Original subtitles

[serene music playing]

I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Cole.

[gasps]

[jury foreman] On the charge of vehicular homicide,

we find the defendant, Phillip Arrington, not guilty.

[crowds murmurs]

[serene music playing]

[Leland Hardt] People can change, find their better angels,

but I've done quite well betting that they won't.

My name is Leland Hardt and I met Lucas Cole, a young prosecutor

on the afternoon of Good Friday.

Lucas became involved in a case concerning my wife Anna.

An unexpected result...

-Hey. -[Leland] ... as I suspect for the other cases

Lucas handled this day.

Eye on the ball.

-[grunts] -[Lucas] You're not focusing, Johnny.

Sorry to bother you so early, Mr. Cole.

-If we could just talk a minute. -My office.

I was hoping you might speak to Mr. Sensabaugh away from...

Just for a minute, please.

-If you could just explain. -Come on, Johnny! Eye on the ball.

[Johnny grunts]

Yeah, I didn't hurt him.

You know that bank guy is not being honest, Sir.

-[Lucas] Pick those up. -I got him off the property. That's a fact.

-Put your hands on him? -We're not conceding that.

Yes, I did. Walked him off the property.

-Threw him to the ground? -[Peter Sensabaugh] No.

His mom called him. Some stranger in her yard, taking photos.

They were trying to foreclose on her, Mr. Cole. She was upset.

[Lucas] Sounds like motive.

That man wasn't even allowed to be on the grounds.

That man's in a neck brace.

I didn't hit him.

-Sworn statement. -I'm telling the truth.

[Lucas] The truth, Mr. Sensabaugh,

if this case goes to trial, you will lose.

Something your new attorney seems reluctant to tell you.

I'm just a working guy, Mr. Cole.

I'm not looking for any trouble.

You have until this afternoon to accept the plea deal or I have to take this to trial.

[Peter] So, you're asking me to lie.

I didn't harm that man, so help me God.

-[Lucas] Come on, let's go. -[Johnny] Okay.

Let's clean up.

[sighs]

[tranquil music playing]

[car door bangs]

[Leland] If you asked me what sort of man is this Lucas Cole,

well, at first I would have said a lost soul,

no shortage of those, and I'm glad for it...

They can be led in any direction.

Later in the day I would have told you,

"No, this is an ambitious man, a scheming man."

Then, later still, I would've said,

"No, this is an honorable person."

But now, looking back on this Good Friday, I wonder.

Lucas, what sort of man are you?

[calm music playing]

[Lucas] No. No, no, no, it's perfectly legal.

Home base of the company becomes the Cayman Islands,

they treat your income as passive, half the tax rate as the average Joe.

Just a sec, I need to call my wife.

Hey. You both making home safely?

[Emily] Yeah. Grandpa was so proud of him.

We're, we're almost home.

-[car horn honks] -[brake screech]

[police siren wailing in distance]

[Leland] I sent my wife and bodyguard on a simple task,

a gesture of respect to the District Attorney.

Lucas, Lucas! Over here.

I'd like you to meet Leland Hardt's wife, Anna.

Lucas, hi. Eliot speaks so highly.

Mr. Hardt said you were only supposed to speak to Mr. Brennar, ma'am.

So controlling, my husband.

But take away his money and power,

and all that's left is just... more.

Ma'am, you dropped something.

[clicks tongue]

[Leland] I should've been there myself.

Before the matter got out of hand.

Listen, I need you to help me make things right.

Hit-and-run. Still under the radar.

Driver was Mrs. Hardt.

Lawyers?

Leland Hardt asked for a private word with her as a courtesy, doesn't want a media circus.

This from a man who owns a television network.

We live in a world of irony, don't we, Lucas? It's our one true religion.

I won't leak to the press, you know that.

Not where I'm going with this.

Alright, give me the file and I'll just take a look.

There's nothing to study. It was just an accident.

Drugs? Alcohol?

She'd had a drink or two, but blood levels were okay.

Any damage?

Some kid crossing against the light.

He'll be alright. Just got released from the hospital.

I'll work up a plea bargain, see how much time she needs to serve.

She thought she hit a garbage can. Bad neighborhood.

-Says she was being followed. -She left a kid on the road.

And she turned herself in, 30 minutes later.

-Still means jail time. -No, this one we're dropping.

They won't take a plea. The case won't hold in court.

-Eyewitnesses? -[Eliot] No.

I'll figure out something, put her away.

Well, that's very kind of you, but, no.

I'm not risking our track record on a lost cause.

Lucas, I need you to break the news to the boy's mother.

-Absolutely not. -I'd send someone else,

but they don't have that Lucas Cole touch.

The ability to alienate everyone and still get whatever you want.

It's a gift.

[Lucas scoffs]

[knocking]

-What now? -Your 10 A.M. is here.

A Mr. Jackie Sendell Simms to see you.

Ah. Send him in, Helene.

In from the city, back for a visit? Do you mind if I sit in?

Have a seat, Jackie.

[Eliot] I'd love your client's autograph for my youngest. Huge fan.

[sighs]

First of all, my client accepts full responsibility.

-Oh, that's good to know. -For any misperceptions.

My client is a role model,

one who can make a meaningful contribution to educating the public on the...

Your client is going to jail for a very long time.

Lucas, if I might-- Okay.

Can I speak frankly, just among the three of us?

Eliot and I worked here together before you arrived, Lucas.

I actually sat right at this table.

And we both understood which battles were worth fighting and which weren't.

Eliot's gone on to be District Attorney for forever. [laughs]

And I've gone on to enjoy my share of success as a defense attorney.

