The Affair

Previously on "The Affair"...

Did you get your grant?

No. Uh, actually, you need me.

- What? - I'm from the VHA.

I just came to check out the facilities,

- make sure everything's kosher. - You work with veterans?

They sent me here to investigate this therapy.

- You want to partner up? - Yeah.

Close your eyes.

What do you notice?

I'm on the beach.

- What are you seeing? - I'm in the water.

You're-you're in the water?

I can't breathe. I'm choking on the water.

- And then these hands... - Whose hands?

Two big, strong hands are pulling me from the water.

What's that face?

You amaze me.

Hi. My name is Ben,

and I'm an addict.

- Hey, Ben. - Hey, Ben.

Does she know you're married?

- No. - Of course not.

I'm gonna tell her the truth. Just give me a moment.

Hey, I sent you something.

- Oh, God. What? - It's just a gift card

to buy a plane ticket to California,

for you and Joanie.

I have a-a student in my AP English class,

Anton Gatewood.

I'm not sure what's going on in his home life,

but I just feel he's under a lot of pressure.

- Where you going? - It's a walkout, y'all.

Everyone get back

to their classrooms right now!

- Ma'am, you need to step back. - Please!

Come on. These are children, man.

Fuck the police!

This is all gonna blow over, you know that?

I was on the phone all afternoon with the board,

fighting to keep my job.

- How's Anton? - He's with his dad.

That boy is turning into his father,

and there's not a damn thing I can do about it.

*THE AFFAIR* Season 04 Episode 06

*THE AFFAIR* Episode Title: "Episode #4.6"

'Cause, girl, I told you, he wasn't

- 'bout nothing but... - So, guys, don't forget,

we're starting tomorrow with your Waste Land manifestos.

"I will show you fear in a handful of dust."

Hey, yo, Blanca...

Adapt it. Do what you will with it.

Subvert it.

Have fun with it.

Uh, Mr. Solloway, you, uh, got a second?

Sure, Anton. What's up?

So, uh, thank you for the "A" on the Animal Farm essay.

The notes you gave me were, uh... they were tight.

Well, it was a fine piece of work.

I was, um, wondering if you could

take a look at this other thing I've been working on,

you know, maybe give me some notes.

I printed it out. I know...

sometimes older teachers like that.

Right.

Thank you, Anton.

What is it, a short story?

No, um, just an essay.

Nothing... nothing special.

You reapplying to Princeton?

Yeah, maybe. I don't... I don't know.

Since you said my boy Cornel West

is over there, so...

An old friend from college

now runs the English department there.

- Serious? - Yeah.

I can give her a call if you want me to.

- You would do that? - Of course I'd do that.

And I'll read this, let you know what I think.

Well, thank you.

Mr. Solloway.

No offense, but, um, you know,

I think you're a good teacher and everything,

but maybe you should give the assignment

in the beginning of the class,

'cause at the end of the class, they're not listening.

Good tip.

Uh, Mr. Solloway,

- Principal Wilson's on the phone - What is the matter with you?

- with the president... - Do you have any idea

how bad this makes us look?

It's a goddamn mess, Janelle!

Yes, Ron, it is an unfortunate letter.

Unfortunate things happen all the time.

That's why schools have principals.

It's from a law firm, and you didn't

- even think to tell us? - Close the door.

I mean, come on. The board thinks you're running

a fucking zoo over there...

I'm on a call. What do you want?

but I'm beginning to wonder myself.

- It's deeply problematic... - It's on mute.

- Really, what do you need? - Um, it can wait.

What-what's going on?

A girl got separated

from her inhaler during the walkout.

Didn't say a word.

Just sat there wheezing and turning blue.

Parents got wind, hired some predatory lawyer

who sent a letter to the board.

This has never happened before.

- Jesus. - Here, let me talk to him.

- What? Wait. - Hey, Ron, Ron,

it's Noah Solloway here.

Noah? I didn't know you were there.

Yeah, no, I-I just barged in just now.

Well, you got quite an exciting start.

I saw you on TV the other day. It's, uh...

Yeah, look, I-I gotta say,

it was a pretty tough day, and the way that Janelle...

the way that, uh, Principal Wilson

handled the whole situation,

you're incredibly lucky to have her.

Uh-huh. Yeah.

Well, I'm... I'm-I'm just glad to hear

we haven't scared you away, Noah.

Janelle, w-would you please take me off the speaker now?

Are you firing me?

Fine. Okay.

Mm-hmm.

I understand.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Is there anything I can do?

Really, Noah, you've done enough.

Why are you here?

Uh, I thought you should read this.

Don't tell him I gave it to you.

Hey, Noah.

Next time, knock.

Hey, Trevor's voice mail.

I'm on my way, so I'm just checking

if you're gonna be ready to head out around six.

Thought we might get a bite to eat before the concert.

Anywhere you like.

Okay?

Okay, see you soon. Can't wait.

Concert's gonna be awesome!

Busy?

I owe you an apology.

No, no, I-I barged in.

So, you still my boss?

I'm on probation.

Next week, I have to supplicate to the board.

"Between a rock and a hard place."

So, what, am I the rock?

No, I think you're the hard place.

Why'd he give it to you?

Uh, he said he wanted notes.

And you shared it with me why?

Well, he's obviously having a hard time

making the decision, so...

I thought maybe, if you read it, you might be able to help him.

This day has effectively kicked my ass.

Thank you for this.

I will...

I'll read it over and figure out what to do.

Well, I'm happy to brainstorm with you.

If you want a...

a buddy.

A buddy?

Well, you know, um...

like a friend, a pal.

Hmm.

Someone you choose to hang out with

because you enjoy their company.

What about tonight?

Really?

Yeah, we can, uh, talk about Anton's essay,

drink some wine, shoot the shit.

Are you serious?

What do you think?

I think you're not serious.

And I have a...

tickets for a concert with my son tonight.

Mm.

It wouldn't have worked out anyway.

No.

Probably for the best.

Thank you for the intel, Noah.

You have a good night.