Original subtitles

"A job to kill for"

He's dead

I killed him, Jennifer

I did it for you

he was ruining your life

yeah, he was

oh... we'd better get out of here

I don't think so

For all of you who tend to think of the

chairman of the board as a sort of grim reaper

who only shows up to drop the ax when times are bad...

You can relax

tonight is a night to celebrate what

I truly believe is the start of an exciting and prosperous new era for haber...

Reynolds & young advertising

how's that for turning up the pressure Jennifer?

If you read the trades

you know our new general manager by the accolades

she's received over the years on Madison Avenue

adwoman of the year for five consecutive years

past president of the New York advertising alliance

but I'm old-fashioned

I'm more impressed by the

$500 million in new billings she brought in to her last shop

and speaking as someone who's gone head to head against her in many a new business pitch

I can tell you it's going to be better having her with us than against us

ladies and gentlemen

it is my pleasure to introduce our new general manager

Jennifer kamplan

remember when they threw a party to introduce me to the agency?

No

Neither do I

thank you, norlin

Our... industry over the past 10 years

the advertising industry has weathered a lot

corporate downsizing, merger mania

a decline in the advertising audience in general...

And, of course, the mad scramble to capture the lion's share of the cyber market

the resulting anxiety has led to a shrinking of the advertising dollar

our largest clients are spending less and demanding more

competition between rival agencies has become fierce

if haber, Reynolds & young advertising

intend to thrive in the new century

we have got to understand that not only will the inter-corporate

skirmishes escalate into full-scale warfare...

We have got to be prepared not to just fight

but to drive a stake into the heart of the competition

winning means that we can't burden management with

conventional mores and constrictive corporate ethics

I'm not saying that we should become ruthless

I'm insisting upon it

and considering our evolving business landscape

one would have to revise the old adage...

"All's fair in love and war and advertising.”

If I could leave you with one guiding principle to success in our industry

remember what machiavelli advised his prince...

"A leader who wishes to make a profession of goodness must

necessarily come to grief over so many who are not good."

I'm so excited to be a part of this company

thank you so much for tonight

she comes on a little strong, doesn't she?

Strong enough to get us in on the comtrex pitch

comtrex?

Comtrex announced the agencies' finalists three days go

we didn't make the cut

you sure about that?

Well, I'm the cfo. I get the bad news first

well, here's some good news

Jennifer kamplan made one call this morning

and we're in the running

that's a $150-million account

if she can pull that off, I might just warm up to her yet

what, are you kidding me?

Get out of here, moresco

nobody is allergic to garlic

I'm telling you, I get one speck of garlic

my eyes swell up, they get all watery

I start yawning...

Next thing I know, I'm passed out cold

I'm telling you, it's psychosomatic

no, it isn't. I get it even when I don't know there's garlic in something

I get all the symptoms

I'll even ask my wife, "did you put a little garlic in this?"

And she'll go, "yeah, I put a little garlic in this.”

Never heard of anybody allergic to garlic

yeah...

Talcum powder, too

talcum powder?

What? Makes you sneeze?

No, closes up my throat

you are a freakin' mess, you know that?

Thank you

all nght, what do we got here? Martin Keller

male, Caucasian, 32 years old

unmarried, advertising executive, lives alone

and he likes soaking in the hot tub

oh... hey, learner, look

look at the seal around the light. Completely rotted

okay...

So he gets in the tub, turns on the jets

and he fries himself

yeah. It's accidental

I wouldn't say that

take a look at this seal, moresco

looks like it might have been scraped off with a knife

what? Are you sure?

No...

But we got to get the crime lab to check it out

before we write the report so we don't look like a couple of dumb-asses

oh. Right

so let's pull this spa out of here and drag it back to the lab

whoa. Are you kidding me? You want to pull the spa out?

It would take all day

and we would need a flatbed truck and a crane...

Yeah, that's not our problem

we need to know if that seal was scraped or rotted

we'll get the guys over here to shoot some photos

no, it needs to be examined in the lab

I can tell you right now that those marks were made with a knife

really

are you absolutely, positively sure?

For crying out loud, learner, you want to pull out the hot tub?

Okay. Pull out the hot tub

good morning, gang

I was hoping to be on the job at least a couple of weeks before our first disaster

but I've just been informed that pacific breeze international has brought in

a new executive vice-president of marketing, Terrance leary

to pump life into the fashion line

and launch their new fragrance

he looks harmless enough

he may look harmless

but when a new vp is brought on board

it usually means the incumbent ad agency is on borrowed time

and since pacific breeze funds half the salaries around here

this is a situation we really need to focus on

now the game plan

as general manager, everything goes through me

I want the creative team to start with an examination of all past creative

and all competitor campaigns

hold back on any preconceived ideas until

we have a solid platform to build on

now, Abbey you're the creative director on this account

what's your take on Terrance leary?

Well, I haven't met him yet

but word is we'll find him demanding as hell

but unflinchingly loyal, capable

and, at times, inspired

that's if we can convince him to stay with this agency

let's get one thing straight

and that goes for everybody here...

I have absolutely no intention of merely holding on to this account

I'm going to bump it up by 20 million a year

just to level the playing field with the bigger brands

now, he comes in with a hell of a resume

he has led the marketing for the top five in the fashion industry

does anybody here know him? Has anybody worked with him?

Does anybody know anybody who's worked with him?

I know his wife, Janice

very active in local charities

she's got ms

but gets more done from a wheelchair than most people do on two legs

all nght we know he's attracted to strong, committed women...

That's one for our side

but he's going to need to be impressed with new ideas, new strategy...

A new campaign

what they need is a new fragrance

we did a focus group on the perfume

tested just above "dirty socks.”

Listen to me... carefully

a good ad campaign can sell anything to anybody

it's all in the planning

which brings me to the last piece of the puzzle...

An account planner

a top-notch account planner isn't easy to find

don't worry. I'll find one

someone that we can rely on in the trenches

someone original. Someone with brains

most importantly, someone with...

