When Dick Clark debuts a rival show, Don enlists the help of a renowned activist to take him down; JT makes a deal with the Crips in order to protect his family; Tessa auditions for a dance troupe and has a run-in with her past.

As Encore achieves its greatest success, opening for Ike and Tina Turner at Guys & Dolls, Simone, Kendall and JT must reconcile their own lives before committing to the group; Don secures a second season for "Soul Train."