Episode Overview
Robert and Brianna head back to their struggling hometown of East St. Louis for the Thanksgiving holiday. Brianna, who has worked hard to escape this place, finds the tradition frustrating and wishes Robert's widowed mother, LaBelle, would visit their affluent neighborhood instead. Unbeknownst to them, Monica and Tess witness as Robert ushers in the season with a lovely trumpet carol. When a local homeless man named Gabe is attracted by the music, LaBelle invites him to join them for dinner, much to Brianna’s dismay. LaBelle explains to Brianna how content she is in East St. Louis, where she actively engages with her community and volunteers at the soup kitchen. After the holiday, Robert and Brianna strive to maintain their home by selling water filters. Despite their financial struggles, Robert buys LaBelle a cell phone for her safety. One night, she calls to inform him that someone has vandalized her home, prompting Robert to rush back to East St. Louis