Kat admits to Chelsea that she is hiding something from Tomas. Leslie asks an irate Ted for a favor. June confronts someone from her past. Vanessa struggles to keep the peace between Joey and Doug. Martin needs Nicole's help in order to save his marriage. Vernon does his best to assuage Anita's fears. Anita locks horns with Sharon and Tracy before their big day. Vernon and Tyrell have a heart-to-heart. The Duprees get ready for the Articulettes' reunion concert.
Episode 1.99
Leslie has apparently had a job this entire season. She was previously seen as a waitress or bartender only when it served a particular plot. Even then, it came with dialogue stating she joined the staff for that specific celebration. It wasn't conveyed as something she needed in order to survive. It's suddenly important that she needs money. It could be her exerting her control over Ted and Eva once more. They believe that since they are aware of her tactics that she can't play them. That's a little foolish. The conversation Ted and Eva have about responsibilities is genuine. Meanwhile, Leslie exists in her own world. That runs the risk of becoming one-dimensional. In fact, the focus on her as the villain worthy of investigation has fallen apart. She takes up space freely. She operates with confidence. Yet her schemes are so blatantly transparent. That doesn't offer much consistency. It doesn't generate the excitement that something more is just around the corner. It's just her flailing to maintain some sense of agency in a world that wants nothing to do with her.
I's a big reveal that the children in June's picture are hers. Naomi reached out to June's sister. She and Jacob get a better understanding of the woman they've been trying to help. Regina shares the pain June's decision had on her life. She wanted nothing to do with her. She still has immense love for the children lost to the system. Their identities are purposefully being kept from her. That too is setting up a major twist. The prominence of this story requires that at this point. It's not enough for June to simply walk in and reunite with her sister. More is needed. Similarly, Kat and Ashley struggle talking about their mixed emotions. Kat didn't enjoy having sex with Tomas. He did everything right. She just thought she was going through the motions. She engaged how she thought it should happen. It just wasn't appealing to her. That requires more conversations. It could infer some form of asexuality. It could also be lingering (and rightful) doubts about Tomas' sincerity. Meanwhile, Shanice tries to have an honest conversation with Ashley. She'll back off if she still has feelings for Derek. All of that is swept away once Andre takes Ashley on an impromptu Parisian adventure. It's a sweet gesture. It barely conceals the vast amounts of self-doubts Ashley exhibits.
Grade: B-
Episode 1.100
Eva knew not to get involved with Tomas. She also knows not to trust her mother. She thought by managing these expectations she couldn't be disappointed when they inevitably betray her. She still wounds up damaged by both. Tomas is riding high after having sex with Kat. He can't wait to see her again. He saw it as a passionate display that reaffirmed their love. He's committed fully. That's a sudden change after being in Eva's hotel room. She confided in him as a friend. She yearned for more. Now, he has made his choice. Similarly, she thought Leslie needed money to survive. Instead, Leslie is online shopping. She's looking up luxurious items. She doesn't care that the money from Ted is a loan. Those details aren't important. Nor is listening to what Eva actually wants. Leslie can't fathom why her daughter didn't tell Ted the truth about Kat's role in the accreditation lapsing. Eva fixed the problem. The business wasn't harmed. She didn't want to stir up more drama with Kat. That still occurred. Ted knows the truth. When he confronts Kat though, she walks away confidently. She hasn't been humbled. The only doubts she has are in her relationship with Tomas. That personal turmoil is real. She can't express herself either. That makes everything a bit more opaque than it needs to be.
June is rattled to see her sister. Regina can't comprehend how June is behaving. It's impossible to imagine anyone forgetting about Ron and Cecile. Her love for them has never stopped. Her hatred for June abandoning them has never gone away either. June obviously suffers from some kind of mental break. She knows the photo of her kids is important. She is incapable of making the connection to who they are to her. It matters. She can't allow anyone else to have access to that precious display. Life isn't as simple as that. She can't avoid the truth. Naomi and Jacob want answers. They are shunned by both sides of this family. This reunion doesn't go well. They couldn't manage expectations. In fact, that's the overall theme of the episode. Vanessa pleads with Joey to let her take Doug home and not worry about his threats to their business. Joey believes it's better to track Doug's movements going forward. Meanwhile, Andre wants Ashley to set her fears aside and live in the moment. Without her doubts, they are capable of connecting. This fantasy is real because they experience it together. It's aspirational. It doesn't have to be limited. Ashley can't help herself from overthinking in the process. That ambiguity lingers as she heads home for the night.
Grade: B-
Episode 1.101
The Articulettes' reunion concert has finally arrived. It will occur in a few hours. Anita was nervous from the moment it was first proposed. She still is. She instinctively rejects a request to perform a jazz solo. However, she brings the possibility to the group. Previously, Sharon and Tracy would have accused of her trying to steal the spotlight. But now, they've rekindled their friendship. They refuse to make the same mistakes. They wish to honor their history. They owe that to Barbara. Everyone essentially gets involved with this event. Chelsea records a video with Sharon and Tracy. She doesn't know the full history. She receives a depiction of how fulfilled they are now. They no longer hold animosity towards Anita. That creates a sweet moment. Chelsea's contributions appear a little over-the-top. She reimagines the costumes in a matter of minutes. She aims to make a new viral trend based on old videos. She knows how to grab an idea and run with it. She is incredibly creative. Tracy and Sharon see Anita's spark in her. This event is suppose to mark a bit of fun for the characters. They've dealt with their fair share of drama lately. That doesn't just go away either.
