Original subtitles

Previously on "All Rise"...

Victor Callan, I have a warrant for your arrest.

You want to tell me why you're arresting me,

or is that part of the fun for you guys?

Trevor Mabbit runs

a multimillion-dollar heroin ring,

a product that has killed thousands.

If this doesn't stop, I'm going to report you

to the Committee on Judicial Performance.

I'm gonna make sure every D.D.A.

at the building papers you.

I hope she doesn't get too comfortable up there

because it's not gonna last.

Palmer is leading a renegade charge

in the D.A.'s office, claiming that you are

judicially biased towards your defendants.

My old colleagues are coming for me?

I don't have the words, Your Honor, for how sorry I am.

As this is your first offense, I am placing you on probation.

- He lied to you, Your Honor. - I fell for it.

Man: Suspect is believed to be Travis Bolson.

[ bells jingling ]Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas.

Happy holidays to you. - Nice to see you!

Hi! - Ho!

[ cellphone chimes ]I'm so excited.

Can I take a picture of you?

Of course you can.

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

1, 2, 3. Whee!

♪♪♪

Child: Look! Santa!

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

[ cellphone jangles ]

[ beep ]

Sherri: Your Honor?

Sherri, I know. Caught in traffic.

It's your last day before holiday recess. Let's not--

I'm pulling into the parking lot right now.

Santa: Merry Christmas.

♪♪♪

Your Honor, we give Ms. Brewin a slap-on-the-wrist plea deal,

who knows what she might steal next time?

For that reason, the People are offering

3 years' probation, 180 days in jail.

[ exhales deeply ]Mr. Driscoll, the defendant stands accused

of stealing school clothes for her children.

Felony grand theft, Your Honor.

And the law allows me to knock it down to a misdemeanor.

- Seems fitting. - Certainly predictable.

Pardon me?

Nothing, Your Honor.

So let's see you take another shot at a plea deal.

- And, Mr. Driscoll? - Your Honor?

This time, don't be such a Scrooge.

Brava, Your Honor.

Apart from emergency hearings,

arraignments, and warrant duty, court is--

Adjourned for 2019.

See you soon, Judge Carmichael.

- At the-- - At the D.A.'s holiday party.

Happy holidays, Mr. Driscoll.

♪♪♪

I see you've already stopped by the D.A.'s holiday open house.

[ mouth full ] I did,

and now I'm here. Cookie?

- No, thank you. - I'm checking in.

You don't need to.Let me be more specific.

How are you feeling about your appearance

in front of the Commission on Judicial Performance?

I'm fine. I feel good. I'm good.

Those hearings can be intense.

You're facing public censure,

maybe even removal from the bench.

I know the law. I am on the right side of it.

This isn't about the law, Carmichael.

It's about politics.

The complaint should never have made it this far.

No kidding.It means that you have enemies on the Commission.

I suggest an appearance at the D.A.'s holiday party.

- The last thing I want to do-- - Show everybody in that office

you're not going to be intimidated.

- I still have work to do here. - Why not go right now?

Lisa-- While there's still cookies left.

Fine. I'll go.

Watch me go.

Excellent. Oh, I suggest the green ones.

They're to die for.

♪♪♪

How bad is it, really?

[ sighs ] We need to talk off the record.

Honest to God, the fact that this is even happening is--

Oh, it's happening.

Nothing like having your former colleagues

and apparently some members of C.J.P.

trying to throw you off the bench.

Travis Bolson on top of that?

It's disorienting.

Lola, the Travis thing...

Should've put him in prison.

You gave him a second chance.

And the next day, he stole a car,

crashed it, and now his daughter...

doesn't have a father.

He made that choice. You didn't.

So you keep telling me.

What's happening with your dad?

I'm vetting a list of lawyers he gave me.

They're either incompetent ambulance chasers

or overfed mob guys who won't touch his case.

What are you gonna do?

Hire someone and wash my hands of it, of him.

Mm-mm, no way. You can't do that.

Watch me. I am so sick of everyone in my office

looking at me like I'm the one being charged with murder.

Bet I can guess which ones.

Yeah.

We're going to this party.

We're not gonna let them win, and we need cookies.

- We do? - Yes, we do.

♪♪♪

[ instrumental jazz version of "Jingle Bells" playing ]

I ran out of time halfway through my last essay.

Everyone runs out of time on law school exams.

