Reasonable Doubt (2022) s04e02 Episode Script

1
[JAX STEWART] Previously
on Reasonable Doubt
Jax, she's not doing well.
Daniel asked me to come
out there and help keep her firm
up and going until she gets better.
The wedding is in two months.
You'll be back before then, right?
[KRYSTAL WALTERS] This is Eric Cropper.
I need a lawyer I can be
myself around. You good, bro?
I'm from the South Side of
Chicago. I'll beat your goof ass, nigga.
[ROSIE EDWARDS] When
you put a gun in Jax's face
and tried to kill her,
- I had a strange reaction.
- [GUNSHOT]
As of today, you'll have one
of the best lawyers in California.
How you doing, man?
[LEWIS STEWART] I told
Jax her job was too dangerous.
This is Lewis Stewart.
[NURSE ALLIE] [ON PHONE]
Can you come to the hospital?
Lewis.
[ENGINE RUMBLING]
[CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[NAIMA STEWART] Mom,
we're so happy to have you back.
[GROANS] Come here.
Come here. Hi. Look at you. [GROANING]
- [NAIMA] Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
- It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.
Hi, baby.
- [EXHALES] Come here, Spense.
- [SPENSER STEWART] Hey, Ma.
- Look at you.
- [SPENSER] How are you?
[KISSES] Happy to see you, baby.
Hey, here, let me help you.
Okay. Okay.
- You okay?
- Yeah.
Yeah. [CHUCKLES]
[JAX EXHALES]
- [JAX GROANS, SIGHS]
- Here we go.
- Got it, Ma.
- [JAX GROANS SHARPLY]
- Alright.
- Ouch. Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch.
Ouch. Okay. [INHALES AND EXHALES]
[GROANS] Ooh. Oh, boy.
That's a lot of stairs.
[SIGHS DEEPLY]
["OPTIMISTIC" BY SOUNDS
OF BLACKNESS PLAYING]
The blackness, keep, keep on ♪
Never say die ♪
Keep, keep on ♪
[SIGHS] Oh.
Blackness ♪
Keep, keep on ♪
Never say die ♪
Keep, keep on ♪
- Keep, keep on ♪
- [GROANS]
The blackness ♪
- When in the midst of sorrow ♪
- [INAUDIBLE]
You can't see up, when lookin' down ♪
A brighter day, tomorrow will bring ♪
Oh ♪
[INAUDIBLE]
Just hold on to your dreams, yeah ♪
Don't give up, and don't give in ♪
Although it seems you never win ♪
- Never win ♪
- Oh, no ♪
You will always pass the test ♪
As long as you keep
your head to the sky ♪
Yeah ♪
If you're not feelin' up to
church, we don't have to go.
No, I want to.
We have a lot to be grateful for.
Amen.
I think last night was rough.
You were in a lot of pain.
Yeah, well, the pain is
what it is. I mean, it's shitty.
It's the
[EXHALES] It's the
boredom that's gonna kill me.
Well, I mean, recovery isn't
fun, but it's what you need.
And I'm proud of you for your patience.
- And you should be too.
- Yeah.
Well, I'm not sure how
much longer I can take it.
Well, respectfully,
uh, this is a situation
you're not in control of.
Your health is.
Well, you know what?
The doctor said six to eight weeks.
I feel
It's been four, four weeks.
I need to get back to my firm.
Okay, but isn't that why Corey's here,
to give you the full
allotment of time to rest?
Yes, he is.
And I am grateful that he came.
- But?
- But it's my firm.
I mean, baby, come
on. Don't get me wrong.
It has been a blessing, you know,
to spend all of this focused
time with you and the kids.
But it is time for me to get
back to work, to what I love.
I'm not saying today, but soon.
Yeah, but, Jax, you're still in pain.
Maybe we should listen to
the doctors and be patient.
- "Patient."
- You can do it, Jax.
- [GROANS]
- I believe in you.
- You can do it.
- Mm.
- Okay, you can do it.
- [INDISTINCT].
I can do it.
- [GOSPEL MUSIC PLAYING]
- [CONGREGATION APPLAUDING]
[REVEREND] Expectation
is the enemy of gratitude.
- [CONGREGATION AFFIRMING]
- Wanting is at war with your peace.
Possession is what keeps
you in the prison of loneliness
that you claim so desperately
that you want to be free from.
[CONGREGATION AFFIRMING]
"Those who wait upon the
Lord shall renew their strength."
[CONGREGATION AFFIRMING]
Psalm 23.
"He makes me lie down
in the green pastures."
- "He restores my soul."
- [CONGREGATION AFFIRMING]
Now you see, we do not look inward
for answers to questions
that we cannot answer.
- [ATTENDEE] Amen.
- Yes.
[ATTENDEE] Amen.
We look to Him.
Now let us bow our heads.
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
It is in You that we live,
move, and [INDISTINCT].
[UPLIFTING MUSIC PLAYING]
[JAX] Monday.
