All language subtitles for L.A.Law.S06E08.The.Nut.Before.Christmas.1080p.DSNP.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-NTb_track4_[eng]

I'd like to help
but I've got this TV thing.

You should be
talking to Ann Kelsey.

Arnie, this woman
needs a killer.

She needs you.

C.J, I am flattered,

but my plate is pretty
full right now. Excuse me.

[sigh] It's not your
run-of-the-mill custody case.

When they were
divorced two years ago,

the father was drinking.

He never contested
the mother getting the kids.

But now he's A-A, a churchgoer
and about to be married.

He's cleaned up his act
and he wants custody.

Arnie, it is more complicated.

Evidently he has been thinking
about this for some time.

He hired an investigator,

and found out Maggie
was involved with someone.

She's been divorced
for two years, right?

[sighs] The relationship
started during the marriage.

If the husband
didn't bring it up

during the divorce,
he'll have a hard time now.

- She's a good mother, right?
- The best.

Okay, so the affair
is nothing to worry about.

If Ann has the time,
this is a piece of cake.

Arnie, the lover is a woman.

The children are six and eight.

The father claims they're
better off with him.

On Friday Maggie
fired her lawyer.

He said David would
probably win.

Not necessarily.

In California homosexuality

isn't grounds
for denying custody.

Yeah, but we
both know it happens.

Okay, okay, there is judicial
bias, but according to the law

being gay is only relevant
if the mother is promiscuous

or if she's bringing
the wrong kind

of people home to her kids.

What's this other woman like?

Do we know anything about her?

A lot, actually.

It's me.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Next up, Barnes versus Barnes,

petition to modify
a custody order.

- This is yours, Arnold?
- I brought it in.

Mrs. Barnes is a friend?

No, Leland... she was my lover,

which is why her husband is

trying to take
her children away.

It seems to me there's
a conflict of interest here.

We don't see
each other anymore.

Mrs. Barnes is aware
of the possible conflict,

she still wants my
representation. It's her call.

I make no judgments
about personal anyone's life.

But what if there's publicity?

What does it
say about the firm?

It says we don't
discriminate on the basis

of race, gender
or sexual orientation, right?

- Absolutely.
- It's a given.

Yeah, right.

Moving along
to Holiday Miscellanea.

The partners voted
a $1000 ceiling

on staff Christmas bonuses,

except for Benny Stultwitz
whose bonus goes up to $1500,

in lieu of a scheduled
raise we can't honor.

I hope nobody gets wind
of this Yuletide generosity.

Next, we're seeking
a second-draft Santa.

Oh, that's me.

I'm sorry, guys.
I'm the Scrooge.

No, you got picked again?

Um-hm, and as much
as I hate to miss an encore,

I have other plans.

Well, I've always wanted
to be Santa, but

I'll be out of town this year.

We're short more
than a Santa, people.

Gwen wants to be relieved of
planning the Christmas party.

Ho, ho, ho!

- Let me sneak this in.
- Thanks, Betty.

The bells are sugar
and the trees are gingerbread.

Great.

I thought we weren't
having her back.

Roxanne assures me
the woman will be

a floater, covering
phones this week only.

- Once again--
- I wouldn't.

I'm looking for
a volunteer for Saint Nick

and/or for planning
the Christmas party--

We have Matthew's birthday on

Thursday and
one party's my limit.

If it's just a
matter of planning...

We could forego
the party this year.

Several of us can't attend,

and some of our major clients
have sent their regrets.

We could just have a quiet
holiday toast with the staff.

- Yeah, sounds kinda nice.
- Works for me.

Come on, guys...

We're decided then, huh?

And adjourned.

You were looking for me?

[door closes]

Does Leland still open
his personal mail?

As far as I know.

Is there a problem?

There could be,

if he gets one of these.

"Thinking of you this
holiday season."

Rosalind Shays?!

Read the postscript.

"Hope you can drop
in for my annual Open House."

- Ew!
- Apparently, a service has sent

out her cards
for several years.

After her...

accident last spring,
no one thought to cancel.

Oh my gosh.

We need to intercept
Leland's card.

I don't think it'll do much
to elevate his spirits.

The ghost of Christmas past.

Ooh.

I'll take care of it.
[door opens]

Oh... so is it true we're
canceling the Christmas party?

