Katy Keene (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 6 - Chapter Six: Mama Said - full transcript

[KATY] After years of
dreaming, I had finally

finished my Parsons application.

I could have dropped
it off at any mailbox

in Washington Heights, but instead,

I went all the way downtown,

on the same block as
my childhood apartment.

I guess you could say I
was clutching to the past,

but the thing is, Parsons
wasn't just my dream...

it was my mom's, too.

She may have had secrets,

but all I wanted was to
share this moment with her...



and K.O.... but I couldn't.

As hard as it was going to be,

it was time for me to
move on, to move forward.

[PEPPER] To Katy Keene,
soon to join the ranks

of Parsons' fashion elite.

- Yeah!
- Aw, thank you, guys.

Now I just have to get in.

Yes, but in the meantime
you need to celebrate.

I know. And I know
this might sound stupid,

but I always pictured

sharing this milestone with my mom.

When I mailed that application,

I imagined her there with me.

That doesn't sound stupid, love.



She would be proud of you.

[KATY] And this is
also the kind of thing

I'd want to share with K.O.,

but, obviously, I can't.

Look, I'm sorry you
miss him, my love, I am.

But you are young, you are single,

in New York City.

It's time to have a little fun.

Starting with that stud down the bar

who has not stopped checking you out.

Timothée Chala-may-I-please.

Well, that guy is hot.

Guys, no.

I'm not ready to date someone new.

You don't need a date.

What you need is a rebound...

with a capital D.

[PEPPER] Yes. Casual is key.

I don't even remove a sock

unless there's no chance
of emotional attachment.

- [PHONE BUZZES]
- Ooh! Speaking of meaningless sex,

if you'll excuse me. I have a date.

- Bye.
- Bye.

- Go on.
- [KATY HUFFS]

Guys, I wish I could be like Pepper,

but K.O. was my first
kiss, my first boyfriend.

I mean, he's the only guy that
I've ever, you know, been with.

I'm sorry, you've
only been with one guy?

Josie, how are you feeling about the EP?

I will feel better once I
make it through this week.

There's the listening
party that Alex planned,

and I still haven't told him
that my contract stipulates

that I baby-sit him. So, yeah.

- [PATRONS EXCLAIM]
- Ugh!

Can you believe it? Every day

some new hobbyist
queen who's Insta-famous

just strolls in here
like she owns the place.

Well, if it isn't Miss Busted Broadway.

Deveraux, what you doin' here, girl?

I thought you was too good for Molly's.

Just giving back to the less fortunate.

And scoping out my
future Thursday night gig.

Sis, no, no.

Thursday's Ginger's night.

Oh, you haven't heard.

The Miss Washington Heights pageant

just moved to Molly's.

Winner gets prime time,

the most lucrative night at the bar.

And the winner will be me...

Deveraux. [SNAPS FINGERS]

[DISHES CLINKING]

Mmm!

What's all this, then?

Eggs à la francaise.

- Mmm.
- My Nanima's secret recipe.

Mmm! Your Nanima taught you well.

Do you see her often?

Not for a few years.

We had a falling out.

How heartbreaking. What happened?

When my parents split,

Nanima wanted me to go to India

with her and my mom.

I wanted to stay, go to Tisch,

and become the next Spike Lee.

She never forgave you?

She tried to bribe me,
with an early inheritance,

but...

[POUNDING ON DOOR]

- Be right back.
- Mm-hmm.

Didi! What a surprise!

You've been avoiding my calls.

We need to talk.

Um... can it wait?

- I have company.
- The Palace found out

that I helped you, and they fired me.

I am so sorry.

I helped you get out of the hotel,

I loaned you money, and you ghost me?

I thought we were friends.

We are. We are friends.

I recently

came into a new business relationship,

and I'm expecting a big payday.

So as soon as the money comes in,

I will pay you twofold. I promise.

If you don't, I'm going to the police.

So, Papi, when am I gonna
see one of your drag concerts?

At this point, probably never.

I just found out I lost my spot.

¿Y porqué? What happened?

Because Molly's is hosting
some stupid drag pageant,

and now my slot goes to
whatever fame-thirsty queen

has the tightest tuck.

Okay, cálmate.

Being angry isn't going
to win your spot back.

Show these queens who
they're messing with.

I'm an artist, okay?

