All language subtitles for All.Rise.S02E14.Caught.Up.in.Circles.1080p.10bit.AMZN.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.HEVC-Vyndros_track3_[eng]

Previously on "All Rise"...

I kissed Luke. I have been
trying to tell you.

Do you want to be with Luke?

I care for both of them,
and trying to choose,

I feel like I just...
I can't.

Amy kicked me out
of the house. Thank you.

Get mad at those
thin little lips of yours.

You need to
come clean about your marriage.

Collier, I've fallen
in love with someone.

I'm gonna have
to tell him about us.

Sorry. Sara, I have to go.

Oh... Nikki?

I heard them get into
an...altercation.

I've known Whitney
for years.

It's not what I thought.

I'm sorry I disturbed you.

Ms. Castillo--Sara, hold on.

What do you know
about McCarthy

fabricating witness statements?

Watkins, you signed
a statement for McCarthy

when we were fresh out
of the academy.

You don't remember?

This is how mornings
should start.

You can't possibly
need all this.

If this lawyering thing
doesn't work out,

you would make
an excellent pack mule.

The least I can do for letting
me stay in your guest house.

Amy ready to forgive you yet?

Last time she said my name,
she didn't use any expletives.

You ready for today?

How do you get ready to have
another judge as a defendant?

- It feels wrong.
- Not just any judge--

Prudence Jenkins is a legend.

I saw her on the bench
when I was in college.

It made me realize
I could be a judge.

But when they filed those
bribery charges against her...

-Bomb went off.
-I am just getting
back to work.

Why can't I get
any low-grade felonies?

How's the McCarthy case
going?

So much work.

I'm just worried about
what judge we get.

Mm. And Laski's court
is opening back up.

-
- What?!

What? You knew that.

Is this the face
of someone who knew that?

No, it's the face of someone
who's leaving right now.

Sherri, do you always
get here this early?

I get here before you. It's
the natural order of things.

-You do not have an appointment.
-I was helping
with her bags.

He was just leaving.

Don't worry.
You will not get Laski.

If I do, I'm gonna have
to remove him.

Do not paper Laski!

He'll hold it against
everyone in your office.

Go good.

Go good.
Sherri, always a pleasure

You do go home, right?

Good morning.

Good morning!

-Hi. How you holding up?
-Oh, I'm fine.

Things are weird
between Benner and me,

but... I'm fine.

I'm sure you're both
worried about Nikki.

When kids are endangered
by their parent, it--

No, it is a beautiful morning,

and I am trying
to count my blessings.

Absolutely.
Stay positive.

Distract me. Have you
heard from Joaquin?

-Radio silence.
-Do you want to hear
from Joaquin?

- Hey, Sara.
- Yeah.

- Emily.
- Good morning.

-Hey, Luke.
-Good to see you
in the morning.

I mean, not--not like that.

I just mean because
our schedules,

we don't...uh...

I am late for work.

Okay.

Bye.

♪ Awkward

- I have no words.
-

- There she is.
- There who is?

Judge Jenkins. She's even
more impressive in person.

Uh-oh. Looks like
she's fighting with her lawyer.

Oh, I know her lawyer.
He's a bully.

Whoa.
Her lawyer is crying.

The bully is crying?

Oh. Now her lawyer
is leaving.

PRUDENCE?
I can't believe it!

Carmichael!

All rise.

Superior Court
is now in session.

The Honorable Judge
Lola Carmichael is presiding.

You may be seated.

Good morning.

Looks like I missed out
on all the excitement.

Calling the matter
of People v. Prudence Jenkins,

receiving a bribe
while a public official.

Counsel, your appearances.

Prudence Jenkins,
Your Honor.

Clayton Berger
for the People.

Uh, Judge Jenkins, I see
your attorney is not present.

Will you be requesting
a continuance?

Not at this time,
Your Honor.

Uh, um...you won't?

It is unorthodox,
but I've decided it's best

that I represent myself.

These bribery charges
are an attack on my integrity,

my entire career.

I can't leave my fate
in someone else's hands.

I already have
the waiver filled out.

I see.
Then the procedure is to

go over the disadvantages
verbally.

