The Alderman– RECAP!

Okay you wonderful people, this is my first recap/review of anything and because I’m a huge fan of Gina Torres and enjoyed her new show #Pearson so much I decided to blog/review about it. So, lets get to it! (This is gonna be LONG so strap in)

Pearson is the Suits spin off focusing on the HBIC (Head B*tch In Charge) Jessica Pearson (played by the phenomenal Gina Torres) and her new life and career as the new fixer to shady and possibly crooked Chicago Mayor, Bobby Novak. Jessica has lost her law license, is trying to win over her estranged family and take on a new path in a dirty town. Sounds a little dark, right? I like it. Now, many are probably wondering “Do I need to watch Suits in order to understand Pearson?” NOPE. Does it help? Yeah, a little. Is it pertinent? Nah. Dive on in.

Also, I’ll drop some background on Jessica in another post, just a general recap of her Character development on Suits.

City Hall- Late night

The opening scene is one from the previews. Jessica Pearson recently implanted back into her home city of Chicago, after a long stint as a high-powered corporate attorney in NYC, is shredding photos of a man. This man is clearly very dead with a bullet in the back (probably more than one bullet hole but… yeah) and because Jessica is shredding these images one wonders what the hell she has gotten herself into in these Chicago streets. In comes what looks to be a security guard to ask if she’s okay. Jessica pauses, straightens her spine while placing a relaxed look on her face before replying that she is fine. Jessica thanks the man and once he leaves, she continues shredding images of dead body dude.

Okay now, If you’re not already somewhat on the edge of your seat, this might not be the show for you. But for me? An OG Jessica Pearson fan? This shit is WILD. Jessica hasn’t ever been in this sort of situation… it’s a lot!

Next, we see Jessica exiting City Hall…

Y’all see what I mean when I said shady and possibly crooked Mayor? She’s in City Hall doing this. CITY HALL. Anyway…

Jessica opts out of her waiting car service stating that she’d like to walk, red flag #1.

Jessica is a woman of wealth and though she isn’t delicate by any means, the woman loves drinking beer and watching the Giants while following her father’s supersitions so we can assume she’s not above walking, BUT it’s an oddity and yeah she might live close enough for a late night stroll home buuuuuttttt… I doubt it’s that cut and dry.

Jessica walks for a while, looking fierce the entire time, then she hops in a cab. Red flag #2.

Where the hell is she going?! SHADY.

She takes the cab to a street that’s located under the L train tracks. Mmmkay, red flag #3.

Why? Why are you there Jessica? I am concerned. But she’s there and I’m trying not to freak out.

Whoever Jessica is supposed to meet is late, so she calls a mysterious woman on the phone, could be Keri Allen but I don’t know for sure. She asks, “Where is he?”, so we’re waiting on a dude? Cool, cool, cool. As Jessica’s talking on the phone, searching for her missing buddy, a white panel van shows up with its lights on, scary-ish. Jessica tells mystery woman to stay on the line, SMART CUZ GURL!, the van pulls closer to her and as it does Jessica takes what looks like a quick breath, she looks almost shocked and dare I say scared, before the scene goes to black.

Now, we ALL know white panel vans are no Bueno. Jessica is probably about to get snatched, shot, or have a dead body tossed her way. Thems the options, dems da rules.

8 Weeks earlier…

So, this was a future scenario? Okay, I have what? 7 episodes at minimum before shit pops off in a major way I guess?

Bobby Novak’s home

Enter Mayor Bobby Novak, he’s leaving his house to meet his awaiting car service. The man he’s speaking with, Nick D’Amato, asks about the mayor’s wife and if she’s okay before expressing concern about “this Pearson woman” to Bobby. These two clearly have a close relationship, we find out why later, and Nick is seemingly looking out for Bobby. Bobby doesn’t seem all that concerned about having Jessica Pearson working for him, but Nick has his doubts. They give each other shit before heading off.

Jessica and Jeff’s Downtown Chicago Apartment!

