Don't Look Back

**Don't Look Back** is the tenth episode of the second season of Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, *Bel-Air*. It aired on April 27, 2023.

## Synopsis

The Founder's Award winner is announced; Will embraces moving forward in an unexpected way.

## Plot

Phil explains to Viv how Doc's troubles with his former business partner could blow back on Will and deprive him of his chance to play in college, leaving everyone to fear what would become of Will if he were to lose everything he's worked so hard for.

Meanwhile, Will is in LA playing street ball. His mouth nearly gets him into a fight with another baller until Jazz intervenes after getting a call from JB. Jazz tells Will that he can't turn to the streets every time things don't go his way, attempting to help Will and guide him down the right path, but Will turns him away, insisting that he doesn't need help.

Carlton snorts some coke from his locker just before being approached by Ms. Bassin in preparation for today's mental health kickoff. Additionally, she talked Carlton up to the Princeton recruiter, who now wants to set something up, especially given his run for the Founder's Award, which would make Bel-Air Academy history, reminding Carlton that his win would be a win for all of them.

Lisa finds Will on Venice Beach after receiving his message. The court was the one place where he felt in control, as if no one else was in control of his future but him, but as it turns out, even that wasn't true. Lisa's mom used to always say that life doesn't give you what you want, but it gives you what you need, and Will simply needs to figure out what that is for him. Will thanks Lisa for coming out, to which she replies that's what friends do, leading Will to question if being friends is what's best for them, which Lisa believes to be the case, as she hugs Will.

After a night together, Hilary and Lamarcus breakfast together while speaking French, which Lamarcus remarks could come in handy real soon. His bi-week starts tomorrow and the two of them could take a trip to Paris. However, Hilary doesn't want to leave while the house is finally gaining traction. After the amazing night they had, Lamarcus doesn't want to lose touch with Hilary and believes that the trip could be a good way to reconnect. And so, Hilary agrees to at least consider his offer.

Phil has invited Erika to his new office space, which will be the home of his new law firm, Philip Banks & Associates. While he's agreed to counsel with James at the legacy firm to keep Garrison happy, Phil's also preparing for his next big move, which Erika isn't so sure about, reminding Phil about their deal. He agrees to still take on all the clients her firm offers, but instead of being an in-house lawyer, he'll be a smaller firm that Carson & Lake out sources business to, with Phil instructing Erika to remind their partners that less than 1% of the outside firms they hire are minority owned. He'll still show up at all the lunches and meetings to maintain the optics, but he wants to branch out as well.

Janice stops by the house to inform Viv that the Essie Green Gallery wants to feature five of her paintings. She made some phone calls on Viv's behalf and wanted to deliver the good news in person. Janice then confronts Viv after hearing that the Neeman boards want her to replace Janice as executive director, which Viv admits is true. Janice claims to have done so much for Viv, who has a different perspective of their relationship. Ever since she's accepted the fellowship, Janice has done nothing but squeeze the life out of her. Although, Viv didn't ask for the job, Janice has no intent on giving it up without a fight.

Drew confronts Lisa after he catches her and Will sneaking back onto campus after skipping first period. She then confronts him about the locker video of Carlton, but when he doesn't respond, she walks off.

Tyler joins Will for lunch and congratulates him ahead of time, certain that he will win the Founder's Award. Will extends his congratulations as well for the team nearing the semi-finals. However, they go against St. Paul's next, who Tyler doesn't believe they can defeat. He then notices that Carlton and Connor are friends again, to which Will replies that you can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves.

Viv informs Phil that she just got word from Yvette that the executive director position may not work out after Janice threatened to go to the media and say that the board is putting two black women against each other. Viv was actually just starting to get excited about what she could offer. Phil proposes that maybe she consider letting the Neeman Fellowship go, which rings eerily similar to when Viv's art started to get too difficult, and he told her to walk away. Phil explains that he doesn't like seeing her get too stressed, but Viv is seeing a pattern. Just as he's opening up a new office and firm, he's encouraging her to give up on her dreams, so she can focus on his needs and goals. She's always encouraging him to run through his obstacles, and she wishes he'd do the same for her.

