Lights Out s01e05 Episode Script
The Comeback
Previously on "Lights Out" Go get your coat.
We're gonna go for a ride.
Hal Brennan.
I understand you've been looking for me.
I want my money.
Here's a taste.
What does mom think? What? Pugilistic dementia.
What are you talking about? You haven't told her yet? Bet on the fight.
How much? 50 large.
You don't have to do this, all right? It's me or you, Johnny.
You got a better idea? [ Grunts .]
[ Wheezes .]
It's gone, Theresa.
What? The money's gone.
All of it.
That can't be.
We're set for life.
TheThe girls are set for life.
I'm sorry, Theresa.
Please Don't get near me! [ Crying .]
This is a joke! [ Sobbing .]
58 51 44 37 stop there, Mr.
Leary.
Very good.
I just thought of money coming out of my bank account.
[ Laughs .]
Well, whatever works.
Now, Mr.
Leary, do you recall the three objects I mentioned to you at the beginning of the exam? Mirror Wheelchair Vegetable? Perfect, Mr.
Leary.
I see no decline in your cognitive function.
Okay.
How about I buy us a nice lunch? Wait.
What about that scan he had? Oh, yes.
The scan.
I don't want to disparage a colleague's work, but he knew you were a boxer, yes? We talked about my career.
Well, that could be, but preconceptions to your scan.
You're saying he screwed up? I'll just say it's a good thing you sought a second opinion.
And I'm sorry either of you had to worry about any of this.
It's fine.
Hey, uh [ Clears throat .]
One last Would it be okay for me to get back in the ring? Dad.
Go get your belt back, champ.
I'll do my best.
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Buzzing .]
Daniella? [ Bell ringing, buzzing continues .]
Patrick: 51 Daniella: [ Distorted .]
Dad.
Dr.
Wexler: Go get your belt back, champ.
[ Voices echoing, crowd cheering .]
Theresa: Hey.
Everything okay? Yeah.
Just a dream.
Go back to sleep.
There's a lot to lose sleep over.
No income, a crippling mortgage and serious income tax trouble for both of you.
Well, we should pay the I.
R.
S.
First, before You should.
But with penalties and interest, you're close to seven figures.
Oh, my God.
You've been living beyond your means for the past I don't know.
How many years? We get all that.
What do we do now? Cut to the chase? Given everything, your best option is to file for chapter 7.
Bankruptcy? You keep the house And some pension.
Not a chance.
Before we get to that, let's take a look at your daughters' college funds.
Let's not.
Okay.
Other options.
Many former athletes return to their sport.
No.
That's not on the table.
Right.
Of course.
Then we look at patchwork fixes until your future earnings come on line.
Mine? You're the cavalry here.
Have you chosen a specialty? Family medicine.
Well, y-you'll have to rethink that.
Excuse me? Mr.
Leary, you're not going to like any of the fight plans I'm going to give you.
No Patrick.
Please.
Good night, Audra.
Thanks for coming.
[ Music playing .]
Dani.
Dan.
Daniella.
[ Door closes .]
I'm studying.
Whatever.
Do you know what's going on down there? Financial planning.
More like panicking.
You didn't tell me how bad it was.
They're raiding our college funds.
Are you serious? Wait.
What about the donation to Haiti? We're way past that now.
They're not even just broke.
They're in tax trouble, too.
God.
What if they go to jail? I'll never get a car.
All right.
No one is going to jail.
They screwed up.
Why should we have to suffer? Why is she being so selfish? Who? Mom.
Everyone knows dad wants to box again.
She won't let him.
No, he can't.
He cannot.
Why not? She should never have made him quit in the first place.
Shut up, Ava.
You'll be fine.
You'll get a scholarship.
I'll be the one who's stuck here in this hellhole.
It's not fair.
[ Door opens .]
Get rid of her.
She's one of the best in her field.
She doesn't know what she's talking about.
We only got her 'cause her husband's head of Cardiology at St.
Lucy's.
Oh, great.
So everyone at the hospital knows.
No.
Dr.
Lane's very discreet.
Yeah? Well, she isn't.
"I worked with many former athletes.
" She was dying to drop their names.
No, she wouldn't do that.
Seriously? How long before this hits the paper? "Another dumb boxer blows his fortune.
" That's not what happened.
It isn't? She talked to me like I'm a 10-year-old.
You think this was any easier for me? [ Sighs .]
No.
[ Sighs .]
Look, we We just need to get through this, okay? Like Audra said, we have to make a plan, make some sacrifices.
No, we don't.
Yes, we do.
There's another way out of this.
No.
No, Patrick.
Please I have a trade, Theresa.
No.
No.
Listen to me, Patrick.
No.
This doesn't all have to be on you, not anymore.
Okay? The place is like a shrine.
He's my brother.
I figured that out.
He's a good man.
You know Patrick? I've been involved in some of his fights.
You're a 5-percenter? Oh.
Boxing, one guy takes the punches, 20 guys try to make a living off him.
My brother made out okay.
Well, he deserves every penny.
Before my son passed away, I used to take him to see your brother fight.
Lights Leary was his favorite boxer.
This is when your brother was just starting out.
Although, even then, I mean, he was He was something special.
He was a true fighter.
Came at guys straight ahead.
And my son He always admired that about him.
- Sorry, I went on there.
- No It's nice to hear.
[ Bell chimes .]
I'm Margaret.
I'm Hal Brennan.
What are you doing here? Hey.
Don't be rude.
Have a seat, son.
Coffee? And one for dad.
You looked good the other night.
Didn't feel so good the next day.
Sorry we didn't get to talk after the fight.
I had a lot going on.
Of course.
Listen, I should've thanked you.
I You know, for covering my, uh Your ass? Don't mention it.
I was glad I could, uh I'm glad it worked out for both of us.
The high rollers bet against you you know that? They didn't think a boxer could hold his own in MMA.
I got lucky with a punch.
Don't sell yourself short, son.
You still got it.
You set your mind to it, no one could stop you.
Yeah.
Well, I'm not interested in a cage career.
I'm not talking about MMA, Lights.
There's no elegance in that game.
Boxing.
[ Bells chime .]
It used to be the sport of kings.
Just needs someone to reclaim the throne.
A white knight.
I never really bought into that stuff.
Still, it's a sin what Barry Word and his animals have done to the sport.