The scene opens to Jessica and Jeff in bed together…

Y’ALL!! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for a scene like this with these two?! You don’t if you didn’t watch suits but I’ll tell you it’s been a long while.

… they both seem to have enjoyed their morning together, but Jessica must get to work. Jeff comments “you’re really doing this?” Which makes it clear that Jeff is not a fan of Jessica’s new gig. Jessica seems a bit miffed at the comment to which Jeff says he doesn’t want to start a fight, okay Jeff. Whatever you say. Jessica has the same response, not really but yeah. As she expresses her reasoning for taking the job, making a promise to her father (he died 8-is weeks prior to this in theory) and wanting to do something more with her life other than make millions of dollars and fight to keep her name up on a wall (She was managing partner at Pearson, Specter, Litt). Jeff questions her motivation, “It has nothing to do with you missing the action” to which Jessica responds, “For a man not wanting to start a fight, you’re doing a lousy job”.

See, this reaction makes me think it’s at least a tiny bit about the action. Jessica was a FORCE! Hell, she still is. But taking the job came at a cost, I’ll get into that later in this recap.

As she walks away from Jeff he stops her in her tracks and apologizes. Jessica goes on to speak about a “rumor” Jeff’s friend in the DOJ (Department of Justice) heard, Jeff has friends in high places too, to which Jeff responds “it’s not a rumor. A man that went up against the city was found murdered.”

Murdered you say? Is this the same guy with the bullet in his back in the opening scene?! Sounds like it is.

Jessica wants Jeff’s friend to show proof. Jeff believes that his friend won’t tell him anything now because Jessica is now the right-hand of the Mayor and Jeff is not only in a relationship with this person, he lives with this person on the inside. Jessica takes this to mean Jeff is only looking out for himself, which she is completely fine with, but Jessica is not backing out of this new job and she “will not have this same conversation every morning”.

Wow. Now, this is not how I wanted their morning to go BUT the fact that they’re fully open and expressing themselves makes me happy. Jessica was always secretive, she had to be to an extent within the context of Suits and they broke up over Jessica’s lack of trust in Jeff (though he finds out her reasoning behind it later) once before. I hope Jessica keeps Jeff in the loop this go-round but… I doubt it.

Skip to Jessica walking out of her gorgeous building to her awaiting car service, when asked if she’d like to go to City Hall, Jessica replies “Just drive”.

 QUE INTRO!!!

…And me being EXTREMELY EXCITED. Ugh, this makes me so happy. Gina deserves the world and she created/brought one to life.

As the new episode airs TONIGHT 10/9c on USA Network, Imma speed this up and streamline. I’ve had a crazy schedule this week and have been exhausted but I’ll aim to do better for episode 2!

Hospital ER

Next we see Jessica’s cousin Angela assisting a girl in the ER. She’s fainted because of a hunger strike going on at her school because the city is shutting the school down to bus them to magnet schools. No Bueno. The young girl says, “You’re creeping me out lady”, and Angela turns around to see Jessica standing at the door. Angela doesn’t seem very happy to see her but Jessica asks to speak with her. Jessica says that she’s dropping Lillian’s case (Angela’s mother) and has taken a job with the Mayor, wanting to be straight with Angela. Angela is clearly not a fan of Jessica or this idea. She expresses that Jessica is out here saying she wants to help from the inside but doesn’t know what’s going on right down the street, the hunger strike. Angela expresses how emotional Lillian was when Jessica said she’d take on her case, happy and hopeful, but Jessica doesn’t seem to know that. Angela realizes that Jessica wants her to inform her mother of Jessica’s decision and she’s not having it.

GOOD ON YOU, Angela! Jessica likes other people to do her dirty work most of the time. She can get dirty just as well as the rest of them but if possible, she wants to stay outta dodge. I like that Angela isn’t over the moon over Jessica as many were on Suits. She was so loved and admired, not so much here in Chicago.

