All American (2018–…): Season 1, Episode 13 - Legacy - full transcript
With playoffs and mid-terms looming, Spencer makes a surprising discovery about his father; Coop desperately wants to bring down her enemies.
Previously on "All American"...
- Did Tyrone give you that bag?
- Mind your business.
Whatever
you're about to ask, don't.
Your boy already gone. Ain't
nothing gonna change that.
It was Tyrone.
He had Shawn killed.
Why you join his crew?
These dudes, they about loyalty,
but they got to trust me first.
So if they find out
Tyrone had Shawn killed,
they gonna handle him for me.
Coop, this is gonna
get you killed.
Ok, I want you to train me.
Why?
I want to be great,
and you're the only one
who's ever held me
to that standard.
When you chose Corey over me,
that broke the last tether
that was holding me to crenshaw.
Maybe your father...
I don't have a father.
Not anymore.
Winton Mark,
Scott Anderson,
Jeff Austin.
Then we got Shane Butler.
You can't forget Asher Adams.
And, of course, JJ Parker,
Jordan Baker,
and last but not least,
your division player
of the year,
Spencer James.
Now, I've been hearing all
this stuff about Logan High
knocking out
the first seed in playoffs
two seasons in a row.
They are calling them
the giant killers.
Not no more.
We are ready for
Logan High, y'all.
We are ready for Logan High.
1, 2, 3!
Beverly!
We are not ready for Logan High.
Dad, we're the number-one seed.
And Logan barely made it
to the playoffs, coach.
Thank you. Thank you
for demonstrating
why we are not ready.
The regular season
is over, y'all.
Records don't matter.
What does matter is that they
have an All-American lineman.
What matters is that they
are called the giant killers.
But we will be ready.
We just have to add
a wrinkle to the offense.
A wrinkle?
This season we have
successfully run
wildcat with Spencer.
We are now gonna start the game
with Spencer behind the center
taking direct snaps.
Ok. For how long?
Till Logan adjusts
to the defense.
And if Logan's defense
doesn't adjust?
- We win.
- With me on the bench.
Yes, with you on the bench.
Moving on.
I know y'all realize
it's midterms week.
If y'all want to be out there
on that field
with me on Friday,
get your grades up.
All right. Get out of here.
Ok, I'll finish
grading your papers today,
so, everyone, you'll have
your grades by this weekend.
Good luck.
Spencer, a moment.
What's up?
Yeah, I was grading the
essay papers this morning,
including yours,
and you are aware
that this assignment is worth
50% of your grade, right?
Yes, sir.
And yet you still chose to write
that your greatest
influence in life
is neon deion Sanders.
- Prime time.
- What?
That's his nickname.
Prime time.
Neon isn't his nickname?
He got a lot of nicknames.
Is that your goal
in life, Spencer,
to have a lot of nicknames?
I haven't given it much thought.
- Yeah, kind of like this paper.
- Excuse me?
I learned nothing new
or insightful about you.
Perhaps football is
getting in the way.
And this isn't
south crenshaw high anymore.
And what's that mean?
You can't coast by here,
even if you are
good at football.
So what, you think I'm just
some dumb player from the 'hood?
What I think is that you
should be thanking me
for giving you an opportunity
to rewrite this essay.
And have it in by Friday morning
or you're not playing
in that playoff game.
Neon deion?
Prime time.
You can do better than that.
Ma, dude changed the game.
I can't believe you're
siding with Mr. Vega.
Not taking sides.
But at least he cares.
My professor doesn't
even look up at us.
I could bump into her
at the grocery store,
she wouldn't know
I was in her class.
So why take the class?
Because it's important.
Urban planning.
Yes.
My assignment this week
is to take a plot of land
right here in crenshaw
and formulate a plan
for the community.
It can be anything
I want it to be...
a park, house, business.
And my job is to weigh
all the issues.
You like it?
I love it.
Heh! You're gonna change the
world, ain't you, ma?
I'MMA try.
Neon deion was legit, though.
Prime time.
Prime time.
Hey, dad.
Just drawing up these new plays.
Oh. You forgot about
this one over here.
Thanks.
Wait. What is that?
That is the sideline,
that's you, and that is me
standing next to you.
We talked about this.
No, you shut me down, dad.
You questioned my decision
in front of the entire team.
But you understand me, right?
I mean, why now, dad?
What has changed all of a sudden?
I've delivered for you all year.
You want to know what
grandpa Willy thinks?
I don't really care what
grandpa Willy thinks.
He said you don't think
I'm a clutch player.
You tell him not
to speak for me.
You tell him yourself.
He'll be here tomorrow
for the barbecue.
We agreed that this
barbecue was something
we do as a family once a week.
Yeah, and he's family.
Hold up, hold up, hold up.
I still got a lot of film
on Logan to break down,
so I could use your help.
Ok.
Where you been?
I was with Malik.
Yo, Coop, I don't like
waiting on you.
Shawn never made me wait.
Well, since you bringing him up,
why you don't give me
Shawn's old spot?
'Cause you ain't ready.
I could show you I'm ready.
All right. Show me.
I'm gonna roll with you and see
if you can handle Shawn's route.
What, you gonna be my driver?
Come on, bro.
I could do it by myself.
Nah. Consider me
your babysitter.
This our driver.
Coop, meet preach.
He just got out.
What up, preach?
Preach don't say much.
Let's go.
Good evening.
For those of you
squinting in the back,
no, I am not Mrs. Hill.
I'm the guy who
grades your papers,
Micah Richards, Mrs.
Hill's teaching assistant.
You're stuck with me tonight,
so go ahead,
put your books away
so we can talk for a bit.
Why urban planning?
Urban planning is
the development and design...
no, no, no. Not
the Wikipedia definition.
Why did you choose this class?
Because it's an elective.
That's fair.
That was an honest answer.
You got to...
Get that degree somehow, right?
Um, how about you?
Elective.
Ok. Anyone here choose
this class voluntarily,
not just for a credit?
Why did you choose
urban planning?
Flint, Michigan.
Oh, the water crisis.
Good, ok.
Cleaning up the water,
upgrading the pipes,
dealing with the health issues.
See, all of this takes
careful planning.
Actually, I want to
prevent the next crisis.
Obviously, flint needs planning
right now to clear up that tragedy,
but it shouldn't have
never happened.
That's why I'm here.
Ok.
Good answer.
Anybody else?
Why'd you pick this class?
Elective.
Moving on.
Yeah, there he go again.
Yeah, dude's a monster.
Yo, is that Mitchell?
You're gonna be running
for your life this Friday.
Great.
Hey, did you rewrite
that paper yet?
Mr. Vega stopped by
my office today.
Yo, dude will not let up.
Who did you write your paper on?
Neon deion Sanders.
What? Prime time.
That's what I'm talking about.
Man. Yeah, vega, he
does not like sports.
He does have the power to keep
you out of that playoff game,
so whatever he wants
you to do, just do it.
- All right, see you, dad.
