Original subtitles

Oh, don't do that, son.

Sorry, I'll get it right this time. Just take it easy, will you?

No problem.

All right.

Sorry about that, Mr. Rockford.

How about a refill, Jim?

No, no, forget it. Well, you haven't finished your toast.

It's the noise of the balloons, isn't it?

Carlos can't get the hang of this thing.

It must have burst three dozen by now. Actually, it's closer to four. I'm

Ah, don't worry about it.

It was kind of interesting, really.

Breakfast at the O .K. Corral. Yeah, right. Look, why don't you relax?

Sandy, how about a fresh coffee for Mr. Rockford? Right away.

Oh! Are you all right? What happened?

My foot slipped.

Okay.

Jim, I'm sorry about this whole mess. Look, forget about it. Come back

Lots of food, lots of old friends.

I wouldn't miss it.

Look at that.

How come a pervert like that's out on the street?

Looks familiar, too, doesn't he?

Police sketches.

How come they always look like the guy next door?

Look, son,

that's enough of the damn balloons, okay?

Hey, Joe.

Should I try again?

Yeah, that's okay. Let's go.

Jimmy, you got a pair of underwear I can borrow?

Boxers or briefs? That's no matter, man. You know I ain't particular.

Are you rifling through my dressers? No, I'm not rifling through anything.

Jimmy, what are you... Jimmy, let me get my pants on. Angel, this is breaking

and entering. Those are my threads. What the hell are you doing here anyway?

Well, now that should be obvious to a sophisticated investigator like you. I

taking a shower as I got no gift to call my own.

By the way, weren't you in Ensenada? I'm not going to next... How did you know I

was going to Ensenada?

I don't know. I guess you mentioned it to me. Oh, not to you, I didn't. I

want to bother you.

Oh, and this is no bother.

You knew right where to find me.

Right where I am every Saturday morning. I'm over at the sandcastle having

breakfast. Like you would have forked over for some ham and eggs or a lousy

Danish or even a little... No.

Well, I'm saving you the embarrassment.

Speaking of which, is that what you're going to wear to Gritch's party?

You're not invited. Says who?

What if I was accompanying someone who was invited? Before you say no, why not?

All of your best buddies are going to be there. Rita, Ernie, Becker.

Everybody's going to be there but the one guy that needs to be there. Nobody

needs to be at a party, Angel. Well, that's the difference between us. You

it as just a party.

I see it as a networking opportunity.

I'm broke, Jimmy.

I need some bread. I got kicked out of my apartment. Hold on. What happened to

the money I loaned you for the rent?

Dude daddy.

What's a dude daddy?

It's a six -year -old greyhound at Fifth Race in Phoenix last night.

The exercise lady is a friend of mine. At least she used to be a friend of

Both she and the dog were a sure thing.

Sure thing. The only sure thing was me buying lunch.

Clubhouse. While she went down to the kettle and watched the vet give dude

last rites.

That's why I'm here, Jimmy.

I need you.

Get out.

Just come on, get out. Wait, wait, wait.

Can I have my shoes?

Here. Oh, you got a mean streak, didn't you, Jimmy?

You know this guy, he looks like somebody. Oh, what? With the perv there.

and you're out of shampoo.

Everything's on the house, so have a good time, eh?

Jim!

How are you?

Oh, this is great. I'm so glad you could make it. Listen, I've got to ask you

something. It's a little delicate.

Did you actually ask Angel to come with you?

Consider him bounced.

I appreciate it. A guy like that doesn't have the cachet to mix with this group.

I think we ought to continue this discussion inside, Mr. Gillespie. So

talk about in so little time.

Jimmy! Jimmy!

Rita!

Hi!

Very, very little time.

Oh, it's so great to see you.

Isn't it great to see him, Ernie? I was just saying... You know, he was just

saying that he's got to find time to go fishing with you one of these days. I

haven't fished... He really...

This is it, haven't you, honey? It's been a long time. But you wouldn't

how busy he has been because now he's in charge of the school academic decathlon

team. Let me know when you go through a period, will you, honey?

Oh, did I interrupt you? No, I was just going to say... And they are going to

the state finals next month. So, of course, the kids have been practicing

every day.

I'll settle for a comma.

Oh, honey, I'm sorry.

Ernie, good to see you.

I didn't mean to run off at the mouth. Every time I get excited, I can't seem

shut up. Relax, sweetie. You're among friends.

Yeah, that's real good.

If I haven't mentioned it yet tonight, you look sensational.

That is a fact.

Oh, you think?

Not exactly PTA.

Well, since this isn't a bake sale, it works out fine.

Oh, what a doll.

You see what you started 12 years ago?

Whoa, whoa.

What, like you don't know Ernie and me? You got me this gig as the hostess here?

You told them there's this girl I know?

I thought I introduced you two guys.

No, I did.

Huh? You see, you admit it. How are you, Dennis? Hi, how you doing? Ernie, I

don't believe you've met Commander Deal.

I'm thirsty.

And I don't believe you're going to.

He says that he's thirsty.

So even though I didn't introduce you, which I absolutely positively know I

don't I rate a hug? Of course.

Ooh, what's with the cookie duster?

It's a rash.

You know what? I have this lotion that might help you.

See, I'm a distributor for Oralee Botanicals. Rita, not now. Jimmy, Jimmy,

something for you that's out in the car. Now.

When you read the label, the jar is going to say that it's going to make

skin smooth and silky. And it's true, but don't let that put you off because

it's really a sunblock.

What with your living out here at the beach and the ozone, you know, getting

trashed and stuff like that. That was a commercial, Lois. Carlos!

Hi!

Oh, you got to meet him.

Oh, I got to meet him. Now, listen, you guys.

Don't go very far, because we've got major catching up to do.

We'll be in the bar,

is what he said.

Okay, get me a white wine, please, and get Ernie a ginger ale. Maybe not,

though, because his stomach isn't so... Ginger ale is fine.

Yeah, okay. Hey, Carlos!

This is Cindy Carter reporting from Hazeltine Park, where apparently the

Side Rapist has struck again.

Doctors have now confirmed that the 7th grader... whose identity we're, of

course, withholding, was in fact sexually assaulted as she was walking

a neighborhood market.

This is the third rape in the last two months, all apparently perpetrated by

this man, a Caucasian in his 50s, medium build between 5 '10 and 6' tall.

Witnesses say he was driving a green sports utility vehicle.

Now, here's a police sketch of what it is believed the suspect looks like

without his trademark hooded sweatshirt.

Police sources tell us that until two months ago, the West Side Rapist had

dormant for the past two years. When you may remember, there was a series of

vicious assaults. The victims were all young girls between the ages of 10 and

12.

We'll keep you updated.

