Beyond The Gates Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
You didn’t wrong me. You are helping to set me free. She says he’s buying a house for his elderly mother. Joey Armstrong’s mother died last year. You lied because you underestimated me. I don’t want anything between us. What is it gonna take to get you out of my damn life? I’m thinking 50 stacks ought to cover it. He agreed to give you money? He practically begged me to take it. VERNON: And that is why we must always fight. No, that’s not right. And that is why we must always resist. [groans] It’s not working. These words just aren’t coming like they used to. Well, I don’t know. Sounds pretty good to me. [chuckles] I didn’t know that I had an audience. And I didn’t know you had a speech coming up. You’re already so busy teaching civics at Banneker, I hope you’re not overextending yourself. Well, speeches like this are how we ex-senators keep our wives in the finery to which they’ve grown accustomed. Oh, so this is a paid engagement. Mm. Well, in that case, let me lend you a hand. [both laughing]
[blows landing]
[grunting] No! [panting]
Martin…
Get away! What’s wrong? Oh, Eva. I didn’t realize you were out here waiting. The insurance information you asked for. Thank you. You’re always so on top of things. You know what? While you’re here, I have somebody I’d like you to meet. Laura. Eva here has been holding it down while you have been in recovery. And, Eva, Laura is who you temporarily replaced after that horrible accident. It’s so nice to finally put a face to the name. I’ve heard great things. Tell me you had nothing to do with that crash. What the…? Ted. What are you doing here?
You scared the mess out of me.
[scoffs] You thought you were the only one that can creep up on someone, huh? Two can play that game. Oh, hell no. What is this? I followed you. That’s what this is. I was in the neighborhood, and I saw you coming out of that drug store in Takoma Park. You’ve been all up in my business about our little affair back in the day, trying to get up under my skin. How does it feel now that the shoe is on the other foot? I’m warning you. I will scream so loud, they’ll hear me all the way in PG County. [chuckles] Go ahead. I don’t give a damn. You will once the boys in blue show up. Especially after they see this poor, helpless, defenseless woman give a performance worthy of Viola Davis. Hmm. Bravo. [chuckles] I’ve spent all my life raising my kids, building my practices. I’ve earned my respect. So it will be the word of a well-respected gentleman versus whatever you are. Here. This is every penny that you ask for. Now we can avoid a mutually assured destruction. You can take this and leave. For good. MARTIN: I thought I was alone. All I knew, you could have been some thug trying to break in or something. Do I look like a burglar to you, Martin? No, but you are dangerously debonair, and my husband can charm his way into any house. Now I don’t know whether to be flattered or annoyed. At what? You. You’re trying to change the subject. Look, when I got in, you were knocked out. You were peaceful. It reminded me of the old days when I’d catch you napping, making campaign signs. So I figured I’d let you sleep and I would get some work done myself. Work? So you already have a story you’re digging into? We’ll get to that. Samantha and Tyrell are visiting your grandparents. Which means that… We have some time to ourselves. And how do you suggest we spend it? As much as I would love to reconnect in other ways, we have some things to talk about. First, how our son is being bullied. And what we plan to do about it. I’m stuck. Usually these speeches flow, but this one for the August 28th Foundation has me all tripped up. Oh, so why don’t you hit up Stu or Jason or any other of your old speechwriters? You know, nobody gets my voice quite like you do. Remember how you used to help me polish them up? Huh? In your dressing room? Between shows at the Apollo? Oh, yes. And I’ve kept you sharp ever since. You think you can work your magic again? Well, what parts are you having trouble with? [sighs] All of them. I’m trying to weave together several thoughts.
Listen to this.
Mm-hmm. In life we sometimes encounter those who wish us ill. How we handle those moments can define us. When it comes to bullies, you have to stand up to them. Otherwise, they win. Well, if it isn’t the pride and joy of the Dupree clan. Get in here. To what do we owe the pleasure? No extracurriculars today, so we thought we’d slide through. Hope we’re not killing your vibe. Oh, please. You know you are always welcome. Hey, great-grandson. What happened to your face? This? Nah, it’s nothing. Just ate on my bike. [phone buzzes] Samantha, is everything okay? Yeah, just, uh, student government stuff. Anything I can help with? It’s not that deep. But, Gran, didn’t you have some poetry in your library you wanted to show me? I have to pick some to analyze for AP English. [gasps] That’s right. Langston Hughes. “Hold fast to dreams “For if dreams die “Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.” That’s mad beautiful, Gran. I’m not in AP English, but Langston Hughes sounds like the truth. Mind if I cop one, too? Yes. Now, what is the lingo these days? Um, oh, that’s right. Say less. Two copies of The Weary Blues coming right up. Follow me. You ready to do battle?
