Original subtitles

Previously on Family Law.

Hey, when this contract's over, would you be interested in going out sometime?

I think I need to be single for a while

longer, before I inflict myself on anyone else.

The child broke his arm a full 90 minutes before his mother picked him up.

Disturbingly, opposing counsel knew this and failed to disclose it.

How the hell did this come to Portia's attention?

Are you saying it already came to yours?

Just so you know, it wasn't Daniel.

It's not too late to pull the plug on this merger.

I'm gonna tell Dad.

Speak of the snake.

As soon as he leaves, we'll go in.

Your daughter's a liability, Harry.

Abigail has to go.

I know what I'm about to say will come as a surprise.

Dad, please just hear me out.

Hey, Marcus is gone.

Let's go.

You can do this.

I'll be right there with you.

Dad, we need to talk about Marcus.

No need.

The merger's off.

Why?

He had conditions I refused to meet.

What conditions?

Look, I think we're being rude.

This is Jerry's special moment.

Let's get back to her party.

Did you just get home?

Portia went on longer than expected.

Where's Joanne?

Getting something or they're waxed for a wedding.

Sounds about right.

Are you going to tell me why you called off the merger?

It's not important.

You must be pleased.

I know you had misgivings.

More like grave concerns.

Well, it's over.

Things can go back to the way they were.

Actually...

There's something I have to tell you.

I've decided to start my own practice.

Since when?

Since I brought you my misgivings six weeks ago and you ignored them.

I leased office space at the same time.

You leased office space six weeks ago and you're just telling me now.

I'm giving you my required two weeks notice.

You're becoming a halfway decent family lawyer.

Would you want to go back to personal injury?

I'm not.

You're setting up a competing practice.

I won't poach any clients.

After I mentored you all this time.

You did mentor me, Harry, but you also put a glass ceiling over my head.

You have no idea.

No idea what I've done for you.

You have done a lot for me over the past two years.

So thank you for being there for five percent of my life.

Here we go again with your self-pitying narrative.

I'm being self-pitying?

Hi, hi.

No more whiskers.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I knew you'd tell Harry.

Okay, why didn't you tell him?

Because I knew he'd poke holes in it.

I wanted to wait until everything was in place.

Have you really been this unhappy?

I've just come to realize the culture of that place is never going to change.

I'm tired of constantly feeling like someone's charity case.

Good morning, love.

Coffee?

Could you put it in a to-go mug, please?

Don't bother.

I was just leaving.

Reach in the car in ten, Soph.

Keep.

Morning, Grandpa.

Morning, Jojo.

Good morning, granddaughter.

In four more days, you two will once again be Mr. and Mrs.?

We will indeed.

What was your first wedding like?

Oh, we got married on the beach in thrift store clothes.

Our honeymoon was a night at Harrison Hot Springs.

Yeah, we smuggled in our food because it was all we could afford.

It's so romantic.

Where will you go this time?

It's our second kick at the can, Sophia.

We don't need a honeymoon.

I'll start to research options today.

I'll do the same over lunch.

Thanks so much.

I'm just saying, the research shows a baby's Apgar

tests are better if the mother has a drug-free birth.

I am getting all the drugs.

Okay, but if you just read...

No, you have no say in this.

I'm known as me pushing a possum out of my... Okay, okay, point taken.

Oh, wow, I forgot all about this.

What is it?

A five-year plan.

I wrote it... Let me guess, five years ago and you scheduled a reminder.

Of course I did.

That's the whole point.

What does it say?

Personal life.

Married with two kids.

Partial points.

Do another Iron Man check.

Stay at the same body mass index.

Please don't take this the wrong way when I say,

I hope our child inherits very few of your traits.

Professional life.

Make 40 under 40.

Check.

Make partner another check.

Steer the firm towards collaborative law.

Keep families out of court.

Reduce the stresses they face financially and emotionally.

I take it that stuff didn't happen.

My dad's all about litigation and billable hours.

It's too bad.

I kind of like the sounds of that guy in that last bit.

I might have had a baby with him on purpose.

I have an announcement to make.

We've listened to your concerns.

The merger is off.

We decided it wasn't the direction we wanted the firm to go in.

So consider us back to business as usual.