AndAnd to you.
I mean, sure, Barry likes a white hope when it comes to selling tickets, but he couldn't stand to see you wear your crown.
I'd like to help you get it back.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
If you want a knockout deal On carpet or remnants [ Door opens .]
Come see Carl, the Monmouth County Karpet King.
Turn that off.
It's on all the time.
So is your TV.
You should get back to the gym.
Yeah? And you should have stayed in the ring.
[ Coughs .]
Actually, dad, since you mention it How long would it take? What are you talking about? If I was gonna fight again How long? Could I even do it? You can't ask me that.
I need to know.
Ali was out for three years, but he was a lot younger.
Foreman was out for 10, and he had a long road back.
I'm out five.
And you're out of shape.
I'm in good shape.
[ Chuckles .]
For jazzercise.
Training for a fight is a whole nother beast.
So that's a yes.
Is this a trick so your old man has something to do? Who said anything about working with you? [ Chuckles .]
I'm in a hole, dad.
I don't see another way out of it.
It's not gonna be a cakewalk.
You've had an apron on for a while now.
You're gonna have to work.
No bullshit.
And you got to get back to the rudimentals roadwork, conditioning.
And then you're gonna have to learn how to take a punch again.
Sounds like fun.
It does, doesn't it? [ Laughs .]
Now? You want to meet me now? Well, maybe I could sneak away for Where are you? Patrick: Look behind you.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Why not? Because we're not.
We made a deal.
Even Audra said we need to examine every option.
I'm just a few years away from a good income.
It's my turn to give something up.
Why? Why not let me have something back? Five years, I've done everything you asked of me.
You and Reynolds almost killed each other the last time.
I'm not talking about Reynolds.
A couple of easy fights against a couple of tomato cans just to get out from under.
I'm not looking to get hurt.
I know my body.
If I start training, I'll know if I'm fooling myself.
You're putting me in a terrible position.
No.
I'm trying to get us out of one.
One fight.
I'll know.
Charlie Justice? Are you serious? Decent chin.
No jab.
He's perfect.
He never recovered after having his face caved in by Morales.
Come on.
Pops, you can go for a round with that guy.
All right.
Then what about Rollins? Who? This guy's a bum literally.
I saw him washing windshields across the street from a gas station.
All right.
Johnny, you got any ideas of your own? Death row.
Seriously.
I mean, Lights wants to make a comeback.
Let's go for the real deal.
No, no.
He's not ready.
We'd need four or five fights before Before what? Before we take a $10 million payday? Come on, pops.
By the time you decide Lights is ready, who knows if Reynolds will even be champion anymore? No, no.
It's too soon, damn it.
Look what happened to Omar.
You pushed him too fast.
Does anybody want to know what I think? You're the champ.
It's your call.
I want a payday, but I don't want to get hurt.
Reynolds isn't gonna wait forever.
I want the easiest fight for the biggest money.
What about Jo Jo Reade? Reynolds' old sparring partner? That can't hurt.
31-6.
Got a loyal fan base.
Still a name fighter, but he's got hands made of glass.
I always liked Jo Jo, and there'll be no surprises.
It's not the worst idea I ever heard.
I'll call Barry Word.
We need him in this? Jo Jo's his fighter.
Can't have him without Barry.
Don't worry.
I'll make sure it costs him.
[ Door closes .]
Well, are you ready for this, kid? Like you wouldn't believe.
All right! We'll start with road work.
I want you out the door by 5 A.
M.
Come on, pops.
5 A.
M.
? It's not supposed to feel good.
Yeah, it's all good, Barry.
Johnny.
Yeah.
I'll meet you there.
All right.
What's up? You need a ride? No.
I'm coming with you.
Carl, would you please get my brothers here a couple of glasses? Yes, sir.
Thank you.
You were saying? The division's gone nowhere since Lights left.
We both know that.
Nowhere? D.
Row Reynolds is 14-0.
And no one cares.
No one.
I mean, his mom didn't even watch his last fight.
Word gets out Lights Leary is making a comeback, all that changes.
I'll have to get your rank before the commission would let you fight D.
Row.
I don't want Reynolds.
Say what? Johnny: Not right away.
I want to fight Jo Jo Reade.
And who's gonna sponsor you? AARP? He's got a name.
He's ranked in the top 10.
And why do you think that is? Or was? He gives you eight or nine rounds, always puts up a good fight.
Sorry, boys, but this platter's got no sizzle.
Johnny, you should know better.
It doesn't matter who Lights fights.
His first fight back, all eyes are gonna be on him.
Well, Jo Jo's a no-go.
Got no punch.
That's why I let him walk.
What? I hated to do it, but the brother wasn't earning.
Lights, let's talk about you.
You are a former heavyweight champ making his triumphant return to the ring.
We need to find you a worthy opponent for your comeback fight.
We need another icon at the crossroads.
Somebody like Javier Morales.
"El Diablo"? Are you crazy? Isn't he still in jail? About to be paroled.
The guy's a rapist.
Statutory.
I got three daughters at home.
He paid his debt.
El D.
did two years of hard time, and before that, he went 12 rounds with Death Row.
He's perfect.
Johnny: He's dirty.
He had plaster in his gloves the night he fought Justice.
Never proven.
You and he are the only two to have gone the distance with the champ.
Shit, this is a fight I'd pay to see.
"Good versus evil.
Who will prevail?" You can't beat that poster.
[ Soft music playing, glasses clinking .]
I'm looking for a payday, not a bloodbath.
Come on, Johnny.
[ Laughing .]
The brother doesn't know.
[ Laughs .]
Aw, that's rich, Johnny.
What don't I know? What don't I know? [ Laughs .]
You got no choice, Lights.
I own your comeback.
Barry's got the rights to your next fight.
And options on your next two.
Brother Patrick, we're partners.
Not a chance.
Come on, Lights.
Don't be naive.
How do you think I got Omar his title shot, huh? You sold me out for Omar? We were desperate.
The gym was failing.
You said you weren't gonna fight again, so I didn't think it mattered! Come on.
Seriously? I didn't have a choice, Lights.
Barry's the only show in town.
You did this for yourself.
What, are we gonna fight now? Huh? In front of all these people? Go ahead, then.
Do it.
Hit me! Break your hand.
That'll be real smart.
[ Vehicles passing .]
