All language subtitles for L.A.Law.S06E20.Beauty.and.the.Breast.1080p.HULU.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-BurCyg_track3_[eng]

My mother said that men with
accents can't be trusted.

Then maybe you should
come with me to Russia.

I don't have an accent there.

But I would.

Could I trust you, then?

Ms. Carlisle, your carriage
is waiting.

[laughs]
That was terrific.

Both of you.

You are everything
that Kenneth said you were.

You better jump
on this train, Kenny,

because it's blasting out
of the station.

There's one more scene
that I'd like to try.

Does anyone mind?

Mimi: Actually, I wrote
this myself.

The original story,
I don't know,

it just seems so restrained.

Well, it is Victorian England.

Yes, but we're releasing
the movie in 1993.

Even Maid Marion
and Robin Hood,

they got it on this time around.

[laughter]

Mimi: Ready?
Mikhail: Sure.

You bastard! You can't have
forgotten me!

Coachman! Get this
peasant away from me!

- Don't you remember these lips?
- No!

- These eyes?
- No!

- This voice?
- No!

Well, then, what about these?

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

First up, Cheryl Brennan
vs. World Wide Studios.

We're representing
Cheryl Brennan?

Down, boy, we're representing

the studio Ms. Brennan
is suing--

Oh, this is about her
silicone implants.

What implants?

She claims the studio
forced her to get them.

What, they put a gun
to her head?

Her side's gonna have
a hard time showing liability.

Even so, I wish we had settled.

Since the opposing council
is one David McCoy.

- Heavy weight.
- McCoy's good.

How aggressive can you get
against him

without alienating your jury?

- Looks like I'm gonna find out?
Douglas: Next up.

McConnell vs. Devries.

It's history.

The judge decided
my septuagenarian bride

needed her daughter
as a conservator.

Why didn't her
new husband qualify?

Because we were ambushed.

I'd like to come talk
to you privately about it.

- Please do.
- And last on the agenda.

Jonathan has an announcement.

Some of you already know this,

but I've been
asked to serve out

Art Middleman's term
on the City Council.

- Wow!
- What an Honor!

- Congratulations!
- Yeah.

It's a five month appointment.

I'm not considering
running for a seat.

Uh-oh. We've lost him.

- You and Mario Cuomo.
- Yeah.

In any case, I'll be on leave
of absence beginning today.

We're very proud of your well
deserved recognition, Jonathan.

And rest assured,
McKenzie Brackman won't expect

any special favors
from City Hall.

[indistinct]
We're adjourned.

I have a few parking tickets
I want to talk to you about.

Okay, Stuart.

This is about
the McConnell Case.

Actually, it's about
more than that.

During the hearings,
a document,

a letter, came into
my possession.

Now, the only ones who
knew about it,

other than Marion McConnell and
her husband, were Gwen and I.

Somehow the other side
got wind of it

and laid a subpoena on us.
End of case.

Do you have any idea how
they discovered it's existence?

Yeah, I think Frank Kittredge
told them.

What?

He and Gwen have been
seeing each other.

First she denied that
she told him anything,

but now she admits she did.

She thinks he's blameless.
I don't.

I understand that you've
just inexplicably lost a case.

But to assume Kittredge
is responsible,

what possible motive
could he have?

I don't know.
But I want you to

bounce his ass
right out of here.

Well, it is not
as simple as that.

Jonathan has just handed off a
portion of his clients to Frank.

He's taken on a significant
amount of our client overflow--

The bastard manipulated Gwen.
He cost me my case.

Exposed us to malpractice!

You're talking financial
investment?

Now hold on.

If you can prove this,
not only will I insist

that Susan Bloom bounce him
out of here,

I'll happily see to it
that he's disbarred.

But right now, do you have

any evidence
to back up your accusation?

- I'll get it.
- Fine.

Until then, I suggest
you remember it's only that,

an accusation.

[door opens]

My best offer's
manslaughter

with a maximum sentence
of ten years.

We're not interested.

If your client goes
down on murder one,

he's looking at
life without parole.

I didn't do it.

I can tie you to the weapon

and the inmate that you killed.

Your whole case
is circumstantial.

You wouldn't be plea bargaining
if you thought

you could prove
first degree murder.

When the jury looks at Walter,

they're gonna see
a convict who's already doing

a long stretch behind bars.

You think they're
gonna be predisposed

to find him innocent?

Zoey: You're a fool not
to take this deal.

My client is scheduled
for parole in two months.

He's not gonna serve
another minute in prison

for something he didn't do.

We're due in court.

I know the judge feels

you're qualified
to handle this case.

But a murder trial is
a lot different

than writing writs
or juggling bogus appeals

for your other pals in prison.

