Reasonable Doubt (2022) s04e08 Episode Script

1
[SHANELLE TUCKER]
Previously on Reasonable Doubt
You know, you pretending
to be here for me
when really you just trying to
distract yourself from your own life.
You know what, you wouldn't
even have a firm if it weren't for me.
Coming out here to save your ass
when you could barely save yourself.
Hope you enjoy the
rest of your birthday.
[LAUGHS] Surprise!
Damn, what kinda party is this?
An intervention.
Listen to what the fuck we gotta say
or never speak to any of us again.
[SOBBING] I didn't
know, I thought I was okay.
Oh, my God, I'm not okay.
I'm not okay! I'm not I'm not okay!
[EDDIE NICHOLAS] Gonna be
a long road to recovery for her.
Physical pain is hard, but
emotional pain is unbearable.
[DESIREE GRANT] I have proof
that you had Allen Russo killed.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ERIC CROPPER] The
fuck am I gonna do now?
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
The flurry of police activity continues
as law enforcement
tries to piece together
the details of a woman found
dead in her room hours ago
in an apparent suicide.
However, law enforcement
has not ruled out foul play.
- At night I can't sleep ♪
- [DOOR OPENS]
I toss and turn,
candlesticks in the dark ♪
Visions of bodies being burned ♪
Four walls just staring at a nigga ♪
Hey. I got you, big bro.
Okay, you gotta get out of here now.
My mother's always
stressing I ain't living right ♪
But I ain't going
out without a fight ♪
See, every time my eyes close ♪
I start sweating, and blood
starts coming out my nose ♪
Is somebody watching the Ak'? ♪
But I don't know who it
is, so I'm watching my back ♪
I can see him when
I'm deep in the covers ♪
When I awake I don't
see the motherfucker ♪
He owns a black hat like I own ♪
- A black suit and a cane like my own ♪
- [CELL PHONE BUZZING]
Investigating the joint for traps ♪
Checking my telephone for taps ♪
I'm staring at the
woman on the corner ♪
It's fucked up when your
mind's playing tricks on ya ♪
Oh, shit.
Mr. Cropper?
I came to Uh
Yeah, got dirt on my brand-new
shoes during my morning run.
[CHUCKLES] That's some shit.
I see.
[ERIC] If anybody asks,
I was here all night and
I went for a morning run.
The truth.
Just like when you take the stand,
you'll tell them how
good I've been to you
because loyalty
is the only way we can survive.
Goddamn, homie ♪
My mind is playing tricks on me ♪
[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 ♪
Leimert and right back to The Arc ♪
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 ♪
[JAX STEWART] Hello, everyone. Um
It's my first time
here, so here it goes.
Um, I grew up with an addict.
Um
And I felt the pain every
time I made the choice
to believe that he could change.
And [CHUCKLES]
I thought that he was the worst
version of what a human could be.
And I swore I would never be like him.
I would never hurt the people
I love the way that he hurt me.
And here I am [CHUCKLES
SOFTLY] just like him.
And I'm sitting here because
I have to take accountability
for the things that I've done.
Even worse, the things I've said.
But, you know, the
hardest part is that
I have to face the fact that
I may not only be an addict,
but also a terrible person.
But either way, I'm ready to change.
So here I am.
No hiding.
Trying to own the choices I made
that nearly ruined me because
Because
[SIGHS]
Because I'm an addict.
But I'm here because
I'm gonna do the work.
And I'm gonna work hard
because I refuse to
let that title define me.
Thank you.
[CLAPPING]
Hello.
My name is Mike.
And I'm an addict.
I'm Jax.
I'm an addict.
How long have you been sober,
if you don't mind me asking?
Three days now.
- You?
- Well, it's been 20 years for me.
- [JAX] Hmm.
- Since right after law school.
It started with alcohol,
then Adderall, then both.
But coming to meetings
makes me feel safe.
It holds me accountable.
I I'm sure being here is
helpful, but [CHUCKLES]
I've got some real making up to do.
I mean, I I did real
damage to pretty much just,
just about everyone around me.
And to make matters worse,
I'm still in the middle of this trial,
so I'll have to wait to figure that out.
[MIKE ORTIZ] I thought the same,
but postponing only feeds the addiction.
You've got to have a strong
support system encouraging you,
- holding you accountable.
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
It's critical for your recovery.
So don't wait, Jax.
No, I'm
[SIGHS]
Um
Well, I guess I'd say see you next week,
but something tells me
you're gonna find
another meeting to go to.
It's not personal.
I stopped taking things
personally a long time ago.
It helps.
Trust.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
You know, where O-Dog
is showing everybody
the tape of the, uh,
the-the store owner.