Point is, my client is a highly respected man,

and this isn't a battle you want to fight, don't you think, Eliot?

Well, that is a good point.

And I'm not up to speed on the case, so, you know,

but, as I understand it, your highly respected client took advantage of two teenage girls.

-It's not true. -[Eliot] Yeah, I kinda think it is.

And you may think of this as a battle, Jackie,

but, uh, I have a feeling Lucas here considers this a crusade.

I mean, you're the reason he stepped away from the fat money of corporate law. Hmm?

What does this have to do with me?

Nothing.

Then what are we talking about? There isn't even a case here.

The girls withdrew their complaint.

[Eliot] Yes, your client paid them off, well done. Not the first time, is it?

But it is the first time he's done it in my jurisdiction.

The women won't testify.

-Yes, they will. -You're going to bully them?

-No. -[Jackie] They won't tell you anything.

So, what do you hope to gain? Explain that to me.

You're not kidding anyone, Lucas. You just want the headlines.

If all he wanted was publicity, Jackie, you wouldn't be having this meeting.

He'd just take this case to trial, put your guy away till the end of days.

-I know you. -[laughs] Believe me, you don't.

A corporate lawyer playing as prosecutor.

Cherry-picking the easy cases so you never lose.

But you don't have a winner here.

You know, I'm very fond of you, Jackie,

despite the manner in which you... took your leave.

-The offer was too good, Eliot. -Of course.

But your departure left open a position filled by Lucas, a godsend, as it were.

So, I would hate to have you go down the path of those who've underestimated him.

It's the punch which you don't see that knocks you out, Jackie.

And I'd prefer that you didn't spend all that taxpayer money.

Could you at least please give him a plea offer? Out of respect.

-Two felonies. -What?

Minimum seven years.

[laughs] You must be joking.

Chance for parole in half that.

Offer expires at 4 P.M.

This is insanity.

-Eliot, help me out here. -[Eliot] Okay, Jackie, here's the thing.

Your client is rich enough to afford you and your team and that's peaches for him.

But your client is also a degenerate sociopath

and if you bring him into court, my guy here is going to mop the floor with you.

And that's really not good for business, is it?

[scoffs]

Could I interest you in a coffee, Eliot?

That would be wonderful.

Just give me a moment to confer with my associate, would you?

-I'll be right outside. -Excellent.

Honestly, I don't think you can win this one in court.

But I guess it only matters what he thinks.

You don't take this case from me, Eliot.

[Eliot] I still think you don't understand me, Lucas.

I have priorities and my first one is to settle the hit-and-run, nice and quiet.

Why?

Because it's a rare thing when someone powerful is actually innocent.

There's no moral dilemmas.

In our time together I've stuck you with cases you didn't want

and taken away some you did, but have I ever lied to you?

No.

To a hammer, the whole world's a nail, Lucas.

Put the hit-and-run to bed

and put Jackie's client where he belongs, okay?

Not that I'm tying the two together.

Oh, and, um, handle the hit-and-run in person.

It's much more compassionate.

Alright, just get it done. But keep the media out of this.

I'll bring you back a coffee.

You're looking a little under the weather.

[tense music playing]

[Jackie] Be with you in a second, Eliot.

A quick word, counselor.

[Jackie sighs]

You better come back with a reasonable offer.

[sighs]

Or I will put your career in a very dark place.

[thud]

[tense music playing]

You need me to validate your parking, Jackie?

[tranquil music playing]

[alarm beeps]

[Eliot] We tried, Mr. Cole. I am sorry.

We gave it our best shot.

No, you didn't.

What your boy did, did not help.

That driver was drunk and out of control.

That's all that should've mattered.

It should have. But we were outgunned.

[Lucas] But if I got you another--

Well, we don't have the budget, Mr. Cole.

Won't cost you a thing.

[Eliot] Sure, I'll talk to him.

You are talking to him.

Mr. Cole, we prosecuted the case, even though, I knew we wouldn't win.

What would you have done differently?

-[Lucas] I would've found a way. -Really?

-Yes. -[Eliot] Just like that?

Yes.

Come by my office tomorrow.

The good fight.

[tranquil music playing]

Hey.

-You with the ladies? -[Christina] Mm-hmm.

[ducks quacking]

[Christina] Wait with your uncle.

[chickens clucking]

[Christina] Your dad is here.

-Hey, easy. -[Johnny] Just wanna go home.

You're supposed to wait at school, you know.

I got held up at work, okay?

-Just wanna-- -[Lucas] You have your big game.

I don't feel so good. Okay?

Plus, they don't even want me there.

-[Lucas] That's not true. -Yeah, right.

Look, maybe you get a hit, maybe you don't.

But you're going to the game.

[sighs] You drag me out for one practice all season,

-and now you-- -[Lucas] What did you say?

Nothing.

Wait here, okay?

-Why? -I have to talk to someone.

-[Johnny] No. -Just put your uniform on.

[sighs]

I won't be long.

[knocking]

-Mrs. Santiago? -[Valeria] Who are you?

I'm Lucas Cole from the D.A.'s Office.

[Valeria] What do you want?

I need to speak with you regarding your son.

[sighs]

[speaking in foreign language]

I'm Marisol Santiago. Please.

Thank you.

I have to tell you and I wanted to tell you in person.

The District Attorney's Office will not be pursuing

a criminal indictment regarding your son's accident.

[Valeria] What?

[Lucas] The Office doesn't believe it will be successful at trial.

-Why not? -[Lucas] Many factors. Mrs. Santiago.

-Like what? -Many.

Rich woman, poor kid. What are the other factors in this case?

I can only discuss the details of the case with the boy's mother.

