Deadly Cheers (2021) - full transcript

Julie, who just moved to a new town, joins the high school cheer team under Coach Allison, who will do everything to cover up a mysterious accident that suffered one of the cheerleaders, even if it means sacrificing her own cheerleaders.

[soft, energetic music]

[woman]

vanessa!

Vanessa, where are you?

[intense music]

We'll find you.

Wherever you go, we'll find you.

Vanessa... I'll find you.

Vanessa, come back!

[pom-poms rustle]

[vanessa] I loved being

captain of the wolf pack...

Until I didn't.

I couldn't remember

how I got to the farm

or why I was there.

I just knew

I needed to get away.

I tried to run, I tried to hide,

but... [screams]

it was no use.

And a few months later...

[cheering, chanting]

They replaced me with you.

[cheering]

I wish I could have warned you.

[soft music]

So much space.

Isn't it great?

A little too great.

How are we gonna afford

all this?

[brianna]

well, the starting salary

for this assistant principal job

at the school district's much

better than the one back home.

And I got a good deal.

Motivated sellers.

Motivated by what?

[brianna] I don't know,

divorce, financial problems?

I mean, for once it's someone

else's loss and my gain.

That's not funny.

[brianna] can you at least

pretend to be excited?

[julie]

sure, it's great.

When did we win the lottery,

mom?

How are we gonna afford

all of this?

Did you even think about that?

Look, mom.

I'm happy you got the new job.

You worked so hard for this.

Taking all those extra classes

at night.

And I know this place is better.

For both of us.

[sentimental music]

When you get into college,

I might actually be able

to afford to send you.

I just miss my friends is all.

- I know, I'm sorry, baby.

- It's okay.

- Was kind of over 'em anyway.

- Is that so?

[julie] I mean, who needs friends

when you have your own bathroom

with two sinks?

[brianna] mine has

a jacuzzi tub and a tv.

- No way.

- Seriously, check it out.

[julie]

so, here's my new room.

Some boxes I need to unpack.

And here's my bed.

[tina]

oh my gosh, it is huge.

Can I come live with you?

I wish.

How was practice today?

[tina sighs]

[tina]

I mean, bad.

We suck without you.

Now show me your closet.

[kelly]

hey!

Hello?

Yo.

Girl.

Do you live here now?

[julie] yeah, me and my

mom, we just moved in and...

[tina]

what was that?

My weird new neighbor, I guess.

I found a pizza place

with some decent reviews.

They don't have meatballs

though.

Sausage?

Okay, plain cheese it is.

[tina] invieƱ me over

for pizza sometime.

Is that you, tina?

[tina] yes, love the

new house, ms. Mckay.

[brianna]

did julie show you the pool?

[tina]

there's a pool?

[julie]

I gotta go. Talk later.

[tina]

bye.

You should invite tina over

to stay for winter break.

It's only three months away.

I'll get her a plane ticket

so she doesn't have to drive.

[phone dings]

Oh, well, I don't know

if this pizza will be any good,

but it'll be here fast.

[reflective music]

All right, we got some pizza.

[julie]

it smells good.

[brianna]

it does smell good.

- Able to get it down.

- All right, so...

[brianna] you have this

one and I'll have this one.

[julie]

did you wash your hands?

It's because I saw you

scrubbing the floor.

[dark music]

[indistinct chatter]

So, should we watch

a movie tonight?

Of course.

What should we watch,

what type of movie? Scary?

[brianna] you know I

can't do scary, honey.

- Why not?

- It's just too much

on my conscience.

I have way too much

on my mind right now.

[soft, tense music]

That's where superintendent

vargas said my office would be.

So let's go.

[brianna] okay, well,

I guess it's over here,

my name's on the door.

Okay.

[soft music]

[cheerleaders chanting]

Just put it on the floor, honey.

[chanting continues]

- Can I go look around?

- Yeah, sure.

Okay, I'll be back.

Purple, black, white.

Wolf pack, let's fight.

[kelly]

let's go again.

- Purple, black, white.

- Are you okay?

You look like

you're in distress.

Do you need an adult or...?

No, I, uh... um...

Are those cheer tryouts?

Um...

[cheerleaders]

purple, black, white.

Sorry... I'm new.

Couldn't tell.

I'm messing with you.

Come on, it doesn't matter

that you're late.

You know, with six state

and 40 national titles,

you would think we'd get

a better turnout than this.

Kelly, found another one.

She was wandering the halls.

Thank god,

'cause this is pathetic.

[dark music]

Do you live here now?

She can't try out.

Not only is she late, her outfit

isn't workout approved.

[lexi] I'm sure she'll

probably change clothes.

I said no.

[julie] I don't think this

is about my clothes.

[allison]

good morning, everyone.

How are we doing today?

Hi, what's your name?

What position

are you trying out for?

Julie mckay, uh, tumbler, flyer.

[allison]

well, all right then.

Let's see what you got,

miss julie.

[intense music]

- Competition.

- Oh, wow.

[lexi] she tumbles

better than the boys.

- Wow, she's amazing.

- She's got it.

[lexi]

woo!

[ricky]

she's amazing.

[applause]

[allison] looks like we just

found our new baby cub.

Practice is every day

at 9:00 a.M. Sharp.

- Don't be late.

- Don't worry, I won't.

[indistinct chatter]

[dr. Russo]

nice view, isn't it?

I trust the accommodation

is suitable.

Well, for now.

Your predecessor

is still vacating.

Principal russo.

I recognize you

from the school website.

Yes, this will work just fine

for now.

[dr. Russo]

superintendent vargas told me

that this is your first year

in administration.

Yes, this is my first year

as an assistant principal,

but I have taught high school

english and sociology

for over 15 years,

and I obtained my master's

- and I...

- I've read your resume.

I just want to know

if you're aware of why you,

above all the highly qualified

candidates

that applied for this position,

were selected.

- I do.

- Do tell.

It was my thesis

on the effects of trauma

- on academic achievement.

- Very impressive.

Superintendent vargas

seemed to believe

that there was a need

for some...

Fresh insight here at wilson.

Fresh insight, hm.

I'm sorry if you were

blindsided by my hiring.

[dr. Russo]

oh, please, please.

[chuckles]

- No.

- Purple, black, white.

The thing is, ms. Mckay...

Wilson high school has a very

lofty reputation to uphold.

If you perused our website,

I'm sure that was

more than apparent.

Your alumni are a list

of very impressive athletes,

olympians.

The championships that this

school has won are unmatched.

[dr. Russo] then I'm sure you

can imagine the powers at play

in such a competitive

environment.

[julie] mom, mom, I made

the cheerleading squad!

Wait, what,

they were having tryouts

- this late in the summer?

- Yeah, I guess

someone dropped out

and they had a spot to fill.

[brianna laughs]

[brianna]

well, what did you do?

[julie] just did some

tumbling and stuff.

[brianna] I'm sorry. Julie, this

is ms. Russo, your principal.

Dr. Russo.

Congratulations to you, julie.

