Episode 3 cycles in a new narrative as Diarra ventures to find Booker and his uncle, Ron. Just as her heart beats for Chris, new intel on a past boo changes her perspective.
Following Reggie thinking he saw a ghost, its confirms that Danger is very much alive. A flashback reveals he survived a shootout in the wilderness and was found by farmers in Blair, Michigan. Here, he embraces a new identity, and possible love, although a part of him still pines for Diarra.
Meanwhile, Diarra is questioned while Chris is detained and charged for three murders. Her lawyer ex sets her loose, but she feels guilty for leaving her almost ex-boyfriend in jail. She pleads for Aja and Reggie to help her find Booker and exonerate Chris.
Their sleuthing uncovers Lisa’s diary in the replica desk, detailing her and Booker’s illicit history. They figure Booker placed the desk up for sale in hopes of finding someone with a key to unlock whatever is hidden inside. They also learn Booker escaped the shooting alive, leading to a suspect with a 1,000-yard stare.
The trio and Chris’ cousin, Mac, look for Booker at his job, the exclusive Tommy’s Gun club. Instead of finding the elusive church kid, they discover his connection to a deceased gangster with the initials “DD.” The same initials engraved in the desk. Long hilarious story short, the gangster was affiliated with a secret society, the Free Masons.
Diarra asks Royce, a less active member, to sneak her and Aja into the next meeting. The two women, in full drag, infiltrate the ceremony to find the key within the restroom walls. But when that fails, Diarra must parade as a new initiate to gain access to the facility’s lower level. Jumpin’ Jack Flash-level of hilarity ensues as Diarra, looking strikingly like John David Washington in Tenet, successfully completes the ritual. Now a bonafide Master Mason, she finds the key that belonged to the late Duncan Duckett.
Back in Blair, Danger’s sanctuary becomes his worst nightmare, as he discovers the farm is a cover for a drug trafficking operation. They want him to serve as a driver on their latest run.
The episode closes with Diarra and Aja visiting Trinity Rose Baptist Church, Booker’s favorite place and the hiding spot for the desk. Once found, Diarra uses the ornate key and discovers a treasure map. Intrigued, the two friends head to leave when Diarra’s car explodes.
Episode three manages to peak viewers interest with the reintroduction of Danger. It seems the popular thug can’t seem to escape his past, given his nickname. He also remains a fixture in Diarra’s life, despite her feelings for Royce and Chris.
While she thought Royce was an afterthought, his vulnerable moment with her revealed he’s running the same biological race; wanting a family. Clifford Smith Jr. is a delight in the role.
Everything with the Free Masons detailed the show’s great comedic tone. And the legendary Bill Duke’s presence delivered enough dread underneath the comical scenes.
Overall, a decent episode elevated by the smart inclusion of a beloved character.
Rating: 8/10