Reasonable Doubt (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Guilty Until Proven Innocent - full transcript
JAX: Previously on
Reasonable Doubt...
- Given the evidence we
have landed on a suspect,
Brayden James Miller.
DETECTIVE CHARLES: No
matter how much you hide
behind your fancy lawyers,
I know you did this.
- Once she signed that
NDA, Brayden had no motive.
So like I said, he's innocent.
You'll see.
- I've been Black long enough to know
you can't trust an unjust system.
Imma do me.
CROWD: [chanting]
We are all Kaleesha!
We are all Kaleesha!
- Yo, what the fuck was that?
I ain't going back to prison over
some bullshit that ain't mine!
You know what would be dope?
If we could be friends.
- I'd like that.
AUTUMN: You okay?
Did something happen with
the guy from work? Bitch?
- Rich. Well, he's fine now.
Daddy hired Will
to keep us safe.
- Wait, why can't you
just move back in?
SALLY: You got that
donkey dick, didn't you?
JAX: I ain't never gonna
see that nigga again.
[crying]
♪
DANIEL: [over phone] I
found a shady cousin Morgan.
JAX: [over phone] Does
she have anything?
- Yo, why you following me,
huh? DANIEL: Whoa, whoa.
Just hold up. JAX: Daniel.
Daniel, say some...
[Daniel groans]
[gasps] Oh, my God.
♪
♪
♪
Hey, you.
- I guess we can say
Morgan is violent now, huh?
- Apparently.
- As soon I get out of here,
I'll look into her alibi
the night of the murder.
- No, Daniel, I only care
about your recovery right now.
And I say that as your
boss and your friend.
- Oh. You said "friend."
- Really? Stop it.
- I knew you love me.
JAX: It never ends with you. [chuckles]
- ♪ You love me ♪
- Seriously, how
are you feeling?
- I'm good, I'm alright.
A couple of bruised ribs,
but nothing's broken.
The nurse said to just take it
easy... [cell phone buzzing]
for a few days but she's gonna disch...
- Oh.
One sec. Brayden, hey.
What's wrong?
No, you can't do that.
Look, I'll be right there.
- It's okay. I'll be fine.
- Let me know when you...
- When I find Morgan's alibi.
- No. Daniel, when you get home.
Because I do care about you.
Just...
don't tell anybody.
Don't worry?
The last thing you
should do is step down.
- We had six potential buyers.
When Kaleesha left,
the buyers wanted to wait to see
what she had to say to the press
before making an offer,
and now that she's...
It's best that I step
down, minimize the damage.
Theo is more than capable
of handling the business.
- Theo, was this your idea?
- We just want Brayden to be
able to focus on the case.
JAX: The case is my job.
Brayden's job is to show
people he's innocent.
And stepping down would
seem like you're guilty.
- The children would like to
say good night before bed.
- Okay, before that, I
need a moment with you two.
Just the three of us.
Okay, look, my strategy requires
that you two maintain a united front.
Sarah, go to work,
take the kids to school,
activities, like normal.
I know it won't be easy,
but it's necessary.
SARAH: I run a foundation
that supports several
women's organizations,
including battered shelters.
How do you suppose I proceed
with business as usual
when all eyes are on my husband
being accused of brutally
murdering a woman?
- "Accused" is the
operative word.
- I know that. It's the rest
of the world that does not.
[chuckles softly]
- So I guess you're still
sleeping in the guest house?
Are you talking?
- Only for the sake of the kids.
- Look, Brayden, I know this
is hard, but you need her.
If you're looking to focus
on anything, focus on that.
[sighs]
- You should be
the one out there.
- It's fine. She's lead.
- Yeah, don't remind me.
♪
- [Jax sighs] We're
done here, Rich.
And, Theo, reach
out to me directly
if you or the board
have any other concerns.
- You got it... boss.
♪
♪
♪ Theme music playing ♪
♪
♪ From La Brea to
Slauson It's all us ♪
♪ The Sun, Central Ave Jazz ♪
♪ It's all us ♪ Where we at? ♪
♪ Hit the Maverick Flats ♪
♪ Leimert and right back ♪
♪ To the ark It's all us ♪
♪
♪ We coastin' on the west
Between sets and wealth ♪
♪ We toast the
sunset in the dons ♪
♪ Take flight into the
night Under Cali stars ♪
♪ In a world on
wheels It's all us ♪
♪
♪ It's the world we
feel It's all us ♪
♪ From the hills to
Hollywood It's all us ♪
♪
♪ No doubt We all we got ♪
♪ Hold it down
Black and brown ♪
♪ In a city of
dreams It's all us ♪
♪
SPENSER: Got him. Got him.
LEWIS: You can't even block.
[video game sounds]
- Yo, this game is fire.
LEWIS: Oh, yeah?
SPENSER: Yeah.
I think it's the
best one you've done.
- Aw. [chuckles]
Thanks, Spense.
Alright, watch this.
Here it comes.
Boom!
- Oh, shit.
I'm sorry. My bad.
- Hope you don't talk
like that at school.
- Nah. Mm-mmm.
- "Nah. Mm-mmm." That
came out real easy.
- Hey, can I live with you
when you and Mom get a divorce?
- Divorce?
Spense. No.
What's going on with me and
your mom is just temporary.
- For how long?
- Remember the first time I let
you play Call of Duty with me?
You were stuck on level
five for like a month.
- Yeah, and you wouldn't
give me the codes.
- Mm-hmm. You had to learn the tricks
on five to go to six and seven.
You build on what you know.
That's where me and
Mom are right now.
We are at a difficult level
figuring out how to
move to the next level.
- What if you don't
figure it out?
- We will.
♪
Don't you worry.
♪
♪
- Our juror consultant is
coming here later today.
As you know, this
is a critical time.
It's our last chance to use
an effective PR strategy
to influence potential jurors.
- Ah, I see.
Make the jurors biased toward Brayden
before they hear an opening statement.
That's perfect, Jax.
- Thanks, Terry.
- Rich, I bet you've
learned a lot.
- We're learning a
lot from each other.
JAX: Hmm.
Also, Mike Ortiz is using
the Brayden Miller case
to promote his
mayoral ambitions.
He's trying to get a win
by any means necessary,
which is good for us.
- Meaning he's undoubtedly
gonna make some mistakes.
JAX: Exactly.
- Speaking of mistakes, Terry,
it seems that Mr. Miller was advised
not to step down from his company.
- And who advised
him not to do that?
- We do business with
some of Clout's board.
They'll be disappointed to know
that Mr. Miller isn't considering
the company's well-being
based on our recommendations.
- Terry, I am more than
happy to turn this case over
to anyone at this firm
who has more criminal
defense experience than I do.
Hmm?
Until then, this is my case.
And I can't do my job
if I have to spend time
explaining every single
move that I make.
Swaying public opinion and
selecting the right people
are the two things we need
to be focusing on right now.
The jurors make
all the difference.
- Absolutely. You
need room to work.
Play defense with the board.
Assure them Jax has
an effective strategy.
- Not a problem.
I have a bourbon one of
them is dying to taste.
- Cigars and bourbon.
My favorite combination.
RICH: Besides a
stripper and a pole.
I'm kidding. Don't sue
me. [Terry chuckles]
♪
NEWSCASTER: [on TV] And
here's what Kaleesha's cousin
had to say on her Instagram
Live earlier today.
- When Kaleesha Moore decided
to tell her story about
Clout and Brady Miller,
she ended up dead.
Brayden Miller might
be a great businessman,
but best believe he
is also a murderer.
And I'm not gonna rest
until justice is served.
Y'all keep using
that hashtag, okay?
Justice for Kaleesha.
Justice for Kaleesha!
- I thought you were
taking the kids to school.
- I did.
But you should have seen the way the
other parents were looking at us.
- Daddy, why were those people
saying that you hurt somebody?
- That's not true, is it?
- Of course not.
Daddy's a successful
businessman,
and when you become successful,
people try to spread
lies about you,
but you don't listen to
any of that, okay, son?
- Okay, Daddy.
- Why don't you guys go play
outside for a little bit?
Yeah?
- Sarah, honey, wait.
I am so sorry.
I wish I could take it all back.
And I know I don't
deserve your forgiveness,
but please, I need you.
- Oh, now you need me?
What happened to keeping your
white wife in the shadows
while you were building
your urban audience?
Or was that just
your mistress' idea?
- Kaleesha was the biggest
mistake of my entire life.
I should have been faithful to you
like I had been, like I always was.
I just...
I fucked up.
I'm scared.
Not of going to jail,
but of losing you.
- Stop fucking crying. Jesus.
♪
- The prosecution's story.
Brayden is a
controlling ex-lover
who forced Kaleesha to leave
the company after their breakup.
Then she was planning to
reveal proprietary information
that could disrupt the
sale of the company.
Mike will say that Brayden bullied
her into signing the new NDA.
Then in a fit of rage,
he brutally murdered her.
Our job in trial,
make sure the DA's
story falls apart.
Discovery...
- Uh, we started sifting
through it. JAX: Good.
Our other job is to make
sure that we find 12 people
who can give Brayden a
chance at a fair trial.
