Diggstown (2019–…): Season 3, Episode 3 - Percy Lincoln - full transcript
That is the last time
I order indian food
at a non-indian spot.
Girl, you don't go to a baseball
game to see a touchdown.
Hey, you think you
can stiff the waitress,
Walk right out,
no consequences?
How 'bout you mind
your own business?
Not paying your
bill is a crime.
Screw you!
Watch your mouth, bitch!
- Hey, hey!
- Hey.
Back off!
Fellas, let's just go.
Well look who's here
to save the day.
Look, it's late,
It seems like you guys
had a lot to drink,
I think everyone
should go home.
Does it also look like
You're talking to
three police officers?
Show your badges.
Is that a command?
Oh my god! Stop!
Oh my god!
Enough, let's go.
Show 'em how
it's done, kyle.
Stop resisting.
Let's go!
Yeah, not so tough now, huh?
Stop it, please.
Fellas, let's go!
Stop him!
Boys!
why are you
doing these things?
enough!
stop, please!
don't mess with us!
Oh my god!
Boys!
Enough!
He's had enough!
No!
I'm okay.
It's okay.
It's okay.
No, kyle!
I'm okay.
We got the ambulance
is coming.
At least they decided to
charge him with manslaughter
Not murder.
Of course, colleen.
He acted in self-defence.
Well...
The two women that he tried
to help will testify to that.
Not everybody's happy hla
is repping percy lincoln
For killing a cop.
Joyce, the acting chair,
Calls me every
hour on the hour.
And the fact that he's
family doesn't matter to them?
Was. It's not just
the board though.
Some of your clients are
asking to be reassigned.
Seriously?
They think because
you're involved
The prosecutors are
dragging their feet.
Well, that's just paranoia.
Maybe.
But if you see an
exit ramp on this?
And following the arrival
of mr. Lincoln on the scene,
What transpired?
He got in our faces,
Tried to order us around,
And when we didn't
listen to his commands,
He got physical.
How so?
Shoving,
Mixing around with kyle,
Officer allen.
When officer allen then
tried to subdue him,
Mr. Lincoln stabbed
him to death.
How exactly did you
get control of him?
He used a department
approved method-
They'll never admit
to the chokehold.
She's giving the
cops an opportunity
To control the narrative.
It's smart.
Hands behind the neck.
Are you familiar
with media reports
That refer to the
term "chokehold"?
Yes.
Did your control method have
the effect of choking anyone?
No, it may seem that
way to the untrained eye
But we're trained to
control aggressive
And violent individuals.
Problem was,
that animal had a knife!
Objection!
Objection, your honour!
Order! Order!
I'm not going to
allow officer coates
To dehumanize my client
with his remarks.
Bailiff, take these
people outside.
Out of my courtroom.
Absolutely disgusting!
Take control of your witness,
ms. Lopez.
Mr. Thompson!
Hey! How are my
first years?
Glad to see some
of you showed up.
I thought you could
use a coffee.
Thanks, elina.
We're wondering if you
got the judge you wanted.
Judge blaney?
Well, wouldn't be
my first choice.
But having a buddy
on the bench can
backfire.
All of a sudden
they're trying so
hard to be impartial,
That they end up
treating you like
their worst enemy.
remember me?
Your client?
I don't think the
judge is gonna
be impressed
If we're late
for court.
The client
has spoken.
Shall we?
Let's, uh, roll
this back a bit,
officer coates.
So, you, officer allen
and officer ross
Were out for
drinks at hugo's,
A tavern in dartmouth.
Is that correct?
Yes.
And your evidence is
that you all witnessed
Ms. Wilson and
ms. Ross dine and dash?
That's what it
looked like.
You didn't notice that they
left $63.75 on their table?
No, I didn't.
Did you ask their server?
No.
We heard melissa say
two women stiffed her,
So kyle,
officer allen,
Went out and we followed.
But melissa murphy,
The server,
Never asked you
to intervene.
No.
Something's happening,
you get involved.
That's the training.
Right, the training.
You're also trained
to identify yourself
When you approach a
member of the public.
You didn't do that
When you approached ms. Wilson
and ms. Brooks, did you?
Sure we did.
Did you show my
client your badges?
There wasn't any time.
How many drinks did
you have that night?
A few.
I don't recall.
This is your receipt from hugo's
on the night in question.
And according
to your server,
You had eight double
vodkas straight.
Wouldn't you agree that
maybe your judgement
Was just a bit impaired?
- Just because I
- ordered the drinks,
Doesn't mean they
were all for me.
So, no, I don't think my
judgement was impaired.
Did you provide
sirt investigators
With a blood sample?
Yes, I did.
.03.
Right, that was based
on a blood sample
That was taken at 6:30 am
the next morning.
That's plenty of time
For you get the alcohol
out of your system, right?
Objection, your honour.
Ms. Diggs is floating a police
conspiracy without any basis.
Your honour, this is
a sirt investigation
And they wait nine hours-
I agree with ms. Lopez.
I'm not gonna have you call
into question the integrity
Of the entire police
department in my courtroom.
Do you have any further relevant
questions for the witness?
No, I guess not,
your honour.
I'm at capacity, colleen.
I can't properly
represent my clients
And take on
marcie's files too.
The police are
overcharging them
Because marcie's
their lawyer.
I don't know what
the alternative is.
Tell marcie to
wrap this up.
To make things
easier on us?
Come on,
I can't do that.
Emily!
Let's catch up on
this later, okay?
Just looking for marcie.
Oh, she's got
court today.
Yeah, I figured that out.
Em, stop.
Are you okay?
Ah, well, still have
headaches, low energy.
At least I'm starting to
get my taste and smell back.
Still only getting supervised
visits with my kids.
Em, I'm so sorry.
If I'd known anything about
asymptomatic carriers back then
I never would have let
my son into our bubble.
I don't know how many
times I can apologize.
I don't have my kids because
of you and this damn virus.
So I got nothing for you.
I'm sorry,
your honour.
This was working
fine before.
Your honour, perhaps
a recess is in order
To give mr. Mueller
a moment.
Have you and mr. Thompson
attempted a resolution
To this matter?
Resolutions proposed
by mr. Mueller
Would make it
difficult for my client
To pursue
employment opportunities.
Excellent.
Okay, let's get this
show on the road.
Now it's clear from this
video that the altercation
Between your father
and the defendant
Started before what
we see on camera.
Can you tell us
what you witnessed?
Dad asked ben when he
was gonna pay the rent.
He's four months late.
Ben said he didn't have
to pay during covid
And he told dad
to eff off.
Then ben pushed him,
Dad fell,
He broke his collarbone.
Thank you.
How tall are you son?
6'6".
What are you,
about 260?
280.
280.
You're an opposing guy.
Are you protective
of your dad?
Yessir.
Now isn't it a fact marlo
that you were enlisted
To attend the meeting
with my client
To help your dad persuade
ben sangster to pay the rent?
Ah, dad's old.
People like to try
and take advantage.
That's all,
your honour.
Ms. Wilson, could you
describe for the jury
What happened on the night
of officer allen's death?
Aisha and I left
the restaurant.
Some guys followed us out
and started talking to us.
Then mr. Lincoln came over
and he was arguing with them.
They started fighting
and he pulled out a knife
And just stabbed the guy.
Did you call for
mr. Lincoln?
Nah, he came
over on his own.
I was defending her.
Ms. Wilson, your testimony
today is very different
From the statement that
you gave the police
On the night in question.
