Original subtitles

♪

♪

Sarah!

Hello!

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Costello.

Oh, Merry Christmas!

Sarah's home!

Now it's Christmas!

Hey there, kiddo!

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Dad.

I'll catch up later, Mrs. Costello.

God bless you, hun, you go on.

Give me a hug!

I missed you.

Of course your mother wouldn't let us decorate the tree

until you got home.

But I've got hot chocolate on the stove!

Perfect.

Come on.

Come on.

Chilly, huh?

It's a little cold, yeah.

Just watch your step there, it's awfully slippery.

Oh, it's so nice to have you home.

You know, I can't believe it's been three years

since we spent Christmas together.

Neither can I.

Sounds like that law firm really kept you hopping up there.

That's how they do things at Chandler, Abbott and Jonas.

Always on call, 24/7 even holidays.

You know, we're really sorry to hear about you and Richard.

You two seemed so happy together.

Richard's a very nice guy.

It just turned out, we wanted different things in life.

So, when's that truck supposed to get here

with the rest of your stuff?

Day after tomorrow.

You know, you could stay here.

I mean, your old room's just sitting up there.

Thanks, Mom, but I'm pretty sure my old room

isn't the best place to start my own practice.

She's got a point, Abby.

Well, you can't blame me for trying.

But I found a great place right in town.

It's not far, and it even has a spare bedroom

I can use as an office until I get things going.

That's gonna be quite a change for ya'

from that hotshot law firm in D.C.

Believe me, Dad,

I've had enough swimming with sharks to last a lifetime.

Well, all you've gotta do is sit back, relax

and let us spoil you a little bit.

Thank you.

At least until you're ready to hang out your shingle.

So, what do you think?

I think we're ready.

All set.

All: One. Two. Three.

♪

It's beautiful.

Merry Christmas, kiddo.

♪

♪

[sigh]

[grunt]

♪

♪

Merry Christmas, Mr. Landis.

Remember me?

Sarah Wright?

Merry Christmas.

Here we go again.

He's still doing this?

A week before Christmas like clockwork,

it's the same thing every year.

I used to love it when I was little.

From my bedroom at night, it looked like the tree

was floating up there, like some sort of beacon.

[laughing]

Should I help him?

Since when has Dale Landis

ever let anybody help him put up that tree?

Dale, you're gonna break your fool neck one of these days.

We should have bought that man a net years ago.

Either that or a trampoline.

I think it looks nice.

What I don't understand,

is why he keeps doing it year after year.

I mean, he knows darn well what's gonna happen.

It's like he doesn't care.

He doesn't.

♪

♪

Where did all these people come from?

Dale's become a bit of a Christmas tradition

around Rosedale.

Some towns have Christmas pageants,

others have Candy Cane Lane.

We've got Dale Landis.

♪

♪

[applause]

♪

Sarah!

Welcome home!

Gosh, it feels like forever!

I know, it has been way too long.

But look at you, you look great!

And this place is amazing!

That's right, you haven't been home since we opened.

Mm-mm but I've been reading awesome things about it on-line.

Lord love the internet.

Did you ever think when we were in school

that I'd end up being a chef?

When we were in school, who knew you could cook?

So good to have you home for Christmas.

Your parents must be over the moon.

You have no idea.

Come on, so like, how's it going.

Tell me everything, you okay?

Yeah, yeah.

You know.

No regrets leaving that fast track law firm of yours?

It was time.

You hear from Richard?

Ughh, let's just say, that ship has sailed.

Then maybe I'll keep an eye out to find you a new shipmate.

Uh, I'm actually on an extended leave of absence

from the rocky world of romance, so thanks, but no thanks.

Okay, I'll just have to cook you a five-star meal instead.

I like where this is going.

If you need anything, anything at all, just ask.

Thanks, Jess.

Come on, let's sit down.

♪

I have seen you stare at that Courthouse

in exactly the same way since you were a little girl.

Judge Conner.

[chuckles]

For all these years, I wondered what mysteries were hidden

behind those bright young eyes of yours?

No mysteries.

Just the same questions.

As long as you're never satisfied

with the same old answers.

You haven't changed a bit.

And you are a sight for sore eyes.

How are you, Judge?

Well, I'm okay except I seem to be the last person on earth

to find out you're moving home.

Oh well, I was gonna come by.

Yeah and that you've left Chandler, Abbott and Jonas

to open your own practice?

I see my parents have been talking to you.

Well, as matter of fact, I got a call from Carl Jonas.

Your old boss asked if I would try and talk you out of leaving.

Mr. Jonas called you himself?

Well, he seemed to think you've got

a promising future with his firm.

According to him, they were gonna renew your contract,

with a promotion?

It was a good offer.

Which you declined.

What did you tell him?

Well, I told him that if my favorite young protégé

turned down his offer, she must have a pretty good reason.

It wasn't about the money.

With you, it never was.

Now look, I'm due in court.

Why don't you come by my chambers tomorrow

and we'll talk more.

I'd like that.

All right, I'll get Marcie to phone over to the diner,

order in sandwiches.

You still like tuna salad?

How do you remember that? [laughing]

How many times did you come and visit me

when you were in law school? Huh?

You never ate anything else.

Hey, don't forget the pickle.

♪

♪

[knocking]

♪

I know you're in there, Mr. Landis.

[knocking]

This doesn't change anything, Mr. Landis.

You've got 48 hours.

♪

Mm, Mom this is so delicious.

I forgot how much I missed your cooking.

Wait till you see what's on the menu for Christmas dinner.

I assume you've invited the entire town again?

Your mother cut back this year,

she's only inviting half the town.

Ha-ha, you two.

I saw a someone posting a notice on Dale Landis' door today.

He had a police officer with him.

They didn't waste much time, did they?

What's going on?

He's from the city.

He was serving Dale with a court order to take that tree down.

What? Why?

They say it's a building code violation.

And a serious fire hazard, which makes it a danger to him

and everyone else in the neighborhood.

Dale Landis has been putting that tree on his roof every year

since I was 9 years old.

A lot's changed

since last time you were home for dinner, sweetie.

Changed? How?