You're out, Johnny.
You're firing me? You can keep your cut, but you're done handling me.
Aw, come on, brother.
I Hey, I you have every right to be mad.
Okay, I get that.
I don't trust you! Not anymore.
Oh.
I wondered how Johnny got Omar that title shot.
Barry Word is a cancer on this sport.
[ Music playing in background .]
How hard would it be to promote a fight without him? That could happen.
[ Cellphone dialing .]
[ Ringing .]
Hey.
Where are you? I thought you might be home by now.
I'm just taking a breath.
I needed some quiet to think.
Everything okay? Never been better.
The girls okay? All good.
Can I meet you? No.
No.
I-I just need some space to sort all this out.
Should I wait on dinner? No.
Go ahead.
I'll be fine.
Love you.
You too.
Oh, excuse me.
Hey, dad.
Hi, sweetheart.
UhI talked to the guidance counselor today.
About what? Financial aid.
Why would you do that? I was just asking for next year.
Who did you talk to? I want to speak to them.
It's okay, dad.
I don't even really like St.
Joan's.
Ava's more Ava's more social than I am.
And and I think it would be good if I stopped going to an all-girl school anyway.
Daniella, no one is switching schools.
Everything is under control.
Are you thinking about boxing again? Dad, everyone's whispering all the time, and you're making a protein shake.
Nothing's been decided But, honey, I'm not stupid.
If I fight again, it'll be against somebody who can't possibly hurt me.
Dad, you really shouldn't take any more blows to the head.
You remember that, right? The guy I'm looking at has glass hands.
They break on impact.
He won't go near my head.
It's too hard a surface.
Good.
Because mom's already a wreck.
I would hate to have to tell her.
[ Footsteps departing .]
[ Beeping .]
[ Alarm stops .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Door closes .]
[ Birds chirping .]
[ Mid-tempo music playing .]
[ Door opens .]
What are you working that thing for? It's too soon.
You have to crawl before you can walk.
Okay.
I found some videos on Jo Jo.
You'll do fine.
Johnny and Barry set a date yet? I have to know how much time we have.
[ Clears throat .]
It's gotten complicated, pops.
Hal Brennan? Another crook.
Or I book the Morales fight.
Goddamn Johnny.
He's always trying to do the right thing, but he He just gets in his own way.
But you just don't do that kind of shit to your own family! Where is he? I told him not to come around.
Okay.
I don't want Barry to think he's involved in this.
Well, at the end of the day, Barry's gonna get his piece.
You know that, right? Man: Hey, champ.
Jo Jo! Thanks for coming down.
No problem.
I'm just a ways up Jersey City now.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Well, would you look at this place? It hasn't changed a bit.
Robert: You look good, Jo Jo.
I put on a few pounds.
Wife's a good cook.
And I've been, uh Since Barry let me go Things have been slow.
Nobody returns my calls.
We may have something for you.
Don't have to worry about me being too proud.
Just tell me who I'm sparring and what ring to get into.
We can do better than that.
I'm gonna try a comeback.
What would you think about being my first opponent? You're joking, right? No joke, Jo Jo.
Eight weeks from Saturday.
I told my wife have faith.
Barry was trying to teach me a lesson, but he He wouldn't want my family to starve.
Jo Jo, this fight, we have a silent partner.
Barry's not involved.
Oh.
Without Barry, we'll each get a bigger taste, but I understand if you need to think it over.
Nothing to think over.
I'm the man of the house.
I got to put food on my table.
Okay.
[ Footsteps approaching .]
Ava: We need to talk.
Is something wrong? Our money? Daniella knows, too.
Is dad gonna go to jail? There's nothing to worry about.
Do you hear yourself? It's gonna be fine.
Your father and I are talking to experts.
Why don't you just let him fight again? What? We were rich when he was boxing.
No.
Your father's boxed enough.
He doesn't think so.
It it's gonna be fine, okay? Do you even read the papers? The whole world is broke.
Jenny's parents just filed for bankruptcy and divorce.
Her dad would've killed for a way out, and we have one.
He's been out five years.
Mom, aunt Margaret says he's one fight, two fights away I'm not interested in what aunt Margaret says.
Or what I have to say? Or dad? Is there anyone you listen to? Oh, come on.
That's not fair.
None of this is fair.
Look, I know that I can be selfish and stubborn, but I'm a teenager.
What's your excuse? [ Kettle whistling .]
What do you want to talk about? [ Whistling stops .]
Well, you know about our situation.
Yeah.
Breaks my heart.
I told him he could take whatever he needs, but, uh, he's too proud.
Yeah.
I'll be a doctor soon.
We can get through this without him going back.
He doesn't want to hear that.
He wants to make it right.
That's what worries me.
I know you think I got him out of the game too soon.
I won't lie to you.
It did piss me off.
Do you think it's too late for him to come back? Well It's too soon to tell.
He's gonna need you in his corner, though.
That much I know.
How did you know when you were done? Patrick used to tell me you were the one boxer he knew who didn't stay too long.
Uh-huh.
WellI-in those days, you didn't need so much.
Yeah, but how did you know? Theresa, a boxer always knows.
Yeah.
After Vietnam, I, uh It took me a while to find my rhythm.
But I did, and I won a few fights.
And, um ThenJune '69, Matthews.
Hm.
Kid was nothing special, but he got to me.
I mean, I could see the punches coming, but I-I just I couldn't respond fast enough.
If it's not there for Patrick, he'll know.
He'll know.
And so will I.
He's my son.
[ Exhales deeply .]
I don't want to see him hurt: [ Clock ticking .]
Thank you.
Theresa: Honey, we've talked this through.
Your father and I have been talking over the last couple of weeks, and Mom, you can't let him.
You can't.
Family meeting? It is now.
We were just talking about how you may be going back into the ring and what that might mean for all of us.
And what does it mean? Well, you won't be able to hold the fort as much, so Ava's volunteered to pitch in more around the house and with Katie.
Ava: And if I have my own car, I can run errands Patrick: Don't push, Ava.
And, Daniella, since dad won't be home to cook as much, you think you could you could make dinner some nights? Daniella? Can't weSave money some other way? Shut up, Dani.
Your mother and I have talked about this a lot.
Maybe you haven't talked enough.
Theresa: It's not just the money.
And your dad sacrificed a lot.
