Sister, Sister (1994–1999): Season 5, Episode 4 - Show Me the Money - full transcript

Tia finds out that she isn't getting equal pay at her job, because she is a female. Meanwhile, Tamera learns that even the best plans can go wrong when she decides to fight Tia's battle with her boss, who's paying a male employee more money; her decision to pose as Tia and demand equal pay gets her sister fired. So now Tamera has to get Tia's job back before she gets there. Will Tia lose her job, or will Tamera become "hero of the day" and get Tia her job back?

Finished.

I hold in my hand

my first step towards greatness.

As a pulitzer-bound reporter

poised for stardom

I plan to remain humble.

All my friends can say

they knew me when...

When I couldn't even spell

my own name.

Tamera, guess what?



What?

- You know all the extra time
- I've been spending

Down at book 'em Joe?

- Well, it's finally
- paid off.

That cute tyreke showed up

and asked you out?

Only in my dreams.

But, you know how

I redid the window display?

Well, it worked.

Somebody bought a book?

I got a raise!

♪ You got a raise,

you got a raise. ♪



Look.

I love this job.

Obviously,

dedication, skill

and creative advertising

are appreciated

in an employee.

Too bad that employee

is Marshall Franklin.

What?

You got the wrong check.

-== [ www.OpenSubtitles.com ] ==-

♪ I do my own style

in my own time ♪

♪ how different

we have come to be ♪

♪ even though I'm glad

to be with you ♪

♪ I got to feel

what's real for me ♪

♪ like you got to do

what's right for you ♪

Thank you.

Enjoy the book.

Since you didn't buy

the three magazines

you read at the rack.

Hey, what's up, Beth?

- What can I get
- for you?

I don't know.

- How about a strawberry-banana
- smoothie?

Bananas give me hives.

Okay, well, how about

an iced cappuccino?

Caffeine makes me nervous.

- How about a nice
- glass of water?

Is it tap?

Beth, go home.

Okay.

See you tomorrow.

Okay.

Take 15, Tia.

I meant minutes.

Go, go, go, go.

Um, actually, Clark

I need to talk to you.

- Well, go ahead,
- spill it.

Which is a phrase

I don't normally use

around here.

Come on, Tia

what's on your mind?

Do you think we can have

this conversation without

your little sidekick?

All right.

If that's the way you want

to spend your... 13.

Okay, Clark, yesterday

I accidentally got

Marshall's paycheck.

- And I couldn't help
- noticing

That he's making

more money than I do.

Tell me, Tia,

didn't you and I agree

- on a salary
- when I hired you?

Yes.

- And is that the salary
- you receive?

Yes.

And were you not happy

to receive said salary

until you saw

Marshall Franklin's check?

Yes.

Duh.

Then just act like

you didn't see it.

But I did see it, Clark

and I don't think

that it's fair.

Well, I hear they're real fair

over at the gap.

Clark, I didn't say

I wanted to quit.

I really love this job.

Good.

Now take your...

11:42 and get back to work.

Bye-bye.

Hey, Tia.

- Why don't you hook
- a brother up

- With a little
- snacky-snack.

- I don't think so,
- Roger.

- Besides,
- I'm on my break.

Oh, so it's like that.

- Just kick me
- to the curb.

Yeah.

Hey, dad.

What's all of this?

My bookkeeper took

a leave of absence.

Need some help?

That's very sweet of you, honey.

I won't do that to you.

I'll suffer alone.

I wish you felt that way

- when you cleaned
- the garage.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ray.

Hey, tamera.

Whoo, Lisa, you are

wearing that suit.

Ain't I though?

You do look good.

How come you never dressed

like that when we were dating?

Ray, I wore this

on our very first date.

Really?

I don't remember.

That is why

we are no longer dating.

Where are you off to?

Mattie's car is in the shop

- so I'll pick her up
- at the chiropractor.

Dressed like that?

A woman should always

look her best

when she's leaving the house

especially when going

to the office

of a very single,

very handsome chiropractor.

Whoo! I think

I may need an alignment.

Hi, Lisa.

- Hi, vivica.
- Nice to see you.

I got to run.

I'm picking up Mattie.

There must be a fine man

between here and Mattie

- 'cause you are
- working that suit.