Well, when you were growing up,

nobody minded that Dale put a tree on his roof.

You know, it looked nice, and it didn't hurt anyone.

But back then everyone in the neighborhood knew Dale.

So, even if he didn't talk about it much,

we all had a pretty good idea just how difficult

it was for him around the holidays, without his family.

I remember that night when his family left.

I felt so sad for him.

He just looked so--

Lost.

He was, honey.

He still is.

What do you mean?

Dale's had less and less to say in the last few years.

He hardly leaves that house.

It's starting to fall down around him.

The only time that we're sure to see him

is when Christmas comes around, and he puts that tree up.

The man just wants to be left alone.

But we've had a lot of people move into the neighborhood

and they're nice and cordial.

But you know, they don't really know Dale.

Every year that tree goes up and it starts up all over again.

Someone complains.

And even if they don't,

I'm pretty sure that Dale is on the city's radar by now.

They show up with that court order like clockwork.

And he has to take the tree down.

Not exactly.

What?

He won't take it down.

But it's a court order.

Either he takes that tree down, or he could wind up in--

Yep.

Wait. Seriously?

Mhm.

The last three years,

Dale Landis has spent Christmas in jail.

And by the sounds of it, that's where he's headed again.

Over a Christmas tree?

But, why?

Well, nobody knows.

Well, has anyone asked him?

Oh, sure.

I mean, every year when he appears in court,

Sam Conner asks him the same question.

And he gets the same answer.

Because he "likes the way it looks".

That makes absolutely no sense.

It does to Dale.

♪

[typing]

[sigh]

♪

[light clicks off]

♪

♪

♪

Come on, Barney, he admitted he was in the car.

Exactly.

Doesn't matter if he was sleeping.

He woke up when his buddies got back in.

Yeah, gimme a break, of course they knew each other

they went out for burgers afterwards.

We've got them with the surveillance camera.

I know, cameras everywhere.

What's the world coming to?

Yeah, all right, yeah, nothing's written in stone.

I'll talk to you later.

Bout an hour.

Hey, don't give up now!

You were setting a great pace, really in sync there!

See ya!

[deep exhale]

Yeah, Steve, we both know

I can't take that offer to my boss.

Oh, please.

Uhh, excuse me.

Mhmm.

Yeah, excuse me just--

Yeah, yeah, no, I know.

Well, because he'd make Santa Clause put coal in my stocking.

Excuse me, just, just over there.

Yeah, yeah, all right, call me later.

I need and offer I can work with though, Steve.

Okay, excuse me I'm just--

Yeah.

Hi there, didn't see you up here.

What are you doing?

What do you mean?

I'm buying you a cup of coffee.

No, you're not.

You're cutting in line.

Uhh look, just work with me here, I'm running a little late.

Excuse me?

Look, everything is on me.

The muffins are really great, they make 'em fresh here.

You know, it's bad enough with guys like you,

your phone calls are so important,

we all have to listen.

Wait, guys like me?

But heaven forbid you should have to wait in line

like everybody else.

No look, w-wait a second.

Hi, what can I get for you?

Single tall, non-fat latte, please.

And you, sir?

Oh, no, no. We're not together.

-No. -We are.

N-no, no we're not together.

We're not together.

Yeah, thank you.

Unbelievable.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, kiddo.

Your mom's out.

Said she had to run some "errands".

Mmm, which is code for Christmas shopping.

[chuckles]

She'll be back in a couple of hours.

I just wanted to say hi.

I'm meeting Judge Conner for lunch.

Eh, like old times.

Yeah.

You just finishing that up?

Yep, just about there.

Mmm.

Hey Dad, do you ever miss being a lawyer?

Honey, that was 20 years ago.

I know, but do you ever regret leaving law?

I suppose if I miss anything, it's that feeling when

everything comes together, you know?

When the system works

and you feel like you really made a difference.

Yeah.

Mmm.

Something on your mind, Sarah?

I was just thinking about something you said,

I must've been 9 or 10?

It was Christmas, and I asked you if

you didn't like being a lawyer anymore.

You said--

You said you found something you liked better.

Something that made you happy.

Yeah, that was a big leap of faith.

What do you mean?

I wanted to build furniture.

This is what makes me happy.

You know?

Being a lawyer was--

well, I didn't have the passion for it.

Not like you do.

So there I was, walking away from a job.

Your mother and I had to start over again, risking our home,

our future.

Were you nervous?

I was petrified.

I'm not gonna kid you, times were tough for a while,

we really had to tighten our belts.

A lot of people thought I was crazy when I set up out here.

But how can you be sure?

That you made the right choice?

You can't.

Not completely.

But that's when you need to look in your heart,

and trust what you feel there.

Yeah.

It's beautiful, dad.

Hmm.

Thanks hunny.

Okay, I gotta get ready.

Alright, I'll see you later on.

See ya.

I'm a little early.

Oh that's fine, he's got somebody in there

but they'll be done soon.

I understand we're gonna be

seeing a lot more of you around here.

Looks that way.

Well, if I hear about anybody needing a good attorney,

I'll be sure and send them your way.

Thank you, Marcie.

[laughing]

Okay, John.

Okay, keep me posted, we'll get to the bottom of it.

Thanks, I will.

I will.

Sarah.

Good.

Someone I want you to meet.

This is John Keaton.

John, this is Sarah Wright.

We have got to stop meeting like this.

What, you two know each other?

No.

But not for lack of trying.

It's a pleasure.

John is the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the county.

Been with us almost a year doing a dandy job.

Thank you, Judge.

Sarah is the pride and joy of Rosedale.

Top of her class at law school,

four years with Chandler, Abbot and Jonas.

Wow, running with the big dogs.

But we have the great good fortune

of having her back home now.

Well, I look forward to seeing you at work.

Nice meeting you.

Judge.

Marcie.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney?

He knows his stuff.

I don't doubt it.

But what s a guy like that doing in our little town?

Oh, I didn't ask.

But whatever brought him here, he seems to like it.

Which is just fine by me.

That dog can hunt.

Believe me, I know the type.

He's all about the job.

First one in, last one out,

and it is the only thing he really loves.

