Matlock (2024) s02e07 Episode Script
Prior Bad Acts
1
MATTY: I'm Madeline Matlock.
I'm a lawyer, like the old TV show.
Most of what you know
about me is based in truth,
but it's also a lie.
Who the hell are you,
Madeline Kingston?
I wasn't like this before your firm
protected the pharmaceutical company
that killed my daughter.
Joey's Alfie's father.
EDWIN: If you want to see Alfie,
this is your chance.
Joey checked into rehab.
- How happy is Alfie?
- Did you hear?
I'm thrilled, darling.
We need to get Debra Palmer's
NDA and find out what it covers.
Senior likely keeps a hard copy
at his home office.
I need a favor.
I need pictures of my son's datebook
for the last six months.
Ambitious lawyer like you
knows that the good of the firm
always comes first.
EVA: Ready for our drink, Skippy?
- How'd you piss off your father breathe?
- Pretty much.
How about your ex-wife?
She blindly loyal to him?
The quarterly meeting is in six weeks,
and I want to call a vote
to oust Senior.
So what do you say?
Eva's ready to stage the coup.
If Senior's gone,
we'd be able to access
so much more of Wellbrexa.
If you aim for the king,
you'd better not miss.
MATTY: Vive la révolution!
You spent one summer in Paris.
And finally, I get to use my French.
- (LAUGHING)
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
(SIGHS)
Bonjour, ma soeur d'armes.
Vive la révolution!
I told you I'm not doing that.
(LAUGHS) You should, it's fun.
How are you feeling?
Nervous. Excited.
When will Eva call the vote?
OLYMPIA: Meeting starts at 8:15.
Morning, everybody.
Thanks for joining us, guys.
OLYMPIA: It'll be called by 8:17.
I wish I could watch.
Senior won't know what hit him.
Before we turn to the quarterly
agenda, I'd like to call a vote.
And I'll remind you that,
once the votes are counted,
the decision is effective immediately.
And what is it we're voting on?
A motion to remove you
as managing partner.
And then we vote his ass out.
Say it.
Just once.
Vive la révolution!
Vive la révolution!
Today's the day the king falls.
Call me the minute you're done.
A coup. (LAUGHS)
How dramatic.
Shakespearean.
Uh, before the vote,
permission to plead my case.
Of course. Do it in iambic pentameter.
(CHUCKLES) Call this my folio.
Pass them out, please.
(MURMURING)
As some of you know, last year,
Lamar and Olson made an overture.
Wanted to merge.
However, the-the terms
were not favorable at the time.
They are now.
(CHUCKLES)
The number at the bottom of page one
is the bonus each of you
would receive,
should the deal go through.
Of course, uh,
these are my relationships,
which means it falls apart
if I'm voted out.
But
I'm all for the democratic process.
Eva?
You do realize I'm a lawyer. We had
a verbal agreement
about the ratio of roses
to baby's breath,
and if you renege, I (GROANS)
They hung up. Guess I need
to find a new wedding florist
for my mom and Gary.
Sarah, sometimes, with these vendors,
you get a better price
if you kill 'em with kindness.
SARAH: You get a better price
because they load you up
- with baby's breath, which is a filler flower.
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
Uh, I'm gonna have to take this,
but if y'all need a lead
on discount doilies,
I got the guy.
Hello?
JOEY: Hi, Mrs. Kingston. It's Joey.
Yeah. H-Hi. How are you?
Uh, really good. I'm-I'm
getting out of rehab tomorrow.
Yes, I know.
Of course, yeah.
Thank you again, and-and, uh,
thanks for letting me email
with Alfie. It's been really cool.
Well, hearing
from you has meant
a great deal to him.
Yeah, me too.
A-And I want to do things
right this time,
which means contacting his guardian
before reaching out, right?
Uh, I appreciate that.
Yeah, well, I-I appreciate you guys.
So, I was wondering,
could I sit down with you
and Mr. Kingston?
Talk about how things could go,
what you're comfortable with?
I think that's a great idea.
Whoa, huge news, get ready.
Oh, you got a deal on a florist?
No, something just went down
in the quarterly meeting.
Apparently the partners
are exploring a merger.
OLYMPIA: Senior killed it.
The vote was never even called.
- He clearly knew it was coming.
- How?
I don't know, but I do know
he's gonna be out for blood.
- Will Eva name names?
- I don't think so.
She hates Senior
and knowledge is power,
but we are definitely on a clock.
Senior is going to be
hunting for traitors.
We need to prove he gave
that Wellbrexa order yesterday.
Exactly. Which means
getting Debra Palmer's NDA.
I checked with Julian.
Senior likely keeps it
in his home office.
What do you mean
you checked with Julian?
He knows I'm trying
to nail his father.
- (PHONE CHIMES)
- But you cannot involve him in any
- of these details.
- Julian
It's a nonnegotiable for me.
just sent me a text,
- is what I was going to say.
- Oh.
What's on the docket?
BRAD: Lionel told me
he was a chiropractor,
and that he had come up with
a special copper back brace.
I was impressed by the science
and the patient testimonials
were through the roof.
And that's why you decided to invest?
Yes.
That, and he said
he could get the copper
for three dollars per pound.
ROBSON: Uh, why was that important?
BRAD: It was a dollar
under market rate, except
- it was a lie.
- Objection.
BJORNSTAD: Grounds?
He's lying about me lying.
(SIGHS) Mr. Carlisle, are you sure
you want to continue
representing yourself pro se?
- Perhaps hiring counsel
- LIONEL: No.
No. Nobody knows this case like me.
(PHONE CHIMES)
You got to be kidding me.
BRAD: Then all of a
sudden, the price of copper
jumped more than a dollar.
- (DOOR OPENS)
- He said the copper supplier
pulled a fast one on him,
but Lionel went
into that investor lunch
planning to take us
for all we were worth.
Any objection here, Mr. Carlisle?
- Yes.
- Grounds?
I'm thinking of the same one
you're thinking of.
OLYMPIA: I object to
this line of questioning.
I told you, I'll be fine.
Whatever happens.
I-I know you will be fine,
but it's also okay to be hopeful.
And to even tell your husband
that you're hopeful.
(CHUCKLES)
Fine. I'm hopeful.
If I can get my mom to move closer,
she could spend more time
with the kids.
And?
- And you.
- (LAUGHS)
And one more person?
And me.
Was that so hard?
Depends.
Are you trying to get my defenses down
since we are both competing
for one spot
on the CVS litigation team?
- What?
- Uh-huh.
Never.
First, I'm a shoo-in.
And, uh, two,
since your dad passed,
I know you've been wanting to be
closer to her, and
I want that for you.
She's coming for lunch.
That's a good sign.
BJORNSTAD: I can't sustain
an objection
if you can't state grounds.
- Proceed.
- Objection.
BJORNSTAD: From the gallery.
- That's new.
- OLYMPIA: Your Honor, as an officer
of the court, I cannot sit idly by
and watch this pro se defendant
be steamrolled.
Consider this my notice of appearance.
And what interest do you have
in these proceedings?
Mr. Carlisle's codefendant
is my mother.
Mom, would you care to explain
how you became a co-defendant
in Lionel's fraud trial?
He didn't defraud anybody.
He's a businessman.
Exactly. Not a lawyer.
I'm holding my own.
You can keep holding your own.
I'll be representing you from now on.
- That's not necessary.
- Ma.
Lionel and I are in this together.
You'd have to represent us both.
I'll get another lawyer for him.
It's a conflict of interest.
We have the same interests.
OLYMPIA: What are you talking about?
And why is your house on the line?
Lionel and I are married.
And I popped into Gigi's
to grab a coffee,
and there was Lionel,
having his breakfast.
- (CHUCKLES)
- Short stack, specifically,
but they didn't give me syrup.
So, I asked
if I could borrow your mom's,
- we got to talking
- And we like to say
we've been talking ever since.
(LAUGHS)
To who?
Who do you like to say that to?
How long you been together?
Three months.
And it felt like the right time
to come and introduce him
to you and the grandbabies.
So that's why you're here?