"Disadvantages to include

"but are not limited
to the following--

If I had a lawyer--"

"That lawyer would be able
to investigate my case..."

23 years on the bench and you'll
have it memorized, too.

You'll also know
when extraordinary measures

are needed
to defend yourself.

Then you understand.

I hereby state that
I have read the waiver,

I understand the waiver,

and I have no questions
about the waiver.

- I know what I'm doing.
- You'll need to.

Captioned by
Los Angeles Distribution
and Broadcasting, Inc.

Always hard at work.
Good for you, Sam.

Case isn't going to prep itself.

Luke. My office.

- On the way.
- Choi.

Morning.
Hey, you got a minute?

I could use your insight
on a little judicial strategy.

-McCarthy case?
-Yeah, I just thought
that the--

Are we securely
in your office?

- No.
- Can anyone hear us

in this location
who isn't supposed to know

the highly classified
information

that makes up
your top priority case?

-Yeah.
-Then I don't have time
to talk strategy.

But...because
it's for this case,

I will make time,
later.

Was that all for my benefit?

Kind of.
It's your lucky morning.

A convicted murderer
is eligible for release.

You'll review the file,
go to the hearing,

and be prepared to make
a recommendation

to the parole board.
- A lifer hearing.

That's--
that's above my pay grade.

Well, buckle in.
There's more.

The recommendation
is your call.

- But--
- Meet Shayne Monroe.

He's been in prison
for 25 years

for killing his buddy,
Cyrus Wilkinson.

Shayne and Cyrus were
both members

of the Hazor Brigade,
a white supremacist militia.

Militia?
-Shayne mistakenly thought

that Cyrus was an FBI informant,
so he killed him.

Is there any particular reason
you chose a Black man

to attend the parole hearing
for a white supremacist?

I do have
a particular reason.

The McCarthy case
is heating up,

and you're
a potential witness.

That means you have
to be firewalled.

I thought your advocacy
of restorative justice

might lead you
somewhere interesting.

You'll have the authority
to make the recommendation

you feel is appropriate,
and I'll be there.

You're welcome.

We get the wrong judge,

we might as well
withdraw the charges,

scrap the whole thing.

And Laski's court
just opened up.

- How does everyone know that?
- It's not a secret.

- Laski hates me.
- Also not a secret.

Close call on an objection,

Laski's love of watching me
squirm cannot be a factor.

Might have to go nuclear,
paper him.

Requesting a new judge
is kind of risky.

Each side only gets
one chance to do that.

I know, it's extreme,
but I--I'm...

Hey, we got this.
We got this.

High five.

- Oh...okay.
- Yep.

Okay.

Please state your name
and occupation for the record.

Sylvia Arthur.
I'm the director

of the nonprofit
Rainbow Doors.

On December 3, 2015,
did your organization receive

a donation
from Andre Buckingham

in the amount
of $50,000?

- It did.
- Your Honor,

I ask that the Court
take notice

that this was the day
before Judge Jenkins

delivered her "not guilty" verdict.

How much is
your average donation?

- $40.
- Ms. Arthur,

did you know who
Andre Buckingham was

before that donation
was made?

No. Afterwards, I learned
he is a lawyer in Santa Barbara

but nothing
from our donor files.

No further questions,
Your Honor.

Care to cross-examine
the witness, Your Hon--

...Judge Jenkins?

Thank you, Your Honor.

Good afternoon, Ms. Arthur.

As director of Rainbow Doors,

how familiar are you
with its donors?

I know many of them
personally,

some I even consider friends.

- Do you know every donor?
- No.

You testified that you were
surprised to receive

a donation
from Andre Buckingham

because he'd never given
to Rainbow Doors before.

How many donors give
for the first time annually?

Many. Each year our goal

is for 10% to be
first-time donors.

When Mr. Buckingham
made his donation,

did he in any way mention me

or that his client was
appearing in my courtroom?

- He did not.
- Have there ever been

first-time donors
who you later found out

had heard about
the organization from me?

Oh, yes. Many times.

The money raised through
your network has enabled us

to give a lot of queer
homeless kids a place to stay.

