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[children chattering]

Check, guys.

Pssh. Not my type.

♪ Yo, dude ♪

♪ I'mma play a new one ♪

♪ And I hope to see Jen ♪

♪ Little players get fucked in here ♪

♪ It's going to get down ♪

[bottles clack]

♪ We're talking that loud ♪

♪ We're talking that loud ♪

[man moans]

-[in Spanish] -[in Spanish]

Bye.

-You're home early. -Yeah.

And aren't you supposed to be doing some homework?

Yes, I did some.

Mm-hmm.

-And the kids? -Tia went to bed early

and David's down at his friend Anthony's.

-What? -He went downstairs.

Oh, Sheila, I told you

not to let the kids out of this house.

He said you said it was all right.

-No! -I'm sorry.

-What do you want? -Where is David?

David ain't in here.

Don't talk crap to me, Anthony.

I told you, he ain't here.

Hey, get off me. You ain't my momma.

Where is your momma?

Fine, I'm calling the cops.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Cool. Cool.

Yo, David.

Hey, come on, son. Come on.

Let's go, go home to mommy, son.

-Go to mommy. -You gotta be kidding me.

-You got to be kidding. -And don't come back, neither.

How many times I got to tell you, David.

I just went down there for a few minutes, chill.

-Chill? -Don't you be smacking me.

-I'm not a little kid. -You are a kid.

-Have you been drinking? -Keep your hands off me.

...because I smelled it in the party there.

Don't run from me, David.

Let go of me. [yells out]

Oh!

Oh, my, God, David.

Oh, my, God, David. Are you okay?

-[Tia] Are you okay, David? -I'm fine.

-[speaking Spanish] -Sheila, shut the door and go.

Tia, get Mommy a wet cloth and a Band-Aid box. Run.

Does it hurt?

It just-- It just stings a little.

Thank you, baby.

Oh, my, God.

Oh, it's just a small cut.

It missed your eye by a few inches.

It's fine.

Listen to me, David.

That Anthony and his friends are poison.

Next time, I'm gonna call the cops on his mother.

-No. No. -Yes. You had no business

-being down there, baby. -No, Mommy. No.

Mom, please.

David going to the hospital?

No.

You see? You see? It stopped.

The bleeding has stopped.

Don't touch it, please. Don't touch.

-Good. Okay. -You go back to bed now, okay?

-I'll be there soon. Go. -Love you, Mom.

I love you too.

I'm gonna put a Band-Aid

and everything is gonna be okay.

Oh, David.

I love you.

[man] Welcome home to our empty nest.

Don't remind me.

I'm calling. Pick your poison.

Moo shu, please.

Moo shu for two.

[answer machine] Tuesday, 2:51 p.m.

[woman] Hey, Sis.

I hope everything went smoothly

getting Elliot off to college.

I want you to know that Dad called.

He fell and hurt his shoulder this afternoon,

so I'm taking him to the doctor in the morning.

-Call me. -Ugh. Just shot me.

[woman #2] And everyone is asking themselves,

how did this happen?

How did five-year-old,

Sofia Martinez starved to death

in her very own home?

Apparently, all of the doors in the apartment were locked.

Neighbors say the little girl's mother

had lost custody of the child over a year ago

but the girl had been reunited

with her recently after she was released

from a drug rehabilitation program.

Police are now searching for the mother.

Oh, I am beyond beat. Aren't you exhausted?

To put it mildly but I'm also wired.

Well, I've got that early flight to Boston.

That deal still isn't done yet?

Hopefully tomorrow.

Would you mind reading in the other room?

Oh, no, not at all.

-Kiss me. -Oh.

All right.

[man] Martha?

-Honey? -Oh, gosh.

I can't believe I fell asleep in here, Jesus.

Listen, I got to get to the airport.

Oh, what time is it?

7:00 a.m. I wasn't sure when you were seeing your dad.

No, no, no. I'm glad you woke me up.

Are you okay?

Elliot is not gone for good, honey.

I know, and I hate it when you call me honey.

I've always called you honey.

I know and I've always hated it.

Okay.

Look, I know it's weird with him gone.

It's not weird. It's just sad.

I think it would be sad

if he didn't wanna go to college.

Jason, let me process this in my own way.

You can't put words to what I'm feeling right now.

Okay.

I'll see you tonight.

Have a good trip.

I wanna make it to Dante's soccer game today

but Manny's got a Parent-Teacher conference.

Oh, I didn't know that was today.

-What time is the soccer game? -4:00 p.m.

I'll never make that. I'm in the field today.

Yeah, he knows.

This is one of my cases.

Jesus.

Why didn't you say something?

I had no idea it was gonna get this kind of attention.

-What happened? -Oh, believe me.

Nothing you wanna hear about first thing in the morning.

Don't worry about it.

I gotta go and you better get your ass moving too.

-Ow! -[toy squealing]

Do you think Manny could ever

pick up one of his toys?

[bell ringing]

[woman] All right. Let's quiet down.

Take out your journals.

I want you to begin today

by doing an entry

about our trip to the museum tomorrow.

I wanna know specifically which exhibit

that you are going--

David, wake up.

Did you forget to sleep last night?

Take out your journal and listen up.

[woman #2] And how did you get these marks

on your arms?

I don't know.

It seems very odd, David, that you wouldn't know

how you got these bruises.

I fell. Can I go back to class now?

I'd like you to stay here a while and rest.

Okay?

Go on.

Get him to a doctor. I'm gonna call ACS.

Well, hello.

You must be Tia.

You come and sit right over here.

Thank you.

Would you like some juice?

Yes, please.

Good.

Did I do something wrong?

No, sweetheart.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Mr. Sanjuro here just wants to ask you a few questions.

Hi, Tia.

-Hi. -How are you?

I'm very pleased to meet you.

I'm gonna ask you a few questions, okay?

What's your favorite color?

-Purple. -Purple?

And what's your favorite kind of juice?

Apple.

Mm-hmm.

Did something happen at your house last night?

[in Spanish]

Come dancing with me tonight.

Who goes dancing on a week night?

-Mr. Christian! -Sara.

Wow.

You look really handsome today.

Jackie, you're so full of shit.

Sara, there's someone here to see you.

-Me? -It's something about

your kid.

Come on.

What? You never had a fight with your kids?

-Did you hit David? -My son was acting up.

Yeah, maybe I smacked him on the bottom

but no, I did not hit him.

Did you grab him or shake him?

Oh, my, God. I'm getting mad.

You come here.

You embarrass me at work

because I disciplined my boy?

How did David got the cut on his face?

He fell!

He tripped and hit the coffee table.

Oh, my, God, do you think I did that to him?

I will never do that to one of my kids.

Your son is in the hospital now.

He-- He's in-- He's in the hospital now?

What hospital? Why? Why is he in the hospital?

-It's okay. Calm down. -Don't tell me to calm down!

Where is my boy?

[speaking Spanish]

Hey.

I'm here now.

I think we got a problem.

I can't get a take on the mother.