The Korean store owner that he shot?
Yeah, and then, you know, Caine is like,
"Yo, why you keep showing that"
[KRYSTAL GASPS]
Wait.
You haven't seen Menace II Society?
I mean, it's a classic.
No, and you know what,
you're not really doing a
good job selling it to me
'cause, you know, I have
no interest watching a movie
where Koreans and Black
people do not get along
because I love my sisters.
What? No, Menace
is not about the racial
[JAX] Good morning.
I'm surprised to see you both.
I thought that after everything
that happened on Friday, you
Lewis hit us up, told us
about the weekend detox.
Heard it was rough.
Yeah, and honestly, we were
hoping you wouldn't be here.
To clarify, not dead.
Just not here in the office.
I actually appreciate
that clarification. Um
I said some very
terrible, terrible things,
and I am so sorry.
I wasn't myself.
And I haven't been
myself for a while.
And I think that now
you both understand why.
But regardless, my treatment of
you as-as colleagues and as friends
[KRYSTAL] Oh, friends?
Sorry, you-you made it
clear we aren't friends.
- Or family.
- [KRYSTAL] Exactly.
I guess maybe you were right.
Because when I thought about it,
I realized that even
before the shooting,
you never took an interest in our lives.
You're right, I, I
wasn't a very good mentor
or, or a boss, or a friend.
But I value the both of you so much.
And I could not have started
The Stewart Firm without you.
Listen to me.
I promise to be better going forward.
Okay?
And, Daniel, I'm sorry that I didn't
check on you after the shooting.
My trauma is not more
important than yours.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
Oh, um, one more thing.
I got you both something.
[WHISPERING] Who is that woman?
[WHISPERING] I don't know what
the fuck is happening right now.
She just came in like, "Oh, okay.
I didn't just cuss you all
out and call you the N-word."
For you, Krystal.
An engraved Tumi briefcase as
you embark on your legal journey.
And a vintage watch for you, Daniel.
Since you said you like horology, right?
How, how on earth did you
manage to get these gifts so fast?
Well, you'd be surprised
what a few clicks on the keys
and a credit card could do. [CHUCKLES]
Thanks. Uh, this is, uh
This is nice.
Yes.
Very nice, Jax.
Now, I I know it's
not enough, but just
consider it an olive branch.
Have either of you talked to Corey?
- I know he's still mad, but
- He's not coming back.
Well I guess he just
needs some more time then.
Alright, um
Well, I guess we should all get to work.
Please.
Please get to work.
Thank you.
[LIGHT, UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
The defense calls
My name is Alejandro Montoya.
I have been Mr. Cropper's
house manager for eight years.
[JAX] During these past
eight years, would you say
that Mr. Cropper has treated you well?
Oh, yes, Mr. Cropper
has treated me very well.
I make twice as much
as most house managers,
and I am forever grateful
for how he helped my
father when he was sick.
[JAX] What did Mr. Cropper
do for your father?
A few years ago, my father was
very ill back home in Bogotá, Colombia.
My parents didn't have
enough money for his operation,
and what I was sending
wasn't going to be enough.
But when I told Mr. Cropper
about the situation,
he stepped in and paid
for my father's treatment.
Due to his kindness,
my father is alive today.
[JAX] Thank you for sharing that.
Now, were you with Mr. Cropper
on the night in question?
Not during the alleged incident,
but in the aftermath, yes, I was.
And what did you
observe from Mr. Cropper?
I saw tears fall from his eyes
as he told me Mrs. Cropper
had been kidnapped.
Their relationship wasn't perfect,
but I knew from that
that he still loved her.
No heartless man with evil
intent could display such emotion
as I saw from Mr. Cropper that day.
Hmm. Thank you, Mr. Montoya.
Nothing further.
[REGINA HARRIS] Mr. Montoya,
as the house manager,
you often sign for packages
addressed to Mr. Cropper, correct?
Yes, sometimes.
I'd like to call your attention
to the People's Exhibit 30.
Mr. Montoya, is this your signature
signing for a package from Stovall Labs?
Yes.
Do you know what
Stovall Labs is known for?
No.
They are the leading
manufacturer of chloroform,
the chemical that was used
to knock Mrs. Cropper out
during her kidnapping.
[JURY MURMURING]
Were you aware of that?
No, I was not.
And, Mr. Montoya, did you
give the package to Mr. Cropper?
Not directly.
I placed it in his study
as with all packages.
Nothing further.
Thank you.
If I knew this was the kinda
representation I was gonna get,
- I'd have stuck with them white boys.
- [JAX SCOFFS]
At least they do they job.
Excuse me?