I was exhausted. I did a double shift the day before,

and I choked.No, you didn't.

Now I'm facing another semester of law school,

another semester of working overtime

to cover the tuition or maybe not.

Maybe I need to rethink things.

That is crazy talk.

Luke!

- You look tired. - Thanks.

Who decorated this place?

Our party is gonna be so much better.

- Mm. - Hey, you're coming, right?

Probably. We'll see how I'm feeling.

What did I say?

He thinks he failed his last exam.

- No, he didn't. - That's what I said.

Oh, my God. Judge Carmichael.

She showed up. Good for her.

Hope she gives them hell in that hearing.

Makes me furious. It's ridiculous.

I don't know what I'd do if we didn't have her.

We finally have a judge who's fair.

If she gets rolled out this quickly,

then--then the system really is broken.

[ laughter ]

I saved Maggie Palmer's ass three years ago

when she screwed up the charges on that extortion case.

We are here for the cookies, remember?

Cookies.

Is Judge Benner coming?

I want to invite her to our shindig.

That would be such a coup.

You know what? I think I'm gonna get going.

I've had enough prosecutors this week.

But it's the holidays.

Tell that to Choi. He is hellbent

on making my client-- a poor, frightened kid--

out to be some kind of hardened gangster.

I have to get ready for the hearing.

I'll see you later, okay?

Excuse me. I was looking for--

hoping to--have you seen--

I was wondering if Ms. Kansky was gonna drop by or...

Judge Carmichael, thrilled to see you.

Please know that you still have many fans in this office.

Thanks, Thomas.

Are your kids excited for Family Day tomorrow?

Definitely. Uh, sorry to interrupt,

but I need to borrow Mr. Callan.

Duty calls. [ clicks tongue ] I'll catch you later.

[ chatter ]

Ooh. Judge Carmichael's here.

- Myra. - Oh, it's Judge Carmichael.

♪♪♪

[ cellphone chimes ]

♪♪♪

Captioned by Los Angeles Distribution and Broadcasting, Inc.

Is this about my father? What have you heard?

No, Callan, this is not about your father.

It's about Liam O'Hare.

I will not be talking ever about your father.

What aboutLiam O'Hare?

- He wants to flip. - On Trevor Mabbit?

Not a chance. O'Hare's one of Mabbit's top captains.

He started on the corner and worked his way up.

The guy is loyal.

Looking for this?

[ sighs ] Thank you.

One of Mabbit's captains, Liam O'Hare,

wants a meeting today.

Called this morning asking for you.

You're gonna take some detectives with you,

and you're gonna find out if it's real, and if it's real,

you are going to the grand jury tomorrow,

and you're gonna get an indictment on Trevor Mabbit.

Wow. Okay, then. This is--This is huge.

Don't screw it up. And be careful.

Keep me posted. I'm due in court.

♪♪♪

[ knocks ]

Who took all the good cookies?

Oh, you're too late. I made my famous homemade buckeyes,

but they were gone in, like, 10 minutes.

You did a little Christmas baking?

They're always the first to go.

Hey, I heard about your dad.

Word travels fast.

A prosecutor's father charged with first-degree murder?

Yeah, no one's talking about that.

What's your hourly rate again?

[ scoffs ] Seriously?

No. Maybe.

- Did he do it? - Since when do you care?

Since he's your father, Mark.

I...

I honestly don't know.

I haven't tried a murder case in a while.

So? You're the best lawyer I know, Amy.

Second best, at least.

I'd have to meet with him first.

That can be arranged.

We can discuss my fee schedule on the way.

You realize your bill's gonna be obscene.Yeah.

Pull up a chair, Your Honor. It's time to talk strategy.

This is a breakdown of all the members

of the C.J.P. panel that will be at the hearing.

Three supporters, four swing votes,

four against. We-- - How do you even know--

A friend who cares. We need to get

one of the "against" votes disqualified

so we're not starting behind the football.

- Eight ball. - I hate sports.

Our best move is to go after Judge Laski.

I've spoken with the other J.A.s.

It's fair to say Laski's not a fan.

Punisher? He's had it out for me from day one,

but I think we have a better play.

Deb Thompson, the chair, defense attorney.

She and I have a history.

People v. Moseley.I remember.

You got her sanctioned by the court

for alternative facts. It's good

but maybe not enough to disqualify her.

I have emails-- very colorfully worded emails,

which she won't want in the public record.