And one more item.

Our associate Abigail Bianchi will be leaving in two weeks time.

We thank her for her service.

Abigail?

I want your sister taken off all cases effective immediately.

She used to be assigned menial tasks only.

First, Jerry, then Winston.

Now, Miss Bianchi, this is the year of goodbyes.

At least you'll still be here, Dr. Svensson.

Actually, Cecil, I'm leaving at the end of the month.

Who's even working here anymore?

Why is Abigail leaving?

She says I don't take her seriously.

You don't take her seriously.

That is nonsense.

You still refuse to add her photo to the website.

I called off the merger for her.

Marcus wanted her out.

I refused.

Have you told her that?

What's the point?

She's made up her mind.

I'm hoping this means we can rip up that severance agreement.

I'll stay on until we find and train my replacement.

You're sure you want to do this?

I am.

Come on, you're dying to do your happy dance.

I know we've had our differences.

Daniel, you've hated having me here.

Yeah, but I grew to love hating it.

So it's back to me and Dad.

He'll have to leave eventually.

All you got to do is outlast him.

You already knew your sister was leaving, didn't you?

I did.

It's not the worst thing, Dad.

It just means all your children are flourishing and independent.

And abandoning me in droves.

You can always take me out to lunches and dinners as long as you're paying.

You know, Dad, I'm thinking this may all be for the best.

Just the two of us steering a leaner, meaner ship.

I wanted the merger to go through so that when I leave, this doesn't all fall apart.

It won't.

I'll still be here.

Sir, there's a Fletcher Dixon here to see you.

Says he used to be your shipwright.

Fletcher Dixon?

Mr. Svensson?

No, no, it's Harry.

How's Coastal Dancer?

Oh, sold her a few years back.

It still breaks my heart.

Yeah, she was a beauty.

No small thanks to you.

The teak flooring you put in, the cabinetry.

So tell me, what have you been up to?

Um, I've been in Edgefield the past couple years.

Edgefield, isn't that the penitentiary?

I was convicted of robbery and assault.

I was injured on the job and became addicted to painkillers.

When the doctor wouldn't fill my prescription anymore, I tried to Rob a pharmacy.

I punched the security guard who tackled me.

Not that I remember any of it.

I regret every moment and got myself clean.

How long were you in prison?

I served two years before your sentence.

I was released early on good behavior.

And why have you come to see me?

My girlfriend Marlena broke up with me right before I was sentenced.

Cut me out of her life cold Turkey.

Not that I blame her.

After I got out, a friend told me that she died in a car crash a year ago.

So sorry to hear that.

And I also found out that she had a baby four months into my sentence.

I went to Marlena's sister's house to get answers.

And she opened the door.

And she was holding this little kid that was the spitting image of me.

She swore he wasn't mine and told me to leave.

Next thing I know, I get a letter from her lawyer telling me to back off.

The fact that she lawyered up strongly suggests the boy is yours.

First order of business.

We get a paternity test to confirm it.

Does this mean you'll help me?

It does.

Men deserve to know if they fathered a child.

End of story.

Glad you told me I was going to be a father.

It's the thought of having a kid out there and not being a part of its life.

Sounds like Harry's idea of bliss.

Abigail, get a court order for the paternity

test and set a court date while you're at it.

Wait, isn't that supposed to be my job?

Yes, and I hereby delegate it to you.

When Maggie took off with Harmony, it felt like my heart was an vice.

Same for me when I couldn't see my granddaughter.

I feel for this young man.

Okay, but let's not forget the guy's an addict.

Recovered addict.

There's our two-fifths of the people at this table,

so careful what comes out of your mouth next.

Why aren't you eating?

Don't tell me you're doing that intermittent fasting BS.

It's not BS, and if you must know, I'm having lunch with my mother.

You gonna ask her to be your plus one at the wedding?

You look so cute in this one.

Like a little sea captain.

And... this.

A tuxedo onesie.

Can't believe you kept all this.

Only the ones in mint condition.

She will love them all, thank you.

How is she doing?

She's great.

Thank you.

Yeah, nothing seems to faze her.

How are you doing?

I have a constant low-grade terror at the prospect of being a parent.

Look at it this way.

You're gonna be a much better father than Harry.