I never argue

with a woman who knows

- what she's
- talking about.

Hi, tamera. I came

to pick up your dad.

We have a dinner date.

- You do?
- Mm-hmm.

Oh, I'm sorry.

- I don't think he can come out
- and play tonight.

He's got homework.

Oh...

Work, work, work.

Tell me about it.

Hey, your dad showed me

your last newspaper article.

Have you thought

about a career in journalism?

Actually, I have.

I thought about going

to Northwestern.

They have...

Hey, sweetie!

- Ray:
- Hey, vivica.

- Mm...
- Mm...

Wait a minute...

Dinner!

Oh, I'm sorry.

- I'm just swamped
- with work here.

So I heard.

Poor boo.

How can I help?

You can't.

He wants to suffer alone.

Nonsense. Sure, you can help.

You know anything

about bookkeeping?

- You didn't know
- I was a c.P.A.?

I worked for an accounting

firm back in Chicago.

I thought you were

with market research.

Oh, that was after.

Now, let me take a look

at this ledger

and you go order us

some Chinese.

I'm in the mood

for moo goo gai pan.

Okay.

I tried to be nice,

I made the effort

and what did she do?

- She cuts me off
- in mid-sentence

Like I don't even exist.

Tamera, I sense you're upset.

What's wrong?

What do you mean,

"what's wrong?"

- You're the one
- racing back and forth

Bugging about vivica.

You're polishing your toenails.

- Every time
- you have a major problem

Out come the toe separators.

Oh, please. Whatever.

Tia, this is me.

I've seen you go through

six bottles of Ruby red

- when you broke up
- with Byron.

Okay, okay, okay.

- So I'm a little
- preoccupied.

Tia, this is a new bottle,

and it's nearly empty.

This must be big.

What's going on?

Give me the 4-1-1.

I found out that Marshall

didn't get a raise.

Clark's just paying

him more than me.

Wait a minute.

- Didn't you guys
- start together?

Yeah.

And do the same job?

I hope you set that

Mr. Delicious smoothie straight.

Oh, stop the madness!

You did set Clark straight,

didn't you?

Tamera, I really

love this job

but I am not going

to risk getting fired

over a few bucks.

- I can't believe
- this is coming from you.

That's not fair.

Well, guess what, tamera?

Life isn't fair.

I know that's just

the nail Polish talking.

Tia! It's your

long-suffering mother

- looking for
- her favorite blue scarf.

Blue scarf?

Oh.

Coming!

Just a minute!

- I know
- you're stalling.

I'm coming in.

Okay, where's my scarf?

- I didn't ask permission
- to borrow it

So I couldn't have it.

Uh-huh.

Just like you didn't have

my mood bracelet last week.

Every time somebody asked me

how I was doing

all I could do was shrug.

Well, I'll just

look for it

after my toes dry.

Oh, lord.

What's wrong?

Can't a person

Polish her nails

- without there
- being a crisis?

Well, a person could,

but not you.

- When you broke up
- with that Byron boy

You used so much nail Polish

we had to use paint thinner

to take it off.

Now, what's up?

If I tell you, mom,

will you promise

not to get all upset

and take over?

Tia, you know me.

I know. Promise.

Okay. Okay.

I thought I got

a raise at work

but I didn't.

End of story.

That's just chapter one.

Lisa, Tia also found out

that Clark is paying a boy

more money than she gets.

We can't let

that knucklehead

get away with this.

Where are my shoes?

Mom, you promised.

- That was
- before I knew.

I don't know why

you guys are acting

- like this is
- some huge deal.

Because standing up

for yourself is a huge deal.

But I did stand up for myself.

It came down

to my principles or my job.

Oh, well, then I see.

So what did you decide?

I decided it

wasn't worth the fight, mom.

You guys, it's just

a little after-school gig.

- Yes, and it was
- a little after-work bus ride

- That started
- the civil rights movement

When one woman refused

to give up her seat.

Mom, I don't want

to start a movement.

I just want

to make smoothies.

I know, baby.

I know.

I also know

where I can find my very,

very wrinkled blue scarf.

Mom, I can explain.

You mean make up a

better lie, don't you?

Girl, you'd better go

get this ironed. Go on.

Yes, ma'am.

