Here's the thing about trust.
Hard to win, easy to lose.
Easier still to take for granted.
And an absolute necessity when swindling someone for all they're worth.
If you try to con someone, you better be sure
you know who they are and what they want.
So you're basically stalking.
Much obliged.
It's more profiling.
Honestly, El, the less you know, the better.
This is an ugly part of me. I just…
I need you to know I'm never taking your trust for granted.
It's not you I worry about.
You got nothing to worry about.
Neither of you. I'm yours forever.
He's got all the power, none of the perks, been back home what?
Five months. Election was a public humiliation, so he pivoted.
He can't compete with Staten on ranching skill alone,
which is why he's trying to reinvent the Double K,
he's over-promised on profits.
-Gambler needing a big score. -Like a secret oil field.
Had an affair some years back if we trust the scuttle.
So a horndog.
That's always your angle.
Okay, so you think you
can seduce the richest man in Ransom?
Honey, if it has a penis and portfolio, yes. I'm actually undefeated.
Let's talk about money.
I'm on Sam's shit list after the auction, so whatever the play is,
he's gotta feel like he's getting one over on me.
-Messy divorce. -Messy divorce.
That's the play. You and I are on the rocks. We're…
Yeah, we, uh, don't have to get in the weeds. We got an angle.
Let's get out of here. I don't want you to be late. We'll talk logistics tomorrow.
Waiting with bated breath.
Careful. It'd be so sad if you suffocated.
I know it's a leap to book him on a first-time festival,
but I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
Right.
Yeah, no, I understand.
Thank you for hearing me out.
-Hey. -Hey.
Oh, no. Sour face. What happened?
More like, what didn't happen?
-Still no musicians? -No.
And I'm gonna have to call the one person I didn't want to call.
Who?
She's a music manager who happened to go to Ransom High.
Not Mary Lou.
Didn't you say she used to call you Quaint O'Grady,
gave a kid a handy to put it in the yearbook?
True.
Maybe she's changed.
One way to find out.
Ask Staten.
-Staten? -Mm-hm.
They were in here a couple months ago. I guess she was back in town.
Hm.
Maybe like a catch-up.
She grabbed his junk.
Right. Right.
Yeah.
What's happening over there?
I don't really know.
He hasn't talked to me since Yancy proposed.
I mean, little things, you know,
like pleasantries when we pass each other in the street.
-I hate it. -Yeah.
You know, you're so close with someone one day, and then there you are.
Talking about the weather.
Sorry, Kai.
It's a bad beat.
-It's life. -Yeah.
You got plans tomorrow night, Andrews?
I… Uh… Well…
Well, what?
I don't know. You just trying to make conversation, or do you want to hang out?
I want another uniform at that homecoming game.
Sir. Yeah, I can do that.
Do I want to hang out?
Staten Kirkland.
On his phone?
-Just texting. -Mm.
Don't tell anyone.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Why?
More "feeling like shit" steak and eggs.
Oh, no. No, this is the number three. See, there's… there's bacon.
Ah. What was I thinking?
You want some?
I want intel on Mary Lou Daniels.
-What do you mean? -You've gotten to know her better.
Ellie said she saw you at the bar together a few months ago.
-Yeah, she was in town for a family thing. -Ah.
Yeah, with a side of Staten Kirkland.
She's in town for homecoming, and she reps some of the biggest artists in Nashville,
and I need some of those artists to headline Ransompalooza.
-Ransompa… That cannot be the name. -It's not.
It's a placeholder.
Look, she doesn't like me. She never has.
And I need her on board.
I need an in.
I just need help figuring this out.
Okay.
-This is hopeless. -No, wait. Hold on now.
I could be your in.
She begs me to go to that king and queen halftime thing every year,
and I always, I always… I always say no.
She does love making the entrance at that dinosaur parade.
I don't blame you. It's very cringy.
I could do that for you.
-No, you can't. -Yeah, I'll do the dinosaur parade.
I'll do the lame bullshit, then I'll have Mary Lou come to Gracie's.
I'll talk the place up, I'll talk you up.