You previously said:
"thank god mr. Lincoln
arrived when he did
"'cause I didn't know what
the men were gonna do to us."
Why the discrepancy?
I must've been in
shock I guess.
But now I've had more time
to better remember it.
So, three men that
you don't know
Approach you at 10:30 at night
in a vacant parking lot
And you didn't
feel threatened?
I don't remember.
Were they
physical with you?
I don't know,
a lot was happening.
Look, I told you,
He butted in.
Nobody asked him to
play prince charming.
Ms. Wilson, has
anybody from the hpd
Asked you to
change your story?
- Objection!
- I'm not a liar.
Ms. Diggs, I've
already asked you
To drop that line
of questioning.
Your honour, I would like
to reserve the right
To continue cross-examining the
witness later on in the trial.
Granted.
The witness
may step down.
They got to her.
Listen, I was thinking
we could go to gio
On Friday for dinner.
Ahhhh, mm.
Actually Friday's the
diggs' family dinner.
Can't wait for my parents to
play tug-o-war with us then.
Okay, well then I
should bring something.
Oh, it's actually, um...
It's actually just family.
Dad's just not, um...
He's just not ready to invite
you since after rolanda, um...
You don't wanna be
part of the whole
Austin and velma
show anyway,
Trust me.
Well, I hope the avery-ban
doesn't last forever.
Ah, how's your hell's kitchen
case coming along with reggie?
Oh yeah.
It's actually tougher
than I thought,
He's playing hardball.
reggie?
Reggie, reggie?
Say reggie one more time.
Jamal swan is up
first this morning.
Can he hurt us?
Jamal? No.
He likes to clown,
but he's still my boy.
Tough day in
court yesterday.
What's the strategy?
To find out who scared our
witness into perjuring herself.
And convince the jury
I'm telling the truth.
Has the crown come
to you with a deal?
I ain't takin' no
deal, colleen.
These people want
me on my knees.
Let them fight for it.
Look, our involvement
in your case
Is creating issues for
our other clients.
We're being forced
to file subpoenas
To get cops to testify.
Plea bargaining has
virtually stopped.
This isn't just about you.
This wouldn't be about
protecting the judgeship
You're up for would it?
wow.
You know your problem, percy?
You don't know who
your friends are.
Reggie, do you have
a minute, sir?
Sure.
See how curious
my students are?
They want to see the wheels
of justice in motion.
Look, fine.
Here's something
you can teach them.
Right now with the
aggravated assault charge,
We're going for summary.
Can always decide
to go indictable.
Cut the crap.
You're not gonna start over.
Don't force my hand, reggie.
What's that mean?
What's "indictment"?
Well, if he changes
it to indictable
The maximum sentence goes
from six months to ten years.
Should I take a deal?
he's
just playing games.
No, the deal was bad before,
it's gonna be worse now.
Don't worry.
We still got moves.
I'll be okay.
Darcelle's not gonna stay?
The arena gets me,
not my family.
I don't care.
I told you I'm
not testifying.
What makes you think
you have a choice?
Whatever.
She doesn't look happy.
Mr. Swan, can you
please tell the court
How you know
percy lincoln.
Yeah, we've known
each other for a while,
Run in the same circles.
Just two men trying to
make change in the world.
The same circles as in?
You know,
rallies, committees,
Stuff like that.
Like say, the community
policy initiative committee?
Yes. That's one I
organized myself.
Could you please tell
us what this is?
That's the committee.
It's almost everybody.
The turnout was great.
Can you please identify
that person right there?
That's percy lincoln.
And who is that beside him?
That's me,
looking fresh.
Just one more.
Who's that, a few people
down from the defendant?
Um, that's uh...
I can get the
committee registry
To help you if
you need it.
That's kyle allen.
Officer kyle allen,
now deceased.
So officer kyle allen and the
defendant knew each other?
They were on the same
committee, yes.
Did you witness clashes
between officer allen
And the defendant?
They disagreed.
How would you characterize
those disagreements?
Well, you know,
percy's a passionate guy
And sometimes his passion
gets the best of him.
Like it did the night
he murdered officer allen?
Objection. Argumentative.
I'm good, your honour.
I have no questions
for the witness.
The crown rests,
your honour.
The witness is dismissed.
Ms. Diggs, are you
ready to commence?
Yes, your honour.
The defence calls
our first witness,
Aisha brooks.
Uh, no response,
your honour.
Marlo, what's-
What's going on?
They're arresting me
for breaking and entering.
They're saying I
stole that videotape.
Can you please
call my dad?
Listen, I'm on it, okay?
Just stay calm.
Better quit playing
around here, reggie.
Oh, the client
filed a complaint.
It's nothing to do with me.
Ben sangster is a tenant.
He doesn't own the building-
But he owns the camera.
He had it installed
at his own expense.
You're walking awfully close
to the line here, reggie.
Aw come on, you would
have done the same.
You're just mad 'cause
I outplayed ya.
No, I'm mad about
you playing,
Instead of sitting
down and discussing
A plea deal for
your client.
Is this good for
mr. Sangster?
Well, here's the
way it works.
Because we now know that marlo
had custody of the video,
We may be able to establish
that he tampered with it.
Now the court may find that
in admissible because...
It's not an
accurate representation
Of the events it's
supposed to depict.
Excellent.
- Hi, it's aisha brooks.
- Leave a message.
Officer ross.
Unless you're delivering
my burrito bowl,
I got nothing
to say to you.
It'll only take a minute.
You have 'til my
food arrives.
Thanks for talking to me.
You can do all the talking.
I don't wanna be
anywhere near this.
Is that how you
felt that night?
Like you didn't wanna
be anywhere near it?
You know, percy said that you
stayed mostly uninvolved.
I won't make a good witness.
You know, a man's life
is at stake here.
And what about my life?
You put me on that stand,
I won't say what you want.
I-I can't.
So then my client
just goes to jail?
Another future
claimed by the system?
Why is his future
more valuable than mine?
Hmm, answer me that?
You want me to go to
court and tell everyone
What a terrible person
kyle allen was?
Sure. And guess what?
Any career aspirations,
Any chance of making real
change inside hpd is flushed.
Is my black life less valuable
because I wear a badge?
No.
It's because in a moment
that required courage,
You displayed a
stunning lack.
Aisha? Where are you?
Mr. Ricci,
What was your intent
when you took your son,
A semi-pro hockey player,
To visit my client while he
was alone in his restaurant?
Ben hadn't paid his rent.
I wanted to talk
to him man-to-man.
You mean man-to-men?
We had an agreement.
That's right.
Now I have an email here
from April of last year,
Which says you'd
be happy to give
Mr. Sangster a
reprieve on the rent.
What changed?
Nothing changed.
We followed up by phone
And ben said he'd repay the
full amount after four months.
Did you record any of
these phone calls?
Why would I need to
record my phone calls?
Isn't a man's word enough?
Given the lockdowns
and reduced business,
How did you expect your tenant
to come up with the rent?
I've been in this country
for more than forty years,
I have dug ditches,
Troweled cement floors,
Whatever was necessary to
honour an agreement once made.
You people act like
this is the first time
We've lived
through hard times.
In 2008, we were
just scraping by.
When we couldn't
pay for cleaning
And maintenance
on the building,
My son did it for free.
Ah yes, the maintenance.
There was an electrical problem
in the restaurant dining room
That went unfixed
for four weeks.
without the
income from the rent,
I-I couldn't pay
an electrician.
Now every week I'm getting
calls from the bank
Because I can't pay my mortgage
because of your client.
