Mercedes is naturally fuming about Uncle Clifford having bailed her mother out, even if she knows that Clifford is using her. Thanks to Patrice’s protests, though, Ruffin’s plans are in jeopardy – Eloise tells him the ribbon-cutting ceremony has been postponed – and he isn’t the only one who’s annoyed about that. Ruffin tries to justify his exploits as big business providing growth, income, and opportunity to the inner-city, which is always the line to justify gentrification, isn’t it? Ruffin blames Andre’s arrogance Andre blames the way Ruffin treats Chucalissa like his own personal backyard and puts profit above all else. And the leasing agreement isn’t exactly what they had in mind. Uncle Clifford is whipping up public support for a vote. This is, I think, the first time we’ve seen momentum begin to move away from Mayor Ruffin and Andre. She makes it clear that the dishonest preacher is just a means to an end until The Pynk is saved, and then she can fend for herself. It’s working – protests and signs declaring Mayor Ruffin the devil count as working, right? – but that doesn’t exactly endear Patrice to Clifford. The transition from hazy past to dilapidated present is harsh, but it’s the future of Chucalissa that’s of foremost concern to Uncle Clifford, who has teamed up with Patrice to ruffle up some religious feathers.
