Original subtitles

Previously on L .A. Law. Look, we don't need to talk this through. All I need is

for you to not see Brian behind my back and for you to stay out of it.

Where is she? What?

Sarah. Sarah's not here.

What do you mean she's not here? I mean she left early this afternoon.

She never came home.

I've been approached about filling out the city council term of Art Middleman.

Really?

Well, that's wonderful, Jonathan.

Well, look at me. I'm hardly the kind of girlfriend who's likely to do a black

politician any good. That's ridiculous.

That shouldn't matter. It shouldn't, but it will.

Well, I won't let it.

This is about the McConnell case.

Actually, it's about more than that.

During the hearings, a document, a letter came into my possession.

Now, the only ones who knew about it, other than Mary and McConnell and her

husband, were Gwen and I.

Somehow, the other side got wind of it, laid a subpoena on us.

End of case.

Do you have any idea how they discovered its existence?

Yeah. I think Frank Kittredge told them.

What? You're going to have a hard go proving my client was in any way

responsible for your client's cosmetic surgery.

I don't think that's what's going to be on the jury's minds.

Dr. Shearer, when you first saw Cheryl Brennan last year, she'd already

experienced complications from her silicone breast implants. Is that

Yes. Excess scar tissue formed around the implants and constricted, causing

disfiguration of the breasts and extreme pain.

Well, my guess is he won't bite unless we go higher. I'm sorry, but there's no

way my studio is responsible for what happened to that woman. Yeah, but you

see it, though. The jury does not sympathize with rich Hollywood studios,

They sympathize with maimed women like Cheryl Brennan.

Sorry, pal, I didn't see you.

We're even.

Why,

thank you, Miss Lamb.

Okay, so how'd you know it's me?

The blind have mysterious powers.

Also, I recognize your perfume.

Actually, I know a great deal about you.

Like what?

Would you like to know?

I know worldwide studios had a hell of a short list before deciding on you to

represent them. I know our male jurors find you very appealing, but you don't

seem to have alienated the women.

I know you are wearing a pink jacket with a vest and no blouse.

And Judge Lobel does not approve of the length of your skirt.

And I know you're a blusher.

How do you know that?

I can feel your heat.

And I know a good line when I hear one.

What? Is this how you throw opposing counsel off a game?

No.

My curiosity about you is special.

Isn't this a little improper?

Not unless our resolve to win our respective cases is somehow compromised.

Oh, well, there's no chance of that. Agreed.

So did your assistant mention the warts on my nose?

No.

There are limitations to my method of research.

Well, why don't you see for yourself?

Now what?

Nothing.

Really? Until this case is over.

All right, we'll put it on hold.

Until I win. Until you win?

Sure you won't wait that long?

Moving on. Brennan versus Worldwide Studios.

Yeah, settlement offer was rejected. The trial's continuing.

McCoy playing hard to get?

Nothing I can't handle.

You sure? Beautiful young actress maimed by breast implants?

Look, Cheryl Brennan is sympathetic, but she's suing the wrong party, and I

think the jury will see that.

Next up.

Bob Steinlage versus Florence Leach, a .k .a. Madam Eldemira, I'm afraid to

Madam Eldemira, psychic to the stars?

That's the one. My client went to her Beverly Hills Center of Psychic

Understanding for help with his love life. She took him for $160 ,000 in cash

and merchandise.

So now he's suing her for fraud.

Oh, come on. Any guy who forks over six figures to a psychic deserves what he

gets. No, she convinced him he was being controlled by his dead wife's spirit.

Oh, well, why don't you say so? Look, we've tried to settle this, but Madame

Eldemira seems determined to have her day in court. Well, maybe she knows

something you do not know.

Why doesn't she just tell you the outcome of the trial now and save

lot of time and money?

This meeting is over.

How did you know that?

Please.

Mr. Steinlage, why did you go to see Madame Eldemeyer?

My wife had been dead about a year, and so I thought I should start dating

again. In three months, I must have asked out 50 women.

