Rhonda Johnson Dents

The NCIS team places Mateo Diaz (Octavio Rodriguez), a high school gang member turned informant, in protective custody while they investigate the murder of his junior reserve officers' training corps instructor. Also, Pride needs his brother Jimmy Boyd's (Jason Alan Carvell) help to gain Mateo's trust.

Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) and Jacob Boudreaux (Lea Coco) face off over the false rumors he's been spreading about her mill. Black farmers celebrate Ralph Angel's (Kofi Siriboe) accomplishments on the last day of his first harvest, but his day is disrupted when a farmer reveals she must take her cane elsewhere due to concern about Charley's mill. Other farmers follow suit, which jeopardizes Charley's business. Meanwhile, Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) receives a large settlement, and in the midst of his excitement, he proposes to Violet (Tina Lifford). Nova (Rutina Wesley) throws them an engagement party where she shares an unexpected, charged moment with Remy (Dondré T. Whitfield). Charley devises a shocking solution for her mill issues that puts her relationship with Remy in jeopardy. Finally, Darla (Bianca Lawson) begs for Ralph Angel's forgiveness, and he makes a decision about their relationship and his connection to Blue (Ethan Hutchison).

Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) starts his new school with excitement, where he befriends the teen protestors from the basketball game. Meanwhile, Nova’s (Rutina Wesley) editor reveals that she needs new material for her book. Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) meets with a potential new employee who was referred by his parole officer. In the evening, Blue (Ethan Hutchison) walks in on Ralph Angel while he’s spending time with a female guest, and Ralph Angel is flooded with guilt. Elsewhere, Hollywood and Violet attend Hollywood’s reunion together, where someone from Hollywood’s past insults Violet. Later, Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) tells Nova about her plan to topple Sam Landry’s (David Jensen) empire, and Nova strongly disapproves. Micah overhears the conversation and while discussing it with Nova, she extends comfort. Finally, Darla (Bianca Lawson) returns.

While undergoing mediation, Darla (Bianca Lawson) comes to Ralph Angel's (Kofi Siriboe) defense, reclaiming her independence from her mother. Nova (Rutina Wesley) decides to include more personal information in her book, which leads her to make a confession to Too Sweet. Meanwhile, Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) confronts Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) about the fire, and Micah turns to Nova for comfort. Micah, Asha, KJ, and Malik later discover how Ant got caught. While discussing the issue with Davis (Timon Kyle Durrett), Charley and Davis share an unexpected moment. Elsewhere, the plan for the prison reach the town, and at the Landry Enterprises board meeting, it's revealed that the vote has already taken place. With only the Parish Council vote left, the prospects look grim.

Janette, Aunt Mimi and Annie commit to new deals, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Toni may have found the killer she seeks; Terry is still looking for his; L.P. Everett meets his victim's family; Batiste plays his bone in Texas; Sonny plays his music closer to home.