She gets an okay report at work.

Her daughter was vague about what happened.

The neighbor had some scary stories

but he stunk of drink.

But she does show signs of a nasty temper.

I'm just afraid she might

blame the boy for all of this now.

My gut says it might be wise

to place the kids with a relative overnight

until we can do a complete background check

and evaluate the situation.

Better safe than sorry.

-Lord, you scared me. -Where is David?

I'm sorry, let me call you back.

[speaking Spanish]

I don't speak Spanish. And you are?

I'm Sara Diaz, David's mother.

-Sit down, Sara. -No, I don't wanna sit down.

-Where is he? -Settle down, Sara.

I'm on your side.

Here,

read this.

There'll be one of these at your apartment.

They took Tia, too?

What the hell? I didn't do nothing.

-Go down to the courthouse. -They must be so scared.

Go down there. They'll help you.

Hey, what's going on? Where have you been?

[in Spanish]

-Who took your kids away? -I don't know. The court.

Some mix-up about a cut in David's eye.

Ay, niña.

Did you get your problem sorted out, Sara?

[siren blaring]

[woman] Sofia Martinez's mother

was found last night

at a crack den in The Bronx

and immediately taken into police custody.

Sources tell me that Rosie Martinez

has told authorities--

Believe the girl's biological mother

was caring for Sofia...

-Hey. -Oh, Martha!

Hey.

Oh. It's been ages. Hey.

What brings you to this part of town?

I thought Park Avenue lawyers

didn't have to come south of 42nd Street?

Oh, I know it's hard for you to believe,

but I actually have to be in courtroom today.

Oh, well, that will keep you humble.

-I miss you. -Huh.

We have to get together with our spouses for dinner.

-It's been way too long. -Yeah, I would love that.

-Have you been okay? -Yeah, things are fantastic.

-Okay. -I'm gonna email you.

-Sure. Okay. Yup. -Bye.

[man] Next. Let's go.

Excuse me.

How are you?

-Sorry I'm late. -So am I. You're on.

-What? -Ruthie's sick.

She's gonna be out for a couple of days

and I have two people on vacation.

You'll do intake. The files are on your desk.

I've never done that before.

You passed the bar. You've watched Ruthie.

You gotta start some time.

Good morning.

Did I miss the kaffeeklatsch?

We're talking about the Martinez case.

It was mine.

Oh, I didn't know. I was away yesterday.

I'm so sorry.

I released the child back

to the mother three months ago.

She was clean.

I'm sure you did the right thing

-in the case, Mark. -That's what we always say.

Well, we always say because it's true.

It's ACS's job to monitor.

Yeah.

I better get in there.

[Martha]

Good morning.

Ugh.

Let the games begin.

Sara Diaz.

Hi, Alexandra Fisher,

I'm gonna be your lawyer today.

Okay. Let's see what we have.

So, your children were removed

-from your home due to-- -Sara Diaz.

You got to be kidding me.

[man] Case number one on the calendar

in the matter of Sara Diaz.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the truth?

Yes.

Please sit.

Good morning, Ms. Diaz.

Good morning.

And this is your attorney?

-Yes, Your Honor. -And you would be?

Alexandra Fisher, Your Honor.

I'm from the 18B office.

A fresh new face in the halls of justice.

Lovely to meet you.

You could sit.

Now, Ms. Diaz, you are aware of the claims

being brought against you today?

Yes and I'm not guilty of anything, ma'am.

This is not a trial, Ms. Diaz.

This is just an intake procedure

to put forth a claim

from the agency for children services.

I didn't do anything to my boy.

You'll be able to tell your side of the story

in a stand of court procedure, okay?

I just want them home today.

I certainly understand that and we will do what we can

to make that happen.

Mr. Sanjuro, where are the children now?

They're in the custody of ACS, Your Honor.

All right.

Ms. Diaz, who is the children's father?

He's dead.

I'm sorry.

So, you have no relatives

to place the children with?

No, well, my mother doesn't live in this country.

I don't understand why my children

were taken from me.

Well, there have been allegations

-of you striking your son. -Well, I didn't.

My children have been kidnapped.

They must be very scared.

-I want them home today. -Hold on, Ms. Diaz.

The court takes these charges very seriously.

Ms. Fisher, you might wanna help

-your client out here? -Yes, I'm sorry, Your Honor.

I was assigned to Ms. Diaz

seconds before we were called in,

-so I haven't had a chance-- -I understand.

Ms. Diaz, have you seen your children

-since they were taken? -No.

-Mr. Denholz, why is that? -[Denholz clears throat]

Your Honor, by the time the school reported

David's condition, it was too late

to file a petition.

So, they kept him overnight for observation

in Atlantic Hospital.

-He suffered a concussion-- -[Sara] A concussion?

Nobody told me he had a concussion.

It seems to be minor.

-Where's the boy now? -Now, he's back in school

-with her sister. -Back in school

with a concussion?

-Is that wise? Yes. -If I may, Your Honor?

The doctor felt that if David woke up

and had no complaints, he'd be fine to attend school.

Has the agency had any of other previous contact

with the respondent?

No, Your Honor, but ACS does not recommend

the return of children without a formal hearing.

And Ms. Diaz,

you have the right to ask for a hearing

to determine whether you pose

an imminent risk to your children.

Would you like to request that now?

-I guess. -No, you can't guess.

-We need a yes or a no. -Yes.

Are you saying I can't get them back now?

I'm sorry, Ms. Diaz.

I will arrange for you to see

your children today and every day thereafter

-until the hearing, all right? -No, no, no, no,

-it's not all right. -Ms. Diaz,

the court does not like to take children away

from their parents.

Now, you could spend as much time

with them as you like.

Please note that, Mr. Denholz.

[Denholz] Your Honor, if I may?

The agency would also like to request

that these visitations be monitored.

The children are 11 and eight,

Ms. Diaz has had no prior record

with her agency.

Your Honor, I think that it will be prudent

to exercise caution here.

Do you have a job, Ms. Diaz?

-Ms. Diaz? -Yes, ma'am.

All right, let's get our books out, shall we?

What's good for you, morning or afternoon,

Ms. Diaz?

Well, I don't know. It doesn't matter.

I'll have to take time off.

All right.

What about 3:00 p.m. on Monday?

I have an opening in my docket.

That way, I can hear the case

and that should speed things along.

[Denholz] Your Honor,

we'd ask that the respondent

-submit to a drug test today. -Why?

We make this request, Your Honor,

in the interest of time with the weekend

-coming up-- -All right.

Ms. Diaz, you're being asked to submit

to a standard test for drugs.

Now, this is something you do not have to do,

but your attorney might recommend it.

Also, in family court, your children

get their own legal representatives,

so someone from legal aid will meet with David and Tia.

Now, if there's nothing else,

I'll see you on Monday.

Clear the court.

How was the college, Judge?

-Joe, it was very white. -[laughs]

Did Elliot like his roommate?

He seemed like it, you know.

He's from California.

