Greenleaf (2016–…): Season 3, Episode 3 - Chain of Command - full transcript

Previously on "Greenleaf"...

If we don't pay the IRS
$2 million in the next 90 days,

they're gonna come after us
for tax evasion.

- How could you let this happen?
- This Rochelle Cross woman,

she's gotten awfully
close with my father,

and I feel like she's trying
to cozy up to me, too.

- Gigi.
- Hi.

You either leave him with me,
or you stay,

but you're not taking
my son across state lines.

I can't go to Jackson,
or come back on the tour.

But you signed a contract.



Bless these tides and offerings, father.

In Jesus' name, amen.

- Get out.
- I am done feeling bad.

- Get out.
- I'm done feeling wrong.

- Get out!
- I'm done feeling dirty.

- Get out!
- I am done!

You had an affair with my sister.

I am divorcing your black ass.

Nice day, isn't it, grandma?

It is. I noticed that.

- So glad the rain stopped.
- Mm-hmm.

Everything washed clean.

I'm out.

Hey, you know, I'm going
to that restaurant you like.



You want me to bring you
something back tonight?

Um, no, I'll find something.

Well, nothing would make me happier

than for you to join me for supper.

I'd love that.

Oh.

Mwah!

- See ya, honey.
- Bye.

- Morning, Maricel.
- Good morning.

This just came for you, ma'am.

Oh, thank you, Maricel.

What is it?

Seriously?

After the way you spoke
to me the other night?

If you weren't family,
you wouldn't even be living

in this house.

- Morning, Bishop.
- Darlene.

It's a beautiful day.

Oh, another of the Lord's masterpieces.

Mm-hmm.

Have you seen the first lady?

I haven't.

Do you want me to ask around
and maybe find her for you?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no. She'll find me.

It's just a matter of when.

God is good.
- All the time.

- Hey.
- Heads up.

Oh, it's my wife?

Charity.

What does she want?

I don't know.

I told her I'd have you call.
She insisted on waiting.

Daddy, I've been thinking.

Good morning.

Good morning.

- About what?
- My future.

Oh, yes, your music career
is taking off, isn't it?

We're gonna miss you.

Daddy, I quit the tour.

- You quit?
- Yeah.

I'm not going back.

- Why? What happened?
- Kevin.

Kevin's just making it impossible.

We'll be happy to keep you. Listen...

Uh... excuse me.

I want to preach, Daddy.

You want to preach?

Yes.

If I'm gonna stay here,
I need to be moving forward

in my career.

We've been through
this multiple times, Charity.

You're a singer.

Daddy, why can't you
just give me a chance?

You haven't heard me preach in years.

- Well, that's true enough.
- Look,

the Lord gave me this idea last night.

Why is it so important

to have God in our lives?

Because our souls are songs.

And God is...

The heavenly choir director.

Did I ever tell you
how I wanted to be a Baker?

But, life got in the way and...

I decided to be the Pastor of a church

instead of making cookies.

No, you never told me that story.

That's because it didn't happen!

And it never does happen like that.

The call to preach
the gospel of Jesus Christ

is not anybody's...

Plan B.

I'm sorry.

Charity...

Charity.

Have you gotten ahold of Lady Mae yet?

Not yet.

Mm.

Ms. Larson, thank you.

Wow.

This is so generous. Thank you.

This defense fund of yours
is such a worthy cause,

and a revolutionary one at that.

When I first heard about it,
I wanted to give more, but...

...Rochelle said
there's always next year.

She's not wrong. She really is.

So, how did you two meet?

Oh, one of her clients is a friend.

He introduced us. Ah.

I think my old money manager

must've been picking my investments

by walking a chicken
around the bingo board.

- You know that old game?
- Mm.

So, Rochelle's done well for you, then?

Oh, my, yes.

And everyone I know that uses
her just swears by her, too.

- Well, praise God.
- Amen.

- Thank you again.
- I'll see you next year.

Yes, ma'am.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Hey, Daddy.

- Good morning, Gigi.
- Morning.

You all right?

Have you seen your mother?

Uh, not here.

She got a letter or something

delivered to the house this morning.

Whatever it was, it really upset her.

She drove off in a st...

Do you know what it was?

I want you to hear this from me.

What's going on?

Hey, Tasha. What's up?

Well, I've just been noticing

a lot of torn-open, empty envelopes

in the first-service offering,

and, I mean, you know, sometimes
people get a change of heart

and take back a little cash.
You know how that goes.

