Elsbeth (2024) s03e07 Episode Script
And Then There Were Nuns
1
(BELL TOLLING)
(PULSING ELECTRONIC BEAT PLAYING)
Cr-cr-cr-crucify me,
You can vilify me ♪
You can nail me to the cross ♪
I spit your gospel out ♪
And fill you full of doubt ♪
What is she doing with that crucifix?
You can't stop ♪
You can't stop ♪
Why, sisters.
Mother Superior. We were, uh
Neglecting your duties while
indulging in a little filth?
What do you have to say for yourselves?
It's kind of catchy.
DARBY: We're sorry, Mother Constance.
Our curiosity got the better of us.
ANNE: Is it true?
Did she really make an offer
to buy the convent?
Sister Frances,
you've been gossiping again.
Oh, I may as well tell you.
It's true.
Alaïa Jade has made a sizable
offer to the archdiocese.
But have faith, sisters.
I will never allow our home to be sold.
Especially to this Jezebel.
You'll need to be out
by the end of the month.
I'm Mother Superior of the convent.
My approval is needed for any sale.
Your disapproval
was taken into consideration
and disregarded.
Constance,
the convent's numbers are dwindling,
and the building
is in desperate need of repairs.
The roof leaks,
the bell tower is a death trap,
and don't get me started
on the plumbing situation.
What am I supposed to tell the sisters?
The convent pays for
Sister Ruth's insulin,
and Sister Margaret Mary,
she's 92 and she's blind.
And they're gonna be
kicked out of the only home
they've ever known?
It's like a death sentence.
This convent's over 200 years old,
and this is how it's going to end?
At the hands of the harlot
who fell off the stage drunk
at last year's FanFave Awards?
She shouldn't be allowed to step foot
in a church, never mind buy one.
No, but she does have $27 million.
I'm sorry, the sale
was approved by the Vatican,
and it's not our place
to question the Holy See.
Oh, I see what's going on.
You're not going to fight back
because you're angling to replace
the bishop when he retires.
I see right through you, Monsignor.
She'll be doing a walk-through
tomorrow afternoon,
and if all goes as planned,
the sale will be closed
by the end of the week.
But who knows?
We can hope for a miracle.
Heavenly Father, You called on me
to lead and protect these sisters.
If it be Thy will, please show me a path
to save our home.
Please
send me a sign.
(BELL TOLLING)
HAWES: Doorman said he heard fighting
just before the vic
fell from the balcony.
Neighbor says she wasn't
well-liked, bit of a character.
What do you think, Father?
Looks like somebody
didn't love thy neighbor.
(NUNS CHUCKLING)
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
No talking during the theme song.
(DOOR CREAKING)
GARVEY (OVER TV):
Hawes? What are you doing here?
HAWES: Forgive me, Father,
I know it's late,
but I have to confess.
From the minute I saw you
at Felicity's funeral, I knew.
I'm in love with you, Rick.
(NUNS GASP)
All right, all right.
You've had your fun.
Time for bed. Tomorrow is another day.
- Good night, Mother.
- Good night.
Oh, Sister Darby.
According to my watch,
the bells for prayer rang
at 6:02 this evening.
But, I could have sworn
The sisters depend on the bells
to structure their day.
I'm sorry, Mother Constance, I am.
And I promise you,
it won't happen again.
Please forgive me.
Sloth is a deadly sin, Sister.
It's not my forgiveness
you need to ask for.
Sister, remember,
penance is not a chore,
it is an act of worship.
ALAÏA: Huh.
Yeah, that wall is load-bearing,
but once you rip out the sacristy,
it'll open up the whole space.
ALAÏA: Thank you, guys.
Okay, what about something like this?
Like tear down my wall,
watch it all fall,
break apart my load-bearing heart.
(FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING)
Okay, so not this,
but something like this, like
here is the church, here is the steeple,
here is your coffin
'cause your games are lethal.
(GASPS)
- Oh!
- I'm so sorry I frightened you.
No, it's okay.
Would you mind if I sat with you?
Sure.
Thank you.
Hi, I'm Alaïa.
Oh, I-I know who you are.
I must admit, I was a little
surprised when I heard
that you were going
to purchase our convent.
Well, you know, we used to have a place
two blocks down from here.
We were there forever,
but, I don't know,
it just burned down.
So, I knew the next place had
to be something really special,
and I used to always
walk past this church,
and I would look up
and I would just feel
- so
- Insignificant?
Powerful!
(GROWLS PLAYFULLY) You know?
I don't know, it's hard to explain.
Something about this place is, like,
low-key, like, really good energy.
It's literally the perfect place for
my new recording studio.
A recording studio?
Kind of a slay. Right?
It is slay, yes. Yes. Um
I hope you don't mind me saying this,
but there seems to be something
heavy weighing on your soul.
Okay, that's so spooky.
Um, how did you know that?
I
I could just feel it.
Everything I tell you
is, like, confidential, right?
(STAMMERS) Well, uh, that
you need a priest
to administer
the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
but your secrets are safe with me.
Okay, okay. So, I have been
with the same producer for 13 years.
He's the one who took little
Alayna Jacobs from Kansas City
and turned her into
Alaïa Jade, pop phenomenon,
and I will be grateful to him for, like,
- ever.
- Won't we all.
But I-I think I'm outgrowing him.
And-and-and I don't know.
What if I don't know how
to be Alaïa Jade without him?
Like, like, what if
I jump and I just (SQUEALS)
flop?
Oh. Well, you remind me
of a young nun I once knew.
She was full of doubts when
she first came to this place.
She questioned herself,
her path in life.
She questioned her faith, even.
That young nun was me.
Oh, my God.
Yeah. Um, until one day,
I was sweeping the bell tower.
Here, I'll show you.
It's just right right up there.
It was an ordinary day,
and I looked out the western window
and I saw the sky
turn orange and crimson.
And all of a sudden,
the city was just covered
with divine light,
gold and pure.
And I heard Him,
clear as a bell.
And I found my path that day.
And I've never once strayed from it.
Well, what did he say?
Oh, I keep His secrets,
the same as I keep yours.
But
I leave the door to the belfry open
in case any
of the sisters find themselves
at a spiritual crossroad.
And, um, I think
tonight's sunset is at 5:42.
Sharp.
(ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
(BELL TOLLS LOUDLY)
(SCREAMS)
- (ALAÏA SCREAMS)
- (BODY THUDS)
ELSBETH: You okay?
You look a little pale.
I have a thing about nuns.
12 years of Catholic school
will do that to you.
Let's drop it.
So, you know this Alaïa Jade person?
Oh, yeah, it's hard not to.
They're always playing
that one song in my deli.
It's something like:
Ba-ba-da-da-da ♪
In your pants, in your pants. ♪
Remind me not to go to your deli.
I was in the chapel for evening prayer
when I heard the bell ring,
and then a scream,
and then, you know
a thud.
This scream, was it more of a "ahh!"
(IMITATES THUD)
Or "whoa!"
- (IMITATES THUD)
- I guess the second one?
You don't scream like that
if you're planning on jumping.
According to the M.E.,
her injuries are consistent
with a fall, except for
the contusion on her head.
So someone hit her?
Or some thing.
Bell, scream, thud.
(CRIES)
Oh. Yes, it is. It is.
It's upsetting.
I rang the bell.
Is this my fault?
- Did I kill her?
- Oh, hey, hey.
Please don't cry.
Uh, you ever hear this one?
A cop, a nun and a lawyer
walk into a church.
Or is it a it's a bar.
Uh, or is it a priest,
a nun and a chicken?
(MOANS) I'll get it.
You're very kind.
Reverend Mother.