Wow, I've n-never seen that word used a verb.

Mm.[ knock on door ]

I'll get rid of them.

- Got a minute? - I do not,

and neither d-- Detective Harris.

Kevin. Hi there.

We met at the thing, and...

He doesn't have an appointment.

For a glass of Christmas cheer?

Or should I say "festive"? Can't keep it straight.

Her Honor is very busy.

Not with her. With you. Dufus.

I-I don't do cheer during work hours.

But thank you for asking.

♪♪♪

The People's evidence regarding my client's tattoos

is completely immaterial to the charges.

It's directly relevant

to the gang enhancement, Your Honor.

This is a non-violent drug crime,

but instead of offering treatment,

they're going for possession for sales

anda gang enhancement? - Your Honor--

That's a difference of seven years.

- Textbook overcharging. - Not true.

The court will take the motion under advisement.

You will both submit supplementary briefs.[ gavel bangs ]

That's settled. I'd like to see you both in my chambers.

Now.

With schools letting out for the holidays,

the Hall of Justice will be hosting

our annual Family Day tomorrow.

- How exciting is that? - Very exciting.

My own kids will be in attendance.

I want to do something a little special this year--

a mock trial for the kids, "Wizard of Oz" theme.

Dorothy will stand trial for the murder

of the Wicked Witch of the West.

I need attorneys to try the case.

I think it'll be fun.

- Totally fun. - Sounds amazing.

- Yes. - Mr. Choi...

you will defend Dorothy.

Ms. Lopez, you'll prosecute.

Wouldn't it be easier, Your Honor...

Oh, it's so much more interesting to mix things up.

That's a rough script,

but I encourage you to make it your own, improvise.

Ah. Everything else is in your packets.

See you tomorrow.

How about a gang enhancement for Dorothy?

She rolls with a pretty rough-looking crew.

That's how it's done, right?

Ah, so I see we're both gonna be good sports about this.

Can't wait.

[ door buzzes ]

Okay. Who's this?

Mr. Callan. My name is Amy Quinn.

I'm a defense attorney and a friend of Mark's.

She any good?

[ scoffs ] I'm the best.

And talk to me when you're talking to me.

I like her.

What did she just say?

You going to take my case?

Probably not. I'm just humoring your son.

I'm gonna ask you some questions.

- Tell her the truth, Dad. - Hey.

I mean it. Don't screw this up.

Okay. You can go now.

I got work to do anyway.

Choi wants me to meet someone.

[ door buzzes ]

First two questions--

did you do it, and if so, who knows?

No. I didn't. It's the God's honest truth.

Okay, so the Scarecrow is my witness,

which means the Tin Man

can testify on behalf of the People.

Benner's given us talking points

and a basic fact pattern.

- Why are you doing this? - Because it's the holidays

and Judge Benner thinks it'll be fun.

No. Judge Carmichael.

Why are you letting your people--

She is an outstanding judge.

Not all the lawyers in my office think so.

So they can request a recusal.

I can't speak for them. I'm not actually involved.

- You are the head deputy. - You know what?

One of us should make a motion

to exclude the Lollipop Guild.

You know what? How about this?

How about you play the Cowardly Lion?

You are a natural.

Let's take it from the top.

♪♪♪

[ lowered voice ] There is one vote we will never get.

[ lowered voice ] Breathe, Your Honor.

Ladies and gentlemen, now that we are all finally here--

We are 15 minutes early.

- I'm prepared to begin... - We're 15 minutes early.

...whenever it pleases the esteemed panel.

Very well. We are now on the record

in the inquiry concerning Judge Lola Carmichael.

I am Deborah Thompson, chairperson--

Chair Thompson, if I may interrupt.

Judge Carmichael?

Respectfully, it is my belief

that I am not going to get a fair hearing from this panel.

Chair Thompson, I move that you recuse yourself.

That's ridiculous.

On what grounds, Ms. Carmichael?

JudgeCarmichael.

Ladies and gentlemen, Chair Thompson

knows me from my time as a prosecutor.

We opposed each other

in a multimillion-dollar embezzlement case,

both of us passionate, zealous advocates for our--

You think I can't be impartial

because we tried one case together?

A hotly contested case,

during which, as you may recall,

you sent a number of emails.

I have them here.

I would be more than happy to offer them into evidence.

[ whispers ] Wow.

That won't be necessary.

[ whispering indistinctly ]

Judge Carmichael, your claim is baseless.