Broadway wouldn't give me a stage,

I made my own at Molly's,

You still can. Once you win.

Pageantry is in the Lopez blood.

I was Miss Puerto Rico, remember?

Of course, Mommy, but all the queens

have been preparing all
week. I'm too far behind.

Well, it's a good thing
you have me to help. Hmm?

Come on. Let's win you that corona.

[JORGE] Aye.

- Off we go. Vamos.
- All right.

On behalf of all of Lacy's,
we're delighted to host

your royal engagement
announcement photoshoot.

The photographer, Will Buckingham,

will be set up here tomorrow morning,

Actually, Errol's
grandmother had concerns

that Will Buckingham is too green.

Grandmother is also a tyrant.

[LAUGHS]

Patricia's just a tad nervous.

[KATY] Well, I heard that Vogue

just promised Will Buckingham
the September issue cover.

So, if anyone's going to
make you look like a princess,

- it's him.
- [PATRICIA] Okay.

I trust you, Katy, but...

shouldn't we consult your
family about aesthetic...

what if they don't approve?

Pattie, please.

Can we just have one thing to ourselves?

Shouldn't you... maybe... okay.

Katy, you understand the
importance of this wedding.

I do. Lacy's is planning

an exclusive collection and window

inspired by the royal nuptial.

Yet, there's clearly
trouble in paradise.

Seeing that you have
a way with the prince,

whatever's going on, you need to fix it.

Absolutely. I am happy to.

Gloria, I know this might
literally be the worst time,

but I've been trying to
find out if my mother,

Katherine Keene, was
ever a Lacy's employee?

The dragon lady in payroll

refused to release any information.

Your timing could not be worse.

But if this is the fastest way

to get you out of my office

and onto this royal kerfuffle,

I'll look into it. Now, off you go.

Thank you.

[JOSIE'S EP PLAYING]
♪ It could go wrong ♪

♪ It could go right ♪

♪ But we should try ♪

[SONG ENDS]

Oh, my God!

Alex, this... this is amazing.

I can't believe you mixed this!

I guess I'm more than a pretty face.

All right, let's not get
ahead of ourselves, okay?

At least not until after
the listening party.

How nervous should I be?

Don't be. You're amazing.

And tomorrow, some
of the top music execs

will get to see that, including my dad.

And once he hears it,

he'll approve funding for a full album.

What's up? Hmm?

Are you having second thoughts about us?

No! No, no, no, it's not that.

It's just, my mom is flying in
town for the listening party.

I just want everything
to be perfect, you know,

because if it were up to her,

I would be in law school right now.

I thought your mom
supported your singing.

Yeah! No, I...

Once upon a time, but
she has her doubts,

and I just... I want her to
see that I'm doing well...

for once.

Well, you heard it yourself.

Look, the EP is solid.

They're gonna love it.

[UPBEAT POP SONG PLAYING]

♪ You've gotta feel the thunder... ♪

Who'd you sleep with to
get late registration?

Who'd you sleep with to get
them cheap lip injections?

Molly's is my bar, bitch.

Please.

This dump needs a real queen.

Instead of little boys playing dress-up

in Holly Hobbie's hand-me-downs.

But I wouldn't be caught dead in those,

especially not in front of
the legendary Miss VeeVee Humble.

Hold up. VeeVee gonna be at the pageant?

She's the special guest judge.

And I'm her kind of queen...

fierce, fabulous,

and filet-o-fishy.

Mm. Try not to embarrass yourself.

Drag ain't Broadway,

and you couldn't even cut it there.

[SNAPS]

[KATY] As I struggled to figure out

how to mend Errol and
Patricia's royal relationship,

the world threw me the
ultimate curveball.

And I was reminded of the one
relationship I couldn't fix.

Where exactly did Xandra touch K.O.?

I don't want to think about it.

I gotta say, I didn't
see those two coming.

Turn.

Maybe they met at Studio 34,

because he's working there now.

I just can't believe that he's already

in a new relationship... with a Cabot!

[JORGE] And I'm not
seeing any signs of K.O.

on Xandra's Gram.

- Maybe they just hookin' up.
- [GASPS]

That's not helping.

Regardless of what... or who...

K.O. is doing, maybe this is a sign

that you should get back
on the proverbial horse.

You're right. I'm gonna do a rebound.

- [GASPS]
- How titillating. But with whom?

