Original subtitles

- Hey, welcome back, wanderer. - What happened here?

Welcome to the new and improved Reddick, Boseman and Lockhart,

a division of STR Laurie.

STR Laurie. So, how are our new overloads?

The new stationery is nice, very thick. But they ration it for the environment.

Right, that's new, too. I think it's a sunset?

- Diane, welcome back. - Thanks, Jay.

- I'm giving her the tour. - What's it like up there?

Never been. It's off-limits to mere mortals.

They're worried they'll be tainted by us.

- But it's not off-limits to dogs? - Monday and Wednesday are pet days.

The name partners can bring their dogs.

My God! Bat?

Yeah. Gargoyle. Upstairs wanted something more dramatic.

Adrian must love that.

Okay, thank you.

Before we start,

I'd like to officially welcome back our very own Diane Lockhart.

Thank you, Adrian. Thank you everyone.

I must say it's been very odd being away from you all.

I can't wait to get back into it.

Did you enjoy traveling the world on your name partner bonus?

- Barry, let's not go there. - It's the only place to go.

All right. Okay.

We lost ChumHum, remember? We needed a lifeboat.

And now, we're part of the seventh largest law firm in the world.

And we were promised to be made whole within six months.

And that will come.

I'm making half of what I was as a Riddick Boseman partner.

- What is that? - Your portion.

- Of? - The acquisition of our firm.

- Oh, my God. - Yeah.

So, we're happy, but the equity partners aren't?

The equity partners were expecting more.

And they'll get more, that's the thinking, it's just gonna take some time.

Okay, so, how do we make this more acceptable to the other partners?

Get the fuck out of here! Hey, hey, come on!

- You're being summoned. - Is that a bad thing?

If it's Mister Laurie, no. If it's Mister Firth, maybe.

- Miss Lockhart, you mind following me? - I don't.

- Would you like some water or coffee? - No, thank you.

- Will I be meeting with Mister Laurie? - No, Mister Laurie's in London.

But Mister Firth would like to talk.

- So, nine months? - Yes, doctor's orders.

You must have gone stir-crazy.

That included some travel, but not too much.

- My husband's a bit of a homebody. - Homebody.

- What do you want to do now, Diane? - Get back to work.

What work?

My clients. My old cases.

My partners picked up the slack while I was recovering, but now I'm back.

- Ever heard of Ryokan, the Zen master? - No.

He lived a simple life in a hut at the foot of a hill.

One evening a thief broke in only to discover there was nothing to steal.

So, Ryokan surrendered his clothes to him as a gift.

After the thief ran away, Ryokan was left sitting naked, watching the moon.

And he thought, Poor fellow, I wish I could give him this beautiful moon.

I don't think I understand.

I followed your career, Diane. You're exceptional in court.

You do what is required.

You're a good organizer, but do you know when you really come to life?

When you have a cause, a Goliath to face.

That's what I'm here to give you. This is your moon.

- And what is that? - Yours.

You are now in charge of our pro bono department,

all twenty-two lawyers and these forty cases.

- Why? - We want you to be happy.

Doing good in the world is the best way to do good for STR Laurie.

So, do good.

I'll need investigator time and partner billable hours.

Whatever you need, you take. No more corporate cases.

You make our firm a good citizen, no matter what it costs.

- Welcome back, Diane. - Thank you, Lucca.

- What's it like up there? - Clean.

- Do you know what my job is, Lucca? - My guess would be you're a lawyer.

I'm the sorting hat of lawyers. Do you know means?

- Yeah, is it a Harry Potter thing? - It is. Have you read Harry Potter?

No. I know. I'm the only person in the world who hasn't.

- Why haven't you read it? - I don't like wizard shit.

Yes, fuck wizard shit.

- I like you Lucca. - I like being liked.

Good. So, here's what I need from you.

We have a divorce up here that's proving problematic.

One of our most important clients,

and I think there is a personality clash with our divorce lawyer.

I want you to work with him, smooth out the sharper edges, if that makes sense.

- I think it does. - Good.

- Do you know who Bianca Skye is? - Yeah.

She's actually a very lovely woman.

So, please ignore all of the gossip profiles.