So you and your son decided to
strong arm ben for the rent?
No. No!
I expected him to be
a man of his word.
Thank you, mr. Ricci.
He put on a good show.
Don't worry,
you'll get your turn.
- I'm sorry but I
- can't testify.
But aisha we
talked about this.
Without you corroborating
percy's side of the story,
He goes to prison.
I can't risk losing my kid.
Losing your?
I'm sorry, what are
you talking about?
Rosella told me
what they did.
I don't even have a record,
but they're the cops!
They can do what they want,
the truth doesn't matter.
Aisha, you need to
tell me right now:
What exactly did
they say to rosella,
And who exactly said it?
Call
rosella wilson to the stand.
Ms. Wilson, do you have
a criminal record?
Objection, relevance?
Overruled.
The witness will answer.
Rosella,
You will not be in trouble
for having a criminal record.
But you will
be in trouble
If you do not tell
the truth here today.
I pled guilty to
theft when I was 17.
And did anyone
approach you,
And try to use
this information
To get you to change
your testimony?
The other officer
from that night.
Officer coates or
officer ross?
Officer coates.
I work at a bank.
He told me it
would be a shame
If my work found out
about my criminal record.
Listen, I really
need this job.
My dad can't work anymore
and my mom's sick.
In light of this,
Would you like to change
your earlier testimony?
We didn't dine and dash.
The waitress billed
us extra by mistake,
So we dropped what
we owed and left.
Those guys were chirping
us way before that.
And they were verbally
harassing you how?
Complaining that we
laughed too loud,
That we were on our
phones too much.
Then they
followed us outside,
Started insulting us,
Getting in our faces.
One guy started
yanking me around.
Then mr. Lincoln
showed up
And he tried to
calm everyone down.
He was trying to help.
Thank you, rosella.
No further questions.
Ms. Wilson,
What statement of yours do you
think the court should consider?
What I just said.
What you just said,
Or what you said yesterday,
Or what you said
five months ago?
I can't keep your
lies straight.
Objection. Badgering.
Is there a question,
ms. Lopez?
Did you know that
officer allen
And mr. Lincoln
knew each other?
No, I just-
Did officer allen say
anything to the defendant
That would suggest they
had a prior relationship?
He said something like,
"look who's here
to save the day."
And what did that
mean to you at the time?
I didn't think about it.
I want you to think
about it now.
I guess they
knew each other.
I'm good, your honour.
Ms. Diggs, can we
chat for a second?
About the witness
intimidation of rosella wilson?
Happy to.
Hardly.
I'm actually here to
offer you a bone.
Twelve to fourteen.
He's out in eight.
Ellery, do you know
who my client is?
Percy lincoln's not
gonna accept a deal,
Especially in a case where
a cop is trying to kill him.
That's his story.
I think you underestimate
where the jury's sympathy lies.
Or maybe you are.
Not everyone resides in
the same echo chamber
As percy lincoln.
Most people are like
judge kerr and I,
We respect the police
And are tired of hearing
him demonize them.
Yeah, well,
If both my parents were
cops I'd feel the same way.
Talk to your client.
Let me know.
Don't tell me your office
Doesn't have an
issue with marcie.
Every single one of her
files that I've reassigned
Has made movement
towards resolution.
Personality conflicts
happen, colleen.
really, martin?
Well, it's a hell of
a lot more plausible
Than that "plot against
marcie diggs" theory
That you're floating.
Look, I'm asking you
to right the ship.
Okay, this is about
the clients not marcie.
I'll speak to the lawyers.
Ms. Diggs' defence of
percy lincoln is a factor
In the way they're
handling cases,
I'll deal with it.
And that's all I ask.
What are these people
gonna do without you
If you get that judgeship?
Well, they'll figure it out.
Uh huh.
So, what's good,
marcie diggs?
I received an offer.
Fulfill your duty.
It's twelve to fourteen,
out in eight.
Wow!
They really think
they got me, huh?
Hey, you're gonna
have to earn it.
You understand me?
You're gonna
have to earn it!
Is there an issue?
No, your honour.
Are you ready to proceed?
Your honour,
Given the
lateness of the day,
The defence requests a recess
until tomorrow morning.
Request granted.
We'll come back tomorrow,
10:00 am.
We're adjourned
for the day.
All rise.
Really appreciate
you taking the time
To come see me today.
Of course.
Is this about me
helping you convince
Percy to be reasonable?
I guess
percy wouldn't be with a
"beat around the bush" type.
I wanna talk about
percy and this trial.
What happens if
he's found guilty?
I mean, have you two
discussed the possibility
Of him taking a plea?
I understand you're
concerned about this place,
But we all knew
this day would come
When there would be
some false allegation,
Some made up charge.
But percy and I came
in from the streets,
We don't run from a fight.
And if your kids
lose their father?
You say that like he's
being left at a walmart.
Here's the thing.
If percy's found guilty,
It'll bring him
back to reality.
This playing with trying
to change the system
From the inside out,
I warned him it
would never work.
It would make him soft.
Now, here we are.
I don't understand.
I mean, do you want
him to go to jail?
No, not at all.
But we don't
white flag shit.
We never have, so.
Are you for real?
I educated her.
Don't blame her for trying.
I'm just gonna be a minute.
It's okay. I drove.
- I'll see you at home.
- Okay.
That's not right, colleen.
That's not right.
What were you thinking?
What was I thinking?
She was thinking
that this guy's case
Is putting a strain
on the rest of us.
With respect, doug,
this is not about you.
Not about me?
I've had five or six of
your cases dropped on me
'cause no one at the crown
wants to deal with you
While you're
representing him.
Oh, so the moment a
client becomes unpopular
We just drop them,
is that it?
No, that's not what
doug is saying at all.
That's not what
I'm saying.
The crown offered
you a deal
And you dismissed
it out of hand.
No, I discussed
it with my client
And we rejected the offer.
I mean, if I'm going to
jail for eight years,
I might as well see this
thing through to the end.
What is the exit
ramp on this, percy?
The supreme court of canada
is the exit ramp.
wow.
It's always about
the show with you!
Is this justice, colleen?
What's happening to me?
Is this "just" to you?
Me being
prosecuted like this.
For what?
'cause I chose to
be a good guy,
They get to take
my freedom?
No dear!
We should've never
gotten involved in this.
This was a mistake.
Well, I hereby release you.
Halifax legal aid
no longer bears
The responsibility
of my defence.
Wait, what are you
talking about?
I'm your lawyer.
Thank you, marcie.
For everything.
Really?
♪
I'm sorry,
But this had to end.
Yeah, me too.
What are you doing?
Uh, I quit.
I'm done.
I talked to darcelle.
My daughters are ten.
I can't go to prison
for eight years.
I'm gonna see if there's
any room in her offer.
Percy, we-
We can still
win this thing.
I can see why you
wanna take the risk,
But it's my neck
in the noose.
Go back to legal aid,
Keep doing the
good work you do.
What happened to the fight?
I'm reading "children
of blood and bone"
With my daughters.
We've got about 100 pages
left and I'm a slow reader.
The possibility of leaving,
Of everything that
would be left unfinished,
The cost of that fight
got real tonight.
You came to the defence
of two black women.
You wanna let them take
your life for that?
It's your call.
But I am here.
I'm in this.
My sisters looked like
they needed help.
I'm always gonna
protect black women,
So that's what I did.
Next thing I know,
Officer allen's got
me in a chokehold.
I started to lose my vision.