- And while you're
- down there

You can tackle

my three linen suits.

I like my tucks nice and sharp.

It's not like Tia

to act like this.

- No, but sometimes,
- baby, it's easier

- To stand up
- for somebody else

- Than it is for
- your own self.

I know what you mean.

So what do you say

we go down there

and kick Clark's butt?

What did you do?

Hit the mute button

while I was talking?

We can't fight

Tia's battles for her.

Oh, come on, tamera,

I know you love her

but it's Tia's job,

Tia's decision.

You're not Tia.

No... but I could be.

Sheila... you're

five minutes late.

Sorry.

An employee

can't clock out

until you clock in.

Hi, Clark.

Tia...

You're an hour early.

You can't clock in until

an employee clocks out.

Why can't you people

get with the clock?

- I'm early
- because I need

- To talk to you
- about my paycheck.

What about it?

I want a raise.

And I want to captain

the starship enterprise.

I'm serious, Clark.

So am I.

Beam me up...

Scotty.

- Listen, Clark,
- it isn't fair

That Marshall makes

more money than I do.

Didn't anyone ever tell you

life isn't fair?

Well, you'd better recognize

- who you're
- talking to.

Sort of.

Uh, what I recognize

is an employee

with a serious

attitude problem.

Change my salary...

I'll change my attitude.

You're right.

Change is good.

- I think I will
- change your salary.

Starting today, you're fired.

I'm fired?

Whoa, that is a good one.

Stop it, you're killing me!

- I'm glad you find
- unemployment so funny.

Oh... no, um...

See, that's just

a little practical joke.

You thought I was Tia?

What?

I'm not Tia.

I'm her twin sister, tamera.

Oh, I get it... twin humor.

Very funny.

You think so, Clark?

Clark? I'm not Clark.

I'm his twin brother, Mark.

And you... you're still fired.

- ( Laughing
- hysterically )

What's up, Tia?

You on your break?

Hey, Roger.

It's me, tamera.

Man, you got a job

at book 'em Joe, too?

Dang, everybody's

getting paid but me.

Hi, Roger.

What's up, tamera?

Hey, diavian.

Hey... how'd you

know she was tamera?

Because I know my girl.

She's sitting here

in Tia's uniform

with Tia's name tag...

Now, she's obviously gone

and done something stupid.

I just pretended to be Tia

and got her fired.

That would be the stupid part.

You know, tamera, your sister

really loves that job.

What am I going to do

when she shows up for work?

Be killed.

Hey, the movie starts

in three minutes.

I'm not going, guys.

I'm in the middle of a crisis.

Girlfriend just

got Tia fired.

Ooh, for real?

- Well, I don't know
- about you guys

- But as far as
- I'm concerned

- If Tia isn't working
- here anymore

Clark can kiss my

Mr. Pibb good-bye.

I'm with that.

- It's not like any cute guys
- work there anyway.

Wait...

That's it.

What's it?

The way we can

get Tia's job back.

We have to show Clark

how much business

he'll lose without her.

Hold up.

What's this we?

We? Us?

Me and you and my...

Dearest friends

in the whole world.

Mom!

That dress is beautiful.

Thanks.

Mattie does nice beading,

doesn't she?

I can feel my prices going up.

You off to work already?

Yep.

I'm going in early

to talk to Clark.

You are?

You know, I thought a lot

about what you said, mom

and I've decided that's it time

- that I sat
- in the front of the bus.

That's my baby.

To be honest...

I'm starting to feel

a little carsick.

Wish me luck.

Honey, you don't need luck.

You got brains and courage.

Plus that Clark

is a straight-up fool.

- Bye, mom.
- Oh, bye.

And thanks.

Oh... shoot

I didn't do anything...

- Except raise
- one terrific daughter.

Ray, come on, now.

We're never going to finish

if you don't stop.

You can see

I'm very generous

with my overtime.

Mm-hmm.

Talk about your job perks.

Oh...

Oh. Uh, hi, Lisa.

We were just, um...

Busted.

Actually...

- We were just gathering
- these invoices

To take back to the office.

No need to gather

on my account.

- I got work to do
- out in my studio.

- You've got the whole place
- to yourselves

So go ahead...

Romp and be merry.