- What?
- I'm going back to work on Monday.
[REVEREND] Hallelujah ♪
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
From La Brea to Slauson ♪
It's all us ♪
The Sun, Central
Ave Jazz, it's all us ♪
Where we at? Hit the Maverick Flats ♪
Lemeirt and right back to the ark ♪
It's all us ♪
We coastin' on the West
between sets and wealth ♪
We toast the sunset in the Dons ♪
Take flight into the
night under Cali stars ♪
In a world on wheels ♪
It's all us ♪
It's the world we feel ♪
It's all us ♪
From the Hills to Hollywood ♪
It's all us ♪
No doubt we all we got ♪
Hold it down, Black and brown ♪
In a city of dreams ♪
It's all us ♪
- ["HELLO" BY CARDI B PLAYING]
- I'm turnt up at the party ♪
I'm geekin' out my body ♪
She shake it, clap it for me ♪
Like yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
Hello, it's me ♪
- Hello, it's me ♪
- I'm back ♪
Hello, it's me ♪
- It's me, bitch ♪
- Hello, it's me ♪
[JAX] I know you're still
mad, but can you help me?
- Aye, 'cause it be me poppin' out ♪
- Ouch.
- Shittin' on these hoes ♪
- It be me ♪
It be me, my body
tea, I'm bitches' goals ♪
It be me ♪
It be me with my
skin glowin' in the sun ♪
It be me ♪
I'll tell a nigga's mama
raised a bum, yeah, yeah ♪
It be me just lookin'
perfect, head to toe, look ♪
Uh-huh ♪
It be you out here just
lookin' regular ho, aye ♪
It be me gettin' back
boxes every week, yeah ♪
- [SONG FADING, ECHOING]
- Every week, yeah ♪
It be me lookin' like a
snack, bon appétit, yeah ♪
Bon appétit, yeah ♪
It be me that's countin'
money, shakin' ass ♪
- [HEART BEATING]
- Shakin' ass ♪
It be you that's lookin'
stupid, hatin'-ass bitch ♪
- [SONG RESUMES NORMALLY]
- I'm turnt up at the party ♪
I'm geekin' out my body ♪
She shake it, clap it for me ♪
These bitches love some Cardi ♪
I'm turnt up at the party ♪
I'm geekin' out my body ♪
She twerk it, clap it for me ♪
Like yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
- [COREY CASH] Welcome back.
- Hey.
Welcome back.
You supposed to be back this soon?
That is not the script.
- [KRYSTAL] I'm checking
- Welcome back from The Crew.
The Crew.
Thank you. You know, I
pitched on a couple names
that were a bit more colorful,
less generic than "The Crew."
Names that really embody how well
- we work together
- Okay. I'm, I'm, I'm fine with the name.
[LAUGHS] And thank you.
Okay, listen, if I weren't
well enough to be here,
I wouldn't be here.
Okay? I've missed you. [LAUGHS]
And I am grateful to be
here. But you know what?
- I'm ready to get to work.
- Okay.
[JAX LAUGHS]
So, please, catch me up on
last week's phone conference.
Have any other clients
left other than Eric Cropper?
What did Eric Cropper do?
Well, Corey told me he didn't
need our services right now,
and he wasn't keeping us on retainer.
Eric has been with me for over a decade.
It's a damn shame after
all I've done for that man.
Yeah, well, we're
working to retain clients
who are being wooed by other firms,
but this week has been pretty
stable, and now that you're back,
I'll be working on driving new business.
We're good, okay? Onwards and upwards.
There is no shortage of Eric
Croppers in LA, that's for sure.
Krystal, financials?
Uh, we're down to five
months cash reserves
instead of the six that you prefer,
but we are holding it together.
Mm-mm. And as of this week,
all of our tech is now secure
and industry compliant.
These two have been
working their asses off, for real.
- Thank you, CC.
- [JAX] Ha!
- [COREY] What is it?
- Speak of the devil.
Eric Cropper doin' what he
does best, making headlines.
- [COREY] Hmm.
- [JAX LAUGHS]
Wait why does it say
that Gorelick & Sterne
are part of the legal team
representing Eric Cropper?
Well, there must be some explanation
because I refuse to believe
that you just lied to my face.
Okay, no. I did not lie to
your face. I protected you.
Look, you don't want that dude
being the face of
your new firm's roster.
And when did that
become your call to make?
When I left my practice and my fiancée
to come here to save
your firm. That's when.
Krystal, reach out to Eric's team
and set a meeting for this afternoon.
- Uh-huh.
- Jax, you are making a big mistake.
Corey, your position is clear.
I respect it, and I'm appreciative,
but I'm going to get my client back.
[ERIC CROPPER] Jax, my
world don't stop, and you know that.
Granted, they're not you,
but the white boys are
trying to figure it out.
Yet there's a video of you
yelling at your wife all over socials.
They couldn't stop that from coming out?