All of the shouting,
Even my own voice,
It all seemed far away.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't breathe.
This was it for me,
I thought.
I'm gonna die like this.
This is the moment I
die at the hands of a cop
For doing nothing other
than the right thing.
What made you
wanna fight back?
I didn't wanna be
another face for a mural
Or a posthumous
"vanity fair" cover.
I have a wife
and daughters
And I remembered they
were sleeping when I left
And I didn't tell
them I love them.
I needed to get home so I
could tell them just that.
And I heard the
box cutter in my pocket
Scraping against
the pavement.
And I grabbed it.
And I just kept
stabbing officer allen
Until he stopped
choking me.
I didn't know how
many times that was.
And when he finally
let you go?
I wanted to get
home to my family.
Tell my daughters
I love them.
That I was okay.
That I was gonna live.
Thank you, percy.
Mr. Lincoln,
You didn't like officer allen
all that much, did you?
No, I did not.
So when you saw the opportunity
to get into it with him,
You took it?
Look, I had no
idea who he was.
No?
How many months
did you serve on the
Community policy
initiative committee?
Six months maybe.
It was a while ago.
You worked in close
quarters with officer allen
For six months and you
expect this court to believe
That you didn't
recognize him?
Look, there were eighteen
people on that committee
And I'm on a ton
of committees.
In fact, I was part of the
"know your rights committee"
At dalhousie a
few years back.
Does one of its members,
An ellery lopez,
remember me?
You can ask me
that question
When I'm the one on
trial for murder.
So even when your restaurant's
running at full capacity,
Your profit margins
are only three to 5%?
Yeah, that's right.
Fast food restaurants have
a profit margin of six to 9%
But with a high-end restaurant
like mine, it's lower.
With lockdowns and
distancing measures,
It's basically zero.
That's why I was unable
to pay the rent.
Unable to pay the rent.
Right, which is,
um, uh, $6,900.
It's one of the highest
per square foot in halifax.
Thank you, mr. Sangster.
Mr. Sangster,
You took full advantage
of government subsidies
During covid, correct?
Yeah, it helped me
keep some of my staff on
And buy some
supplies for takeout.
And you also
spent $4,499.99
On ruffoni opus cupra
hand hammered copper pans,
Is that correct?
That was for a tv
show appearance.
For which you also
spent $1,000
On hair, makeup
and wardrobe.
- It was for a dinner that I
- cooked at a homeless shelter.
I donated my time while the
restaurant was shut down.
Mr. Sangster,
Correct me if I'm wrong,
You got every government
subsidy going.
You splurged on equipment,
on hair and makeup supplies,
And in all that time you
didn't pay one cent in rent.
How was I paying?
I was shut down.
And when your landlord
came to talk to you
About paying that rent,
You attacked him.
No, that's-
- you put your hands
On this 70-year-old man.
You grabbed him by the
collar and you shoved him.
Isn't that right,
mr. Sangster?
I've known you for
ten years, man.
If you were in trouble,
why didn't you tell me?
You didn't have to
be such a hard-ass.
No further questions,
your honour.
My mother always says,
"wearing a badge is like
having a heartbeat."
Which is to say,
that your timesheet
Doesn't dictate your duty.
Here are the facts
that we can all agree on.
Percy lincoln was out
shopping late at night
And saw two women being
harassed by three men.
Even though these
officers were off-duty,
They saw a crime in progress
and decided to intervene.
One of the men had
his hands on a woman,
Roughing her up.
Percy lincoln inserted
himself into the situation.
Imagine that was you.
Would you make the easier
decision and just shrug it off?
A man coming to the
defence of a woman.
Or would you make
the harder choice?
Who can't get behind that?
Percy lincoln made
that hard choice.
But here is where
it gets tricky.
Turning a blind eye
to bad things happening-
It has little to
do with his desire
To be a good samaritan.
Only ensures that they
will continue to happen.
And a lot more to do with
his hatred of our police.
He put himself in a
life or death situation.
The officers
declared themselves.
If someone was choking
the life out of you-
So why did the defendant insist
on his continued involvement?
Wouldn't you do
anything to survive?
Percy lincoln killed
officer kyle allen.
Wouldn't you grab a rock,
or a stick, or a box cutter?
It's our job to make
sure that mr. Lincoln
Is held accountable
for his actions.
Wouldn't you do
anything to stay alive?
♪
Avery, hold up.
Well, misplaced
your entourage?
no, it's just me.
I'm wondering if you're
in the mood to negotiate.
Oh really?
No, seriously.
You-you were right.
Let's try and
resolve this thing.
And what makes you think
the offer is still good?
Your client basically admitted
guilt in there just now.
So you wanna punish me
by screwing over my client?
Screw it.
I got a little
caught up myself.
Just bring your
client by tomorrow.
Oh, uh, by the way,
You know, it's too bad
your students aren't here
To show them what it's like
when a lawyer has to eat crow.
No way.
I sent them home so I
could grovel in private.
you're
something else, reg.
See you tomorrow.
Thanks, avery.
Marcie, I-
Don't worry about it.
You and colleen
were right.
And I don't wanna have to decide
how much I give to my client
Because there are a hundred
people waiting behind them.
People deserve better.
Especially the
ones we work for.
I can't believe
this is happening.
I know, friend.
I'll see you soon, okay?
You got it.
Marijuana smoking
reggae singer.
Bob marley?
Yes! Okay.
I don't know who
the hell this is.
No cheating!
What? I had covid.
I mean,
fine.
Who put this in here?
Female black singer.
Whitney houston?
No. Thick.
- Aretha?
- "dreamgirls."
- Beyonce?
- No.
Time.
Damn it. Mom, I know
that was yours.
Austin, it's your turn.
♪ I don't need another ♪
Played george jefferson.
Sherman hemsley.
Mm hmm.
♪ yeah baby I did ♪
Jazz musician,
black, guitarist.
♪ and drove a new car ♪
"give me the night",
"breezin'"
"turn your love around"?
It's on the tip
of my tongue.
Benson?
That's the last name.
What's the first?
Jeffrey?
No.
Time! You're done.
How can you not
know george benson?
It's just a game, austin.
We played
"turn your love around"
At our wedding.
That and a hundred
other records!
Can we just play the game?
Whatever you want.
That seems to be the
order of the day.
♪
Mom!
Dad!
I've lived
through my mess,
My kids lived
through it.
I'm not interested in
a second time around.
Go figure out your stuff
'cause I-I-I can't
have this around me.
I'm truly sorry,
your honour.
It's been five days
And I don't think we can
come to an agreement.
We're worn out.
And you are of
the decision
That you are
hopelessly deadlocked?
Yes.
Due to a hung jury,
I must declare a mistrial.
The defendant will be notified
when a new trial date is set.
Thank you, marcie.
You gonna be okay?
they've
neutralized me,
But I get to
finish that book.
All rise.
Baby.
Congratulations, marcie.
I just wanted to let you know
that I recommended to my boss
Nothing further
happens on this file.
Good.
You're not a bad
dance partner.
I hope we get to do
this again sometime.
♪ I think that you
should fly and be free
♪ take a horse and
just ride with me ♪
She did it again!
Crushed 'em without so
much as even a scratch.
Oh, trust me,
I have scratches,
You just can't see 'em.
Mm, okay.
I see a scratch here.
I see another scratch there.
You know I gotta ask.
To the newly unemployed
marcie diggs,
Attorney-at-law.
What's next?
♪ I'll meet you
by the ocean ♪
I have some ideas.