[knocks on the door]

I've sat in my cell and read
law books 18 hours a day

for the past 11 years.

I may not be a lawyer,

but I plan to win this case.

Can you describe
events leading up

to your discovery of
the victim's body?

I was on the gun rail
in the prison laundry.

We'd just put the inmates on the
line and marched them to dinner.

Sgt. Hoxie: I looked down
and saw this big red spot

on the side of one
of the canvas laundry carts.

I went to check it out
and found Shamal Jepsom's body

under a pile of shirts.

Blood was still oozing out
of a holes in his chest.

What did you do?

Sgt. Hoxie: I notified
administration.

They gave the
order to lockdown,

and we began
a cell by cell search.

We found a homemade knife
covered with blood

in the cell occupied
by Walter Phelps.

And is this the knife you found?

Yes, ma'am.

Zoey: Your Honor, I ask
that this weapon

be introduced into evidence,
Exhibit Two.

So ordered.

Sgt. Hoxie, did you
observe the victim

and the defendant in the laundry
room the day of the murder?

Yes, I did. They operated steam
presses next to each other.

Zoey: And how would you
characterize their behavior

toward each other that day?

Sgt. Hoxie: Hostile.

They had an argument requiring

the intervention
of a correctional officer.

In fact one month prior
to Mr. Jepsom's murder,

you filed a disciplinary report,
did you not,

describing an altercation
between these two men

in which you confiscated
a steel pipe from the defendant?

Phelps was brandishing
the weapon.

I heard him threaten
to kill Jepsom.

Thank you.

Your witness.

Sgt. Hoxie, how long have
you been a guard at Bolsa Verde?

18 years. Not quite
as long as you've been there.

Your Honor, my background is
irrelevant to these proceedings.

I ask that the witnesses remark

be stricken from the record.

So ordered.

Isn't it true that a convict
has to be strong

and stand up to other convicts

if he's gonna survive
in the joint?

Objection, Your Honor,
I don't see

the relevance to this question.

Sgt. Hoxie has testified
that on an earlier occasion,

he heard my client threaten
the victim's life.

I'm asking him
to interpret that threat

in the context of the behavior

he has seen in prison every day
for the past 18 years.

Overruled. You may answer
the question, sergeant.

All an inmate has to do
to survive in prison

is follow the rules.

The warden's rules
or the convicts rules.

The victim had a history
of sexual assault, did he not?

Yes.

By brandishing a pipe

and threatening the victim,

isn't it possible Mr. Phelps

was merely making it clear

in the language of a convict

that he wasn't gonna be
anybody's girlfriend?

All I know is I heard Phelps say
he was gonna kill him.

On the day of the murder,

when you searched
Mr. Phelps cell,

did you find any blood
on his clothing?

No.

Nick: The victim was
stabbed four times

in the chest and belly.

Based on your experience,

wouldn't those kinds of wounds

cause blood to spatter
on the killer.

I don't know.

When you knifed that
prison guard to death,

did you get any blood on you?

Your Honor..

Sergeant, you're a
hair's breadth away

from causing a mistrial.

One more comment like that,

and you'll be doing time
for contempt.

Ladies and gentlemen,
you are instructed

to disregard
Sgt. Hoxie's comment

in it's entirety.

Sgt. Hoxie,

you didn't actually see

Mr. Phelps stab
the victim, did you?

No, I did not.

No further questions
at this time.

Some lawyers study briefs
on the eve of a trial.

I study courtrooms as well.

I'm sorry, Mr. McCoy.

I guess I've been caught
staring.

Ms. Lamb?

Didn't you hear we've
been postponed till tomorrow?

Actually, I was looking
for the clerk.

I'll get out of your way.

You're probably
not looking forward

to getting this one in front
of a jury as much as I am.

Oh, we thought you'd take
the money and run.

You're gonna have hard go
proving that my client

was in any way responsible

for your client's
cosmetic surgery.

I don't think that's what's
going to be on the jury's minds.

Well, we'll find out tomorrow.

See you in court.

[instrumental music]

[knocking on the door ]

[bangs on the door]

Sarah?

Honey, it's-it's after midnight.

- What's wrong?
- Everything.

What is it?

She's driving me crazy.

I was only an hour late!

- You had a fight with your mom?
- She hates Brian for no reason.

I can't take it.

Okay, okay.

Will you let me stay here
with you?

She knows she has
a curfew on school nights.

She knew what the
consequences would be.

Karen, I'm not here
to question your rules--

No, but you did take her in.

Yeah, yeah, for one night.

And-and we made that very clear.

And if you hadn't said
okay on the phone,

we wouldn't have done that.