That's a low bar.

Thanks.

And how are things at work?

Honestly, not great.

I had big goals when I started out, and I've

achieved almost none of them working with Dad.

I'm surprised that surprises you.

I feel like I've lost my way.

You've handed me the perfect segue.

I have something I'd like to run by you.

Partnership, match and pay, and right out of the gate, I'll be working on a

meaningful class action lawsuit as their second chair.

It sounds amazing.

Yeah, I know.

But?

It's a huge decision.

Daniel, why would you stay where you are if you're miserable?

Miserable's a strong word.

Okay, how about filled with feelings of inferiority, frustration, paranoia?

Warm.

I like your mom.

I like your dad, too, but it sounds like Zina's more aligned with your goals.

And, bonus, she'll probably get the importance of paternity leave better than Harry.

You try having a six-pound alien sitting on your colon.

Your Honor, Fletcher Dixon has passed every one of his drug tests.

His parole officer has attested to his character,

and his old employer has hired him back.

They have given him glowing reports.

Furthermore, we're not asking for primary custody, because

Fletcher understands the child is bonded to his aunt.

My client merely wants shared parenting time.

This in spite of the fact that what Violet did, keeping Fletcher in the dark that he

even had a son, was punitive and unethical.

I have nothing further.

Your Honor, I'd like to call Violet Abrams to the stand.

Miss Abrams, it does seem rather punitive to leave Fletcher in the dark.

Why did you do that?

Because he made my sister's life a living hell.

Objection, hearsay.

Given that the witness's sister is deceased, I am prepared to permit her some leeway.

Please continue, Mr. Sterling.

Miss Abrams, could you be more specific?

Where do I begin?

Fletcher ponded my sister's belongings, including our mother's antique wedding ring.

He sold her car, which she needed for work.

One day she came home and the couch was gone.

He'd sold it for pills.

He vanished for days on end, making her sick with worry.

And he lied through his teeth about everything.

I can't imagine putting a child into that environment.

Objection, Your Honor, Miss Abrams' testimony is irrelevant in the here and now.

My client has been clean for over a year.

Are you sure about that?

We hired a private investigator.

Follow, Fletcher.

These photos were taken just a few days ago.

Now the man Fletcher is approaching is his drug dealer.

Gus Norris.

And here he hands said drug dealer a wad of cash.

Your Honor, Violet Abrams has provided a stable,

consistent and loving home for this child for over a year.

We urge you to dismiss Mr. Dixon's application

for parenting for the safety of this little boy.

I owed Gus money from before, and I knew he

wouldn't leave me alone until I settled my debt.

And I'm not using anymore, I swear.

Those stories Violet told on the stand.

Are they all true?

Yes, but I'm not that guy anymore.

I'm trying to rebuild my life.

Am I terrified of screwing up again?

Of course.

But I don't know what more I can do to prove that I deserve to be a father to my son.

Winston, can I see you in the boardroom?

But the phone's... Can go to voicemail.

Winston, I have loved my time here.

But you have your whole life ahead of you.

You could run a tech company.

You could be Prime Minister.

You're not the first person to tell me that.

I just don't think you should limit yourself.

How am I limiting myself?

You applied for my job.

Jerry, do you honestly think I'd submit my resume in a comic sense?

You submitted my resume for office manager?

Yeah.

Now, I know it's intimidating.

Jerry's a legend, but I think you've got what it takes.

It's flattering, but I've already been accepted into my program.

Yeah, where you have to pay them.

Here, they have to pay you.

Cecil, I'm going back to school in September.

So what do I want to do?

I thought it's what your mom wants you to do.

That too.

I'm just going to miss you so much.

We're still roomies.

We'll see each other every day.

This just came in by a career.

It's from The Lost Society.

Oh, you open it.

Career at Envelope from The Lost Society has never brought me good news.

Your application to change your surname from Bianchi to Svensson is pending.

And you need to appear before a commissioner of oaths to swear an affidavit.

Kind of ironic, isn't it?

I didn't want to be a Bianchi anymore, but not

exactly dying to be a Svensson right now, either.

On the one hand, my mama's made me this incredible offer.

But on the other, I spent my entire career at the firm.

What do you think I should do?

