Down to the Felt (2025) Movie Script
[ticking]
[suspenseful music]
[ticking continues]
[exhales] Hey.
-[man] Close your eyes.
-Come on.
[ticking continues]
Close
your eyes.
[tense music]
[gun cocks]
[winces]
[music builds]
[ticking continues]
[pensive music]
[exhales]
[pensive music continues]
Paulie, your father knew when to fold.
Well, I'll tell you something, Georgie.
I'm not my father.
[chips clacking]
[player laughing raucously]
[chips clacking]
[laughter continues]
[laughter fades]
[keys jingle]
[exhales]
["Miss Me with That Bullshit" by RJD2]
[engine turns over]
[song continues]
[Wynette over phone] Paul, $40,000?
The down payment on the house?
[stutters] Uh, you know what?
I, I can't, I can't do this anymore.
[Seamus] Paulie, it's Seamus.
What the hell is going on?
I got Jimmy Good Hair
breathing down my neck
about the bet you got for tonight's game.
Call me, or get your ass over here.
[automated voice] This
message is for Paul Murphy.
This is the Columbus Collection Agency
regarding an outstanding
balance on your account.
Please contact us to
discuss payment options
to avoid further action.
[Wynette] We're done! That's it!
If, if you want your shit,
it'll be in the dumpster, on fire,
just like your life!
[Burt] Hey, Paulie, it's Burt.
Hey, I hope you're on your way, man.
Marcy's looking for you.
And I don't think
it's about a raise.
[song continues]
[suspenseful music]
[shutter rolls, clanks]
-Hey, Paulie.
-Burt.
So you got any money left to
bet the game this weekend?
How do you...[snickers]
[laughs] I'm sorry, man.
Couldn't resist. Word got out fast.
-It was a bad beat?
-Oh, God, in the history
of bad beat.
-[Marcy] Murphy.
Nice of you to make it in on time.
Oh, no, you didn't. Again.
-I, uh... Traffic.
-You know,
maybe I should play poker.
I can read you like a fuckin' book, Murphy.
When you win, you're early,
and when you lose, you're late.
I think that's called a
"tell." Do I have that right?
You know, Marcy, I gotta
tell you, your father's pep talks
were far more effective.
Can I please just get to work?
You have to be the
unluckiest son of a bitch I know.
God knows what my father saw in you.
I was just starting to think
the same thing about you.
-[Burt] Hey, Paulie. Lettuce is here.
-You're goddamn right it is.
Come have a good look,
Marcy, 'cause you're about to see
how a bet pays off.
Mexican lettuce. It's got no legs.
[scoffs] Un-fucking-believable.
-[Paul] Okay, you know what?
-[Marcy exhales]
Let me just get on the phone with Santos
and fix this, okay? He fucked us.
You're not calling anyone.
Santos didn't fuck us.
He fucked you, and then you fucked us.
-Okay, Marcy, just give me...
-No, Paul. I am sick and tired
of you treating my family's business like
your own fucking line
of credit at the casino.
It's the goddamn peaches all over again!
That wasn't my fault. They
put 'em on the wrong truck.
Oh. [Scoffs] -And besides,
your dad gave me a pass on that.
Oh, yeah, I remember.
And I also remember thinking
that he should have fired your dumb ass.
But for some reason, my father loved you.
Maybe because you ate
with him, drank with him,
-played cards with him...
-Yeah, or maybe he wishes
I was running this place, but,
hey, you got the right last name.
[scoffs]
You know, before my father died,
he made me promise to keep you on,
and I did. Out of respect.
But I never promised how long.
Working here for as long as you have
is probably the best
fucking run you'll ever have.
But now it's over.
Pack your shit and go.
Oh, and take all the lettuce you want.
Sanfillipo's gift for
your years of disservice.
[slow tense music]
[clipboard clatters]
[door slams]
Maybe stay away from football this weekend.
[music continues]
[siren wailing in distance]
[music continues]
[clinking]
[clanks]
[clicks]
[clanks]
[tires squeal]
-[air hissing]
[muffled] What the fuck?
[suspenseful music]
[air hissing]
[horn honking in distance]
Oh, fuck!
[muffled gunshot]
-[thuds]
[sighs]
[reciting Mourner's Kaddish]
[tense music]
[tires squeal]
[engine turns off]
[exhales]
[lighter clinks]
[exhales]
Seamus.
Mr. Four-of-a-kind.
-You heard.
-Yeah.
The Greek won't shut up about it.
Keeps talking about how he's gonna open up
a second location with your money.
Well, it was a bad beat.
Yeah.
You know what goes along with a bad beat?
Bad luck.
Come on. Let's get inside.
[children yelling]
All right.
You still got ten large
riding on the Knicks game
with Jimmy Good Hair.
You want me to call it off, right?
No. No, no, no. Leave it.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'm sure.
-Oh, Christ.
-Wh... what?
Your old man knew when to fold and...
How many times do I have to hear
what my old man would have done?
You know what?
-Double it. Double it.
-Oh, Paulie, come on.
-Double it. Double it, Seamus!
-You are in the woods here.
-You just lost 40 grand to the Greek.
-Okay, you don't wanna do it,
-that's fine. There's other bookies in this town.
-You wanna go another 20
-with Jimmy Good Hair?
-I can go to another bookie.
You gonna do it or not?
I shouldn't.
I hope you know what you're doing.
You know what? I don't.
Are you gonna do it or not?
Thank you.
And, uh, now I have a favor to ask.
Oh, jeez. [Laughs][sheepish chuckle]
You got fucking balls,
kid. I'll give you that much.
I need a place to stay.
Just for a couple of days. Come on, Seamus.
-Just for a couple of days.
-Nah, until
it turns into a couple of weeks.
No. You ain't staying here.
Well, where am I supposed to go?
[birds chirping] -Dreams
really do come true.
My adult son moving back in with me.
-Good to see you too, Ma.
-Yeah.
Smoking again, huh?
It started back on today. [Blows]
Coincidence?
You should quit, Angie.
Those things are gonna kill you.
When?[Chuckles wheezily]
[door creaks]
[sighs]
Oh. [Chuckles]
Wow.
[Angie] Mm.
Ah.
Jordan. Jesus, that guy
was money in the bank.
-Yeah, now you got LeBron.
-Nah, nah.
Jordan was with the Bulls for 13 years.
I like commitment.
[chuckles] What, uh, no Pamela Anderson?
Ah, no, this lady made me take it down.
Thought I was gonna jerk my youth away.
Oh, don't be disgusting.
You could see her nipple, for God's sake.
-Who do you think changed his sheets back then?
-[chuckles]
And I ain't gonna start changing 'em now.
I don't know what you did
to that nice girl Jeanette.
-Wynette, Ma. Wynette.
-Whatever.
-I don't know what you did to get tossed out...
-[sighs]
but if you start pulling that
same crap under my roof, mister,
you're gonna get a room at the Y.
Capiche?
[door latch clicking]
All right, buddy. Always
good to see you, Angie.
Yeah, always good to see you, Seamus.
And don't be a stranger.
Come by anytime you want.
If you want a cookie,
you better get one now.
I'm gonna put 'em away.
[chuckles wheezily]
You be a good boy.
[laughs]
[Angie] Paulie, shut the
door. You're letting the air out.
[door shuts]
[somber music]
[crow cawing]
[Paul] What are you doing?
[sighs] Looking for a
seven-letter word for "bothered."
Starts with an A.
"Annoyed."
An...
Perfect.
Ma, where's your bread?
I still have to work 20
hours a week at the bakery.
You think I wanna come
home and make more bread?
Stop bothering me.
There's a loaf of store-bought in the box.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
What happened?
-I thought you didn't want me to bother you.
-Yeah, well,
that ship sailed the day you were born.
Why'd you get fired?
-Marcy Sanfillipo's had it out for me forever.
-Oh, Paulie...
-Ever since her dad died.
- what did you do?
-Why's it always got to be something I did?
-Look, you can say
what you want about Marcy Sanfillipo,
but you and I both know she
wouldn't fire you for no reason.
-Did you steal money?
-Ma!
-Well, then what did you do?
-I had a chance to make a sweet deal
and it went south.
-You gambled.
Okay, yeah. Here we go.
Yeah, Ma. That's right.
Everything I do is a bet.
Everything I do is a gamble.
It was a good deal.
Oh, God.
"A good deal."
You know how many times I
heard that from your father?
God rest his soul.
The car we didn't need.
The extra fridge out in the garage
that still doesn't work.
Your confirmation suit.
I was up all night
hemming that thing so you,
you wouldn't look like you were
wearing a, a tent with sleeves.
It was always about the deal.
[sighs] Oh, God.
I wanted it to be different with you.
But I don't know what I
did. But obviously I failed.
[scoffs] What do you mean you failed?
You're a grown man
who's, who's gambled away
a chance for a house, a family, a job.
And now, look, you're
living back here with me.
I know. So, okay, but
how is that your fault, Ma?
That's me.
I mean, what do they say?
What's bred in the bone...
Oh, is that what you think?
-That I'm comparing you to your father?
-Yeah.
Which is why I don't get you
busting my balls all the time.
-Because you were with Dad 'til the day he died...
-[scoffs]
- and he was a gambler.
-You may think you're a gambler
like your father, but you are nothing
like your father.
Yeah, sure, he did some stupid things.
But your father never
put this house at risk.
Your father always put food on that table.
He was never, never late on a bill.
Your father...
[clicks tongue, voice breaking] Your
father cared more about other people
than he cared about himself.
[mouthing] Yeah.
[gulps softly]
[cutlery clunks]
[pensive music]
[exhales slowly]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[shredder clicks]
[shredder whirs]
Excuse me.
Is this the right place for,
uh, Davis and Associates?
Yeah, I work there. You new?
Yeah. I thought I'd bring
some donuts, you know.
Make a good impression.[Chuckles]
It's your lucky day. You get first pick.
Ooh! Jelly filled.
[clicking]
-[muffled gunshot]
[body thuds]
[tense music]
[sighs]
[box thuds]
[sighs]
[reflective music]
[sighs]
[inhales]
-[gun cocking]
[shredder clicks]
[whirring]
[Saul] And as we approach
the High Holy Days
and prepare to fast and pray and confess,
it is this last thing that has been
on my mind most this past week.
Confess.
What is it to confess?
On Yom Kippur, we come together
to confess our sins to God
and seek forgiveness.
But what about outside these walls?
What place does forgiveness
have in our personal lives?
Consider this.
It is only when we forgive ourselves
and fully accept
responsibility for our errors,
that we can be kind and merciful to others.
For most of the wrongs done to
us, we have done to ourselves.
Is this not why you seek forgiveness
from those you have wronged,
so that you may become a better person?
For if you're not a better person
tomorrow than you are today
what need have you for a tomorrow?
And to this I hope you will all say Amen.
[all] Amen.
[somber music]
[indistinct commentary on TV]
-What can I get for you?
-Gin. Chilled. Neat.
Gotcha.
[commentator on TV] They're
all out there on the court tonight.
-You've been watching this game?
-Knicks are up by four.
-Is that a good thing?
-Yeah, that's good.
Knicks fan, huh?
No.
No, sorry, if you don't
mind, we're getting down
to the last two minutes here.
You took the Knicks?
-Yeah.
-Not the Cavs?
Well, it's not the same
team since LeBron left.
Not that the Knicks are
any better. They suck too.
I'm just hoping they suck less.
Now, if you'll... If you don't mind.
[woman on TV] Dive into fall with new looks
and fresh takes on
classics for the whole family.
[exhales] Okay.
Sorry. Just, uh,
had a shit day, and I got
a lot riding on this game.
It always seems like it comes down
to the last two minutes in basketball.
What does it matter if
it's basketball or football?
Bottom of the ninth with two outs
or the Kentucky fucking Derby.
The last two minutes.
It's always the most
exciting. When the bet's in,
time's running out,
everything's on the line.
-What about ties?
-Fuck ties.
That's why I never bet on soccer.
[chuckles softly]
Well, here's to the last two minutes.
Oh, yeah, can you, can you
turn it up, please?
[commentator on TV] Milosevic back
on the hunt, looking and finding Sampson.
Sampson, mobbed with
coverage, tries to find Hart,
but Pearson again with the steal...
-Murphy.
-Oh, Frick and Frack.
What, did you come to
pay me? Save me a trip?
-Game ain't over yet.
-Yeah, Knicks are up.
Not with your minus two, they ain't.
Like he said, game ain't over yet.
All right, Murphy, I'll
give you a few seconds.
Let it never be said that I
don't give a loser one final shot.
[commentator on TV] They got to try
to keep that forward momentum going
and grind it out to the last second.
-First one's up, and it's good.
-Fuck yes!
-Up by three.
-Okay. Come on.
Come on, suck less, god damn it!
Shot is up, and it is good.[Laughs]
Knicks 5-4.
-Okay. Okay. Okay. Here we go.
[commentary continues indistinctly]
[dramatic thud]
-Fuck!
No! No, no!
-[commentator on TV] 103 to 102.
-Hey!
Come on, get your hands off of me!
What? Do you think I got it on me now?
Whoa, but the Knicks won.
When I come back, I'll explain the spread.
[commentator] ...what
you want, but you can't say
they don't have heart.
