S04.E06: Fortune Be Not Crost

[Princess Sparkle]

Quote

The Lyon family stands together as Anika and Hakeem begin a custody battle for Bella. Although they're confident in Hakeem's ability as a father, no one is prepared for the revelations her team brings to the trial. Meanwhile, Claudia grows more possessive over Lucious, who has unlocked a new way to understand music through his paintings. Also, Jamal introduces Warren to Lucious, Andre begins seeing a new therapist, and one of Becky's old flames returns.

[mtlchick]

Hakeem, you loving father and yet you stupid idiot for not giving Cookie a heads up.  She would have found a way to beat Mme Dubois. 

I did enjoy Lucious playing like he wasn't himself yet on the witness stand.  

[Dee]

That was great. I mean REALLY great.

And I could watch Cookie providing running commentary on Anika forever.

[Neurochick]

What dope was that judge smoking?  She needs to be disbarred for that shit.  You can’t give a woman a baby who doesn’t even know her, even if she did shit the kid out.

I want a scene where the nasty DuBois family is having dinner and Lucious comes in and recreates THAT scene from The Untouchables.  You know the one I mean...baseball anyone?

[SimoneS]

The trial was entertaining as hell. Cookie was cracking me up. I think the judge made the right decision. Hakeem is just not father material and let's face it, he is and always will be an idiot. Anika is horrible, but still she should have gotten custody.

I am feeling for Jamal. His heart will be crushed. I wish the Lyons would have the Dubois followed. It isn't like they are hiding their plotting.

Edited November 16, 2017 by SimoneS

[wanderingstar]

I can't believe how much I liked this episode. When I saw they were going to be in court for most of the ep, I thought "UGH!" But the court proceedings - while completely preposterous - were highly entertaining. 

I was living for the court fashions - particuarly Cookie's. 

Why must I see Anika prosper? She just grates.

I felt bad for Hakeem, but I was so mad at how he treated Tiana. I hope she doesn't take him back.

Mother Dubois is the damn devil. That whole family is just evil. I was seething watching them cackle at the dinner table. I'm glad the real Lucious is back to take them down.

[SimoneS]

13 hours ago, Gillian Rosh said:

I was living for the court fashions - particuarly Cookie's. 

I loved Cookie's suit in the final scenes. I hope that Lucious really is back to himself. They need him to take on the Dubois.

Edited November 16, 2017 by SimoneS

[Neurochick]

Why should Anika have gotten custody, because she a woman?  In reality that baby was a stranger to her.  I would have given custody to Cookie.

[Dee]

Anika is Bella's mother and is from a wealthy & well connected family.

She's no saint, to put it mildly; but it was on the Lyons to prove that she was an unfit parent, which they were ill equipped to do.

[SimoneS]

7 minutes ago, Neurochick said:

Why should Anika have gotten custody, because she a woman?  In reality that baby was a stranger to her.  I would have given custody to Cookie.

It has nothing to do with Anika being a woman. She should get custody because there is no evidence that she is an unfit mother or a danger to Bella unlike Hakeem and the Lyons. Bella will get to know her mother as they spend more time together. Yes, Anika is a horrible person, but so is Hakeem and besides that is not the basis for making decisions about custody. No judge would give custody of a child to its grandmother unless both parents were considered unfit and a danger to the child.

Edited November 16, 2017 by SimoneS

[missbonnie]

OK, I love Bryshere Gray but damn that haircut needs to go. He looks like he belongs in a cone heads skit on Saturday Night Live. 

[Dee]

I love Becky reuniting with J Poppa. He still has it REALLY bad for her and she's overdue for some loving.

[Neurochick]

Both parents idiots?  Yep, the judge should have given Bella to Cookie.  Just because someone gives birth doesn’t make them a mother, even mice can give birth.

[chocolatine]

1 hour ago, Gillian Rosh said:

But the court proceedings - while completely preposterous - were highly entertaining. 

So preposterous! But it was worth it for the revelation that Bella calls Lucious "Douche-ous." The little girl is very perceptive.