You must be very good to make it

onto our cheerleading team.

I see the two of you

will have no problem

fitting in at wilson.

If there's anything you need,

please feel free

to call my assistant.

Thank you, dr. Russo.

Dr. Russo.

So, tell me all about it.

So I had to tumble

in my socks again.

You're gonna break your ankles

one of these days.

- But I was fine.

- You never listen to me.

Mom, this? Again?

[brianna] honey, that's from

our trip to the beach together.

Do you remember that?

You were only

like four years old

and you peed

right on the beach...

Mom, okay, okay.

[giggling]

[cheerleaders]

purple, black, and white.

Wolf pack, let's fight!

[allison]

great practice, everybody.

B squad, hit the track.

Alpha squad,

meet me in the gym in five.

- Let's go!

- Oh my god, it's julie.

Julie, come here!

- The queen herself.

- Stop.

[ricky] lexi can't stop

talking about you.

[lexi]

it's like I was praying for her

and she just walked

right into our lives.

We're gonna take nationals now

for sure.

What's her problem?

Don't worry about kelly.

We're really not supposed

to talk about it.

Coach is here.

Good morning, everybody.

- How are we doing?

- The best ever!

Wolf pack!

[allison] I woke up with butterflies

in my stomach this morning

because I was so excited

to get here and announce

the newest member

of our wolf pack, miss julie.

I think she's gonna take us

all the way.

J-u-I-e! Julie! Julie!

J-u-I-e!

Julie! Julie!

J-u-I-e! Julie! Julie!

[cheering]

[allison]

so we have about an hour

until I bring

the rest of the team in.

Let's run the routine

from your ripple.

So get into that formation.

And we're gonna go full out.

So, please do your jumps,

your stunts, your tumbling.

And give me smiles, yeah?

All right, here we go.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five,

six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three,

four, five, six...

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

- My shoulder.

[allison] safety first.

Are you girls okay?

[kelly]

well, I'm not.

Now, kelly,

what do I always say?

I'm gonna have to work

on my confidence.

K-e-I-I-y! Kelly!

I don't need confidence!

I need the new girl

to lose 10 pounds.

She almost dislocated

my shoulder.

[allison] whoa there,

missy, you and I need to talk.

Lexi, run the cooldown music.

- That not okay.

- You heard her, everyone.

[ricky]

it's not your fault.

Kelly's shoulder

was already injured.

[lexi] do not listen

to anything she says.

The girl has

some serious issues.

I don't know

what her problem is.

She lives next-door to me.

Wait, you moved into the house

next-door to kelly?

Yeah, why?

Not right now,

but I'll find time

for us to talk about that later.

Come with us to the farm?

Wait, what's the farm?

[lexi] sometimes, after practice,

we'll go work on choreography,

conditioning,

that kind of thing.

But two-a-day practices

are illegal.

That's why they call it

choreography.

[lexi]

and do it off-campus.

You're not some kind

of like cheer narc

or something, are you?

'Cause if you are,

you have to tell me.

- That's like entrapment.

- No, of course not.

Good, 'cause the administration

of this school in insane.

What happens in wolf pack cheer

stays in wolf pack cheer.

Absolutely,

I would never say anything.

[brianna]

why won't you take...

[cell phone ringing]

How was your first day

of practice?

Mm.

So did you do well or...?

[julie] I'm just not in

shape like I need to be.

Honey, you'll get there.

- I fell during a routine.

- I'll be finished up here

in a few and we can talk

about it later.

Um...

Listen, lexi invited me

over to her house

to hang out and listen to music.

Okay, sweetie, just don't

stay out too late, okay?

You have practice in the morning

and you need your sleep.

- Mom, I know.

- I'm proud of you.

- I love you.

- Love you too, mom.

[grim music]

Which one do you think?

We could do something like this.

[cork pops, twinkling sound]

Wait, oh my god.

That's you?

Yeah, and my best friend, tina,

our team choreographer.

[ricky]

these moves are like so insane.

We should have her come

to wilson.

- She would love that.

- I'm gonna grab our bags.

[julie] I mean, we don't

have that many followers.

Besides, it's over now.

But that's okay.

- I'm doing this.

- True.

Wolf pack is all-consuming.

[kids cheering sound effect]

[twinkling sound]

[indistinct chatter]

[lexi]

julie, ricky, come here.

Before we tell you anything

about kelly or what happened,

you have to promise

you cannot tell anybody

that we talked about this, okay?

[ricky] but we have

to tell you, obviously.

- Yeah.

- I promise.

The house that you live in

used to belong to vanessa.

Who's vanessa?

[lexi] she was the

captain before kelly.

She was an absolutely insane

flyer.

She was training to be, like,

an olympic gymnast...

Wait, I thought she was in the

circus or something like that.

No, same thing.

It was big

and it didn't work out,

so her and her family

all pick up from this podunk,

middle-of-nowhere town

that they live in

and come here to try out

for our squad.

She made it, of course,

and we end up winning state.

[ricky]

wolf pack state champs.

Anyways, so, fresh out of state,

bam, vanessa gets injured.

Kelly was her base, dropped her.

[lexi]

and guess who gets made captain?

Kelly... But why?

She doesn't seem like

a team player at all.

[ricky]

she's basically untouchable.

- The administration is...

- Can I tell my story, please?

Okay, thank you.

Anyways, so, vanessa,

she's healing up,

that girl's like made of steel.

[ricky]

well, so we thought.

True, because when nationals

does finally roll around,

vanessa's nowhere to be found.

[ricky]

gone... Nobody can find her.

And we lost... Of course.

[lexi] she's missing,

there's a whole investigation,

the cops are going through

all of her things.

They find her diary.

There's page after page of,

"oh my god, my life is so hard.

There's so much stress.

Cheer is so difficult.

My parents are so hard on me.

I have to be the best

all the time."

- Ugh.

- But don't be so mean about it.

I mean, she did say

how her real dream

was to help sick animals.

- And she was so sweet.

- Whatever.

Her parents sue the school.

Wait, how do you know

all of this?

[lexi] my mom's firm

worked on the case,

so I know everything about it.

So, school decides

to settle out of court.

The family takes

the money and runs.

That's it, they're probably out

there with vanessa right now

living the high life

on our families' donations.

Oh, no,

I don't think that's true.

[lexi] no, like my mom always

says, cui bono, right? Who benefits?

Yeah.

The captain.

[dark music]

[solemn music]

[engine roaring]

[lexi]

and there it is.

[julie] no offense, but that

kind of looks like something

out of a horror film.

You have no idea.

[dogs barking]

[allison]

let's go, wolf pack!

I expect you to show b squad

how it's done.

[cheerleaders]

yes, coach allison!

[allison] someone's always

looking to take your place

if you don't work for it.

[r&b music]

This is where we grow

into champions.

Don't grow too much.

[allison] now, kelly, ain't

nothing wrong with growth.

We need to nurture

our bodies with...

Love!

[allison]

that didn't sound sincere.

