S02.E10: Mississippi Rule

[Scarlett45]

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Air Date: August 14, 2021

[AnimeMania]

Season Finale

[Scarlett45]

I knew we were going to get pay off from all of Corbin’s scenes on his land. What a smart maneuver, and now he and his brother are on good terms. 
 

What does Andre’s wife want? I don’t think she actually loves him and wants him back. 
 

I am glad Farrah made things right and gave Mercedes royalties for her likeness. I hate Patrice with a fire of a thousand setting suns, and I don’t buy her fake ass apologize to Mercedes. But I’m glad Shelle is going to rehab to get better, and I’m glad Mercedes will get to spend time with Terricka. 
 

And I am not surprised one wit about what happened with Keyshawn. Every second she spent with Derrick she and those babies are in danger. My Mom said it wasn’t right of her to put that on Diamond to kill him, she should do it- Diamond already tried to help her once. 
 

I am glad for Uncle Clifford and LaMarcus (I didn’t know about he and Teak’s past, the poor guy), but the rival gang shit is going to haunt them I know. 
 

Diamond! Don’t hurt him!!!! I never trusted Red Bone did I?? NOPE!

[sereion]

I DESPISE Derek and that wicked stepmother; I want nothing but the worst for them. Good for Keyshawn for kicking his @$$; that was a long time coming, I just hate that she got locked up, and not Diamond can't come to save her, I have a feeling Derek will bail her out, she'll end up right back with him.  I hope I'm wrong. 

Speaking of Diamond....ya'll called it. Big Bone down with Montavious's crew. I knew she's nothing but trouble. I don't know if he'll be back for Season 3. I hope he shifts the blame on Derek. 

So Hailey got played twice over. I can't say that she didn't deserve it--she overplayed her hand with Gerogie and lost out on $5 million dollars; additionally, she betrayed both Uncle Clifford and Mercedes after they saved her from Montavious. Loved the read Uncle Cliffor gave her, I just hate she emptied Clifford's account. I don't really don't care if she comes back for Season 3--well, at least the Pynk has been saved once again.

Is Andre really going to stay with Brittney, after he admitted that he's unhappy with Brittney? He's was right; she didn't love the "real" Andre; the marriage was about status for her. 

I'm disappointed--yet not surprised that Patrice won, but I am here for the inevitable clash between she and Kyle. I still hate her for stealing money from Mercedes, but I think allowing Terrica to stay with Mercedes was her way of apologizing for being a trash mom. Speaking of Mercedes...

I am so happy the finally got a win after two sesaons taking the L's. She got her mojo back from the pole; got a huge payday from the photos--which helped her fullfil her dreams of owning her gym; she got her daugther back, and finally, she could retire. I hope she moves forward. 

I love Uncle Clifford and Lil Murda together; the fact that she was willing to let Lil Murda go and pursure his dreams, and Lil Murda passing on the tour shows their true love.... and Lil Murda just lowkey confess to Mane that he popped Pico?? Dude is bold.

Did Corbin said that he the liqour made him feel little C U Next Tuesday -ish. That said him selling his land for the casino and deny Hailey her payday a HUGE power move; well played, Corbin...well played. 

Yaaayyy!! Grandmuva Ernestine made it through!!  

Edited August 15, 2022 by sereion

[Scarlett45]

1 hour ago, sereion said:

I DESPISE Derek and that wicked stepmother; I want nothing but the worst for them. Good for Keyshawn for kicking his @$$; that was a long time coming, I just hate that she got locked up, and not Diamond can't come to save her, I have a feeling Derek will bail her out, she'll end up right back with him.  I hope I'm wrong. 

Derek needs to die. Haven’t I been saying that for the longest?? Her step sister knew what was up and was trying to help her, she felt so badly, not a line of dialog, but I could tell. She did try. 
 

Yes this is going to be bad. KeyShawn is now under CPS’ radar, and she’s a black woman (and Derek is a white man) AND she attacked him in front of a cop. She needs to poison him or something so he’s sick enough she can get away, but he doesn’t die so she doesn’t have the cops on her tail. No wait just kill him. 

1 hour ago, sereion said:

I still hate her for stealing money from Mercedes, but I think allowing Terrica to stay with Mercedes was her way of apologizing for being a trash mom.

She could’ve also you know, given her a check for the money she STOLE from her. Or insinuated with her new salary as mayor Mercedes would be paid back. I still hate her. But I think after she stole that money Mercedes was done with her emotionally (and for good reason). 

1 hour ago, sereion said:

Is Andre really going to stay with Brittney, after he admitted that he's unhappy with Brittney? He's was right; she didn't love the "real" Andre; the marriage was about status for her. 

