The Practice (1997–2004): Season 8, Episode 17 - War of the Roses - full transcript
STRINGER: Previously
on "The Practice"...
We need to have all
the computer passwords
changed by Thursday, noon.
This is extremely
confidential.
WILSON: Eugene's hired
a labor-law firm
for something.
All the computer passwords
are being changed.
It looks like someone's
getting fired.
YOUNG: We've decided
to let you go.
Go where?
Here's a check representing
two weeks' severance pay.
I'd like you to leave
immediately.
I've generated fees in excess
of six million dollars.
You've handed me
a check for $15,000.
You can keep it.
YOUNG: Alan Shore seemed
to know this was coming.
Did you tell him?
Yes.
Your employment
here is terminated.
Forty minutes ago,
we fired Alan.
I'm sorry?
Jimmy and I agreed
that on balance--
You and Jimmy agreed?
Why wasn't I--
Because you're his friend.
That's crap!
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna try
and dissuade them from--
SHORE: Ellenor,
it's a place of work,
nothing more.
I didn't figure
you'd go so quietly.
Who said anything
about going quietly?
This is going to get
very ugly.
Eugene, he struck again.
What now?
Hi.
This message
is for Eugene and Jimmy,
especially Jimmy.
I just wanna say I miss
you all terribly,
and I can't wait
till I return,
which should be very,
very soon.
BERLUTI:
He's on my computer, too,
brushing his teeth.
Has he made any attempts
to take files?
Not that I can tell.
Ellenor...
tell your friend if he continues
to break into our computers,
we're going to the police.
Yes, Eugene.
I've demonstrated
such a fine ability
to control him, haven't I?
I'm off to Court.
You're giving me $5,000?
Yes.
For what?
What'll it get me?
A slap in the face,
and it'll be free.
Tara, I got you fired.
No, you didn't.
I made the choice
to betray Eugene.
You don't owe me anything.
That isn't true,
and we both know that.
Look, let me
at least try to get you
rehired someplace else.
I've got my bar exam
coming up in July.
I should probably take
time off anyway.
I'm fine, Alan.
I don't like being
in someone else's debt.
So, what are you gonna do?
Why, I'm going to get
what's mine, of course,
which is the real reason
I'm here.
If this should go to trial,
witnesses will be called
for both sides.
May I call you to be on mine?
What did I witness?
For starters,
the conspiracy to fire me.
I also suspect
they might try to raise
my ethical deficits
as grounds for the discharge.
You might be able
to bolster my estoppel claims,
as well as--
well, you're familiar
with the doctrine
of unclean hands, aren't you?
How messy is this gonna get?
May I count on you, Tara?
I need you.
(music playing)
I can't believe
they're actually
prosecuting me for this.
This just isn't right,
Ellenor.
FRUTT: Carrie,
you did hit a police officer.
In self-defense.
Well, come on.
It wasn't exactly--
You said you
would make this go away.
Those were your exact words.
I thought I could,
but they're choosing
to make an example--
I will lose my job
if I get a conviction.
My boss wants
to fire me already,
and he says
with an assault conviction,
that's cause.
And I may lose
my kids, too.
Oh, my ex is always
revisiting custody,
and he's licking
himself over this.
I cannot get
a conviction, Ellenor.
You promised me.
Carrie, listen to me.
We are about to go
into that Courtroom.
It is important--
Don't talk to me
like I'm a child.
I am talking
to a criminal defendant.
Your demeanor will factor
into the disposition.
You need to rein yourself in.
Do you understand?
You promised me.
Have you been dissatisfied
with our performance
to date?
Far from it.
I think
you're superior lawyers,
but I did come here
because of Alan Shore,
and now that he's gone--
We certainly respect
your relationship
with Alan,
and I realize our experience
is primarily criminal,
but we have become
full-service
with some remarkable
results
in civil cases against
a tobacco company, against--
Mr. Young,
I run a securities firm.
Alan Shore has much more
experience with--
Certainly, if you choose
to go to another firm,
we will honor that decision,
but as your current lawyers,
we have a fiduciary duty
to advise you that, uh...
uh, there are many firms
that can give you
great service,
but I must strongly
caution you
against going
with Alan Shore.
Why?
It is our belief
that he is unstable,
that he has self-destructive
personality tendencies,
that he's also prone
to committing unethical,
sometimes
even criminal, acts.
You're in the securities
business.
You have to avoid
even the appearance
of impropriety.
One false step can cost you
and your shareholders
millions of dollars.
Now, of course, we would
like you to stay with us,
but wherever you take
your business,
I would urge you again
not to take it
to Alan Shore.
LAWRENCE:
At first, she was polite,
but as soon as we told
her to relocate,
she became abusive.
And what did you do then?
LAWRENCE: I informed her
that if she wouldn't move
peacefully and willingly,
I'd have to physically
escort her.
And how did she respond?
She said something about me
having sex with my mother.
BELLAMY:
And then what happened?
I proceeded to physically
escort her,
and that's when she
assaulted me.
Officer, I have a,
uh, videotape
made by a bystander,
which I would like to play.
Objection.
Overruled.
BELLAMY: Okay,
we've highlighted you
and Ms. Moses
to make it easier to see.
This is, in fact, you?
LAWRENCE: Yes, it is.
She's arguing
with me at this point.
Right here,
I put my hand on her elbow
to escort her.
BELLAMY:
Does this tape fairly
and accurately reflect
what happened?
Yes.
Thank you, officer.
Could you tell us
why the crowd
was gathered
on Boylston Street?
There was a presidential
motorcade.
President Bush was in town?
Yes.
FRUTT:
And why did you object
to my client being
in this crowd?
She was carrying a placard
that was critical
of the president.
FRUTT: So you made
the decision to relocate her?
Yes, ma'am, acting in concert
with the Secret Service.
The Secret Service asked you
to remove my client?
LAWRENCE:
Not her specifically.
When the president travels,
the Secret Service scouts
the location in advance
and directs local
law enforcement
to set up free-speech zones,
or protest zones,
where those who choose
to protest can assemble.
So, you told my client
she had to go
three miles away down
by the harbor?
That's where the designated
protest zone was, down in--
So to carry a placard
to protest
against the president,
one would have to go
to a place
where the president
couldn't possibly see it.
LAWRENCE: It's an
anti-terrorist policy.
Terrorist?
LAWRENCE: Yes.
Terrorists pose
a security risk,
and, obviously,
tend to be anti-U. S.,
so we relocate protesters
to where they won't pose
a risk to the president.
FRUTT: Just so I'm clear,
people with pro-Bush signs
were allowed to line
the streets for the motorcade.
People with anti-Bush signs
were either taken away
or arrested.
Basically.
And when you tried
to explain this
to my client,
she became enraged.
Very enraged.
FRUTT: And as a result
of her rage,
and you trying
to physically escort her,
she threw a punch.
Basically.
It's stunning.
Recently, two grandmothers
were arrested
in Florida for waving
tiny handwritten
protest cards outside
of the designated
free-speech zone.
What's the point?
What's the point?