They're putting a statement together.
After 26 hours and-and 18 million views?
I mean, they wait any longer,
there won't be any
damage left to control.
You know the real question
you should be asking yourself?
The same one that kept me up last night.
How did TZT get that footage, hmm?
Baldwin Social House is a private club.
They don't allow photos
or videos to be taken.
If they wanted to burn you,
you've given them plenty.
So why now?
Who benefits?
Fuck.
Brooke.
Which tells me,
despite your best efforts,
Brooke has landed a good legal team.
Eric, listen to me,
Brooke has declared war,
and you around here working
with mediocre white men.
[JAX SCOFFS]
- [CELL PHONE BEEPS]
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING]
What is this?
A script for you to post on
your socials at 3:00 p.m. today.
Why 3:00 p.m.?
Because research has shown
that's the best time to post.
You know what? Never mind.
This is free legal advice.
[GROANS] Do me a favor.
Why don't you just call the
Caucasian Commission?
Let them tell you what to do, hmm?
Jax. Wait. [CHUCKLES]
I'll have my assistant send
an email to Gorelick & Sterne
letting them know I will no
longer need their services.
Hmm. That is the smartest
thing you've said yet.
And I will let my team
know to expect your retainer.
I'll have that over to The Stewart Firm
before your Black ass
crosses Sunset, alright?
I'll get to work,
making sure you get a
Godfather offer for Aura Streaming.
I'll do my part to turn your
business into an empire.
Try not to fuck it up for me.
- Alright?
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Happy to have you back, Jax.
Me too. [WINCES]
- Your mobility looks good.
- Mm-hmm.
How's your pain?
Uh it's constant but manageable.
Okay, I'll write a refill.
I don't want one.
It does help with the pain,
but it makes me feel shaky.
And my family has
a history of addiction,
so I am making my own
way without pain pills.
And I'm doing well. I
got back to work full-time.
Yeah, you know you won't
be back to work very long
if you try to push through
this without pain management.
Or maybe I don't need them.
You did say my mobility is good.
Okay, but you said you had some bleeding
and your pain is constant, right?
The faster you return
to your daily activities,
the greater the risk
your pain level increases.
How long will you last at
work when you hurt so much
that you can't think straight?
As my grandma would say,
"Either sit your ass down
and heal or take your meds."
And which do you prefer, Mrs. Stewart?
Is that your professional opinion?
I'll take the refill.
Good.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[DANIEL KIM] Ah.
[DANIEL CLICKS TONGUE]
Ah, baby Krystal.
- Time to wake up.
- [GASPS SHARPLY] Oh, my
[EXHALES]
You, uh, skipped class again?
Well, my options were
to show up unprepared
or prepare and not show up.
Well, Jax is back, so things are
gonna go back to normal crazy
instead of I'm-so-tired
I'mhallucinating-crazy.
I need your advice.
Ooh.
This must be bad.
I've been on top of the books,
because somebody had to,
but I told Jax that we
had five months reserves,
but we definitely don't.
Wait.
So how much reserves don't we have?
Four months.
Wait, so you're saying we only
have one month until we are
Fucked. Yeah.
- I mean Look, the, the, the
- Fuck.
the amount of insurance
that we have to carry is massive.
- One month?
- I set up a recurring payment,
but after the shooting,
the-the-the premium skyrocketed.
- We were still paying the old amount.
- Krystal.
Now we are paying penalties in addition.
I mean, it all happened so fast,
and now I don't know what to do.
You need to tell Jax.
And do I do that before or
after I hand in my resignation?
Hey, you stop that.
Okay, you've been Jax's rock for
years and she knows that, okay?
So just do it,
get it over with, and Jax
will figure it out. Okay?
That's the cost of having
your name on the door.
- Thank you, Daniel.
- You're welcome.
That was actually helpful.
Uh, listen, do you know
about the time frame
that you're gonna be
dropping this bomb on her?
Because she's gonna
need a shoulder to cry on.
And that's when I can swoop in
and become her official
new favorite person.
- Never mind.
- That's right.
But you can tell me later.
Good night.
"Her favorite person."
So I'm assuming you
charmed Eric back into the fold?
I did.
Some relationships
go far beyond business.
I'm glad it worked out.
And I'm glad that you understand.
And I also wanna thank
you again for coming.
I know you didn't have to.
Well, I guess some relationships
go far beyond business.
[CHUCKLES]
I was also hoping that you could
go through my client list again.
Remind everyone why The
Stewart Firm remains the best choice,
but with that classic Cash
charm and je ne sais quoi.
No problem.
Oh, and, uh, I was thinking
about this last night, actually,
when I started my firm, someone advised
me to create a mission statement.
- Hmm.
- Have you made one yet?
- Can't say I've really had the time.
- Of course not.
Well, when you get
settled in, I found it helpful
N-No. Please. Thank you.
I'm trying to keep the things I
have to think about to a minimum.