- All right, y'all.
All right, Spence,
we got Logan's entire season here.
All right, let's get on it.
Wait. What's this?
South crenshaw high?
Yeah, I guess my dad's
just planning ahead.
I mean, you do know
that if we win out
and they win out,
then we meet them
in the state final, right?
Yo, I got to check out
my old team.
Oh, ok. I've seen this
a million times.
Why is the quality so bad?
It's just one of my dad's
old high school games.
Handoff to Corey James.
Up the middle.
And look out,
here comes a burst!
There he goes.
Give that kid an opening,
and he's gone.
Touchdown!
That's your dad.
Corey James
just doing his thing.
Such an electric player.
Man, he had some serious wheels.
I knew your dad played ball,
but I didn't know
he was so good.
Neither did I.
Well, now we know where
you get it from, right?
Maybe he's your
greatest influence.
You should have seen him, baby.
It was like the other
team was in slow motion.
You didn't know
your dad was good?
I didn't know he was great.
Nobody told me.
Back in crenshaw,
everybody talked about Billy Baker
'cause he made it to the NFL.
But watching that game,
my pops was the best player on that field.
Well, like father, like son.
I wish people would
stop saying that.
It just sounds like maybe you
got some of that talent from him,
not that he deserves
credit or anything.
- What's up, Spence?
- Hey, what up, dog?
I heard vega's all over
your ass about that essay.
He's just messing with me
'cause I'm on the football team.
I'm on the team.
Who's your essay about?
Dwayne Johnson.
The rock?
Taught me everything I know.
And what exactly do you know?
I know I don't have
to rewrite my paper,
so vega must have liked it.
Hey, let me know if
you need any help.
The rock?
Dwayne Johnson.
- I know.
- The rock.
225?
I don't set mine
a degree over 200.
These are gonna be dry, Billy.
Do you even got any
mustard in that rub?
- No.
- Paprika?
Nope.
My mouth's watering.
What did I miss?
- Oh, battle of the barbecues.
- Uh-oh.
It's actually kind of
fascinating.
Stop messing with
the temperature.
I hate dry ribs.
Jordan, get over here.
Let me show you how it's done.
Uh-uh. I will teach my
son how to make some ribs.
The same way you've been teaching
him how to play football?
'Cause I've been
doing all the work
while you have him
sitting on the sidelines.
I'm gonna check on
the baked beans.
- Just tell the boy the truth.
- About what?
That you don't think he can handle
the pressure of the playoffs.
Look, all I'm saying
is the boy is untested
when the game is on the line.
And playoffs,
every game's close.
He's better than
you think he is.
Will you stop trying to drive
a wedge between me and my son?
You're doing that
all by yourself.
Dry-ass Beverly Hills ribs.
Ain't got no mustard.
What's up, j.?
What you doing here, Coop?
Came to pick that paper up.
You got Shawn's spot.
I miss that boy.
Yeah, me, too.
Remember that red
duffel bag he had?
Yeah, that thing was beat up!
He gave it to Tyrone
right before he died.
But I heard ray got it now.
- Who's ray?
- Dude that shot Shawn.
How he get it?
I don't know. Maybe he
stole it from Tyrone.
What you thinking?
Thinking about what?
Nothing.
We good, j.?
That's all of it.
Got some sort of cheese.
Cheddar, maybe?
Oh! Grape jelly.
Asher ate the peanut butter,
but you can have
a jelly sandwich,
except that he
already ate the bread.
How about a spoon?
How long is this
dude living here?
Sorry. All I have is
a spoonful of jelly.
The bakers are having their
weekly family bonding barbecue,
so I'll get some ribs
when I get back.
Ok. Paper's due tomorrow?
Yep.
You any closer to an answer?
It just seems like for
every question I have,
I realize I ain't
got the answers.
Who does?
Maybe my mom.
At least you have your mom
here to answer questions.
I have a million questions
I want to ask my mom, but...
Even though they'll
never be answered,
I still know how
she influenced me.
Remember, Spencer,
the essay is about you.
You think I could
read your essay?
I mean, it might help me
figure out what to write.
Um, I don't know. I'm not really
ready to show it to anyone yet.
It's kind of personal.
Too personal for me?
I thought you trusted me
with stuff like that.
I do trust you.
Just, you gonna ask to
read my diary next?
No.
Ok, I get it.
You ain't got to show me everything.
I'll figure it out.
Ok, now you're leaving?
Hey, I'm not mad.
I'm just late for the barbecue.
I'll call you later.
Uh, flint, right?
What?
You're flint, Michigan.
Actually, my name is grace.
No, sorry.
I meant you, um,
you had that smart
answer in class about...
flint. Got it.
How's the hypothetical land
use assignment coming along?
It's more complicated
than I thought,
but I'm enjoying it.
Can I give you some advice?
Mm-hmm.
Don't do a playground.
Like, everybody
chooses a playground.
Oh. Ok.
You were gonna do
a playground? Ha ha!
Back to square one, I guess.
One more thing.
The crime and the land value
balance each other out,
so don't overcalculate
those numbers.
Do you mind
if I write this down?
I'm free now if you want
to get some coffee,
and we can talk more about it.
Um, I... I got to get home.
How about if we
get the coffee to go
and we talk while I walk you?
Ok. Heh.
Cool. Ha ha.
Mm-hmm.
Damn! Something
smells good.
- Hey.
- What's up?
Hey, what's happening, man?
You finish that paper?
- Not yet.
- Tomorrow.
- I know.
- Get it done.
- I will.
- Leave him alone, dad.
Spencer, go get some ribs.
Yes, ma'am.
So what's this paper
about, you guys?
Who is your greatest influence?
Interesting.
Who'd you pick?
I don't have vega's class.
Huh.
Do you?
Yep.
Ok, then.
Great family time.
Lower your expectations.
Hey, can I ask you something?
What you need?
You ever go to Billy's
high school games?
Never missed one.
And my dad never saw me play.
He was pretty good back
then, though, right?
- Your pops?
- Yeah.
Better than good.
NFL talent. Could have
made it to the league.
So why didn't he?
The way I heard it,
the college grind
was messing up a good thing
he had with your mom,
so he took a year off
to start a life with her.
But after that year...
he missed his window.
At that level, it's not
easy to get back in.
But he got the girl.
Yeah, then he left her.
Why would somebody give up
their NFL dream for their family
and then walk out
on their family?
That don't make no sense.
What happened, pop?
That's a question
for your mom, son.
No way. I am not wasting
my land on a parking lot.
But it's not your land.
I mean, it's public land you've
been hypothetically entrusted with.
To do what's best
for my community,
which is exactly what I'm doing.
I'm choosing a playground.
What do you have
against playgrounds?
I got beat up on one?
And the merry-go-round
always made me sick.
I think this could work.
Yeah. Me, too.
The playground.
Right. That...
that's what I meant.
- Mm. Mm-hmm.
- Yeah. Yeah.
Um, mind if I get a refill?