We thought we'd keep things
simple

and get people home early.

Don't you think
that makes sense?

Yeah.

But since when is a party
supposed to make sense?

She has a point.

We have something
more important to worry about.

I just received
a call from Ed Kravitz.

He wants us to
terminate Bill Castroverti.

Why?

When Kravitz went public,

Bill did the due
diligence on the offering.

The estimates of the
company's future profits

were not accurate,
but Bill didn't catch it.

My God.

- Is he suing us?
- Oh, no.

No, but he wanted
to leave the firm.

I persuaded him to stay

but I had to promise
to fire the attorney involved.

We have no choice, Douglas.

We have to let Castroverti go.

Merry Christmas.

He's wasting his time.
David won't drop this.

Hey look, Arnie is very good.

He and David's attorney
will work something out.

You're not a great liar.

But thanks for trying. [sighs]

I miss you.

I just thought
it would be easier.

Easier for who?

[buzzing]

Yes.

Thanks, Gwen.

Pavlik just left.

20 minutes is not a good sign.

Hey.

[door opens]

[door closes]

Sorry, they won't budge.

They want to take it to court.

According to Pavlik
David insists

that your new lifestyle is

quote, "damaging
to his children," unquote.

You want to talk damage?

He didn't see Tim and Jennie
for a year after the divorce.

That doesn't count. All that
counts is who I've slept with.

The worst thing you can do
is let your emotions take over.

David is gonna play hardball.

He is gonna bring up the
incident at your son's school.

That may help them prove
psychological damage

and they will drag in anything

to make
you look like an unfit mother.

Now if you're going
to the bars, you should stop.

I never been to a gay bar.

Arnie, this isn't necessary.

I don't want them to have
anything else

to use against you.

To be absolutely safe,

I wouldn't spend the night
with anyone,

above all, I wouldn't
bring anyone home.

- You don't have to worry.
- Good.

I'll see you here
at 9 o'clock tomorrow

to go over your testimony?

Thank you.

That's okay. I can find my way.

[door opens]

[sigh]

So, this year,
it's an extra thank you.

Merry Christmas
from McKenzie Brackman.

Thanks, Roxanne.

No! This isn't right!

Oh, I'm used to it.

Please don't feel
badly about getting

your bonus when I'm
not getting a bonus.

It's part of being a temp.

I don't expect to be
treated like family, even here.

I pay the price
for my independence.

It's what I've chosen.

No, this is wrong!

The check's for too much.

It's a mistake!

There are no mistakes.

When a gift comes your way,

you take it or
the universe will be offended.

Oops!

[singing]

What do you think?

I think it's great, it's--

I don't know, maybe
a little crooked but...

Well, that's its charm.

Well, then you...

- Glass of wine?
- Sure.

Uh, Zoey,

I decided I ought a go
to my family's for Christmas.

I leave Friday afternoon.

Oh. Sure.

You know, it's the first year
none of the kids are home and,

I think it might
be hard for my parents.

It might.

- You're okay with it?
- Of course.

I mean I'll miss you.

I thought about dragging'
you along but it's...

It's a little early
for that, don't you think?

Yeah.

Besides it solves the whole
office party dilemma.

It wasn't a dilemma.

In fact, we both agreed
that it'd be a good time

to let anybody know
that we were seeing each other.

But it's not a party
now anyway--

I was kidding.

It's really okay, Jonathan.

It's only for five days.

Five days?

Think you can make it up to me?

Can I start now?

Uh-huh.

The cab was
dispatched 15 minutes ago.

You've got plenty of time.

Yeah, I just hate to get to the

airport at the
last minute, you know--

Honey, it's
not the last minute.

I can't believe the I-R-S
wouldn't reschedule this thing.

[foghorn blaring]

Oh, there it is.

Look honey don't worry.

I'll pick up Matthew's
birthday cake

on the back from the airport.

It's right on the way.

Honey, we can take care of it.

Look, a man turns
two years old once in his life.

I'm his dad, I want
to be there, okay?

I know.

And... I want
to make up for last year.

Last year was last year.

- Hurry home.
- Okay.

Hey!

Look who woke
up to say goodbye.

Hello, Creamer.

[sighs]
Give him here.