I don't know any other
straight guys besides K.O...

- Hmm.
- and my brothers.

- Absolutely not.
- [JOSIE] Hello, I'm home!

Hey!

Ooh! There is a certain photographer,

quite a catch, who's
working at Lacy's tomorrow.

- A certain Will Buckingham.
- [JOSIE] Guys, really?!

My mom is on her way from
Grand Central as I speak!

I was soaking it, I'll clean it now.

- Thank you.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR]

[KNOCKING]

Mom!

Four flights, Josie.

And this neighborhood!

There's a transient man on your stoop

who claims to be Rudy Giuliani.

[JOSIE CHUCKLES]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

- Oh!
- Mmm!

[SIGHS] Oh.

You must be

Katy, Pepper and Jorge.

- Hi!
- Hi!

I've heard all about you.

Thank you for taking
care of my daughter.

Josie is the best thing to happen to 4B

since we got rid of those mice.

I will shut up now.

This must be your living
room-slash-bedroom.

It's so... sea foam green.

So, fill me in.

I want to know everything
that's going on.

Patricia wanted a change in direction...

the regality of Queen
Victoria and Prince Albert.

So... we pulled contemporary Victorian.

Pattie and I agreed, Oxfords and chinos.

What's wrong with that?

Okay.

Hi.

[GASPS] You look perfect!

Okay, so, Errol is...

confused. He was hoping for something...

- more casual?
- Katy.

If you could tell Errol, I
had a chat with his father...

Who wants the pictures hung between

his bed chambers and private parlor.

Khaki wasn't formal enough.

We could pull you
something with less ruffles?

We agreed to avoid this
stiff, insufferable nonsense.

Tell her...

He wants JFK Jr., not Prince,

and definitely not Purple Rain Prince.

It's like he wants the whole world

to see Pat the bartender
from the East Village!

Remember, Errol fell in
love with that bartender.

But I promise you,
when people look at you,

they will see a princess.

To Patricia, your world is huge

and intimidating.

She just wants to be a princess

for her prince.

I already see her as a princess.

She doesn't need to
prove it with clothes.

I have an idea. Don't move.

[WHISPERING]

I like it.

And... cut! Let's take five.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

Raj, I was just thinking...

your Nanima, was it?

I can't imagine how much you miss her.

Have you ever thought
about reaching out?

I was in a dark place
when my family disowned me.

I just don't think I'm
ready to forgive them.

I'm sorry.

I don't mean to put my problems on you,

but I've never really
had the best relationship

with my family, and sometimes

it really pains me how much I miss them.

I'd hate for you to feel the same way.

Life's too short to
hold grudges, you know?

Just think about it, will you?

Looks great.

- Okay.
- [CREW MEMBER] Um...

Yeah?

[WILL] Beautiful, guys.

Stay just like that. Hold it, hold it.

- [SHUTTER CLICKS]
- All right.

Now, let's get some

with just the princess-to-be, shall we?

[KISSES]

Good job having them dress down.

These'll be killer, thanks to you,

- Uh...
- [ERROL] Katy Keene.

Thank you for helping us.

Who knew being engaged while royal

could be so stressful?

Making decisions as a
couple is always hard.

That's right.

You recently got engaged?

Actually, that didn't work out.

I'm sorry to hear it.

He must be a puddle, losing you.

Perfect, princess.

[GASPS] Mommy!

Your Miss Puerto Rico costume!

I love it!

- Until I met Ginger,
- [SNIFFLES]

I thought I'd have to
be buried in this outfit.

Come on. Let's get to work.

I have the perfect
showstopper outfit for you.

Mama, Katy's gonna make my showstopper.

Bueno, pero, what about your Q&A?

Ma, it's fine, I'm just gonna be myself

- and speak my truth.
- Your truth?

You're in a pageant, you're
not testifying in court.

Pageants are about fitting
into the mold,

not breaking it, okay?

- [GROANS] Aye...
- Come on.

Pretend you're onstage.

Okay, smile.

Smile. Smile.

Pero, not too much, okay?

You look a little crazy.
[CHUCKLES] Smile.

- Mm-hmm. Okay, now posture...
- Mmm.

shoulders back, belly in, tatas out.

Eyes wide.

Stare those judges down.

What says...

"gold album maker"?

Well, it's not really a full album.

It's more of an EP. It's four songs.