Balls

yeah

a protege

we've heard from every headhunter

in New York, Chicago, and l.A

there isn't anyone anywhere who won't jump at the chance to work with you

rumor has it, even Martin Keller's willing to come on board

he's the best in the west

can you believe that Martin Keller is dead?

You've got to love this business

our lead candidate gets electrocuted

and his headhunter has three new applicants by lunchtime

well, any keepers?

I don't know

Maria?

You have a call. Right this way

excuse me

Jennifer kamplan?

Stacy sherman

gog, it is such a pleasure to meet you

I really admire your work

I'm sorry to interrupt your lunch, Jennifer

but I'm the best account planner maxler worldwide has ever had...

And I've wanted to get my resume...

Across your desk but your assistant has been guarding your office door like a rottweiler

so you had her paged?

Well, I had to take a shot

well, uh, I'm in the middle of my lunch, Stacy

I know. Of course. I'm so sorry

I'm out of here

your resume

plus the upcoming promotional plans

for pacific breeze's number one competitor

really

it's top-secret

so you didn't get it from me

you might want to lay off the red meat

what did she want?

Not the mirrors again

You miserable son of a bitch

You okay?

I've got to pick up some film. I'm shooting tomorrow

hmm. It's a little late

no, very late, Jennifer, even by your standards

I'm sorry. Things are a little bit crazy at the office

once I get the staff in shape, things will be better

sure

got your mirrors again, huh?

Don't get me wrong, you've done a lot of good work

but your resume is sort of skewed to smaller accounts

that's interesting

may I tell you my opinion?

Sure

there's no shortage in this town of mbas

who can rattle off the demographics and psychographics

and market shares of every high-profile brand they've ever worked on...

But the last thing that you need around here is

another empty suit who's going to play it by the book

you need somebody who is

part psychologist and part anarchist

with the brains and the conviction to do what needs to be done

somebody willing to kick ass without making you the bad guy

now... I'm not willing to go out on a limb unless

I know someone's going to go to the wall for me

so are you ready to make that kind of commitment?

Who's interviewing who?

Come on, it's not that easy

this agency has a board of directors, and shareholders...

No. No

it's not corporate, Jennifer. It's personal

it's one person who says

"I believe in you, I need you

and no matter what happens, I've got your back.”

Your vision will be my mission

we build that kind of relationship

and nobody and nothing can stand between us

I won't tolerate it

there's got to be a limit to how far you go

really?

Excuse me. Jennifer?

They're waiting for you in the conference room

in a minute

well, you certainly have a very interesting perspective

you tell me there's someone in that pile of resumes who understands what this is all about

and I'll walk away quietly

but I think you know

you know I'm the one who's going to go the distance for you

thank you

thank you

I'll speak with you soon

I think I got somebody

I think Stacy sherman's the real deal

bright, aggressive a tireless worker

and I talked to somebody over at maxler

who said she basically single-handedly brought in the kroger account

well, the agency she was

up against lost their entire presentation in a fire

more than a few of them think Stacy had something to do with it

oh, that's ludicrous

any legitimate witnesses?

Who's saying this?

Some former co-workers

they say that she's elevated aggression to an art form

nothing wrong with that

well, what bothers me is she does retail schlock...

Grocery stores, coupon campaigns... I mean

what does she know about fashion or fragrance?

Well... she sure knows what the competition is up to

she lacks Polish and major brand experience

but she has, uh...

Potential?

Well, it's more than that

she's got instincts that kind of border on brilliant

I just feel like if I could bring that out in her

she'd make an excellent asset for the agency

so do you miss New York?

The move was good for us

that's good

you've got enough on your plate without having to worry about your marriage

I love my husband

of course you do

I loved all three of my wives

and paid dearly to prove it

a good lawyer will get your ex half of everything...

Your house, your salary, your stock options...

We're through the worst of it

I just need to spend more time on it

it always amazes me

we spend more money per second on a commercial

than they spend on a movie like star wars

yeah, well, star wars isn't trying to sell you a spaceship

good point

Jennifer... l know you could have picked anyone

and you picked me

thank you

it's really what I've been working my whole life for

I have confidence in you

they brought me out here to run this agency and make it

the best shop in the west and ultimately

I'm in charge of everything here

but I can't get mired down in the details

I have to stay focused on the big picture

so I need a general to run things and bring it together for me

and you're it, kiddo

I understand

when would you like me to start?

Maxler will want two weeks' notice

how about tomorrow?

Okay. Screw 'em

I'll see you in the morning

by the way...

Did I mention that you get a company car?

Uh... that is nice. That's very nice

I'm glad you like it

I'll go straight to the agency

to pick up the pacific breeze files

it's not about the files, Stacy

they already have a new marketing director. They want change

we have to get inside this guy's head

if you plan it carefully

a good campaign can sell anything to anybody

Stacy's here to Usher in a new level of strategic thinking and planning

and that's where I want our campaigns to start from

now, I know the creative department might find it a little restrictive at first

but you'll discover that solid planning

will give you a new springboard for your imagination to reach new heights

okay?

Now I'm running late, so I'm going to let Stacy take over

hi, it's Jennifer kamplan

look, I want you guys to know that

nobody respects good creative more thanldo

that said, I have absolutely no interest in

rehashing the same old crap that inspired pacific breeze to fire its old marketing director

we are going after the exact same target audience, Stacy

you want to know who your target audience is?

It's one man sitting in an office

three miles down cherry street

Terrance leary is the only one we have to sell to

because if we can't sell him

we'll never get the chance to sell anybody else

trust me

he knows this agency helped bury his predecessor

and if he is smart

he'll fire us before we deep-six him, too

we have done some award-winning creative on this account

good

now, if you want the chance to do any more of it

you'd better talk to anybody who knows him or knows anything about him

where did he grow up?

Does he drink? Does he fool around?

Is he even a breeder

or is he a queer, like you are, Seth?

For god's sake, Stacy

we need to make Terrance leary believe that

this 1s more than just another ad agency

we have to make him think that we are people who he wants to hang out with...

