Original subtitles

Previously on Picket Fences.

That's it, you're the mayor.

I mean, nothing has to be any different.

Just because I'm the mayor now.

This office has never steered the sheriff's department.

Well, what can I say?

There's a new mayor in town.

Officer Stewart, you are now the acting sheriff. Your first order of business is

to take this man's badge and evict him from his office.

He is the center of this town.

And I'll be damned if I'm going to throw him in jail.

This town needs you both.

I beg you to work things out.

Defense, don't pinch.

Nobody gets caught in. Short shifts, 40 seconds, then get out.

First man back takes the trailer.

Get his stick.

All right, gentlemen.

One more thing.

Father?

Well, I know there's nothing I can say to make you more prepared.

You're an undefeated team playing an unbeaten arch rival for first place.

Remember that growing up, every young boy in Rome dreams of the day that he

might put on that varsity jersey and play in this game.

The game.

You 16 young men will come face to face with that dream.

God. has seen in each of you something special.

I think you're the finest group of young hockey players ever to wear that

uniform. There is a destiny in this room.

Bow your heads.

Thank you, dear God, for your blessing, for your gifts to these boys.

Allow them now to give back.

You can't do this.

Saying prayers before and after the games? We won the game, didn't we?

72.

And the kids are giving you the credit.

Is anybody complaining?

No. But even so, the point is... We have been doing this for 15 years. The

problem is, Gary, now you are getting publicity. I think we've been carrying

this church and state thing a bit too far.

They weren't Catholic prayers, were they? No.

Well, at least he's getting results. We have an undefeated team, as long as he

keeps the pep talks non -denominational. It's a public high school function. We

can't have a priest talking about God in the locker room. We'll lose our federal

funding. It's everything about money with you.

You have a problem, Gary.

Your mission is monetary.

That's the message you send. That is the ideal that you communicate to our

youth.

I find that repugnant.

You are being told by this school committee to stop praying in the school.

are being told by the mayor to stop praying. Well, the mayor is answerable

the city council, and I'm on it.

I'll call a meeting. Walk into a locker room with so much as one Hail Mary, and

I will have you locked up.

Why don't you just try, Rachel? All right.

Let's not say something you regret later on.

Two bucks? They don't even cost so much as a video store.

You can't get this at the video store.

There's other copies going around.

You don't have to pay.

Trust me. I want to see this today.

See what today?

Uh, Nightline.

Tip Cop will change his hair.

Give me that tape.

This is private property. You're on school grounds. There's no such thing as

private property. Give it. You can't.

I've been hearing a lot about some underground video, young man, and I have

feeling this is it.

Or would you be telling me this is your personal tape?

No. Somebody just gave it to me.

I don't even really know what's on it. I see. Then give it to me.

And I'll see what's on it.

Phonography? Softcore. He was selling it.

Two dollars a viewing.

Watch.

How old is this?

Oh, I think it was late 60s, maybe early 70s.

He's huge.

I mean, cute.

I don't know who the actor is, but we all know the actress.

Who? Is that who I think it is? Oh, my God.

The mayor of Rome, Wisconsin.

I was 21.

Where did it come from?

It's all over the schools.

Kids are making copies.

It's going around like the Rob Lowe tape.

I did two movies.

Softcore.

I gotta go.

Kenny.

I was broke.

It was a week's work.

I gotta get back.

I don't believe it.

Now, my feelings for Rachel are...

What they are.

How do you feel about her?

I'd like to squash her like a bug.

Of course you would.

Now, I'm sensitive to this church -state situation.

And I would never be interested in involving myself in politics.

No, but she's immoral.

She was running peep shows at a lingerie store.

And then she hired a center -polled playmate to be the spokeswoman for...

Or dairy.

And now this.

Play it again.

Henry, that's enough.

We've got her.

What? The tape.

It's our opportunity.

We're both members of the city council.

We'll call a censure proceeding.