Well, that'll do it for us as we...
[tense music]
[man grunts]
-[clangs]
[Paul groaning]
Give the man a chance, for Christ's sake.
Yeah, come on. What, do you think
I carry around cash? I'm not that stupid.
[sighs softly]
-A grand.
[exhales]
-It's a start.
[ticking]
[grunts]
[coughs]
You don't wanna pay back what you owe
so you try to win it all
back and then some.
The juice starts running after tomorrow.
Okay. Okay.
So, are we done here?
Almost.
[grunts, groans]
Uh, hey, hey. No, no,
not the watch. Come on.
Why? You already got a grand.
I don't like you, Murphy.
Wha...[clatters]
Figures. Piece-of-shit watch
for a piece-of-shit loser.
[grunting]
[Paul grunts]
-[groans]
[grunting]
[grunting continues]
-[groaning]
[gun clicks]
-Oh, shit.
Hey.
Now, this doesn't seem like a fair fight.
[grunts]
-[screams]
[groans]
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa. It's okay. It's okay.
[tense music]
-[ticking]
[Paul grunts]
[groans]
[groans]
[gun clicks]
-God! [Groans]
[Paul coughs]
[panting]
So
tell me about this spread.
[soft music]
I think this is yours.
Oh, shit. Yeah. Thank you.
This belonged to my old man.
Sorry, I think it's broken.
No, actually, no. It's been 10:08
since he gave it to me.
So, it's right twice a day.
More than I can say for myself.
So, let me see if I got this straight.
This morning, you lost
$40,000 at a poker game
which led you to getting
kicked out of your apartment
and dumped by your girlfriend.
Lost your job at the produce company
because of a truck of bad lettuce.
You doubled a bet with your bookie,
moved back in with your mother,
and now you're in 20 grand to
someone with really good hair
because the Knicks didn't win by four?
I think, technically I was
dumped first, then kicked out,
but, sounds about right.
[scoffs, chuckles]
[inhales, exhales]
How was your day?
You don't wanna know.
Oh, actually, I'd love to know.
I mean, come on, it's
gotta be better than mine.
Probably worst fucking day in my life.
It was a normal morning routine.
Workout, two-mile run, shower, breakfast,
gratitude journal.
Put a bullet in an informant's head.
Had a great little salad
at the Brown Bag Deli.
Picked up some donuts.
Point-blank, blew the
brains out of a slimy attorney.
Went to Friday night services
for my weekly dose of Jewish guilt.
[clicks tongue]
Then here.
[Paul scoffs softly]
[rock music playing indistinctly]
[pool balls clack]
[chuckles]
You know, when we were back
there and you had the gun on the guy,
I saw it. I saw the look.
You're... a hitman.
David Solomon, at your service.
Paul Murphy. Hey, humbly
grateful. You saved my ass.
[chuckles] Nah, you were
doing all right for yourself.
If it weren't for the gun.
[scoffs] Goddamn hitman.
Do you have a problem with that?
No. No. Come on.
I mean, everybody's got to work.
So
what are you gonna do now?
You wouldn't happen to have
19 grand on you, would you?
[chuckles] No, sorry.
Yeah, well, I gotta come up with that.
-Plus the vig.
-The vig?
Yeah, it's, uh, gamblers' interest,
but it's not as generous as a bank.
And you think you can come up with that?
I mean... [scoffs]
Not if things keep going
the way they have been.
And if I don't, I mean,
eventually he'll kill me.
Which I could give a shit, but
he'll make it look like a suicide.
Then my ma won't even
get the insurance money.
Fuck my luck!
I can't even die right.
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
I know the feeling.
-What do you mean?
-I can't either.
Well, you can't kill yourself because
of the insurance money for your mom.
For me, I wouldn't be able to
be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
I know this.
After all I've done.
I know that I deserve to
be buried with the righteous.
Convert.[Scoffs]
Catholics forgive everything.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
I'm afraid it doesn't work that way.
It means that much to you, huh?
It does.
[music continues indistinctly]
[pool balls clacking]
[dull, moody music]
I'm never gonna get out from under this.
I'm just gonna keep fucking
up, keep hurting people.
Good people.
Fuck that.
I'm done.
[pensive music]
You could do it.
-Do what?
-Kill me.
-Yeah, I know.
-No, I mean, you kill me.
In two weeks, you kill me.
You make it look like a
wrong place, wrong time,
whatever it is you do,
so that my ma gets the insurance money.
What's with the two weeks?
Well, I got enough cash to go two weeks.
I mean, not enough to pay off Jimmy,
but enough to take a run at it
and then some if I get lucky. I mean,
think of it as the last two
minutes of my game of life.
[scoffs] -Either I
take it down to the felt
or I go out a winner.
But either way
when those two
weeks are up, I gotta die.
And you die making things right?
I don't know about right, but... better,
for everyone.
Except you. I, I can't pay you.
It would be righteous.
Righteous, yeah. Righteous,
like, like community service.
[David scoffs softly]
This is an agreement
between you and me.[Sighs]
And if you choose to make this
agreement, there's no turning back.
It's a one-way street. No U-turns.
[slow tense music]
[Paul sighs]
It's a good plan.
Right?
It's your plan.
Yes. Yep.
It's my plan. Yeah.
[stool clattering]
-Okay, well...
-That's all right. I got it.
-You sure?
-Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you.
Uh, okay.
I'll see you in two weeks.
Wait. Actually, uh, will I see you or...
'Cause if you come, it might be better
if I didn't even see you, you know?
Just... [mimics gunshot]
You know?
But whatever. Okay.
["Un Verre De Trop" by Julien Veyrac]
[exhales]
[plastic rustling]
[sloshing]
Mm.
[song continues]
[song stops abruptly]
-[car alarm blaring]
[car alarm chirps]
[unsettling music]
[bones crack]
[dramatic whoosh]
[pen clatters]
[hurried footsteps]
-Morning, Ma.
-Morning.
What happened to you?
Nothing.
Oh, nothing, huh?
You didn't get blood
on my counter, did you?
Like you wouldn't have seen
it first thing in the morning.
No, Ma, I didn't.
Well, you look nice.
Let me fix you something to eat.
So I gotta look nice for you to act nice?
If you're gonna be looking for a job,
you need to do it on a full stomach.
I gotta get to it, Ma.
Well, you need to eat something.
I gotta go.
And bring back my mug.
[door opens]
[soft music]
[cell phone chimes]
[music continues]
[notification bloops]
[sighs]
[ticking]
[exhales softly]
[music continues]
[ticking continues]
[chips clacking]
Thanks for staking me, man.
Just don't embarrass me.[Sighs]
[woman] Double Mossburn. Neat.
It's my poker face.
Mm.
You playing tonight?
Winning tonight.
[music continues]
[mouthing] Wow.
[man groans]
Hey, Paulie. Double stacked.
Go big or go home, huh?
More like go big or go homeless.
Surprised to see you here tonight.
Aren't you normally shoving 20s
into the Wheel of Fortune machine?
Hey, I play poker too.
Tommy, you play cards.
She apparently plays poker.
[upbeat suspenseful music]
[music fades]
[Paul] You're raising the
flop. But checking on the turn.
Are you slow playing me?
Because I'll tell you right
now, I've got the straight.
But I'm thinking you're holding hearts.
Go ahead and bet your straight.
That is, unless you're bluffing.
I'm gonna call you anyway.
Aw, wrong suit. Pretty sure
it doesn't match your shoes.
Cute.
[chips clacking]
-I call.
I got the straight.
Well, this heart doesn't play,
-but these two do.
-Nice. Very nice.
[inhales] I did have you
in the flush draw, though.
-You did, and you weren't lying about the straight.
-I was not.
Mm-mm. We should both
be ashamed of ourselves,
letting civility dictate a hand like that.
My dad, he would have smacked me.
My dad would have raised me on the turn.
My father would have said,
"Why don't the two of you
get a room?"
[woman clears throat]
Well, it was nice playing with you all.
-It was nice playing with you...
-Paul.
-And you are?
-Leaving.
Stay civil, Paul.
Jesus, finally.
You know what your problem is, Tommy?
You don't recognize a lesson
when you're getting one.
-What lesson?
-Well, like I said, you play cards.
That lady just schooled
you on how to play the player,
and you didn't learn a goddamn thing.
Hey, I still got chips in front of me.
That's only 'cause I'm getting up too.
[chips clacking]
You didn't stay.
It got less interesting after you left.
Hm. You left a lot of money on that table.
You could have cleared those guys out.
I could say the same thing for you.
Oh, I don't do it for the money.
I mean, it's nice, but...
Some people read books, I read people.
Keeps me sharp.
Huh. I do it for the money.
-[woman] Ah.
-[Paul] Looks like you're buyin'.
[woman] That's very presumptuous of you.
I've been called worse.
[bartender] What can I get ya?
A Mata Hari, please.
[bartender] A Mata who?
One and a quarter ounce
cognac, one ounce sweet vermouth,
three quarter ounces pomegranate
juice, one half ounce simple syrup,
three quarters ounces
lemon juice, freshly squeezed.
Shake it, strain it. Glass. Chill.
Watershed, rocks. You can make mine first.
You realize we're in Columbus, Ohio?
Ah, it's a test.
Whenever I relocate, it's a great way
to gauge the culture of the city.
[ice clinking]
-You're looking at it.
-Mm-hm.
So
how many times
have they gotten it right?
Uh, let's see...
New York, San Francisco, Chicago,
uh, Wichita.
-Really?
-Mm-hm.
And...
Mm. [Gulps]
Now, Columbus.
So, wait, uh, New York,
Chicago, then Columbus?
-Did you get demoted?
-I go where the work takes me.
What kind of work is that?
Corporate restructuring.
-That's nice and vague.
-Downsizing.
Basically, when CEOs don't
want to look bad, they call me.
Wow, I bet people just love
seeing you walk in the front door.
That's why I sneak in the back.
[chuckles]
And what about you, Paul?
What is it that you do?
I am a professional gambler.
-Really?
-Mm-hm.
Hm.
-For how long?
-Well, uh,
two hours. This is my first day.
Mm. And, uh, what did you
do before you turned pro?
I got fired.
Yeah. And before that,
-I lost 40 grand in a poker game.
-Mm.
Which led to the loss of a
down payment for a house,
my girlfriend, a place to live, my dog.
And left me with no choice but
to move back in with my mother.
[clears throat] -[chuckles softly]
I can't believe I just told you that.
Uh, I know what you're thinking.
Quite the catch, right?
Depends what your takeaway from all that.
I miss the dog.
So, what's your read on me now?
Refreshingly honest.
Does that mean I get your name?
[chuckles]
-Erica.
-Well, Erica, listen.
I'd love to see you again.
Oh, you might find me
at Moscone's on Monday night.
At what time?
Don't even tell me. I'll
just go now and wait.
7:30.
[chuckles softly]
And what do you think the
over/under of that happening was?
I would've lost money.
If I was you, I would not be late.
[suspenseful music]
[over phone] Levine Produce. This is Irv.
[David] Hi, this is Mike Reynolds
calling from the Bureau of Unemployment.
I'm following up on a
claim filed by a Paul Murphy.
-Paul who?
-Murphy.
Yeah, I think you got the wrong place, man.
We don't have anybody by that name.
Sorry. My mistake.
This is Mike Reynolds with
the Bureau of Unemployment.
Yeah, hey, this is, uh,
Mike Reynolds calling
from the Bureau of Unemployment,
following up on a claim filed by a Paul...
Yeah, I'm just following up
on a claim for a Paul Murphy.
[Marcy] Wow. He didn't waste
much time, did he? [Laughs]
Yeah, he was employed here.
Whether he worked or not is up for debate.
Well, he filed a claim, and
I'm just following up to confirm
that he actually worked there
and that he was fired from there.
Oh, yeah. He was fired.
Got it. One more thing. Uh,
can you confirm his current address?
Uh, yeah, unless he's a miracle worker,
he's not at that address anymore.
Last I heard, he was
living with his mother.
Well, uh, could I trouble
you for the address, please?
[sighs] Yeah, sure.
[keys clacking]
-[clears throat]
It's 353 Tracy Lane.
Got it. Thank you for your time.
-Hey, there.
-Hi. Do you have a reservation?
Uh, I'm meeting someone.
Um, and I see her.
That's not a Mata Hari.
It is not.
-Watershed, rocks.
-Embracing the local culture.
-Nice.
-[Server] Cocktail, sir?
-Uh, yeah. Same as the lady.
-Right away, sir.
Okay, I gotta be honest.
I was not sure you'd be here.
That makes two of us.
[clicks tongue] Well, I'm glad you are.
Me too.
-You can tell me what's good.
-Everything.
Everything is good tonight.
[Erica] And I'm sitting on pocket aces.
But I've already taken most of
these guys' money and dignity
so they're praying to see me lose.
-Mm.
You'd gotten in their heads.
-Completely.
-Mm-hm.
So, the turn.
[clicks tongue] Ace of diamonds.
I've got three aces, but I bet small.
The big blind, he's chasing a straight
and, uh, river card comes, four aces.
Monster hand.
And I go to bet. And I, uh, you know...
[Paul] Reverse tell.
-And he falls for it.
