Dynasty (2017–…): Season 5, Episode 17 - There's No One Around to Watch You Drown - full transcript

[♪]

FALLON:
Peppermint oil for nausea.

Vitamin A for stretch marks.

A meditation pillow
for relaxation.

Yes, and a sun lamp for mood.

Are we worried this is
a little much?

We just want
to make sure Stacey has

everything she needs
while we're tied up at court.

Hey, about court, um, Professor
Kingston's finally got time

to help me workshop ideas
for my book,

but he wants
to start today, so...



I'm gonna have
to miss the trial.

Lucky you. I wouldn't
even be going, but Blake

is demanding the Car ring tons
present a united front.

It turns out
Uncle Ben

is only challenging
Blake's inheritance.

Mine is still resting
safe and sound,

just like Stacey will be
if that goose down comforter

ever gets here. Jeanette... Oh.

You know my birthday's
not till December, right?

Just like Jesus.
How could I forget?

We just want you to feel
like the manor is your home.

FALLON: This isn't
our biggest suite,

but my favorite nanny,
Heather, used to

live here, so I've always
had a soft spot for it.



Blake was
busy working and...

Alexis was trying
to claw her way to the top

of the Peach Tree Society,
so Heather basically raised us.

Ah, that sweet Car ring ton legacy
I hear so much about.

Aw, did anyone
ever tell you that

you're the cutest when you're
the strong and silent type?

And don't worry, I promise you

the legacy of being a bad parent
ends with Blake and Alexis.

And what's this?

An annotated catalogue

of cultural touchstones

my brother and I really enjoyed
as children.

Feel free to start our baby
off with some of the classics.

You know,
maybe Un Chien Andalou?

[chuckles] There's a copy
in the screening room.

Blake's called a
Car ring ton family meeting.

Then it's a good thing
I'm a Deveraux,

because I don't have time
for a family meeting.

NordicStar
has selected

their finalists for
the new uniform design contest,

and I made the cut.

That's great news.

I wasn't finished yet.

It's down to me

and Lainie Sullivan...

that no-talent
millennial designer.

Well, you're a much better
designer than she is.

Sadly, it's not
just about talent.

NordicStar is posting
the looks online,

and letting the people decide.

Well, isn't that good news?

You've got
tons of fans from FSN.

Of course,
and I love my "Dominoes."

But our show only averages
1.4 million viewers.

And she has
over 14 million followers

on TikTok alone.

After all of my hard work,
it comes down to another

popularity contest between me
and another Insta-blond.

Well... Blake and I

are here to support
you however we can.

Just like I hope you'll be
at the trial to support us.

Subtle.

Just because I came to my senses

about which brother is better

doesn't mean
I want to sit by Blake's side

on a wooden
courtroom bench.

Then how about
sitting by my side?

If Blake loses,

he'll have to pay
Ben the equivalent

of what he inherited
from Thomas.

Since there's
no C.A. anymore,

and Blake and I
merged companies,

most of that
would come from Flores.

It would decimate
my family's business.

Fine.

I'll come to the family meeting.

But there better be mimosas.

And croissants.

[groans]
Please, no snark.

I just got off
an eight-hour flight

that only had
vegan entrees left.

And I had to fly alone
because Amanda's still in London

working on her green card stuff,
okay?

I come snark-free.

I just wanted
to welcome you home.

Oh, God, it's even worse
than I thought.

What have you done?

Nothing, I promise.
No, everything...

everything's going
really well at Alex am,

and I'm just...

I'm turning over a new leaf,
you know?

I'm not dwelling
on the past anymore.

I even signed up
for some dating apps.

Wow. I'm really happy for you.

I'm still not sure why you're
telling me this, though.

Well, I figured if Mother can
get over her issues

with you,
then I could do the same.

What are you talking about?

Oh, she left you a note,
some... some big apology.

Maybe you haven't found it yet.

Or maybe she changed her mind
once she got in here.

You know, sometimes with Alexis
it's about baby steps.

Alexis was in here unsupervised?

I'm sure Mrs. Gunnerson
has some sage

lying around so you can smudge.

[breathing heavily]

Well, I'm usually
more of a gym rat,

but I got to admit this
sunrise hike/yoga sesh

doesn't totally suck.

That view alone
was worth it, right?

Most definitely.

Oh. Corny.[laughs]

Good thing
you're so cute.

Cute and smitten.

I know it hasn't been long,

but I got to admit,

this is
something special.

I think so, too.

[chuckles]

You know what else is
a great workout?

Mm.

- Dancing.
- Oh.