With seven votes, we can vote her right out of power.

What if we lose?

We won't lose.

This video is the noose around her neck.

What about our necks?

You know, we wear collars.

The minute we get vocal, we're automatically going to be labeled

Well, that's why we need the Brooks.

Us? Well, if Gary and I lead the charge, we'll be dismissed as two well -meaning

Christians on the loose.

Well, I have to be honest with you. I'm not sure she should go.

And I'm very wary about her being thrown out by a minister and a priest.

Are you saying we can't participate in the community simply because we're

clergy? Well, of course not, but I am worried that you might be fostering

religion. It is not our intent to push Christianity or play politics.

We simply want to remove this woman from a position of leadership.

Are you against her because she's anti -God?

We're against her because she sets a bad example.

I mean, would you want her parenting your children, Jimmy?

So why should we let her parent the whole community?

Well, I think you know how I feel about Rachel as mayor, and I might agree with

you, but I'm not joining your crusade, no.

Me neither.

Well, we still hope to see you at a town meeting.

Yes. Good night. Good night.

Good evening. Good night.

Well, he could be right.

Well, whether they're right or not, this thing could get ugly.

I'm dead.

I'm just dead.

Well, they're calling you before the city council tomorrow, so probably you

ought to get a lawyer.

I never should have agreed to be mayor.

This is what I get.

Maybe you should, um... If you'd just resigned, then you'd

avoid the whole mess.

You think I should quit?

Look, I know it was your past.

I know it shouldn't matter, but this town, it will matter.

And I'm afraid that if you don't step down, they'll destroy you.

Losing this job is not the end of the world for me.

I won't lose it that way. I won't just fold for the boys.

You should think about this, Rachel.

Jill, I can't quit.

I won't quit.

They've already sold out.

They're printing the second circulation.

What time is that city council hearing?

Ten o 'clock.

They're televising it on public access.

Oh, God.

Do me a favor, Kenny. Run Rachel through probation and cross -check on her, too.

What? Why? Let's at least make sure there are no other surprises with her,

I'm not running her through probation.

Excuse me?

She made a mistake when she was young. We're supposed to treat her like a

criminal? That's crazy.

Last time I checked, I was the sheriff, you were deputy.

Now I ask you to check probation?

I won't do it.

In my office?

Okay, what's going on?

I just think it's unfair to punish the lady. I don't care what you think, and

it's not your business to defy me, which you have been doing a lot of lately.

Look at me.

First you order a drug sweep behind my back, then you organize this blue flu.

It's nothing against you.

Then what is it?

I ask you to do a simple cross -check. Why?

I'm sleeping with her.

I beg your pardon?

Rachel Harris.

She and I have been having an affair.

He told God.

It started in June before she was mayor.

You and Rachel Harris?

She insisted we keep it a secret. I wanted to tell you, but... You're having

sex?

Yes. With each other?

Rachel and I have been enemies, Kenny.

She even had me fired once, and all the time she had you in my camp.

I never gave her any ammunition on you.

Uh -huh.

She pushed me.

Dismissed, Deputy.

Jimmy. Dismissed.

I'm nothing religious.

You have got to stay secular.

Don't worry about me. Gary, you get preachy. It's the Catholic blood in you.

Listen to the Episcopalian.

At least I try to breathe between sentences.

We have to sing.

Howard, first off, you shouldn't be here right now.

I'm on city council.

You can't treat me like this. What's the problem?

He thinks he's on city council.

Listen to her tone, Henry.

Vicious. Oh, friend.

You left city council three years ago, remember?

When you started to feel ill? I know. And I've stayed away because of my

Alzheimer's. But I'm back.

I want to be at the head table.

And according to the charter, we're supposed to do America the Beautiful

we start.

Howard. He's right.

I beg your pardon? I checked the records.

Howard recused himself voluntarily, but technically, he's still an active member

of the council.

He can be here.

Wonderful.

America the Beautiful.