And to tell you in person that
Lionel is moving in with me.
You got married?
It was small, at the courthouse.
We went to Gigi's
for brunch afterwards.
LIONEL:
They gave us a free short stack.
I-I'm sorry
you had to find out this way.
I said she should tell you.
I was worried you wouldn't approve
and would try to stop us.
And Lionel is good to me.
He's good for me.
Uh, give me a minute.
(GROANS)
Mm
- Do you need one?
- No. It won't make it better.
I got a doozy.
Christmas vacation. 1992.
I'm eight years old.
I go buy snacks when the plane boards,
my father doesn't notice and
flies to Switzerland without me.
And when I finally get in touch
with him, he tells me that
it's a lesson in time management.
Again, I am eight years old.
So, I spend Christmas
with Sam the doorman.
I love Sam.
Yeah, okay. (SIGHS)
That did make me feel a little better.
Well, I'm glad
my dad trauma could help.
(SOFT CHUCKLE)
How long have you known?
Ever since you had drinks with my son,
who you despise.
You track him?
I track a lot of things.
You've been buying a lot of
drinks in the last few months.
Who led the charge in New York?
Oh, you really think I'd tell you?
(SHORT CHUCKLE) What's it gonna
cost me? A million?
Howie, darling,
that's my purse collection.
How about the ski chalet
that you fought so hard for
in our divorce?
I want the name.
BILLY: So we're coming in mid-trial?
One day in, which means
we are rebuilding the car
while it's driving.
For the record,
I didn't defraud anyone.
- Not relevant.
- It is too relevant, Olympia.
OLYMPIA: I'm speaking legally.
We have to build a case
based on evidence.
Evidence based in fact patterns.
Let me make sure I got
the fact pattern right.
Uh, so, Lionel, you sourced a mill
that sold copper
for three dollars a pound?
Right. And I have
the evidence to prove it.
- Uh, a signed letter?
- Affidavit.
Then they changed the price on him.
That is not Lionel's fault.
MATTY: Unfortunately,
the copper mine swears
that they notified Lionel
of the price change
before the investor lunch.
Left me a voice note, they said.
Well, voice notes disappear.
Convenient.
OLYMPIA: To whom?
Why are you nodding?
Because I'm pumped for the next step.
We subpoena the phone
and data records for Lionel
- and the copper company.
- Yup, and if the voice note was sent,
there should be a record
of it on their end.
Good. Go. All right.
Um, we have to prep for tomorrow.
The plaintiff is calling
Brenda McCoy to the stand.
Who is she?
Lionel's ex.
When they were dating,
she invested
in another product he developed.
Here's everything you need to
know about Brenda. She's crazy.
- So she was deposed?
- Yep. But
I got a whole bunch of dirt
on Brenda in this file.
Points and counterpoints.
What are you thinking?
Molineux rule.
Ooh.
S-Say again?
It dates back to a man
named Roland Molineux.
He dabbled in poison,
and he took out a business rival
and then a romantic rival.
Now, legally speaking, that means
you can't use a person's
prior bad acts against 'em.
So, we're gonna try to get
Brenda's testimony tossed.
(CHUCKLES) Smart.
Yeah, well, she went to law school.
You two ready for dinner?
Kids are really excited.
Julian to the rescue, as usual.
What does that Never mind.
Have a good dinner.
- Oh
- I had a brilliant idea.
Just hear me out.
We body swap.
I'll deal with Lionel
and you deal with Joey.
See, this is why I keep you around.
Let's do it.
Great, I just have to finesse
the logistics.
In the meantime, how are you doing?
You work though things,
think they can't hurt you anymore.
But then the pattern repeats.
You're hurt again.
I don't have to work
from home tomorrow.
Yes, you do.
Unless you figured out
that body swap thing.
(LAUGHS)
Let me know how it goes with Joey.
So, I'm staying
at a sober living place
for the next 30 days.
I got a sponsor.
I'm going to meetings.
That's really wonderful.
Of course, we are gonna
still want to test you.
- Yes, understood.
- Good.
Then
Edwin and I would like
to invite you to dinner tonight.
Oh. O-Okay. Great.
Just a few things to keep in mind.
Alfie's going to be asking a lot
of questions about his mother.
Yeah, I-I've been thinking
about all the stories
- I want to tell him.
- Just be careful.
He knows about
her addiction, of course,
but just avoid
the nitty-gritty details.
You know, h-he's only 14.
Got it.
Boy, it's crazy, when I was 14,
I was already using.
Oh. That, for instance,
is something you shouldn't bring up.
No. I-I meant
I-I won't.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
I was thinking,
Alfie's into engineering.
And I love motorcycles,
so maybe we could
- break the ice
- EDWIN: Oh, um,
we'd prefer
to stay away from motorcycles,
in general.
Got it. Sorry.
Oh, no, you don't have to be sorry.
We're learning each other.
Hopefully, embarking
on a long relationship.
Yeah. We just want to start off
on the right foot.
- (EDWIN CHUCKLES)
- Yeah.
SARAH: Hey, Julian. What's going on?
Need something on Incognity?
No, look, um,
this is a weird question.
But my dad somehow got wind of drinks
I had a while back.
So I was wondering,
when you were helping me,
did you ever see him
lurking around? Uh
No. I-I I did not.
Anyone else on his behalf?
I'm sorry.
Uh, you don't need
to be in the middle of this.
Uh (CHUCKLES)
Forget I asked.
OLYMPIA: Prior bad acts.
The Molineux rule clearly states
they cannot be considered.
Therefore, we move that the testimony
of Brenda McCoy
be declared inadmissible.
She's here to talk about the
defendant's poor character
So she won't be bringing up
their previous business deal?
Oh, I imagine that'll come up, yes.
Then it's overly prejudicial.
People are not their pasts.
Unless their past establishes
the absence of mistake.
And that's an exception to Molineux.
Nobody's arguing
that it was a mistake.
Ah, your client did,
in one of his more
incoherent pro se outbursts.
I have the transcript.
Uh, "Who knows what happened?
"It could have been a million things.
"The mine changed the price
or someone there made a mistake
"or I made a mistake.
We are not there. We are here."
He was speaking as a lawyer
then, not as a witness.
Unfortunately,
Molineux doesn't differentiate.
Mr. Roffe, call your witness.
Thank you.
Ms. McCoy,
will you please tell our jury
how you went
from a romantic relationship
with Mr. Carlisle
to investing in his business?
Well, he had this idea
for a neck weight
that would combat the effects
of sitting in front
of a computer all day.
Tech Neck, he called it.
I thought it was clever,
and so did Walmart.
Lionel told me he had
a purchase agreement with them.
And how much did you invest?
$60,000. My life savings.
I trusted him because I loved him.
- ROBSON: And did it pay off?
- No.
There was no Walmart deal.
Just a Walmart meeting.
Lionel had all kinds of excuses
and explanations.
But you wound up with nothing?
I wound up with a broken heart.
Ms. McCoy, is it true
that you and Lionel liked
- to attend the Albany Dinner Theater?
- Yes.
Do you remember the last play
you saw there together?
It was Oklahoma!
Do you remember standing up
during the show and shouting,
"If you leave me, I'll bury you"?
Lionel broke up with me
right before it started.
I was probably upset.
So that's a "yes"?
Yes.
OLYMPIA: When you're upset with a man
for breaking up with you,
do you often accuse them of crimes?
Objection. Talk about Molineux.
OLYMPIA: Your Honor, I
am not arguing propensity.
I am interrogating the witness'
character for truthfulness.
Or lack thereof.
Another Molineux exception.
Or do you only remember
the ones that help you?
She's right. Overruled.
After Joe Thomas broke up with you,
you sued him
for reimbursement for a watch
that you gifted him, correct?
I loaned him that watch.
It was not a gift.
It was according to the judge
who dismissed the case.
Let's talk about Alan Ginetti.
After he broke up with you,
did you file a restraining order
against him?
He kept calling nonstop.
I thought I saw him outside the house.
- But he wasn't there, was he?
- No, but
- Did you get the restraining order?
- I dropped it.