You didn't wanna have
a beer to lament
the demise of free speech.
What's the point?
I know you hired a lawyer.
Alan, give it some time,
so tempers can--
I'd like to work this out.
So would I.
Then you can't be sending
e-mails of yourself.
If you antagonize
Eugene and Jimmy--
Look, you can't get fired
by two firms in one year.
As brilliant as you are,
your career
will never recover.
You need to work this out.
I land on my feet, Ellenor.
I could show you
the bunions to prove it.
(sighs)
I need you to work this out.
I can't bear the idea
of going back to work
with you not being there.
A fight hurts everybody.
I'd need to be able
to bring Tara back.
Let's get this to the table,
and we'll work it out.
All I'm asking, Eugene,
is that you keep an open mind.
Has it ever been open?
I don't think
it's my objectivity
that's in question here,
Ellenor.
Okay.
I'm biased.
I plead guilty,
but I am speaking objectively
when I say a war
is bad for business--
our business.
Look at any law-firm divorce.
Show me one where anybody
has come out ahead.
We'll talk
to the man's lawyer.
Thank you.
CARRIE:
I like President Bush.
I voted for him before.
I'll probably vote
for him again,
uh, and I'm pro-war.
I'm not one
of those liberals.
I cheered when
they caught Saddam.
So did my kids.
They wanted
to cut off his head
and play soccer with it.
Carrie, what were you
protesting that day?
The environment.
FRUTT: You're against
the environment?
CARRIE: No, I'm for it.
I'm very concerned about
the air my kids breathe,
and what I was protesting--
See, the EPA
puts out some report
to give the public warnings
and stuff on the environment.
And the administration
censored it
so the public wouldn't know
what they were trying
to warn us about.
What's up with that?
FRUTT: So you had a placard.
Saying,
"Don't censor the EPA."
And this policeman tells me
that I've got to go
somewhere five miles away
from the motorcade.
So when he told you this...
I hit him.
Not right away.
We first had words.
He said that my carrying
a placard on the EPA
somehow made me
a security risk.
I said, "What about
my right to assemble?"
He said,
"I got a right to assemble,
but it's in another
section of town."
And then he got belligerent
and dismissive,
and that's when I made
reference
to him in
an unfavorable light,
and at that point,
he grabbed me to pull me off,
and on instinct,
I lost it.
Free-speech zone,
I thought this whole country
was a free-speech zone.
What do you mean
I didn't do well?
You did great,
but you came off
a little gruff.
Gruff?
You could have left out the
"Playing soccer
with Saddam's head."
That doesn't make me gruff.
Carrie, I'm just afraid
the jury is gonna read you
as antagonistic.
I could probably plead
this out
on a misdemeanor battery.
But what about
my right to protest?
Well, that right
doesn't include punching
a police officer,
and you don't wanna go down
on a felony.
You know what, Ellenor?
I got rich relatives in Europe.
They visit sometimes
when they come to Boston
to see musicians and stuff,
and they're snooty.
I'm not sure that's relevant.
No, I'm getting to it.
They're snooty
about their money,
about their country,
about their intellectual
whatever,
and they look down on me.
And you know what I tell them,
what I say I got that
they don't got?
America.
A true democracy,
real freedom.
And I don't mean to be sound
like Patrick Henry
and all those dead presidents.
Patrick Henry
was never a president.
But to be able to vote,
to protest,
to do all the things
we went to Iraq
to give the Iraqi people
the chance to do,
it means something.
I went to that motorcade
to voice my opinion,
nothing more.
That cop told me
that I couldn't do that.
Now, maybe I shouldn't
have hit him,
but I will
not plead out on this.
I have not yet begun
to fight.
John Paul Jones
or somebody said that.
Was he a president?
No.
I can't walk away
from this, Ellenor.
This isn't right.
And I need you
to fight for me.
I'm not necessarily
defending him on the merits.
YOUNG: How can that be?
You're a lawyer.
He hired you as his lawyer.
How can you not defend
him on the merits?
I don't know
all the facts, Eugene.
But let's assume,
for the sake of argument,
the discharge was justified.
It was.
Well, from my understanding,
some of the worst things he did
he did in the beginning,
which you knew about.
Which means he may have
some estoppel arguments.
BERLUTI: Just because
we may have known
some of the stuff he was up to,
that doesn't mean
we sanctioned it.
I'm not suggesting that.
Then what are you suggesting?
You took the money.
It doesn't seem fair
that you would profit
from the very conduct you're
now citing as the cause.
I'm done.
Done? You just sat down.
Let the man sue if he thinks
he's got a case.
I'm ready.
That kind of emotion suggests
that you might be personalizing
this a little.
Take a look around,
Mr. Billings.
This is a firm
I've given the last
15 years of my life to.
Your client, Alan Shore,
devalued that.
I take it personally.
I'm not ashamed to take
that personally.
All you need to know,
Eugene, I won't lose.
As senior partner,
I recognize
it would be in the best
interest of the firm
to work this out
quietly and quickly,
but you know what?
Let's fight, Alan.
I wanna go to Court,
lower myself into the trenches,
and have the kind
of street war I'm capable of,
but not to worry...
because you won't lose.
My advice is to walk away.
Hey, you and I could
start a firm,
assuming I pass the bar,
that is.
Think how exciting
that would be.
What is with my head?
I'm feeling drunk.
Is it possible to get drunk
off one shot of liqueur?
Probably not,
but I've been pouring vodka
in your drink, so...
Alan.
I was hoping it
would lead to intercourse.
In times of stress,
I find solace in warm,
dark places.
Slipping me liquor
to get me into bed,
that's date rape.
Oh, don't be so trendy.
No, really, it's not funny.
Is that the reason
why you showed up here?
I wouldn't have actually
slept with you, Tara.
It's more
about knowing I can.
It's the conquest,
with no fear of infection.
Alan, are you interested
in a relationship with me?
You need not worry
about it happening.
I'd never actually let it.
So I'm offering you
a rare bite at honesty.
Are you interested in me?
I find you very interesting.
You and I would
last a week, Tara.
It'd be an absolutely
glorious week, but no.
I'm only here now
because Ellenor's in trial,
and I hate
getting drunk alone.
I do have a friend, though.
A friend?
She saw me with you
one night,
and she couldn't stop
going on and on about...
what it must be
like to kiss you.
Your friend's a she, even.
She had some
ridiculous idea that--
I don't know,
those lips were different from--
"Lips are lips," I said.
And since most people
close their eyes while kissing,
it really doesn't matter
who or what.
More vodka?
You seem
a little fragile.
Paul did it, you know.
I'm sorry?
Paul Stewart.
He killed Brenda Wilbur.
Everything turns out
badly in the end.
That's the only life
lesson one needs.
Anyway, I'm sorry
to have intruded.
I don't think
you should drive.
SHORE: I took a car.
It wasn't mine,
so I'm sure the police
are out there,
but they'll give me a lift.
You do know that you
and I wouldn't work?
I do.
You're not nearly
tawdry enough for me.
Good night.