However, to avoid the appearance of impropriety,

I agree to recuse myself.

Thank you, Chair Thompson.

By rule, my vice chair would normally take over.

However, due to potential scheduling concerns,

the role of interim chair shall fall

on the next most senior member of the panel--

the honorable Jonas Laski.

I'm honored.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[ brakes screech ]

Mark: There's Mabbit's guy, right where Choi said he'd be.

Turn on your interior light and step out of the car slowly.

♪♪♪

Turn around and show me what's inside your jacket.

Okay, you see anything, you get a weird feeling...

We're right here.

Brought some cops with you?

What do you expect, Liam?

I want to testify. I want to help you put Mabbit in jail.

Why?

Don't you want to know what I got?

I've been investigating Trevor Mabbit and you

for over a year. I know what you've got.

What I don't know is why you're doing this.

The fact that he traffics in narcotics,

that he murders people.Suddenly you've grown a conscience?

You make a deal? Is that it? Working for somebody new?

Take out Mabbit, they take over, you move up?

We both want the same thing.

I can help you get that.

You're just gonna have to trust me.

♪♪♪

Lola: Maybe Liam O'Hara's cashing out.

- He's tired of the life. - So he leaves the country.

He doesn't paint a target on his back.

- The guy's up to something. - You're overthinking.

Go before that grand jury. Get your indictment

before Trevor Mabbit can see what's coming.

I know.

I will.

I just keep thinking I'm getting played.

You need to take him down, Mark.

I know, I know. I will.Everything on the tray, please.

What about you?

Taking the day off? Very funny.

I have to go in there today in front of that panel

and convince them that I'm a good judge.

I'm not even so sure myself.

Lola, you are an extraordinary judge.

Hey.

Go good.

[ sighs ]

There's no place like home.

[ sings scales ] ♪ Ma-ma-ma, ma-ma-ma-ma

Ah, there's no place like home.

Your Honor. Hi, Dorothy.

I didn't get your RSVP to our holiday party.

Oh! Oh, how rude. I'm so sorry.

Now, I checked the manual...I needed to confirm another commitment.

...and there are no rules against judges attending.

Thank you. I'll let-- I'll let you know.

A little less lipstick. They're kids.

- You need a hand, Your Honor? - Thank you.

Any word on Judge Carmichael?

Not yet. They're just getting started.

I'm surprised you're not at Judge Carmichael's inquisition

with the rest of your crew. - I'm not--

Look, the D.A.'s office is not a monolith.

Really? Sure feels like it.

Overcharging my clients, racking up excessive court fees

for indigent defendants,

persecuting judges you don't like?

Can we please just put Dorothy on trial

and not the whole system? I mean, my kids are here.

Laski: Judge Carmichael...[ sighs ]

...do you dispute Mr. Driscoll's testimony?

Is that a fair representation, that you, sua sponte,

allowed a witness to testify as a bird?

A fictional character, Your Honor.

Technically, a bird-woman hybrid

by the name of Erkk.

Can you refer me to any specific rule of procedure

upon which you relied in allowing this?

When the interests of justice--The interests of justice.

Great catch-all. So that's a no.

The Code of Judicial Ethics requires that a judge

promote public confidence in the integrity

and impartiality of the judiciary.

A judge is also required to be faithful to the law

regardless of public clamor or fear of criticism.

And in allowing this Erkk to testify,

you didn't undermine confidence in the courts

by making a mockery of them?

It was how the witness was best able to express the truth,

so I allowed it. - You encouraged it.

Canon 3[b][7] requires a judge to accord every person

who has a legal interest in a proceeding

to be heard according to the law.

Yes, but surely it doesn't apply--

Just as you did, Judge Laski, when you allowed

a pro per defendant to call D.D.A. Mark Callan to the stand

in a trial he was prosecuting

to be questioned about his father.

♪♪♪

I personally witnessed Trevor Mabbit

making deals with Mexican suppliers,

these shipments of products smuggled

inside deliveries of auto parts

and meeting with distributors.

You were present for these meetings?

I was, and I was present when he ordered a murder.

March 8th of last year. Jose Cortez.

I don't know what his crime was,

but I was there when Mabbit gave the order

to one of his bodyguards.

Cortez was killed that night,

stuffed inside the trunk of his car.

Thank you, Mr. O'Hare. You may step down.

I'm gonna ask you to leave the room.