-[Valeria] She's right here. -I can't. Uh.

Please excuse me, I'm already late. Valeria, do you mind?

No, I'll see him out.

I wish I had better news.

A plan for us all.

Thank you for coming, Mr. Cole.

She has such faith.

Lord keep her from people like you.

What do you gain protecting a drunk woman?

She wasn't drunk. If she was, I wouldn't be here.

Well, I was there, the police station,

when they brought her in. Where were you?

I wouldn't have known about the accident then.

[Valeria] And what about her blood level,

when they tested her for alcohol?

-Her blood was fine. -[Valeria] What was the number?

[scoffs] You don't remember?

What the hell kind of a prosecutor are you?

Your wife must be very proud.

You can go to her now.

Tell her you did a good day's work.

That's very righteous of you.

Mr. Cole, this is my house and I want you out of it.

[Lucas] Is-- is that why you're involved?

-Out. -Or are you just hoping for a piece of the civil settlement?

There won't be a settlement, you think I'm a fool?

Without a criminal conviction, no attorney will touch the civil case,

-not on contingency. -You know your way around the law.

[Valeria] I've had a lot to learn since that boy went to the hospital.

-Did you know he just got out? -Yes.

Good for you. Two surgeries.

Needs another. No insurance. You bet I'm involved, Mr. Cole.

Is he your nephew?

I know them from church, they have no money left, no place to stay.

[Lucas] Where's the boy's father?

-Where you people put him. -[Lucas] What?

[Valeria] She's visiting him today.

-What's his name? -[scoffs] Such concern.

The father's name, what is it?

-Mateo. -It's not my case.

You're telling me you can remember from almost a year ago?

[Lucas] I remember every case I ever tried.

You don't even know the details of this one.

-Here. Now. -This is not my case.

[sighs]

So, you're just a messenger, doesn't that clean your hands.

You need to leave now. I have a three-o'clock class.

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[speaking in foreign language]

[gloomy music playing]

[Mark] I was trying to pull the ball down the line to left field.

It just went higher than I expected.

-How'd you get so good? -My dad.

-He around? -No. Away.

What's your dad doing in here?

Talk, I guess. That's what he does.

Hey, mister, can you take me to the game?

-Well, I don't think that's-- -[Valeria] Hello.

-[Mark] Can I go with them? -That's not a good idea.

[Mark] My team's playing Johnny's.

[Valeria] Your mom wanted to be there for you, but today--

They could take me.

You can sit in my class like we discussed.

-What are you studying? -I teach it.

Do some homework, okay?

But I'm all done.

Let him come with us.

It's alright with me.

Uh...

Listen, about your mother, I'm sorry--

His grandmother, not my-- Thank you.

I'd like to look into the boy's father's case. There maybe grounds for appeal.

You want to do the right thing, then sure.

[Lucas] I'll try. It's the best I can do.

Of course.

But the boy's case is over.

A plan for us all.

Maybe I can find you a lawyer for the civil suit.

Someone willing to work for nothing upfront.

-[Lucas] Yes. -I doubt it.

Bring Marcos-- Mark, back by six.

[tranquil music playing]

Alright, guys.

You good, Johnny?

-Be back soon. -You're not watching?

I'll be there. Just got to do some things first.

Have a 100 percent attitude, that's 99 percent of it.

All you need is to keep, keep the eye on the ball--

[kid 1] Coach, Johnny.

That is one unusual little fellow.

Alright. You good? Alright.

[tranquil music playing]

[kid 2] [Inaudible]. Whoo!

[Johnny] That's their pitcher?

[speaking in foreign language]

Oh, boy.

[tranquil music playing]

[Umpire] Son, you're out.

[indistinct chatter]

-Strike one. -[kid 3] This is too easy.

Come on, kiddo, knock one out! [claps]

[kid 3] Swing.

Strike two!

[kid 3] Get ready.

Strike three. Next batter.

[kid 3] Bye-bye.

It's good to be king.

-[Lucas] Mr. District Attorney. -Not forever.

Wouldn't worry, no one is actually challenging you.

[Eliot] And the thrill somehow wanes.

The heart, she is a fickle thing.

[scoffs]

Attorney General?

Might test the waters.

Bowing to the will of the people, as it were.

Their will be done. [knocks]

This defendant got railroaded.

This isn't a courtroom, spare the melodrama.

[Lucas] One eyewitness at night, unreliable at best.

-Then why'd you prosecute it? -I didn't.

[Eliot] It's not even your case?

Real problem here is judicial misconduct. Misuse of hearsay.

-Improper jury instructions. -Who is the judge?

-[Lucas] Hurzweil. -Didn't he retire?

I vaguely remember saying something nice about him at some function.

Wasn't he always the one who was always bragging about his days at Harvard Law?

Yeah.

Dig away, chew on his bones if you want.

Just tell me this wasn't a murder case.

Unarmed robbery.

You still haven't told me why you're involved.

Something I promised.

-Anyone I know? -Santiago.

-Why is that name familiar? -[Lucas] It's the boy's father.

From the hit-and-run?

A decent lawyer would crush this on appeal.

And what are the odds they'll have a decent lawyer?

Next week. Today, no worries.

As a matter of fact, Leland Hardt would like us to stop by later.

-No. -Not a request.

You got to see this place to believe it.

Here's the case file, the hit-and-run.

Now that it's over it's all yours.

I have a reputation to maintain, or an image at least.

Can't have anybody insinuating I did a favor.

But you didn't.

[Eliot] No, of course, not.

But people like to think the worst of us.

[knocking on door]

You speak to him?

Yes, I did, as a matter of fact, Jackie.