Sure.
I'll be right back.
No, I'll get it.
You sit.
Hey, ma.
Hey.
Look, I got to ask you
something important about...
Spencer, I, um, have...
Who's this?
- Spencer, this is Micah.
- Hey.
I'm a teaching assistant
at palm state.
Your mom is one
of our best students.
You date all your students?
Excuse us for a minute.
Come in here.
What has gotten into you?
What's gotten into you?
You're bringing some
date home? Where's Dillon?
With a friend.
Lower your voice.
And this isn't a date.
I want to know why dad left.
Spencer, we are not having
this conversation right now.
Why you ain't tell me he
gave up a shot at the NFL?
Dude was a football
star, ma, just like me.
All these years
I've been playing ball,
you ain't once said
I reminded you of him.
First of all, you don't.
Second, I didn't say anything
because anytime someone
mentions your dad,
your head explodes.
You realize you still ain't
answered my question?
Why did he leave us, ma?
Excuse me.
I don't know where
this is coming from,
but you have embarrassed me
enough in front of my guest.
This conversation is over.
- Ma, come on.
- What did I just say?
So you got Shawn's
spot permanently?
Maybe. We'll see.
Still can't believe he's gone.
Yeah, man. You know Shawn
always had your back, Jamal.
What you talking about, Coop?
I'm just saying, he thought
you was undervalued.
Coop.
It's time to go.
All right, so you're
telling me some random dude
was at your house trying
to mack on your mom?
I'm not sure people say
"macking" no more, man...
But it looked like he was just
helping her with schoolwork.
Look. I know that move.
That's my move.
What's your move?
Go to a girl's house,
pretend to be friends,
help her with her homework.
One thing leads
to another, and...
dude, how long are
you living here?
What's going on here?
Martini time.
You want one?
No, no. I don't
want to interrupt
your little bromance.
Ha ha!
Hey, Leila, wait up.
Look. I just want
to say I'm sorry.
Spencer, you don't have to...
yes, I do. Look.
It wasn't cool of me to
assume I could read it,
and I know it wasn't
easy for you to write
about your moms.
You're not ready to
share those feelings.
I respect that,
and I shouldn't have
left like that.
Look. I told you,
I'm a work in progress,
but I really am sorry, ok?
Can I show you something?
Yeah.
This is crazy.
I didn't know you had
this room in your house.
Every record producer
has one of these rooms.
Got to display
them awards, right?
I guess.
I didn't bring you in here
to show you his awards.
I'm proud of him, but
I'm more proud of this.
These are songs my mom wrote.
- For real?
- Mm-hmm.
Yo, I heard of that one.
You probably heard a lot
of the songs she wrote.
It's how she met my dad.
She wrote a lot of his hits.
Why you showing me this?
Because even though
she's not here anymore,
I like knowing that she
was great at something,
just like your dad
isn't around anymore
but you found out he
was great at football,
and maybe someday,
you'll be glad
you know that about him.
Oh, damn it, Asher. Ha ha!
Seriously,
how long is he staying?
- Hey.
- Hey.
What are you doing?
Found some more
of your mom's songs.
Did I say you could read that?
I'm sorry.
I just assumed that...
don't assume, not in this room.
Leila...
Good job. Come on, boy.
- Oh, man.
- Ha ha ha!
- This was a bad idea.
- No.
Those 12 barbecued ribs you
put down were the bad idea.
You had more than me.
I don't have a game tomorrow.
Yeah. Neither do I.
Don't worry.
You're getting
on that field tomorrow,
and you're gonna show
your pops what you can do.
He's seen what I can do, ok?
I've been his
quarterback all season,
blowing teams out
left and right.
He don't care
about the blowouts.
He cares about
the 3 close games.
Yeah, and I won
two of those games.
With your feet.
Both games, you had
an open receiver
in the back of the end zone.
You felt the pressure
of the defense,
so you left the pocket too soon.
You try to run like that
against Logan,
and Mitchell is gonna
light you up.
Billy needs to see
a killer instinct.
So he had a killer instinct?
Oh, yeah. Billy
was never satisfied.
He'd win the biggest
game of his life,
he wouldn't even celebrate
with his teammates.
He'd just walk off the field
all businesslike,
asking, "who's next?"
Hey, man, you got a visitor.
I didn't want to go to bed
with us still in the fight,
and I wanted
to wish you good luck
on your first playoff game.
I'm sorry I can't be there.
Yeah. Well, I'm sorry
I embarrassed you.
I guess this essay assignment
just got into my head.
That's what this is about?
Teacher wants me to dig deeper.
I ain't got the answers.
And you think I do.
Maybe.
Look. I watched
an old video of dad,
a high-school game
from south crenshaw.
He was as good as me,
ma, maybe better.
Now he's your
greatest influence?
Nah. I didn't
say all that.
He doesn't deserve that title.
When he left, Spencer,
I had to be your mother
and your father,
and I did it because
I love you and Dillon,
but him leaving
forced me to step up.
Why'd he leave us, ma?
Spencer, all you need to know
is that it had
nothing to do with you.
It was about me and him.
And before you ask, no.
I don't have to relive
the most painful
moments of my life.
I'm sorry, baby.
I don't owe you more than that.
Come here.
What, you thought
a change of scenery
was gonna help you
write that paper?
You know me better
than anyone, Coop.
I figured, being here
with you, I just...
look, I can't help you, Spence.
You got to answer
that question yourself,
but it definitely ain't
neon deion Sanders,
and if you say, "prime time,"
I'm punching you
all in your face.
Ha!
Your moms was right, too.
It ain't your pops, neither.
Dude left you.
I still don't know
why he left, though.
Do it matter?
He gone, and look
how good you turned out.
You got to admit, life would be
totally different
if he was still around.
I wouldn't be with Leila.
You wouldn't be at Beverly,
player of the year,
all this attention.
Look. I know
losing him was hard,
but life turned out
good for you.
It's been hard
on my moms, though.
You ain't got to
worry about grace.
She's strong.
Morning.
Hey.
What?
Nothing.
Am I bugging you?
No.
Mom, I'm just finishing
getting ready for school.
How are you doing?
Because you've been
M.I.A. Lately
and I just promised
to pay more attention,
so this is me paying
more attention.
Mom, I'm not using or anything.
I didn't say that.
Midterms are kicking my ass.
I'm sure you're doing fine,
and I'm excited to hear more
about your essay assignment
on your greatest influence.
- Mom...
- I know it's not me.
Olivia, why should it be?
I didn't pay attention
when it mattered the most,
but I'm trying to change that,
so I'm gonna keep bugging you
because I want to make
things right between us.
Dude, relax.
I'm sure you'll play.
Yeah. That's not
the point, livs, ok?
I should be starting.
I earned it.
If dad was gonna
bench me all along,
why did he help me out?
Help you with what?
Nothing. Nothing.
Jordan...
Remember our new
Baker family pact?
We're all here to
support each other.
Ok. What's up?