Yes. He doesn’t love her, she doesn’t love him- it was a mistake, move on and let it go. Yes some people cheat on spouses they love for sexual variety, but I don’t think that was the case here. I think they were attracted to each other and it seemed “right” but they don’t actually want to be together. Andre is a cheater too, but Brittney had no leg to stand on when you were sucking another man’s dick in your marital bedroom. 
 

We have to get a season 3!

[qtpye]

6 hours ago, sereion said:

So Hailey got played twice over. I can't say that she didn't deserve it--she overplayed her hand with Gerogie and lost out on $5 million dollars; additionally, she betrayed both Uncle Clifford and Mercedes after they saved her from Montavious. Loved the read Uncle Cliffor gave her, I just hate she emptied Clifford's account. I don't really don't care if she comes back for Season 3--well, at least the Pynk has been saved once again.

Her smiling so smugly at the camera was annoying as hell.

It does not matter where she runs to...she can never run away from herself.

I hope Diamond is all right. He is such a good guy and always seems to get F-ed over.

[Scarlett45]

3 hours ago, qtpye said:

I hope Diamond is all right. He is such a good guy and always seems to get F-ed over.

Me too. They didn’t kill him, they want him alive for something. If we get a season 3 (we better), they will use him as bait for Hailey, Mercedes and uncle Clifford. 

[FlowerofCarnage]

I don't think I can watch another season of Keyshawn going through hell with Derrick.  It's too much now knowing she is essentially his prisoner thanks to CPS.  And speaking of Derrick, I don't get why he is so hellbent on keeping her tied to him. Keyshawn and those kids being free of him means freedom for him too. Freedom from having to support a family he deep down didn't want, freedom  to go groveling back to his family, admit his mistakes and most likely be foregiven. He is barely what...22?  His life isn't over, he could easily as a young white man, start over..

[Scarlett45]

4 hours ago, FlowerofCarnage said:

I don't think I can watch another season of Keyshawn going through hell with Derrick.  It's too much now knowing she is essentially his prisoner thanks to CPS.  And speaking of Derrick, I don't get why he is so hellbent on keeping her tied to him. Keyshawn and those kids being free of him means freedom for him too. Freedom from having to support a family he deep down didn't want, freedom  to go groveling back to his family, admit his mistakes and most likely be foregiven. He is barely what...22?  His life isn't over, he could easily as a young white man, start over..

(bolding mine) He is an abuser. Why does ANY abuser hold onto their partner/kids? Because they like having someone to pick on! I am sure a part of him does have some sort of affection for the kids (a tiny part), but more importantly they BELONG to him. Keyshawn BELONGS to him (although he didnt marry her and give her the legal/social protection of a wife). He beats her and mistreats her and talks down to her, but she is HIS. 

Derek started out as a good kid with some flaws, but he's gone down an irredeemable path. If he was still a decent person inside, the second he caught himself attacking his son, he would've told Keyshawn that he couldn't be a primary caregiver for the babies any more and gotten himself some help. 

I may be thinking about this more deeply than the writer intended, (but maybe not, Katori Hall is brilliant), but I have noticed there is a lot of glamorization of (consentual) relationships with white men with black women. With the rampant colorism and misogyny in the black community, a lot of black women have a perception that white men will treat them better***, and for a lot of black women who have deeper complexions, there is the perception that "to a white man we are all black." where as black men and other POC think how much melanin you have is an indicator of your attractiveness. There is also a desire to have bi-racial children so that their children will be considered "attractive" no matter what. Given how GORGEOUS Keyshawn is, and yet she was bullied and harassed for her complexion, I can see this playing into her relationship with Derek. My god mother (I have mentioned her in other threads, she left me her dog), she died last year from cancer. She had THREE white husbands (they were all mentally/emotionally unstable during the relationship but not violent towards her), I wonder what she would say about this storyline. I wish I could ask her. 🥲(I will take this more to the social issues thread)

***for the record I think humans are humans, there are loving and toxic and abusive relationships among ALL types of people. I also wanted to point out that anyone can be a victim of violence, no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation etc. But these things effect how society views your victimhood and how many tools there are to help you.

[AuntieMame]

I want to rewatch the episode before I comment on everything but Keyshawn broke my heart. The portrayal of an abuse victim snapping at the worst possible time and looking like the problematic person in the relationship is actually a common pattern and one that I’ve never seen acknowledged or dramatized before. This happened with Gabby Petitio during the domestic call that could have saved her life except that the cops dismissed her as crazy because the abuse had traumatized and destabilized her. This happens all of the time. The abused person is at the end of their rope because of the abuse and looks unhinged to outsiders observing for the first time. Add in the misogyny and racism and male privilege and this is what you get. Kudos to Katori for shining light on this. 