We need to nurture our bodies

with what?

- Love!

- Yes.

Good job, edgar, nice smile.

- Can we get some smiles?

- Yes, coach allison!

[allison]

25, 26.

Yes, good job, good form.

Suicides, go!

- Come on, lex.

- Come on, lex.

Good job, victoria.

Go, lexi.

Go, go, go, ricky, let's go!

Push yourselves, guys,

push yourselves!

Come on, julie!

- Great!

- Finish strong,

- finish strong, finish strong.

- Come on, julie!

[ricky]

come on, julie!

- Nice!

- Okay.

- Next time.

- All right, guys, bring it in.

[ricky]

nice job, wolf pack.

[allison]

great job.

I'm really, really proud of you,

so keep pushing

for the rest of the season.

Yeah, maybe this isn't for you.

You should probably quit now.

[allison] you guys go home

and get some rest now.

[clapping]

Go ahead, woo!

Julie, will you help me

clean up?

[indistinct chatter]

[soft music]

Ms. Mckay.

[brianna laughs]

Superintendent vargas.

It's so great to finally

meet you in person.

[vargas] I am glad I

caught you before you left.

- How is everything going?

- Great.

I mean, I don't quite

have the computer system

all worked out yet,

but I figured out

where everything is on campus,

I sent out personal

introduction emails

- to all the teaching staff.

- Okay, great.

- And you feel welcome?

- Mm, for the most part.

Mm, russo.

You mean dr. Russo.

[superintendent vargas sighs]

It's fine, I am just here

for the kids, so...

That is why I hired you, yes.

And everything else,

the move, all good?

Thank you so much, by the way,

- for your help with all that.

- Don't thank me,

thank my staff.

I only hire the best.

But if you need anything,

you just ask, okay?

- Okay.

- It's great to meet you.

You too.

Coach, sorry I couldn't

keep up today.

Are you kidding?

I know how rough this is,

and you did amazing.

I just wanted to say

how blessed we are

to have you on this team.

I also wanted to make sure

you felt comfortable here

and welcomed.

You know, kelly's outburst

earlier was uncalled for

and I talked to her about it.

Her shoulder gives her pain

and she doesn't really know

how to cope with that.

But if you have any issues,

you please be sure

to let me know.

Okay, I will.

But everything's

been great so far.

Um, I have some paperwork

for you.

[soft music]

Wow, is that vanessa?

[allison]

uh-huh, and that's me.

National champions that year.

[julie] whoa, is that

why you get diamonds?

Captains get diamond eyes.

A squad gets rubies.

Anything is possible

if you believe in yourself.

You can be captain too.

Just gotta work hard.

I'll email you

the team nutrition plan, okay?

'Cause we have to nurture

our bodies with...

Love.

Oh, and your uniform.

Only the best at wilson.

We're gonna have to do

a rush order

if we want it here

by homecoming.

Honey... I get it.

Let's just close our eyes

and raise our arms,

and we'll think happy thoughts.

- Are you serious?

- Yes, I'm serious.

How 'bout you turn

and you tell me

about your first memory

of tumbling.

Okay.

[seagulls calling,

waves crashing]

I was at the beach with my mom.

She held my hands.

I flipped right over her.

I just did it.

Thank you.

All right.

- Julie!

- Oh!

Looks like your ride is here.

I'll get back to work

and see you later, okay?

- Okay.

- Okay.

[lexi]

come on, let's go.

[soft music]

[julie]

hey.

[sighs]

[cheerleaders]

purple, black, white.

Wolf pack, let's go.

[energetic music]

[vargas]

don't you worry about allison.

Your daughter is going to be

on the best cheer squad

in the country.

Everything's topnotch

here at wilson.

I'm going to personally take

really good care of her.

[woman]

looking chubby there, allison.

Looks like we've got a gainer.

Wanna put our best face

forward, girls.

- Gainer, gainer, gainer!

- Run, fatty, run.

[woman]

run, you little fatty.

Nobody likes a fat cheerleader.

[vargas] I hear you're having a

little trouble making weight, allison.

[allison whimpering]

I have something

I could give you

that could help with that.

- Let's go.

- Don't make me do it.

- Don't make do it.

- Why are you even trying out?

- Why don't you come join us?

- Again?

[allison] I thought you

said this was a yacht party.

[vargas] party for two is

much more fun, don't you think?

[woman]

wolf pack!

[vargas] we count on

you for a lot here at wilson.

[allison]

don't make do it.

Don't make me do it.

[vargas]

gotta be a team player.

[allison] don't make me

hurt another cheerleader.

[microwave beeping]

Julie.

Coming.

- Food's ready.

- Thanks, I'm starving.

Look at what

the school sent you.

- Wow.

- I guess they signed you up

for some sort of meal plan

subscription service.

Riverford farms.

It's good, right?

Gotta nourish my body with love.

[brianna]

yeah, I hear ya.

Can you believe

that superintendent vargas

came by to make sure

I was doing okay?

I mean, in all my years

of teaching,

I've never even spoken

to a superintendent.

I'm so happy we're here.

It's like all of our hard times

are finally over.

[soft, tense music]

[cheerleaders]

j-u-I-e! Julie! Julie!

J-u-I-e!

Julie! Julie!

J-u-I-e! Julie! Julie!

J-u-I-e!

Julie! Julie!

[dark music]

Go, julie!

[vanessa] I tried to run,

but I woke up in a dark room.

[cheerleaders]

go, julie!

[vanessa]

I wish I could have warned you.

Help me. Help us.

[disembodied scream]

[brianna]

jules, you ready?

You ready?

I'm gonna go make your shake,

let's go.

Coach allison's meal plan

requires a protein shake

every morning.

Let's go, hurry up.

[faucet flowing]

[soft, dark music]

Diamonds? Diamond eyes

are for captains.

Vanessa? The other one,

I put it in here.

[brianna] are you sure

you didn't leave it at home?

Why would I bring one shoe?

- She didn't see me, did she?

- No.

It was bad enough when you were

just an english teacher.

Now you're assistant principal.

Just write "leper" on my face.

[brianna] yeah, but I'm

the cool assistant principal.

No, there's no such thing.

Have a good day.

Up! Don't forget your shake.

Thank you.

[lexi] hey, julie, you got

some new moves for us?

[julie] yeah, but,

um, I'll tell you later.

[lexi] is that a peanut

butter protein shake?

Those things

are like so addictive.

[julie]

I know, they're like amazing.

They're also super caloric, fyi.

[lexi] kelly's just jealous because

she's allergic to peanut butter.

No, I just like to keep it

34/22/34.

Tight.

[dark music]

[dr. Russo]

can I help you?

I'm having some problems

logging into the student

records page.

That sounds like

a district issue.

Why don't you call

the superintendent's office?

I'm sure he can help.

I'll do that.

[indistinct chatter]

[allison]

okay, we're gonna run it again,

and please remember the

adjustments we made yesterday.

All right, so we're gonna do it

to music.

