Writers:
Michael Montgomery
Jazmen Darnell Brown

Director:
Anthony Pascarelli

original release date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | writers: Michael Montgomery, Jazmen Darnell Brown | director: Anthony Pascarelli

Thoughts:

• I love that Chelsea just assumed there was a fabulously dressed stranger in her grandparents' home. And her emotional reaction to Anita's new look is absolutely natural. All too natural, but I appreciate that Anita is trying to keep things on the up and up.

• Sounds like there is some sexy time planned for Bradley and Martin, and I love that for them, especially after how rocky last year was for them. It is high time that they get their groove back, officially.

• Caroline is very perceptive to see that Bill ushered Hayley out of the office like a bat out of hell.

• Andre, it may not mean the end for you right now, but I am sure by the end of the year, you will have one ex-wife under your belt.

• A Mercedes Benz on her birthday? Damn. Bill is one helluva boss if I do say so. Sign me up for that kind of reward, although I would prefer the money that the Benz costs over the car itself.

• Damn. Max is fully out of breath. And to be requesting multiple shots? Damn. What did he see?

• The sibling banter between Izaiah and Jacob is great. Goes to show they have that strong connection to each other.

• Bradley's passion for this new story is amazing. I just hope it does not ultimately get him into trouble or worse... dead.

• The more Anita talks about her history with the Articulettes, the more I fall in love with that whole era that we will never get to experience firsthand.

• Hayley is being extra messy, but thankfully, Izaiah can handle his own. And now she is sneaking in a nude image of herself for Izaiah to see. She is messy.

• Ashley and Shanice randomly enjoying a glass of wine at Uptown, gossiping about the workday, is simple, yet effective. Brilliant.

• That is right, Dani, act as the judge, jury, and executioner with Bill. Lay it all out for him. BAM!

• So Jacob is about to go fully undercover within the plasma ring? That is going to be massively intense.

• Go on, Miss Anita! Get on that piano and work those poses! Yes, mama!

• I think it is sweet that Madison is willing to try out the long-distance thing. This will be a great test for their relationship.

• Bill, neither you or Dani are going to be able to stay away from each other for very long.

Notes:

• Montgomery and Brown did an outstanding job continuing where Natalie Minardi Slater and Cheryl L. Davis left off yesterday. That is what we love to see from a solid, cohesive writing team.

• Love how we are getting stories interwoven in this episode. It feels like a much better balance than we had during Monday's episode. And it is nice seeing family relationships be established a bit more (e.g., Martin/Naomi).

• That photoshoot montage was outstanding, and Tamara Tunie (Anita) is fabulous!

• DAMN! Timon Kyle Durrett (Bill) and Karla Mosley (Dani) have the best chemistry! It is just electric between the both of them.

So we know The Impaler is a guy. My money is on Carlton. He's a little to good to be true. I also feel like Grayson is involved but no voluntarily.

Love the Chelsea/ Anita scenes and her photoshoot. The short pixie cut looked so good. I hope we see her in that style some more.

The cousins scene was cute.

I was screaming for Dani to run out of that office because I was sure that they were gonna kiss again.