What matters is that a label

is putting their money
and time behind your music.

Well, Mom, I'm not signed to a label.

Mr. Cabot of Cabot Entertainment

funded it personally.

Mr. Cabot, as in your manager's dad?

Yeah...

Um, actually,

Alex isn't just my manager,

he's my boyfriend.

But that is not
uncommon in the industry.

I have a contract.

You signed a contract?

Without running it by me first?

I know what I'm doing.

Clearly not.

The father of your
manager-slash-boyfriend

is funding your EP.

I don't want you to become a
pawn in their family dynamics.

Ooh! This was made for you.

I am not a pawn.

Is it so hard to believe

that Mr. Cabot cut me a check

because he heard me sing?

Frankly... yes.

You know, you used to believe in me.

What happened?

[FOOTSTEPS FADE]

[XANDRA] Alex, I take full credit

for leaking the Kissing Cabots story.

Look, I'm sick and tired

of your dad trying to control us.

And now that is out there, we're free.

I'm done with secrets...

which is why I needed you to see this.

- This is Josie's contract.
- Yeah.

Your dad needs a way
more competent secretary.

I took the liberty of
highlighting that last clause.

It's a lot of legalese, so
let me translate it for you.

Your daddy is paying
for Josie to date you.

Or, should I say, baby-sit you.

[KATY] Thank you so much.

It was cool to work
with you, Katy Keene.

I'll remember your name next
time I need a Switzerland.

You could remember my number, too.

Forward. I like it.

My friend is having
an EP release at five.

Do you wanna meet me there?

[CAMERA CLICKS]

Best photo I took all day.

Put in your number.

I'll see you later.

See ya.

Well done at the shoot today,
Katy. Errol and...

Pedestrian Patricia looked cheery.

Thank you, Gloria. It was a team effort.

I got this from Human Resources.

Your mother's file.

She was indeed an
employee here at Lacy's.

Wait. It says here that she was fired.

- Why?
- From what I gather,

the management doubted her
commitment to the store.

Why wouldn't my mom tell
me that she worked here?

She was terminated around
the time you were born.

Which I found in your file.

Why would she go to such lengths

to keep all this from me?

[PHONE BUZZES]

No doubt that's your date calling.

Honestly, I'm not really in the mood

to go out with anyone.

Katy, if your mother was
keeping something from you,

it was likely to protect you.

Now go. Don't keep that roguish
Vogue photographer waiting.

Thank you, Gloria.

The party started twenty minutes ago.

[SIGHS] Where's Alex?

Easy there. It's New York.

[ENTRY BELL JINGLES]

Hi! Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi!

Will, this is Josie McCoy,

future Grammy winner, right here.

[JOSIE AND WILL LAUGH]

Hi, thanks so much for coming.

- Of course.
- Um, so,

Jorge and Pepper are downstairs.

- I'll see you there? Okay.
- Okay.

[REMOVES BOTTLE CAP]

[KATY] Thanks.

- Cheers.
- [BOTTLES CLINK]

To an unusual first date.

Please, it reminds me of
my early days in the city.

Running around with a
camera on my shoulder,

not knowing if I'd ever make it.

I think nostalgia might be
getting the better of you.

As much as I like my day job,

I would rather be
getting paid to design.

Your day job can't be that bad
with a prince pining after you.

- I saw the way he looked at you.
- What?

Prince Errol Swoon

is practically a married man.

He most certainly was not looking at me.

[SOFT POP MUSIC PLAYING]

Josie?

- You look amazing.
- Thanks.

I wasn't sure you were still coming.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

So, where is this manager of yours?

[ALEXANDER] He's right here.

Alexander Cabot.

The man my daughter hasn't
stopped talking about.

It's my pleasure.

Um, Alex...

can I talk to you in private?

Hm. What's the point?

[LOUDLY] I mean, we should probably

call this whole thing
off, don't you think?

You know? Because you couldn't keep up

your end of the bargain.

What's he talking about, Josie?

I don't know.

I think he's just had

a little too much to drink.

Really? You don't know?

So, you're not just dating me

because my dad paid you to?

Alex, I... I can explain.

Save it.

Alex...

Jo... Josie, let him go.

[KATY] Hey, this is your night.

Do not let him ruin this.

[CHUBBY] We all came out here tonight

for the same reason...

to hear good music.