All right.

I think you'll agree that the threshold

for an indictment on multiple charges

is easily satisfied here. - I have a question.

How do we know he didn't do the murder?

I'm sorry?He could be trying to pin it on somebody else.

You're gonna hand this piece of crap immunity?

We just take his word for it?

I hear your concerns,

but we're here to find probable cause. That's it.

I'll tell you what.

Why don't we take a brief recess?

I will address your concerns, okay?

Just give me a few minutes.

I don't get it. I told them everything.

I'm putting myself on the line here.

- They need to know why. - I told them why.

It was turn on him before he turns on me.And now you have a problem,

because you just admitted to, like,

8 different crimes in there in front of 23 people.

We had a deal.You know how this works, Liam.

No deal, no immunity.Hey, w-wait--

Which means Mabbit stays free and I charge you right now.

- Just a second-- - You need to tell me the truth.

What the hell is going on?

What are you doing this for? Who...

Who are you doing this for?

Moira.

Moira?

Okay. And--And who is she?

My sister.

She O.D.'d last week-- my kid sister.

[ sighs ]

I didn't even know she was using.

So yeah, I did grow a conscience.

Um...

I'm sorry.

Mabbit talks about his customers like they're trash.

When I told him about Moira, the guy didn't blink.

Nothing. She was just another piece...

I know what I've done.

[ sighs ]

And I can't make it right, any of it,

but I can do this for her.

The grand jury needs to hear that.

If they understand you, they will believe you.

♪♪♪

[ children giggling ]

Hi.

On the night in question,

did the individual known as the Wicked Witch

try to set you on fire? - Your Honor, I move

that the court disqualify the witness.

Disqualify on what grounds?

Mental incompetence.

- Your Honor? - Um, yeah. Approach the bench.

This isn't what we talked about.

Judge Watkins, we have video evidence

of Mr. Scarecrow loudly proclaiming

that he has no brain.

If I only had a brain![ laughter ]

Your Honor, Mr. Scarecrow's testimony will establish

that my client was acting in defense.

Maybe the Cowardly Lion could testify,

or maybe he's too afraid to do what's right.

Child: Is she the witch now?

Oh, boy.Child: She's mean.

So let's see. How do I explain this? The law--

Oh! There's no place like home.

There's no place like home.

There's no place like home.[ laughter ]

Oh, dear, my magic slippers appear to be malfunctioning.

We better go see the Wizard about that.

In the meantime, let's all break for lunch.

Court is in recess.

♪♪♪

Ms. Palmer, we worked together

in the D.A.'s office for 10 years. Did we not?

Yes. And during that time, did you ever question

my commitment to our mission?

No, which is why I was so surprised.

You accuse me of bias,

of abusing my position as a judge.

Is that a question, Your Honor? I can't tell.

Based on a handful of rulings which--

Taking my jury on a field trip,

then dismissing jurors midway through trial

to all but guarantee a defense verdict,

raking my expert over the coals,

ridiculing her expertise--

these are abuses of power,

showing a clear bias in favor of the defense.

Ms. Palmer, in the first case--

I think what Ms. Palmer means, Judge Carmichael,

is don't the People have a Constitutional right

to a fair trial, too?

- Of course, Your Honor. - A right that is demolished

when the judge, acting in her role

as the trier of law, guts the evidence put forward

instead of letting the jury decide the facts.

Look at the record.

The People are not challenging the legality of what I did.

All's well that ends well is not a defense.

An anti-law enforcement agenda like hers

can have awful consequences.

- Ms. Palmer. - I'd like to introduce,

as a supplementary exhibit,

a transcript of the sentencing of one Travis Bolson,

along with a coroner's report of Mr. Bolson's death.

Th-This is outside the ambit of the complaint.

It wasn't in the brief.

Judge Laski, this tragic turn of events

happened after I filed my complaint,

or it would have been included. Your Honor--

- I'll allow it. - She set loose a man

who represented a clear danger to himself and others.

I acted well within the scope of my authority.

That's your defense? You did it because you could?

Explain that to Travis Bolson's family--

the mother of his child.

Tell her how the scope of your authority

led to his death.

♪♪♪

Palmer, Driscoll, the others--

they know they don't have a case,

and they're just trying to derail you.

Mission accomplished.

They're just desperate

because they know you're winning.

Except Laski is doing the thing I stand accused of.