We beefing?
Chess, son. Last time you were here, you mopped the floor with me. I’ve been itching for a rematch. Bet. Just don’t get all salty when you lose again, OG. [laughs] Come on. What happened with Tyrell? Well, I went to the kids’ school and I did some quiet recon. Tell me you didn’t talk to any students. That’s the last thing Tyrell would want. No, I didn’t go to his school and talk to his friends about it. I had a casual chat with the secretary about the D.C. United midfield, and then I exchanged recipes with the security officer. My husband the reporter. Always digging. A little to the right. I’d rather let somebody volunteer information than have them feel like I’m grilling them. Yeah, you’re smart like that. Thanks, mate. And? Well, there is some buzz about a couple fights that led to suspensions. My sources didn’t give me any names, and I didn’t want to reveal why I was asking, but… as far as I can tell, it had nothing to do with Tyrell. What about the school’s social media? Kids aren’t posting anywhere they think that parents can see. They have ways of locking down their chats, keeping them out of reach. Kids are pros at flying below the radar. And Tyrell is good at keeping to himself. He’s not good at the social game. Unlike his politically savvy pops. We can’t risk the possibility of our kid getting seriously hurt. I need to march right up at that school. Someone needs to be held accountable. [sighs] Nicole hyped you up so much, I was afraid I might not have a job to come back to. Oh, I’m sure that’s not true. Knock, knock. Hello.
Hey.
How you doing?
Hey, Nicole.
Hello.
My baby. How are you feeling?
Better lately. Thanks for asking. Wait, I don’t understand. I thought your surgery was a while ago. It was. I just had a little follow-up procedure, and I’ll be out tomorrow and back to work soon.
That’s– that quick?
Yes. [giggles] Sorry for the short notice. Uh, no, it’s all good. I knew this gig wasn’t forever. I’m just blessed I got to be a part of the family for as long as I did. Uh, Eva, do you have the original paperwork that went with this? I need to compare the changes. I don’t, but it’s on my work laptop at my apartment. I can go print it for you. If you could, that’d be great. I need a hard copy, and you could drop it by the house later.
All right.
Okay. Oh, it was dope meeting you. I hope you bounce back quick.
Thank you.
EVA: I’m heading home now. Bye. Now listen closely ’cause I’m only gonna say this once. I’m all ears, Teddy. That’s it. The well is dry. And stop circling my family like a vulture. Cut the theatrics and leave. Well, that is easier said than done, Ted. I mean, my lease isn’t up for at least another, uh, year. $50K is more than enough for multiple leases and enough for a fresh start somewhere else. [scoffs] It’s not like you got any kids tying you down. I’m sorry, Dana. I didn’t,
I didn’t mean…
No. Save it. You never were good at apologies. Look, this is it. I have my lawyer on speed dial, and trust me, you don’t want another round with him. Right, right. Your, uh, your attack dog. Yeah. I’m still surprised that he didn’t drag me down to the abortion clinic himself to make sure you got what you wanted. What he wanted. I didn’t know anything about that. Well, isn’t ignorance bliss? All I want now is what’s coming to me. I paid you once already. Why I’m paying you again, I guess I’ll never know. I’ll do it! [chuckles] You’ll leave? If that’s your ultimatum, then yes. Damn, that was easier than I thought. You want to count it? You want to make sure it’s all there? I don’t need any… Uh… Whew. Well, how about… we just call your little missus over here and… we can all count it together?
Hmm?
Look, Dana. Oh, come on, Teddy. I mean, you know, we can make a-a party out of it, right? Mm. Should I call Nicki? Or should you? Well, chess master. Are you ready for me to reclaim my crown? Gramps, you sure you want to go through this again? Thought you’d be tired of losing by now. Boy, one of these days I’m gonna surprise you. I’ve been practicing with my computer. You learned how to turn it on all by yourself? [laughing] Watch it now. Yeah, I may not have beaten you at chess yet, but your dads still listen to me when it comes to your curfew. Jokes, Gramps, I’ve been studying, and I have some new moves I wanted to show you. Ah, new moves are good. Oldies are better. Samantha, you are going to love The Sweet Flypaper of Life. It’s a hidden gem of the Harlem Renaissance. Never heard of it. Oh, it’s a masterpiece of simplicity and emotional truth. Roy DeCarava’s photographs paired with Langston’s poetry. Your paper will practically write itself. [chuckles] Oh, a rematch. And this one could go the distance. Sweetheart, do you mind grabbing us some drinks, please? Your wish is my command. [Anita chuckles] [phone buzzes] Nice one, OG. Slow down. You are a loving, protective parent, and our kids adore you for it. But going in there without all the facts could backfire. As opposed to letting the bullying continue. Yeah, you going in there all guns a-blazing, you could humiliate Tyrell and cause him to shut down. Consider this, at this stage, a investigative committee of two.