And I'm honored to introduce

a bright young talent...

Miss Josie McCoy.

[CHEERS, APPLAUSE]

[BACKING TRACK PLAYS]

♪ There goes a dream ♪

♪ Now it's us against real life ♪

♪ Love isn't all butterflies ♪

♪ In a drunken paradise ♪

[HARMONIZING] ♪ It hurts ♪

♪ It's hard ♪

♪ It's worth the fight ♪

♪ Let's do our best ♪

♪ To get it right ♪

- ♪ If we just try, try, try ♪
- ♪ Oh, try ♪

- ♪ If we just try, try, try ♪
- ♪ Try, try, try ♪

♪ Hey, we might fall ♪

- ♪ Or we might fight ♪
- ♪ Oh, try ♪

- ♪ But we should try ♪
- ♪ We should try... ♪

The infamous Alexander Cabot.

There's nothing more important
to me than my daughter,

and there are things that you can
do for her career that I cannot.

But if you screw her over in any way,

I will personally call
Marc Berger down at the SEC

and have him investigate
every financial dealing

you've ever brokered.

No empire has been
built without at least

one rusty nail, Mr. Cabot.

Just ask Hiram Lodge.

♪ We should try, we should try ♪

[SONG ENDS]

- [CHEERS, APPLAUSE]
- Yeah!

[APPLAUSE CONTINUES]

Uh, you know, my studio's
only ten blocks away.

You wanna go back with me?

I'd love to show it to you.

As tempting as that is,

I think I'm good for tonight.

But... next time?

Sure.

I'll call you.

Okay.

[WILL] Mmm...

[KATY] And you guys?
It was the Worst. Kiss.

Ever.

[PEPPER, JORGE] No!

Oh, my God.

Welcome to the dating pool, sister.

Ugh! That's nothing compared to the time

I went on a date with Jared Leto,

who only gives butterfly kisses.

Speaking of kisses... how's Raj?

Have I mentioned how weird it is

that you're dating K.O.'s roommate?

You have, and we're not dating.

- It's strictly cash.
- [PHONE BUZZES]

Speaking of, I should
probably take that.

Might be an emergency.

Uh-huh. An emergency booty call.

Better make it quick.
Don't miss my pageant.

- [KATY SNORTS]
- I would never.

Two shakes of a lamb's tail!

[SIGHS]

Maybe I'm not cut out
for the single life.

I mean, I had a prince in K.O.

Katy, girl, you've been
single for, like, two seconds.

Relax.

You just gotta kiss a few frogs, is all.

- You're right.
- [CLINKS GLASSES]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Hmm. Maybe Pepper forgot something.

Doesn't she have a key?

Yeah, I thought we gave her one.

So, how did you know where I lived?

I'm a prince, Katy.

[LAUGHS] Right.

I'm sorry to drop in like this,

but I just didn't know where else to go,

and you always seem to
have the right answers.

Patricia and I are over.

I called off the engagement.

You what?!

No, that's okay. I can fix this.

No. It's too late. I'm done.

You know, on our first date,

I made plans to take Patricia

to a Michelin-star restaurant

in Macau, but she insisted

that we stay in and order Chinese.

Now she's throwing temper tantrums

because her tiara doesn't have enough

canary yellow diamonds.

Patricia is dealing with a lot.

She's not used to
being in the public eye.

- Just give her some time.
- I don't know, Katy,

I think I might be better off single.

I know, I thought that too
when I broke up with K.O.,

but trust me, the grass
isn't always greener.

[KATY SIGHS]

Is this your mother? You look like her.

Yeah.

You all right?

My mom was amazing,

and she died a few years ago,

but I'm starting to think that there's

a lot of things I don't know about her.

I'm sorry.

I lost my mum too when I was young.

- Yeah, I know.
- Of course.

The whole world knows.
I wish I could say that

you'll miss her less as time goes by,

but I find that the older I get,
the more I wish she were here.

She'd know what to do about Patricia.

What do you think that she would say?

That I need to learn to be alone,

and that I was foolish to
get engaged to my rebound.

- Oh.
- Did I forget to mention that?

- You did.
- I was heartbroken when I met Patricia.

I suppose I rushed into things
to numb the pain I was feeling.

It's funny how we do that, isn't it?

Sometimes I think I stayed with K.O.

because he was there
for me when my mom died.