Sister Darby, go to your room
and compose yourself.
I'll check on you before lights out.
Yes, Mother.
Uh, whoop.
Oh, sorry.
You have a dust bunny.
Oh.
This is why I don't wear black.
It shows everything.
Um, I'm Elsbeth Tascioni.
I'm with the police.
Mother Constance Mary Cabot,
I'm Mother Superior of The Convent
of Our Lady of Grace and Mercy.
I thought "Elsbeth Tascioni"
was a mouthful.
Uh, maybe you can, um,
you can help me with this.
Why did you have
a pop star in your bell tower?
Well, I suppose it was her bell tower.
I had just accepted her generous offer
to purchase our convent.
What did she want with a convent?
I'm not sure,
but the money would have
done the Church so much good.
She did a walk-through
this afternoon, and she was
very unhappy when I told her
that the bell tower
was strictly off-limits.
It fell into disrepair
years ago, and, uh,
it's remained locked ever since.
Well, it certainly wasn't
locked tonight, was it?
Yep, looks like someone
jammed something in it
to break it open.
Probably didn't take too much.
This door looks like
it's about a hundred years old.
CONSTANCE: 200.
(WHISPERS): Let's see.
Yeah, one set of prints going up.
She was alone.
It's looking like a clear-cut accident.
ELSBETH: Hmm.
But what was here?
Ooh, it's like a little puzzle game.
Oh, ding, ding, ding.
Found a match.
This sign was moved.
REYNOLDS: "Danger.
Do not enter."
Why would she ignore such a big sign?
Well, if a locked door didn't stop her,
I don't imagine a sign would.
Or maybe she didn't see it.
But if she saw it, why would.
Alaïa turn the sign?
(IMITATES SIGN SCRAPING)
Um, if I can be of no more use,
I promised Sister Darby I would
visit her before lights out.
She's in a very delicate state.
Good night.
What on earth possessed that girl
to climb up a 200-year-old
bell tower in the first place?
Well, Captain, here are just a
few of Alaïa Jade's song titles.
(CLEARS THROAT) "Snort It."
"Wet Spot."
"Wastedwithu," one word.
"Double Vodka Soda."
- "Blackout."
- I-I-I get the point. Thank you.
We're still waiting for
the tox report,
but my guess is
this was just a stupid accident,
likely under the influence.
She was in the wrong place
at the wrong time.
Elsbeth?
You've been awfully quiet.
I'm trying to be better
at waiting my turn.
My turn?
I have doubts.
And why is that?
I saw a sign.
Oh, not that kind of sign.
There was a "do not enter" sign
that was moved out of the way
of the staircase.
Hold, please.
Okay. So, if Alaïa moved the sign,
why would she go through the effort
of turning it to face the wall?
Watch. I'm Alaïa, they're the staircase,
the sign's the sign. Okay?
There's the easy way to do it.
(IMITATES SLIDING ON FLOOR) Right?
Or the unnecessarily
(GROANS) difficult way.
And, if Alaïa broke the lock,
what did she use?
She only had her phone on her.
And what about the cell phone?
Anything that might fill in some gaps?
One thing. The last text
she sent was to her producer,
Shane Sills.
"Need to talk. V important."
Not one of those words
was spelled correctly.
And, uh, get this.
Hashtag "BurnlnHellShaneSills"
is trending worldwide.
The entire Internet
is blaming him for her death.
Well, either him or God.
Well, we can't interrogate God,
so let's see if we can
talk to that producer,
see what he knows about
Alaïa Jade's final moments.
And Elsbeth?
See if you can figure out
what was going through.
Alaïa Jade's head
before she went up that tower.
I think Teddy might be a fan.
Maybe he knows something.
And yes, it was sexual and garish,
but in a self-referential
and ironic sort of way.
It was commentary
on the commodification of girlhood.
It was her top-selling album.
And how many albums did she have?
- BOTH: Seven.
- Okay.
Seven studio albums,
six sold-out tours,
and nearly 40 million albums sold.
What a busy beaver.
Yeah, but the person
who profited the most
was always Shane. He owned her.
Her fans, called her "Gems," hate him.
They think he led her down a bad path.
ROY: Fights with the paparazzi,
the cheating scandal,
that wardrobe malfunction
at the tree lighting ceremony.
- Mm-hmm.
- There have been rumors
for months that
she was dropping his label.
How did someone as prolific as Alaïa
have time to burn out like this?
She was front-page news
every other week.
Speaking of, I didn't
want to say anything
until it was official, and it's
not "official" official yet
Teddy's getting his first byline.
Wait, what? Teddy!
That's amazing.
What's the story?
Uh, it's about Alec Bloom,
sort of. In his stump speech,
he mentions this MTA employee named Pete
who used to share sandwiches with him
when he was living on the street
as a kid.
I thought, you know, there's a story.
A city employee who fed the
future mayor of New York? Hello.
It practically writes itself.
Yeah. I wish it would.
My editor wants it by end of week,
and I still have to find the guy.
Oh, okay. Well, we know his first name.
We know his job,
we know he likes sandwiches.
Uh, yeah. Well, I-I combed
through the member rosters
of the New York Transit Workers Union
from 1987 to 1994 and I found 68 Peters,
and I've already called
Peters A. through E.
That's my boy.
(SIREN WHOOPS)
Is this gonna take much longer?
I've got a dinner reservation at Vive.
Well, we're just trying
to understand Alaïa's headspace
at the time of the accident,
and you knew her
better than anybody else.
And yet, you don't seem particularly
broken up by her death.
I'm not sad. I'm pissed.
Do you have any idea how much harder
it's gonna be to finish the album now?
Uh I imagine a lot?
Thankfully, not impossible.
See, I own "Alaïa Jade," so to speak.
Her masters, her image,
the whole shebang.
But you're missing the pop star.
Mm, not really.
See, I have access to her cloud,
which gives me access to every lyric
that ever popped into her head,
every rough demo,
and enough raw voice notes
for at least two more albums.
If she so much as sang
in the shower, I own it.
That makes me feel yucky.
She accomplished quite a lot
in her short life.
How did she find the time
to become such a handful?
- You talking about the bender?
- Mm.
I planted those stories
to give her some edge.
No one wants a boring pop star.
Alaïa kept a crazy schedule.
In reality, she lived like a, uh
A nun?
Sure.
Oh, speaking of nuns,
I guess this means the nuns
get to keep their home now.
Oh, no, not a chance.
That's prime Manhattan real estate.
I've already been
in touch with the archdiocese.
If we hurry up,
we should be able to have
an Alaïa Jade hologram concert
ready in time for Easter.
She is risen.
Oh, Sister Frances.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
I'm sorry to drop in like this.
I didn't get a chance
to thank you for your kindness
to Sister Darby last night.
A small token of our thanks.
Oh.
And I hoped to entice you
to join us for our food drive
this weekend.
It'll be our last before we go.
Oh, I would love to join.
Thank you. Aw, this is
so kind of you, Sister.
Ooh. Honey.
- How sweet of you.
- The sisters used to keep
hives in our courtyard
before the colony collapsed.
Maybe these feelings are about
the collapse of a different colony?
The news has been
very hard on the sisters.
Well, from how
Mother Constance spoke of it,
the sale sounded like a good thing.
She approved of it herself.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Mother Constance wanted nothing
to do with the sale.
I have never seen her
that angry in my life.
Elsbeth
can I make a confession?
Do you maybe want a lawyer first?
During prayers,
I asked God to do something, anything,
to stop the sale of the convent.
And He must have heard me, because
when the clock struck 6:00,
my prayers were answered.
And I feel so guilty.
Oh, Sister.
You can't blame yourself
for having hope.
Right? Uh, here.