Lucca, here we go. I'd like you to meet your new partner. David Lee.

Lucca Quinn. Still wear your hair like a boy, I see.

You two know each other.

- We're old friends. Right, Lucca? - Yeah.

So, yesterday, you guys wouldn't even answer my calls.

Now I have six lawyers? What happened?

I've taken an interest in your case, Miss Tecades.

That's all it took?

Yes. So, this is a case of eminent domain,

and the hearing tomorrow is merely to win a temporary restraining order

against the builders who want to bulldoze your restaurant.

- Good. And what do you want me to do? - I saw a food truck outside.

Can you swing it by Federal Court tomorrow at eleven and start cooking?

Cooking? Why?

Justice may be blind, but it still has its other senses.

- You're not the lawyer I expected. - I've changed.

So, our numbers seem to be growing here.

The firm thought you would be more comfortable

with someone closer to your age.

I didn't know this firm had any black lawyers.

They hide us.

Why don't you tell Lucca about your ex?

Sure. So Brad is trying to void our pre-nup.

Back when we got married and I was broke,

he was the one who insisted on a pre-nup and now, it's the reverse.

And he wants to void it. So, what do you think?

- What do I... - Yeah.

I think you should tell him to fuck off.

- Can I do that? - Sure.

There's no pretense here to duress or coercion.

He's the one that asked for the prenup.

Now he's complaining 'cause he's stuck in his own shitty pre-nup?

Why don't we hold off on hardening our position until we see how depositions go?

Bianca, would you mind taking Lucca through your other issues again?

Sure. So, I met Brad when I was 21. Very stupid.

Sorry we never got to the deposition prep.

We'll do that tomorrow.

Bye.

You're running the meter on her, aren't you?

Oh, good. The angry black woman has made an appearance.

I didn't need to hear her issues.

You just billed that woman for an hour of complete bullshit.

I've been practicing law since before you knew how to go potty by yourself.

So, maybe for once, you should watch and learn.

Tucker Nugent.

I am CEO of Rare Orchard, a top Fortune 500 real estate developer.

Mister Nugent, this is the... strike that.

- Do you recognize this photo? - No.

It is the neighborhood where Marta's restaurant is located.

The restaurant you are attempting to tear down through eminent domain.

Would you say that that neighborhood is blighted?

Objection. This is beyond the witness' expertise.

- Sustained. - What? Why?

Because I'm the judge.

Diane, you wanted a mock court to get your mojo back, so get it back.

When a judge is unfair, get angry.

Let's go, Counselor.

These are online reviews of Marta's restaurant,

all of them written within the last six months.

All of them negative. Could you read that one right there?

The food is putrid. The location dangerous.

- And the service is all black people. - Would you call that a negative review?

I call that an offensive review.

And yet, did you know that that review and thirty more just like it

all came from your office IP address?

Is that true?

I think you got your mojo back.

And do you know who I've been randomly assigned as judge?

- Who? - Julius.

Good morning, everyone. Please be seated.

The court is being asked to issue a temporary restraining order...

Your Honor, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Louis Canning.

Yes, hello, Mister Canning.

I'm Louis I just wanted to explain some of these awkward movements you may see.

I'm sorry.

I didn't know my condition was a source of amusement to you, Missus Lockhart.

The only amusement is how you use it, Mister Canning.

My goodness. Hate comes in many forms.

- Your Honor. - Enough.

I know who you are, Mister Canning.

We were on the opposite sides of many cases.

That's why I asked you, Your Honor, to recuse yourself.

That and your relationship with Missus Lockhart.

If every judge who had a prior career recused himself,

there'd be no judges left. Recusal denied.

- I will appeal. - I think you should.

- When are they starting up? - Now.

The Court is being asked to issue a temporary...

Your Honor, my client's Mexican restaurant,

which serves up authentic homemade food with a contemporary edge,

great moles, chorizo tacos, is in danger of being bulldozed...

Excuse me, Your Honor. Could we ask that the windows be closed?

Why?

Because my health is negatively impacted by the cold air, Your Honor.

Doctor's orders.

Marshal. Can we move on to our witnesses?

Yes, we call the CEO of Rare Orchard Developers to the stand,

Mister Tucker Nugent.