We have to sing it loud.

I've seen this tape, and I thought you were excellent.

Thank you.

But that's not exactly what I need to hear.

Of course.

According to the charter, the city council can censure you on account of

vile, despicable acts, but... What's a censure?

Well, it's like a suspension till they hold a special election for a new mayor.

They can force me out of office because of something I did a quarter of a

century ago?

There's a morals clause in your contract.

But there are ways we can fight them.

Let me make them an offer, Your Honor.

Offer your honor.

Your honor, your offer.

Exactly what he was doing to you on this tape.

We have exactly an hour before the hearing.

Excuse me.

Could I have a second alone?

Of course.

Give us a minute, Rachel.

No, I'd like a second with her.

I'd like to be a part of things, but okay.

I'm sorry for, you know, disappearing.

When you did that movie, I was three years old.

Well, that certainly makes me feel better.

What I'm saying is it happened a long time ago.

What's past is past.

I'm with you, Rachel.

And if you want to walk into that hearing today together, side by side, so

whole town can see I'm with you, I'll do it.

That might be a good idea.

I appreciate it.

I really do.

But given these circumstances... I don't think that this is the best time for us

to go public with our relationship.

I get it.

Kenny, it's only timing.

Yeah.

Good luck today, Rachel.

Everyone, please take your seats.

All right. The meeting of city council is now called to order at 10 .07 on the

11th of February, 1994.

Let us read into the minutes the cause of this special meeting, whereby... We

know the cause.

It's a Christian witch hunt. Mr. Wambaugh, order!

Hey!

We will conduct this proceeding with civility.

Anyone who breaks the decorum of this proceeding will be asked to leave.

Now, Ms. Harris, you have been called to censure. You will be asked questions

by this council.

You will be given an unlimited time to respond to each question.

At the conclusion of the questioning period, we will hear final statements,

followed by a vote.

Plurality rule.

Before we start... Does anyone here have a question as to procedure?

How'd she get to be mayor?

She should resign.

Why can't we just throw her out now?

It's already been decided. It's just a formality.

You should be with her right now.

She doesn't need me.

Kenny. I offered.

She's ashamed to be seen with me.

Maybe she has snowed the whole town.

She certainly fooled me.

I'm not going to apologize for something I did when I was 21 years old.

If the voters have a problem, they can say so at election time.

Is that your statement?

That you see nothing wrong in making X -rated pictures?

If so, I think we can wrap this meeting up more quickly than we thought.

Quiet down, please.

Certainly I'm not proud of doing the video.

At that time, I had no business being a mayor.

I'm 46.

Considerably more evolved.

I'm a different person.

And an effective mayor.

That's an excellent inquiry.

Mr. Wombo... You and I aren't friends, Father, so why don't you call me Miss

Harris? Is it Miss Harris or Mrs.? Miss will be fine.

I see you were married, but you were divorced. Am I right?

Right. Well, I see...

Listed in your ex -husband's divorce complaint, an allegation of adultery.

You do consider adultery to be a mistake, don't you, Rachel? I'm sorry,

Harris?

Yes.

Good.

Well, let's stick to the pornography.

We've covered it.

She did two smut movies, she regrets it. Move on! I think we should all stay.

Excuse me, um, a lot of people have turned out today, many of us working

Is this going to be a waste of time?

You consider the issue of morality a waste of time, Jill?

Well, no, I don't, Henry, but so far I've heard nothing but smoke.

If you want to blow it, fine, just don't be blowing it up mine.

Yeah, Jill.

Go, Jill.

Yes, she made a nude film in another lifetime.

How many of us here haven't done something in our past that we regret?

Well, you've declared your position, Jill.

Now you can sit down. Yes, and you've declared yours, Father, yours and

You're exploiting this videotape for all its tabloid worth because you don't

like Rachel Harris's politics.

You were told to stop praying in the schools, and so now you've rounded up

Christian posse to push her out. What has she done that's immoral?