Who get it

who think the way that he does

until then, guys, we are just wasting our time

I'm sorry

it's okay. We've still got time to grab a quick bite

I can't go to the gallery with you

I don't believe it

tremmel gallery's a big deal, Jen

I mean, you said that you'd be there with me to meet this woman

if you really need me to be there, maybe...

Need you to be there? I want you to be there

I'm sorry. Um...

Would you like to hear the specials?

Look, I have to be across town in, like 30 minutes

bring her a coffee

that's 1t?

That's it

look, Jen...

I know that you're the one paying the bills

and we both knew that could be a problem one day, and I just...

Please not this again

I don't fit in here

you fit in fine

listen, why don't you give me a chance to make this better, okay?

We'll go away. I can take a vacation

we'll start over. I can do that

no. Stop it

I'm absolving you of the guilt trip, okay?

It's my crisis. You don't have to solve it

you're at the top of your game right now. Enjoy it

no

Make the most of it

maybe I should go back to New York

with all the other starving artists

pretending they've got a shot

I need you

what for?

Yes, I'm on my way

yeah

listen, wait a second. I'm going to cancel the meeting, okay?

Okay, bye

you didn't have to do that

oh, yes, I did

I want to

well, okay

hey

hey to you

what's up?

Oh, you know... same old, same old

Jennifer coming in today?

Depends if she finishes her meeting early

mm. You seen Stacy?

Nope

So... what do you think about Stacy?

She makes a good first impression

so did Ted Bundy

what do you mean?

Nothing. I mean...

I'm just hearing things about her

does Jennifer know everything there is to know about this woman?

Jennifer doesn't put much stock in gossip, if that's what you mean

I'm not talking about gossip

Stacy sherman is a cancer

she causes dissension wherever she goes

she's a little on the abrasive side...

There's more

I mean, there's talk about this girl

where did you hear that?

From some people at magneson advertising

and listen, it gets worse

a friend of mine went to school with her at dartmouth

swears she tried to poison someone

get out

I'm serious

some girl stole her boyfriend

so Stacy decided to get even by poisoning her

oh, come on. How come she didn't go to jail?

They couldn't prove it

and you can

I just think it's weird, that's all

and I think Jennifer ought to know

Want your calls?

Anything important?

Roger shapiro, twice. Said it was urgent

remind me to call him tomorrow

anything else?

Nothing else worth bothering you with

Need me to remain down

go home. It's late

go home

Jennifer... there's something I have to tell you

but I feel kind of funny about it

well, just tell me

I keep hearing stuff

stuff about Stacy

what stuff?

Well... complaints

rumors

yeah

sit down

I know you have my best interest at heart

but in this business...

Oh, hell, any business...

The more ambitious you are

the more rumors they pin on you, especially if you're a woman

but everyone thinks she's strange

the ad agency business is strange

it attracts a lot of eccentric people

I mean, a lot of people who work here are different

it just sort of goes with the territory

actually, it's one of the fun things about a job like this

I don't want to hear any more rumors, okay?

Okay

you have an amazing home, Jennifer

thanks

some day I'm going to make enough

you keep putting in the long hours and using your head

eventually you'll start earning a salary that most people only dream of

you really think so?

Absolutely...

But it won't be enough for someone like you

I've seen you in action

you think you're in it for the money? Uh-uh

you fight for your position and you love every minute of it

yep, this isn't just a career for you

it's something you thrive on

here we go

come on

but you have to be ready for the trade-offs

if you have any dreams about having children...

Forget about it. It's a choice you make, that's all

maybe I could have a husband like yours

yeah

good luck in finding a man who wants to share the spotlight with a superstar

Jen?

Hey. -Hey

want to meet Patrick?

This is Stacy

nice to meet you

hall

another working weekend?

Well, you get all the advertising out of your system today

we have a showing at a gallery tomorrow

no, that's the pacific breeze edit

it's tomorrow?

You booked something else for Sunday?

Yeah

It's just over here, to the left

Hold it. Back up

for what?

Just back up, please

what?

Oh, damn it

what's wrong?

They did it again. They ripped off my mirrors. It's the third time

I've had them replaced twice

well, let's call the police

no, it doesn't do any good

I'm just going to go down to the police station

okay, well, let me drive you

no, I'll handle it

okay

so after your mirrors were stolen twice

you continued to park in the same area?

It's my reserved parking spot

where the hell am I supposed to park?

Relax, Mrs. kamplan. I'm one of the good guys

I am relaxed

it's going to cost me $2,000 to replace both of those mirrors

that's pretty steep

you ought to stop by the pierside flea market this Sunday

probably buy your mirrors back, 50 bucks apiece

if you know who's stealing them

why don't you arrest them?

All we know is that some sleazebag is selling

Porsche and Mercedes mirrors at the flea market...

But we can't actually arrest anybody until we catch them prying the mirrors off your car

what am I supposed to do?

Be glad you can afford to fix them

me, I'd start driving something a little less flashy

so I should sell my car

you're just a target driving around town in a Porsche

thanks

they want you to buy back your own mirrors from the flea market?

Yeah, or sell my Porsche

oh, great. So, what

they can't protect your property, so you should just get rid of it?

That is such crap. You have every right to drive whatever you want

well, I know, but what am I supposed to do? Kill the guy?

Well, somebody ought to do something

ah, forget about it

sit down

thanks

what do you know about comtrex?

Up-and-coming computer manufacturer

good product, really bad branding

zero identity in the marketplace

here

I want you to dig up everything on the account

their competitors, the whole market

you know, my friend, Dan rice, the ceo...

I saved his ass years ago when we were both first starting in the business

so we do have a friend on top

but that doesn't mean we have the account

it just means that we're in the running

I want you to pull together the new business team and land the account

I can't wait to get started

you land an account like comtrex

you'll be able to write your own ticket

hell, you'll be so hot, we'll be lucky to hang on to you

no. I will never leave, not as long as you're here

god, I don't know how to thank you, Jennifer

just get comtrex

pick your own team come up with a budget that makes sense

don't cut corners...

Remember, we're talking about a $150-million account

do I need to clear the budget with the cfo?