I'm doing my job.
And I always come out the
gate pretty fuckin' strong for you.
In all our years of working together,
how many times have I failed you?
- None.
- Exactly.
So I don't know what your problem is,
but you remember them stats next
time you question me about my job.
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
[LINE RINGING]
[LINE BEEPS]
[NOTIFICATION WHOOSHING]
[JAX SIGHS]
- Hey, Spense.
- Hey.
Spense, you know you're not
supposed to be eating in your room.
Mom, I think we're
past all that. Don't you?
Lewis.
Come on, is all that really necessary?
Vons is part of a No Drugs
Down the Drain program.
I'm gonna take 'em there
tomorrow for safe disposal.
How was court?
Fine.
- Eric just being Eric.
- Hmm.
When's your next NA meeting?
Um [SIGHS]
I'm-I'm thinking about
going two, three days a week.
Yeah, whatever is
recommended, I think is best.
Hey, hey.
Lewis, come on, baby.
I need you. I need you.
Come here.
Hey, why don't we have a date night?
It's been a while, right?
Let's just, um
Let's just take it one day at a time.
I'm going to the gym.
I'll be home later.
["TILL IT HAPPENS TO YOU" BY
CORINNE BAILEY RAE PLAYING]
I know what I said ♪
Was heat of the moment ♪
But there's a little truth
in between the words ♪
We've spoken ♪
It's a little late
now to fix a heart ♪
That's broken ♪
Please don't ask me where I'm going ♪
'Cause I don't know ♪
[VOCALIZING]
No, I don't know ♪
Anymore ♪
It used to feel like heaven ♪
Nobody wants to face the truth ♪
But you won't believe
what love can do ♪
Till it happens to you ♪
[JAX] [GROANS] Dr. Jefferson.
What the fuck is the
point of getting clean,
apologizing to everyone that I hurt,
when I have no control over
when they're going to get over it
and things can, can get back to normal?
It's only been four days.
I know, but I feel like
they're still punishing me.
When what I really need is to
win my case and to stay clean.
Hmm. In that order?
But I, I hate it here.
God, I feel like the world
is just closing in on me.
I mean, I got my
sobriety, my lunatic client,
my own case with Monica.
But you know what would help?
A pill.
Jax, you just think it'll help.
But it'll take away all your progress
and end any chances of mending
all the damage you've caused
- to the relationships you care about.
- You Okay. Okay.
It will get easier, but
you'll never be free.
There will always be
triggers, but that's okay.
Lean on people, and don't
be too proud to ask for help.
I'm so happy to be here.
- I bet.
- Yeah, right.
I understand you
both might not trust me,
but I hope I can spend the
next month and a half or so
earning your trust, if that's okay.
Great. So here's where we are.
Alejandro Montoya's testimony
created doubt about the chloroform,
which was one of the
state's key pieces of evidence.
So we have to capitalize on that.
The prosecution claims
that the kidnapping
was an inside job orchestrated by Eric.
But what if we could
point to another insider?
Someone else with access to
Eric's world, accounts, et cetera.
Exactly, I think we should focus
on Eric's business manager,
and our forensic analyst.
They can establish the facts we need
to keep the trial's
momentum in our favor
while also pointing to other suspects.
[BILL STERLING] Very smart.
I'm happy to take over
direct on the forensic analyst.
No, of course you are.
Sorry, did I say that out loud?
Yes. It's okay.
Anyway, the analyst will show
that the police's account of
the kidnapping is incomplete.
And at worst, part of a
possible framing of Eric.
Well, Krystal, can
you help Bill prepare?
Sure. [CHUCKLES SARCASTICALLY]
Meanwhile, I will handle
Eric's business manager.
She'll show that the payments to
Fabian and Devonte were normal
and that the one high payment
could have been authorized
by any senior executive at CROP.
You think an exec arranged this?
I mean, it had to be someone
close to Eric with access to his home,
which means family,
friend, Brooke's lover,
uh, an ex, an employee.
[JAX] Mm-hmm.
You know, I have someone
in mind who I think might stick.
But, let's, let's keep our options open.
[TYGER CROPPER] What are you doing here?
Alejandro told me you
were in here waiting for Eric.
So, just wanted to come
say hey before he got back.
Seeing it's the whole
- Protective order.
- Right.
But I'm actually glad you're here.
I need to ask you something.
Shoot.
Desiree Grant.
It's all over the news, she's dead.
Fuck, no
No, I didn't see that. What
did they say happened?
What did they say happened
or what do I think happened?
What do you mean?
I woke up this morning
to use the bathroom
and I see Eric just getting in.
I asked Alejandro where he had been and
he said out for an early morning run.