As for Derrick, I wanted to punch him myself for that nasty, smug little half smile as his manipulation played out perfectly. He even got to witness it.

Victims of domestic violence and narcissistic gaslighting often agonize about whether their abuser understands what they’re doing or if it is some kind of emotional accident and the damage they’re inflicting is an unfortunate byproduct of their own hurt and pain. The victims tie themselves in knots to avoid hurting or being unjust to the one who is hurting them. Keyshawn no doubt made many excuses for Derrick because of his abusive and dysfunctional background. We saw that in the fairytale episode, at least it was heavily implied.  

I have some niggling complaints about the way Hall portrays some of the other hot button issues but her portrait of an abusive relationship has been on the money. As for Derrick, he doesn’t want a fresh start, he wants to exercise his power and entitlements on those who can’t fight back. In addition to his many other lovely qualities, he is a coward. 

l’m a little blown away but not surprised that WOC think that a white man will treat them better. I guess it is the flip side of the au courant implication that men of color would be more just if only they were in charge of society because of their experience of oppression. I think it would be the ultimate case of meet the new boss.  

Men are men no matter what their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Look at Nigeria and the DRC; horrifically violent rape (that often requires surgery to repair the damage) is such a problem that women are hitting the streets for reasons other than protecting their children. Get gang raped in India and then get murdered or acid thrown in your face for daring to complain about it. South Korea has one of the most vibrant radical feminist movements on the planet currently because universal sexual harassment and even worse than standard de facto slavery via marriage is normative. Men of color are lower in the hierarchy than white men but white men keep them there partially with the implicit agreement that they’re still above women and that women are still less than human objects of service. One of the interesting things about this show in terms of deep analysis is the conflict in Hall as a writer between feminism and antiracism. African American women are often expected to put the needs of racism and African American men ahead of their own needs as women. This show is so brilliant and interesting in so many ways.  

Propitiate the new gods of media that we get a Season 3. 
 

Edited August 15, 2022 by AuntieMame
More details about Derrick’s assholic self.

[Scarlett45]

13 minutes ago, AuntieMame said:

l’m a little blown away but not surprised that WOC think that a white man will treat them better. I guess it is the flip side of the au courant implication that men of color would be more just if only they were in charge of society because of their experience of oppression. I think it would be the ultimate case of meet the new boss.  

Taking this more to the social issues thread.

 

13 minutes ago, AuntieMame said:

I want to rewatch the episode before I comment on everything but Keyshawn broke my heart. The portrayal of an abuse victim snapping at the worst possible time and looking like the problematic person in the relationship is actually a common pattern and one that I’ve never seen acknowledged or dramatized before. This happened with Gabby Petitio during the domestic call that could have saved her life except that the cops dismissed her as crazy because the abuse had traumatized and destabilized her. This happens all of the time. The abused person is at the end of their rope because of the abuse and looks unhinged to outsiders observing for the first time. Add in the misogyny and racism and male privilege and this is what you get. Kudos to Katori for shining light on this. 

As for Derrick, I wanted to punch him myself for that nasty, smug little half smile as his manipulation played out perfectly. He even got to witness it.

I fucking hate fucking Derek. The actor is really good, because when I look in his face I just hate him! I do wonder what roles he will take after this and if people will still hate his guts.

[Scarlett45]

35 minutes ago, AuntieMame said:

I have some niggling complaints about the way Hall portrays some of the other hot button issues but her portrait of an abusive relationship has been on the money. As for Derrick, he doesn’t want a fresh start, he wants to exercise his power and entitlements on those who can’t fight back. In addition to his many other lovely qualities, he is a coward. 

Edited to add- yes he is a coward. Abusers are cowards, they wouldn't DARE pick on people who could fight back. I had respect for Derek when he fought that guy in HS- the guy did start it ( he SPIT on him, and he was being a harassing asshole to KeyShawn), not that I think fighting is good, but Derek defending himself against that guy was justifiable. Someone his own size who started the shit. 

Strangling his pregnant girlfriend, BEATING her constantly, hitting is OWN BABY who is three years old, THREE. THREE! He is just like his father he hates so much. A damn BULLY. 

And its truly sad because he knows what its like to be abused and mistreated, you think he would at least TRY. I also cut Derek less slack than I would a guy in his position 50-60yrs ago. Its 2022, there are more resources, awareness etc. At least quit the fucking drinking if it makes you violent. I know a few older men that decided to stay away from alcohol because they didnt like how they treated their family when they were drunk. 

[AuntieMame]

Another thing we don’t like to talk about? Reaction to being abused often splits based on sex role socialization with men identifying with power and the abuser and becoming abusers themselves and women identifying with the victim and slotting into the role of the abused. Worse, we all tie ourselves in knots making excuses for the abusers. I’m with you in hitting a baby not to mention your own baby. There is no excuse. 