You know, I would have thought it was beneath you, Dennis, to be sucking up to

the boss.

I knew you'd think that. I knew you were going to think that.

Commander Deal and I were supervising a stakeout.

Peg was out of town. I thought I... You thought you'd try to score a few brownie

points by bringing him to the party.

It's depressing to see a career of such honor and integrity evolve to this. It's

better to retire a lieutenant.

Will you stop it? What's bugging you?

Nothing's bugging me, Dennis.

Are you sure?

Yeah, well, other than Angel crashing the party and my trailer. Don't change

subject. I didn't know there was a subject.

All right, Dennis, what's bugging you?

Nothing.

Okay.

How old would you say he is?

Ernie? I don't know.

He looks in pretty good shape.

For a man his age.

I don't think school teachers get to work out a lot.

Yeah, lots of hours.

And his nose?

What about his nose?

What kind of a nose does he have? Does he have a Roman nose or a more classical

one?

More Roman, I guess.

And his chin.

Is it weak, recessed, or maybe is it... Ernie has a strong chin.

And lots of hair.

Dennis, I know where you're going with this.

It's got to be one of those cosmic coincidences.

Ernie's one of the few people walking around town you could categorize as a

faint.

Even though he is a lousy fisherman.

Robbie, it's not like he's driving a green four -wheel drive or anything.

I parked right behind him. Cheap Cherokee.

He must have just bought it.

What am I going to do?

What do you mean, what are you going to do?

I think you better cover your backside, Lieutenant.

That man is a dead ringer for the West Side Rape.

Friend of yours, Robert?

A good one.

You know him?

Ernie Landell, he's a schoolteacher.

Figures. What do you mean, it figures?

Access. Opportunity. The rape occurred in the park.

I think you had better get a statement, Lieutenant.

He's a friend of mine, too, Commander.

Then I would do it tonight.

Now.

Great doing business with you, Mr. Gillespie. You're going to love every

Oh, I will. I will.

Life in the Malibu is like living in old Xanadu.

Free from the maddening crowd, the throbbing mob.

Thanks, Mr.

Gillespie. Be sure to get that deposit check in the mail. Get the old ball

rolling, as we say.

What do I have to do with it, Rita? Well, you could have stuck up for him

It's not a matter of sticking up for Ernie. Ernie, you don't have to go with

him. Oh, so now it's him.

You're being a cop here, Dennis, not a friend.

Commander Deal ordered me to get a statement. What am I supposed to do,

It's just a statement, honey. That's all.

Yeah, that's all.

And it's a blessing in disguise.

I'll go downtown with Dennis, and we'll get this whole thing over with.

Right. Get it all over with.

What are you, an echo?

And what's to get over?

Please do not tell me that he's just doing his job. Just doing his job.

That's funny, Ernie. That isn't fair, Rita.

This is not fair.

It's all right, sweetie.

Look, that drawing looked a lot like me.

I've been getting strange looks all day.

And if making a statement can help clear this up... It can.

I'll do it gladly.

Why don't you stay here with Jim?

We'll be back in what? Two hours.

Two hours.

I don't feel much like partying anymore.

Come on, I'll make you a cup of coffee.

I'll make it. And I'll leave some for you.

I love you. Love you too, sweetie.

Oh, don't you just love it when he calls me sweetie?

Dennis, it's strictly routine.

But it's official.

Absolutely. Transcribed on the record.

Well, I'm getting at it. It's confidential, yeah? Of course it is.

That is, unless, of course, it goes any further, which, of course, it won't.

Just a way of protecting yourself.

You just used, of course, three times in one sentence.

I'm just as uncomfortable with this as you are, Ernie.

I don't think so.

I should never have let him go down there by himself.

No, please, no more coffee. I'm worried enough as it is. I should never have let

him go there. Dennis will handle it just fine. Oh, he'll be terrific.

Of course. Well, he's the one who's doing the grilling.

What's he going to ask him anyway?

I'll tell you what he's not going to ask him. He's not going to ask him how he

feels about the kids. Or how he puts those kids above almost everything else.

how he lives with those kids. I think he has a pretty good idea. Rita?

Dennis does not know Ernie the way I know Ernie.

Well, maybe not, but you know, you go fishing with a guy for years like Dennis

and I have, you can have a pretty good sense of what... Listen, no offense,

Jimmy, but I get a pretty good sense every day of every week. You know

something? Every time that doorbell rings, there's always some kid standing

there, confused, scared, needing Ernie's advice, needing help with the homework,

whatever. You know how many times I have heard him say, I can't, I'm too busy?

Never. That's how many times Ernie...

Means a great deal to those kids' lives.

Does Dennis know that?

I think he does.

I should never have let him go.

You think anybody noticed us leaving together?

We came in together. I parked right behind you, Ernie.

You saw my car.

Yes, I saw your car.

And you saw the way those people were staring at me.

Ernie, we're going through this again. That's why we're driving downtown.

So a lot of people probably saw us leave together.

Maybe they did.

Of course they did.

Dennis, don't you understand?

The very nature of my profession makes me particularly vulnerable to any kind

innuendo. The hell are you talking about? What kind of innuendo? What

That I'm a sexual pervert. Oh, come on. Please. Okay. Knock it off.

Listen. Think about it.

How long do I know you? Ten, twelve years? What?

Forever.

It seems like you're always going down to the Sandcastle before or after

trips. I get your point.

What if the word got out that you're taking your friend Ernie downtown for

questing in the middle of the night where he'd be considered a serious

Exactly.

What if it got out?

No, it won't.

Can you guarantee that?

Want me to tell you about my Uncle Stosh?

You don't have to read it.

He was my dad's half -brother.

He used to work down at the dock in San Pedro.

He'd come over and drink beer, and sometimes he

would look after me.

When my dad wanted to take some new girl to a ball game and to a bar.

Oh, what a guy.

He just loved to look after me.

Anyway, I finally ran away when I was 14.

See, what I'm trying to say, Jimmy, is that I know I'm not a very educated

person. Yeah, but I know men.

Ernie. And there is no way that that creep who was doing those poor little

would be Ernie or could be Ernie. I know.

Listen, before we got married, I told him everything.

I told him about all the years on the street, about all of the times that I

tried to get out and I couldn't.

And he forgave you.

No, he didn't forgive me.

He just wiped that slate clean.

Dennis, if I don't make this statement, am I under arrest?

Ernie?

Am I under arrest?

Ernie? Am I under arrest, yes or no?

No. I'm out of here.

Hey.

Hey, Ernie.

Ernie, come on. Where you going?

Move it, buddy.

Hey, I'm going, I'm going, Ernie.

What do you mean, gone?

Gone where?

Where did he go?

Tell her that's the point. I don't know.

I got black and whites out looking for him.

Black and whites? Like Ernie's a criminal?