Yeah

but I'll do what I can to keep shapiro from cutting your legs out from underneath you

Are you kidding me?

You got to think about it? 40 bucks?

Sorry about that, guys

$5,000 a second for computer animation

and you can't even spell the client's name?

It's nothing in our system

it must be something hinky on your disk

no way

we saw the same sequence on the same disk at the animation house

and it was sensational

let's get someone in from engineering to fix this problem, please

on a Sunday

it's Sunday for us, too, sweetheart. Do it

looks like you're not going to make it to the gallery by 1:00

I hate engineers

Hey. Any sales yet?

They've only had one glass of champagne, darling

it takes at least three before they start writing checks

in the meantime, you just be charming

yeah... I'm not real good at small talk

yes, you are

you're adorable. That's all that matters

I think this 1s better

artists should have a careless look, don't you think?

Helps project that aura of superior indifference

where's the wife?

Uh, she's not here yet

well, when the cat's away, the mice are drinking

glass of champagne?

Excellent idea

come on

Hey, what's going on?

You want something?

I don't know. You got any mirrors for a Porsche roadster

silver?

Booth's closed. See me next week

I'll pay you twice what you're asking

80 bucks... each

take it or leave it

I'll take it

but if it's all the same to you, I think I'll take them for free

I don't think so

butldo

see, you stole them oft my friend's car...

Beat it

Okay, well, thanks for everything, Andrea. You were great

you're welcome

you sure I can't change your mind about dinner?

It's tempting, but I should call it a night

okay

okay

thanks again

Hey. How'd it go today?

He can't grasp the concept that a woman

can love her job and her husband

well, hey, he's an artist, right?

I mean, they're just... Not wired up like you and me

and that's what I love about him, you know?

But lately, we've been working really hard to stay together

and getting less out of it every day

I'm so sorry to hear that

you know what's strange?

I can work 18 hours a day

seven days a week

and ride that rush

and never wear down

oh, god, I love that feeling

coming home to spend another night trying to build his confidence

and apologizing for the demands of my own career...

It is so emotionally and mentally and physically draining

it takes me more time every day to recover from dealing with it

well, then maybe it's... time to let him go

mm... not while there's a chance to save my marriage

I just need to work a little harder at it, that's all

I do not know why I dragged you into all my personal problems

I guess I just feel comfortable around you

it's just... Sometimes we all need a good listener

oh, no, I think it's more than that. We're on the same wavelength

I don't feel like that around any of the women I work with

have you ever figured that out?

I mean, why working women are so hard on each other?

A guy makes a mistake

all the other men say "hey, brush it off, it's no big deal,”

but a woman makes the same mistake

and every other woman in the place is screaming

"you bitch. You have screwed it up for all of us.”

Mm. I'll drink to that

well... to my mentor

to my protege

all nght, so, what do we got?

Dead male Caucasian mid-30s

multiple contusions to the head, courtesy of a tire iron

I'm telling you, somebody did not like this guy

has he got a name?

Oh, yeah, several

they found three I.D.S

but we think he's a creep named malishak

now, this guy's a car thief, petty crook, you name it

he had a vip cell at county

and his latest venture was ripping the side mirrors off porsches

the emblems off Mercedes

whatever he thought he could sell fast and cheap

withesses?

There was somebody from the swap meet

said they saw a well-dressed lady leaving the area in a hurry

description?

White woman

oh, well, there's a nice change of pace

so... you got anything here to go on?

No, not much. I mean, they didn't take anything from the Van

even left his wallet with about 300 bucks in it

must have pissed somebody off

there is something

I don't know if it means anything, but

they found

a silver Tiffany mechanical pencil at the scene

it's probably part of a set

oh, nice. A silver pencil

something he found in a Porsche, no doubt

yeah, that'd be my guess

so what we got here is nothing

business as usual

okay

he calls a meeting on Martin Luther King's birthday

then doesn't show up on time

Abbey...

It's thoughtless. I'm a single mother

try getting a babysitter on Martin Luther King day

and where's Jennifer?

I'm handling this meeting

hello, everyone. Let's get started

the budget for the upcoming year

the question is can you handle this account?

This is your opportunity to convince me

so you're saying that you'd like to put the account up for an agency review?

No

I'm asking you to talk me out of switching agencies

I think you might be better served

if we had a little bit of time to prepare

you shouldn't need advance warning to discuss general marketing concepts

on an account that this agency has held for seven years

okay, I'm sorry

Terrance... I mean, first of all

you call a meeting on a holiday?

What's that about? Some kind of mind game?

Now, second...

I absolutely agree with you

we should be able to discuss your account on a moment's notice

and I have done my homework

what would you like to talk about?

Let's start with the media strategy

great

I actually have some really great ideas about the media

but today's a holiday

and it seems to me that everybody here except for you and me has a life

now, that doesn't really matter because at this point, they don't really count

the future of this account lies with you and me

to tell you the truth, Terrance, I actually feel like taking the day off

but you want to work so let's compromise

let's go to Willow shores mall

you want to go shopping

you can't be serious

this business goes way past serious for me, Terrance

I am 100% committed to your account

it's the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of at night

and I am convinced that there is a way to reach your target market

with a message so compelling that they will automatically reach for pacific breeze

instead of the 200 other brands they have to choose from

and you think you're going to find this answer at the mall?

I think we'll find your target audience at the mall

it's a holiday, Terrance

every teenage girl in town is going to be at the mall

so... let's go and see what the hot girls are wearing and buying

because in another two weeks

all the wannabes are going to want to buy the same stuff

besides...

It certainly beats being stuck in a room with a whole bunch of people

who'd rather be elsewhere

well...

What can I say? Come on

I'll give you a ride

So, what happened?

So we started at the mall, like I said

then I took him to the 9th street bistro

after three margaritas

he could not tell the difference between the media plan and the menu

look, I think we're in trouble

I mean, once these mba types get it in their heads it's time for a change...

No, we can turn it around with a strong creative

that could be a problem

meaning what?