Stuart, I just thought that

Sarah and I had made it
through the worst.

I've been holding my breath
for four years.

But the last few months
she's been so...

defiant. And finding you meant
she could really go after me.

Yeah, Ann mentioned that

you aren't crazy about
this boy she's going with.

I-I-I mean, she doesn't
want to interfere--

No, but if she takes
Sarah's side

or contradicts my judgment--

That's why she thinks the three
of you should get together,

and talk,
so that doesn't happen.

[sighs]

Karen,

we-we know that you're
sensitive.

I'm not sensitive.

I'm scared.

One reason I never
told you about Sarah was

I knew you had... money.

And I was worried
if you wanted to,

you could pull her away from me.

I don't want to do that.

You're doing it right now.
And Ann's helping.

All I ever hear about is your

gorgeous house and Ann's
beautiful clothes and how...

Ann's car never needs
a jump-start.

Please, I can't compete.

We don't want to compete.

But she's my daughter too,

and I have strong feelings
about it.

Yes. Which she blackmails me
with every day.

So we have to change that.

I don't want anymore changes.

I just want my daughter back.

Well, you're not
gonna get her back,

if you deny her her father.

I can live with that.
What I won't live with...

Is losing my daughter
to your wife.

[instrumental music]

Did your office conduct
a forensic analysis

of the blood-covered knife found
in the defendant's cell?

- Yes.
- And what were your findings?

The knife is crudely made.

Lapine: And consistent with
the jagged punctures

I examined on the body.

Lab tests showed
that the blood

on the weapon was
that of the victim.

Do you have any doubt
that the knife you examined

was the one used
to kill Mr. Jepsom?

Objection.

Inadequate foundation
for the witness

to reach such a conclusion.

Your Honor, I believe
I've laid foundation.

There's a knife
of specific design

and entry pattern, as well as
blood that matches the victim.

Judge Harbin: I'll allow it.

Ms. Lapine, in your
expert opinion,

do you have any doubt

that the knife found
in Mr. Phelps's cell

less than an hour
after the murder

is the same one used
to kill Mr. Jepsom?

- No doubt at all.
Zoey: Thank you.

Your witness.

Ms. Lapine did you
find any fingerprints

on the murder weapon?

They'd been wiped off.

Somebody went to the trouble

of wiping off the fingerprints,

but not the blood.

If you were gonna frame
a person for murder,

wouldn't you clean your own
fingerprints off the weapon

but leave evidence that would
link the weapon to Mr. Phelps?

Objection. He's asking
the witness to speculate.

Your Honor,
as a forensic expert,

Ms. Lapine's job
is to recreate crime scenarios.

You're reaching here,
Mr. Moats. Sustained.

According to the autopsy,

Mr. Jepsom's aorta

was severed below the sternum.

Would that cause blood to spurt?

I found blood spattered
within eight feet of the victim.

Based on your experience,

wouldn't you expect the
perpetrator of such a gory crime

to have blood on his clothing?

Yes, I would.

Did you find any blood

on Walter Phelps's clothing?

No, I did not.

Thank you, Ms. Lapine.

McCoy: This is Cheryl Brennen's
screen debut

in the 1986 film
"Separate Hearts."

Audiences saw a natural beauty.

Young, fresh, promising.

Unfortunately, Jeffrey Stern,
the President

of World Wide Studios,
saw a commodity

that was flawed
and needed improvement.

He offered her a starring role

in World Wide Studios
major film, "Jamaica Rain."

But,

there was one condition.

She would have to
have her breasts enlarged

with surgical implants.

In fact, Jeffrey Stern
was so adamant on this

that he hand-picked
the doctor and he paid

for all of her medical costs.

There was one thing that
Jeffrey Stern didn't do.

He didn't warn her
about the potential

for painful scarring...

or the possibility that
one of the implants might

rupture inside her, as one did,

necessitating a mastectomy
of the right breast.

After that, the film offers
dried up.

To an industry that is obsessed
with sex appeal and image,

Cheryl Brennen
was damaged goods.

Jeffrey Stern robbed
Cheryl Brennen.

He robbed her of her looks,
her career, and her health.

But yet he doesn't think
he owes her anything.

In the course of this trial,
we will show that Jeffrey Stern

owes Cheryl Brennen more than he
can ever repay.

What happened to
Cheryl Brennen is tragic.

And there is no doubt
that others share

the responsibility
for her suffering.

Certainly the implant
manufacturer is liable.

And Ms. Brennen is going
after them in a separate action.

But to point at the head
of a studio and say,

"He made me get implants,"
is ludicrous.

C.J.: Mr. Stern didn't
force Cheryl Brennen

to have her breasts
surgically enlarged.