This is our chance to show him we're in his corner.
What if he gets hurt? Your father knows what he's doing.
And so does grandpa, who'll be training him.
Do you know who you're gonna fight? He's an old friend.
It's more like an exhibition.
You know, all the Brunswick boys are gonna beg me for tickets.
Hey.
I'm kidding.
I'm really gonna help out any way I can.
Seriously, ma.
I think what you guys are doing is the right thing.
Yeah.
Yeah, I think this this could be good.
The whole family working together.
Right, sweetie? Got to watch your feet.
Your stance is too wide.
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Under your shoulders.
Keep 'em under your shoulders.
[ Groans .]
Country, get me a rope! No.
Dad! I don't need a rope.
Robert: Tighter.
This is ridiculous.
You want to call it a day? Now who's ridiculous? Tie it again.
Alright, alright, okay.
Now you got the balance.
You feel the difference? Get that right foot back.
Hey, Lights.
Not now, Johnny.
It's important, dad.
Stay away from my fighter.
Can't you see he's in the middle of training? Tell him to stop.
What? Fight's off.
Jo Jo got hurt.
[ Indistinct talking on p.
A.
.]
[ Monitor beeping .]
What the hell happened? I told Jo Jo they wouldn't put a finger on you.
Enough, Nancy.
Get me some ice water.
27 bones in his hand alone.
They broke them all.
Now what are we going to do? You okay? Dumb luck.
Just working the heavy back.
What was in it? Cement? Who did this? Please, Lights.
I just hit the bag funny.
I always had glass hands.
You know that.
My wife works here.
She and I will make sure you're taken care of.
Nancy: I can't take it.
Theresa: I know, Nancy.
I know.
[ Sobbing .]
Honey.
Honey.
It's it's gonna be okay.
All right.
It's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Come on.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
[ Glass breaking .]
You son of a bitch.
Oh.
Whoa, whoa.
Easy, easy, easy.
Easy.
I got this.
He's a client.
The hell I am.
Patrick, sit down.
Catch your breath.
You know he'll never fight again.
You're talking about Jo Jo? I just now heard the news myself.
Terrible shame.
He's has a family.
Four kids.
I'm the godfather to his firstborn.
I'll help out as much as I can.
Cut the crap, Barry.
We both know who you are and what you did.
You think you know me? You haven't got a clue where I come from, how hard a climb I had! I work harder than anybody in this business.
I always have.
And if a crumb falls off your table, God help the ant who tries to eat it.
Listen, champ, I don't give a flying fugazy about what you think.
You're just another payday to me.
Another broke, dumb boxer blaming me 'cause he couldn't hold on to what was his.
But Jo Jo Reade Now, that's a different story.
He was with me from the beginning.
It broke my heart to let him go, but I run a business.
When I heard he was getting a payday off of your ass, I said more power to him.
I'm sure you did.
I already told you I don't care what you think.
I had nothing to do with what happened to Jo Jo.
My hands are clean.
And his are shattered.
Yeah? You feel guilty about what happened to Jo Jo? Book the fight with Morales.
We'll donate a portion of the proceeds to his kids.
I'll match you two to one.
Go to hell.
How much? Excuse me? How much is it gonna take for you to fight Morales? Half a million? How about a million? Huh.
Come on, Lights.
We don't have to like each other.
It's just business.
You're a prizefighter.
Fight for the prize.
[ Rattling, bells chiming .]
El Diablo? I don't like it.
He's not a boxer.
He's a brute.
That's not what you need.
I may not have a choice, pops.
[ Sighs .]
God damn this game.
Dad.
Dad.
Can I beat him? - What do we have? - Seven weeks.
He's a bully.
Like Liston.
- If you try and trade with him - I'm not gonna trade with him.
Alright.
If we're gonna do this thing I want nothing else on your plate.
This bullshit with Johnny? - It's not bullshit.
- Listen to me, listen to me.
It's over.
Whatever's going on with him, with you and the girls and Theresa, knock it out.
No distractions.
I don't care if your house is on fire.
You let it burn.
You hear me? What are you doing at my desk? Mike Fumosa called.
Wanted to talk to you about your upcoming fight.
I'll call him back.
Against Morales.
I looked him up, dad.
"El Diablo"? That's just a name to scare people.
He is scary.
I saw clips online, and there was blood everywhere.
You promised you wouldn't get hurt.
He won't hurt me.
You promised! Dani, listen I have to tell mom! No.
Sit, Daniella.
No! I said sit, Dani! I don't want this fight any more than you do, but I don't have a choice.
Yes, you do.
No, I don't.
Without this fight, everything we have, everything I've fought for, goes away.
This home our home gone.
It's just a house.
There's a lot of things I never wanted you to have to worry about med school for mom, college for you and your sisters I'm telling mom.
You tell her now, and this family is finished.
She'll never forgive me, and we will never recover.
Do you hear me? Dad Enough, Dani.
I hate to make you grow up this fast, but I'm your father, and you have to listen to me.
I don't have a choice.
And neither do you.
[ Door opens .]
They all down? Sleeping like angels.
Packing? Daniella told me you're gonna fight Morales.
- Looks that way.
- Not exactly a tomato can.
No.
But I can handle it.
I saw the X-rays.
Joshua.
They must have used a cinder block on them.
- Gonna take care of him.
- Yeah, and who's gonna take care of you? Look, I'm scared, Patrick.
We have a beautiful family.
Why do you want to bring that world into our home? It's a good payday, Theresa.
We'll find another way.
We're in deep.
I need to fight.
You need to or you want to? Both.
I'm 40.
If I don't do it now Okay.
I get it.
I do.
And I wish I could do this with you.
What are you saying? You're going back, and I'm staying here with the girls.
It's better if you leave tonight while they're asleep so they don't have to see you go.
And in the morning? I'll figure something out.
Theresa, we don't have to do this.
I'm sorry, Patrick.
I've tried.
I really have.
Okay.
[ Mid-tempo introduction plays .]
Be my husband, man, I be your wife be my husband, man, I be your wife be my husband, man, I be your wife said I will love you the rest of my life Boss, you have a visitor.
Thanks, Gus.
Stick to the promise, man, you gave me whoo, stick to the promise Thank you for coming all the way out.
Word: Anytime, Hal.
You know that.
Anytime.