For your friend,
and whoever else
might be curious.
Good night.
Tara--
relax, I don't want
the key to your heart.
Just the office.
Excuse me?
They changed the locks,
but the master key
should still work
and you have it,
don't you, Tara?
(music playing)
Did you call Eugene?
I had to. I can't get in.
I considered
calling the police.
(elevator dings)
HATCHER: I got here at 8:00.
It was already like this.
It's a new lock
and a new master.
(sighs)
BERLUTI:
This is trespassing.
We can arrest him
for this.
Oh, hello.
Gosh, we're not open yet.
Please come back
at 9:00.
It's almost 9:00.
Jimmy, file a trespassing
report with the police.
Jamie, Lucy,
let's draft the TRO.
He's in there
collecting client files.
Now, then,
who has business?
Perhaps a slight explanation
is in order.
I'm invoking the doctrine
partnership by estoppel.
It's a well-defined theory
under Massachusetts law.
I'm sure you know it.
Given the huge imbalance
with respect to billables,
I took it upon myself
to declare me
as senior partner.
Imagine.
Good news is I've decided
to keep you on, Eugene,
in an associate position.
Bad news, Jimmy,
it's not working out.
Get out of my firm.
Your firm?
You pay office rent,
Eugene.
You lease the equipment.
As for the clients,
keep yours,
I'll keep mine.
Let's do the math.
I will physically throw you out.
Please do.
STRINGER: Hey, come on.
Look, Alan, obviously,
you're trying
to provoke something.
What, you think you have
a better legal case
if Eugene attacks you?
It wouldn't get worse.
STRINGER: This is ridiculous.
Challenge the firing
if you want,
but you can't just
break in,
change the locks,
and take over the firm.
I did take over the firm
while I was here, so...
Okay, fine.
If that's true,
have a Judge declare it,
but this is like some
military coup.
Be reasonable.
I'm persuaded.
I'll let the Judge decide.
(elevator dings)
What the hell?
He obviously got
what he came for.
FRUTT: On March 7th,
there was a presidential
motorcade in Boston.
Hundreds of thousands
of people came out,
some carrying signs
in support
of the commander-in-chief,
some waving placards
in protest.
The ones protesting
were removed
under the threat of arrest.
The ones in support
were allowed to stay.
What's happening to us?
I realize we live in
a different world since 9/11.
Certain liberties,
we just have to forfeit.
Search our luggage
at airports,
conduct racial profiling,
put up cameras to watch us
on street corners,
none of us like any of it,
but we have to understand,
but silence our voices?
Make it a crime to engage
in political dissent?
Segregate people based on
the content of their ideas?
And it's not just going on
in the government.
Let's look at television,
the Super Bowl,
for example.
They bombarded us
with ads on beer,
erectile dysfunction.
It's okay to see
dogs biting crotches
and farting donkeys,
let alone the half-time show,
but a spot containing
political content,
that has to be shut down.
What is happening
to this country?
Historically, we have
always been a nation
that has championed the idea.
Today, if the government
doesn't like your idea,
you can be cordoned off
to a designated zone,
where it is guaranteed
to get no exposure.
It goes against America,
against the constitution,
against the principles
we fought for
in every war throughout
our nation's history.
Of course,
Carrie Moses felt rage.
Where's yours?
Where's yours
and yours.
Edward R. Murrow once said,
"We must never confuse
dissent with disloyalty."
We have either become
a country of oppression,
or we are just
very, very confused.
As Carrie herself said,
"Free- speech zone?
Why isn't the whole country
a free-speech zone?"
Ms. Moses punched
a police officer.
The crime she committed
was assault,
for which she has no defense,
by the way,
which, of course,
is the reason Ms. Frutt
just filibustered all of us
on the principles
of individual freedoms.
But since Ms. Frutt has raised
the constitutionality
of the free-speech zones,
we live in a country
where presidents
get attacked.
In my lifetime,
I saw President Kennedy
get shot,
his brother Robert assassinated
running for president.
President Ford
was nearly shot.
President Reagan was shot.
And that was before 9/11.
The whole terrorist world
would love to see
President Bush dead.
Vice President Cheney
has to live in secret hiding,
so real is the threat.
Are we really being
that unreasonable
to impose strict
security measures,
perhaps even
overreaching ones?
Now, just like Ms. Frutt,
I would love
to go back to the world
that we used to live in,
where we didn't have
yellow, orange,
and red alerts,
we didn't have to X-ray
people's shoes at airports,
where we didn't have
to guard bridges.
The New York police force
currently is going
through training
in preparation
for a nuclear attack.
Of course it's nice
to lament the loss
of our old world.
But we have to live
in this one.
(elevator dings)
You tell me
you wanna settle,
then you break
into their office.
Only to download
the books.
That's illegal.
And why did you change
the name on the door?
Okay, that part was fun.
I'm not gonna
represent you, Alan,
if this is how
you're going to behave.
What's with the red tie,
soldier?
Denny.
SHORE: I beg your pardon?
Around here,
we wear cold ties,
blue, black,
hard colors, tough colors.
Red is soft.
Soft does not work
around here, sailor.
This is Alan Shore, Denny.
He's not
an attorney here.
He's a client.
Oh.
Red's a soft color, pilgrim.
That's Denny Crane?
The Denny Crane?
Don't be fooled.
Once he's in the Courtroom,
he's every bit the icon.
Now, can we get back to you?
They've moved for a TRO
before Judge Gleason
tomorrow.
What's this I hear on Ryan?
BILLINGS:
He's holding at 120.
His attorney's due
in any second.
Send him into my office,
will you?
Yeah.
Good man, Gleason.
Shot ducks with him
on Saturday.
He's a good man.
As you can see, I'm in
the middle of something,
so maybe we should
just resched--
SHORE: Mr. Crane,
Denny, hello.
Alan Shore.
Warm tie.
Oh, sure,
I know who you are.
I just spoke to you.
Excellent. I wasn't sure
I'd made an impression.
Did I hear you say
you duck hunt
with Judge Gleason?
Yeah. Good man.
Great shot.
You shoot?
Do I shoot?
Hmm.
Huh, let me tell you,
do I shoot?
Can I talk to you
for a minute?
Why does the door...
Don't ask.
What happened?
He got the master key,
we think from Tara.
He downloaded
the financial records
and accounts receivables.
He also...
Also what?
All of our clients
got this e-mail.
WOMAN (over screen): Alert.
Wardrobe malfunction. Alert.
Where's Eugene?
He's in his office.
We have a TRO
scheduled for tomorrow.
He took records?
Yup, and he mangled
our system,
so we're having trouble
pulling stuff up.
I'm sorry for--
Do you blame me for this?
You vouched for the man.
I certainly didn't think--
You vouched
for his character.
And after all the crap
he's pulled,
he's now broken
into our office,
stolen files--
Eugene, I--
You spoke for that
man's character,
and he's held us
up to disgrace.
Now we're gonna have to endure
a big public spectacle of...
I certainly didn't
see this coming.
That's the difference
between us.
I did.
And I still...