The evidence will show
that decision

was hers and hers alone.

She must take responsibility
for her choice.

Thank you.

The court is recessed
until 2:00 p.m.

Cheryl, I know
you don't believe it.

But we all are truly sorry
for what has happened.

I believe you're sorry
to be here, Jeff.

I know how precious
your time is.

After you, Mr. Stern.

Ms. Lamb.

V.J., forward.

[indistinct chatter]

[telephone ringing]

Boy, you got some
serious paper going here.

Oh. Yeah. I guess I do.

Did you see the notation
on the new tax forms,

"For Paperwork
Reduction Act instructions,

see separate sheet?"

[laughs]

You're Brenda, right?

Yeah.

I work for Frank Kittredge.

All day and all night
as far as I can tell.

I like to keep busy.

Hey, I thought I
had first dibs

on the best
and brightest secretaries.

Thanks. That's-that's awfully
nice to hear.

Don't tell me Frank isn't

lavish with his compliments?

No. Mr. Kittredge is,
is a very fair boss.

Then how come you're always
too busy to talk to me?

- I'm not.
- Oh, come on.

I see you in here
night after night late.

You know, I'm gonna go talk to
Frank about overworking you.

You'll have to wait.
He's in court all afternoon.

[chuckles]
Is he?

- Suzy?
- Babe!

You're early.

You won't be able
to decipher this.

But basically Kenny met
our price.

Fantastic.

Twelve weeks plus
one guaranteed,

personal trainer on payroll,
star trailer on location.

And name above the title.

You said I wouldn't get that.

- I underestimated the heat.
- Ahh!

...got our champagne on ice.
Let's go celebrate.

Oh, Suzy. I'm sorry.
I'll have to cancel our date.

Uh, Mimi wants to rehearse
tonight.

Well, hey, babe, don't be late.

You know what happened
to the guy you're replacing.

Suzy, should we talk about us?

Should we?

Well, I've been feeling
since our night together...

which was a big surprise.

- I'll say.
- A nice surprise.

But I've been thinking, this
hasn't changed our ground rules,

am I right?

And I'm worried that for you--

Hey, don't worry.

It's not in your contract.
We're in sync here.

If you say so.

Well, sorry to miss dinner.

No biggie, if I don't
see you in the morning,

break a leg.

Thanks for everything, dushenka.

[thud]

Mr. Phelps, what do you do
on the outside?

I'm a farmer.
I used to grow marijuana.

Which, unfortunately,
is against the law.

So I'm incarcerated.
But I'm not a murderer.

Sgt. Hoxie said
he heard you arguing

with the victim just prior
to the murder.

Mr. Jepsom borrowed
three packets of instant soup

from me several months ago.

I asked him many times
to please repay the loan.

Walter: I was growing
increasingly irritated.

And that day in the laundry,
I was expressing my irritation.

But that's all I did.

We heard testimony
that on another occasion

you wielded a pipe and
threatened to kill Mr. Jepsom.

Because of my long hair,

Mr. Jepsom thought
I wanted to be a woman.

His woman.
Which I did not.

Walter: Therefore,
like the spiny blowfish,

I adopted a menacing behavior
to ward off a predator.

Though neither of us
is-is equipped to kill.

When did you last
see Mr. Jepsom?

At the end of our shift. He was
standing behind his steam press.

Nick: What happened then?

The bell went off, and we got
on line to go to supper.

Did you notice Mr. Jepsom
at this time?

I had no knowledge of his
presence or lack there of.

I was thinking about my food.

So, you went to the dining hall
and you ate. What happened then?

Then I went back to my cell
to meditate.

Then they put us in lockdown,

and the screws tore
the place apart.

And they found that knife
in my stash.

Mr. Phelps, if you didn't
kill Mr. Jepsom,

how do you explain the presence

of the murder weapon
in your cell?

Walter: Well, I
couldn't say for sure.

See, in prison,

things just have a way
of happening.

Nick: There are
1,700 inmates in Bolsa Verde.

Why do you think you
were chosen to be framed?

I don't have anybody
looking out for me.

See, most inmates
belong to gangs. I do not.

So, I'm paying the price.

Nick: I have nothing further.

Mr. Phelps, you've testified
that you argued with the victim

over three packets
of soup he owed you.

Nothing to kill a man over.

Isn't it true that convicts
trade packets of soup

for everything
from coffee and cigarettes

to drugs and inmate prostitutes?

Soup's pretty valuable.

And people kill
for valuable things, don't they?

I didn't kill Jepsom.

The unpaid debt
was the motive.

Working together in the
laundry was the opportunity.

I'm a pot grower!

Walter: And while growing pot
is considered a crime,

I do not consider
myself a criminal.