Let's just say I didn't
exactly get lucky
with the drug test.
You didn't do it?
Dad helped you pass?
Don't say anything, ok?
He's still treating me
like a kid,
thinks I can't
take care of myself.
Or he's just protecting you.
That's the thing, Liv.
I don't need him to
protect me anymore.
Then maybe you
should tell him that.
Good work, you two.
All right. Have a good
weekend, everybody.
Wonderful work, Leila.
Your mother gave you a gift.
You should use it.
Spencer, you got
something for me?
Um...
Yes, sir.
I look forward to reading it.
Good job, Jessica.
Hey, Leila...
Oh, hey, um, listen,
I'm sorry about last night.
When I saw you reading
the notebook,
I got scared because...
those are your words.
Mr. Vega was right.
Your mom gave you a gift,
and she'd want you to
keep going on without her.
I know you don't think
I can handle the pressure
of a playoff game, ok?
Whoa. Jordan...
let me finish.
You always shield me
from the truth
because you don't
think I can take it.
I don't need you to
protect me anymore, ok?
I just need you to
treat me like a man.
Uh, you're right.
I don't know if you're ready.
I need to see it.
Down! Set!
Blue 8! Blue 8!
James fakes the
handoff and goes up the middle.
He gets a block, and he's loose.
Good.
There we go. There we go...
He's at the 35, the 30, the 25.
He's gonna go all the way.
Touchdown, Spencer James,
with an amazing, 40-yard dash
for the score.
Now is the time
to dig in, y'all.
Do not forget
what is at stake here,
what you've been
working all year for,
what you've been
sweating all year for.
It all comes down to this...
All right.
Bring it in.
All right. Here we go. Let's break it down.
Let's break it down.
- Win!
- Let's go, boys!
Go get them, boys.
Nice job.
Spence. Spence. Hey.
Who's that guy?
That's my dad.
Blue 8!
Blue 8! Set! Go!
Uh!
Mitchell
absolutely crushing James
in the backfield.
And Logan continues to push
Beverly to the brink.
With 1:38 left on the clock,
the eagles have to do something
or their season will be over.
Blue 8! Set!
Oh, it's a muffed snap,
but Adams is there
to jump on it.
James now suddenly looking
completely out of sync.
What the hell is
going on with Spencer today?
- His dad's here.
- What?
- Dad. Dad!
- Yeah?
Hey, we got a game to win.
- Yeah.
- Spencer's out of it, ok?
Put me in.
I can do this.
All right.
Get out there.
Go on. Take 'em home.
And young Baker
coming into the game
for the first time tonight.
What's up? You boys miss me?
All right. Let's do this.
Gun tray, left,
93 drag on 101. Ready?
Break!
Hey, Spence, I need you, ok?
Your dad's taken
enough from you.
Don't let him take
this game, too.
White 65! Set!
Young Baker drops back.
And he's got Adams
in the crossing.
Oh, and Mitchell
with a crushing blow.
Drew Mitchell continues
his second-half domination,
and Beverly with a timeout.
Fourth down and 12
with just 46 seconds left
on the clock.
If Baker can't find a way
to move the ball here,
Beverly's season is over.
Baker getting the snap.
And he lets it rip...
Game over, Baker.
And Adams with a great catch,
getting out of bounds,
stopping the clock.
You sure about that?
First down and 10
on the 45 yard line.
Baker knew he was going to
get clobbered on that,
but he stood in there and took
the punishment like a man.
33 seconds left in the game,
Beverly trailing by 4.
Beverly has maybe
one or two plays left
before time runs out
on this game and their season.
Here's the snap.
Baker dropping back.
He lets it fly.
Caught by Spencer James,
and he gets out of bounds,
stopping the clock
with 11 seconds left.
That leaves time
for one final play.
With the season on the line,
Beverly has to score here,
or it's all over.
Baker takes the snap,
steps into the pocket.
Caught!
Touchdown... Asher Adams.
Jordan Baker with a dramatic,
come-from-behind win.
Beverly advances,
ending Logan's season.
You did it, Jordan.
Who's next?
Spencer,
congratulations on the win.
Thanks.
Not my best game.
I wanted to return your essay.
Again?
Heh! This time
with a grade.
Now, that's the Spencer James
that I saw glimpses of all year.
You're good out on that field,
but it's not what
you're best at.
This could be
where your future lies
beyond football.
See you Monday.
Never a doubt, huh?
All Jordan ever needed
was someone
who believed he could deliver,
and he needed to see
you get rattled
just like the rest of us, Billy.
Corey James showed up
at the game tonight,
but you probably
already knew that.
Spencer told me at the barbecue
that Corey never saw him play.
I just thought Corey should know
that his son wanted
him to be here.
You have no idea
what you've done.
Sure I do.
I gave my grandson
an opportunity to shine.
Hey...
All right?
I just want to get back home.
Oh, Spence, I can't even imagine
what's going through
your head right now.
You can talk about it,
not talk about it.
That's on you.
Did you see him?
Uh, yes.
What was he doing here?
After all these years,
he just shows up?
He just wanted to see you play.
Now?
I was finally making
peace with it all, man.
I put his ghost to rest.
What do you mean?
Spencer, voice-over:
Who is my greatest influence?
A simple question, but
the answer's more complicated...
Spencer, voice-over: Because we're
all still evolving every day,
so the answer can change
in an instant.
Spencer, voice-over: Someone
comes into your life unexpectedly,
and, suddenly, you see the world
through a new lens.
That person teaches you
it's ok to let people in,
to start over.
Spencer, voice-over:
You can go your whole life
thinking you know the answer.
Then one day, you realize
the greatest influence
in your life
might be someone else.
Ready to get to work?
Ready.
"My greatest
influence is..."
Spencer, voice-over:
Sometimes the answer
isn't who influenced you
the most but what.
The little white pill.
Drugs nearly ruined my life,
but I came out on the other side
a better person.
And if I'd named a person
who influenced me the most,
of course it would be you.
Spencer, voice-over: People
come and go from our lives,
but only a handful of them truly
make a difference in our future.
It's impossible to choose
one person
who influenced my life the most.
It's what they all taught me
that matters,
things like loyalty.
So how long you known Tyrone?
A minute.
Man, a minute could be 10 years,
or it could literally
mean a minute.
So what'd you do in prison?
Read books.
What'd you read?
Greek mythology.
Seriously? Like what?
Trojan war was cool.
They build a wooden
horse so they can
take them down from the inside.
I never read that,
but the Greeks
sound like they were smart.
Yo, Coop...
The Greeks...
They weren't as smart as
they thought they were.
Spencer, voice-over: So who
is my greatest influence?
If I have to give an answer,
it has to be
my father's absence.
Him leaving me left a void
that so many people have filled.
If he hadn't left, I wouldn't be
the person I am today.
- Corey.
- Grace.
What are you doing in my house?
It used to be my house.
Not anymore.
I know, and don't worry.
I'm not here
to blow up your world.