None of them would even agree to a cup of coffee. It was very weird. What did

Madame Eldemeyer say was wrong?

She said that my wife didn't want me seeing anyone else, so she was

my love life from beyond the grave.

And did you believe her?

Naturally, I was skeptical at first, but my wife had resented my luck with the

ladies when she was alive, so... Madame Aldemira got me thinking, yeah.

Then, uh... Then she did that chicken thing.

Could you please describe the chicken thing to the court, Mr. Steinlagi?

She had me breathe into the mouth of this chicken.

And then, uh, a couple of minutes later, the chicken was dead.

And what did she say that meant?

She said the evil presence of my dead wife was inside me, and that's what

the chicken. And what did Madame Eldemira tell you you had to do to get

your wife's spirit?

Give her the 250 grand from Julie's life insurance.

She said that evil lived in money, and she would bless it and give it back to

me. And did she give it back?

Most of it. She kept 50 ,000. She said it was still cursed.

What else did Madame Eldemira ask for?

Stuff to appease Julie's vengeful spirit.

gourmet foods, designer clothing, and a Lincoln town car

to drive my wife's spirit out of town.

Quiet down.

Mr. Steinlogge, did Madame Aldemira solve your dating problems?

No. But did she promise that she would? Absolutely.

I think I'd drop that kind of dough in a maybe. Thank you, Mr. Steinlogge. No

further questions.

Mr. Steinlogge.

Did my client at any time force you to give her money or gifts? She said

something awful might happen if I didn't do what you said. What kind of awful

thing? It wasn't specific.

Before coming to see you, Madam Eldemira, didn't you seek out the help

psychotherapist? Objection. Relevant.

Establishing a pattern, Your Honor. I'll allow it. You can answer the question,

Mr. Steinlogge.

Yeah, I went to see a shrink.

I thought maybe it was something I was doing that was scaring the girls off.

how much did you spend on psychotherapy?

About 7 ,000 bucks. And did your psychotherapist solve your problem?

Obviously not, or I wouldn't have gotten mixed up with Madame Voodoo. Move to

strike the Voodoo reference, Your Honor. Granted, the jury will disregard.

When you terminated your treatment, did your psychotherapist suggest that you

would be better off if you continued to see him? He may have said something like

that, but I... And are you suing him? It's not the same thing. She played me

a fool.

So, you can't get a date, you can't solve your own problems, you feel like a

fool, and that makes my client a fraud?

Objection. Withdrawn.

I'm finished.

They'd read me for the role twice.

Then my agent called and told me Jeffrey Stern wanted to take me to lunch. And

what happened when you met Mr. Stern?

He said how much he wanted me, but there was a problem.

He'd always pictured the character as more voluptuous, fuller, riper.

That's how he put it. Unless I could solve his problem, they'd have to find

somebody else.

At which point he suggested implants.

Yes, he said there was a great doctor in Beverly Hills who would take care of

everything.

Then he looked me right in the eyes and told me how much he believed in me and

about all the wonderful pictures we were going to make together.

But I had to agree to the implants within 48 hours.

And what was your reaction to all of this, Cheryl? I didn't know what to do.

This was a chance of a lifetime.

But I was scared to have the surgery.

And why did you go through with it?

What would you do if somebody offered you your dream?

Could you just walk away?

No. Objection.

Counsel is now testifying, Your Honor. I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Cheryl, in the years after the surgery, you suffered multiple capsulary

contractures, four separate surgeries to remove and replace the silicone, and

finally a ruptured implant.

Were you able to work during this period?

Barely. I was in and out of hospitals.

I had to drop out of two pictures, and since the mastectomy, I haven't had a

single offer.

Not even from Jeffrey Stern, the man who believed in you?

No. He said his hands were tied.

I make audiences feel uneasy.

Thank you, Cheryl.

Cheryl, you didn't always regret...

Thank you, Miss Lamb.

You didn't always regret your decision to get implants, did you, Cheryl? I

wanted them.