In other words, your only real
defense to charges of murder

is that you are an
exemplary drug dealer?

- Objection.
Zoey: Withdrawn.

I have nothing further.

Ms. Clemmons?

My name's Melinda Garrett.

I was sitting in the back of
the courtroom today.

You were lucky to get a seat.

Phelps is innocent.

[laughs]
I hope the members of the jury

haven't made
that decision already.

I don't mean I think he's
innocent. I know he's innocent.

How's that?

Ebell Hoxie's my ex-boyfriend.

Sgt. Hoxie, the guard
who testified?

Yeah, only he was lying.

How do you know that?

Because he's the one
that killed that convict.

[instrumental music]

Not this again! I've already
been through this with Gwen.

Gwen doesn't believe you sank
my case.

Or She doesn't want
to believe it.

You've really got her
snowed, haven't you?

Arnie, this is absurd.

Why would I want
to sabotage your case?

Your phone log

for the past two weeks.

- How did you get this?
- Does it matter?

According to this,
you returned 11 calls

to a woman identified only
as "Laura." No phone number.

I don't need one.
I know it by heart.

But it's not Laura McConnell,

it's an old friend of mine,
Laura Shipley.

I'm sure.

And I'm sure you can
produce someone

to attest to this.
You're very good.

And you're good enough to know
you can't back up

these ridiculous allegations!

From what Gwen tells me,

whoever did leak
that information

may have been doing
your client a favor.

Her husband embezzled more than
that first 50 grand, didn't he?

That's not the point!
You interfered with my case.

And you used Gwen,
manipulated her--

This from the man
who seduced her

in his office and tried
to have her fired!

You're a splendid
moral example--

Right! And I'll do
whatever it takes!

Thanks for the warning.

Dr. Shearer, when you first
saw Cheryl Brennen last year,

she'd already
experienced complications

from her silicone breast
implants, is that correct?

Yes, approximately one year
after the initial insertions

Ms. Brennen began experiencing

capsular contracture
in both breasts.

McCoy: And in plain terms...

Excess scar tissue formed around

the implants and constricted

causing disfiguration
of the breasts

and extreme pain.

Shearer: Because of
the severity of the symptoms,

Ms. Brennen's breasts had
to be reopened

so that the scar tissue
could be cut away

and the implants replaced.

Dr. Shearer, did this solve
the problem?

No, the symptoms recurred

and the operation
had to be repeated.

In fact, by the time I saw her,

she'd had four such surgeries

as well as a closed capsulotomy.

McCoy: Now, what is that?

It's a non-surgical procedure

in which the scar tissue
is broken up

by externally
squeezing the breasts.

And what would you say

is the advantage
of this method of treatment?

Shearer: Mainly
to avoid surgery.

Plus, each time you
remove an implant,

you peel out some of
the tissue along with it.

Cheryl had wanted
to preserve as much

of her breast tissue
as possible.

And was this treatment
successful?

Shearer: Only temporarily.

When Cheryl came to me,

her right implant had ruptured

and I had to surgically remove
the leaking prosthesis.

What did you find
when you opened up

Cheryl Brennen's right breast?

It was like an oil spill.

The silicone gel had
oozed out of its envelope

and there were globs of it

throughout the surrounding
tissue.

In order to clean it up,

I had to remove all of her
remaining breast tissue.

And what about
the left implant?

Although it appeared
to be intact,

I removed it also,
at Cheryl's request.

Thank you, nothing further.

Dr. Shearer, did Cheryl Brennen

come to you out
of dissatisfaction

with her previous surgeon,
Dr. Ludwig,

whom World Wide Studios
had recommended?

No. She came to me on referral
after Dr. Ludwig's death.

Is there any way Dr. Ludwig
could have known

that Cheryl was prone
to capsular contracture.

Or that one of her implants
might break?

Shearer: No. The vast majority
of implant recipients

don't have serious
complications.

There's no way to predict

who will and who won't.

C.J.: Isn't it extremely rare

to remove all
the breast tissue

after a rupture,
as you did with Cheryl?

It may be rare. But in her case,
it was necessary.

Didn't you, in fact,
exceed what was necessary?

I did what any responsible
surgeon would have done.

So, instead of leaving
Cheryl without a breast,

did you consider...

any further reconstruction?

Shearer: After all she'd
been through,

the last thing she needed
was another implant.

So, it was Cheryl Brennen's
decision

to forego further surgery that
might improve her appearance.

Can you seriously blame her?

Was it her decision?

- Yes.
- Thank you.

[instrumental music]

All rise.

Mr. Moats, you can call
your next witness.

Your Honor, we have no further
witnesses. The defense rests.