I'm sorry. Nothing. I don't want to get personal

dear, this is not personal

okay. In that case...

I think Seth is a lightweight

he has been on this account for so long

and as far as I can tell, he hasn't had a fresh idea in three years

yeah, I have to agree. Seth's pretty unremarkable

you know, we could...

Bring in some freelance talent

some smart, hot art directors from l.A

would add so much life to the creative

let's do whatever it takes

while we try and land this comtrex business

and do not, under any circumstances lose pacific breeze

you got that?

Don't worry

oh, I'm not worried

I know I can count on you to do whatever it takes

Who says that fragrance ads have to feature degenerate heroin addicts

wallowing in their pre-adolescent existential misery?

That would be Calvin klein

screw Calvin klein

well, I'm game if he is

you know what the problem with you is, Seth?

Following trends instead of starting them yourself

I see it in everything that you do

please don't start

well, Jennifer happens to like my style

are you sure about that?

Stacy...

With my book and my reel

I really don't need to subject myself to your abuse

don't expect anyone to beg you to stay Seth

quitting would be the best thing you could do for this agency

Nice work, Stacy

say, aren't you running late for your Nazi youth rally?

I am not here to win a popularity contest, Abbey

it's a good thing

well, it's decision time

what's it going to be, huh?

Are you going to run with the winners...

Or with the losers?

So...

He brings in this portfolio and he starts flipping through it

every last piece is a giant photo of cow dung

you're kidding

no, I am not kidding. Cow dung at dawn

cow dung in the moonlight...

And then... then, with a completely straight face

he starts to extol the deep meaning of each photograph

oh, like a cow-pie rorschach test

yes, exactly

so, finally, I'm so disgusted, I can't take it anymore

and I just... I said, "this is complete crap.”

Oh! -I did

and then his little face... His little face just lights up, and he says

"yes, exactly. Isn't it great?”

I kid you not

oh, that's good

oh, god...

I haven't laughed like that in... A long time

I can't do this

are you sure?

Yeah

I can't cheat on my wife

Jennifer and I will either work it out, or...

Or what?

I don't know

she's changed

she's... don't know. Too many years in the trenches

calculating the consequences of every single move, and I...

For me, the beauty's in imperfection, you know?

Nobody should be obligated to achieve perfection, you know?

It destroys your humanity. It robs you of your soul

I don't know

You're using too much wrist

excuse me?

Too much wrist

here...

You've made a study of this, haven't you?

Oh, yeah

let me ask you a question

shoot

who gives a damn about darts?

I mean, this is something you do in between bites of a sandwich

do you really think I would want to be a professional dart thrower?

I aspire to at least be proficient at everything I do

give me that

I'm telling you, it's in the wrist

yeah, I'm a little distracted, okay?

See, I'm trying to figure out who'd want to kill some

useless sleazeball who rips the side mirrors off porsches

everybody. Anybody

it works. Hm?

The wrist

of course

what about... what about one of the guys who got ripped off?

What?

You know, one of the guys who got his mirrors ripped off

a guy who owns a Porsche?

Yeah

come on. A guy who owns a Porsche

does not kill some mope who rips off his side mirrors

he calls the cops or he sues the son of a bitch

what are you talking about? I have a friend who's got a Porsche

he's an electrician

anybody rip his mirrors off, he'd kill him

freakin' wrist

yep

yeah, well, why not?

Look, let's check out the theft reports

we'll see if there's anybody out there crazy enough to whack somebody over some side mirrors

Where have you been?

You've got a lot of catching up to do

excuse me, can we get two more?

So?

Is this business or is this pleasure?

Ah... I really wish it was pleasure

but...

Business, I'm afraid

unpleasant business

I think I know where this is going

look, I want you to know

I think you are the best thing they've got going at that agency

but you are putting the account up for review

yeah

look, I understand why you're upset

maybe you're not upset

no, no, no, no

come on. To tell you the truth...

I understand completely

why would you inherit your predecessor's problems?

You've got every right to start fresh and fall on your own sword

oh, let's hope it doesn't come to that

let's just chalk it up to bad timing

you came on board before Jennifer and I had time to bring in any new, fresh blood

before we had time to kick the agency into high gear...

Timing is everything

you know what really bothers me?

God, I could have learned a lot from you

Well... here's to you

here's to... new horizons...

And to big, big gains in market share

thank you

I think you're great

I think you are... terrific

Stacy...

Oh, Terrance, I like you

look, I really like you, too...

But I'm a married man

you're a very sexy married man

Terrance... Does your wife know that you are sexy?

Does she make you feel sexy, Terrance?

Does she make you feel like this?

Igotto go

Don't be afraid of what you feel, Terrance

you want me to want you

you want me to kiss you

there's something about you... I can't control myself

I want to rip off these clothes

I want to make love to you

oh, my god

god I want you

please...

I know what you're thinking

yes

I know what you want and I know how badly you need it

Where can we go?

Feel like working late tonight?

Wow. She actually came down to the station?

Yeah. I don't know what she expected me to do about it

but she was pissed

how pissed?

Pretty pissed. Well...

Was she violently pissed?

I mean, did she make any threats, or...

Nah, just the usual ranting and raving

is she a suspect?

One of 14...

But she's the only one pissed enough to come down to the station and make a personal appearance

No, Abbey

does anyone else have any other ideas?

Hello, everyone

how's it coming on the comtrex creative?

Oh, well, we're struggling

that's your interpretation. It's a process, you know

hold it. Let me ask you a question

what does comtrex sell?

Computers

and we've pretty much got the same hardware as everyone else?

So... does comtrex have any pricing advantage?

No. We are mid-tier with about five other brands

so if we've got pretty much the same hardware and we're selling it at the same price as everyone

comtrex needs to sell something different, right?

Like what?

Possibilities

"comtrex makes anything possible.”

It's right on the money

without the corny shots of happy people using their computers

I love it

you know, Jen. If you're willing to take a sizable pay cut

I can get you into the creative department

no thank you

these are Patrick's photographs aren't they?

Can we license them for the campaign?