I told him that your client is a pillar of the community

and that his multiple and sordid felonies were mere spasms of immaturity.

Eliot, this is serious.

Yes, it is.

[Jackie] So like I told you, you don't have a case.

Talk to that man.

Okay, Lucas, cards on the table.

You drag my guy into court, I'll make this a nightmare for you.

-If you try to crucify him-- -I'll take my chances.

Come on, gentlemen, let's just talk this through.

You talk to the jury, before they bury him for his sins.

[Eliot] Not religious, but very Old Testament.

-We're done here, counselor. -He's right, Jackie.

You had a plea offer, you turned it down. We're going before the people.

-I didn't turn it down. -[Eliot] I thought you did.

-No. -Well, it's off the table.

[Jackie] It's not fair. You said the deal was good until four.

[Eliot] It's ten after.

Who cares about ten minutes? We're talking about justice here!

Well, that's very impressive, Jackie.

You just get one juror to buy into that righteous indignation,

you can force a re-trial.

[Jackie laughs]

Hmm.

I learned more from this man in my first three months here

than I did in three years of Ivy League law school.

Like a father to me.

You're a lucky man, Lucas.

You don't mind if I call the senior partners, do you?

Let them talk with you directly.

[Lucas] No.

-Good. -[Lucas] No.

What is he saying?

I think he's saying "no."

[Jackie] Eliot, he just doesn't understand that I need to--

You just touch one button on that phone, we go to trial.

-[Jackie] You can't be serious. -Try me.

Look, I have dinner plans so, five, four, three--

We take the deal.

-[Eliot] Press conference. -No.

-[Eliot] Two. One? -Please, Eliot.

[sighs] You'll recommend a reduced sentence?

No.

Do I have your word you'll support early parole?

Eliot, I rely on your sense of fairness.

Our time together.

Courthouse steps.

[Jackie] This could damage my--

I rely on your ability--

The steps right soon.

And don't forget that autograph for my son.

[footsteps retreating]

Did you really want to go to trial?

I bet you didn't.

Doesn't matter.

Either way, I'm gonna take the case away from you

because I'm a politically ambitious son of a gun.

Or haven't you heard?

A press conference on the courthouse steps, nice for the image.

And the reputation.

Let's let Jackie sweat it out a bit, hmm?

♪ Yes, I was lost

♪ But now I found

[umpire] Next batter.

[speaking in foreign language]

[indistinct chatter]

[kid 3] Here we go again.

[speaking in foreign language]

[umpire] Strike one.

[kid 3] No batter.

You got nothing.

Strike two. Come on, Johnny, at least go down fighting!

[kid 3] Swing.

That's sorta strike three.

[crowd applauding]

[footsteps approaching]

[tranquil music playing]

[birds chirping]

Where is the lady?

Couldn't make it this week.

Okay.

Something new for her?

"Always remember the power of words.

Words, after all are more than just heard.

[tranquil music playing]

Down, down beyond the cloudy and clear..."

Emily.

[Terrence] "...until your wondering mind's inner ear,

where goodness and greatness do battle with fear.

Now a battle--"

That's it.

You write that just this week?

[Terrence] Yeah.

-You are a poet, Terrence. -Okay.

Where's the lady?

Couldn't make it this week.

Okay.

-Next Friday? -[Terrence] Okay.

[Zhao] Can we talk about my client?

That bank officer is claiming long-term disability for a phantom neck injury.

My client's his meal ticket.

I believe in him.

Not the first time for him.

Nothing in the file.

[Lucas] Since this is your first case, I'll pretend like you didn't know.

But you don't know why, do you?

That man was four years a Marine, two years in harm's way,

a final stint in Germany.

He's walking down the street, some neo-Nat thugs get in his face,

and you can guess what they said.

[Lucas] No idea.

What the world must look like to you.

Everyone has a story to tell.

You're still here.

[scoffs] What did you say to that new public defender?

She looks, what's the word? Dispirited.

-There's a mistake here. -No, no, no, no.

There are no mistakes. Not today. Today the world is flawless.

-Eliot, I'm gonna need-- -You missed a press conference for the ages, Lucas.

Tears. Applause. Ah, it was just embarrassing.

Just absolutely wonderful.

No, no, no, no. Come on, not today.

-Where's the BAC? -[sighs]

-What are you talking about? -The BAC. It's not in the file.

She wasn't drunk, we already discussed this.

How would you know?

[sighs] She was never tested, they screwed up.

That's why it's not in the file, not in the system.

Look, there were other factors, anyway.

-We could not have won in court. -We'll see.

-The case is over. -Like hell it is.

Thanks to you, by the way.

Our office officially dismissed the charges 20 minutes ago.

The press release went out under your name.

Anything else gone missing?

[scoffs] It's not missing, it was never done!

You made the right choice, Lucas,

and I want you to know I'm not offended by your tone.

You're going through a tough time, I know.

We'll just attribute any nastiness to the booze.

What, you think I don't know?

I'm the District Attorney.

All those investigators on my payroll,

you don't think I keep track of what my prosecutors are up to?

So you drink, who cares?

A little during the day, a little more at night, I'm not troubled.

You work hard.

Heck, take the rest of the afternoon. I'll walk you to your car.

We'll have a drink. How about that?

Have you seen the kid?

Listen, Lucas, let this one go.

I brought him to the baseball game.

His team is playing my son's team.

You should come and meet him.

I'd love to, but I have a lot of work--

Game was supposed to be tomorrow,

but they moved it up because of a storm that's coming.

Right, sure.

[Lucas] Uh-huh.

Then why are you here?

[chuckles]

Just a game.