- In our initial research
about Brayden Miller
what we found is that
he is most likable
with conservative
men of all races.
- How Ben Carson of him.
- He was also heavily
favored by white women.
JAX: Uh, don't do it, Krystal.
- What? Like you
know me or something.
- Older Black women
were a bit more hesitant
based on what some felt was a lack
of connection to his community.
- Makes sense. Brayden
didn't get his Black card
until he started promoting
Clout amongst the hip-hop crowd.
- Are you saying Brayden
was a sellout before then?
- Not a sellout, but
not exactly... down.
JAX: Say what you
want about Brayden,
the fact of the matter
is that he is Black.
So we need to remind
these potential jurors
that it's melanin
over money all day.
Let's regroup tomorrow.
Come up with a plan.
♪ Black Habits II
by D Smoke playing ♪
♪ Black lungs off
that black magic ♪
♪ Unsung lay in black caskets ♪
♪ Ain't no black nuns,
we got black pastors ♪
♪ Earn funds off
the black masses ♪
[cell phone dings]
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪ Hey, slow down, nigga ♪
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪
[sighs]
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪
Will?
What are you doing here?
- Trying to catch up with you.
Called. Texted.
- Yeah. Okay, Will, listen.
We had fun, but let's just
leave it at that, alright?
- What if I want more?
- But that's not what I want.
♪
- I get it.
But what we have is special.
It'd be dumb to throw it away.
♪
♪
- Brayden is on
the chopping block.
We need to keep
him out of sight.
- It's too late for that.
With public opinion
split down the middle,
we have a chance to sway a few jurors
in our direction before the trial.
- Well, I had Krystal contact a few
"Brayden-friendly" media outlets.
BRITNEY: Best way to get
the media on a positive way,
put Brayden at a
community event.
- That would help with
what our research found
regarding older Black women.
And they do tend to
show up for jury duty.
- Black women save everyone.
- Oh, ain't that the truth?
But the event can't be something
generic or like an obvious photo op.
Maybe someone or somewhere
he has a connection to?
- YMCA, Boys and Girls Club,
anti-violence organizations.
- I think I might know
someone who can help.
♪
SALLY: Hey, girl!
- Look who the cat dragged in.
Hey.
- Stop. You know I clear my schedule
at least once a month for Tuesday tea.
- Once every other
month, you mean.
- Okay, you know
what? You're right.
I'm so sorry I didn't
call you back that day.
That was the day from hell.
My baby girl started her period.
- Wait, what?
- Hold up.
She's just a baby.
- And she was so
mature about it.
Me? I was a mess.
I cried like a baby.
- Oh, girl, I'm so sorry.
You know they can slow
it down with medication.
- Yeah, but she wants to figure it
out on her own for now, you know.
And I don't wanna force
her either way, so.
- I can imagine. Little Nai.
- I know.
- AUTUMN: Yeah.
- And you have this case.
Girl, that is a lot.
- Yes, it is a lot.
And you know, speaking of,
JT has an event coming
up for his foundation
at Darren Grant Park, right?
- Yes.
- Do you think that Brayden can
come by and say a few words?
I think it would be really
great for people to see
that he supports nonviolence
in the community.
- We are not in a good place.
- Look, I get it.
Me and Lewis are still in
the sunken place, okay?
So, I mean, if you want, I can
hit JT, if that's better for you.
- No, it's not better for me.
But it's better for you, so
I'm sure that's what you'll do.
- Um, Imma order
some slices of cake.
Who wants some?
- Get the whole damn cake. Shit.
- You know I can't eat no damn cake.
- Okay.
♪
CJ: Hey, yo.
Remember that summer Dad bought us
pastrami sandwiches every Friday?
♪
Look, man, I didn't mean
to come at you like that.
♪
It's been tough... without you.
♪
- You remember when Goosey
tried to cash that
fake check at Tommy's?
Like they know who the
fuck you are, nigga.
You eat there every day.
- Yeah.
He was such a dumbass, man.
But you ain't gotta worry
about me, though, man.
I'm not Goosey.
Everything that happens
here ain't happening here.
You feel me?
- Fuck with it, it's too risky.
- Yeah, but with great
risk... comes great reward.
You taught me that.
- I can't take that shit, CJ.
- Yeah, you can.
Consider it an apology.
Alright?
♪
♪
- Lucky I fucks with Tommy's.
♪
[door opens]
JAX: Hey, hey.
Hi, baby.
- Hi, Mom.
- Hi.
- Mom, look at my baby hairs.
- I see. Who did
this to you, Daddy?
[chuckles]
It's cute. Go get
ready for bed, baby.
I'll be right in.
- Okay.
- Um, you need to
talk to your son.
- He asked me
about us divorcing.
[Jax sighs]
- What did you say?
- I said we're not divorcing.
Just... you know,
figuring shit out.
Used a video game analogy.
- I'm sorry. What?
- Yeah, it was good.
It was good. I promise.
But basically, I just told him we
were, you know, working through things.
I mean, I'm-I'm not
thinking about divorce.
Are you?
- I'm barely wrapping my
head around this separation,
let alone thinking
about divorce.
- Well, either way, it's
not an excuse for him
to be an asshole to his mother.
Imma talk to him.
- No. No, it's fine
for now... anyway.
Thank you.
- Yeah, of course.
I, um...
I-I turned all the
cameras off in the house.
No more games.
- For good?
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
♪
- Bro, I was just working
you at practice today.
[knock on door]
- Hey. You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
- Because I'm headed to dinner, but
I can cancel if you need me to stay.
- Hold on, bro. I'll
call you right back.
Why would I need you to stay?
- Okay.
Well, Kanika's here,
so I'm leaving.
But your homework should be
finished by the time I come back.
- It's already done.
- Then you won't mind
me checking it later.
- Nope. JAX: Alright.
Ugh. Excuse me.
- Mom.
JAX: Love you.
Be good.
SPENSER: Alright.
[sighs] [doorknob clicks]
[doorknob rattles] Hey!
We don't lock doors
in this house.
- Dad lets me in his house.
- Well, when you're in this
house, the door stays unlocked.
Understood?
- Alright.
♪
- Jax.
- Damon.
♪
[chuckles softly]
♪
Mm!
- This meal, it's amazing.
- Hmm. I've been wanting to check
out this pop-up for a minute now.
You know, bread
pudding is my joint.
Me and my dad, we used to go
to Aunt Kizzy's on Sundays
just for bread pudding.
- Oh, word? You
still go on Sundays?
- Hmm. Aunt Kizzy's is
closed now, unfortunately.
And my dad, I haven't seen
him in three years, so.
Actually, he's in town.
He texted me out of the blue.
- Are you gonna see him?
- I don't know.
I mean, things are busier
than normal right now.
You know, the trial, my family.
I don't know if I have the
time for it or interest
in our awkward small talk, so.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah,
for sure, for sure.
We ain't gotta talk
about that no more.
So, your man Brayden...
- Oh.
- I'm not...
I don't know if he did it, and
trust me, I'm not gonna ask,
but, uh, is it, like,
important for you to know,
like, in order to
defend him and shit?
- Um... Well, honestly,
I don't think he did it.
I truly don't think
that he had a reason to.
And I'm starting to
see him for what he is.
- So you like him then?
- No, I didn't say all that.
[chuckles]
I'm just saying, I think that
Brayden is the kind of man
who believes that money can
take care of everything.
And I think he's starting to
realize that that may not be true.
- Yeah, but money certainly
does help with most things.
- Not a murder charge.
- He can afford the best.
I'm betting he walks
whether he did it or not.
- Hmm. That's sweet.
- Excuse me, sir. Do you have
another card for payment?
- No, that card's good.
- We can't take a card
if it doesn't have a Visa
or Mastercard logo on it.
- Alright.
See, that's the
balance right there.
So does it like take a
couple of days to process...
- Please. Here, use
my card. That's fine.
They don't accept debit cards
here, only credit cards.
And trust me, it is annoying.
But don't even worry about
it. It's not a big deal.
- It is a big deal.
To me.
I just don't wanna feel
like I owe... anyone.
Can you send me your
address and I'll just...
I'll-I'll mail it to you
first thing tomorrow.
♪
- I just texted it to you.
♪
♪
♪ Vocalizing ♪
♪
[buzzing]
♪
[buzzing continues]
♪
Hello?
MAMA LU: [over phone] Hi,
Jacqueline, it's your mom.
- [scoffs] Yes, Mom,
I know. How are you?
- Good.
I didn't want nothing really.
- Dad called you, didn't he?
- Of course. He wanted
the three of us to meet,
but I declined, as
I think you should.
- Well, I haven't
decided yet, Mom.
- That man is messy.
- That man is also my father.
- Sounds like you've
already made up your mind.
- Anything else?
MAMA LU: No, no. I just
called to see how you were.
Anyway, I'll let you go.
- Okay. You have a good night.
♪
[scoffs]
♪
[sighs]
♪
[keys clacking]
♪ upbeat music playing ♪
♪
This is a great turnout.
The sun is shining,
everyone's here on time.
It's gonna be perfect, trust me.
- I got you.
- JT, I appreciate you, really.
I mean, this is a big deal for Brayden.
