The gang discusses Tokie’s breakdown.
None of them understand what set her off during the group’s retreat.
“She was yelling for no reason…like we don’t need that type of energy. I just don’t think she needs to be here.” – Donna
Cease walks in the shop and tells them that the person who s*xually assaulted Tokie called her and she flipped out. Everyone is sympathetic to this. However, Donna says that while she’s sympathetic, she doesn’t want her working in the shop.
Donna says Tokie is “too volatile” to stay there.
“Yeah, you used to be a liability too. But Tokie works here now, period.” – Cease
Feeling like Donna is being a hypocrite, Cease tells Donna she’s not being fair. Donna then says that Jadah deserves to have her job back because she’s been around longer than Tokie.
She gets nowhere with Cease and he tells her that Jadah is not allowed back working at the shop.
Sky’s son Des comes by to give her an update.
He’s supposed to be in Army boot camp.
When Des gets there, he explains that he has eczema. So he can’t wear the gear he needs to, meaning he can’t enlist.
In a green screen interview, Sky says she’s actually happy he’s not joining the army. Des’ plan now is to try to go to college. He’s living with some friends now and can’t enroll until next year.
They then discuss Genesis. The brothers have been in touch and Sky is happy to hear this. Months ago, they weren’t talking and that hurt Sky because she felt like she was the reason they fell out.
Des wants all three of them to meet and hash things out. In a green screen interview, Des says that Genesis is actually in New York for a music festival. That’s why he wanted to come to New York to see if Sky and Genesis can talk successfully this time.
Although Sky wants to talk to Genesis, she doesn’t want a repeat of their last blowup.
Tokie needs a few days to get her head together.
So Cease gave her a few days off. In the meantime, she has a client come over for body painting.
Her client wants something that will give her inner peace because she’s been going through some things.
In a green screen interview, Tokie says that body painting is therapeutic and that’s why she wanted to start doing it.
She breaks down in her green screen interview as she discusses how hard it’s been for her to move forward from the abuse she went through.
“I’m not over it.” – Tokie
It also bothers Tokie that everyone at the shop thinks she’s crazy and they are judging her.
When Tokie wraps up, her client is happy with her work.
Rob has had enough.
Young Bae is happy to have her mom around to help out with Niko.
However, Rob isn’t happy because her mother has been throwing out his junk food. She feels everyone needs to be eating healthier.
The last straw is when Bae’s mother hangs up clothes in front of the television while he’s watching it.
So he tells Bae he needs fresh air and storms out the apartment.
Cease and Donna clash over Tokie.
They have another conversation about Tokie. Donna says that she’s not the only one who doesn’t feel comfortable around Tokie. This annoys Cease because he feels like she’s the only one being insensitive to Tokie.
But Cease declares that Tokie isn’t going anywhere.
Both begin arguing.
Donna then gives Cease an ultimatum and says that either Tokie goes or Donna is leaving.
“I thought about it. I pick Tokie.” – Cease
Angry with Cease’s decision, Donna leaves the shop.
Genesis and Des catch up in the park.
Both brothers are happy to see each other. Since Genesis seems more open and calm, Des is hopeful he will agree to see Sky again.
When asked how he feels about Sky, Genesis says he doesn’t feel there’s any good reason why Sky went so long without contacting him. But he’s no longer angry, just disappointed.
Des tells Genesis he has to forgive Sky.
“I just started opening up myself. And I think you should too. And it’s for the better.” – Des
Regardless, Genesis says he needs time to think things over.
Donna wants Alex to prove his loyalty.
They talk about the fact that Cease picked Tokie over Donna.
Things get awkward when Donna says she’s boycotting Black Ink and Alex should as well.
“You my man, so you need to stand by me. That’s how I feel.” – Donna
In a green screen interview, Donna says all Alex has to do is boycott the shop for a couple of days to put pressure on Cease.
Alex refuses to do this and says he has a son to take care of. Plus, Cease has looked out for him in the past. This disappoints Donna.
Rob tries to make things right with Young Bae’s mother.
After apologizing for storming out the other day, he decides to dress in traditional Korean clothes and prepare a Korean dish.
Luckily, Bae’s mother enjoyed the dish. He then asks her if he can call her mom in Korean. She says yes and jokingly tells him not to touch her. Bae laughs.
Tokie returns to the shop.
She apologizes for having a breakdown.
It’s hard for her to not get emotional while explaining everything. In a green screen interview, Cease says Tokie doesn’t have to apologize. He just wishes Donna could have been there to hear Tokie’s side.
The guy who s*xually abused Tokie called her and it really upset her.
Everyone tells Tokie they have her back and are there to support her.
After bonding with Tokie, the gang goes to a bar for drinks.
Teddy and Tati start making out. The group sees this and they jokingly taunt both.
Genesis and Sky have a breakthrough.
Sky and Des come to the shop.
They have some small talk with Tati, Bae and Kitty.
Minutes later, Genesis walks into the shop.
“What the f*ck is going on right here?” – Sky
Des tells Sky that he thinks things will be positive this time around and Sky breaks down in tears. Genesis and Sky go outside to talk.
He explains he doesn’t want to fight anymore. There’s no more time to waste.
“I f*cked up.” – Genesis
Genesis explains that he realizes after a year that he wasn’t mad. He was just disappointed.
As Sky cries, he hugs her and tells her he loves her.
In a green screen interview, Sky says she never knew this day would happen. She’s so happy and her heart is full.
They continue to hug on the street.
What are your thoughts on the episode?