Make sure you're sharp.

Five, six, seven, eight.

One and two and three and four.

[energetic music]

Sharp. Smile.

- Yes.

- Wait, stop, coach.

Kelly's hurt.

- I'm fine.

- Are you sure?

- That looks pretty painful.

- I said I'm fine.

[allison] maybe you should

take a week off and let it heal.

[kelly]

let's run it, I'm fine.

Listen to your body.

It knows best.

Yeah, and my body

says it's fine.

[dark music]

I'm sorry, kelly.

Safety first.

Let's take a water break,

and I need to talk to you...

[indistinct chatter]

I'm gonna go check on her.

She's fine.

- Wait.

- Just a second.

Kelly?

Kelly?

[dramatic music]

What did you... what did you do?

Coach!

Coach!

Coach allison!

Coach allison, call 911!

Kelly needs help.

I don't know

if she took something.

She's unconscious.

Come on.

Grab the first aid kit.

What happened?

[julie] coach, she's over

here. Come on, please.

Coach, she's right there.

Kelly!

- Um, hand me the...

- Oh my god, kelly!

- Is she gonna die?

- Shut up!

The auto-injector,

I need the auto-injector.

[ricky]

I don't... what?

[girl]

oh my god!

[sobbing]

[julie]

shouldn't we call 911?

[allison]

don't call 911!

We got this.

Come on, kelly, you got this.

Wake up.

Well, thank you for taking my

computer problem so seriously.

Of course, brianna.

I'll have it reach out to you

first thing in the morning.

Can you ask them to fix

the vending machine too?

- It stole my dollar at lunch.

- No, no, no, no.

Don't tell me you're eating

vending machine food.

Well, I tried the pizza

in this town and...

All right,

I need to send you a list

of some of our fine dining

establishments.

[julie]

mom! Mom, I need you now.

Kelly oded in the locker room.

- Come on, call 911.

- My daughter thinks

- one of the cheerleaders oded.

- All right, I'll be right there.

[julie]

mom, come on.

- What's going on?

- A cheerleader oded

- in the locker room.

- It was kelly.

No, no, no, this is faster.

[julie]

she's over there.

Kelly?

Honey, honey, honey.

Are you okay?

[allison] let's give kelly

and her mom some privacy.

- Mom... That's her mom?

- Julie said she oded.

Are the paramedics on the way?

- Who are you?

- Brianna mckay.

The new assistant principal.

- I'm julie's mom.

- Oh... Of course.

I'm so sorry, I...

Kelly had an allergic reaction

to some nuts.

Um, seems like

she mistakenly drank

- out of the wrong cup, but...

- It wasn't that.

[allison] fortunately, I was here

to administer her epinephrine.

It seems like she's doing

a lot better.

I'm just glad she's okay.

It's fine.

[allison]

all right, squad.

Come on, let's go.

[dr. Russo] come on,

honey, let's get you home.

Here.

- Mom, stop.

- Drink this.

Tell me what they did to you.

Leave me alone.

Dr. Russo?

Are you sure I can't give you

guys a ride to the hospital?

[kelly]

no, I just wanna go home.

I'll be taking some

personal time, all right?

Yeah, of course.

[dr. Russo]

kelly... Come on.

[cell phone ringing]

Yes, I'm here.

I just like to keep it 34/22/34.

[trash rustles]

[julie]

naloxone?

Everything good, sweets?

- Yeah.

- Just getting all your stuff?

[julie]

yeah.

[footsteps retreating]

Wolf pack, we need to send

some healing vibes

to our little alpha wolf kelly.

[soft music]

K-e-I-I-y.

K-e-I-I-y.

Kelly.

Kelly's going to be taking

some time off.

In her place,

someone demonstrated

some amazing leadership skills

during this crisis.

And what do we say?

A true alpha wolf always cares

for their pack.

[allison]

that's right.

That's why I would like

to nominate...

Julie as captain.

[dark music]

- Do I get a second?

- I second.

Great. Everyone, up.

J-u-I-e.

Julie, julie.

J-u-I-e.

Julie, julie.

J-u-I-e.

Julie, julie.

[cheering]

Wolf pack!

Congratulations, julie.

All right, I'll see you guys

tomorrow bright and early,

and please keep sending those

positive vibes to kelly, okay?

Hey, lexi, ricky. Hey!

[ricky] I know kelly

treated you like a bitch,

but you didn't have to go

and rat her out.

- What are you talking about?

- You know,

accuse her of oding

to your faculty mom.

Thanks for mentioning that,

by the way.

[julie]

sorry, I didn't.

I don't know, I just...

[lexi]

cui bono, right?

Who benefits?

[ricky]

yeah, captain.

[julie]

I didn't choose to be captain.

No... You didn't.

[brianna]

hey, sweetie.

Coach allison said she's gonna

give you a ride home, okay?

Principal russo has taken some

personal time to be with kelly,

and I really need to get up

to speed on things,

okay, all right?

[allison]

everything okay?

Yeah, just...

I'll tell you later.

Okay.

[soft, tense music]

- Is she okay?

- Yeah, I guess she's fine.

I don't know, it seems like

she just had an allergic

reaction or something.

She's with her mom and it feels

like it's under control.

Phew.

Yeah, so, uh,

principal russo says she needs

to take some personal time.

Of course, of course.

Um, did she say anything

about where she was

on the schedule with opening up

the campus?

- We have...

- 15 days.

Fifteen days.

Look, I'm sure if we just

take five minutes...

Or a couple of hours

and put together a list

where we can figure out

where we are, we'll be fine.

- We'll be ready for opening day.

- You know what?

I've been on my feet all day.

Do you mind if we make this

a working lunch?

I mean... Dinner?

Yeah, sure,

just let me get my laptop.

No, no, no, you know what?

Let's eat first.

I'll drive. Come on.

Fifteen days,

that means orientation

has to be the number one

priority.

They're laying down

the new track next week.

Don't have to worry about that.

They know what

the first day of school is.

- Ah.

- Is that...?

Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

Vargas, you dog.

The new girl's here

and he's already after her mom.

It took him like five seconds.

Wow.

Can't wait for julie

to see that.

That would break her.

If we lose nationals

because of him...

[sighs]

He's gonna get a bullet

in his head.

That's for sure.

Lexi and ricky just accused me

of ratting out kelly

to my mom for being on drugs.

Heavens no!

I'll have a talk with them.

No, it'll only make it worse.

We have a strict no-bullying

policy on this squad.

What happened to kelly...

Was an accident.

I'm not crazy.

I saw the naloxone.

It's what you give someone

when they've oded

on painkillers.

[allison]

you're right.

I am so sorry.

I wasn't thinking in the moment.

I was just trying to save kelly.

I wanted to make sure

she was all right.

She just lost her best friend.

[julie]

her best friend?

Vanessa.

Vanessa?

They were friends?

[allison]

they were inseparable.

She was the first person

on the squad

that could really relate

to kelly.

You know...

Kelly is from this town,

but she's not like

the other kids here.