I just wanted to move on.
Yes, I think we all do.
MATTY: Are you okay?
I'm just nervous.
What if it's awkward?
First meetings are always awkward.
You're just getting
to know each other.
And I can always jump in.
Yeah, I'm nervous about that, too.
- Oh.
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
Hey, Joey.
Yeah. Sure, he's right here.
Hi again. Do you like lasagna?
Oh. Totally. Yeah.
Uh, some other time.
He isn't feeling well.
But I have a ton of homework,
so it works out.
We're gonna reschedule.
(EDWIN SCOFFS)
Not the most promising start.
OLYMPIA: Ugh, I want to kill Joey,
- Molineux style, with poison.
- MATTY: You and me both, sister.
What did your mother think when
you were tearing Brenda apart?
She recognize the pattern?
No, because Brenda is the
villain in my mother's story.
Speaking of villains
and awkward family dinners,
I'm gonna say something, and if
it's too far, just say the word.
I was joking about the poison.
No. Pivoting. Plan B.
Oh, got you.
We need to move on the NDA.
What if you use the fact
that your mom is here,
gather everyone together
As an excuse to get into
Senior's apartment to grab it.
Yes. Okay. So I'm gonna ask Julian
No.
- You can't involve him.
- I'm not involving him.
I just need to
sell the family dinner plan.
(SIGHS) Sorry. That was
residual anger from Joey.
You want to bring
some of Edwin's lasagna?
Senior a potluck guy?
JULIAN: You-you want to have dinner
- with my dad?
- OLYMPIA: Mm-hmm.
- Why?
- For the kids.
- Family unity.
- Oh. Oh. Hmm.
I don't buy it.
You asked about an NDA.
I said my dad probably keeps it
in his home office.
Is that what this is about?
Why won't you tell me details?
Because your dad watches you.
So the less you know, the better.
(SIGHS)
You want to help, why don't
you help me with my case?
Listen to this.
MAN: Lionel, uh, the
market has changed, and
four dollars a pound is the best
I can do on the copper.
If that's a deal-breaker, call me.
If I don't hear from you,
I'll push ahead.
The voice note
was definitely delivered.
So now I have to convince the
jury that Lionel didn't hear it.
Maybe a pop-up ad played and
Do you have his data records?
I can't believe I'm back here.
We're back here.
JULIAN: You okay?
I think Lionel's pressuring
my mom to spend money.
She has maxed out credit cards.
She asked for help, and I said yes,
but I also told her that I am
putting her on a financial plan.
So rather than prepping for CVS,
I get to sort through bank statements.
- Uh, but not-not tonight.
- (SIGHS)
Okay? You're exhausted,
physically and emotionally.
Well, yeah, because Lionel has
No, no, not because of Lionel.
I thought my mom and I were not close
because my dad and I were so tight.
But he's dead now, and
you know, she doesn't
even want to let me in.
I know. I know.
And I-I love you, and I'm I'm here.
Okay?
Guess I have to break my own patterns.
Stop hoping.
Accept my mom for who she is.
Celeste Carlisle.
Well, do either Lionel
or Celeste Carlisle strike you
as Pokémon people?
(DOOR OPENS)
JOEY: Hi, Mrs. Kingston.
I wasn't sure if you'd come.
Well, when I accept
an invitation, I show up.
Edwin's about ten minutes behind,
traffic from Alfie's school.
Welcome, Mrs. Kingston.
I'm Orlando. I'm Joey's sponsor.
Just here to make sure
he has some support.
First, I'm really sorry I cancelled.
I just didn't think
that dinner would be
the right place to meet Alfie.
And I wanted us to start off on
the right foot, like you said.
Is that the truth or did you use?
Valid question. He did not.
Joey called me
and I came over and we talked.
And did you
Test him? Yes.
I just got nervous, be-because
you and Mr. Kingston
you're intimidating.
And all the rules and
the "Say this, don't say that."
So it's our fault
that you didn't show up?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
isn't taking personal
responsibility an important part
of addiction recovery?
See, this is
What?
I'm just an addict.
That's all you see.
Well, that's not true.
I
I also see you
as my grandson's father.
Yeah, but you don't want me to
tell him anything about myself.
You came to us for guidelines.
Because Ellie always said
things go better
if you control the details,
otherwise you're a bulldozer.
I'm-I'm I'm sorry.
- I just meant
- You want to meet Alfie.
Alfie wants to meet you,
so let's think about
the best way to make that happen.
So he's not disappointed again.
- I was thinking
- Already scared.
You should take Alfie
to meet Joey without me.
W
It needs to go well, and, um,
clearly, I'm the one
he has a problem with.
Madeline.
I can't be in the same room
right now, Edwin.
Mm-mmm.
I feel naked.
Twice, he's
picked at these sores
between Ellie and me.
How I failed her,
and just I can't let
any of that affect Alfie.
You were a wonderful mother.
Oh, please. (SIGHS)
Let's only say true things.
I am.
I mean, I'll think about it.
The start is important, like you said.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Only true things.
I will be.
Mr. Carlisle, on August 8th,
did you hear the audio message
left at 1:49 p.m.
where you were told that the
price of copper had increased?
No. Because on August 8th,
my nephew Isaiah visited me,
and he had my phone.
OLYMPIA: Your Honor,
I'd like to introduce
into evidence
Lionel's phone data records.
At 1:43 p.m. on August 8th,
your device made an in-app
purchase on Pokémon Go.
Then another was made at 2:12 p.m.
Did you make these purchases
under the username PikachuIzzy215?
(SOFT LAUGHTER)
Nope, that was Isaiah.
Called and asked him last night.
Said he accidentally deleted
the voice note, too.
Now, before you cry hearsay,
the witness is willing to come
forward and speak himself.
But he is also ten.
No problem.
We'll accept this testimony.
Okay, then. Your witness.
Mr. Carlyle.
Did you show a promotional video
to investors
in the hope that they would
give you the necessary funding?
- Yes.
- Let's watch it.
♪
I went from bedridden to pain-free.
I can finally push my grandkids
on the swings.
I started running again.
PATIENT: I feel ten years younger.
- (VIDEO STOPS)
- Amazing results.
These were your patients?
Everyone in this video
used your product?
'Cause we just showed it
to your ex-girlfriend Brenda,
and she recognized a couple of faces
from that performance
of Oklahoma! you two saw.
Ado Annie.
Jud Fry.
Will Parker.
Curly McLain.
Objection. Is there a question?
There is.
Did you pay these people
to appear in your ads
and say that they were your patients?
Yes.
How could you lie to me?
Actors sell products on TV
all the time.
What you're referring to
is called marketing.
What you're doing
is called medical fraud.
Commercials have disclaimers.
- You had none.
- I never said anything
- that wasn't
- They've got you dead to rights.
Now, my father's house is on the line,
so if you can please
just stop talking.
No. You don't get to belittle me
like you do with your mother.
- Lionel, just go.
- Excuse me?
(SCOFFS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
I'm so sorry, Mom.
I didn't want this to happen.
I wish I'd been wrong about him.
BILLY: Officially Hail Mary land.
We have to find some way
to get around that video.
Sometimes there is
no good option because
you're completely
trapped by something you did
because you had no choice.
Are we still talking about Lionel?
No. And I want to tell you
what's happening,
but I also don't want
to tell you because I don't
want you to feel implicated,
so it's up to you.
Do you want to know or no?
- Know what?
- That Senior asked me to spy on Julian.
What? When?
About six weeks ago.
He asked me to take photos
of Julian's datebook.
Senior said that he was worried
that Julian was trying
to poach clients, but
I think it had something
to do with the merger.
Or the coup that everyone's
talking about on Slack.
I should tell Olympia, right?
Just-just come clean?
No. Don't.
What?
This is really bad, Sarah.
You can't tell her.
(ELEVATOR BELL CHIMES)
Hey, kids. (LAUGHS)
- Welcome.
- CELESTE: Hey.
- Oh, it's been too long.
- (LAUGHS)
Even though you look exactly the same.
Oh, and well, you still
sweet-talking exactly the same.