- Yeah.
Yeah, no doubt. No doubt.
Any friend of Shanelle's
is a friend of mine.
And I gotta look
out for a brother.
JAX: That's right.
- I was telling my boy the
other day if we don't...
WOMAN: JT?
- Alright. Showtime, baby.
♪
[indistinct chatter]
JT: What's up? What's
going on, y'all?
Let me hear you. What's up?
[cheering and whooping]
Yeah!
I appreciate the love.
Appreciate the love.
But today is not about JT,
all-pro football star.
No, today is about
stopping this nonsense
that's been happening
in our streets.
I founded Peace on These Streets when
I first moved to the City of Angels.
And we've been out here, man.
But to do the big stuff,
you need big money.
I wanna introduce
y'all to a brother
who's been putting his money to
work right here in this community.
Don't believe everything you
read in the papers, y'all.
Give it up for Brayden Miller.
[applause]
- Uh, thank you,
JT, for having me.
I'm not really one to speak
on political or social issues.
Most of my life I've been
a businessman making money
and having fun doing it.
There are things
that we can control
and things that we can't.
One of them is being involved.
While my mother was at work,
we used to go to the YMCA or
the youth program at church.
The community helped
raise us until...
I never told anyone
this, but, uh,
when I was 17,
a kid pulled a gun on me around
the corner from my house.
And it's funny because
my friends used to say,
"Man, why ain't you strapped?"
But I was never
comfortable around guns
for... many reasons.
So this kid has a gun
on me, and I'm thinking,
"Man, my friends were right.
I should have been strapped."
But then I realized,
then what?
I shoot him or he shoots me.
Either way, one of us ends
up either dead or in jail.
And sadly, that's the reality
that a lot of us Black men face.
We often feel like it's the
only choice that we have.
But I'm here to say that
we have another choice...
[crowd affirms]
and that is to fight to get
these guns off our streets!
[cheering]
- Well said.
- Now I know you're probably
wondering what happened
after that kid
pulled a gun on me.
Well, he took my shoes and
my wallet and he ran off.
Two weeks later,
he was dead.
And if I had been strapped,
I'd be dead too.
This is about more
than charity for me.
It's about saving lives,
protecting families
and having another option...
[cheering] on our terms...
CROWD: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah!
In our community.
[crowd cheering and applauding]
Thank you. [cheering and
applauding continues]
- Whoo!
♪
- I'm proud of you.
♪
- Now we're just gonna do
a quick photo op, okay?
[cheering and
applauding continues]
- Did you kill Kaleesha Moore?
What are you hiding?
- He innocent!
CROWD: Yeah!
- Your turn.
- A member of Kaleesha's family
said she recently left her husband.
Do you think he's a suspect?
- I'm sure there
are a lot of people
who wanted to hurt Kaleesha that
the police haven't looked into.
It's certainly not
my client. Thank you.
[crowd cheering and applauding]
♪ peppy music playing ♪
♪
[indistinct chatter]
♪ pop song playing ♪
- Alright. Put a game
in there for you too.
Here you go.
- Shanelle.
Hey, girl.
- Hey.
- Thanks for coming.
- Yeah, Brayden did well.
Hell, I'm even starting
to believe he's innocent.
- So I guess this means
you and JT are good then?
I mean, I can't keep
up with y'all, so...
- Girl, I did not come here
for him. I came here for you.
- Okay.
SHANELLE: Yeah. I'm not
even staying at the house.
I've been sleeping in
Sally's guest room.
- Damn, on the futon?
Shanelle, I didn't realize.
SHANELLE: What do you mean?
I told you things were bad.
What, you thought I was lying?
- Yes, you told me, but, I mean,
I didn't think that it was...
You know...
I'm sorry.
I appreciate you.
I mean, you get on
my nerves sometimes,
but you know I love
you, Shay Shay.
- I love your mean ass too.
- Okay, please let
me get one of those,
because I need at least one of the
two men in my life to be on my side.
Imma try to win back
Spenser's love and devotion.
- Girl, I feel you. You know
what? Maybe take... take two.
- Give me two. Please.
SHANELLE: There you go.
[Shanelle chuckles]
♪
♪
- Sarah, right?
- Yeah.
Do I know you?
- We met a couple
of times at Clout.
I'm Kaleesha's husband.
I don't want any trouble.
But you should know,
Kaleesha told me about
the emails you sent her.
- What emails?
RYAN: Did Brayden find
out about your plan?
Is that why he killed her?
- Look, I don't
know what you want,
but stay the fuck away
from me and my family.
I'd hate for you to end
up like your slut wife.
♪
Lana, Langston, you guys wanna
go get some ice cream with Mommy?
BOTH: Yeah!
♪
♪
♪
- Okay, I don't wanna bother
you, but do you have a minute?
- Yes, Krystal.
- I told you my dad tried
selling collectibles on eBay.
- [scoffs] Yes,
business number 32.
- That's right. Number
32 in him getting rich.
He reads all these books about
building the perfect business.
And he researched all
these entrepreneurs.
He's chasing the American dream.
He believes in the successful businessman
like them damn fools do with Trump.
Brayden Miller is my
dad's Black Trump.
Last night, my dad said he was proud
of me for helping with his case.
"Ain't no way no businessman
like him out here murdering."
My dad don't vote,
but if he did, he would
be the perfect juror.
His ass would hold out until the
end, probably cause a mistrial.
- That was well argued.
Except for the cursing.
Ooh.
- [clears throat] Okay. Of course. Um...
Okay. Well, we
should probably go.
You know, Rich is probably
running his mouth.
RICH: Is this a
joke? Who is this?
- Um, that's my daddy, and I know
you are not calling him a joke.
- Oh. How am I supposed
to know that he's...
- Okay, before this turns
into a WorldStar video,
let me explain.
Krystal's father doesn't see
Brayden Miller as a threat.
In fact, he sees him
as an inspiration.
And that makes this
our ideal juror.
- So the strategy is to load the
jury with Black men and women,
just as they did
in the OJ trial?
- It's not considered loaded
when it's an all-white jury.
It was a jury of his peers.
But let's be clear, a jury of
Brayden's peers is not all Black.
After Occupy Wall Street, we have
to consider other prejudices.
Any questions?
Perfect.
♪
- Jurors, please speak
loudly and clearly
for our amazing court reporter.
Also verbalize everything.
That means resisting a head nod or
a shake when you mean yes or no.
Mr. Ortiz, we'll begin
with you when you're ready.
- My freedom and my life will be
put in the hands of strangers.
- And that's why it's
important you weigh in.
You've invested in
tens of startups.
How did you know which
ones were worth it?
- I didn't know. It depended
on the market, the founder.
I study lots of variables
before deciding.
- Sure. But ultimately,
you trusted your gut.
Do that now.
If your instincts tell you
yes or no about someone,
even if you can't
explain it, tell me.
- [clears throat]
The people are ready.
- Juror number eight,
you told the prosecutor
that you don't trust the police.
Why?
- Cops pulled me over
for expired tags,
put my face in the dirt in front
of my eight-year-old daughter.
My tags weren't even expired.
Even if they were, they shouldn't
have treated me like an animal.
Cops are just bullied
kids with badges.
- I would ask the court to thank
and excuse juror number eight.
JUDGE GREEN: Juror number eight,
thank you for your service.
Please report to the jury room.
- I liked him.
- Which is why Mike dismissed him.
- But everyone in this
room has heard his story.
So even if he's not
staying, it benefits us
if the other jurors hear about
poor treatment by the police.
♪
- Last year, my son was
lost. It was terrifying.
We thought the worst.
And then an officer knocked
on my door with my son.
- God, as a mother,
I can't even imagine.
I mean, you must see
the LAPD as heroes now.
- I was very grateful.
But I also don't believe that
all officers are the same.
Some of them... aren't good.
- Thank you.
- Seventeen wouldn't
look me in the eye.
I can't tell if it's because she
feels sorry for me or hates me.
- Well, we only have one
peremptory challenge left,
and we've already excused a
fair amount of white women.
So give me a reason 17 should go
before Mike makes a Batson challenge.
- Why? She said,
"They're not all good."
She may be a white woman
in an infinity scarf,
but it seems she
can be impartial.
- I interrupt this broadcast
to show you some bullshit.
Looks like her husband was
at the Olive Garden in DC
on January 6th.
- You like her now, Rich?
- Yeah, but that's
her husband's account.
Why does it matter how
he feels about the cops?
I mean, I don't feel that way.
I like the cops and
I like Black people.
- Congratulations, Rich,
but this isn't about you.
I'm saying that any woman who's
with a man rocking that sticker
believes in law and
order, trust me.
Those people are black and
white when it comes to justice,
and we need jurors
that can see the gray.
- Counselor?
- I would ask the court to thank
and excuse juror number 17.
- Judge, may we
approach the bench?
Jax, you trying to get rid
of all the white women?
[scoffs] Batson v. Kentucky.
- Are you implying that defense is
dismissing based solely on race?
JAX: Your Honor,
absolutely not.
She went out of her way to express
strong affection for the police, so...
- Oh, come on.
They saved her son.
- I'm not doing this
with you two all week.