Well, isn't it true that one year after the surgery, you said in an interview,

I've never been happier, I owe everything to Jeff Stern.

And to make a reign had just opened. It was a big success.

But then you made two films that failed at the box office.

And isn't that the real reason no one will hire you? No.

After I got sick, I wasn't offered the best scripts anymore.

Do you blame everything on the implants?

I was fine with my body the way it was.

He forced me. Well, did he also force you to get your teeth capped, your nose

done, your eyebrows reshaped, the liposuction you had done on your...

things didn't make me sick. They didn't leave me looking like a freak. You're

right. I look hideous. I can barely look at myself.

So ordered. The jury will disregard. Ms. Brennan, please stick to answering the

questions.

Cheryl, if he'd asked you...

Would you have had sex with Jeffrey Stern to get that role?

Objection. That calls for speculation.

Your Honor, Ms. Brennan has testified my client wielded so much power she was

helpless to resist. I'm trying to establish the limits of Mr. Stern's

influence. Ms. Lamb has a point.

I'm going to allow it.

So, Cheryl, if the choice had been sex or no role, no dream, would you have

slept with him or walked away?

I would have walked away.

But you didn't choose to walk away from implants.

No, thank you. I have nothing further.

You may step down.

This court is adjourned until 10 o 'clock tomorrow morning.

Good work.

Don't ever do that again. What, neutralize your client's testimony?

me like an invalid. I can find my own chair.

Oh, come on. I was only helping. You were showing the jury that even as you

attacked Ms. Brennan, you are basically a decent and caring person, and you

accomplished that at my expense.

You're the one playing the sympathy angle, David. My case can be won on its

merits.

Sarah.

I went to pick up Maddie at daycare, but the Haley's had already gotten him.

That's right.

Don't you want me to babysit for you anymore?

Sarah, you haven't been home since Friday night.

When your mother called you at Brian's, you hung up on her. You haven't notified

me or Ann. It's because this is between my mom and me.

I don't have any problem with you.

You've been playing us off against your mother over this boyfriend.

I have not.

You liked Brian.

Why are you taking her side?

Because she's your mother.

And she knows what's best for you? I'm 17 years old, and she keeps treating me

like I'm a child.

Well, if you behave like a child, you're going to get treated like one. You drop

into my life after 17 years, and suddenly you think you know everything

to know about being my father? I don't give a damn what you call me. I am your

father. And if you insist on living with this boy and disregarding your mother's

advice, you will not be welcome at my house.

Fine. Fine.

You're up early.

Yeah, I think I'm going to call her.

Well, honey, honey, she's not going to make the first move.

She kind of painted herself into a corner.

That's exactly what she did.

And that's why we have to let her stay there.

I think we were too tough on her.

We could have said no babysitting, but at least she could come and visit.

But we didn't.

Look, I'm as bad as you are.

I drove by Brian's on the way home yesterday to see if her car was there. I

almost stopped.

You remember when Maddie had colic when she was a little baby?

You told me not to worry.

It'll grow up. It'll get easier.

I lied.

I know it's hard, but, you know, you were right.

More than anything else, right now, Sarah needs for us to give her some room

make her own decisions.

I'll wait one more day.

Mr. Gerard, were you Cheryl Brennan's agent in 1987?

That's right.

We parted ways three years ago. Did Mr. Stern ever tell you Cheryl would have to

get breast implants before he'd put her in his movie? All Jeff said was she'd be

more castable if she got the implants.

And have you ever known Mr.

Stern to use his position to exert inappropriate influence on a

No. Jeff is one of the most decent and respected executives in town.

He's got integrity and vision.

Do you remember Cheryl Brennan being reluctant to have breast implant

No, I remember her being enthusiastic about the break she was getting. Thank

you. Nothing further.

Mr. Gerard, do you recall a phone conversation in which Jeffrey Stern

a plastic surgeon, a Dr.

Ludwig?