- Thanks for having us.
- (CHUCKLES)
You hear any scuttlebutt?
About Eva's coup?
You were with her last week.
She probably dropped those nuns
on me to keep me occupied.
But don't worry, I'm gathering intel.
Oh, um, I've got a legal dilemma.
Can I pick your brain like I used to?
(CHUCKLES)
OLYMPIA: So, what do you think?
Lionel used dinner theater actors?
From a play he took another woman to,
who he scammed previously.
It's clearly a pattern.
Would you describe this pattern
as a red flag?
Lionel is a walking red flag.
Oh, the warning signs
are so obvious
that the plaintiff
should have noticed them.
- Good girl.
- Ah, you're brilliant.
Uh, you mind if I call my team?
Thank you.
Oh, listen. I have a new thing to try.
- The red flag defense.
- MATTY: Boy, oh, boy,
- that Senior is a genius.
- Right?
We argue that Brad
should have seen the red flags
before materially relying
on Lionel's claims.
Wowsers.
Uh, just tell me
when I can stop pretending
that we haven't been working
on the red flag defense
- all afternoon.
- I'm here.
- Are you in his office?
- Mm-hmm.
Have you actually found anything
on the red flag front yet?
Unfortunately, no. Go get that NDA.
I'll stay on the line
in case you need cover.
(DOORKNOB RATTLES)
- Hi, Mom.
- Hang up the phone, please.
This concerns my case, right?
I'll call you back.
I did not appreciate you
calling Lionel
a "walking red flag"
in front of Julian's father.
Okay, that's a legal term.
Oh, please.
I'm sorry.
It was disrespectful.
But Lionel does not get
to talk about our relationship.
Yeah, well, Lionel's been wrong
about a lot of things, but not that.
You make me feel small.
There's a reason
I didn't ask my big hotshot lawyer
of a daughter for help.
Especially after the last time.
Let's start
with the collection notices.
Oh, no need. All taken care of.
I called the bank
and we worked out a payment plan.
You did?
Yes, I did.
Oh. Glad it's sorted out.
Hey, did you tell your mom
you got the CVS litigation spot?
- (SCOFFS)
- If I have to be outgunned by anyone
Julian helped you.
Established a payment plan
without embarrassing me
or belittling me.
Like you've done in this case,
like your father did at home.
Like you learned how to do.
- Mom, I never realized
- Yeah,
because you both were so busy
giving orders and fixing problems,
you never listened to me.
Lionel listens to me.
KAT: Dinner's ready.
(GASPS, LAUGHS)
Absolutely. Let's go.
Did you help set the dinner table?
- Yes.
- Okay, good. Come on, Court.
Mmm, smells good.
SENIOR: Cooked it myself. (CHUCKLES)
Are you okay?
I'm working on it.
Thank you.
MATTY: So, listening to Joey
is gonna make me feel what
less exposed?
- Less humiliated?
- OLYMPIA: I don't know.
But you don't want to miss
the first time they meet, right?
I just don't trust myself.
I-I want to stay out of it, for Alfie.
You don't think Alfie
would want you there?
In a perfect world.
Well, then it's worth a try.
Hoping it helps with my mom,
and her case.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
I'll talk to you in the morning.
Okay, bye.
(DOOR OPENS)
Appreciate you coming over so late.
I don't want to be yelled at.
You talk. I listen.
Please.
Uh, look, I-I know
using actors was wrong,
but I'm the little guy, right?
I-I don't have millions
to invest in clinical trials.
But I had a big idea,
and if I didn't move quickly,
someone was going
to beat me to market.
So, I needed capital to get
the product on the shelves.
Does it indicate in the video
that they aren't real patients?
Uh, no, it doesn't.
OLYMPIA: Did anyone
question the testimonials
- in the video?
- Yes. Brad did.
I-I played the video
at an investor luncheon,
and after, Brad texted me
that one of the patients
was really selling it hard,
asked me if the testimonials
were all true.
Objection, Your Honor.
This is the first I'm hearing of this.
That's between you
and your client. Your Honor,
I'd like to submit these
text exchanges into evidence.
Lionel, can you read that for me?
LIONEL: "Patient number
three was a little over-the-top.
Is she a real patient?"
And your reply?
"You have a point.
Let me recut the video."
- Why'd you say it like that?
- Oh, you know,
so I could neither confirm nor deny,
which Brad knew.
Sent me that thumbs-up.
The red flag doctrine is clear.
Parties cannot question fraud,
close their eyes
and then cry foul.
Even if Lionel misled Brad,
Brad is culpable, too.
I want to take accountability
for myself.
You're right.
I did see you as just an addict.
Because
when drugs took over
Ellie's life
I watched her disappear.
(SNIFFLES)
But I don't even know you,
and treating you like you're a problem
and not a person
that's-that's not okay.
I wouldn't treat a client like that,
and I shouldn't have done that to you.
Uh, I appreciate that.
So, where are you from?
Uh, Erie, Pennsylvania.
Yeah, my pops is still there.
My mom has her own troubles,
so it's-it's complicated.
(SOFTLY): Yeah.
My sister's cool, though.
- What's her name?
- Laura.
She's, like, the golden child.
You know, the one that's not a waste.
You know? We reconnected
while I was in rehab.
Yeah, she's a teacher, has kids.
Super smart.
Were you close
when you were growing up?
Oh, yeah. Yeah, until I was 14.
I wanted to play music, I got
mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Well, you know.
Is that how you met Ellie
through music?
Yeah.
Yeah, I was in a band.
I play the guitar.
Oh.
Look, I'm sorry about what I said,
- about you being a bulldozer
- No, it's all right.
Yeah, my daughter and I
had a rocky relationship.
I mean, you've heard all the stories.
So, I know what she thought of me.
Smartest person she knew.
Look, she said you were a hard-ass
and a control freak, all that.
But she also said
you made her the maddest
because she loved you the most.
And the biggest mistake she ever made
was not listening to you.
Granted, she was super high.
That, too.
Wha What?
Ellie said making you laugh
was like winning a prize.
♪
- Hi.
- Hi.
I heard you like music.
Yeah.
We'll leave you to it.
This was one of your mom's
favorite songs.
♪
When you try your best ♪
But you don't succeed ♪
When you feel so tired ♪
But you can't sleep ♪
Stuck in reverse ♪
Lights will ♪
Guide you home ♪
And ignite ♪
Your bones ♪
And I will try ♪
To fix you. ♪
You sure know me.
One list of names
for one Swiss chalet.
I've got the deed right here.
Huey? Dewey?
Louie?
Don't forget Screw-youie.
If I want a house in the Alps,
I'll buy it.
You want to know who you can trust?
No one.
Especially me.
So, you're staying with Lionel?
(SIGHS)
I love him, Olympia.
He makes me laugh and-and live.
Because he dreams big.
A-And if sometimes
it's too big, well
he wasn't trying to hurt anybody.
And he only kept the details
from me so I would be protected.
Hey.
Just wanted to say goodbye
before I head upstate.
Get home safely.
Uh, look, Lionel and I,
we're gonna do this whole spread
for Christmas.
You want to bring the kids up?
I wish we could, but you know
I'm drowning in work this year.
Yeah, may-maybe next year.
Any chance you and Lionel
are free for the holidays?
I will ask him.
But I'd love that.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
You know, thank you so much,
for taking the case
and winning the case
and listening.
Sorry to interrupt.
Got Kat's backpack.
Okay, I'm ready to strategize.
What's our next move?
How do we get Debra Palmer's NDA?
- I have it.
- What?
- Thank you.
- Just wanted to help.
- Always do.
- Yeah, you do.
Look, I actually need your help again.
Sam the doorman let me in,
homework's inside.
(EXHALES SHARPLY) Love that Sam.
Since Christmas '92.
You asked Julian?
OLYMPIA: I had to.
We're running out of time.
But I am looking at this NDA,
and it specifically mentions
the Sydney Opera House.
And that's not all.
Julian also found an SD card with it.
Thousands of photos
from Senior's Australia trip. Matty
we just hit the jackpot!
sync & corrections awaqeded
MATTY: I'm Madeline Matlock.