Both Martin and Smitty feel it would be inappropriate for them to attend. Their absences would be noticed by the family. Anita would be disappointed. Nicole doesn't want to go either. Yet this is a family obligation. They each have to be there to support Anita. They have to swallow their prides and accept that destiny. Important conversations occur. Vernon sees Smitty for the first time since the reporter found out what his husband did. He looked up to the legends in this family. But now, he views Vernon and Anita differently. He can't share that truth with Tyrell. All of this is messy. It can't easily be forgotten. Of course, it's amusing how Martin and Smitty split up and no one told Kat. That highlights how self-obsessed she is. She relies on her family when she is going through crisis. She demands so much from them. She isn't the best at listening to their concerns and showing compassion. She is there for Samantha. She also thinks of ways to put her to work for her business. Moreover, the growing circle of the conspiracy highlights how difficult it is to keep track of who knows what. Naomi lets slip that Bill orchestrated a murder. Dani was caught off guard but immediately knows that lines up with how he behaved at the bar following the press conference. She isn't upset. She's motivated and won't let anyone miss out on the joy the family needs right now.
Grade: B
Episode 1.102
Anita wanting a jazz solo during the concert could have derailed everything. It wasn't long ago that this decision would cause a massive fight. Instead, the trio stay and communicate. The progress is shown. Anita admits that she needs to step into the spotlight for her family. She has more to share. That forces Tracy and Sharon to acknowledge that they are backup singers. They were excited about this concert. They had dreams about what it could do for them. The friendship amongst the group is more important than that. They overcome this hurdle. And then, more drama comes up. Sharon appears to have a panic attack. Anita's stage freight is legendary. She's anxious for a long time before hitting the stage. Once she gets there and leans on the music, everything clicks into place. That may happen for Sharon too. Right now, all she can say is she can't do this. More explanation is needed. Something triggered this event. It's ominous. The way the concert has been built up, something will eventually happen. The entire Dupree family has decided to attend. They are showing their support for Anita. She isn't the only one involved. That's a key angle of this story too. The focus shifting to Sharon's fears is a fascinating way to pull back the curtain and create one more problem to solve.
While the family agrees to attend, it takes quite a bit of effort to convince them. Dani shames Martin for not being dependable. The quality that he embodies for his constituents is suddenly missing. He's choosing to be selfish. Those words hit him hard. Ultimately, the family has to set aside all of their emotions to be at the concert. They don't have to agonize over how their presence will be perceived. This moment is for the Articulettes. No one will be focused on what everyone else is doing. They still have a lot of feelings to process. Martin and Smitty separately talking with Nicole helps put into words how they are coping following the split. They remain angry and ashamed. They are awkward when they finally talk. That was unavoidable. Smitty didn't want that to occur at the concert. He knew what was needed to ensure nothing distracted from the miraculous event. It's important while not exactly pulling them back together. Samantha and Tyrell want that to happen quickly. They recognize they haven't been told the whole story. Vernon would confess everything to his family if he could. He defers to Martin and Smitty's parenting decisions. He makes that clear while respecting the questions Tyrell has. He perceives him with the maturity necessary to handle the truth. It remains precarious because of all the players involved. Smitty knows Joey is going to cash in on that massive favor eventually.
Grade: B
Episode 1.103
Despite panic attacks and last second changes to the costumes and setlist, the Articulettes take the stage to a crowd of adoring fans. This concert is the talk of Fairmont Crest. Before now, the focus was on whether each member of the Dupree family would attend. The importance of this event extends beyond them. Elsewhere, it's about whether or not people could obtain tickets. Ted purchased them for the entire office. Leslie took that as a slight against her when she discovered Eva had one. She stole it. She claims she doesn't want to start any drama. No one ever knows with her. Drama follows Leslie wherever she goes. Vernon has to threaten her. Nothing can derail this night for Anita, Tracy and Sharon. It's a collective effort. The Dupree family may be front and center. However, Tracy and Sharon have become part of the family. They must be treated as such too. It can't just be Anita getting all the hype and praise. Vernon only had eyes for Anita back in the day. He showered her with gifts. Their spark was magical. He recognizes that Sharon and Tracy are deserving of praise and appreciation. It's not healthy to cut them out. They contribute in meaningful ways. They expect honesty from Anita. The lead vocalist has a surprise during the show. Only Andre is aware of what's going on. That presents as the epic cliffhanger for the week. The show can't continue until Anita does this one thing. One might infer it has to do with recognizing Barbara's involvement. That seems valid given her prominence in this story. That's just speculation.
It's nice to see Anita, Sharon and Tracy in their element. The music brought them together. It inspired them. That connection remains strong. They overcame so many obstacles. That makes it weird when the concert starts and the episode cuts to Derek and Ashley. The two of them talking about their expectations in this relationship was necessary. It's odd to put it at this particular moment. Previously, the narrative was centered around the characters setting aside their feelings to focus on this celebration of the Articulettes. But in the end, the show itself felt it had to address some of the other plot concerns. Ashley doesn't just accept Derek's apology. She knows not to doubt what she wants. They hurt each other because they weren't honest. That's what they brutally are now. Meanwhile, Doug continues to barely hold it together. He cannot fake happiness with Vanessa for a moment. He can't overlook her partnership with Joey. He drowns in his despair. Shanice is thrilled to attend the concert. All of this reveals more turmoil is ahead. Doug represents a threat. Vanessa has talked Joey down before. She may not be able to do that forever. It appears Doug will only address his vices if Vanessa does the same. They are on equal footing but aren't aligned in this endeavor.
Grade: B+
