-Hey, girl. -Kelly?
-Yes, ma'am. -Why are you still awake?
Because I can't sleep.
-I gave you a lot to think about, huh? -Yeah, you did.
-But I was also doing some research. -That is great.
Okay, I've got a question. Do you have a plan for his reaction?
I don't as of yet.
That's why I huddled with the team, and we've got some great ideas.
Okay, great. Tell me.
I told you, it's late so we'll meet up at the office tomorrow.
-Okay, great. Looking forward to it. -Um…
You really need to hire more staff.
I've actually already set up interviews for tomorrow.
Nice. What time? Because I'm going to send over a few recommendations.
Great, that's… that's perfect. I'll have Shamika give you all the info.
-Perfect. -Kelly?
-Mm-hmm? -It sounds like you're with me.
-Girl, we are in! -Pamela and Danny too?
-Yes! -Ah! Yes!
This is so wonderful. Thank you--
Oh, oh, oh. Uh-uh, honey. But listen, this is not going to be easy.
I clearly know that. What made you change your mind?
Girl, because we saw that pig hollering contest.
Soo-wee!
Kelly, do not make that pig call. It's so degrading.
Yeah, to say the least. But girl, you know those little country-ass people loved it.
But honey, I am so sorry. You are so much smarter than a pig call.
-Don't I know it. -That's okay.
Together we are going to show them how brilliant you are.
I am loving the sound of this.
And you know what?
It's whatever the lieutenant governor wants, all right?
Let's go get this, friend.
Oh, girl, it is on!
I see you still drink a lot after you get home.
How much have you had?
Shots, Bitches Governor!
Oh, my bad. Ms. Lieutenant Governor.
-Bye. -I love you, boo.
Yes! Oh, I love my friends.
Yeah, who is that?
Girl, who was that?
Shh! It was me.
-With the deep voice? -Yes.
Girl, do you need some estrogen cream? Is everything okay?
I am fine.
Okay, well, bitch, I thought Michael was in here.
He is not. Would you stop with that?
Why you got me up so early?
We need to get to the Capitol building early.
I don't want to wake the kids.
Them kids ain't up. You got me up earlier than Jesus' alarm clock.
Okay, yes, because we need to hurry up and get out of here.
-I feel like we're committing a crime. -We're just going to work.
Okay. Girl, we just got in. I barely had time with my man.
Please, don't. Look, we got to go. Let's go.
-Girl… -Shh!
-Can you cut the lights on? -It's enough light.
Um, you are not at the age where you need to be falling.
Hey… Why do you keep acting like I'm my mother?
Just put on a light.
No. Basil's jacket is right there. That's enough light to lead the way.
-What's that supposed to mean? -God, you scared me!
-Where are you going? -I just left. Where'd you come from?
-It's 5:00. Why are you whispering? -On our way to the Capitol building.
-I know what this is about. -What?
-You're trying to avoid them kids. -I am not!
-You are! -I'm not!
They are resting, and I just need to get to work.
-Lola! -Oh my God!
-You're going to wake them up! -We're already up.
Hi, angel.
Girl, she is not no angel.
-What are you doing up so early? -You've been avoiding us.
-I have not. -Yes, you have.
-No, I haven't. -Definitely have.
I've just been working.
You've been leaving early and coming home really late.
So that you don't have to talk about what we saw in that video.
-I don't know what you're talking about. -At least admit that it was you.
-In booty shorts? -I don't--
We used to call them Daisy Dukes back in the day.
With a booty hanging out the bottom of them, and you…
-That's exactly what they were. -That was not me.
They said "booty shorts" on the back of them.
"Booty" on your left cheek, "shorts" on your right cheek, jiggling in the camera.
-Well, technically she got you there. -What?
-They did say "booty shorts." -Don't--
It's okay. Just tell them the truth.
Okay. Fine.
Maybe it was kind of me.
-I'm ruined. -I know. I'm so sorry, guys.
You tell me what I can and can't wear, and you're wearing that on a video?
I was older than you. I was in college already.
So when I get to college, I can wear them?
Absolutely not.
-Why not? -They kind of out of style.
-I don't know why you want to wear them. -Why would you want to?
I don't, but I would like the freedom to express myself anyway.
-Jesus. -Maybe I want to be like you, Mom.
-Just like you were in Freaknik. -Please don't say that word.
-What does that mean anyway? -I don't know what--
It's two… It's two words between freak and nik--
Basil, don't.
Guys, I have a big day at work.