Jeff and I have had hundreds of conversations. I can't remember each

is a copy of your phone log for March 15th, 1987.

Please note the call from Jay Stern at 203. Note also your scribbled

reference to Dr. Ludwig next to a doodle of two large bosoms and a dollar sign.

Now, would this have been when Mr. Stern offered to pay for Cheryl's surgery?

Maybe. I vaguely remember the call. Didn't you tell Cheryl that if she

get the implants, she may as well just get on the bus back to Minnesota? That

was a joke.

But the reality is, girls with more up top get more work.

But if Mr. Stern never expressed this as an ultimatum, why did you imply to

Cheryl that it did? Look, he gave me the doctor's number, and he said he saw the

part going to a big girl.

He didn't have to say anymore. So you understood Mr.

Stern is saying if Cheryl didn't get the implant, she would not get that role.

That was my understanding, but it was never... Mr. Gerard, isn't it true that

you are currently negotiating two multi -million dollar film packages with Mr.

Stern's studio?

We're discussing two projects, yes. So you are, in a very direct way, beholden

to Mr. Stern for your livelihood.

Our relationship is based on mutual respect.

Jeff is a man of very high... Don't call me a man of integrity and vision.

And you're scared to death of him, aren't you? Afraid of Jeff? That's

Then why, during your testimony, have you been looking to Mr.

Stern for approval?

And if the kind of subtle pressure which Jeffrey Stern exerts can intimidate an

experienced agent, imagine what kind of influence he might have over a naive 18

-year -old girl.

Objection, Your Honor.

Withdrawn. Nothing more, Your Honor.

I hear your group's concerns, but thousands of people need low -income

We've got to build it somewhere.

All right, how's 11 .30 tomorrow?

Great. I look forward to it.

I'll call them back. I'm late.

Is this Councilman Rollins' office?

So, baby, I tried to call. I have to cancel lunch. I have a press conference

with the mayor in one minute. I thought your constituents came first.

They do, but he's the mayor.

Besides, you don't live in my district.

What is that?

Bourbon.

For you to put in your desk.

Isn't that what politicians drink? Bourbon and branch water?

Maybe in Kentucky, yeah.

Hello?

Uh,

Paul, Zoe, Paul Gimbel, special assistant to the mayor.

Zoe Clemens. Sorry we are on the run. I understand. Oh, what time is that dinner

on Thursday?

Imitation says six.

Well, I'll have to reschedule a hearing. If you're talking about the Brotherhood

Award, they never start on time.

Well, I'm hoping I don't miss Jonathan's first speech.

You gotta get going.

Yeah, I'm outta here.

Listen.

I'll see you tonight.

Mrs. Leach, do you believe in evil spirits?

I believe in spirits, good and evil.

And you honestly believe that an evil spirit is interfering with Mr.

Steinlage's happiness?

Yes. His late wife is very angry with him. Move to strike.

My client's wife is dead.

Granted, the jury will disregard Mrs. Leach's last remark.

Mrs. Leach, to the average person, uneducated in the ways of the spirit

your methods may seem rather unorthodox.

Why the gourmet food, the designer clothing, the car?

Mrs. Steinlage never got what she wanted from her husband when she was alive.

Now that she's dead, she is determined to change that. Your Honor. Mrs. Leach.

I warned you about speaking for Mrs. Steinlage. Mrs. Leach, if Mr.

Steinlage had stuck with your program and completed his treatment, what would

have happened? His wife would be satisfied, and he'd be dating someone

by now.

Thank you. No further questions.

Mrs. Leach, do the names Lady Wanda, Madame Solane, and Miss Lorena mean

anything to you? They are some of the personas who have helped me in the past.

Aren't those, in fact, aliases that you have used in other states?

Yes, but alias is such a judgment -laden term.

Mrs. Leach, why didn't you return all of Julie Steinloggy's life insurance money

to Mr.

Steinloggy as you said you would? The curse was still on the portion I kept.

I was able to condense the negative energy into a smaller sum, but you can

get rid of it completely.