I knew that if we broke up,

there would just be all this

residual pain to sort through.

- How's that going?
- Still sorting.

[JORGE] Katy!

- I'm heading out.
- Okay.

Ask him.

Do you want to go to a drag pageant?

Uh... I'm afraid I cause
a bit of a commotion

- when I'm out in public.
- Oh! Of course.

Here. No one will be
looking for a prince

amongst all those... queens.

[CHUCKLES]

Go talk to your mother.

She's the only one you're gonna get.

I know what you're gonna say.

That this whole listening
party was a disaster.

Josie, you were a revelation.

You've never sounded better!

Alex knows how to get
the best out of me.

I know you can handle
your business, but...

I didn't like what I saw tonight.

That was partially my fault. I didn't...

Don't make excuses for that boy.

Alexander Cabot had no right

to waltz in here like that.

Do you know who he reminded me of?

Just because he had too
much to drink one night...

doesn't mean he has a problem.

He's not Dad.

That's exactly the same
thing I used to say.

Josie,

when you end up with someone like that,

the worrying never goes away.

I don't want that for you.

I know.

You are not that little girl

from Riverdale anymore.

And you have to make your own choices...

and mistakes.

But I'm still your mom.

And I will always be here

to help pick up the
pieces and bring you home.

[SNIFFLES]

Should I be jealous of this other person

that you're clearly fantasizing about?

[CHUCKLES] No.

It's just my Nanima.

I've been thinking about what you said,

and I think I might reach out to her.

Oh, that's fantastic... isn't it?

I just don't know what I'll
do if she rejects me again.

[PEPPER EXHALES]

Raj...

I must admit, I had a...

teensy, tiny, microscopic

ulterior motive when I suggested

that you make up with your family.

What are you talking about?

When I heard about your
potential inheritance,

I thought that you might

invest in my Pepper Plant.

But you might be, quite literally,

the sweetest guy in the world,

and it would be unconscionable of me

to betray your trust.

I'm sorry that I even
considered asking you.

Pepper, stop.

I can't believe you even
thought of doing that.

[SOFTLY] Yeah.

You're relentlessly passionate.

That's why I like you.

Look, I've done some shady things

to get films made,

and I've made some shady films. [LAUGHS]

So next time...

don't lie to me?

Yeah.

[EMCEE] Ladies and gentlemen,

welcome to the Miss
Washington Heights pageant!

- [CLUB MUSIC PLAYING]
- Now joining us on the stage

- for the Q&A portion of the evening...
- Aye, papi...

- please welcome our guest judge...
- Tatas out!

the one, the only, the always horny,

VeeVee Hum-ble!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

- Francois?
- No, sweetie.

But tell him to call me if he's single.

[KATY LAUGHS]

[CHEERS, APPLAUSE CONTINUE]

- You made it!
- Gosh, yes.

I could not have my mom come to New York

and not experience the drag scene.

[SIERRA] Honey, I was
in the East Village

every weekend of my
twenties... I know drag.

[VEEVEE] Mm, yass!

These queens done dragged
me out of retirement.

- [LAUGHTER]
- But there's no place I'd rather be.

[CROWD CHEERS]

And now for the Q&A
portion of the evening.

The first question goes to Deveraux.

- [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]
- [FAN] Deveraux!

[FAN 2] Whoo! Whoo!

What advice would you
give to a young person

starting out in drag?

I'd tell them that if
a kid from Paris, Texas,

could grow into the
gorgeous, confident queen

standing here tonight, then
anything is possible...

- if you believe in yourself.
- [FANS] Whoo! Whoo!

- And invest in a good corset.
- [LAUGHTER]

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

Ginger Lopez, same question.

[CHEERS, WOLF CALLS]

Thank you. Um... I...

I'd say, um...

- [MIC FEEDING BACK]
- Uh...

[DEVERAUX] Aww, poor Ginger.

Putty tat got her tongue.

- [LAUGHTER]
- [MAN] Ooh...

We need an answer!

[MAN 2] What is she wearing?

[WOMAN] Bring back Deveraux!

- [MAN 3] Deveraux!
- [MIC FEEDING BACK]

Sorry.

No, no, no. I got this. I got it.

Ginger?

Oh, my God!

Hey, what happened?

[GASPS]

That bitch Deveraux.