No, really. I need to go over

Ray's profit-loss report

for the last quarter.

Uh, right. We can get

more work done at the office.

Oh, you need a bigger table?

No, really

we have a lot of work

to get done.

I'm sure you do.

Always nice to

see you, Lisa.

Isn't it?

Don't be a stranger.

Toodle-oo.

Huh...

Now, there's a first...

A woman more interested

in business than pleasure.

Well, it is ray.

Hello. Are we going

to get some service

over here, or what?

When Tia was here,

we never had to wait.

Okay, fine.

What do you want?

Tia back

on the job.

Eew! This is nasty.

Taste it. Taste it.

I'm not tasting

that mess.

Will you two hold it down?

- These smoothies
- are gag-a-riffic.

My sister made them

way better than this.

- Well, your sister
- doesn't work here anymore.

Then we won't be

coming here anymore

until Tia is back.

What's up with the book section?

- I can't find anything
- over here.

You must be looking

for the free books.

Why don't you

try the library?

You need to get Tia

back up in here.

- Just tell me
- what you want.

I told you

what I want... Tia.

Tia! Tia!

Tia! Tia!

Tia! Tia! Tia!

Tia! Tia! Tia! Tia!

Tia! Tia! Tia! Tia!

Yeah, I love this game.

I love this game.

Let me play. Let me play.

Security! Security! Security!

Look, I'll give

you and the rest

of the rainbow coalition

to the count of three

to get out of here.

One... two...

Okay, okay. I see where

you're going with this.

Three, right?

We out of here.

A little too much Espresso...

Makes them crazy.

Tia, uh... you're early.

Great!

- Let's go shopping
- at another mall.

- Wait, tamera.
- I have no time.

Time?

What is time?

- Revolutions
- around the sun

Hands on a clock

- sand through
- an hourglass.

- Tamera, what
- is up with you?

Go ahead, tamera.

Tell her what's up.

Tell me later, guys.

I've really

got work to do.

That's what

she thinks.

But, Tia...

Clark, I need

to talk to you.

Don't tell me.

You're Tia, right?

Of course I'm Tia.

And you're Clark.

Now that we all

know who we are

there's something

I need to say.

- Well, i'm
- a little busy.

Oh, it won't

take long.

- Clark, I like
- working here

And I do a really

good job at it.

I deserve to make

the same amount of money

- as the male
- employees make

And so do the rest

of the female employees.

What's next, a chorus

of "I'm every woman"?

You're going down.

Oh, I can't look.

You look, so

you know when

to Bob and weave.

You don't get it,

do you?

What you're doing

is morally wrong.

- How will I ever
- sleep tonight?

I know. Like this.

- And more
- importantly

It's illegal.

Did you hear that?

Illegal activity

going down.

Illegal?

- Men and women
- who do the same job

- Should get
- the same pay.

It's the law.

Women up in here

want to get paid.

Yeah. She's right.

Equal pay.

You're starting

to disturb the customers.

I'm not disturbed.

- Let the little
- lady talk.

Yeah. Yeah, we want to hear.

You tell him, girlfriend!

Testify!

Are you almost done?

- Clark,
- I won't be done

Until you change

your sexist policies.

If I have to

- I will stand
- outside this door

And tell

every customer

who comes in here

that you are

an illegal, immoral

unethical,

straight-up fool!

Everybody, calm down!

Everybody...

Everybody, just calm down!

No need to go

Norma rae on me.

- I've given it
- a lot of thought.

Effective immediately

- Tia and the other
- female employees

Will get a raise.

- See what
- a nice guy I am?

Go, Tia! Go, Tia!

Go, Tia! Go, Tia!

I am so proud

of the way you

stood up for yourself.

This is a lucky day

for both of you guys.

What is he

talking about?

Girl, you know

Roger crazy.

Excuse me.

You got your job back.

Can you get to work, please?

Thank you.

Now what's he

talking about?

Girl, you know

Clark crazy.

Now, you better

get back to work

before you get fired.

Oh, poor boo.

He told me to crack it open

and I did!

We're making a scene here!

It always happens to me...

The milk... now the popcorn.

I quit! I quit.

Life isn't fair.

I know that it's

just a... toenail.

I mean, I was

looking at the feet.