I'll drink responsibly,
I'll dance exquisitely, and charm the pants off her.
Again?
Then you come in and seal the deal.
You'd honey pot her for me?
I'm gonna honey pot her for you.
Well, there is one tiny problem.
What's that?
I've seen you dance.
Shit.
Thank you.
It would be very, very nice of you to do that.
I'll do anything for you, O'Grady.
Well, I will take a piece of that bacon.
-Crunchy. -Crunchy. I know.
Hey, you.
Hi.
Wait, I thought you had work, 'cause it's open block.
-I have open block, I'm not going to work. -Why?
Kit did Sam's bidding and brought in extra hands.
Staten's boys are kicking up about it. Place is like a powder keg right now.
-Whatever, it's not a big deal. -What's not a big deal?
Boring ranch dynamics. I wouldn't listen to me either.
No, I am listening. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.
Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything.
The thing is, I just… I've been--
Howdy, Ransom Spartans, it's the big announcement you've all been waiting for.
It's homecoming court.
That's right. Homecoming court.
Our contenders for Ransom's 2025 homecoming queen are…
-You got this in the bag, Lauren. -Riley Harris.
Ashley Keo.
-Yeah, Ashley! -And Brittany Montgomery.
Okay. Okay.
Wait, what?
-It's fine. -Lauren.
-Honestly, it's fine. I said it's fine. -Lauren.
And now for our homecoming king contenders.
First up, Tim O'Grady.
Oh. Ho ho ho!
-It means nothing. You know that. -I know. I know.
-It's… Honestly, I'm good. -Next up, Cooper Lockwood.
-Thank you. -Last, but certainly not least,
-Lucas Russell. -Wha…
-No. -Yes!
-No, without you… -No, that's amazing.
Lucas!
Yes! Congratulations!
No, this is crazy. No, guys, I'm sorry.
Tortilla chip?
-Hey, I'm heading out. You okay? -Yeah.
Oh, I get it.
I never was one of the popular girls.
Yeah, well…
I was.
It's whatever, it's fine.
Hey.
It's not whatever.
You've been through a lot while I was gone.
And I don't know if I can help, but I want you to know that I know.
And I'm here.
If you want to talk about any of it.
Okay?
Okay.
I mean it.
I will, thank you.
Okay.
-Okay. -Yeah.
I was so embarrassed, I just…
I just kept the coach seat.
That was very gracious of you, Claire.
-Hey. -Hey.
This looks fun.
Mm-hm.
Hey.
Hey, kiddo, I thought about what you said,
and I cannot let you buy this place from me, I just can't.
I'm going to.
-I ca-- -That's the end of discussion.
-I can't. -Mom.
Please.
Okay, all right.
Okay.
Will you sit and have a glass of wine at least?
I'm tired.
Quinny, I come in peace, really.
I am done interfering in your life.
Oh. Can I hold you to that?
Scout's honor.
I'm pretty sure that's Star Trek.
-It's not. -Yeah, I think it is.
She's coming in intergalactic peace, so…
How was your day, darling?
Well, you know, a thousand hurdles.
I might've found an in for some acts.
-Babe, that's amazing. Who? -Yeah.
This music manager who grew up here.
Mary Lou Daniels? You reached out to Scary Lou Daniels?
Yeah, kinda. I put Staten on it.
Oh, Staten.
Ah.
Does he… Does he know her?
Yeah, carnally, in fact.
Well. Okay, and he's just happy to wield that for you?
Yeah, it was actually kind of his idea.
Right.
Well… that deserves a cheers.
To, um…
To one hurdle at a time.
-One hurdle at a time. -Go Spartans.
It's our time It's go time
It's lights up It's showtime
Go! Get him!
Let's go!
-That's what I'm talking about! -Are you having fun?
Yeah, you kidding me? Just like the movies.
Actually, would you come with me for a sec?
-Yeah. -Come on.
I've always wanted to do this.
What?
Mm.
It's always magic with you.
Kiss me again.
Once again, into halftime.
Sorry.
I really wanna see this.