Wait. You said 6:00.
Don't the bells ring
after evening prayers end?
That's right. At 6:00.
Unless Sister Darby is late again.
Bless you, Sister.
Oh, it wasn't wrong place, wrong time.
The wrong time was the wrong time.
Is this some kind of riddle?
The bells were supposed to ring
at 6:00 sharp,
but the 911 call came in at 5:45.
- Elsbeth
- Do you want to guess the odds
of going up a tower the one time
the bells rang at the wrong time
in over 200 years? This was no accident.
Elsbeth, we have a confession.
Meet Stanley Culpepper.
Alaïa Jade's alleged killer.
Who the heck is that?
What's not working for you?
We have footage of him
standing outside her apartment
and the convent.
His pocket knife is the perfect size
for breaking the lock on the belfry.
His phone has 32 gigs of photos
of Alaïa around the city.
Oh, and let's not forget, he confessed.
He's lying.
Let me try something.
Hi, Stan.
Can you remind me,
why did you kill Alaïa Jade?
I didn't like her.
Between us, I didn't
care for her either.
She was always so fake.
You know what I mean?
Did you know her real name?
Alyssa Jergland.
From St. Louis.
And I never really
got her music, either.
It was always so simple.
Shallow. If I have to hear that song.
- "Dry Patch" one more time.
- (SLAMS TABLE)
It's "Wet Spot."
The song is called "Wet Spot."
And she was
Alayna Jacobs from Kansas City,
not Alyssa Jergins from St. Louis!
Do your research, people.
For God's sakes, the woman was a genius.
He's not a killer.
He's a Gem.
A fan with no place to put his love.
The, uh, Alaïa Jade phone case
was my first clue.
I just wanted to be part of her story.
You were willing to go to prison
just to feel closer to her?
I still would.
Do you know why Alaïa
went up into the bell tower?
No, but
maybe the woman
in the black dress knows.
I took pictures.
Hi, I'm looking for Mr. Peter
Hannigan?
HANNIGAN: I'm not interested
in buying anything.
No, Mr. Hannigan, I'm a researcher
for The New York View.
I was hoping to ask you a few questions
about your time working for the MTA?
Oh. Okay.
I know this is a long shot,
but do you happen to remember
ever meeting a young boy
probably around 12
sleeping in the East Broadway station?
This would have been
around 1990, give or take.
Um, and if so,
did you feed him sandwiches?
Yes, yes! Of course!
In the East Broadway station.
Oh, my God. Um, I'm sorry.
I mean, um, I'm so happy to have
found you, Mr. Hannigan.
I don't care that it's load-bearing!
It's ugly. Figure it out.
Mother Mother, how can I help you?
Well, I guess I should
commend you on your bravery,
going through with the purchase
after what's happened.
Well, I'm not exactly afraid
of being smited.
Oh, it isn't God that
you should be worried about.
No. Actually, millions believe
that God rightfully struck Alaïa down.
But millions of her fans believe
that you had a hand in her death.
And by going through with the purchase,
it's like you're putting
a target on your back
that'll walk around with you
for the rest of your life.
(SCREAMS)
Hi.
That's you, right?
'Cause if you zoom in really close,
you can see a little dust bunny.
I repeat, she asked to see
the bell tower,
I told her it was off-limits.
Right. You mentioned that
she was unhappy about that.
But she doesn't look very unhappy here.
It's the camera angle.
Oh.
Do you believe in God, Ms. Tascioni?
Oh.
Uh
I guess I don't know.
I really want to.
I encourage the sisters
to ask questions.
Doubts strengthen faith.
They're very lucky to have such
a wise Mother Superior.
Mother Superior is a title
I don't wear lightly.
I am an authority figure, yes,
but also a spiritual guide,
a protector, and most of all, a parent.
Ooh. That's a lot of hats
for one person to wear.
And trust me, I know hats.
- (CHUCKLES)
- As I was saying,
the sisters often come to me
at a crossroads.
And it's my duty to point them
to the right path,
as it was done for me.
Well, you seem very good at that.
Which reminds me,
would you mind
pointing me to Sister Darby?
I don't believe it.
We watch Father Crime every single week
and you know Father Garvey?
Oh, he's so dreamy.
He's less interesting in person.
- You really don't have to help me.
- But many hands make light work.
And I'm having a lovely time.
I do have another question, though.
Do you like wearing the same
thing every day? Because me?
I'll sometimes do four or five
outfits in an afternoon.
My habit is my wedding dress.
How lucky am I that I get
to wear it every day?
Oh, that is so special.
Wow.
I wish I could wear
my wedding dress every day.
Uh, the marriage? Not so great.
But the dress?
But sometimes I worry I'm
not very good at being a nun.
What? What-what makes you say that?
I keep messing things up.
The gardening, the bells
It's why I'm on dish washing duty.
I dropped four dishes yesterday.
So you're not perfect.
No one expects you to be.
- Not even God.
- Mother Constance does.
Especially when it comes to the bells.
The sisters live by the bells.
Sister Darby, the night Alaïa died,
the 6:00 p.m. evening prayer
bells rang at the wrong time.
According to the security footage
from the building across the street,
the bells rang at 6:00 a.m.,
noon, and 5:42 p.m.
That's not possible.
I double-checked my watch.
Triple-checked.
I took it off while I was
washing the dishes, to keep it dry.
Was there anyone else in here
with you while you were washing up?
DARBY: The sisters
brought me their dishes.
Mother Constance watched over me.
I don't think
If the bells are off
by so much as 30 seconds,
Mother Constance scolds me.
I imagine 18 whole minutes
would get me excommunicated.
And yet, she never said anything.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
It has been three days
since my last confession.
I have committed a mortal sin.
No sin is greater than God's mercy.
I may have encouraged
that young woman
to climb the bell tower.
I'm afraid that if the police
were to continue their investigation,
what they might uncover
could do irreparable harm to the Church,
and to your chances of becoming bishop.
I'm sorry, Captain, but your officers
and whatever this woman is
won't be welcome again
without a warrant.
You said it yourselves,
this was a clear-cut accident.
Monsignor Frank, we are simply
trying to rule out
the possibility of foul play.
By dropping in to do the dishes?
The sisters choose to live their lives
in quiet contemplation and prayer.
Not on Sesame Street.
They've suffered enough
these past few days,
and this unnecessary police presence
has become an upsetting distraction.
I really didn't mean
to be a distraction.
It just sort of happens.
There are questions about this
case that are still unanswered.
Then get a warrant.
Good luck convincing a judge
that a flipped "Danger" sign
is probable cause.
Oh, and know that the Church's
very experienced lawyers
are standing by.
Good day.
I haven't been scolded by a priest
since I was 16, cutting geometry.
You've been upsetting the nuns?
I've been upsetting
one nun in particular.
Well, we're not welcome.
So, we better figure out
a new way to get thee to that nunnery.
Hmm.
- Ladies, good morning.
- Ding-dong.
Look who I brought.
We're here for the community food drive.
Please, come in, come in.
What's the hardest part
of playing a priest on TV?
Probably all the push-ups.
(LAUGHTER)
Ms. Tascioni.
I am surprised to see you here,
since you were specifically told
you were no longer welcome.
Right. Um, Sister Frances
invited me to volunteer.
I wanted to help.
You think I'm stupid enough
to believe that?
No, no, no, no.
Really, I'm just
I'm trying to do something good.
And how is distracting the
sisters with carnal temptation
doing anyone any good?
(CART RATTLING)
We could use a few more hands out there
to help unload the trucks.
Two more just showed up!
Trucks?
Everybody, Jack put out
a call for donations,
and it is amazing what a celebrity guest
will do for turnout!