I'm a lawyer, like the old TV show.
Most of what you know
about me is based in truth,
but it's also a lie.
Who the hell are you,
Madeline Kingston?
I wasn't like this before your firm
protected the pharmaceutical company
that killed my daughter.
Joey's Alfie's father.
EDWIN: If you want to see Alfie,
this is your chance.
Joey checked into rehab.
- How happy is Alfie?
- Did you hear?
I'm thrilled, darling.
We need to get Debra Palmer's
NDA and find out what it covers.
Senior likely keeps a hard copy
at his home office.
I need a favor.
I need pictures of my son's datebook
for the last six months.
Ambitious lawyer like you
knows that the good of the firm
always comes first.
EVA: Ready for our drink, Skippy?
- How'd you piss off your father breathe?
- Pretty much.
How about your ex-wife?
She blindly loyal to him?
The quarterly meeting is in six weeks,
and I want to call a vote
to oust Senior.
So what do you say?
Eva's ready to stage the coup.
If Senior's gone,
we'd be able to access
so much more of Wellbrexa.
If you aim for the king,
you'd better not miss.
MATTY: Vive la révolution!
You spent one summer in Paris.
And finally, I get to use my French.
- (LAUGHING)
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
(SIGHS)
Bonjour, ma soeur d'armes.
Vive la révolution!
I told you I'm not doing that.
(LAUGHS) You should, it's fun.
How are you feeling?
Nervous. Excited.
When will Eva call the vote?
OLYMPIA: Meeting starts at 8:15.
Morning, everybody.
Thanks for joining us, guys.
OLYMPIA: It'll be called by 8:17.
I wish I could watch.
Senior won't know what hit him.
Before we turn to the quarterly
agenda, I'd like to call a vote.
And I'll remind you that,
once the votes are counted,
the decision is effective immediately.
And what is it we're voting on?
A motion to remove you
as managing partner.
And then we vote his ass out.
Say it.
Just once.
Vive la révolution!
Vive la révolution!
Today's the day the king falls.
Call me the minute you're done.
A coup. (LAUGHS)
How dramatic.
Shakespearean.
Uh, before the vote,
permission to plead my case.
Of course. Do it in iambic pentameter.
(CHUCKLES) Call this my folio.
Pass them out, please.
(MURMURING)
As some of you know, last year,
Lamar and Olson made an overture.
Wanted to merge.
However, the-the terms
were not favorable at the time.
They are now.
(CHUCKLES)
The number at the bottom of page one
is the bonus each of you
would receive,
should the deal go through.
Of course, uh,
these are my relationships,
which means it falls apart
if I'm voted out.
But
I'm all for the democratic process.
Eva?
You do realize I'm a lawyer. We had
a verbal agreement
about the ratio of roses
to baby's breath,
and if you renege, I (GROANS)
They hung up. Guess I need
to find a new wedding florist
for my mom and Gary.
Sarah, sometimes, with these vendors,
you get a better price
if you kill 'em with kindness.
SARAH: You get a better price
because they load you up
- with baby's breath, which is a filler flower.
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
Uh, I'm gonna have to take this,
but if y'all need a lead
on discount doilies,
I got the guy.
Hello?
JOEY: Hi, Mrs. Kingston. It's Joey.
Yeah. H-Hi. How are you?
Uh, really good. I'm-I'm
getting out of rehab tomorrow.
Yes, I know.
Of course, yeah.
Thank you again, and-and, uh,
thanks for letting me email
with Alfie. It's been really cool.
Well, hearing
from you has meant
a great deal to him.
Yeah, me too.
A-And I want to do things
right this time,
which means contacting his guardian
before reaching out, right?
Uh, I appreciate that.
Yeah, well, I-I appreciate you guys.
So, I was wondering,
could I sit down with you
and Mr. Kingston?
Talk about how things could go,
what you're comfortable with?
I think that's a great idea.
Whoa, huge news, get ready.
Oh, you got a deal on a florist?
No, something just went down
in the quarterly meeting.
Apparently the partners
are exploring a merger.
OLYMPIA: Senior killed it.
The vote was never even called.
- He clearly knew it was coming.
- How?
I don't know, but I do know
he's gonna be out for blood.
- Will Eva name names?
- I don't think so.
She hates Senior
and knowledge is power,
but we are definitely on a clock.
Senior is going to be
hunting for traitors.
We need to prove he gave
that Wellbrexa order yesterday.
Exactly. Which means
getting Debra Palmer's NDA.
I checked with Julian.
Senior likely keeps it
in his home office.
What do you mean
you checked with Julian?
He knows I'm trying
to nail his father.
- (PHONE CHIMES)
- But you cannot involve him in any
- of these details.
- Julian
It's a nonnegotiable for me.
just sent me a text,
- is what I was going to say.
- Oh.
What's on the docket?
BRAD: Lionel told me
he was a chiropractor,
and that he had come up with
a special copper back brace.
I was impressed by the science
and the patient testimonials
were through the roof.
And that's why you decided to invest?
Yes.
That, and he said
he could get the copper
for three dollars per pound.
ROBSON: Uh, why was that important?
BRAD: It was a dollar
under market rate, except
- it was a lie.
- Objection.
BJORNSTAD: Grounds?
He's lying about me lying.
(SIGHS) Mr. Carlisle, are you sure
you want to continue
representing yourself pro se?
- Perhaps hiring counsel
- LIONEL: No.
No. Nobody knows this case like me.
(PHONE CHIMES)
You got to be kidding me.
BRAD: Then all of a
sudden, the price of copper
jumped more than a dollar.
- (DOOR OPENS)
- He said the copper supplier
pulled a fast one on him,
but Lionel went
into that investor lunch
planning to take us
for all we were worth.
Any objection here, Mr. Carlisle?
- Yes.
- Grounds?
I'm thinking of the same one
you're thinking of.
OLYMPIA: I object to
this line of questioning.
I told you, I'll be fine.
Whatever happens.
I-I know you will be fine,
but it's also okay to be hopeful.
And to even tell your husband
that you're hopeful.
(CHUCKLES)
Fine. I'm hopeful.
If I can get my mom to move closer,
she could spend more time
with the kids.
And?
- And you.
- (LAUGHS)
And one more person?
And me.
Was that so hard?
Depends.
Are you trying to get my defenses down
since we are both competing
for one spot
on the CVS litigation team?
- What?
- Uh-huh.
Never.
First, I'm a shoo-in.
And, uh, two,
since your dad passed,
I know you've been wanting to be
closer to her, and
I want that for you.
She's coming for lunch.
That's a good sign.
BJORNSTAD: I can't sustain
an objection
if you can't state grounds.
- Proceed.
- Objection.
BJORNSTAD: From the gallery.
- That's new.
- OLYMPIA: Your Honor, as an officer
of the court, I cannot sit idly by
and watch this pro se defendant
be steamrolled.
Consider this my notice of appearance.
And what interest do you have
in these proceedings?
Mr. Carlisle's codefendant
is my mother.
Mom, would you care to explain
how you became a co-defendant
in Lionel's fraud trial?
He didn't defraud anybody.
He's a businessman.
Exactly. Not a lawyer.
I'm holding my own.
You can keep holding your own.
I'll be representing you from now on.
- That's not necessary.
- Ma.
Lionel and I are in this together.
You'd have to represent us both.
I'll get another lawyer for him.
It's a conflict of interest.
We have the same interests.
OLYMPIA: What are you talking about?
And why is your house on the line?
Lionel and I are married.
And I popped into Gigi's
to grab a coffee,
and there was Lionel,
having his breakfast.
- (CHUCKLES)
- Short stack, specifically,
but they didn't give me syrup.
So, I asked
if I could borrow your mom's,
- we got to talking
- And we like to say
we've been talking ever since.
(LAUGHS)
To who?
Who do you like to say that to?
How long you been together?
Three months.
And it felt like the right time
to come and introduce him
to you and the grandbabies.
So that's why you're here?
And to tell you in person that
Lionel is moving in with me.