Will sits in his room, teary-eyed while looking at an old photo of him and Lou. He then calls his mother, who understands that he's been dealing with a lot lately. Will wishes he could move on and pretend he ever existed. To Vy's surprise, he'd talking about Lou, not Doc. Will looked him in his face and said he didn't need him, yet he feels like he does now. Vy explains that Lou is his father, meaning he could need him and hate him at the same time. Will can't help but notice that he keeps putting his faith in people who let him down. Vy tells Will that no one else holds his destiny and that it's time to stop looking for answers from someone else and look for the answer in himself.

Hilary reveals to her parents that she's going on a trip to Paris with Lamarcus. While she wouldn't quantify what they have as serious, she just finds it easier than dealing with the mess with Jazz. Viv warns Hilary not to get sidetracked by the comfort Lamarcus provides and lose sights of her own goals. Should she choose a guy like Lamarcus, it makes Hilary question what that says about her. Realizing that Viv is more so referring to their relationship, Phil questions when it became wrong to appreciate nice things. Hilary recalls Jazz accusing her of being superficial, and now she's packing for a trip to Paris, causing her to question if he was right. Phil argues that the right type of man would want to step up his game to not make Hilary feel guilt about hers, but Viv believes that what matters most is someone who supports Hilary, leaving her unsure if she should go on the trip or not.

Ms. Bassin thanks Carlton for being so vocal about mental health and sees this as only the first initiative to help all of their students. She embraces him as Drew smirks from the crowd. He then approaches Carlton and applauds him for managing to thrive no matter how much Drew rooted against him and attempted to get people to see the real Carlton, who is nothing more than a fraud. And somehow, Lisa is still on Carlton's side, but Drew insists he's not the bad guy.

Phil reveals to Will that he's decided not to help Doc, but if Will's eligibility ever gets called into question, he will fight it tooth and nail. However, Will reveals that his mom got him to see things differently, and maybe there's more he can do to help. So he brings in several team members from Zenith, including Hudson, to speak with Uncle Phil. Will explains that when he came to the team about Doc, they stood by him. None of them were happy to see that Doc was taking money on the side, but he's not a monster, and he's provided for them, either giving them cash when their mom lost her job, or getting Hudson's dad a suit for a job interview, or even as simple as coming through with groceries and gas money. With this information, Will and Uncle Phil go see Doc, who further elaborates his intentions and how he helps the team until they can help themselves, which is why Will wants to help them as well. And so, Uncle Phil is open to hearing more about Lorenzo.

Viv invites Janice over to apologize. She's sorry that it's come to this. Janice has worked hard to get where she is and refuses to roll over. She accuses Janice of stirring up a narrative of combative black women in the work place, but Viv proposes a better approach. She'd rather write a story about Janice being an innovative leader who opened up doors and transformed the art world for black folks, and now, she's decided to retire, so she can travel, write her books, and spend more time with her grandchildren in Detroit. Viv tells Janice that it's time to move on, because if Viv doesn't replace her, someone else will, and there's no guarantee that this person will even look like them. If Janice seeks to see her legacy continued, then Viv is her best chance.

Doc calls Lorenzo in to meet with Phil. He's gotten a hold of Lorenzo record, a long list of crimes, including him being busted in a drug raid, which two of his friends are still serving time for. Lorenzo claims that charges were dropped, though threatens to expose the paperwork of Lorenzo cooperating to get out of his charges. Doc questions how long is Lorenzo going to hold on to this grudge, to which he replies until Doc comes off of his high horse, accusing him of being too good for hood money and forgetting where he came from. Lorenzo attempts to leave, but he is met by Geoffrey at the door, who block his path. Phil reveals that all the boys on the team are at home, scared to death that their dreams could get snatched because Doc and Lorenzo can't get past their differences. Doc is offering Lorenzo a generous buyout in exchange for his silence, which Lorenzo accepts.

Will put in a call to Coach Johnson and arranges for the team to meet his down at the court in Venice Beach, where Zenith and Bel Air Academy will run scrimmages together in preparation for Bel-Air's upcoming game. Coach Johnson tells Will that it takes an unselfish player to want his team to succeed even when he's no longer on it, and that's all he ever wanted from Will. If he wants his spot back on the team next season, then he's more than welcome.