JACK: Really, no need to thank me.
I try to be selfless.
What can I say? I'm method.
You may stay. Please don't
make me regret this.
At least tuck the shirt in.
Marissa, I told you.
This isn't a campaign photo op.
Of course it isn't.
Because churches are a 501(c)(3)
and can't endorse candidates.
Alec! You came! Whoa.
And you too, Marissa.
Well, no New Yorker
should be going hungry.
- Oh, let me get that.
- Oh.
Thank you.
Why don't you head over to Sister Anne,
and she'll get you settled in.
And remember, lift with your legs.
- Yeah.
- FRANCES: Oh, Elsbeth!
We can't thank you enough.
Oh, of course.
But I think I upset
Mother Constance by being here.
I feel a little guilty.
You've just described my whole life.
She means well, but she wasn't
always like this.
Really? How so?
Between us, she had quite
the rebellious spirit
back in the day.
Our old Superior,
Mother Mary Phyllis,
was so harsh on her
that she found some secret spot
to escape her watchful eye.
This secret spot
(WOOD CREAKING)
(HOLLOW TAPPING)
- (CONSTANCE CLEARS THROAT)
- (YELPS) Oh!
You shouldn't sneak up
on people like that.
Haven't you seen Vertigo?
What are you searching for?
Oh. Uh, well,
I guess I've been searching
for a sense of purpose.
To know that I'm making
a positive difference
- in the world
- In my belfry.
What are you searching for in my belfry?
Ah. Right. Sorry.
I believe that, uh
this stuff belongs to you.
That belonged to a girl
I no longer recognize.
A lifetime ago, I used
to come up here to hide
from my penance,
from my Mother Superior.
Of course she caught me.
And she charged me
with cleaning the belfry.
That's when I heard the call.
I stood here, at this very window.
And that's when I saw
the sky opened, and I saw it.
God's divine light,
gold and pure.
He showed me my path that day.
To lead and protect the sisters
of Our Lady of Grace and Mercy.
I don't need divine light,
but I am searching for answers.
Try as I might
I can't understand
what made Alaïa come up here.
God, in His infinite wisdom,
He gave us free will.
I don't question how others use it.
But Alaïa didn't have free will.
She signed a deal with the devil
at 14 and gave it away.
She wasn't the type of person
to disobey.
She wasn't like you.
So why did she come up here
exactly when she did?
Perhaps we'll never know.
If only she were here herself
to tell us.
Leave my convent.
Now.
Why won't you just admit
that you feel something?
Alec is smart, he's kind,
- he's hot.
- He's hot.
Alec is great. He really is.
But I just don't see it. He's a friend.
A friend who takes time
off the campaign trail
to help you lift boxes
at a church? Sure.
(PHONE CHIMES)
Uh, "Listen to 'Resurrection, '
the latest single by Alaïa Jade."
What the hell is this?
Shane said he had enough raw recordings
to make two albums.
Boy, he didn't waste any time.
I can't stomach this.
Anyone need a drink?
I lose myself in your allure ♪
This feels wrong.
- Divine light ♪
- Wait, go back.
(MUSIC STOPS, RESTARTS)
Divine light ♪
(GASPS) Did you hear that?
What? Hear what?
(SIGHS)
I know why Alaïa Jade
went up that bell tower.
My dear sisters, our time
together is coming to an end,
but I won't rest until each of you
are settled in your new home.
(DOORS OPEN)
Detective, I thought
I made myself clear.
You and your officers
are no longer welcome here
without a search warrant.
Sorry, Father,
we don't have a search warrant.
But we do have an arrest warrant.
On what grounds?
Forgive me, Mother, but you have sinned.
A lot.
For example
Thou shalt not bear false witness.
When you said you accepted Alaïa's offer
for the good of the Church.
But according to Sister Frances,
you rejected that offer,
only to have the archdiocese
go over your head.
Thou shalt not steal.
And yet, you put Sister Darby
on dish washing duty
so you could swipe her watch
and change the time.
Why would I do that?
ELSBETH: Because you knew
you could get Alaïa Jade
to stand at the western window
of that bell tower
at the exact time that
she would ring the bells.
Which brings us to
Thou shalt not kill.
Ms. Tascioni, I am a woman of faith,
but even I understand
the burden of proof.
What was it you said?
"If only Alaïa were here
to tell us herself."
("RESURRECTION" PLAYING)
I lose myself in your allure ♪
Divine light, gold and pure ♪
"Divine light, gold and pure."
Ooh, that sounds familiar.
Isn't that how you described the sunset
which made you dedicate your life to God
- and to this convent?
- This is preposterous.
The woman is dead.
Even if the Reverend Mother
had spoken to her about the bell tower,
how could she have recorded this?
ALAÏA: No, no, no.
This is it. This is the one.
"I lose myself in your allure,
your divine light, gold and pure."
Shane Sills had access to Alaïa's cloud.
That voice note
was recorded at 5:28 p.m.,
14 minutes before
she climbed the bell tower.
At 5:42 p.m.,
the exact time of the sunset.
You knew you could inspire Alaïa
Jade to go up that bell tower
with the promise of salvation.
And you used Sister Darby
to smite her yourself.
And all because you couldn't
bear to see your home
turned into a recording studio.
Mother Constance. Is this true?
No.
Then swear to God.
Swear a solemn oath in truth,
in justice, and in judgment.
I can't.
Can you please forgive me?
It's not our forgiveness
you need to ask for, Mother.
Constance Mary Cabot,
you are under arrest
for the murder of Alaïa Jade.
I just wanted to save our home.
I'm so sorry I wasn't able to do that.
Oh, don't worry.
I did. Sort of.
It turns out,
our very successful food drive
got a lot of press,
and also the attention
of the Landmarks
Preservation Commission.
By law, not only must
the convent not be demolished,
but it must be fully restored
to its former glory.
- (GASPING)
- It's a miracle!
The Lord works in mysterious ways.
(BELL TOLLING)
Thank you, Elsbeth.
For giving our convent a second life.
Well, it's in good hands,
Mother Frances.
Besides, it was all Alec.
ALEC: It was all you.
I made the calls because you asked.
This was all you.
MARISSA: It was a lot of me, too.
But it's fine. Optically speaking,
it's a big, fat jackpot for all of us.
Hey, guys? This is
I'd recognize that face anywhere.
It's good to see you again,
Mr. Hannigan.
You haven't changed.
And I don't recognize you at all.
- (LAUGHTER)
- It's been a while, yes.
We'll have to catch up.
- Properly.
- FRANCES: Now, come, come.
It's time for our group photo.
Oh, I don't think I should be in
Get in the photo, Elsbeth!
(CHUCKLES) Okay.
Thank you again for doing this,
Mr. Hannigan.
It means a lot to Alec.
Who?
Uh, Alec Bloom? The mayoral candidate?
What happened to Koch?
Mr. Hannigan, Alec Bloom
is the boy from your story,
remember?
Oh, yeah. Of course I remember.
Yeah.
I took him to the Grand Canyon.
Mr. Hannigan, you
you do remember helping a boy
who slept in the East Broadway station
in the winter of 1989, right?
Uh, Mr. Hannigan? We're waiting on you.
(SIGHS) Yeah.
MARISSA: Okay, everybody, big smiles!
I want to see happy nuns!
- How's my wimple?
- It's good.
ROY: Look at your mom.
Tell me she isn't
falling for Alec Bloom.