[Eliot] Oh, don't think that.

Run along. Go.

[indistinct chatter]

[shouts]

Take your base! Take your base!

Hey, hey, hey, you okay, kid?

I'm done.

Okay. Uh, hey, Johnny, listen. The pitcher's tired.

So, don't swing, maybe you'll get a walk.

[umpire] Next batter.

Good, good. Okay. Let's go.

Timmy. Where is Timmy?

-Yeah, need you first. -[Mark] Hey!

-First pitch, you go for it. -What?

No way he'll walk you, you're the winning run.

-He won't put you on base. -Not supposed to swing.

The first pitch will be right down the middle,

even if he has to throw it underhand.

-And you have a good swing. -[Johnny] Really?

Absolutely.

-Just keep your eye-- -Eye on the ball?

[Mark] No, keep your eye on the bat.

-Huh? -Swing at the first pitch.

Watch where it hits your bat. Keep your eyes there.

Next batter.

Go get him.

[crowd cheers and applauds]

[woman 1] Just do it.

[tranquil music playing]

[Paul] Here you go, fellas. Well, look who bothered to show up.

What are you doing here, Paul?

I came to see my grandson's big game.

And what a game, huh, fellas! You should have seen it.

Last inning, they're down to their final lap, one run behind.

Man on first.

[indistinct chatter]

[kid 3] Oh, good, it's you.

[suspenseful music playing]

[crowd cheers]

Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh!

[all cheering]

That's what I'm talking about, Johnny!

[cheering continues]

[Paul] Kaboom! Oh, you should have seen it.

You know when I was your age, I had a paper route,

delivered papers in the morning before I went to school.

I was saving my nickels for bleacher seats at Yankee Stadium.

It was 1961.

The chase for the home-run record.

Everybody was cheering on Mickey Mantle.

Oh, The Mick.

But not me, I was rooting for Roger Maris.

Number 9, as he wore his hair in crew-cut,

just like your granddad used to.

Had a sweet swing. You know, terrific teammate.

-Good man. Responsible. -[Lucas] We got to get going, Johnny.

Well, seeing you hit that made me feel like a kid again, like I was watching Roger Maris.

Your mother was watching, too. So proud of you.

Paul, why do you always have to be such--?

You know I've been watching baseball for over 50 years.

And I know I've seen a bigger home run than yours.

But I'll be darned if I can remember when.

Let's get going, guys.

[Johnny] Let me help.

Don't need any.

No, I mean I wanna.

[tranquil music playing]

Hey! The ball.

-It hit here. -Absolutely.

[Johnny] Whoa.

Nice car.

[tranquil music playing]

Wait here, okay?

[sighs] Always. Won't be long.

Fine, come in.

-No. -Johnny, now is not the time.

The game was good, everything's good, okay?

[cellphone rings]

[sighs]

Yeah? Okay.

Okay. Thanks, Pat.

I won't be long, okay?

-I'm Lucas. -Chadwick, sir. Dennis.

[Paul] Your mother was watching, too. I'm so proud of you.

[thunder rumbles]

[Emily] Yeah, Johnny caught such a big fish,

grandpa was so proud of him.

-We're almost home now. -[Johnny] Hey!

[thunder crashes]

[crash]

[calm music playing]

Okay. If you would, sir. Lucas.

You're not going in?

Oh, no. Creeps me out.

[Leland] Lucas Cole. [laughs]

[Sandrick] Alert the authorities.

There's another attorney in our midst!

You know when there is one lawyer in town there's no business to be had.

But when there are two lawyers, there's no end to business.

-Mr. Sandrick. -Call me Reverend Nat.

Welcome to my sanctuary, Lucas, away from prying eyes.

It's the reason I bought the estate.

Vanity, I'm afraid.

Is that one of the deadly sins, Reverend?

-Easily forgiven. -[laughs]

So how'd it go?

Your son's game.

Oh. Fine.

Eliot told me how you left work early, had to be there. [laughs]

A man who knows his priorities, got to respect that.

I have some news, wanted you to hear it first.

Eliot has decided to pursue the position of State Attorney General

and I have chosen to support his candidacy.

-He's earned it. -[Leland] Hmm.

That's not why you're here.

I thought we should meet, face to face.

I believe you should run for District Attorney,

replace Eliot as he extends his reach and his grasp.

No answer? [laughs]

Good.

Anyone who agrees too quickly worries me.

And anyone who says no is a fool.

Now we know you're no fool

and, standing here with you, I'm not worried.

You will consider my offer?

-Mm-hmm. -[Sandrick] A considerate man.

Hmm.

The Reverend came by to offer Anna some spiritual guidance.

And I had to meet our state's next Attorney General.

[Leland] Oh, he's on his way.

To say nothing of the next District Attorney of this county.

If you so choose.

My boy's waiting in the car, if you'll excuse me.

Bring him inside, by all means.

[Sandrick] I was saddened, Lucas, to hear of your loss.

Eliot told me about the accident, your wife, terrible tragedy. I'm sorry.

We almost lost Anna, as you're aware. A car accident as well.

My wife wasn't under the influence.

I don't think that's accurate--

Oh, Anna had a few drinks, a mistake and she knows it.

She hasn't touched a drop since.

Has she seen the boy? Mark?

My wife is devastated.

She is distraught about the injuries that young man suffered.

He was crossing against the light--

That's her version.

-That's the only version. -[Lucas] Yes, I read the file.

What are we talking about here?

Evidence is missing from the case files and from the database as well.

But the police station keeps hard copies.

Your wife's blood alcohol content was 0.05.

That's under the legal limit, Lucas.

I would think you would know that.