Did Mr. Buckingham
ever tell you

that he was donating
because your organization

was brought to his attention
-by me?
-Objection.

- Overruled.
- Sustained.

Apologies, Your Honor.

Force of habit.
I meant no disrespect.

Apology accepted,
but I will handle

the objections
in my courtroom.

I think that would be best.

No further questions.

You may step down.

Well, you can remind
Deputy Lori

that his testimony ensures
that McCarthy

won't be in a position
to retaliate.

No, it's not the same thing.

Cold feet is not a negotiating
position for your client.

No, do not put me...
on hold.

You always had a way
with people.

I swear, this case,
it's like if I'm not

convincing someone to testify,
I'm explaining someone's

immunity deal
for the hundredth time.

At least I managed
to convince Bravo to let me

paper Laski if Judge Benner
assigns him to the case.

- You did not.
- I did.

It's...really good
to see you.

You, too.

There are things to say.

Yeah.
There are.

Uh...

I-I-I know you're swamped,
so I was thinking

a hike this weekend
to talk things through?

-I like that thinking.
-Good.

Sorry for the hold-up.
How can I help?

Uh...

Mr. Callan? Hello?

Yeah.

One down.

Don't put me on hold a--

Hey. High five.

Uh, Luke Watkins,
D.A.'s office?

So what's this all about?

The D.A.'s office can weigh in
on whether or not

the parole board
should grant someone parole.

Why are you here?
The answer should be obvious.

I want to know
about Shayne's victim.

Your brother, Cyrus.

Look, I don't know
what you heard,

but Cyrus wasn't like those
other guys in the militia.

He wasn't a killer,
like Shayne Monroe.

- What was he like?
- He was a normal kid.

Liked working on cars.

He was stubborn as hell.

But also funny,
really funny.

After he was killed,
my mom never really...

got her laugh back.

Does the parole board
care about that?

The parole board's
main concern is whether or not

Shayne will be a danger
to the community.

Cyrus wasn't a danger
to the community.

He didn't believe in
that white supremacist stuff.

He was a good kid.

If Cyrus never got
a second chance,

why should Shayne Monroe
ever get out of prison?

I really hope
you're the kind of man

who'll keep him there.

I wrote a paper about
Judge Jenkins in college,

and one of my professors
knew her.

She introduced us,
and we just--we clicked.

How long were you Judge Jenkins'
judicial assistant?

Just four years. I thought I was
gonna be there a lot longer.

How would you describe
the relationship between

Judge Jenkins and the lawyer
Andre Buckingham?

Objection, Your Honor.
Lacks foundation.

Sustained. Mr. Berger,
care to try again?

What, if anything,
did you see

between the defendant
and attorney Andre Buckingham?

They were professional
at first,

then he started
crossing lines,

and I just
never understood

why the judge
didn't stop him.

- Like what?
- He would tell her that

he had tickets
to an event or something,

at Will Call under his name
if she wanted them. It just--

It flew in the face
of all of

the amazing work
that she'd done.

Did you overhear
a conversation

between Judge Jenkins
and Mr. Buckingham

in December of 2015
that troubled you?

Yes.

They were in
the judge's chambers,

and I heard him talking
about his client

who was on trial
for money laundering.

I-I thought she should
have kicked him out,

because that is so unethical.
- Objection. Hearsay.

It informs the defendant's
statement, Your Honor.

Overruled, but--Your Honor,
with all due respect,

asking a witness about
what a third party said

is textbook hearsay.

Judge Jenkins, I would advise
against interrupting me.

If you hadn't, I could have

finished instructing
the witness

to stick to the actions
made by the defendant.

You.

Well, all she said was,
"You shouldn't be here,"

because they were
in the middle of the trial.

- Can I say that?
- I will allow it. Thank you.

Judge Jenkins, would you
like to cross-examine?

Ms. Carlile, the tickets
that Mr. Buckingham

allegedly left for me
at will call,

did you ever see me
pick them up?

- No.
- Do you know if...

for example,
I paid for them,

voiding their status
as gifts?

- Uh, no.
- I see.

Please tell the Court
why I fired you.

You know that was a mistake.