Moving on…

City hall

Bobby and his press secretary Derrick Mayes are speaking about the things he said he’d do but hasn’t, yadda yadda political lies and BS from Bobby. As they’re about to walk into his office Keri Allen makes her way to the Mayor. Bobby tells Derrick he needs to speak with Keri and they go into his office sans Derrick. Bobby speaks to Keri about things on her plate to which she responds she has it covered and doesn’t have too much on her plate. Bobby expresses her not wanting to get burned out and Keri seems miffed about this. Bobby finally suggests that maybe Jessica Pearson can help out, make some headway… Keri thinks he’s joking. Then she realizes that he isn’t and Keri does not like. She goes on to say that Jessica, only a day ago, had a law suit against the city and wants to know what BS is going on. Keri wants to know what Bobby wants from her, he says he expects them to be professional. Keri doesn’t think it’s gonna work like that considering she took Jessica’s law license, which she says she took FOR Bobby. He says she took it for herself. (LMAO! She did, she was hella petty.) Keri also expresses that Jessica accused her of sleeping with Bobby (she did, and she did it wonderfully) to which Bobby says nothing, ooooop! Keri is clearly annoyed and asks if he needs anything else before leaving his office. Before she makes it out Bobby says, “I didn’t want you to be blindsided, just stay in your lane and I’m sure she’ll stay in hers.”

LMAO!!! Bobby CLEARLY doesn’t know Jessica Pearson. Jessica does not stay in her lane and will do whatever she damn well pleases. She’s stubborn and a fighter and it bites her in the ass at times but its effective and gets shit done. You’ll see…

Franklin- School with Hunger Strike

Jessica is in her car, she’s looking out the window at the protests happening outside the school and requests to be let out. She meets the woman wo seems to be leading the charge and they discuss what’s happening, the city is closing the school and the Alderman is backing the closing and pro bussing kids to charter schools. Jessica expresses that this strike is all well and good, but it doesn’t get them a seat at the table, meaning the city council meeting where they will vote on this matter, and that the alderman probably doesn’t even care about the girl that fainted. The woman agrees and wants to know Jessica’s point and who she is. Jessica wonders aloud what the woman would think if she said she worked for the mayor, the woman replies that she’d tell them both to go to hell because his kid has a school to go to and her child won’t.  

Welp, that didn’t go the way Jessica hoped I’m sure. The Mayor is clearly not liked, at least in the black communities, and Jessica throwing his name/title around won’t get shit done.

City Hall

Jessica exits her car and heads into the building, looking FABULOUS I might add. Once through security she asks a guard what floor the Mayors office is on, the guard responds and OH LOOK it’s the same guard from the opening scene! I wonder if this foreshadows into whatever happens with Jessica and that creepy ass van. Anyway, she makes her way to the Mayor’s floor and scans the room before heading to her new office. Its dark and cold but the Mayor is waiting for her there. He comments that it’s not a NY law firm but it’s the best they have, and Jessica doesn’t seem too bothered. Bobby says that she’s late and Jessica asks if he’d like to know why, he doesn’t but she tells him anyway. She says she visited the school he’s shutting down to which he responds politically, its not my decision it’s city council… Jessica calls it bullshit to his face and that his answer is that of someone on the wrong side of an issue. WHEW! I missed this woman. She doesn’t sugar coat much. Bobby says issues are less important than relationships and Jess knows he’s talking about Alderman Cotes, she’s good y’all, and knows she needs the big money backers so when Bobby says jump, she says how high. Bobby goes on about allies and needing all that he can get to which Jessica says, “even ones selling out the black community?” HA! Get in his ass, Jess!  Bobby says, “no one’s selling anyone out” YEAH RIGHT! More bullshit. Bobby then says she should focus on what he brought her in to do, get the electric busses he’s been promising for forever and a day. Jessica seems thrilled, not. Bobby says this is more important and helps more people on the southside than the school closing. Jessica responds that she “looks forward to getting up to speed”, bus humour that Bobby appreciates, before telling her not to be late again. Once Bobby leaves Jessica seems less than please about how that all went down, alone in her new office taking orders from a bullshitter who to me, doesn’t know his ass from his elbow.

