Chelsea shocks Bill with big news. Grayson opens up to Ashley about the mysterious call he received. Naomi and Ashley tend to an injured old friend. Jacob is tasked with a dangerous assignment while Smitty gets a lead on the case from June. Nicole and Kial's steamy date is interrupted by Carlton. Anita and Vernon teach Samantha, Tyrell and Jessica a lesson. Randy's not happy with Hayley's update. Ted gets an earful from his ex. Anita is called on to reassure both of her daughters while Vernon and Kat have a heart to heart.
Episode 2.026
Bill believes Dani will be on his side in thinking Chelsea and Madison are acting recklessly by rushing into marriage. It's complete projection. He has regrets about ending his marriage to Dani and starting over with Hayley. He sees Chelsea following in his footsteps. He likes Madison. He warned his daughter about the pending move to Copenhagen. He was looking out for her. Chelsea doesn't feel that love and appreciation. Instead, her father's distant while professing his own opinions. Andre keeps Dani from having to deal with this concern right now. She's busy because Tatum Stewart has arrived in town. She makes her pitch to Dani in person. The narrative hasn't presented any reason why Dani should turn down this opportunity. And yet, it lingers over the possibility. It suggests that it remains possible. She hasn't committed to the sponsorship. Andre and Pamela agree it's perfect. They want this to happen. Dani remains purposefully obtuse. The show would rather cut to a commercial break instead of flushing the conversation out further. The designer and model appear to get along well. Some issue must be holding Dani back. She hasn't articulated it yet. That's frustrating.
The action Hayley and Lynette take to get Bill's attention is rather ridiculous. Lynette punches Hayley so Bill will focus on his wife. He can't get distracted by Dani when he has to tend to Hayley's wounds. It's presented as a spontaneous decision. One that wasn't captured on any security cameras. It still seems like the two of them are keeping their true intentions away from the other. They present as changed individuals. That may not earnestly be believable. They revert to their old ways. This time the deception is simply on each other. That remains possible. It just requires more focus. In the same way, Derek's implication that Grayson is slick and shady could produce different outcomes. Grayson shares that his mother needs around the clock care. He left Ashley because she had fallen. To Ashley, it showcases how close he is with his mother. He's trying to do right by her. It also highlights the similarities in their life stories. Ashley is also close with her mother. She takes this as an example for why Jan will like him. It could all be deception if Derek's instincts are proven right. He can't focus on that because Jan is trying to sell him on working with Leslie at the free clinic. He needs purpose but Leslie can't be trusted. Jan is foolish to believe her friend has reformed her ways in the slightest.
Grade: C+
Episode 2.027
The hospital staff and the police get involved in Hayley's assault. A whole story has been concocted. Hayley was mugged outside Uptown. Lynette rescued her. Her engagement ring was taken. She called Bill and he didn't answer. He was too caught up in trying to convince Dani to feel the same way about Chelsea's engagement. She's not his puppet. She has her own thoughts. She's thrilled for her daughter. The surprise is ruined for her. She showed empathy upon learning Hayley was attacked. She worries about whether Bill should drive by himself. That's only a momentary thought. She pivots to happier endeavors. She has accepted Tatum's offer. She's thrilled for Chelsea and Madison. The family doesn't need to rally around Hayley. Naomi was conveniently at the hospital. She takes this moment to accept Hayley as part of the family. They protect their own. She gets Elon to respond. The chief of police will be handling this case. Bill expects results immediately. Hayley appreciates all the newfound affection. This is what she always wanted. She demanded Bill's attention. She succeeded. However, Lynette eyes the ring with the intent to do more. Hayley trusted her friend. She may be at her complete mercy over what happens next. It's all so ridiculous. Yet it's the logic that works long enough to keep them entertained and scheming.
Jacob gets deeper involved with the plasma smuggling operation. He and Smitty outline how these criminals target the unhoused community. The vulnerable are taken advantage of. June has plenty of stories. It's all in the name of survival. On the streets, people have to do whatever to stay alive. June knows about The Impaler. Smitty should stay away. He and Jacob aren't being subtle with their covert meetings at Orphey Gene's. They meet frequently. They handle everything in person. Smitty fears Jacob will take things too far. Jacob believes that must be done to prove his loyalty not only to the criminals but to his job. Again, the show establishes heightened stakes with this story. It's not all that engaging. It remains in the early going. Mmore attention is likely coming. The contrast between it and the conversation Chelsea and Madison have is striking. In the latter, Madison makes Chelsea feel okay letting her give up her dream. Madison turns down the research opportunity abroad. Instead, she embraces another dream she always thought was impossible. She gets to have her epic love story. The wedding is the prize. That's fulfilling. She had reason to commit to her career. This love also demands celebration. It isn't a sacrifice to give up one to favor the other. She is absolutely clear about what she wants. Chelsea feels guilty but accepts. That's moving in an episode that needed more of that personal touch.
Grade: C+
Episode 2.028
Anastasia was introduced as a snotty member of the country club. She would gossip about everyone. She commented on the scandalous nature of their business. With the upcoming cotillion, she has been slightly reimagined as the matriarch of another storied family in Fairmont Crest. She views the Duprees as having no class or sense of decorum. The original sin was Vernon marrying Anita. She didn't belong in this community because of her upbringing. Every generation after that has been more misbehaved and undeserving of attention. It's time for the Belleclaire family to step into the spotlight. Anastasia places all her hopes and dreams on her granddaughter Francesca, who goes by Chessy. She believes she's destined to be chosen "platinum deb." It's inevitable. Samantha doesn't stand a chance. However, Anita serves as a better ambassador for what the cotillion stands for than anyone else in this community. She never got to have the experience herself. She passed along the tradition to the women in her family. It's about them stepping into their power as Black women. Every step signals their strength and independence. They walk alongside a sisterhood ready to provide support. It's a celebration of community. It may be awkward learning how to dance. Anita serves as an inspiration for how transformative this time can be for both Samantha and Jessica. With so much focus on the competition for "platinum deb" between Samantha and Chessy, it would be awesome if Jessica walked away with the title.