Shall we go in?

♪

Hi Marilyn, there you go.

Lunch?

I remember the first time you came in here.

Skinny little thing.

You sat right there

and you told me you were going to be a lawyer.

And I thought you were here for my sage advice.

That was part of it.

No, what you really wanted from me was for me to ask you

why you were gonna become a lawyer.

Hmm?

Even back then, you weren't afraid of the hard questions.

Yeah, as I recall, you didn't pull any punches either.

Well, from that day forward, I never have.

Not with you.

Something tells me we're not just taking a walk down

memory lane here, are we?

If you tell me you've thought this through,

that you're clear in your head about coming home--

I'll mind my own business.

♪

Seems like these days I'm not clear about much of anything.

What do you mean?

I never set out to change the world, judge.

I just wanted to make a difference, for the better.

Well, you have made a difference.

You gave your clients their day in court,

helped them find justice.

But that's just it.

The longer I do this, the more I realize,

it isn't about justice or what's right.

It's about winning.

Hmm.

Sometimes it can feel like that, yeah.

What are we supposed to do?

I--

I'm not naive, I know the law is never black and white.

But that gray area just keeps getting bigger,

we keep trading off and compromising,

making deals that sometimes, they don't even make sense.

How am I supposed to explain that to someone

who has put their faith in me?

How am I supposed to just sit back and watch

while these good people are made to feel that

their day in court was just a lot of haggling?

It's not justice.

And it's not right.

And I'm tired of it.

Why did you leave Chandler Abbott?

A woman and her children were being kicked out

of their apartment.

The owner wanted to covert the building into a co-op,

she couldn't afford it and I wanted to take the case.

I thought I could stall him at least long enough

so they wouldn't be on the street for Christmas.

Was the eviction legal?

It's Christmas, Judge.

She has three kids and nowhere to go.

Counselor.

Of course, it was legal.

The owner was our client.

[chuckles]

You wanted to take a case against your own law firm?

Technically.

Yes but I would've done it on my own time.

Pro Bono.

And of course, they said no.

So, you quit?

It wasn't just that case, Judge.

I've been feeling this way for a long time

and I couldn't stay there anymore.

I don't even know if I can--

If you can what?

I don't even know if I can do this anymore.

I don't know if I can be a lawyer.

I see.

I hope--

I hope that you're not too disappointed in me?

You have been blessed with a rare gift, Sarah.

A good heart and a legal mind and that's what makes you

a very fine lawyer and an even better person.

You could never disappoint me.

But the hardest part of what we do is to finally admit

to ourselves that we can't save everyone.

Right now, I would be happy with saving just one.

Maybe that's what's brought you home again.

What?

Looking for that one case,

that one client to restore your faith.

I wish I could believe that.

But it 's the season for believing.

What better time to find out?

Who knows, maybe you'll change the world after all.

Or maybe just our little corner of it?

♪

Of course.

Your client should have thought about that

before he started taking a joy ride.

Come on, Sid, don't take it personally.

I'm just doing my job.

♪

Sid, I gotta call you back.

[grunts]

[laughs]

♪

[typing]

♪

♪

It's off.

You can check.

I thought you threw that away.

Uhh.

Yeah, no, that was just for dramatic effect.

Just to show you that I was listening.

Very convincing.

Well, so were you.

Really?

Absolutely.

You know, you were right.

I should be more considerate towards other people.

Mmm, yeah.

No.

Too sincere?

Little bit.

Yeah, I can never get that right.

Listen, you seem like a very nice guy, I'm sure.

And you're even funny-ish, in a cocky sort of way.

Thank you.

Not really a compliment, anyway--

[clears throat]

The point is, you don't have to work so hard.

Because this, right here?

It's not gonna happen.

So--

O-Okay.

Good to know.

Uhh, though, actually I just wanted to share your table.

[laughs nervously]

What?

Right.

But I'm glad we got all that other stuff

out of the way first, you know?

Just to be clear.

Sit.

Thank you.

I'm--

Listen, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I--

It's been a bit of a tough week.

Tough year.

Hm.

Does that have anything to do with why you moved back home?

Let's just say, that this is the one place

that still makes sense to me.

Oh.

Well, that would explain a lot.

It would?

Yeah, well--

I mean, people don't just walk away

from Chandler, Abbott and Jonas.

I mean, 'that place is mythic,

People are lined up around the block to get jobs there.

So, why would anyone leave all that just to move back here?

I don't know, why would anyone trade all this,

to go work there?

What?

Yeah well, I mean, don't get me wrong.

I can see the appeal.

You know, huge career bump, perks like crazy.

But, yeah, it's not for everybody.

Hang on a second, are you doing that

"sincere" thing again?

Because I'm getting all turned around here.

No, no, no, I'm serious.

You know, I like it here.

This is--

This is the kind of town I used to--

Be curious about when I grew up.

Why?

Well, when I was a kid my parents moved around a lot.

They never really set up roots anywhere, don't ask me why.

It's like they were always looking for something.

Did they ever find it?

[laughs]

Yeah, you can't really find what you don't know.

But the whole time, I kept imagining a place like Rosedale.

A place where people knew each other, just help each other out.

Yeah.

This must've been a great place to grow up.

Hmm, especially at Christmas.

And this is gonna be my first Christmas here.

I heard they do it up right.

Oh, we have a big tree lighting ceremony, right in the Square.

The whole town comes out.

We sing carols, drink hot cider.

Santa always makes an appearance.

That sounds beautiful.

It really is.

♪

[phone buzzing]

John Keaton.

[laughs]

I should--

I should take this outside.

Very good.

Okay, I'll see you later.

See you later.

♪

Yeah, uh-huh.

[laughs]

♪

♪

This place is so great, Sarah.

Now, I just have to figure out where to put everything.

Hi, Jess!

Hi, Mrs. Wright! Mr. Wright!

It's always a good sign when Jessica shows up with food.

It's a housewarming gift:

my smoky butternut squash Christmas soup.

Perfect, when do we eat?!

Oh, hey, I passed your neighbor on the way over here.

Mr. Landis?