Jessica is not a follower, y’all. She really won’t do well with having a boss. Not after being her own boss for such a long time. The struggle will be REAL.

Bowling alley

Pat McGann and Bobby meet, and Bobby discusses how the law suit against the city has been dropped and his decision to hire Jessica. Pat is crooked as all get out and is afraid that having this woman in their house will cause copious amounts of trouble, namely Pat ending up in prison. Bobby says that he just gave her a desk and that nothing’s gonna happen. Pat doesn’t believe him at all.

Background on Pat: He’s the developer that is tearing down Lillian and Angela’s building and Jessica had him by the balls before a little threat on her life and a request to drop the matter from the Mayor evened the playing field. Pat hates Jessica, hell the City of Chicago hates Jessica but they’re gonna have to suck it up because she’s not going down without a fight.

Outside what seems to be a high-end food court/restaurant

Jessica is waiting for Alderman Cotes,

what you will learn is that Jessica shows up EXACTLY when needed and always has. She knows where and when people will be doing whatever and pops up or is waiting there for them and it makes me laugh every time. Where did you come from, Jess! Hilarious.

Jessica says there are plenty of great restaurants in the ward that she’s supposed to be serving and that she’s falling asleep on the job. Ms. Cotes wants to know who Jessica is, to which she responds that she’s working on behalf of the people whose school she’s shutting down. Ms. Cotes thinks she’s doing the right thing by them and says they should be thanking her. Jessica wants to know how she came to that conclusion and Ms. Cotes says that she grew up in that ward and that she bussed 21miles round trip to her magnet school for a better education and wants that for her community, Jessica calls bullshit and says that if she thinks Bobby is gonna stick by her when he’s up for re-election she is “sadly mistaken”.

WELP, that’s a full-on Jessica Pearson move. She knows Bobby wants to keep Alderman Cotes as an ally but doesn’t give a shit because it doesn’t serve her purpose… love it.

City Hall

Jessica is waiting at the Mayor’s secretary’s desk waiting for the mayor with a post-it note that says “see me”. The mayor walks in and is clearly pissed but Jessica, being Jessica, tries to lighten the mood a bit, “I’m assuming you’re the “me” in “see me”.” Bobby doesn’t take the bait. He closes the door and Jessica has the gall to look slightly apologetic. Slightly, she lowers her gaze to show some level of respect for Bobby’s feelings but that quickly changes when Bobby insinuates that she a student who takes assignments. Bobby thinks Jessica doesn’t know anything about politics, which is true on some level, but she does know about power. Bobby and Jessica get into it about how the people of Chicago see him and its a good little argument before Bobby taps out with “this isn’t gonna work.” Jessica, being the fighter and lawyer that she is, despite being disbarred, is still standing and ready to defend her position. “C’mon baby, this is our first fight! Don’t be like that” LMAO!! Ugh, I really love Jess. She is wild and the subtle humour off the charts. Bobby is still in his feelings and would rather let Jessica go than to have her fight on his side with the way she handles things. Jessica brings up shady ass Pat to which Bobby says if she was gonna throw that grenade she’d have done it already, but she wouldn’t have gotten what she wanted, to be standing exactly where she currently is in the Mayor’s office and back in the action.

Jessica and Jeff’s Apartment

As Jess enters their home, she notices that Jeff’s bags are packed. Since she apparently hasn’t spoken to him all day this is a shock and she, somewhat jokingly, asks if he’s moving out. Jeff says he’s doing a trial in Miami and his firm needs him. Jessica points out that it’s the case he said he didn’t want to be on two weeks ago and while Jeff tries to lie, saying his firm needs him, Jessica says he’s better than that and should just say what he needs which is space from Jessica apparently, instead of running away. Jeff doesn’t deny that he needs space and volunteered to be on the trial, and this clearly upsets Jessica, she’s hurt by this and honestly, I’m hurting cuz she’s hurting so we’re all hurt. Jeff says he’ll call her in a few days, ouch, and starts to walk out of their home. Jessica says in a very strong voice, “so much for having my back” and Jeff says that he does have her back but there are two people in this relationship, no there are hundreds if not thousands of people in your relationship, but I digress, and he must have his own back.