-[Softly] Oh.
He goes all in.
I just love being underestimated.
And proving them wrong.
[smacks lips] And making 'em pay for it.
[both chuckle]
So how's your tiramisu?
Yeah, it's, uh, it's good.
But, you know, it's not my mother's.
Oh, I take it she knows
her way around a kitchen.
-Oh, yeah.
-Mm.
She always cooked
for us growing up.
But then after my dad died,
I mean, there's cooking out of love,
and then there's cooking out of necessity.
But she works at this
bakery. Cookies, bread,
all very good, but her tiramisu...
I mean, she can't make it
fast enough. It always sells out.
It reminds me of my Nana.
She'd probably give your
mom a run for her money.
Her drop-dead brownies...
[blows] My favorite.
She was my favorite.
I miss her.
Mm. You're fond of your mama. I like that.
Yeah. Um, you know, we're roommates
[chuckles] ...which
makes it a little, um...
Yeah, yeah. How long
do you see that lasting?
No longer than two weeks.
Yeah, I'm... It's about
as far ahead as I can see.
Well, the good thing about
being home is the cooking, right?
-Is that right?
-Um, yeah. Well, you would think so.
-Here, try, try some of this.
-Mm.
See, I'm not my mother's favorite child.
Oh. Got siblings?
[clicks tongue] Nope.
[both chuckle softly]
But there always exists a phantom child
who could be better. You know, in her mind.
[Erica chuckles softly]
Just the ones that she imagines
she could've had.
[old-timey song]
That was really great. Thank you.
Oh, you picked a great
place. If it was up to me,
we would have gone to White Castle.
What's not to like? I mean,
it's, it's open 24 hours a day.
They serve you your food very quickly.
Uh-huh. Yeah, again, very refreshing.
So, what do you do now?
Uh, going home, I guess. You?
-I got to get to work.
-Oh, that's right.
-You're a professional gambler.
-Yeah. But there's, uh,
-there's a special promotion at the casino.
-Really?
Yeah. It's
bring-your-girlfriend-to-work night.
Oh, I'm not your girlfriend, so...
-And that's not a real promotion, so...
-Oh.
You know my love is true
The stars have fallen From above
The golden moon turned blue
My cryin' heart Keeps cryin'
My arms, they long for you
I'm lonely as that little man
They say that's in the moon
Why don't you come home?
For I'm oh so alone...
[engine turns over]
-[David] Eyes forward.
Who the fuck are you?
You know who I am.
Tell Mario I'll get him his money.
I'll get it back. All of it.
It's too late for that now.
No, it's not. I swear I can get it.
I'll take you there now.
It's not there.
Wha... what do you mean, it's not there?
[David sighs]
Like I said
it's not there.
Please. Please, man. Please don't do this.
Please. I have a wife and kid. Please.
Rebecca and Max.
I know they're in Cleveland,
visiting her parents.
Which is why I'm here when they are not.
Freddy? Baby? What are you doing?
[grunting]
[muffled gunshot]
-[tires screeching]
[woman screams]
-[thuds]
[gasps]
[exhales]
[exhales]
Fuck.
[somber music]
[exhales]
[sighs]
[exhales heavily]
[music continues]
["Cold Eggs" by RJD2]
[all cheering]
[laughs]
-[song continues]
[muted]
[sports commentary on TV]
Yeah![All cheering]
[man] Unbelievable!
Unbelievable!
[song continues]
[muted]
-[woman] May us both win.
-You sound a little too excited.
[woman chuckles]
[song continues]
[muted]
[Paul exhales]
-[Erica] Hey.
-Hey, how are you doing?
Listen. Um, do you wanna try this new place
for great Italian food?
Sounds good.
Okay. Okay, great.
Yeah, it's very authentic.
-Really?
-I'll, uh, I'll make a reservation for us.
-Okay.
-Okay. Hey,
and maybe don't fire anybody today.
Be nice.
You bet.[Chuckles]
Okay. I'll text you.
-All right.
-Bye.
[suspenseful music]
So it was almost time
for the bakery to close,
and he says, "What do you
mean, you're out of bread?"
And I said, "Oh, Father Mike,
how many times have
you been in this bakery?
You know my bread sells
out every time before it closes."
And he goes, "I know,
but I was prayin' on it."
[all laughing]
Oh, so you liked it?
Not at all.[Laughs]
Oh. Better than your nana's?
It's, um...
-No, don't answer. That's fine. [Laughs]
It's delicious. Thank you.
So, tell me more about this job of yours.
You said you, you what...
You, um, you fix companies?
Ye... yeah, in a way. I help with problems
and keep an eye on things that
companies don't wanna deal with.
Wow. Sounds like a good job. Important job.
Yeah, I guess it's important
for the people who hire me.
[Angie] Mm-hm.
So, you're good at what you do, and smart.
What are you doing with this guy?
Ma...
-No, now, I'm asking a question.
Mind your business.[Paul groans]
I love my son, but he
isn't working right now.
I don't think he's even
trying to find a job.
So, why is someone
successful like you with a man
who has so much potential
-but isn't doing anything with it?
-[clicks tongue]
You don't have to answer that. [Chuckles]
[chuckles softly]
Because he makes me laugh.
Which I don't do often enough.
And he's honest, which
I don't see often enough.
And,
for now, that's enough.
Well... okay.
That's how I raised him.
Where are you going, Ma?
You think I made all
this food and no dessert?
I got tiramisu in the fridge.
Wow.
Okay, so that means she likes you.
'Cause otherwise, we'd be having cookies.
Oh.
[suspenseful music]
[footsteps approaching]
David?
You're in my favorite spot.
Oh, sorry. Rabbi Berkman, I, uh...
Please sit. Sit.
And, please, it's Rabbi Saul.
[Saul exhales]
I like to sit here.
Gives me perspective.
Yeah, it's peaceful.
Quiet. I can think.
And pray?
And get perspective.
I also like to sit here
and look at the ner tamid,
the eternal light.
When I deliver my sermons, it's behind me.
But you know it's there.
Of course.
But it's nice for us to
actually see confirmation
that Adonai is always present.
[scoffs softly] -I know
it's just a 40-watt bulb,
but it can be a very
faith-warming thing, that light.
Yeah, well, I wish I
had one in Afghanistan.
You know, a little travel version.
You know, I had a job,
and it should have been as
easy as changing a light bulb.
[David sighs]
[mumbles softly]
I am struggling. [Breathes shakily]
I'm struggling with the collateral damage.
[scoffs]
I can't begin to comprehend
what you must carry,
other than to assume it
involves the loss of the innocent.
You know, they give you all the training,
all the equipment to kill the enemy,
but they don't give you
anything to deal with it.
[clicks tongue] I don't know who could.
Other than Adonai himself.
It's a heavy thing, having
to decide in a moment
who lives and who dies.
It's not an everyday
decision for the common man.
But when it must happen, one hopes
it is for the better of the many.
I didn't ask to play God.
Nor were you asked to.
A wise young girl once said,
"We are fashioned by our choices.
First we make our choices,
then our choices make us."
You were trained to do
a thing, a terrible thing.
And your struggle is with the aftermath.
Six million innocent lives
were lost in the Holocaust.
You, you think God didn't
weep in the aftermath of that?
We all make choices, David.
It's a choice to turn away from the light,
to look into the shadows.
But the light is still there.
God is always with us.
His presence cannot be extinguished.
It was your choice to join the army. Yes?
Yeah, it was my choice to join the army,
and then I had to make
a lotta other choices,
choices that extinguished a
lot of lights. Innocent people.
Innocence, whether it's a
child or an adult, is pure,
but it's not protective.[Mumbles]
What am I supposed to do with that?
You're asking questions. That's good.
Yeah, and I'd like some fucking answers!
Because all I get is more questions.
And more questions. And still I suffer.
We're Jews. That's what we do.
You're a rabbi. Isn't that your
job, to ease people's suffering?
Isn't that why you became one?
I became a rabbi
because I had a calling.
[clock chimes]
And I like the hours.
[scoffs softly]
[pensive music]
See you Friday night?
Do I have a choice?
[Paul] Boom.
-What's this?
-For you.
Two weeks, all expenses paid.
Why?
Ma, what do you mean,
why? 'Cause you always
wanted to go. Now you're going.
Well... take it back. Get your money back.
-What do you mean? It's paid for, Ma.
-Wait, with what money?
I'm making money, Ma.
I didn't ask for this.
You know what I want?
I want you to get your life back in order.
I want you to move out of your
mother's house, for God's sake.
How long do you think
Erica's gonna put up with that?
Ma, will you stop worrying about me?
Let me do something nice for you.
You wanna do something nice for me?
[thuds table]
-Return this,
get your money back and get a job!
Take it or leave it. I don't, I don't care.
[indistinct chatter]
-Hey, Paulie. I cleaned up the other night.
-[Paul] Hm.
Good for you, Tommy.
[music playing faintly]
[man] Fuck yeah.
-How are you?
-Hi, there.
[suspenseful music]
[chip rake scrapes]
[shredder whirs]
[dollar bills rustle]
[exhales]
[chips clatter]
-[indistinct chatter]
[brooding music]
[shredder whirring]
[somber music]
I... don't know.
Yeah. Yes. I'm, I'm handling it.
Yep.
-Hey.
-Can't find the fucking Arborio.
Ahem.
Here you go.
[exhales, chuckles]
-[chuckles]
Okay. Sorry.
-It's my mother's risotto.
-Mm-hm.
Special recipe. You're
gonna fucking love it, okay?
-You got the wine?
-Yep.
Okay, good.
[pensive music]
This is a fun one,
'cause it's very, like...
-You have to be very focused, you know?
-Yeah.
-Constant stirring. You have to watch the pot.
-Yeah.
-You keep adding more.
-Can't be distracted?
-Yeah.
-[Erica] Mm.
[suspenseful music]
[cashier] All right, that'll be 45.38.
Would you like to round
up for the food bank?
-Yeah.
-[Cashier] Okay.
[tense music]
Let's go.
[slow suspenseful music]
-You good? Okay.
-No. I'm good.
Really drinking that wine up, huh?
[inhales] Hm?
-See ya.
-Hey, are you sure
you don't want to stay
and watch something or...
-I just have a big day tomorrow.
-Yeah.
You really are slow playing me, huh?
Look, I just want you to know,
these, these last two weeks
have been, like... It's been, like,
the best two weeks of my life.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Never better.
[footsteps receding]
[lively jazz music]
I got 15 wins And
most were on the floor
One poor fellow tried to run
But he couldn't find the door
O'Malley Donohue Skinny Jim and Roy
They swung, they missed
Dreamland's where they deploy
Oh, ring that bell And watch me glide
I slip, I duck
I sing my stride
A shuffle...
[song continues faintly]
Come on, man.
Don't you wanna make it a fair fight?
[song continues faintly over earphones]
[exhales softly]
But one by one they line up
And one by one they fall
I'm the king of the canvas
Ain't no mistake at all
They call it The sweet science
But, honey, it's a show
With the bright lights Flashing
And the horns a-blow
I dance to the left...
[both grunting]
I bop to the right
And watch the poor devil
Kiss the floor good night
[song continues]
[yells]
[grunting]
[thuds]
-[high-pitched ringing]
[muffled yelling]
[high-pitched ringing continues]
[muffled grunt]
[song continues muffled]
So line up the next man
I'm raring to go
I've got a stage to
command And a story to show
When that final blow lands
And the rafters all shake
Just remember Whose ring this is
There's only room For one great
[song ends]
-[muffled gunshot]
[body thuds]
[sighs softly]
[whispers] Fuck.
[shredder whirs]
[suspenseful music]
[muffled indistinct chatter]
[pensive music]
[tray clatters]
-[glass shatters]
[players chattering, cheering]
[player] Thank you.
[player] Yeah!
[muted]
[winner shouting]
[players cheering]
[player] Thank you.
[music continues]
[whoosh]
[exhales]
[cell phone vibrating]
-Hey.
-What are you doing here?
What's going on here?
I can't catch any cards.
-Right.
-What?
I don't know. You tell me.
You're holding back, or
something is holding you back,
and this is not the person
I met two weeks ago.
You're right.
Yeah. [Scoffs]
[breathes deeply]
Yeah, maybe I played it all wrong.
All of it?
No. No, not all of it.
Okay. Um...
So
I made this deal.
-Um...
-What?
What do you mean, you made a, a deal?
Uh...
You know what? Can we talk outside?
Okay.
Oh. Ah.[Muffled gunshot]
[glass shatters]
[car roaring]
[tires squealing]
Fuck!
-[Man] What the fuck?
Fuck!
-[Man] Hey!
Paul, what the hell is going on?
-Who did you piss off?
-I piss off a lot of people.
No, no, we are not going anywhere
until you tell me what
the hell is going on.
Why does somebody wanna kill you?
Because I fucking asked him to.
What? Why?
I don't know. I didn't want to
disappoint anyone anymore.
I didn't think anything
else good could happen.
And then it did.
Get in the car.
Oh, that was, that was really close.
You need to calm down, okay?
I shouldn't be here. It's
not safe. It's just not safe.
-I should go.
-And, and do what?
And find him and, and call it off.
You know, tell him that
I, that I changed my mind.