Her mom works for the school.

Earned talent like hers,

like yours...

It makes these kids

uncomfortable.

If it got out that kelly

has a substance abuse issue

at this school,

the kids, her parents,

all of the parents,

will destroy her future.

And they'll laugh about it

over iced lattes.

I could see that.

Trust me, I know.

It happened to me

my senior year.

One little mistake and, poof,

all of my hopes and dreams

just gone.

I see why you want

to protect her,

but she needs real help.

I am so proud of you.

You are a true alpha wolf,

julie girl.

Coachin' the coach.

I'll talk to her mom, okay?

I am going to make sure

kelly's safe, okay?

Safety first, right?

[dark music]

[birdsong]

[vargas]

I hope you're a meat eater.

- Definitely.

- Good, because their fillet

is to die for,

all locally sourced.

[brianna]

well...

[elegant music]

Oh.

The riverfords

are the biggest donor

to our athletic department.

The staff eats here for free.

Oh, right, riverford farms,

the meal plan service.

Yes, well, that's one

of their many ventures,

but, uh, wilson high school

remains their top priority.

[indistinct soft chatter]

[waiter]

good afternoon, ladies.

Are you enjoying your meal?

Brianna, you play billiards?

- I do.

- You any good?

Some might say.

- Mr. Vargas?

- Yes.

- I have your table ready.

- Perfect, thank you.

Go ahead.

So many choices.

- The fillet?

- Good choice.

Oh yeah... I'll have the same.

[sighs]

What a day it's been.

Indeed.

To a new school year.

[glasses clink]

You see why we need changes.

Wilson is the athletic magnet

in this area.

We attract students with amazing

talents from all over.

They place such high demands

on themselves.

The stresses, the needing

to win at all costs.

I understand.

I understand as well.

I also was an athlete.

- Did you partake in athletics?

- Yes, I was a cheerleader,

uh, high school, college.

Well, that's where

julie gets it.

And you must get

what I'm saying.

Children like your daughter,

they're not like other kids.

We need to level

the playing field.

Principal russo thinks they need

extra test prep and homework.

It's just too much.

Mm, you want a soft touch?

Look, I just need to know

that we're on the same team.

Last year, we had a student,

vanessa...

That had a psychiatric

breakdown.

[clears throat]

It was russo's academic hardline

that caused it.

Oh my god...

That's horrible.

Yep.

And after I read your thesis,

the traumatized children

and academic performance...

All I could do

was think of that student.

So you think athletic training

and competition is traumatic?

It can be.

I think when we don't

hear the children

and what they're saying,

and when we, and the parents,

pretend that they're just

playing a sport

and not committing to something

that they're passionate about.

Sports equals passion.

And I am rambling again.

- Anyways, enough of that.

- No, that's fine.

I think it's important to take

at least an hour a day to...

Let it all go.

Let my defenses down.

As the cheer squad says...

Nurture your body with love.

That's it.

That's what we're gonna do.

Nurture our body with love...

And a little wine.

[brianna laughs]

In theory, I agree,

but I have yet to fully adapt

that practice into my life.

Honestly, I don't even know

if I... if I know how to start.

As I tell my students,

you already have.

Yes, this... this is a start.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

Ah, the riverfords are here.

Oh.

Brianna, correct?

I just wanted to say

what a pleasure it is

to have you here, um,

part of the wilson family.

- Thank you very much.

- Lexi, say hello.

- Hello.

- Lexi, I've heard so much

about you.

My daughter, she loves you.

Thank you so much for making her

transition so much easier.

[lexi]

of course.

[giggles]

Would you mind if I stole

mr. Vargas for a few moments?

- By all means.

- Okay.

Won't be long.

[footsteps retreating]

[clears throat]

I come home and lexi informs me

that this new girl julie

is saying kelly overdosed

on drugs.

- Oh god.

- I think I speak

for the other parents when I say

that after the vanessa debacle,

we're all a little... Insecure.

This is the second position

I've financed on the squad

to try to replace

that nightmare kelly

and actually get some

of the big titles

that we deserve this year.

That kelly is

chronically injured,

not to mention her mother,

that nightmare of a principal,

trying to claim that my lexi

didn't earn those test scores

that we got for her.

[vargas]

kelly is a bad apple, no doubt,

and, uh... She is gone for good.

Okay?

Coach allison assures me

that julie

has the flying

and tumbling talents

to lead us to nationals,

and just so you know...

Brianna is definitely on board

with our academic philosophy

here at wilson.

I'm a senior,

so this is my last chance

to get a national title,

and I'm starting to think

that maybe

you aren't the man

to take us there.

Wow, is that so, lexi?

Well, guess what?

Everything is going

according to plan.

Well, that's great,

because I want to talk to you

about another position.

[gentle music]

We want the tina girl too.

Whatever you want.

Call allison.

She'll make it happen.

I hope you both enjoy

the rest of your evening.

[phone chiming]

[car approaching]

Thank you so much for the ride.

Of course!

Oh, I almost forgot.

[glove compartment opening]

So it's official.

Captain.

Oh my god.

I don't know what to say.

[mellow music]

Put it on.

Being captain can be

a thankless job.

It's important to have

a little reminder

of how strong you need to be.

Strong as diamonds?

[chuckling]

like my grandma

used to always say,

it's not always sunshine

and roses,

but... I see that strength

in you.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

[door opens]

[phone ringing]

[door closes]

- Hello?

- Hi, allison.

Lexi tells me that the tina girl

is a good choreographer.

[allison] I have the

choreography department covered.

Oh, sweetheart,

don't kid yourself.

I need you to make an offer.

Of course, ms. Riverford.

[grim music]

[engine starting]

[birds chirping]

[knocking]

Can I come in?

Yeah.

Oh, what's that smell?

- My food.

- Oh my god.

- Are you okay?

- No.

[mellow music]

[breathing heavily]

You're not either... Captain.

[julie] found these from when I

sprained my ankle last summer.

Ibuprofen 500.

[kelly] does your mom

have anything stronger?

[julie] sorry, my mom

doesn't use that kind of stuff.

- Can I borrow your phone?

- Yeah.

It's dead.

[she groans]

I found your ring.

You left it in your locker.

- Get that away from me.

- Fine.

I guess I have a collection now.

Where'd you get that?

[julie] found it in the sink

drain in my bathroom.

[solemn music]

It's vanessa's, isn't it?

Yeah.

- What happened to her?

- I don't know.

[phone dings, ringing]

- Hey!

- Wait, let me pull over.

- Where are you?

- I thought something happened

to you, so I took

my grandma's car and I...

I just drove.

Have you checked

our cheer account?

- My phone was dead.

- It's horrible!

There's hundreds of comments.

The worst one is "flexilexi."

I tried reporting them,

but... They won't stop.

[julie] "I can't decide

who's uglier or fatter."

"Who let them on a squad?"

"They're so embarrassing."

Told you, they're animals.

- Who's there?

- It's kelly.

She's not involved.