Take it easy, Rita.

About how long ago?

I don't know. Maybe an hour.

An hour? What did you do to him?

I didn't do anything.

He simply changed his mind.

And he just simply waltzed out of your car. What did you say to him, Dennis?

Hold on. Tell Rita.

Haven't lost your delicate touch, have you, Lieutenant?

Never mind.

Goodbye and thanks for nothing.

Jim, I'm scared to death. Can you help me?

Okay, Ernie. Let's take it one step at a time.

What time did you leave school?

Friday afternoon.

What time did I leave school?

I stayed late. I was grading papers.

As usual. Did anybody see you? Oh, sure.

Bob Desmond, Kathy Chen, I think even Wally Mastro. They can vouch for you

three till eight.

They all left around dinner time.

What about your academic decathlon team?

No, he gives them Friday afternoon off.

Hey.

What's with the 20 questions?

The same ones he's gonna have to answer officially sooner or later.

Maybe the cleaning crew saw you.

No, they don't come in till about 10. I remember leaving a note about the girls'

washroom.

A student complained about a stopped -up sink.

Ernie, I need to know everything.

That's why I'm here.

What about Rita? Did you see her when you got home? No, I was working.

I volunteer at a center three days a week.

No big deal. It's just a place where girls can come to crash if they need to.

You know, somebody to listen to them.

Wait a minute.

Maybe I wasn't even there on Friday.

No, no, really.

Actually, I don't even think I was there.

See, I left early because I wanted to surprise Ernie and take him to a movie.

You know, one of those with all the buildings blowing up.

Rita?

Worth a shot.

Why did you get out of Becker's car?

Because I didn't have a solid alibi. I panicked.

Look, there's no secret that pedophiles often...

Seek employment where there are a lot of children.

Just my being a teacher could be incriminating. Well, what's

Ernie, is you getting out of that car. It makes you look like you had something

to hide.

Well, he doesn't, and he'll take a lie detector test to prove it.

Whoa, whoa, bad idea.

Why? Well, number one, it's not admissible in court, and two, they can

tricky.

Not if you tell the truth.

You should do that.

You don't even have an attorney yet. Well, he doesn't need an attorney, for

heaven's sake. He's innocent.

Take the task to get rid of the whole thing.

Can you set it up?

With or without you, Jimmy?

I'll call Dennis tomorrow Sunday.

You'd be dead around there. We'll try to sneak you in the side entrance.

Nobody has to know about it.

That's good. That's great.

Captain McEnroe, is it true that you've arrested the West Side Rapist?

No, that's not precisely true.

But you do have the suspects in custody.

No, not exactly.

Well, sir, I know for a fact that the man depicted in the police sketch is in

fact in this building. Now, has he admitted to the crimes? Well, at this

we're still following up leads and sifting through evidence and so on. Can

tell us about the leads, sir? Pardon me, were you waiting for someone?

Yes, I'm waiting for Lieutenant Becker. It's quite urgent.

I'm here to confess.

Of course, that's what we're here for. Thank you, but if it's all the same to

you, I prefer to confess to Lieutenant Becker. I'm afraid you'll have to come

with me. Let me assure you that your confession will be dealt with in the

strictest of confidence and the utmost discretion.

And thank you for your time. Captain, can you tell us about the... Cream,

Just sugar, dear.

Aren't you going to use the tape recorder?

Sir. Remain still while I get my alignment.

Now, you just relax, okay? That's what Jimmy said you should do. You just

What he said was don't take the test.

In his opinion, the opinion of someone who's been living through a nightmare

once removed.

Maybe he knows best.

Honey, I can see what this is doing to you.

It's eating you up inside.

I don't know. I don't know.

We don't have...

choice. We just ought to tie a can to the thing, you do the test, you tell the

truth, boom, it's over.

Okay, baby? Okay.

It is not okay. It is not okay at all, Dennis. You promised anonymity. I know,

know. I'm very sorry, okay? You're very sorry, but it's Ernie that's getting

trashed. There's a leak. I'll find it and plug it.

Oh, that is not the point.

Ernie's rights have been compromised.

The bigger issue here is Ernie clearing himself.

Now, if I could proceed with the damn test, maybe we can just do that.

Now, take Rita to some place quiet.

Okay, how about the L .A. Press Club?

Ah, no, I forgot they're already here. I'll get rid of them.

Rita? Rita?

Out.

Hey, you know, it's been 15 years.

I've been in the dump.

Seems like yesterday.

Oh, bite your tongue.

Oh, it feels like it was somebody else, like another person who got rousted and

hauled in here all the time.

In a million years, I would never have guessed that I would be back in here

because of Ernie.

Since it was Ernie.

Who got me out.

And you, too, a little bit.

Oh, yeah.

So how long is this supposed to take?

How long is what supposed to take?

Ah, Beth.

Do you know how late you are?

Oh, do you know how ticked off I am?

I was in the middle of a book signing when I got your message. No, no, not

message.

Directive. You know, book signings are a very important part of what I do, and

what I do now, Jim, is write, not practice law.

Then why are you here?

Well, I'm here because you have a way of phrasing things that makes me feel like

if I don't show, I'm going to be responsible for the end of the world as

it. Wait a minute.

You're not taking the case?

Rita? You promised.

She hasn't said no?

Oh, yeah?

Well, it sounds like no to me.

He told me that he was going to get you over here right away and you were going

to take care of everything.

See, I thought we would just be in and out and we'd be over and done with, but

it's not working out that way, you know?

You know how you know when you're in trouble by the way people look at you?

Well, well, I'm in trouble.

No, no, no, no. Come on, come on.

Just don't get all upset. This doesn't solve anything.

I can't believe I just said that.

You go ahead, honey. You yell, kick, scream, howl at the moon, whatever

Okay, it's okay. I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to lay any guilt trip on you. You have a perfect right to do

whatever you want with your life. I mean, it's not like we were friends or

anything. The thing we have in common is Jimmy. You don't want to practice law,

that's fine.

I love your books.

Look, could we start over?

I'm confused.

When I got the message, it didn't say anything about Rita being in trouble. It

only said something about a friend of yours, Ernie Landale? Yeah, that's my

husband. Your husband is the teacher who... Who did nothing.

He did not rape anybody, not in this life, not in any other life. And whoever

says he did is a liar, or he has rocks for Braden.

I'll help in any way I can.

Thank you.

I was hoping you would.

Jimmy said you would.

It would be nice if Jimmy could learn to keep his mouth shut.

And don't worry, we will pay. This is not going to be one of those pro bono

things. Where is Ernie now?

Where is Ernie now?

With Becca.

You let him make a statement to the police without counsel present?

Yeah, well, he didn't have counsel when he went in there.

Dennis and Ernie are good friends, too.