Her daddy, on the other hand, is too stupid to live. The only reason he's had such a cushy life is because of his family - he's got neither the talent nor the hustle to have made it on his own. And now he's alienated them, and I have a feeling Lucious won't be as quick to forgive as Cookie is.

I loved how Becky handled the "closure" with J Poppa. Dude was flattering himself too much and needed to be brought down a notch.

Edited November 16, 2017 by chocolatine

[Angeleyes]

It’s always a bit frustrating to watch legal proceedings on TV because they ignore all sorts of rules and legal procedures. Both the judge and Cookie’s ex would have had to recuse themselves from this case in real life. Also, you can’t just spring a witness or any evidence like the video tapes at the last minute. The opposing side has to be given time to prepare. It makes for good drama though. 

I think in real life the judge would have continued joint custody, but with court supervision and CPS checks for a prescribed amount of time unless there was evidence of immediate danger. Courts don’t like to remove parents from a child’s life unless absolutely necessary. (I have friends who have seen this firsthand as foster parents)

 

That being said, I’m so tired of Hakeem being such a childish hothead. Yes, he loves Bella, but he seems incapable of maturing as an adult. 

I called it that Andre’s therapist was in with the DuBois family plot. Everyone is connected on this show. 

[Margohill]

Very impressed with this episode. Thumbs up to the writers and actors. I stayed glued to the TV from start to finish which hasn't happened in a while. The story was compelling, gut-wrenching at times, and emotional. 

The court scenes were compelling and at the beginning I felt the judge was a Dubois plant. BTW who in town doesn't work for the Dubois? By jove, even Andre's doctor was a Dubois hire. SMH.

Angelo was a complete disaster, his fangs were showing like the judge said and he was totally out of it. If it wasn't for the last card that they played by bringing in Mrs. Dubois, Anika would have lost that battle big time. His going at Tiana like that was unforgivable.

Cookie lost control at the start but I was relieved when she was composed on the stand and gave a very compelling testimony. Sad when Andre was testifying. Poor guy must have been re-living the loss of his own child on that stand. Lucious was cool, calm and calculating as usual. Hakeem putting Anika on the stand was a joy to watch. That was one of the best scenes and one of Hakeem's finest acting. Very touching and convincing. 

Hakeem blew his own case when he left his family out of the secret with Mrs. Dubois. He only has himself to blame. I hope he learns a lot from this bitter lesson. It was extremely heartbreaking to watch him give up his child.  He was really starting to learn a lot and become a responsible father to have this happen. It's unfortunate. I knew Mrs. Dubois was going to use that to her advantage but I didn't know when. This was the perfect time but I don't think victory will be long lasting.

I scoffed when they were all celebrating at the restaurant and Mrs. Dubois said Anika was among people of her "stature". The first thought that came to mind was "no, she belongs in jail because she is a killer, no ifs, ands or buts about it." 

If there was anytime I would have appreciated Lucious's ruthlessness, the time is now. When Lucious said he wanted blood, I applauded. Cookie and Lucious should get in touch with their most ruthless nature and deliver to the Dubois and Anika what they truly deserve. I am counting on Lucious to deliver and I hope he does. This is ridiculous to watch a babykiller getting away with everything. UNACCEPTABLE!!!!! #Anikamustdie

Becky showing J. Poppa who was boss was something to behold and her brushing him off after their little making out was even more shocking. Becky is taking her position very seriously. I liked that.

And now we have to wait 2 weeks to see this saga intensify. Unbelievable Empire!!

My score=9/10

Edited November 16, 2017 by Margohill

[Athena5217]

10 minutes ago, Margohill said:

I scoffed when they were all celebrating at the restaurant and Mrs. Dubois said Anika was among people of her "stature". The first thought that came to mind was "no, she belongs in jail because she is a killer, no ifs, ands or buts about it." 

But she is among people of her stature—Mama Dubois and Angelo are terrible people just like she is.  I keep hoping Andre will take her down.