Katy, she's like the Tether from Us.

She cut... my dress!

- I know how to fix this.
- Don't. Don't bother, Katy.

No, you are not giving up.

It's over, girl. I don't belong here.

Not with these perfect, fishy queens.

[ERROL] Ginger...

My entire life,

I have been expected to
be the perfect prince...

go to this school, marry that girl,

don't get a piercing. [CHUCKLES]

But the more I tried,
the more miserable I was.

See, the problem wasn't that I
didn't know how to be a prince,

I just didn't know how to be myself.

Forget about what you
think you're supposed to be,

and just be who you are.

I could kiss you right now.

But that's probably inappropriate.

- [KATY CHUCKLES]
- We'll see where the night takes us.

[BOTH LAUGH]

For the talent portion
of our competition,

let's welcome back to the
stage, Miss Ginger Lopez!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

[VOCALIZES]

[BEYONCÉ'S "PRETTY HURTS"
BACKING TRACK PLAYS]

♪ Mama said you're a pretty girl ♪

♪ What's in your head,
it doesn't matter ♪

♪ Brush your hair, fix your teeth ♪

♪ What you wear is all that matters ♪

♪ Just another stage ♪

♪ Pageant the pain away ♪

♪ This time I'm gonna take ♪

- [MUSIC STOPS]
- ♪ The crown without falling ♪

[CROWD MURMURING]

[LUISA] That bitch!

What?!

[SINGING ACAPELLA]
♪ Pretty hurts ♪

♪ We shine the light
on whatever's worst ♪

♪ Perfection is a disease ♪

♪ Of a nation ♪

[SUCKS BREATH IN]

- ♪ Pretty hurts ♪
- [CROWD CHEERS]

♪ We shine the light
on whatever's worst ♪

♪ You tryin' to fix something ♪

♪ But you can't fix what you can't see ♪

♪ It's the soul that needs a surgery ♪

♪ Ain't got no doctor or pill ♪

♪ That can take the pain away ♪

♪ The pain's inside ♪

♪ And nobody frees you from your body ♪

♪ It's the soul, it's the soul ♪

♪ That needs surgery ♪

♪ Ohh! ♪

♪ Plastic smiles and denial ♪

♪ Can only take you so far ♪

♪ Then you break when the fake facade ♪

♪ Leaves you in the dark ♪

♪ You left with shattered mirrors ♪

♪ And the shards of a beautiful girl ♪

♪ A beautiful girl ♪

[ALL CHEER]

♪ Pretty hurts ♪

Yes!

♪ We shine the light ♪

♪ On whatever's worst ♪

♪ Tryin' to fix something ♪

♪ But you can't fix what you can't see ♪

♪ It's the soul that needs a surgery ♪

[CROWD CHEERS WILDLY]

See? That's my baby!

[VEEVEE] As a former
Miss Washington Heights,

it's wonderful to see
the next generation

of queens on the rise.

Now, without further ado...

[CROWD CHUCKLES]

our first runner-up...

Miss Booty Harland!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

[WOMAN] Yeah, Booty!

And now,

the moment you have
all been waiting for.

This year's Miss Washington Heights...

Miss Deveraux!

[CROWD CHEERS WILDLY]

[APPLAUSE CONTINUES]

["GOOD AS HELL" BY LIZZO PLAYING]

♪ I do my hair toss, check my nails ♪

- ♪ Baby how you feelin'? ♪
- ♪ Feelin' good as hell ♪

It was very sweet how you talked
Ginger off the ledge earlier.

Oh, I'm used to giving queens advice.

[LAUGHS]

So, is every night in the life

of Katy Keene this exciting?

You mean, between the evil drag queens

and the musical numbers?

Yes, it's pretty standard.

I truly cannot remember

the last time I had this much fun.

Seriously?

You are a literal prince.

You get to attend fancy galas

and brunch with the Obamas.

Just Michelle and the girls.

Barry's not one for mimosas.

[LAUGHS]

I mean it, though.

It's so hard to cut loose
when you're in the public eye.

Well, look around.

Molly's Crisis is one of
the few places in New York

where you can totally be yourself

and not feel alone.

So show me what you've
got, Your Highness.

Oh!