And how do you propose to do that?
Well, what, should we just wait for him
to come back and try again?
-Fuck that.
-No.
You were safe here, okay?
I gotta find him.
Yes, I know. And you will.
-I will. I mean, I have to.
-Yes, you do.
-But do you even know where to start? Hm?
-[sighs]
-No, but I should start tonight.
-No, no.
Can't start tonight.
-Oh, I can't?
-No, you can't.
Not tonight.
-Not tonight?
-No.
[softly] And if you try to
walk out that door tonight,
I will kill you myself.
["Keep That Coffee Hot"
by Scatman Crothers]
[both moan]
Just keep that coffee
hot -A-keep it hot
Be sure you make a
lot -A-make a lot
Your coffee hits the
spot -It hits the spot...
[grunting angrily]
So keep it hot -
I love your coffee pot
I love your pot -
So keep that coffee hot...
[yells]
Just got my pay today
A-just today
But I don't plan to stay
Ain't gonna stay
I'm leaving right away
Yeah, right away...
[screaming]
-My night to play
-I love your coffee pot
I love your pot -
So keep that coffee hot
Got some troubles to lose
Gonna live down those blues So goodbye
Bye, bye, bye
What are you thinkin' about?
Honestly, someone's trying to kill me,
so I was thinkin'
what if that's the last
time I have sex before I die?
[Erica chuckles]
Then I'd say you did
pretty well for yourself.
[chuckles] Yeah, I guess.[Chuckles]
Who knew fear of death
was such an aphrodisiac?
[Erica] Hm.
[snickers]
Is that your parents?
Yeah.
Are they still alive?
[sighs] My mom died of cervical cancer.
Oh, no. And your dad?
Shot and killed coming out
of a backroom poker game.
Oh. I... Wow. I'm sorry. I...
Yeah. It's okay. You didn't know.
The guy who would raise on the turn, huh?
Yep.
Wish he was still here to do it.
[Paul] Mm.
So, it was just you and
your mom after that?
Yeah... for a while.
Until Frank.
Hm, no photos of him, huh?
[sighs] Oh, no.
I got enough memories of him.
[Paul] Hm.
Where's... Where is he now?
Dead.
How'd he die?
Does it matter?
No.
[Erica] Mm.
[chuckles softly] It's a nice picture.
[Erica] Yeah. Nice reminder
that no matter how ugly the world is,
there's always something to treasure.
[clicks tongue] I don't wanna die.
Then don't.
[both chuckle]
-Morning.
-Morning.
-Coffee's ready.
-Oh. Thank you.
[Paul sighs]
Not bad.
I could get used to this.
-Me too.
-Hm.
With a few minor adjustments.
-Adjustments?
-Toilet paper.
Yeah, I mean, I, I saw that
you're an over-the-roll gal.
Under the roll is the way to go.
I've got a really strong
opinion about this.
But I solve problems for a
living, so I have a solution.
Separate bathrooms.
A bigger house.
I like the way you're thinking.
Mm-hm. [Clicks tongue]
What's with the money?
[sighs] I owe it to Jimmy Good Hair.
Jimmy who?
He's the biggest bookie in town.
This is BE money, Before
Erica, when I couldn't win shit.
I'm thinking maybe he can
point me in the right direction
for finding this guy. But
not if I don't pay what I owe.
And what if he doesn't know anything?
I still owe it.
I like the positivity.
-What do you mean?
-I mean that if someone knew
they were gonna die, why
would they pay off a debt?
-I'm coming with you.
-No, no, no.
No. I, I got this.
Besides, don't you have
someone's day to ruin?
-Paul.
-No, no, no.
Go to work. I got this.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[traffic noise]
-[hurried footsteps]
Hey. Hey! Hey!
Murphy! God damn it!
[man] I'm sorry, Jimmy. I
don't know how he got by.
What the fuck, Murphy? Manners.
Knock, for Christ's sake.
My apologies. Uh,
here's the rest of
what I owe, plus the vig.
Um, I'm sorry that it's late.
I've been busy. [Chuckles]
Busy winning, from what I hear.
Oh, yeah. You're all the talk these days.
"You hear about the
win streak Murphy's on?"
"Murphy can't lose."
Why do you think I haven't
sicced these two on you?
I figured, "Ah, he's winning.
Let the vig run a little."
But I gotta be honest with you.
"Murphy on a win streak?"
[chuckles] It don't sound right
when you say it out loud.[Men chuckle]
Well, listen, it's, it's all there.
Plus a little extra for some
information if you got it.
You paid for it. Go ahead and ask.
I'm trying to find a shooter.
I don't know if he's a gun for hire
or if he's with an outfit,
but I gotta find him.
You tell me anything about?
You know what? Ask Thelma and Louise.
-He's the guy from the night of the game.
-Fuck you, Murphy.
I should have popped
you when I had the chance.
[Paul] That didn't go too
well for you, as I recall.
Are you telling me
somebody's trying to kill you?
-That's right.
-You're making bank right now.
-That ain't right.
-[Paul] Wow.
Jimmy, careful. That
almost sounded heartfelt.
I'm just looking out for my investment.
You see, you can't win forever.
And when you lose,
most of that money's coming back to me.
Now, why would I wanna kill the
goose that's bringing me money?
Get outta here.
If I hear something, I'll get word to you.
[Seamus] Hold on.
This can't be good.
-I got a problem.
-No shit.
Meet me around back.
Around back.
Why would somebody wanna kill you?
You, you are not into anybody, are you?
Nobody, for the first time in a long time.
Did you clean out the wrong guy?
No, it ain't that.
I...
-Just spill it, kid.
-Okay.
-What the hell is going on here?
But just
don't "What the fuck?" me.
Let me explain first, all right?
All right.
I kind of put a hit on myself.
What the fuck?
You know, about my height.
Uh, gray beard, straight nose...
-What else do you remember about this guy?
-That's it.
I don't know. Uh, it's...
That's everything I know.
-You know everything now.
-Yeah, but what, what was he eating?
-What was he drinking?
-Uh...
Come on, come on. Come on, Paulie, think.
Wait a minute. He's Jewish.
How do you know he's Jewish?
Because he said that
if he ever killed himself,
he couldn't be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
And it was real important to him.
Dangerous but devout.
Fucked-up combo.
There's only one guy that could be.
They call him "The Rabbi."
Yeah, ex-Special Ops.
You, you know what? No,
I'm not sure it's even him.
Why? Why? Why do you say that?
'Cause you're still sittin' here.
The guy doesn't miss.
-I gotta find him, Seamus.
-No.
If it's him, he's gonna find you first.
And your girlfriend.
Yeah, I know all about her.
And if I know about her,
trust me, he does too.
Paulie, what are you doing?
Paul... Paulie.
Paulie, watch your ass!
Pick it up, pick it up.
Hey. It's me. Uh, I'm still
trying to track this guy down,
but just call me and, you know, let me know
when you're safe, okay?
[muted]
[slow music]
[woman vocalizing]
-Not that I remember.
-No? Not at all?
Well, if anyone comes in asking
about me, will you let me know?
you know, a Jewish
guy. All right. Thanks.
Ring a bell specifically?
-No.
-Okay.
Excuse me. Uh, Do you know
where, uh, this might be?
Uh, there's two of them.
Okay. Thank you.
Um, yeah, so...
Maybe down the road.
Down the road. Okay.
[Paul] Hey, I'm, uh, following a lead.
Not sure it's gonna go
anywhere, but, uh, stay safe, okay?
[sighs]
[vocalizing continues]
[music fades]
[sighs]
[child shouting in distance]
[Emily] And I know they had an amazing time
at the two-week long summer
camp in Zionsville, Indiana.
And if you go to our
website, you'll find a full gallery
of really great photos and
videos from their time there.
And we are just so
excited for our youth group
to be taking their annual...[gasps]
[whispers] Hi. Can I help you find a seat?
[whispers] Oh, thanks. I...
Actually, I think I see my
[Emily] donations to their travel fund.
But that is all the news I have for today.
Rabbi Berkman?
Thank you, Emily.
Those are such special opportunities
and connections for our youth
as they prepare to go out...
-Shabbat shalom.
Shabbat shalom.
[clears throat]
I'm impressed. You found me.
Yeah, when you narrow
it down to Jewish hit men
called The Rabbi, it's not so hard.
-[Saul] Shabbat shalom.
-[all] Shabbat shalom.
Tonight, I wanna talk to you
about decisions and choices.
Are the decisions we
make from our own free will...
Listen, I'm so sorry to bother you here.
I just wanna tell you
that I'm, I'm calling it off.
[Saul] ...tell ourselves
something is fate...
I'm sorry. Did you hear me? I'm calling,
I'm calling it off.[Woman clears throat]
Sorry.
It's a balanced choice
between right and wrong.
[clicks tongue] I can't do that.
[Saul] The capacity to choose
between two courses of action...
Um, what do you mean, you can't do that?
[Saul] ...teaches us that
today our fates are sealed...
What kind of man do you
consider yourself to be?
[Saul] ...choices we have
made, both good and bad...
Right now, I... A, a man
who doesn't wanna die.
That wasn't the agreement.
[Saul] ...we stand before divine...
Okay. Right. But, um...
This is on you. You made a decision.
You asked me.
You made a choice to
do something righteous.
Righteous?
How is it righteous to kill someone
who doesn't wanna die?
[inhales deeply]
-I changed my mind.
-[Saul] In the Torah
[woman clears throat] ...Adonai says,
"I have set before you life and death,
blessing and curse.
"Therefore, choose life."
Okay.
Okay. You choose to live?
-Yes, yes, yes, I choose life.
-[clears throat]
I choose to live. She
hears me. She heard me.
I choose to live. You heard it, okay?
Yes, I choose life.
You wanna live?[Seat creaks]
[clicking] [suspenseful music]
You have to kill me.
What? No, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm not a killer.
-I didn't think I was either.
-I don't want this.
[suspenseful music]
[Saul] Let it remind us that we
have the power to choose life,
to make decisions that align
with our values and our faith.
[Paul sighs]
-And to that I say,
may we all be sealed for another year
in the book of life.
-Pack a bag.
Just pack a fucking bag!
Don't open the door for anyone.
I'll explain everything when I get there.
I'm on my way.
[music continues]
[Erica exhales]
[sighs heavily]
[exhales]
[music continues]
Erica?
-Erica?
-I'm back here.
-Are you okay?
-Uh, yeah.
-Yeah. Yeah, yeah. I'm okay.
-You are not okay.
-Oh, no, no, I'm not. Where's your bag?
-It's right here.
-Okay, good. You need to go.
-What? No.
What, what did you find
out? What, what's going on?
-Uh, well, you know what? This is what's going on.
-Okay. Whoa!
-Where did you get that?
-Funny story. The Jewish hitman gave it to me.
Told me that the only
way he's not gonna kill me
-is if I kill him first!
-He wants you to kill him?
-Yeah.
-Okay, you know what? Just breathe.
Yeah, well, I don't know
how to breathe 'cause
I don't know how to use this!
Then put the gun down. Okay?
Hey. Hey, look at me. Calm down.
Take a breath. Okay?[Exhales]
Everything is gonna be okay.
-Okay.
Okay. But that starts with
you getting out of here.
What? No. I'm not gonna...
-Erica.
This time you gotta go.
[Erica stutters]
-Please?
And just call me when you
get somewhere safe, okay?
Just remember to breathe.
[suspenseful music continues]
Fuck.
[music builds]
Fucking kidding me.
Fuck. [Grunts softly]
[panting]
[pensive music]
[sighs]
[clicking]
[exhales]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[traffic noise]
[gun cocking]
[Paul] God damn it.
[exhales]
Turn around.[Sighs]
Turn around.
Oh.
Jesus Christ.
It's time.
[clicks]
-[breathing heavily]
[sighs heavily]
[whispers] I can't.
[sighs] I...
-Close your eyes.
-Come on.
-Come on.
-[Softly] Close
your eyes.
[music builds]
[muffled gunshot]
-[David grunts]
[thuds]
[groaning]
[groaning]
Thank you.
[clicks]
[muffled gunshot]
[music crescendos]
What the fu...
["Catch the Exit Door" by RJD2]
No, no. It's a total shit
show, but I handled it.
Yeah, I'm on my way.
[cell phone beeps]
[sighs]
Babe. You forgot your silencer.
Oh. No, I packed the seven. That's a five.
Oh, okay. Uh, well, have fun.
-And remember, dinner at my ma's on Thursday.
-Wait, no.
-I thought that was this weekend.
-No, babe,
I got the poker tournament
in Cleveland this weekend.
Okay, this is not good,
'cause I've got the Gomez hit
-on Thursday.
-Well, we've already canceled twice.
-[sighs] I'll see if I can reschedule.
-Okay.
And, hey, I was having
some trouble with the safe.
You didn't change the code, did you?
I don't know. Did I?
Well, I gotta go get
warmed up at the casino.
Uh-huh. And you really
think I'm gonna leave you
with easy access to stacks of cash?
Just stake me 10K. I'm good for it.
Not a chance in hell. Love you.
Love you.
[song continues]
[indistinct rapping]
[music fades]
[suspenseful music]
[ticking continues]
[exhales] Hey.