[Lucas] They also took hair samples.

I thought that might interest you.

Your wife was high on cocaine.

"High" is an ambiguous term.

High as a kite, is that clearer?

Are you looking to shake down Mr. Hardt?

[Lucas] No.

[Sandrick] Then what the hell is going on here!

It's all right, Reverend.

The case was dismissed, was it not?

-[Lucas] Yes. -[scoffs] Resolved.

Mr. Cole is just expressing Christian concern for the young man harmed.

And to put us on notice that he is a prosecutor to be respected.

Anna and I will pay the young man a visit in person.

In due time.

[Eliot] Well, if you're going to crash, you might as well aim for something big.

That was a hell of a show. I just heard.

-You told me to come, here I am. -Yeah, I wouldn't have if I'd known you'd be doing that.

-You lied to me, Eliot. -Not really.

We couldn't have won the case. Too much firepower on their side.

Reverend Nat alone would've had a hundred demonstrators on the courthouse steps.

He can't play the race card, not on this one.

[Eliot] Oh, ye of little faith.

You don't want any part of that.

And drop the wide-eyed-child routine, doesn't fit you.

Leland Hardt owns a television network and, brother,

he can bring down the wrath of God on both of us.

You want to turn your back on God, fine, I'm with you.

But turn your back on a man with a TV network? Foolish.

His network is just violence.

-[Eliot] Save it for the tourists. -Targeted to kids.

[Eliot] Not his fault to give them what they want.

His choice.

If he didn't do it, someone else would.

And we'd be at their door.

Crazy, insane thing is that he likes you.

A kindred spirit. Ruthless.

And he wants to support me for Attorney General, God bless him.

I'll do a hell of a job.

With the occasional favor.

Don't get high and mighty, not with me.

I've seen you work that boy-next-door vibe and your holier than thou manner

and no one sees you coming. But I knew.

Everybody thought you wanted to do something good with your life.

Make things right.

But you wanted blood and that's why I hired you.

I've seen how you handle cases.

Buddy boy, you would've put the screws through Christ Almighty.

[groans]

Of course, I could be wrong.

You still hate me for it, don't you?

Losing that case.

A year to the day, you don't think I remember? Please.

There you were on my doorstep.

And here you are now, with the chance to be District Attorney.

But you need those guys. And they need an answer.

This is the world we're in, Lucas.

The only question is, what are you going to do about it?

I have to go get my kid.

Why don't you stop or hit off the bottle first?

-You know what-- -We're realists, you and me, no different.

This is the opportunity, Lucas. Right here, right now.

Fine, I'll tell them your answer is no.

Tell them my answer is yes.

[engine starts]

[tense music playing]

Hey, where do you think you are going, son?

Hey, don't walk away from me when I'm--

Talking?

Look, I've had a not great day, alright?

-I don't need this from you. -Sorry about your day. Dad.

You had to wait in the car for a few minutes, what is the big deal?

Hey, I wanted to be at your game.

Not true.

You don't want me there any way, I just make you nervous.

Not true.

Well, yeah, you do.

You scared the hell out of me.

Something could have happened to you.

[Johnny] You should have been there.

I know, I will. Next time, okay?

-You should have. -[Lucas] I will.

It wasn't my fault.

-What are you talking about? -Not my fault.

Johnny, what'd you do?

You drove fast there this morning.

It wasn't on purpose.

-That's a lie. -[Lucas] No.

Yes.

I was just messing around that night.

Look, we don't have to talk about it, okay?

I don't know why I did it.

It was not your fault, okay?

-How would you know? -I know.

I know.

I never told, not a soul.

If you hadn't done what you did, maybe you'd be gone, too.

If I hadn't, maybe--

Hey. Hey. Johnny. Johnny. Come here.

[tranquil music playing]

[Johnny] She stopped me. With her arm.

-I miss her. -[Lucas] Me, too.

It wasn't your fault.

God help me.

Go sit in the front seat, will you?

I hate that stupid sliding door.

[engine starts]

You know you never told me what Mark said to you before you hit your home run.

"Eye on the ball."

You know I don't believe you for a second.

How would you know?

That's what you said.

How would you know?

-Just leave us alone. -How would you know?

[Valeria] I must have been some idiot letting you take them to the game.

You were there when they brought her in.

Dumping two ten-year-olds on their own?

-[Lucas] The lady who hit Mark. -You think I would have-- What?

Why were you at the police station?

[Valeria] What are you talking about?

You said you were there when they brought Anna Hardt in.

How would you know?

I saw it happen, reported it to the police.

You witnessed the hit-and-run.

[Valeria] I gave them the license plate.

Why are you asking now?

Why didn't you ask before?

[door bangs]

You're most welcome.

-How are you, sir? -Lucas.

[Dennis] I was addressing the young gentleman.

Fine, sir.

Dennis.

They're in the sanctuary.

"The Civil War" by Caesar himself.

How does a man read in this light?

Does he read or just place his hand on the cover and absorb?

Hey. How you doing, little man?

I need to speak with Mr. Hardt.

Oh, he's, he's checking in on his wife.

She's feeling a little bit under the weather.

Let's see if we can find him.

Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on your boy.

Here in the Fortress of Solitude.

Makes Hardt feel like a Roman emperor.

Yeah. And look what happened to them.

Eliot tells me you have some concerns about Hardt's television network?

Don't you?

Are any of us without flaw?

He's a fine man, a man of faith.

What does that mean to you, "a man of faith"?

Look to Proverbs 3,

"Trust with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

Nice sentiment.

"Acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

But for a different world, don't you think?

Not at all.

What are you looking for, Lucas?