Did you threaten my client that...

Terrible things would happen if he did not meet your demands.

They weren't my demands.

Mr. Steinloggy's wife... Mr. Steinloggy's wife is dead, Mrs. Leach.

do with designer clothes, caviar, champagne, and a Lincoln town car?

Loan them to you?

Objection. This is badgering.

Overruled. Witness will answer the question.

Spirit. are unable to rest when they pass over to the other side if their

earthly desires were left unsatisfied.

I allow myself to be the vessel for these spirits.

If they can experience the fulfillment of their desires through me, then they

rest.

I may have drunk the champagne.

But Mrs. Steinlage enjoyed it. Does she also enjoy the Mercedes 300 SL and the

diamond bezel Rolex and the Faberge egg that you have gotten from your other

client? Objection.

Irrelevant. The spirit world is obviously not a reality for you, Ms. Van

I don't expect you to understand. But I do understand, Mrs. Leach.

No further questions.

Hi. You sure you have time for dinner? You bet.

Let me just get rid of this stuff.

This is Frank Kittredge. Leave a message after the beep.

Frank? Frank, are you there?

Pick up, you son of a bitch.

If you think your help with Mother's estate is all you know... What are you

doing?

Call me or... That's Laura McConnell.

You did tell her about the letter.

You used me and you lied to everyone. Listen.

I do know Laura McConnell, but I did not tell her about that letter. You expect

me to believe that? It sounds like you were sleeping with her.

It started long before I came here, and it's over. You asked me about the case,

Frank. You worked on nothing else for days. What else were we going to talk

about? I don't know.

Gwen, please, settle down and listen to me.

I didn't expect to feel this way for you, but I do. I care about you very

You erased the tape.

It could be misunderstood.

I think it's very clear.

Before you run off telling any wild story, you should consider how it's

make you look.

You're the one who was discussing our boss's business in bed.

You son of a...

No one's disputing Cheryl's beauty.

She had a unique softness and vulnerability.

But the truth was, she looked like a child. I wanted to go with Cheryl, but

that picture, I felt I had to have a woman up on the screen.

So you discussed implants with her? Yes, it was discussed, but the decision was

hers, and hers alone.

But you only gave her 48 hours to decide?

We were on a tight production schedule, but there was never any mention of 48

hours. I told her we'd talk after a weekend.

What if she'd refused?

Would you still have given her the role? I don't know.

I never had to face that. The next thing I knew, I got a call saying that she

was having the surgery.

And were you ever told by the late Dr. Ludwig that breast augmentation was

anything but a simple cosmetic procedure?

No. Perfectly safe.

Those were the exact words he used.

Thank you.

Your witness.

Are you saying you might have cast Mrs. Brennan even if she'd refused the

surgery? As I said, I don't know. In some circumstances, we can pad costumes

employ a body double. Well, did you mention exploring these options when you

lunch with Mrs. Brennan? I don't recall.

You testified that Dr. Ludwig advised you that the implants were safe.

Now, did you rely solely on his advice, or did you seek out other medical

opinions? Why would I seek other opinions? The man was a first -class

surgeon. We'd used him before without any trouble, and he never once said

anything about complications.

No? Hadn't he notified you the year before Cheryl's operation in a letter

implants could rupture and cause scarring and disfigurement just exactly

happened with Cheryl Brennan? Counsel, approach.

Your Honor, this document is hearsay and without foundation. The letter was

written on Dr. Ludwig's letterhead and was found in his files. It is not

Your Honor. It was addressed to Mr. Stern and warns of precisely the kinds

complications my client has suffered. You can't prove it was ever sent or that

my client ever received it. Why would the doctor write a letter if not to send

it? Why would he continue to perform implant surgery for four years after

dated if he was so concerned?

I think...

I have to agree with Ms. Lamb. This cannot be connected to Dr. Ludwig.

could have written... But it was found in his file. That's not enough. Your

Honor... Sorry, Counselor. You cannot use it.