-[man] Close your eyes.
-Come on.
[ticking continues]
Close
your eyes.
[tense music]
[gun cocks]
[winces]
[music builds]
[ticking continues]
[pensive music]
[exhales]
[pensive music continues]
Paulie, your father knew when to fold.
Well, I'll tell you something, Georgie.
I'm not my father.
[chips clacking]
[player laughing raucously]
[chips clacking]
[laughter continues]
[laughter fades]
[keys jingle]
[exhales]
["Miss Me with That Bullshit" by RJD2]
[engine turns over]
[song continues]
[Wynette over phone] Paul, $40,000?
The down payment on the house?
[stutters] Uh, you know what?
I, I can't, I can't do this anymore.
[Seamus] Paulie, it's Seamus.
What the hell is going on?
I got Jimmy Good Hair
breathing down my neck
about the bet you got for tonight's game.
Call me, or get your ass over here.
[automated voice] This
message is for Paul Murphy.
This is the Columbus Collection Agency
regarding an outstanding
balance on your account.
Please contact us to
discuss payment options
to avoid further action.
[Wynette] We're done! That's it!
If, if you want your shit,
it'll be in the dumpster, on fire,
just like your life!
[Burt] Hey, Paulie, it's Burt.
Hey, I hope you're on your way, man.
Marcy's looking for you.
And I don't think
it's about a raise.
[song continues]
[suspenseful music]
[shutter rolls, clanks]
-Hey, Paulie.
-Burt.
So you got any money left to
bet the game this weekend?
How do you...[snickers]
[laughs] I'm sorry, man.
Couldn't resist. Word got out fast.
-It was a bad beat?
-Oh, God, in the history
of bad beat.
-[Marcy] Murphy.
Nice of you to make it in on time.
Oh, no, you didn't. Again.
-I, uh... Traffic.
-You know,
maybe I should play poker.
I can read you like a fuckin' book, Murphy.
When you win, you're early,
and when you lose, you're late.
I think that's called a
"tell." Do I have that right?
You know, Marcy, I gotta
tell you, your father's pep talks
were far more effective.
Can I please just get to work?
You have to be the
unluckiest son of a bitch I know.
God knows what my father saw in you.
I was just starting to think
the same thing about you.
-[Burt] Hey, Paulie. Lettuce is here.
-You're goddamn right it is.
Come have a good look,
Marcy, 'cause you're about to see
how a bet pays off.
Mexican lettuce. It's got no legs.
[scoffs] Un-fucking-believable.
-[Paul] Okay, you know what?
-[Marcy exhales]
Let me just get on the phone with Santos
and fix this, okay? He fucked us.
You're not calling anyone.
Santos didn't fuck us.
He fucked you, and then you fucked us.
-Okay, Marcy, just give me...
-No, Paul. I am sick and tired
of you treating my family's business like
your own fucking line
of credit at the casino.
It's the goddamn peaches all over again!
That wasn't my fault. They
put 'em on the wrong truck.
Oh. [Scoffs] -And besides,
your dad gave me a pass on that.
Oh, yeah, I remember.
And I also remember thinking
that he should have fired your dumb ass.
But for some reason, my father loved you.
Maybe because you ate
with him, drank with him,
-played cards with him...
-Yeah, or maybe he wishes
I was running this place, but,
hey, you got the right last name.
[scoffs]
You know, before my father died,
he made me promise to keep you on,
and I did. Out of respect.
But I never promised how long.
Working here for as long as you have
is probably the best
fucking run you'll ever have.
But now it's over.
Pack your shit and go.
Oh, and take all the lettuce you want.
Sanfillipo's gift for
your years of disservice.
[slow tense music]
[clipboard clatters]
[door slams]
Maybe stay away from football this weekend.
[music continues]
[siren wailing in distance]
[music continues]
[clinking]
[clanks]
[clicks]
[clanks]
[tires squeal]
-[air hissing]
[muffled] What the fuck?
[suspenseful music]
[air hissing]
[horn honking in distance]
Oh, fuck!
[muffled gunshot]
-[thuds]
[sighs]
[reciting Mourner's Kaddish]
[tense music]
[tires squeal]
[engine turns off]
[exhales]
[lighter clinks]
[exhales]
Seamus.
Mr. Four-of-a-kind.
-You heard.
-Yeah.
The Greek won't shut up about it.
Keeps talking about how he's gonna open up
a second location with your money.
Well, it was a bad beat.
Yeah.
You know what goes along with a bad beat?
Bad luck.
Come on. Let's get inside.
[children yelling]
All right.
You still got ten large
riding on the Knicks game
with Jimmy Good Hair.
You want me to call it off, right?
No. No, no, no. Leave it.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'm sure.
-Oh, Christ.
-Wh... what?
Your old man knew when to fold and...
How many times do I have to hear
what my old man would have done?
You know what?
-Double it. Double it.
-Oh, Paulie, come on.
-Double it. Double it, Seamus!
-You are in the woods here.
-You just lost 40 grand to the Greek.
-Okay, you don't wanna do it,
-that's fine. There's other bookies in this town.
-You wanna go another 20
-with Jimmy Good Hair?
-I can go to another bookie.
You gonna do it or not?
I shouldn't.
I hope you know what you're doing.
You know what? I don't.
Are you gonna do it or not?
Thank you.
And, uh, now I have a favor to ask.
Oh, jeez. [Laughs][sheepish chuckle]
You got fucking balls,
kid. I'll give you that much.
I need a place to stay.
Just for a couple of days. Come on, Seamus.
-Just for a couple of days.
-Nah, until
it turns into a couple of weeks.
No. You ain't staying here.
Well, where am I supposed to go?
[birds chirping] -Dreams
really do come true.
My adult son moving back in with me.
-Good to see you too, Ma.
-Yeah.
Smoking again, huh?
It started back on today. [Blows]
Coincidence?
You should quit, Angie.
Those things are gonna kill you.
When?[Chuckles wheezily]
[door creaks]
[sighs]
Oh. [Chuckles]
Wow.
[Angie] Mm.
Ah.
Jordan. Jesus, that guy
was money in the bank.
-Yeah, now you got LeBron.
-Nah, nah.
Jordan was with the Bulls for 13 years.
I like commitment.
[chuckles] What, uh, no Pamela Anderson?
Ah, no, this lady made me take it down.
Thought I was gonna jerk my youth away.
Oh, don't be disgusting.
You could see her nipple, for God's sake.
-Who do you think changed his sheets back then?
-[chuckles]
And I ain't gonna start changing 'em now.
I don't know what you did
to that nice girl Jeanette.
-Wynette, Ma. Wynette.
-Whatever.
-I don't know what you did to get tossed out...
-[sighs]
but if you start pulling that
same crap under my roof, mister,
you're gonna get a room at the Y.
Capiche?
[door latch clicking]
All right, buddy. Always
good to see you, Angie.
Yeah, always good to see you, Seamus.
And don't be a stranger.
Come by anytime you want.
If you want a cookie,
you better get one now.
I'm gonna put 'em away.
[chuckles wheezily]
You be a good boy.
[laughs]
[Angie] Paulie, shut the
door. You're letting the air out.
[door shuts]
[somber music]
[crow cawing]
[Paul] What are you doing?
[sighs] Looking for a
seven-letter word for "bothered."
Starts with an A.
"Annoyed."
An...
Perfect.
Ma, where's your bread?
I still have to work 20
hours a week at the bakery.
You think I wanna come
home and make more bread?
Stop bothering me.
There's a loaf of store-bought in the box.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
What happened?
-I thought you didn't want me to bother you.
-Yeah, well,
that ship sailed the day you were born.
Why'd you get fired?
-Marcy Sanfillipo's had it out for me forever.
-Oh, Paulie...
-Ever since her dad died.
- what did you do?
-Why's it always got to be something I did?
-Look, you can say
what you want about Marcy Sanfillipo,
but you and I both know she
wouldn't fire you for no reason.
-Did you steal money?
-Ma!
-Well, then what did you do?
-I had a chance to make a sweet deal
and it went south.
-You gambled.
Okay, yeah. Here we go.
Yeah, Ma. That's right.
Everything I do is a bet.
Everything I do is a gamble.
It was a good deal.
Oh, God.
"A good deal."
You know how many times I
heard that from your father?
God rest his soul.
The car we didn't need.
The extra fridge out in the garage
that still doesn't work.
Your confirmation suit.
I was up all night
hemming that thing so you,
you wouldn't look like you were
wearing a, a tent with sleeves.
It was always about the deal.
[sighs] Oh, God.
I wanted it to be different with you.
But I don't know what I
did. But obviously I failed.
[scoffs] What do you mean you failed?
You're a grown man
who's, who's gambled away
a chance for a house, a family, a job.
And now, look, you're
living back here with me.
I know. So, okay, but
how is that your fault, Ma?
That's me.
I mean, what do they say?
What's bred in the bone...
Oh, is that what you think?
-That I'm comparing you to your father?
-Yeah.
Which is why I don't get you
busting my balls all the time.
-Because you were with Dad 'til the day he died...
-[scoffs]
- and he was a gambler.
-You may think you're a gambler
like your father, but you are nothing
like your father.
Yeah, sure, he did some stupid things.
But your father never
put this house at risk.
Your father always put food on that table.
He was never, never late on a bill.
Your father...
[clicks tongue, voice breaking] Your
father cared more about other people
than he cared about himself.
[mouthing] Yeah.
[gulps softly]
[cutlery clunks]
[pensive music]
[exhales slowly]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[shredder clicks]
[shredder whirs]
Excuse me.
Is this the right place for,
uh, Davis and Associates?
Yeah, I work there. You new?
Yeah. I thought I'd bring
some donuts, you know.
Make a good impression.[Chuckles]
It's your lucky day. You get first pick.
Ooh! Jelly filled.
[clicking]
-[muffled gunshot]
[body thuds]
[tense music]
[sighs]
[box thuds]
[sighs]
[reflective music]
[sighs]
[inhales]
-[gun cocking]
[shredder clicks]
[whirring]
[Saul] And as we approach
the High Holy Days
and prepare to fast and pray and confess,
it is this last thing that has been
on my mind most this past week.
Confess.
What is it to confess?
On Yom Kippur, we come together
to confess our sins to God
and seek forgiveness.
But what about outside these walls?
What place does forgiveness
have in our personal lives?
Consider this.
It is only when we forgive ourselves
and fully accept
responsibility for our errors,
that we can be kind and merciful to others.
For most of the wrongs done to
us, we have done to ourselves.
Is this not why you seek forgiveness
from those you have wronged,
so that you may become a better person?
For if you're not a better person
tomorrow than you are today
what need have you for a tomorrow?
And to this I hope you will all say Amen.
[all] Amen.
[somber music]
[indistinct commentary on TV]
-What can I get for you?
-Gin. Chilled. Neat.
Gotcha.
[commentator on TV] They're
all out there on the court tonight.
-You've been watching this game?
-Knicks are up by four.
-Is that a good thing?
-Yeah, that's good.
Knicks fan, huh?
No.
No, sorry, if you don't
mind, we're getting down
to the last two minutes here.
You took the Knicks?
-Yeah.
-Not the Cavs?
Well, it's not the same
team since LeBron left.
Not that the Knicks are
any better. They suck too.
I'm just hoping they suck less.
Now, if you'll... If you don't mind.
[woman on TV] Dive into fall with new looks
and fresh takes on
classics for the whole family.
[exhales] Okay.
Sorry. Just, uh,
had a shit day, and I got
a lot riding on this game.
It always seems like it comes down
to the last two minutes in basketball.
What does it matter if
it's basketball or football?
Bottom of the ninth with two outs
or the Kentucky fucking Derby.
The last two minutes.
It's always the most
exciting. When the bet's in,
time's running out,
everything's on the line.
-What about ties?
-Fuck ties.
That's why I never bet on soccer.
[chuckles softly]
Well, here's to the last two minutes.
Oh, yeah, can you, can you
turn it up, please?
[commentator on TV] Milosevic back
on the hunt, looking and finding Sampson.
Sampson, mobbed with
coverage, tries to find Hart,
but Pearson again with the steal...
-Murphy.
-Oh, Frick and Frack.
What, did you come to
pay me? Save me a trip?
-Game ain't over yet.
-Yeah, Knicks are up.
Not with your minus two, they ain't.
Like he said, game ain't over yet.
All right, Murphy, I'll
give you a few seconds.
Let it never be said that I
don't give a loser one final shot.
[commentator on TV] They got to try
to keep that forward momentum going
and grind it out to the last second.
-First one's up, and it's good.
-Fuck yes!
-Up by three.
-Okay. Come on.
Come on, suck less, god damn it!
Shot is up, and it is good.[Laughs]
Knicks 5-4.
-Okay. Okay. Okay. Here we go.
[commentary continues indistinctly]
[dramatic thud]
-Fuck!
No! No, no!
-[commentator on TV] 103 to 102.
-Hey!
Come on, get your hands off of me!
What? Do you think I got it on me now?
Whoa, but the Knicks won.
When I come back, I'll explain the spread.
[commentator] ...what
you want, but you can't say
they don't have heart.
Well, that'll do it for us as we...