Yeah, been a while since I've seen him out on his bicycle.

Probably about a year?

What do you mean?

Remember, when we said that Dale doesn't get out much anymore?

So if he's riding into town at Christmas,

he's headed for the courthouse.

Because of the tree?

Once the order goes on his door,

he has 48 hours to take the tree down.

If he doesn't, he has to appear in court.

And he always shows up.

And he always says no.

Do you mean Judge Conners is gonna put him in jail today?

No, Sam will give him a few more days to think about it.

Not that it makes any difference.

Well, what does his attorney say?

Dale doesn't have a lawyer.

Says he doesn't need one.

Wait, what?

Sam tried to assign him a public defender

but he wanted no part of it.

How can he understand what's happening without an attorney?

That's like asking to go to jail.

Which some people believe is the whole point,

that he's just a lonely man looking for attention.

Others think there's really something wrong with him.

That he's not all there anymore.

Well, what do you think?

I think every Christmas story should have a happy ending.

I just don't think that's this one's gonna turn out.

Do you guys mind holding down the fort for a little while?

Where are you going?

I think wanna hear this Christmas story for myself.

♪

Excuse me.

♪

Well, I'm sorry Mr. Miller

but we don't have a lot of room to move here.

We're gonna have to ask you to pay the fine after all.

All right, well now let's see if we can move on to the next case.

[gavel pounds]

Ah, Mr. Landis.

How are you, my friend?

I'm okay, your honour, thank you.

How are you, sir?

Oh, just fine.

And a Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas, sir.

It wouldn't be Christmas without a visit from you

to our courtroom, would it?

No, sir, I guess not.

I see that you have again violated the town's building

codes by placing your Christmas tree on your roof.

Yes, sir.

And you received the courts order to take the tree down?

Yes sir, I did.

Oh.

And I take it you have no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

I won't be doing that.

Yeah.

I gather that you have once again decided to appear in court

without benefit of counsel?

[sigh]

I'll be just fine, your Honour.

I want to remind you, Dale,

that once these wheels are set in motion,

we're obliged by law to follow through on this.

Yes, sir.

I understand.

Come here.

If you don't take the tree down, I have to put you in jail.

Ah, yeah.

I understand, Sir.

Okay.

Alright.

Mr. Keaton.

It's all yours.

[clears throat]

Thank you, your honour.

In the matter of the town of Rosedale versus Dale Landis,

the defendant is accused of being in violation

of the following town and county codes.

Uhh, Mr. Keaton, most of us here have been down this road

a few times.

Why don't we just stipulate the violations,

and we can move it along a bit?

Yes, sir.

Alright.

For the past three years,

the defendant has ignored identical court orders to comply

with the town's building and security codes.

We don't think this is gonna be any different this year.

Agreed.

The people request an immediate court date for Mr. Landis,

and a fine of $5,000 for each day

that the tree remains on his roof.

That's a little steep, don't you think?

Your honour, this has been going on for four years now.

I think it's about time the defendant took it seriously.

Mr. Landis, you do understand that this Christmas tree

of yours could end up being very expensive?

I don't have any money, your Honour.

Well, then I suggest you take the tree down.

I'm sorry.

I can't do that.

Why not?

Your Honour, I don't mean to be disrespectful,

but I just like the way the tree looks up there.

Your honuor--

Oh, trust me, nobody would enjoy hearing an

answer to your question more than I would.

This is just part of our annual tradition, isn't it, Dale?

Yes sir, I guess it is.

♪

In that case, your Honour, I request the court order

a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant,

to determine his competency to accept these charges.

It's--

It's a Christmas tree, Mr. Keaton.

It's a matter of public safety, your Honour.

[sigh]

I'll take it under advisement.

Mr. Landis, the Clerk will assign you a court date,

at which time I will rule on Mr. Keaton's motion.

In the meantime, I think--

I think you should think very carefully

about what you're gonna do now.

It's not just a matter of

another night in jail anymore, Dale.

Yes, sir.

Okay.

♪

Court's adjourned.

♪

Yeah, okay.

Hey, hey.

I wanna talk to you.

Hey, Sarah.

What was that all about?

Excuse me?

A psychiatric evaluation?

Seriously?

Oh, I didn't know you were in there.

No, no, no, there is nothing wrong with Dale Landis, okay?

He's just a little bit lonely.

And you know this because?

Because he lives across the street from me.

Wait, you're actually neighbours with the Christmas tree guy?

You're smiling, why are you smiling, how is this funny?

It's not, no, I just, this is what I mean about small towns.

I think it's great that everyone knows each other.

It's not that small.

And I didn't say I know everyone, just him.

And there's nothing wrong with him, okay?

Look, I'm sorry but I can't talk about an on-going case,

not out here like this.

It's not my first rodeo, Cowboy.

Don't try and pull that

"can't discuss it" lawyer brush-off line with me.

What?

You don't wanna talk about it because we both know

you pulled out your Big Guns way too fast.

Alright, you wanna discuss this, Counselor?

Step in my office.

My pleasure.

The fact that the defendant's your neighbor

doesn't change a thing.

Look, there has to be more going on here.

I know Dale Landis isn't crazy.

He's been breaking these laws for years,

it doesn't seem to matter to him.

Sure it matters.

So he doesn't mind spending Christmas in jail?

Of course not.

He would just rather spend Christmas in jail

than take down his tree.

And this to you sounds like the decision of a rational man?

It's a zoning code, okay?

It's not like he robbed a bank.

It's the law.

And as long as I'm in that courtroom,

my job is to enforce that law.

It's not that simple.

It couldn't be simpler, right is right and wrong is wrong.

That's just the way it is, Sarah,

whether we like it or not.

What about people?

What about having faith in your fellow man?

You know, trying to look a little bit closer at the things

that they do, so we can understand them better.

Especially now, at Christmas.

How do you think he feels, being all alone like that,

when everyone around you is celebrating

with family and friends?

♪

Look, I appreciate what you're doing.

But I have faith in the law, not people.

Law makes a lot more sense to me.

[clears throat]

Excuse me.

♪

♪

I can't believe he's up there straightening the tree.