I won't tell Spencer the truth.
I just want to be in his life.
It's time.
Son.
Greg, move your head.
- Did Tyrone give you that bag?
- Mind your business.
Whatever
you're about to ask, don't.
Your boy already gone. Ain't
nothing gonna change that.
It was Tyrone.
He had Shawn killed.
Why you join his crew?
These dudes, they about loyalty,
but they got to trust me first.
So if they find out
Tyrone had Shawn killed,
they gonna handle him for me.
Coop, this is gonna
get you killed.
Ok, I want you to train me.
Why?
I want to be great,
and you're the only one
who's ever held me
to that standard.
When you chose Corey over me,
that broke the last tether
that was holding me to crenshaw.
Maybe your father...
I don't have a father.
Not anymore.
Winton Mark,
Scott Anderson,
Jeff Austin.
Then we got Shane Butler.
You can't forget Asher Adams.
And, of course, JJ Parker,
Jordan Baker,
and last but not least,
your division player
of the year,
Spencer James.
Now, I've been hearing all
this stuff about Logan High
knocking out
the first seed in playoffs
two seasons in a row.
They are calling them
the giant killers.
Not no more.
We are ready for
Logan High, y'all.
We are ready for Logan High.
1, 2, 3!
Beverly!
We are not ready for Logan High.
Dad, we're the number-one seed.
And Logan barely made it
to the playoffs, coach.
Thank you. Thank you
for demonstrating
why we are not ready.
The regular season
is over, y'all.
Records don't matter.
What does matter is that they
have an All-American lineman.
What matters is that they
are called the giant killers.
But we will be ready.
We just have to add
a wrinkle to the offense.
A wrinkle?
This season we have
successfully run
wildcat with Spencer.
We are now gonna start the game
with Spencer behind the center
taking direct snaps.
Ok. For how long?
Till Logan adjusts
to the defense.
And if Logan's defense
doesn't adjust?
- We win.
- With me on the bench.
Yes, with you on the bench.
Moving on.
I know y'all realize
it's midterms week.
If y'all want to be out there
on that field
with me on Friday,
get your grades up.
All right. Get out of here.
Ok, I'll finish
grading your papers today,
so, everyone, you'll have
your grades by this weekend.
Good luck.
Spencer, a moment.
What's up?
Yeah, I was grading the
essay papers this morning,
including yours,
and you are aware
that this assignment is worth
50% of your grade, right?
Yes, sir.
And yet you still chose to write
that your greatest
influence in life
is neon deion Sanders.
- Prime time.
- What?
That's his nickname.
Prime time.
Neon isn't his nickname?
He got a lot of nicknames.
Is that your goal
in life, Spencer,
to have a lot of nicknames?
I haven't given it much thought.
- Yeah, kind of like this paper.
- Excuse me?
I learned nothing new
or insightful about you.
Perhaps football is
getting in the way.
And this isn't
south crenshaw high anymore.
And what's that mean?
You can't coast by here,
even if you are
good at football.
So what, you think I'm just
some dumb player from the 'hood?
What I think is that you
should be thanking me
for giving you an opportunity
to rewrite this essay.
And have it in by Friday morning
or you're not playing
in that playoff game.
Neon deion?
Prime time.
You can do better than that.
Ma, dude changed the game.
I can't believe you're
siding with Mr. Vega.
Not taking sides.
But at least he cares.
My professor doesn't
even look up at us.
I could bump into her
at the grocery store,
she wouldn't know
I was in her class.
So why take the class?
Because it's important.
Urban planning.
Yes.
My assignment this week
is to take a plot of land
right here in crenshaw
and formulate a plan
for the community.
It can be anything
I want it to be...
a park, house, business.
And my job is to weigh
all the issues.
You like it?
I love it.
Heh! You're gonna change the
world, ain't you, ma?
I'MMA try.
Neon deion was legit, though.
Prime time.
Prime time.
Hey, dad.
Just drawing up these new plays.
Oh. You forgot about
this one over here.
Thanks.
Wait. What is that?
That is the sideline,
that's you, and that is me
standing next to you.
We talked about this.
No, you shut me down, dad.
You questioned my decision
in front of the entire team.
But you understand me, right?
I mean, why now, dad?
What has changed all of a sudden?
I've delivered for you all year.
You want to know what
grandpa Willy thinks?
I don't really care what
grandpa Willy thinks.
He said you don't think
I'm a clutch player.
You tell him not
to speak for me.
You tell him yourself.
He'll be here tomorrow
for the barbecue.
We agreed that this
barbecue was something
we do as a family once a week.
Yeah, and he's family.
Hold up, hold up, hold up.
I still got a lot of film
on Logan to break down,
so I could use your help.
Ok.
Where you been?
I was with Malik.
Yo, Coop, I don't like
waiting on you.
Shawn never made me wait.
Well, since you bringing him up,
why you don't give me
Shawn's old spot?
'Cause you ain't ready.
I could show you I'm ready.
All right. Show me.
I'm gonna roll with you and see
if you can handle Shawn's route.
What, you gonna be my driver?
Come on, bro.
I could do it by myself.
Nah. Consider me
your babysitter.
This our driver.
Coop, meet preach.
He just got out.
What up, preach?
Preach don't say much.
Let's go.
Good evening.
For those of you
squinting in the back,
no, I am not Mrs. Hill.
I'm the guy who
grades your papers,
Micah Richards, Mrs.
Hill's teaching assistant.
You're stuck with me tonight,
so go ahead,
put your books away
so we can talk for a bit.
Why urban planning?
Urban planning is
the development and design...
no, no, no. Not
the Wikipedia definition.
Why did you choose this class?
Because it's an elective.
That's fair.
That was an honest answer.
You got to...
Get that degree somehow, right?
Um, how about you?
Elective.
Ok. Anyone here choose
this class voluntarily,
not just for a credit?
Why did you choose
urban planning?
Flint, Michigan.
Oh, the water crisis.
Good, ok.
Cleaning up the water,
upgrading the pipes,
dealing with the health issues.
See, all of this takes
careful planning.
Actually, I want to
prevent the next crisis.
Obviously, flint needs planning
right now to clear up that tragedy,
but it shouldn't have
never happened.
That's why I'm here.
Ok.
Good answer.
Anybody else?
Why'd you pick this class?
Elective.
Moving on.
Yeah, there he go again.
Yeah, dude's a monster.
Yo, is that Mitchell?
You're gonna be running
for your life this Friday.
Great.
Hey, did you rewrite
that paper yet?
Mr. Vega stopped by
my office today.
Yo, dude will not let up.
Who did you write your paper on?
Neon deion Sanders.
What? Prime time.
That's what I'm talking about.
Man. Yeah, vega, he
does not like sports.
He does have the power to keep
you out of that playoff game,
so whatever he wants
you to do, just do it.
- All right, see you, dad.
- All right, y'all.
All right, Spence,
we got Logan's entire season here.
All right, let's get on it.