I'm sorry. Is that okay?
Yeah, of course.
Hey.
Thank you for this.
Mm.
-You should be out there with me. -No, I'm right where I need to be.
-Go on, go win the crown. -We both know that's not happening.
Mm. Well, then just meet me in the loser circle.
Deal.
Here they are, the Ransom High homecoming kings and queens of yesteryear.
Including the king and queen Staten Kirkland and Mary Lou Daniels.
My queen!
My king!
You know, I did not take you for a second date kind of guy, Staten.
I mean, for Mary Lou Daniels? Come on, now.
Hello, boys.
-Mrs. O'Grady. -Don't you fucking dare.
Claire. How you doing this evening?
Great. Who's your friend, Kai?
-This is Andrews, new guy. -Ma'am.
Are you single, Andrews?
As a matter of fact, I am.
Good to know. My daughter Angie's separated, has been for some time.
She likes a man in uniform.
Strong hand, tender touch.
Give me your phone.
Call me if you want a date.
With Angie?
Whatever you like.
What, bro? Don't be jealous.
All righty.
-Thank you. -Yep.
I'm pissed. These were promises you made me for the years we have been together.
-Shh. -Don't shush me.
You betrayed me.
-I'm not doing this here. -Okay, let's do it in court then.
Enough.
I'll find out what you're sitting on. What the old man left you.
Just stop, all right? You're embarrassing yourself.
Oh, I'm the embarrassment? I'm the embarrassment?
I'm not the one who knocked up Ellie Estevez!
What the fuck, Sid?
And now… Now?
Now you are going to lose your precious land, asshole!
Got him.
I'm sorry. We had to make a scandalous debate.
And smear my reputation, just out that I'm pregnant in front of half the town?
She went off-book. But it worked.
And we are one step closer to getting rid of Sid, forever.
Uh-huh. But that's not why you're excited.
You're excited because you got to play mean pretend with your sexy ex.
We talked about this.
I warned you what was involved.
I guess I should've listened.
Let's hear it for our homecoming kings and queens.
Stay tuned, as these folks will pass the torch to your new king and queen
in just a few minutes.
I hear the votes are just about done being tallied.
-Is that, is that her? -Yeah.
-Scary Lou Daniels? -Mm-hm.
She doesn't look that scary.
That wasn't so bad, was it?
I had a leech once, that was worse.
Well, thank you for coming.
Yeah, well, you owe me.
You know, you should come to Gracie's later.
I mean it.
Okay.
-Hey. -Hey.
-I did pretty good, right? -Mm-hm.
And I got her to come to Gracie's.
Wait till I get her on the dance floor.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You know, you look pretty good.
For a dinosaur.
Could've left that last part out.
Hey, there you are.
-Staten. -Hey.
-How are you, mate? -Uh…
Just a little uncomfortable, you know.
-How are you? -Ah, a little bit lost.
Just trying to keep up with the customs.
Staten, over here! Come on!
Uh, if you'll excuse me.
Come on! Come on!
Fucking scabs, all of you.
Step back and watch your mouth? We're just taking a job.
-You're taking our jobs. Did you know? -No one knew.
-I was talking-- -Easy!
Hey! Hey!
Stay back!
Get the hell out of here.
-What was that about? -Your old man shit-canned us.
-What? -Yeah.
-Who? -All of us.
Me, Jake, rest of the boys, we're gone.
He's just keeping his new guys.
-All right, get out of here. -Sorry, boss.
Get.
Congratulations, Ashley Keo,
our new homecoming queen.
And now, homecoming king, folks.
Good luck, man.
I'm on a roll tonight, bro.
And the winner is…
Lucas Russell!
Whaaa… That's right.
Don't forget, king hosts the after-party.
Good luck squeezing half the school in that trailer of yours.
Come on, Russell, keep going!
Whoo hoo hoo!
-Okay! -There we go.
No.
-Let's go, Russell! -Oh, yeah, here.
Sorry. Sorry.
Oh my God. We gotta stop meeting like this.
Huh?
The tornado, peas, my ankle.