His mother dresses like Malibu Barbie.

Wearing spandex at 50.

All right, we'll get to the next case.

Please come in. Have a seat.

I'm fine.

Okay.

We'll only have a few minutes now,

so we should plan again together either later today

or first thing Monday morning.

You're my lawyer?

-Yes. -You don't look old enough

to be a lawyer.

Is that why I don't have to pay you?

No.

I'm actually a graduate of the law.

Do you think this is funny?

I don't care where you went to school.

I just want my kids back.

Yes, I understand.

Now, this issue of the drug test.

-What is that? -Just a urine sample,

make sure you're not on heroin or crack.

My God, no. I'm not an addict, of course.

Okay. Then I would just take the test.

-Okay. -Now, have you ever been

-convicted of a crime? -No.

[knocking on door]

-They need you back inside. -I have to run.

Well, when do I see my kids?

If you can just hang around for a little bit,

I can have that information to you by lunch.

It's nice working with you.

What's your name?

Oh, sorry. Alexandra Fisher.

Call me Ally.

And do you know my name?

Ms. Diaz,

Sara.

I'll see you later, Sara.

Did you talk to them?

Yeah.

-Why? -Because I had to.

-What did you say? -I didn't say nothing.

Well, you had to have said something.

Stop blaming, David.

You're the reason we're here!

[woman] Tia,

David?

-Mommy. -Hi, baby.

-Mommy. -Hi, baby.

Hi, hey, you don't have a hug for me?

Come on!

Hi, my big boy.

-Mommy, look at the toys. -Let's see them.

They're so beautiful.

Hey, Davey,

how are you feeling?

-Does it hurt? -I'm okay.

They said I have a concussion,

but I'm fine.

Why didn't you say something?

Why did you go to school feeling sick?

I felt okay when I woke up.

-Did I do something wrong? -No, no.

It's just...

It's just a big misunderstanding.

Have you guys been eating?

Well, they have chicken fingers.

Those are your favorite.

Yeah, I guess.

Have you been eating, Davey?

You eat something on every meal, you hear me?

Yes.

Can we go home now?

No, Tia.

They say you have to stay here a couple more nights.

-I don't want to. -I know.

I don't want it either.

I'll get everything fixed on Monday

and then you'll be home like always.

-But I wanna come home now. -No, Tia, no tears.

We gotta be strong here because there's nothing

we can do about it.

You'll be good.

Davey, you stay with her.

You take care of your sister.

They've been asking me all kinds of questions.

-I bet they have. -What should I say?

Baby, tell them the truth.

Tell them you wanna come home with me.

[woman] Mrs. Diaz,

we need to get Tia and David

to dinner now.

But I just got here.

It's time.

Put away your toys.

Boys, follow me.

We'll meet you at the door.

Some kind of adventure you're having, huh?

I don't want an adventure.

[woman] So, is Elliot loving school?

[Martha] Oh, well, so far so good.

We'll see how it goes.

I bet you cried your eyes out

with your only one going off to college.

-Well... -She did.

You did.

I was a wreck when Sally went off.

But you still have Caroline at home.

[man] Mm-mm.

No, she's at Milton this year.

-Really? -Yeah.

Boy, we have been out of touch.

Well, here's to an empty nest.

-Hmm, yes. -[all] Cheers.

Your cosmo matches your beautiful dress.

Oh, I guess.

-Drew. -[Drew] Hmm?

Catch us up on corporate law.

You don't miss working in corporate law,

do you, Martha?

No, but I do miss the money.

That is so funny. So do I.

What a coincidence.

You know what, I think we should order

for the table because if I drink too many

of these cosmos, I'm gonna be on the floor.

I love the lamp here.

-Lamp? -Lamb!

She's having a lamp?

Lamb.

-They can't blame you, Luis. -That's how it works.

But you weren't the only one on the case.

But I was in charge.

We're the one whose heads are gonna roll.

There's plenty of blame to go around.

Or the mother, where was she then?

I can't remember very much.

You know how many cases I'm in charge of?

I'm sorry.

I mean, the apartment was in order.

The kitchen was full of food.

Dante, please

stop biting or we're going home.

[woman] Luis.

Luis,

we wanna go get ice cream now.

Okay. I... I really have to get back to work.

Jesus, Luis, we just got here.

I know.

We never get to see you anymore.

I have to prepare for the hearing

and they're gonna grill me.

I'm sorry.

It's gonna be all right.

[speaking Spanish]

Come here. Bye-bye.

Listen to Mama, okay?

Be good, behave.

[woman] Hi.

Good to see you.

Aunt Ally!

Emily!

Oh, it's so good to see you.

Come see what I made.

-Hey, Sis. -Come on.

What'd you make?

I made the place cards.

You did not? Those are so cool.

-There you are, darling. -Hi, Mom.

You're a little casually dressed.

-It's Sunday brunch. -You know Grandma.

She still thinks she's in an Edith Wharton novel.

I know she does.

[Emily] Can I go up to the den?

Of course you can, sweetheart.

Just make sure you go with your daddy, okay?

Come on, we got to be quick.

Brunch is gonna be ready soon.

Your grandmother is really happy

you're able to join us.

Sweetie, you okay? You look a little tired.

I'm fine.

Just had a long night.

Maybe it'll help you remember the names of them.

Ah, there's my girl.

-Hello, Al. -Hi, Dad.

Happy birthday, Gram.

Oh, thank you, dear.

I'm so glad you could make it.

You know, our birthday's only good for one thing

at this stage.

It's a great excuse to bring everyone together.

-There are the Roths. -Oh, wonderful.

Where's Adele?

Go take their coats, will you, dear?

Of course, Mother.

I do everything you ever tell me to do.

No, you don't, but you should.

Come, sit.

Talk to me.

I never get to see you.

Well, you're seeing me now.

Well, we could have a meal together, you know.

Just the two of us.

Okay.

I've been really busy.

Mm-hmm.

I'm glad that you didn't go into the firm

right from school.

I thought that's what

you would've wanted me to do, no?

No, I like the fact

that you're doing something good

for the world.

Thank you.

It's been a challenge for sure.

Hmm, I'll bet.

They're probably paying you a song.

That's what trust funds are for, I suppose.

Aren't you glad your grandfather

thought of that?

Yeah.

Thank you for coming today.

It means a lot.

Of course.

Whatever happened to that young man

-you were dating? -Oh, I'm not sure.

That was over at the end of law school, so.

Oh.

Are you seeing anyone now?

No. Not at the moment.

Well, don't let too much time pass.

I'm 25.

Of course.

Just don't be lonely, that's all I meant.

You know what, if I get too lonely,

there's always the bar at the end of my block.

Hmm.

I think you want me to change the subject,

so I shall.

Well, it looks like everybody's here.

Would you go round up the folks into the den?

Yes, gladly.

[man chattering]

...but the giraffe was going,

"Oh, no, I thought the elephants were,

but the elephants don't socialize.

-I think"-- -It's time to eat.

Not the elephants.

But I wanna finish the story.