Mister Nugent!

Tucker Nugent?

Hello?

- Mister Canning, where's your client? - He's not here, Your Honor.

- Where is he? - I don't know.

Your Honor, we are ready.

- He's been subpoenaed, sir. - That's true.

- Then, he must appear. - We understand.

- You understand, and yet, he's not here. - That is true.

Was there a family emergency that he had to attend to?

- Not that I'm aware of. - I'm confused, Mister Canning.

On what basis does your client justify non-compliance

with a judicial subpoena?

My guess, he doesn't recognize its legitimacy.

Mister Canning, did you explain to your client that this is a Federal Court?

I am a Federal Judge

and that the issuance of a subpoena by me is in fact legitimate?

I told him that would most likely be your position.

It's not a position, Counselor. It's a fact.

My client believes there's ample authority for maintaining a contrary position.

- Contrary position. Are you insane? - No, sir.

- Your Honor. - Pardon me, Your Honor.

Where is he? Physically, where is he right now?

He hasn't provided me with his whereabouts,

but he did say that he'd be in direct contact with you and in writing.

Have we received any communication from Mister Nugent?

- Yes, Your Honor. - Please. Read it.

Regarding subpoena deuces tecum related to eminent domain proceedings,

to Judge Cain, with all due respect, go fuck yourself.

THE GOOD FIGHT

Just so I'm clear, your client has now provided documentary evidence

for his contempt of this court. Is that right?

I'll stipulate that he's provided something,

but Your Honor, I take issue with the court's characterization.

He told me to go fuck myself!

I believe he was taking exception to overreaching judicial authority

rather than stating a personal directive.

Your Honor, the ability of the judicial system to...

Counselor, I need you to be quiet.

The court hereby issues a rule to show cause

why Mister Nugent should not be held in contempt of this court

for his failure to appear.

Gentlemen, Mister Canning will provide you with his client's address,

and I want you to go and bring him here today.

By force, if necessary. You understand?

Yes, Your Honor.

Good. We will convene back here in one hour.

I deal with witness prep. You just offer comfort.

That's not what upstairs said. We work together.

This PC shit is so aggravating.

The more you guys push it, the more the backlash will make your lives harder.

And when you say you guys, who are we talking about here?

God.

African Americans? Humans? Or anybody that doesn't think like you.

- Hi. - Hello.

So sorry, I have to run a few errands, can we do the depo prep on the run?

- Sure. - Definitely.

- Where are these errands? - Just a few hours away.

I do my best work on the plane. Let's go.

- So, we're gonna go on that? - Just for a few hours.

Miss Skye, we've just reached 30 000 feet,

so you're all good to move about the cabine.

Thank you, Lewis. Not much of a flyer, Mister Lee?

l'm just used to bigger planes.

I know it's crazy, right, to think that we're in this small metal tube way up in the sky

with literally nothing holding us up.

Here, try one of my CBD cocktails. It'll relax you.

Thank you.

So, you have a baby.

- I do. How did you know that? - I may have looked you up. Pictures!

Come on! Oh, my gosh. Yes.

- I know. - Oh, God.

- Hey Tinder. - No, that's an old app.

- Haven't used that in two months. - We have the time right now.

Right now, we should be getting going on your depo prep.

We can do that when we land. Let's find you a man.

What do you think of him? Good with his hands?

No.

- Where are we going? - Saint Lucia.

- And where is that? - Eastern Caribbean, you'll love it.

- There's a great lunch site. - Beard.

- Come on. He's so sexy! - I don't like beards.

Hard left.

All rise!

- Gentlemen, where is Mister Nugent? - He's not here.

- Why is he not here? - He was busy.

- What does that mean? - I have no idea.

- You talked to him? - Yes.

And what did you say?

We were ordered to escort him back to the courthouse.

- And? - He couldn't come.

Your Honor.

You two, in my chambers, right now.

What the hell's going on, gentlemen? Where did you find him?

At his country club, Ridgemore.

- And what happened next? - Mister Nugent was on the eleventh tee.

We told him we were there to escort him back to court.

Mister Nugent informed us that he was on track to shoot below eighty-five.

Apparently, that's an excellent score for his handicap.