I hear Leon Bridges is coming
to the Sahara Club next week.

I'm sure the co-owner

could pull a few
strings, get us in?

You know...

I actually don't like

going to the club
when I'm not working. Oh.

But Leon plays
in New York

a lot, so... Uh-huh.

...maybe we could
fly up there,

catch a show...
Michael, stop.

I know what this is about.

I mean, at least, I think I do.

You do?

Yeah. And I appreciate you

for trying to protect me
from going back

to the place where my husband
had his accident, but...

there's no reason
to avoid the club.

There's not?

[chuckles]
No. I've been meaning

to talk to you about my past,

but this has been going so
well, I didn't want to...

mess things up by admitting
I'm not exactly traumatized

by Leo's death.

Yeah, I know,
it sounds horrible.

No, no, it doesn't. You, you,
you can tell me anything.

Leo was amazing when we met,

but after we got married,

he became a different person.

And, eventually, I found out
he was involved with some

very scary people.

I was about to leave him
when he died.

Okay.

I hope you don't think I'm
a monster for feeling like that.

No, absolutely not.

I'm very glad that you told me.

You have no idea.

All right, we've got a lot to
discuss and not a lot of time.

Don't worry, Father, - I'm here to support you.
- And...

I appreciate that.

But you are the one person
I need to stay away.

This trial will be swimming
with press,

and I don't want to remind them
that you've just been fired

as Chief of Staff.
It doesn't look good.

Yeah, of course.
What-whatever you need.

"Swimming with press"?
Interesting.

Irrelevant. I looked up
the statute of limitations

on overturning a will...
It's ten days.

This shouldn't even be
going to trial.

Well, my lawyers
explained to me

that because Ben
was never notified

of the original reading of the
will, that statute is void.

CRISTAL: But there are no
copies of your conversations

with Thomas's lawyer,
so what is there to discuss?

Ben has always insisted
that he left me a note

telling me to watch over Mother
on the night that she died.

If he can convince a judge

that's that true,
and that I lied

to Thomas about it...

the will could
be overturned.

Don't take this
the wrong way, but...

did you... lie?

No! There was
never any note!

Ben was trying to cover his ass.
I just need to prove it.

And I have no doubt
that you will.

So call me when you're
ready for us to take

a victory photo on
the courthouse steps.

Did you forget that I
also inherited the manor

from Thomas, the one that
is currently slated to go

to my future
grandchild?

Uncle Ben is going after

my child's legacy?

Uh-uh.
Not on my watch.

When you say
"swimming with press,"

are we talking print,
broadcast or both?

[♪]

LIAM:
Professor Kingston, so...

I cracked one of my ideas,
and I finally made it

"to the deep end."
I'd really love your input.

And I can't wait to help,
but we just need

to deal with one thing
before we can do that.

Uh, Jasper?

Uh, this is
my nephew, Jasper.

I was hoping you could, uh,
offer him some guidance.

Yeah, of course.
Nice to meet you, Jasper.

Are you thinking
about switching to my class?

Uh, not really,
my uncle's just prepping me

for the summer writing program
in Amsterdam.

Yeah, I did that, too. You're
gonna have a great time, man.

Exactly what I've been
telling him. Um...

you can go now.

Seems like a nice kid.

He's an idiot.

And he has two weeks
to submit his story

for consideration and I was
hoping you could mentor him.

Yeah, of course.
Yeah, I'd be happy

- to take a look at what he's got.
- Well...

this may take more
than just a look.

I got you. Um...

yeah, I mean, it'll be tight,

but I can, I can meet
with him early, before class,

and then you and I can meet
in the afternoons.

There's no need.

Your book isn't due
for another 18 months,

so you could take the next
few weeks to focus on Jasper.

You don't mind, right?

Yeah, sure.

[chuckles] Yeah, I'm...
I'd be happy to help.

Thank you.
I really appreciate it.

I need your help with Alexis.

Why am I already dreading - the rest of this conversation?
- Because

you know I wouldn't be asking
if it weren't an emergency.

You and I have very different
definitions of that word.

My father left me a diary
where he recorded pretty much

every bad thing Blake ever did.
I barely skimmed it,

but it's full of serious stuff.

And somehow Alexis found it,
and she took it.

Uh, pause. Uh, rewind.

You're saying
there's a written record

of every bad thing
Blake has ever done?

[laughs]

That's not the point! The point
is my father left it for me

for protection, and
Alexis is going to use it

for war. I don't know
what she's planning,

but I'm willing to bet
it'll be soon

with this trial about to start.