So, what's happening now?
What's happening now is
we're going into Court,
trying to enjoin him
from taking
any of our clients.
What's happening now,
Ellenor,
is the beginning of a war.
And what's happening now,
you have to choose a side.
You can't be
on the fence anymore.
Eugene,
you know I'm on your side.
Do I?
We need to vilify this man
in open Court, Ellenor.
Look me in the eye
and tell me
you're prepared to do that.
SHORE: Partnership by Estoppel,
we get the Court to declare me
as a partner.
There's precedent
under Massachusetts law.
Are you Jewish?
Am I Jewish?
Best bet,
we argue they fired you
because you're a Jew.
No defense against that.
Well, I would
ordinarily agree,
but they didn't fire me
for that,
and I'm not Jewish.
I didn't hear that.
(knocks on door)
Mr. Crane?
Stan Brenner.
Matthew Billings
said you wanna see me.
Yeah, come in.
(door closes)
I'm told you're holding
at 120.
The man died, son.
Well, as I explained
to Mr. Billings,
there are some serious
liability problems.
I don't wanna hear about
liability problems.
Mr. Billings explained
that Marie Senate
is one of my oldest
and dearest friends,
that I'm like a brother
to her late husband.
It was actually
the brother who died,
not the husband.
DENNY: Really?
You know what?
Medical records aside,
if Denny Crane
tells the jury
it was the husband,
they'll believe
it was the husband.
I play poker with
Charlie Levine.
Charlie still head up
litigation at your firm?
Yes, he does.
Hell of a guy, Charlie.
Listen,
we're gonna raise
your last counter to 142,
and I'm gonna whisper
in Charlie's ear
what a fine young associate
he's got in you,
and Charlie respects
my opinion.
You know why?
Not because we're friends,
but because...
I'm Denny Crane.
You knew that, didn't you?
Denny Crane?
(chuckles)
Good-looking kid.
I'll bet later tonight
you'll be on some
barroom stool
trying to finesse your way
into some legal
secretary's panties.
You wanna get there
faster, son?
Tell her earlier you held Court
with Denny Crane.
Denny Crane.
(chuckles)
SHORE: He's a whack job.
BILLINGS: He's eccentric.
Eccentric?
He's asking me
to plead Jewish.
You hired him.
Why didn't you stop me?
You went running off
before I even--
You need to argue
this motion.
Alan, I promise you,
once he stands up
in Court...
SHORE: What? Once he stands up
in Court, what?
He's Denny Crane.
Oh, my God.
No, really.
He's Denny Crane.
CRANE: What do you mean
you'll do the arguing?
Since I know the case best,
I thought--
CRANE: You hired Denny Crane.
SHORE: I did,
and I want to reserve
your thunder for later.
For now,
I want you to sit there
as the big cannon.
I want your aura.
I want you to exude
the power of esteemed,
noble duck hunter.
You don't want me to talk?
Not this early
in the case.
It would be premature.
For today--
look, I've got
my dark tie on.
I'm ready.
(music playing)
I'm feeling nervous.
How much longer?
Soon.
I'm feeling nervous.
CLARKE: Madam Foreperson,
the jury has reached
a unanimous verdict?
We have, Your Honor.
Will the defendant
please rise?
What say you?
Case number 75421,
in the matter of the
Commonwealth vs. Carrie Moses.
On the charge
of aggravated assault
against a police officer,
we find the defendant,
Carrie Moses,
guilty.
Piss!
CLARKE: Ms. Moses,
you've been found guilty.
Now, on a matter
of sentencing--
FRUTT: Hold on.
We're doing sentencing now?
CLARKE:
Yes, we are, Ms. Frutt.
The crime for which you have
been convicted is very serious,
and the Court takes it
seriously,
and accordingly,
I sentence you to eight years
to be served
at Cedar Junction.
Eight years
maximum security?
CLARKE: People need to know
they just can't go around
openly criticizing
our government,
eroding our national unity.
This is America, Ms. Moses.
You dissent,
you go to prison.
Eight years, Cedars.
Adjourned.
(gavel bangs)
(indistinct chatter)
Ellenor, I'll lose my kids.
I mean,
how could he do that?
How can I get--
Take it easy, Carrie.
That ruling was tailor-made
for a reversal.
It's almost as if
he wanted to--
(music playing)
YOUNG: The fact that Mr. Shore
broke into our offices
during the dark of night,
to illegally access
our computer records,
to steal and download
financial information,
this conduct is evidence
of his moral turpitude,
and accordingly--
Objection to the word,
"turpitude".
I don't know what it means,
and I especially
don't like "moral",
it's ambiguous.
GLEASON: Mr. Shore,
you'll get your turn.
He's mocking
these proceedings
the same way
he mocked our firm,
the way he mocks the law.
SHORE: Objection to the term
"law mocker."
GLEASON: Mr. Shore, are you
taking this seriously or not?
Your Honor, the firm was dying.
Its name partner,
Bobby Donnell,
walked out the door.
They were hemorrhaging.
I saved their
collective asses.
That is categorically false.
I've seen the books,
Eugene.
You remember?
I stole them.
Our firm has always been
financially viable.
Our financial health has now
been jeopardized by him.
Your Honor, this man
is a chest thumper. Watch.
Yes, I chest thump
over ethics.
Yes, I do.
Hold on there, son.
Denny Crane.
YOUNG: I'm not finished.
$9 million.
I beg your pardon?
Alan Shore's billables
exceeded $9 million,
that in a period
of seven months.
Beating all the other lawyers
combined by about $6.5 million.
After they accepted
the money,
after Al brought in clients
amounting to 80%
of the corporate business,
they threw him out.
No profit participation,
just a check for $15,000.
It will be a testament
to Mr. Young's powers
of persuasion
if he can make that
sound good.
So,
I, like you,
am looking forward
to what he has to say.
Denny Crane.
It's not that
I didn't appreciate
your riveting performance,
but I've mainly
retained you
to sit at the table
as honorary friend of Judge.
Let me tell you
something, Tiger.
Tiger?
You want Denny Crane
to talk.
When Denny Crane talks,
E.F. Hutton listens.
My presence alone--
my presence
is so powerful,
I don't even
have to talk.
Sometimes I'm better
when I don't talk.
This was my thinking.
I'm Denny Crane, damn it.
(door opens)
The Judge is back.
(music playing)
Well,
Mr. Shore,
you're going into the files,
changing the name on the door,
futzing up the computers
so they can't access records,
that was a real low, dirty,
sneaky, sleazy thing to do.
But...
GLEASON:
But it begs the question,
whose firm is it really?
A law firm isn't just a name.
It's a business.
Most of the business
seems to be Alan Shore's.
Without a contract,
we need to hear evidence.
I haven't got enough before me
to find likelihood of success
on the merits for either side.
So no injunctive relief
will be ordered today.
I'm scheduling
an evidentiary hearing
for next week.
We'll reconvene
on Monday, 10:00.
We'll take off our gloves
and have at it.
After that,
I suspect some of you
will be in business
and others won't.
Until then.