You did?

I don't believe it.

Well, let's get him out of there.

Well, Beth, you can't do that until they finish with the polygraph.

You allowed him to take a polygraph? Oh, great. Why don't you just let Becker

write the confession, too? Or is that why you left the urgent message for me

come down here so I could write it? No, I forgot. You don't like my writing.

Well, if you've been on time, you've got to stop the test. And I've already

started reading your new book.

Oh, gee, thanks.

Thanks for giving me another chance. I'm so flattered. No, make that honored.

Ernie, you kicked butt and took names, right?

Hi, Beth.

Good thing you're here.

What are you talking about, Dennis?

The results of the polygraph were inconclusive.

Inconclusive? DNA?

Afraid not. The victim's mother cleaned her up.

Oh, great.

The American system of justice, unmatched in the world.

Why?

What are the elements?

The individual's right to a fair and open trial.

The right to confront your accusers in a court of law where evidence and only

evidence will be the criteria by which a person is judged innocent or guilty.

Another art, a free press.

The guardians of our liberty, in this case, guarding against abuses in that

criminal justice system.

Mr. Landale?

Lily?

I saw the news last night with my parents.

All of us did.

And we were, like, talking at recess.

And you can save us a speech, Mr. Landale, because we know this is, like,

totally garbage.

We know you're not that kind of person.

Yeah, I told that to my mom, too.

Thank you both, but I'm not just making a speech.

The subject for this week's academic decathlon practice competition is

and the press. And you're right, Lily.

It's not perfect.

That's the price we pay for a free press.

The occasional abuse of an individual's rights by certain entities of the press

for whom the guiding light is not the glow of justice, but the glint of

Sensationalism. Translated into ratings.

Translated into cash.

But you may expound upon those points in your presentations today.

Are we ready to rumble?

Mr. Landon, may I see you for a moment?

Certainly.

Talk among yourselves.

Here's a subject. The Beatles or the Dave Clark Five?

Which was cooler?

You look tired.

Oh, I am. You wouldn't believe what a weekend this has been. I can imagine.

Oh, I've been just inundated with calls from my parents, members of the board,

emergency meetings. You know, it's just been practically nonstop. I'm sorry

you've had to deal with this matter at all. This whole situation has been one

big distraction from our work here.

Well, I suppose that's the point, Ernie.

Well, glad you understand.

Well, I do, and I think it's totally unfair.

Tell me about it.

And I told the board.

The board made it perfectly clear that they didn't

want even the appearance of a scandal hanging over this school or my faculty.

I see.

And so I think it's ultimately a good idea if you take some vacation days

this matter is sorted out.

Vacation days?

Or sick time.

Ah, sick time.

The fact is, Ernie, I think it's best you stay home for a while.

Sure.

This is for your good, Ernie, as well as ours.

Okay, what do we have up at four?

Come on, come on, come on. Somebody step up to the plate and knock one out, for

God's sake. This congressional bribery thing is really heating up.

Savings and Loan CEOs just admitted to passing cash to six congressmen.

Any of whom we've ever heard of?

Probably not our core demo.

Has he ever slept with any of them?

Next.

This is raw footage of a chemical fire in Bangladesh.

The wire says the crow count's up to 300.

Oh, please, somebody, come on, give me something sexy. Come on. What about

Landale? Who?

Ernie Landale, the schoolteacher. Oh, yeah, yeah, good word.

It speaks like him and the reason my daughter's at Harvard Wesley.

There's no evidence just yet that the guy did anything.

Then find the damn evidence. I want you guys to put a full -court press on this

guy. Our audience is going to want to know all there is to know about a man

who's more grotesque and perverse than anything we could possibly program as

entertainment.

Hey, remember.

Remember, Earl.

If it bleeds, it leads.

And I want us up to our ankles in Ernie Landon.

Have you seen this man? That's him. What? I said that's him.

Hey, hey, hey.

What's the matter with you?

Nothing. You know how much gas that weighs?

You're sure?

Of course I'm sure.

I drive it every damn day.

The man. You're sure this is the man you saw? Yeah, like I told the cops.

A guy like that should be neutered.

Hundreds of people walk through this park every day. Why would you remember

In fact, the softball coach said that you'd already mowed this section and

on. Yeah, so his band of juvenile delinquents can cut up the grass with

cleats. And when they're finished, it's the dogs.

People have no respect, and I'm on the cutting edge.

Bear with me, please.

Now, how would you notice, much less remember, a green sports utility vehicle

parked all the way across the street?

Because it's been parked there.

Every afternoon last week. Every afternoon?

You're certain? Yep.

At first, I thought it was some punks staking out the tool shed after this.

But now, I know it was that freak.

Now, if you'll excuse me, mister, I got grass growing under my feet.

Mrs. Muller?

Who are you?

Well, I know this is awkward, but I'm investigating what happened last Friday

afternoon.

Awkward, yeah.

Yeah, that's a good word for it.

Boy, you people can't get enough, can you?

You want to see what I buy?

You want to see what a 12 -year -old rape victim has for breakfast? Tonight,

Inside Copy, watch...

Lori Muller, eat cornflakes. We'll have exclusive footage taken from the house

across the street through the windows.

Oh, I'm sorry. Did I accidentally disclose her name?

I'm sorry.

Get the hell out of my face.

Well, I'm not a reporter, Mrs. Muller. I'm a private investigator.

Investigating what?

For whom?

Well, I'm working for Ernie Landale. I'm trying to establish the identity of

this so -called West Side Rapist.

You son of a...

What exactly are you trying to establish, huh?

Maybe the panic that Lori felt when she ran through the park trying to escape

your client. Or the pain when she lay in the dirt and all she could

see were his filthy black fingernails digging into her shoulders.

in Los Angeles. Everybody wants something from that.

Do I look like a winner?

Are you talking to me?

It's a bird. It's a plane.

It's a cashier's chair.

Jimmy, where are you? This is Rita.

Ernie's got more drugs. Can you meet us at the school as soon as you get this?

Now, Rita, just calm down. No. You tell Ernie to take a couple of days off. He

gets home in the middle of the young and the restless. They break in with a

bulletin that says he is suspended. You want me to calm down? Give me a break.

Rita, not now.

Now, Rita, I think you know I've got Ernie's best interest at heart. Good.

say so to them. I think Ernie's best interest is teaching his kids.

Well, of course they are, Mr. Oxford. What are you going to do about it?

Ernie, I am very sorry about this. Obviously, the press has someone... I

talking to you, Thelma. And I'm speaking with Ernie. What am I, a wolf?

Rita. Don't make me say something we're both going to regret. Rita.

Rita, please, at this point, I don't think threats are very constructive.

She didn't threaten you, Mrs. Drown.