13 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Edited to add- yes he is a coward. Abusers are cowards, they wouldn't DARE pick on people who could fight back. I had respect for Derek when he fought that guy in HS- the guy did start it ( he SPIT on him, and he was being a harassing asshole to KeyShawn), not that I think fighting is good, but Derek defending himself against that guy was justifiable. Someone his own size who started the shit. 

Strangling his pregnant girlfriend, BEATING her constantly, hitting is OWN BABY who is three years old, THREE. THREE! He is just like his father he hates so much. A damn BULLY. 

And its truly sad because he knows what its like to be abused and mistreated, you think he would at least TRY. I also cut Derek less slack than I would a guy in his position 50-60yrs ago. Its 2022, there are more resources, awareness etc. At least quit the fucking drinking if it makes you violent. I know a few older men that decided to stay away from alcohol because they didnt like how they treated their family when they were drunk. 

[Scarlett45]

1 minute ago, AuntieMame said:

Another thing we don’t like to talk about? Reaction to being abused often splits based on sex role socialization with men identifying with power and the abuser and becoming abusers themselves and women identifying with the victim and slotting into the role of the abused. Worse, we all tie ourselves in knots making excuses for the abusers. I’m with you in hitting a baby not to mention your own baby. There is no excuse. 

Taking this to the social issues thread.

[marceline]

I never need to see Hailey again. Never. I don't like her and don't trust her. She and her gestating spawn can stay gone. The only time I found her tolerable was when she tried to help Keyshawn

Oh Keyshawn. Baby gurl you were so close but leaving those babies where your stepmom was such a mistake. Goodness that woman is viscous and happily so. I hope she ends up in an unmarked grave with Derrick. It what she deserves. I think part of what made Keyshawn snap is that she could see a better future right over the horizon and to have it snatched away right then with Derrick smiling at her holding the child he beat was too much. At least the question about mandated reporting got answered. The. only thing I found unrealistic is the idea that a social worker could subject Keyshawn to all kinds of restrictions without a court appearance but maybe that was more of her imagination.

If Keyshawn was the tragedy of this ep, Mercedes was the victory. That performance with Murda was amazing and a perfect last dance. (I seriously want to know who was the dance double for that scene. She was stellar and deserves some shine of her own.) I'm glad Farrah made sure to take care of Mercedes financially. Farrah genuinely feels Mercedes and I like seeing someone take care of her even if it's just in the form of a check.

[Scarlett45]

39 minutes ago, marceline said:

The. only thing I found unrealistic is the idea that a social worker could subject Keyshawn to all kinds of restrictions without a court appearance but maybe that was more of her imagination.

That was her imagination. KeyShawn broke and in her head heard all of the things she thought about herself. 

39 minutes ago, marceline said:

Baby gurl you were so close but leaving those babies where your stepmom was such a mistake. Goodness that woman is viscous and happily so.

She’s evil, but I don’t think KeyShawn had anywhere else TO take them. Uncle Clifford was working. And she left them with her step sister who seems decent (the look on her face was a great bit of solid acting), but it was unlucky that the step mom was around that day.

[marceline]

9 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

That was her imagination. KeyShawn broke and in her head heard all of the things she thought about herself. 

I couldn't figure out exactly when she stopped hearing real words and started hearing her shame.

[Scarlett45]

9 minutes ago, marceline said:

I couldn't figure out exactly when she stopped hearing real words and started hearing her shame.

I think it was after "if you want to retain joint custody of these minor children" when the camera started going wonky and the viewer was looking at it from Keyshawn's view point, and everything was unfocused.

[qtpye]

43 minutes ago, marceline said:

I never need to see Hailey again. Never. I don't like her and don't trust her. She and her gestating spawn can stay gone. The only time I found her tolerable was when she tried to help Keyshawn

Wasn't she supposed to be an accountant? Someone who is smart with numbers.

Her turning down 5 million dollars for the Pynk was so stupid.

Uncle Clifford not immediately locking her out of the business accounts, as soon as she accepted his offer, was also stupid.

Of course, we know that Pynk needs to stay open, as it is the main location for this show.

[Scarlett45]

6 minutes ago, qtpye said:

Wasn't she supposed to be an accountant? Someone who is smart with numbers.

Her turning down 5 million dollars for the Pynk was so stupid.

Uncle Clifford not immediately locking her out of the business accounts, as soon as she accepted his offer, was also stupid.

Of course, we know that Pynk needs to stay open, as it is the main location for this show.

She is also arrogant AF, yes she is smart, but she's not the only smart person in the room. 