-Right. Right. -Yeah.
What happened?
Let me see.
-It's nothing. -I can do it. Let me help. Yes.
Tough guy, huh? What happened?
What do you mean?
-It's nothing. -It's not nothing.
Sam Kirkland's what happened.
Up and fired all of Staten's ranch hands.
Tried to convince him not to, but the only one I could manage to save was Luke.
-Jesus, does Lucas know? -No.
Let the king have his moment.
Plenty of time for him to hate me tomorrow.
I'm willing to play the bad guy
if it means making money to get Luke out of here.
And, uh, class villain's my sweet spot.
Class villain, huh?
Yeah, shoe fits.
Uh… Who's she?
Um…
Most likely to get ushered out of a Walmart in handcuffs.
That's good, yeah.
Um…
The, the guy in the back.
Most likely to start a billion-dollar company.
Okay, what's he sell?
Hats for cats.
It just takes off.
Come on, I wanna show you something.
Whoo! Let's go! Another round?
-Well, someone's popular. -Mmm. Every day of her life.
What are you waiting for?
Staten.
Yeah.
Do I have anything to worry about there?
-With me and him? -Mm.
I loved that man for a very large part of my life.
I won't stand here and tell you I didn't.
And I don't think that kind of connection ever dies completely.
But I need something that he can't give me.
That ship has sailed.
You sure?
I'm sure.
Because the man is fucking handsome.
I'm sorry, have you seen this face?
Just go and talk to her.
Oh, please.
You know what my favorite thing about playing a show in New York is?
The drink after, yeah.
Oh, McSorley's.
It's watching you.
When you're playing a solo, just so into it.
So perfect, you'd have Rachmaninoff in tears.
A thousand tuxedoed New Yorkers just… listening.
All eyes on you, but
you don't falter.
Because you're that fucking good.
So, who the hell is this…? Was it Mary Lou Daniels?
Mm-hm.
This is Quinn O'Grady.
And she's fucking fearless.
Shot of tequila and ranch water.
Someone's looking to jumpstart a hangover.
Everything all right?
Can I ask you something?
What is the actual point of falling in love?
You're Yancy Grey's wife, right?
You were at the game.
If it makes you feel any better, and it won't,
I went through a divorce myself.
Messy, to say the least.
Worst time of my life.
To the worst time of our lives.
-Cheers. -Mm-hm. Cheers.
Staring's not gonna make it less awkward.
Hi.
Congratulations.
I'm sorry, I was…
trying to keep it a secret, but there that goes.
Oh, it's amazing, Ellie.
Honestly, I'm really happy for you.
Thank you.
I didn't think you'd take it this way, so I appreciate it.
You're gonna be a mama.
An incredible one.
I don't know how that could be anything but good.
So you're still in that situation then, with him?
I mean…
it's complicated.
But I'm fine. Really.
Boiling water feels like a jacuzzi when you're the frog.
Just trust when I say that it's not what it looks like. Okay?
Okay.
We couldn't look that cool if we tried.
Speak for yourself, asshole.
Feels poetic or something, doesn't it? Like they're watching me leave.
No, well, you're not leaving. None of you.
-No? -No.
Sam changed his mind?
He's gonna be gone soon enough.
Board votes in a month and change. It'll go by just like that.
I'm sick of you anyway.
-Nah, I'm sick of you. -I don't doubt that.
But a few weeks, okay?
Take a vacation.
Vacation?
You got family in California, don't you?
-The fuck am I gonna do in California? -I don't know, go surfing?
You know I can't swim.
It's been an honor, brother.
Hey. I'm gonna figure this out.
You have my word.
If you say so.
So she… she hits the gas, and blam!
She comes running up covered in soot
like they do in those old cartoons, you know?
-That is too funny! -Mm.
Um…
Hey, you, what, you know, that you might want to… Mm.
-Thank you. -Mm.
What a gentleman.
Yeah, well…
I know one, given who you're married to.
Separated from.
You're making a mistake, darling.
All those years in D.C., I can smell an opportunist a mile away.
You're going through a rough time, and you have all my sympathies.