[LIZZO SUSTAINS NOTE]

♪ And do my hair toss, check my nails ♪

- ♪ Baby, how ya feelin' ♪
- ♪ Feelin' good as hell ♪

♪ Hair toss, check my nails ♪

- ♪ Baby, how ya feein' ♪
- Mom! Stop!

♪ Hair toss, check my nails ♪

- ♪ Baby, how ya feelin' ♪
- ♪ Feelin' good as hell ♪

♪ Hair toss, check my nails ♪

- ♪ Baby, how ya feelin' ♪
- ♪ Feelin' good as hell ♪

[MOZART OVERTURE PLAYING]

[BOTH PANTING]

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[SIGHS]

Good mornTing, Your Highness.

What happened to your prince?

- He couldn't stay.
- Mm-hmm.

How was the royal treatment?

- I don't know how that happened.
- [JOSIE] Mmm.

We just got caught up in
the moment. It was a mistake.

[GASPS] He's a client!

- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
- Ooh!

K.O.

Hi.

Katy. Uh...

I was in the area and I came
by to pick up some of my stuff.

If it's a bad time,
I can come back later.

No. No, it's okay.

Do you want some cereal?

So... I saw you and Xandra together.

Are you guys...

And if you are, that is great.

Xandra's kind of a monster
but if you like her,

I am happy for you. Really.

Katy, take a breath.

Xandra and I met at Studio 34.

She needed a bodyguard,
so I drive her around

and I'm teaching her to box. That's it.

Oh.

You were jealous.

- No. No...
- Yes...

- [LAUGHING]
- No, no. I was not.

You totally were! I mean...

- Come on.
- Come on.

Katy, seriously though,
I can't even imagine

dating somebody new right now.

I'm not ready.

- [PHONE BUZZES]
- Oh.

- I see some things never change.
- Sorry.

- Hello?
- [GLORIA] Katy, I don't know

what you did this time,

but I need you in my office now.

Thank you for coming by, Didi.

I didn't want to do this on the phone.

You don't have the money, do you?

My business deal fell through.

It got complicated. I'm sorry.

But, I do have something
else for you. A job.

A job? Where?

Right here at the Pepper Plant.

And as an added
incentive, I can offer you

a week's salary in advance. Cash.

I really value your friendship, Didi.

- I don't want to lose you.
- Hmm.

People like you came in and out
of the Palace Hotel every day.

I know what you are, Pepper.

A con artist.

I accept your job offer,
under one condition.

I want you to teach
me everything you know.

I'm glad you called.

After last night, I
didn't expect you to.

Alex, I am so sorry.

I never should have signed that contract

without talking to you first.

All my life, I've watched
my dad persuade people

to do things they didn't want to do.

You don't have to apologize.

I do.

Are you okay?

Josie...

I'm an addict.

But I'm working on it, every day.

I met with my sponsor this morning.

And I'll keep doing so.

You don't have to worry

about baby-sitting me.

I just wish you had told me.

Not because you need
to be taken care of,

but because I care about you.

And for the record, with or without

a contract, I want to be with you.

You're the best thing
that's ever happened to me.

My dad ruins a lot of things,

but not this.

I won't let him.

I'd like a Shirley Temple, please.

With vodka.

I like your style. Comin' right up.

Katy mentioned I could find you here.

You were a breath of fresh
at the pageant yesterday.

Thanks. Still didn't win.

Now I'm stuck with the
dreaded Wednesday 6 P.M. slot.

A show no one will ever see.

You may not have won the crown,

but you were the only
real queen on that stage.

You were authentic.

I may not know what kind
of queen Ginger is yet,

but I know who I am.

It's on me.

Once upon a time, I was you.

New to the drag scene.

A little lost.

I would have killed
for a fairy dragmother.

How about I help you navigate

these fishy, piranha-infested waters?

You want to be my drag mom?

It would be an honor.

And by the time I'm done with you,

your dreaded slot will become
the best drag show in NYC.

- [LAUGHS]
- So...

what do you want it to be?

It can be anything.

I want to do "Kiss of the Spider Woman".

A one-queen musical.

Then we'll make it so.

Hi.

Patricia, what... what's going on?

You dressed me the first time

that I shopped at Lacy's with Errol.

You designed my engagement ring.

You planned our photo shoot.

I have always trusted you.

So that's why I have to ask you, Katy...

... would you design my wedding dress?

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[NERVOUS LAUGH]

[KATY] That's when I knew...

I was royally screwed.