Yeah, Uncle Clifford should cleared out those accounts as that check was drafted. 

[qtpye]

1 minute ago, Scarlett45 said:

She is also arrogant AF, yes she is smart, but she's not the only smart person in the room. 

Yeah, Uncle Clifford should cleared out those accounts as that check was drafted. 

She is also taking away her babies from their daddy. I think he would have stepped up...but who knows?

Her relationship with Andre was a big nothing burger.

[marceline]

7 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

She is also arrogant AF, yes she is smart, but she's not the only smart person in the room. 

That's it. Right there. She's smart but she thinks everyone around her is stupid. 

[qtpye]

19 minutes ago, marceline said:

That's it. Right there. She's smart but she thinks everyone around her is stupid. 

Yeah, once you show people that you are sneaky, they will see you coming.

Uncle Clifford and Mercedes trusted her like a sister and felt betrayed.  They were her enemies after she tried to sell without notifying them.

[Scarlett45]

9 minutes ago, qtpye said:

Yeah, once you show people that you are sneaky, they will see you coming.

Uncle Clifford and Mercedes trusted her like a sister and felt betrayed.  They were her enemies after she tried to sell without notifying them.

I know. For the record I understand why Hailey wanted to sell, I thought Uncle Clifford wasn't making sense, your ancestors would want you to have millions of dollars to create a better legacy for those that come after you. BUT that doesnt excuse her lying, sneaky, entitled ways. Mercedes KILLED a guy for her. They saved her from Montavious- yes she saved the Pynk (but that was for herself, as she didnt consider Uncle Clifford's desires at all). 

She sucks. (we better get a season 3!) She's a good character because you don't like her, but she can shake things up and she isn't so evil you just want her to die. 

[sereion]

21 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

Derek needs to die. Haven’t I been saying that for the longest?? Her step sister knew what was up and was trying to help her, she felt so badly, not a line of dialog, but I could tell. She did try.

I think we were all saying it, but unfortuntely, he's still on my screen...ugh.  I saw the look of guilt on her stepsister's face, I think she was coerced by her stepmother.

21 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

AND she attacked him in front of a cop

..and she attacked a cop; given that cops are trigger happy towards black and brown people, she's lucky she got locked up.

22 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

or something so he’s sick enough she can get away, but he doesn’t die so she doesn’t have the cops on her tail. No wait just kill him. 

Just like the Flowers in the Attic Prequel I saw recently on Lifetime; the long suffering wife severely injures her husband and incapacitates him, he was totally dependent on her, and she made him miserable. That's what I want.

21 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

She could’ve also you know, given her a check for the money she STOLE from her. Or insinuated with her new salary as mayor Mercedes would be paid back. I still hate her.

Exactly, Handing her over to Terrica was a good gesture, but now that Patrice has two streams of income, there is no reason why she can't run Mercedes her coins--that is the least she could do. Mercedes should use that a leverage to get what she wants from Patrice.

[sereion]

6 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I thought Uncle Clifford wasn't making sense, your ancestors would want you to have millions of dollars to create a better legacy for those that come after you

The scene with she and Hailey, allow me to see it from her perspective; to her it wasn't about the money. The Pynk is her life; it is all she knows--without it, she's lost. Besides, Uncle Clifford is horrible with money, that 5 million will go faster than Usian Bolt's 100m world record time. Do I agree that she should have blocked Hailey access to her accounts. 

[Scarlett45]

41 minutes ago, sereion said:

Just like the Flowers in the Attic Prequel I saw recently on Lifetime; the long suffering wife severely injures her husband and incapacitates him, he was totally dependent on her, and she made him miserable. That's what I want.

I didn’t see you in the Lifetime VC Andrews thread! Did you know about it? It’s here.  We had a great discussion and would love to have you join. 

43 minutes ago, sereion said:

I saw the look of guilt on her stepsister's face, I think she was coerced by her stepmother.

I didn’t see guilt, I saw apology and regret. I don’t think the sister called Derek, or knew her mother would do that. (She might have thought the mother would be away for the day or something)

I think she knew he was beating KeyShawn and was trying to help her, but what could she do when her Mom called the guy and he came to pick up his own kids? She didn’t do anything wrong, but of course she felt badly. 

[sereion]

14 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

I didn’t see you in the Lifetime VC Andrews thread! Did you know about it? It’s here.  We had a great discussion and would love to have you join. 

OMG No, I didn't!!! Thanks for sharing and the invite! I will definitely check it out!

[qtpye]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/p-valley-season-2-finale-165443156.html

Supposedly, Hailey is gone for good. It was the actress's decision. 

[TiffanyNichelle]

22 hours ago, qtpye said:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/p-valley-season-2-finale-165443156.html

Supposedly, Hailey is gone for good. It was the actress's decision. 