Remember when you did Model UN?

Of course.

I represented Germany.

I had so much fun once I realized I didn't have to wear my leader hosen.

You won first place for your position paper on world hunger.

It was one of dad's nights.

Yeah, he took us out for ice cream sundaes.

I ate so much, I puked over dad's shoes.

And after you puked, you announced that you

were going to make a difference in the world.

I believed you.

You'll be pleased to know that with our granddaughter's

help, I'm putting together a plan for our honeymoon.

You're working.

Oh, yes.

You must really like this Fletcher kid.

You never bring work home.

I'll admit I have a soft spot.

Phil is making the once an addict always an addict argument,

even though Fletcher has been clean for over a year.

He's gainfully employed, passes regular drug tests.

He's doing everything he can for a successful

recovery, yet people still want to punish him.

I bristle at the injustice.

I really do.

Do you hear yourself?

Your daughter has done every single thing your client has done, yet you have more

faith in the guy who refinished your boat than you do in her.

That is not true.

I was the only one who would hire my daughter after she hit rock bottom.

And never let her forget it, even though she's more than proven herself.

Even though she has eight years on Daniel, you've never put her name on the door.

You never fully trusted her.

And you wonder why she's leaving.

My name is Abby, and I'm an alcoholic.

This is a special night for me.

I'm two years sober today.

When I first started coming here, I couldn't even say the word alcoholic.

Yeah, you said schm-alcoholic.

Thanks, Pam.

All I saw, no offense, was a room full of losers.

And I told myself, I'm not one of them.

I had one foot firmly in denial for a long time.

But you all stood by me.

When I couldn't see my kids.

Through my awful divorce.

When I wanted to drink all the time.

How many of these meetings got me through?

Everyone here.

We are the opposite of losers.

This room is full of the strongest, bravest people I know.

Because staying sober is hard.

And this woman, this woman has stood by me like no one else.

Would you like to come up here and claim your two-year chip?

You'll still be my sponsor when you get home from your world travels.

It's three weeks in Holland and Belgium, Abby.

But yes, I'll still be your sponsor.

Listen, no agenda here.

You're incredible.

No, I'm not.

You are.

And you dodged a bullet with this guy.

I keep failing

Hey, it's not true.

You're succeeding by just being here.

Congratulations on this Miss Bianchi.

Thank you, Mr. Cohen.

Abby, come on!

We can't cut your cake without you!

The only good thing about fighting with you is the make-up sex.

And the only reason we made up is because

you realized I was right and you were wrong.

Of course, my love.

Now, let me show you what Sophia and I have cooked up for our honeymoon.

Why am I looking at elephants?

Because we're going to Africa.

Africa?

First, a 10-day safari to Kenya.

Then we travel to Rwanda to visit the Silverback Gorillas.

And then, last but not least, a winery tour in South Africa.

And how long would this trip take?

A month.

Joanne, I can't possibly go away for that long.

You can if you do what we talked about last night.

This trip is on my bucket list, Harry.

And I would really like it if you were in the same bucket.

Abigail, may I have a word?

What do you want me to do now?

Pick up your tux for the wedding tomorrow?

How would you feel about being an equity partner?

Where did this come from?

Does it matter?

I appreciate the offer.

I really do.

But...

I want more autonomy.

You'd have autonomy.

You'd be a named partner.

Daniel's a named partner and he has the autonomy of a toddler.

How would this be any different?

Your mother wants to go on a month-long honeymoon.

Of course she does.

I couldn't be away for that long unless you were in charge.

Thank you.

For the offer, but I'm gonna have to think about it.

Does Daniel know that you... He does.

And he's okay with it.

I'm prepared to accept your offer.

I'm delighted to hear that.

I do have a few terms.

As you should.

I would like to bring Craig to work.

Stephanie is allergic.

Tell you what, I'll get her to research some good doggy daycares, okay?

Okay.

I also wanted to discuss paternity leave.

Jude and I are hoping to split this time equally.

Danny, I'm all for pat leave.

You know I am.

But this class-action suit can't be put on hold while you stay home with your child.

Is there anything else?

Am I your legacy plan?

Jeez, kiddo.

You don't pull any punches, do you?

