE: Okay.
- Hey. - Hey.
- Night didn't go as planned, huh? - No. No, it did not.
And that's for sure. (CHUCKLES)
That's a... it's nice. I mean, your necklace is.
- MAYA: Oh. - Uh, I mean... But no, you look nice.
Thanks. I wear it every day, but it's... it's cool. Yeah.
- (EXHALES) - But my mom got it for me, so thank you.
Still catching Ls, huh, Fil?
Look, I don't wanna fight you.
Why would I fight you? That wouldn't be a contest.
Look, let's just keep it on the court, okay?
Rivals?
Come on, Zuma. Like, at least he's trying.
- Every great baller needs a nemesis. - And every great story needs a superhero.
And that's just what I am. I got wings, Zuma.
- You ain't seen nothing yet. (SCOFFS) - Oh. I've seen them.
I know. I'm sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.
I kinda like dancing in the dark.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- JB: Hey. - FILTHY: Hey.
- Hey. - Hey.
Hey, hey, hey.
- Hey to Beignets. - Yes, sir. Hey, I got a question.
Can I look at something online real quick? My phone's dead.
- Sure. Just be careful. It's my dad's. - All right. Appreciate you, man.
(SNIFFS)
What's this? Coach giving a speech or something?
Uh-oh.
What's up, JB? What's up, Filthy?
Nope. Not another coaching rant, all right? It's my day off.
Cool out.
Jordan and Josh.
- My twin flames, I love you so much. - (SCOFFS)
If you're seeing this, that means something has gone terribly wrong.
My dad, he never got a chance to say goodbye.
I went to the doctor's, and the news wasn't that good.
I knew something was wrong.
What do you mean you knew something was wrong?
Why didn't you tell me, man? What's going on? What is he talking about?
Man, you wouldn't listen. I tried to tell you,
but you were so obsessed with seeing Alexis at the dance.
CHUCK: So I need to leave something for you just in case.
(SIGHS) The basketball rules of life.
Rule number one. The ball, that's your heart.
And family is the court.
BELL BROTHER 2: A loss is inevitable like snow in the winter,
but as the seasons go, the cold is always followed by spring.
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER) - (RAP MUSIC PLAYING)
- Lakers, baby. - BELL BROTHER 1: Lakers, baby.
BELL BROTHER 2: Kindred, as in family, homefolk, crew.
That's what we were.
- Still tight through all the fears. - (CHUCKLES)
BELL BROTHER 2: Maya the Defiant.
BELL BROTHER 2: Clutched tight after all these years.
- MALE VOICE: Yeah! - FUTURE MAYA: Vondie! (CHUCKLING)
BELL BROTHER 2: True champions learn to dance through the storm. We had wings.
BELL BROTHER 2: NBA, man, we did it.
BELL BROTHER 2: So high, nothing could stop us from winning.
I feel like I can fly.
I swear we can make it from here to the pool.
- No! - BELL BROTHER 2: We knew the seasons
- would change. - I don't... yo, I don't wanna...
BELL BROTHER 2: We just didn't know it would happen so soon.
JB: Two, one...
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
(THEME MUSIC CONCLUDES)