Phil has made it official, and alongside Geoffrey, intends to build his legacy with his new firm. Geoffrey then gets a call from an unknown number, but when he answers, no one responds. Erika joins them with a bottle to celebrate and says that the partners agree that it's a smart business move. After Geoffrey leaves, she kisses Phil, but he pulls away and tells her that they must ensure their relationship remain professional. Geoffrey returns and tells Phil that there's time to rethink this and warns him about being in close proximity to Erika, who clearly desires him, but Phil claims that he knows how to handle Erika and play her game.

Will, much like Carlton, knows what it's like to have a foot in two different worlds; he fought so hard to hang on to West Philly Will, but the truth is, he's not the same guy, and neither is Carlton, who Will is worried about, given his recent rekindling with Connor. Will knows that he's been distant, but he tells Carlton that he'll always have his back, though Carlton doesn't seem too interested.

As they prepare for the Founder's Award, Uncle Phil tells Will that he's proud of him. Will then thanks Uncle Phil for helping the team and giving them a second chance. They all said they wish they had an Uncle Phil, and Will surely is glad he does. After seeing Uncle Phil in action, Will has begun considering practicing law as well. They are then joined by, Viv, Carlton, and Ashley. No matter the outcome, Viv reminds them that tonight's a celebration, and Ashley remarks that she's lucky to have two big brothers to look up to, especially after the protests with Mrs. Hughes. She'll never forget how Will encouraged her to keep going when she wanted to give up, and then she thanks Carlton for showing her how to be unapologetically herself. She had the courage to be herself because of him and embraces them both.

Geoffrey reveals to Phil that he traced the calls coming from an unknown number. They're from a phone in east London.

Drew tells Lisa that she looks beautiful and admits to leaking the video of Carlton. Admittedly, he can be an asshole at times, but it's because he calls out bullshit when he sees it, and he's calling it out again now. Whatever Lisa and Will have going on, until she gets passed it, she'll never be open to Drew, or anyone else for that matter.

Will bumps into Jazz at the Founder's Award and expresses the gratitude he has for Jazz, who has always looked out for him. Jazz forgices Will and asks if Hilary is coming, but Will reveals that's packing for a trip to Paris with Lamarcus. Jazz realizes he's made the biggest mistake of his life, at which point, Will tells Jazz that he still has a chance to get her back.

Doc joins Will after receiving an invitation from Uncle Phil. The only reason Will even stayed in the race was because of Doc's advice. Doc's glad to hear that and says that he's proud of Will.

After locking eyes with Lisa across the room, Will finds himself face to face with Jackie, who admits that things got complicated. He wishes things would have started a little differently, to which she replies that there's still time for a do-over. When Aunt Viv joins them and greets Jackie, Will excused himself to find Lisa.

Ashley greets Olivia, who compliments her pants suit. In return, Ashley compliments her rainbow pin. She then asks if Ashley would like to hang out this summer, which she admits she would like to.

Will tracks Lisa down to the library, teary-eyed. He tries to explain his relationship with Jackie, but Lisa reminds him that they're just friends and that no feelings have to be involved, but Will says it's too late for that and that he needs Lisa in his life, before kissing her.

Carlton heads to his locker, where he is caught by Ashley snorting coke, which he claims to be Xanax, but she knows better and confronts Carlton. He asks her to let it go, but when she refuses, he grabs her arms and raises his voice, telling Ashley not to say anything to anyone.

As Hilary packs for her trip with Lamarcus, she receives an unexpected visit from Jazz, who doesn't want to leave anything unsaid. She's the perfect woman, and everything he said and did was to push her away before she could do it to him. She didn't get out of bed for days, sent every call to voicemail, canceled all her appointments, because that's how hurt she was. While Jazz was protecting his heart, no one was protecting hers, and she doesn't want to feel that way every again. Jazz replies that love hurts and that he loves Hilary, something he's never said to any other woman beyond his mom. He can't promise her that she'll never hurt again, but he's willing to take that chance on her and asks if she's willing to take it on him, but she's not sure. When she does, Jazz tells Hilary that she knows where to find him, as he kisses her before leaving.