Call him. I'm sure he'll be delighted

May I help you?

Yes. We'd like to see Jennifer kamplan

I'm sorry. She isn't in

is there anyone else you want to speak with?

Hi. I'm Stacy sherman. I work with Jennifer

is there something I can help you with?

You know where we can find her?

And you are?

I'm detective learner

this is my partner, detective moresco

what's this in regard to, detective?

Look, we just want to talk to her, that's all

what?

I need you to sign for these DVDs

sorry. Excuse me

Jennifer's away attending client meetings all day

but I'll be speaking with her at some point

if you could ask her to give us a call as soon as she can

we'd appreciate that

yeah. Sure

um, you know... I got one of those funny feelings again

last time you had one of those funny feelings

your fly was down

no, last time I had one of those funny feelings

I figured out that that snitch... What's his name?

Pogo?

Poppy. I figured out that he was lying

contradicted himself with that mope... Underwood

overton

said he knew overton from his days in Chicago

and a week later said he knew him from his days in Brooklyn

totally contradicted himself

and I had that feeling

so what are you saying? You think there's something funny going on here?

I don't know. I'm just telling you that I got that feeling, that's all

do me a favor. Check your fly

Expenses started skyrocketing the day you walked in here darling

so did profits. Did you notice?

Not enough to justify the bloated salary

and the perks you're giving to Stacy sherman

bloated?

Every agency in town is scrambling to find top-notch planners

and you seem to think it's some kind of luxury item

she's the best thing that's happened to this office

if your account executives did their job

you wouldn't need an account planner

no, you're in the wrong decade

I was damn lucky to find her and I'm not giving her up

you don't tell me what we're going to spend

I tell you what we're going to spend

you know what? I don't like you

I don't like your counter-productive fiscal policies

I don't like the way you treat people

and I definitely don't like your "scream first ask questions later" style

I moved 3,000 miles to get away from that act

okay. You still want to throw your weight around?

Here

here is a list of every employee in this office

put an "x" next to their name

I'll fire them today

but you'll have to put an "x" next to my name, too

because I'll be the first one out the door

this is not finished

have a nice day

this 1s unbelievable

unbelievable

I don't believe this

Maria? Come here for a minute

be right in

would you do me a favor?

Would you call the travel agent and book two first-class tickets

to Tofino for this Friday?

Reserve a condo for a week

something... something nice. On the beach

sure. What's the occasion?

Something long overdue

second honeymoon?

Yeah

the first one got cut short

we spent a romantic week in Detroit

editing a Chrysler commercial

no problem. I'll do it right away, Jennifer

We appreciate you coming down to see us, Ms. kamplan

well, I'm sorry that the man died

but frankly, I don't feel real bad about it

yeah, well, the mayor's not likely to declare a day of mourning

but it's still a homicide

and it's, you know, our job to find out who did it

well, it wasn't me

you certainly don't strike me

as the kind of person that would kill someone over some stolen mirrors

but you were pretty pissed

very pissed

but not angry enough to kill, right?

Not dumb enough to kill

But you'll understand if I ask you where you were that Sunday?

Sure. I was stuck in an edit session

with my editor and my creative director

you mind if I check that out?

Go right ahead

well, I think that's it, Mrs. kamplan

thank you for calling us back

no problem

take care

thank you

hey, you want to grab a pizza or something?

What? Are you nuts? Are you trying to kill me?

Pizza's loaded with garlic

I told you, my eyes swell up, my nose starts running

I start... everything. I break out...

Please. Spare me

you think I'm joking? Do you think I'm joking?

You are still a freakin' mess, you know that?

Yeah, I'm in granite canyon

someone's trying to run me off the road

Now it's your night to be late

I didn't think you'd be home this early

I didn't expect to be home this early, either

what's the occasion?

I want to start over

do you want to go to Tofino with me next Friday

just you and me?

No phones, no interruptions, no excuses...

I know it's long overdue, I know that

but we can get through this, can't we?

I can't

why?

I can't just run off and pretend everything's okay

it wouldn't be fair to either one of us

I talked to a lawyer, Jen

ah. You've talked to a lawyer

so I guess that means you want a divorce

Patrick...

We can't make this work?

Maybe we can

maybe we can't

Patrick...

Yeah

you having an affair?

Yeah

got a minute?

Well, I've always got time for my sexiest client

Uh... I wanted you to be the first to know

first thing tomorrow, I'm issuing a press release

I'm going to put the account up for review

I'm sorry, you're switching agencies?

Yeah...

But you should also know

that I'm going to recommend you to the new agency

I think you have a great understanding of our product line

and... I really like your work

my work?

What part of my work do you like best, Terrance?

Why are you acting this way?

Why don't you take a seat

That's the tame part

you know, you should be really careful what you do in high-tech conference rooms these days

we tape all of our important meetings

see, I'll go to the wall to do a good job for you, Terrance

I'll lie, I'll cheat

I'll even toss you a little mercy sex if it's going to help

but let's get one thing straight...

You can screw me

but you do not screw my agency

now here's how this is going to work

you try to take your account out of here

and I will send a copy of that DVD to everyone at pacific breeze

and if that's not going to change your mind

I've got a copy reserved for your wife

why are you doing this to me?

Because it's my job

now, I want a full year

if you are unhappy with the results in 12 months

I promise you I will destroy every copy of this video

and you can walk out of here with my blessing

get a grip, Terrance

now, if it makes you feel any better

I had a really great time the other night

We need to talk

all nght

there's something strange going on here. Do you realize that?

Not really

well, take my word for it

and I think Stacy sherman is behind it

come on, Jennifer

first Martin Keller dies in a freak accident

and now shapiro?

Two very unfortunate incidents

but what does Stacy have to do with it? What's the connection?

I don't know. There is no connection. It's just intuition

damn it

look, I know that you hate rumors

but that woman has a past

wherever she goes, strange things happen

and now they're happening here

sit down

listen, I know that you've been under a lot of strain...

That is not it!

I don't care

I will not tolerate you demonizing Stacy

because of a personality conflict...