But, I think someone
might actually be stealing.

- Any idea who?
- I...

I don't know.
That's why I wasn't even sure

if I should bring it to you, but...

I-I definitely think that you
should know what's going on.

Well, can you draw up a list of
ushers from the first service?

I already did that. Here it is.

- Okay, thank you.
- Mm-hmm.

Have these people meet me in my
office before church tomorrow.

We'll nip this matter in the bud.

I will sound the alarm.

And Tasha? Yes?

Don't make too big a deal of it.

If anybody asks you
what the meeting's about,

just, uh, tell them
I want to say "thank you."

Now you're preachin'.

My husband had me served

with these divorce papers this morning,

and I just want to know
what my options are.

What's his issue?

His "issue" is that he cheated on me

with my own sister multiple times,

and now he's seeing a woman half his age.

And you said on the phone he's a Pastor?

Shepherd of 4,000 souls...

Though it pains me to say it.

That gives me a lot to work with...

hypocrisy, abuse of power...

Juicy.

Ms. Davison?

Are you a Christian?

No.

And you'll be thanking Jesus

I'm not one when it's over.

How do we start?

You write me a check for 10 grand,

as a retainer, and I'm all yours.

I should warn you, though.

I know.

You are gonna be tough.
You can spare me that speech.

I am more than up for this challenge.

I was going to say, miss Greenleaf,

I've represented
a few first ladies in my time...

here, elsewhere.

And every one wanted the same thing.

I just want what I deserve.

That's what every first lady says,

and that's just what you won't get.

What the hell do you mean?

I don't care if you smiled every Sunday

and shook the old folks' hands,

hosted every party, taught every class,

preached your pretty sermon
to your ladies once a year,

once your Bishop is done with you,

it's Cinderella time.

What do you mean?

Midnight...

the party's over.

Bishop?

Bishop?

Um...

Any word from the first lady?

No.

Is everything all right?

No, no...

No, everything's all right.

Everything's fine.

What can I get you, ma'am?

A Brandy Alexander, please.

A Brandy Alexander?

I don't get called for those too often.

I'll walk you through it...

one part fresh cream,

one part cognac, one part crème de cacao,

with a pinch of nutmeg,
uh, and chilled, please.

Wow. I like a woman
who knows what she wants.

And you know how to make it.

Call Jabari.

- Charity. Hi.
- Is this a bad time?

Kinda slammed right now.
Why? What's goin' on?

I don't know. I miss you.

I miss you, too. But what's goin' on?

Just, everything... You know?

Things with Kevin, my parents...

- My dad was...
- hey, uh, Charity?

What?

Nothing. Look, I got to jump.

Okay.

- So, you ready?
- Mm-hmm.

So, I was thinking...

Are we still on for tonight?

I am. Why? Are you not?

I am.

I'm sorry I called you a hypocrite.

Thank you.

No one's ever held me
to a higher moral standard

than what's normally expected
of a journalist,

which is to say, a pretty low standard.

Well, thank you for understanding.

My father served my mother with
divorce papers this morning.

- What was he thinking?
- I don't know.

Let's talk about it later tonight.

Yeah. It'll be good to see you.

Same.

Bye.

Hey.

There's a reporter here.

- To see me?
- No, the first lady.

She had an appointment
to do this interview,

but now she's not here

and the reporter said
she's working on a deadline.

Today is not the day for the
first lady to talk to the press.

Maybe you could talk to her?

Yeah, let me talk to her.

Hi. Good morning.

Hello.

- Hi. Grace Greenleaf.
- Lisa Nolan.

Memphis Monitor.

It's a pleasure to meet you.
I understand you had

an appointment
with the first lady today, huh?

Yeah, and I really need
to get this turned in before...

I used to be a journalist.

I understand.

What's the story about?

The rise of women in leadership
roles in the church...

how it's all changing,
or needs to change.

Huh.

Well, uh, the first lady's
not here today, so, uh...

What's your job?

I'm actually the head of outreach here.

Could I interview you?

Uh, yeah.

- Pastor Greenleaf.
- Hey, pop.

How you doin'?

Um...

Have you heard from your mother?

No. Why?

- She all right?
- Yeah.

What's going on, pop?

When I asked your mother
to marry me the first time...

...she said no.

She said she had other plans.