Is that why they gave her such a villainous turn this season? The only "good" thing she did was try to help Keyshawn escape Derrick. That scene with her breaking down and trying to beat the crap out of Derrick broke my heart. He and her awful stepmother needs to get what's coming to them. It sucks that the only people she still had in her life to watch the kids for her was the stepmother and sister. Though I'm still trying to understand why she didn't just grab those kids right after her last dance and get the hell out.

Unlike the rest of y'all, I did not guess that Big Bone was connected to the gang that Hailey's dead ex ran with. But I knew Diamond keeping that ring in plain sight was a stupid idea.

Lil Murda claiming Uncle Clifford in front of everyone was so sweet but I can't help but think of the fallout when that news spread. Also where has Mercedes been that she was completely unaware of the two of them? LOL.

Barack Jr can go follow Hailey out of town. I don't care about him or his wife.

How many times has Uncle Clifford fired Big L for him to ignore it and keep working? Otherwise why was he checking the financials in the first place to find out that Hailey stole that money? Also, they knew they couldn't trust her. They should have locked her out of the systems as soon Uncle Clifford gave her that check.

I hate that Patrice won the mayoral election. She's just the worst character who keeps on failing upwards. She's not even fun to hate. I just hate her.

Edited August 17, 2022 by TiffanyNichelle

[qtpye]

46 minutes ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

I hate that Patrice won the mayoral election. She's just the worst character who keeps on failing upwards. She's not even fun to hate. I just hate her.

IKR and I would never trust her if I were Mercedes.  That woman is a snake pretending to be a Christian. 

[Scarlett45]

18 hours ago, TiffanyNichelle said:

Though I'm still trying to understand why she didn't just grab those kids right after her last dance and get the hell out.

LaMarcus had money for her in that carry-on duffle. She had to get that money for them to make a fresh start.

17 hours ago, qtpye said:

IKR and I would never trust her if I were Mercedes.  That woman is a snake pretending to be a Christian. 

I don't think Mercedes does trust her. The theft of her money was the very last straw. I think Mercedes is done with her emotionally, but given 1. this is a tiny ass town they are going to run into each other, 2. its a tv show so they are going to have scenes together. 

[qtpye]

1 hour ago, Scarlett45 said:

LaMarcus had money for her in that carry-on duffle. She had to get that money for them to make a fresh start.

I don't think Mercedes does trust her. The theft of her money was the very last straw. I think Mercedes is done with her emotionally, but given 1. this is a tiny ass town they are going to run into each other, 2. its a tv show so they are going to have scenes together. 

And just like most of the characters on this show...Pastor Mayor (or whatever she calls herself) is entertaining as Hell.

[Blakeston]

First of all, what the hell, Shelle? You left Terricka with that beast Patrice instead of Mercedes? 

Second, a question - are we supposed to know the identity of the neighbor who complained to child protective services about Derrick? The way the neighbor was mentioned seemed very pointed. (I had to wonder for a moment if maybe the "neighbor" was Big Bone, fucking with Keyshawn as revenge for Diamond being in love with her.)

I don't know how I feel about Uncle Clifford and Lil Murda being open about being a couple. They certainly deserve the happiness of being open about who they are, but it's hard for me to believe that they'd actually make that decision.

Clifford said in season one that if he was publicly involved with another man, he'd probably be beaten to death. And for Lil Murda, as much as I hate to say it, his career would probably suffer terribly - and he'd become an even bigger target for the people who are out to kill him.

[Scarlett45]

On 8/21/2022 at 8:48 AM, Blakeston said:

Second, a question - are we supposed to know the identity of the neighbor who complained to child protective services about Derrick? The way the neighbor was mentioned seemed very pointed. (I had to wonder for a moment if maybe the "neighbor" was Big Bone, fucking with Keyshawn as revenge for Diamond being in love with her.)

That wasn't a neighbor. That was DERRICK who complained about "fighting" to frame KeyShawn. He set her up, that evil ass mother fucker. 

[Blakeston]

On 8/22/2022 at 11:34 AM, Scarlett45 said:

That wasn't a neighbor. That was DERRICK who complained about "fighting" to frame KeyShawn. He set her up, that evil ass mother fucker. 

I have no memory of this. Were we shown it?

[Scarlett45]

35 minutes ago, Blakeston said:

I have no memory of this. Were we shown it?

No, it’s implied by his smile and smirk. Then the camera goes all wonky and KeyShawn starts hearing things and goes “you did this.”

[Blakeston]

3 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

No, it’s implied by his smile and smirk. Then the camera goes all wonky and KeyShawn starts hearing things and goes “you did this.”