In this world His hand is everywhere, and that's the truth of it.

Seek His righteousness.

Are you a righteous man, Nat?

[Sandrick] I'm a practical man and in a practical world,

that's the soul of righteousness.

Are you a practical man, Lucas?

I believe you are. So, let's talk like practical men and do away with childish things.

More than one verse.

You're familiar with Corinthians?

"If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains,

but do not have love, I have nothing."

Where did you learn that?

The words or the meaning?

I don't understand.

From someone near to me.

Forgive me for saying this, Lucas,

but you are so blinded by what you lost,

you don't appreciate what you have, and why.

What do you want, Nat?

I need your assurance that as District Attorney,

you will take a personal interest in certain cases.

Cases that deserve prosecution. And conviction.

And you'll benefit from the civil settlements that follow?

As is just.

Spiritual advisor.

To the families who sue, yes.

-Spiritual? -The Lord's work.

Was it the Lord's work, the tensions you provoked?

Peoples' passions at time outrun their reason.

You want to hold me accountable, Lucas, but you are wrong to do so.

The message, you see, it takes on a life of its own,

separate from the intentions of a messenger.

You understand?

Mrs. Hardt.

The two-bit lawyer.

And the other two-bit lawyer.

-Anna, please. -Don't.

[Sandrick] We are none beyond redemption.

Though some are close.

Look at the world, Lucas, a few lead, the rest follow.

A few prosper, most do not.

And you're meant to--

His will be done.

Power and wealth, for His purpose, and ours.

Your boy back in private school.

What father doesn't want to do right by his son?

-Yes? -Yes.

[Sandrick] I think we understand each other.

[Eliot] You get that memorized. Put that bad boy back.

Okay, now let me ask you a question.

-What's your favorite number? -Forty-two.

How about a number less than ten?

Uh, four. Or two.

[Eliot] Two it is.

That is one.

How much you want to bet the next card I turn over is yours?

-A million bucks. -You are on.

-Whoa. But you said-- -I said the next card I turn over.

I didn't say the next card in the deck.

That's not fair!

Who said the world was fair, my friend?

-I don't have-- -A million bucks.

Well, okay, I won't collect this time.

-But just this once. -[Lucas] Collect what?

Oh, uh, this young fellow here owes me a favor, that's all.

No, he doesn't.

Okay, he doesn't.

I've learned not to argue with him.

Mr. Hardt, you wanted to meet my son. John.

A pleasure. How are you, young man?

[Johnny] Okay, sir.

[Leland laughing]

[Leland] Mr. Cole.

I've come across some new information that's troubling.

-[Sandrick] At a cost, I'm sure. -[Lucas] Yes.

[Sandrick] What's your price this time?

[Leland] Reverend, please.

How can I help you, Lucas?

[Lucas] You can't.

[Sandrick] Perhaps you misunderstood me when we spoke before.

-No. -If you don't want my friendship, just say it.

[Lucas] I don't want your friendship.

And I don't want your support.

[laughing]

Getting a little old to be all alone, aren't you?

Not alone.

[Leland] What does that mean?

It means you were right what you said before.

You know, I couldn't see.

Today I can.

And when I see that boy injured,

hearing what his mother said about God's plan, maybe I'm a part of that.

Hearing those words. Maybe you're right,

maybe the message can transcend the messenger.

Maybe, this is His way. Here.

Now.

I think it's time you're heading back to the office, don't you?

-[Lucas] No. -[scoffs] Is that right?

I'm resigning. End of day.

[Eliot] Fine, run along.

My apologies for bringing him here.

Mr. Hardt, your wife will never face a criminal trial.

And I let that happen.

But I can sue her for what she did to that boy.

You won't win.

Maybe you're right. But maybe it can be done.

And if you're a betting man, you best bet it will be done.

[laughs]

[Leland] Please, enlighten us, Lucas.

I'd rather not put the boy through a trial.

[Sandrick] One in which you cannot succeed.

[Lucas] There was an eyewitness. Don't blame Eliot.

He tried his best.

Her testimony wouldn't hold up on cross.

-[Lucas] I think you underestimate her. -This case can't be won, Lucas.

-Come on, Johnny, let's go home. -[Sandrick] Mr. Cole.

You have no idea the pressure I will put on you.

[Leland] How much?

Just wait and see, Mr. Hardt.

I was speaking to Mr. Cole.

The boy's had two surgeries, needs a third. They have no insurance.

How much money?

[Lucas] A hundred grand.

[laughs]

No.

[Lucas] And you'll agree to put your wife in a rehab center.

Who do you think you're talking to?

-Him. -The man already said no.

Do you want to offer a fairer price?

A hundred twenty thousand.

[laughs]

That's not how you negotiate.

Sixty thousand dollars and Anna is my concern, thank you.

No, I think Johnny has got the right idea.

Hundred twenty thousand. And I get to pick the rehab center.

Don't want your wife hitting any more kids.

-Walk away, Mr. Hardt. -Hundred forty thousand.

-Well, Lucas, you'll get your trial. -[Lucas] One hundred sixty.

-But you, you do-- -One hundred eighty thousand.

And I'm finished with you, you won't work in--

-Two hundred thousand! -[Lucas] Yes.

You two, quiet.

You have a deal.

Two hundred thousand dollars.

And you can send Anna to the Amazon if it will get her clean.

You and your wife will go visit Mark?

-Yes. -[Lucas] Tomorrow.

Fine.

Make out the check.

-What, now! -[Leland] For the love of God, Eliot, shut up.

[Sandrick] You think you're so clever, don't you?

No.

Nice payday, though.

Lawyer for the kid, a third of the settlement.