Go downstairs, Emily.

-But we're on the middle-- -Come on. Come on.

But we're in the middle of the story.

It's time to eat, I don't care,

don't argue with me, go.

Mommy!

I don't wanna see you alone with that child again,

-you got me? -I resent your implication.

You are in no position to resent anything.

You have an active imagination.

We know this has nothing to do

with my imagination.

Is everything all right?

I don't know, is everything all right, Uncle Frank?

Everything's fine.

What was that all about?

Nothing, just go downstairs and eat.

I just need a minute, okay?

Elaine Dunbar of the Legal Aid Society

for David and Tia Diaz.

Luis Sanjuro for the Agency for Children Services.

Keith Denholz for the Corporation Council.

Alexandra Fisher for the respondent.

[Joe] Ms. Diaz, would you please

state your name for the record?

I'm Sara Diaz,

for my kids.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the truth?

-Yes. -[Martha] Thank you.

Now you may sit.

We are here today to determine

whether Ms. Diaz poses an imminent risk

to her children, first Ms. Diaz,

have you seen your children?

Yes, ma'am, every day.

Good.

And how did you find the children?

David seems to be on the mend,

the children were very pleased to see their mother

and they're very anxious to be returned home.

Very good. Mr. Sanjuro?

Yes, the children do want to return home

but Your Honor, I would like to draw

your attention to this report here.

As you will see, Ms. Diaz

did take a voluntary drug test

but the results indicate

signs of marijuana use and PCP.

-What? -Your Honor,

we would also like to have a copy

of those results?

I'm sorry, this just came in now.

-Yeah, I'm sure it did. -All right.

Go on, Mr. Denholz.

Furthermore, Your Honor,

the respondent has a criminal record

in regards to drug trafficking.

That was over six years ago, and the charges were dropped.

[Martha] Ms. Diaz, you'll have an opportunity to respond.

Indeed it would've been nice to have had this

in advance, Mr. Denholz.

Well, I'm sorry, Your Honor,

over the lack of intakes and--

-Ms. Fisher. -Your Honor, as you know,

we have just received these materials--

-They're nonsense, Your Honor. -No, they are not nonsense,

Ms. Diaz, and I'm reluctant to return children

to a parent who's using drugs.

What? No, no, no,

I just had a couple of puffs on a joint.

I didn't know it had anything in it.

And she told me the drug test

was gonna be for heroin or crack

-and of course I'm-- -Hold on, Ms. Diaz,

this is a conversation you should be having

with your attorney in private.

Your Honor, if I can just have

-a second with my client. -I trust you understand

how many cases we have backed up today.

I do, I do.

Please, let me handle this.

You're doing more harm than good.

Why didn't you tell me they were testing

-for marijuana? -We can discuss that later,

just please let me handle this.

I want my kids home, tonight.

Don't lose your cool, okay?

The judge is starting to turn on you.

Your Honor, at first glance,

this drug test only indicates minor traces

of both marijuana and PCP,

certainly nothing that indicates long-term use.

The arrest record is almost a decade old

and the conviction was overturned.

As you know, my client has no history with ACS,

and the children's attorney testified

that David and Tia want to return home.

I see no reason why their wish shouldn't be

granted at this time.

Mr. Denholz?

Judge,

we have a boy here who suffered

from facial lacerations and a concussion,

all indications

are that it was caused by the mother.

That, in conjunction with the original report

from the neighbor,

plus the medical information

documenting the child's injuries,

we feel that it is prudent

that we keep custody of the children

until we do a more extensive background check.

No, my kids wants to come home!

I'm not an addict, I'm a good mother.

[Martha] Sit down, Ms. Diaz.

Why do you keep calling me miss?

In my courtroom, I address everyone

by their last name, now sit down!

Ms. Fisher, if your client has one outburst,

I will remove her.

I'm losing patience.

I understand, Your Honor.

Ms. Dunbar, what is your position

-on this issue? -Your Honor,

perhaps the children may be returned home

with supervision.

Mr. Sanjuro, can the children

be returned home with supervision?

That will take our office a few days to organize.

Now,

would the respondent character speak?

Ms. Diaz.

I got arrested when I was young

for doing something stupid, I was completely set up.

I'm a good mother.

I got a job, I'm not on welfare.

I had an argument with my kid

because I was afraid he was doing drugs,

he disobeyed me

and was hanging out with the wrong crowd.

I was just trying to discipline him

and maybe things got a little bit out of hand,

-I would not-- -What do you mean when you say

got a little out of hand?

Well, I lost my temper with my boy

but that concussion was an accident.

An accident that resulted

from an argument with you, correct?

Yeah, maybe.

Ms. Diaz, excuse me,

but that is how I will address you.

Would you say that you have a temper?

Yeah, I suppose.

Sometimes.

Yeah, I suppose sometimes, too.

Now, I very much want David and Tia to return home.

Mr. Sanjuro,

can you arrange for supervision

for the Diaz household, A.S.A.P?

Ms. Diaz,

I would like you to start anger management counseling.

Would you be open to that?

-I guess. -You guess?

Look, I work long hours as it is

and I just want to see my kids every day.

Understood.

Mr. Sanjuro can work with you

to find the time.

I really think it could be useful, Ms. Diaz.

Okay.

So...

can I get the kids back now?

It'll take at least two days

before supervision can be organized.

[sobbing]

Don't touch me.

[Denholz] Your Honor-- Your Honor,

I'm sorry,

ACS is not allowed by law to care

for the children for more than five nights.

[Martha] Let's see, the children

-have been there for-- -This is the fifth night.

Wouldn't it make sense to keep them there

until home supervision is arranged in two days?

These are the guidelines.

Are you sure the supervision could not be

-sped along? -Your Honor,

-we are so understaff-- -Understaff, okay.

Ms. Diaz, are you sure there's no family

in the area?

No, ma'am.

Mr. Sanjuro, please see if you can arrange

short-term foster care for the children?

Please keep them as close to home and school

as possible and make certain

that Ms. Diaz has full-time access.

Now, everyone take out your books.

Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.,

-any objections? -Your Honor, I have

a departmental hearing that day.

The Martinez case.

Okay.

What about next Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.?

Hopefully, we can formalize

David and Tia's return home

and there will be nothing but smiles

at the end of the session.

Thank you.

You're a lousy lawyer.

If you had just sat there quietly

-and let me do my job-- -Well, it's hard

to sit quietly when they're saying

lies about you,

when they're trying to take your kids away.

You don't have any kids, right?

Right.

Why didn't you tell me you were arrested?

Why didn't you tell me they were testing for pot?

I can't help you if you don't

tell me these things.

Okay? I need to know about you, Sara.

You're just a little rich girl.

You'll never know me.

And I want another lawyer.

We can get you another lawyer

but I think that would be making a big mistake.

I'm living a big mistake.

I want another lawyer.

Fine.

We'll get you another lawyer.

Well, this is all very mysterious.

Sorry.

I didn't know where else to do this.

You look terrible.