Step back.

Mr. Stern.

Is it your testimony that Dr. Ludwig never warned you in writing? Your Honor,

look what he's doing. The jury should know that this piece of paper in Mr.

McCoy's hand is in no way relevant and should be totally disregarded. Did Dr.

Ludwig warn you in writing that implants could cause scarring and painful

hardening and might rupture as they did in Cheryl Brennan's case?

He never warned me in writing or any other way.

I have nothing further for this witness.

You're listening to the unfounded accusations of some frustrated young

I'm listening to someone I trust.

Give it up, Kittredge. Just pack up your office and get out.

Aren't you forgetting I don't work for you? I work for Susan Bloom.

But you work on Mackenzie Brackman property.

And at five o 'clock this afternoon, I'll have your office locked up tight.

If you attempt to return to these premises, I'll have you removed.

And I intend to report you to the bar. Careful, gentlemen.

The McConnell conservatorship isn't the only Mackenzie Brackman case I'm well

acquainted with.

If I'm the man you're accusing me of being, I could bring this firm crashing

down.

Cross me, and you won't know what hit you.

Jonathan, you got a sec?

Don't tell me. It's the Pico development.

Paul, I got business interests chewing my right ear. I got community leaders

chewing the left.

Which side do you want? Neither. The mayor's taking a courageously neutral

stance on this one. I wondered if you wanted to ride to the awards dinner

tomorrow. Thanks, but I gotta pick up Zoe.

Uh, Jonathan, it's not really my business, but considering that this is

be your first major public appearance, do you think that's a good idea?

Oh, are you saying I should hide the fact that I'm seeing a white woman?

Of course not.

But you might want to consider the timing of this kind of personal

Just so you know.

Girlfriends, black or white, aren't generally included at political events.

Wives, yes.

Fiances, maybe.

How serious are you two, if you don't mind?

We're pretty serious.

You live together?

Not yet.

Look, who you bring or don't bring is up to you.

I just want you to know what you might be getting yourself into.

I understand.

The defense calls the late Julie Steinlage to the stand.

What? Mrs. Leach has agreed to act as medium for Mrs. Steinlage. Your Honor,

this is ridiculous.

Counsel, approach the bench.

Your Honor, this whole case hinges on whether or not my client is a fraud. The

jury has a right to see what she does and judge for themselves.

The jury wouldn't know Julie Steinlage from Eleanor Roosevelt.

But your client would.

Be quiet, both of you.

Frankly, Counselors, I'm still trying to figure out why this case wasn't settled

a long time ago.

Maybe in another life.

However, since we've come this far, Mr. Pavlik, I'm going to give you some

leeway. But if you turn my courtroom into a sideshow, I'm going to bounce you

out of here on your crystal ball.

Now step back.

Steinloggy? Yeah.

Could you please state your name for the court?

Julie Steinloggy.

And who is this man? A lousy, philandering pig!

Objection! Mr. Stain, Mr. Pavlik, if you can't control Mr.

Steinlog... Your witness, we're going to end this right now. What are you going

to do?

Throw me into purgatory for contempt?

It's great being dead.

You don't have to listen to anybody, Mr.

Pavlik. I'm sorry, Your Honor. Mrs.

Steinloggy, if you could just please tell the court something about Mr.

Steinloggy that only his wife would know.

Bobby Steinloggy likes to wear women's underwear.

You said it didn't bother you. I guess we both said things we didn't mean, eh,

buddy boy?

Your Honor.

Counselors, get control of your clients. You are ruining my life. At least you

still got a life. Everybody, shut up. Bobby, please sit down. That's enough.

Thank you.

Mr. Pavlik, do you have anything more?

Nothing, Your Honor. I'm finished.

Ms. Van Owen? We thoroughly questioned Mrs.

Leach when she took the witness stand yesterday, Your Honor. We have no

questions for her today.

Boots, you're still as stubborn as ever.

Who's Boots?