Can you help me do that?
I can.
[KRYSTAL] Hey. You got a second?
What's going on?
You know I'm juggling a lot, right?
Working here, law
school is kicking my ass,
and trying not to fight with my
wife about one of those two things.
[CHUCKLES QUIETLY]
I'm sorry, that can't be easy.
I I can walk you
through how this happened,
but here's where we stand financially.
So my first week back, and we're a
month away from not making payroll?
I know, which is why I
was scared to tell you.
Are you mad?
I'm frustrated because
everyone has to worry about me
and I'm frustrated
that I can't trust people
to handle basic shit.
I dropped the ball, Jax, no
excuses, but I bust my ass.
And balancing your
books is not basic for me.
I risked a ton following you here.
My wife got laid off.
I'm on COBRA until our
health insurance kicks in,
and still I was at the hospital
every day to check on you.
Me and Daniel, who, by the way,
also had a gun pointed at his face.
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
I appreciate you
alerting me to the issue.
It's all good. I'll fix it.
[TV PLAYING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
It's about time.
[TURNS OFF TV]
Fuck, I'm hungry.
Brandy.
Hey, hey.
Um
You can, um, do more than look.
Yeah. Um
How'd you get here, Brandy?
They're called airplanes?
You know, like, cars in
the air, but with wings.
Yeah. No, no, I'm-I'm,
I'm aware, but I would
I know how busy you've been,
and we actually didn't
discuss a visit, so
I wanted to surprise you.
Oh, well, I'm definitely surprised.
- Okay.
- Okay, look, I'm sorry.
Um it's been a long day for me.
And listen, my
head was just in a spot
to where I just wanted to watch
the game and eat some food
and not think about work.
I'm sorry.
You've had a rough day.
I understand.
Let's talk about it.
Alright, I'ma let's,
let's talk about it.
So
building a new firm can be brutal.
Okay, and I kept everything
afloat while Jax was recovering.
And any given day, I was
helping with organizing the files,
I was maintaining
relationships with her clients.
And then there's logistics.
I was there one night 'til 3:00 a.m.
in the morning waiting on a plumber.
It's been a lot.
And now that Jax is back
I don't know, I mean, sometimes
it seems like she's appreciative,
other times, not at all.
You did an amazing thing
helping a friend when she needed it,
but maybe this is Jax's
way of letting you know
that she doesn't need your help.
So come home, baby.
Okay, uh, maybe she came back too soon
'cause she's not ready to do this alone.
Oh.
So, you wanna stay longer?
[SIGHS]
Okay, it feels like you're
running from something
- Running?
- or hiding something.
- So, can you just answer this for me
- [LAUGHS] Oh, wow.
Corey, do you wanna marry me?
Listen, listen. I got my
own shit, Brandy, okay?
I
I can't deal with your
insecurities right now.
Wow!
Listening to you deflect
while I'm in lingerie?
You know what? That
really hits different.
Okay, I know. I
I didn't mean that. Where you going?
Oh, I'm going to change
and then I'm going to sleep.
Corey, you are a grown man,
and you are free to make
whatever choices you want.
But if you feel like you
have to stay or want to
please don't be surprised if I'm
not there when you come back.
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS] Thanks, bruh.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
- I know. I'm
- [AUTUMN OWENS] What are you doing?
I'm finishing my drink. Calm down.
We ain't been here 10 minutes.
That's your second drink.
- And I'm nervous.
- No need to be nervous.
She needs a support system.
- That's all.
- Exactly.
Sally, don't be weird.
Shanelle, our girl got shot.
And you talking about don't be weird?
- She's fine.
- She's saying [CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY]
She's here. She's
- [ALL CHEER, GIGGLE]
- Hi! Hi!
You look so [INDISTINCT]!
- Oh! [WINCES]
- [SALLY BRASWELL] I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Happy to see you.
Girl, you look so good.
So do you.
- [LIPS SMACKING]
- Love this hair.
And the bob is bobbing.
Thank you.
It's giving [CHUCKLES] Bobbiana!
[SHANELLE] Girl, we haven't seen you
since you first got out of the hospital.
[JAX] Girl, it's good to be seen.
You look so cute.
I have had a shitty day.
- Oh, no.
- [JAX] Ugh!
Girl, my assistant just
told me something wild.
Here's the real thing.
She's not doing her job.
That's the issue I'm having now.
So, it's like, how
What am I supposed to
- [SALLY SOBBING]
- What?
- What happened?
- [SALLY] [CRYING] I'm so sorry, Jax.
But we almost lost you.
[JAX SIGHS]
Look, you've been in
my life since high school.
Hey, hey, hey, I didn't die.
I'm right here. Okay? I'm here.
To annoy you for another 100 years.
Alright, all of y'all. [LAUGHS]
And I appreciate how y'all
showed up for my family and for me.
I mean, it's, it's a process,
but I'm getting better. Okay?
I promise.
- Okay.