Okay, niggas like to run.
On what planet does Eric run?
So on top of that, he's getting in
in the wee hours of the morning.
The next thing I know, the big
news story is Desiree's dead.
Something ain't adding up.
Okay, why do you care so much?
Because I wanna bury his ass so deep,
there's not even a trace he was alive.
Now if I can do that with this trial
or now Desiree's death, I'ma do it.
Okay, you know what?
Brooke, one day you're talking
about how I'm the one that you want,
and then the next minute, you're
sniffing his ass like some sad puppy.
You-you're giving
thirsty, groupie behavior
for a nigga who's proved
he doesn't care about you.
"Thirsty groupie." Wow.
I'm-I'm just saying what it looks like.
I'm-I'm sorry, I'm
not trying to be mean.
[BROOKE] Mm.
At least when Eric is mean, he
stands on business behind his words.
He doesn't take them
back like a pussy.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[CHUCKLES] Pussy
Brooke, where are you going? Come here.
To get some water
since I'm thirsty, right?
Fucking bitch-ass nigga.
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[INHALES, EXHALES]
[LEWIS STEWART] Let me guess.
They wouldn't match the offer.
[CLIFF SIGHS]
Took it to the board,
but this is all they can do.
[CLIFF EXHALES]
Mind if I keep it a buck with you?
Only if you promise
to never say that again.
[CHUCKLES]
Yeah.
We both know that, uh,
there's a ceiling here, Lewis.
Maybe it's time to start thinking about
what's best for you and your family.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
- [DOOR OPENS]
- [MIKE CLEARS THROAT]
- Hey.
- Hi.
[MIKE] I didn't mean to disturb you.
I just wanted to drop this
off and pay my respects.
[CHUCKLES] Thank you.
Um, come in, I could
use the distraction.
- Yeah, there is good.
- [MIKE CLEARS THROAT]
Is that you?
Yeah, this is my 14th birthday.
My mom begged me and my
sister to celebrate it with her.
Swore up and down
that she was getting help,
working on getting custody back,
and promised never to leave us again.
Two weeks later
we were in a foster home and
didn't hear from her again for years.
This is the last picture my
sister ever took with her.
Definitely the last time she hugged her.
I'm sure you could get a continuance
on the Cropper trial if you need it.
No. No, I don't need it.
The people rested, so the
timing could not be better.
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
I can't believe I just said that.
Hey, it's okay.
You're human and this is a lot.
Mike
I'm sorry.
I guess my timing
couldn't have been worse.
It's not.
It is.
I'm sorry, I just can't
do this right now.
[EXHALES]
I should get back to
- Yeah, ahem, me too.
- Yeah. [SIGHS]
This Monica Wilson case is a beast.
Wish me luck.
You don't need it.
You're gonna be great.
Thank you for the orchid.
[REGINA CHUCKLES]
[MIKE SIGHS]
[SOFTLY] Fuck.
[GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES]
[CELL PHONE BUZZES]
[MIKE] [ON PHONE] Hey, Jax. Just
checking in about how you're doing.
But also, I need to know
if you plan on testifying
against Monica Wilson.
As I've said before, their
insanity defense is pretty strong,
but your testimony will
blow that out the water.
You're the last piece we need.
I know you probably won't want to prep,
but I'd love to have a quick
chat about it whenever you can.
So hope you will.
[SLOW, PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
I really don't even know
what to say other than
I'm so, so sorry.
[EXHALES] Um
You don't need to say anything more.
We're just relieved you're
getting the help you need.
[SALLY BRASWELL] Mm-mm.
Just because she's getting the help
don't mean that she
doesn't have to say more.
You jeopardized my license,
so I'm gonna need to
hear the full apology.
You're right, that was awful.
Okay?
[VOICE BREAKING] And I
don't expect your forgiveness,
but I am asking for it.
[SNIFFLES]
Because I need you.
I need all of you.
I mean, if it weren't for my family,
which very much so
includes the three of you
[JAX SNIFFLES]
I mean, I don't, I don't know.
I I would be in a ditch somewhere.
Look, I I know
[EXHALES]
that I'm asking a lot
to be given a second chance.
Try third and fourth chance.
Sally, I brought Bill
on as my second chair
to help me finish out this trial.
I mean, I hope that proves to you
that I'm not just asking
for second chances
without being willing to give 'em.
Wow, r-really?
I didn't know, we both
had our kids last night and
That's cool.
And very mature.
I'm trying.
Clearly.
Look [CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
We love you, Cracka Jax.
So if you try, so will we.
[SOBBING] I really am trying, I promise.
Jax, I'm glad you're getting better.