I'm a lot younger than your father.

I'm not going anywhere for a long time.

Ooh.

I have a good one for you.

What's the difference between a lawyer and a gigolo?

A gigolo only screws one person at a time.

What can I do for you today?

I've applied to have my surname changed back to Svensson.

Oh, the place is swarming with Svensson's today.

Your dad's over in courtroom 202.

Will you be my commissioner both?

No.

Happy to do it.

Thanks, Roz.

Come back in an hour.

Why?

It's my lunch break.

Meating Cecil for a bibimbap.

This will only take a few minutes.

If I bend the rules for you, I have to bend the rules for everyone.

But there's no one else here.

Come on, Roz.

We're practically family.

Your Honor, I have here a sworn affidavit from

Gus Norris, Mr. Dixon's one-time drug dealer.

It clearly states Mr. Dixon was repaying a debt, not buying drugs.

And here is his clean drug test taken the very next day.

Your Honor, the word of a drug dealer and a

lone clean drug test do not indicate sobriety.

It isn't just one drug test.

Mr. Dixon gets three per week and they have all been clean.

If he were using, we would know.

I understand better than most Ms. Abrams' reluctance to

trust my client after everything he put her sister through.

Two years ago, someone in my life was struggling with addiction.

I tried my way to be supportive, but I was sure she would relapse.

Rather than celebrate her successes, I kept waiting for her to fail.

Objection.

Mr. Svensson is not a witness, yet he's presenting evidence.

Overruled.

I want to hear what he has to say.

My doubts crept into all areas of her life.

I assumed she couldn't be a good employee.

I certainly assumed she couldn't be a good mother.

She too had to fight to keep her children in her life.

And thank heaven she did.

Those kids are better for it.

My client is fighting the same battle right now, even though he could have

walked away from his parenting responsibilities.

I took that path with my oldest many years ago, and I regret it to this day.

Mr. Dixon, it's not the problem here.

It's our own preconceptions.

He's putting in all the hard work to recover from addiction, to earn back our trust.

But we owe it to him to give him a true second chance.

How'd your date with Robin go last night?

Fantastic.

Did she stay over?

Not your business, but no.

Did you at least make out?

Abby!

What?

I'm living vicariously here.

First base, second base.

Any under the shirt action?

Now you're just being creepy.

You have got to start dating again.

Wow.

Sophia, you look stunning.

I do, don't I?

So grown up.

Ugh.

Mom, you're being modeling.

But my favorite place of all was the Pantheon.

Ah, yes.

Final resting place for Hugo, Voltaire, Zola...

And the Pendulum thing.

Foucault proved the world was spinning on an axis.

I brought you a gift, Grandpa.

Oh, my.

How jaunty.

I have a groom one.

We can wear them together.

I look forward to that.

Thank you.

Oh, I, too, have a gift for my groomsmen.

Belong to my father, an Omega Seamaster.

Cool.

Thanks.

Take one of these and you slide it down your throat like this.

Roz asked me to move in with her.

That's why I tried to get you to stay at the firm.

Because if we don't work together or live together, we'll never see each other.

You know what?

I'm just going to tell Roz now is not a good time.

No, don't do that.

As much as I'll miss picking up your tube socks and banging my shins on the pull-out

couch, I would never stand in the way of your relationship.

Everything's changing too fast.

I just want things to stay the way they are.

Change is scary, and we've had a good thing going here.

But change can be exciting, too.

I just don't want to lose you as a friend.

We'll always be friends, Cecil.

Why don't we make a pact to see each other at least once a week?

Winston Wednesdays or Cecil Sundays.

Better sit on both.

Sounds perfect.

Mom, look at what Grandpa gave me.

Sophia's going to be so jealous.

You look like a million bucks.

I could say the same to you.

How'd your court case turn out?

Judge Lee agreed that Fletcher deserves to be a part of his son's life.

He gets four supervised visits a week to be reviewed in three months.

It's a good start.

Apologies, but I need to steal the groom.

Ceremony's about to begin.

Here we go.

Everyone, please!

Take your seats.

Hi, Nico.

Hi, Uncle Daniel.

Did Grandpa give you a Groomsman's gift, too?

Sure did.

Meisterstuck Montblanc pen.