- Now, that's enough about me.
What's up with you hoes?
- [BOTH] Ooh!
- Well, there's my girl.
Back like she never left.
[SALLY] To Jax, y'all.
- We love you so much.
- I'm just gonna take this.
[CROSSTALK]
We need some more water.
Wait, you don't even have
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Mrs. Cropper helped
Mr. Cropper build his company.
And now Mr. Cropper has fired Mrs.
Cropper for no substantive reason.
According to Mr. Cropper, his
employees are afraid of Mrs. Cropper.
We even have a list of grievances.
Give me that.
That's bullshit. That's bullshit.
Maddie is a liar.
And who knows how many
employees you coerced.
Look, I ain't gotta
convince nobody to do shit.
My client has proper
grounds to fire Mrs. Cropper.
We're only here to finalize her buyout.
No, Jax, you're here because
you're Eric's biggest
enabler and you hate women.
No, you hate yourself.
Don't put that on me or my client,
especially since I know it was
you who leaked that footage to TZT.
If only you knew how easy it was
to get that footage from the club.
Folks smile in your face, Eric,
but, really, they all despise you.
Please keep going
because the more you talk,
the more the price drops.
What you should tell your fucking client
is sign an agreement
and stop wasting my time!
I actually came here
today thinking you might say
- something that made sense, my mistake.
- [WHISPERING]
But your mistake,
Eric is fucking with me.
I know way more about you and the shit
that you've done than
you can even remember.
So stop wasting my fucking time
before more secrets come out.
I'll handle it.
If you don't, I will.
- ["COLD AS ICE" BY M.O.P. PLAYING]
- Cold as ice ♪
You know that you are ♪
Cold as ♪
How'd it go?
Oh, don't ask.
Well, maybe now might be a good
time to look at that mission statement.
Maybe later.
You're as cold as ice ♪
Yeah! ♪
You're willing to sacrifice ♪
Yeah! ♪
You're as cold as ice ♪
You're willing to sacrifice ♪
Before we get started,
I just wanna say I'm very
happy to see you, Jax.
How are things now that your life
is seemingly returning to normal?
Um fine.
I mean, obviously,
still managing the pain,
but it's been nice, you know,
being able to focus on my family
and getting my firm back on track.
- [DR. VERNON WEBB] Okay.
- [JAX] Mm-hmm.
That's the professional answer.
But what's the truth?
That is the truth.
So you got shot, almost died,
and things are the same as they were?
How 'bout you, Lewis? How
are you feeling about everything?
Um
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
Not fine.
Um, I'm so glad she's alive,
but, um, I was there too,
and I I don't know how to handle her
trauma and mine, so I'm-I'm not fine.
Hey, you don't always
have to take care of me.
Well, yeah, I do.
I mean, you could feel what you want,
but you know who I
was when we got married.
We both signed up for this shit.
So, yeah, I do have to take care of you.
You two are at the beginning
of a difficult road, not the end.
And there will be another.
The focus for both of
you should be on honesty
with yourselves and each other.
When things feel out of your control,
the worst thing you can
do is try and tighten the grip.
[REGINA HARRIS] Jax, good to see you.
- Look at you, you look good, considering.
- Ugh.
You had all the Legal Baddies
of California group worried sick.
After all, you are a legend,
an inspiration to all the Black
female lawyers, including me.
Oh, well, look, I'm not quite ready
for the hall of fame just yet. [LAUGHS]
But I appreciate the love.
So, where are you with
Monica Wilson's case?
Well, it seemed pretty clear and
cut until Monica hired Seth Edelman.
What?
Seth is one of the best criminal
defense attorneys in the state.
- How could she afford him?
- No clue.
But he was at her
arraignment, smug face and all.
Okay, well, that's a turn of events.
So what's the plan now?
We're still working on it.
I see.
Well, given the evidence
stacked against her,
I'm pretty sure Seth is
gonna go for an insanity plea,
- which works less than 1% of the time.
- I agree.
You know, Seth is a
force to be reckoned with.
Have you ever gone against
a lawyer of his caliber?
If not, I'm not sure if you're prepared
for what his defense strategy will be.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
We will win this case
no matter what the
defense's strategy is.
Making sure the woman
who hurt you sees justice
is just an extra bit of motivation.
Putting a victim like you
- in front of a jury
- I'm not a victim. I'm a lawyer.
Of course. Of course.
But we should discuss the
path you're comfortable with
- when you take the stand.
- I'm not taking the stand.
Both Lewis and Daniel will make
excellent witnesses who can testify.
[EXHALES]
I watched on TV, in tears,
as you led Ozzie Edwards
through his testimony,
before that you put your
best friend on the stand.
So I would think that you
understand the importance
of using a witness to connect
to the jury through emotion,
not just through facts.
I'm not testifying.
Is this about facing Monica
in court? Because I can help.
No, it's not about that. [LAUGHS]
I've spent the last two
months healing. I'm healed.