(music playing)
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!
(music playing)
on "The Practice"...
We need to have all
the computer passwords
changed by Thursday, noon.
This is extremely
confidential.
WILSON: Eugene's hired
a labor-law firm
for something.
All the computer passwords
are being changed.
It looks like someone's
getting fired.
YOUNG: We've decided
to let you go.
Go where?
Here's a check representing
two weeks' severance pay.
I'd like you to leave
immediately.
I've generated fees in excess
of six million dollars.
You've handed me
a check for $15,000.
You can keep it.
YOUNG: Alan Shore seemed
to know this was coming.
Did you tell him?
Yes.
Your employment
here is terminated.
Forty minutes ago,
we fired Alan.
I'm sorry?
Jimmy and I agreed
that on balance--
You and Jimmy agreed?
Why wasn't I--
Because you're his friend.
That's crap!
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna try
and dissuade them from--
SHORE: Ellenor,
it's a place of work,
nothing more.
I didn't figure
you'd go so quietly.
Who said anything
about going quietly?
This is going to get
very ugly.
Eugene, he struck again.
What now?
Hi.
This message
is for Eugene and Jimmy,
especially Jimmy.
I just wanna say I miss
you all terribly,
and I can't wait
till I return,
which should be very,
very soon.
BERLUTI:
He's on my computer, too,
brushing his teeth.
Has he made any attempts
to take files?
Not that I can tell.
Ellenor...
tell your friend if he continues
to break into our computers,
we're going to the police.
Yes, Eugene.
I've demonstrated
such a fine ability
to control him, haven't I?
I'm off to Court.
You're giving me $5,000?
Yes.
For what?
What'll it get me?
A slap in the face,
and it'll be free.
Tara, I got you fired.
No, you didn't.
I made the choice
to betray Eugene.
You don't owe me anything.
That isn't true,
and we both know that.
Look, let me
at least try to get you
rehired someplace else.
I've got my bar exam
coming up in July.
I should probably take
time off anyway.
I'm fine, Alan.
I don't like being
in someone else's debt.
So, what are you gonna do?
Why, I'm going to get
what's mine, of course,
which is the real reason
I'm here.
If this should go to trial,
witnesses will be called
for both sides.
May I call you to be on mine?
What did I witness?
For starters,
the conspiracy to fire me.
I also suspect
they might try to raise
my ethical deficits
as grounds for the discharge.
You might be able
to bolster my estoppel claims,
as well as--
well, you're familiar
with the doctrine
of unclean hands, aren't you?
How messy is this gonna get?
May I count on you, Tara?
I need you.
(music playing)
I can't believe
they're actually
prosecuting me for this.
This just isn't right,
Ellenor.
FRUTT: Carrie,
you did hit a police officer.
In self-defense.
Well, come on.
It wasn't exactly--
You said you
would make this go away.
Those were your exact words.
I thought I could,
but they're choosing
to make an example--
I will lose my job
if I get a conviction.
My boss wants
to fire me already,
and he says
with an assault conviction,
that's cause.
And I may lose
my kids, too.
Oh, my ex is always
revisiting custody,
and he's licking
himself over this.
I cannot get
a conviction, Ellenor.
You promised me.
Carrie, listen to me.
We are about to go
into that Courtroom.
It is important--
Don't talk to me
like I'm a child.
I am talking
to a criminal defendant.
Your demeanor will factor
into the disposition.
You need to rein yourself in.
Do you understand?
You promised me.
Have you been dissatisfied
with our performance
to date?
Far from it.
I think
you're superior lawyers,
but I did come here
because of Alan Shore,
and now that he's gone--
We certainly respect
your relationship
with Alan,
and I realize our experience
is primarily criminal,
but we have become
full-service
with some remarkable
results
in civil cases against
a tobacco company, against--
Mr. Young,
I run a securities firm.
Alan Shore has much more
experience with--
Certainly, if you choose
to go to another firm,
we will honor that decision,
but as your current lawyers,
we have a fiduciary duty
to advise you that, uh...
uh, there are many firms
that can give you
great service,
but I must strongly
caution you
against going
with Alan Shore.
Why?
It is our belief
that he is unstable,
that he has self-destructive
personality tendencies,
that he's also prone
to committing unethical,
sometimes
even criminal, acts.
You're in the securities
business.
You have to avoid
even the appearance
of impropriety.
One false step can cost you
and your shareholders
millions of dollars.
Now, of course, we would
like you to stay with us,
but wherever you take
your business,
I would urge you again
not to take it
to Alan Shore.
LAWRENCE:
At first, she was polite,
but as soon as we told
her to relocate,
she became abusive.
And what did you do then?
LAWRENCE: I informed her
that if she wouldn't move
peacefully and willingly,
I'd have to physically
escort her.
And how did she respond?
She said something about me
having sex with my mother.
BELLAMY:
And then what happened?
I proceeded to physically
escort her,
and that's when she
assaulted me.
Officer, I have a,
uh, videotape
made by a bystander,
which I would like to play.
Objection.
Overruled.
BELLAMY: Okay,
we've highlighted you
and Ms. Moses
to make it easier to see.
This is, in fact, you?
LAWRENCE: Yes, it is.
She's arguing
with me at this point.
Right here,
I put my hand on her elbow
to escort her.
BELLAMY:
Does this tape fairly
and accurately reflect
what happened?
Yes.
Thank you, officer.
Could you tell us
why the crowd
was gathered
on Boylston Street?
There was a presidential
motorcade.
President Bush was in town?
Yes.
FRUTT:
And why did you object
to my client being
in this crowd?
She was carrying a placard
that was critical
of the president.
FRUTT: So you made
the decision to relocate her?
Yes, ma'am, acting in concert
with the Secret Service.
The Secret Service asked you
to remove my client?
LAWRENCE:
Not her specifically.
When the president travels,
the Secret Service scouts
the location in advance
and directs local
law enforcement
to set up free-speech zones,
or protest zones,
where those who choose
to protest can assemble.
So, you told my client
she had to go
three miles away down
by the harbor?
That's where the designated
protest zone was, down in--
So to carry a placard
to protest
against the president,
one would have to go
to a place
where the president
couldn't possibly see it.
LAWRENCE: It's an
anti-terrorist policy.
Terrorist?
LAWRENCE: Yes.
Terrorists pose
a security risk,
and, obviously,
tend to be anti-U. S.,
so we relocate protesters
to where they won't pose
a risk to the president.
FRUTT: Just so I'm clear,
people with pro-Bush signs
were allowed to line
the streets for the motorcade.
People with anti-Bush signs
were either taken away
or arrested.
Basically.
And when you tried
to explain this
to my client,
she became enraged.
Very enraged.
FRUTT: And as a result
of her rage,
and you trying
to physically escort her,
she threw a punch.
Basically.
It's stunning.
Recently, two grandmothers
were arrested
in Florida for waving
tiny handwritten
protest cards outside
of the designated
free-speech zone.
What's the point?
What's the point?
You didn't wanna have
a beer to lament
the demise of free speech.
What's the point?