He is not listening. He is not weighing the facts.

He has locked arms with the prosecution,

and he is tipping the scales in their favor.

Breathe, Your Honor.

What if they're right?

They're not.

I can get so convinced that I know best.

I even know that about myself.

And still, I can't...

It feels like

you can see everything from up there.

Your Honor...

As a prosecutor, I did the homework.

If I was in court, I knew that person was guilty,

and now I get up there,

and I listen,

and I check... other people's homework...

[ voice breaking ] and I don't always know.

Travis Bolson should be in prison.

He should be alive.

You did nothing wrong.

[ exhales deeply ]

I don't know if I'm built for this.

I have spent a lot of time

in a lot of courtrooms, Your Honor.

And yours is different.

You are different.

And I've come to understand

that we need that so much

because there are a lot of us in that building

who feel pretty different, too.

You are built for this, Your Honor.

And you need to go back in there

and tell them why.

Any news?

No.

So assuming the worst is easier.

[ scoffs ]

How does it feel to be a prosecutor?

Luke, you passed your exam.

- You don't know that. - I do.

I do because I know you... a little,

and I know what you're going through.

You mean feeling like I've made a terrible mistake,

like I should have focused on this job,

put my name in for detective?

Here's what's going on. You think that you failed

because you're afraid you passed.

- Okay, and what does that mean? - It means that, if you fail,

your life doesn't have to change.

If you passed, big-time change.

So really, the fact that you're so convinced

that you blew it is a kind of escapist fantasy

that allows you to avoid thinking

about your new scary future.

How did you know that?

Therapy. And I've been there.

You don't get to go back to Kansas, Luke.

You are going to be a lawyer.

So get on the yellow brick road with the rest of us.

- Yeah. - Mm-hmm.

Yeah, okay, but what if I fail?

Ohh.

No.

Mm.

1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3.

Ha ha! I got you! Okay, let's go.

- Mm! - I have to say I'm impressed.

I mean, I thought the whole thing

was gonna go completely off the rails,

but you saved the day.

I was just trying to keep it fun, happy.

Middle child?

Out of seven. That obvious?

Hmm.

Big family, so I'm used to squabbling.

And now you work in a world where people are paid to argue.

You know, my therapist has brought that up, too.

Your family-- are they all here in L.A.?

No. Life gets in the way, and death gets in the way,

and marriage, moving.

The ones that are left are scattered all over the place.

I think that's why I like throwing parties.

- I miss the noise. - Mm.

Does that make me weird?

No. That's not what makes you weird.

We need to bring this horse back into the barn.

Let's go find out if Dorothy Gale

is going to spend the rest of her life in jail.

Okay. We got an indictment on Trevor Mabbit, multiple counts.

[ cellphone beeps ]

Warren? Mark Callan here.

Yeah, we got the green light.

Okay, I'll send the paperwork over.[ beep ]

We gotta sign some stuff. Let's go back to my office.

You got a clean slate, Liam.

Use it wisely.

And I truly am sorry about your sister.

She's the only family I had.

I thought she'd be around forever.

Let's go.

♪♪♪

Can you cite one instance that would lead you to believe

that justice is not my ultimate goal?

Or do you simply object to the fact

that I go about the pursuit of that justice

in a different way?

Members of the Commission, you have heard a lot

about how I am as a judge. I do things differently,

which is to say I do things differently than you.

And you can ask me questions all day,

but that is the core truth of it--difference.

I look at the world differently because of who I am,

because of how I look, and how the world looks at me.

I am the daughter of a paralegal father

who taught me to love the law

and an activist mother

who taught me to fight for what is right.

In my 10 years as a prosecutor,

I fiercely opposed crime, but I also saw firsthand

why people commit crimes.

I see people

and yes, the law, through a different lens.

It is not a choice. It is not activism.

It is who I am.

And so the question here today

is not "Is Lola Carmichael biased?"

It is not "Did she abuse her power?"

We all know the law.

The question is are you going to respect me enough

to accept our differences?

I look forward to your answer.

♪♪♪

I know, babe. [ sighs ] I know. I know.

It's just, I really wish you were here.

Okay. Yeah. [ chuckles ] I love you, too.

[ sighs ][ knocking ]

Oh, worst day of my professional career,

and my husband is on assignment

three time zones away.

Maybe I should just throw in the towel and join him.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

I just spoke with one of my colleagues at the C.J.P.