And I think it's great that Sally
and Shanelle can offer you support
because personally, after all the
things that you've said to them
couldn't be me.
You say we're a family,
but that's only when
it's centered around you.
We weren't a family when I
was going through the trenches
of postpartum depression,
or when you weren't
there for my daughter.
You've always been clever
with words, but this time,
words are not enough.
I love you, Jax.
And that's why I back
up my words with actions.
So if I'm really as
important as you claim
show me.
[EXHALES]
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]
[SHEETS RUSTLING]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
[SIGHS]
[EXHALES]
[UPBEAT PERCUSSIVE MUSIC BEGINS]
The defense calls
Jacob Crowe.
I have a Master's in Forensic Science
and work as an
independent forensic analyst.
Janelle Michaels. I'm
Mr. Cropper's business manager.
And what are your duties at your job?
I manage his financial
affairs, including paying bills,
preparing taxes, and
overseeing royalties.
I'm employed by Omni Diagnostics,
which specializes in using DNA analysis
to identify suspects
and clear the innocent.
In reviewing the evidence
collected at the warehouse
where Mrs. Cropper was
held, what did you find?
I identified several
crucial pieces of evidence.
Brown hairs were present
on Fabian Cruz's body.
A partial fingerprint was
on a portable voice changer
and a full fingerprint from the
van involved in the kidnapping.
What did you find after testing
the hairs and the voice changer?
I found that the prints
did not belong to Cruz,
Devonte Reese, Mrs.
Cropper, or Mr. Cropper.
Hmm. And Mr. Crowe, in your
findings, what was your conclusion?
[JACOB CROWE] That someone
else was present at the warehouse
during the kidnapping
and had close contact with
Cruz right before his death.
The prints and hairs unaccounted for
were due to the police not
being thorough enough, correct?
- Objection, leading.
- Sustained.
Oh, well, I'll rephrase.
Mr. Crowe, in your expert opinion,
what were the unaccounted
hairs and prints due to?
Police oversight.
Thank you.
No further questions.
Let's start with the extra set
of prints you found in the van.
That van was a rental, correct?
That's what I was told.
So in your opinion, is it
possible that the prints
might have belonged to any of
the customers that rented the van
prior to Mr. Cruz and Mr. Reese?
It's unlikely, but possible.
So it's possible.
I'm showing you Defense Exhibit 13.
Do you know what this is?
[JANELLE MICHAELS]
Yes, it's a bank statement
from one of CROP Records' accounts.
The highlights are three payments
made to Devonte Reese and Fabian Cruz.
The final payment was for $538,429.
And, Mrs. Michaels, do you know
the reason for these payments?
Well, he siphoned off their
fund for his own benefit,
which left them broke.
When they threatened to sue,
he agreed to repay
them in these installments.
So Mr. Cropper was honest
with you about all of this?
Yes, he was.
Even if it doesn't paint
him in the best light,
he's always honest with me.
Could the partial print
on the voice changer
have come from the
store clerk who sold them
or someone who handled them earlier?
It's unlikely, but possible.
But still possible.
And the brown hairs?
Mr. Cruz could have picked up the hairs
while in some other
part of the warehouse.
Maybe, it's unlikely.
But you don't know
where the hairs came from.
Just that there were
hairs on Mr. Cruz, correct?
Yes, I can't say exactly
where they came from.
They were never tested.
Nothing further.
Now, did you notice anything
unusual about these payments?
[JANELLE] We pay
former artists all the time.
In this case, it was a little unusual
because the original agreement
was to pay 10 even installments.
But the third payment was a lump sum
covering the remaining
seven installments,
totaling $538,429.
And did Mr. Cropper ever direct you as
to how and when to make those payments?
[JANELLE] No, he did not.
There are many people at CROP Records
that have access to this account.
Per Mr. Cropper, they can
authorize expenses up to $750,000.
And who else has access?
Tyger Cropper, Brooke Cropper,
Tom Moore from Sales,
Orlando Sachs from Legal,
Quincy Hill from A&R, and a few others.
[JAX] Mm-hmm.
So you're saying that many people
could have made that payment?
Yes.
I mean, Eric trusts his team to
manage payments up to 750K,
which sounds like a lot,
but he owns a company
that makes hundreds
of millions of dollars.
He rarely handles payments directly.
You said the defendant rarely
handles payments directly.
But he sometimes handles payments, yes?
- Yes.
- [REGINA] So for all you know,
the defendant could
have made this payment
for the kidnapping and not told a soul
because he didn't have to, correct?
Calls for speculation.
Argumentative, compound.
Withdrawn.
Nothing further.
[JAX] But you know, I will say,
it was just good seeing
you back in action.