You got married?
It was small, at the courthouse.
We went to Gigi's
for brunch afterwards.
LIONEL:
They gave us a free short stack.
I-I'm sorry
you had to find out this way.
I said she should tell you.
I was worried you wouldn't approve
and would try to stop us.
And Lionel is good to me.
He's good for me.
Uh, give me a minute.
(GROANS)
Mm
- Do you need one?
- No. It won't make it better.
I got a doozy.
Christmas vacation. 1992.
I'm eight years old.
I go buy snacks when the plane boards,
my father doesn't notice and
flies to Switzerland without me.
And when I finally get in touch
with him, he tells me that
it's a lesson in time management.
Again, I am eight years old.
So, I spend Christmas
with Sam the doorman.
I love Sam.
Yeah, okay. (SIGHS)
That did make me feel a little better.
Well, I'm glad
my dad trauma could help.
(SOFT CHUCKLE)
How long have you known?
Ever since you had drinks with my son,
who you despise.
You track him?
I track a lot of things.
You've been buying a lot of
drinks in the last few months.
Who led the charge in New York?
Oh, you really think I'd tell you?
(SHORT CHUCKLE) What's it gonna
cost me? A million?
Howie, darling,
that's my purse collection.
How about the ski chalet
that you fought so hard for
in our divorce?
I want the name.
BILLY: So we're coming in mid-trial?
One day in, which means
we are rebuilding the car
while it's driving.
For the record,
I didn't defraud anyone.
- Not relevant.
- It is too relevant, Olympia.
OLYMPIA: I'm speaking legally.
We have to build a case
based on evidence.
Evidence based in fact patterns.
Let me make sure I got
the fact pattern right.
Uh, so, Lionel, you sourced a mill
that sold copper
for three dollars a pound?
Right. And I have
the evidence to prove it.
- Uh, a signed letter?
- Affidavit.
Then they changed the price on him.
That is not Lionel's fault.
MATTY: Unfortunately,
the copper mine swears
that they notified Lionel
of the price change
before the investor lunch.
Left me a voice note, they said.
Well, voice notes disappear.
Convenient.
OLYMPIA: To whom?
Why are you nodding?
Because I'm pumped for the next step.
We subpoena the phone
and data records for Lionel
- and the copper company.
- Yup, and if the voice note was sent,
there should be a record
of it on their end.
Good. Go. All right.
Um, we have to prep for tomorrow.
The plaintiff is calling
Brenda McCoy to the stand.
Who is she?
Lionel's ex.
When they were dating,
she invested
in another product he developed.
Here's everything you need to
know about Brenda. She's crazy.
- So she was deposed?
- Yep. But
I got a whole bunch of dirt
on Brenda in this file.
Points and counterpoints.
What are you thinking?
Molineux rule.
Ooh.
S-Say again?
It dates back to a man
named Roland Molineux.
He dabbled in poison,
and he took out a business rival
and then a romantic rival.
Now, legally speaking, that means
you can't use a person's
prior bad acts against 'em.
So, we're gonna try to get
Brenda's testimony tossed.
(CHUCKLES) Smart.
Yeah, well, she went to law school.
You two ready for dinner?
Kids are really excited.
Julian to the rescue, as usual.
What does that Never mind.
Have a good dinner.
- Oh
- I had a brilliant idea.
Just hear me out.
We body swap.
I'll deal with Lionel
and you deal with Joey.
See, this is why I keep you around.
Let's do it.
Great, I just have to finesse
the logistics.
In the meantime, how are you doing?
You work though things,
think they can't hurt you anymore.
But then the pattern repeats.
You're hurt again.
I don't have to work
from home tomorrow.
Yes, you do.
Unless you figured out
that body swap thing.
(LAUGHS)
Let me know how it goes with Joey.
So, I'm staying
at a sober living place
for the next 30 days.
I got a sponsor.
I'm going to meetings.
That's really wonderful.
Of course, we are gonna
still want to test you.
- Yes, understood.
- Good.
Then
Edwin and I would like
to invite you to dinner tonight.
Oh. O-Okay. Great.
Just a few things to keep in mind.
Alfie's going to be asking a lot
of questions about his mother.
Yeah, I-I've been thinking
about all the stories
- I want to tell him.
- Just be careful.
He knows about
her addiction, of course,
but just avoid
the nitty-gritty details.
You know, h-he's only 14.
Got it.
Boy, it's crazy, when I was 14,
I was already using.
Oh. That, for instance,
is something you shouldn't bring up.
No. I-I meant
I-I won't.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
I was thinking,
Alfie's into engineering.
And I love motorcycles,
so maybe we could
- break the ice
- EDWIN: Oh, um,
we'd prefer
to stay away from motorcycles,
in general.
Got it. Sorry.
Oh, no, you don't have to be sorry.
We're learning each other.
Hopefully, embarking
on a long relationship.
Yeah. We just want to start off
on the right foot.
- (EDWIN CHUCKLES)
- Yeah.
SARAH: Hey, Julian. What's going on?
Need something on Incognity?
No, look, um,
this is a weird question.
But my dad somehow got wind of drinks
I had a while back.
So I was wondering,
when you were helping me,
did you ever see him
lurking around? Uh
No. I-I I did not.
Anyone else on his behalf?
I'm sorry.
Uh, you don't need
to be in the middle of this.
Uh (CHUCKLES)
Forget I asked.
OLYMPIA: Prior bad acts.
The Molineux rule clearly states
they cannot be considered.
Therefore, we move that the testimony
of Brenda McCoy
be declared inadmissible.
She's here to talk about the
defendant's poor character
So she won't be bringing up
their previous business deal?
Oh, I imagine that'll come up, yes.
Then it's overly prejudicial.
People are not their pasts.
Unless their past establishes
the absence of mistake.
And that's an exception to Molineux.
Nobody's arguing
that it was a mistake.
Ah, your client did,
in one of his more
incoherent pro se outbursts.
I have the transcript.
Uh, "Who knows what happened?
"It could have been a million things.
"The mine changed the price
or someone there made a mistake
"or I made a mistake.
We are not there. We are here."
He was speaking as a lawyer
then, not as a witness.
Unfortunately,
Molineux doesn't differentiate.
Mr. Roffe, call your witness.
Thank you.
Ms. McCoy,
will you please tell our jury
how you went
from a romantic relationship
with Mr. Carlisle
to investing in his business?
Well, he had this idea
for a neck weight
that would combat the effects
of sitting in front
of a computer all day.
Tech Neck, he called it.
I thought it was clever,
and so did Walmart.
Lionel told me he had
a purchase agreement with them.
And how much did you invest?
$60,000. My life savings.
I trusted him because I loved him.
- ROBSON: And did it pay off?
- No.
There was no Walmart deal.
Just a Walmart meeting.
Lionel had all kinds of excuses
and explanations.
But you wound up with nothing?
I wound up with a broken heart.
Ms. McCoy, is it true
that you and Lionel liked
- to attend the Albany Dinner Theater?
- Yes.
Do you remember the last play
you saw there together?
It was Oklahoma!
Do you remember standing up
during the show and shouting,
"If you leave me, I'll bury you"?
Lionel broke up with me
right before it started.
I was probably upset.
So that's a "yes"?
Yes.
OLYMPIA: When you're upset with a man
for breaking up with you,
do you often accuse them of crimes?
Objection. Talk about Molineux.
OLYMPIA: Your Honor, I
am not arguing propensity.
I am interrogating the witness'
character for truthfulness.
Or lack thereof.
Another Molineux exception.
Or do you only remember
the ones that help you?
She's right. Overruled.
After Joe Thomas broke up with you,
you sued him
for reimbursement for a watch
that you gifted him, correct?
I loaned him that watch.
It was not a gift.
It was according to the judge
who dismissed the case.
Let's talk about Alan Ginetti.
After he broke up with you,
did you file a restraining order
against him?
He kept calling nonstop.
I thought I saw him outside the house.
- But he wasn't there, was he?
- No, but
- Did you get the restraining order?
- I dropped it.
I just wanted to move on.
Yes, I think we all do.