And if you didn't suspend Ernie, why don't you do what Rita says and go on

there and set the record straight?

Why don't I set the record straight?

Why don't I go out there? I'll tell them anything they want to know. No, you

won't, Ernie.

You are personally going to be responsible for the demise of my career,

you? Another book signing?

Oprah. Beth.

Beth. Why can't I talk to the press?

I'll just tell them the truth. I'm an innocent man.

They'll crucify you, Ernie.

I think they already set the cross on concrete.

Yeah, but somebody has to talk to them.

I'll do it.

No, no. The three of us will talk to them together. Good.

Ernie and I are going to meet you back at your place.

We're going to slip out of here.

Wonderful. Slip out. Great.

Damage control, Ernie, and Beth gets her camera time.

Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Selma Drown, principal of the Franklin Pierce Middle

School, would like to issue a clarification as to the status of Mr.

Ernest Landale.

Contrary to reports in the media, Mr. Landale has not been suspended.

Is that true? What is his status? Is he still teaching?

We have requested that Mr. Landale take some time off until this matter has been

resolved. You see, some of the parents are worried that this distraction will

get in the way of their children's educational process. But I will say that

Landale has been a valued member of this faculty for many years and has

contributed much... Yeah, excuse me. Excuse me. Ms. Van Sant.

Can you confirm for us that Mr. Landale has failed a police lie detector test?

That was supposed to be confidential.

Rita, let me handle this.

Mr. Landale did not fail a lie detector test.

Did he pass it or not, Ms. Van Sant?

Mr. Landale has not been charged with a crime, although he seems to have been

indicted by the media.

If your client is not the West Side Rapist, why would you keep the results

the lie detector test a secret?

Surely you want your client exonerated. If he were charged with a crime, which

he has not been, the only exoneration that is necessary would be in a court of

law, not by some rabid media.

Could you explain why Mr. Landell was suddenly transferred from Braywood

Elementary in 1989?

Wait a minute. We moved.

We moved.

Why was his file sealed?

Actually... All teachers' files are confidential.

Where is Mr. Landale right now?

The vernacular of my students. This sucks.

Sneaking out. Talk about feeling like a criminal.

Sooner rather than later, we're going to find the actual offender. Yeah. And I

get my life back.

All right, Ernie. Ernie, just follow me, all right? And stay in. Okay, let me

get a quick shot here.

A shot? I'll give you a shot.

Ernie, Ernie, give me the keys and get in. Come on.

Please, go on.

I mean, I just can't believe that the city or the police... No one warned us

that this man was living right on our block. I mean, what are we supposed to

Let our kids be next?

You tell me.

Then you had no idea, Mrs.

DeSarcina, that Ernie Landale had any connection to these rapes? Well, I do

Thank you.

Well, there you have it. A neighborhood in fear.

A neighborhood in... There he is!

Ladies and gentlemen, Ernie Landale is on the run.

Whether this is an expression of fear or admittance of guilt, I cannot say. But

one thing is for certain, Ernest Landale, the alleged West Side rapist,

fact on the run at this time.

I want you to get into this room and do not move.

Till when?

Until Rita and I bring you some dinner.

Forget it. I lost my habit.

My stomach is still not all I'd want. Then watch some TV.

On second thought, that's a bad idea.

What are you going to do?

First, I'm going to get a cab, go back to school, get my truck, and see if I

get some people off your back.

How are you going to do that? Well, Beth's working on getting a restraining

order on the media.

She's talking to the police about issuing a statement.

Ah, Jim.

All the restraining orders and statements in the world isn't going to

anyone's perception unless I'm cleared.

I know, Ernie, and I'm working on it. How?

Well, I'm going to find the West Side Rapist.

Yeah, well...

I'll do it quick because I don't know how much of this I can take.

Not to mention Rita.

You know, the popular assumption is that it was me who somehow saved her from

this wicked old world.

Truth is, it was she who delivered me from the demons of the darkness.

My own.

Listen, if I haven't mentioned this in the last few minutes, thanks.

And Jim, nothing too spicy, huh?

Yeah, okay.

Now, Bob Cox, Wendy Aziz, Len Smith with weather, and Matt

Schills with sports. This is KXYX First News at 4.

Good afternoon, I'm Wendy Aziz. And I'm Bob Cox.

At the top of the hour today... We have a developing story now on the hunt for

the West Side Rapist. Let's go live to Cindy Carteret for the latest.

Cindy? Thanks, Wendy and Bob. I'm live here now at the Franklin Pierce Middle

School, where this was the scene here earlier today.

Ernie Landale, seen here assaulting a news cameraman, is on the loose.

Obviously, Landale had no comment, but his attorney and his wife had plenty to

say. Can you confirm for us that Mr. Landale has failed a police lie detector

test? That's supposed to be confidential.

The only exoneration that matters is in a court of law. Here's what Selma Drown,

the principal of Franklin Pierce Middle School, had to say.

You see, some of the parents are worried.

Perhaps, though, the most telling testimony came from Landale's own wife.

Mrs. Landale, did you have any inkling whatsoever that your husband could

possibly be involved in such horrific crimes?

My husband is a decent man.

I know him better than anybody else. And there is no way that Ernie would ever

be involved in anything illegal or immoral.

Okay, then just what would you consider prostitution, Mrs. Landale?

What?

Were you not, in fact, a working prostitute prior to your marriage to Mr.

Landale? You know, I... Come on.

In fact, Mrs. Landale, the former Rita Kapovich, was arrested over 30 times

during her lengthy career as a prostitute.

Boy, I'm a really big help here.

Maybe I should have just put the rope around his neck. Come on, Rita.

Well, maybe that's what I did when I said I do.

Was I really thinking it was going to be different?

So now I've got to drag him down, too.

I'm not exactly enhancing his prime time image, either.

You know, no matter how many PTA meetings I go to, no matter how many

bake sales I run, I am never going to get away from my old life.

Oh, what I really hate is that what I did is now a reflection on Ernie. Who

are is a reflection on Ernie, Rita, and I can't think of a better standard.

Well, I hope you'll still think that. Hey, maybe some fried crawfish tails

cheer him up.

Second thought.

The fried crawfish is going to make us also kick up, so, um... How about a

salad?

Are you insane with all that roughage?

Think of the roughage, Jimmy.

I know.

Creamy red beans with rice is good. He hates it without the sausage, but he'll

eat it if he's hungry enough.

One second thought.

Jambalaya.

Or not.

Oh, Jimmy.

Whatever I do, I hurt him.

I mean, how's he going to teach those kids anything now that they know that I

was a hooker?

A pint of mashed potatoes.

Two.

The chief's gone. Where is he?

I told him not to leave.

Oh, Jim, I hope nothing's happened.

Oh, look at this.