Juror 17 will be kept.
♪
- Good job. everyone. Get
some rest this weekend.
Brayden, your driver and security
are headed to the east exit.
- Thank you. JAX: Mm-hmm.
- Well, here come the sharks.
[reporters clamoring]
Can I walk with you? REPORTER:
How do you feel about...
- Looks like you already are.
- I didn't appreciate being
shushed in there like a child, Jax.
JAX: [sighs] I apologize.
Won't happen again.
- I'm a valuable
member of this team.
In fact, we wouldn't even have
this case if it weren't for me.
- I already apologized to you.
What more do you want from me?
- I don't know.
- Well, you let me know
when you figure it out.
In the meantime, I will
be trying to win a case.
♪
♪
[CJ sighs]
[clattering]
- Yo?
- The fuck is the torque wrench?
- Yo. You good?
[clattering]
- It's just... Shit
is crazy, man. Just...
The world.
The shit's changed so much, man.
It's all these new fucking rules,
and it's just... so expensive.
- I know.
Which is why I'm trying to
get you in on this with me.
[sighs]
Alright. How about this?
I cut you in and you just watch.
If you don't like what you see,
then you just keep it pushing.
- Just let me hold something
and I'll think about it.
- Alright.
This the last time, yo.
♪
Next time you gotta work for it.
♪
♪
Here's your torque wrench.
♪
♪
♪
- Mom? What are
you doing here?
- I was married to Eddie.
This is what he does.
Disappoints people.
I figured he might do it again.
- Mom... [sighs]
MAMA LU: I know, baby.
- What...
- Honey.
Baby. [clicks tongue]
I could slap him.
- I just don't know why I
keep doing this to myself.
MAMA LU: I know, honey.
Ugh!
This is what I was afraid of.
That's why I told him
that if he wasn't serious
about establishing a consistent
relationship with you,
to leave you alone.
This is too much.
- You told him to
leave me alone?
That's why he's not here.
- No.
If he wanted to
come, he would have.
Nothing I said would
have changed that, baby.
- No, my father wanted to see
me but you threatened him.
You put what you wanted
above my feelings.
- I was only thinking of you.
- No, you didn't, Mom, because
if you were thinking about me,
you would have done what I
asked and minded your business.
- You're my daughter.
You are my business.
- You know what, Mom?
I really wish you would
have forgiven Daddy
the same way you forgave Paul.
- What's that supposed to mean?
- Daddy's not the only
one who disappointed me.
Good night, Mom.
♪
♪
- Hey, I got your text.
You okay?
- Uh...
The other week,
when I said that I
wasn't a good wife,
you didn't say anything.
You didn't correct me.
Do you think I'm a bad wife?
- What, Jax? No, no, no.
You know that's not
what this is about.
- What is this about again?
You... Really?
[Lewis laughing]
Look, I don't think we're
supposed to be laughing about it.
- Yeah, probably not.
[Jax chuckles]
- I'm glad I came here.
I can always count
on you, Lewis.
- Yeah, me too.
And, yes, Jax... always.
[exhales deeply]
- I cannot believe my
dad stood me up again.
- Oh, wait. What?
Your dad's in town?
Why would you even
agree to meet with him?
- I know but, I mean,
he is my father.
- Barely.
- Wait a minute.
He has his faults
but I don't believe he
just wakes up thinking
I'm gonna destroy Jax's
life for no reason.
I mean, damn, shit just happens.
It is what it is.
- Wo... Yeah, you know, I
wish I got that same leniency.
- And what is that
supposed to mean?
- Jax, your father let
you down your entire life,
and he's welcome to just waltz
right in whenever he wants,
but I ask you for one thing,
and I'm shut out forever.
- You always talk to
me about opening up,
and the moment I do,
even just a little bit,
you shut me down.
You don't understand
anything about me.
- I understand that if this
doesn't work out with us,
nothing's gonna keep
me from my kids.
- Oh, it's like that?
- Yeah.
It is.
[door closes]
[door opens]
[door closes]
JAX: Hey, Kanika. KANIKA: Hey.
- How were they tonight?
- Oh, they were good.
Quiet.
- Good.
Ugh. Here you go.
KANIKA: Thank
you, Mrs. Stewart.
Have a good night.
JAX: You too.
[knock on door] Spenser?
Hey?
This... Spenser!
[sighs]
♪ See I believe in money,
power, and respect ♪
♪ First you get the money ♪
[metallic clanging]
♪ Then you get the
motherfuckin' power ♪
♪ After you get
the fuckin' power ♪
[whirring]
- ♪ Motherfuckers will respect you ♪
- ♪ What's the key to life? ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ What you need in life? ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ You'll be eatin' right ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
SPENSER: What are you doing?
- Not raising a fuck boy.
Next time, it'll be the door.
Try me.
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪
- Do you believe workplace
romances are... appropriate?
- It's how I met
my second husband.
- Counselor, question asked
and answered. Do you accept?
♪
- Accept.
♪
- Do you believe in
the American dream?
JUROR THREE: Yes and no.
Some people can come from nothing
and make something of themselves.
But it's not just hard work
like they want us to believe.
You have to compete and win.
That's the game.
- Yes. A capitalistic game.
- Accept. JUDGE
GREEN: Excellent.
Finally through the most
basic portion of this trial.
Official proceedings
begin in one week.
Until then, you're not to discuss
or consume any trial-related media.
[Jax sighs]
[Mike sighs]
[Jax snickers]
♪
- Morgan's alibi is solid.
She was at work closing up.
- We know that for certain?
- Mm-hmm. Time clocks are
digital, requires a passcode.
Cameras are everywhere.
Too many to manipulate
unless corporate's in on it.
Hmm... they're probably not.
- What about her boyfriend?
- Fiancé. He was in Vegas
for his bachelor party.
It's all over his IG page.
You know, I really
think that he beat me up
because I was following his boo
around in my gray van like a creep.
[winces]
- So then she didn't have anything
to do with Kaleesha's death.
- Well, I mean, her last theft
charge was years ago, so not likely.
- She argued with Kaleesha
about the apartment and money.
Then she tried to pawn
Kaleesha's laptop,
which means she needs money.
- And we need the laptop.
- I have a plan.
[door bell dings, chimes]
Where's Kaleesha's laptop?
- What? JAX: You heard me.
Give us the laptop or we'll
report you to the police.
- I know who you are.
You Kaleesha's
ex-boyfriend's lawyer.
Shit. I'll just say
y'all were harassing me.
Like you are now at my damn job.
You got me fucked up.
- You got me effed up, okay?
You know, we could press charges
against your boyfriend for assault.
- Oh... JAX: Morgan,
you're right.
I am Brayden's lawyer.
I'm also an officer
of the court.
That means I'm
obligated to turn in
any and all evidence about
potential murder suspects.
You possess stolen property.
You also assaulted
my investigator,
so you're violent.
I mean, you could have
very well murdered...
- Whoa, whoa. The fuck?
I ain't kill my cousin.
You know I ain't do that shit.
- Oh, well, maybe they
can figure that out
while you spend three or four
months in Club County Jail
during the trial.
- I'm not lying.
JAX: Oh.
- Psst. Man.
[Daniel winces]
[sighs]
Look, Kaleesha did
me dirty, okay?
She took back her apartment
and left me with nowhere to go.
But I ain't want her dead or nothing,
and I definitely ain't kill her.
- Neither did Brayden.
But we need that laptop.
So Daniel will give you
whatever you want for it.
♪
- Half now, half when you
bring back the laptop.
♪
[sighs]
[cell phone chimes]
- What?
Oh, my God.
[door opens]
Hey. DAMON: I'm sorry.
I didn't wanna be
weird and just show up.
You know, I was gonna
mail you the money,
uh, but I ain't got
no checks yet, so...
Look, I know you think
I'm trippin', but...
I couldn't just let
you pay for dinner.
That's just not who I am.
I don't want you to
think that of me.
- Thank you.
It was never a problem.
- Well, now, it's not.
Did you, uh, did you
meet up with your dad?
- Uh...
He didn't show up.
- Damn.
That's gotta hurt.
You know what? You just
keep doing your part.
The regret won't be yours.
It's all on him.
- I wish I could believe that.
- I read somewhere that
we choose what we believe
and what we give
energy to is up to us.
You feel me?
- Um...
My kids are inside
otherwise I'd ask
you to come in.
- Your husband's okay
with friends coming over?
- Actually, we're separated.
He's not living
here at the moment.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry.
- Yeah. I mean, I should have
said something before, but...
DAMON: It's all good.
That ain't none of my business.
I don't know what he did,
but whatever it is,
he is a fucking
idiot to let you go.
♪
Night, Jax.
♪
♪
[keypad beeping]
♪
[line ringing]
RYAN: [over phone] Hello?
- Ryan, it's Sarah Miller.
- How did you get my number?
- My dad works for the largest
data company in the nation.
I can get anybody's number.
- Your white ass keeps getting
more and more privileged
by the minute.
- Look, you and I need to talk.
- Why the fuck
should I talk to you?
- Because those emails
I sent to Kaleesha
aren't the end of this story.
♪
Don't you wanna
know how it ends?