Fine.
We’re just gathering intel. I’ll follow your lead, but we shouldn’t wait too long. Agreed. Now we need to talk about… I completely forgot. We were going to talk about your hot new assignment. About the influencer. Okay. Um… Well, a few years ago, a beauty influencer was exposed for using his popularity to groom underage kids. Whoa. Was he charged? Only in the court of public opinion. They couldn’t pin anything on him except for a couple sketchy DMs, but he did lose a lot of brand deals. Well, at least that was some justice. From what I’m picking up, though, this may be part of a bigger pattern. There might be a whole network of influencers who are abusing their platforms. [scoffs] Abuse and corruption hidden by smiles and clout. Sounds like every day on Capitol Hill to me. You and I know that people aren’t necessarily what they seem, but kids, they don’t have the same guardrails up when it comes to their favorite social media personalities. That’s a good angle. Chelsea might have some insight, too. You’re right. I was gonna talk to her after the fashion show. Looks like you’re on a good track.
Want to have a drink?
Not so fast. We still need to talk about why you thought I was a burglar. Ted and I can’t wait to have you back at 100%. The office just isn’t the same without you. I am so ready to get back to normal. Amen to that. But I’d be a whole lot more comfortable if they’d caught that fool on the motorcycle who ran you off the road, turned around, and drove by yet again. Wait, the hit-and-run driver came back? I didn’t know about this. Yeah, Jacob told me that they came back, took another look at my car, kept going. Just makes my blood boil. I don’t know what’s wrong with people these days. How do you cause an accident, turn around for a second look, and not bother to help? There are definitely some questionable people out there, to say the least. For the last time, leave my wife out of this. That’s rich, Ted. [chuckles] You involved her the moment that you decided to play house with me on the side. And then you tossed me out like yesterday’s tabloids. Tabloids? Much more like a New York TimesBest Seller. Do you forget the hefty advance that I gave you on your way out? You know what I mean. What we had was real. You got me pregnant. But you just had to keep your little perfect life intact. I made a mistake. I admit that. I will always regret how I betrayed Nicole and my family. That’s all you care about? What about the family that you threw away with me? You’re right. I regret the pain that I caused you. I should have never let you think that I was gonna leave Nicole for you. But I still see the pain. I see you hurting. But I will not let you destroy what me and my wife have built. Not now. Not after all that we’ve done. I did my best to set you up back then. You came back for more. Now, when I walk out of that door, this needs to be the last time that I ever see you again. And if it’s not? Don’t try me, Dana. I don’t want to keep threatening you. I don’t. But my threats are not empty. And I will do whatever it takes to protect my family. What’s got you spooked? Uh, I look spooked because… how, for the life of me, I actually ended up with someone as arrogant and entitled as you? I’m not here to rehash ancient history. I’m here to bury it. Some free advice. Make sure that lasts. Because that’s gonna be the last dime that you get from me. What you will see is a world of hurt. And that’s not a threat, Dana. It’s a promise.
What the hell, Mom?
[sighs] He tracked me down. Thought he could intimidate me. Joke’s on him. What if he comes back? What if he sees me? He won’t. He won’t be back. He thinks he’s washed his hands of me. Especially after I told him that I would agree to leave town. You did? I had to get him out of here somehow. But don’t you worry. We’re playing by our rules, not his. We’ll lay low for now, let Ted think he’s won. And then, at the big anniversary bash, when he least expects it, we’ll make our move. Something on your mind, Samantha? Uh, just thinking about all the studying on my plate.
Ah.
Uh, but these books are great.
Thanks for loaning them.
Oh, you’re welcome.
What in the world?
What happened?
Checkmate, Gramps.
[Anita chuckles] VERNON: You got me in eight moves? But how? I knew you’d bite down on the bishop. You were gassed up, thinking you had me. But I had you right where I wanted you. [Anita laughs] Well, I must say, I am impressed. We should head home before our dads start calling. Oh, well, okay. Come see us again soon.