Wow. My tears were starting to flow. I don’t like seeing Jessica sad at all but that’s not life and this is what happens to women like Jess, they are strong willed and hard-headed and the people they love get upset or feel left out/pushed aside. They’ll work it out and if anything, Jessica can have any man she wants but I think she wants Jeff for the long haul.

Hospital

Angela and Lil bit who passed out during hunger strike are speaking, Lil bit is getting wheeled out of her room and while speaking with Angela we find out that she’s not a fully licensed nurse but a certified nursing assistant whose main job is to change sheets and clean out bedpans and how she didn’t have a chance to get an education and believes that’s Lil bit trying to save her school is so important. Lil bit says, “thank your cousin for that”, Angela is confused, and Lil bit explains that Jessica came by to visit her last night and said she will help keep the school open. Angela doesn’t seem happy about this at all, like she doesn’t believe Jessica will do anything.

Keri’s office

Keri is talking shit with someone on the phone when she hears heels clicking and stop at her doorway and she turns to see Jessica, she promptly hangs up and greets her somewhat coldly. Jessica can play along with the best of them and keeps cool before saying that she knows how busy Keri is and took the liberty to whip up the first draft of a law suit for her, to which Keri responds that Jessica is no longer a lawyer. Ugh, Keri pisses me off. And Jessica, still being pleasant says it’s like riding a bike.

Okay, Jessica has probably been doing Law and drafting suits since before Keri knew what a lawsuit was and has at least 20yrs experience behind Keri’s, what 7? Ha! Yeah, Jessica knows what she’s doing.

Jessica’s law suit is against the suppliers of the electric busses they promised the city, Keri tries to explain why they won’t be doing that to which Jessica replies “because you don’t know what a simple breech of contract is?” LMAO!! Damn. Just, Damn. Keri has BS excuses about why things are done the way they are, and Jessica doesn’t give a shit. To her, they’re wasting taxpayer money and time. Keri honestly just wants to know if this is a bluff and Jessica says it’s a kick in the ass which is why they mayor brought her in, before sauntering out of Keri’s office.

Ooooo, I smell blood in the water. Jessica is ready for a killing and Keri is her target.

City Hall

Jessica is walking back towards her floor/office when Derrick Mayes shows up, hey cutie, calling her Mrs. Pearson to which Jessica quickly corrects him, “Ms. Pearson” …

Okay, Jessica has been unmarried for a long while now and even before then nobody knew she was married, not even her bestie Harvey. Jessica Pearson is strong and takes pride in her name and wouldn’t change it, marriage or not in my opinion, for the world. She was managing partner with that name, was the only Black woman at her level in NYC with that name and her name is exactly that, hers!

Derrick is eager and happy to know someone cares about the community, specifically the hinger strike going on and wants to assist. Jessica asks, “who are you?’ Heh… poor kid. She’s not too nice right off the bat to anyone. He explains that he’s the Mayor’s press secretary and Jessica says he should talk to him, not her. Derrick says he thinks Bobby is a good guy and all but straddles the fence on many issues and Jessica is all for trying to help people do and be better but not behind said persons back. Now, Jessica is a person who does NOT practice what she preaches most of the time because she is who she is and does what she does and that’s that on that. Does it bite her in the ass often? Hell yes! But whatever, Derrick points out that Jessica did the same thing he’s doing but with the Alderman and Jessica doesn’t want to hear it, “take it up with superman”.

Poor Derrick, him so hopeful to have an ally in the darkness of politics but at the moment? It isn’t Jessica.