♪ by the ocean ♪
I order indian food
at a non-indian spot.
Girl, you don't go to a baseball
game to see a touchdown.
Hey, you think you
can stiff the waitress,
Walk right out,
no consequences?
How 'bout you mind
your own business?
Not paying your
bill is a crime.
Screw you!
Watch your mouth, bitch!
- Hey, hey!
- Hey.
Back off!
Fellas, let's just go.
Well look who's here
to save the day.
Look, it's late,
It seems like you guys
had a lot to drink,
I think everyone
should go home.
Does it also look like
You're talking to
three police officers?
Show your badges.
Is that a command?
Oh my god! Stop!
Oh my god!
Enough, let's go.
Show 'em how
it's done, kyle.
Stop resisting.
Let's go!
Yeah, not so tough now, huh?
Stop it, please.
Fellas, let's go!
Stop him!
Boys!
why are you
doing these things?
enough!
stop, please!
don't mess with us!
Oh my god!
Boys!
Enough!
He's had enough!
No!
I'm okay.
It's okay.
It's okay.
No, kyle!
I'm okay.
We got the ambulance
is coming.
At least they decided to
charge him with manslaughter
Not murder.
Of course, colleen.
He acted in self-defence.
Well...
The two women that he tried
to help will testify to that.
Not everybody's happy hla
is repping percy lincoln
For killing a cop.
Joyce, the acting chair,
Calls me every
hour on the hour.
And the fact that he's
family doesn't matter to them?
Was. It's not just
the board though.
Some of your clients are
asking to be reassigned.
Seriously?
They think because
you're involved
The prosecutors are
dragging their feet.
Well, that's just paranoia.
Maybe.
But if you see an
exit ramp on this?
And following the arrival
of mr. Lincoln on the scene,
What transpired?
He got in our faces,
Tried to order us around,
And when we didn't
listen to his commands,
He got physical.
How so?
Shoving,
Mixing around with kyle,
Officer allen.
When officer allen then
tried to subdue him,
Mr. Lincoln stabbed
him to death.
How exactly did you
get control of him?
He used a department
approved method-
They'll never admit
to the chokehold.
She's giving the
cops an opportunity
To control the narrative.
It's smart.
Hands behind the neck.
Are you familiar
with media reports
That refer to the
term "chokehold"?
Yes.
Did your control method have
the effect of choking anyone?
No, it may seem that
way to the untrained eye
But we're trained to
control aggressive
And violent individuals.
Problem was,
that animal had a knife!
Objection!
Objection, your honour!
Order! Order!
I'm not going to
allow officer coates
To dehumanize my client
with his remarks.
Bailiff, take these
people outside.
Out of my courtroom.
Absolutely disgusting!
Take control of your witness,
ms. Lopez.
Mr. Thompson!
Hey! How are my
first years?
Glad to see some
of you showed up.
I thought you could
use a coffee.
Thanks, elina.
We're wondering if you
got the judge you wanted.
Judge blaney?
Well, wouldn't be
my first choice.
But having a buddy
on the bench can
backfire.
All of a sudden
they're trying so
hard to be impartial,
That they end up
treating you like
their worst enemy.
remember me?
Your client?
I don't think the
judge is gonna
be impressed
If we're late
for court.
The client
has spoken.
Shall we?
Let's, uh, roll
this back a bit,
officer coates.
So, you, officer allen
and officer ross
Were out for
drinks at hugo's,
A tavern in dartmouth.
Is that correct?
Yes.
And your evidence is
that you all witnessed
Ms. Wilson and
ms. Ross dine and dash?
That's what it
looked like.
You didn't notice that they
left $63.75 on their table?
No, I didn't.
Did you ask their server?
No.
We heard melissa say
two women stiffed her,
So kyle,
officer allen,
Went out and we followed.
But melissa murphy,
The server,
Never asked you
to intervene.
No.
Something's happening,
you get involved.
That's the training.
Right, the training.
You're also trained
to identify yourself
When you approach a
member of the public.
You didn't do that
When you approached ms. Wilson
and ms. Brooks, did you?
Sure we did.
Did you show my
client your badges?
There wasn't any time.
How many drinks did
you have that night?
A few.
I don't recall.
This is your receipt from hugo's
on the night in question.
And according
to your server,
You had eight double
vodkas straight.
Wouldn't you agree that
maybe your judgement
Was just a bit impaired?
- Just because I
- ordered the drinks,
Doesn't mean they
were all for me.
So, no, I don't think my
judgement was impaired.
Did you provide
sirt investigators
With a blood sample?
Yes, I did.
.03.
Right, that was based
on a blood sample
That was taken at 6:30 am
the next morning.
That's plenty of time
For you get the alcohol
out of your system, right?
Objection, your honour.
Ms. Diggs is floating a police
conspiracy without any basis.
Your honour, this is
a sirt investigation
And they wait nine hours-
I agree with ms. Lopez.
I'm not gonna have you call
into question the integrity
Of the entire police
department in my courtroom.
Do you have any further relevant
questions for the witness?
No, I guess not,
your honour.
I'm at capacity, colleen.
I can't properly
represent my clients
And take on
marcie's files too.
The police are
overcharging them
Because marcie's
their lawyer.
I don't know what
the alternative is.
Tell marcie to
wrap this up.
To make things
easier on us?
Come on,
I can't do that.
Emily!
Let's catch up on
this later, okay?
Just looking for marcie.
Oh, she's got
court today.
Yeah, I figured that out.
Em, stop.
Are you okay?
Ah, well, still have
headaches, low energy.
At least I'm starting to
get my taste and smell back.
Still only getting supervised
visits with my kids.
Em, I'm so sorry.
If I'd known anything about
asymptomatic carriers back then
I never would have let
my son into our bubble.
I don't know how many
times I can apologize.
I don't have my kids because
of you and this damn virus.
So I got nothing for you.
I'm sorry,
your honour.
This was working
fine before.
Your honour, perhaps
a recess is in order
To give mr. Mueller
a moment.
Have you and mr. Thompson
attempted a resolution
To this matter?
Resolutions proposed
by mr. Mueller
Would make it
difficult for my client
To pursue
employment opportunities.
Excellent.
Okay, let's get this
show on the road.
Now it's clear from this
video that the altercation
Between your father
and the defendant
Started before what
we see on camera.
Can you tell us
what you witnessed?
Dad asked ben when he
was gonna pay the rent.
He's four months late.
Ben said he didn't have
to pay during covid
And he told dad
to eff off.
Then ben pushed him,
Dad fell,
He broke his collarbone.
Thank you.
How tall are you son?
6'6".
What are you,
about 260?
280.
280.
You're an opposing guy.
Are you protective
of your dad?
Yessir.
Now isn't it a fact marlo
that you were enlisted
To attend the meeting
with my client
To help your dad persuade
ben sangster to pay the rent?
Ah, dad's old.
People like to try
and take advantage.
That's all,
your honour.
Ms. Wilson, could you
describe for the jury
What happened on the night
of officer allen's death?
Aisha and I left
the restaurant.
Some guys followed us out
and started talking to us.
Then mr. Lincoln came over
and he was arguing with them.
They started fighting
and he pulled out a knife
And just stabbed the guy.
Did you call for
mr. Lincoln?
Nah, he came
over on his own.
I was defending her.
Ms. Wilson, your testimony
today is very different
From the statement that
you gave the police
On the night in question.
You previously said:
"thank god mr. Lincoln
arrived when he did
"'cause I didn't know what
the men were gonna do to us."