How?! You know what! Just go! Leave!

I just don't understand it, it's like I'm being ridiculed.

Take a sip.

How can they just say no? Not just the witness, the Marshals.

Because the whole thing isn't real.

What we do, what we rule, it's just shadow play.

We say, You go to jail, you don't.

And then we count on other people making it happen,

and if they don't want to, they don't have to.

- That's insane. When I was a lawyer... - Yes, you thought we meant something?

That's why we wear the robes.

If we didn't, we'd just be the schmucks who sit a little higher than anyone else.

- So, what do we do? - You want this guy in court?

Yes.

And there's no other way for the trial to move forward without him?

- No. - Okay. Finish your drink.

- I hate tequila. - Let's go. Put your robe on.

- Helga, Flo, what are you doin'? - Whatever you want, Your Honor.

This is the Honorable Julius Cain, he needs a witness brought into court.

What's his name?

- Tucker Nugent. Here's his location. - Okay, you want us to go in hard?

- What does hard mean? - You want it.

- Yes, hard. - Okay, be right back.

- Thanks. - The first years are always difficult.

- Are you okay? - Yes.

You must think I'm crazy, coming all the way down here just to taste some guava.

No. It's just a very different lifestyle from mine.

Mine, too, a few years ago.

It's amazing how quickly things can change, seem normal.

Like having a jet?

I still have my Honda Civic in the garage just in case this all disappears in a year.

- You don't believe that. - I do. Nothing I do is productive.

What is this, a guava that magically turns into face cream?

And cosmetics and perfumes and... Women look up to you.

Yeah, but come the next recession, what's the first thing people drop?

Okay, are you seriously trying to make me feel sorry for you?

Lucca, I had so many friends when I was poor,

don't have a single friend now.

Not a single one. They all want something.

- You are so full of shit. - I feel like a walk on the beach.

David?

There's a service that charges you 780 dollars to match friendships for them.

Seriously?

- Yeah. It was pitched to me. - That is a weirdly specific number.

- Did you try it? - No. It seemed weird.

- But this doesn't? - Just agreeing to be friends?

What do we have to do, a blood oath?

I'll do what you want, but I'm your lawyer, too.

Okay,

- I have a question for you. - Go for it.

Is David Lee drawing this out?

What do you mean?

Is David Lee drawing out this case to increase the firm's billable hours?

No. No, he would never do that.

Good.

All rise.

Okay. Good. Here we all are.

I'm curious as to your thinking, Mister Nugent.

Were you under the impression

that compliance with a subpoena is voluntary?

Sir?

- Do you want me to talk? - Yes.

- I was asserting privilege. - What privilege?

- I can't say. It's privileged. - Oh, for God's sake!

Ask that Mister Nugent be sworn in, Your Honor.

Not happening.

Mister Nugent, do you understand

that the law gives me the power to hold you here in custody

until such time as you agree to be sworn in and take the stand.

You're new to this job, Judge.

That's why you sent Cagney and Lacey here

to interrupt my day with this nonsense.

It's okay. So far, no damage has been done.

I am willing to overlook the rookie mistake.

Will the Marshals put Mister Nugent's handcuffs back on, please?

Okay, I gave you a chance to make it right, you refused.

Let the lady wrestlers do what they're gonna do.

Take him away.

I'll await your apology.

Your Honor,

we ask the Court to enjoin Mister Nugent from bulldozing our client's property.

Objection, Your Honor. You haven't heard any evidence.

Pending trial and Mister Nugent's testimony,

motion to enjoin is hereby granted

based upon the verified complaint filed in this matter.

Thank you. I can go back to what I do best.

- I didn't let anyone in. - How did it get on my desk?

- I don't know. - Do you know what it refers to?

- No. But I can probably find out. - No, don't mention this to anyone.

Julius!

Your Honor, please forgive me. I know it's late.

- No, what is it? - This.

It was on my desk and I don't know what it means, but it seems crucial.

- I have no idea what it is. - It's memo 6-18.

I see that. Any idea where or who it came from?

No.

Was there a note? Or anything else attached to it?

No. You're not familiar with memo 6-18?

No, I wish I could help.

Thank you. I'm sorry about all this. It seemed...

important.