Okay, I, uh,
I get the emergency.

I just don't get
how this applies to me.

You were married to
the witch. All I'm asking

is for you to talk to her,
and-and try and get it back.

Alexis and I may have
divorced amicably,

but you are delusional if you
think she's gonna hand over

a bible of Blake's biggest sins.
Or if you think I care

about Blake's secrets
getting out.

Look, despite
a few shared chromosomes,

Car ring ton problems are - not my problem.
- You sure about that?

- Mm-hmm.
- Because in Alexis's hands, this thing is like a nuclear bomb.

And there will be
collateral damage.

Probably involving your mother.

And definitely
involving me.

If Blake finds out
this was my fault,

he'll go full Blake on me.

He'll destroy
my relationship with Amanda.

He'll have me banished from
Atlanta. Who knows what else...

Okay, okay, I get it. Goodness.

All right, look,
when Alexis and I were married,

she kept everything important
in her safe.

She's not exactly tech-savvy,

so I'd be shocked

if she changed the combination.

Thank you so much.

That said,
there is no way I'm helping you

break into Alexis's penthouse.

Is it breaking in
if I just walk in the door?

Because Amanda's in London,

and, uh, I have her keys.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, look.

It's Uncle Bane of my Existence.

It's nice to see you, Fall on.

Sorry I can't say the same.

You know, once upon a time,
we were close.

Don't you remember?

I try to block out
all of my childhood memories,

you know, just to be safe.

Your father isn't the man
you think he is.

Ah, but that's
where you're wrong.

I know exactly
who both of you are.

And soon
everyone else will, too.

Hello.

REPORTER:
Dominique, over here!

Dom-Mystique has created
four seasonal looks

for NordicStar's
flight attendants.

Enjoy exclusive access
to "summer"

and don't forget,
voting is live.

REPORTER:
Looking good, Dominique!

All rise
for the Honorable Judge Drexel.

DREXEL:
As the presiding judge

over this bench trial,
I will assume

the role of fact-finder

and rule on all procedural
and evidentiary issues.

In laymen's terms...

there's no jury to convince,
just me.

Let's begin.

JANE: According to
the coroner's report,

Evelyn Car ring ton
died on Friday,

November 24, 2000.
Is that correct?

Yes, the Friday
after Thanksgiving.

My parents lived in Savannah,

but Mother's caregiver
was off for the holiday,

so Father decided to spend
the weekend in Atlanta.

And why did she need
a caregiver?

A few months prior,
Mother suffered

a head injury while skiing.

It left her moody and...

paranoid and very frail.

She didn't trust
strangers, so we agreed

that Blake would dismiss
the staff for the weekend

and we'd take turns staying
with Mother around the clock.

On the night in question,
the others wanted to put

in an appearance
at the lymphoma charity gala,

so I, I agreed
to take the first shift.

Are you sure you don't
want to go to the gala?

[sputters]:
I'm thrilled.

You know I hate
all that society stuff.

Unlike my beautiful wife
who lives

for the junior league drama.

Hey, it's not every day
Mildred Wennington's nose

collapses in on itself.
I will take a picture. Okay...

Steven, Fall on,
have fun

on your Thanksgiving camp out,
and remember...

Heather's gonna come by
to check on you to make sure

you're asleep, so get in there.

[pager rings]

Oh, one of our oil rigs is down.

I knew I shouldn't have given
the crew the holiday off.

Damn unions.

Hey, you cannot
miss the gala.

- Uncle Ben, tell us a story!
- FALLON: Story!

Okay. [Chuckles]
Good luck.

Thank you.

All right, you scoundrels,
but, really, just one,

Okay?
BOTH: Okay.

BEN:
I intended to head up

to Mother's room
as soon as I'd finished

"The Cremation of Sam McGee,"

but Blake wasn't the only one
with a problem.

My ex-wife and daughter were
in Paris for the week

and had apparently
lost their passports,

so I had to head home.

But I knew who to turn to
for help.

Unacceptable!
Every hour that oil rig

is down is costing me millions.

Uh-huh.

Well, that is an
intriguing solution.

Tell me more.

Right.

I see.

Okay.

BEN: I was surprised he
was being so agreeable,

so I didn't stick around
for him to change his mind.

Of course,
Blake ignored the note,

like he ignored all of
his familial responsibilities.

I just, I didn't expect him
to lie about it for years.

Ben is the one who's lying
through his capped teeth.

Is that all your brother lied
about concerning that night?

No, not at all.

Turns out,
his oil rigs were fine.