- Give daddy a big kiss.
- A big kiss.

[engine revving]

[door closes]

Grace, you got a second?

I've been in since
seven, I can take a break.

I can I gotta show you these.

Bloom sent 'em from Maui.

Grace, this is paradise.

Mm?

I've never been to Hawaii.

No, me neither.

When I was with Zoey, we talked
about going but we never did.

But I could always
see myself sitting' right

on this beach here
doing' absolutely nothing.

Sounds like heaven.

Then why don't we do it.

Oh, look,
this is not a come-on.

We go as friends, period.

We both need to get away.

This place is a whole
other state of mind.

And I can get us a real
sweet deal on the plane fare.

What are you doing, Tommy?

Me? Nothin'.

Okay, I thought
the holidays might

be a little rocky for
you this year.

They are for me.

We're probably both
spending too much time alone.

You're right.

But I don't think
Hawaii would help.

Nothin' like
fly in' over a volcano

to get your mind off a things.

And then you got your, um,

tropical breezes, maybe
a swim before breakfast.

I can't.

But send me postcards, okay?

And don't fall into any craters.

I'd really miss you.

[chuckles]

My marriage had problems
and I admit some were my fault.

I'm an alcoholic.

I'm recovering now, but

before I was divorced
I was still drinking.

Did your drinking
affect your children?

I'm sure it did.

They were probably confused
and scared,

and I'm very sorry for that.

But I never hit my kids
or even yelled at 'em.

What about your wife?

Yes, we had fights.

I thought it was because
of my drinking.

You say you thought the fights
were about your drinking.

- Wasn't that the case?
- That was Maggie's excuse.

The fights
were really about sex--

Objection! Move to strike.

Your Honor, how far off the
track are we gonna get here?

It's directly relevant,
Your Honor.

Mr. Barnes' drinking during the
marriage was partly a response

to being deceived about
his wife's sexual preference--

That's ridiculous, Your Honor.

I'm overruling you, Mr. Becker.

I think Mrs. Barnes'
behavior is relevant.

Do you feel your wife
lied to you, Mr. Barnes?

Yes, I do.

She never admitted
to me that she didn't like men.

And our marriage was a lie!

And I think that
hurt Tim and Jennie

far more than my drinking.

Why do you want custody
of your children, sir?

I am not the same man I was
two years ago.

I don't touch alcohol,
I'm very active in my church.

I'm about to be married
to a wonderful woman.

And I believe that I can make

a happy, normal home
for my kids.

Thank you.

Mr. Barnes, three years ago
when your daughter was five

and having difficulty learning
to read,

didn't you call her "stupid?"

I am so sorry about that.

I had a hangover--

Your son is six.
He plays peewee soccer.

Three months ago,
didn't you force him

to finish a game when
he had a sprained ankle?

We didn't
know it was sprained...

and he wanted to play.

Because you pressured him.

You told him to act like a man.

What's wrong with that?

He needs
a real male role model,

not women pretending to be men.

- Move to strike.
- So ordered.

Isn't it true, sir, that when
you and your wife were divorced,

you showed no
interest whatsoever

in getting custody
of the children?

My wife had convinced me
that I was a bad parent.

Weren't you?

Didn't you spend
Saturdays with your friends,

Sunday sleeping off binges?

Didn't your wife have
to explain to Timmy that

Dad was too sick to come
to the school play,

because you
were passed out drunk?

Yeah.

I admit all that.

I did terrible things
when I was drinking.

And you need to make up
for the past,

so you want your kids back.

I love my kids!

I always have,
and they know that.

I am just trying to do
what is best for them.

Like trashing their mother's
personal life in open court?

To you, that's
being a good father?

Objection, argumentative!

Withdrawn.

I'm done here.

I have no excuse. I screwed up.

But it was one mistake.

Unfortunately, a crucial one.

The client
could take a big hit.

And it isn't just that Kravitz
forced us into a corner.

Your billables are down,

and I'd spoken
to you previously

about the Renfro
cause of action.

And I responded to
your concerns.

Leland,

I recognize this
is a serious error,

but I can guarantee
it won't happen again.

Bill, we both wish there
were some other way,

but there's not.

We can't trade
a million dollar client

for a second chance.