Judge Harbin: Very well,
then let's proceed

with closing arguments.

Ms. Clemmons?

Your Honor, uh, at this time,

I request a ten minute recess.

Is this really necessary,
counselor?

Yes, Your Honor, I think it is.

Why aren't you putting
Melinda Garrett on the stand?

I don't think she's
a credible witness.

I don't either, but if she can
make the jury believe

that Hoxie's somehow involved
in Jepsom's murder,

you may be able to establish
reasonable doubt.

Don't you tell me how
to argue my case.

Either you're a real dope,
which I don't think you are,

or this is some strategy to get
your client grounds for appeal

based on incompetent
representation.

Why the hell do you care?

I'm a big fan of due process.

You're client is entitled

to have all the evidence heard.

You know, in the place
where I live,

men would cut
each other's throats

for a pair of your panties.

So all your talk
about due process counts

for less than whatever
it is your wearing under that.

Okay. Prison's bad
and you're bitter.

But what the hell does
that have to do with you

screwing your client out
of the only shot he's got?

If I put this woman on the stand

and the jury convicts,

my guy will be dead
and I'll be next.

You snitch on a prison gang or
a guard who's in their pocket,

your life's not worth one packet

of chicken noodle soup.

If you have a case
you're not making

because you're afraid
of retribution, let me help.

I'll see you're protected.

I'm a lifer.

Even if Walter gets out,
where are you gonna put me?

There's not a joint in the
country where I'll be safe.

If you're gonna sell
out Walter Phelps

because you're looking
over your own shoulder,

you should have stuck
to making license plates.

[door opens]

I'll have the endive salad.

And I'll have the same.

I'm sorry, ma'am, there's
no smoking in this section.

Oh, mom. I didn't think to ask.

- You want to try to move?
- Oh, no. No big deal.

You keep saying
you're gonna stop.

Yeah. No will power.

Really, I'm fine here.

Well, I'm very glad we
could all get together.

Me, too.

I know it's been a little
rough on all of us lately.

Sarah: Well, actually,
I have an idea

how things could go smoother.

I think I ought to move
in with Ann and Stewart.

Sarah: At least until school
starts in the fall

if that would be okay with you.

It's not okay with me.

See? You say you'll hear
me out, but as soon as I--

I am just telling you,
Sarah. I don't like the idea.

I agree with your mom, Sarah.
It's only a month before you--

This doesn't have anything
to do with the fact that Brian

works near Ann and Stewart's,
would it?

I haven't even
seen Brian, hardly.

Oh, so she has been with Brian?

- Is that a problem?
- Why don't you ask me?

Because you don't let me in
on what you're doing.

You've now got
Ann to confide in.

Maybe because every time I
even mention Brian, you lose it.

I lose it when
you ignore my rules

against dating on school nights.

- I never heard that rule.
Karen: No, of course not.

You don't have
to enforce rules

or say no or get blamed.

After 17 years, you and Stewart

can just be Sarah's
wonderful pals.

Keeping Sarah from Stewart
was your lie, not ours.

Sarah: You didn't want me
to have anyone but you!

You wouldn't tell me anything
about him.

You are ganging up on me.

I've done my darndest for you.

But you can't blame Stewart
for not helping you!

I didn't want his help!
Or yours.

Sarah and I were
doing just fine

before you started helping!

Look, we don't need
to talk this through!

All I need is for you to not
see Brian behind my back.

And for you to stay out of it.

Alright, Ms. Clemmons.
Let's proceed.

Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,

I've asked you
to find Walter Phelps

guilty of murder
in the first degree--

Your Honor...

I apologize to the prosecution
for interrupting.

But I respectfully request
that the defense be allowed

to call one more witness.

[indistinct chatter]

Ms. Garrett,

what reason would Sgt. Hoxie
have to perjure himself?

Ebell's a prison guard,

but he makes most of his money

being a mule
for some Latino gang.

I forget their name.

Move to strike. No foundation.

How do you know this?

He's got a $12,000 stereo

and a new Corvette.

You don't make that kind of
money working for the state.

That isn't enough, Ms. Garrett.

The answer is striken.

Ms. Garrett,

tell the court what happened

on the night Shamal Jepsom
was killed.

I was ironing,
Ebell came home drunk as usual

and asked me how
to get blood out of his shirt.

Melinda: I told him Fels Naptha
and cold water.

Because that's what
my mom uses on stains.

Did you ask him about the blood?

Yeah, he said he'd had
to teach a *** a lesson.

Melinda: He said that
he'd made him ineligible

for parole permanently.

What did you take that to mean?

That he killed the guy.

Nick: Did he say anything else?
Melinda: Yeah.