- (LAUGHING)
- (CAMERAS CLICKING)
Cr-cr-cr-crucify me,
you can vilify me ♪
You can nail me to the cross ♪
I spit your gospel out ♪
And fill you full of doubt ♪
I'm the chaos you can't stop ♪
You can't stop. ♪
(BELL TOLLING)
(PULSING ELECTRONIC BEAT PLAYING)
Cr-cr-cr-crucify me,
You can vilify me ♪
You can nail me to the cross ♪
I spit your gospel out ♪
And fill you full of doubt ♪
What is she doing with that crucifix?
You can't stop ♪
You can't stop ♪
Why, sisters.
Mother Superior. We were, uh
Neglecting your duties while
indulging in a little filth?
What do you have to say for yourselves?
It's kind of catchy.
DARBY: We're sorry, Mother Constance.
Our curiosity got the better of us.
ANNE: Is it true?
Did she really make an offer
to buy the convent?
Sister Frances,
you've been gossiping again.
Oh, I may as well tell you.
It's true.
Alaïa Jade has made a sizable
offer to the archdiocese.
But have faith, sisters.
I will never allow our home to be sold.
Especially to this Jezebel.
You'll need to be out
by the end of the month.
I'm Mother Superior of the convent.
My approval is needed for any sale.
Your disapproval
was taken into consideration
and disregarded.
Constance,
the convent's numbers are dwindling,
and the building
is in desperate need of repairs.
The roof leaks,
the bell tower is a death trap,
and don't get me started
on the plumbing situation.
What am I supposed to tell the sisters?
The convent pays for
Sister Ruth's insulin,
and Sister Margaret Mary,
she's 92 and she's blind.
And they're gonna be
kicked out of the only home
they've ever known?
It's like a death sentence.
This convent's over 200 years old,
and this is how it's going to end?
At the hands of the harlot
who fell off the stage drunk
at last year's FanFave Awards?
She shouldn't be allowed to step foot
in a church, never mind buy one.
No, but she does have $27 million.
I'm sorry, the sale
was approved by the Vatican,
and it's not our place
to question the Holy See.
Oh, I see what's going on.
You're not going to fight back
because you're angling to replace
the bishop when he retires.
I see right through you, Monsignor.
She'll be doing a walk-through
tomorrow afternoon,
and if all goes as planned,
the sale will be closed
by the end of the week.
But who knows?
We can hope for a miracle.
Heavenly Father, You called on me
to lead and protect these sisters.
If it be Thy will, please show me a path
to save our home.
Please
send me a sign.
(BELL TOLLING)
HAWES: Doorman said he heard fighting
just before the vic
fell from the balcony.
Neighbor says she wasn't
well-liked, bit of a character.
What do you think, Father?
Looks like somebody
didn't love thy neighbor.
(NUNS CHUCKLING)
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
No talking during the theme song.
(DOOR CREAKING)
GARVEY (OVER TV):
Hawes? What are you doing here?
HAWES: Forgive me, Father,
I know it's late,
but I have to confess.
From the minute I saw you
at Felicity's funeral, I knew.
I'm in love with you, Rick.
(NUNS GASP)
All right, all right.
You've had your fun.
Time for bed. Tomorrow is another day.
- Good night, Mother.
- Good night.
Oh, Sister Darby.
According to my watch,
the bells for prayer rang
at 6:02 this evening.
But, I could have sworn
The sisters depend on the bells
to structure their day.
I'm sorry, Mother Constance, I am.
And I promise you,
it won't happen again.
Please forgive me.
Sloth is a deadly sin, Sister.
It's not my forgiveness
you need to ask for.
Sister, remember,
penance is not a chore,
it is an act of worship.
ALAÏA: Huh.
Yeah, that wall is load-bearing,
but once you rip out the sacristy,
it'll open up the whole space.
ALAÏA: Thank you, guys.
Okay, what about something like this?
Like tear down my wall,
watch it all fall,
break apart my load-bearing heart.
(FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING)
Okay, so not this,
but something like this, like
here is the church, here is the steeple,
here is your coffin
'cause your games are lethal.
(GASPS)
- Oh!
- I'm so sorry I frightened you.
No, it's okay.
Would you mind if I sat with you?
Sure.
Thank you.
Hi, I'm Alaïa.
Oh, I-I know who you are.
I must admit, I was a little
surprised when I heard
that you were going
to purchase our convent.
Well, you know, we used to have a place
two blocks down from here.
We were there forever,
but, I don't know,
it just burned down.
So, I knew the next place had
to be something really special,
and I used to always
walk past this church,
and I would look up
and I would just feel
- so
- Insignificant?
Powerful!
(GROWLS PLAYFULLY) You know?
I don't know, it's hard to explain.
Something about this place is, like,
low-key, like, really good energy.
It's literally the perfect place for
my new recording studio.
A recording studio?
Kind of a slay. Right?
It is slay, yes. Yes. Um
I hope you don't mind me saying this,
but there seems to be something
heavy weighing on your soul.
Okay, that's so spooky.
Um, how did you know that?
I
I could just feel it.
Everything I tell you
is, like, confidential, right?
(STAMMERS) Well, uh, that
you need a priest
to administer
the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
but your secrets are safe with me.
Okay, okay. So, I have been
with the same producer for 13 years.
He's the one who took little
Alayna Jacobs from Kansas City
and turned her into
Alaïa Jade, pop phenomenon,
and I will be grateful to him for, like,
- ever.
- Won't we all.
But I-I think I'm outgrowing him.
And-and-and I don't know.
What if I don't know how
to be Alaïa Jade without him?
Like, like, what if
I jump and I just (SQUEALS)
flop?
Oh. Well, you remind me
of a young nun I once knew.
She was full of doubts when
she first came to this place.
She questioned herself,
her path in life.
She questioned her faith, even.
That young nun was me.
Oh, my God.
Yeah. Um, until one day,
I was sweeping the bell tower.
Here, I'll show you.
It's just right right up there.
It was an ordinary day,
and I looked out the western window
and I saw the sky
turn orange and crimson.
And all of a sudden,
the city was just covered
with divine light,
gold and pure.
And I heard Him,
clear as a bell.
And I found my path that day.
And I've never once strayed from it.
Well, what did he say?
Oh, I keep His secrets,
the same as I keep yours.
But
I leave the door to the belfry open
in case any
of the sisters find themselves
at a spiritual crossroad.
And, um, I think
tonight's sunset is at 5:42.
Sharp.
(ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
(BELL TOLLS LOUDLY)
(SCREAMS)
- (ALAÏA SCREAMS)
- (BODY THUDS)
ELSBETH: You okay?
You look a little pale.
I have a thing about nuns.
12 years of Catholic school
will do that to you.
Let's drop it.
So, you know this Alaïa Jade person?
Oh, yeah, it's hard not to.
They're always playing
that one song in my deli.
It's something like:
Ba-ba-da-da-da ♪
In your pants, in your pants. ♪
Remind me not to go to your deli.
I was in the chapel for evening prayer
when I heard the bell ring,
and then a scream,
and then, you know
a thud.
This scream, was it more of a "ahh!"
(IMITATES THUD)
Or "whoa!"
- (IMITATES THUD)
- I guess the second one?
You don't scream like that
if you're planning on jumping.
According to the M.E.,
her injuries are consistent
with a fall, except for
the contusion on her head.
So someone hit her?
Or some thing.
Bell, scream, thud.
(CRIES)
Oh. Yes, it is. It is.
It's upsetting.
I rang the bell.
Is this my fault?
- Did I kill her?
- Oh, hey, hey.
Please don't cry.
Uh, you ever hear this one?
A cop, a nun and a lawyer
walk into a church.
Or is it a it's a bar.
Uh, or is it a priest,
a nun and a chicken?
(MOANS) I'll get it.
You're very kind.
Reverend Mother.
Sister Darby, go to your room
and compose yourself.