Since we had no choice,
we opted to tell you now,

but that doesn't mean
you have to leave right away.

We won't announce this until
the first of the year.

You'll get a month's
severance and the best

recommendation we can give under
the circumstances.

Thanks. That'd be great!

If there were
any other jobs out there.

[door opens]

[door closes]

So, I told Mom what time
my flight got in and she said,

well, that's great, baby
but we're not gonna be here.

You're kidding.

No, they figured it's...
Thank you!

It's their first year alone and
they leave for London tomorrow.

You're not going out of town?

No.

Well, I am.

I just bought a non-refundable

ticket to Maui
a half an hour ago.

- You're kidding.
- Well, I got to thinking.

I mean, I've got
a whole week off,

I've been working like crazy
and you were gonna be gone.

Why not go lie in the sand?

I could blow it off.

No, no, no, you're right.

You should get away.

It's non refundable.

I could come along, but--

You'd only have a few days.

Look, it's no big deal.

Go.

I'll stay here and be lonely.

We'll still have
New Year's Eve.

Well [chuckles]

actually, my return
is January 1st.

Think you can squeeze me
in sometime in 1992?

[light laugh]

I know it's frustrating.

[whispers] We're late. Come on.

Well, at least you're
on the early flight,

and Matthew won't mind
if you're fashionably late.

[buzzing] Hold on, honey.

Yeah.

You've got a call on two.

Do you know who it is?

Sorry, babe.

Stuart? [buzzing]

[line ends]

Stuart?

[sighs]

Oops.

This is too much money!

- I couldn't sleep last night.
- Nonsense, Benny.

We wish we could
have done more.

Ready, Ann? Yep.

But I heard we
couldn't afford a party

and I-I think it's 'cause
you gave me too much.

Benny, I wouldn't have
signed the checks

if the partners hadn't agreed.

You deserve every cent.

I can't take that temp anymore.

I'd rather answer my
own phones.

Have a nice lunch,
Mr. McKenzie.

That was Mr. Brackman, Betty.

Oh, right.

Any messages?

The travel agent

called with your flight
information for Maui.

Maui?

Oops!

That was for Mr. Mullaney.

Mrs. Barnes, in your opinion,

is your ex-husband
a good father?

He loves Tim and Jennie.

But when he was drinking
he was never there.

He'd promise to take
the kids to Disneyland

or Magic Mountain and then get
home six hours late.

I couldn't stand it.

I was relieved when
David decided to move out.

Was that the only reason?

No.

We didn't have
a marriage anymore.

We never talked.

And after the divorce,

how often did your
husband see Tim and Jennie?

That first year, twice.

David didn't
start taking the kids

on weekends till he got sober.

Now, you work as
a commercial artist.

How much time do
you spend with the children?

I'm there when they
come home and I have them

every weekend
they're not with David.

You help support your children
financially, is that right?

Yes.

When we-were divorced we agreed

to split everything 50-50.

Did your ex-husband
make his payments promptly?

No, that first year
I'd always have

to beg him for the check.

Thank you, Mrs. Barnes.

I have no more questions.

Mrs. Barnes,

has your husband ever missed
a child support payment?

No, but there were
many times where--

And even when he was drinking

David Barnes never lost his job
and he contributed equally

to the family's support,
didn't he?

Yes.

You had lesbian affairs
during your marriage.

Isn't that true, Mrs. Barnes?

I had one relationship.

It wasn't an affair.
I fell in love.

And you were
unfaithful to your husband.

You started sleeping with
this woman, Cara Jean Lamb,

and you didn't
tell him about it.

You let him go on believing
he had a normal wife.

Objection to the implied
characterization

of Mrs. Barnes' sexual behavior
as abnormal.

Sustained.

Mrs. Barnes,
have you ever kissed

or fondled your female lover
in front of your children?

We've ended the relationship.

- Please answer the question.
- No!

I have never fondled my lover
in front of my children.

- Did you kiss her?
- Yes.

And I don't believe
it traumatized my children.

Did you ever talk
to them about Ms. Lamb?

I explained to them that
C.J. and I loved each other

and that some people
might not understand.

Don't you think that
confused them, Mrs. Barnes?

Maybe even frightened them?

I think if anything
frightens them

it's what David is doing now.