Ms. Carlile, please,
just answer the question.

Uh, sorry, Your Honor.

I made one scheduling mistake,
and I apologized.

And did that
one scheduling error

fit within a pattern
of mistakes

-and overlooked details?
-I wouldn't call it a pattern.

And what was the immediate
effect of that error?

You were a few minutes late.

Isn't it true
that I, the judge,

only showed up at that trial

because the bailiff
came to get me?

Objection. Relevance.

- Sustained.
- Overruled.

Once was funny, Judge Jenkins.

Won't happen again, Your Honor.

Isn't it true that
when you were terminated,

security had to remove you
from the building?

- They escort everyone out.
- And while being removed,

you said...
- You knew what you were doing.

..."I know your secrets
and I will tell

anyone who listens"?
- I believed in you,

- and you fired me!
- Answer the question.

That's enough! Ms. Carlile,
did those events take place?

Yes or no?

Fine.

- They happened.
- Thank you.

I hope you lose everything,
and I get to watch!

She is ruthless!

Okay, everybody.
Just take a deep breath.

I knew this case
was gonna test me,

-but not like this.
-So many feelings.

And I'm the one who has
to see through

all the emotions to the facts.
Judge on trial?

Believe this verdict
is gonna be remembered.

- The pressure.
- Imagine losing your job

over a mistake
on a calendar.

She was late
for her own trial.

Judge Jenkins must've
been mortified.

But that's no reason
to fire the woman.

Oh, you only say that because
you're not an assistant.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.
I didn't--

Sherri, it's okay. I just want
to know what you meant.

It's just...

Judge Jenkins is a great
and powerful person,

and she has had people
tell her how great

and powerful she is
for a long time,

and the thing
you cannot do

to powerful people
is embarrass them.

Sherri.

Yes, Your Honor.

You are also a great
and powerful person.

And your perspective
is valued around here.

I appreciate that,
Your Honor.

Thank you.

I want to get an idea
of who Mr. Monroe is,

how he spends
his time in prison.

We don't usually get
in-person visits.

Most D.A.s just read
the file.

My office takes parole
seriously.

I've only worked with Shayne
a few years,

but he's been focused on
self-improvement the whole time.

You're not going to get "danger
to the community" out of me.

Does he have any people
on the outside?

Family, friends, contacts?

Prison does
a pretty good job of

-destroying social bonds.
-Listen,

I'm trying to approach this
with an open mind.

If there's anything you wish
D.A.s would ask...

I'll admit that when a lot of
guys see parole coming up,

they start saying
all the right things,

but it's all excuses and they
just talk about themselves.

But with Shayne, he talks
about his victim all the time.

By name.
Cyrus Wilkinson.

I feel like I know him.

Please state your name
and occupation for the record.

Andre Buckingham, lawyer.

Mr. Buckingham,
how would you describe

your professional relationship
with the defendant?

Very successful.

I could rely on her
to be a fair judge,

and she could rely on me
for certain perks.

Perks. Such as theater tickets,
fine wines?

Objection,
leading the witness.

I'm establishing
a pattern of behavior.

Then let your witness
testify. Sustained.

What do you mean, perks?

Tickets to sold-out shows.

Once a client paid me
with a 2010 Château Margaux.

I gave it to Judge Jenkins.

Mr. Buckingham,
what was different

about the case
in December of 2015?

I couldn't win it.

One of
my most important clients

was up
for money laundering

and the case against him
was rock solid.

And what did you do
about that?

I realize now
I made a poor decision.

I knew her weak spot.

So I told her if my client
was found not guilty,

a substantial donation could be
made to her favorite charity.

And how did Judge Jenkins
respond

when you
presented this offer?

All I had to do
was mention Rainbow Doors,

and she was on board.

No further questions,
Your Honor.

Judge Jenkins?

Mr. Buckingham.

Did you recently plead guilty

to multiple charges
of extortion?

Regretfully, I did.

Including an instance in which
you threatened baseless lawsuits

against a mother-and-daughter
-owned wellness center

unless they paid
thousands of dollars?

At the time, I believed
I was protecting consumers.

Did you extort
the wellness center?