MATTY: Are you okay?
I'm just nervous.
What if it's awkward?
First meetings are always awkward.
You're just getting
to know each other.
And I can always jump in.
Yeah, I'm nervous about that, too.
- Oh.
- (PHONE VIBRATES)
Hey, Joey.
Yeah. Sure, he's right here.
Hi again. Do you like lasagna?
Oh. Totally. Yeah.
Uh, some other time.
He isn't feeling well.
But I have a ton of homework,
so it works out.
We're gonna reschedule.
(EDWIN SCOFFS)
Not the most promising start.
OLYMPIA: Ugh, I want to kill Joey,
- Molineux style, with poison.
- MATTY: You and me both, sister.
What did your mother think when
you were tearing Brenda apart?
She recognize the pattern?
No, because Brenda is the
villain in my mother's story.
Speaking of villains
and awkward family dinners,
I'm gonna say something, and if
it's too far, just say the word.
I was joking about the poison.
No. Pivoting. Plan B.
Oh, got you.
We need to move on the NDA.
What if you use the fact
that your mom is here,
gather everyone together
As an excuse to get into
Senior's apartment to grab it.
Yes. Okay. So I'm gonna ask Julian
No.
- You can't involve him.
- I'm not involving him.
I just need to
sell the family dinner plan.
(SIGHS) Sorry. That was
residual anger from Joey.
You want to bring
some of Edwin's lasagna?
Senior a potluck guy?
JULIAN: You-you want to have dinner
- with my dad?
- OLYMPIA: Mm-hmm.
- Why?
- For the kids.
- Family unity.
- Oh. Oh. Hmm.
I don't buy it.
You asked about an NDA.
I said my dad probably keeps it
in his home office.
Is that what this is about?
Why won't you tell me details?
Because your dad watches you.
So the less you know, the better.
(SIGHS)
You want to help, why don't
you help me with my case?
Listen to this.
MAN: Lionel, uh, the
market has changed, and
four dollars a pound is the best
I can do on the copper.
If that's a deal-breaker, call me.
If I don't hear from you,
I'll push ahead.
The voice note
was definitely delivered.
So now I have to convince the
jury that Lionel didn't hear it.
Maybe a pop-up ad played and
Do you have his data records?
I can't believe I'm back here.
We're back here.
JULIAN: You okay?
I think Lionel's pressuring
my mom to spend money.
She has maxed out credit cards.
She asked for help, and I said yes,
but I also told her that I am
putting her on a financial plan.
So rather than prepping for CVS,
I get to sort through bank statements.
- Uh, but not-not tonight.
- (SIGHS)
Okay? You're exhausted,
physically and emotionally.
Well, yeah, because Lionel has
No, no, not because of Lionel.
I thought my mom and I were not close
because my dad and I were so tight.
But he's dead now, and
you know, she doesn't
even want to let me in.
I know. I know.
And I-I love you, and I'm I'm here.
Okay?
Guess I have to break my own patterns.
Stop hoping.
Accept my mom for who she is.
Celeste Carlisle.
Well, do either Lionel
or Celeste Carlisle strike you
as Pokémon people?
(DOOR OPENS)
JOEY: Hi, Mrs. Kingston.
I wasn't sure if you'd come.
Well, when I accept
an invitation, I show up.
Edwin's about ten minutes behind,
traffic from Alfie's school.
Welcome, Mrs. Kingston.
I'm Orlando. I'm Joey's sponsor.
Just here to make sure
he has some support.
First, I'm really sorry I cancelled.
I just didn't think
that dinner would be
the right place to meet Alfie.
And I wanted us to start off on
the right foot, like you said.
Is that the truth or did you use?
Valid question. He did not.
Joey called me
and I came over and we talked.
And did you
Test him? Yes.
I just got nervous, be-because
you and Mr. Kingston
you're intimidating.
And all the rules and
the "Say this, don't say that."
So it's our fault
that you didn't show up?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but
isn't taking personal
responsibility an important part
of addiction recovery?
See, this is
What?
I'm just an addict.
That's all you see.
Well, that's not true.
I
I also see you
as my grandson's father.
Yeah, but you don't want me to
tell him anything about myself.
You came to us for guidelines.
Because Ellie always said
things go better
if you control the details,
otherwise you're a bulldozer.
I'm-I'm I'm sorry.
- I just meant
- You want to meet Alfie.
Alfie wants to meet you,
so let's think about
the best way to make that happen.
So he's not disappointed again.
- I was thinking
- Already scared.
You should take Alfie
to meet Joey without me.
W
It needs to go well, and, um,
clearly, I'm the one
he has a problem with.
Madeline.
I can't be in the same room
right now, Edwin.
Mm-mmm.
I feel naked.
Twice, he's
picked at these sores
between Ellie and me.
How I failed her,
and just I can't let
any of that affect Alfie.
You were a wonderful mother.
Oh, please. (SIGHS)
Let's only say true things.
I am.
I mean, I'll think about it.
The start is important, like you said.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Only true things.
I will be.
Mr. Carlisle, on August 8th,
did you hear the audio message
left at 1:49 p.m.
where you were told that the
price of copper had increased?
No. Because on August 8th,
my nephew Isaiah visited me,
and he had my phone.
OLYMPIA: Your Honor,
I'd like to introduce
into evidence
Lionel's phone data records.
At 1:43 p.m. on August 8th,
your device made an in-app
purchase on Pokémon Go.
Then another was made at 2:12 p.m.
Did you make these purchases
under the username PikachuIzzy215?
(SOFT LAUGHTER)
Nope, that was Isaiah.
Called and asked him last night.
Said he accidentally deleted
the voice note, too.
Now, before you cry hearsay,
the witness is willing to come
forward and speak himself.
But he is also ten.
No problem.
We'll accept this testimony.
Okay, then. Your witness.
Mr. Carlyle.
Did you show a promotional video
to investors
in the hope that they would
give you the necessary funding?
- Yes.
- Let's watch it.
♪
I went from bedridden to pain-free.
I can finally push my grandkids
on the swings.
I started running again.
PATIENT: I feel ten years younger.
- (VIDEO STOPS)
- Amazing results.
These were your patients?
Everyone in this video
used your product?
'Cause we just showed it
to your ex-girlfriend Brenda,
and she recognized a couple of faces
from that performance
of Oklahoma! you two saw.
Ado Annie.
Jud Fry.
Will Parker.
Curly McLain.
Objection. Is there a question?
There is.
Did you pay these people
to appear in your ads
and say that they were your patients?
Yes.
How could you lie to me?
Actors sell products on TV
all the time.
What you're referring to
is called marketing.
What you're doing
is called medical fraud.
Commercials have disclaimers.
- You had none.
- I never said anything
- that wasn't
- They've got you dead to rights.
Now, my father's house is on the line,
so if you can please
just stop talking.
No. You don't get to belittle me
like you do with your mother.
- Lionel, just go.
- Excuse me?
(SCOFFS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
I'm so sorry, Mom.
I didn't want this to happen.
I wish I'd been wrong about him.
BILLY: Officially Hail Mary land.
We have to find some way
to get around that video.
Sometimes there is
no good option because
you're completely
trapped by something you did
because you had no choice.
Are we still talking about Lionel?
No. And I want to tell you
what's happening,
but I also don't want
to tell you because I don't
want you to feel implicated,
so it's up to you.
Do you want to know or no?
- Know what?
- That Senior asked me to spy on Julian.
What? When?
About six weeks ago.
He asked me to take photos
of Julian's datebook.
Senior said that he was worried
that Julian was trying
to poach clients, but
I think it had something
to do with the merger.
Or the coup that everyone's
talking about on Slack.
I should tell Olympia, right?
Just-just come clean?
No. Don't.
What?
This is really bad, Sarah.
You can't tell her.
(ELEVATOR BELL CHIMES)
Hey, kids. (LAUGHS)
- Welcome.
- CELESTE: Hey.
- Oh, it's been too long.
- (LAUGHS)
Even though you look exactly the same.
Oh, and well, you still
sweet-talking exactly the same.
- Thanks for having us.