Look, it's leaning to the right.

Well, at least he put green on the bottom.

What are you two doing out here, it's cold.

Hi.

Just in case.

In case of what?

In case we have to call 9-1-1.

Is he taking it down?

Don't be silly, dear.

It's crooked.

You can't have a crooked Christmas tree on your roof.

What will the neighbours say?

Oh, how did court go today?

Not good.

That man.

You know, I hate to think of him

spending another Christmas in jail.

That's why I came over.

To try and talk to him.

Good luck, honey.

Why don't you two go back inside where it's warm.

I'll call you if we have any emergencies.

Okay.

Thanks.

[deep sigh]

Mr. Landis?

You okay up there?

Uh-huh.

Your tree looks really nice.

Haven't seen it for awhile.

It's just the way I remember it.

Thank you.

Mr. Landis, could I talk to you for a second about what happened

in the courthouse today?

What about it?

Well, it's just that um--

You see, I think that, this would be a lot easier

if I didn't have to shout.

[sigh]

Okay, I can do this.

I can do this.

♪

So uhh--

Look straight to you?

Yeah, yeah, that--

That looks great.

[exhales nervously]

You uhh, used to have this shiny blue soccer ball.

Used to kick it around in the yard all the time.

That was a long time ago.

Yeah.

There was this time when uhh, you kicked it across the street,

in our yard.

When you came over to get it, my son, Danny--

He thought that ball was something.

And well, you played with him

and that ball for a long, long time.

I remember.

I never did thank you for that.

That was nice that you did that.

How is Danny?

He's fine, just fine.

Mr. Landis, did you understand

what the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

said in the court today?

You mean that part about,

he doesn't think my head's on straight?

Well, that's--

We all know that's not true.

But he's not from around here,

and he likes to play hard ball, so--

He's just doing his job.

It could get very complicated.

You know, you should really have an attorney.

I'll be fine.

Mr. Landis.

I really appreciate you coming up here to talk to me, Sarah.

But I'm uhh, I'm doing just fine,

I don't need any help, thank you.

♪

Well, maybe you could help me.

How's that?

Like I said, I've been away for awhile.

I'm trying to set up my own law practice up

and you know getting that first client, it's not easy.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe if it would be alright with you,

I could just sit with you in court

and you know, we could tell people you're my client,

that I'm representing your case

but I wouldn't have to do anything,

not if you don't want me to.

You figure that would help you with your law business?

It would be a big help.

But you wouldn't join up with the-with the Judge

and that other fella, try'n make me take this tree down?

Not if you don't want to.

♪

You were always nice to Danny.

♪

I guess it'll be alright.

Thank you, Mr. Landis.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

[exhales]

Okay.

♪

♪

[typing]

♪

♪

Good morning.

Good morning.

Beautiful day.

Yes it is.

Think we'll have a white Christmas?

Looks like it.

Isn't it great how we can banter like this?

Do you really intend to give Dale Landis a psych evaluation?

Ah, okay, that's not banter.

That's more like shop talk.

Because you know, you can't have it both ways.

Alright, What do you mean?

You can't question his competency

and charge him $5,000 a day for leaving his tree up.

Why not?

Doesn't wash.

Either he knows what he's doing or he doesn't.

You can't penalize someone

if they're not responsible for their actions.

Wow.

Not bad.

Make up your mind, Counselor.

Hold on, is this your way of saying

that you represent Landis now?

That's right.

How'd you get him to change his mind?

He still doesn't want a lawyer

but he was happy to have a friend.

Nice bantering with you.

♪

[knocking]

You're telling me, Dale has agreed to this?

He wants you to represent him?

Let's just say, we've come to an understanding?

And would this understanding involve him

taking that tree down and staying out of jail?

I think first I need to figure out why he puts it up.

I've waited a long time to solve that little Christmas mystery.

Has he ever mentioned his family in court?

Not that I recall.

He has a son, doesn't he?

Danny.

He moved away with his mother when he was very young.

I tried to look him up on-line, but there's no record

of a Daniel Landis from Rosedale.

No way of knowing where he is, or even if he's alive or dead.

Why are you trying to find him?

This man has no one, Judge Conner, he's all alone

and I thought if I could just find someone, a family member,

someone he could trust, he might listen to them.

Hey Marcie, do me a favour, will you pull all the files

on Dale Landis for the past three years.

As soon as you can.

I have a bright-eyed young attorney here

who has some homework to do.

Thank you!

♪

Okay.

♪

♪

No drivers license, no credit card,

no e-mail, no contact person.

It's like outside of Christmas, he doesn't exist.

[footsteps approaching]

Hi.

Hey, umm, sorry, I'm just in the middle of something here.

Yeah, I figured that.

Hot fresh Cider.

You've been here for hours, you worked right through dinner.

I did, jeez.

Thought you might need a break,

Hang on a second, how do you know how long I've been in here?

Ae you following me now or something?

As fascinating as you may be, no, I haven't been watching you.

I thought umm, maybe--

Umm--

Never mind.

Bad idea.

Hang on, I--

I just get a little cranky when I'm hungry.

Hmm, I had a feeling, so--

Hold this.

♪

Tuna salad, right?

How did you--?

I sometimes eat at the diner

and I overheard Marcie take your order the other day.

Apparently, you have a long history

of tuna salad sandwiches.

[both laughing]

Thank you.

Umm, why are you doing this?

Those Landis' files?

Yeah.

Yeah, about the other day umm,

I didn't mean to lecture you on the law.

Especially when it comes to Mr. Landis.

I know he's more than just another case for you.

I got a little caught up.

I do that sometimes.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I--

Get a little caught up sometimes too.

Really?

[laughing]

You noticed.

Yeah.

You know, when I'm in that courtroom,

I have to do everything I can to win that case,

you know that.

Including this one.

I do.

And you have to do everything you can to help out your client.

So things are gonna get kinda sticky before this is over.

Yeah, and when they do, I just want you to remember

that this sandwich is a token of our professional respect.

Okay.

And that I envy your faith in other people.

You do?

Yeah I might be a pretty good lawyer,

but I don't have much luck in that department.