Just let me go to work, and we will talk about this when I get home, okay?
Yeah, and when will that be?
But you are not wearing anything like that ever.
-Get it out your mind. -Okay, I get it.
All right. See y'all.
Did you tell the governor that I wanted to see him?
-Yes, but he has a busy schedule. -Of course he does.
And then he has that press conference about the pipeline.
-Mm-hmm. Okay. -And he'd like to talk to you before that.
-Okay. What time is that? -Well, it's all in your schedule.
I will check. Great. Thank you.
-May I ask you a question? -Sure.
Who are these folks in the hallway?
Oh, candidates.
Hmm. Candidates for…
Candidates for your job, Henry.
Yep, that's how it's going. Thank you. Have a good day.
I'm sorry. She's very busy.
Hmm. Are you serious?
Um, yeah, I'm serious.
Okay. Well, she just can't replace me.
I was appointed by the governor.
Okay, well, maybe you need to check up on how this works,
'cause she absolutely just replaced you.
Is this a race thing?
Excuse me?
Is it you don't like me because I'm not Black?
Yes, this is a race thing.
This is about the race to the top.
And I don't care what color you are, I just find you really annoying.
-So, bye-bye. -Is there a problem?
-Mm-mm, no. Can I show you to your office? -Absolutely.
Hi, I'm Kelly, Ms. Dunkerson's new chief of staff.
Mm… No, I'm the chief of staff.
-Mm… I do believe you've been dumped. -Hey, what is going on?
I'm sorry, he a little slow. You'll get used to it.
Okay, you know what, I'm gonna go talk to the manager.
-You do that. -You do that, Karen.
-Of course I can wait. No problem. -Jed.
-Yeah, hey, I'm on the phone. -This is important.
I said I'm on the phone.
This is personal, important business for the governor. You need to wait.
Yeah, hi, sweetheart. Mm-hmm.
Can I get a pepperoni, please, and a salad?
-Are you kidding me right now? -Thank you.
Have a good day. Bye now.
-What is wrong? -She just fired me.
-She can't do that. -Well, she just did. You know she can.
-The governor's gonna be pissed. -You need to talk to him.
Okay, I will. Mm… As soon as my lunch gets here.
No, no. This is urgent.
All right now, you need to relax.
Rest assured she doesn't have any power.
The governor likes you, I like you. You can't be replaced.
-You… You like me? -Of course, but not like that.
Well, I didn't mean like that.
But I tell you, she's interviewing people
to replace everyone the governor's appointed. Even you.
Oh, whatever.
You don't believe me? Look out in that hallway right now.
Henry, you are wasting my time.
I will look in this hallway, but there is nothing to see.
-Oh, shit. Is that Kelly Washington? -Mm-hmm. Kelly Washington, yes.
-She got the mayor of Jackson in office. -First it's me, then it's you.
Okay, calm down.
I'll let the governor know as soon as he gets in.
This is urgent.
-They're cleaning out my desk as we speak. -Okay.
There are things I do not want them to see!
Deep breath.
-I'm the chief of staff! -You need to take a pill.
I'm gonna handle this. I got a plan.
-Trust me. -You owe me.
-Thank you. -I like you.
Thank you. I like you too. Please leave the office now.
-He's good too. I like him. -I think we're creating the dream team.
Mm.
And not a moment too soon.
Henry, what did we say about you knocking?
On the other side of the door, Henry.
-Hmm… -Hmm…
Hmm.
Come on in.
-The governor would like to see you. -Okay, great.
Yes, and please be ready for the press conference.
I am ready.
-Okay, great. -Great.
Everyone in motion?
Absolutely.
Okay.
-Meet you at the press conference. -Okay.
So, do you think we need to go with you just in case he tries to kill you?
No. I am raising two teenagers and been through a divorce.
I got this.
-I can handle him. -You know you my shero, right?
Mine too, girl. I'm so proud of you.
We are too.
I know, it's like… girl.
But you do know he white?
-I got it. -She got it.
-I'm good. -But you know I'm packing, so…
Oh, thank you, guys.
-There you go. -First press conference.
-Yep. -You got it!
-Thank you. -Go Nette.
-Yes! -Shit, you better walk, bitch.
Hey!
-Really? -Whoo!
-Thank you. Mm-hmm. -Of course.
Governor, the lieutenant governor is here to see you.
Well, of course.
-Hello. -Hello.
-You look lovely this morning. -Well, thank you.
-Love the color on you. -Hmm. Me too.
I mean the dress.