Stay away from Rosalie
We're gonna go for a ride.
Hal Brennan.
I understand you've been looking for me.
I want my money.
Here's a taste.
What does mom think? What? Pugilistic dementia.
What are you talking about? You haven't told her yet? Bet on the fight.
How much? 50 large.
You don't have to do this, all right? It's me or you, Johnny.
You got a better idea? [ Grunts .]
[ Wheezes .]
It's gone, Theresa.
What? The money's gone.
All of it.
That can't be.
We're set for life.
TheThe girls are set for life.
I'm sorry, Theresa.
Please Don't get near me! [ Crying .]
This is a joke! [ Sobbing .]
58 51 44 37 stop there, Mr.
Leary.
Very good.
I just thought of money coming out of my bank account.
[ Laughs .]
Well, whatever works.
Now, Mr.
Leary, do you recall the three objects I mentioned to you at the beginning of the exam? Mirror Wheelchair Vegetable? Perfect, Mr.
Leary.
I see no decline in your cognitive function.
Okay.
How about I buy us a nice lunch? Wait.
What about that scan he had? Oh, yes.
The scan.
I don't want to disparage a colleague's work, but he knew you were a boxer, yes? We talked about my career.
Well, that could be, but preconceptions to your scan.
You're saying he screwed up? I'll just say it's a good thing you sought a second opinion.
And I'm sorry either of you had to worry about any of this.
It's fine.
Hey, uh [ Clears throat .]
One last Would it be okay for me to get back in the ring? Dad.
Go get your belt back, champ.
I'll do my best.
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Buzzing .]
Daniella? [ Bell ringing, buzzing continues .]
Patrick: 51 Daniella: [ Distorted .]
Dad.
Dr.
Wexler: Go get your belt back, champ.
[ Voices echoing, crowd cheering .]
Theresa: Hey.
Everything okay? Yeah.
Just a dream.
Go back to sleep.
There's a lot to lose sleep over.
No income, a crippling mortgage and serious income tax trouble for both of you.
Well, we should pay the I.
R.
S.
First, before You should.
But with penalties and interest, you're close to seven figures.
Oh, my God.
You've been living beyond your means for the past I don't know.
How many years? We get all that.
What do we do now? Cut to the chase? Given everything, your best option is to file for chapter 7.
Bankruptcy? You keep the house And some pension.
Not a chance.
Before we get to that, let's take a look at your daughters' college funds.
Let's not.
Okay.
Other options.
Many former athletes return to their sport.
No.
That's not on the table.
Right.
Of course.
Then we look at patchwork fixes until your future earnings come on line.
Mine? You're the cavalry here.
Have you chosen a specialty? Family medicine.
Well, y-you'll have to rethink that.
Excuse me? Mr.
Leary, you're not going to like any of the fight plans I'm going to give you.
No Patrick.
Please.
Good night, Audra.
Thanks for coming.
[ Music playing .]
Dani.
Dan.
Daniella.
[ Door closes .]
I'm studying.
Whatever.
Do you know what's going on down there? Financial planning.
More like panicking.
You didn't tell me how bad it was.
They're raiding our college funds.
Are you serious? Wait.
What about the donation to Haiti? We're way past that now.
They're not even just broke.
They're in tax trouble, too.
God.
What if they go to jail? I'll never get a car.
All right.
No one is going to jail.
They screwed up.
Why should we have to suffer? Why is she being so selfish? Who? Mom.
Everyone knows dad wants to box again.
She won't let him.
No, he can't.
He cannot.
Why not? She should never have made him quit in the first place.
Shut up, Ava.
You'll be fine.
You'll get a scholarship.
I'll be the one who's stuck here in this hellhole.
It's not fair.
[ Door opens .]
Get rid of her.
She's one of the best in her field.
She doesn't know what she's talking about.
We only got her 'cause her husband's head of Cardiology at St.
Lucy's.
Oh, great.
So everyone at the hospital knows.
No.
Dr.
Lane's very discreet.
Yeah? Well, she isn't.
"I worked with many former athletes.
" She was dying to drop their names.
No, she wouldn't do that.
Seriously? How long before this hits the paper? "Another dumb boxer blows his fortune.
" That's not what happened.
It isn't? She talked to me like I'm a 10-year-old.
You think this was any easier for me? [ Sighs .]
No.
[ Sighs .]
Look, we We just need to get through this, okay? Like Audra said, we have to make a plan, make some sacrifices.
No, we don't.
Yes, we do.
There's another way out of this.
No.
No, Patrick.
Please I have a trade, Theresa.
No.
No.
Listen to me, Patrick.
No.
This doesn't all have to be on you, not anymore.
Okay? The place is like a shrine.
He's my brother.
I figured that out.
He's a good man.
You know Patrick? I've been involved in some of his fights.
You're a 5-percenter? Oh.
Boxing, one guy takes the punches, 20 guys try to make a living off him.
My brother made out okay.
Well, he deserves every penny.
Before my son passed away, I used to take him to see your brother fight.
Lights Leary was his favorite boxer.
This is when your brother was just starting out.
Although, even then, I mean, he was He was something special.
He was a true fighter.
Came at guys straight ahead.
And my son He always admired that about him.
- Sorry, I went on there.
- No It's nice to hear.
[ Bell chimes .]
I'm Margaret.
I'm Hal Brennan.
What are you doing here? Hey.
Don't be rude.
Have a seat, son.
Coffee? And one for dad.
You looked good the other night.
Didn't feel so good the next day.
Sorry we didn't get to talk after the fight.
I had a lot going on.
Of course.
Listen, I should've thanked you.
I You know, for covering my, uh Your ass? Don't mention it.
I was glad I could, uh I'm glad it worked out for both of us.
The high rollers bet against you you know that? They didn't think a boxer could hold his own in MMA.
I got lucky with a punch.
Don't sell yourself short, son.
You still got it.
You set your mind to it, no one could stop you.
Yeah.
Well, I'm not interested in a cage career.
I'm not talking about MMA, Lights.
There's no elegance in that game.
Boxing.
[ Bells chime .]
It used to be the sport of kings.
Just needs someone to reclaim the throne.
A white knight.
I never really bought into that stuff.
Still, it's a sin what Barry Word and his animals have done to the sport.
AndAnd to you.