Cut to Keri walking into Bobby’s office asking if she’s now taking orders from Jessica. Bobby quickly gets up from his lunch to close the door, he knows where this is going. She immediately starts venting about Jessica and her lawsuit against the bus company and Bobby, to her surprise, is completely with this turn of events. He brought her in for a job and she’s doing it, unlike others. Keri brings up that Bobby cut a deal with Jessica and that he’s marginalizing her. He says he values her and yadda yadda, then asks him to tell her to back off. Bobby tells her to tell Jessica and then he walks up to stroke her face…

Jessica was RIGHT. HA. We all knew it, well I did.

Bobby says it’s been weeks since they’d been together, and Keri basically says you can thank Jessica for that before leaving his office.

Some shady alleyway

Nick is waiting impatiently for someone when a car pulls up. Pat gets out and says something about “deep throat thing” which makes me cackle cuz that reference is completely lost on me. Anyway, Pat hands Nick a wad of cash for “failing to intimidate Jessica Pearson like he asked” but Nick doesn’t want the money. Pat then tells Nick to spy on Bobby and Jessica, keep an eye on them. Nick is tired of Pat telling him what to do and Pat doesn’t give a rat’s ass before saying Bobby is his half brother (What?!) but Bobby won’t acknowledge his existence publicly so why is he so against this gig? Pat then says he doesn’t mean that Bobby doesn’t care for Nick but if Jessica pokes her nose into stuff and finds something, Nick isn’t a Novak and it won’t end well for him.  Nick ends up taking the money though he doesn’t seem too happy about it.

Well, what has Nick been up to? This is SHADY.

Charity Event

Keri and Bus Dude are chatting it up and he’s making up bullshit about how it’s out of his control but he’s working to get it done. Jessica saunters up outta nowhere AGAIN, my favourite Jessica Pearson-ism, introduces herself and says to dude’s face that he’s bullshitting and hands him a lawsuit. Keri tries to back peddle Jessica’s blunt action but Jessica digs in. Bus dude thinks they’re playing good cop/bad cop. Keri takes Jessica’s lead and says if he doesn’t get his shit together the city won’t like it and she’ll see him in court. Dude walks away and Jessica is SMUG. “I like the way you went with that. You almost remind me of a young me.” Almost, but not quite. Keri doesn’t appreciate Jessica blowing up her meeting with dude and think she wanted to humiliate her. Jessica says she did just the opposite and showed Dude that she has a spine.

I love this scene, Jessica’s dress and the bite of the straw she does? Iconic. This is a brief synopsis of the scene you should watch it fully cuz so good. I’m in love with Pearson even though Keri is annoying the daylights outta me currently.

Angela and Lillian’s Apartment

Lillian is watching a tv show game when Angela comes in, clearly hopeful the woman on the tv doesn’t loose her millions of dollars. Angela asks about her boys, she has two kids that we haven’t seen this episode but they’re in the promos and expresses wanting to see them awake once before they’re 18. Clearly Angela works her ass off to help support her family and is missing a lot of time with her kids. Angela then asks if Lillian had heard from Jessica, Lillian hasn’t and wants to know why she asked. Angela goes on to say Jessica stopped by the hospital and got all in her business and making promises to Lil bit that she thinks Jessica won’t keep. Lillian has more faith in her niece than Angela, and she could truly help. Angela is sick of people being all talk and no business and thinks Jessica is full of shit.

I can’t say I blame Angela for thinking this but don’t count Jessica out. She knows, kinda, what she’s doing.

City Hall

Derrick is packing up for the evening when Jessica walks up to his cubicle. Derrick apologizes for overstepping earlier but Jessica has plans to use his overzealousness to her advantage. Derrick said he wants to help so Jessica asks him to get the last three tax returns for Alderman Cotes and tell her where she lives. Derrick wants to know if what they’re doing is illegal and Jessica says “we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

See, Jessica is all action. She can work and manipulate people/situations to her delight and do it with a smile. She usually means well but I don’t know how often this is gonna work in her favour in Chicago.