♪ Theme music playing ♪
♪
Reasonable Doubt...
- Given the evidence we
have landed on a suspect,
Brayden James Miller.
DETECTIVE CHARLES: No
matter how much you hide
behind your fancy lawyers,
I know you did this.
- Once she signed that
NDA, Brayden had no motive.
So like I said, he's innocent.
You'll see.
- I've been Black long enough to know
you can't trust an unjust system.
Imma do me.
CROWD: [chanting]
We are all Kaleesha!
We are all Kaleesha!
- Yo, what the fuck was that?
I ain't going back to prison over
some bullshit that ain't mine!
You know what would be dope?
If we could be friends.
- I'd like that.
AUTUMN: You okay?
Did something happen with
the guy from work? Bitch?
- Rich. Well, he's fine now.
Daddy hired Will
to keep us safe.
- Wait, why can't you
just move back in?
SALLY: You got that
donkey dick, didn't you?
JAX: I ain't never gonna
see that nigga again.
[crying]
♪
DANIEL: [over phone] I
found a shady cousin Morgan.
JAX: [over phone] Does
she have anything?
- Yo, why you following me,
huh? DANIEL: Whoa, whoa.
Just hold up. JAX: Daniel.
Daniel, say some...
[Daniel groans]
[gasps] Oh, my God.
♪
♪
♪
Hey, you.
- I guess we can say
Morgan is violent now, huh?
- Apparently.
- As soon I get out of here,
I'll look into her alibi
the night of the murder.
- No, Daniel, I only care
about your recovery right now.
And I say that as your
boss and your friend.
- Oh. You said "friend."
- Really? Stop it.
- I knew you love me.
JAX: It never ends with you. [chuckles]
- ♪ You love me ♪
- Seriously, how
are you feeling?
- I'm good, I'm alright.
A couple of bruised ribs,
but nothing's broken.
The nurse said to just take it
easy... [cell phone buzzing]
for a few days but she's gonna disch...
- Oh.
One sec. Brayden, hey.
What's wrong?
No, you can't do that.
Look, I'll be right there.
- It's okay. I'll be fine.
- Let me know when you...
- When I find Morgan's alibi.
- No. Daniel, when you get home.
Because I do care about you.
Just...
don't tell anybody.
Don't worry?
The last thing you
should do is step down.
- We had six potential buyers.
When Kaleesha left,
the buyers wanted to wait to see
what she had to say to the press
before making an offer,
and now that she's...
It's best that I step
down, minimize the damage.
Theo is more than capable
of handling the business.
- Theo, was this your idea?
- We just want Brayden to be
able to focus on the case.
JAX: The case is my job.
Brayden's job is to show
people he's innocent.
And stepping down would
seem like you're guilty.
- The children would like to
say good night before bed.
- Okay, before that, I
need a moment with you two.
Just the three of us.
Okay, look, my strategy requires
that you two maintain a united front.
Sarah, go to work,
take the kids to school,
activities, like normal.
I know it won't be easy,
but it's necessary.
SARAH: I run a foundation
that supports several
women's organizations,
including battered shelters.
How do you suppose I proceed
with business as usual
when all eyes are on my husband
being accused of brutally
murdering a woman?
- "Accused" is the
operative word.
- I know that. It's the rest
of the world that does not.
[chuckles softly]
- So I guess you're still
sleeping in the guest house?
Are you talking?
- Only for the sake of the kids.
- Look, Brayden, I know this
is hard, but you need her.
If you're looking to focus
on anything, focus on that.
[sighs]
- You should be
the one out there.
- It's fine. She's lead.
- Yeah, don't remind me.
♪
- [Jax sighs] We're
done here, Rich.
And, Theo, reach
out to me directly
if you or the board
have any other concerns.
- You got it... boss.
♪
♪
♪ Theme music playing ♪
♪
♪ From La Brea to
Slauson It's all us ♪
♪ The Sun, Central Ave Jazz ♪
♪ It's all us ♪ Where we at? ♪
♪ Hit the Maverick Flats ♪
♪ Leimert and right back ♪
♪ To the ark It's all us ♪
♪
♪ We coastin' on the west
Between sets and wealth ♪
♪ We toast the
sunset in the dons ♪
♪ Take flight into the
night Under Cali stars ♪
♪ In a world on
wheels It's all us ♪
♪
♪ It's the world we
feel It's all us ♪
♪ From the hills to
Hollywood It's all us ♪
♪
♪ No doubt We all we got ♪
♪ Hold it down
Black and brown ♪
♪ In a city of
dreams It's all us ♪
♪
SPENSER: Got him. Got him.
LEWIS: You can't even block.
[video game sounds]
- Yo, this game is fire.
LEWIS: Oh, yeah?
SPENSER: Yeah.
I think it's the
best one you've done.
- Aw. [chuckles]
Thanks, Spense.
Alright, watch this.
Here it comes.
Boom!
- Oh, shit.
I'm sorry. My bad.
- Hope you don't talk
like that at school.
- Nah. Mm-mmm.
- "Nah. Mm-mmm." That
came out real easy.
- Hey, can I live with you
when you and Mom get a divorce?
- Divorce?
Spense. No.
What's going on with me and
your mom is just temporary.
- For how long?
- Remember the first time I let
you play Call of Duty with me?
You were stuck on level
five for like a month.
- Yeah, and you wouldn't
give me the codes.
- Mm-hmm. You had to learn the tricks
on five to go to six and seven.
You build on what you know.
That's where me and
Mom are right now.
We are at a difficult level
figuring out how to
move to the next level.
- What if you don't
figure it out?
- We will.
♪
Don't you worry.
♪
♪
- Our juror consultant is
coming here later today.
As you know, this
is a critical time.
It's our last chance to use
an effective PR strategy
to influence potential jurors.
- Ah, I see.
Make the jurors biased toward Brayden
before they hear an opening statement.
That's perfect, Jax.
- Thanks, Terry.
- Rich, I bet you've
learned a lot.
- We're learning a
lot from each other.
JAX: Hmm.
Also, Mike Ortiz is using
the Brayden Miller case
to promote his
mayoral ambitions.
He's trying to get a win
by any means necessary,
which is good for us.
- Meaning he's undoubtedly
gonna make some mistakes.
JAX: Exactly.
- Speaking of mistakes, Terry,
it seems that Mr. Miller was advised
not to step down from his company.
- And who advised
him not to do that?
- We do business with
some of Clout's board.
They'll be disappointed to know
that Mr. Miller isn't considering
the company's well-being
based on our recommendations.
- Terry, I am more than
happy to turn this case over
to anyone at this firm
who has more criminal
defense experience than I do.
Hmm?
Until then, this is my case.
And I can't do my job
if I have to spend time
explaining every single
move that I make.
Swaying public opinion and
selecting the right people
are the two things we need
to be focusing on right now.
The jurors make
all the difference.
- Absolutely. You
need room to work.
Play defense with the board.
Assure them Jax has
an effective strategy.
- Not a problem.
I have a bourbon one of
them is dying to taste.
- Cigars and bourbon.
My favorite combination.
RICH: Besides a
stripper and a pole.
I'm kidding. Don't sue
me. [Terry chuckles]
♪
NEWSCASTER: [on TV] And
here's what Kaleesha's cousin
had to say on her Instagram
Live earlier today.
- When Kaleesha Moore decided
to tell her story about
Clout and Brady Miller,
she ended up dead.
Brayden Miller might
be a great businessman,
but best believe he
is also a murderer.
And I'm not gonna rest
until justice is served.
Y'all keep using
that hashtag, okay?
Justice for Kaleesha.
Justice for Kaleesha!
- I thought you were
taking the kids to school.
- I did.
But you should have seen the way the
other parents were looking at us.
- Daddy, why were those people
saying that you hurt somebody?
- That's not true, is it?
- Of course not.
Daddy's a successful
businessman,
and when you become successful,
people try to spread
lies about you,
but you don't listen to
any of that, okay, son?
- Okay, Daddy.
- Why don't you guys go play
outside for a little bit?
Yeah?
- Sarah, honey, wait.
I am so sorry.
I wish I could take it all back.
And I know I don't
deserve your forgiveness,
but please, I need you.
- Oh, now you need me?
What happened to keeping your
white wife in the shadows
while you were building
your urban audience?
Or was that just
your mistress' idea?
- Kaleesha was the biggest
mistake of my entire life.
I should have been faithful to you
like I had been, like I always was.
I just...
I fucked up.
I'm scared.
Not of going to jail,
but of losing you.
- Stop fucking crying. Jesus.
♪
- The prosecution's story.
Brayden is a
controlling ex-lover
who forced Kaleesha to leave
the company after their breakup.
Then she was planning to
reveal proprietary information
that could disrupt the
sale of the company.
Mike will say that Brayden bullied
her into signing the new NDA.
Then in a fit of rage,
he brutally murdered her.
Our job in trial,
make sure the DA's
story falls apart.
Discovery...
- Uh, we started sifting
through it. JAX: Good.
Our other job is to make
sure that we find 12 people
who can give Brayden a
chance at a fair trial.
- In our initial research
about Brayden Miller
what we found is that
he is most likable
with conservative
men of all races.