Sounds like you made an impression

with your closing.

- For whatever that's worth. - I'm proud of you.

That can't have been easy.

[ cellphones chime and buzz ]

[ knocking ]C.J.P.'s ready.

I'm coming over there with you.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Watch your back, Mr. Callan.

Keep talking, Mabbit. Let's stack some charges.

♪♪♪

Watch your head.

Get in.

♪♪♪

We are back on the record in the inquiry

concerning Judge Lola Carmichael.

After due deliberation,

we have arrived at a conclusion.

Judge Carmichael, please approach.

[ exhales deeply ]

♪♪♪

But before we announce,

I'd like to personally thank each member

of this fine commission for serving alongside me.

[ clears throat ]

Without further ado,

the Commission, by a vote of seven to three,

finds that Judge Carmichael

has not violated any ethical canon.

The complaint is hereby dismissed.

Your Honor, if I may--You may not, Ms. Palmer.

The decision is final.

♪♪♪

Emily: Which witch was it which you saw?

Which witch? The witch.

I'm sorry, Your Honor. Which witch?[ laughter ]

Ma'am, would you please clarify for the court

which witch was which?

[ laughter continues ]

[ doors open ]

Hear ye, hear ye!

All rejoice in the Land of Oz,

for Judge Lola the Good has returned!

♪♪♪

Whew! I am sorry to be late.

I've had the strangest couple of days,

and you were there, and you were there,

and you were there.

And a special thank you to Judge Watkins

for keeping my seat warm while I was gone.

It was an honor, Your Honor.

I'm afraid there has been a big mistake.

This trial should not be happening

because there was no crime.

You see, it was all a dream.

[ children gasp ]

We're free!

[ giggling ]

That's right, and that means

you get to leave and all of you get to go home.

[ children groan ]After all...

there's no place like home.

[ giggling ]

♪♪♪

Hey, you.

Trevor Mabbit--good get.

- Is this for me? - Uh-huh.

Chocolate milk.

They were fresh out of bourbon.

Ah. All right. Let's hear it.

Your dad is wild.

- [ chuckles ] - How'd he end up

with a boy scout like you for a son?

Years of bad parenting and emotional neglect.

Well, for what it's worth,

he spent most of our time asking questions about you.

Like what?

Mm, sorry. Attorney-client privilege.

Hmm.

I spent an hour with him yesterday,

another 45 minutes today.

And? And he thinks you're dumping him on me

and he's never gonna see you again.

That was kinda the plan.

- Really? - But after today,

Vic's the only family I've got,

and he's not gonna be around forever, so...

I guess I'm back in.

Or at least not totally out.

I call the shots, all of them.

Fine by me.

Did he do it?

Don't know yet.

Is Vic Callan the type of man

who would put a bullet in the back of a woman's head?

Pretty hard for me to believe.

Me, too.

You realize there's a very good chance

I could lose.Of course, Amy. I'm not expecting--

Mark, the thing is, I don't want to let you down.

You won't. Whatever happens.

Okay. I'm in.

♪♪♪

Sheri, can you come in here, please?

Your Honor?

Just a small token.

[ sighs ]

Your Honor...

I...

Season tickets to the Pantages?

I remembered how much you like the theater, so...

This is too much.

Don't think twice about it,

as long as you take me to "Hamilton"

when it comes back this spring.

[ exhales deeply ]

[ box clatters ]

Thank you...

Lola.

[ cellphone chimes, buzzes ]

♪♪♪

I used to love coming up here.

You're not the first young judge

who needed someplace to hide.

Still smells the same.

What can I do for you?

Sorry you had to go through all that.

Politics. The whole thing was an embarrassment, really,

frivolous, silly charges.

That's...surprising,

considering

how enthusiastically you participated.

Well, I thought, since we were all there,

might as well put you through your paces.

You did well. Honestly, I could tell you

that you are a fine judge with a razor-sharp legal mind

and a well-tuned sense of compassion,

but coming from me, would you believe it? No.

You needed to stand up there and be challenged

over and over until you could say it

for yourself out loud, for all of us to hear.

Felt good, didn't it?

Actually, it did.

Yeah. You're welcome.

For the record, I still loathe your politics,

and there was one thing we weren't able to address,

and that's why I'm here-- the matter of Travis Bolson.

What about him?

He died.

Yes, he did.

Yes, he did. Want to know why?

You're human.

Our robes do not contain super powers.