Usually, I can’t stand Hakeem because he acts so entitled, but I really felt for him  when he gave Bella to Anika. The actor did a great job in that scene.

Props to Thirsty for doing legitimate lawyer work in this episode! He’s not just an ugly suit.

[SimoneS]

10 hours ago, Athena5217 said:

Usually, I can’t stand Hakeem because he acts so entitled, but I really felt for him  when he gave Bella to Anika. The actor did a great job in that scene.

Props to Thirsty for doing legitimate lawyer work in this episode! He’s not just an ugly suit.

I thought the actor who played Hakeem was pretty good when he was questioning Anika on the stand and in that final scene. Hakeem came across insightful and loving in both scenes. I agree about Thirsty also. The actor who plays Thirsty usually goes for the comedy and the character  usually so shady, but Thirsty  showed that he had some ability in this episode.

 

11 hours ago, Angeleyes said:

I think in real life the judge would have continued joint custody, but with court supervision and CPS checks for a prescribed amount of time unless there was evidence of immediate danger. Courts don’t like to remove parents from a child’s life unless absolutely necessary. (I have friends who have seen this firsthand as foster parents)

I thought the judge was going to continue the joint custody, but award Anika physical custody. I didn't hear her said anything about scheduling a hearing to determine visitation for Hakeem. I think that Anika will come around one way or the other, especially with Lucious back to his normal evil-self.

Edited November 16, 2017 by SimoneS

[Dee]

Anika is gonna be in for a rude awakening when the DuBois turn on her.

They're using her as a convenient pawn now, but they're gonna throw her under the bus asap.

[Biggie B]

How come none of the Lyons asked Hakeem why he'd been meeting with Mrs. DuBois every Tuesday for an extended period of time? Why didn't Hakeem himself let the judge know that he was being forced to meet with her (am I remembering that correctly?)? Those videos were brutal, though. 

I felt really bad for Tiana. She deserves better. She was truly trying to help. No good deed goes unpunished.

Loved Becky throughout this episode. At first, I was very dismayed that she began making out with her former beau, but in the end, she was in complete control of the situation. I've always felt she is the only rational person on the entire show! 

I can't wait until it's revealed that Andre was behind the bombing that almost killed his parents. I don't like him at all. However, I do feel pretty bad for him that his new doctor is a DuBois operative. That won't go well at all, of course.

I'd like Jamal to get a haircut. And whenever it's finally revealed that Warren is a DuBois, that's going to be brutal! 

Loved Cookie's last court outfit but didn't love so much the prior look, with the beret and gloves. 

Too bad it wasn't possible to let the judge know that Anika's father did some rather inappropriate/illegal things, too. 

Edited November 16, 2017 by Biggie B

[Chairperson Meow]

16 hours ago, SimoneS said:

It has nothing to do with Anika being a woman. She should get custody because there is no evidence that she is an unfit mother or a danger to Bella unlike Hakeem and the Lyons. Bella will get to know her mother as they spend more time together. Yes, Anika is a horrible person, but so is Hakeem and besides that is not the basis for making decisions about custody. No judge would give custody of a child to its grandmother unless both parents were considered unfit and a danger to the child.

Actually.....  and I know I wasn't the only one wanting Andre on the stand,  Anika killed a baby intentionally when she pushed Rhonda down the stairs.  She is worse than even Lucious because he's never intentionally killed a child. 

[missbonnie]

16 hours ago, Athena5217 said:

Hakeem.....  I really felt for him  when he gave Bella to Anika. The actor did a great job in that scene. 

Yepper, I cried during that scene. 

[journalism16]

I cried throughout the entire hearing and definitely at the end. It was heartbreaking to watch.

[Dvldj]

12 hours ago, Biggie B said:

How come none of the Lyons asked Hakeem why he'd been meeting with Mrs. DuBois every Tuesday for an extended period of time? Why didn't Hakeem himself let the judge know that he was being forced to meet with her (am I remembering that correctly?)? Those videos were brutal, though. 