I know you hired a lawyer.
Alan, give it some time,
so tempers can--
I'd like to work this out.
So would I.
Then you can't be sending
e-mails of yourself.
If you antagonize
Eugene and Jimmy--
Look, you can't get fired
by two firms in one year.
As brilliant as you are,
your career
will never recover.
You need to work this out.
I land on my feet, Ellenor.
I could show you
the bunions to prove it.
(sighs)
I need you to work this out.
I can't bear the idea
of going back to work
with you not being there.
A fight hurts everybody.
I'd need to be able
to bring Tara back.
Let's get this to the table,
and we'll work it out.
All I'm asking, Eugene,
is that you keep an open mind.
Has it ever been open?
I don't think
it's my objectivity
that's in question here,
Ellenor.
Okay.
I'm biased.
I plead guilty,
but I am speaking objectively
when I say a war
is bad for business--
our business.
Look at any law-firm divorce.
Show me one where anybody
has come out ahead.
We'll talk
to the man's lawyer.
Thank you.
CARRIE:
I like President Bush.
I voted for him before.
I'll probably vote
for him again,
uh, and I'm pro-war.
I'm not one
of those liberals.
I cheered when
they caught Saddam.
So did my kids.
They wanted
to cut off his head
and play soccer with it.
Carrie, what were you
protesting that day?
The environment.
FRUTT: You're against
the environment?
CARRIE: No, I'm for it.
I'm very concerned about
the air my kids breathe,
and what I was protesting--
See, the EPA
puts out some report
to give the public warnings
and stuff on the environment.
And the administration
censored it
so the public wouldn't know
what they were trying
to warn us about.
What's up with that?
FRUTT: So you had a placard.
Saying,
"Don't censor the EPA."
And this policeman tells me
that I've got to go
somewhere five miles away
from the motorcade.
So when he told you this...
I hit him.
Not right away.
We first had words.
He said that my carrying
a placard on the EPA
somehow made me
a security risk.
I said, "What about
my right to assemble?"
He said,
"I got a right to assemble,
but it's in another
section of town."
And then he got belligerent
and dismissive,
and that's when I made
reference
to him in
an unfavorable light,
and at that point,
he grabbed me to pull me off,
and on instinct,
I lost it.
Free-speech zone,
I thought this whole country
was a free-speech zone.
What do you mean
I didn't do well?
You did great,
but you came off
a little gruff.
Gruff?
You could have left out the
"Playing soccer
with Saddam's head."
That doesn't make me gruff.
Carrie, I'm just afraid
the jury is gonna read you
as antagonistic.
I could probably plead
this out
on a misdemeanor battery.
But what about
my right to protest?
Well, that right
doesn't include punching
a police officer,
and you don't wanna go down
on a felony.
You know what, Ellenor?
I got rich relatives in Europe.
They visit sometimes
when they come to Boston
to see musicians and stuff,
and they're snooty.
I'm not sure that's relevant.
No, I'm getting to it.
They're snooty
about their money,
about their country,
about their intellectual
whatever,
and they look down on me.
And you know what I tell them,
what I say I got that
they don't got?
America.
A true democracy,
real freedom.
And I don't mean to be sound
like Patrick Henry
and all those dead presidents.
Patrick Henry
was never a president.
But to be able to vote,
to protest,
to do all the things
we went to Iraq
to give the Iraqi people
the chance to do,
it means something.
I went to that motorcade
to voice my opinion,
nothing more.
That cop told me
that I couldn't do that.
Now, maybe I shouldn't
have hit him,
but I will
not plead out on this.
I have not yet begun
to fight.
John Paul Jones
or somebody said that.
Was he a president?
No.
I can't walk away
from this, Ellenor.
This isn't right.
And I need you
to fight for me.
I'm not necessarily
defending him on the merits.
YOUNG: How can that be?
You're a lawyer.
He hired you as his lawyer.
How can you not defend
him on the merits?
I don't know
all the facts, Eugene.
But let's assume,
for the sake of argument,
the discharge was justified.
It was.
Well, from my understanding,
some of the worst things he did
he did in the beginning,
which you knew about.
Which means he may have
some estoppel arguments.
BERLUTI: Just because
we may have known
some of the stuff he was up to,
that doesn't mean
we sanctioned it.
I'm not suggesting that.
Then what are you suggesting?
You took the money.
It doesn't seem fair
that you would profit
from the very conduct you're
now citing as the cause.
I'm done.
Done? You just sat down.
Let the man sue if he thinks
he's got a case.
I'm ready.
That kind of emotion suggests
that you might be personalizing
this a little.
Take a look around,
Mr. Billings.
This is a firm
I've given the last
15 years of my life to.
Your client, Alan Shore,
devalued that.
I take it personally.
I'm not ashamed to take
that personally.
All you need to know,
Eugene, I won't lose.
As senior partner,
I recognize
it would be in the best
interest of the firm
to work this out
quietly and quickly,
but you know what?
Let's fight, Alan.
I wanna go to Court,
lower myself into the trenches,
and have the kind
of street war I'm capable of,
but not to worry...
because you won't lose.
My advice is to walk away.
Hey, you and I could
start a firm,
assuming I pass the bar,
that is.
Think how exciting
that would be.
What is with my head?
I'm feeling drunk.
Is it possible to get drunk
off one shot of liqueur?
Probably not,
but I've been pouring vodka
in your drink, so...
Alan.
I was hoping it
would lead to intercourse.
In times of stress,
I find solace in warm,
dark places.
Slipping me liquor
to get me into bed,
that's date rape.
Oh, don't be so trendy.
No, really, it's not funny.
Is that the reason
why you showed up here?
I wouldn't have actually
slept with you, Tara.
It's more
about knowing I can.
It's the conquest,
with no fear of infection.
Alan, are you interested
in a relationship with me?
You need not worry
about it happening.
I'd never actually let it.
So I'm offering you
a rare bite at honesty.
Are you interested in me?
I find you very interesting.
You and I would
last a week, Tara.
It'd be an absolutely
glorious week, but no.
I'm only here now
because Ellenor's in trial,
and I hate
getting drunk alone.
I do have a friend, though.
A friend?
She saw me with you
one night,
and she couldn't stop
going on and on about...
what it must be
like to kiss you.
Your friend's a she, even.
She had some
ridiculous idea that--
I don't know,
those lips were different from--
"Lips are lips," I said.
And since most people
close their eyes while kissing,
it really doesn't matter
who or what.
More vodka?
You seem
a little fragile.
Paul did it, you know.
I'm sorry?
Paul Stewart.
He killed Brenda Wilbur.
Everything turns out
badly in the end.
That's the only life
lesson one needs.
Anyway, I'm sorry
to have intruded.
I don't think
you should drive.
SHORE: I took a car.
It wasn't mine,
so I'm sure the police
are out there,
but they'll give me a lift.
You do know that you
and I wouldn't work?
I do.
You're not nearly
tawdry enough for me.
Good night.
For your friend,
and whoever else
might be curious.
Good night.
Tara--
relax, I don't want
the key to your heart.