Outside Bobby’s house

Nick and Bobby go over his schedule for tomorrow and before Bobby can walk away when done, Nick says he saw Pat today. Bobby and Nick clearly have some issues with Pat and Bobby even mentions that Pat is trying to pit them against each other. Nick is still concerned about Jessica’s presence but Bobby thinks he and Pat are overreacting. Nick wants to know who is gonna protect him, be his ally if the truth comes out and Bobby is adamant that he will. They go on to talk about how Nick is the one who doesn’t come in the house and acts like a stranger to the family yadda yadda… next scene.

So far I find their relationship a bit boring but I think once the juice comes out fully, if the Mayor is in on whatever illegal shit Nick is into, I’ll be more interested. But Nick is CUTE. He’s also clearly the black sheep, all angsty and emo. I love that.

Cook County Criminal Court

Keri is walking with purpose, checking her watch and ready to kick ass in court. At the same time Jessica is walking with purpose in another building, I’m assuming, sauntering and not checking her watch. She knows what time it is and where she’s going. Jessica is then seen sitting waiting for someone when a man walks up to her. Keri simultaneously is walking into a courtroom, ready for her fight. Back to Jessica, she’s talking with Bus Dude! You can’t hear what they’re saying but knowing Jessica, she’s pulling out all the facts and halting the lawsuit to cut a deal. Jessica is all about cutting deals. Keri is non the wiser and is embarrassed when the judge calls another case on the docket and not hers which was supposed to be first. The judge says someone called from Keri’s office and said the lawsuit had been dropped, whomp whomp. Keri is PISSED.

Jessica coulda let the child know! Lmao! I felt a little bad for her. Just a little.

Ladies Room City Hall

Keri bursts into the restrooms where Jessica is minding her own business, washing her hands. “You got some nerve. Hijacking my meeting is one thing but hanging me out to dry in court is another, that effects my reputation and I won’t stand for it.” Jessica, not at all pressed by this tiny woman, snatches a paper towel from the dispenser and says, “You shoulda thought about reputation when you tool my license.”

PERIODT! Keri does not know who she’s messing with! I’m telling y’all Jessica reminds me of my cousin’s favourite saying, “Never forgive, never forget!” LMAO! No, she’s not that bad but Keri deserves this moment.

Keri then goes on to say that she took Jessica’s license because she made her father, among other cops, look like shit. Jessica didn’t even know Keri’s father was a cop and explains that she did what she did because some, not all of those cops were doing specific things. Keri then tells Jessica that she better stay away from the people in her department or she’ll make disbarment feel like jaywalking. Jessica “Are you threatening me?”

Look, I don’t know if yall know this but you don’t threaten Jessica Pearson. That is like poking a very mean and very hungry bear and it’s gonna end in bloodshed. I look forward to seeing Keri licking her wounds often.

Keri says it’s a warning, okay gurl, and says she didn’t get where she is by being stupid. MEANWHILE she’s sleeping with the mayor… whatever.

City Council Meeting

Alderman Cotes makes her announcement that she will no longer be supporting the plan to close Franklin and will be stepping down as Alderman immediately for a job in the private sector. One guess who got all this done behind Bobby’s back. Bobby is annoyed because he doesn’t have anything planned to tackle this and thinks he’ll look like an idiot. Meanwhile, Derrick was born ready, with the help of Jessica of course, and has a statement prepared for him. “You knew about this?” “I did”.

Jessica’s new office

Jessica is looking at paint swatches when Bobby knocks on the door, she lets him in and asks what he thinks of the colours she’s holding up. Bobby has his mind on other things, like what the hell Debbie Cotes is gonna be doing in the private sector since Jessica is the one who got her the job. Jessica doesn’t even stop decorating her office when she replies that she’ll be overseeing production of the electric busses Bobby wants. “You went behind my back, Ms. Pearson” “I made you look good, Mr. Mayor” oh, I love their rapport already. Jessica points out that he now ended the strike and can replace Alderman Cotes with someone who better represents the district, “you better make a statement about that”. Bobby holds up the one Derrick handed him, Jessica in her very Jessica way responds, “I like that Derrick, he is on top of everything.”

