The contrasts between Elena and Mia have been pretty stark since the opening moments of the premiere.
The McCulloughs arent the only party desperate for custody.
She arrives at the restaurant to find Scott firing Bebe for stealing from the register.
Izzys been spending time with Carl (and not assisting with art projects at Mias).
She moves on to the police report they took from the McCulloughs.
That night, Mia has another nightmare.
This time, Pearls being taken away by Linda McCullough.
Her belief that Bebe should regain custody is intrinsically connected to fear about losing Pearl.
The next morning, Mia reaches out to her art dealer Anita, gauging interest for her pieces.
But any previous thaw between Elena and Mia has firmly frozen back over.
Mia sidesteps the car question but the two suspiciously eye one another, nothing really left to say.
Its Halloween, and Pearls celebrating unbeknownst to her mom with Lexie and Serena at a costume party.
Moody tags along with Trip, who attempts to give advice on how Moody should pick up Pearl.
He tries it anyway, but something between them has shifted and any attempt to woo her falls flat.
Elena and Bill hand out candy to trick or treaters, settling in for a rare night alone.
When Bebe rejects her offer, she drops the facade and coldly warns Bebe that shell never win.
As much as her counselor tried to block it, Pearls thriving in her algebra class.
But Trip is struggling big time, prompting Pearl to offer tutoring services.
While theyre studying at her apartment, she makes a move and they end up having sex.
She admonishes Mia for making it about race.
Elena goes to fire Mia but shes already quit.
Izzy thinks Mia has a point and accuses Elena of being the bad mother.
At the apartment, Pearls also receiving the news.
Bebes struggling to come up with the money and is running out of hope.
But for Mia, this custody battle goes beyond Bebe and the McCulloughs.
Its taking a stand against those who use their wealth and resources to intimidate and suppress.
The next morning, there are new rules in place.
Meanwhile, Mia begins working on her new art project.
Its Richardson-centric, containing items from their house retrieved on her last day of work.
The first piece: a blown-up photo of Elena, cut into flaming strips.
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