I don't need anyone squeezing my hand
while I tell that bitch to her face
what I feel about her and how miserable
I hope the rest of her fucking life is.
Well, I'm happy you're healed.
And I'll be happy when
you're ready to win this case.
'Cause after all
your office needs it.
And what do you need, Jax?
Maybe you should focus on that
and let me focus on this case.
Respectfully, of course.
Jax
long time no shoot.
- [PRISON DOOR BUZZES]
- Didn't expect to see you.
Alive, or in front of you?
Both are annoying.
What do you want?
How is it in there? Hmm?
Your bruises look old, but
those cornrows are fresh.
How many licks did it
take to complete that arc?
None.
My new lawyer got me outta Gen Pop.
And apparently, I have fans.
Well, they may not be my fans,
but they hate you enough
to invest in my freedom.
You tried to take everything
from me, but you failed, Monica.
You took everything from me.
You took Ozzy from me.
And now I can never have him back.
You destroyed that boy the
moment you put your hands on him.
Someone like you will never
understand what Ozzy and I had.
It requires humility,
selflessness, vulnerability.
I came to show you that you fucked up.
You will be a footnote
in my life, that is it.
This is your life.
And when you are convicted,
I will get on my hands and
knees and I will remind Ozzy
that I did exactly what
I promised I would do.
Promises are what you do
best, but I just call 'em lies.
Just like you lied to Ozzy
and told him that he'd be okay,
but instead he ended
up dead on your floor.
How'd that feel?
[LAUGHS] Pow, pow. Gotcha.
You are going to die in here!
The difference between me
and you is I don't give a fuck,
because watching you squirm in pain,
that's all the joy I need.
Heal up never, bitch. [LAUGHS]
Fuck you!
[MONICA CONTINUES LAUGHING]
[BILL STERLING] Stephen and Vince had me
grab lunch with one
of Jax's old clients,
and I'm telling you, Sally,
this guy was so openly vile,
and the worst part is he
thought he was being subtle.
Hmm. Well, that doesn't surprise me.
I don't know why it surprised me either.
Look, I'm trying to fit in.
Vince asked me to play the part
of partner and that's what I'm doing.
But if this is what it is, I hate it.
Hmm. Vince and Stephen are assholes.
So again, that doesn't surprise me.
But what does surprise me is that
you haven't done anything about it.
I
What do you mean?
I went down to Jax's
firm and offered to help.
It's not my fault they didn't want it.
But it is, Bill.
- H
- You stabbed Jax in the back.
And just because you
wanna be forgiven for it,
doesn't mean other people will forget.
You've forgiven me.
That's different, 'cause I love
[CLEARS THROAT]
S Hold-Hold on. Slow down.
Look.
The real reason you're so unhappy
is because you aren't
like those other guys.
Did you do a bad thing to get
something that you wanted? Yes.
Trust me, I get it.
I did the same thing with
Shanelle and the house.
But as long as you stay at that firm,
you are part of the problem.
Whether you choose to believe it or not,
you will become one of those guys.
And let's just say, I do love you.
I can't love that guy.
Can you?
[JAX] So, I saw Dr. Ross the other day
and he wants to give me a refill,
but I don't feel like I need it.
[LEWIS] Well, if he prescribed
it, he thinks you need it,
why not just take the refill?
Because I don't wanna become dependent.
[LEWIS] You mean addicted?
Taking pain pills while you recover
doesn't mean you're an addict
or you'll become an addict.
And with everything
you've been through, listen,
I have faith you won't let that happen.
And as you get better, I
hope you give yourself grace.
And then, what are you gonna give me?
["CRY FOR YOU" BY JODECI PLAYING]
Hmm?
It's been an hour
since you've been gone ♪
Mm!
Mm, mm, mm.
- Mm, okay.
- And that's too long, so come back ♪
- Home ♪
- [CHUCKLES]
- Get over here.
- I can't live without you ♪
So I'll cry for you ♪
Do anything that I can ♪
To feel that touch from your hand ♪
- [GUNSHOT ECHOES]
- [JAX GASPS]
What was that?! What
was that?! What was that?!
What was that? [GASPING]
- No, no, I'm fine.
- It's okay
- It's just the computer!
- I'm fine!
[JAX WHIMPERING]
[LEWIS] Wait, Jax, Jax, Jax, Jax.
[SOBBING]
Jax?
Babe, it's okay.
- [SOBBING CONTINUES]
- Jax.
It's okay, Jax.
If you need anything,
I'm-I'm here, okay?
Okay?
Baby, I'm begging ♪
- It's gonna be okay. Just
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- breathe.
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- Breathe, babe, just breathe.
- I just can't take it no more ♪
Baby, I'm begging, baby, I'm begging ♪
I don't give a damn anymore ♪
Baby, I'm begging, baby, I'm begging ♪
Come back, come on back ♪
Baby, I'm begging, baby, I'm begging ♪
- Is there anybody out there? ♪
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- Who know what I'm talking about? ♪
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- I'm okay.