I don't think so.

Oh, I'm very sure. And so are you.

You take care now.

Why don't you let me handle this, Mr. Hardt?

Actually, why don't you walk the Reverend to his car?

And then leave in yours.

I cannot imagine I'll be supporting any candidacy of yours, Mr. Brennar.

Go ahead.

Well, go on. Run along.

Come on, walk with me.

Anna, darling, have you met Mr. Cole?

-Yes. -Excellent.

Lucas, I do believe you fooled the good reverend.

But we all see the world through our own eyes, do we not?

All others a lesser version of ourselves.

But I hold no illusions.

Although I must confess to a little bit of envy.

And that, I am quite sure, is one of the deadly sins.

A man who finds the freedom to live his own beliefs.

A man like that can do wonders.

And what about you?

Indeed. What about me?

-You have the power to do whatever it is you want. -Hmm.

But not the freedom.

I'm too far down this path to find another.

I think you know that isn't true.

[chuckles]

What I know, what I know I'll do, two very different things.

But at least I'm honest about it, that's got to be worth something.

I spend my time with charlatans like the Reverend Nat and worse.

As much as I hate to work with them, I'm not ready to fight against them.

Not today. Perhaps tomorrow.

Your son seems like a very nice young man.

-God bless his mother. -Hmm.

And I wouldn't underestimate his father.

Are you serious about a run at District Attorney?

Yes.

Oh.

I very much hope you win.

But I will do whatever is necessary to see to it that you do not.

I trust you understand.

[Lucas] Mm-hmm.

[Leland] Shall we conclude our business? To whom shall I write the check?

Make it out to "Cash."

[tense music playing]

Of course.

[tranquil music playing]

[sighs]

Your trunk was open, didn't think you'd mind.

How's my partner in cards?

Wait in the car.

Car. Please.

[Eliot] There by the grace of God.

[Lucas] Something like that.

Well, you certainly sold the man in there a bill of goods.

[Lucas] Not interested in the man in there.

So, um, why don't you, what, what's his word, enlighten me,

what it is you're getting at.

Quote me something profound, or was that all you knew?

No, I'm not the one to blame here.

If I were Attorney General, imagine all the good I could have done?

I treated you like a son, and--

[sighs]

Don't forget after tomorrow you're just another lawyer.

-Yeah. -Hustling out there like the rest of them.

[Lucas] Mm-hmm.

Who knows, maybe you'll fool everyone,

[gloomy music playing]

keep all that money for yourself.

One person who could have ruined this for me

and I dragged you into it.

Now why would I do that?

[car engine starts]

[gloomy music playing]

So, you still remember where I live, huh?

What are doing here?

I should have been there that night.

Should have been me driving.

I got held up at work.

I'm so sorry.

[sighs]

-Come in. -[Lucas] Uh, I can't.

Johnny's in the car, waiting.

[sighs]

Listen.

All those things I said--

Uh, you understand, a loss like that, man's got to blame somebody.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Maybe not.

You wanna join us?

Next time.

All right.

Like to hear that from you.

[scoffs]

[clears throat]

[car door opens then closes]

What do you want now?

-[Lucas] Is Mrs. Santiago in? -No.

-Do you know where she is? -[Valeria] Yes.

He shouldn't be in jail.

-Mark's father. -What about him?

He can win on appeal. He just needs a decent lawyer.

One who will work for free, that's all.

[Lucas] I can give you a name.

Why would anyone take the case for nothing?

Well, he's a bit of a fool.

-[Valeria] Who? -Me.

-Very funny. -[Lucas] Is it?

Mr. Prosecutor.

Not after today.

-You were fired? -I quit.

But I would have been fired, yeah.

Uh, do you know where she is?

I don't think I believe you.

[Lucas] Have her call me.

What in God's name are you talking about?

It's the settlement from Mark's civil suit.

How is that possible?

I'm Mark's new lawyer. He just doesn't know it yet.

That check is made out to "Cash."

-What does his new lawyer get? -[Lucas] Everything.

You're keeping all the money?

I'm keeping none of it.

I'll take you to Mark.

[footsteps approaching]

[cellphone rings]

Make a right out of the driveway.

Hello? No, not going back.

Uh, where are we going?

Are you okay?

12 Prospect Street.

Did you hear that?

[tranquil music playing]

[car rumbles]

My client accepts your deal.

You're willing to plead guilty, Mr. Sensabaugh?

Yes, he is.

Allow him to answer for himself.

To confess to what you swore you didn't do.

What do you want, Mr. Cole? He said yes.

[Lucas] No. He didn't.

Sign it?

He's agreed to. He'll sign it now.

Did you hurt the man?

-Did you? -[Zhao] Leave him alone, Mr. Cole.

Who do you think you are?

I'm the Assistant District Attorney of this county.

For the next few minutes anyway.

Did you hurt the man, Peter?

No.

Deal's off.

-You can't do that. -Yes, I can.

That's not fair.

It's more than fair. It's just.

What does that mean?

It means you just won your first case, counselor.

[gasps]

[laughing]

-[Valeria] You always this popular? -[Lucas] It's an unusual day.

[Valeria] Thank you.

[tranquil music playing]

Scene one, take one. [Inaudible] slate.

Can we do that again?

[man 2] Still rolling.

[crowd cheers]

God help me.

Not alone.

[Valeria] What does his new lawyer get?

Everything.

Alright.

[all laugh]

[tranquil music playing]

[music stops playing]

-[man 3] [Inaudible] ready? -Mm-hmm.

I'm just in cha-- I'm just getting into character.

[man 3] Good.

[tranquil music continues playing]