Why the discrepancy?
I must've been in
shock I guess.
But now I've had more time
to better remember it.
So, three men that
you don't know
Approach you at 10:30 at night
in a vacant parking lot
And you didn't
feel threatened?
I don't remember.
Were they
physical with you?
I don't know,
a lot was happening.
Look, I told you,
He butted in.
Nobody asked him to
play prince charming.
Ms. Wilson, has
anybody from the hpd
Asked you to
change your story?
- Objection!
- I'm not a liar.
Ms. Diggs, I've
already asked you
To drop that line
of questioning.
Your honour, I would like
to reserve the right
To continue cross-examining the
witness later on in the trial.
Granted.
The witness
may step down.
They got to her.
Listen, I was thinking
we could go to gio
On Friday for dinner.
Ahhhh, mm.
Actually Friday's the
diggs' family dinner.
Can't wait for my parents to
play tug-o-war with us then.
Okay, well then I
should bring something.
Oh, it's actually, um...
It's actually just family.
Dad's just not, um...
He's just not ready to invite
you since after rolanda, um...
You don't wanna be
part of the whole
Austin and velma
show anyway,
Trust me.
Well, I hope the avery-ban
doesn't last forever.
Ah, how's your hell's kitchen
case coming along with reggie?
Oh yeah.
It's actually tougher
than I thought,
He's playing hardball.
reggie?
Reggie, reggie?
Say reggie one more time.
Jamal swan is up
first this morning.
Can he hurt us?
Jamal? No.
He likes to clown,
but he's still my boy.
Tough day in
court yesterday.
What's the strategy?
To find out who scared our
witness into perjuring herself.
And convince the jury
I'm telling the truth.
Has the crown come
to you with a deal?
I ain't takin' no
deal, colleen.
These people want
me on my knees.
Let them fight for it.
Look, our involvement
in your case
Is creating issues for
our other clients.
We're being forced
to file subpoenas
To get cops to testify.
Plea bargaining has
virtually stopped.
This isn't just about you.
This wouldn't be about
protecting the judgeship
You're up for would it?
wow.
You know your problem, percy?
You don't know who
your friends are.
Reggie, do you have
a minute, sir?
Sure.
See how curious
my students are?
They want to see the wheels
of justice in motion.
Look, fine.
Here's something
you can teach them.
Right now with the
aggravated assault charge,
We're going for summary.
Can always decide
to go indictable.
Cut the crap.
You're not gonna start over.
Don't force my hand, reggie.
What's that mean?
What's "indictment"?
Well, if he changes
it to indictable
The maximum sentence goes
from six months to ten years.
Should I take a deal?
he's
just playing games.
No, the deal was bad before,
it's gonna be worse now.
Don't worry.
We still got moves.
I'll be okay.
Darcelle's not gonna stay?
The arena gets me,
not my family.
I don't care.
I told you I'm
not testifying.
What makes you think
you have a choice?
Whatever.
She doesn't look happy.
Mr. Swan, can you
please tell the court
How you know
percy lincoln.
Yeah, we've known
each other for a while,
Run in the same circles.
Just two men trying to
make change in the world.
The same circles as in?
You know,
rallies, committees,
Stuff like that.
Like say, the community
policy initiative committee?
Yes. That's one I
organized myself.
Could you please tell
us what this is?
That's the committee.
It's almost everybody.
The turnout was great.
Can you please identify
that person right there?
That's percy lincoln.
And who is that beside him?
That's me,
looking fresh.
Just one more.
Who's that, a few people
down from the defendant?
Um, that's uh...
I can get the
committee registry
To help you if
you need it.
That's kyle allen.
Officer kyle allen,
now deceased.
So officer kyle allen and the
defendant knew each other?
They were on the same
committee, yes.
Did you witness clashes
between officer allen
And the defendant?
They disagreed.
How would you characterize
those disagreements?
Well, you know,
percy's a passionate guy
And sometimes his passion
gets the best of him.
Like it did the night
he murdered officer allen?
Objection. Argumentative.
I'm good, your honour.
I have no questions
for the witness.
The crown rests,
your honour.
The witness is dismissed.
Ms. Diggs, are you
ready to commence?
Yes, your honour.
The defence calls
our first witness,
Aisha brooks.
Uh, no response,
your honour.
Marlo, what's-
What's going on?
They're arresting me
for breaking and entering.
They're saying I
stole that videotape.
Can you please
call my dad?
Listen, I'm on it, okay?
Just stay calm.
Better quit playing
around here, reggie.
Oh, the client
filed a complaint.
It's nothing to do with me.
Ben sangster is a tenant.
He doesn't own the building-
But he owns the camera.
He had it installed
at his own expense.
You're walking awfully close
to the line here, reggie.
Aw come on, you would
have done the same.
You're just mad 'cause
I outplayed ya.
No, I'm mad about
you playing,
Instead of sitting
down and discussing
A plea deal for
your client.
Is this good for
mr. Sangster?
Well, here's the
way it works.
Because we now know that marlo
had custody of the video,
We may be able to establish
that he tampered with it.
Now the court may find that
in admissible because...
It's not an
accurate representation
Of the events it's
supposed to depict.
Excellent.
- Hi, it's aisha brooks.
- Leave a message.
Officer ross.
Unless you're delivering
my burrito bowl,
I got nothing
to say to you.
It'll only take a minute.
You have 'til my
food arrives.
Thanks for talking to me.
You can do all the talking.
I don't wanna be
anywhere near this.
Is that how you
felt that night?
Like you didn't wanna
be anywhere near it?
You know, percy said that you
stayed mostly uninvolved.
I won't make a good witness.
You know, a man's life
is at stake here.
And what about my life?
You put me on that stand,
I won't say what you want.
I-I can't.
So then my client
just goes to jail?
Another future
claimed by the system?
Why is his future
more valuable than mine?
Hmm, answer me that?
You want me to go to
court and tell everyone
What a terrible person
kyle allen was?
Sure. And guess what?
Any career aspirations,
Any chance of making real
change inside hpd is flushed.
Is my black life less valuable
because I wear a badge?
No.
It's because in a moment
that required courage,
You displayed a
stunning lack.
Aisha? Where are you?
Mr. Ricci,
What was your intent
when you took your son,
A semi-pro hockey player,
To visit my client while he
was alone in his restaurant?
Ben hadn't paid his rent.
I wanted to talk
to him man-to-man.
You mean man-to-men?
We had an agreement.
That's right.
Now I have an email here
from April of last year,
Which says you'd
be happy to give
Mr. Sangster a
reprieve on the rent.
What changed?
Nothing changed.
We followed up by phone
And ben said he'd repay the
full amount after four months.
Did you record any of
these phone calls?
Why would I need to
record my phone calls?
Isn't a man's word enough?
Given the lockdowns
and reduced business,
How did you expect your tenant
to come up with the rent?
I've been in this country
for more than forty years,
I have dug ditches,
Troweled cement floors,
Whatever was necessary to
honour an agreement once made.
You people act like
this is the first time
We've lived
through hard times.
In 2008, we were
just scraping by.
When we couldn't
pay for cleaning
And maintenance
on the building,
My son did it for free.
Ah yes, the maintenance.
There was an electrical problem
in the restaurant dining room
That went unfixed
for four weeks.
without the
income from the rent,
I-I couldn't pay
an electrician.
Now every week I'm getting
calls from the bank
Because I can't pay my mortgage
because of your client.
So you and your son decided to
strong arm ben for the rent?