[CHUCKLES] Uh, well, listen,
I mean, litigating is really
what I feel kind of special at.
It's better than just
the facts and numbers.
Eric, you good?
No, I'm not, Jax.
I didn't think you was
gonna bring in a white boy.
The
Look, but if the best you can do
is Temu Alan Jackson right here,
bring back the shiny-head Black-ass
nigga from wherever he hiding
'cause obviously you need some help.
Okay, I do not know an attorney
handling a huge case who
doesn't have a co-counsel.
Usually a whole team of
lawyers, AKA The Dream Team.
Well, right now I feel
like I'm in a nightmare.
And whose fault is that?
With the amount of evidence against you,
most lawyers would walk away.
But Jax, the best in the business,
came in and defended you.
Even as the public
is turning against you,
you could not find a
more capable attorney.
Thank you, Bill, but I got this.
Eric, you complained about
me handling this case on my own
and so I bring in Bill, who's
a great litigator, by the way,
and you still complaining.
[SNIFFING]
You sober?
[FOREBODING MUSIC PLAYING]
Yes.
Yeah, that's what I thought.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
It means I need my shit airtight,
ironclad, unfuckwittable.
Did you not see what
happened in there today?
The jury now has reason to doubt
the state's account of the
kidnapping and the payment.
So what, last week I was
the baddest bitch in the land
and now I ain't shit?
Make it make sense, Eric.
What the hell is going on with you?
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
How about you worry less about
me and more about this case, alright?
[MUTTERING] Fuckin' kidding me.
[NAIMA STEWART] Dad, be serious.
What you talking Uh,
Summer '99 pickup game at the Y.
Ah! I dunked on A.I.
I'm telling you.
- Write it down.
- That did not happen.
It could have.
- [NAIMA] What are you talking about?
- [LEWIS] It could have happened.
- Just do some more typing.
- [CHUCKLING] Hey, hey.
What y'all laughing about in here? Hi.
Dad's helping me with
my essay for school.
Oh, okay.
What you working on up here, baby. Hi.
- You look so pretty.
- Thank you.
Uh, "Write about a hero in
your life who inspires you."
Oh, you writing about your dad?
I mean, you just have a lot going
on, so I just thought I'd ask Dad.
No, it's fine, baby. You don't
have to explain yourself to me.
Your dad is a wonderful choice.
You know what, I'm gonna
go and take a quick shower
and then I'll get dinner started, okay?
- Okay.
- [JAX] Okay.
Okay, let's start with something
that actually happened.
[LEWIS] Okay, so once I posed for
the Rocky statue, the original one
[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]
[BREATHING DEEPLY]
[SOBBING]
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
So Jax doesn't know the
potential job is in San Francisco?
Yeah, she's been busy
with the trial and everything,
so I haven't had a chance
to get into the little details.
Nigga, a six-hour commute up
the 5 freeway ain't a little detail.
Yeah.
So, what's up, you
taking the job or not?
[LEWIS] Man, I don't know.
Like, I've reached my
ceiling at Trista Vision.
So if I stay, I'll always have work,
but they're never gonna
pay me what I'm worth.
Hmm.
If I go to Banda Kings? Yeah, for sure.
The floor could fall from under
all of us, but there's also no ceiling.
I mean, I could be making
fuck-your-couch money in a few years.
Oh, you should have led with that.
- So drinks on you tonight?
- [LEWIS] Oh, wow.
- Yeah, you know I got child support.
- [LEWIS] This dude.
I ain't even got the job
yet, nigga. I, I mean
But, okay, check this out.
Let's say, let's say Banda
Kings is a logical choice.
I I'm not sure this job is
the right thing for my marriage
or my family right now.
[CHRIS SCOGGINS] Let me ax you.
If a chance like this came up for Jax,
would she think twice about taking it?
Exactly.
Now, look, before I got divorced,
I was so focused on being
the best husband I could be,
which I thought meant making sacrifices.
See, what Sally did was selfish,
but it's what she
needed to do for herself.
Now I realize that's why I was so mad.
I never did that for myself.
Last we talked, you were figuring
out who you were outside of Jax.
I mean, this startup
sound like the thing, man.
If you turn it down because you think
it's what's best for your marriage,
marriage is gonna end.
And Jax won't even know why.
Resentment builds if you
don't go after what you need.
Trust me.
Yeah.
Look, I hear you.
I do.
But Jax just got sober.
And-and from what I've been
reading, most opioid addicts
relapse during the first year.
And-and if I'm in another city
hours away from her and my kids,
I don't know what I'd do
if that happened to her.