Honestly, I just wanna go back

to my old school.

I hate this.

[tina]

have you told your mom?

[notifications chiming]

No.

Oh my god, I think it's my mom.

[dramatic music]

- I gotta go.

- Can you go check?

- I gotta go.

- Don't tell her I'm here.

[notifications chiming]

[vargas]

so I think that puts an end

to the pizza place

after going there.

[sighs]

You got enough to eat?

That was...

Dinner was great.

- Is that my mom?

- No, but...

It is my mom,

and it looks like she found

a new boyfriend.

That's no boyfriend.

That's vargas.

We didn't get

any work done, but...

Oh, that can wait till tomorrow.

Hmm, I didn't read you

as a procrastinating type.

Oh, I'm not.

Seriously, it's always been

my problem.

[bright music]

Yeah, I thought you were

the fast type.

Just covered in red flags, huh?

[birds chirping]

You're my boss.

- And, so?

- And you don't seem to care.

You are way too smooth.

[he laughs]

You're amazing.

You have no idea.

Call you tomorrow?

[julie]

the superintendent, really?

- What? Nothing happened.

- Oh, but it's gonna.

I've been holding back

from telling you

how bad I want to go home

because I know how hard

you worked to get here.

But you know what?

Why bother?

You're gonna mess this up

all on your own.

[brianna]

what is going on with you?

[solemn music]

You seem to be enjoying

cheerleading.

Coach allison said

you were fitting in so well.

You're happy,

taking care of yourself,

eating well.

Oh my god,

I can't even talk to you!

[brianna] what? I can't

say that you're doing well?

[julie] don't let me ruin

the last glimmer of hope

you have left for me.

See, it's the way

you look at me,

like you're

chronically disappointed.

Julie, where is this

coming from?

Why am I never enough?

Why is it my entire life, I...

Me... could never make you happy?

[sniffles]

Nothing can be further

from the truth, julie.

You needed the bigger house,

the better job, the better man.

I was there for you!

I supported you!

Six years of night school,

all the bad break-ups,

the moves,

for what?

I was finally happy

at my old school.

Honey...

Things haven't been easy,

I know that, but...

It's gonna be different now.

[julie]

it's not gonna be different.

Something bad keeps happening

to the cheer captains here,

and coach allison

and your new boyfriend

are a part of it.

[brianna]

that's not true.

Julie! Julie!

[julie] I'm going to find

out what happened, mom.

Julie, get back here!

[knocking]

- Julie.

- No!

- Julie, let's talk.

- Just leave me alone!

[door opens]

You don't look too good.

Yeah... I don't feel too good.

You need to go to a doctor.

I know, I know.

Can you help me get my car?

Yeah, of course.

I just need a sec.

[sighs]

[indistinct sports news

broadcast]

[soft footsteps]

[door softly closes]

[door closes]

[tense music]

[vargas]

we need to take care of kelly.

[susan]

this is the last time.

I wouldn't ask

if it wasn't important.

[susan] you don't need to keep

supplying her with painkillers

now that she's useless to us.

All right, gotta get going.

Leave it to me, okay?

[camera clicks]

I'll take care of her.

Oh, well, good evening, allison.

- You reach the tina girl?

- Yes, but, um,

seems like that's not gonna be

a possibility, unfortunately.

Make a better offer.

I think we'll be fine

for nationals.

Julie is an unbelievably

talented tumbler and flyer.

If we properly utilize

her skills,

we'll annihilate

the competition.

That is my point.

We need a better choreographer

to properly utilize her skills.

Yes, well...

If you want to protect

your investment, susan,

or win nationals, lexi,

then the constant bullying

and gossip needs to stop.

The wolf pack is a family, and

you both seem to forget that.

[susan]

you better have proof

if you are accusing my daughter

of any improprieties.

You are just as replaceable

as the rest of them.

I monitor everyone's

social media.

"Flexilexi," I saw

the horrible things

that you, ricky,

and your little crew left

on julie's page.

[allison scoffs]

Disgusting.

[lexi]

that's not true!

I don't know what

she's talking about.

[allison]

for your sake, I hope

that all those elite

educational institutions

you've applied for

don't find out

about this abusive hatred.

I mean, that would just

absolutely ruin your life.

[sighs]

Christin.

[christin]

yes, mrs. Riverford?

[susan]

more of this, sweetie.

I'll take what she's having.

Oh, that's fine.

[sighs]

Julie! Julie, julie!

- Let's go!

- Kelly!

What the hell

are you doing here?

- Kelly, get out of the car!

- I said I'm not going!

Get out of the car!

[dramatic music]

- What the...

- Go, go!

[dark music]

Make a left here.

Here.

This doesn't look

like a doctor's office.

[doors opening]

[doors closing]

Stay with him.

I'll be back.

Give me the keys.

- I'm not gonna ditch you.

- Give 'em!

Go.

- Julie, right?

- Yeah.

Brianna's daughter, correct?

Get up here!

Your mom has been a life-saver

the last two days.

Wonderful woman.

Do you want anything.

[car door closes]

- I'm good.

- You sure?

All right, take a seat,

take a seat.

You sure you don't want

anything?

- I'm good.

- You're okay? All right.

Are you in pain like kelly?

- No!

- Oh, good.

That's... That's very good.

I know they run

you girls ragged.

Wilson demands so much

from their athletes.

Trust me, I know,

I was one at wilson.

[he sighs]

I'll tell you what.

If you girls win nationals,

I've got a big yacht

we can party on.

Have you ever been on a yacht?

- No.

- Oh, it's incredible.

You're gonna have the best time.

Have you been up

to the country club yet?

- Have you seen it?

- No.

[vargas]

oh my god, you need to see

the golf course at night,

the way they light it up.

You gotta ask kelly.

I've taken her so many times.

She absolutely loves it.

She loves my yacht parties too.

Okay. Let's go.

[vargas] hey, what is

this? I thought you girls

were gonna stick around,

we were gonna have some fun.

No, gotta go.

But my mom is gonna be looking

for me all night.

Could I have some money

for a hotel?

Yeah, sure.

Whatever you need.

[money crinkling]

Here you go.

Have fun tonight.

[car doors opening]

[doors closing]

[engine starting]

[car driving away]

You are unbelievable.

Nothing ever changes

with you, does it?

Oh, my god!

Save the preaching.

[allison] when I came

to wilson high school,

I thought my life

was going to change.

You sat in my mom's living room

and told me I was gonna be

on the best cheer squad

in the country.

And guess what?

You were.

Because I made it the best!

I led that squad

of mediocre rich kids

to a national title.

There's no "I" in team.

Then why did they all go off

to their elite universities

while I stayed here

with no high school education,

a drug felony,

and no hope out of this town?

You made some bad

personal choices, allison.

What can I say?

Happens to the best of us.

[allison] and you and

your little yacht parties

had nothing to do with that?

I was a kid.

You're an animal.

Don't you ever wonder

if any of this

is gonna come back to you?

You're gonna rat me out?