I got something, too, but mine's old.

You gave Nico Pop Pop's watch?

He didn't even know him.

Exactly.

You did know him.

He was a terrible father.

And let's be honest, I wasn't much better.

Dad.

But you, Danny.

I can see how invested you are.

Your child is going to get so much more from you.

Than a watch.

One,

now just the bride and groom.

Hey.

Hey.

Have you given Dad an answer?

Not yet.

I was surprised you were okay with it.

Honestly, I thought I had an out.

My mom made me an offer.

Ticked so many boxes.

But?

I'm always just going to be Danny to both of them.

I can never just be my own person.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

I've never felt more blessed than I do today.

With Joanne at my side, two of us surrounded by our dearest friends and family.

Thank you so much for sharing our special day.

Now, please dig in.

I know you're all starving, but I'd just like to say a few things.

If you'd asked me a year ago if I thought this do-over

marriage was a good idea, I would've said, hell no.

These two bring out the worst in each other.

But they also bring out the best.

No one makes my mom laugh like this guy.

And no one challenges Harry like this woman.

They share a lot in common.

Like they both hate wearing pajamas in the morning.

I thought their shared history was enough to keep them apart forever.

But in fact, it's brought them closer together.

Because they're grown up enough to understand

that people can evolve and grow and change.

And while I wouldn't exactly call them model parents, is anyone here a model parent?

Nope.

They're here for us and for their grandkids when the chips are down.

They took me in when I needed help.

And I've never really thanked them for that.

So, this seems like as good a time as any.

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you, Dad.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Cheers.

That was a beautiful speech.

Thank you.

I hear Harry offered you equity partnership.

He did.

And?

And I've got a newly renovated office space and a five-year lease.

I get it, but I feel for Harry.

Especially given everything he did for you.

Yeah, I know.

He hired me when no one else would.

No, not that.

Eleanor?

Oh, just tell her, Jerry.

You're retiring.

Who cares?

Marcus's non-negotiable condition was that you had to go.

You were the one condition Harry refused to meet.

Where'd that inside suite be?

Grandpa's watch?

Yeah, it's old, but it's still cool.

Okay.

Love you.

Did you know about this?

You know, until this very moment, I did not.

I'm going to be grilling Eloise later tonight.

Ditto.

Glad to have him back.

I am.

Although I could do without the newfound condescension.

It's pronounced I-fell, Mother, not Eiffel.

Yeah, Eloise keeps telling me that our butter is subpar.

Mmm, and our cheese and our bread.

It's good seeing you.

Uh, Ciaran?

Yeah?

Is there any chance your dinner offer still stands?

You mean you're ready to inflict yourself onto someone else?

Well, not just anyone.

Yeah, it still stands.

I don't suppose you're free tonight.

As a matter of fact, I am.

Great.

I'll make a reservation.

Text you the details.

Okay.

Okay.

Oh, hey, how's the new office space working out?

Great.

That can go in my assistant space.

Thank you so much for hiring me, Mr. Junior.

I mean, Mr. Svensson.

I couldn't think of anyone better for the job, Nina.

Craigy needs his walk?

Oh, of course.

Let me get you a list of dog walking services in the area.

Oh,

it's dark wood paneling.

Makes me feel like I'm in an old-timey men's club.

Are you going to redecorate?

Hells yes, I am.

Thank God, because I have a lot of ideas.

Miss Bianchi?

I mean, Miss Svensson.

Now that your office is free, maybe I could...

Nice try, Cecil, but we're saving it for our new associate.

Abigail, time for your first partners meeting?

And pay close attention to Bernie's billable hours.

He's been on that downward trend as of late.

Harry, we've got this.

You have nothing to worry about.

And you can patch me in for office manager interviews.

We are not patching you in during your honeymoon.

Okay, but remember, if a candidate doesn't make eye contact, it's a problem.

If they make too much eye contact, it's a problem.

If they talk too much, it's a problem.

If they talk too little... Let me guess, it's a problem, sir.

There's someone here to see you.

He's being very persistent.

I don't know... No, maybe...

You're Harry Svensson?

Yes.

Bud Nielsen.

My mother is Catherine Nielsen.

I'm your son.

Welcome to the family.