The day that she was leaving town

to pursue this other life she'd imagined,

I closed down
my little storefront church...

...got out of my lease
and moved out of my apartment,

- packed up my car.
- Where were you going?

I didn't know.

I just wanted your mother to know

how seriously I took where she was going

and that without her...

I was done with my life.

So, what happened?

She didn't go.

Pop, why are you telling me all this?

You know as well as I do

that she is the same woman today
as she was back then.

If you're gonna get her to
change her stubborn little mind,

you have to be bold.

I might...

I might've been a little too...

Pop, what did you do?

What did you do?

I filed for divorce.

What?!

Pop!

I just want you to know...

...that I was trying to...

I was trying to do the best...

what was best for your mother...

For me and for the family.

Aaron? Of course.

You're early.

Am I? It's just that kind of day.

Everything is going my way.

Come here, my sweet, sweet man.

Hi. Hi.

You miss me?

Where-where's Kevin?

He just ran to the store.
He should be back any minute.

Nice.

Real nice.

- Hey.
- We weren't expecting you

until 5:00. Is everything all right?

Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?

What's this?

What is this?

That is Sophie, and he is a man obsessed.

Hasn't put her down
since I gave it to him.

Right.

You could take her with you.

Let it be something
he just plays with here.

It'll give him something
to look forward to.

All right.

Can I get the bag?

Are... are you sure
you can't wait a minute?

- Kevin wanted to talk to you.
- About what?

Well, actually we both
wanted to talk to you.

Why? Are you moving in now?

I had an interview here yesterday,

which is actually why
I'm in town for the weekend.

And they officially made me an offer.

We didn't want to say anything

until it was a thing for sure.

So... yeah.

- I know it's awkward.
- No!

It's... it's... it's not.

What's... what's awkward?

I've got my own things
going on, too, so...

I mean, things that I've been waiting,

you know, um...

Whatever. Can I... can I have Sophie?

And can you get the bag?

- Yeah, yeah.
- Yeah, great. Thank you.

All right, I'll get that.

You ready to go?

Here you go, Ms. Lady.

- Oh. Ooh. Wait, wait, wait.
- Let me take that.

Mmm! You know, you really need

to make these more often.

- Oh, what was your name?
- Vernon, ma'am.

Oh! Vernon,

these may become your specialty.

Yes!

Well, I just might put it on the menu.

Just keep it on comin', honey.
They're just so delicious.

I mean, really,
can you believe that crap?

Serving papers to your wife of 44 years

just to scare her?

And he teaches classes on marriage?

Have you heard back from her yet?

I mean, just briefly.
She said "don't worry about it."

Said "God's gonna work it all out."

Hmm...

Let's hope he does. I mean,

I know I've had my issues
with your mother in the past,

but a world where Bishop
and her aren't together...

Well, that's a world
that I don't understand.

"Shake a tail feather."

Would you ladies
like to join me for a drink?

My treat?

Yeah! Okay!

Rose and Thorn?

I did my homework in three minutes.

That's my man. Good job.

Now, that's a Rose.

What about you, Z?

Your father asked you a question.

I did homework all day with a pen.

Can I please have my computer back?

We gave you back the TV.

Can I be done?

'Cause sitting here
right now is my Thorn.

Take your plates to the sink.

What?

Tasha said there was cash
missing from the first service.

What? So you think Zora...?

Who else could it be?

She's the only new Usher

added to that service since we came home.

Jacob!

She's a good kid.

Just because she's having a hard time

does not make her a thief.

I used to come here once upon
a time, way back when, but...

Back then it was different.

Yeah.

Oh, me and my best friend...

have either of the two of you ladies

ever heard of Maxine Patterson?

The preacher that's on TV?

You're friends with her?

I was at one time.

Yes...

Well, we went to college together.

And then, Maxie just got it into her mind

that she wanted to go

to Howard University school of divinity.

Yep, after she graduated...

And wanted me to apply, too.

- We both applied.
- Mm-hmm.

And we both got accepted.

Ooh!

But then the night
before we were supposed

to get on that train to D.C.,

I sat right here, right in this very bar,

with her...

...and I told her I couldn't go.

What?

'Cause I had fallen in love.

Look, I don't know who gives
a damn about any of that.

All I'm just trying to say
to you right now,

is that you give your whole life to a man

and in one fell swoop

he just takes it all away.

You see all these fixtures and furniture

your grandmother surrounded us with?