I'm okay.
- Anybody? ♪
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
- Jodeci ♪
- Baby, I'm begging ♪
Let me hear you say ♪
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[EXHALES]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Now that we've settled
the division of assets,
all that's needed from
you are your signatures
and then I can present
the settlement to the judge.
Thank you.
Can we have a minute alone,
if that's okay with you, Kendra?
Now that we're here, at the
end, can I ask you a question?
Sure.
When did you know it was over?
I needed a partner, support.
Not advice, not judgment.
Not the dismissive attitude that
your time is more important than mine.
So, no, there wasn't a specific
thing you did on a particular day.
It was just the day I
decided I needed more.
Right. I just I'm sorry.
I didn't support you as my wife.
As the mother of my children.
As a Black woman dealing
with the endless bullshit
that you deal with every day.
- That's on me.
- I know it is.
That's why I asked
for a shit ton of money.
- [KENDRA CHUCKLES]
- So, I'm paying reparations?
- That's exactly right.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Are you happier now that
you got what you wanted?
Not really, but I'm trying.
You used to say the same thing to me,
that you were trying.
But maybe it's time to
stop trying and start doing.
You know?
[PEN SCRIBBLES]
[SPEAKS SPANISH], Señora
Blanca. I had to stay late.
- I
- I cleaned her, changed her clothes.
She didn't want food, only shakes.
She needs to poop.
Add more fiber to her diet.
I I will. I will.
Uh, uh, Blanca let me
- pay you for staying late.
- This isn't about money!
It's about respecting my time.
I have other clients,
[SPEAKS SPANISH] to tend to.
I understand. I promise,
it won't happen again.
Y-You say that every
time, but this time it won't.
I'm going to work for
another family full-time.
Blanca! [SPEAKS SPANISH].
Pl [SPEAKS SPANISH].
You need somebody
here all day and all night.
[BLANCA SPEAKING SPANISH]
[DOOR SLAMS]
[SIGHS]
[REGINA] Hey, Mom.
[SIGHS] Uh, Mom, I'll be in the
other room if you need me, okay?
It's your fault she quit.
[INHALES AND EXHALES]
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
[UTENSILS CLACKING]
- You okay?
- Yeah.
You know no, I actually, I'm not.
You wanna talk about
what happened last night?
[JAX SIGHS]
Okay.
Well, I mean, when your
computer fell, I panicked,
and I tweaked my arm,
and I couldn't calm down.
So, I took a pain pill.
And actually, I felt better after,
but I couldn't say that
because I felt like it
made me look weak.
But you were right.
I am not Superwoman,
and I don't have to be.
I will take the pain
pills when I need them.
Listen, I am I am proud
of you for admitting that
to yourself and to me.
I mean, Jax, you are in recovery.
It's okay to slow down.
No, I can't slow down, Lewis.
Do you know how many clients
I lost while I was in the hospital?
And now, the firm
has so little in reserve
that I'm gonna have
to take out a loan
If you need a loan, I got you.
Baby, that means a lot to me.
Look, you have no idea
how scared I've been.
I have never been this
close to failure before.
I have people depending on me.
Do you know what it
would mean if I failed,
the damage to my career?
I do.
But I also need you to
know the damage you can do
to your body forever.
I know that too.
Hey, look, I will go
to physical therapy.
I'll go to, to regular therapy.
I'll go to all the therapies.
But I cannot fail at this firm.
- I can't.
- And I know that, too,
and I am here to support
you however I can.
Thank you, baby. I know that.
But I am worried about you.
I need you to promise me
that you'll know when to stop,
and that you will tell me
when you get there, that
Look at me, that you
will be honest with me.
- Hey, how 'bout this?
- Hmm?
In the spirit of honesty,
I'm tired. [LAUGHS]
So, I'm gonna go lay down, okay?
Of course.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I love you and I appreciate you.
I love you too.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[SIGHS]
[CELL PHONE BUZZING]
Hello?
Hey, man, you got a minute?
[COREY] [ON PHONE] Is everything okay?
Uh, yeah. Yeah. I, um
Look, I just wanted to touch
base with you, uh, about Jax.
I'm worried she might be
pushing herself too hard at work.
Have you noticed that too?
Well, she's stressed.
But you know Jax, I mean, she's gonna
fake it 'til she makes it. You know?
But that's what I'm afraid of. So, um
look, I need to ask a favor.
- Okay?
- Jax is a very capable person,
sometimes to a fault,
which means she doesn't know
when to slow down, even stop.
And since you work
with her all day, I, um
I'm asking that if you see
something, say something
and I'll do the same.
I hear you. Yeah.
I'll keep an eye out.
Thank you.
[LAUGHS] No, no, no.
Accelerate with your
hips, not your wrist.
- Here, let me, let me show you.
- Do not touch my hips.