Sorry, Jim.

I needed Maylock.

Your ulcer's kicking up again, isn't it?

I'll call Dr. Auerbach.

Don't call Dr.

Auerbach. Oh, sure, I'll call him. Tell everybody where we are.

Anyway, I'm the one that's getting the ulcers. You know, there are sketches of

criminal who looks remarkably like you posted up all over town. The media is

whipping a mob into a frenzy, and you go out looking for a bottle of Maylots?

Maybe you ought to share it, Ernie.

I don't want any. Give me.

Maybe you could take it down a little? Take it down where, Rita? You can't be

taking chances like that, Ernie.

I'm sorry.

Who could be calling you here?

Hello?

Yeah?

Oh, hi, Beth.

No, why?

Yeah, hold on a sec.

She wants to talk to you. She's at the police station. They want to see Ernie.

Why? What now?

Do I have a choice?

I don't think so.

Just because that creep tried it again doesn't mean Ernie did it. I mean, thank

God that little girl's okay, but... Jimmy.

Honestly.

You don't...

Not in a million years. I should never have asked. No, you didn't.

What's going on?

The 7 -Eleven clerk doesn't remember selling Ernie the Maylock.

Yeah, so?

So I'm batting 0 for 3 today.

No media restraining order, no statement from the police.

Ernie.

Ernie.

Sweetheart. How are you, love?

Talk to me, honey.

Just lock me up, will you?

Excuse me, ma 'am. No, wait.

Beth, there's no reason.

Jim, there's no... What?

I don't...

Can

you get bail?

Yeah, but Ernie doesn't want it.

Nice babysitting job, by the way. Hey, I can beat myself up well enough without

any help from you.

Well, where were you?

Well, before I picked up Rita and two bites of mashed potatoes, I was about

bulletin. I was scanning every West Side Rapist article I could find in the last

three years, trying to pick up some clues on who this guy really is. I'll

for an alibi, just one.

Well, Ernie doesn't have any. You're kidding.

Well, can you tell me precisely where you were and what you were doing on May

5th at 5 .30 p .m.? Never mind, Ernie can't.

teaching or fishing or with Rita, and thanks to the media, she has even less

credibility than he does.

Hold on.

I got something to say to our friend there.

Oh, will you take Rita home? Yeah, sure. What are you going to do here?

Nice driving, Robert.

I'm going to go home now and review the news tape and count the traffic

infractions. While you're at it, why don't you add up Ernie Landale's civil

rights violations?

Tell that to the news photographer.

He had it coming. The man was doing his job.

Since when is the department the private police force of the media?

Commander, how about a cold one at Lucy's?

Becker should have arrested him at Critch's party.

Saved everyone to bother.

Same limitless compassion.

Come on, I'll buy.

I'll talk to the DA first thing in the morning about getting this thrown out.

You will?

I don't like that's really going to happen.

By the way, what are you going to do here?

Bother Dennis.

You know, they want to reschedule me on Oprah.

Great. Yeah, I'm not going to do it.

Why? The producers aren't interested in discussing my new book. All they want to

talk about is Ernie Landale. And Rita.

Rita.

Honey. What?

Let's go.

You're wasting my time. Peggy's expecting me.

She's out of town, remember?

Come on, Dennis. I already ran it through.

Well, I collected new information. Ten minutes.

No, it's going to take ten hours.

What, by cop?

The invincible by cop is going to take ten hours?

By cap. By cap.

Violent criminal apprehension program.

Besides, the feds only like us to use it when... When you want to solve crimes.

This is going to take all night.

So? So, it's still going to come back to Ernie Landau. The girl tonight

positively...

picked him out of the lineup.

Jim, this is my friend, too.

I hate this as much as you do.

Well, you're going to hate it a whole lot more if another girl gets raped and

you didn't do anything about it.

Can you tell me that you guys seriously ever considered that there might be

another perp, huh? I mean, you guys zeroed in on Ernie from the first moment

that sketch came out. That isn't fair.

Well, deal dead.

That's less unfair.

Okay, so what's the new information?

Alvin Sudeikis.

Sudeikis? The groundskeeper at the park.

He said he saw that green Jeep every day last week parked across the street. He

thought it was some robbers staking out his lawnmower.

Yeah, forget it. The point is, Ernie has an alibi for four out of the five days.

Akedeka practice.

Akedeka? How about just the western states, huh?

Victimology.

Three pubescent girls with long blonde hair. They all have long blonde hair?

Every article I read where the girl was described, they mentioned long blonde

hair.

Hey, here's a novel concept.

Why don't you pull the police report?

What do you think I'm doing?

See, long blonde hair, blonde hair, blonde.

Next time of day.

Afternoon. Always afternoon.

Oh, and don't forget to enter the green jeep. Hey, do you want to do this?

What about the dates of the assault?

Hey, that was already entered, okay?

So what's next?

Nine possible suspects.

Unfortunately, our best one is in lockup. No, I don't think so, Dennis.

Rick Chulak, what's so special about this guy? Don't fry us in California.

We don't.

Okay.

They arrested twice on suspicion of sexual assault on a female minor, once

Phoenix, once in Portland. Both kicked back on technicalities. He also spent

years in a lockup in New Mexico on fraud charges. The same two years the so

-called West Side Rapist went on his hiatus. Steele is going to need more

that. Okay, okay.

How about this?

Laurie Muller's mother, she described to me in detail how Laurie had to look at

the rapist's filthy black fingernails dinging into her shoulders.

Chulak is not a mechanic. Ernie is a schoolteacher. Can't you just pick

up? His last known address is L .A. Yeah, his mother's place.

Yeah, we can talk to this guy. And Ernie?

He's going to have to stay where he's at.

Why?

Because he is our best suspect.

No matter what goes down, Ernie can't be blamed for it. He is in the safest

possible place.

So, here you go.

I want alone.

I hope Bernie's eating

okay. He's got that bad stomach, you know. That's that bad stomach that's

responsible for him being there.

Well, I'm just worried sick. It's been a whole week since he won't see me. I'm

not sure how long I can take this, Jimmy.

Ernie is ashamed and embarrassed.

You know, you think you've reflected badly on him.

Imagine how he feels about what he thinks he's done to you.

Yeah, but I am his wife.

Every day I go down there.

I sign in every day. The guard comes back and tells me that Ernie doesn't

any visitors.

I mean, he doesn't even want to be bailed out. He does not want to talk to

with anyone who cares about him. Forget about you and Beth.

I mean, it's just that I can't understand that, you know, because Ernie

I over the years have become like one person.

You know what I mean?

I mean, it's not in a romance novel kind of way, but like we breathe together.

I always thought that Ernie couldn't live without me because

I'm not sure I could live without him, and that's the truth.