While in office, is there anything that she has done?

Anybody?

If you've got something, put it out there. Otherwise, let's all go home.

I have

a question for Mayor Harris.

Uh -oh.

Are you having a secret sexual affair with Deputy Kenneth Lacos?

Are you?

Yes.

Did you instruct him not to inform me of this relationship?

I asked him not to inform you.

Uh -huh.

And while you're sleeping with him, you're telling me to make him

I thought he was best for the job.

Are you preying on a 28 -year -old kid using sex to gain control of the

sheriff's department?

No. Objection!

Why did you choose to keep this relationship a secret?

I just... I just didn't want people talking.

I see.

You consider your conduct exemplary?

Do you think a mayor's conduct should be exemplary?

No more questions.

Let us break for lunch and reconvene at two.

You got a problem with me, you talk to me.

I don't think you meant to be using that tone.

You attacked me.

In the open, in front of the whole town. I do what I do in the open. I recommend

you adopt that policy if you want to continue working here.

My relationship with Rachel didn't affect you.

I'm talking about your relationship with me.

Deceive me ever again, you're fired.

It's my fault.

Please don't blame Kenny.

I asked him to stay quiet.

Can we talk?

This is my office. Come on, Jimmy.

The reason that I was reluctant

to be seen with you in public, it's not because I'm embarrassed to be with you.

It's because I'm afraid.

People knew.

They'd make you embarrassed to be with me.

This confession has funny timing.

Meaning?

Meaning right now everything you've got is slipping away.

You might be wanting to hold on to anything you can.

Even the small stuff.

All right, Mr. Wambaugh, if you or Miss Harris have a closing statement, we'll

hear it now.

Mr. Wambaugh.

Actually, before I close, I would like to call a witness.

This isn't a trial. You don't call witnesses.

I understand, Ellen.

But we're gathered here to judge the morality of my client.

So? So we need a point of reference.

Somebody to compare my client to.

I have an idea.

The instigation of this whole trial, I mean hearing, I keep forgetting that

is just a hearing.

The instigator of all this is Father Barrett.

Also, of course, a very moral man. I would like to question him.

Why? He's the one attacking her values.

And I would like to see what does he mean by this term values.

I am not a witness.

Yes, you are.

Forgive me, Father, but you've made your sense of morality the barometer here.

Ellen, you're right, this isn't a court of law, but it's a forum for citizens to

confront each other, and I'd like to question him.

Dr. Brock?

This citizen has some questions for that citizen.

You want to challenge me? That's right, Father. That's exactly what I want to

do. These are exciting times.

Hold on.

I don't understand what's to be accomplished.

The point is that he's holding himself up as some kind of positive example of

leadership. I'd like to turn the scrutiny on him. I'd like to see how he

up. Okay.

I welcome it. Good. Let's go. Right now.

Quiet down.

We'll adjourn for one hour.

Then Dr. Brock will question Father Barrett.

What the hell are you doing?

Why the hell are you standing up for her?

Well, Douglas Wambaugh might be great in the courtroom, but when it comes to

getting other people to embrace his moral judgment... Why you?

Why not me?

Well, in the first place, if she stays in control...

I'm out of a job. Did you stop to think of that? No, you're not.

She's already fired me once for crying out loud. Honey, that was just because

you disobeyed an order. She's never done anything out of vindictiveness. Why are

you trying to protect her? Why are you so scared of her? I'm not scared.

She's unfit.

She's sleeping with Kenny. Yeah, and Kenny's sleeping with her, but he still

his job.

You heard me come down on him. Yes, I did. And you were so angry, you never

stopped to ask yourself, why did he need to lie to you?

Meaning? Meaning you are such the high pillar of principle that your own

deputies can't even be human with you. Is that right?

Yes, that's right.

Jimmy, I admire your integrity.

God knows it would be a wonderful world if everybody could live up to your

standards, but just not everybody can.