What's going on?

Nancy's having an affair.

Oh, Lord.

You're kidding.

-No. -I'm sorry, Drew.

Yeah, so am I.

Well, does this mean the end of the marriage?

Yeah, I think so.

Don't be rash.

She wouldn't be the first spouse

in the world to fool around.

-Martha. -For me--

Nancy is having an affair with Jason.

Did you hear me?

Your husband is screwing my wife.

That's ridiculous.

They're together in Boston,

today.

[door closes]

Oh, hey.

Hello.

I missed the earlier shuttle.

I didn't call.

I thought you were gonna be

with your sister tonight?

Yeah, I was.

How was your trip?

Okay, anything to eat in the kitchen?

Didn't you and Nancy get dinner?

-How did you-- -Drew.

Poor guy is devastated.

Nancy shouldn't have forgotten her cell phone,

I would have thought she would've covered

her tracks better, but then again,

she's always been cunning in sport.

Well,

say something.

I didn't--

I didn't expect this to happen.

I would never wanna hurt you.

Please spare me that speech.

Your clothes, or at least what's left of them,

are in the bedroom.

-Can we talk about this? -No.

I'll be back in an hour and I want you gone.

I want you out of this house.

-Martha. -Call Nancy.

I'm sure Drew is throwing her out tonight, too.

-Martha, wait a second. -Prick.

You couldn't pick someone out of my secretary,

you have to screw one of my oldest friends' wives?

Is it a white bitch what turns you on?

Is that what you really want?

You would do this to me?

You make me sick.

You're a spineless fraud and you disgust me.

[door closes]

Hey.

You live in here these days or what?

Feels like it.

Mrs. Barnes said she'll call you

when they assign you another lawyer.

Yeah, well, she said that three days ago.

How are your kids doing?

They're staying with some old lady now.

She seems nice enough but there's, like, six kids

in that house and I just don't like

the look of some of them.

Really? There shouldn't be that many kids there.

Someone should notify ACS about that, okay?

Yeah.

I'm gonna get back to work.

Are you happy now?

What?

Yeah, happy that I'm sitting here

with no lawyer?

Seriously? Are you-- No.

No, that doesn't make me happy.

When I start something, I like to finish it.

Do you wanna go into the office

and try to get your kids back?

You're saying you're gonna work

for me again?

No, Sara, I'm not saying I'm gonna work for you.

I'm gonna work with you.

Has ACS made the necessary arrangements

for supervision?

[Denholz] Yes, we have, Your Honor.

But our office has received some new information

we'd like to share with the court.

Mr. Denholz, you have a habit

of introducing new information

at the 11th hour and I don't like it.

I know. I apologize, Your Honor.

It will never--

Ms. Diaz,

did you tell this court that David and Tia's father

was dead?

-Yes. -Well,

according to this paperwork,

the children's father, Shawn Monroe,

is very much alive and incarcerated

at Buffalo State Penitentiary.

Now, Ms. Diaz,

you do understand that there are penalties

for not telling the truth in the court of law.

Yes, and I'm sorry,

I was told he was dead years ago.

When was the last time the children saw their father?

I don't know, they were very little

when he went to prison.

Mr. Sanjuro, have the children

ever made mention of the father?

They believe he's dead, Your Honor.

[chattering]

Well, Ms. Diaz,

until we consult with the father,

we can't make any determination

on their custody.

No, but he's in prison. He's a criminal.

He was never interested in them.

Please control your temper, Ms. Diaz.

It doesn't matter if I control my temper or not,

you're still gonna keep my kids from me.

I will not give you another warning.

-[Ally] Take a deep breath. -Mr. Denholz,

when you make contact with the children's father,

can you please share your findings

with the court immediately?

The respondent and her counsel would be grateful

to have that information prior

to our next court hearing, Your Honor.

Due noted, Ms. Fisher,

along with your sarcastic tone.

And will you two please stop the chattering?

It looks like someone else could use

-a little anger management. -That's it.

Officer, please escort Ms. Diaz

-from the courtroom. -No, it's fine.

I'm leaving. I'm invisible here.

Wait for your counsel outside.

[speaking Spanish]

As soon as I get the report on the children's father,

I will contact you to arrange

for the next court appearance.

And Ms. Fisher,

perhaps, next time you can troubleshoot information

from your client.

I don't like these surprises.

Neither do I, Your Honor.

[muffled chatter]

[David] What's wrong with you?

[Tia] Come on, David.

Hey!

David, stop it.

David, no more.

-He's the jerk. -Stop it, David!

-Where's Ms. Cheney? -She's right here!

Sara.

You're early today.

The children just got home.

Where have you been?

I had to get some milk.

I was just gone a minute.

I didn't have a chance to call,

but I told the kids I was gonna take them

for some dinner and ice cream tonight.

The ACS people told you that, right?

You know, a little something special for them.

-No, I don't remember any-- -Well, maybe they called

when you were out getting your milk.

We won't be long, I promise.

Let me check my messages.

Okay.

Just go get your clothes and backpack.

And Tia, go get Mr. Blacky.

-Why? -Please just do it, okay? Go.

Come on. Go, go, go, go, go.

-I'm coming. -Okay.

[David] Where are we going again?

Hartford.

Why are we going to Hartford?

Because it was the next bus that was leaving.

Where is Hartford?

I don't know.

What about school tomorrow?

You're getting a vacation.

Yes.

-Sit down. -Vacation from school.

Put your seatbelt, please.

You see?

Isn't this just like old times?

Yeah. Mm, have a little smog for old times.

This is cozy.

Denise, you did a great job

setting this up for Dad.

-Thank you. -[man] I miss the old place.

Oh, we know, Daddy.

It's natural. I miss it, too.

But you know what, you were really smart to move in

-to something smaller. -Look, you are starting

a new life.

And the old house

was a constant reminder of Mom.

What are you talking about?

I'm gonna miss your mother wherever I am.

That is not what I meant and you know it.

Okay. Okay.

Denise, you make the best green beans.

-Thank you, Martha. -Mm-hmm.

Where's Jason tonight?

I was afraid you'd ask that.

Jason and I have separated.

-You're joking. -Why?

He was fooling around with the wife

of a good friend of mine.

When did all this happen?

A couple of weeks ago.

And he left you?

No, I kicked him out.

-Good. -Good? What's good about it?

Excuse me?

Nothing.

[Denise] I never would have guessed

that he'd do something like that.

Did you tell Elliot?

Not yet.

We will, once I calm down.

Talk it out with Jason first.

Talk what out?

He made a mistake.

Men think with their penis.

A woman your age, you don't wanna end up alone.

Yes, I'd rather be alone.

How am I supposed to trust him again?

Just don't shut the door. That's all I'm saying.

Denise will tell you.

After a certain age,

you don't always get a second chance.

Are you kidding me?

You're my father and this is the advice

you give me?

-Jesus. -Martha.

Hmm, Martha. Martha?

[Sara] Why aren't you asleep?

What are you drinking?

Wine cooler.