But whatever happens, he's a different man, Jimmy.

I think I'm losing him, and I just...

I just hope that doesn't last forever, you know? We'll just get him back. But

your friend Becker isn't exactly killing himself trying to arrest that guy. Come

on, Rita.

He couldn't arrest him.

No, of course not.

Can't even find him.

Dennis did the best he could. Ray Chulock just hasn't been around.

So his mother said, I'll tell you something. I could tell that woman was

because I could see the expression on her face was the same one I would have

gotten if I was lying to someone I love.

Well, let's just sit here, wait, see if Ray shows up.

I put the house up for sale.

Rita, if you're thinking legal fees, Beth certainly doesn't need the money.

No offense, Jimmy.

Ernie needs more than Beth. I mean, she's okay for now, but let's face it,

a writer.

I gotta find a team of lawyers, you know, the best.

Not like he's a rock star or a power forward. You know, he's a teacher.

And he's a poet.

Listen to this.

You don't really have to, Lita. Her body at

midnight trembles. Her heart in darkness crumbles.

The fires of dawning are reborn.

I know that last part doesn't rhyme, but... Oh, Jimmy.

All right. It's him.

It's him.

All right, all right. Take it easy.

Hell, don't take it easy. That's him. Get him.

Let's see what he's driving first.

Mama's being cheap.

So what's next?

Call Becker. You have a cell phone?

Forget Becker. Just get him, Jimmy. Get him. Get him? He hasn't done anything.

You have to wait for him to make some kind of move.

So what if you lose him?

I won't.

Ah!

Turn it around. He's going. He's turning.

Sorry, Jimmy.

You got enough gas?

Plenty.

Oh, animal.

Hang on, Reese.

Don't fight, sweetheart.

That's far enough.

Well, he won't be when I'm still with him.

Come here.

I'm sick.

On the gate.

Step forward.

I can't believe it takes a whole night to process this.

I can't either.

But when they want to put somebody in jail, they don't say, oh, no, it's

impossible, it's after hours.

Ernie!

Ernie!

Oh, my God, your face. What are they doing?

Why the hell wasn't he kept apart from the general inmate population?

I wouldn't know, sir. Oh, I'll bet you wouldn't.

Suspected child molesters are designated targets in there. He's lucky as hell

they didn't beat him to death.

If you'll excuse me, sir. No, I don't think so.

Jimmy, take it easy. Forget it. Let's get out of here.

God, they might as well beat me up themselves. Forget it. Come on, let's go

home, okay?

No. Oh, no, that's right. Let's take you to Dr. Rowan. No, I'll take him to

school.

What? I want to go back to work. I want to get back to my class.

Oh, my honey, look at you.

Ernie, maybe this isn't the right time.

When is... Oh,

my God, Ernie, you look...

Beaten up, huh?

Oh, how awful.

Selma, I just want to get back to my class as soon as possible. Yes, we all

that.

However, you're right, Selma. He needs to change his shirt and see Dr.

Albert. Rita.

Yes, I'm sure you'll need some time to recuperate. I'm fine, I'm fine. The

wounds are all superficial.

What hurts most is being away from my kids.

Well, there's... Certainly no disputing your dedication, Ernie.

But you're still not giving him his class back.

What?

You know, you should understand more than anyone that this sort of thing

little while to settle into the background.

Hold it, hold it.

This sort of thing?

It's precisely this sort of thing that led to all the false accusations in the

first place. Ernie's an innocent man.

The rapist confessed.

What's the problem?

Well, maybe you're the problem, Selma.

Now, a number of parents have expressed some concerns.

Concerns? What concerns?

Whether I believe they're legitimate or not, they must, after all, be given some

consideration. What concerns?

Ernie. What concerns?

Consideration for who? What concerns?

I think we better table this discussion.

Selma, you're tabling my life.

Selma, deal with this thing, please.

Excuse us.

Remember any of the names of the deputies who were on duty when you were

assaulted?

Ernie? Huh?

It doesn't matter.

They'll have to turn over the duty roster during discovery.

I love it when she talks like a lawyer. Get over it.

Hey, you want to get his 99 million?

It's okay with me. I don't care.

Okay, I care.

But it's important to get Ernie his job back.

Well, when I'm through, Miss Selma Drown will have a keener sense of civics

along with economics.

Oh, right.

Selma and I took last year's class. That was the one that made it to the

nationals. It was a reward.

We took him to the restaurant on top of the Continental Hotel. I remember,

honey. From the terrace, you could see all the lights of the city below.

The looks on those kids' faces was brighter than all those lights put

Don't be too hard on Selma.

If that woman was your friend, she would support you.

Oh, speaking of friends, maybe I should say ex -friends.

Hi. Have a seat, Dennis.

I don't think I will.

Maybe you're right. I don't want to hear that he was only doing his job.

I was, Rita, and you know it.

Who came by to tell you how sorry I am that you had to go through all of that

stuff?

Rita, how was the guy I introduced you to?

I introduced him, Dennis. I thought I did.

Well, anyway, I gave Rita away.

Yeah, you were my second best man.

Oh, Dennis, I'm sorry. I'm a little nervous.

Well, as long as we're into mea culpa this afternoon, let's check in on one

really matters. The 4 o 'clock news.

These guys owe you big time.

This I can't wait for.

It's on. Just crank up the volume.

Now, Bob Cucks, Wendy Aziz, Len Smith with weather, and Matt

Schill with sports.

This is KXYX First News at 4.

You don't need me to get your job back.

These guys are going to get it for you.

Are they going to eat some crow or what?

Let's go live to Cindy Carteret for the latest. Cindy. That's right, Wendy and

Bob. I'm here live on the Ventura Freeway. What about Ernie?

We'll get to him.

Higher body count here.

Well, I'm glad that's a valley.

...have fallen victim to another senseless freeway shooting.

Police believe the suspects to be gang members undergoing the traditional right

of initiation.

I'm Cindy Carteret, reporting live from the Ventura Freeway, back to you in the

studio. Thank you, Cindy.

In other news, a new suspect, Ray Chulak, was arrested and has confessed

least three of the recent rapes of young girls on the West Side.

The man previously held by police, a local schoolteacher, has been released.

The district attorney's office declined to say whether any additional charges

will later be filed.

In the Middle East, new tensions have broken out. That's not an apology.

They're making it sound like he's still a suspect.

So far, early reports do not indicate any, at least in our estimation.

And Bob, locally, Long Beach police are still trying to determine whether they

will find...

Wendy and Bob, the future of acute sex offender Ernest Landale remains in

question today. Although Ray Chulak was apprehended and admitted to the crimes

two weeks ago, Mr. Landale continues his suspension from his teaching duties at

Franklin Pierce Middle School. The school board has refused comment,

to say when or if Mr. Landale will return to the classroom.