That makes sense. I took "you did this!" to mean, "you created this situation by beating our child!", but we know Derrick likes to make anonymous calls to get what he wants.

It was an extremely risky move, because child services breathing down his neck is a recipe for disaster for him in many potential ways.

[Scarlett45]

3 hours ago, Blakeston said:

It was an extremely risky move, because child services breathing down his neck is a recipe for disaster for him in many potential ways.

Yes it was risky, but it’s KeyShawn’s name on the discharge papers and he knows he has white male privilege against her. She’s also a dancer with an OnlyFans and he’s just a white guy who fell under the spell of her vagina.

Did you notice how he pointed out she was a Ms and not a Mrs? Being a mother and not being married makes women “look bad” but never men- those are his babies too! 
 

[FlowerofCarnage]

17 hours ago, Blakeston said:

That makes sense. I took "you did this!" to mean, "you created this situation by beating our child!", but we know Derrick likes to make anonymous calls to get what he wants.

It was an extremely risky move, because child services breathing down his neck is a recipe for disaster for him in many potential ways.

I think he took the risk because he knew when she came home, he was going to kill her or beat her within an inch of her life.  Honestly, I was kind of shocked he was able to contain his rage enough to divise another way to keep Keyshawn from escaping.

[AuntieMame]

On 8/17/2022 at 1:19 PM, qtpye said:

IKR and I would never trust her if I were Mercedes.  That woman is a snake pretending to be a Christian. 

And why not? Snakes LARPing Christians and other religious types generally make good money off of the gullible, the devout, other snakes and everything in between. Religion has always been a good money maker and access to power for the unscrupulous. 

[Avaleigh]

Great finale to another amazing season. Love that I found this show and am eagerly looking forward to season 3.

On 8/15/2022 at 12:03 PM, Scarlett45 said:

For the record I understand why Hailey wanted to sell, I thought Uncle Clifford wasn't making sense, your ancestors would want you to have millions of dollars to create a better legacy for those that come after you. BUT that doesnt excuse her lying, sneaky, entitled ways. Mercedes KILLED a guy for her. They saved her from Montavious- yes she saved the Pynk (but that was for herself, as she didnt consider Uncle Clifford's desires at all). 

I'm definitely Team Clifford, but I don't get as much of an interpretation of Hailey being a terrible person as others do. For one thing I do actually think she considered Clifford's feelings when she first saved the Pynk. She could have cut her out completely, but instead she made sure that she was a partner and did her best to support her and the other workers during COVID. She made improvements to the Pynk and was initially a good partner for Clifford to have. I also think she was sincere when she thought that Clifford would just use her money to open up a bigger, better version of the Pynk somewhere else in town. If they'd sold for 10 million as she thought they had a real chance to, Clifford could have found another building to buy. Probably something less run down too. 

Regarding Mercedes, I agree that Hailey should have been more grateful to Mercedes. Not just for saving her from that guy, but for helping her quit drinking.

At the same time, when I think about how their relationship went south--the way I remember it was (I could be misremembering), Hailey and Mercedes were watching What's Love Got to Do with It, Hailey was deep into the limo scene (given her past of fleeing from an abusive situation it's especially understandable that she'd cheer on a scene like this), Mercedes was annoyed and told her she wanted her to move out. Hailey was hurt and thought that they were in a good place as far as their friendship.

Mercedes later blamed Hailey for her arm and for not being able to work the pole the way she once could. At the time I remember thinking that Mercedes didn't quite have to be so cold as 'I need you out by tonight'. She really couldn't give her a day or two to find a place? Then they mock her for crashing at the Pynk? I can understand why Hailey didn't feel especially loyal to Mercedes after that.

All this being said, I think Hailey's story has run its course. It was very satisfying to see her smugness wiped away once she realized Georgie wasn't going to give her any kind of $15 million. Then Clifford and Big L telling her to take her $250k and dip. $250k is a very nice severance package, she really shouldn't be acting put out.

If I have a complaint, I don't really like that they made Clifford and Big L seem stupid by not locking Hailey out of their system. The show has gone out of its way to show how smart Clifford is, I can't believe that she'd make that sort of mistake. I guess it's because the showrunners prefer the idea of Clifford always having to have a sense of urgency about making money. First season they're in the red $55k, second season they've spent almost all the money Hailey brought to the table, and now for season 3 they're back to being in the red because Hailey robbed them. 

I'm very intrigued by what they plan on doing with Roulette dipping into the world of prostitution. 

I'm not sure how to feel about Clifford keeping that one girl from working so that she felt like she had no other choice but to turn to prostitution. Clifford's the one who talks about how there's no orphanage for the type of girls who work at the Pynk but then he closes the doors to somebody who was in a desperate situation. To be fair to Clifford I don't think she knew quite how bad the girl's situation was and he had every right to be upset considering the fact that his grandmother nearly died. I just wonder if there wasn't a kinder way to handle the situation? 