Good night, Julius.

- He saw your jacket. - Damn.

- He knew it was mine? - I think he did.

You want to come clean?

I don't know. I thought you liked skulking around.

I like having my private life to stay private.

But that may not be an option anymore.

Think about it as you fuck me.

Charlotte. So, what's memo 6-18?

What?

I was standing at the top of the stairs. I heard Julius mention it.

I have no idea.

- You are such a liar, woman. - Who says?

I can tell now.

You can trick everybody else, but you can't trick me.

So, you a mind reader now? Then, tell me. What am I thinking?

Miss Skye, did you intend to start your own business

when you signed this prenuptial agreement?

- No idea. - Could you elaborate?

No.

But you signed this pre-nup because you and your husband, the two of you,

wanted to protect your husband's business in the event of a divorce.

- Isn't that correct? - No.

- It isn't? - It isn't.

- Then why did you sign it? - Because Brad asked me to.

Give me a break, Bianca.

- Fuck you, Brad. There is no pretense. - Fuck you!

Objection!

Okay! Bianca, do you want to take a break?

No, I'll answer the question.

You asked me what the purpose of the document was,

the answer is to get married.

Brad wouldn't marry me without it, and I loved him, so I signed it.

If he doesn't like what it says now, he should've gotten a better lawyer.

That was so great! Did you see his face?

- I did. And you did perfect. - It felt good doing that.

It's called power. It's why people go into the law.

You are good influence.

So, I have a suggestion, Bianca. Get this guy out of your life.

- What do you mean? - Settle it now. Make the deal.

You'll lose some money, but you'll never have to see his face again.

- Does David Lee agree? - No, he thinks we should go further.

But I just think you have to balance money with psychological wellness.

Yes, just a second.

Come in.

Julius. My turn to apologize for being vague last night.

I understand, I recognized his jacket. Don't worry.

- Your confidence is safe with me. - That's not it. It's about the memo.

Six-eighteen?

You need to let Tucker Nugent out of jail now.

- Then you need to apologize. - Are you crazy? He ignored a subpoena!

Yes. And you need to let him out. And once he's out, you need to apologize.

- Charlotte. I enforced the law. - You came to me for advice. I'm giving it.

Let him out. And apologize. And don't ask anybody about the memo again.

Judge Hazelwood, please repeat what you just said to me.

Take this.

- What is it? - An address I need you to go to.

Why?

Because you wanted to know what 6-18 meant.

There's an Uber downstairs. Take it.

And by the way, the court has a program,

if you break your phone, they give you a new one.

- Who you here for? - Julius.

- How much farther is it? - Ten minutes.

- This is it? - Yes, sir. 80 58 Bull Valley Road.

You mind waiting just a minute? I might be catching a ride back with you.

No problem. I was asked to wait here for you.

You said that you were asked to wait for me?

Yes.

- For how long? - Ten minutes?

They said by then you would understand.

- Understand what? - I don't know. They didn't say.

What? I'm sorry. Do I know you?

- I don't know. Who are you? - Julius Cain. Judge Julius Cain.

- What? - A federal judge?

- Yes. - What?

- I was, too. - You were...

A federal judge. Judge Itzelitz?

Oh, my God! I had an appeal in front of you.

Three years ago, right?

Yes, you ruled against me. What happened?

- You mean, why am I an Uber driver? - Yes!

Memo 6-18.

I was in the middle of an appeal.

Pharmaceutical case, fairly easy. Opioids.

I was about to rule against them when I got the memo.

Pretty clear they wanted me to rule the other way, but I wasn't gonna do it.

- They? Meaning who? - No idea.

But within two weeks, another judge filed a complaint of misconduct

with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, said I took bribes.

A dozen witnesses all lying that there was evidence.

I was given the chance to walk away without a scandal,

but also without a pension.

So, I signed. I took it. They had me.

I stood by my ideals, and here I am.

45 000 a year, pre-tax.

That's working sixty hours a week. Tips are good.

Sometimes I can go out to dinner with my wife.

If I had it to do over again...

Whatever memo they send you, do it.

So... Ready to go back?

- I should have you fired. - What are you talking about?

Get out of here, David. Next time, knock.