The only emergency Blake
was working on that night

was how to get the nanny alone

so he could have sex with her.

[gallery gasping, murmuring]

The nanny, I presume?

- You slept with Heather?
- It was barely a fling.

The affair lasted for a year.

Okay, it was maybe a little more

than a fling,
but she seduced me.

It started the night of Fallon's

first grade
Nutcracker performance.

I remember that Blake stayed
home that night

for a C.A. emergency,

but when everyone left,

he invited me
to have a drink with him.

So while I danced
The Nutcracker,

her sugar plums
danced in your face?

So Blake used
the same "C.A. emergency" excuse

to have sexual relations
with you

on the night
of Evelyn Carrington's death?

Yes. There was
no C.A. emergency,

but there were
definitely sexual relations.

And a little role-play.

And as far as you know,
Blake Car ring ton made

no effort to check
on his mother that evening?

No, there was
no mention of Evelyn.

In fact, the only woman
that he was calling Mommy

that night was me.

[gallery murmuring]

Well, that doesn't prove
a thing.

No, it just proves
that you're a terrible father.

And a terrible husband.

[gavel bangs]
Okay, we'll have a brief recess.

I could use a coffee. Excuse me.

Cristal... [stammers]
Just wait.

HEATHER:
Fall on, hello.

Look at you, all grown up.

I hope this hasn't
affected you

too much, you know.
I do have fond memories.

Of me? Or of fondling my father?

You're as spirited as ever.
[chuckles]

Blake.

This is Trent.

Your son.

[laughs]

I'm just kidding, no.

This is, this
is my nephew.

You remember Genie,
my mean sister?

You wanted to have
a threesome once?

It's good seeing you two.

[Heather humming
"March of the Toy Soldiers"]

Not. One. Word.

We should restock on
sweet tea vodka before

the Leon Bridges show.

Are you gonna be around - that evening?
- Mm-hmm.

I was thinking of bringing
a woman I'm seeing with me.

Oh.

He is dating someone. Who?

It's Geneva.

You're kidding, right?

I mean, I'm sure you don't
really mean Geneva,

the widow of the man
we helped kill.

Because that would
obviously be insane.

Or would it be cute

in an "ain't fate funny" way?

Are you trying to get us killed?

Geneva isn't trying
to kill anyone.

She told me
that Leo was a bad dude

and she's glad he's dead.

That is exactly

what someone who was trying
to kill you would say

to put your mind at ease...
right before they kill you!

I think
I'm in love with her, Sam.

Okay?

Which is why I need to tell her
what really happened.

I need to be honest
with her.

Can I be honest with you?

If you're going to insist
on dating this woman,

then you cannot tell her
what we did to her husband.

I will obviously
leave you out of it.

This is just a bad idea, okay?

Either I'm right and...

she'll have even more reason
to murder you,

or you're right,
and it'll just reopen

wounds that she's
already managed to heal.

What am I supposed to do?

I don't know how to move forward

with such a big secret
between us.

Well, then you need
to figure it out.

And if you care
about Geneva,

you should let her move on.

Just let the past
stay where it belongs.

Well, it's like Ben said,
I was waiting in my office

for the others
to leave for the gala

so I could be with Heather,
but that's

the only truthful thing
my lying brother said.

Unacceptable.

Every hour that oil rig is down
is costing me millions.

HEATHER: Don't worry,
I'll make sure your rig

is fully functional tonight.

Uh-huh, that is

an intriguing solution.
Tell me more.

That's when Ben came into
my study to steal my whiskey.

Not leave a note.

HEATHER:
See you soon, lover.

Aah!
[groans]

BLAKE:
The jacket was ruined, but...

it didn't matter.
I wasn't planning

on wearing it that long anyway.

I hope the kids didn't sap
all your energy.

Thanksgiving has put me
in a very...

giving mood.

Maybe we don't talk
about the kids right now.

We eventually moved upstairs

where it was
a little more private.

Just want to be sure I'm clear.

You lied about having
a work emergency.

You lied about having an affair
with your children's nanny.

But you want us to believe
that you're finally telling

the truth about not getting
your brother's note?

Yes. Because there was no note.

I would not knowingly
leave my mother to die.

What kind of monster
do you think I am?

That's what we're here
to find out, Mr. Car ring ton.

KIRBY:
Hello?

Anyone home?

JEFF: Alexis just pulled into
the Peach tree Society dinner.

If memory serves, she won't be
home or sober for hours.

And the GPS in Dex's car

is still pinging
from his office across town.

You should be in the clear.

Look for the safe behind one
of her big pieces of art.