I'm not talking about a simple mistake. No, you're talking about moral mistakes,

and that's never simple with you, damn it.

You punish people with your righteousness.

You even do that to the kids.

I don't have to listen to this.

Fine, that doesn't mean I can't say it. And I will say it. This thing with

Rachel is a witch hunt. And I will step in, like it or not, I have as much right

as you do to get involved.

I believe the leader of any community should reflect the values of that

community. She doesn't.

All right, and by values, do you mean biblical values?

No, no. No, I mean basic human secular values.

Germane to any faith.

But I assume that yours would be consistent with the tenets of the

Church. Now, Jill, stop trying to turn this into a religious issue.

I'm not trying to do that, Father. I'm talking about you.

Are your basic human secular values germane to Catholicism?

Yes. All right, then. So, issues like birth control and abortion.

Would these issues apply to basic human values?

Yes.

So if Rachel Harris happened to be politically pro -choice, then you would

her moral... I am not going to be drawn into a pro -choice debate.

Well, what about homosexuality? Is that a vice?

Yes.

So if somebody believes in gay rights, then they have bad values?

Look, I would never, never expect any public official to impose his religious

beliefs upon his constituency.

Religious beliefs? But a minute ago they were values.

The truth is, Father, with you, they're kind of the same, aren't they?

Jill, this is sounding like an attack on the father.

All I'm saying here is that a person's religion, his conscience, his values,

they're all connected.

Does anybody here believe that this man can actually separate his faith from his

politics? Even so, the issue before the council is not whether Father Barrett

would make a good mayor.

It's whether... Oh, but you should be considering that issue.

Because if Rachel Harris gets thrown out, then the senior member of the city

council becomes mayor pro tem until we have a special election.

Do you know who the senior member of the city council is?

Would you know that, Father?

Yes.

I believe it's me.

It's certainly getting interesting, isn't it? That was not my motivation.

So why don't you mention it in keeping with honesty, which I assume is one of

your values. I must sit down. Look, I don't want to be mayor. And I hereby

publicly declare that I refuse the position. Please, stop it already. Stop

Now, you keep out of this. Ellen, I give the job to you. It's yours.

Oh, that's very big of you. Now, don't you dare mock me. I'm not mocking you.

I'm judging you the way you're judging Rachel.

But she's a disgrace. She did pornography.

She lives her life in sin. And she invokes the wrath of Almighty God upon

us. All of us.

Dr. Brock, do you have any more questions?

No. I think we've each made our position very clear.

You have to make some kind of closing statement, see if you can pull it out of

the hat.

I thought you quit smoking.

I did.

Me too.

Silly, silly boys.

Now, what do you want?

Did you really think you could get through this unscathed?

Is that the test, Henry?

Before getting involved, we should be sure we won't get nicked.

I don't know.

Why don't you ask Rachel Harris?

I think my girls are a little more altruistic than Rachel's.

You're a priest.

You're a minister.

As far as the public is concerned, the most altruistic thing you can do is stay

out of politics.

But we're not staying out.

So long as this leadership operates in a moral vacuum, we're not staying out.

Well, God help you both.

I quit.

Why?

Because we're too far apart now, you and me.

I should move on.

Is that how you resolve problems? You just quit?

In this case, yeah.

Kenny, all I'm demanding is you be straight with me. If that puts us too

apart, you've got a problem.

We've been through this.

She didn't want to go public.

I'm not the public.

I'm sorry.

Get back to work.

Kenny.

Why didn't you want me to know about Rachel?

I guess I was ashamed.

Of me being with her, I... I was scared you'd think less of me.

That's too bad.

This has got to stop.

Punishing our public figures for their past?

It's got to stop.

It's time for the public and the tabloids to lay off the politicians a

Of course they have a past, complete with human mistakes.

They're human.

Character development is an ongoing process.

The question is, what is Rachel Harris today?

If we continue to punish our public figures this way and violate their

the best and the brightest will stop coming forward to serve the public.