Back in those days, we
couldn't even afford to dream

about things like this.

But dreaming is free.

When you're as poor as we were,
even dreaming's a luxury.

Your mind just won't let you do it.

That's so sad.

It's the way most people live.

- Ms. Mae?
- Ooh, that looks delicious.

Yes, indeedy.

- There you go.
- Thank you.

Ooh, this looks good.

- Vernon?
- Yes, ma'am?

What do you know about
that hotel next door?

Is it decent?
I just shouldn't be driving.

I know I shouldn't be driving, and I-I...

but I don't do bugs.

You know, Ms. Mae, it may not be
what you're used to,

but it's clean.

Oh, okay. Mmm.

- Hello?
- Sophia.

- Grandma?
- Hi. There's my angel!

L-let me talk to her.

Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry

that I didn't make it back
for our special supper,

but I'll make it... I'm gonna
make it up to you, okay?

Yeah.

Will you be my messenger

and tell everybody that I am fine,

everything is good,

and I will be back tomorrow?

- Where are you?
- Huh?

I just needed a little me time.

Uh, hang on.
Grandpa wants to talk to you.

Hello? Mae?

Mae?

Mae?

Mae?

Well, I'm happy
you're having a good time.

Yeah, yeah, we'll... we'll...

we'll see you tomorrow.

No. Honey.

I'm sure it's okay.

Yeah.

Uh-huh. I'll see you soon, okay?

Bye, baby.

- Oh, my God.
- What now?

My mother called Sophia to tell her

she's not coming home tonight.

- Well, where is she?
- I don't know.

Whatever. She's a grownup.

I guess.

Give her a call.

She doesn't want to hear from me.

I can't help but think
that this whole thing

is about Rochelle Cross.

She's the reason why this is happening.

You know that feeling
when you're interviewing someone

for a story

and you know they're lying?

- Hm?
- Yeah.

Well, I have a guy
at the police department

who would check her out,

make sure she is who she says she is...

...if you want me to.

Yeah. Thank you.

Shh. Shh.

It's okay, baby.

Mommy's here. Mommy's here, angel.

Maxine wants to change your life,

show you the miracles
God has waiting for you.

Don't move,

the "Maxine Patterson show" is up next.

♪ The atmosphere is changing ♪

♪ Nothing stays the same ♪

♪ Heaven is waiting ♪

♪ For the mention of the name ♪

♪ The spirit is moving ♪

♪ Burning like a flame ♪

♪ Healing the broken ♪

♪ By the one we proclaim ♪

♪ Raise it uuuup ♪

♪ Feel the sky ♪

♪ Chains will fall ♪

♪ Mountains move... ♪
- stop.

Hey, that's what I'm talking about.

Mm-hmm.

I'll be right back.

Hello.

Charity, what are you doing here?

You sounded busy.

I thought I'd make it easier
and come to you.

How did you get here?

We drove. We took a little road trip.

You drove seven hours with Nathan?

Yeah.

I thought Kevin wouldn't let you

- take him across state lines.
- I'm done caring

what Kevin will or will not let me do.

Okay? How are you?

Really busy.

Still really busy.

Is she who took my spot?

Yeah.

Well...

You don't need her anymore.

I'm here, and I'm ready to go.

I warmed up on the ride over, so...

Let me in, coach.

I got a contract with her, Charity.

Which I'm gonna honor,

like you could've honored yours.

Well, we can just come along.

I don't think that'll work.

- Because of her?
- Because I am busy.

Yeah, you are.

That is not how it is, all right?

- I thought you loved me.
- I did!

You did?

No, listen. I do, okay?

I'm so stupid.

- Nobody wants me.
- Hey.

Nobody... get your hands off of me!

Look, I gave you
what you said you wanted.

You went in another direction, not me.

That's not my fault. That is on you.

So, why didn't you just break up
with me when I quit the tour?

Because I didn't know if I wanted to.

But I'm sure now. We're done.

Go home.

- They don't want me at home.
- Well, I don't want you here.

From the top.

♪ The atmosphere is changing ♪

♪ Nothing stays the same ♪

♪ Heaven is waiting ♪

♪ For the mention of the name ♪

♪ The spirit is moving ♪

Now that this whole
tax thing is about to blow,

that old man ain't gonna know
whether's he's coming or going.

He's gonna be like
Elijah in the whirlwind.

Except this time
he's going straight to hell.