We cannot see into people's souls.

We get fooled.

All of us.

Still keeps me up at night.

That is just something you're going to have to get used to.

Merry Christmas, Judge Carmichael.

Good night.

Oh, uh, one more thing.

I know that you have a special relationship

with Lisa Benner.

It's good to have mentors, but, uh,

Lisa--well, sometimes people's pasts

can catch up to them and run them down.

Hazard of public office.

Keep a safe distance.

Oh, my God. It's gorgeous. It--

Judge Benner! You came?

It's a beautiful home.

So you're gonna stay for the party?

Absolutely not.

I don't drink in front of subordinates,

and I don't endorse small talk sober, so...

- Fair enough. - Happy holidays, though.

Happy holidays.Happy holidays.

Have fun.

- Thank you so much. - My pleasure.

Okay, did that just happen,

or am I straight-up hallucinating?

[ bells jingling ]

♪ Dashing through the snow

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh

♪ O'er the fields we go

♪ Laughing all the way

♪ Bells on bobtails ring

♪ Making spirits bright

♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight

♪ Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way

♪ Oh, what fun...

- To Dorothy. - I'll drink to that.

♪♪♪

What an insane day.

I was really hard on you about Judge Carmichael.

No harm, no foul. All worked out.

Oh, I took another look at your case.

We should talk plea deals

that involve treatment programs.

Really? That's so... Thank you.

Should've done it from the start.

Sara: Look who's here.

Your friend just arrived.

Sara: Luke!

- I...[ chuckles ] - Hi.

- Hey. - How do you--

Does everyone know Luke and I are whatever?

Not everyone. Just anyone with eyes and ears

and a decent understanding of social cues.

Uh-huh.

♪♪♪

[ chuckles ]

[ Sherri continues singing ]

- [ whispers ] Wow. - Oh!

You look great.

Thank you. I was worried you wouldn't show.

Does this mean you passed?

I didn't just pass. I aced all my exams.

Law school is done.

- Amazing! - Mm-hmm.

This calls for a toast.

Uh, I probably shouldn't. I gotta drive.

You don't have to.

Drive, I mean, if you don't want.

You could spend the night.

Are you...

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

But if I'm still here

when things are wrapping up, won't people--Yeah.

[ ice rattles ]But who cares?

Well, in that case...

♪♪♪

We should hit the dance floor.

Bold choice.

I like it.

[ giggles ]

[ jazz instrumental version of "Deck the Halls" playing ]

All rise!

- Hey! - Hey, hey!

- I'm so glad you made it. - Cheers, counselor.

Here. This is for you ladies.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Sir. I want to hear about that test.

Mm-hmm.

You made it.

I did. I did.

Oh, God. Why do I forget

how much I hate crowded parties

until I'm at one?

Shall we take this to the VIP section?

Yes, please.

- Uh-huh. - Okay.

Judge Benner? Any idea what Laski meant?

Nope, and I don't want to think about it right now.

You won today. You don't have to think about it.

Sure, but this was a message loud and clear.

Politics matter.

So I can't hide in my chambers anymore.

I have to shake some hands,

spend time with the other judges,

play the game. Fun stuff.

[ whispers ] Yeah! - You can handle it.

I know. Enough about me. Where's Ria?

She should be here by now.

She, um...She dumped me

a few hours ago over the phone.

She has a shoot in London for six weeks,

wanted to make a clean break.

Really?

And you made me learn her name.

Too soon.

I'm sorry, Mark.

Okay, it's kinda funny.

Ria told me she actually left me

two days before she went to London,

cleaned out her closet, the bathroom.

[ whispers ] I didn't even notice.

[ normal voice ] You know what that says about me?

That your father's being charged with murder, Mark.

What isgoing on with Vic?

Hired Amy Quinn.

- Mm. - Amy's the right lawyer.

She's a good fit for him. I'll keep an eye on her.

I bet you will.

[ sighs ]

You can't be involved, Mark.

I know. I'll toe the line, but...

You're worried about him.

I am. It's...weird.

No, it's not. He's your father.

And he is going to be okay.

You can handle this. You always do.

Well, I learned from the best.

[ chuckles ]

How about a toast to the new year?

To the new year. [ sighs ]

May we stay strong enough to stand and face

whatever challenges it may hold.

Cheers to that.

Bring it on.

Sherri in distance: Hey, you guys!

Merry Christmas!