Your son physically injured

another child because that
child said you were a lesbian.

My son was shoved
up against a wall

by some older boys
who were teasing him!

He hit one of them back
and gave him a bloody nose.

I'm not sure Timmy even
understood

what the teasing was about!

Mrs. Barnes,
your personal life seems

to be in constant turmoil.

First you're married,
then you decide you're gay,

then you end that relationship.

How can you possibly provide
a stable home?

My personal life
is my business, Mr. Pavlik!

It has never kept me

from loving my children
or being there for them.

And you honestly believe

that being raised by
a lesbian mother

is better than
a heterosexual environment?

If I'm the mother, yes.

I have nothing further.

[instrumental music]

Hey, Ben.

You're in early.

Yeah, I'm... in early.

You ready for Christmas?

Well, I thought I was, but

I had a little
surprise yesterday.

Sort of threw me for a loop.

Me, too.

Well, what's the problem?

Well, what
if you have something,

big, that you wanna
give somebody.

And you know they'd like it,

and you have
the money for it but...

you're worried that
they might think it's...

- Too much?
- Yeah.

Well, if a gift comes
from the heart,

that's usually the kind
of surprise people like.

Billy?

Yeah?

If I told you a secret,

could you maybe help me?

Sure.

Doctor Lattamer, you're the
psychologist assigned

by the court to evaluate

the Barnes children,
is that correct?

Yes, and Jennie seems to be

a normal, outgoing
eight year old.

She's bright
and well socialized.

But doesn't
your report refer to

"a certain sadness
when Jennie feels

she isn't being observed"?

Yes, and I felt that that was

because of
her family situation.

Jennie's "situation"
includes a lesbian mother,

who brought her female lover
home.

Could that be the cause
of Jennie's "sadness"?

- Objection, speculation.
- Overruled.

Yes, I think
Jennie's feelings are related

to her mother's
sexual preference.

What were your observations
about Timothy Barnes?

Tim is six.

He's also bright

but he's developed behavior
problems

which seem to be getting worse.

He's been acting out,
he's been fighting at school.

And this aggressive behavior

is directly related
to his confusion

over his mother's homosexuality?

In my opinion, yes.

Do you feel that psychotherapy

is indicated for Timmy Barnes?

I think it would help.

What he's been through would be

disturbing
for any six year old.

Thank you.

Doctor Lattamer, isn't
it possible Timmy Barnes

has problems because his father
is an alcoholic

who never paid much attention
to him before he sobered up?

It's possible, yes...

And isn't it also
possible that it's his father's

hostility toward his mother
that might be the cause

of Timmy's aggressive behavior?

Again, it's possible but...

And there is no clinical
evidence

that having a gay parent

damages a child, is that right?

No, but clinically...

Or that the children of
gay parents grow up to be gay?

Well, we're not sure how
that imprinting takes place--

In fact, isn't it true
that most homosexuals

are raised
in heterosexual families?

Yes.

So, if a straight
family doesn't

guarantee a straight child,
why should

a gay family guarantee
a gay child?

Well, it doesn't necessarily.

- I have no more questions.
- You may step down, Doctor.

If there are no more witnesses.

We would like to call

one more witness, your Honor.

Ms. Cara Jean Lamb.

[knock on door]

Are you busy?

Arrests are down.

The cops have to do their
Christmas shopping, too

you know. Is something wrong?

Would you tell me
if you and Tommy

were going to Maui together?

Tommy isn't going to Maui.

[door closes]

I saw his travel plans, Zoe.

[sighs]

Do you think that I would go
off with Tommy

and not tell you?

Do you think that's who I am?

I seems like a pretty strange
coincidence the two of you--

I don't care
what it seems like.

- Ask me, don't accuse me.
- I didn't accuse you---

- The hell you didn't.
- I did not--

The hell you didn't!

That's why you broke
our date last night.

So you could sit home
brooding about this?

No, no, no I thought
since I was going

to see my parents without you,

you thought I
wasn't all that serious--

Why would I expect
to meet your family?

You don't even want your office
to know we're involved.

Come on Zoey, we both agreed
to keep this private,

to give ourselves some
time at the beginning--

Yeah, well for you
it's still the beginning.

Yeah, I've been cautious
about going public,

but you're just ignoring the
problems we're going to face.