One of the reasons Naomi didn't want children was because Bill made Dani give up her career to become a mother. She didn't want to make that sacrifice. She believed her mother always resented her father for taking that away. It finally becomes a frank conversation between Dani and her girls. She had power in that choice. That wasn't what set her and Bill on the path to divorce. He broke his promises repeatedly and had numerous affairs. She cherishes the time she had with her daughters. Chelsea connects the past to her present with Madison giving up her research opportunity. It's not a sacrifice she asked her to make. She feels Madison will one day resent her. She's aware of that possibility now. As such, she will champion Madison's career no matter what. This won't be the only opportunity that comes her way. It didn't work out now. The next one will. Dani thought the photoshoot with Andre would be her only chance to get back into modeling. She now has a contract for Tatum's clothing line. She passed on the former for Andre. He saw that. He recognized he needed to make it up to her and he did. That respect was highlighted. That made them stronger as a couple. If Chelsea and Madison behave the same way, they too will be set up for success.
Grade: B+
Episode 2.029
Nicole and Carlton are in different places. He's ready for a serious commitment. She's exploring spontaneity. That includes Carlton. It's not exclusive to him. She's not ready for that. He is. He's jealous when he sees her on a date with Kial. He takes his frustrations out on Shanice. She doesn't deserve that. She can put him in his place too. She doesn't need Ted to defend her honor. Ted doesn't get to have an opinion on how Nicole spends her time either. She establishes those firm boundaries. She makes him listen. He must abide if he has any hope of maintaining a relationship with Shanice. It's a lot of pressure for both Ted and Nicole. They are navigating life following the divorce. They deserve freedom. What happens next doesn't have to be so serious. Nicole receives reassurance from Vanessa. She relates. She had a lot of fun even while still married to Doug. She was surprised when something more blossomed with Joey. She wants to remain in that perfect bubble. She doesn't need an extravagant display of love for Valentine's Day. She just needs to be with him. She's jealous of Leslie given her history. However, Leslie doesn't intend to steal Joey. She simply expects more from their partnership than he initially believed. Vanessa talked him into supporting the clinic. Now, he must handle the consequences of dealing with Leslie frequently.
Hayley believes in the sincerity of her newfound friendship with Lynette. Their plan has gone well. Bill has shown her more attention than she has received in a long time. She had to stop poisoning him. She's willing to endure this marriage a little longer. She doesn't need the payout immediately. Randy only sees the red flags. Lynette now has leverage over Hayley. That should concern her. It doesn't. She sees a supportive friend. She once again demeans Randy who has been loyal to her throughout all of this. This closeness with Lynette may ultimately be her undoing. She's making more mistakes. She's ceding control of the narrative to her partner. Lynette demands Hayley force Bill into getting all the charges against her dropped. Hayley doesn't know if she can make that happen. She was more than willing to follow the firm's protocol when it came to seducing Bill. Now, she has the freedom to do whatever she wants. Caroline may hope she's only trying to foster a new friendship. That's true to a certain extent. It also reveals how little Hayley actually cares about the business and her colleague's careers. Caroline and Tomas get sidetracked by making comments about the recent benefits they've received. They acknowledge that they've earned them. They're also a bit wary of what Hayley's been up to. The extended conversation implants the idea Hayley could be exposed at some point soon.
Grade: B-
Episode 2.030
Dani has one last thing to do before announcing her return to modeling. She must check in with her parents to ensure she doesn't cause any more stress. Obviously, they are thrilled for her. They were never going to stand in her way. She's the perfect spokesperson for Tatum's brand. The client couldn't be more thrilled after the livestream. Dani was perfect. She just didn't want this attention to force Anita into the spotlight with her cancer diagnosis. She was considerate. It wasn't an issue. Meanwhile, Nicole is struck by how messy her relationships at work have gotten. That's what happens when she's dating two of her colleagues while still working alongside her ex-husband who is now dating the charge nurse. She wants her freedom. But now, the hospital's Chief of Staff has noticed and started making comments. Nicole acts professionally but doesn't appreciate the insinuation that she can convince Carlton to do anything. It all suddenly hits her. Then, Ted asks Shanice to open up a romantic present next to the nurses' station. Multiple people comment on how great she will look in that dress. Leah appreciates how Shanice handles her job and brings any problems to her. All of this though runs the risk of becoming too unprofessional. It results in Carlton being overly upset about not having the operating room he requested for a surgery. It shouldn't be a big deal. It has become one.
These changes make Kat feel as if she's being too cautious. She needs something to develop in her life as well. Fortunately, Vernon notices and reassures her that she needs to be certain herself. Life only works if she lives it unapologetically based on how she feels. She must do things according to her own time table. It doesn't matter what's going on elsewhere. She's the priority. She gets to make the choices. She shouldn't doubt herself simply because more dramatic events are happening in the personal lives of her family members. That's not always for the better either. Bill essentially does whatever Hayley wants following the attack. She and Lynette team up to get a hotel room for the firm's new client. Their scheme works perfectly for Lynette. Meanwhile, Bill's attention drifts to Dani once more as soon as he gets an alert about the livestream. Hayley has to feign pain to get his focus again. It remains a struggle for her. Plus, Lynette aims to avoid any further suspicion by convincing Randy he's still romantically interested in her. He doesn't play into her game. He remains skeptical. He won't fall into her trap. That suddenly makes him a cunning player in this world after a season of being oblivious. Someone has to be in this situation. It's not going to be Hayley.
Grade: B