What do you think you're doing with Frank Kittredge? He stole privileged

information from this firm and used it against one of our clients. You can't

prove that. And you cannot fire a man who represents 30 % of my bottom line.

Susan, you and Frank Kittredge have brought a lot of money into this firm.

would shut my doors and sit on my front porch before I would continue to do

business with an unethical attorney.

I am not defending Frank Kittredge. Hell, I've almost fired him myself a

times. But I cannot accept you going over my head with this. Frank is my

associate. He is my responsibility. You should have come to me with this.

Susan!

Anytime I have ever come to you expecting cooperation, I have received

but trouble.

Why would I bring any matter to you? You are without a doubt the most obnoxious,

arrogant... You're a self -righteous, high -handed windbag.

Are you planning to change?

Not on your life.

Well, neither am I.

Frank's history.

In 1987, Movie Times Magazine ranked Jeffrey Stern the sixth most powerful

man in all of Hollywood.

Cheryl Brennan was an 18 -year -old actress just starting her career.

Today, she has no career, and numerous painful surgeries have left her

permanently disfigured, and all because the sixth most powerful man in Hollywood

made her get breast implants.

Now, Jeffrey Stern claims that it was... Just a suggestion.

But he knew precisely what he was doing when he promised her a part in his

movie. He told her he would pay for the surgery.

And then he gave her 48 hours to make up her mind.

That's not a suggestion. That is an ultimatum. And by making it, he assumed

duty to warn Cheryl about possible complications from this procedure. A

clearly failed to perform.

Now today...

When Cheryl looks in the mirror, she sees one breast missing, the other

misshapen. None of us can know the pain she feels.

If it weren't for Jeffrey Stern, Cheryl Brennan's tragedy would never have

happened.

Cheryl Brennan is a young woman who has endured a terrible tragedy.

And we can't help but feel compassion.

for her suffering and for her lost dream.

But the hard truth is, Cheryl made the decision to have her breasts enlarged.

And I don't doubt that as an 18 -year -old actress, she felt tremendous

pressure.

But Cheryl wasn't coerced by Jeffrey Stern. She was seduced by her own desire

be part of a glamorous industry that prizes sensual beauty above all else.

An industry supported by an entire society obsessed with physical

We can't hold Jeffrey Stern responsible for our obsession.

Nor did he make Cheryl Brennan's tragic decision.

She made that choice herself.

Nice clothing, Counselor.

You changed your perfume.

Well, I can't let you have the upper hand.

No, I noticed.

Tell me, C .J., do you really think that Jeffrey Stern had no duty to warn

Cheryl Brennan?

I think she'll have a stronger case with the manufacturer.

You're right.

Forward.

But how sore a loser are you?

I don't know. It's been a long time since I've lost.

Do you think we'll be able to call it true?

Only one way to find out.

If I wind up running late, you go on and I'll take a cab.

You know, there'll be plenty of other speeches.

It's the kickoff of your political career.

Well, my part only lasts about ten minutes.

Then you'll have to sit through about two hours of boring acceptance speeches.

Plus the fact is a bad neighborhood and I don't want you going down there by

yourself You don't want me to go of course I do but

Okay, it

was mentioned that it might be a better idea if I went along I told you this was

going to come up. It's not that. It's just a matter of picking the right time.

And this isn't the right time. Zoe, come on. Don't make a big deal out of this.

I already feel like I'm being pulled in six different directions.

And I'm just another thing pulling at you? No.

Of course not. Yes, I am.

This won't be the last dinner.

It's not going to get any easier to bring me along.

Your job is going to be pulling us apart, and I don't want to be the only

trying to put us back together.

Zoe.

I love you.

Then why is it so hard for you to make a choice that includes me? Just let me

settle into the job, and when we're ready, then we'll take a public stand.

I'm ready now.

Obviously, you still have some questions.

I think...

You should call me when you have sorted out what you want.

Has the jury reached a decision?

We have, Your Honor. What say you?