[tense music]
[man grunts]
-[clangs]
[Paul groaning]
Give the man a chance, for Christ's sake.
Yeah, come on. What, do you think
I carry around cash? I'm not that stupid.
[sighs softly]
-A grand.
[exhales]
-It's a start.
[ticking]
[grunts]
[coughs]
You don't wanna pay back what you owe
so you try to win it all
back and then some.
The juice starts running after tomorrow.
Okay. Okay.
So, are we done here?
Almost.
[grunts, groans]
Uh, hey, hey. No, no,
not the watch. Come on.
Why? You already got a grand.
I don't like you, Murphy.
Wha...[clatters]
Figures. Piece-of-shit watch
for a piece-of-shit loser.
[grunting]
[Paul grunts]
-[groans]
[grunting]
[grunting continues]
-[groaning]
[gun clicks]
-Oh, shit.
Hey.
Now, this doesn't seem like a fair fight.
[grunts]
-[screams]
[groans]
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa. It's okay. It's okay.
[tense music]
-[ticking]
[Paul grunts]
[groans]
[groans]
[gun clicks]
-God! [Groans]
[Paul coughs]
[panting]
So
tell me about this spread.
[soft music]
I think this is yours.
Oh, shit. Yeah. Thank you.
This belonged to my old man.
Sorry, I think it's broken.
No, actually, no. It's been 10:08
since he gave it to me.
So, it's right twice a day.
More than I can say for myself.
So, let me see if I got this straight.
This morning, you lost
$40,000 at a poker game
which led you to getting
kicked out of your apartment
and dumped by your girlfriend.
Lost your job at the produce company
because of a truck of bad lettuce.
You doubled a bet with your bookie,
moved back in with your mother,
and now you're in 20 grand to
someone with really good hair
because the Knicks didn't win by four?
I think, technically I was
dumped first, then kicked out,
but, sounds about right.
[scoffs, chuckles]
[inhales, exhales]
How was your day?
You don't wanna know.
Oh, actually, I'd love to know.
I mean, come on, it's
gotta be better than mine.
Probably worst fucking day in my life.
It was a normal morning routine.
Workout, two-mile run, shower, breakfast,
gratitude journal.
Put a bullet in an informant's head.
Had a great little salad
at the Brown Bag Deli.
Picked up some donuts.
Point-blank, blew the
brains out of a slimy attorney.
Went to Friday night services
for my weekly dose of Jewish guilt.
[clicks tongue]
Then here.
[Paul scoffs softly]
[rock music playing indistinctly]
[pool balls clack]
[chuckles]
You know, when we were back
there and you had the gun on the guy,
I saw it. I saw the look.
You're... a hitman.
David Solomon, at your service.
Paul Murphy. Hey, humbly
grateful. You saved my ass.
[chuckles] Nah, you were
doing all right for yourself.
If it weren't for the gun.
[scoffs] Goddamn hitman.
Do you have a problem with that?
No. No. Come on.
I mean, everybody's got to work.
So
what are you gonna do now?
You wouldn't happen to have
19 grand on you, would you?
[chuckles] No, sorry.
Yeah, well, I gotta come up with that.
-Plus the vig.
-The vig?
Yeah, it's, uh, gamblers' interest,
but it's not as generous as a bank.
And you think you can come up with that?
I mean... [scoffs]
Not if things keep going
the way they have been.
And if I don't, I mean,
eventually he'll kill me.
Which I could give a shit, but
he'll make it look like a suicide.
Then my ma won't even
get the insurance money.
Fuck my luck!
I can't even die right.
[sighs]
[chuckles softly]
I know the feeling.
-What do you mean?
-I can't either.
Well, you can't kill yourself because
of the insurance money for your mom.
For me, I wouldn't be able to
be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
I know this.
After all I've done.
I know that I deserve to
be buried with the righteous.
Convert.[Scoffs]
Catholics forgive everything.
Yeah. [Chuckles]
I'm afraid it doesn't work that way.
It means that much to you, huh?
It does.
[music continues indistinctly]
[pool balls clacking]
[dull, moody music]
I'm never gonna get out from under this.
I'm just gonna keep fucking
up, keep hurting people.
Good people.
Fuck that.
I'm done.
[pensive music]
You could do it.
-Do what?
-Kill me.
-Yeah, I know.
-No, I mean, you kill me.
In two weeks, you kill me.
You make it look like a
wrong place, wrong time,
whatever it is you do,
so that my ma gets the insurance money.
What's with the two weeks?
Well, I got enough cash to go two weeks.
I mean, not enough to pay off Jimmy,
but enough to take a run at it
and then some if I get lucky. I mean,
think of it as the last two
minutes of my game of life.
[scoffs] -Either I
take it down to the felt
or I go out a winner.
But either way
when those two
weeks are up, I gotta die.
And you die making things right?
I don't know about right, but... better,
for everyone.
Except you. I, I can't pay you.
It would be righteous.
Righteous, yeah. Righteous,
like, like community service.
[David scoffs softly]
This is an agreement
between you and me.[Sighs]
And if you choose to make this
agreement, there's no turning back.
It's a one-way street. No U-turns.
[slow tense music]
[Paul sighs]
It's a good plan.
Right?
It's your plan.
Yes. Yep.
It's my plan. Yeah.
[stool clattering]
-Okay, well...
-That's all right. I got it.
-You sure?
-Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you.
Uh, okay.
I'll see you in two weeks.
Wait. Actually, uh, will I see you or...
'Cause if you come, it might be better
if I didn't even see you, you know?
Just... [mimics gunshot]
You know?
But whatever. Okay.
["Un Verre De Trop" by Julien Veyrac]
[exhales]
[plastic rustling]
[sloshing]
Mm.
[song continues]
[song stops abruptly]
-[car alarm blaring]
[car alarm chirps]
[unsettling music]
[bones crack]
[dramatic whoosh]
[pen clatters]
[hurried footsteps]
-Morning, Ma.
-Morning.
What happened to you?
Nothing.
Oh, nothing, huh?
You didn't get blood
on my counter, did you?
Like you wouldn't have seen
it first thing in the morning.
No, Ma, I didn't.
Well, you look nice.
Let me fix you something to eat.
So I gotta look nice for you to act nice?
If you're gonna be looking for a job,
you need to do it on a full stomach.
I gotta get to it, Ma.
Well, you need to eat something.
I gotta go.
And bring back my mug.
[door opens]
[soft music]
[cell phone chimes]
[music continues]
[notification bloops]
[sighs]
[ticking]
[exhales softly]
[music continues]
[ticking continues]
[chips clacking]
Thanks for staking me, man.
Just don't embarrass me.[Sighs]
[woman] Double Mossburn. Neat.
It's my poker face.
Mm.
You playing tonight?
Winning tonight.
[music continues]
[mouthing] Wow.
[man groans]
Hey, Paulie. Double stacked.
Go big or go home, huh?
More like go big or go homeless.
Surprised to see you here tonight.
Aren't you normally shoving 20s
into the Wheel of Fortune machine?
Hey, I play poker too.
Tommy, you play cards.
She apparently plays poker.
[upbeat suspenseful music]
[music fades]
[Paul] You're raising the
flop. But checking on the turn.
Are you slow playing me?
Because I'll tell you right
now, I've got the straight.
But I'm thinking you're holding hearts.
Go ahead and bet your straight.
That is, unless you're bluffing.
I'm gonna call you anyway.
Aw, wrong suit. Pretty sure
it doesn't match your shoes.
Cute.
[chips clacking]
-I call.
I got the straight.
Well, this heart doesn't play,
-but these two do.
-Nice. Very nice.
[inhales] I did have you
in the flush draw, though.
-You did, and you weren't lying about the straight.
-I was not.
Mm-mm. We should both
be ashamed of ourselves,
letting civility dictate a hand like that.
My dad, he would have smacked me.
My dad would have raised me on the turn.
My father would have said,
"Why don't the two of you
get a room?"
[woman clears throat]
Well, it was nice playing with you all.
-It was nice playing with you...
-Paul.
-And you are?
-Leaving.
Stay civil, Paul.
Jesus, finally.
You know what your problem is, Tommy?
You don't recognize a lesson
when you're getting one.
-What lesson?
-Well, like I said, you play cards.
That lady just schooled
you on how to play the player,
and you didn't learn a goddamn thing.
Hey, I still got chips in front of me.
That's only 'cause I'm getting up too.
[chips clacking]
You didn't stay.
It got less interesting after you left.
Hm. You left a lot of money on that table.
You could have cleared those guys out.
I could say the same thing for you.
Oh, I don't do it for the money.
I mean, it's nice, but...
Some people read books, I read people.
Keeps me sharp.
Huh. I do it for the money.
-[woman] Ah.
-[Paul] Looks like you're buyin'.
[woman] That's very presumptuous of you.
I've been called worse.
[bartender] What can I get ya?
A Mata Hari, please.
[bartender] A Mata who?
One and a quarter ounce
cognac, one ounce sweet vermouth,
three quarter ounces pomegranate
juice, one half ounce simple syrup,
three quarters ounces
lemon juice, freshly squeezed.
Shake it, strain it. Glass. Chill.
Watershed, rocks. You can make mine first.
You realize we're in Columbus, Ohio?
Ah, it's a test.
Whenever I relocate, it's a great way
to gauge the culture of the city.
[ice clinking]
-You're looking at it.
-Mm-hm.
So
how many times
have they gotten it right?
Uh, let's see...
New York, San Francisco, Chicago,
uh, Wichita.
-Really?
-Mm-hm.
And...
Mm. [Gulps]
Now, Columbus.
So, wait, uh, New York,
Chicago, then Columbus?
-Did you get demoted?
-I go where the work takes me.
What kind of work is that?
Corporate restructuring.
-That's nice and vague.
-Downsizing.
Basically, when CEOs don't
want to look bad, they call me.
Wow, I bet people just love
seeing you walk in the front door.
That's why I sneak in the back.
[chuckles]
And what about you, Paul?
What is it that you do?
I am a professional gambler.
-Really?
-Mm-hm.
Hm.
-For how long?
-Well, uh,
two hours. This is my first day.
Mm. And, uh, what did you
do before you turned pro?
I got fired.
Yeah. And before that,
-I lost 40 grand in a poker game.
-Mm.
Which led to the loss of a
down payment for a house,
my girlfriend, a place to live, my dog.
And left me with no choice but
to move back in with my mother.
[clears throat] -[chuckles softly]
I can't believe I just told you that.
Uh, I know what you're thinking.
Quite the catch, right?
Depends what your takeaway from all that.
I miss the dog.
So, what's your read on me now?
Refreshingly honest.
Does that mean I get your name?
[chuckles]
-Erica.
-Well, Erica, listen.
I'd love to see you again.
Oh, you might find me
at Moscone's on Monday night.
At what time?
Don't even tell me. I'll
just go now and wait.
7:30.
[chuckles softly]
And what do you think the
over/under of that happening was?
I would've lost money.
If I was you, I would not be late.
[suspenseful music]
[over phone] Levine Produce. This is Irv.
[David] Hi, this is Mike Reynolds
calling from the Bureau of Unemployment.
I'm following up on a
claim filed by a Paul Murphy.
-Paul who?
-Murphy.
Yeah, I think you got the wrong place, man.
We don't have anybody by that name.
Sorry. My mistake.
This is Mike Reynolds with
the Bureau of Unemployment.
Yeah, hey, this is, uh,
Mike Reynolds calling
from the Bureau of Unemployment,
following up on a claim filed by a Paul...
Yeah, I'm just following up
on a claim for a Paul Murphy.
[Marcy] Wow. He didn't waste
much time, did he? [Laughs]
Yeah, he was employed here.
Whether he worked or not is up for debate.
Well, he filed a claim, and
I'm just following up to confirm
that he actually worked there
and that he was fired from there.
Oh, yeah. He was fired.
Got it. One more thing. Uh,
can you confirm his current address?
Uh, yeah, unless he's a miracle worker,
he's not at that address anymore.
Last I heard, he was
living with his mother.
Well, uh, could I trouble
you for the address, please?
[sighs] Yeah, sure.
[keys clacking]
-[clears throat]
It's 353 Tracy Lane.
Got it. Thank you for your time.
-Hey, there.
-Hi. Do you have a reservation?
Uh, I'm meeting someone.
Um, and I see her.
That's not a Mata Hari.
It is not.
-Watershed, rocks.
-Embracing the local culture.
-Nice.
-[Server] Cocktail, sir?
-Uh, yeah. Same as the lady.
-Right away, sir.
Okay, I gotta be honest.
I was not sure you'd be here.
That makes two of us.
[clicks tongue] Well, I'm glad you are.
Me too.
-You can tell me what's good.
-Everything.
Everything is good tonight.
[Erica] And I'm sitting on pocket aces.
But I've already taken most of
these guys' money and dignity
so they're praying to see me lose.
-Mm.
You'd gotten in their heads.
-Completely.
-Mm-hm.
So, the turn.
[clicks tongue] Ace of diamonds.
I've got three aces, but I bet small.
The big blind, he's chasing a straight
and, uh, river card comes, four aces.
Monster hand.
And I go to bet. And I, uh, you know...
[Paul] Reverse tell.
-And he falls for it.
-[Softly] Oh.
He goes all in.