Blackmail me?

Your hands are dirty, too,

and since you brought it up,

I thought the kelly situation

was a liability.

Let's just say...

She's gonna be on a long list

of wilson high school tragedies,

just like our little vanessa.

Do you miss her, huh?

I don't!

But it seems like you want to be

on that list too.

Is that right?

[whimpering]

No, I promise.

Please, just let me go.

Please.

I'm not gonna say anything.

[music intensifying]

Please.

[panting]

[he snickers]

[soft music]

You are psychotic.

I know.

[ominous music]

But you... Make me that way.

[he chuckles]

[he screams]

[intense music]

[gasping]

[panting]

[wheezing]

[allison]

and five, six, seven, eight.

And hit, hit.

Come on, girls, let's go.

Hit, full out.

Go seven, hold eight.

Cradle.

Come on, wolf pack, let's go!

We got this!

[electronic dance music]

Three, hit, hit. Yes.

[music fading]

[dreary music]

Is vargas the reason

you wanted to quit?

He's about to become

your new best friend,

captain.

[julie]

did he do something to vanessa?

Probably.

I thought she was your friend.

You can take that ring off.

Once a captain,

always a captain.

There's no escape.

They own us now.

Are you sure you're okay

to drive?

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

[skidding]

[glass shattering]

Kelly?

Kelly!

Kelly...

Where's my... where's my...

- No.

- But you're hurt.

We have to get you

to a hospital.

[words echoing]

Coach allison.

She knows what to do.

[phone dialing]

[coughing]

[allison]

hello? Julie? Julie!

Coach allison, we need help.

[panting]

[dark music]

- Are you hurt?

- Uh, no, just a tiny bit.

- But kelly's really hurt.

- Oh, honey.

[julie] I never should've

gotten in the car with her.

- My mom's gonna kill me.

- Damn it, kelly!

What the hell

are you still doing here?

I'm not going to rehab.

I can't leave vanessa.

Vanessa is gone,

and you need to watch

what you're saying

before we all end up

just like her.

She needs to know the truth.

[tense music]

We're not at riverford farms

tonight.

- Do you understand me?

- Yes.

I'm gonna take you home.

You're gonna tell your mom

and anyone who asks

that she wanted to hang out

with boys,

but you went home instead and...

But, coach, kelly's hurt.

We need to take her

to the hospital.

We need to call 911!

- We can't call...

- We can't do this!

Of course.

You're right, okay?

Help me get her in the car,

and we'll take her

to the hospital.

Okay, let's go, come on.

Okay.

[doors closing]

[grunts, smacks]

Ooh, pitching prospect arrested

with 20 pounds of cocaine

in duffel bag.

"Pitching hopeful

jackie vargas, 20,

is led off by police

after a drug raid

at hotpants nightclub."

Wow, vargas.

I didn't pick you

as that fast, jeez.

[knocking]

[door opens]

Kelly?

I know she's here.

Kelly, get down here now!

What? What are you doing?

Kelly, don't mess with me!

Kelly?

[solemn music]

Kelly!

[phone dialing]

She's not picking up, I don't...

Julie?

This is my daughter's ring.

I don't know where she is.

I didn't even know

she left the house.

Julie? Call me, now.

I promise you,

she's a good girl.

[dr. Russo]

that's what they all say.

I go watch kelly at practice

just to make sure she's alive.

She won't even talk to me.

[whimpering]

God knows where she sleeps

at night.

They've got her hooked on drugs,

I know it.

[phone ringing]

- Tina?

- Hey, ms. Mckay.

Is julie there?

I'm on my way.

[brianna] you're on your

way? What do you mean?

What's going on?

We can't find kelly or julie.

[tina]

didn't she tell you?

Somebody or somebodies left

hundreds of threatening comments

on our cheer videos.

What is going on at this school?

I just did a little recon

on vargas, and now this?

You have no idea.

Vargas made the last captain

disappear.

[dramatic music]

[wheezing, whimpering]

[vanessa]

nurture your body with drugs.

Morning practices at the school,

hours of training at the farm.

That meal plan?

A dinner to make you sleep

and a shake to wake you up,

and nurture your body

with drugs.

[allison]

there's no "I" in team.

[breathing heavily, whimpering]

[echoing voices, screaming]

You're gonna be safe now.

[words echoing]

Where am I?

I'm keeping you girls safe.

Safety first, right?

Is kelly okay?

Oh, kelly's a trooper.

It's you

I'm more concerned about.

You are much more sensitive

than kelly.

You were such a good find.

[dark music]

Scouting social media,

I thought of that.

You know, your tumbling, ahh.

Your body not trashed

by drugs yet.

What are you talking about?

I moved here 'cause my mom

got a job here.

[kelly]

no.

Your mom got the job

'cause they wanted you.

They wanted my mom out.

[allison] when that whole lawsuit

business happened with vanessa,

they knew that they needed

to find families

that they could better integrate

with the wolf pack family.

A parent with a sweet job

in the school administration.

Staff is just so easy

to keep on the same team.

You'd know.

[allison] and you know

your friend tina, jules?

She's so good.

They want her, too, but...

I am not gonna let them

take away

another one

of these young ladies.

- You're a traitor, allison.

- No, you are!

I invested a lot in you, kelly.

You know, I trained her

since she was wee big.

So talented, but then

one little injury

and she gets hooked

onto painkillers

that vargas gave her.

You're supposed to nurture

your body

with love, kelly, not poison.

It's okay, baby.

Vargas is gone.

I made sure he won't hurt

any more cheerleaders.

I'm gonna take the pain away.

Wait, I have something for you.

[door creaking]

[door closes]

[groaning]

[brianna]

"who let them on the squad?"

"A waste of life."

Tina, I'm... I'm so sorry.

[tina] I tracked down one

of the accounts, "flexilexi,"

to the name lexi riverford.

Let me see if I can get

a number or email

attached to the account.

Lexi and her crew

bullied my daughter

into a person

I don't even recognize anymore.

That's why vargas wants me gone.

Because I wasn't down

with letting parents

like the riverfords buy grades.

[brianna]

so that's what he meant by,

"we need to level

the academic playing field."

Make wilson a safe space

for gifted athletes

who need

individualized attention.

[groans in disgust]

More like keep your mouth shut

while he gets paid

to commit academic fraud.

[brianna]

figures.

I wondered why I was locked out

of the student accounts.

I'm sorry I thought it was you.

I'm sorry.

Money buys a lot of power

in this town.

Yeah.

It's hard to trust anyone.

You can trust me.

[tina]

I'm sending a number.

It is linked to those accounts.

- Okay.

- Oh, wait.

Even though her phone location

isn't coming up,

check her workout app.

She keeps it on all the time.

It'll show you the last place

that she was at.

All right.

Um, okay, it looks like

they were at riverford farms,

and then it stopped

at riverford road,

57 minutes ago.

Oh my god.

Let's go.

[tense music]

[door creaking]

let's go, vanessa. Game plan.