Hey.

What do you think you're doing?

You shouldn't drink.

You're taking care of me now?

I don't want us getting in any more trouble, Ma.

I know.

Okay.

You go back to bed.

I don't want you to worry anymore.

One day, this will all be over.

I promise.

[ringing]

What the hell?

-Hello? -[Sara] Ally?

This is Sara.

Do you know what time it is?

I'm sorry.

I'm in Hartford.

You're where?

I think I made a mistake.

I'm sorry. Um--

How come-- Are you still here?

[Ally] And what about the father?

You knew he wasn't dead, right?

As far as I'm concerned, he's dead.

I don't want him back in my life.

Well, he's back.

But he's in prison. What can he do?

He can make a stink.

He can insist on his day in court.

What? What are you saying?

He can come to court?

Yes.

Who's this guy, anyway?

I don't want to talk about him.

You're going to have to talk about it

one way or another.

When I was 15, I came to this country

to visit my aunt.

She got sick and I had to stay

and take care of her.

I mean, she had no one else.

She died.

I'm sorry.

I was alone.

I met Shawn.

We got married and I got my papers.

Everything was really good for a while.

Then we had kids and, um,

we needed more money.

That's when he started dealing drugs.

One day, he told us to go to Albany

and meet him there.

And?

He had stuff in Tia's diaper bag.

Jeez.

That's when I got busted.

I mean,

he got his.

He got into a fight and killed some guy.

I just wanted to put all this shit behind me.

Well, unfortunately, our shit travels with us.

Oh, yeah.

[Ally] Keith.

Can I call you Keith?

Yes, of course, call me Keith.

I got those DS reports. Thank you.

Yeah, well, I figured you didn't need

any more surprises, right?

Your client supplies enough on her own.

She's a good person, you know.

Hello.

She ran off with her children.

I told you guys that house was overcrowded.

Her kid was fighting when she went to visit.

There was no supervision.

What she did was completely understandable.

Can you just cut her a little bit

of slack for once?

No, it's not my job to cut her slack.

Come on, you can't possibly be that hard.

-Are you flirting with me? -What?

Jeez. You're flirting with me.

No, I'm not trying to flirt with you.

I'm trying to reason with you.

Okay, reason with me in court.

The authorities had been notified.

She'd be lucky if she avoids kidnapping charges.

You really suck, you know that.

I've seen what it's like when you make a mistake

and you hand a kid over to an unstable parent.

This is not a game.

[woman] It's been six weeks since the city was shocked

by the death of five-year-old Sofia Martinez.

And the mayor is expected to announce today

the findings from the investigation

into the case.

New York One sources

expect a major shake-up in ACS.

-[Martha] Mr. Sanjuro. -[Luis] This was a week ago,

-Your Honor. -And the children?

The children were in school the next day,

the foster parent has been reported.

The children are reassigned to a new home.

Thank you, Mr. Sanjuro.

And the respondent has had no contact

with the children since?

Your Honor, the visitation rights

have been rescinded till this hearing.

And no word on the father?

The father wishes to be consulted

on all matters of custody.

Ms. Fisher.

Your Honor, my client believed

that her children were in danger.

And by all accounts, they were.

I notified that ACS of the situation

weeks ago to no avail.

My client knows that she was wrong

in taking her children for an overnight

and promises the court that it won't happen again.

Ms. Diaz, would you like to speak

to the court directly?

No, Your Honor.

I'm going to leave

all the talking to my attorney.

Ms. Dunbar?

The children seemed fine.

They would like to see their mother

and we would like that, too.

Mr. Denholz, where do you stand

on the issue of visitation?

Your Honor, we at the department

have decided not to press charges.

We feel Ms. Diaz's actions grew out of frustration

and genuine concern for the well-being

of her children.

We suggest that we reinstate supervised

visitation rights immediately.

Very well.

Mr. Denholz, let us know when we have more information

about the father.

Yes, Your Honor.

Thank you.

[Joe] Clear the court.

What a lovely surprise.

Are you feeling okay?

Yes. I'm fine.

Oh, it's so sweet of you to visit.

Yes, sit down.

I hope you'll be here for Thanksgiving.

I haven't even thought about it yet.

Do you want something to eat or drink?

No. I'm okay.

I want to talk to you about something.

Yes?

Something that's not entirely pleasant.

Yes?

You remember when I was little

-and Uncle Frank-- -Ah,

yes, of course, I remember.

Do you think I'd forget something like that?

Well, that's the thing, I don't know.

You've never acknowledged it.

Well, why would I?

You were young.

These things get blown out of well proportion.

The memory

plays its games.

"The memory plays its games?"

Yes.

I spoke to Frank at the time,

he said he was just fooling around.

It was an innocent misunderstanding.

He kept his distance from you after that.

You told me then I was exaggerating.

Because I believed you were.

You dismissed it.

You dismissed me.

Have you ever discuss this with anyone?

You mean aside from the two shrinks

that I've seen?

No.

Okay.

Thank you for...

keeping your promise.

I didn't want this to ever come

between your father and Frankie.

Did you ever think about me?

It wasn't as though he raped you

for goodness sakes, dear.

He touched me inappropriately.

Frankie said that he was just tickling you.

His hand was where it shouldn't have been.

He did things to me

under the guise have playing games.

And he did it in your house,

and I told you because I trusted you

because you were my grandmother.

And I spoke to him

and he never did it again, right?

-Not with me. -Not with anyone!

He's been in counseling for years.

Your uncle has his problems

but he continues to seek help.

It's water under the bridge, Ally.

You've got to stop hanging onto that.

I don't want to. Do you think I want to?

-Believe me, I don't. -All right, I am very,

very sorry.

Okay?

Is that what you want to hear?

You've got to let it go

for the family's sake.

Just...

-What's this? -Read it, two citations

for loitering around schools.

Where'd you get this?

I work in family court.

I was looking for a document that had my name attached.

Well, this was a long time ago.

The second one was not that long ago.

This is not an easy thing to say.

But you're not going to be around forever.

You have to tell Dad.

It is in everyone's best interest

before Uncle Frank gets himself

into real trouble.

He is very sick.

He is on medication now.

Tell Dad.

I'll give it some thought.

There's nothing to think about.

You tell him now or I will.

You have a cruel streak, young lady.

Well,

I am your granddaughter.

You tell him by this weekend

or I will.

Bye, Gram.

Mr. Sanjuro.

Ms. Schulman.

I am so sorry.

Thank you.

You know, if there's any consolation,

they had no business

putting you on leave especially without pay.

They just needed a fall guy.

Yeah, I know.

You got any plans?

My brother-in-law got me a job

at a place called Gracious Homes.

-Ah, oh, yeah. -Yeah, and, uh,

I'd have to pay my dues first but he says I'll be in line

for a manager's job.

Ah, the salary is better than what I'm pulling in here.

Oh, I wish you well.

It's got to be a loss not having you here.

I guess I'll miss it, but I won't miss the stress.

There's something to be said for that.