The law says I did.

Uh-huh. And after
you were charged,

did you attempt to negotiate
a reduced sentence

by claiming knowledge
of further crimes?

You know
how a plea deal works.

And you know how
to weaponize the law.

- Objection. Argumentative.
- Sustained.

I want you to help me
understand.

Isn't it true
that you used gifts

and a substantial donation

to try to curry favor
with a judge?

I did not try.
I successfully--

Isn't it true
that you use your position

as a lawyer to threaten
and intimidate?

I admit, I may have
erred in the past.

And isn't it true
that you pride yourself

on your ability
to outmaneuver people

in negotiation?

I was very good at my job.

And isn't it then
reasonable to conclude

that you are
the kind of person

who would say or do anything
to avoid the consequences

of your criminal behavior?
- Objection.

- Overruled.
- Sustained. Judge Jenkins,

you will remember
whose courtroom you are in

and act accordingly.

This is your final warning.

I think we all need a recess.

Everyone involved with
this case is terrible!

They should all be sent
to an island

where they can only
hurt each other.

A cold island.

I can't tell if Buckingham
is lying or just gross.

And if Judge Jenkins
interrupts Judge Carmichael

one more time, I am going to
march right up to her,

and I'm gonna
give her a piece--

Oh.

Sara?

You okay?

That was Whitney.

That was Nikki's mom.

Obviously I can't discuss
an ongoing case

in the courthouse I oversee,

but I wanted to reach out
as a friend.

Thank you.
I appreciate that. All of it.

The arraignment must have been
difficult for you.

Apparently it's just illegal

to be a good parent.

If you need any help
with Nikki...

You cannot recommend
any more tutors.

Whitney, we can't talk
about the case,

but we can talk about
how you're doing.

I'm not at my best.

I know that.

The pandemic gutted
the restaurant.

- I barely leave the house.
- You can call anytime.

And Nikki is so difficult.

She's always been
so difficult.

Do you remember how colicky
she was as a baby?

-I didn't sleep for months.
-Well--

And it's--it's just
never stopped.

Now she is willfully
tanking her grades.

I think her teachers
don't even like her.

I don't know
that I blame them.

W-- Look,
parenting is very challenging.

She thinks
I am so strict.

She has no idea
what strict is.

I see.

Am I a hypocrite?

You lied about
making good margaritas,

but I don't think
that makes you a hypocrite.

Parole hearing
has me spinning.

You know, you can't
keep using work

as an excuse
to talk to me.

Okay,
this is strictly business.

If I say something
too personal,

just say..."margarita."

You mean like a safe word?

Okay, what do you got?

Murderer up for parole.

Victim's brother
wants him to rot.

-Understandable.
-I've risked my job

fighting for
restorative justice,

saying people
are more than their crime,

that change
is possible and that--

What is different
-about this?
-Murder.

And the murderer
is a white supremacist,

-militia type.
-So Choi assigns this

to the first
Black lawyer he could find.

- Like it's a test.
- With no right answers.

And why is it that we
always have to forgive them?

Yes, but...

is this actually
about forgiveness?

Or is the real question does
he pose a threat if released?

That is my point.

At the root of this
is a question

of the entire
justice system.

Are you putting
too much on this?

It's about retribution
versus rehabilitation,

and are some crimes
beyond rehabilitation?

I get it. I do.
I want it all, too.

Dismantle systemic racism.
Reform parole.

Pursue restorative justice.
I want that.

But, one fight at a time,
and you have to know

which fight you are fighting
right now.

Margarita.

But this wasn't about
our personal lives.

No, but...

Work and play tend to
get mixed up around you.

You mean, like,
as a general rule?

I can only speak
from my own experiences.

And thanks for the advice.

Mm-hmm.

- Bye.
- Bye.

The prosecution rests,
Your Honor.

Judge Jenkins,
the floor is yours.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I begin by calling
my first witness,

Judge Prudence Jenkins.

Judge Jenkins,
you're behaving recklessly.

I understand the legal risks.

With all due respect,
Your Honor,

if I were in your seat,

I'd defer to
the more experienced judge.