Bingo.

All right, the book has
to be in there.

Let me know when you're ready
for the combination.

Don't think I'll need it.

She must've moved the whole
safe after the break-in.

I'm gonna have to search
the entire penthouse.

[elevator bell dings]

Kirby?

Was that the elevator?

[panting quietly]

Kirby?

Kirby, is someone there?

[floorboard creaks]

Kirby?

What are you doing here?

Dex, what are you doing here?

I live here.
[chuckles]

Right.

I-I just meant I didn't see
your car in the garage.

And security said
no one was here.

Because no one was until now.

Uh, I met a colleague for drinks

after work,
so I caught a car home.

Now that we've established
why I'm in my own home,

why are you here?

Amanda wanted me
to get her EarPods.

But, you know,
she's upset with Alexis,

she didn't want to chance
bumping into her,

so she gave me her key.

Ah... okay.
[chuckles]

Well, maybe next time let us
know if you're gonna drop by.

Alexis and I are usually

clothing-optional
when we're alone.

Got it. Thanks.

JEFF: At least I know
where I'm never dropping by.

I read your outline, and,
uh, well... it's a start.

I'm a computer science major.

I'm only applying
to this program

because every man
in my family has done it,

and they think that
studying in Amsterdam

is some kind
of rite of passage.

But I'm not a writer,
as you can clearly tell.

Yeah, okay,
we'll get there.

We can double
your sessions and...

You already have us scheduled
twice a week.

What are we gonna do,
move in together?

Look, I don't know
what you want from me, man.

I'm trying my best here.

Can't you just write it for me?

[laughs]

I'm sorry?

You're a writer.
Just bang something out, bro.

It'll save us both
a ton of time,

and then you can get
back to your book.

Look, I get
that you're frustrated,

but I would never do that.

[Okay, A] it's wrong, and
[B] writing is deeply personal.

However long it takes,
we're gonna get you there.

Okay?

Hey, barkeep?

Keep 'em coming.
Make the next one a double.

May I ask why you're
drowning yourself in seltzer?

I'm trying to numb the pain

of whatever Blake's gonna do
to me when he finds out

that Alexis is now in possession

of my father's book
of Blake's dirty secrets.

You mean the book
of secrets that I watched you

burn last year?

That's the one.

Um, unfortunately,
I did not burn the copy

that I made or any
of the documentation

that my father left
along with the book.

Which clearly
I should have because...

secrets always come back
to haunt you.

Well, let's not exaggerate.

Not all secrets come back.

Yes, they do.

It's been 20 years,
and Blake and Ben's secrets

are spilling all
over the place.

The past never
stays in the past.

None of this would
even be a problem

if Alexis's stupid,
creaky floorboard

hadn't given me away.

"Creaky floorboard"?

In her brand-new
multimillion-dollar penthouse?

Just like Alexis to be
all style and no substance.

Wait a minute, this could
actually be the one time

the past coming back
might be helpful.

STACEY:
Do you need help?

"Help"? No, I'm fine.

I just... [groans]

I threw my back out
and I'm having

a little trouble unclipping.

Oh, well, let me see...

No, no, no, no, no, no.

It's-it's okay.
My sister will kill me

if I allow her pregnant
gestational carrier

to exert herself
on my behalf.

I was

pushing myself
because I have a date today.

Does this date have
"stubborn to a fault"

on her list of turn-ons?
Because at this rate

I think you're gonna have
the date in here.

I won't tell if you won't.

Okay, okay.

Okay, just to the right.

- Oh, there we go, oh!
- Oh, whoa!

[laughs]

Um, yeah, thanks, yeah.

Sure, yeah.

Um, good luck with your date.

And with your back.

JANE:
And how long were you married?

18 years.

Though it felt like 80.

If the military is ever looking
to replace water boarding,

may I suggest marriage
to Blake Car ring ton?

Objection. Improper character.

Sustained. Mrs. Dexter,

I instruct you to please
limit your testimony

to facts around the night
Evelyn Car ring ton died.

Of course.

And you may call me Alexis, Judge.

I remember it
like it was yesterday.

Thomas and I got home
from the gala around 11:00.

The gala was a total bore,

and, sadly, Mildred's
nose looked fine.

Got to get the name
of her doctor.

You are perfect. Mmm.

Exactly as you are.

ALEXIS: I expected
Blake to be in a mood

given the C.A. disaster,
but he was in high spirits.

And now I know why.

I hope all that mingling
didn't sap your energy.

Because Thanksgiving
has put me

in a very giving mood.

Oh, what's that?