But if you want to go gold digging…
that dog won't hunt.
Thanks for the drinks.
Mary Lou.
Hi.
What do you think?
Oh, it's really nice for Ransom.
It's really nice for anywhere. Come on, you know it is.
It's nice for anywhere.
I mean, I built it all the way down to the last detail.
And I want to build something else.
I want to build a music festival.
-Here, in Ransom? -In Ransom.
Boy.
Charley Crockett comes to town and the dreams sure get bigger.
I've kept tabs on you.
-You have? -New York Phil?
You've been doing some big shit.
So have you.
So what happened to Quaint O'Grady?
She grew up.
Hm.
So she did.
Think about all the artists you represent.
This could be amazing for both of us.
I know you love this town. I love it too, and I want to save it.
I want this festival to go on forever.
Well, forever is a long time.
My advice, just focus on the first one.
Do it with me?
The first one, and…
We can worry about forever another time.
What do you say?
I think it sounds like a plan.
Chat Monday?
Yeah, sure. Chat Monday.
Oh my gosh!
Hello!
-Who is this? -This is Mr. Scratch,
trying the indoor thing.
Might even get him a little hat if Poindexter gets that business going.
Wait, can I hold him?
I mean, the name's not false advertising, but I can try.
Oh!
Not really a party guy.
Yeah, I get it.
Yeah.
It's just seeing Ashley out there, homecoming queen…
I just can't help but feel like it should've been me.
Which probably sounds stupid, but…
Uh, I mean, it is kind of stupid.
-Did you want to be homecoming queen? -Yes, I wanted to be homecoming queen.
Wait, why?
Because it's… like
who I am.
Or was.
Mm. Well, maybe it's time you moved on to being something different.
Lucas! Lucas! Lucas!
Lucas! Lucas!
What?
Let's go!
Shit.
Oh my God.
Whoo hoo!
Yeah!
I love you guys, you know that, right?
-I really do. -Yeah.
My bro and my girl and my brother and my girlfriend.
Love you too, kid.
Here.
I'm gonna go get him some water.
Hey, Quinn, I'm sorry I'm late.
All good.
Might want to grab a drink before last call.
-Where is she? -She's gone.
What? I'll call her tomorrow. I will save this, I promise.
Don't worry about it. I didn't need you after all.
Pitched her myself, I think I got her.
What?
You got it? It's done?
Ha!
I'm proud of you, Quinn.
-What happened to your eye? -It doesn't ma… I'm…
-What's going on? -Doesn't matter.
What matters is that you pulled it off.
I did pull it off.
-I didn't even need to watch you dance. -Oh, okay.
Okay.
-You wanted to watch me dance. -You're a terrible dancer.
Quite a night, isn't it?
Certainly is.
Lot of history over there.
That's what I've heard.
-Uh, you want some advice, honey? -Mm.
Don't take your eyes off the prize.
Lord knows Staten hasn't.
Evening, Ellie. Just a whiskey.
Got it.
Wanted to say congratulations. You know, one hears things.
Well, thank you, Sam.
You were really close to Cap, right?
You know I was.
Something on your mind?
Nah, it's just been a weird day, is all.
Met that fool Yancey's thirsty little wife.
And?
Did you think Cap would be rolling over in his grave if he knew,
with you carrying his heir,
that those two were about to chop up his legacy? Hm?
There's something going on there, something big.
Might be worth looking into the what.
What is the first thing I ever taught you, is to listen more than you talk.
But no, you pushed him too much, too fast, and now we are out of luck.
Okay, we'll pivot.
What is up your ass?
You! You are. Telling the whole goddamn town about my kid.
You set this into motion.
Don't come bitching at me when I saved the thing from going sideways.
He took the bait.
What? Sid said he bailed.
As much as I hate to admit it, that fake fight worked.
He doesn't like either of you, but he's convinced you're sitting on something big.
Okay?
I'll take a beat and then I'll make another pass.
No.
It needs to be someone who Sam trusts and someone who knew Cap.
-Ellie, no. -Yes.
It has to be me.