On both the claims of negligence and negligent infliction of emotional harm,

find for the defendant, Jeffrey Stern.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, thank you.

We are adjourned.

There's never any doubt in my mind. I'm glad you were so confident.

Any chance you're free for a celebration lunch?

I'm sorry. I have another engagement.

I heard you stopped by while I was out.

Yeah.

I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am about all this.

Arnold told me you gave him your resignation.

It was really stupid of me to pillow talk.

Well, it was a big mistake.

But I'm betting that you learned from your mistakes.

That's why Arnold and I are in agreement that you should stay on.

That's very generous.

But I don't think I can work for Arnie again.

Well, that's good.

Because Arnold doesn't want you back.

Your heart really isn't in being a secretary.

Arnold suggested, and I agree, that with your law school draining, we'd be

putting your talents to better work as a law clerk.

It'll take a few days to think about it if you need to.

No. Yeah. Yes. I mean, I want the job.

I'm, uh... Thank you, Leland.

We're glad you're still on board.

Can I come in? Sarah?

Is everything okay?

Annie, what's wrong?

Is it Brian?

Did he do anything? No.

No, Brian's trying to be so nice.

It's so obvious.

I don't know what I was thinking.

Just because we liked each other.

Maybe it was a little bit earlier for you to move in with each other.

Brian's so great, but...

Living together.

Yeah, well, it's not such an easy thing, even for family.

I screwed that up, too.

I wouldn't blame Mom if she never let me come back.

Listen, if you go home, your mom's going to be just as relieved to see you as I

am. She'll probably ground me forever.

Yeah, well, maybe.

But whatever she does, it's going to be because she loves you. It's like she

doesn't see I'm grown up.

Yeah, well, maybe running away wasn't the best way to convince her.

But what you're doing right now, talking to me very honestly, openly, I

think that'll impress him.

Sure as hell impresses me.

Thanks, Dad.

Has the jury reached the verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

In the matter of Steinlage versus Leach, we find in favor the plaintiff and

order Mrs. Leach to pay damages in the amount of $50 ,000.

The jury is dismissed, and this court is adjourned. Ah, yes, he was right.

Who was right? My astrologer. He was the one who advised me to sue her. Thanks a

lot, Ms. Van Owen.

At first they thought I needed glasses, but then it got worse.

You were 16?

Mm -hmm. Just got my driver's license.

Wow. Suddenly there I am back at square one, completely dependent.

You've overcompensated nicely.

Still couldn't beat you.

Because you didn't have a case. Oh, like hell. Now, if the jury had seen that

letter... Oh, that was great. What? If I had lost... Well, I wouldn't be

gloating over it. I am not gloating.

And if you could see me, you would see that I am not gloating.

What are you doing?

I'm admiring your cheap.

David. What?

I want to tell you something about me.

Something my research has overlooked?

I don't apologize for who I am, and I'm not looking to reform myself, but I've

had my share of relationships with men. I assumed you weren't a virgin.

And I've had my relationships with women.

Does that bother you?

It surprises me.

Are you saying that if we start seeing each other, you'll be seeing women, too?

No.

No, I wouldn't see other men, either.

I'm pretty bad at playing this field, actually. Oh, me too.

You know, if we get involved, you'll have my undivided attention.

And you'll have mine, for as long as it's right.

Oh, and that's another thing.

I don't seem to settle down for long.

Any other warnings? No, that's about it.

Well, let's take this slow.

How slow?

Come in, Ms. Van Owen.

I normally close at 6, but I hoped you were coming.

Have a seat.

I didn't come here for a reading.

I just want to know how you knew about Boots.

I don't.

Do you?

It's my nickname.

My mother used to call me that.

So that's your mother who's so worried.

My mother died four years ago.

She wanted me to tell Boots to stop feeling sad.

I'm not sad.

It has something to do with a man.

Tall, dark.

Is he Latino?

This is crazy. I'm sorry.

Thanks anyway.

He's coming back.

What?

He's coming back.