I was pretty sure that's what you meant.
I wouldn't want you thinking I was being insensitive.
No, not you.
Uh, yes. Now, where…
Wh… Where was that speech? It's…
Oh, here it is. Here it is.
Here you go.
Ah. This is a speech for me?
Yes, it's a speech about the pipeline
-for the press conference today. -Got ya.
Now, I'll start it off, and then you just follow along
and agree with everything I say.
Hmm.
But I didn't write this.
Nobody writes their own speeches. Just read it.
Mm… I'm not so sure about that, Governor.
-Tell me something. -Mm-hmm.
What got you into politics?
Well, being an attorney, I defended a lot of kids in this state,
and I just wanted to be more helpful.
They just made bad decisions, you know? We all make mistakes.
And you think by being here, that'll do it?
I sure hope so, sir.
You sure are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
-Sorry? -Well, you mean well, honey,
but politics doesn't.
Well, I think I can make a difference.
That's cute.
Okay.
So, ah… You ready for the press conference?
Yes, I am ready,
but, you know, I haven't completely read this speech yet, so--
Don't worry about it.
Just follow along.
-Well, Governor-- -Come on. Giddy up. Giddy, up.
Waiting on you.
Okay.
Hello, everybody!
I just have to tell you how excited I am
to be joined here today by our new lieutenant governor.
Now, I know we're in different parties,
but the people of Mississippi have spoken,
and I tell you what, you sure do have a sense of humor.
Well, 36.1% of you do, anyway.
Isn't that the Black population of Mississippi?
Me and her, can you believe that?
Lieutenant Governor Dunkerson.
Now, I want you to know that I have met her lovely family,
and I got to tell you, her mother is hysterical.
That man just met me one time. He don't know nothing about me.
-Ms. Cleo-- -Don't shush me, Kelly.
Reminds me of the woman who raised me, Miss Lulabelle.
Is he serious?
She was so sweet.
We let her live on our land until the day she died.
But she had to work, though.
Now, I just want you to know
that this is going to be so good for our state.
This little lady is a very bright,
very intelligent young lady.
I mean, she is articulate,
surprisingly, who has so much to offer.
And I am extremely delighted
that we're going to be able to have some new blood in these halls.
Now, before I turn this over to our new lieutenant governor,
I want to talk to y'all a minute about the pipeline.
Now, our lieutenant governor went and met with several churches in the area,
and that pipeline got pushed right on through,
'cause she knows what this means to our state.
And even more so,
because of the colored of community that she came out of.
What is he talking about?
Oh, the community of color.
Now, uh, I'm going to turn this over at this time
to your new lieutenant governor,
Antoinette Dunkerson.
But I call her Nettie.
One second.
There you go.
Thank you. Oh.
Uh, thank you.
Thank you all so much. Thank you, Governor.
I must say that it is my whole heart's desire
to support this cabinet
and to do what is best for this great state that we all call home.
I am looking forward to being the voice of not only the people of Mississippi
who are always counted,
but also being a voice for those who are often overlooked.
With that being said, I think there's been a misunderstanding.
My office has not authorized
or promoted the advancement of the pipeline…
-He looks mad. This going to be good. -…going through the Donaldsonville area.
I actually spoke with the governor about possibly moving that pipeline
just two miles to the north
in order so that it only goes through farmland,
and therefore will not have to uproot any of our families in Mississippi.
And I said that that couldn't work.
But we also said that we would talk about that.
No, we didn't.
Yes, we did.
I don't recall that.
Oh, I do. I do.
Well, let's just go and discuss that now, shall we?
Sure. Let's do that.
Governor, Ms. Dunkerson made it clear that she is opposed to several of your agendas,
like the Vib Lora chemical plant's new location.
With this pipeline, how will you two address that?
-Excuse me. There you go, sir. -Sorry.
Well, now…
-We will do what is best for the state. -Absolutely.
Ms. Dunkerson, are you still opposed to the plant and pipeline?
Yes, I--
Well, that plant will provide over 4,000 jobs for the community.
Yes, but there are also concerns about the pollutants.
Well, now, that's an EPA issue.
And they have assured us that those towers won't be harmful.
I would like to hear from the lieutenant governor on this.
Well, there's no need, because she stands with me on every issue.
Just a little lower.
It doesn't seem that way.
-Lieutenant Governor… -Yes.
…this plant is proposed to be built within four blocks
of the neighborhood you grew up in.
The neighbors have been rallying. Your thoughts?