For an intelligent person whose
entire career is on the line,

Judge Jenkins is doing
everything wrong.

Your Honor... First, she wants
to represent herself,

and then she wants
to testify?

-It is unorthodox.
-It is the behavior
of an amateur.

She is getting under
your skin.

Have you considered it is
her strategy?

To distract me?
Of course!

Because I feel like
the key to this whole case

is already in front of me,
like I've missed it somehow.

Judge Carmichael.

Mr. Sanders, an appointment
would be appropriate.

Ah. In the building.

Potential state office run.
Can't say who.

And yet you want me
to know.

How can we help you,
Mr. Sanders?

A political donor with
significant capacity--can't say,

but he was instrumental
in the governor's race.

This donor mentioned you.

- Is there a point?
- If you'd like there to be.

Mr. Sanders, I am
in the midst of a trial.

Understood.
I'll be in touch.

What am I supposed
to do with that?

"I'll be in touch."

You should get an alarm.

Anybody could just walk in.

Twice in a month.
What'd I do to deserve this?

You married me.

Not for long.
Papers are on the table.

Thank you.

I'd left these in order.

Sorry.

I get scattered.

Collier, is this how much
your treatments cost

-without my insurance?
-I'm getting it
straightened out.

- Don't worry.
- I still owe you.

We didn't keep score.
That's not how love works.

You worked insane hours.
You kept me in law school.

Well, I could work then.

Right.

I'm not your responsibility.

♪ Lonesome river

♪ I lost the stars on my way

♪ Lord, I am a sinner

♪ Hell-bent on changing
his way ♪

Mr. Watkins, would you like

to join us at the front?

I take responsibility
for my crime.

You have to know
that I'm no longer

a part of the Hazor Brigade.

I'm not a danger
to the community.

Thank you, Mr. Monroe.

Mr. Watkins?

Madame Chair,
Mr. Monroe says

he's taken
anger management courses.

Could he describe
a de-escalation technique?

Mr. Monroe?

Sure.
There's a lot of different--

Mostly, it's an attitude shift.

But you can count to 10.

Madame Chair,
could Mr. Monroe

recite the third precept
of the Hazor Brigade?

United States is a white nation,
as ordained by God,

to be governed
by the appointed.

I became friends with a lot of
African American men in here.

Could Mr. Monroe explain

how he plans to support
himself if released?

Won't be easy, I know.

I've been in here a long time,
and people drift away.

I regret killing Cyrus...

every single day.

-I didn't plan on it.
-If it wasn't planned,

could Mr. Monroe explain
why he was armed

with a Sig Sauer P320 when
he went to meet with Cyrus?

We were always armed.
I mean, we were...

I'm not making excuses.

I chose to believe lies,
and I've been so sorry--

You don't fool me.

- Ms. Wilkinson--
- That's all right.

I don't expect for you
to forgive me.

Don't buy his act.
Don't believe it.

- He was almost repentant.
- He wants out.

That's the thing.
Am I a prosecutor that

believes in punishment
or rehabilitation?

-Cyrus Wilkinson was murdered.
-I know.

The two people most connected
to that are inside.

The important thing is how

your possible recommendation
affects them,

not what it says
about you.

When a defendant
represents herself,

more flexibility
is demanded of the court.

If I need clarification,
I will ask.

And once we have finished,
the People will be given

the opportunity
to cross-examine.

- More than fair, Your Honor.
- You may proceed.

I want to state on the record
that I stand by my verdict.

To criminalize a verdict
you disagree with is dangerous,

dangerous for judges,
dangerous for the law.

I am most interested
in the case at hand.

Andre Buckingham is corrupt.

And if he hadn't been so busy
looking for shortcuts,

he would've seen
that the prosecution

failed to prove the case
against his client.

And every defendant is innocent
until proven guilty.

I am aware.

Mr. Buckingham's donation

was a calculated attack
against me.

Did I mention Rainbow Doors
to him at some point?

Certainly. But they do
such vital work

that I often try to send
new donors their way.

Question--has anyone else
donated at your suggestion?

Many people, Your Honor.

You've heard from
Sylvia Arthur, their director.