But, you know, maybe this will all blow over

and they'll reinstate you.

You know, I can't really see myself coming back here

to tell you the truth.

I understand.

You...

You always run a great court.

Oh, thank you.

I know I wasn't everyone's favorite judge.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

You as well.

Enter.

Nice office.

No, it's not.

-Sit down. -What's up?

I want to talk you about the DS case

and not while I'm getting into the elevator.

Here's the deal.

The father says

that he will not contest custody

if we just let him meet

with the mother and the children.

Hmm, no, I don't think

she's going to go for that.

She said he set her up in a drug bust.

There's bad blood there.

Be that as it may, the mother, basically,

absconded with the man's children

and he's been trying to track them down

-for years. -From prison?

Hey, he's still the kids' father.

Scumbag or not, he still has parental rights.

Well, I'll run it by her.

Okay.

Would you like some of my brownie?

No.

-Thank you. -You know,

it took some doing to get him to back off.

-I'm just saying-- -Why are you doing this?

No reason, I just see that it's a very important case

to you and I want to help you.

No agenda.

Well, thank you.

Would you like to get a drink sometime?

You know what, Mr. Denholz, this is getting

a little bit unprofessional, wouldn't you say?

Last time it was Keith and you were flirting

-with me first. -I did not flirt with you,

and I think it would be inappropriate

for us to socialize.

Some people might think it was inappropriate

for you to pick up your runaway client

and her children in Hartford

but not me, of course.

I think that it's very kind

and gracious of you.

I'll get back to you after I speak to my client.

Asshole.

Let's hear the whip, man. You saw them in the video, yo?

I don't know how to do the mango.

-I got it, my man. -Yo, and it comes in, man.

That shit's so hard, yo.

Ooh, hey.

Whoa.

You're early,

by an hour.

I'm sorry, I guess, I couldn't wait to see you.

-You like it? -Yeah. Yeah, it's different.

In case you haven't guessed, I'm Elliot's mother.

-Hey! -Oh.

I'm Isaiah and Elliot, you did not tell me

that your mother was this fly.

Man, shut up.

I'm the new roommate.

What happen to Ben?

-They swapped. -Yeah.

-Better fit. -Mm-hmm.

Well, Elliot never said anything, so...

-Oh, well. -Us uptown guys

got to hang together, Mrs. S.

Dorm stinks of pot.

This campus stinks of pot.

Am I to assume

that you're smoking it these days?

I suppose.

You know how I feel about drugs.

It's not like I'm gonna start doing heroine

-like your brother. -This is not something

to make light of, Elliot.

Sorry.

I mean, pot is practically legal now.

It's not that big of a deal.

Oh, you looking forward

to being back in the city?

It'd be nice to be home.

It'd be nice to have you there.

Weird without Dad.

Looking forward to seeing Julie?

No.

-No, we're finished. -What?

You two were inseparable.

I know, but come on.

She's in Pennsylvania, I'm in Connecticut.

-Why didn't you tell me? -I'm telling you now.

Well, is that okay?

-Don't worry about me, Mom. -I'm not worried about you.

I'm worried about Julie.

She can take care of herself.

Plus, I'm dating a junior now.

You've moved on already, huh?

Yeah. And she's black.

She's older and it's fun dating someone

-more sexually-experienced. -Ugh.

That's too much information, Elliot.

How about you?

How about me what?

Are you seeing anyone?

Oh, don't be ridiculous. Of course, not.

You're still pissed at Dad?

Elliot, I'm not gonna talk about your father.

It's between me and him.

-We both love you. -Yeah.

You guys always wanna know

everything about me, but I don't know

anything about you two.

Nothing.

[Tia] Mom, there's so many cheesecakes.

[David] Aren't we supposed to have pumpkin pie, though?

I think you can have whatever you want.

Right, Mom?

[Sara] This place is so nice.

What do you kids say to Ms. Fisher?

-[both] Thank you. -You're so welcome.

Did you see how I called you miss

just like you-know-who?

I heard that, yeah.

Oh, we're gonna take that to go.

Dessert? It came with a meal.

We have pumpkin cheesecake tonight

and of course, pumpkin pie.

What do you kids want?

Can I have the cherry cheesecake?

I can't decide.

How about you order two desserts

because I'm not gonna have mine?

Okay, I'm having pumpkin pie

and a pineapple cheesecake.

No, no, no.

The pumpkin pie to go, please.

Thank you.

I'm so full.

I cannot eat another thing.

How come you're not with your family today?

Trust me, I've seen plenty of them lately.

And no boyfriend?

No.

You're very pretty.

Thank you.

-So are you. -[Sara] Oh.

I'm so proud of my kids.

This has been a really wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thank you.

Why are you thanking us?

Oh, my gosh.

No, no, no, no,

-no, no, no, no, no, no. -No, but it's mine.

You said that you were stuffed?

[Sara] You know, I'm getting used to this

and so are the kids.

I've forgotten what it's like to have them home.

Yeah.

What's going on?

I know something's going on.

Do you really want to discuss this now?

Yes.

Tell me.

He's coming down to testify.

Oh, my God.

You're not gonna really

have much choice in the matter.

You have to talk to him.

Have you told the kids?

What am I gonna tell them?

-Tell them the truth? -Well, the truth is I lied.

These kids are so confused already.

Go in there now and tell them.

-Now? -Yes.

No. We had a wonderful night.

Do it.

You come with me?

No. No, I'm not coming with you.

Yes, you're coming with me and I'll tell them.

-No. -Come, yes.

Okay.

I thought you were gonna be out?

No, I'm here.

Come in.

Yeah. You're not gonna come after me

with a pair of scissors, are you?

It's not funny.

Well, it is, sort of.

Let's sit for awhile.

Oh, thanks.

How are you doing?

Elliot said the two of you had a good Thanksgiving.

It was okay.

I think he's smoking too much pot.

He's in college.

That's what you do.

He's fine. Don't worry about him.

-Martha, we have to talk. -Yeah.

I wanna talk first.

On the aggrieved party,

we always get to speak first.

-Are we in court now? -No.

First of all,

I'm sorry that I cut up your clothes.

I was shocked at my behavior

and I said some very ugly things.

I think your behavior was very understandable.

I hit you.

I've never hit anyone in my life.

I've never felt that rage.

I deal with people all day that have that type of anger

and I just never thought that I was capable of that.

Martha, you had every right--

Please,

I'm not done.

I'm thinking a lot about myself

and, you know, I'm far from perfect.

I spoke to Drew

and he and Nancy have reconciled.

I can't say that I'm not still angry,

but...

Jesus, Jason, we've been together

for 23 years.

I know.

And I hated you for what you did,

but I'm over it.

No,

I'm not over it, but I've accepted it.

Although, trust remains an issue.

The fact is,

I want us to move on from this.

-Martha-- -Let me finish.

-I want-- -I want a divorce.

What?

I want a divorce.

It's not about Nancy, it's about us.

I love you very much,

but us, our marriage,

I feel dead.