Bro, you her husband,
not her jailer. [LAUGHS]
Alright, look, you can support
her recovery and you should.
But you can't stop her from relapsing
just by living in the same
house and watching her.
[LEWIS] Hmm.
[CHRIS] And if God
forbid she does relapse,
your family needs the strongest
and best version of Lewis.
The one who's a whole person
and financially stable
enough to support you all.
[DOORKNOB CLICKS]
Ooh.
Hey.
What's going up with Chris?
I miss seeing him.
[LEWIS EXHALES]
I don't wanna talk.
["IF YOU LET ME" BY
SINÉAD HARNETT PLAYING]
Hurts me the most when I wake ♪
I fumble and twist ♪
Till the truth starts to click ♪
There's so much space in this bed ♪
These sheets go for miles ♪
Dreams of your smile ♪
I don't wanna be just a memory ♪
And I don't wanna feel
your wings break free ♪
[JAX MOANS]
- Because without you I'm lost ♪
- I love you so much.
[JAX PANTING]
I'll love you like I've
never, ever loved somebody ♪
I'll give you things you
didn't even know you wanted ♪
Don't tell me that it's not enough ♪
My time is up, you're over us ♪
'Cause I think I might
do anything for you ♪
If you just let me ♪
- Mm ♪
- [JAX EXHALES DEEPLY]
If you just let me ♪
[JAX MOANING]
If you just let me ♪
Mm ♪
Just let me ♪
Mm ♪
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
[DOOR OPENS]
- Hey.
- Hey.
I thought we agreed to
meet at the courthouse today.
We did.
But I needed to talk
through the day with you
so I know if you're ready.
Know if I'm ready?
One, I'm always ready.
And, two, any questions you had could
have been answered over the phone.
Well, if you would've
answered your phone last night,
I wouldn't have had to drag your
ass out to Bel Air, now would I?
I didn't answer your calls because
it was outside of business hours.
And while that might
feel horrible to you,
it is a boundary I need to set.
It does not mean that I'm
not working or that I don't care.
I do, I care.
Did you know they found Desiree dead?
You haven't mentioned it.
Yeah, well, we haven't talked
much in the last few days
and I haven't been
keeping up with the news.
I'm in the middle of my own shit, Jax.
They say it's a possible suicide.
Sad.
According to my investigator,
she was working on a book
and using CROP Records as a case study.
Did you know that?
No, I don't know about
no fucking book, Jax.
Why are you asking me all
these questions about Desiree?
You think I had something to do with it?
I didn't say that.
But since you're making
assumptions, did you?
Wow.
[SCOFFS] What?
I mean, I ain't like the bitch,
but that don't mean I
wanted to see her dead.
Hmm. Is that so?
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
[ERIC] Here. Check your emails.
What the fuck, Eric?
Is that why you called me here?
No.
There you go, Pookie.
Take your pick.
I want my killer back.
Drug addict Jax was my bitch. [CHUCKLES]
Recovery Jax?
That's just some ho I used to know.
I'm done with these games, Eric.
You can try to bully
me, try to threaten me,
try to manipulate me, but what
you not gonna do is break me
'cause you and I both
know this is about control.
You liked me high because
I was dependent on you,
but that shit is over.
So you know what, if you wanna fire me,
I will walk my ex drug-dependent
ass right out that door
and leave you to fend for yourself.
Or you can let me do my job
and keep your ungrateful
ass from spending
the rest of your life behind bars.
If you think I'm such a bad person,
why are you representing me?
I have no fucking idea.
But here we are.
See you in court.
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]
Mr. Cropper, describe your
relationship with your brother.
Um, yeah, we're-we're
ex we're extremely close.
Um, he was 17 and I was
12 when our parents died.
And he stepped up and took care of me.
And now look at us.
We've built not just companies,
but kingdoms, like CROP Records,
which I'm the current president of.
[JAX] [CHUCKLES] Has there ever been any
sibling rivalry between the two of you?
Uh, not-not rivalry, more
like friendly competition.
Iron sharpens iron.
Indeed it does.
And would you say that because
of that friendly competition,
it's caused you to desire
what your brother has?
Less desire, more inspire.
I mean, he's my, my older
brother and he sets the example.
So, of course, sometimes.
[JAX] Hmm.
Is that why you started
a sexual relationship
with your brother's wife?
[JURY MURMURING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Keep in mind, Mr. Cropper,
you are under oath.
Objection, relevance?
The nature of their
relationship is highly relevant
to what happened on
the night in question.
Overruled. The witness may answer.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Yes, we had an affair, but
that was after she left him.
- What the fuck, bro?
- Eric, Eric, Eric.
Eric, Eric, Eric.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
I'd like to direct your
attention to the screen.