Something in Blake's pocket
was poking me.

And not in a fun way.

Uh, it's just
some work nonsense.

Nothing to worry about.

Now, where were we?

[Thomas screaming][gasps]

It was Thomas.

He had just found
his wife dead in the bathtub.

When Ben told us
his side of the story,

I couldn't get that little
piece of paper out of my mind.

So I went back and fished it
out of the trash.

It was a note from Ben

to Blake, asking him
to watch Mother.

[gallery murmuring]

Objection!

To the temperature in this room.

No need to wear
winter wool in the heat...

because Dom-Mystique has created

four seasonally appropriate
looks for NordicStar.

[♪]Spring.

[gavel banging]

FALLON:
Hey.

I thought you said
you never saw the note.

I didn't, because
there was no note.

Your mother, the witch,
is lying like always.

DREXEL:
Order! Everyone sit down!

Consider yourself lucky

that I'm not holding you
in contempt of court.

Another stunt like that,
and I will.

Don't worry,
I've finished all four seasons.

I'm thrilled.

And do you have any proof
that this note existed?

Otherwise,
it'll be Blake's word

against that
of his scorned ex-wife.

ALEXIS: As a matter
of fact, Your Honor...

I do.

Oh, you lying bitch!

Order!

You lying bitch.

You can't... I'll give it right back,
I promise.

[clears throat]

Feel free to have
a forensic investigator

take a look,
but I assure you, it's real.

As you can see,
it's written on one

of those tacky
"Y2-Car ring ton" buck slips

Blake insisted on
having made that year.

I'm sorry I didn't say
anything sooner, but...

I couldn't risk
Blake finding out

and making up another story.

You're welcome to stay at the
manor when I take possession.

I know
what the house means to you.

And it would mean a lot
to me to have a chance

to get to know my future
great-niece or nephew.

My date is in an hour and
I can barely move my neck.

Any chance your
help services are

open for business?

Aw, I can't leave you hanging
before a big first date.

I got to admit

I'm a little jealous.

I never have any luck
on those dating apps.

- I find that hard to believe.
- Well, it turns out

men interested in single moms
with teenage sons

away at boarding school
who are also knocked up

with other women's babies
are in short supply.

I need a special app for that.

Hmm.
There.

I think you look really nice.

Thank you. Oh.[phone chimes, buzzes]

One sec.

[sighs]
Great.

Now that I'm all dressed,

- my date is canceling.
- Well, it's...

it's no fancy lunch date,
but I was about to take

a crack at some of those
Car ring ton classic movies...

The ones that you and Fall on
used to watch

when you were kids...
If you want to join.

Actually, that's
Fallon's other brother.

Steven. I only met Fall on
a few years ago.

Wait, really?
Yeah.

I was kidnapped as a baby.

The perils of being the eldest
son of a billionaire, I guess.

Uh, I was raised by a single mom

in Montana on a steady diet
of grilled cheese

and soap operas.[chuckles softly]

Incredibly unglamorous.

It's probably why everyone
treats me like an outsider here.

Definitely why I don't know

which tiny fork to use
for the oysters.

It's also probably
what makes you so normal.

Honestly, you're...

the only person in this place

who makes me feel
like I can be myself.

I'll just go grab that movie?

Okay.
Okay.

[lively chatter]

You look like you could use
something stronger than coffee.

Maybe cyanide?
Yeah, maybe.

I just got
an email from my publisher.

They want my manuscript
in six months.

Okay, I'm sure you can turn it
in sooner if you want.

It took me two and a half years
to write my last novel.

I'm sure you can turn it in
later if you want.

I wish I could,
but the movie is premiering

in six months and they want
to "capitalize on the hype."

I mean, they've already
set up a whole marketing plan,

a book tour, the works.

This is a nightmare.

- Would it help to hear that I believe in you?
- It would help

if I didn't have
a baby due in seven months,

a major teaching commitment, and
a bonehead freshman to tutor.

Look, I am no writer.

But I do have a lot
of experience running a hotel.

And when things build up,
I just tackle

the least important things first
to get 'em off my plate.

So that when Bruno Mars
asks me to host

a last-minute soiree,
I can make it happen.

Then I'm not, you know,
running around, trying to...

keep the knives spinning
and the plates up in the air.

Wow, that was a
great metaphor.

Maybe I am a writer.

BAILIFF: This court is now
back in session.

DREXEL: Counsel informs me that we
have heard all the testimony.

As such, I am prepared
to rule in the matter

of Thomas Carrington's
will and trust.

Wait, you haven't heard
all the testimony.