He said that for taking care
of the gang's business,

they were gonna pay
him enough money

to buy an above ground
swimming pool.

Ms. Garrett, why are you
coming forward now

instead of a month ago
when Jamal Jepsom was killed.

Well, I know it isn't right but

Ebell and me, we were
gonna get married.

I didn't want to get him
in trouble.

Melinda: I came to
my senses after we broke up.

Nick: No further questions.

You said Ebell told you he had
to teach a *** a lesson.

Zoey: Did he ever
tell you specifically

that he killed a man?

He didn't use those words,
but I knew what he meant.

But he never said,
"I killed someone,"

or, "I stabbed a man."
Or anything like that?

No.

Melinda, when did
you and Sgt. Hoxie

break off your engagement?

About a month ago.

Zoey: And why was that?

Because I found him in our bed

with one of my girlfriends.

And is that why you
came forward to testify,

because you're angry and
you want to get back at him?

No. I want to see justice done.

Zoey: Yet your desire to see
Ebell punished for this crime

was awakened only
after you discovered

he was cheating on you,
isn't that right?

- Yes, but--
- Thank you, Melinda.

I have nothing further.

Nice job, counselor.

You may just pull this off.

I signed my own death warrant
in that court room today.

Look, I'm gonna try and get you
placed in protective custody,

moved out of state.
Whatever it takes.

Protective custody
is the worse place I could be.

Even if I get it, it won't
be a con that'll do the job,

it'll be some crooked screw
like Hoxie.

Maybe I can get you paroled.

Come on, counselor,

they don't let out people
who kill prison guards.

And even if they did,
a parole review takes time.

I'd never make
it to the hearing.

I feel responsible.

You did what you had to do.

We all gotta do
what we gotta do.

If there's any way I can help...

There is something.

In case the jury
finds Walter guilty,

I'd like to be ready with a
motion to set aside the verdict.

Do you think you could
get a colleague access

to a law library,
so I can prepare?

I think I can make
that happen.

That would be greatly
appreciated.

Hey, what are you doing
here so early?

You must be as behind as I am.

Oh, let's not talk about
behinds.

They call these jelly filled?

Oh, that's much better.

- So, how is everything?
- Dandy.

That's why I'm
bingeing on lard and sugar

at 6:00 a.m. in semi-public.

Does this have anything
to do with your two year plan

for Russian reform?

I've built a career of
tailoring deals I can live with.

- You want one?
- Uh-huh.

Boy, have I screwed up
this time.

Which deal are
we talking about?

- The movie or the marriage?
- Take your pick.

Hey, don't be too hard
on yourself.

You two had sex.

That could change
any marriage.

Ha, the only thing
that's changed is that

I suckered myself into thinking
Mikhail had feelings for me.

Listen. I sound like a sap.

No. You sound like
a human being.

Exactly.

Two nights ago

he didn't come home
until 3:00 in the morning.

He said he was rehearsing.

Last night he calls.

Says there's been
a schedule change.

They're shooting
a night scene.

And I sat up in my bathrobe
like a jealous wife

torturing myself with images
of Mikhail and Mimi.

You think this is pathetic.

You should've seen me
before Donut-land.

- Shooting range.
- Hmm?

Well, that's what I do
when I start feeling vulnerable.

A little target practice
gets me back on beam

before I do something
really stupid.

Your method has fewer
carbohydrates.

Yeah, but my eardrum's shot.

[laughs]

Listen.

When you start to nose-dive
around 10:00,

come see me.
We'll take a coffee break, yeah?

Susan: Hey.

Thanks.

[indistinct chatter]

Zoey!

I got here as soon as I could.
What the hell happened?

Nick Moats escaped from custody
last night. No thanks to you.

Me? Wait, what's this
got to do with me?

He wouldn't have disappeared
out the ventilation shaft

if you hadn't gotten him access
to the law library.

Every time Moats
leaves that courtroom,

he's handcuffed and
has three guards with him.

- Where were they?
- That's not the point.

The P.D.'s office has taken over
Phelps's case.

They're about
to ask for a mistrial.

Your job is to make sure
they don't get one.

[indistinct chatter]

All rise.

I appreciate counsel's
being here on such notice.

Judge Harbin: Due to
the extraordinary circumstances,

I thought I should hear
from both sides.

Will counsel please approach?

Edward Mann for the
defense, your Honor.

In view of the fact
that previous counsel

for the defense
escaped from custody

and is currently at large,
I move for a mistrial.

I object, your Honor,
the jury has no knowledge

that Mr. Moats is a fugitive,
and therefore

cannot be prejudiced
by that information.

Your Honor, clearly, Mr. Moats
was just using this court

as a staging ground
for his escape.