- (CHUCKLES)
You hear any scuttlebutt?
About Eva's coup?
You were with her last week.
She probably dropped those nuns
on me to keep me occupied.
But don't worry, I'm gathering intel.
Oh, um, I've got a legal dilemma.
Can I pick your brain like I used to?
(CHUCKLES)
OLYMPIA: So, what do you think?
Lionel used dinner theater actors?
From a play he took another woman to,
who he scammed previously.
It's clearly a pattern.
Would you describe this pattern
as a red flag?
Lionel is a walking red flag.
Oh, the warning signs
are so obvious
that the plaintiff
should have noticed them.
- Good girl.
- Ah, you're brilliant.
Uh, you mind if I call my team?
Thank you.
Oh, listen. I have a new thing to try.
- The red flag defense.
- MATTY: Boy, oh, boy,
- that Senior is a genius.
- Right?
We argue that Brad
should have seen the red flags
before materially relying
on Lionel's claims.
Wowsers.
Uh, just tell me
when I can stop pretending
that we haven't been working
on the red flag defense
- all afternoon.
- I'm here.
- Are you in his office?
- Mm-hmm.
Have you actually found anything
on the red flag front yet?
Unfortunately, no. Go get that NDA.
I'll stay on the line
in case you need cover.
(DOORKNOB RATTLES)
- Hi, Mom.
- Hang up the phone, please.
This concerns my case, right?
I'll call you back.
I did not appreciate you
calling Lionel
a "walking red flag"
in front of Julian's father.
Okay, that's a legal term.
Oh, please.
I'm sorry.
It was disrespectful.
But Lionel does not get
to talk about our relationship.
Yeah, well, Lionel's been wrong
about a lot of things, but not that.
You make me feel small.
There's a reason
I didn't ask my big hotshot lawyer
of a daughter for help.
Especially after the last time.
Let's start
with the collection notices.
Oh, no need. All taken care of.
I called the bank
and we worked out a payment plan.
You did?
Yes, I did.
Oh. Glad it's sorted out.
Hey, did you tell your mom
you got the CVS litigation spot?
- (SCOFFS)
- If I have to be outgunned by anyone
Julian helped you.
Established a payment plan
without embarrassing me
or belittling me.
Like you've done in this case,
like your father did at home.
Like you learned how to do.
- Mom, I never realized
- Yeah,
because you both were so busy
giving orders and fixing problems,
you never listened to me.
Lionel listens to me.
KAT: Dinner's ready.
(GASPS, LAUGHS)
Absolutely. Let's go.
Did you help set the dinner table?
- Yes.
- Okay, good. Come on, Court.
Mmm, smells good.
SENIOR: Cooked it myself. (CHUCKLES)
Are you okay?
I'm working on it.
Thank you.
MATTY: So, listening to Joey
is gonna make me feel what
less exposed?
- Less humiliated?
- OLYMPIA: I don't know.
But you don't want to miss
the first time they meet, right?
I just don't trust myself.
I-I want to stay out of it, for Alfie.
You don't think Alfie
would want you there?
In a perfect world.
Well, then it's worth a try.
Hoping it helps with my mom,
and her case.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
I'll talk to you in the morning.
Okay, bye.
(DOOR OPENS)
Appreciate you coming over so late.
I don't want to be yelled at.
You talk. I listen.
Please.
Uh, look, I-I know
using actors was wrong,
but I'm the little guy, right?
I-I don't have millions
to invest in clinical trials.
But I had a big idea,
and if I didn't move quickly,
someone was going
to beat me to market.
So, I needed capital to get
the product on the shelves.
Does it indicate in the video
that they aren't real patients?
Uh, no, it doesn't.
OLYMPIA: Did anyone
question the testimonials
- in the video?
- Yes. Brad did.
I-I played the video
at an investor luncheon,
and after, Brad texted me
that one of the patients
was really selling it hard,
asked me if the testimonials
were all true.
Objection, Your Honor.
This is the first I'm hearing of this.
That's between you
and your client. Your Honor,
I'd like to submit these
text exchanges into evidence.
Lionel, can you read that for me?
LIONEL: "Patient number
three was a little over-the-top.
Is she a real patient?"
And your reply?
"You have a point.
Let me recut the video."
- Why'd you say it like that?
- Oh, you know,
so I could neither confirm nor deny,
which Brad knew.
Sent me that thumbs-up.
The red flag doctrine is clear.
Parties cannot question fraud,
close their eyes
and then cry foul.
Even if Lionel misled Brad,
Brad is culpable, too.
I want to take accountability
for myself.
You're right.
I did see you as just an addict.
Because
when drugs took over
Ellie's life
I watched her disappear.
(SNIFFLES)
But I don't even know you,
and treating you like you're a problem
and not a person
that's-that's not okay.
I wouldn't treat a client like that,
and I shouldn't have done that to you.
Uh, I appreciate that.
So, where are you from?
Uh, Erie, Pennsylvania.
Yeah, my pops is still there.
My mom has her own troubles,
so it's-it's complicated.
(SOFTLY): Yeah.
My sister's cool, though.
- What's her name?
- Laura.
She's, like, the golden child.
You know, the one that's not a waste.
You know? We reconnected
while I was in rehab.
Yeah, she's a teacher, has kids.
Super smart.
Were you close
when you were growing up?
Oh, yeah. Yeah, until I was 14.
I wanted to play music, I got
mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Well, you know.
Is that how you met Ellie
through music?
Yeah.
Yeah, I was in a band.
I play the guitar.
Oh.
Look, I'm sorry about what I said,
- about you being a bulldozer
- No, it's all right.
Yeah, my daughter and I
had a rocky relationship.
I mean, you've heard all the stories.
So, I know what she thought of me.
Smartest person she knew.
Look, she said you were a hard-ass
and a control freak, all that.
But she also said
you made her the maddest
because she loved you the most.
And the biggest mistake she ever made
was not listening to you.
Granted, she was super high.
That, too.
Wha What?
Ellie said making you laugh
was like winning a prize.
♪
- Hi.
- Hi.
I heard you like music.
Yeah.
We'll leave you to it.
This was one of your mom's
favorite songs.
♪
When you try your best ♪
But you don't succeed ♪
When you feel so tired ♪
But you can't sleep ♪
Stuck in reverse ♪
Lights will ♪
Guide you home ♪
And ignite ♪
Your bones ♪
And I will try ♪
To fix you. ♪
You sure know me.
One list of names
for one Swiss chalet.
I've got the deed right here.
Huey? Dewey?
Louie?
Don't forget Screw-youie.
If I want a house in the Alps,
I'll buy it.
You want to know who you can trust?
No one.
Especially me.
So, you're staying with Lionel?
(SIGHS)
I love him, Olympia.
He makes me laugh and-and live.
Because he dreams big.
A-And if sometimes
it's too big, well
he wasn't trying to hurt anybody.
And he only kept the details
from me so I would be protected.
Hey.
Just wanted to say goodbye
before I head upstate.
Get home safely.
Uh, look, Lionel and I,
we're gonna do this whole spread
for Christmas.
You want to bring the kids up?
I wish we could, but you know
I'm drowning in work this year.
Yeah, may-maybe next year.
Any chance you and Lionel
are free for the holidays?
I will ask him.
But I'd love that.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
You know, thank you so much,
for taking the case
and winning the case
and listening.
Sorry to interrupt.
Got Kat's backpack.
Okay, I'm ready to strategize.
What's our next move?
How do we get Debra Palmer's NDA?
- I have it.
- What?
- Thank you.
- Just wanted to help.
- Always do.
- Yeah, you do.
Look, I actually need your help again.
Sam the doorman let me in,
homework's inside.
(EXHALES SHARPLY) Love that Sam.
Since Christmas '92.
You asked Julian?
OLYMPIA: I had to.
We're running out of time.
But I am looking at this NDA,
and it specifically mentions
the Sydney Opera House.
And that's not all.
Julian also found an SD card with it.
Thousands of photos
from Senior's Australia trip. Matty
we just hit the jackpot!
sync & corrections awaqeded