I do not have a personality conflict. I hate the bitch

you're the one with the problem

you're the one who has a blind spot when it comes to her

look, Jennifer, everyone at this agency respects you and supports you

and we know you're going through some rough times at home

but it's wearing thin

you just don't realize what Stacy's doing to this agency

doing to the agency?

Oh, you mean like single-handedly holding down the pacific breeze account?

Or maybe how she's going to bring us comtrex?

She's the wrong person to head up the comtrex pitch

well, I think she's the right person

do you have a problem with that?

Everybody has a problem with that

I'm telling you, Jennifer

the woman is unbalanced, and she may be dangerous

I believe that she's dangerous

god...

Abbey... you know, my door is always open for creative department discussions

but if you ever bring this crap in here again

and want to make me referee between you and Stacy

you can forget it. I'm not interested

what if it comes to a showdown?

Her or me?

Well, I hope you never put me in that situation

This is not working

okay, so, what are you going to do about it?

Well, I need you to be the leader here

no, no, no. Stop right there

I put you in charge, remember? You handle it

you need to focus. I mean, I can't do all this alone

I am focused...

And I am doing my job

now, you go do yours

do you know that Patrick

won't let us use his photos

what?

Yeah. He doesn't want his art compromised for commercial purposes

that...

Plus I have a creative director who can't create

I'm swimming upstream here

I need you. Where are you?

Find another photographer

find another creative director if you want

but just do what you have to do, okay?

Just do it

that's why I hired you, okay?

Now, please, go

okay

Working late?

Yeah

me too

you know, I've always had this irrational fear of elevators

that the cable snaps

and the car free-falls 20 stories

with me trapped inside

forced to count the seconds until I'm smashed to death

I hate to ruin your little fantasy

but modern elevators come equipped with safety brakes

the point, Abbey...

Is that you never know when or where it's going to happen

you should never take life for granted

cut it out, will you?

You know, I thought we could be friends

but it's become apparent to me that you're just not a team player

and that is too bad...

Turn the elevator back on, Stacy. I'm serious

because... if you can't play by the rules

the game will become very dangerous

You know, I still can't believe Abbey

would walk out on us like that without notice

it's been coming for a while

I just didn't realize it had reached critical mass

so, what's our next move?

Well, I'll find her replacement

in the meantime, I want you to pull the creative team together for the comtrex pitch

I might need your help getting them on my side

I can't make them respect you, Stacy

no, no. Of course

I just need to know that you're going to be there to back me up

well, it's really a bad time for me now

and I put you in charge of comtrex to buy a little breathing time, so...

Don't let me down

I won't

Jennifer, what is the occasion?

Terrance leary called me this morning

he wants to put another five million dollars in next quarter's media buy

nicely done, Stacy

thank you

Patrick?

Patrick? Are you home?

I'm in the bedroom

Going somewhere?

I've reconsidered going away

I'm so glad

I'm doing this because... I still love you

now, the truth is I suspect we might be past the point where

time alone can make a difference

but we've been married a long time

maybe too long

not for me

why?

Is it to prove something to yourself?

No

Because I love you

I need you in my life

Oh, god

hello, Stacy

I'm really concerned about these new guys from la

yeah, why did you call me with this?

Well, I need to see you

no, now is not a good time

you're abandoning me here

nobody's abandoned you

have I overestimated your ability to handle this?

No! It's not that. It's just that you don't...

The answer is no

no means no. Tell them that

they want to change your comtrex pitch

I mean, they are just not even listening to me

don't call me with this again. I'm going on vacation

All nght. All night

whoever was after this guy rams his car from behind

sending him flying into a truck

while he's still on the phone with 911, screaming for help

poor bastard

and forensics says that there was gray paint on the rear bumper

well, that judge report the gray BMW leave the area

you know, I don't know

it looks like a hit and run to me

just another accident

yeah, or a traffic dispute gone bad

maybe this guy, shapiro, gives the other guy the finger...

No, he's an advertising executive

what are you saying?

Come on, moresco. This was murder

either it was somebody he knew

or he pissed off the wrong guy on the wrong day, but...

All night. Okay. Let's just start with somebody he knows, okay?

He's in from New York on business

advertising business

whoa. What?

You know who this guy works for?

Haber, Reynolds & young advertising?

So...

We know them, don't we?

We know them

damn right we know them

let's go

"The impossible dream™?

What does that even mean?

We think it's right on the nose

oh, you do, do you?

Yeah

well, congratulations

you've taken a brilliant, straightforward concept

and turned it into something that absolutely nobody can understand!

You are walking away entirely from Jennifer's positioning

no, we aren't. We're taking what she did...

Shut up. I am not talking to you

just let me walk you through the presentation...

Get out! Get out! You're fired!

Get out!

Hey, hey. Hey, hey. Calm down. If you have a problem please...

I gave you the comtrex strategy

why would you ignore it?

Because you gave them to us

you think this is funny?

No, I don't think it's funny

I think it's pathetic

we worked through the night on this stuff, and I stand by it

I think it's perfectly adequate

adequate?

Oh, that's just what we all strive for in life, is adequacy

damn it, we are in need of something insightful and something brilliant

and what do you give us?

What do you give us?

Adequate

screw you

where the hell do you think you're going?

Home

uh, we're not done here

I'm done

well, when are you coming back?

When you lighten up. How's that?

You got everything?

Yeah

you ready?

Yes

okay

Uh, I'll just be a minute

What are you doing here?

We need to talk

I'm leaving for the airport...

Yeah, well, I think leaving now would be a really terrible mistake

really? Well, you have expressed that opinion before...

I have a full-scale mutiny going on here, Jennifer! What am I supposed to do?

I've been working around the clock on this project

we're two weeks away

I'm getting nowhere. I need you here

no, Stacy, what you need is to deal with it

I'm trying to make a difference here, Jennifer...

And I'm doing it for you. I mean

it is not for me. It's for you

this isn't a job for me. This is my life

you're my family

there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

anything

I need to know that you feel the same way

I'm putting everything on the line here

everything

this is my life we are talking about here

bringing this agency to the top is important to me

yes, and the comtrex pitch is important to me also...

