Ep 10. So Far

Charley's dream of creating a sustainable farm is put in jeopardy in Queen Sugar season 1 episode 10, "So Far." The episode revolves around the challenges that the Bordelon siblings, Charley, Nova, and Ralph Angel, face as they try to keep their family together and maintain ownership of their father's sugarcane farm.

Charley, the most organized and business-savvy of the siblings, has been working tirelessly to secure the financial future of the farm and her family. She has been in talks with a wealthy investor, Samuel Landry, who has offered to help her set up a mill to process their own sugarcane. However, as the episode opens, she discovers that Landry is actually the CEO of a larger corporation that is looking to buy the Bordelons' land for a fraction of its worth.

This news sends Charley into a tailspin. She can't bear to lose her family's legacy, but she knows that they need the money from the mill to stay afloat. She confides in her mother, Lorna, who suggests that they bring in a family friend and local lawyer, A.J. She helps Charley draw up a counter-proposal to Landry's offer that would allow the Bordelons to keep their land and still set up the mill.

Meanwhile, Nova is struggling with her own relationship issues. She has been seeing a married man, Calvin, who has been trying to convince her to leave her current boyfriend and be with him. Nova is torn, but ultimately decides that she can't compromise her values or hurt her current partner to be with Calvin. She meets with him to tell him that it's over and is surprised by the depth of his reaction.

Lastly, Ralph Angel is dealing with life on parole. He is working hard to stay out of trouble and be a good father to his son, Blue. However, his boss at the farm, Remy, gives him an ultimatum after he is caught stealing from a vendor. He tells Ralph Angel that he has to either confess to the theft or he will have to fire him. Ralph Angel is torn between his pride and his need to provide for his family.

The episode culminates in a tense showdown between Charley and Landry. Charley presents her counter-proposal, but Landry refuses to budge and tells her that he plans to move forward with his own offer. Charley is determined to fight back and makes an impassioned plea to the community for support. She tells them that the Bordelons are dedicated to maintaining a sustainable farm that will benefit everyone in the area, and that they refuse to be pushed out by a big corporation.

In the end, Charley's courage and determination pay off. The community rallies behind the Bordelons, and they are able to secure the funding they need for the mill. Nova also finds some closure with Calvin and is able to move forward with her life. Ralph Angel decides to confess to the theft and is almost sent back to jail, but is ultimately let off with a warning.

"So Far" is a poignant and powerful episode that showcases the strength and resilience of the Bordelon family. It deals with themes of family, love, and the fight against corporate greed, all while maintaining a sense of authenticity and heart. It is the perfect culmination of the first season's narrative arc, setting the stage for even greater challenges and triumphs in the seasons to come.