- How'd you do it?
- Do what?

I do it all.

Get the IRS to reopen the case?

Child, I got connections,

and we know this world is run on money.

You got Jacob running
around here like a puppy,

buying diamonds.

- Oldest trick in the book.
- That wasn't a trick.

- Mm.
- No, I was trying to help.

Ah. Okay.

Whose side are you on?

Don't you ever worry?

About what?

About God?

Your soul?

My soul?

You got everything that you want.

Why do this?

Tasha...

James Greenleaf killed my father

by burning down his own church...

For a check...

a lousy check from an insurance man.

I just think that...

it wasn't just Basie's father.

I know. He was yours, too.

Okay, so don't question me about my soul.

Do I make myself clear?

Greenleaf's been around here

making a mockery of religion
for two generations.

Hell,

you keep that little high-yellow
thing of Grace's around,

make it three.

Look, we're on the right side of this.

We just have to stay the course.

- You hear me?
- I hear you.

Good.

'Cause I ain't got no time
for no backsliding.

We just got to keep the faith.

So, Aaron said he told you
he was moving in.

Yeah. Congratulations.

Look, I'm, um...

I'm sorry you didn't hear it from me.

Kevin, it's fine. Really, I mean...

I'm moving on, too.

Charity, where are you at right now?

On tour.

And while everybody else
comes to worship, reflect,

and for some people, they just come here

to try to get away from their kids

for as long as they possibly can.

I get that. But, you guys?

You're the ones putting in the time.

You're the ones putting in the work.

I wanted to let you know that I see you.

I know everything you're doing,

and it doesn't go unnoticed.

- Amen?
- Amen.

Amen.

Hey. I thought you didn't go to church.

Well, I'm not here to worship.

You have some news about Rochelle?

She checks out, Grace.

That can't be true.

The actual reason I'm here...

- What else?
- Someone at the IRS

just released a memo...
a list of all these megachurches

whose pastors haven't been paying taxes

on their personal income.

Apparently, there's some guy
on the inside at the IRS

that's been cutting deals
with on these churches

for a fee.

Calvary's on the list?

At the top.

Well, I will have them
all reviewed by tomorrow morning,

all right?

- Uh-huh.
- Is Zora in her room?

Oh, Michelle, let me call you back. Okay?

Yeah, what's up?

She stole that money.

Oh, baby, come here.

Go... go in the living room, okay?

Go ahead. Go sit down.

- Zora!
- What?

Zora, open this door.

Jacob, don't do this.

Didn't we tell her not to lock this door?

- We did.
- Okay! Okay!

Open the door!

What? What do you guys want?

- Where's the money?
- What money?

- Zora...
- Wait! No, no, no, no, no, no.

Can you stop? Can you please
stop going through my stuff?

Zora, just tell the truth.
Did you take the money

out of the offering?
I don't know what he's...

I don't know what you're talking about.
I didn't take any money.

- Did you take the...
- no! I don't know what...

can you please stop going through...

I don't know what you're talking about.

I didn't take any money. I don't
know what you're talking about.

- I didn't take any money.
- Jacob, please!

Can you please stop
going through my stuff?

Where is it? Huh?

Where is it?!

Jacob!

What'd I tell you?

What'd I tell you?!

You lied to me.

Koryn, I need you to arrange
the plane for the 17th,

returning that evening, please.

Where to?

Atlanta.

I'm gonna visit an old friend.

What is this?

Oh, yeah.

The reporter said she had a deadline.

Grace handled it.

Mae?

Mae, I-i-it was a stupid mistake.

I was trying to make a point, and I...

- I'm sorry.
- Don't be.

Oh, I'm glad you did it.

Look, look, don't take such a position.

We both know it was petulant and foolish.

It forced me to take
a hard look at myself

and my choices...

...and for that, I'm actually grateful.

Let's just start over.

We can't.

We have to. I mean, there's...

- There's too much at stake.
- We can't, James.

Listen to me.

I forgive you,

and I'm done pointing fingers.

That's over. Just...

It's just me I can't forgive now.

For marrying you

and making our life my calling

when I knew that I was called by God.

- To do what?
- Who knows?

Anything other than this.

Anything other than being
at the mercy of a man

who plucks at the web

of my absurdly- constructed life.

No, look. No.

My lawyer made some notes
in the margins and...

You'll figure it all out.

Don't do this.

I have to.

It's time to go.