I'll check on you before lights out.
Yes, Mother.
Uh, whoop.
Oh, sorry.
You have a dust bunny.
Oh.
This is why I don't wear black.
It shows everything.
Um, I'm Elsbeth Tascioni.
I'm with the police.
Mother Constance Mary Cabot,
I'm Mother Superior of The Convent
of Our Lady of Grace and Mercy.
I thought "Elsbeth Tascioni"
was a mouthful.
Uh, maybe you can, um,
you can help me with this.
Why did you have
a pop star in your bell tower?
Well, I suppose it was her bell tower.
I had just accepted her generous offer
to purchase our convent.
What did she want with a convent?
I'm not sure,
but the money would have
done the Church so much good.
She did a walk-through
this afternoon, and she was
very unhappy when I told her
that the bell tower
was strictly off-limits.
It fell into disrepair
years ago, and, uh,
it's remained locked ever since.
Well, it certainly wasn't
locked tonight, was it?
Yep, looks like someone
jammed something in it
to break it open.
Probably didn't take too much.
This door looks like
it's about a hundred years old.
CONSTANCE: 200.
(WHISPERS): Let's see.
Yeah, one set of prints going up.
She was alone.
It's looking like a clear-cut accident.
ELSBETH: Hmm.
But what was here?
Ooh, it's like a little puzzle game.
Oh, ding, ding, ding.
Found a match.
This sign was moved.
REYNOLDS: "Danger.
Do not enter."
Why would she ignore such a big sign?
Well, if a locked door didn't stop her,
I don't imagine a sign would.
Or maybe she didn't see it.
But if she saw it, why would.
Alaïa turn the sign?
(IMITATES SIGN SCRAPING)
Um, if I can be of no more use,
I promised Sister Darby I would
visit her before lights out.
She's in a very delicate state.
Good night.
What on earth possessed that girl
to climb up a 200-year-old
bell tower in the first place?
Well, Captain, here are just a
few of Alaïa Jade's song titles.
(CLEARS THROAT) "Snort It."
"Wet Spot."
"Wastedwithu," one word.
"Double Vodka Soda."
- "Blackout."
- I-I-I get the point. Thank you.
We're still waiting for
the tox report,
but my guess is
this was just a stupid accident,
likely under the influence.
She was in the wrong place
at the wrong time.
Elsbeth?
You've been awfully quiet.
I'm trying to be better
at waiting my turn.
My turn?
I have doubts.
And why is that?
I saw a sign.
Oh, not that kind of sign.
There was a "do not enter" sign
that was moved out of the way
of the staircase.
Hold, please.
Okay. So, if Alaïa moved the sign,
why would she go through the effort
of turning it to face the wall?
Watch. I'm Alaïa, they're the staircase,
the sign's the sign. Okay?
There's the easy way to do it.
(IMITATES SLIDING ON FLOOR) Right?
Or the unnecessarily
(GROANS) difficult way.
And, if Alaïa broke the lock,
what did she use?
She only had her phone on her.
And what about the cell phone?
Anything that might fill in some gaps?
One thing. The last text
she sent was to her producer,
Shane Sills.
"Need to talk. V important."
Not one of those words
was spelled correctly.
And, uh, get this.
Hashtag "BurnlnHellShaneSills"
is trending worldwide.
The entire Internet
is blaming him for her death.
Well, either him or God.
Well, we can't interrogate God,
so let's see if we can
talk to that producer,
see what he knows about
Alaïa Jade's final moments.
And Elsbeth?
See if you can figure out
what was going through.
Alaïa Jade's head
before she went up that tower.
I think Teddy might be a fan.
Maybe he knows something.
And yes, it was sexual and garish,
but in a self-referential
and ironic sort of way.
It was commentary
on the commodification of girlhood.
It was her top-selling album.
And how many albums did she have?
- BOTH: Seven.
- Okay.
Seven studio albums,
six sold-out tours,
and nearly 40 million albums sold.
What a busy beaver.
Yeah, but the person
who profited the most
was always Shane. He owned her.
Her fans, called her "Gems," hate him.
They think he led her down a bad path.
ROY: Fights with the paparazzi,
the cheating scandal,
that wardrobe malfunction
at the tree lighting ceremony.
- Mm-hmm.
- There have been rumors
for months that
she was dropping his label.
How did someone as prolific as Alaïa
have time to burn out like this?
She was front-page news
every other week.
Speaking of, I didn't
want to say anything
until it was official, and it's
not "official" official yet
Teddy's getting his first byline.
Wait, what? Teddy!
That's amazing.
What's the story?
Uh, it's about Alec Bloom,
sort of. In his stump speech,
he mentions this MTA employee named Pete
who used to share sandwiches with him
when he was living on the street
as a kid.
I thought, you know, there's a story.
A city employee who fed the
future mayor of New York? Hello.
It practically writes itself.
Yeah. I wish it would.
My editor wants it by end of week,
and I still have to find the guy.
Oh, okay. Well, we know his first name.
We know his job,
we know he likes sandwiches.
Uh, yeah. Well, I-I combed
through the member rosters
of the New York Transit Workers Union
from 1987 to 1994 and I found 68 Peters,
and I've already called
Peters A. through E.
That's my boy.
(SIREN WHOOPS)
Is this gonna take much longer?
I've got a dinner reservation at Vive.
Well, we're just trying
to understand Alaïa's headspace
at the time of the accident,
and you knew her
better than anybody else.
And yet, you don't seem particularly
broken up by her death.
I'm not sad. I'm pissed.
Do you have any idea how much harder
it's gonna be to finish the album now?
Uh I imagine a lot?
Thankfully, not impossible.
See, I own "Alaïa Jade," so to speak.
Her masters, her image,
the whole shebang.
But you're missing the pop star.
Mm, not really.
See, I have access to her cloud,
which gives me access to every lyric
that ever popped into her head,
every rough demo,
and enough raw voice notes
for at least two more albums.
If she so much as sang
in the shower, I own it.
That makes me feel yucky.
She accomplished quite a lot
in her short life.
How did she find the time
to become such a handful?
- You talking about the bender?
- Mm.
I planted those stories
to give her some edge.
No one wants a boring pop star.
Alaïa kept a crazy schedule.
In reality, she lived like a, uh
A nun?
Sure.
Oh, speaking of nuns,
I guess this means the nuns
get to keep their home now.
Oh, no, not a chance.
That's prime Manhattan real estate.
I've already been
in touch with the archdiocese.
If we hurry up,
we should be able to have
an Alaïa Jade hologram concert
ready in time for Easter.
She is risen.
Oh, Sister Frances.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
I'm sorry to drop in like this.
I didn't get a chance
to thank you for your kindness
to Sister Darby last night.
A small token of our thanks.
Oh.
And I hoped to entice you
to join us for our food drive
this weekend.
It'll be our last before we go.
Oh, I would love to join.
Thank you. Aw, this is
so kind of you, Sister.
Ooh. Honey.
- How sweet of you.
- The sisters used to keep
hives in our courtyard
before the colony collapsed.
Maybe these feelings are about
the collapse of a different colony?
The news has been
very hard on the sisters.
Well, from how
Mother Constance spoke of it,
the sale sounded like a good thing.
She approved of it herself.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Mother Constance wanted nothing
to do with the sale.
I have never seen her
that angry in my life.
Elsbeth
can I make a confession?
Do you maybe want a lawyer first?
During prayers,
I asked God to do something, anything,
to stop the sale of the convent.
And He must have heard me, because
when the clock struck 6:00,
my prayers were answered.
And I feel so guilty.
Oh, Sister.
You can't blame yourself
for having hope.
Right? Uh, here.
Wait. You said 6:00.