I mean, sure, Barry likes a white hope when it comes to selling tickets, but he couldn't stand to see you wear your crown.
I'd like to help you get it back.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
If you want a knockout deal On carpet or remnants [ Door opens .]
Come see Carl, the Monmouth County Karpet King.
Turn that off.
It's on all the time.
So is your TV.
You should get back to the gym.
Yeah? And you should have stayed in the ring.
[ Coughs .]
Actually, dad, since you mention it How long would it take? What are you talking about? If I was gonna fight again How long? Could I even do it? You can't ask me that.
I need to know.
Ali was out for three years, but he was a lot younger.
Foreman was out for 10, and he had a long road back.
I'm out five.
And you're out of shape.
I'm in good shape.
[ Chuckles .]
For jazzercise.
Training for a fight is a whole nother beast.
So that's a yes.
Is this a trick so your old man has something to do? Who said anything about working with you? [ Chuckles .]
I'm in a hole, dad.
I don't see another way out of it.
It's not gonna be a cakewalk.
You've had an apron on for a while now.
You're gonna have to work.
No bullshit.
And you got to get back to the rudimentals roadwork, conditioning.
And then you're gonna have to learn how to take a punch again.
Sounds like fun.
It does, doesn't it? [ Laughs .]
Now? You want to meet me now? Well, maybe I could sneak away for Where are you? Patrick: Look behind you.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Why not? Because we're not.
We made a deal.
Even Audra said we need to examine every option.
I'm just a few years away from a good income.
It's my turn to give something up.
Why? Why not let me have something back? Five years, I've done everything you asked of me.
You and Reynolds almost killed each other the last time.
I'm not talking about Reynolds.
A couple of easy fights against a couple of tomato cans just to get out from under.
I'm not looking to get hurt.
I know my body.
If I start training, I'll know if I'm fooling myself.
You're putting me in a terrible position.
No.
I'm trying to get us out of one.
One fight.
I'll know.
Charlie Justice? Are you serious? Decent chin.
No jab.
He's perfect.
He never recovered after having his face caved in by Morales.
Come on.
Pops, you can go for a round with that guy.
All right.
Then what about Rollins? Who? This guy's a bum literally.
I saw him washing windshields across the street from a gas station.
All right.
Johnny, you got any ideas of your own? Death row.
Seriously.
I mean, Lights wants to make a comeback.
Let's go for the real deal.
No, no.
He's not ready.
We'd need four or five fights before Before what? Before we take a $10 million payday? Come on, pops.
By the time you decide Lights is ready, who knows if Reynolds will even be champion anymore? No, no.
It's too soon, damn it.
Look what happened to Omar.
You pushed him too fast.
Does anybody want to know what I think? You're the champ.
It's your call.
I want a payday, but I don't want to get hurt.
Reynolds isn't gonna wait forever.
I want the easiest fight for the biggest money.
What about Jo Jo Reade? Reynolds' old sparring partner? That can't hurt.
31-6.
Got a loyal fan base.
Still a name fighter, but he's got hands made of glass.
I always liked Jo Jo, and there'll be no surprises.
It's not the worst idea I ever heard.
I'll call Barry Word.
We need him in this? Jo Jo's his fighter.
Can't have him without Barry.
Don't worry.
I'll make sure it costs him.
[ Door closes .]
Well, are you ready for this, kid? Like you wouldn't believe.
All right! We'll start with road work.
I want you out the door by 5 A.
M.
Come on, pops.
5 A.
M.
? It's not supposed to feel good.
Yeah, it's all good, Barry.
Johnny.
Yeah.
I'll meet you there.
All right.
What's up? You need a ride? No.
I'm coming with you.
Carl, would you please get my brothers here a couple of glasses? Yes, sir.
Thank you.
You were saying? The division's gone nowhere since Lights left.
We both know that.
Nowhere? D.
Row Reynolds is 14-0.
And no one cares.
No one.
I mean, his mom didn't even watch his last fight.
Word gets out Lights Leary is making a comeback, all that changes.
I'll have to get your rank before the commission would let you fight D.
Row.
I don't want Reynolds.
Say what? Johnny: Not right away.
I want to fight Jo Jo Reade.
And who's gonna sponsor you? AARP? He's got a name.
He's ranked in the top 10.
And why do you think that is? Or was? He gives you eight or nine rounds, always puts up a good fight.
Sorry, boys, but this platter's got no sizzle.
Johnny, you should know better.
It doesn't matter who Lights fights.
His first fight back, all eyes are gonna be on him.
Well, Jo Jo's a no-go.
Got no punch.
That's why I let him walk.
What? I hated to do it, but the brother wasn't earning.
Lights, let's talk about you.
You are a former heavyweight champ making his triumphant return to the ring.
We need to find you a worthy opponent for your comeback fight.
We need another icon at the crossroads.
Somebody like Javier Morales.
"El Diablo"? Are you crazy? Isn't he still in jail? About to be paroled.
The guy's a rapist.
Statutory.
I got three daughters at home.
He paid his debt.
El D.
did two years of hard time, and before that, he went 12 rounds with Death Row.
He's perfect.
Johnny: He's dirty.
He had plaster in his gloves the night he fought Justice.
Never proven.
You and he are the only two to have gone the distance with the champ.
Shit, this is a fight I'd pay to see.
"Good versus evil.
Who will prevail?" You can't beat that poster.
[ Soft music playing, glasses clinking .]
I'm looking for a payday, not a bloodbath.
Come on, Johnny.
[ Laughing .]
The brother doesn't know.
[ Laughs .]
Aw, that's rich, Johnny.
What don't I know? What don't I know? [ Laughs .]
You got no choice, Lights.
I own your comeback.
Barry's got the rights to your next fight.
And options on your next two.
Brother Patrick, we're partners.
Not a chance.
Come on, Lights.
Don't be naive.
How do you think I got Omar his title shot, huh? You sold me out for Omar? We were desperate.
The gym was failing.
You said you weren't gonna fight again, so I didn't think it mattered! Come on.
Seriously? I didn't have a choice, Lights.
Barry's the only show in town.
You did this for yourself.
What, are we gonna fight now? Huh? In front of all these people? Go ahead, then.
Do it.
Hit me! Break your hand.
That'll be real smart.
[ Vehicles passing .]
You're out, Johnny.
You're firing me? You can keep your cut, but you're done handling me.