Wait. What's this?
South crenshaw high?
Yeah, I guess my dad's
just planning ahead.
I mean, you do know
that if we win out
and they win out,
then we meet them
in the state final, right?
Yo, I got to check out
my old team.
Oh, ok. I've seen this
a million times.
Why is the quality so bad?
It's just one of my dad's
old high school games.
Handoff to Corey James.
Up the middle.
And look out,
here comes a burst!
There he goes.
Give that kid an opening,
and he's gone.
Touchdown!
That's your dad.
Corey James
just doing his thing.
Such an electric player.
Man, he had some serious wheels.
I knew your dad played ball,
but I didn't know
he was so good.
Neither did I.
Well, now we know where
you get it from, right?
Maybe he's your
greatest influence.
You should have seen him, baby.
It was like the other
team was in slow motion.
You didn't know
your dad was good?
I didn't know he was great.
Nobody told me.
Back in crenshaw,
everybody talked about Billy Baker
'cause he made it to the NFL.
But watching that game,
my pops was the best player on that field.
Well, like father, like son.
I wish people would
stop saying that.
It just sounds like maybe you
got some of that talent from him,
not that he deserves
credit or anything.
- What's up, Spence?
- Hey, what up, dog?
I heard vega's all over
your ass about that essay.
He's just messing with me
'cause I'm on the football team.
I'm on the team.
Who's your essay about?
Dwayne Johnson.
The rock?
Taught me everything I know.
And what exactly do you know?
I know I don't have
to rewrite my paper,
so vega must have liked it.
Hey, let me know if
you need any help.
The rock?
Dwayne Johnson.
- I know.
- The rock.
225?
I don't set mine
a degree over 200.
These are gonna be dry, Billy.
Do you even got any
mustard in that rub?
- No.
- Paprika?
Nope.
My mouth's watering.
What did I miss?
- Oh, battle of the barbecues.
- Uh-oh.
It's actually kind of
fascinating.
Stop messing with
the temperature.
I hate dry ribs.
Jordan, get over here.
Let me show you how it's done.
Uh-uh. I will teach my
son how to make some ribs.
The same way you've been teaching
him how to play football?
'Cause I've been
doing all the work
while you have him
sitting on the sidelines.
I'm gonna check on
the baked beans.
- Just tell the boy the truth.
- About what?
That you don't think he can handle
the pressure of the playoffs.
Look, all I'm saying
is the boy is untested
when the game is on the line.
And playoffs,
every game's close.
He's better than
you think he is.
Will you stop trying to drive
a wedge between me and my son?
You're doing that
all by yourself.
Dry-ass Beverly Hills ribs.
Ain't got no mustard.
What's up, j.?
What you doing here, Coop?
Came to pick that paper up.
You got Shawn's spot.
I miss that boy.
Yeah, me, too.
Remember that red
duffel bag he had?
Yeah, that thing was beat up!
He gave it to Tyrone
right before he died.
But I heard ray got it now.
- Who's ray?
- Dude that shot Shawn.
How he get it?
I don't know. Maybe he
stole it from Tyrone.
What you thinking?
Thinking about what?
Nothing.
We good, j.?
That's all of it.
Got some sort of cheese.
Cheddar, maybe?
Oh! Grape jelly.
Asher ate the peanut butter,
but you can have
a jelly sandwich,
except that he
already ate the bread.
How about a spoon?
How long is this
dude living here?
Sorry. All I have is
a spoonful of jelly.
The bakers are having their
weekly family bonding barbecue,
so I'll get some ribs
when I get back.
Ok. Paper's due tomorrow?
Yep.
You any closer to an answer?
It just seems like for
every question I have,
I realize I ain't
got the answers.
Who does?
Maybe my mom.
At least you have your mom
here to answer questions.
I have a million questions
I want to ask my mom, but...
Even though they'll
never be answered,
I still know how
she influenced me.
Remember, Spencer,
the essay is about you.
You think I could
read your essay?
I mean, it might help me
figure out what to write.
Um, I don't know. I'm not really
ready to show it to anyone yet.
It's kind of personal.
Too personal for me?
I thought you trusted me
with stuff like that.
I do trust you.
Just, you gonna ask to
read my diary next?
No.
Ok, I get it.
You ain't got to show me everything.
I'll figure it out.
Ok, now you're leaving?
Hey, I'm not mad.
I'm just late for the barbecue.
I'll call you later.
Uh, flint, right?
What?
You're flint, Michigan.
Actually, my name is grace.
No, sorry.
I meant you, um,
you had that smart
answer in class about...
flint. Got it.
How's the hypothetical land
use assignment coming along?
It's more complicated
than I thought,
but I'm enjoying it.
Can I give you some advice?
Mm-hmm.
Don't do a playground.
Like, everybody
chooses a playground.
Oh. Ok.
You were gonna do
a playground? Ha ha!
Back to square one, I guess.
One more thing.
The crime and the land value
balance each other out,
so don't overcalculate
those numbers.
Do you mind
if I write this down?
I'm free now if you want
to get some coffee,
and we can talk more about it.
Um, I... I got to get home.
How about if we
get the coffee to go
and we talk while I walk you?
Ok. Heh.
Cool. Ha ha.
Mm-hmm.
Damn! Something
smells good.
- Hey.
- What's up?
Hey, what's happening, man?
You finish that paper?
- Not yet.
- Tomorrow.
- I know.
- Get it done.
- I will.
- Leave him alone, dad.
Spencer, go get some ribs.
Yes, ma'am.
So what's this paper
about, you guys?
Who is your greatest influence?
Interesting.
Who'd you pick?
I don't have vega's class.
Huh.
Do you?
Yep.
Ok, then.
Great family time.
Lower your expectations.
Hey, can I ask you something?
What you need?
You ever go to Billy's
high school games?
Never missed one.
And my dad never saw me play.
He was pretty good back
then, though, right?
- Your pops?
- Yeah.
Better than good.
NFL talent. Could have
made it to the league.
So why didn't he?
The way I heard it,
the college grind
was messing up a good thing
he had with your mom,
so he took a year off
to start a life with her.
But after that year...
he missed his window.
At that level, it's not
easy to get back in.
But he got the girl.
Yeah, then he left her.
Why would somebody give up
their NFL dream for their family
and then walk out
on their family?
That don't make no sense.
What happened, pop?
That's a question
for your mom, son.
No way. I am not wasting
my land on a parking lot.
But it's not your land.
I mean, it's public land you've
been hypothetically entrusted with.
To do what's best
for my community,
which is exactly what I'm doing.
I'm choosing a playground.
What do you have
against playgrounds?
I got beat up on one?
And the merry-go-round
always made me sick.
I think this could work.
Yeah. Me, too.
The playground.
Right. That...
that's what I meant.
- Mm. Mm-hmm.
- Yeah. Yeah.
Um, mind if I get a refill?
Sure.
I'll be right back.
No, I'll get it.
You sit.
Hey, ma.
Hey.