Mr. Cropper, do you know what this is?
A call log that shows
a call I made to Brooke.
[JAX] And when was that call made?
On the night of the kidnapping,
about 20 minutes before.
So you called Mrs. Cropper 20
minutes before the alleged kidnapping.
Can you share the details
of that conversation?
I don't remember.
You don't remember?
Were you and Mrs. Cropper on that call
orchestrating your plan
to frame Mr. Cropper?
- Objection, argumentative.
- Overruled.
Look, me and my brother's
relationship isn't perfect by any means,
but on my life, I would never frame him.
Nothing further.
Mr. Cropper, you love the defendant
and would do anything for him, yes?
Yeah, yeah.
Anything but hurt
someone, I couldn't do that.
And I don't think that he would
ever hurt anyone on purpose.
You called Mrs. Cropper
20 minutes before the crime.
However, was that
call not to orchestrate
with Mrs. Cropper as
the defense suggests,
but to protect Mr. Cropper by
making a call to get ahead of his crime?
- Objection, leading.
- Sustained.
Nothing further.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Mr. Cropper, I'm showing
you Defense Exhibit 15.
Do you know what this is?
Yes, a text message I sent to Eric.
Can you read the texts aloud?
I said, "Just read the new
Aura sales documents.
"What the fuck, I only get 10%?
"You said full partner.
You're not getting away
with this shit, I promise you."
It sounds bad, but that's
just how Eric and I talk.
[JAX] So he cut you out [CHUCKLES]
a week before the alleged kidnapping.
Did that make you wanna get revenge?
Yes, yes, yes.
But I didn't do this shit
and you're trying to
make it seem like I did!
Mr. Cropper, please calm down.
No, it's okay.
Nothing further.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[ERIC] Really, Tyger?
I thought we believed in a
little principle called loyalty.
Remember that shit?
I guess not.
Because not only were
you balls deep in my wife,
you were working with
her to frame me, nigga.
I said I was sorry about
sleeping with Brooke.
Fuck outta here.
[TYGER] It wasn't
planned, it just happened.
- It just happened?
- Yes!
Okay, I've been
guilty of a lot of stuff,
but I would never frame you, bro.
[GUN COCKS, BARREL SPINS]
Hey, what the fuck are you doing?
[ERIC] Let's play a game.
One bullet to get to the truth.
- Whoa. Whoa!
- Whoa! Shit!
I was just almost an only child.
Are you insane? Don't you
ever point that shit at me again.
- What the fuck is wrong with you?
- Were you working with Brooke to frame me?
- No, I told
- Come here.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, no. Ah.
- [ROUND CLICKS]
- [TYGER SUCKS TEETH]
- No, no, no, no, one more.
- One more.
- Okay, okay, okay.
Alright, how could you
think I would do you like that
when I literally took care of
your situation with Desiree?
Oh, I see.
So you gonna hold this
over my head forever, huh?
No, no, no, no, no.
I just brought it up to prove that
I'm not trying to bring you down.
- I'm trying to see you win, bro.
- See me win?
Why didn't you say you
was trying to help me win?
You are funny, nigga.
See, Desiree dumb-ass thought
she was gonna tell the
world what a monster I am.
And Brooke, I I guess she
grew a brain and a set of balls.
Or, you know, maybe she took
yours when she seduced you
with that WAP of hers
because you don't know
your right from your fucking left.
Okay, chill, chill, bro.
But let me remind you
of something, little bro.
No matter who tries it
What are you doing?
- What Hey.
- [ROUND CLICKS]
I always win.
Now get the fuck
out of my house.
[TYGER BREATHING HEAVILY]
[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Jax, what are you doing here?
I'm here to relieve you of mommy duty
and spend some long-overdue
quality time with my godbaby.
Aria will be excited to see you.
- Come on.
- Can't wait to see her. [CHUCKLES]
[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]
[INAUDIBLE]
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
[SOBBING]
[JAX CRYING]
["GOODBYES" BY KELIS PLAYING]
[JAX CONTINUES CRYING]
I'm sorry, baby.
I'm sorry.
Heaven knows that ♪
I love you so ♪
But he don't know I'm for real ♪
All I see ♪
Is you and me ♪
But you ain't tryin' to hear me ♪
I don't know what
tomorrow's bringin' ♪
- All I know is your doorbell's ringin' ♪
- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
I'm out front, let's not
waste more precious time ♪
Hello, goodbyes ♪
Just don't sound right ♪
What the fuck are you doing here?
No, Eric, what the
fuck are you doing here
in Desiree's hotel?
But I'm comin' home anyway ♪
What you got to say now, nigga?