[shaky breathing]

[groaning]

[tense music]

[tearing]

Kelly?

[door creaking]

Vanessa?

[dripping]

[door closing]

[keys jingling]

Set that down over there.

My little runaways.

I get it,

I wanted to run away, too,

but I had to stay here

and make sure

you guys were safe,

so you owe me this,

especially you, kelly.

You had your chance to leave,

but you didn't.

I'm going to take down

wilson high once and for all.

So we're going out

in a bang, girls.

I have a video I wanna show you.

Me and vanessa

have been working on this dance,

and we almost got it down,

right?

Come on, guys, get up!

This is going to be

the most epic

wilson high school tragedy ever,

too big for even

the riverfords to cover up.

Here, I'll get some pom-poms.

You guys want poms?

[upbeat dance music]

last practice, okay?

Five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, ta, ta...

[car rumbling]

[phone dialing]

[phone ringing, groans]

[upbeat dance music]

Buzzkill, hold on.

- Hey, who's this?

- This is julie's mom.

I'm calling for flexilexi.

This is about the comments

you left

on my daughter's

social media page.

Yes, this is lexi,

and I don't know

what you're talking about.

Um, I'm really busy

right now studying,

so you're gonna have to call

my lawyer, a.K.A. My mom.

Coach allison, is that you?

What the...

I have no idea what's going on.

[brianna]

I do, she's a cheer coach.

[allison] change of

plans, practice is cut short.

Man, sometimes you just have

to improvise, you know?

Don't let the judges see

your mistakes.

So we need... To finish big,

finish strong, finish sharp,

full out just finish big!

[groaning]

[fire whooshing]

[dramatic music]

[groaning]

[breathing heavily]

[punches, groaning]

- Oh my god.

- Okay, wait, what's this?

- Oh my god.

- That's kelly's car.

- No!

- Stop the car, stop the car.

[tense music]

Oh my god, they're not here.

- Let's go.

- Julie!

[dramatic music]

[kicks, groans]

[fire roaring]

[smacking, groaning]

[keys jingling]

[door creaking]

Oh my god!

[groans]

[tires screech, thud]

[mellow music]

[flames crackling]

[groans]

[grim music]

[groaning]

[breathing heavily]

[explosion]

Oh my god.

[explosions rumbling]

[mellow music]

[sirens wailing]

[firetruck horn blaring]

[kelly]

well, I'm off to rehab.

Can we hang when I get back?

[bright music]

[vanessa]

I tested positive

for performance-enhancing drugs

at a club cheer meet.

I knew the school

was drugging me.

I was still gonna do nationals.

I was gonna quit after

and tell the team why.

Kelly and her mom

used to drive me to practice.

- Have fun!

- Thanks, love you!

[vanessa]

but not that day.

Hey!

Good morning, sweetie.

[solemn music]

I got your favorite.

[vanessa] that's the

last thing I remember...

Before I woke up in a dark room.

[allison]

vanessa?

They'll find you, vanessa.

[words echoing]

[vanessa]

I tried escaping.

It was... It was no use.

[door creaking]

It's okay, you're safe now.

Thanks.

[indistinct radio chatter]

[birds chirping]

[mellow music]

[door closes]

This is so weird.

This is still your home.

Okay.

You can stay here

as long as you like.

Julie...

Vanessa, do you want to go

to your room,

take a shower

and get cleaned up?

Yeah, thanks.

[ominous music]

[gentle music]

It, uh, pretty much looks

the same as when I lived here.

Really?

I imagined whoever lived

in this big old fancy house

probably had a bunch

of nice furniture

and cool clothes.

[chuckling]

- No.

- Are these okay?

Yeah, yeah, these are perfect.

I'll go get you

some clean socks or something.

Awesome, thank you.

[whimpering]

- Julie!

- Oh, you need a towel?

- Shh, shh.

- Are you okay?

- Are you okay?

- Yeah, yeah.

[dark music]

We need to talk.

Mom?

[yelps]

- Mom?

- I'm okay, baby, I'm okay.

[breathing heavily]

Hey, girls, get out.

It's okay, go sit down.

I'm glad that we're all here

for this little chat.

[brianna]

let the girls go.

You and I can go and talk

about this like adults, okay?

We're all adults here.

Isn't that right, ladies?

[brianna] they don't

need to be here, vargas.

You and I can go talk

about this.

When the feds called

this morning

wanting to speak to me

about coach allison's

unfortunate demise,

I had to make sure

we were all on the same page.

So excited to find tina

waiting outside for you.

We've got big things

planned for you, girl.

I've been making champions

and breaking champions

at wilson high school

for a long time.

That's why the riverfords

and families like them

keep me here,

because I make them happy.

Trust me when I say to you...

You don't want to make

the riverfords unhappy.

- Isn't that right, vanessa?

- Go to hell.

You're just

their little bitch boy

who will do anything

to get up top.

- Oh, no, no, no.

- We went a whole year

without you;

We can go one more.

I'm assuming you and kelly

blabbed to the feds

about the medication

I was facilitating to her, huh?

You know what, shut up, shut up.

Kelly I could care less about.

She's a degenerate drug addict,

and her mom is a spiteful bitch

who's mad about being replaced.

But you, julie, and you and you,

we've got

a real opportunity here.

I mean, if it means getting in

on some of the riverford money,

I'm down.

[vargas laughs]

How much cash we talkin'?

Right? Are you girls in?

[vargas]

you raised a smart girl here.

[brianna] she's always

been very practical.

I can arrange ample compensation

with the riverfords,

but I need all of you to recant

anything you said to the feds

involving me or the riverfords.

The drugs, vanessa's kidnapping

and disappearance,

everything falls

on coach allison, we got that?

- Yeah, yeah, fine.

- Loud and clear.

[vargas]

because with the three of you,

I believe

wilson's wolf pack cheer

is looking to have

the best year ever!

Hey!

[smacks]

[brianna]

get back, get back, get back.

- Oh my god.

- Did we get it?

[tina]

yeah!

Over 10,000 people are watching.

- What?

- Make that...

Oh my god, make that 30.

[laughing]

Make that 55!

Thank you.

- Oh my gosh, we're saved.

- I'll tell kelly's mom.

[laughing]

[lexi]

ready? Okay.

[clapping]

Purple, black, white.

Wolf pack, let's fight.

Purple, black, white.

Wolf pack, let's fight.

[dramatic music]

[officer]

lexi riverford?

Lexi riverford,

you are under arrest

for conspiracy to commit fraud.

I... I'm not a criminal.

I'm captain of the cheer team.

I didn't do it.

You're gonna have to call

my mom, she's my lawyer.

All right, girls,

grab your poms.

Let's get into cheer formation

for wolf pack.

All right, from the top,

here we go.

Six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six... Wolf pack!

[bright music]

Do you know who I am?

[cheerleader]

seven, eight.

Go one, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

Nice, one, two, three, four,

five, six... Wolf pack!

[julie]

five, six, seven, eight.

Wolf pack!