It would have been great had he mentioned that they originally kidnapped Bella and held her ransom basically until he agreed to meet Mrs. DuBois every Tuesday.

 

Um...are we forgetting something writers or am I losing my mind? In last week's promo for this week's episode, did we not see Demi Moore saying "Goodbye, Lucious" as she was being escorted from the house? Why wasn't this in the actual episode? Were cuts made? Guessing we will see this play out later...or...no?

[tennisgurl]

Those DuBois are freaking everywhere! Any minor background character is a secret DuBois or a DuBois plant and is out to cause trouble! Mrs. DuBois really is a great villain, I could watch her cackle over her $400 glass of wine while toasting the downfall of her enemy's all day. I am still waiting to find out the judge is a DuBois cousin or aunt or something. 

Really, neither Hakeem or Anika are ideal parent material. Anika is an emotionally unstable baby killer, and Hakeem has the maturity of grapefruit on most days, so I cant say I know who would be the best fit for Bella. However, I did feel bad for Hakeem when he had to give Bella to Anika, and his cross examining of Anika was actually a pretty good move on his part. Too bad he bad mouthed his whole family and was a dick to poor Tiana. Its always one step forward and two steps back with him. 

Can we just get a show where its a normal Law and Order episode, except we have Cookie in the background providing color commentary? Plus with additional courtroom outfits! I knew Cookie vs. Angelo in the courtroom would be great, she just has no time for such bullshit. 

Ducious! And just like that, Bella proves to be the most perceptive character in the series. 

I am so excited to see Anika get dumped to the curb by the DuBois when they're finished with her. She is just so smug, and I haven't gotten even close to forgetting she killed Rhonda and Andres baby, I am looking forward to a real comeuppance. 

Edited November 21, 2017 by tennisgurl

[Clover]

When Angelo referred to Cookie and Lucious as Bonnie and Clyde, I thought is was funny (and appropriate) Cookie was wearing a beret (flash to Faye Dunaway in the movie).

[phoenics]

Holy poo on a cracker that was a damn good episode.

[jhlipton]

I agree that Bryshere Y. Gray "killed it" when questioning Anika and when turning over Bella.

On 11/15/2017 at 6:06 PM, Neurochick said:

What dope was that judge smoking?  She needs to be disbarred for that shit.  You can’t give a woman a baby who doesn’t even know her, even if she did shit the kid out.

The judge was in an impossible situation.  It was clear from the get-go that Hakeem, as much as he loved Bella, was too impulsive and immature to be a parent.  And Anika was no prize either.  With neither parent being acceptable, the next best thing was to look at the families and living conditions.  The DuBois are as deceitful and evil as the Lyons but they hide it better.  Between them and Anika's parents on one side and the Lyons on the other, the decision was clear.

On 11/15/2017 at 6:13 PM, Gillian Rosh said:

I  felt bad for Hakeem, but I was so mad at how he treated Tiana. I hope she doesn't take him back.

My least favorite part of the episode was Hakeem being cruel to Tiana, who's had his back for far too long.  My second-most favorite part was Tiana telling him to sit on it and twirl.  Girl deserves FAR better.

On 11/15/2017 at 7:10 PM, Dee said:

I love Becky reuniting with J Poppa. He still has it REALLY bad for her and she's overdue for some loving.

I'm glad she got some loving (and some boning!) but my favorite part of the episode was her ending it on her terms!

On 11/15/2017 at 8:31 PM, Angeleyes said:

I think in real life the judge would have continued joint custody, but with court supervision and CPS checks for a prescribed amount of time.

Until Bella turns 18?

[Dee]

6 minutes ago, jhlipton said:

I'm glad she got some loving (and some boning!) but my favorite part of the episode was her ending it on her terms!

I don't think Becky & J Poppa are done by a longshot.

Yes, she ended their current relationship, using her job as a convenient excuse, but underneath all her bluster, she's as smitten with him as he is with her.