- How Ben Carson of him.
- He was also heavily
favored by white women.
JAX: Uh, don't do it, Krystal.
- What? Like you
know me or something.
- Older Black women
were a bit more hesitant
based on what some felt was a lack
of connection to his community.
- Makes sense. Brayden
didn't get his Black card
until he started promoting
Clout amongst the hip-hop crowd.
- Are you saying Brayden
was a sellout before then?
- Not a sellout, but
not exactly... down.
JAX: Say what you
want about Brayden,
the fact of the matter
is that he is Black.
So we need to remind
these potential jurors
that it's melanin
over money all day.
Let's regroup tomorrow.
Come up with a plan.
♪ Black Habits II
by D Smoke playing ♪
♪ Black lungs off
that black magic ♪
♪ Unsung lay in black caskets ♪
♪ Ain't no black nuns,
we got black pastors ♪
♪ Earn funds off
the black masses ♪
[cell phone dings]
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪ Hey, slow down, nigga ♪
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪
[sighs]
♪ We got black habits ♪
♪
Will?
What are you doing here?
- Trying to catch up with you.
Called. Texted.
- Yeah. Okay, Will, listen.
We had fun, but let's just
leave it at that, alright?
- What if I want more?
- But that's not what I want.
♪
- I get it.
But what we have is special.
It'd be dumb to throw it away.
♪
♪
- Brayden is on
the chopping block.
We need to keep
him out of sight.
- It's too late for that.
With public opinion
split down the middle,
we have a chance to sway a few jurors
in our direction before the trial.
- Well, I had Krystal contact a few
"Brayden-friendly" media outlets.
BRITNEY: Best way to get
the media on a positive way,
put Brayden at a
community event.
- That would help with
what our research found
regarding older Black women.
And they do tend to
show up for jury duty.
- Black women save everyone.
- Oh, ain't that the truth?
But the event can't be something
generic or like an obvious photo op.
Maybe someone or somewhere
he has a connection to?
- YMCA, Boys and Girls Club,
anti-violence organizations.
- I think I might know
someone who can help.
♪
SALLY: Hey, girl!
- Look who the cat dragged in.
Hey.
- Stop. You know I clear my schedule
at least once a month for Tuesday tea.
- Once every other
month, you mean.
- Okay, you know
what? You're right.
I'm so sorry I didn't
call you back that day.
That was the day from hell.
My baby girl started her period.
- Wait, what?
- Hold up.
She's just a baby.
- And she was so
mature about it.
Me? I was a mess.
I cried like a baby.
- Oh, girl, I'm so sorry.
You know they can slow
it down with medication.
- Yeah, but she wants to figure it
out on her own for now, you know.
And I don't wanna force
her either way, so.
- I can imagine. Little Nai.
- I know.
- AUTUMN: Yeah.
- And you have this case.
Girl, that is a lot.
- Yes, it is a lot.
And you know, speaking of,
JT has an event coming
up for his foundation
at Darren Grant Park, right?
- Yes.
- Do you think that Brayden can
come by and say a few words?
I think it would be really
great for people to see
that he supports nonviolence
in the community.
- We are not in a good place.
- Look, I get it.
Me and Lewis are still in
the sunken place, okay?
So, I mean, if you want, I can
hit JT, if that's better for you.
- No, it's not better for me.
But it's better for you, so
I'm sure that's what you'll do.
- Um, Imma order
some slices of cake.
Who wants some?
- Get the whole damn cake. Shit.
- You know I can't eat no damn cake.
- Okay.
♪
CJ: Hey, yo.
Remember that summer Dad bought us
pastrami sandwiches every Friday?
♪
Look, man, I didn't mean
to come at you like that.
♪
It's been tough... without you.
♪
- You remember when Goosey
tried to cash that
fake check at Tommy's?
Like they know who the
fuck you are, nigga.
You eat there every day.
- Yeah.
He was such a dumbass, man.
But you ain't gotta worry
about me, though, man.
I'm not Goosey.
Everything that happens
here ain't happening here.
You feel me?
- Fuck with it, it's too risky.
- Yeah, but with great
risk... comes great reward.
You taught me that.
- I can't take that shit, CJ.
- Yeah, you can.
Consider it an apology.
Alright?
♪
♪
- Lucky I fucks with Tommy's.
♪
[door opens]
JAX: Hey, hey.
Hi, baby.
- Hi, Mom.
- Hi.
- Mom, look at my baby hairs.
- I see. Who did
this to you, Daddy?
[chuckles]
It's cute. Go get
ready for bed, baby.
I'll be right in.
- Okay.
- Um, you need to
talk to your son.
- He asked me
about us divorcing.
[Jax sighs]
- What did you say?
- I said we're not divorcing.
Just... you know,
figuring shit out.
Used a video game analogy.
- I'm sorry. What?
- Yeah, it was good.
It was good. I promise.
But basically, I just told him we
were, you know, working through things.
I mean, I'm-I'm not
thinking about divorce.
Are you?
- I'm barely wrapping my
head around this separation,
let alone thinking
about divorce.
- Well, either way, it's
not an excuse for him
to be an asshole to his mother.
Imma talk to him.
- No. No, it's fine
for now... anyway.
Thank you.
- Yeah, of course.
I, um...
I-I turned all the
cameras off in the house.
No more games.
- For good?
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
♪
- Bro, I was just working
you at practice today.
[knock on door]
- Hey. You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
- Because I'm headed to dinner, but
I can cancel if you need me to stay.
- Hold on, bro. I'll
call you right back.
Why would I need you to stay?
- Okay.
Well, Kanika's here,
so I'm leaving.
But your homework should be
finished by the time I come back.
- It's already done.
- Then you won't mind
me checking it later.
- Nope. JAX: Alright.
Ugh. Excuse me.
- Mom.
JAX: Love you.
Be good.
SPENSER: Alright.
[sighs] [doorknob clicks]
[doorknob rattles] Hey!
We don't lock doors
in this house.
- Dad lets me in his house.
- Well, when you're in this
house, the door stays unlocked.
Understood?
- Alright.
♪
- Jax.
- Damon.
♪
[chuckles softly]
♪
Mm!
- This meal, it's amazing.
- Hmm. I've been wanting to check
out this pop-up for a minute now.
You know, bread
pudding is my joint.
Me and my dad, we used to go
to Aunt Kizzy's on Sundays
just for bread pudding.
- Oh, word? You
still go on Sundays?
- Hmm. Aunt Kizzy's is
closed now, unfortunately.
And my dad, I haven't seen
him in three years, so.
Actually, he's in town.
He texted me out of the blue.
- Are you gonna see him?
- I don't know.
I mean, things are busier
than normal right now.
You know, the trial, my family.
I don't know if I have the
time for it or interest
in our awkward small talk, so.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah,
for sure, for sure.
We ain't gotta talk
about that no more.
So, your man Brayden...
- Oh.
- I'm not...
I don't know if he did it, and
trust me, I'm not gonna ask,
but, uh, is it, like,
important for you to know,
like, in order to
defend him and shit?
- Um... Well, honestly,
I don't think he did it.
I truly don't think
that he had a reason to.
And I'm starting to
see him for what he is.
- So you like him then?
- No, I didn't say all that.
[chuckles]
I'm just saying, I think that
Brayden is the kind of man
who believes that money can
take care of everything.
And I think he's starting to
realize that that may not be true.
- Yeah, but money certainly
does help with most things.
- Not a murder charge.
- He can afford the best.
I'm betting he walks
whether he did it or not.
- Hmm. That's sweet.
- Excuse me, sir. Do you have
another card for payment?
- No, that card's good.
- We can't take a card
if it doesn't have a Visa
or Mastercard logo on it.
- Alright.
See, that's the
balance right there.
So does it like take a
couple of days to process...
- Please. Here, use
my card. That's fine.
They don't accept debit cards
here, only credit cards.
And trust me, it is annoying.
But don't even worry about
it. It's not a big deal.
- It is a big deal.
To me.
I just don't wanna feel
like I owe... anyone.
Can you send me your
address and I'll just...
I'll-I'll mail it to you
first thing tomorrow.
♪
- I just texted it to you.
♪
♪
♪ Vocalizing ♪
♪
[buzzing]
♪
[buzzing continues]
♪
Hello?
MAMA LU: [over phone] Hi,
Jacqueline, it's your mom.
- [scoffs] Yes, Mom,
I know. How are you?
- Good.
I didn't want nothing really.
- Dad called you, didn't he?
- Of course. He wanted
the three of us to meet,
but I declined, as
I think you should.
- Well, I haven't
decided yet, Mom.
- That man is messy.
- That man is also my father.
- Sounds like you've
already made up your mind.
- Anything else?
MAMA LU: No, no. I just
called to see how you were.
Anyway, I'll let you go.
- Okay. You have a good night.
♪
[scoffs]
♪
[sighs]
♪
[keys clacking]
♪ upbeat music playing ♪
♪
This is a great turnout.
The sun is shining,
everyone's here on time.
It's gonna be perfect, trust me.
- I got you.
- JT, I appreciate you, really.
I mean, this is a big deal for Brayden.
- Yeah.
Yeah, no doubt. No doubt.