No. No!
I expected him to be
a man of his word.
Thank you, mr. Ricci.
He put on a good show.
Don't worry,
you'll get your turn.
- I'm sorry but I
- can't testify.
But aisha we
talked about this.
Without you corroborating
percy's side of the story,
He goes to prison.
I can't risk losing my kid.
Losing your?
I'm sorry, what are
you talking about?
Rosella told me
what they did.
I don't even have a record,
but they're the cops!
They can do what they want,
the truth doesn't matter.
Aisha, you need to
tell me right now:
What exactly did
they say to rosella,
And who exactly said it?
Call
rosella wilson to the stand.
Ms. Wilson, do you have
a criminal record?
Objection, relevance?
Overruled.
The witness will answer.
Rosella,
You will not be in trouble
for having a criminal record.
But you will
be in trouble
If you do not tell
the truth here today.
I pled guilty to
theft when I was 17.
And did anyone
approach you,
And try to use
this information
To get you to change
your testimony?
The other officer
from that night.
Officer coates or
officer ross?
Officer coates.
I work at a bank.
He told me it
would be a shame
If my work found out
about my criminal record.
Listen, I really
need this job.
My dad can't work anymore
and my mom's sick.
In light of this,
Would you like to change
your earlier testimony?
We didn't dine and dash.
The waitress billed
us extra by mistake,
So we dropped what
we owed and left.
Those guys were chirping
us way before that.
And they were verbally
harassing you how?
Complaining that we
laughed too loud,
That we were on our
phones too much.
Then they
followed us outside,
Started insulting us,
Getting in our faces.
One guy started
yanking me around.
Then mr. Lincoln
showed up
And he tried to
calm everyone down.
He was trying to help.
Thank you, rosella.
No further questions.
Ms. Wilson,
What statement of yours do you
think the court should consider?
What I just said.
What you just said,
Or what you said yesterday,
Or what you said
five months ago?
I can't keep your
lies straight.
Objection. Badgering.
Is there a question,
ms. Lopez?
Did you know that
officer allen
And mr. Lincoln
knew each other?
No, I just-
Did officer allen say
anything to the defendant
That would suggest they
had a prior relationship?
He said something like,
"look who's here
to save the day."
And what did that
mean to you at the time?
I didn't think about it.
I want you to think
about it now.
I guess they
knew each other.
I'm good, your honour.
Ms. Diggs, can we
chat for a second?
About the witness
intimidation of rosella wilson?
Happy to.
Hardly.
I'm actually here to
offer you a bone.
Twelve to fourteen.
He's out in eight.
Ellery, do you know
who my client is?
Percy lincoln's not
gonna accept a deal,
Especially in a case where
a cop is trying to kill him.
That's his story.
I think you underestimate
where the jury's sympathy lies.
Or maybe you are.
Not everyone resides in
the same echo chamber
As percy lincoln.
Most people are like
judge kerr and I,
We respect the police
And are tired of hearing
him demonize them.
Yeah, well,
If both my parents were
cops I'd feel the same way.
Talk to your client.
Let me know.
Don't tell me your office
Doesn't have an
issue with marcie.
Every single one of her
files that I've reassigned
Has made movement
towards resolution.
Personality conflicts
happen, colleen.
really, martin?
Well, it's a hell of
a lot more plausible
Than that "plot against
marcie diggs" theory
That you're floating.
Look, I'm asking you
to right the ship.
Okay, this is about
the clients not marcie.
I'll speak to the lawyers.
Ms. Diggs' defence of
percy lincoln is a factor
In the way they're
handling cases,
I'll deal with it.
And that's all I ask.
What are these people
gonna do without you
If you get that judgeship?
Well, they'll figure it out.
Uh huh.
So, what's good,
marcie diggs?
I received an offer.
Fulfill your duty.
It's twelve to fourteen,
out in eight.
Wow!
They really think
they got me, huh?
Hey, you're gonna
have to earn it.
You understand me?
You're gonna
have to earn it!
Is there an issue?
No, your honour.
Are you ready to proceed?
Your honour,
Given the
lateness of the day,
The defence requests a recess
until tomorrow morning.
Request granted.
We'll come back tomorrow,
10:00 am.
We're adjourned
for the day.
All rise.
Really appreciate
you taking the time
To come see me today.
Of course.
Is this about me
helping you convince
Percy to be reasonable?
I guess
percy wouldn't be with a
"beat around the bush" type.
I wanna talk about
percy and this trial.
What happens if
he's found guilty?
I mean, have you two
discussed the possibility
Of him taking a plea?
I understand you're
concerned about this place,
But we all knew
this day would come
When there would be
some false allegation,
Some made up charge.
But percy and I came
in from the streets,
We don't run from a fight.
And if your kids
lose their father?
You say that like he's
being left at a walmart.
Here's the thing.
If percy's found guilty,
It'll bring him
back to reality.
This playing with trying
to change the system
From the inside out,
I warned him it
would never work.
It would make him soft.
Now, here we are.
I don't understand.
I mean, do you want
him to go to jail?
No, not at all.
But we don't
white flag shit.
We never have, so.
Are you for real?
I educated her.
Don't blame her for trying.
I'm just gonna be a minute.
It's okay. I drove.
- I'll see you at home.
- Okay.
That's not right, colleen.
That's not right.
What were you thinking?
What was I thinking?
She was thinking
that this guy's case
Is putting a strain
on the rest of us.
With respect, doug,
this is not about you.
Not about me?
I've had five or six of
your cases dropped on me
'cause no one at the crown
wants to deal with you
While you're
representing him.
Oh, so the moment a
client becomes unpopular
We just drop them,
is that it?
No, that's not what
doug is saying at all.
That's not what
I'm saying.
The crown offered
you a deal
And you dismissed
it out of hand.
No, I discussed
it with my client
And we rejected the offer.
I mean, if I'm going to
jail for eight years,
I might as well see this
thing through to the end.
What is the exit
ramp on this, percy?
The supreme court of canada
is the exit ramp.
wow.
It's always about
the show with you!
Is this justice, colleen?
What's happening to me?
Is this "just" to you?
Me being
prosecuted like this.
For what?
'cause I chose to
be a good guy,
They get to take
my freedom?
No dear!
We should've never
gotten involved in this.
This was a mistake.
Well, I hereby release you.
Halifax legal aid
no longer bears
The responsibility
of my defence.
Wait, what are you
talking about?
I'm your lawyer.
Thank you, marcie.
For everything.
Really?
♪
I'm sorry,
But this had to end.
Yeah, me too.
What are you doing?
Uh, I quit.
I'm done.
I talked to darcelle.
My daughters are ten.
I can't go to prison
for eight years.
I'm gonna see if there's
any room in her offer.
Percy, we-
We can still
win this thing.
I can see why you
wanna take the risk,
But it's my neck
in the noose.
Go back to legal aid,
Keep doing the
good work you do.
What happened to the fight?
I'm reading "children
of blood and bone"
With my daughters.
We've got about 100 pages
left and I'm a slow reader.
The possibility of leaving,
Of everything that
would be left unfinished,
The cost of that fight
got real tonight.
You came to the defence
of two black women.
You wanna let them take
your life for that?
It's your call.
But I am here.
I'm in this.
My sisters looked like
they needed help.
I'm always gonna
protect black women,
So that's what I did.
Next thing I know,
Officer allen's got
me in a chokehold.
I started to lose my vision.
All of the shouting,
Even my own voice,
It all seemed far away.
I couldn't breathe.