Don't the bells ring
after evening prayers end?
That's right. At 6:00.
Unless Sister Darby is late again.
Bless you, Sister.
Oh, it wasn't wrong place, wrong time.
The wrong time was the wrong time.
Is this some kind of riddle?
The bells were supposed to ring
at 6:00 sharp,
but the 911 call came in at 5:45.
- Elsbeth
- Do you want to guess the odds
of going up a tower the one time
the bells rang at the wrong time
in over 200 years? This was no accident.
Elsbeth, we have a confession.
Meet Stanley Culpepper.
Alaïa Jade's alleged killer.
Who the heck is that?
What's not working for you?
We have footage of him
standing outside her apartment
and the convent.
His pocket knife is the perfect size
for breaking the lock on the belfry.
His phone has 32 gigs of photos
of Alaïa around the city.
Oh, and let's not forget, he confessed.
He's lying.
Let me try something.
Hi, Stan.
Can you remind me,
why did you kill Alaïa Jade?
I didn't like her.
Between us, I didn't
care for her either.
She was always so fake.
You know what I mean?
Did you know her real name?
Alyssa Jergland.
From St. Louis.
And I never really
got her music, either.
It was always so simple.
Shallow. If I have to hear that song.
- "Dry Patch" one more time.
- (SLAMS TABLE)
It's "Wet Spot."
The song is called "Wet Spot."
And she was
Alayna Jacobs from Kansas City,
not Alyssa Jergins from St. Louis!
Do your research, people.
For God's sakes, the woman was a genius.
He's not a killer.
He's a Gem.
A fan with no place to put his love.
The, uh, Alaïa Jade phone case
was my first clue.
I just wanted to be part of her story.
You were willing to go to prison
just to feel closer to her?
I still would.
Do you know why Alaïa
went up into the bell tower?
No, but
maybe the woman
in the black dress knows.
I took pictures.
Hi, I'm looking for Mr. Peter
Hannigan?
HANNIGAN: I'm not interested
in buying anything.
No, Mr. Hannigan, I'm a researcher
for The New York View.
I was hoping to ask you a few questions
about your time working for the MTA?
Oh. Okay.
I know this is a long shot,
but do you happen to remember
ever meeting a young boy
probably around 12
sleeping in the East Broadway station?
This would have been
around 1990, give or take.
Um, and if so,
did you feed him sandwiches?
Yes, yes! Of course!
In the East Broadway station.
Oh, my God. Um, I'm sorry.
I mean, um, I'm so happy to have
found you, Mr. Hannigan.
I don't care that it's load-bearing!
It's ugly. Figure it out.
Mother Mother, how can I help you?
Well, I guess I should
commend you on your bravery,
going through with the purchase
after what's happened.
Well, I'm not exactly afraid
of being smited.
Oh, it isn't God that
you should be worried about.
No. Actually, millions believe
that God rightfully struck Alaïa down.
But millions of her fans believe
that you had a hand in her death.
And by going through with the purchase,
it's like you're putting
a target on your back
that'll walk around with you
for the rest of your life.
(SCREAMS)
Hi.
That's you, right?
'Cause if you zoom in really close,
you can see a little dust bunny.
I repeat, she asked to see
the bell tower,
I told her it was off-limits.
Right. You mentioned that
she was unhappy about that.
But she doesn't look very unhappy here.
It's the camera angle.
Oh.
Do you believe in God, Ms. Tascioni?
Oh.
Uh
I guess I don't know.
I really want to.
I encourage the sisters
to ask questions.
Doubts strengthen faith.
They're very lucky to have such
a wise Mother Superior.
Mother Superior is a title
I don't wear lightly.
I am an authority figure, yes,
but also a spiritual guide,
a protector, and most of all, a parent.
Ooh. That's a lot of hats
for one person to wear.
And trust me, I know hats.
- (CHUCKLES)
- As I was saying,
the sisters often come to me
at a crossroads.
And it's my duty to point them
to the right path,
as it was done for me.
Well, you seem very good at that.
Which reminds me,
would you mind
pointing me to Sister Darby?
I don't believe it.
We watch Father Crime every single week
and you know Father Garvey?
Oh, he's so dreamy.
He's less interesting in person.
- You really don't have to help me.
- But many hands make light work.
And I'm having a lovely time.
I do have another question, though.
Do you like wearing the same
thing every day? Because me?
I'll sometimes do four or five
outfits in an afternoon.
My habit is my wedding dress.
How lucky am I that I get
to wear it every day?
Oh, that is so special.
Wow.
I wish I could wear
my wedding dress every day.
Uh, the marriage? Not so great.
But the dress?
But sometimes I worry I'm
not very good at being a nun.
What? What-what makes you say that?
I keep messing things up.
The gardening, the bells
It's why I'm on dish washing duty.
I dropped four dishes yesterday.
So you're not perfect.
No one expects you to be.
- Not even God.
- Mother Constance does.
Especially when it comes to the bells.
The sisters live by the bells.
Sister Darby, the night Alaïa died,
the 6:00 p.m. evening prayer
bells rang at the wrong time.
According to the security footage
from the building across the street,
the bells rang at 6:00 a.m.,
noon, and 5:42 p.m.
That's not possible.
I double-checked my watch.
Triple-checked.
I took it off while I was
washing the dishes, to keep it dry.
Was there anyone else in here
with you while you were washing up?
DARBY: The sisters
brought me their dishes.
Mother Constance watched over me.
I don't think
If the bells are off
by so much as 30 seconds,
Mother Constance scolds me.
I imagine 18 whole minutes
would get me excommunicated.
And yet, she never said anything.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
It has been three days
since my last confession.
I have committed a mortal sin.
No sin is greater than God's mercy.
I may have encouraged
that young woman
to climb the bell tower.
I'm afraid that if the police
were to continue their investigation,
what they might uncover
could do irreparable harm to the Church,
and to your chances of becoming bishop.
I'm sorry, Captain, but your officers
and whatever this woman is
won't be welcome again
without a warrant.
You said it yourselves,
this was a clear-cut accident.
Monsignor Frank, we are simply
trying to rule out
the possibility of foul play.
By dropping in to do the dishes?
The sisters choose to live their lives
in quiet contemplation and prayer.
Not on Sesame Street.
They've suffered enough
these past few days,
and this unnecessary police presence
has become an upsetting distraction.
I really didn't mean
to be a distraction.
It just sort of happens.
There are questions about this
case that are still unanswered.
Then get a warrant.
Good luck convincing a judge
that a flipped "Danger" sign
is probable cause.
Oh, and know that the Church's
very experienced lawyers
are standing by.
Good day.
I haven't been scolded by a priest
since I was 16, cutting geometry.
You've been upsetting the nuns?
I've been upsetting
one nun in particular.
Well, we're not welcome.
So, we better figure out
a new way to get thee to that nunnery.
Hmm.
- Ladies, good morning.
- Ding-dong.
Look who I brought.
We're here for the community food drive.
Please, come in, come in.
What's the hardest part
of playing a priest on TV?
Probably all the push-ups.
(LAUGHTER)
Ms. Tascioni.
I am surprised to see you here,
since you were specifically told
you were no longer welcome.
Right. Um, Sister Frances
invited me to volunteer.
I wanted to help.
You think I'm stupid enough
to believe that?
No, no, no, no.
Really, I'm just
I'm trying to do something good.
And how is distracting the
sisters with carnal temptation
doing anyone any good?
(CART RATTLING)
We could use a few more hands out there
to help unload the trucks.
Two more just showed up!
Trucks?
Everybody, Jack put out
a call for donations,
and it is amazing what a celebrity guest
will do for turnout!
JACK: Really, no need to thank me.