Bahahaha! I can’t stand Jessica, and I love her so.

  Bobby then goes on to talk about his lofty dreams when he was a young buck in the game, he still is mind you, but someone told him what might happen if he bit off more than he could chew too soon. Jessica doesn’t know if that is supposed to be advice or a warning and honestly… it’s a warning Jessica and if I could tell you to run away and don’t look back I would but you wouldn’t listen so we’re in this crazy together. Bobby then says that Jessica’s actions have real life consequences and when shit goes left its his name on the door, not hers. Jessica agrees and says she’s not accustomed to taking orders but believes Bobby brought her in for her skillset and doesn’t want her backing off. Jessica then asks Bobby to trust her and tell her what Pat has on him. Bobby says she should go with the blue for her office then walks out.

Jessica, girl, you JUST got this job and you expect Bobby to tell you his darkest secrets. Not a week ago you were trying to bring down the city! It’s gonna take longer than that. Hold on and keep out of the dirt as long as you can, though.

Lillian and Angela’s Apartment

Jessica is in the hall and she’s clearly dreading the conversation she’s about to have. She seemingly steels herself for the anger that could come her way before knocking on the door. Lillian is happy to see Jessica and asks her to come inside. Jessica politely refuses because she knows once she says that she dropped the case Lillian is gonna kick her out. But to her surprise, once she says it, Lillian knows. She says Angela didn’t tell her but she knew something was wrong and wanted to know why Jessica didn’t tell her before now. “I didn’t want to tell you that I’d failed”, MY HEART!!! She really wanted this win for them. It makes my heart smile and hurt at the same time. “You didn’t fail, Jessica” *wipes tears from eyes* family is beautiful y’all and Jessica finally has one that we can actually see her interact with! Struggles and all. Lillian invites her to come in again, but Jessica declines again, saying Jeff is waiting for her and suggests another night.

My girl is CLEARLY emotional, and Lillian sees this, she worried and probably wants to give Jessica a hug like I do. And then Jeff is effing MIA… ugh… I need a drink. Jessica needs a drink.

Jessica walks away and Lillian looks at her retreating body, sad and confused from my guess. I can’t wait for them to get closer, Jessica needs it.

Keri’s apartment

Keri is clearly in her feelings about the beatdown she received from Jessica today when Bobby rolls up. Its clearly late so he’s only after one thing, no matter how he puts it. He says he’s checking up on her, concerned. Keri is pissed over Jessica and pissed at Bobby for bringing her in, so much so that she threatens to leave. Bobby wont have it because he “Needs” her…

whatever. I don’t believe that as yet. We’ll see if he can prove me wrong. Look, I’m always down for a good affair BUT Bobby seems extra sleezy and I want better for Keri… again, maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

While Keri and Bobby do the silk sheet strut, my emo babe Nick is in the car clearly contemplating life.

Cut to Jessica and Jeff’s apartment

Jessica enters and lets the door close behind her.

I’m gonna yell at my girl cuz secure building or not WE DON’T DO THAT! Close and lock that door yourself, Jessica Pearson! Jeez.

The apartment is empty and quiet, she goes to check the mail on the kitchen counter and sees that there is a delivery of flowers for her. She checks the card that says “I always have your back” and smiles. She puts the card down to reveal a box, looks like Tiffany’s, but inside is a case file from the DOJ. Jeff’s friend clearly came through because this is the case from their argument at the beginning of the episode, the file that contains the pictures of dead dude from the opening scene, the case that is going to be the thread of the entire season, and in those pictures is a familiar face, Nick D’Amato they Mayors half brother and driver.

END EPISODE ONE!!!

Welp, that was a lot and I even cut some stuff down… I gotta streamline more. But this is my first but hopefully not my last recap. Tell me what you thought of the episode and don’t forget to watch Episode 2 TONIGHT!!! Okay… byeeeeeeeeeeeee. Oh, and comment below, tell me if you’d like more or if I should just watch and let the professionals handle this stuff LOL.