Then we'd all lose.

Rachel Harris has been a good mayor.

She was brought in to fix the economy, and she's done it.

So stop badgering her with innuendo.

A leader cannot run the government if they have to repeatedly fend off gossip

attacks. Enough is enough.

I agree with Mr. Wambaugh.

We certainly don't want to discourage the best people from coming forward.

But by the best people, what do we mean?

economic talent, someone who can balance a budget and make the buses run on

time.

If your criteria for leadership is fiscal management, by all means, let's

Rachel.

But I tend to think our leaders should do more.

Part of leading is demonstrating integrity.

Part of it is setting an example.

A mayor should be someone you can point your finger at and say to your kids,

See?

Maybe you can grow up to be like that.

Do any of you want your kids to grow up to be like Rachel Harris?

Is she exemplary?

Yes. Congress has a higher conviction rate than the general population.

Corruption is rampant in government.

It's a given.

Maybe it should stop being a given.

Well, maybe we should no longer chalk it up to pragmatism and just accept it.

Maybe we should say personal character should count.

Maybe as much as political ideology.

My God, society has put people like Oliver North and Mike Milken on lecture

tours. We hold them up as role models.

That's what has to stop.

Morality still has to be the standard.

Dammit, nobody is saying put the priests or the ministers or even the choir boys

in charge.

But we have got to do better than her.

An ex -porn queen who carries on secret affairs with deputies half her age.

Let's all grow up.

As you know, A censure is an open vote.

Plurality rules.

I will now ask all of those in favor of removing Rachel Harris from office to

now please rise.

The vote is eight to three in favor of censure.

A special election will be held. We'll try to schedule it for the first week of

May.

Rachel, you're invited to run again.

And I'll say for the record, I hope you win.

Until then, you will cease all functions of your mayoral capacity and you will

vacate your office immediately.

Rachel? Come on. Let's go.

Well, okay.

I guess this leaves me, Mayor Pro Tem.

But before we all leave... Excuse me, Ellen.

That's a problem. What is it?

I just checked the records.

You, uh, you're not... You're not the ranking member.

You're not Mayor Pro Tem. Then who is it?

Howard Buss.

What?

He's joined three months before you. And according to the city charter, his

hiatus doesn't compromise seniority.

He's the ranking member.

Mayor Howard Bush.

How delightful.

Quiet! He has Alzheimer's. He cannot possibly be mayor. I have all my weights

till three o 'clock.

I lose mine at 2 .30. Howard, this is a full time job.

What happens at night? Hey!

Henry, settle this.

Howard Buss cannot possibly be mayor.

He's mentally competent?

Well, he has periods of dementia, but most of the time he's lucid. And I can

sing.

I know that's not relevant. I was just testing you. Howard, you want to be

mayor.

A couple of weeks ago, you wanted us to take out your heart. Well, as long as I

still have it, I want to put it to good use.

This is unbelievable.

I was an accountant. I can balance the books.

I never did any naked movies.

And I have a good sense of fairness.

You said yourselves, I make life rich.

You have Alzheimer's?

Clearly that disqualifies him, doesn't it?

You can't discriminate against him just because he has a disease.

If he can't perform the functions of his job, that's one thing.

But you have to give him a chance to do the job before you claim he can't. The

man has Alzheimer's. Call the man your honor.

Because if Howard wants the job, he's the mayor.

Splendid.

I hated this office anyway.

It still smells like Puget.

Well, I'm gone.

You're leaving office.

You're not gone.

Thank you.

I wish I could tell you what it meant for you to do what you did.

I hope over time I can show you.

Thanks for not voting against me anyway.

Well, you seem like a nice person when your clothes are on.

Thank you.

Is it scary being mayor?

Well, yeah.

I won't try to manage things late in the day, because that's when I sundown.

I see.

Do you have any advice?

Yes.

Be yourself.

hire good people, and concentrate on good luck.