Especially at Christmas.

♪

You want half?

On one condition: we don't discuss the case.

Agreed.

Okay.

Goodnight, Barney.

Good one.

Sometimes they don't toast the bread enough

depends on the chef that day.

Hmm.

♪

[sigh]

I mean, we were together all through law school, it was fine.

But I should have seen it coming,

the signs were all there.

Such as?

Such as: she took a job in D.C.

the day after we graduated,

and then stopped returning my texts and calls.

Ouch.

Yeah, should've realized at that time our days were numbered.

And since then?

Since then?

Well, it turns out

not everyone relates to my love for small town life.

Mmm.

Working in a place like Rosedale

doesn't exactly fit their visions of success.

They don't know what they're missing.

How about you?

No one to keep the home fires burning?

No, I gave up on that.

Oh, please.

I mean, not as a permanent situation.

It's just dating in the city is way too exhausting.

Like the past four years have been all about money

and titles and connections and winning.

Mostly winning.

No matter what.

"Guys like me" in other words?

Nothing like you.

You know, that may be the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me.

Well, this is me.

So umm, guess I'll see you in court tomorrow.

Yeah.

♪

Good night.

Good night.

Sarah?

And what I said before, about that sandwich?

I meant it.

♪

I'm impressed.

You got your first case already.

Yeah, only on the condition

that I do and say nothing to keep my client out of jail.

He'll change his tune.

Mmm, I wouldn't be so sure.

How can he say no to the best lawyer in town--

Who's doing it for free, I might add.

The same way he's said no everyone else.

And, you know, as for being the best,

the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney is no slouch.

Believe me.

So, you've met John Keaton.

Oh, you know him?

Not exactly.

He comes into my restaurant sometimes.

So he has good taste too.

Why, thank you, it's all very mysterious though.

What do you mean?

Whenever he comes in,

he's always with the same attractive young woman.

-Really? -Mhm.

She must be from out of town, I assume.

That's the only time I ever see her.

That would makes sense.

He hasn't lived in our little town very long

and he doesn't realize that people notice these things.

I'm sure you're right.

All rise.

Be seated.

Ms. Wright.

I see you've joined us.

Welcome, as always.

Thank you, your Honour.

Well, let's get right to it, shall we?

Dale, I don't suppose you've given us an early

Christmas present by taking that tree down?

Uhh, no, your Honour, I haven't.

And I gather you still have no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

Hmm, Mr. Keaton.

Your honour, upon further review, the prosecution has

decided to withdraw the motion to fine Mr. Landis everyday

the tree is on top of his house.

Well, I like the way this is starting out.

So noted.

Did you get that, Dale?

The prosecution is dropping the fine?

I appreciate it.

However, the defendant continues to be in violation of several

building codes and in so doing presents a clear danger

to himself and to the community.

I would never hurt anybody, you honour.

No one, really, never.

Ehh, Dale, let him finish.

Therefore, your Honour, we ask that you rule on our request for

immediate psychiatric evaluation to determine the competency

of the defendant, as well as authorize the immediate

enforcement of the court order to take the tree down.

Dale you understand that one way or the other,

that tree is coming down.

I really wish you wouldn't do that, your honour.

With all due respect, your honour,

the defendant's wishes have no relevance here.

Your Honour, the wishes of the defendant are precisely

what this case is all about.

Your Honour, excuse me, if I could finish my point--?

It was Mr. Landis' wish to place the tree on his roof,

it was his wish to keep it on his roof.

Then it must have also been his wish to break the law.

The Prosecution has made it clear that this case

is no longer just about the law.

It is also about the defendant's understanding of the law.

I understand the law just fine, your Honour.

I just don't wanna take down my tree.

I-I think they're on to something else here, Dale.

They seem pretty steamed about it.

Oh yes, they do.

You honour, I'm confused,who am I speaking to here?

Is Mr. Landis representing himself,

or is Ms. Wright now arguing this case?

Fair question, Ms. Wright?

Mr. Landis has agreed to let me assist him, your honour.

What does that mean?

In the case of Dooley vs. The State of Washington,

Raymond Dooley declined to be represented by an attorney.

What?

However, when his competency was questioned, the court ruled that

while he had the right to refuse representation,

he could be assigned an advisor.

An "advisor"?

You mean something like, an attorney?

They weren't there to represent him,

they were there to interpret.

And uhh, clarify.

The law, so to speak.

What's the difference?

It's right there, read it for yourself.

I don't have to read it, you're talking about semantics.

Excuse me?

Look you're either his lawyer or you're not.

Doesn't make any sense.

It makes more sense than putting him back in jail, doesn't it?

He knew he was gonna go there when he put the tree back up.

Well, at least he didn't make up stories about his tree

to try and impress people!

Excuse me?

[gavel pounds]

You two, in my chamber now, this court's in recess, ten minutes.

♪

Okay, what was that all about?

You think I'm making up stories about something?

I think you would do anything to win this case.

I'm not the one pulling rabbits out of my hat,

"Dooley vs. State of Washington"? [chuckles]

Please.

Are you questioning my citation?

I'm questioning your cheap shot.

Alright.

Neutral corners.

Your Honour, she's obviously trying to help her neighbour,

whether he wants it or not.

Do you even know what we're talking about here?

Have you been to see the tree?

What's that got to do with anything?

Your Honour, Dale Landis has been putting a tree

on his roof since I was a little girl.

I used to look forward to seeing it

from my bedroom window every year.

Wait, how long has this guy been getting away with this?

The point is, what he does may be technically illegal--

"Technically"?

It is also beautiful.

And in some way that none of us can understand,

it makes him happy.

But that does not make him crazy.

And I will not let the prosecution

make him think he is.

Your Honour, the law clearly states--

I'm familiar with the law, Mr. Keaton.

But you're right.

The law is quite clear on this point.

But your Honour--

However, Ms. Wright has also made a point.

Whatever the legal issues here, Mr. Landis is harmless.

Which leads me to believe that we must be missing something,

that there must be a different solution.

Such as?

No idea.

Which is why I'm putting you in charge of finding that solution.

-You are? -Mhm.