Aw, come on, brother.
I Hey, I you have every right to be mad.
Okay, I get that.
I don't trust you! Not anymore.
Oh.
I wondered how Johnny got Omar that title shot.
Barry Word is a cancer on this sport.
[ Music playing in background .]
How hard would it be to promote a fight without him? That could happen.
[ Cellphone dialing .]
[ Ringing .]
Hey.
Where are you? I thought you might be home by now.
I'm just taking a breath.
I needed some quiet to think.
Everything okay? Never been better.
The girls okay? All good.
Can I meet you? No.
No.
I-I just need some space to sort all this out.
Should I wait on dinner? No.
Go ahead.
I'll be fine.
Love you.
You too.
Oh, excuse me.
Hey, dad.
Hi, sweetheart.
UhI talked to the guidance counselor today.
About what? Financial aid.
Why would you do that? I was just asking for next year.
Who did you talk to? I want to speak to them.
It's okay, dad.
I don't even really like St.
Joan's.
Ava's more Ava's more social than I am.
And and I think it would be good if I stopped going to an all-girl school anyway.
Daniella, no one is switching schools.
Everything is under control.
Are you thinking about boxing again? Dad, everyone's whispering all the time, and you're making a protein shake.
Nothing's been decided But, honey, I'm not stupid.
If I fight again, it'll be against somebody who can't possibly hurt me.
Dad, you really shouldn't take any more blows to the head.
You remember that, right? The guy I'm looking at has glass hands.
They break on impact.
He won't go near my head.
It's too hard a surface.
Good.
Because mom's already a wreck.
I would hate to have to tell her.
[ Footsteps departing .]
[ Beeping .]
[ Alarm stops .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Door closes .]
[ Birds chirping .]
[ Mid-tempo music playing .]
[ Door opens .]
What are you working that thing for? It's too soon.
You have to crawl before you can walk.
Okay.
I found some videos on Jo Jo.
You'll do fine.
Johnny and Barry set a date yet? I have to know how much time we have.
[ Clears throat .]
It's gotten complicated, pops.
Hal Brennan? Another crook.
Or I book the Morales fight.
Goddamn Johnny.
He's always trying to do the right thing, but he He just gets in his own way.
But you just don't do that kind of shit to your own family! Where is he? I told him not to come around.
Okay.
I don't want Barry to think he's involved in this.
Well, at the end of the day, Barry's gonna get his piece.
You know that, right? Man: Hey, champ.
Jo Jo! Thanks for coming down.
No problem.
I'm just a ways up Jersey City now.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Well, would you look at this place? It hasn't changed a bit.
Robert: You look good, Jo Jo.
I put on a few pounds.
Wife's a good cook.
And I've been, uh Since Barry let me go Things have been slow.
Nobody returns my calls.
We may have something for you.
Don't have to worry about me being too proud.
Just tell me who I'm sparring and what ring to get into.
We can do better than that.
I'm gonna try a comeback.
What would you think about being my first opponent? You're joking, right? No joke, Jo Jo.
Eight weeks from Saturday.
I told my wife have faith.
Barry was trying to teach me a lesson, but he He wouldn't want my family to starve.
Jo Jo, this fight, we have a silent partner.
Barry's not involved.
Oh.
Without Barry, we'll each get a bigger taste, but I understand if you need to think it over.
Nothing to think over.
I'm the man of the house.
I got to put food on my table.
Okay.
[ Footsteps approaching .]
Ava: We need to talk.
Is something wrong? Our money? Daniella knows, too.
Is dad gonna go to jail? There's nothing to worry about.
Do you hear yourself? It's gonna be fine.
Your father and I are talking to experts.
Why don't you just let him fight again? What? We were rich when he was boxing.
No.
Your father's boxed enough.
He doesn't think so.
It it's gonna be fine, okay? Do you even read the papers? The whole world is broke.
Jenny's parents just filed for bankruptcy and divorce.
Her dad would've killed for a way out, and we have one.
He's been out five years.
Mom, aunt Margaret says he's one fight, two fights away I'm not interested in what aunt Margaret says.
Or what I have to say? Or dad? Is there anyone you listen to? Oh, come on.
That's not fair.
None of this is fair.
Look, I know that I can be selfish and stubborn, but I'm a teenager.
What's your excuse? [ Kettle whistling .]
What do you want to talk about? [ Whistling stops .]
Well, you know about our situation.
Yeah.
Breaks my heart.
I told him he could take whatever he needs, but, uh, he's too proud.
Yeah.
I'll be a doctor soon.
We can get through this without him going back.
He doesn't want to hear that.
He wants to make it right.
That's what worries me.
I know you think I got him out of the game too soon.
I won't lie to you.
It did piss me off.
Do you think it's too late for him to come back? Well It's too soon to tell.
He's gonna need you in his corner, though.
That much I know.
How did you know when you were done? Patrick used to tell me you were the one boxer he knew who didn't stay too long.
Uh-huh.
WellI-in those days, you didn't need so much.
Yeah, but how did you know? Theresa, a boxer always knows.
Yeah.
After Vietnam, I, uh It took me a while to find my rhythm.
But I did, and I won a few fights.
And, um ThenJune '69, Matthews.
Hm.
Kid was nothing special, but he got to me.
I mean, I could see the punches coming, but I-I just I couldn't respond fast enough.
If it's not there for Patrick, he'll know.
He'll know.
And so will I.
He's my son.
[ Exhales deeply .]
I don't want to see him hurt: [ Clock ticking .]
Thank you.
Theresa: Honey, we've talked this through.
Your father and I have been talking over the last couple of weeks, and Mom, you can't let him.
You can't.
Family meeting? It is now.
We were just talking about how you may be going back into the ring and what that might mean for all of us.
And what does it mean? Well, you won't be able to hold the fort as much, so Ava's volunteered to pitch in more around the house and with Katie.
Ava: And if I have my own car, I can run errands Patrick: Don't push, Ava.
And, Daniella, since dad won't be home to cook as much, you think you could you could make dinner some nights? Daniella? Can't weSave money some other way? Shut up, Dani.
Your mother and I have talked about this a lot.
Maybe you haven't talked enough.
Theresa: It's not just the money.
And your dad sacrificed a lot.
This is our chance to show him we're in his corner.
What if he gets hurt? Your father knows what he's doing.