All right?
VERNON: Thanks, grandson. Don’t forget your books. All right, baby. Take good care.
We will.
ANITA: All right.
Love you guys.
Love you, too.
Love you.
Love you.
Get home safely.
We will. All right. And tell your dads we said hello.
Don’t look at that yet.
What? Why? I don’t want you to spaz out, but… you’re blowing up the school feed. Are we just gonna ignore what I asked? How am I supposed to address something that I don’t even understand? You startled me earlier. I thought someone broke in. What’s complicated? This isn’t the first time that you’ve been like this, especially with those dreams you’ve been having. Remember our talk about being open and honest? I thought we were in a good place. We are in a good place. You’re making something out of nothing. Are we? Because it still feels like you’re holding something back. What are you implying? [sighs] Look at Tyrell. When things get tough, he, he clams up. He holds it all inside, and, and I can’t help but wonder… Wonder what? How much of that he gets from you.
So this is my fault?
That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just sick and tired of answering all of your questions over and over again. Honestly, I’m-I’m sick of it. Look, I can see that you’re getting worked up. Why don’t you try some of those breathing exercises that we’ve been practicing? I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I need some air. [giggles] This is wild. I’ve never seen this much money in real life. And it’s just the beginning. Look, I get it. You like having power over Ted for once, making him literally pay for what he did to us. I wanted that, too. But isn’t this enough? Eva, it’s not just about the money, honey. It’s about blowing up his perfect little family and carving out a place for you in it. But what if it blows up on us instead? What if Ted decides to come clean to Nicole before you can humiliate him? [scoffs] You think he’d have given me 50 stacks if he was planning to do that? No. Trust me, I know what I’m doing. All right? We just have to stay the course. Everything I do, I do out of love for you. Okay? Now I am going to go, and we’ll talk more later. Hmm? You always come first with me. Mm-hmm. Mwah. Martin, I didn’t hear you come in. Samantha and Tyrell were here, and Tyrell just whooped Granddad… Martin says he needs to talk. What’s going on? I’ve been having dreams. About that night? It’s getting worse, more frequent and more vivid. And Smitty, he’s noticing. Well, everyone has nightmares. There’s nothing suspicious about that. It’s not just nightmares. It’s consuming me. Smitty and I just had a fight. He keeps pushing and asking questions.
What have you told him?
Just that I’m stressed. But he’s not buying it anymore. And I don’t know how much longer I can keep it up. It’s, like, eating me alive. Work, family, this secret– it all just adds up. It’s like a weight that is crushing me, and it feels like I can’t breathe. That should tell you something. What are you saying? I should come clean about that night? This is so messed-up. I had no idea some asshat was taking a picture of me. In my stupid chessboard underwear… for the whole entire school to make fun of. Now it’s in a loop with this wack-ass beat. Everyone’s having a field day clowning me. Stuff like this blows up for a minute, and then everyone moves on. It won’t last. Nah, this one has legs. I can feel it. And I know what you’re thinking– that we should tell our dads, since they might see it. But school has a closed network. They’ll never come across it. But what if a teacher does? They might have to report it. They might let it ride. Right? Mind their business. It’s kind of in their job description to look out for us. You can’t tell our dads. Or them. Promise. I mean, look at the comments. They’re clowning me like it’s some sport. When you hit college, this won’t even be a thing. You get a clean slate. That’s forever from now. Stop torturing yourself. You’re better than this stupid photo. I can’t help it. I need to see what they’re saying. What who’s saying? I mean, if I was Vanessa, I would have been out, no questions asked. Hello? Earth to Ted. Are you with me? Of course. Vanessa. [chuckles] What about her? Well, um, we’ve been having some behavioral issues over at the clinic. It’s been on my mind all day. Oh, it’s all right. I was just saying, Vanessa thinks she’s figured out this whole mess with Joey Armstrong.
Oh, yeah?
She called him out for lying about buying a house for his mom. You know, the one that you mentioned isn’t even alive. What did he say about that? Some convincing story that Vanessa bought. And you’re not convinced? Not one bit. It’s unsettling knowing that someone you love is mixed up with somebody so shady. So… what’s the latest dish up at Fairmont Crest? Mrs. Eldridge was three sheets to the wind before noon. I heard the poor server nearly dropped his tray of champagne when she was going off about her poor husband’s blue pills not working anymore.
[laughs] That’s good.