Ms. Bassin takes the stage to present the Founder's Award recipient. She explains that this award is Bel-Air Academy's most prestigious honor. For decades, it's been granted to a junior who exemplifies dignity, excellence, and leadership, and tonight it gives her great pleasure to present the award to Carlton. Everyone stands from their seats and applaud, except Ashley, which doesn't go unnoticed by Geoffrey. Will congratulates Carlton and says that his crown is waiting for him. Carlton takes the podium and thanks everyone in attendance, especially his family, but he then takes the time to apologize for leading them to believe that he's worthy of the award, when in reality, he's not. As tears roll down his face, Carlton admits to being high on coke most days. As Drew and Connor watch in disbelief from the crowd, Carlton admits that he knows how to say and do what he needs to get people to believe what he wants them to. He lies to his family every day and feels terrible for it, and he doesn't want to anymore, much to Geoffrey's relief. Carlton is no one's hero and apologizes one last time before walking off the stage, with his family following closely behind.

Once they've made their way home, Will tells Carlton that he loves him and that it took a lot of courage to do what he did. Carlton then apologizes to Ashley, who simply walks off, with Will following behind. Viv isn't sure where to begin, but Phil questions how long he's been doing drugs. Carlton confesses to doing cocaine for two to three years. Phil then asks where he keeps it and who he does his drugs with, to which Carlton replies that he does it with everyone, given that it's Bel-Air and easy enough to gain access to. While Viv is sympathetic, Phil is enraged, reminding Carlton how they've always ensured that he's had what he's needed in life, to which Carlton replies that his father wishes he had a stronger son, one without anxiety or panic attacks. Phil came from nothing and never lets Carlton forget how lucky he is. Now looking to Viv as well, Phil questions how many times does he have to apologize for giving everyone a great life and says he's done taking the blame. Viv then embraces Carlton and promises to get him help.

Admittedly, Phil didn't respond the best to Carlton's addiction, but Viv doesn't blame him and says they all deserve a bit of grace at the moment. After all they've done and all they've given him, they've still failed. Viv wonders if they're so busy that they didn't even notice their own son was on drugs. And between Phil's new firm and Viv's executive director position, they're going to be the busiest they've ever been during Carlton's greatest time of need.

While sorting albums at the record shop, Jazz gets a knock on the door. He assumes it's Hilary, but it's a package. Meanwhile, Hilary leaves for her trip to Paris with Lamarcus.

Geoffrey receives an envelope in the mail. Inside is a photo of him and Frederick at the diner.

Carlton reads Ashley's letter, congratulating him on his nomination and says that he's her hero. Phil then enters and embraces Carlton, who cries in his arm, causing Phil to cry as well.

The following day, Viv reads the article published in Fine Art Quarterly, detailing how Janice had passed the torch on to Viv, who is preoccupied with seeking drug treatment for Carlton.

Phil gets a text from Erika, who asks him to join him for dinner to talk work. He initially intends to say no, but then agrees.

As junior year nears its end, Will never would've thought he'd be the most put together. Nevertheless, he and Lisa will be there for Carlton. As bad as it was, they're relieved that the truth is out there. Lisa is ready for summer break, to which Will questions what summer is like in Bel-Air.

## Cast

* Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks
* Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson
* Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks
* Coco Jones as Hilary Banks
* Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks
* Simone Joy Jones as Lisa Wilkes
* Jordan L. Jones as Jazz
* Adrian Holmes as Philip Banks

Guest starring* April Parker Jones as Viola Smith
* Justin Cornwell as Lamarcus Alton
* Brooklyn McLinn as Doc Hightower
* Sam Daly as Coach Johnson
* Diandra Lyle as Erika Baker
* Shelley Robertson as Ms. Bassin
* Charlie Hall as Tyler Laramy
* Tyler Barnhardt as Connor Satterfield
* Jazlyn Lopez Martin as Jackie
* Nicholas Duvernay as Drew

Co-starring* Al-Shabazz Jabateh as Hudson
* Cairo Spencer as Marlon
* Charles Jackson as Jerrell
* Gabriel Hughes as Hardened Player 2
* Keith Arthur Bolden as Lorenzo
* Maxwell Ross as Kirk
* Reagan Marum as Olivia
* Thomas Crawford as Mr. Hartwig