I assume you're talking
about yourself.

Objection! Your Honor, she's not
even on the witness list.

Trust me, you're gonna want
to hear what I have to say.

Yeah, "so help me God,"
all of that. Anyway...

after Uncle Ben read us
that creepy story

about the frozen guy, Steven
and I couldn't fall asleep,

so we went to look for Blake
to make us feel better.

Now, we had no idea that he was
making someone else feel better,

but whatever,
that's not the point.

Daddy?

It's okay,
we'll leave him a note.

He'll come find us
as soon as he reads it.

This way,
no monsters will find it.

Only Dad.

You see,

Blake really didn't
see the note.

It wasn't on his desk

when he got back because we had
moved it to his coat pocket.

And he never put
his coat back on,

because as we all heard, he
ruined it with a double espresso

while he was primping
for his mistress.

Bailiff, the note, please?

I'm sorry, Ms. Car ring ton,
there's only writing

on one side,
and it's your uncle's.

You must be misremembering.

Your Honor,
may I borrow your marker?

And the buck slip, please?

You see...

Steven was in a real
Harriet the Spy phase.

And he loved leaving

secret messages
with a wax pencil.

[chuckles]
DREXEL: May I?

"Daddy, we heard a monster.

Please come help us
when you read this."

Although this certainly is
an interesting development,

it doesn't contradict
your mother's account.

Which I'm inclined
to believe,

as she was in possession
of the note all these years.

Actually...

no, she wasn't.

And you are?

Kirby Anders.

My father was
the majordomo at the manor.

- Objection, Your Honor!
- Overruled.

- I'll hear her out.
- My father and I

were on holiday
for the week,

and when we got back,
he found

Blake's ruined jacket
in the study.

He also found the note.

But he thought it meant
that Blake was guilty,

- so he hid it.
- He told you all this?

He wrote about it in his diary.

Which Alexis stole
from me last week.

DREXEL:
Perjury is a crime...

Alexis.

Would you like to make any
amendments to your testimony?

I may have embellished

a few details from that night.

Or all of them,
but for God's sake,

even Anders thought
Blake did it.

DREXEL: It's clear that a
terrible tragedy

occurred on the night
Evelyn Car ring ton died.

But the biggest tragedy is
the grave miscommunication

between Ben and Blake Car ring ton
that led to her death.

After hearing all the testimony,
it is clear

that Ben Car ring ton did leave
a note for his brother

on the night in question.

Thank you.

You may have written
a note, Mr. Car ring ton,

but it was still
your responsibility to ensure

that your mother had
proper care before leaving,

which you did not do.

And because Blake
never saw the note,

I find no
undue influence

on his part
in the matter.

The will stands.[gallery murmuring]

Remember, voting is live.

Thank you all for coming.

I got to hand it to you. I'm
usually more of a pop, rock,

hip-hop kind of gal, but jazz
night doesn't totally suck.

[laughs]
I'm telling you,

jazz is making a comeback.

Mm.

Michael... you okay?

Not really.

I've done something pretty bad.

And I can't keep it
a secret from you.

What is it?

My ex-girlfriend came into town.

And...

- I slept with her.
- I don't understand.

Yesterday you said
we had something special.

I thought
we were on the same page.

I thought so, too, but...

I guess I just...

haven't been honest with myself

about the past.

I really can't do this.

So I-I...

I don't think we should
see each other anymore.

GENEVA:
Oh.

Wow, um...

okay.

I guess I should have taken

the hint when you blew me off
the first time.

You're kind of an ass,
Michael Culhane.

Geneva, wait.

I'm sorry.

You are an incredible woman.

And you deserve the world.

I know.

You okay?

No.

But you were right.

Telling Geneva the truth
would have just hurt her,

and I couldn't live with the lie

and be together, so...

For what it's worth...

...I'm really impressed
with you.

Thanks.

I don't know why I keep
doing this to myself.

You know,
maybe I'm just supposed

to be single forever.

So we're back to not
looking for love?

At this point,
if love wants to find me,

it's gonna have
to hit me in the face.

I figured if you win,
we can celebrate.

And if you lose,

well, you'll probably
want a drink.

Seems like I'm not the only one
who could use a drink.

Trying to avoid
the entire manor?

Or just your husband?

Hearing all of that stuff about
Blake in court wasn't easy.

He may have done
all of those things to...

and with other women,

but I'm the idiot still
married to him.

And I'm the idiot living
in his carriage house

when I swore to myself

I wouldn't get six feet

from Blake Car ring ton.

People change.

Do they?