But it's not my life

now, I've already tried to tell you that my marriage is important to me

and I am determined to make it work...

And that's my prerogative as the general manager of this agency

so... you'd give all this up just to save your marriage?

Is that what you're saying to me?

Yeah, I'm telling you that it's not worth ruining my marriage to land an advertising account. Yeah

what about me?

Don't I mean anything to you?

Answer me

don't I mean anything to you?

You answer me!

Stacy... Stacy...

Do you trust me?

Yes. God. Of course

what a question

do I trust you? Jennifer...

I trust you more than anyone

okay, now, listen to me carefully

okay

listen

I think you're underestimating your leadership qualities...

No, that is not it!

Listen...

Okay, okay, okay. I'm sorry

now, listen, I gave you the creative concept

now, take it and execute it...

Because I can't be there for you right now

I just can't

that's why I brought you in

do this for me. Please don't let me down

that's 1t?

Yeah

I'm not the one letting anyone down, Jennifer

it's you

you're letting me down

I need you there, and you're deserting me

well, get used to it. Because right now my priority is my marriage

understand?

Yeah

good

now, do your job

I heard you came back early

yeah

is everything okay?

He wants a divorce

I'm not surprised

no?

He's having an affair

what?

With some woman who owns an art gallery

I don't believe you

I was hoping Tofino would be...

Oh, I don't know

I suppose I am in some kind of denial...

Thinking we can work this out

hey... maybe it's for the best

no

We're going to get that comtrex account

I am sure of it. I mean...

This presentation is going to be nothing less than spectacular, Jen

I did it

I did it for you

I'm not ready to give up hope on Patrick

what do you mean?

I'm resigning

he needs to know that our marriage comes first

you can't leave me

you don't understand, do you?

He's got a lawyer

this is crumbling around me

don't do this to me

don't do this to me

forget about Patrick

he wants out. Let him go

just get yourself a good lawyer

so he doesn't take half of everything you've got

god...

As long as there's a chance to save my marriage

I'm going to do anything to make that happen

I don't give a damn about this agency

you don't mean that

sweetheart, yes, 1 do

of course I do

I've told you and told you...

And told you... as long as there's a chance

don't you understand that?

Yes, I understand

Oh, thanks

life-saver

Man, you're nuts, you know that?

Careful. I'll breathe all over you

yeah, before you do me in

do you want to help me finish this damn report?

What?

What's to say? I don't know

two stiffs leading us to the same place

that's 1t?

Why not? We got a strong connection between two homicides

know what the captain will say?

"A coincidence does not constitute a strong connection.”

Where's the evidence?

Always about the evidence

and what have we got?

Nothing

nothing

well, we got a mechanical pencil

a Tiffany mechanical pencil

Man, would you stop with the tabasco?

The pencil

what?

The freakin' Tiffany pencil

yeah

it's part of a set

okay

that funny feeling I had?

Yeah

the other day, I had that funny feeling. -Yeah

went into the ad agency, we spoke to that woman named Sherwood

uh, sherman

Stacy sherman

her. She was using a Tiffany pen

are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure. I'm positive. It matched

it matched the Tiffany pencil

jeez

it wasn't Jennifer kamplan

it was Stacy sherman

she's the one who killed the flea market guy

let's check with dmv

if Stacy drives a gray BMW

then she's the maniac who killed shapiro

yes

she was wrapped pretty tight

okay, she's tended to go too far but I had no idea

and I'd heard the rumors about her, too

and l... I chose to ignore them

oh, my god

Stacy's scheduled for a meeting at pacific breeze

downtown, on cherry street

let's go

I think that she's doing it for me

what?

I think that maybe she's trying to protect me

the thief...

Those mirrors are my mirrors not hers

and shapiro, she always heard me arguing with him

oh, my god. How am I ever going to live with this?

Who the hell's next on her list?

I don't know

come on

let me get that

Patrick is on line two

hello?

Did you just call?

No, I...

Oh. The phone rang. When I picked it up, no one was there

oh, my god

Jennifer, what's the matter?

Patrick, listen to me really carefully

I want you to lock the doors

don't open them for anybody, okay? Do it right now

what's going on?

I'll tell you when I get home, okay? Just do it right now

do everything I've asked, all right? I'm coming home

Terrance leary, please

detective moresco. It's very important

Hey, if you get her on the phone, don't scare her off

oh. Right

yes, this is an emergency. I need to speak to detective learner

Mr. leary

this 1s detective Carlos moresco with the Metro police

we're looking for Stacy sherman

we understand that she's there for a meeting

an hour late?

Thank you

okay, tell him that I think I know

who Stacy sherman is going after next

she's going after my husband

Stacy. What are you doing here?

He's dead

I killed him, Jennifer

I did it for you

he was ruining your life

yeah, he was

oh... we'd better get out of here

I don't think so

what are you doing?

You're everything to me

yeah, I know

You shot me

you shot me! Why?

I did it for you!

Yes, you did

you killed all of them for me

yes!

Yes!

If you plan it carefully

a good campaign can sell anything to anybody

what?

Planning is always the key for a perfect creative execution...

And nobody plans a campaign better than I do. You know that

I wasn't going to let Patrick divorce me...

And take half of everything I've worked for

my home?

My savings? My stock options? No way

no... no! You love him!

Once, maybe

but he's wanted out for a while now

and I needed a little time

to find a way to get rid of him without losing everything

time to find someone who was... pathetic...

Someone who needed love, trust... encouragement...

Someone who was like you

willing to die for me

no

No

No, we are more than that!

Oh, sweetheart, you're a loose end

you need me

you sure about that?

Yes. You need Mel

no, Stacy. You've always needed me

no... I love you

yeah, I know

I was too late

she killed my husband and then came after me

I had no choice. I had a gun...

Oh, my god... oh, my god...

This one's still kicking. Let's get the paramedics in here

looks like...

Your perfect creative execution...

Wasn't so perfect