When she gets a donation from
someone she doesn't recognize,

she's started calling me to
find out if I referred them.

That is how many donors
I've sent their way.

I see.

And did she call you on the day
of Buckingham's donation?

Pardon me?

Did Sylvia Arthur call you
the day she received

the $50,000 donation?

You are asking for more than
clarification, Your Honor.

Then perhaps you haven't read
the latest bench guide?

It clearly states
that in cases like these,

judges must ask questions
and modify procedures

to bring out
all relevant facts.

Be that as it may,
Your Honor,

there's a fine line between

bringing out
all the relevant facts

and doing the People's job
for them.

Then in the interest
of neutrality,

I withdraw the question.

Thank you, Your Honor.

- Anything further?
- No, Your Honor.

Mr. Berger, do you care to
cross-examine Judge Jenkins?

Not at this time, Your Honor.

But I would like to recall
Sylvia Arthur to the stand.

Ms. Arthur, did you speak
to Judge Jenkins

the day you received
Mr. Buckingham's donation?

I did.

What was the content
of that call?

Ms. Arthur.

Judge Jenkins, uh,
told me to call her

as soon as I received
the donation

to make sure it went through.

You didn't think to divulge

this information earlier?

I answered every question
I was asked.

You didn't question
where the money came from?

Objection, argumentative.

Sustained.
You don't need to answer.

You have no idea
what we're up against.

40% of homeless youth
in this country are LGBTQ,

and we have to beg
for support.

So when someone offers
my organization $50,000,

part of being good at my job
is knowing

which questions not to ask.

Did Judge Jenkins tell you
the donation was coming

before it was made?

Yes.

No further questions,
Your Honor.

Can we walk and talk?

Uh, Benner's taking the bench
in a minute,

and I've got Corrine Cuthbert
and her bag of tricks.

I wouldn't try to pull you away
if it wasn't something--

Uh... I want to talk.
It's just, I have--

Tonight, then?
At home?

- At home?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

Feels just like Christmas
-morning, doesn't it, Callan?
-You need a miracle?

If we get Laski,
we paper him immediately.

-You ready?
-Form 170.6
is my favorite form.

Yes.

All rise.

Calling the matter of
People v. Wayne McCarthy.

Counsel, your appearances.

Corrine Cuthbert on his behalf.
He is present.

-Mark Callan for the People.
-You may be seated.

When a controversial case
catches public attention,

people speculate
on the judge's leanings.

The primary duty of a judge
is not leaning.

Counsel would do well
to remember that.

The matter of
People v. McCarthy

is assigned
to Judge Albert Campbell.

- Mm.
- We can work with Campbell.

Love Campbell.
That's not gonna work for me.

Hold on. I've got it.

Ms. Cuthbert, as you found
fault in my original choice,

we'll need to move on
to the next available judge.

Thank you.

Judge Lola Carmichael
will preside.

Judge "Defund the Police"?
You're joking.

Judge Carmichael
is meticulously fair

and highly respected.
She's the next judge in line.

Everyone in this courthouse
knows that Judge Carmichael

and Mr. Callan
are personally close.

I don't want to file
an affidavit of actual bias.

Should you chose to do so,
Ms. Cuthbert,

there is a form for that
as well.

Carmichael. High five.

You see Carmichael
as an advantage.

I will make her
your Achilles' heel.

This is not good.

Shayne Monroe has asked us
to believe a lot today.

He's asked us to believe
that he regrets his crime,

to believe he is capable
of change.

Mr. Watkins, are you
making a recommendation?

Mr. Watkins.

Thank you.

Shayne must've died inside
when he saw you.

Mr. Monroe doesn't have
a good support network outside.

He needs more insight

on how his ideology
drove him to kill, but...

if he works on those issues,
he could be released,

especially if those he harmed
came to support it.

My brother
joined that militia

because he thought the country
was failing the people

it was supposed
to take care of.

Don't prove him right.

Do you think that
compassion for a criminal

is the same as cruelty
to a victim?

I gave you
this assignment hoping

you would ask questions
like that.

As long as you keep
asking them,

you're doing a good job,
Watkins.