We have a problem right now.

Maybe we just need a little time
away from each other.

Sounds like that's
what we're gonna get.

Yeah. [door opens]

Ms. Lamb, when you were sexually
involved with Mrs. Barnes,

did you ever have relations
at Mrs. Barnes' home?

No, never.

But you did visit her home when

the Barnes children
were present?

Yes.

Did you ever
openly display affection

for Mrs. Barnes
in front of the children?

I may have put
my arm around her.

I probably kissed her
in a non-sexual way.

The children didn't seem
to pay any attention.

Didn't Tim Barnes
once tell you he hated you?

His father called that morning

and cancelled a trip
to Dodger Stadium.

Tim also told his sister he
hated her and the family dog.

Ms. Lamb, how many sexual
relationships have you had

in the past five years?
Objection, Your Honor...

that's completely irrelevant

It goes to the best interests
of the children, Your Honor.

We believe Ms. Lamb
to be sexually promiscuous,

which is both a heath risk
to the Barnes children

and a bad moral example.

Objection overruled.

During the time
you were involved,

Mrs. Barnes wasn't
your only sexual partner.

- How many others were there?
- Two.

Have you ever
been tested for AIDS, Ms. Lamb?

Your Honor, this is offensive!

I said I'd allow it, Mr. Becker.

Yes, I was tested for
the HIV virus three years ago.

The result was negative.

Why were you tested, Ms. Lamb?

Because I felt it was
the responsible thing to do.

I have nothing further.

Ms. Lamb, do you
love Maggie Barnes?

Yes.

And what about Tim and Jennie?
Do you care about them?

Yes, very much.

According to Mrs. Barnes,

you know her better that anyone.

Do you feel that her children
belong in her custody?

Oh, yes.

Yeah, Tim and
Jennie are great kids

and she raised them.

What are you asking her for?

She encouraged
my wife to lie to me!

That'll do, Mr. Barnes.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

I have no further questions.

You may step down, Ms. Lamb.

Your Honor, since this concerns

the Barnes children
most directly,

the respondent
requests that the court

hear from them personally.

Well, I think the six year-old
is too young.

But I would like to talk
to the eight year-old.

I'll meet with
Jennifer Barnes

at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow
in my chambers.

We're adjourned.

- Thanks for coming, Josh.
- Thanks!

Bye, bye.

He made it to O'Hare.

Give him here.

Night-night, sweetie.

Goodnight...

Hi, honey!

Well, at least
it's closer than Dallas.

If it's any consolation,
there was too much chaos

for Matthew to miss you.

Ned got it all on videotape.

Well, we'll keep our fingers
crossed it's only flurries.

I love you, sweetie. Bye bye.

That second candle
really wore him out.

Want me to change
my plans for tomorrow?

I don't want to leave you
in the lurch with Stuart gone.

No, we're covered.

Matthew can go to Laura's and

Stuart should be home by noon.

Oh, don't let me forget...

[sighs] We can't thank you
enough for all you've done.

I know you've only
been with us a few months

but I've forgotten
how we ever managed before.

Thanks.

I put something under the tree
for Matthew and Stuart.

And I got this for you.

That's so sweet.

But it wasn't necessary.

I saw it and I thought of you.

Wow!

It's beautiful.

Thank you.

The card tells all about
the properties of crystals.

But the truth is,

I just thought
it would look pretty on you.

- Need some help?
- No, I got it.

It's beautiful.

I'm glad you like it.

Merry Christmas, Ann.

And you have
a good Christmas, too.

A great Christmas.

So- we'll see
you next week, right?

- Right.
- Yeah.

See you soon.

Okay.
[door opens]

- Bye-bye.
- Bye.

[door closes]

I'm not firing Betty,
she's a temp.

I'm just letting her go
a day early.

The day before Christmas?
Come on, that hurts.

She deleted the
entire client billing file.

Because I was rushing her.

- We got it back.
- How can you be so patient?

I hate to see someone lose
a job like this.

- Huh?
- One more chance?

Oh, I give up. You're worse than
the Salvation Army.

Thanks, Rox.

Goodnight, Mr. Brackman.

I'm Mr. McKenzie, Betty.

Oh, I found this card addressed
to you, Mr. McKenzie.