Look at Alexis.

I said people, not succubi.

I have a beautiful relationship
with my children

because they were able
to see past

the woman I was

and accept me
for the woman I am today.

I think you owe it
to your marriage

to offer Blake the same grace.

[phone buzzing, ringing]

It's NordicStar.

Answer it.

Hello?

Yes.

I understand.

Of course.

Thank you for calling.

After the trial, there was

a last-minute uptick
in votes for me.

I won the NordicStar contract.

I won
the NordicStar contract.

Don't worry,
it's sparkling cider.

Vintage, of course.

To Anders.

Still one step ahead of us,
even from his grave.

May we soon find
a worthy replacement.

Hear, hear.

Mmm.

Hey, if Anders believed
that I was guilty

and was trying to protect me,
why didn't he just

- destroy the note?
- About that.

This is less of a diary

and more of a detailed record

of all the horrible things
you've ever done.

He left it for me
as insurance.

But please don't be mad at him.

You were never supposed
to find out about it,

unless, of course,
you turned on me.

I would expect nothing less
from the old goat.

I just hope that Alexis
didn't make a copy for herself.

Don't worry about her. We had
a great chat after court,

and if anything from this book
ever gets out, Amanda's

gonna find out about every
crime she aided and abetted.

You guys were married
for a shockingly long time.

[groans]
Don't remind me.

How'd you get
the book back from her?

Culhane remembered finding
a secret hiding place

under a floorboard
that Alexis had installed

when he was living
in the carriage house.

Turns out, she had an identical
one in the penthouse.

Well, I guess you really can't
teach an old bitch new tricks.

Culhane also made me promise

that if he helped me,
I would burn the book for good.

No arguments from me.

[sighs]

No more secrets.

This is normally the part
where I'd apologize

for doubting you.

Somehow I feel like that's
not going to happen.

Well, frankly, you don't
have the best track record

as a father
or truth-teller,

so I'd be a little bit of
an idiot not to doubt you.

But that was then,

and you turned out
to be a, uh...

mostly okay dad.

My point is,
we can't change the past.

We can only do our best
with today and tomorrow.

Hopefully I can do better
this next round

and be someone your child is
proud to call Pop-Pop.

My child is
never calling you that.

Proudly or otherwise.

Yeah, it felt wrong
as soon as I said it.

There he is!
[chuckles]

I just came by to
say you're a champ.

I'm not sure how you got
a coherent piece of writing

out of Jasper so quickly,
but I'm grateful.

His submission is in.

Glad to hear it. By any chance,
did you read his story?

I did. Let's just say I'm glad
Jasper has other interests.

Really?

I-I don't know, I didn't
think it was that bad.

It was fine.
It was absolutely pedestrian

and unremarkable in every way.

You performed a miracle
to even get him that far.

Jasper just doesn't have
that special spark.

Hey, why don't we get a jump
on those ideas you mentioned?

I'm dying for a Scotch and soda.

Yeah, actually, I think I...
sort of want to let things

percolate a little longer.

Yeah, you know, I just got
to make sure that I still have

that "special spark." Not a problem.

Whenever you're ready,
you know where to find me.

Hi.

Are we okay? Today was...

weird.

It wasn't easy

hearing about your past,

but your sister helped me
see things clearly.

Dominique argued my case?

Wait, you know what,
never mind. I'm grateful.

Ben, thank you for coming.

- Hey, have a seat.
- I'd rather stand.

So why did you summon me
to the castle?

Hoping to frame me
for another crime

I didn't commit,
or just to gloat?

The opposite.
As a matter of fact,

I've got a proposal for you.

I can't change the past,
but I can change

how we go forward from here.

I want you to move back
to Atlanta with your family.

We can start fresh, rebuild.

CRISTAL: I have a lot
of friends in the art world.

I could help you find a job.

Blake Car ring ton
as the benevolent benefactor,

ladies and gentlemen.
Thanks, but I'll be fine.

After all, I've had
to survive for years

without
Car ring ton resources.

I'm scrappy.

I'm just trying
to make things right.

Wouldn't it be nice

if your baby and Fallon's
grew up

side-by-side,
as close as we once were?

You should've thought of that
before you convinced yourself

and everyone else
that I'm the kind of man

who would let our mother die.

You can go to hell.

Take Fallon's spawn with you.

You may be better
at gin or chess,

but those are
just games.

You have no idea
what I'm capable of.

And if you think
you've won,

you're dumber than you look.

Hey, Stacey, we're back!

Just wanted to check on you
and my baby before we...

Welcome home.