That's a good point. Sorry about that.
Billy boy! What's the word?
You have no respect for me.
Why does everything have
to be so tense with you?
Aren't you sick of it? God knows we are.
You're right.
I quit.
- What?
- Oh, Bill.
I think you're making a big mistake.
Other firms are gonna call me,
and I can't exactly see myself
giving you a glowing recommendation.
That's good.
'Cause I'm already
deciding between two offers.
What you should be concerned
with is what I will say about you.
And I can't see myself saying
anything positive about this place
given your support of racist clients
and unparalleled white privilege.
Billy boy, you have been
partner for a hot second
with no notable cases.
So, whatever offers
you may think you have
trust me, soon enough,
you'll be out on your ass
surviving off your 401k and COBRA.
Unless, of course, your
mug ends up on a bus ad
showing DUIs and car accidents.
I'm white, I'm male
and now I'm rich.
We always survive.
But unlike you, I'm not gonna use it
against people who don't look like me.
I'm gonna use it
against people like you.
See you at the country
club, motherfuckas.
We're not racist, are we?
Fuck no.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Listen, I have something for you.
I realize I never gave
you a welcome back gift.
Okay? You shouldn't have.
[JAX LAUGHS]
When you're healed and ready
to kill yourself in a different way.
Charming and hilarious.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
[JAX LAUGHS]
So, in better news, I reached
out to Kevin Chase last night,
had him join me courtside
at the Lakers game,
and we can add his
business to the books.
Excellent. Nice work.
- How did you manage to
- I sold him on the mission.
You.
That's what this firm is.
Now, it's hard to articulate,
and it's undeniable.
And why?
Because Jax Stewart doesn't lose.
[SIGHS]
- [SIGHS]
- You good?
- You in pain?
- No, no, I'm
[CHUCKLES, INHALES]
[EXHALES] It just dawned on me
how ridiculous it is that I am here.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Standing here
in my own firm.
Alive.
It's like you just fight and you fight
and you fight
- Hey. Hey, hey.
- and you fight and you fight.
- No, no, hey, hey, no, no, no.
- [VOICE BREAKING] And you just
- you fight.
- You should be proud.
All of this is just a beginning for you.
Corey [CHUCKLES]
I still can't believe that you
put your life on hold to be here for me.
I am so grateful.
I've just been overcome
by how people have
stepped in to help me.
And I'm sorry I haven't been
Nice, kind, appreciative.
Okay, easy.
I'm nice.
Mm
[BOTH LAUGH]
'Kay, well, guess I'll try harder
but only for you, Mr. Cash.
We'll have to see
about that, Mrs. Stewart.
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Hey.
I quit the firm.
And I love you.
Really?
And for real?
Yes.
And yes.
Okay then, I love you too.
[SALLY CHUCKLING]
[ZIPPER BUZZES]
I'm sorry, but
have to say I need more
time to be here in LA.
You are singularly terrible at this.
Really, like one of one.
Okay. Alright.
Let me try again.
I'm sorry for my approach,
for my insensitivity,
and for making you feel like
anything less than what you are.
And what am I?
My future.
You're the woman I wanna
spend the rest of my life with.
Like, I'm just not the type of person
who, who spends time
thinking about his actions,
a-analyzing why I do what I do.
And we are different in that way.
And, yes, I have been
alone most of my life.
So, yeah, maybe this was one
last opportunity to come here,
watch some basketball,
order some takeout,
and overthink work without
considering anyone else.
All that changes
when we get married.
And I know that.
But I asked you to marry
me because that's what I want.
Baby you are what I want.
I'm your future, but
This is what I need.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
And if you tell me that,
that you're not cool with that,
I will pack up all my shit
and I will go to the
airport with you right now.
No explanation needed.
But I know what Jax is trying to build.
That's important to me.
I can help her.
This is bigger than me.
If you're staying, there's
something I need to know.
Anything.
Are you in love with Jax?
No.
I am not in love with Jax.
["PIANO & I" BY ALICIA KEYS PLAYING]
[VOCALIZING]
Oh ♪
Whatever stops you from dreaming ♪
Whatever tries to
stop you from living ♪
Fuck you going?
Flip it ♪
[VOCALIZING]
[HUMMING]
Welcome home ♪
[ENGINE ROARS]
'Cause right now, what I have to do ♪
Is I gotta amp myself
up as well as you ♪
[HUMMING CONTINUES]
[TIRES SCREECH]
So, yeah, so what, it took me like ♪
[BROOKE] What the fuck?
Maybe two years and shit ♪
- Hello? The fuck
- But I'm feelin' prepared ♪
You know what I'm sayin'? ♪
[BROOKE SCREAMING]
And I'm feelin' a lil'
more ready for the world ♪
And less lost ♪
As I once was ♪
[HUMMING CONTINUES]
So, come on ♪
What you waitin' on? ♪
Feel me ♪
What, uh ♪
[ERIC] Fuck!