It must have been
thrown away by mistake.

You know, you could make
a wreath out of your cards.

I used to do it all the time,

when I got more cards.

Thank you. Would
you leave it on my desk for me?

Good night.

Do you know what
this is all about, Jennie?

Uh-huh.

If me and Timmy are going
to live with my mom or my dad.

How do you feel about your mom?

Do you love her?

Yes.

What's she like to be with?

Is she happy most of the time?

Uh-huh. She likes to do stuff.

We go shopping on Melrose
and hiking

in the mountains
so she can draw.

She listens to us, too,

even if Timmy's
acting like a weenie.

What about your dad?
Do you like to be with him?

Yeah.
He doesn't yell at us anymore.

He takes us places, too.

And Cara Jean Lamb?

How do you feel about her?

Oh, C.J.'s way cool!

She showed us how
to spit through your teeth.

And she had a cat one time
that didn't even have a tail!

How do you feel when
C.J. and your mom are together?

They don't fight like
my dad and my mom.

C.J. makes her laugh.

Did you ever see them hug
or kiss each other?

It's okay. You can tell him.

Well, one night I got up
for a drink of water,

and my mom didn't know it.

C.J. was going home
and I saw her and mom kissing.

- Did that bother you?
- Yeah.

But I told my mom and we talked
for a long time.

She said if I didn't like her

C.J. wouldn't
come over any more,

but I said I did.

Well, do you still feel
that way about C.J.?

- Do you still like her?
- Yeah.

But she can't
come over any more.

My dad doesn't want her to.

Why do you think that is?

'Cause my mom
loves C.J. and not him.

Okay, so far
you've straightened my books,

you adjusted my lamp,
you played with the toy,

now you picked up
my sofa pillows?

Wanna talk about Maggie?

I still haven't heard
anything yet.

No, I didn't mean
the custody case.

Oh, it's so bloody stupid!

I called it off, you know?

The third time in two years.

You'd think I could let go.

Maybe you don't wanna.

Maybe that's why you got her
a lawyer and you stuck by her.

Tommy, she wants a future.

I have trouble committing
to next week.

I love her kids, but I don't
want the responsibility.

So, you write her off?
She's just out of your life?

Well, better to hold on
like you and Zoey?

I'm sorry.

I am sorry.

That was a low blow.

Yeah, that was.

[sighs] I think I should leave

before I spread
anymore Christmas cheer.

Hey, C.J.
I didn't take offense.

You're right, I held on to Zoe

for too long, and it
killed me to lose her.

But Zoey and me,

I mean we'll always
know each other

because what
we had between us...

you don't just throw that away.

[door opens]

[indistinct chatter]

Just wait in the corridor.

[door closes]

I thought if we
talked to each other

face to face, instead
of through our lawyers.

What, you think that's gonna
soften me up?

That you'll get around me like
you did during the divorce?

I tried to tell you what was
happening. You wouldn't listen.

So, it's my fault.

You cheat on me, with women
and that's my fault!

Look, blaming her is only going
to punish your kids.

- What do you know about it?
- I'm divorced, too.

Mine was my fault.

I wanted to punish myself,

you want to punish
everybody else.

Look, she is the one
who has been sleeping around.

That's not the point!

The point is,

I still had feelings for my wife
and so do you.

My marriage was over,
there wasn't any hope

and it didn't make any
difference. I still loved her.

And a part of me always will.

I didn't mean
to hurt you, David.

But I can't change
what happened.

I don't understand.

I don't understand how
you could prefer a woman to me.

I did love you.

When I married you

and for a long
time after that, but I stopped.

And that was
way before I met C.J.

I thought if I got sober,

if I stayed on the wagon...

that you would want me back.

Well, a few years ago
I might've.

But it's too late now.

We both just need to move on.

Please.

Stop using Tim and Jennie
to hurt me back.

Thank you.

Everyone have one of these?

[indistinct chatter]

To all of you.

May you have the warmest
of holidays.

Cheers.
[indistinct chatter]

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

Excuse me, excuse me,

you've got the wrong office.

[indistinct chatter]

Surprise!

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

Do you have
a designated driver?

Yeah, I've got eight...

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer...

[instrumental music]

William.

Benny, this is fantastic!