Just the office.
Excuse me?
They changed the locks,
but the master key
should still work
and you have it,
don't you, Tara?
(music playing)
Did you call Eugene?
I had to. I can't get in.
I considered
calling the police.
(elevator dings)
HATCHER: I got here at 8:00.
It was already like this.
It's a new lock
and a new master.
(sighs)
BERLUTI:
This is trespassing.
We can arrest him
for this.
Oh, hello.
Gosh, we're not open yet.
Please come back
at 9:00.
It's almost 9:00.
Jimmy, file a trespassing
report with the police.
Jamie, Lucy,
let's draft the TRO.
He's in there
collecting client files.
Now, then,
who has business?
Perhaps a slight explanation
is in order.
I'm invoking the doctrine
partnership by estoppel.
It's a well-defined theory
under Massachusetts law.
I'm sure you know it.
Given the huge imbalance
with respect to billables,
I took it upon myself
to declare me
as senior partner.
Imagine.
Good news is I've decided
to keep you on, Eugene,
in an associate position.
Bad news, Jimmy,
it's not working out.
Get out of my firm.
Your firm?
You pay office rent,
Eugene.
You lease the equipment.
As for the clients,
keep yours,
I'll keep mine.
Let's do the math.
I will physically throw you out.
Please do.
STRINGER: Hey, come on.
Look, Alan, obviously,
you're trying
to provoke something.
What, you think you have
a better legal case
if Eugene attacks you?
It wouldn't get worse.
STRINGER: This is ridiculous.
Challenge the firing
if you want,
but you can't just
break in,
change the locks,
and take over the firm.
I did take over the firm
while I was here, so...
Okay, fine.
If that's true,
have a Judge declare it,
but this is like some
military coup.
Be reasonable.
I'm persuaded.
I'll let the Judge decide.
(elevator dings)
What the hell?
He obviously got
what he came for.
FRUTT: On March 7th,
there was a presidential
motorcade in Boston.
Hundreds of thousands
of people came out,
some carrying signs
in support
of the commander-in-chief,
some waving placards
in protest.
The ones protesting
were removed
under the threat of arrest.
The ones in support
were allowed to stay.
What's happening to us?
I realize we live in
a different world since 9/11.
Certain liberties,
we just have to forfeit.
Search our luggage
at airports,
conduct racial profiling,
put up cameras to watch us
on street corners,
none of us like any of it,
but we have to understand,
but silence our voices?
Make it a crime to engage
in political dissent?
Segregate people based on
the content of their ideas?
And it's not just going on
in the government.
Let's look at television,
the Super Bowl,
for example.
They bombarded us
with ads on beer,
erectile dysfunction.
It's okay to see
dogs biting crotches
and farting donkeys,
let alone the half-time show,
but a spot containing
political content,
that has to be shut down.
What is happening
to this country?
Historically, we have
always been a nation
that has championed the idea.
Today, if the government
doesn't like your idea,
you can be cordoned off
to a designated zone,
where it is guaranteed
to get no exposure.
It goes against America,
against the constitution,
against the principles
we fought for
in every war throughout
our nation's history.
Of course,
Carrie Moses felt rage.
Where's yours?
Where's yours
and yours.
Edward R. Murrow once said,
"We must never confuse
dissent with disloyalty."
We have either become
a country of oppression,
or we are just
very, very confused.
As Carrie herself said,
"Free- speech zone?
Why isn't the whole country
a free-speech zone?"
Ms. Moses punched
a police officer.
The crime she committed
was assault,
for which she has no defense,
by the way,
which, of course,
is the reason Ms. Frutt
just filibustered all of us
on the principles
of individual freedoms.
But since Ms. Frutt has raised
the constitutionality
of the free-speech zones,
we live in a country
where presidents
get attacked.
In my lifetime,
I saw President Kennedy
get shot,
his brother Robert assassinated
running for president.
President Ford
was nearly shot.
President Reagan was shot.
And that was before 9/11.
The whole terrorist world
would love to see
President Bush dead.
Vice President Cheney
has to live in secret hiding,
so real is the threat.
Are we really being
that unreasonable
to impose strict
security measures,
perhaps even
overreaching ones?
Now, just like Ms. Frutt,
I would love
to go back to the world
that we used to live in,
where we didn't have
yellow, orange,
and red alerts,
we didn't have to X-ray
people's shoes at airports,
where we didn't have
to guard bridges.
The New York police force
currently is going
through training
in preparation
for a nuclear attack.
Of course it's nice
to lament the loss
of our old world.
But we have to live
in this one.
(elevator dings)
You tell me
you wanna settle,
then you break
into their office.
Only to download
the books.
That's illegal.
And why did you change
the name on the door?
Okay, that part was fun.
I'm not gonna
represent you, Alan,
if this is how
you're going to behave.
What's with the red tie,
soldier?
Denny.
SHORE: I beg your pardon?
Around here,
we wear cold ties,
blue, black,
hard colors, tough colors.
Red is soft.
Soft does not work
around here, sailor.
This is Alan Shore, Denny.
He's not
an attorney here.
He's a client.
Oh.
Red's a soft color, pilgrim.
That's Denny Crane?
The Denny Crane?
Don't be fooled.
Once he's in the Courtroom,
he's every bit the icon.
Now, can we get back to you?
They've moved for a TRO
before Judge Gleason
tomorrow.
What's this I hear on Ryan?
BILLINGS:
He's holding at 120.
His attorney's due
in any second.
Send him into my office,
will you?
Yeah.
Good man, Gleason.
Shot ducks with him
on Saturday.
He's a good man.
As you can see, I'm in
the middle of something,
so maybe we should
just resched--
SHORE: Mr. Crane,
Denny, hello.
Alan Shore.
Warm tie.
Oh, sure,
I know who you are.
I just spoke to you.
Excellent. I wasn't sure
I'd made an impression.
Did I hear you say
you duck hunt
with Judge Gleason?
Yeah. Good man.
Great shot.
You shoot?
Do I shoot?
Hmm.
Huh, let me tell you,
do I shoot?
Can I talk to you
for a minute?
Why does the door...
Don't ask.
What happened?
He got the master key,
we think from Tara.
He downloaded
the financial records
and accounts receivables.
He also...
Also what?
All of our clients
got this e-mail.
WOMAN (over screen): Alert.
Wardrobe malfunction. Alert.
Where's Eugene?
He's in his office.
We have a TRO
scheduled for tomorrow.
He took records?
Yup, and he mangled
our system,
so we're having trouble
pulling stuff up.
I'm sorry for--
Do you blame me for this?
You vouched for the man.
I certainly didn't think--
You vouched
for his character.
And after all the crap
he's pulled,
he's now broken
into our office,
stolen files--
Eugene, I--
You spoke for that
man's character,
and he's held us
up to disgrace.
Now we're gonna have to endure
a big public spectacle of...
I certainly didn't
see this coming.
That's the difference
between us.
I did.
And I still...
So, what's happening now?
What's happening now is
we're going into Court,
trying to enjoin him
from taking
any of our clients.