Look, I got to ask you
something important about...
Spencer, I, um, have...
Who's this?
- Spencer, this is Micah.
- Hey.
I'm a teaching assistant
at palm state.
Your mom is one
of our best students.
You date all your students?
Excuse us for a minute.
Come in here.
What has gotten into you?
What's gotten into you?
You're bringing some
date home? Where's Dillon?
With a friend.
Lower your voice.
And this isn't a date.
I want to know why dad left.
Spencer, we are not having
this conversation right now.
Why you ain't tell me he
gave up a shot at the NFL?
Dude was a football
star, ma, just like me.
All these years
I've been playing ball,
you ain't once said
I reminded you of him.
First of all, you don't.
Second, I didn't say anything
because anytime someone
mentions your dad,
your head explodes.
You realize you still ain't
answered my question?
Why did he leave us, ma?
Excuse me.
I don't know where
this is coming from,
but you have embarrassed me
enough in front of my guest.
This conversation is over.
- Ma, come on.
- What did I just say?
So you got Shawn's
spot permanently?
Maybe. We'll see.
Still can't believe he's gone.
Yeah, man. You know Shawn
always had your back, Jamal.
What you talking about, Coop?
I'm just saying, he thought
you was undervalued.
Coop.
It's time to go.
All right, so you're
telling me some random dude
was at your house trying
to mack on your mom?
I'm not sure people say
"macking" no more, man...
But it looked like he was just
helping her with schoolwork.
Look. I know that move.
That's my move.
What's your move?
Go to a girl's house,
pretend to be friends,
help her with her homework.
One thing leads
to another, and...
dude, how long are
you living here?
What's going on here?
Martini time.
You want one?
No, no. I don't
want to interrupt
your little bromance.
Ha ha!
Hey, Leila, wait up.
Look. I just want
to say I'm sorry.
Spencer, you don't have to...
yes, I do. Look.
It wasn't cool of me to
assume I could read it,
and I know it wasn't
easy for you to write
about your moms.
You're not ready to
share those feelings.
I respect that,
and I shouldn't have
left like that.
Look. I told you,
I'm a work in progress,
but I really am sorry, ok?
Can I show you something?
Yeah.
This is crazy.
I didn't know you had
this room in your house.
Every record producer
has one of these rooms.
Got to display
them awards, right?
I guess.
I didn't bring you in here
to show you his awards.
I'm proud of him, but
I'm more proud of this.
These are songs my mom wrote.
- For real?
- Mm-hmm.
Yo, I heard of that one.
You probably heard a lot
of the songs she wrote.
It's how she met my dad.
She wrote a lot of his hits.
Why you showing me this?
Because even though
she's not here anymore,
I like knowing that she
was great at something,
just like your dad
isn't around anymore
but you found out he
was great at football,
and maybe someday,
you'll be glad
you know that about him.
Oh, damn it, Asher. Ha ha!
Seriously,
how long is he staying?
- Hey.
- Hey.
What are you doing?
Found some more
of your mom's songs.
Did I say you could read that?
I'm sorry.
I just assumed that...
don't assume, not in this room.
Leila...
Good job. Come on, boy.
- Oh, man.
- Ha ha ha!
- This was a bad idea.
- No.
Those 12 barbecued ribs you
put down were the bad idea.
You had more than me.
I don't have a game tomorrow.
Yeah. Neither do I.
Don't worry.
You're getting
on that field tomorrow,
and you're gonna show
your pops what you can do.
He's seen what I can do, ok?
I've been his
quarterback all season,
blowing teams out
left and right.
He don't care
about the blowouts.
He cares about
the 3 close games.
Yeah, and I won
two of those games.
With your feet.
Both games, you had
an open receiver
in the back of the end zone.
You felt the pressure
of the defense,
so you left the pocket too soon.
You try to run like that
against Logan,
and Mitchell is gonna
light you up.
Billy needs to see
a killer instinct.
So he had a killer instinct?
Oh, yeah. Billy
was never satisfied.
He'd win the biggest
game of his life,
he wouldn't even celebrate
with his teammates.
He'd just walk off the field
all businesslike,
asking, "who's next?"
Hey, man, you got a visitor.
I didn't want to go to bed
with us still in the fight,
and I wanted
to wish you good luck
on your first playoff game.
I'm sorry I can't be there.
Yeah. Well, I'm sorry
I embarrassed you.
I guess this essay assignment
just got into my head.
That's what this is about?
Teacher wants me to dig deeper.
I ain't got the answers.
And you think I do.
Maybe.
Look. I watched
an old video of dad,
a high-school game
from south crenshaw.
He was as good as me,
ma, maybe better.
Now he's your
greatest influence?
Nah. I didn't
say all that.
He doesn't deserve that title.
When he left, Spencer,
I had to be your mother
and your father,
and I did it because
I love you and Dillon,
but him leaving
forced me to step up.
Why'd he leave us, ma?
Spencer, all you need to know
is that it had
nothing to do with you.
It was about me and him.
And before you ask, no.
I don't have to relive
the most painful
moments of my life.
I'm sorry, baby.
I don't owe you more than that.
Come here.
What, you thought
a change of scenery
was gonna help you
write that paper?
You know me better
than anyone, Coop.
I figured, being here
with you, I just...
look, I can't help you, Spence.
You got to answer
that question yourself,
but it definitely ain't
neon deion Sanders,
and if you say, "prime time,"
I'm punching you
all in your face.
Ha!
Your moms was right, too.
It ain't your pops, neither.
Dude left you.
I still don't know
why he left, though.
Do it matter?
He gone, and look
how good you turned out.
You got to admit, life would be
totally different
if he was still around.
I wouldn't be with Leila.
You wouldn't be at Beverly,
player of the year,
all this attention.
Look. I know
losing him was hard,
but life turned out
good for you.
It's been hard
on my moms, though.
You ain't got to
worry about grace.
She's strong.
Morning.
Hey.
What?
Nothing.
Am I bugging you?
No.
Mom, I'm just finishing
getting ready for school.
How are you doing?
Because you've been
M.I.A. Lately
and I just promised
to pay more attention,
so this is me paying
more attention.
Mom, I'm not using or anything.
I didn't say that.
Midterms are kicking my ass.
I'm sure you're doing fine,
and I'm excited to hear more
about your essay assignment
on your greatest influence.
- Mom...
- I know it's not me.
Olivia, why should it be?
I didn't pay attention
when it mattered the most,
but I'm trying to change that,
so I'm gonna keep bugging you
because I want to make
things right between us.
Dude, relax.
I'm sure you'll play.
Yeah. That's not
the point, livs, ok?
I should be starting.
I earned it.
If dad was gonna
bench me all along,
why did he help me out?
Help you with what?
Nothing. Nothing.
Jordan...
Remember our new
Baker family pact?
We're all here to
support each other.
Ok. What's up?
Let's just say I didn't
exactly get lucky
with the drug test.
You didn't do it?
Dad helped you pass?