[laughs] Sorry for being late. I was at the hospital. What’d I miss? Oh, just another episode of… As the Country Club Turns. What hospital?
I hope everything’s all right.
Oh, I’m fine. I was visiting Laura. That, uh, poor girl that worked for Nicole. Oh. Well, I-I hope she recovers from that awful accident. It was just a follow-up to her orthopedic surgery. The good news is, she’ll be out tomorrow
and back at work soon.
Mm. JAN: Good for her. MONA: Not so good for Eva, though. She’s been on point, but I guess she knew it would always be temporary. Mm. We were just peeping the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef. Everyone’s going in on it. Yeah, but we should probably leave it alone and get on our homework grind. How is your brother doing since his bike accident? You saw. His bruises are fading pretty quick. Well, falls like that, they can sometimes hurt on the inside, too. Kids from school, they saw him wipe out, right? Is anybody giving him a hard time about it? Not that I heard of. Okay. I’m just, I’m worried about Tyrell, is all. He didn’t want to talk about it the other night. You worry too much. [sighs] I am definitely not advising you to come clean about what happened. Nobody in this room thinks that that can end well for any of us. Least of all you. Your grandfather is just talking about your future. We just want you to think this through. My nightmares and plans for higher office are completely unrelated. VERNON: How can you be so sure? You were wondering why the memory of what happened suddenly got worse. This might be the answer staring you right in the face. What happened was terrible. But to have it exposed, for this secret to come out, will be worse than any bad dreams for you, your family, your children. I love my family. And I’ll never do anything intentionally to hurt them. Then consider what Granddad is saying. You could be having these dreams now because your gut is at war with your ambition. [scoffs] It’s not a naked ambition. I live every day knowing who I was named for and the legacy Granddad left us. I want to do good and make a difference– more than I can in Congress. Continue what you started. I hear you, Martin. I do. But don’t destroy yourself in the process. I don’t even know why I came over. I just needed a breather from Smitty. You all should be eating dinner soon. I should go. No, no, stay. Eat with us. No, I’m due at home.
I’ll let myself out.
ANITA: Martin. I have fear, Vernon. Fear that this isn’t going to end any other way than terribly. Look who I found lurking around our front doorstep. Thank you for making the extra trip. No trouble. I actually like having a reason to come back. Your house really feels like a home. And knowing Laura’s getting better, I guess my time enjoying all this is coming to an end. Boy, I’ll tell you, if I had something like this, I’d sure fight like hell to hold onto it. Well, I’ll leave you both to your evening. I’ll see you in the morning, Nicole. Good night. I know I say this often, but Eva has been such a find. Laura deserves to have her job back, but I sure wish we didn’t have to lose Eva. Do we? What do you mean? Between my practice and charity work, I’m busier than ever. Would it be so terrible to have two personal assistants? I better run. I want to say good night to Laura before visiting hours wrap up. Mm, right behind you. Leslie? Oh, you two go ahead. I’m gonna sit here and savor this wonderful coffee. Until next time, then. Take care, Leslie. [sighs] Well, sounds like the words are flowing more easily. I don’t know why. I can’t help worrying about Martin. But I did finally manage to land on what I’m trying to communicate. You want to hear it? I could listen to you give speeches all day long. That’s not how they felt about it in the Senate. [both laughing]
But here goes.
Okay. It is in times of turmoil that it is most important to go back to our roots and to remember those guiding principles that have always served us so well. Service, charity, justice. But most of all, love, life, family. Because family is the bedrock. It is the bar. The things we wish for and hope for for ourselves must also fit like a glove into that realm. We carry those we love with us on our backs, as they carry us upon theirs. Because we can never forget. When they struggle, we struggle. We must understand and never forget, struggle is a part of life. Sometimes it comes from us, from outside. And sometimes it’s a struggle of our own making. But whatever it is and whatever its source, it must be met head-on if we are to preserve that which is most dear to us. Sometimes we’re confused. We set ourselves on a course to meet that struggle, only to find our direction is wayward. A correction is needed. And we require courage. The courage to admit to this failing and the courage to set our sails to our true north. We can never forget there is real evil in this world. There is ill intent directed at us for any number of reasons. But to truly defeat it, we must examine its origins. Sometimes it’s hurt. Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding or a craving for retribution. But until we truly understand those who harbor those notions, my friends… …they will always have the advantage. They… will… persist.
Back to the BTG Transcripts Page
Back to the Main Daytime Transcripts Page
Back to the Beyond The Gates Main Page
Follow Us!