I couldn't breathe.
This was it for me,
I thought.
I'm gonna die like this.
This is the moment I
die at the hands of a cop
For doing nothing other
than the right thing.
What made you
wanna fight back?
I didn't wanna be
another face for a mural
Or a posthumous
"vanity fair" cover.
I have a wife
and daughters
And I remembered they
were sleeping when I left
And I didn't tell
them I love them.
I needed to get home so I
could tell them just that.
And I heard the
box cutter in my pocket
Scraping against
the pavement.
And I grabbed it.
And I just kept
stabbing officer allen
Until he stopped
choking me.
I didn't know how
many times that was.
And when he finally
let you go?
I wanted to get
home to my family.
Tell my daughters
I love them.
That I was okay.
That I was gonna live.
Thank you, percy.
Mr. Lincoln,
You didn't like officer allen
all that much, did you?
No, I did not.
So when you saw the opportunity
to get into it with him,
You took it?
Look, I had no
idea who he was.
No?
How many months
did you serve on the
Community policy
initiative committee?
Six months maybe.
It was a while ago.
You worked in close
quarters with officer allen
For six months and you
expect this court to believe
That you didn't
recognize him?
Look, there were eighteen
people on that committee
And I'm on a ton
of committees.
In fact, I was part of the
"know your rights committee"
At dalhousie a
few years back.
Does one of its members,
An ellery lopez,
remember me?
You can ask me
that question
When I'm the one on
trial for murder.
So even when your restaurant's
running at full capacity,
Your profit margins
are only three to 5%?
Yeah, that's right.
Fast food restaurants have
a profit margin of six to 9%
But with a high-end restaurant
like mine, it's lower.
With lockdowns and
distancing measures,
It's basically zero.
That's why I was unable
to pay the rent.
Unable to pay the rent.
Right, which is,
um, uh, $6,900.
It's one of the highest
per square foot in halifax.
Thank you, mr. Sangster.
Mr. Sangster,
You took full advantage
of government subsidies
During covid, correct?
Yeah, it helped me
keep some of my staff on
And buy some
supplies for takeout.
And you also
spent $4,499.99
On ruffoni opus cupra
hand hammered copper pans,
Is that correct?
That was for a tv
show appearance.
For which you also
spent $1,000
On hair, makeup
and wardrobe.
- It was for a dinner that I
- cooked at a homeless shelter.
I donated my time while the
restaurant was shut down.
Mr. Sangster,
Correct me if I'm wrong,
You got every government
subsidy going.
You splurged on equipment,
on hair and makeup supplies,
And in all that time you
didn't pay one cent in rent.
How was I paying?
I was shut down.
And when your landlord
came to talk to you
About paying that rent,
You attacked him.
No, that's-
- you put your hands
On this 70-year-old man.
You grabbed him by the
collar and you shoved him.
Isn't that right,
mr. Sangster?
I've known you for
ten years, man.
If you were in trouble,
why didn't you tell me?
You didn't have to
be such a hard-ass.
No further questions,
your honour.
My mother always says,
"wearing a badge is like
having a heartbeat."
Which is to say,
that your timesheet
Doesn't dictate your duty.
Here are the facts
that we can all agree on.
Percy lincoln was out
shopping late at night
And saw two women being
harassed by three men.
Even though these
officers were off-duty,
They saw a crime in progress
and decided to intervene.
One of the men had
his hands on a woman,
Roughing her up.
Percy lincoln inserted
himself into the situation.
Imagine that was you.
Would you make the easier
decision and just shrug it off?
A man coming to the
defence of a woman.
Or would you make
the harder choice?
Who can't get behind that?
Percy lincoln made
that hard choice.
But here is where
it gets tricky.
Turning a blind eye
to bad things happening-
It has little to
do with his desire
To be a good samaritan.
Only ensures that they
will continue to happen.
And a lot more to do with
his hatred of our police.
He put himself in a
life or death situation.
The officers
declared themselves.
If someone was choking
the life out of you-
So why did the defendant insist
on his continued involvement?
Wouldn't you do
anything to survive?
Percy lincoln killed
officer kyle allen.
Wouldn't you grab a rock,
or a stick, or a box cutter?
It's our job to make
sure that mr. Lincoln
Is held accountable
for his actions.
Wouldn't you do
anything to stay alive?
♪
Avery, hold up.
Well, misplaced
your entourage?
no, it's just me.
I'm wondering if you're
in the mood to negotiate.
Oh really?
No, seriously.
You-you were right.
Let's try and
resolve this thing.
And what makes you think
the offer is still good?
Your client basically admitted
guilt in there just now.
So you wanna punish me
by screwing over my client?
Screw it.
I got a little
caught up myself.
Just bring your
client by tomorrow.
Oh, uh, by the way,
You know, it's too bad
your students aren't here
To show them what it's like
when a lawyer has to eat crow.
No way.
I sent them home so I
could grovel in private.
you're
something else, reg.
See you tomorrow.
Thanks, avery.
Marcie, I-
Don't worry about it.
You and colleen
were right.
And I don't wanna have to decide
how much I give to my client
Because there are a hundred
people waiting behind them.
People deserve better.
Especially the
ones we work for.
I can't believe
this is happening.
I know, friend.
I'll see you soon, okay?
You got it.
Marijuana smoking
reggae singer.
Bob marley?
Yes! Okay.
I don't know who
the hell this is.
No cheating!
What? I had covid.
I mean,
fine.
Who put this in here?
Female black singer.
Whitney houston?
No. Thick.
- Aretha?
- "dreamgirls."
- Beyonce?
- No.
Time.
Damn it. Mom, I know
that was yours.
Austin, it's your turn.
♪ I don't need another ♪
Played george jefferson.
Sherman hemsley.
Mm hmm.
♪ yeah baby I did ♪
Jazz musician,
black, guitarist.
♪ and drove a new car ♪
"give me the night",
"breezin'"
"turn your love around"?
It's on the tip
of my tongue.
Benson?
That's the last name.
What's the first?
Jeffrey?
No.
Time! You're done.
How can you not
know george benson?
It's just a game, austin.
We played
"turn your love around"
At our wedding.
That and a hundred
other records!
Can we just play the game?
Whatever you want.
That seems to be the
order of the day.
♪
Mom!
Dad!
I've lived
through my mess,
My kids lived
through it.
I'm not interested in
a second time around.
Go figure out your stuff
'cause I-I-I can't
have this around me.
I'm truly sorry,
your honour.
It's been five days
And I don't think we can
come to an agreement.
We're worn out.
And you are of
the decision
That you are
hopelessly deadlocked?
Yes.
Due to a hung jury,
I must declare a mistrial.
The defendant will be notified
when a new trial date is set.
Thank you, marcie.
You gonna be okay?
they've
neutralized me,
But I get to
finish that book.
All rise.
Baby.
Congratulations, marcie.
I just wanted to let you know
that I recommended to my boss
Nothing further
happens on this file.
Good.
You're not a bad
dance partner.
I hope we get to do
this again sometime.
♪ I think that you
should fly and be free
♪ take a horse and
just ride with me ♪
She did it again!
Crushed 'em without so
much as even a scratch.
Oh, trust me,
I have scratches,
You just can't see 'em.
Mm, okay.
I see a scratch here.
I see another scratch there.
You know I gotta ask.
To the newly unemployed
marcie diggs,
Attorney-at-law.
What's next?
♪ I'll meet you
by the ocean ♪
I have some ideas.
♪ by the ocean ♪