- You told her to settle. You told her... - Bianca? Yes, I told her.

She's better off moving on from her husband

and not having you bilk her for a couple more months of billable hours.

And does this settlement include monthly alimony?

You know it did, that's standard.

And under the latest tax law, she can't deduct alimony.

So, she's paying ten million dollars more in taxes.

Meanwhile, Brad pays no tax on the alimony.

You just made him rich. Congratulations!

That's why I was stretching out the depos,

not so that I could add to the billable hours,

but so that I could delay the tax bill until next year.

You just fucked your friend out of ten million dollars,

but I'm glad you care so much for her.

I'm sorry, I'm in the park. Can I call you back please?

Thank you!

This is insane!

- I agree, but... What are we gonna do? - We're going upstairs.

And say what?

That they can't be using this floor as a toilet for their motherfucking dogs, Liz.

- Yes, may I help you? - Yes, you may.

- We need to speak with Mister Laurie. - Mister Laurie's in London.

- We got this. - No, I...

Lady, seriously, you do not want to try and stop us right now.

What I suggest is you tell your boss we just pushed past you,

we just ignored you. That's the better story to tell.

No reason to be glum, right?

- Adrian, Elizabeth, how are you? - Fine.

This is Avenger. Say hello, Avenger.

Howdy!

John! So, what do you need?

We need the dogs to stop shitting on our floor.

- I didn't know they were. - They are.

You told us from the beginning that this was partnering, not acquiring.

And if this is true partnering, then we need to have shared interests.

You are right. I will make sure the dogs come up some other way.

Good.

Mister Firth, our equity partners need to be made whole.

What does that mean? Whole?

It means they were promised their yearly bonuses

would be equal to their Reddick Boseman bonuses, and they haven't been.

Okay, now how do we want to satisfy this?

- Give them money. - Yeah. Okay.

So, the three of us, we'll get together next week

and figure out how to make that happen.

Good. One other thing.

There is an executive elevator. It only comes to our floor.

We're gonna change that so it also comes to your floor, for the partners.

That'd be good.

Great, we're all partners. We want what you want.

Thank you for bringing your issues to me.

- No problem. - Good. See you later.

Yup.

- That was easy. - Yeah too easy.

I don't know. Let's just take yes for an answer.

So, now what?

Now we put Nugent on the stand, embarrass him with these reviews

and hopefully save your restaurant.

Please remove Mister Nugent's handcuffs.

Your Honor, we call Tucker Nugent to the stand.

It's been brought to my attention that in placing Mister Nugent in custody,

I may have overlooked certain legal precedence.

Incarceration of any kind for any length of time should only be used as a last resort,

never as a denial of fundamental rights.

It's clear that Mister Nugent's actions

didn't justify subjecting him to such treatment.

Your Honor.

Also, upon further reflection,

it would seem that in denying Mr. Canning's motion to recuse,

I was in error.

Your Honor, we all make mistakes.

Even the appearance of impropriety is to be avoided.

Accordingly,

I will be transferring this case to the Executive Committee of the Court

and if the case should go to trial, it will be before someone else,

I take it you're sorry for what you did?

- I am. - It might be good to say it out loud.

I'm sorry.

- Apology accepted. - And we thank Your Honor.

- Anything else, Counselor? - Nothing from me, Judge.

Pending reassignment,

does the injunction against alteration to the property remain in effect?

Yes. Yes, it most certainly does.

All rise.

Who got to you?

- I understand you're disappointed. - Disappointed? I'm outraged.

You have a lifetime appointment!

You took an oath

to faithfully and impartially perform under the Constitution, so help you, God.

Thank you for your concern, Counselor, but that's enough.

If the Federal Court ignores the law, what's left?

- Go! Now. - Julius!

No. I said, go.

- Hello? - It's gone!

Marta? What's gone?

They tore it down. It's gone. Everything is gone!

- Your restaurant? - Yes!

They can't do that. The judge enjoined the demolition.

- Someone did it because it's not here. - I'll be right there.

They bulldozed the building without any warning. The restaurant.

It's not my case anymore, Counselor.

This is on you, Julius, whether it's your case or not.

Don't talk to me that way! I'm a Judge.