I try to be selfless.
What can I say? I'm method.
You may stay. Please don't
make me regret this.
At least tuck the shirt in.
Marissa, I told you.
This isn't a campaign photo op.
Of course it isn't.
Because churches are a 501(c)(3)
and can't endorse candidates.
Alec! You came! Whoa.
And you too, Marissa.
Well, no New Yorker
should be going hungry.
- Oh, let me get that.
- Oh.
Thank you.
Why don't you head over to Sister Anne,
and she'll get you settled in.
And remember, lift with your legs.
- Yeah.
- FRANCES: Oh, Elsbeth!
We can't thank you enough.
Oh, of course.
But I think I upset
Mother Constance by being here.
I feel a little guilty.
You've just described my whole life.
She means well, but she wasn't
always like this.
Really? How so?
Between us, she had quite
the rebellious spirit
back in the day.
Our old Superior,
Mother Mary Phyllis,
was so harsh on her
that she found some secret spot
to escape her watchful eye.
This secret spot
(WOOD CREAKING)
(HOLLOW TAPPING)
- (CONSTANCE CLEARS THROAT)
- (YELPS) Oh!
You shouldn't sneak up
on people like that.
Haven't you seen Vertigo?
What are you searching for?
Oh. Uh, well,
I guess I've been searching
for a sense of purpose.
To know that I'm making
a positive difference
- in the world
- In my belfry.
What are you searching for in my belfry?
Ah. Right. Sorry.
I believe that, uh
this stuff belongs to you.
That belonged to a girl
I no longer recognize.
A lifetime ago, I used
to come up here to hide
from my penance,
from my Mother Superior.
Of course she caught me.
And she charged me
with cleaning the belfry.
That's when I heard the call.
I stood here, at this very window.
And that's when I saw
the sky opened, and I saw it.
God's divine light,
gold and pure.
He showed me my path that day.
To lead and protect the sisters
of Our Lady of Grace and Mercy.
I don't need divine light,
but I am searching for answers.
Try as I might
I can't understand
what made Alaïa come up here.
God, in His infinite wisdom,
He gave us free will.
I don't question how others use it.
But Alaïa didn't have free will.
She signed a deal with the devil
at 14 and gave it away.
She wasn't the type of person
to disobey.
She wasn't like you.
So why did she come up here
exactly when she did?
Perhaps we'll never know.
If only she were here herself
to tell us.
Leave my convent.
Now.
Why won't you just admit
that you feel something?
Alec is smart, he's kind,
- he's hot.
- He's hot.
Alec is great. He really is.
But I just don't see it. He's a friend.
A friend who takes time
off the campaign trail
to help you lift boxes
at a church? Sure.
(PHONE CHIMES)
Uh, "Listen to 'Resurrection, '
the latest single by Alaïa Jade."
What the hell is this?
Shane said he had enough raw recordings
to make two albums.
Boy, he didn't waste any time.
I can't stomach this.
Anyone need a drink?
I lose myself in your allure ♪
This feels wrong.
- Divine light ♪
- Wait, go back.
(MUSIC STOPS, RESTARTS)
Divine light ♪
(GASPS) Did you hear that?
What? Hear what?
(SIGHS)
I know why Alaïa Jade
went up that bell tower.
My dear sisters, our time
together is coming to an end,
but I won't rest until each of you
are settled in your new home.
(DOORS OPEN)
Detective, I thought
I made myself clear.
You and your officers
are no longer welcome here
without a search warrant.
Sorry, Father,
we don't have a search warrant.
But we do have an arrest warrant.
On what grounds?
Forgive me, Mother, but you have sinned.
A lot.
For example
Thou shalt not bear false witness.
When you said you accepted Alaïa's offer
for the good of the Church.
But according to Sister Frances,
you rejected that offer,
only to have the archdiocese
go over your head.
Thou shalt not steal.
And yet, you put Sister Darby
on dish washing duty
so you could swipe her watch
and change the time.
Why would I do that?
ELSBETH: Because you knew
you could get Alaïa Jade
to stand at the western window
of that bell tower
at the exact time that
she would ring the bells.
Which brings us to
Thou shalt not kill.
Ms. Tascioni, I am a woman of faith,
but even I understand
the burden of proof.
What was it you said?
"If only Alaïa were here
to tell us herself."
("RESURRECTION" PLAYING)
I lose myself in your allure ♪
Divine light, gold and pure ♪
"Divine light, gold and pure."
Ooh, that sounds familiar.
Isn't that how you described the sunset
which made you dedicate your life to God
- and to this convent?
- This is preposterous.
The woman is dead.
Even if the Reverend Mother
had spoken to her about the bell tower,
how could she have recorded this?
ALAÏA: No, no, no.
This is it. This is the one.
"I lose myself in your allure,
your divine light, gold and pure."
Shane Sills had access to Alaïa's cloud.
That voice note
was recorded at 5:28 p.m.,
14 minutes before
she climbed the bell tower.
At 5:42 p.m.,
the exact time of the sunset.
You knew you could inspire Alaïa
Jade to go up that bell tower
with the promise of salvation.
And you used Sister Darby
to smite her yourself.
And all because you couldn't
bear to see your home
turned into a recording studio.
Mother Constance. Is this true?
No.
Then swear to God.
Swear a solemn oath in truth,
in justice, and in judgment.
I can't.
Can you please forgive me?
It's not our forgiveness
you need to ask for, Mother.
Constance Mary Cabot,
you are under arrest
for the murder of Alaïa Jade.
I just wanted to save our home.
I'm so sorry I wasn't able to do that.
Oh, don't worry.
I did. Sort of.
It turns out,
our very successful food drive
got a lot of press,
and also the attention
of the Landmarks
Preservation Commission.
By law, not only must
the convent not be demolished,
but it must be fully restored
to its former glory.
- (GASPING)
- It's a miracle!
The Lord works in mysterious ways.
(BELL TOLLING)
Thank you, Elsbeth.
For giving our convent a second life.
Well, it's in good hands,
Mother Frances.
Besides, it was all Alec.
ALEC: It was all you.
I made the calls because you asked.
This was all you.
MARISSA: It was a lot of me, too.
But it's fine. Optically speaking,
it's a big, fat jackpot for all of us.
Hey, guys? This is
I'd recognize that face anywhere.
It's good to see you again,
Mr. Hannigan.
You haven't changed.
And I don't recognize you at all.
- (LAUGHTER)
- It's been a while, yes.
We'll have to catch up.
- Properly.
- FRANCES: Now, come, come.
It's time for our group photo.
Oh, I don't think I should be in
Get in the photo, Elsbeth!
(CHUCKLES) Okay.
Thank you again for doing this,
Mr. Hannigan.
It means a lot to Alec.
Who?
Uh, Alec Bloom? The mayoral candidate?
What happened to Koch?
Mr. Hannigan, Alec Bloom
is the boy from your story,
remember?
Oh, yeah. Of course I remember.
Yeah.
I took him to the Grand Canyon.
Mr. Hannigan, you
you do remember helping a boy
who slept in the East Broadway station
in the winter of 1989, right?
Uh, Mr. Hannigan? We're waiting on you.
(SIGHS) Yeah.
MARISSA: Okay, everybody, big smiles!
I want to see happy nuns!
- How's my wimple?
- It's good.
ROY: Look at your mom.
Tell me she isn't
falling for Alec Bloom.
- (LAUGHING)
- (CAMERAS CLICKING)
Cr-cr-cr-crucify me,
you can vilify me ♪
You can nail me to the cross ♪
I spit your gospel out ♪
And fill you full of doubt ♪
I'm the chaos you can't stop ♪
You can't stop. ♪