I just love being underestimated.
And proving them wrong.
[smacks lips] And making 'em pay for it.
[both chuckle]
So how's your tiramisu?
Yeah, it's, uh, it's good.
But, you know, it's not my mother's.
Oh, I take it she knows
her way around a kitchen.
-Oh, yeah.
-Mm.
She always cooked
for us growing up.
But then after my dad died,
I mean, there's cooking out of love,
and then there's cooking out of necessity.
But she works at this
bakery. Cookies, bread,
all very good, but her tiramisu...
I mean, she can't make it
fast enough. It always sells out.
It reminds me of my Nana.
She'd probably give your
mom a run for her money.
Her drop-dead brownies...
[blows] My favorite.
She was my favorite.
I miss her.
Mm. You're fond of your mama. I like that.
Yeah. Um, you know, we're roommates
[chuckles] ...which
makes it a little, um...
Yeah, yeah. How long
do you see that lasting?
No longer than two weeks.
Yeah, I'm... It's about
as far ahead as I can see.
Well, the good thing about
being home is the cooking, right?
-Is that right?
-Um, yeah. Well, you would think so.
-Here, try, try some of this.
-Mm.
See, I'm not my mother's favorite child.
Oh. Got siblings?
[clicks tongue] Nope.
[both chuckle softly]
But there always exists a phantom child
who could be better. You know, in her mind.
[Erica chuckles softly]
Just the ones that she imagines
she could've had.
[old-timey song]
That was really great. Thank you.
Oh, you picked a great
place. If it was up to me,
we would have gone to White Castle.
What's not to like? I mean,
it's, it's open 24 hours a day.
They serve you your food very quickly.
Uh-huh. Yeah, again, very refreshing.
So, what do you do now?
Uh, going home, I guess. You?
-I got to get to work.
-Oh, that's right.
-You're a professional gambler.
-Yeah. But there's, uh,
-there's a special promotion at the casino.
-Really?
Yeah. It's
bring-your-girlfriend-to-work night.
Oh, I'm not your girlfriend, so...
-And that's not a real promotion, so...
-Oh.
You know my love is true
The stars have fallen From above
The golden moon turned blue
My cryin' heart Keeps cryin'
My arms, they long for you
I'm lonely as that little man
They say that's in the moon
Why don't you come home?
For I'm oh so alone...
[engine turns over]
-[David] Eyes forward.
Who the fuck are you?
You know who I am.
Tell Mario I'll get him his money.
I'll get it back. All of it.
It's too late for that now.
No, it's not. I swear I can get it.
I'll take you there now.
It's not there.
Wha... what do you mean, it's not there?
[David sighs]
Like I said
it's not there.
Please. Please, man. Please don't do this.
Please. I have a wife and kid. Please.
Rebecca and Max.
I know they're in Cleveland,
visiting her parents.
Which is why I'm here when they are not.
Freddy? Baby? What are you doing?
[grunting]
[muffled gunshot]
-[tires screeching]
[woman screams]
-[thuds]
[gasps]
[exhales]
[exhales]
Fuck.
[somber music]
[exhales]
[sighs]
[exhales heavily]
[music continues]
["Cold Eggs" by RJD2]
[all cheering]
[laughs]
-[song continues]
[muted]
[sports commentary on TV]
Yeah![All cheering]
[man] Unbelievable!
Unbelievable!
[song continues]
[muted]
-[woman] May us both win.
-You sound a little too excited.
[woman chuckles]
[song continues]
[muted]
[Paul exhales]
-[Erica] Hey.
-Hey, how are you doing?
Listen. Um, do you wanna try this new place
for great Italian food?
Sounds good.
Okay. Okay, great.
Yeah, it's very authentic.
-Really?
-I'll, uh, I'll make a reservation for us.
-Okay.
-Okay. Hey,
and maybe don't fire anybody today.
Be nice.
You bet.[Chuckles]
Okay. I'll text you.
-All right.
-Bye.
[suspenseful music]
So it was almost time
for the bakery to close,
and he says, "What do you
mean, you're out of bread?"
And I said, "Oh, Father Mike,
how many times have
you been in this bakery?
You know my bread sells
out every time before it closes."
And he goes, "I know,
but I was prayin' on it."
[all laughing]
Oh, so you liked it?
Not at all.[Laughs]
Oh. Better than your nana's?
It's, um...
-No, don't answer. That's fine. [Laughs]
It's delicious. Thank you.
So, tell me more about this job of yours.
You said you, you what...
You, um, you fix companies?
Ye... yeah, in a way. I help with problems
and keep an eye on things that
companies don't wanna deal with.
Wow. Sounds like a good job. Important job.
Yeah, I guess it's important
for the people who hire me.
[Angie] Mm-hm.
So, you're good at what you do, and smart.
What are you doing with this guy?
Ma...
-No, now, I'm asking a question.
Mind your business.[Paul groans]
I love my son, but he
isn't working right now.
I don't think he's even
trying to find a job.
So, why is someone
successful like you with a man
who has so much potential
-but isn't doing anything with it?
-[clicks tongue]
You don't have to answer that. [Chuckles]
[chuckles softly]
Because he makes me laugh.
Which I don't do often enough.
And he's honest, which
I don't see often enough.
And,
for now, that's enough.
Well... okay.
That's how I raised him.
Where are you going, Ma?
You think I made all
this food and no dessert?
I got tiramisu in the fridge.
Wow.
Okay, so that means she likes you.
'Cause otherwise, we'd be having cookies.
Oh.
[suspenseful music]
[footsteps approaching]
David?
You're in my favorite spot.
Oh, sorry. Rabbi Berkman, I, uh...
Please sit. Sit.
And, please, it's Rabbi Saul.
[Saul exhales]
I like to sit here.
Gives me perspective.
Yeah, it's peaceful.
Quiet. I can think.
And pray?
And get perspective.
I also like to sit here
and look at the ner tamid,
the eternal light.
When I deliver my sermons, it's behind me.
But you know it's there.
Of course.
But it's nice for us to
actually see confirmation
that Adonai is always present.
[scoffs softly] -I know
it's just a 40-watt bulb,
but it can be a very
faith-warming thing, that light.
Yeah, well, I wish I
had one in Afghanistan.
You know, a little travel version.
You know, I had a job,
and it should have been as
easy as changing a light bulb.
[David sighs]
[mumbles softly]
I am struggling. [Breathes shakily]
I'm struggling with the collateral damage.
[scoffs]
I can't begin to comprehend
what you must carry,
other than to assume it
involves the loss of the innocent.
You know, they give you all the training,
all the equipment to kill the enemy,
but they don't give you
anything to deal with it.
[clicks tongue] I don't know who could.
Other than Adonai himself.
It's a heavy thing, having
to decide in a moment
who lives and who dies.
It's not an everyday
decision for the common man.
But when it must happen, one hopes
it is for the better of the many.
I didn't ask to play God.
Nor were you asked to.
A wise young girl once said,
"We are fashioned by our choices.
First we make our choices,
then our choices make us."
You were trained to do
a thing, a terrible thing.
And your struggle is with the aftermath.
Six million innocent lives
were lost in the Holocaust.
You, you think God didn't
weep in the aftermath of that?
We all make choices, David.
It's a choice to turn away from the light,
to look into the shadows.
But the light is still there.
God is always with us.
His presence cannot be extinguished.
It was your choice to join the army. Yes?
Yeah, it was my choice to join the army,
and then I had to make
a lotta other choices,
choices that extinguished a
lot of lights. Innocent people.
Innocence, whether it's a
child or an adult, is pure,
but it's not protective.[Mumbles]
What am I supposed to do with that?
You're asking questions. That's good.
Yeah, and I'd like some fucking answers!
Because all I get is more questions.
And more questions. And still I suffer.
We're Jews. That's what we do.
You're a rabbi. Isn't that your
job, to ease people's suffering?
Isn't that why you became one?
I became a rabbi
because I had a calling.
[clock chimes]
And I like the hours.
[scoffs softly]
[pensive music]
See you Friday night?
Do I have a choice?
[Paul] Boom.
-What's this?
-For you.
Two weeks, all expenses paid.
Why?
Ma, what do you mean,
why? 'Cause you always
wanted to go. Now you're going.
Well... take it back. Get your money back.
-What do you mean? It's paid for, Ma.
-Wait, with what money?
I'm making money, Ma.
I didn't ask for this.
You know what I want?
I want you to get your life back in order.
I want you to move out of your
mother's house, for God's sake.
How long do you think
Erica's gonna put up with that?
Ma, will you stop worrying about me?
Let me do something nice for you.
You wanna do something nice for me?
[thuds table]
-Return this,
get your money back and get a job!
Take it or leave it. I don't, I don't care.
[indistinct chatter]
-Hey, Paulie. I cleaned up the other night.
-[Paul] Hm.
Good for you, Tommy.
[music playing faintly]
[man] Fuck yeah.
-How are you?
-Hi, there.
[suspenseful music]
[chip rake scrapes]
[shredder whirs]
[dollar bills rustle]
[exhales]
[chips clatter]
-[indistinct chatter]
[brooding music]
[shredder whirring]
[somber music]
I... don't know.
Yeah. Yes. I'm, I'm handling it.
Yep.
-Hey.
-Can't find the fucking Arborio.
Ahem.
Here you go.
[exhales, chuckles]
-[chuckles]
Okay. Sorry.
-It's my mother's risotto.
-Mm-hm.
Special recipe. You're
gonna fucking love it, okay?
-You got the wine?
-Yep.
Okay, good.
[pensive music]
This is a fun one,
'cause it's very, like...
-You have to be very focused, you know?
-Yeah.
-Constant stirring. You have to watch the pot.
-Yeah.
-You keep adding more.
-Can't be distracted?
-Yeah.
-[Erica] Mm.
[suspenseful music]
[cashier] All right, that'll be 45.38.
Would you like to round
up for the food bank?
-Yeah.
-[Cashier] Okay.
[tense music]
Let's go.
[slow suspenseful music]
-You good? Okay.
-No. I'm good.
Really drinking that wine up, huh?
[inhales] Hm?
-See ya.
-Hey, are you sure
you don't want to stay
and watch something or...
-I just have a big day tomorrow.
-Yeah.
You really are slow playing me, huh?
Look, I just want you to know,
these, these last two weeks
have been, like... It's been, like,
the best two weeks of my life.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Never better.
[footsteps receding]
[lively jazz music]
I got 15 wins And
most were on the floor
One poor fellow tried to run
But he couldn't find the door
O'Malley Donohue Skinny Jim and Roy
They swung, they missed
Dreamland's where they deploy
Oh, ring that bell And watch me glide
I slip, I duck
I sing my stride
A shuffle...
[song continues faintly]
Come on, man.
Don't you wanna make it a fair fight?
[song continues faintly over earphones]
[exhales softly]
But one by one they line up
And one by one they fall
I'm the king of the canvas
Ain't no mistake at all
They call it The sweet science
But, honey, it's a show
With the bright lights Flashing
And the horns a-blow
I dance to the left...
[both grunting]
I bop to the right
And watch the poor devil
Kiss the floor good night
[song continues]
[yells]
[grunting]
[thuds]
-[high-pitched ringing]
[muffled yelling]
[high-pitched ringing continues]
[muffled grunt]
[song continues muffled]
So line up the next man
I'm raring to go
I've got a stage to
command And a story to show
When that final blow lands
And the rafters all shake
Just remember Whose ring this is
There's only room For one great
[song ends]
-[muffled gunshot]
[body thuds]
[sighs softly]
[whispers] Fuck.
[shredder whirs]
[suspenseful music]
[muffled indistinct chatter]
[pensive music]
[tray clatters]
-[glass shatters]
[players chattering, cheering]
[player] Thank you.
[player] Yeah!
[muted]
[winner shouting]
[players cheering]
[player] Thank you.
[music continues]
[whoosh]
[exhales]
[cell phone vibrating]
-Hey.
-What are you doing here?
What's going on here?
I can't catch any cards.
-Right.
-What?
I don't know. You tell me.
You're holding back, or
something is holding you back,
and this is not the person
I met two weeks ago.
You're right.
Yeah. [Scoffs]
[breathes deeply]
Yeah, maybe I played it all wrong.
All of it?
No. No, not all of it.
Okay. Um...
So
I made this deal.
-Um...
-What?
What do you mean, you made a, a deal?
Uh...
You know what? Can we talk outside?
Okay.
Oh. Ah.[Muffled gunshot]
[glass shatters]
[car roaring]
[tires squealing]
Fuck!
-[Man] What the fuck?
Fuck!
-[Man] Hey!
Paul, what the hell is going on?
-Who did you piss off?
-I piss off a lot of people.
No, no, we are not going anywhere
until you tell me what
the hell is going on.
Why does somebody wanna kill you?
Because I fucking asked him to.
What? Why?
I don't know. I didn't want to
disappoint anyone anymore.
I didn't think anything
else good could happen.
And then it did.
Get in the car.
Oh, that was, that was really close.
You need to calm down, okay?
I shouldn't be here. It's
not safe. It's just not safe.
-I should go.
-And, and do what?
And find him and, and call it off.
You know, tell him that
I, that I changed my mind.
And how do you propose to do that?