Don't say anything, ok?
He's still treating me
like a kid,
thinks I can't
take care of myself.
Or he's just protecting you.
That's the thing, Liv.
I don't need him to
protect me anymore.
Then maybe you
should tell him that.
Good work, you two.
All right. Have a good
weekend, everybody.
Wonderful work, Leila.
Your mother gave you a gift.
You should use it.
Spencer, you got
something for me?
Um...
Yes, sir.
I look forward to reading it.
Good job, Jessica.
Hey, Leila...
Oh, hey, um, listen,
I'm sorry about last night.
When I saw you reading
the notebook,
I got scared because...
those are your words.
Mr. Vega was right.
Your mom gave you a gift,
and she'd want you to
keep going on without her.
I know you don't think
I can handle the pressure
of a playoff game, ok?
Whoa. Jordan...
let me finish.
You always shield me
from the truth
because you don't
think I can take it.
I don't need you to
protect me anymore, ok?
I just need you to
treat me like a man.
Uh, you're right.
I don't know if you're ready.
I need to see it.
Down! Set!
Blue 8! Blue 8!
James fakes the
handoff and goes up the middle.
He gets a block, and he's loose.
Good.
There we go. There we go...
He's at the 35, the 30, the 25.
He's gonna go all the way.
Touchdown, Spencer James,
with an amazing, 40-yard dash
for the score.
Now is the time
to dig in, y'all.
Do not forget
what is at stake here,
what you've been
working all year for,
what you've been
sweating all year for.
It all comes down to this...
All right.
Bring it in.
All right. Here we go. Let's break it down.
Let's break it down.
- Win!
- Let's go, boys!
Go get them, boys.
Nice job.
Spence. Spence. Hey.
Who's that guy?
That's my dad.
Blue 8!
Blue 8! Set! Go!
Uh!
Mitchell
absolutely crushing James
in the backfield.
And Logan continues to push
Beverly to the brink.
With 1:38 left on the clock,
the eagles have to do something
or their season will be over.
Blue 8! Set!
Oh, it's a muffed snap,
but Adams is there
to jump on it.
James now suddenly looking
completely out of sync.
What the hell is
going on with Spencer today?
- His dad's here.
- What?
- Dad. Dad!
- Yeah?
Hey, we got a game to win.
- Yeah.
- Spencer's out of it, ok?
Put me in.
I can do this.
All right.
Get out there.
Go on. Take 'em home.
And young Baker
coming into the game
for the first time tonight.
What's up? You boys miss me?
All right. Let's do this.
Gun tray, left,
93 drag on 101. Ready?
Break!
Hey, Spence, I need you, ok?
Your dad's taken
enough from you.
Don't let him take
this game, too.
White 65! Set!
Young Baker drops back.
And he's got Adams
in the crossing.
Oh, and Mitchell
with a crushing blow.
Drew Mitchell continues
his second-half domination,
and Beverly with a timeout.
Fourth down and 12
with just 46 seconds left
on the clock.
If Baker can't find a way
to move the ball here,
Beverly's season is over.
Baker getting the snap.
And he lets it rip...
Game over, Baker.
And Adams with a great catch,
getting out of bounds,
stopping the clock.
You sure about that?
First down and 10
on the 45 yard line.
Baker knew he was going to
get clobbered on that,
but he stood in there and took
the punishment like a man.
33 seconds left in the game,
Beverly trailing by 4.
Beverly has maybe
one or two plays left
before time runs out
on this game and their season.
Here's the snap.
Baker dropping back.
He lets it fly.
Caught by Spencer James,
and he gets out of bounds,
stopping the clock
with 11 seconds left.
That leaves time
for one final play.
With the season on the line,
Beverly has to score here,
or it's all over.
Baker takes the snap,
steps into the pocket.
Caught!
Touchdown... Asher Adams.
Jordan Baker with a dramatic,
come-from-behind win.
Beverly advances,
ending Logan's season.
You did it, Jordan.
Who's next?
Spencer,
congratulations on the win.
Thanks.
Not my best game.
I wanted to return your essay.
Again?
Heh! This time
with a grade.
Now, that's the Spencer James
that I saw glimpses of all year.
You're good out on that field,
but it's not what
you're best at.
This could be
where your future lies
beyond football.
See you Monday.
Never a doubt, huh?
All Jordan ever needed
was someone
who believed he could deliver,
and he needed to see
you get rattled
just like the rest of us, Billy.
Corey James showed up
at the game tonight,
but you probably
already knew that.
Spencer told me at the barbecue
that Corey never saw him play.
I just thought Corey should know
that his son wanted
him to be here.
You have no idea
what you've done.
Sure I do.
I gave my grandson
an opportunity to shine.
Hey...
All right?
I just want to get back home.
Oh, Spence, I can't even imagine
what's going through
your head right now.
You can talk about it,
not talk about it.
That's on you.
Did you see him?
Uh, yes.
What was he doing here?
After all these years,
he just shows up?
He just wanted to see you play.
Now?
I was finally making
peace with it all, man.
I put his ghost to rest.
What do you mean?
Spencer, voice-over:
Who is my greatest influence?
A simple question, but
the answer's more complicated...
Spencer, voice-over: Because we're
all still evolving every day,
so the answer can change
in an instant.
Spencer, voice-over: Someone
comes into your life unexpectedly,
and, suddenly, you see the world
through a new lens.
That person teaches you
it's ok to let people in,
to start over.
Spencer, voice-over:
You can go your whole life
thinking you know the answer.
Then one day, you realize
the greatest influence
in your life
might be someone else.
Ready to get to work?
Ready.
"My greatest
influence is..."
Spencer, voice-over:
Sometimes the answer
isn't who influenced you
the most but what.
The little white pill.
Drugs nearly ruined my life,
but I came out on the other side
a better person.
And if I'd named a person
who influenced me the most,
of course it would be you.
Spencer, voice-over: People
come and go from our lives,
but only a handful of them truly
make a difference in our future.
It's impossible to choose
one person
who influenced my life the most.
It's what they all taught me
that matters,
things like loyalty.
So how long you known Tyrone?
A minute.
Man, a minute could be 10 years,
or it could literally
mean a minute.
So what'd you do in prison?
Read books.
What'd you read?
Greek mythology.
Seriously? Like what?
Trojan war was cool.
They build a wooden
horse so they can
take them down from the inside.
I never read that,
but the Greeks
sound like they were smart.
Yo, Coop...
The Greeks...
They weren't as smart as
they thought they were.
Spencer, voice-over: So who
is my greatest influence?
If I have to give an answer,
it has to be
my father's absence.
Him leaving me left a void
that so many people have filled.
If he hadn't left, I wouldn't be
the person I am today.
- Corey.
- Grace.
What are you doing in my house?
It used to be my house.
Not anymore.
I know, and don't worry.
I'm not here
to blow up your world.
I won't tell Spencer the truth.
I just want to be in his life.
It's time.
Son.
Greg, move your head.