Any friend of Shanelle's
is a friend of mine.
And I gotta look
out for a brother.
JAX: That's right.
- I was telling my boy the
other day if we don't...
WOMAN: JT?
- Alright. Showtime, baby.
♪
[indistinct chatter]
JT: What's up? What's
going on, y'all?
Let me hear you. What's up?
[cheering and whooping]
Yeah!
I appreciate the love.
Appreciate the love.
But today is not about JT,
all-pro football star.
No, today is about
stopping this nonsense
that's been happening
in our streets.
I founded Peace on These Streets when
I first moved to the City of Angels.
And we've been out here, man.
But to do the big stuff,
you need big money.
I wanna introduce
y'all to a brother
who's been putting his money to
work right here in this community.
Don't believe everything you
read in the papers, y'all.
Give it up for Brayden Miller.
[applause]
- Uh, thank you,
JT, for having me.
I'm not really one to speak
on political or social issues.
Most of my life I've been
a businessman making money
and having fun doing it.
There are things
that we can control
and things that we can't.
One of them is being involved.
While my mother was at work,
we used to go to the YMCA or
the youth program at church.
The community helped
raise us until...
I never told anyone
this, but, uh,
when I was 17,
a kid pulled a gun on me around
the corner from my house.
And it's funny because
my friends used to say,
"Man, why ain't you strapped?"
But I was never
comfortable around guns
for... many reasons.
So this kid has a gun
on me, and I'm thinking,
"Man, my friends were right.
I should have been strapped."
But then I realized,
then what?
I shoot him or he shoots me.
Either way, one of us ends
up either dead or in jail.
And sadly, that's the reality
that a lot of us Black men face.
We often feel like it's the
only choice that we have.
But I'm here to say that
we have another choice...
[crowd affirms]
and that is to fight to get
these guns off our streets!
[cheering]
- Well said.
- Now I know you're probably
wondering what happened
after that kid
pulled a gun on me.
Well, he took my shoes and
my wallet and he ran off.
Two weeks later,
he was dead.
And if I had been strapped,
I'd be dead too.
This is about more
than charity for me.
It's about saving lives,
protecting families
and having another option...
[cheering] on our terms...
CROWD: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah!
In our community.
[crowd cheering and applauding]
Thank you. [cheering and
applauding continues]
- Whoo!
♪
- I'm proud of you.
♪
- Now we're just gonna do
a quick photo op, okay?
[cheering and
applauding continues]
- Did you kill Kaleesha Moore?
What are you hiding?
- He innocent!
CROWD: Yeah!
- Your turn.
- A member of Kaleesha's family
said she recently left her husband.
Do you think he's a suspect?
- I'm sure there
are a lot of people
who wanted to hurt Kaleesha that
the police haven't looked into.
It's certainly not
my client. Thank you.
[crowd cheering and applauding]
♪ peppy music playing ♪
♪
[indistinct chatter]
♪ pop song playing ♪
- Alright. Put a game
in there for you too.
Here you go.
- Shanelle.
Hey, girl.
- Hey.
- Thanks for coming.
- Yeah, Brayden did well.
Hell, I'm even starting
to believe he's innocent.
- So I guess this means
you and JT are good then?
I mean, I can't keep
up with y'all, so...
- Girl, I did not come here
for him. I came here for you.
- Okay.
SHANELLE: Yeah. I'm not
even staying at the house.
I've been sleeping in
Sally's guest room.
- Damn, on the futon?
Shanelle, I didn't realize.
SHANELLE: What do you mean?
I told you things were bad.
What, you thought I was lying?
- Yes, you told me, but, I mean,
I didn't think that it was...
You know...
I'm sorry.
I appreciate you.
I mean, you get on
my nerves sometimes,
but you know I love
you, Shay Shay.
- I love your mean ass too.
- Okay, please let
me get one of those,
because I need at least one of the
two men in my life to be on my side.
Imma try to win back
Spenser's love and devotion.
- Girl, I feel you. You know
what? Maybe take... take two.
- Give me two. Please.
SHANELLE: There you go.
[Shanelle chuckles]
♪
♪
- Sarah, right?
- Yeah.
Do I know you?
- We met a couple
of times at Clout.
I'm Kaleesha's husband.
I don't want any trouble.
But you should know,
Kaleesha told me about
the emails you sent her.
- What emails?
RYAN: Did Brayden find
out about your plan?
Is that why he killed her?
- Look, I don't
know what you want,
but stay the fuck away
from me and my family.
I'd hate for you to end
up like your slut wife.
♪
Lana, Langston, you guys wanna
go get some ice cream with Mommy?
BOTH: Yeah!
♪
♪
♪
- Okay, I don't wanna bother
you, but do you have a minute?
- Yes, Krystal.
- I told you my dad tried
selling collectibles on eBay.
- [scoffs] Yes,
business number 32.
- That's right. Number
32 in him getting rich.
He reads all these books about
building the perfect business.
And he researched all
these entrepreneurs.
He's chasing the American dream.
He believes in the successful businessman
like them damn fools do with Trump.
Brayden Miller is my
dad's Black Trump.
Last night, my dad said he was proud
of me for helping with his case.
"Ain't no way no businessman
like him out here murdering."
My dad don't vote,
but if he did, he would
be the perfect juror.
His ass would hold out until the
end, probably cause a mistrial.
- That was well argued.
Except for the cursing.
Ooh.
- [clears throat] Okay. Of course. Um...
Okay. Well, we
should probably go.
You know, Rich is probably
running his mouth.
RICH: Is this a
joke? Who is this?
- Um, that's my daddy, and I know
you are not calling him a joke.
- Oh. How am I supposed
to know that he's...
- Okay, before this turns
into a WorldStar video,
let me explain.
Krystal's father doesn't see
Brayden Miller as a threat.
In fact, he sees him
as an inspiration.
And that makes this
our ideal juror.
- So the strategy is to load the
jury with Black men and women,
just as they did
in the OJ trial?
- It's not considered loaded
when it's an all-white jury.
It was a jury of his peers.
But let's be clear, a jury of
Brayden's peers is not all Black.
After Occupy Wall Street, we have
to consider other prejudices.
Any questions?
Perfect.
♪
- Jurors, please speak
loudly and clearly
for our amazing court reporter.
Also verbalize everything.
That means resisting a head nod or
a shake when you mean yes or no.
Mr. Ortiz, we'll begin
with you when you're ready.
- My freedom and my life will be
put in the hands of strangers.
- And that's why it's
important you weigh in.
You've invested in
tens of startups.
How did you know which
ones were worth it?
- I didn't know. It depended
on the market, the founder.
I study lots of variables
before deciding.
- Sure. But ultimately,
you trusted your gut.
Do that now.
If your instincts tell you
yes or no about someone,
even if you can't
explain it, tell me.
- [clears throat]
The people are ready.
- Juror number eight,
you told the prosecutor
that you don't trust the police.
Why?
- Cops pulled me over
for expired tags,
put my face in the dirt in front
of my eight-year-old daughter.
My tags weren't even expired.
Even if they were, they shouldn't
have treated me like an animal.
Cops are just bullied
kids with badges.
- I would ask the court to thank
and excuse juror number eight.
JUDGE GREEN: Juror number eight,
thank you for your service.
Please report to the jury room.
- I liked him.
- Which is why Mike dismissed him.
- But everyone in this
room has heard his story.
So even if he's not
staying, it benefits us
if the other jurors hear about
poor treatment by the police.
♪
- Last year, my son was
lost. It was terrifying.
We thought the worst.
And then an officer knocked
on my door with my son.
- God, as a mother,
I can't even imagine.
I mean, you must see
the LAPD as heroes now.
- I was very grateful.
But I also don't believe that
all officers are the same.
Some of them... aren't good.
- Thank you.
- Seventeen wouldn't
look me in the eye.
I can't tell if it's because she
feels sorry for me or hates me.
- Well, we only have one
peremptory challenge left,
and we've already excused a
fair amount of white women.
So give me a reason 17 should go
before Mike makes a Batson challenge.
- Why? She said,
"They're not all good."
She may be a white woman
in an infinity scarf,
but it seems she
can be impartial.
- I interrupt this broadcast
to show you some bullshit.
Looks like her husband was
at the Olive Garden in DC
on January 6th.
- You like her now, Rich?
- Yeah, but that's
her husband's account.
Why does it matter how
he feels about the cops?
I mean, I don't feel that way.
I like the cops and
I like Black people.
- Congratulations, Rich,
but this isn't about you.
I'm saying that any woman who's
with a man rocking that sticker
believes in law and
order, trust me.
Those people are black and
white when it comes to justice,
and we need jurors
that can see the gray.
- Counselor?
- I would ask the court to thank
and excuse juror number 17.
- Judge, may we
approach the bench?
Jax, you trying to get rid
of all the white women?
[scoffs] Batson v. Kentucky.
- Are you implying that defense is
dismissing based solely on race?
JAX: Your Honor,
absolutely not.
She went out of her way to express
strong affection for the police, so...
- Oh, come on.
They saved her son.
- I'm not doing this
with you two all week.
Juror 17 will be kept.
♪
- Good job. everyone. Get
some rest this weekend.