That is right. I support the… Excuse me, Governor. Let me just…
There we go. Thank you.
Um, and just as this pipeline has to be reconsidered,
my office is also looking into reconsidering the plant.
And lose all those jobs for the state?
Looks like a house divided.
Well, no… Excuse me, Governor. Okay, just…
Um, no, actually, I am sure that the governor and I will,
you know, have disagreements about many things.
But the one thing that we do agree on
is doing what's best for our great state.
That is why
the plant is providing all those jobs.
We do need to understand--
Now, we are getting along just fine.
Well, thank you, everybody,
but, uh, me and this brilliant lady,
we have a lot on our agenda today,
so we're going to be stepping on.
So, thank you.
Thank you all so much. Thank you.
-Ooh, he mad. He look mad. -Yep.
-Jed! -Yes, sir?
Get me my antacids.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
-The whole damn bottle! -Yes, sir. Right back.
One second. Here we come.
You…
-Yes. -Here you go, sir.
Well, I think that went well.
Thank you so much for all the kind things you said about me, Governor.
Bullshit! It's all damn bullshit! I take it all back!
Okay. Excuse me, sir?
And what is this about a lawsuit?
Oh, Governor.
No, what in the hell are you doing? Do you know where you are?
I do.
I don't think so.
I am very aware of where I am.
It don't seem that way, and I don't think you know why you're here.
I am here to serve the people of Mississippi, sir.
Those men out there in the lobby are furious!
Well, they can all just calm down and come talk with us.
We should all be in the planning together.
You are just a figurehead, darling.
There's no need for you to go into all that.
All you are doing is overseeing the votes of Congress.
That's it!
So all this outspoken bullshit that you got away with
as a councilwoman, it don't work here.
I am the governor, and don't you ever forget it, little lady.
You just enjoy doing what I tell you to do.
-And one more thing. -Yes?
Rule number one.
-Yes? -Never…
Never outshine the master!
Wow.
"Never outshine the master."
That's what I said.
Got it. That's what I heard.
Oh, don't you dare try and make it sound that way.
Don't you dare!
I'm just taking you at your own word, Governor.
I get it.
You know what your problem is?
That I find that term offensive? Is that what it is?
Oh, and why is that?
You just don't get it, do you?
Oh, no, I know why you find it offensive.
But that's because you're Black.
-Yes, I am. -But I say that all the damn time!
Well, perhaps you should be more thoughtful in what you say, sir.
Are you challenging me, young lady?
I am not. Not at all. I represent you, sir.
Good! That's wise.
And I think it would be wise for you to respect me too.
What are you saying?
I am saying, respect me as I have been respecting you, sir.
I have sat here for weeks and done nothing
but what you have asked me to do,
and have nothing to do with making this state better!
Ooh, I get it.
Okay.
You think all this stuff is beneath you.
I did not say that. And I do not think that.
Do you know how much shit that I had to shovel?
How many pigs I had to call?
How many things I had to do that I didn't want to do
just to become governor?
-Maybe that's your problem. -Hmm.
You don't want to do the grunt work.
I do not mind doing hard work, sir.
I don't mind doing what I have to do.
I am a very intelligent woman, sir,
who has a lot to give to all of these situations
that can help our state be better, sir!
That is why I'm here!
I can assist you in things that you cannot learn
on a stat card, sir.
I cannot tell you about what goes on on farms,
but I can tell you what goes on in my neighborhood,
and they are both equally important, sir!
Equally important!
You need to get out of my office!
I will.
And you need to tell whoever filed that lawsuit to drop it.
That is not going to happen, sir,
until we all sit down in a room to discuss it.
You are really pushing me, lady.
I don't mean to push you, sir. I don't.
I only mean to be seen and to be heard.
I am hearing you.
Now you are.
Young lady--
Sir, I will be down the hall in my office if you need me.
Sir, should I dab you? Come on, now. Take a seat.
Sit down. Come on, sit down. It's okay.
How'd it go?
-I am feeling good, y'all. -That's what's up. That's what's up.
I am feeling good. I just went in there and I told him how I felt.
-I didn't bite my tongue about nothing! -Yes!
That's my girl!
I told him everything on my mind.
He tried to throw me off my game.
-It felt good. -Sis, sis…
-What? -This don't look good.
-No, it felt good. It was fantastic! -This don't look…
-What? What's wrong?
-Turn around. -Wait…
This is your fault!
Somebody call an ambulance!
Girl, did you just kill the damn governor?
I didn't mean to.