We even have cab service
and hotel rooms,

in case you drink too much.

I still can't fathom
how you managed it.

Oh, I used some of
my bonus money.

You did all this on
a budget of $1500?

No. $15,000.

It's okay, Douglas.

It was just a small mistake.

Caviar?

[instrumental music]

I was just on
my way to your office.

- Hi.
- Yeah, come on!

I'm... Yeah, I just stopped by
to drop this off.

Here, you first. Go ahead.

[instrumental music]

[chuckles] That tropical sun
can be brutal.

Thank you.

Non-refundable.

Merry Christmas.

[instrumental music]

It is now.

[instrumental music]

[chuckles]

Betty, are you still working?

This is... personal.

I'm almost finished.

Need some help?

[door opens]

Before I go, I wanted to--

Oh, no.

Is this some kind of
a sick joke?!

No. No.

I understand these cards
were ordered... some time ago.

Leave it to Rosalind, huh?

She always did like
to get in the last word.

Yeah,

as if she weren't
unforgettable enough.

[laughs]

Mmm.

No return address.

[chuckles]

[laughing]

[giggling]

I wish more women
knew how to network like this.

[giggling]

[sighs]

[giggling]

Damn it, I miss her.

How can it be Christmas again?

So soon, Grace.

C.J, she gave him more
visitation

he dropped the petition.

The kids are home
with their mother.

Yay, Arnie.

Thank you.

[chuckles]
Oh, thank you.

- Bye.
- Bye-bye.

[indistinct chatter]

I'd have won anyway.

I had a hell of a closing.

- What?
- I just love you, that's all.

[chuckles]

[instrumental music] Whoa!

Zoe!

Thanks.

You're calling collect
from Saskatoon?

Stuart, I know you were
desperate

to get out of Chicago,
but don't you think

you should head west?

I did.

You made it.

I walked.

Phooey!

Print! Print! Print!

Hey, take it easy.

Even this goes wrong!

It's all wrong!!

[screams]

[gasps]

[screams]

[glass breaking]

Stay back!

Hey, easy.

- Easy, easy.
- Arnie, call the police.

Betty, I just want to talk.

I'm gonna come in, okay?

You don't have to worry.

You know me, right, huh?

Bill?

We work together here.

Careful, man.

Okay?

Here I am.

Here's my hand.

Just take it.

Hold on.

Easy, Betty.

Easy.

It's okay, Betty.

I'm right here with ya.

I'm right here.

Hang on, Betty.

It's gonna be okay.

I want it to stop.

It will stop.

A few more days and
it's a whole new year.

This is crummy
Christmas for a lot of us.

I just mess everything up.

I let everyone down.

It's not you!

Everybody's life is
a bad dream sometimes.

Last week my
folks told me they're getting

a divorce, after 29 years.

And just when I thought
things couldn't get worse.

I got fired yesterday.

I don't believe you.

- Leland?
- It's true, Betty.

I had to let Billy go.

Now, if anybody
should jump, it's me.

Come on, Betty.

Give me your hand.

Oh.

[screaming]

[panting]

[instrumental music]

She's been admitted
to L.A. County for 72 hours.

No visitors 'til tomorrow.

Did anybody read her, note?

- No.
- I got it right here.

It says "My
landlady thinks she's

keeping my finches
for the holidays,

tell her there's an extra case
of birdseed under the sink.

Goodbye.
I wish I were stranger."

How could she be stranger?

It's a typo.

I think she meant stronger.

Benny.

It's okay. I'm fine,
Betty's hanging' in there.

Nobody went out the window.

Hey, where's the music?

How about it, guys?

Are we gonna let all this food
and music go to waste?

Let's play.

♪ I can see clearly now ♪

♪ The rain has gone ♪

You wanna dance?

♪ I can see all obstacles
in my way ♪

♪ Oh, yeah! ♪

♪ Gone are the dark clouds
that had me blind ♪

Merry Christmas.

♪ It's gonna be a bright ♪

♪ Bright, bright
sunshiny day ♪

Merry Christmas?

♪ It's gonna be a bright ♪

♪ Bright, bright sunshiny day ♪

♪ Oh, yeah! ♪

♪ It's gonna be a bright ♪

♪ Bright, bright sunshiny day ♪

[theme music]