And, you're gonna help her John.

Woah, woah, wait, what?

You two are gonna work this out together.

And the next time I see you,

I want to hear that you've found a way to satisfy

the court's and Mr. Landis' dreams

for a happy and healthy Christmas.

Wait a second--

If you two put half as much effort into sorting this out

as you do into sniping at each other, you're gonna bring

a lot of Christmas cheer into my courtroom!

Your Honour, I have a full case load.

For which, I will give you a full continuance.

Hmm?

Your only concern right now is to create a Christmas miracle.

Any questions?

Good.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

I want this resolved before then.

Otherwise, Mr. Landis spends another Christmas in jail.

And we don't want that, do we?

I really think--

-[grunt] -Sir--

[grunt]

No, sir.

Alright.

Off you go.

Play nice.

[clears throat]

"Play nice"?

He was talking to you.

You wanna tell me what I did?

Let's just get through this.

Fine.

Any ideas?

You?

Mm-mm.

I'll get the files.

I'll get the coffee.

♪

Okay, you want neighbors' complaints or building codes?

Well, it's your neighborhood.

I'll take the building codes.

Okay.

♪

♪

Non-fat latte.

Thank you.

♪

Could you--

Can I have a--

Sorry?

Sorry?

Uhh, could you pass me the critique of law.

Sure, there you go,

Thank you.

Did you find the--

Yeah, could I see that for a second?

-Yeah. -Thanks.

♪

[indistinct chatter]

Where's that coming from?

I think it's the town square.

Oh, no.

They're lighting the tree.

That's tonight?

I completely forgot about it.

I've been looking forward to this for years

and now I'm going to miss it.

Come on.

But we haven't found anything yet.

It's all gonna be here when we get back.

You want to see it or not?

Come on.

♪

♪ Mother and child

♪ Holy infants so tender and mild ♪

It's just like I remember.

This is home.

This is where I learned to put my faith in people.

You're lucky.

We can't stay long.

Hi.

As soon as they light the tree, we should head back.

Well, I thought you wanted to--

We don't have time.

What's--

What's going on?

I don't understand, I know we're off a rocky start

but I thought, I thought you liked the sandwich.

It's a small town, John.

Yeah I figured so.

That restaurant you like?

The Bostrum Bistro?

Mhm.

My best friend is the chef there.

Okay, it's good food, so?

So, she remembers you coming in, okay?

I still don't--

Am I a bad tipper?

She also remembers--

There she is, Sarah, honey!

Hey there, kiddo.

We were looking all over for you.

Oh yeah, sorry.

I had to work late.

I told your father that you wouldn't miss this

for the world.

No, you're right.

John Keaton.

Hi.

Hello.

John is the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

These are my parents.

Nice to meet you.

Keaton.

Judge Conners tells me you're handling Dale Landis' case.

That's right.

You've got your hands full there.

Yeah, well we're actually handling it together now,

try to straighten things out.

Sarah, did you convince Dale into letting you be his lawyer?

No, not exactly.

It was the judge's idea actually, to try and keep

Mr. Landis from spending another Christmas in jail.

Well, I hope it works.

Yeah, so do we.

Uhh, you know, I should--

there's something I need to take care of.

Excuse me.

I'll come by tomorrow.

Love you.

Honey, they're gonna light the tree.

What was that all about?

I should probably go help her with that thing.

It was really nice to meet you both.

Excuse me.

♪

Her name's Emily.

What?

The woman your friend saw me with in the restaurant.

It's none of my business, John.

No, probably not, but just for the record,

she's my little sister.

Your sister.

Yeah, she's a senior in college.

She's really busy,

which is why I can't see her that often but--

When she can come visit, she loves your friend's restaurant.

John, I-I thought that--

I'm sorry.

Hey--

Look, I haven't lied to you, Sarah.

I never will.

♪

♪

Come on.

♪ We all know that Santa's coming and soon will be here ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring to you and your kin ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year ♪

erry Christmas we wish you a

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year ♪

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Merry Christmas!

[crowd cheering]

Merry Christmas.

♪

Merry Christmas.

Oh, hey.

Merry Christmas.

My sister's what brought me to Rosedale,

she was the reason I took the job.

What do you mean?

Well, our family moved around so much,

it was umm, it felt like it was just her and I.

And I was the big brother, so I had to take care of her.

What about your parents?

They made sure we were okay.

In a sort of uhh--

how do you say, non-committal sort of way.

What?

I guess looking back on it, they liked the idea of kids a lot

more than the actual day to day reality.

John, that must have been so hard for you and your sister.

Yeah.

But it did give me a lot of time to figure things out.

And I figured out pretty quickly that if someone says "trust me,"

you gotta watch your back.

[laughing]

That's not always true, you know.

Yeah, maybe not.

But when you're a little kid

looking after your little sister,

the first thing you learn is that

no one's gonna hand you what you need.

You gotta--

You gotta go out there and get it.

You know, I guess that's kinda stuck with me over the years.

Especially when it comes to Emily.

So, you came here so she would know what it felt like,

to have a real home.

Yeah.

You know, you remind me of her.

Really?

She has a lot of faith in people too.

Well, why wouldn't she?

She had you.

[laughing]

I guess it's time to call it a night, huh?

Actually, it's morning.

And we're no closer than when we started.

We'll find something.

I don't know.

You know, this thing with Landis has been going on for so long,

I can't believe no one's tried this already.

And-and what if we do find some sort of loophole?

I mean, how do we know Landis won't wanna,

you know, come along with it?

John.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think we're gonna need

a real Christmas miracle to keep him out of jail.

John, did you see this?

What?

"Central Valley Drug Mart vs. Springfield County".

They had a platform on their roof with some sort of

big promotional display, including a tree.

Lemme see.

The county asked them to take it down,

said it represented a hazard.

Right and--

But the judge ruled they could keep it up as long as the tree--

Both: Wasn't attached to the roof.

Show me this tree.

[laughing]

♪

[tree crashes]

[exhaling]

Hey!

Hey, what do you think you're doing?

Who are you?

I'm Mr. Landis' attorney.

Who authorized you to take down that tree?