[thuganomics85]

Well, damn, that might have been one of the most preposterous (in an awesome way) and craziest courtroom battles yet, and I've seen quite a few of them on television!  But I guess that is to be expected when; among the many, many crazy things; you have one of the lawyers who used to be in a relationship with one of the client's mother.  Which ended pretty badly.  Classic Empire!

Have a feeling that Hakeem was going to loose Bella, but I wasn't sure how.  It clearly wasn't by the trial, because frankly, Angelo sucked.  Really, fucking Hakeem of all people did a better job, and Angelo just made himself look like a petty, immature man, who is still pissed that he was dumped.  Anika herself also stumbled on the stand, and pretty much everyone on Team Hakeem did well.  But sure enough, Diana had a trump card and that was video taping Hakeem trashing all of his family, and exposing just a little bit of their dirty secrets.  In the end, no one came out looking good here, but I guess I can see why the judge sided with Anika, because from her perspective, she at least has a stable support system, compared to the admittedly dysfunctional and violent Lyons.  Still, I'm giving all of this to Diana.  Phylicia Rashad is a treasure.

That said, Hakeem was an idiot to not tell anyone about their meetings.  And to keep denying it all the way to the end.  Added "bonus" is he looses Tiana too by being stupid, and this time, I'm all for her never coming back to him.  In short, not Hakeem's best episode.

Lucious' act in the courtroom shows just how scary he is.  Really hope he's back 100% and he and Cookie will get their revenge on the DuBois family.

In other news, hey, J Poppa is back!  Have a feeling he and Becky are far from over.

Shine wasn't in this for very much, but Xzibit was cracking me up with some of his reaction shots.  He and Thirst/Andre Royo are still some of my favorite side characters on television right now.

[jhlipton]

2 hours ago, Dee said:

I don't think Becky & J Poppa are done by a longshot.

Yes, she ended their current relationship, using her job as a convenient excuse, but underneath all her bluster, she's as smitten with him as he is with her.

Probably, and I'm  down for that!

[darkestboy]

Fantastic episode.

That court case was one of the soapiest one we've had and while I loved that Hakeem was able to show Anika not knowing Bella but I wasn't too shocking that Anika got Bella though.

However Diana really did play her cards in this episode and Angelo was even nastier than ever. With Lucious back and Warren clearly wavering given his genuine feelings for Jamal, it does seem like the DuBois might get a taste of their own medicine soon. 

Cookie's commentary throughout the episode was amusing though and I liked the secondary plot with Becky and her ex too, 8/10

[Lovecat]

On 11/17/2017 at 6:47 PM, Clover said:

When Angelo referred to Cookie and Lucious as Bonnie and Clyde, I thought is was funny (and appropriate) Cookie was wearing a beret (flash to Faye Dunaway in the movie).

A *leather* beret, no less!

[Queena]

On 11/15/2017 at 8:06 PM, Neurochick said:

What dope was that judge smoking?  She needs to be disbarred for that shit.  You can’t give a woman a baby who doesn’t even know her, even if she did shit the kid out.

I want a scene where the nasty DuBois family is having dinner and Lucious comes in and recreates THAT scene from The Untouchables.  You know the one I mean...baseball anyone?

I'm almost a month behind in watching this episode, but I came to say this exact same thing! There's no way in the real world Anika would have got full custody. 

[Earmuffs Mom]

I posted this in a more recent episode thread, but there is no way Hakeem would be completely and forever cut off from seeing Bella even if Anika got full custody.  Non-custodial parents are entitled to visitation and even unfit or questionable parents get supervised visitation.  

[Court]

On 11/15/2017 at 9:06 PM, Neurochick said:

What dope was that judge smoking?  She needs to be disbarred for that shit.  You can’t give a woman a baby who doesn’t even know her, even if she did shit the kid out.

I want a scene where the nasty DuBois family is having dinner and Lucious comes in and recreates THAT scene from The Untouchables.  You know the one I mean...baseball anyone?

Agreed. No judge would have allowed Angelo to be the lawyer either since he had an intimate relationship with Cookie and by extension the rest of the family. 

I thought she would have given joint custody. 50/50. Good grief.