And so does grandpa, who'll be training him.
Do you know who you're gonna fight? He's an old friend.
It's more like an exhibition.
You know, all the Brunswick boys are gonna beg me for tickets.
Hey.
I'm kidding.
I'm really gonna help out any way I can.
Seriously, ma.
I think what you guys are doing is the right thing.
Yeah.
Yeah, I think this this could be good.
The whole family working together.
Right, sweetie? Got to watch your feet.
Your stance is too wide.
No.
No, no, no, no, no.
Under your shoulders.
Keep 'em under your shoulders.
[ Groans .]
Country, get me a rope! No.
Dad! I don't need a rope.
Robert: Tighter.
This is ridiculous.
You want to call it a day? Now who's ridiculous? Tie it again.
Alright, alright, okay.
Now you got the balance.
You feel the difference? Get that right foot back.
Hey, Lights.
Not now, Johnny.
It's important, dad.
Stay away from my fighter.
Can't you see he's in the middle of training? Tell him to stop.
What? Fight's off.
Jo Jo got hurt.
[ Indistinct talking on p.
A.
.]
[ Monitor beeping .]
What the hell happened? I told Jo Jo they wouldn't put a finger on you.
Enough, Nancy.
Get me some ice water.
27 bones in his hand alone.
They broke them all.
Now what are we going to do? You okay? Dumb luck.
Just working the heavy back.
What was in it? Cement? Who did this? Please, Lights.
I just hit the bag funny.
I always had glass hands.
You know that.
My wife works here.
She and I will make sure you're taken care of.
Nancy: I can't take it.
Theresa: I know, Nancy.
I know.
[ Sobbing .]
Honey.
Honey.
It's it's gonna be okay.
All right.
It's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Come on.
[ Indistinct conversations .]
[ Glass breaking .]
You son of a bitch.
Oh.
Whoa, whoa.
Easy, easy, easy.
Easy.
I got this.
He's a client.
The hell I am.
Patrick, sit down.
Catch your breath.
You know he'll never fight again.
You're talking about Jo Jo? I just now heard the news myself.
Terrible shame.
He's has a family.
Four kids.
I'm the godfather to his firstborn.
I'll help out as much as I can.
Cut the crap, Barry.
We both know who you are and what you did.
You think you know me? You haven't got a clue where I come from, how hard a climb I had! I work harder than anybody in this business.
I always have.
And if a crumb falls off your table, God help the ant who tries to eat it.
Listen, champ, I don't give a flying fugazy about what you think.
You're just another payday to me.
Another broke, dumb boxer blaming me 'cause he couldn't hold on to what was his.
But Jo Jo Reade Now, that's a different story.
He was with me from the beginning.
It broke my heart to let him go, but I run a business.
When I heard he was getting a payday off of your ass, I said more power to him.
I'm sure you did.
I already told you I don't care what you think.
I had nothing to do with what happened to Jo Jo.
My hands are clean.
And his are shattered.
Yeah? You feel guilty about what happened to Jo Jo? Book the fight with Morales.
We'll donate a portion of the proceeds to his kids.
I'll match you two to one.
Go to hell.
How much? Excuse me? How much is it gonna take for you to fight Morales? Half a million? How about a million? Huh.
Come on, Lights.
We don't have to like each other.
It's just business.
You're a prizefighter.
Fight for the prize.
[ Rattling, bells chiming .]
El Diablo? I don't like it.
He's not a boxer.
He's a brute.
That's not what you need.
I may not have a choice, pops.
[ Sighs .]
God damn this game.
Dad.
Dad.
Can I beat him? - What do we have? - Seven weeks.
He's a bully.
Like Liston.
- If you try and trade with him - I'm not gonna trade with him.
Alright.
If we're gonna do this thing I want nothing else on your plate.
This bullshit with Johnny? - It's not bullshit.
- Listen to me, listen to me.
It's over.
Whatever's going on with him, with you and the girls and Theresa, knock it out.
No distractions.
I don't care if your house is on fire.
You let it burn.
You hear me? What are you doing at my desk? Mike Fumosa called.
Wanted to talk to you about your upcoming fight.
I'll call him back.
Against Morales.
I looked him up, dad.
"El Diablo"? That's just a name to scare people.
He is scary.
I saw clips online, and there was blood everywhere.
You promised you wouldn't get hurt.
He won't hurt me.
You promised! Dani, listen I have to tell mom! No.
Sit, Daniella.
No! I said sit, Dani! I don't want this fight any more than you do, but I don't have a choice.
Yes, you do.
No, I don't.
Without this fight, everything we have, everything I've fought for, goes away.
This home our home gone.
It's just a house.
There's a lot of things I never wanted you to have to worry about med school for mom, college for you and your sisters I'm telling mom.
You tell her now, and this family is finished.
She'll never forgive me, and we will never recover.
Do you hear me? Dad Enough, Dani.
I hate to make you grow up this fast, but I'm your father, and you have to listen to me.
I don't have a choice.
And neither do you.
[ Door opens .]
They all down? Sleeping like angels.
Packing? Daniella told me you're gonna fight Morales.
- Looks that way.
- Not exactly a tomato can.
No.
But I can handle it.
I saw the X-rays.
Joshua.
They must have used a cinder block on them.
- Gonna take care of him.
- Yeah, and who's gonna take care of you? Look, I'm scared, Patrick.
We have a beautiful family.
Why do you want to bring that world into our home? It's a good payday, Theresa.
We'll find another way.
We're in deep.
I need to fight.
You need to or you want to? Both.
I'm 40.
If I don't do it now Okay.
I get it.
I do.
And I wish I could do this with you.
What are you saying? You're going back, and I'm staying here with the girls.
It's better if you leave tonight while they're asleep so they don't have to see you go.
And in the morning? I'll figure something out.
Theresa, we don't have to do this.
I'm sorry, Patrick.
I've tried.
I really have.
Okay.
[ Mid-tempo introduction plays .]
Be my husband, man, I be your wife be my husband, man, I be your wife be my husband, man, I be your wife said I will love you the rest of my life Boss, you have a visitor.
Thanks, Gus.
Stick to the promise, man, you gave me whoo, stick to the promise Thank you for coming all the way out.
Word: Anytime, Hal.
You know that.
Anytime.
Stay away from Rosalie