♪ I lost the stars
on my way ♪

Will the defendant
please stand?

There has been a lot of debate
in the last year

about holding law enforcement
to a higher standard.

I believe the judicial branch

should be asking
those same questions.

Rigorous adherence
to ethical standards

is how we protect the integrity
of this institution.

On the count
of agreeing to take a bribe

in violation of PC 93,

this Court finds the defendant
guilty as charged.

The clerk shall record
the verdict as rendered.

Only two years in,
you think you know.

It's only two years in.

Mrs. Jenkins, you will be given
the opportunity

to speak at sentencing.

"Missus."

For years, we see people
at their worst.

And even as a judge,
you can never do enough.

You will see a chance
to make a real impact,

and you will do the right thing,
even if it isn't legal.

Do not pretend
your moral failing

was some sort
of grand sacrifice.

The right thing is the legal
thing, especially for us.

Enjoy your superiority
while it lasts.

Enjoy? Do you have any idea
what you have done?

If a judge can be bribed,
how can we ever

convince someone
on the margins

that this building stands
for them, too?

That they can
find justice here?

I once thought that
you blazed a trail for me,

but now you're just
in my way.

Sentencing will be in two weeks.

We are done here.

It wasn't skepticism.
It was fear.

Okay.

When you came to me
about Whitney,

I-I just didn't want
to believe it,

-and I-I handled it poorly.
-Yes.

I-I can't apologize enough.

What you did took bravery.

Whitney is your friend,

but she is not well,

and she's gonna need
a lot of help to get better.

Good night.

I have got to do
more cardio.

I'm putting a spin bike
in my chambers.

Jenkins threatened everything
I love about this job.

- Jenkins?
- Yeah. Jenkins.

- What?
- You haven't been told?

Don't tell me you kissed
somebody else.

I don't even want
to know.

Lo, Benner named
the presiding judge

in the McCarthy case.

It's you.

That...is a surprise.

This is gonna get ugly.
You have a family now.

I'm a judge, it's what
I've been called to do.

And even though we won't be
able to talk for a while...

-Not even a little bit?
-Not even a little.
We will be okay.

This McCarthy case, it's...
big, Lola,

and Cuthbert is gonna
hit us with everything--

All right, go.

- Now?
- Yes, now.

Just standing here
could tank your case.

-Starting tomorrow.
-And move out of
the guest house, stat.

- Love you.
- Love you, too, goof.

I was wrong about us.

I preferred you
talking about work.

I'm sorry.
I couldn't wait.

You want to sit?

I've been thinking about
our future like it's one...

single decision.

You choose me,
I choose you, the end.

You've put me under
a lot of pressure.

And that's where
I was wrong.

It's not one huge decision.
It's a hundred little ones.

You know,
building a life together

isn't jumping off a cliff.

- It's--
- Climbing up one?

It's having faith that
your partner's gonna choose you

every one of
those little times.

I want you to have faith
in me.

That everyday, simple "yes"?
That sounds wonderful.

But?

I worry
that I only know

how to operate
in crisis mode.

I want to stop and just be...

uncomplicated with someone.

With me.

I think about it...
a lot.

Me saying "I love you"
is not

the first step
in the relationship.

But what--
what if we took one?

One--one simple,
one uncomplicated one?

What would that first step
look like?

Little choices.
I'll cook you dinner.

That sounds nice.

As long as there are
no margaritas involved.

Okay?

Because, wow.
They're so bad.

This is nice.

Amy...

you have every right
to be angry.

I did something so stupid,
and then I made it worse

by not telling you I--
- Mark, I've been trying--

Look, I know you have.

And the fact that you're
even considering--I'm married.

♪ It surprises me We were young.

19.

For a while, it was--

we were each other's
ticket out.

He was actually
the reason I--

- Out of what?
- What?

Your ticket out of what?

Just...a small town,
I guess.

- I wanted to be extraordinary.
- Amy...

you are extraordinary.

But we grew up, and apart.

We decided to end things,
but...

then he got sick and--

- I need to take a walk.
- Mark...

Come on, Mark. Ask me anything.

♪ There's no way
I won't see you again ♪

Mark?