Well, the county says that if he doesn't follow the law

and take it down, we can do it for him.

I'm the Deputy County Prosecutor, and this case is

still being heard in court.

Hmm.

Looks like we settled it for you.

Excuse me.

Oh, and Counselor?

Umm, If you could remind your client

that he may still be looking at some jail time.

What do you want to do?

We've come this far, we can't give up now.

Come on, let's go.

They already pulled the tree down?

Yes, sir.

Hmm.

Well, I don't like it, but strictly speaking,

I suppose they were within the law.

Well, what about the court ruling on Central Valley Drugs?

Would it hold up in court?

Does it apply?

Well, I think you found your loophole.

But it's a moot point, the tree's no longer an issue.

It is if we put it back up.

Wait, what?

The court ruling clearly stipulates

that as long as the tree isn't attached.

Hold on, Sarah.

Now look, you did what I asked.

You both worked together.

You found a solution.

You made sure that Mr. Landis

is never gonna spend another Christmas in jail.

You should be proud of that.

You made a difference and justice has been served.

Now look.

Tonight is Christmas Eve.

It's a time to be with the people you care about.

Alright? And that's what I want you to do.

Both of you.

With all due respect, your Honour,

I don't think we've made any difference at all.

I'm sorry?

This isn't about the law or about serving justice.

This is about Mr. Landis.

He's still all alone in that big old house.

He doesn't have anyone to spend Christmas with.

The only thing he wanted, the only thing

that means anything to him, they took down.

It doesn't matter anymore why he wants that tree on his roof.

What that matters is that, that is his Christmas wish.

And I'm gonna do everything I can

to make sure that wish comes true.

Do you know how much work it will take

to get that tree back up there to code?

But there's still time.

If I had a little help.

John, is the Prosecutor's office ready to go along with this?

Absolutely.

Alright.

Well, you're gonna need a building permit.

Marcie, would you get me the county permits office

on the phone?

Oh yeah, tell them we have a Christmas tree to put up.

Way up.

Thank you.

♪

Thanks.

Okay guys, right in here.

Yes ma'am.

We gotta go.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, thank you.

This is perfect.

It sure is.

Hey pal, you wanna grab this?

♪

♪

[knocking on door]

Mr. Landis?

It's Sarah.

Could I talk to you for a minute?

Mr. Landis?

I just wanted you to know, we're gonna put your tree back up.

♪

♪

Hey there kiddo, I thought maybe you could use some sawhorses.

Hey.

Thank you.

There you go.

What do you say we grab the tree, alright?

[sawing]

♪

If we had a straight edge, that would be ideal.

Dad, we're gonna be hammering the two by fours.

[power saw]

[laughing]

♪

John?

Sarah Wright?

Before you say anything, Judge Conners knows all about this,

the building permit is being expedited

and it should be here any--

Yeah, I know.

What's this?

Your building permits.

The Judge told me to deliver it personally.

With a smile.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

[laughing]

Alright, we got it.

Thank you.

So cute.

Shhhh.

I know!

Woo-hoo!!

Judge Conner?

Well, would you look at that?

We thought you might need some help.

Come on boys, let's get this done.

Alright.

♪

♪

Wooo!

Come on!

No, no, no.

I'm good.

Come on, hunny.

Go for it kiddo.

Come on, go.

You can do it.

Here, I'll grab the ladder.

♪

Oh.

Easy peasy.

There you go, you're good. [laughing]

Do you trust me?

Yeah.

Here we are.

Are you ready?

Three.

Two.

One.

[crowd cheering]

[crowd cheering]

Thank you.

It was all you.

Let's go tell Mr. Landis.

[knocking]

Mr. Landis?

We're ready.

Come and see your tree.

Sarah.

Come and take a look.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Do you like it?

Yeah, it's nice.

Very nice.

Good night.

I don't understand.

Look, we may never understand.

You did something else here.

You showed us all what a difference it can make

to show a little extra faith in your fellow man.

No one's gonna forget this any time soon.

Especially me.

[deep sigh]

Let's go.

Are you sure you don't want to come in for a few minutes?

I would love to, but my sister's coming in on the red-eye.

I think I'm gonna go home.

Okay, well listen umm, my parents throw this uhh,

Christmas dinner party and they invite a few friends.

Actually, a lot of friends.

So, umm, maybe you and your sister should join us?

I can meet her.

You know, I'd love that.

Okay.

Oh, that's a friend of yours?

I don't think so.

Who is that?

I don't know.

But whoever it is,

it's the last thing Mr. Landis needs right now.

I'm gonna go talk to him.

Alright.

Can I help you?

♪

[clears throat]

Can I help you?

Oh uhh, sorry, ma'am, I just uhh, saw the tree.

I wanted to just stop for a look.

I hope that's alright.

It's okay.

Do you happen to know who lives here?

Yeah, that's--

That's him right there, Dale Landis.

Landis?

Yeah.

♪

Danny?

Hi, Dad.

[panting]

Danny.

Danny.

Danny.

My son.

Oh.

Let's go.

Sarah, John, wait.

This is my son, Danny.

Danny, these are friends of mine.

Good friends.

Very good friends.

Hi Danny, it's been a long time.

You always wanted to know why

I put that tree up there every Christmas?

This is the reason, right here.

I was just a little boy when my mother took me away.

I remember, it was Christmas Eve.

I've made my decision, it's over.

No, it's already done, we're leaving.

She said we were never coming back here.

But just before we left, my Dad,

he pulled me aside and he told me--

Look for the Christmas tree.

No matter what, no matter how long it took,

if I ever wanted to find him--

Always look for the tree.

On the rooftop.

On the rooftop.

So that tree really was a beacon.

To show your son the way home.

It was my only hope.

When my Mom got married again, she changed my name too.

So I knew there wasn't much chance you'd find me.

These last few years I've been in the army.

But I got leave this Christmas.

And as soon as I got back, I started looking.

And I found you.

I finally found you.

Welcome home, son.

God bless you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's a nice tree.

It's a very nice tree.

You know, maybe next year, we could get one just like it.

Okay.

Okay.

♪

♪

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

♪