I don't have much to say abouy Keyshawn's story. Actually I have too much to say and others have already said it better than I could, so I'll just refrain. I do hope that Derek will be out of the picture permanently at some point during season 3. It's such a depressing (but well done) storyline. The actors really sell it. I feel bad for the actor who plays Derek because who want to play an asshole character like that? I hope he gets to play a good guy in his next role. 

[Scarlett45]

2 hours ago, Avaleigh said:

The actors really sell it. I feel bad for the actor who plays Derek because who want to play an asshole character like that? I hope he gets to play a good guy in his next role. 

He played an ex boyfriend of the protagonist in the new Mayfair Witches series, and I wanted to punch his face although he didn’t do anything wrong. 

[Avaleigh]

One last thing about Keyshawn--

Can't the timeline prove her innocence here?

She was away on tour and this can be backed up by hotel stays, club appearances, social media, etc. She got back home and immediately took her kid to the doctor. These injuries were clearly made before she was even in town. Wouldn't the medical examination be able to support these facts? (That the injuries to her son were made while she was out of town?) 

Also, regarding the neighbors--no doubt they've heard Derek beating her before. I'm sure there are multiple people who could testify to the fact that they heard noises indicating that Keyshawn was the one being abused and not the other way around. Plus there are all of the people who saw for themselves that she had marks all over her body. Not just people who still work at the club but her stepsisters and Gidget all know the truth. I feel like a good lawyer should be able to clear all this up without her having to get her or Diamond's hands dirty. They shouldn't have to risk life in prison or worse for somebody like Derek.

[Scarlett45]

@Avaleigh you have more faith in people than I do. Logically yes all that’s possible. But what’s to stop Derrick from killing her (or seriously injuring her, or the kids) in the mean time while she advocates for herself legally and “properly”. Derrick’s already shown what he’s capable of and now SHE is locked up, who knows for how long? Does she have money to get out of jail? Where’s her cash? Does Derrick have it now? Good lawyers cost money.

Also, the world being what it is, if Derrick was beating her (which he was), there are people that would argue why did she leave two small children in his care knowing he was violent? Women are always held to a higher standard, black women especially. 

It just takes one moment for her or the kids to be injured in a manner than can’t be fixed and she’s in jail for the forseeable future. Derrick has the kids and a paper trial on HER neglect, she’s now on the defensive. She’s in a worse place than before. 
 

Her father bought the place right?(or gifted the down payment), she can kick him out but that means nothing if he comes after her. 

[Avaleigh]

19 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

@Avaleigh you have more faith in people than I do. Logically yes all that’s possible. But what’s to stop Derrick from killing her (or seriously injuring her, or the kids) in the mean time while she advocates for herself legally and “properly”. Derrick’s already shown what he’s capable of and now SHE is locked up, who knows for how long? Does she have money to get out of jail? Where’s her cash? Does Derrick have it now? Good lawyers cost money.

Also, the world being what it is, if Derrick was beating her (which he was), there are people that would argue why did she leave two small children in his care knowing he was violent? Women are always held to a higher standard, black women especially. 

It just takes one moment for her or the kids to be injured in a manner than can’t be fixed and she’s in jail for the forseeable future. Derrick has the kids and a paper trial on HER neglect, she’s now on the defensive. She’s in a worse place than before. 
 

Her father bought the place right?(or gifted the down payment), she can kick him out but that means nothing if he comes after her. 

You're right, of course. I guess I'm just trying to be optimistic about her situation because it's too depressing otherwise. 

On 8/26/2022 at 1:01 PM, AuntieMame said:

Religion has always been a good money maker and access to power for the unscrupulous. 

Going back to Patrice for a minute--I feel like her surprise win would put her (briefly) in the national spotlight. Former sex worker turned preacher becomes mayor of a small southern town? Sounds like a story Hollywood could make something out of. At a minimum, I feel like her pole dance to the polls would trend and go viral to be picked up by people like John Oliver. It's too absurd to not get a little bit of commentary from the late night crowd.

[Scarlett45]

11 hours ago, Avaleigh said:

Going back to Patrice for a minute--I feel like her surprise win would put her (briefly) in the national spotlight. Former sex worker turned preacher becomes mayor of a small southern town? Sounds like a story Hollywood could make something out of. At a minimum, I feel like her pole dance to the polls would trend and go viral to be picked up by people like John Oliver. It's too absurd to not get a little bit of commentary from the late night crowd.

I think that would be a good side plot for next season- whenever these strikes are over!