Well, what, should we just wait for him
to come back and try again?
-Fuck that.
-No.
You were safe here, okay?
I gotta find him.
Yes, I know. And you will.
-I will. I mean, I have to.
-Yes, you do.
-But do you even know where to start? Hm?
-[sighs]
-No, but I should start tonight.
-No, no.
Can't start tonight.
-Oh, I can't?
-No, you can't.
Not tonight.
-Not tonight?
-No.
[softly] And if you try to
walk out that door tonight,
I will kill you myself.
["Keep That Coffee Hot"
by Scatman Crothers]
[both moan]
Just keep that coffee
hot -A-keep it hot
Be sure you make a
lot -A-make a lot
Your coffee hits the
spot -It hits the spot...
[grunting angrily]
So keep it hot -
I love your coffee pot
I love your pot -
So keep that coffee hot...
[yells]
Just got my pay today
A-just today
But I don't plan to stay
Ain't gonna stay
I'm leaving right away
Yeah, right away...
[screaming]
-My night to play
-I love your coffee pot
I love your pot -
So keep that coffee hot
Got some troubles to lose
Gonna live down those blues So goodbye
Bye, bye, bye
What are you thinkin' about?
Honestly, someone's trying to kill me,
so I was thinkin'
what if that's the last
time I have sex before I die?
[Erica chuckles]
Then I'd say you did
pretty well for yourself.
[chuckles] Yeah, I guess.[Chuckles]
Who knew fear of death
was such an aphrodisiac?
[Erica] Hm.
[snickers]
Is that your parents?
Yeah.
Are they still alive?
[sighs] My mom died of cervical cancer.
Oh, no. And your dad?
Shot and killed coming out
of a backroom poker game.
Oh. I... Wow. I'm sorry. I...
Yeah. It's okay. You didn't know.
The guy who would raise on the turn, huh?
Yep.
Wish he was still here to do it.
[Paul] Mm.
So, it was just you and
your mom after that?
Yeah... for a while.
Until Frank.
Hm, no photos of him, huh?
[sighs] Oh, no.
I got enough memories of him.
[Paul] Hm.
Where's... Where is he now?
Dead.
How'd he die?
Does it matter?
No.
[Erica] Mm.
[chuckles softly] It's a nice picture.
[Erica] Yeah. Nice reminder
that no matter how ugly the world is,
there's always something to treasure.
[clicks tongue] I don't wanna die.
Then don't.
[both chuckle]
-Morning.
-Morning.
-Coffee's ready.
-Oh. Thank you.
[Paul sighs]
Not bad.
I could get used to this.
-Me too.
-Hm.
With a few minor adjustments.
-Adjustments?
-Toilet paper.
Yeah, I mean, I, I saw that
you're an over-the-roll gal.
Under the roll is the way to go.
I've got a really strong
opinion about this.
But I solve problems for a
living, so I have a solution.
Separate bathrooms.
A bigger house.
I like the way you're thinking.
Mm-hm. [Clicks tongue]
What's with the money?
[sighs] I owe it to Jimmy Good Hair.
Jimmy who?
He's the biggest bookie in town.
This is BE money, Before
Erica, when I couldn't win shit.
I'm thinking maybe he can
point me in the right direction
for finding this guy. But
not if I don't pay what I owe.
And what if he doesn't know anything?
I still owe it.
I like the positivity.
-What do you mean?
-I mean that if someone knew
they were gonna die, why
would they pay off a debt?
-I'm coming with you.
-No, no, no.
No. I, I got this.
Besides, don't you have
someone's day to ruin?
-Paul.
-No, no, no.
Go to work. I got this.
[door closes]
[sighs]
[traffic noise]
-[hurried footsteps]
Hey. Hey! Hey!
Murphy! God damn it!
[man] I'm sorry, Jimmy. I
don't know how he got by.
What the fuck, Murphy? Manners.
Knock, for Christ's sake.
My apologies. Uh,
here's the rest of
what I owe, plus the vig.
Um, I'm sorry that it's late.
I've been busy. [Chuckles]
Busy winning, from what I hear.
Oh, yeah. You're all the talk these days.
"You hear about the
win streak Murphy's on?"
"Murphy can't lose."
Why do you think I haven't
sicced these two on you?
I figured, "Ah, he's winning.
Let the vig run a little."
But I gotta be honest with you.
"Murphy on a win streak?"
[chuckles] It don't sound right
when you say it out loud.[Men chuckle]
Well, listen, it's, it's all there.
Plus a little extra for some
information if you got it.
You paid for it. Go ahead and ask.
I'm trying to find a shooter.
I don't know if he's a gun for hire
or if he's with an outfit,
but I gotta find him.
You tell me anything about?
You know what? Ask Thelma and Louise.
-He's the guy from the night of the game.
-Fuck you, Murphy.
I should have popped
you when I had the chance.
[Paul] That didn't go too
well for you, as I recall.
Are you telling me
somebody's trying to kill you?
-That's right.
-You're making bank right now.
-That ain't right.
-[Paul] Wow.
Jimmy, careful. That
almost sounded heartfelt.
I'm just looking out for my investment.
You see, you can't win forever.
And when you lose,
most of that money's coming back to me.
Now, why would I wanna kill the
goose that's bringing me money?
Get outta here.
If I hear something, I'll get word to you.
[Seamus] Hold on.
This can't be good.
-I got a problem.
-No shit.
Meet me around back.
Around back.
Why would somebody wanna kill you?
You, you are not into anybody, are you?
Nobody, for the first time in a long time.
Did you clean out the wrong guy?
No, it ain't that.
I...
-Just spill it, kid.
-Okay.
-What the hell is going on here?
But just
don't "What the fuck?" me.
Let me explain first, all right?
All right.
I kind of put a hit on myself.
What the fuck?
You know, about my height.
Uh, gray beard, straight nose...
-What else do you remember about this guy?
-That's it.
I don't know. Uh, it's...
That's everything I know.
-You know everything now.
-Yeah, but what, what was he eating?
-What was he drinking?
-Uh...
Come on, come on. Come on, Paulie, think.
Wait a minute. He's Jewish.
How do you know he's Jewish?
Because he said that
if he ever killed himself,
he couldn't be buried in a Jewish cemetery.
And it was real important to him.
Dangerous but devout.
Fucked-up combo.
There's only one guy that could be.
They call him "The Rabbi."
Yeah, ex-Special Ops.
You, you know what? No,
I'm not sure it's even him.
Why? Why? Why do you say that?
'Cause you're still sittin' here.
The guy doesn't miss.
-I gotta find him, Seamus.
-No.
If it's him, he's gonna find you first.
And your girlfriend.
Yeah, I know all about her.
And if I know about her,
trust me, he does too.
Paulie, what are you doing?
Paul... Paulie.
Paulie, watch your ass!
Pick it up, pick it up.
Hey. It's me. Uh, I'm still
trying to track this guy down,
but just call me and, you know, let me know
when you're safe, okay?
[muted]
[slow music]
[woman vocalizing]
-Not that I remember.
-No? Not at all?
Well, if anyone comes in asking
about me, will you let me know?
you know, a Jewish
guy. All right. Thanks.
Ring a bell specifically?
-No.
-Okay.
Excuse me. Uh, Do you know
where, uh, this might be?
Uh, there's two of them.
Okay. Thank you.
Um, yeah, so...
Maybe down the road.
Down the road. Okay.
[Paul] Hey, I'm, uh, following a lead.
Not sure it's gonna go
anywhere, but, uh, stay safe, okay?
[sighs]
[vocalizing continues]
[music fades]
[sighs]
[child shouting in distance]
[Emily] And I know they had an amazing time
at the two-week long summer
camp in Zionsville, Indiana.
And if you go to our
website, you'll find a full gallery
of really great photos and
videos from their time there.
And we are just so
excited for our youth group
to be taking their annual...[gasps]
[whispers] Hi. Can I help you find a seat?
[whispers] Oh, thanks. I...
Actually, I think I see my
[Emily] donations to their travel fund.
But that is all the news I have for today.
Rabbi Berkman?
Thank you, Emily.
Those are such special opportunities
and connections for our youth
as they prepare to go out...
-Shabbat shalom.
Shabbat shalom.
[clears throat]
I'm impressed. You found me.
Yeah, when you narrow
it down to Jewish hit men
called The Rabbi, it's not so hard.
-[Saul] Shabbat shalom.
-[all] Shabbat shalom.
Tonight, I wanna talk to you
about decisions and choices.
Are the decisions we
make from our own free will...
Listen, I'm so sorry to bother you here.
I just wanna tell you
that I'm, I'm calling it off.
[Saul] ...tell ourselves
something is fate...
I'm sorry. Did you hear me? I'm calling,
I'm calling it off.[Woman clears throat]
Sorry.
It's a balanced choice
between right and wrong.
[clicks tongue] I can't do that.
[Saul] The capacity to choose
between two courses of action...
Um, what do you mean, you can't do that?
[Saul] ...teaches us that
today our fates are sealed...
What kind of man do you
consider yourself to be?
[Saul] ...choices we have
made, both good and bad...
Right now, I... A, a man
who doesn't wanna die.
That wasn't the agreement.
[Saul] ...we stand before divine...
Okay. Right. But, um...
This is on you. You made a decision.
You asked me.
You made a choice to
do something righteous.
Righteous?
How is it righteous to kill someone
who doesn't wanna die?
[inhales deeply]
-I changed my mind.
-[Saul] In the Torah
[woman clears throat] ...Adonai says,
"I have set before you life and death,
blessing and curse.
"Therefore, choose life."
Okay.
Okay. You choose to live?
-Yes, yes, yes, I choose life.
-[clears throat]
I choose to live. She
hears me. She heard me.
I choose to live. You heard it, okay?
Yes, I choose life.
You wanna live?[Seat creaks]
[clicking] [suspenseful music]
You have to kill me.
What? No, no, no, no, no, no.
I'm not a killer.
-I didn't think I was either.
-I don't want this.
[suspenseful music]
[Saul] Let it remind us that we
have the power to choose life,
to make decisions that align
with our values and our faith.
[Paul sighs]
-And to that I say,
may we all be sealed for another year
in the book of life.
-Pack a bag.
Just pack a fucking bag!
Don't open the door for anyone.
I'll explain everything when I get there.
I'm on my way.
[music continues]
[Erica exhales]
[sighs heavily]
[exhales]
[music continues]
Erica?
-Erica?
-I'm back here.
-Are you okay?
-Uh, yeah.
-Yeah. Yeah, yeah. I'm okay.
-You are not okay.
-Oh, no, no, I'm not. Where's your bag?
-It's right here.
-Okay, good. You need to go.
-What? No.
What, what did you find
out? What, what's going on?
-Uh, well, you know what? This is what's going on.
-Okay. Whoa!
-Where did you get that?
-Funny story. The Jewish hitman gave it to me.
Told me that the only
way he's not gonna kill me
-is if I kill him first!
-He wants you to kill him?
-Yeah.
-Okay, you know what? Just breathe.
Yeah, well, I don't know
how to breathe 'cause
I don't know how to use this!
Then put the gun down. Okay?
Hey. Hey, look at me. Calm down.
Take a breath. Okay?[Exhales]
Everything is gonna be okay.
-Okay.
Okay. But that starts with
you getting out of here.
What? No. I'm not gonna...
-Erica.
This time you gotta go.
[Erica stutters]
-Please?
And just call me when you
get somewhere safe, okay?
Just remember to breathe.
[suspenseful music continues]
Fuck.
[music builds]
Fucking kidding me.
Fuck. [Grunts softly]
[panting]
[pensive music]
[sighs]
[clicking]
[exhales]
[music continues]
[exhales]
[traffic noise]
[gun cocking]
[Paul] God damn it.
[exhales]
Turn around.[Sighs]
Turn around.
Oh.
Jesus Christ.
It's time.
[clicks]
-[breathing heavily]
[sighs heavily]
[whispers] I can't.
[sighs] I...
-Close your eyes.
-Come on.
-Come on.
-[Softly] Close
your eyes.
[music builds]
[muffled gunshot]
-[David grunts]
[thuds]
[groaning]
[groaning]
Thank you.
[clicks]
[muffled gunshot]
[music crescendos]
What the fu...
["Catch the Exit Door" by RJD2]
No, no. It's a total shit
show, but I handled it.
Yeah, I'm on my way.
[cell phone beeps]
[sighs]
Babe. You forgot your silencer.
Oh. No, I packed the seven. That's a five.
Oh, okay. Uh, well, have fun.
-And remember, dinner at my ma's on Thursday.
-Wait, no.
-I thought that was this weekend.
-No, babe,
I got the poker tournament
in Cleveland this weekend.
Okay, this is not good,
'cause I've got the Gomez hit
-on Thursday.
-Well, we've already canceled twice.
-[sighs] I'll see if I can reschedule.
-Okay.
And, hey, I was having
some trouble with the safe.
You didn't change the code, did you?
I don't know. Did I?
Well, I gotta go get
warmed up at the casino.
Uh-huh. And you really
think I'm gonna leave you
with easy access to stacks of cash?
Just stake me 10K. I'm good for it.
Not a chance in hell. Love you.
Love you.
[song continues]
[indistinct rapping]
[music fades]