Edward: Which means
he was not advancing

an adequate defense
of his client.

Your Honor, you and I both saw
how impressively Mr. Moats

argued his case for the defense.

Evidently, counsel
was sufficiently impressed

that she interceded
on Mr. Moats behalf

in such a way
as to facilitate his escape.

Are you implying
I'm an accessory?

I am just stating the facts.

And the facts
are you're implicated.

Which leads me me
to question the fairness

of this entire proceeding,
Your Honor.

- Your Honor--
- Mr. Mann.

I'm satisfied
with the treatment

the defendant's received
in this courtroom.

Judge Harbin: The jury has been
sequestered since yesterday

and isn't aware
of these recent events.

I'm inclined to let them do
their job and return a verdict.

Motion for mistrial denied.

The court is in recess.

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct]

Well, my guess is that he won't
bite unless we go higher.

I'm sorry, but there's
no way my studio's responsible

for what happened
to that woman.

Yeah, but you can see it,
though.

The jury does not sympathize

with rich
Hollywood studios, Jeff.

They sympathize with maimed
women like Cheryl Brennen.

[beeps]

- Secretary: Mr. McCoy to see you.
- Show him in.

C.J., I have, built a career

on knowing what appeals
to an audience.

I've been watching
the jury, too.

And if McCoy won't settle,
I think we can win.

The trend right now is strong,
independent women

who take responsibility
for themselves.

A woman like yourself.

Is that why you hired me?

Given a choice between you and
a victim like Cheryl Brennen,

I don't think there's any
question who the winner is.

[knocking on the door]

Come in.

Thank you.

- Ms. Lamb, Mr. Stern.
- Hello.

Is there an empty chair
to my right or my left?

- To your right.
- Thank you.

I expected you want to settle

before Cheryl testified.
What's your offer?

500,000 dollars. All in.
No admission of liability.

Barely covers her medicals.

What do you want, Mr. McCoy?

- Two million.
- You're way out of line!

When my client became ill

she was earning
half a million a picture.

But she was not
an established star.

And that's why I'm not asking
for twenty million.

Look, when you come back down
to earth, we'll continue this.

If I were you, I would
reconsider your position.

I'm about to paint a picture
of your client,

you'll wish that jury never saw.

When I'm done, two million's
gonna look like a bargain.

As you've said, Mr. McCoy,

we'll see you in court.

Left V.J.

Thank you, Mr. Stern.

[telephone ringing]

Hey! Aren't I married to you?

Hi, Suzy.

We've been missing
each other at home.

Yeah? Well you just come in
to shower and change midday.

You're sure to miss me.

They treating you okay
on the set?

So far, so good.

Well, Kenny's been
wild about your dailies.

Said you and Mimi are
burning up the film.

And that's where it's
going to stay...

on film. That's what I came
here to tell you.

I'm not going to sleep
with Mimi Frances,

so you don't need
to worry about her.

Look,

you and I said "I do" to
a business deal, not a marriage.

I understand our agreement
to the letter.

I'm not going to attach
any new provisions.

And I won't violate
the spirit of our contract.

This is hardly
a conventional marriage.

But sometimes we have
to trust each other

more than husbands and wives.

I'm not going to abuse
that trust.

I'm not going to run around

with my leading ladies
and hurt your feelings.

Woah,

are you feeling sorry for me?

No, I'm not feeling sorry.
I'm feeling respect.

You worked very hard to make me
look good in your town.

I'm not going to do something
to make you look foolish.

Fair enough.

You know, Mikhail, you're a
pleasure to do business with.

[kisses]

[knocking on the door]

[knocking continues]

[pounds on the door]

[door opens]

- Karen.
- Where is she?

- What?
- Sarah.

Sarah's not here.

What do you mean,
"she's not here?"

I mean, she left early this
afternoon.

She never came home.

[crickets chirping]

Come on in.

Yeah.

[siren wailing at distance]

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

[Nick] When you live in a place
with green walls

and blue uniforms,
you forget

how many colors there are
out here.

Congratulations.

The jury found Walter
not guilty.

I read about it in the paper.

Always good to win your
last case.

So nothing happens to him,

I've recommended
that his sentence be commuted

to time served.

[Nick] Oh, good.

That's good.

I didn't have any choice,
you know.

Doing what I did

I hope I didn't cause
any problems for you.

Nothing you couldn't repair
by turning yourself in.

[laughs]
I can't help you there.

I want to thank you
for what you did for me.

If you think
that I intentionally

helped you escape, you're crazy.

Whatever you say, counselor.

For what it's worth,
you have my promise,

I'll, I'll do everything
I can to be a stand-up citizen.

So long, Zoey.

[horn honking]

[sighs]

[theme music]