What's happening now,
Ellenor,
is the beginning of a war.
And what's happening now,
you have to choose a side.
You can't be
on the fence anymore.
Eugene,
you know I'm on your side.
Do I?
We need to vilify this man
in open Court, Ellenor.
Look me in the eye
and tell me
you're prepared to do that.
SHORE: Partnership by Estoppel,
we get the Court to declare me
as a partner.
There's precedent
under Massachusetts law.
Are you Jewish?
Am I Jewish?
Best bet,
we argue they fired you
because you're a Jew.
No defense against that.
Well, I would
ordinarily agree,
but they didn't fire me
for that,
and I'm not Jewish.
I didn't hear that.
(knocks on door)
Mr. Crane?
Stan Brenner.
Matthew Billings
said you wanna see me.
Yeah, come in.
(door closes)
I'm told you're holding
at 120.
The man died, son.
Well, as I explained
to Mr. Billings,
there are some serious
liability problems.
I don't wanna hear about
liability problems.
Mr. Billings explained
that Marie Senate
is one of my oldest
and dearest friends,
that I'm like a brother
to her late husband.
It was actually
the brother who died,
not the husband.
DENNY: Really?
You know what?
Medical records aside,
if Denny Crane
tells the jury
it was the husband,
they'll believe
it was the husband.
I play poker with
Charlie Levine.
Charlie still head up
litigation at your firm?
Yes, he does.
Hell of a guy, Charlie.
Listen,
we're gonna raise
your last counter to 142,
and I'm gonna whisper
in Charlie's ear
what a fine young associate
he's got in you,
and Charlie respects
my opinion.
You know why?
Not because we're friends,
but because...
I'm Denny Crane.
You knew that, didn't you?
Denny Crane?
(chuckles)
Good-looking kid.
I'll bet later tonight
you'll be on some
barroom stool
trying to finesse your way
into some legal
secretary's panties.
You wanna get there
faster, son?
Tell her earlier you held Court
with Denny Crane.
Denny Crane.
(chuckles)
SHORE: He's a whack job.
BILLINGS: He's eccentric.
Eccentric?
He's asking me
to plead Jewish.
You hired him.
Why didn't you stop me?
You went running off
before I even--
You need to argue
this motion.
Alan, I promise you,
once he stands up
in Court...
SHORE: What? Once he stands up
in Court, what?
He's Denny Crane.
Oh, my God.
No, really.
He's Denny Crane.
CRANE: What do you mean
you'll do the arguing?
Since I know the case best,
I thought--
CRANE: You hired Denny Crane.
SHORE: I did,
and I want to reserve
your thunder for later.
For now,
I want you to sit there
as the big cannon.
I want your aura.
I want you to exude
the power of esteemed,
noble duck hunter.
You don't want me to talk?
Not this early
in the case.
It would be premature.
For today--
look, I've got
my dark tie on.
I'm ready.
(music playing)
I'm feeling nervous.
How much longer?
Soon.
I'm feeling nervous.
CLARKE: Madam Foreperson,
the jury has reached
a unanimous verdict?
We have, Your Honor.
Will the defendant
please rise?
What say you?
Case number 75421,
in the matter of the
Commonwealth vs. Carrie Moses.
On the charge
of aggravated assault
against a police officer,
we find the defendant,
Carrie Moses,
guilty.
Piss!
CLARKE: Ms. Moses,
you've been found guilty.
Now, on a matter
of sentencing--
FRUTT: Hold on.
We're doing sentencing now?
CLARKE:
Yes, we are, Ms. Frutt.
The crime for which you have
been convicted is very serious,
and the Court takes it
seriously,
and accordingly,
I sentence you to eight years
to be served
at Cedar Junction.
Eight years
maximum security?
CLARKE: People need to know
they just can't go around
openly criticizing
our government,
eroding our national unity.
This is America, Ms. Moses.
You dissent,
you go to prison.
Eight years, Cedars.
Adjourned.
(gavel bangs)
(indistinct chatter)
Ellenor, I'll lose my kids.
I mean,
how could he do that?
How can I get--
Take it easy, Carrie.
That ruling was tailor-made
for a reversal.
It's almost as if
he wanted to--
(music playing)
YOUNG: The fact that Mr. Shore
broke into our offices
during the dark of night,
to illegally access
our computer records,
to steal and download
financial information,
this conduct is evidence
of his moral turpitude,
and accordingly--
Objection to the word,
"turpitude".
I don't know what it means,
and I especially
don't like "moral",
it's ambiguous.
GLEASON: Mr. Shore,
you'll get your turn.
He's mocking
these proceedings
the same way
he mocked our firm,
the way he mocks the law.
SHORE: Objection to the term
"law mocker."
GLEASON: Mr. Shore, are you
taking this seriously or not?
Your Honor, the firm was dying.
Its name partner,
Bobby Donnell,
walked out the door.
They were hemorrhaging.
I saved their
collective asses.
That is categorically false.
I've seen the books,
Eugene.
You remember?
I stole them.
Our firm has always been
financially viable.
Our financial health has now
been jeopardized by him.
Your Honor, this man
is a chest thumper. Watch.
Yes, I chest thump
over ethics.
Yes, I do.
Hold on there, son.
Denny Crane.
YOUNG: I'm not finished.
$9 million.
I beg your pardon?
Alan Shore's billables
exceeded $9 million,
that in a period
of seven months.
Beating all the other lawyers
combined by about $6.5 million.
After they accepted
the money,
after Al brought in clients
amounting to 80%
of the corporate business,
they threw him out.
No profit participation,
just a check for $15,000.
It will be a testament
to Mr. Young's powers
of persuasion
if he can make that
sound good.
So,
I, like you,
am looking forward
to what he has to say.
Denny Crane.
It's not that
I didn't appreciate
your riveting performance,
but I've mainly
retained you
to sit at the table
as honorary friend of Judge.
Let me tell you
something, Tiger.
Tiger?
You want Denny Crane
to talk.
When Denny Crane talks,
E.F. Hutton listens.
My presence alone--
my presence
is so powerful,
I don't even
have to talk.
Sometimes I'm better
when I don't talk.
This was my thinking.
I'm Denny Crane, damn it.
(door opens)
The Judge is back.
(music playing)
Well,
Mr. Shore,
you're going into the files,
changing the name on the door,
futzing up the computers
so they can't access records,
that was a real low, dirty,
sneaky, sleazy thing to do.
But...
GLEASON:
But it begs the question,
whose firm is it really?
A law firm isn't just a name.
It's a business.
Most of the business
seems to be Alan Shore's.
Without a contract,
we need to hear evidence.
I haven't got enough before me
to find likelihood of success
on the merits for either side.
So no injunctive relief
will be ordered today.
I'm scheduling
an evidentiary hearing
for next week.
We'll reconvene
on Monday, 10:00.
We'll take off our gloves
and have at it.
After that,
I suspect some of you
will be in business
and others won't.
Until then.
(music playing)
(music playing)
WOMAN: You stinker!
(music playing)