In an interesting side note, the recently introduced sex offender

available at selective sheriff's offices and police departments has had a less

than impressive debut until the arrest of Mr. Landale. At that time, the arrest

generated a surge of interest with a 34 % increase in use of the program.

We'll keep you updated. Back to you live in the studio.

There's your key, Mr. Gillespie. I think you'll find everything you need inside.

There'll be phone, fridge, fly reel, laptop, computer.

You know, on behalf of Malibu Vacation Rentals, we want to thank you. And by

way, do you have that check for the ballot? Oh, yes.

Right here.

Who are you?

Well, I wouldn't have thought it was possible, but you've actually outdone

yourself, Angel. Angel, I beg your... Excuse us.

Why, aren't you on your way to Ensenada?

Well, I forgot to take care of something first.

Like what?

I forgot to change my lock.

Now, see here, I don't know what your problem is with Mr. Delacroix.

Delacroix. Xavier Delacroix. But if you don't go away, I'm going to be forced to

call the police.

Fine, call them.

Don't call them.

I own this place.

I'm renting this place from him one month while you're in Ensenada.

No, you're not.

Angel? Oh, I know what's going to happen now. You're going to say it's a big

misunderstanding. It's all my fault.

It's not a misunderstanding, and it is your fault. It's like a broken record.

All right, all right. I'm tired of talking about it.

Why don't I just turn you in? I can't think of anybody that deserves to be in

jail more than you.

What about me?

Oh, I don't want to put you in jail. It's just a mark.

What about my money?

I have a valid leak here.

There's no validity in anything this man ever said, touched, or had anything to

do with.

Well, that's fine, Jimmy. You're off to Margaritaville in the lifestyle of the

rich and the selfish, and I got to settle for three hots and a cot. I

have found it, the better, damn it.

Us? Us.

Out. Jimmy, out.

Sellers' remorse.

And you better be gone when I come out.

No problem.

What about my deposit?

It's in the mail.

Uh -oh.

Hello.

I'll be right there.

Gone. Just disappeared.

I mean, he went down to Dot's on the corner just after lunch. And I haven't

him since. After lunch?

Well, yeah, after lunch. Yesterday.

Who's Dot?

Oh, it's a neighborhood bar.

Uh -huh.

Ernie never drank.

Oh, listen.

Ernie's doing an awful lot of things now that he wasn't doing before.

What else?

Well, the main one is that he's been very coarse with me. You know, ever

he came home, he's been different.

You know, he's changed.

And it began with his not sleeping.

So then he started taking walks.

And I would ask him where he was going.

Oh, you know how that goes.

Yeah, I should have called.

You did.

But more often.

Oh, come on, Jimmy, you did everything. You did too much for him, you and Beth.

I just think he can't take the strain of waiting weeks to get his job back,

that's all, and having not just strangers, but people, my God, our

looking at him funny because he looks like there's still some deep, dark

he's keeping to himself.

think the first two weeks were bad.

You should have seen the last two.

You know, for the very first time since I've known him, I can't help him.

I can't reach him.

And I just don't know what the future's going to be, you know?

And that's another feeling I haven't had for a real long time, and I sure don't

like it.

All right, well, first things first, we'll let Dennis find it, and then we'll

get Ernie some help. So what do I do now? Do I file a missing persons report?

What do I put on it? Is this going to be on the record or what?

Congratulations.

All's well that ends well.

Ernie is missing.

The record's on it, right?

To protect this world.

We found them.

Well, we're live on the west side where a clearly distraught man is

contemplating a most final and desperate act. A 25 -story leap to his death from

the roof of the Barrington Plaza.

Okay, all right, we're going to go up to Captain Dave. C .D., what have you got

for us up there in the chopper? This is Captain Dave in Air News 8. And yes,

Cindy, we do have a potential jumper here. Let me see if I can get a little

closer look at him.

I think we have an ID on the jumper. His name is Ernie Landale.

Well, now, CD, Ernie Landale is the school teacher recently arrested in

connection with a series of rapes.

All right, on my lead. On three, two, and one. We've just witnessed the

end to a tortured and tragic life.

Although a second suspect was captured and Landale was later released, he had

remained suspended by the school board who obviously had many questions about

the theories of West Side Child molestations.

Clearly now, many of these questions will remain forever unanswered. The only

unanswered questions are why you and the rest of the media hounded an innocent

man to his death.

Excuse me, Mr.

Rockford, we're in... I think we all know the answer to that, don't we,

You killed Ernie Landale just as surely as if you shot him.

He wasn't judged guilty in a courtroom.

You judged him guilty, made a pariah of him. Then when he was exonerated, hey,

that was old news, wasn't it?

Hardly worth a mention, much less an apology. We have a duty and a right to

report the news. The people have a right to know. Oh, yeah, that's the dodge,

isn't it? The right to know. The same right to know that lets you get away

publishing autopsy photos of a six -year -old murder victim.

What do you want, Rockford? What I want is a little equal time.

Time to set the record straight about Ernie Landale.

I love it.

Let him talk.

Okay, Mr. Rockford, you've got your equal time.

Go ahead.

Accepted. really isn't equal time, is it? It never can be equal because a man

whose love of children was something to celebrate, not slander, can't fight

back.

The children that he devoted himself to, the wife he loved, they've lost their

friends.

I have to stop you right there, Mr. Rockford.

We've just gotten word that Dale Colbert, quarterback for the Condors,

found dead with his golden retriever in his Bel Air mansion.

We're going to go live now to the scene, so I'm going to throw it back to you in

the studio, Wendy and Bob.

And cut. Okay, guys, let's wrap it up.

That was very touching.

We used to do this a long time ago.

You remember?

We used to walk like we could do it forever.

No, it just seems like forever now.

You remember how Rocky used to tag along sometimes?

Boy, he was so nice to me.

Yeah, Rocky liked you.

He always said you had real potential.

Yeah, some potential.

Twenty years later, and I'm back where I started from.

That's not so, Rita. You've turned your whole life around.

Yeah? So where, where does a broken -down ex -hooker, ex -housewife go to

from here?

Well, for starters, goes for walks on the beach with a broken -down private

investigator and fisherman.

Ah, it's better than a kick in the head.

Well, then there's R. Lee.

And what about the center? Don't you still counsel? Oh, yeah, but I've been

busy. There's been so many things to do in the last couple of months, you know?

Go to the cemetery.

Sue the TV station.

Sue the school district.

Sue the jail.

Go to the cemetery.

They beat Ernie down because he was incapable of seeing anything but

the world.

That's why he couldn't handle what was happening to him.

He was the best example of the goodness that he saw.

I am going to remember every word of that.

And I am going to write it down, and I'm going to set it next to Ernie's poem.