Brayden, your driver and security
are headed to the east exit.
- Thank you. JAX: Mm-hmm.
- Well, here come the sharks.
[reporters clamoring]
Can I walk with you? REPORTER:
How do you feel about...
- Looks like you already are.
- I didn't appreciate being
shushed in there like a child, Jax.
JAX: [sighs] I apologize.
Won't happen again.
- I'm a valuable
member of this team.
In fact, we wouldn't even have
this case if it weren't for me.
- I already apologized to you.
What more do you want from me?
- I don't know.
- Well, you let me know
when you figure it out.
In the meantime, I will
be trying to win a case.
♪
♪
[CJ sighs]
[clattering]
- Yo?
- The fuck is the torque wrench?
- Yo. You good?
[clattering]
- It's just... Shit
is crazy, man. Just...
The world.
The shit's changed so much, man.
It's all these new fucking rules,
and it's just... so expensive.
- I know.
Which is why I'm trying to
get you in on this with me.
[sighs]
Alright. How about this?
I cut you in and you just watch.
If you don't like what you see,
then you just keep it pushing.
- Just let me hold something
and I'll think about it.
- Alright.
This the last time, yo.
♪
Next time you gotta work for it.
♪
♪
Here's your torque wrench.
♪
♪
♪
- Mom? What are
you doing here?
- I was married to Eddie.
This is what he does.
Disappoints people.
I figured he might do it again.
- Mom... [sighs]
MAMA LU: I know, baby.
- What...
- Honey.
Baby. [clicks tongue]
I could slap him.
- I just don't know why I
keep doing this to myself.
MAMA LU: I know, honey.
Ugh!
This is what I was afraid of.
That's why I told him
that if he wasn't serious
about establishing a consistent
relationship with you,
to leave you alone.
This is too much.
- You told him to
leave me alone?
That's why he's not here.
- No.
If he wanted to
come, he would have.
Nothing I said would
have changed that, baby.
- No, my father wanted to see
me but you threatened him.
You put what you wanted
above my feelings.
- I was only thinking of you.
- No, you didn't, Mom, because
if you were thinking about me,
you would have done what I
asked and minded your business.
- You're my daughter.
You are my business.
- You know what, Mom?
I really wish you would
have forgiven Daddy
the same way you forgave Paul.
- What's that supposed to mean?
- Daddy's not the only
one who disappointed me.
Good night, Mom.
♪
♪
- Hey, I got your text.
You okay?
- Uh...
The other week,
when I said that I
wasn't a good wife,
you didn't say anything.
You didn't correct me.
Do you think I'm a bad wife?
- What, Jax? No, no, no.
You know that's not
what this is about.
- What is this about again?
You... Really?
[Lewis laughing]
Look, I don't think we're
supposed to be laughing about it.
- Yeah, probably not.
[Jax chuckles]
- I'm glad I came here.
I can always count
on you, Lewis.
- Yeah, me too.
And, yes, Jax... always.
[exhales deeply]
- I cannot believe my
dad stood me up again.
- Oh, wait. What?
Your dad's in town?
Why would you even
agree to meet with him?
- I know but, I mean,
he is my father.
- Barely.
- Wait a minute.
He has his faults
but I don't believe he
just wakes up thinking
I'm gonna destroy Jax's
life for no reason.
I mean, damn, shit just happens.
It is what it is.
- Wo... Yeah, you know, I
wish I got that same leniency.
- And what is that
supposed to mean?
- Jax, your father let
you down your entire life,
and he's welcome to just waltz
right in whenever he wants,
but I ask you for one thing,
and I'm shut out forever.
- You always talk to
me about opening up,
and the moment I do,
even just a little bit,
you shut me down.
You don't understand
anything about me.
- I understand that if this
doesn't work out with us,
nothing's gonna keep
me from my kids.
- Oh, it's like that?
- Yeah.
It is.
[door closes]
[door opens]
[door closes]
JAX: Hey, Kanika. KANIKA: Hey.
- How were they tonight?
- Oh, they were good.
Quiet.
- Good.
Ugh. Here you go.
KANIKA: Thank
you, Mrs. Stewart.
Have a good night.
JAX: You too.
[knock on door] Spenser?
Hey?
This... Spenser!
[sighs]
♪ See I believe in money,
power, and respect ♪
♪ First you get the money ♪
[metallic clanging]
♪ Then you get the
motherfuckin' power ♪
♪ After you get
the fuckin' power ♪
[whirring]
- ♪ Motherfuckers will respect you ♪
- ♪ What's the key to life? ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ What you need in life? ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ You'll be eatin' right ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
SPENSER: What are you doing?
- Not raising a fuck boy.
Next time, it'll be the door.
Try me.
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪ Money, power, and respect ♪
♪
- Do you believe workplace
romances are... appropriate?
- It's how I met
my second husband.
- Counselor, question asked
and answered. Do you accept?
♪
- Accept.
♪
- Do you believe in
the American dream?
JUROR THREE: Yes and no.
Some people can come from nothing
and make something of themselves.
But it's not just hard work
like they want us to believe.
You have to compete and win.
That's the game.
- Yes. A capitalistic game.
- Accept. JUDGE
GREEN: Excellent.
Finally through the most
basic portion of this trial.
Official proceedings
begin in one week.
Until then, you're not to discuss
or consume any trial-related media.
[Jax sighs]
[Mike sighs]
[Jax snickers]
♪
- Morgan's alibi is solid.
She was at work closing up.
- We know that for certain?
- Mm-hmm. Time clocks are
digital, requires a passcode.
Cameras are everywhere.
Too many to manipulate
unless corporate's in on it.
Hmm... they're probably not.
- What about her boyfriend?
- Fiancé. He was in Vegas
for his bachelor party.
It's all over his IG page.
You know, I really
think that he beat me up
because I was following his boo
around in my gray van like a creep.
[winces]
- So then she didn't have anything
to do with Kaleesha's death.
- Well, I mean, her last theft
charge was years ago, so not likely.
- She argued with Kaleesha
about the apartment and money.
Then she tried to pawn
Kaleesha's laptop,
which means she needs money.
- And we need the laptop.
- I have a plan.
[door bell dings, chimes]
Where's Kaleesha's laptop?
- What? JAX: You heard me.
Give us the laptop or we'll
report you to the police.
- I know who you are.
You Kaleesha's
ex-boyfriend's lawyer.
Shit. I'll just say
y'all were harassing me.
Like you are now at my damn job.
You got me fucked up.
- You got me effed up, okay?
You know, we could press charges
against your boyfriend for assault.
- Oh... JAX: Morgan,
you're right.
I am Brayden's lawyer.
I'm also an officer
of the court.
That means I'm
obligated to turn in
any and all evidence about
potential murder suspects.
You possess stolen property.
You also assaulted
my investigator,
so you're violent.
I mean, you could have
very well murdered...
- Whoa, whoa. The fuck?
I ain't kill my cousin.
You know I ain't do that shit.
- Oh, well, maybe they
can figure that out
while you spend three or four
months in Club County Jail
during the trial.
- I'm not lying.
JAX: Oh.
- Psst. Man.
[Daniel winces]
[sighs]
Look, Kaleesha did
me dirty, okay?
She took back her apartment
and left me with nowhere to go.
But I ain't want her dead or nothing,
and I definitely ain't kill her.
- Neither did Brayden.
But we need that laptop.
So Daniel will give you
whatever you want for it.
♪
- Half now, half when you
bring back the laptop.
♪
[sighs]
[cell phone chimes]
- What?
Oh, my God.
[door opens]
Hey. DAMON: I'm sorry.
I didn't wanna be
weird and just show up.
You know, I was gonna
mail you the money,
uh, but I ain't got
no checks yet, so...
Look, I know you think
I'm trippin', but...
I couldn't just let
you pay for dinner.
That's just not who I am.
I don't want you to
think that of me.
- Thank you.
It was never a problem.
- Well, now, it's not.
Did you, uh, did you
meet up with your dad?
- Uh...
He didn't show up.
- Damn.
That's gotta hurt.
You know what? You just
keep doing your part.
The regret won't be yours.
It's all on him.
- I wish I could believe that.
- I read somewhere that
we choose what we believe
and what we give
energy to is up to us.
You feel me?
- Um...
My kids are inside
otherwise I'd ask
you to come in.
- Your husband's okay
with friends coming over?
- Actually, we're separated.
He's not living
here at the moment.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry.
- Yeah. I mean, I should have
said something before, but...
DAMON: It's all good.
That ain't none of my business.
I don't know what he did,
but whatever it is,
he is a fucking
idiot to let you go.
♪
Night, Jax.
♪
♪
[keypad beeping]
♪
[line ringing]
RYAN: [over phone] Hello?
- Ryan, it's Sarah Miller.
- How did you get my number?
- My dad works for the largest
data company in the nation.
I can get anybody's number.
- Your white ass keeps getting
more and more privileged
by the minute.
- Look, you and I need to talk.
- Why the fuck
should I talk to you?
- Because those emails
I sent to Kaleesha
aren't the end of this story.
♪
Don't you wanna
know how it ends?
♪ Theme music playing ♪
♪