In the November 8 episode of Fox’s Star titled “May the Best Manager Win,” the lies being told by Alexandra "Alex" Crane are weighing heavily on her, but she begins to understand faith in God and to turn to prayer for comfort. Meanwhile, Lucas gets into a dispute with a police officer that ends badly.
Alex (Ryan Destiny) has a habit of lying. Her boyfriend, Black Lives Matter activist Derek, is under the impression that Alex had a miscarriage with their baby but we found out she secretly had an abortion. While she wrestles with telling him the truth, she also becomes aware that the upscale boutique she patronizes has her on security tape stealing a bracelet. Oops.
Carlotta (Queen Latifah) and Alex talk in church when Carlotta encourages Alex to let go and let God handle her burdens. Alex confesses that she does not believe in God. She does, however, tell Carlotta the truth about the abortion and that she lied to Derek about it. Carlotta tells Alex she has to level with Derek.
Carlotta: Just let it all out. God got you.
Alex: I'm sorry, Miss Carlotta, but I don't believe in God. And... I lied... to Derek. I didn't have a miscarriage. I had an abortion. The doctor said he wasn't ever gonna walk again, so I didn't want to put any more pressure on him. So, I had to make a choice, but it was the right choice for me. And I know you don't understand, but...
Carlotta: No, I understand. I know what it's like to be alone and afraid. When I got pregnant with Cotton, I knew I couldn't raise a child, and I was about to do the same thing that you did.
Alex: So why didn't you? God?
Carlotta: Sort of. You can't have an abortion in jail.
Alex: If I tell Derek... He'll leave me. I know it.
Carlotta: You have to tell him. Before this thing breaks you. I know you don't believe in Him, but He believes in you.
Alex: You don't give up, do you?
Carlotta: Hell no.
Later in the episode, we get a glimpse into Alex’s new attitude toward religion. She is with Derek and is upset, beginning to cry, and tells him she wants to pray. So, perhaps she is beginning a new path.
Toward the end of the episode, a rookie white cop pulls over Lucas, the best friend of rapper Noah (Luke Jakes), outside of Midtown Records where the group is performing. Lucas (Terayle Hill) neglects to tell the cop he's on probation and demands to know why he was stopped before he allows the police officer to search his car. As Lucas steps away from the car, a crowd begins to gather. Then a fatal mistake occurs – Lucas reaches behind his back and the cop reacts by drawing his gun and firing at Lucas. Lucas dies in all the confusion.
Noah: Come on, now.
Star: Put some pressure on it. Come on, babe.
Noah: Come on, man. Stay with me. Stay with me. Lucas. Put some pressure on it.
Officer: I thought he had a gun!
Noah: No, you didn't! Your scared ass shot him 'cause he's a black man! Punk ass! What?!! Get off me! What?! You gon' shoot me?! Shoot! Shoot me!
Star: Noah, please.
Ayanna: Noah, stop, stop.
Noah: Go on, shoot me!
Ayanna: Maurice, go handle those people. I don't need this on The Shade Room.
Noah: What, bitch?! Don't nobody care about no press! My boy could die right now! Maurice, call the ambulance, man!
Star: You gonna do something?! Why are you just standing there?! Call an ambulance!
Noah: Lucas, come on, stay with me. Stay with me, stay with me. Lucas, Lucas, Lucas. Put some pressure on it. Come on, Lucas, stay-- come on, stay with me, Bruh. Come on. Come on, buddy, come on.
Officer: I thought he had a gun.
The policeman was clearly distraught at the outcome of his actions. Those around Lucas blame the cop for being afraid that a black man may have a gun. In today’s world, a policeman has to be prepared to save his own life besides those around him. The rookie overreacted but it was certainly understandable. Traffic stops are becoming more dangerous for cops, as this report states – “Fifty-three officers were killed in traffic-related incidents in 2016, which was 10 percent more than the 48 killed on roadways in 2015.” But don't expect a show with a BLM agenda to tell you that part.
Spoiler: Next week’s episode preview looks as though Alex unburdens herself to Derek. Stay tuned.