Dead?

Why didn't you say anything before?

You're hard to engage, Martha.

-I wanna talk. -Not really.

You come home wiped out from work.

You never tell me about what's going on--

What, you wanna hear about the 13-year-old

I put in handcuffs and sent to detention

or the mother who scolded her baby?

I come home to get away from all of that.

-Bottom line, Martha-- -But--

-I'm not happy. -No one's happy

all the time.

For Christ's sakes, but you never said

that you were so unhappy that you need to go

outside of our marriage for love, for sex.

It doesn't work that way.

Nothing is that neat and tidy.

You are an amazing woman.

You-- You've worked so hard to get where you are,

where we are,

but I think we want different kinds

of lives now.

We? Do not presume

-what I want. -I screwed up. I screwed up.

But you have got to take some responsibility here, too.

When anything unpleasant ever arose between us,

you just deflected it.

You are hard to reach.

You are in no position to lecture me.

I'm not lecturing, God damn it.

I'm telling you how I feel.

Are you or you're just justifying your own behavior?

I thought we were a team, Jason?

I thought we had each other's back.

I mean, we struggled together.

What happened?

I don't even know who the hell you are now.

I guess, I can say the same about you.

Yeah? Well...

I guess you're right about that.

Because if you knew me, if you respected me,

then we wouldn't be where we are right now.

You know, the bottom line,

Jason, is that I don't trust you.

Right? And I can't believe

that I was even thinking about saving this marriage.

I mean, God only knows

what other women you've screwed.

I've been too afraid to ask you that.

You're a liar, Jason.

Please, we have been lying to ourselves

for years.

I want you to get your things

and get out of my house.

-Your house? -Yeah.

It was ours before you destroyed it.

Go!

Now!

[Joe] Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the truth?

-I do. -State your name

for the record, please.

Shawn Monroe.

Do you know why you're here today?

Yes.

When was the last time you saw your children,

Mr. Monroe?

Since I was arrested.

I guess six years or so.

Have you tried any contact with them?

I tried, yeah.

So, you are aware of the current circumstances

-of your former wife? -Former?

We're still married.

I mean, as far as I know.

Okay. Do you know that your wife

believed you were dead?

Is that what she said?

Well, maybe that's what she thought.

Maybe I was dead.

Excuse me?

You know, maybe the Shawn

that she knew died.

This is another Shawn standing here.

Mr. Monroe,

the law allows you

the right to weigh in on the current

custody matter at hand

and this court will certainly take your remarks

into consideration

but because of your present incarceration,

your wishes are in no way binding.

I don't like that I haven't been able

to see my kids.

I don't like that I've been erased from them,

like I never even mattered.

They got family.

They have a grandmother who wants to know them,

who should know them.

I think that Sara is probably a good mother.

I wanna hear that from my kids.

I do.

I got no problem.

Judge, I know I haven't been any kind of father,

but those kids are still my flesh and blood, too.

I just--

I wanna know them is all I'm saying.

To look at them.

I wanna tell them that I'm sorry.

Are there any objections to Mr. Monroe

meeting with his children, Ms. Dunbar?

[Elaine] Not if it facilitates

the children's return to their mother, Your Honor.

-Mr. Denholz? -[Denholz] No. No, Your Honor.

We request that the visits be supervised

and that Ms. Diaz be in attendance.

Ms. Diaz?

My client agrees to these terms, Your Honor.

I need Ms. Diaz to state her answer

for the record, please.

I got no problem with that, Your Honor.

What's taking them so long?

They've got a lot of things to talk about.

What if I don't like him?

Maybe you will like him.

He's in jail.

Sometimes good people

make mistakes.

[David] Not my idea of a father.

I just don't wanna see him.

Unfortunately, you have to.

Okay.

Let's go.

[Tia] I don't wanna go.

Oh, come on, Tia,

everything's gonna be fine.

Come on.

Come on, David, let's go.

Do I look like him?

What?

I just wanna know before I go in there.

Do I look like him?

Yeah, maybe a little.

What should I call him?

David, why are you asking me these questions now?

-Call him whatever you want. -You never even

told me his name.

-I did. -No, you didn't.

Maybe I didn't.

Well, his name is Shawn.

It's gonna be fine.

I promise. Come on.

Did I do something wrong?

I was hurt when you told me to hold on to Jason.

I knew you were upset about that.

I was thinking more as a man than as a father.

What's that supposed to mean?

Men are weaker than women.

A lot of temptation out there

and men are the first to fall.

-You really believe that? -Yeah, I do.

Look what happen to your brother.

Come on, Buddy didn't end up dead

in the bathroom with a needle stuck in his arm

-because of temptation. -Buddy was weak.

How do you know that?

Did you ever have any real conversation

-with Buddy? -What's that supposed to mean?

We didn't do much talking in our house, Pop.

I mean, who knows what kind of demons Buddy was--

So, it's my fault that I didn't talk?

For Christ's sakes, it's no one's fault, Pop.

-We never saw it coming. -Let it go.

It was a lifetime ago

and you and Mom did the best you could.

And it don't go away,

especially at this time of year.

Oh.

Stop beating yourself up over it.

And you're gonna tell me you're not gonna beat

yourself up about Jason leaving?

Did you see that coming?

Did you?

I guess not.

I know it hasn't been easy on you, Martha,

but you can talk to me,

you know.

I feel like a loser, Daddy.

You're not a loser.

Don't be ridiculous.

You know, I just come home and I'm alone,

and my marriage is falling apart.

Just-- Elliot slipping away from me.

I feel like I'm burned out from work and I...

You are a strong woman, Martha.

Not really, Pop.

You are.

You take after me.

No, I take after Mama.

Your mother and I always talked

about you and Denise.

How you two turned out,

best thing we ever did.

Yeah, well, me and Denise have been making up

for Buddy our entire lives.

I'm gonna get supper started.

You sure you wanna cook?

I'm happy to take us out.

No, I'm making your favorite spaghetti,

Mom's recipe.

Oh, that sounds good.

But I want you to set the table.

[mumbles]

All right.

[Denholz] And Your Honor, the children's father

has submitted an affidavit

stating his desire

that Ms. Diaz have sole custody.

From our findings, we concur

and we think the children

should be returned to home as soon as possible.

And when might that be?

I think that we can clear up this paperwork

-by tomorrow. -Well, so be it.

Ms. Diaz, please stand

or should I call you Sara today?

Fine, if it means I never have to come back here again.

[chuckles] Well, it's my sincere hope

that you never step foot in this courtroom again.

I know that this has been a long process for you,

but when it comes to the best interest

of the children who come before this court,

we always err on the side of caution.

I'm very pleased to get David and Tia back home

to you, and I wish you well.

Is there something you wanna say?

Yes, but if I do,

are you gonna change your mind?

No, of course not.

It's nice you're wishing me well,

but I have been without my kids

for over three months,

and from day one, their lawyer say

they wanted to come home with me.

So, when you're talking about their best interest,

I don't think this was good for them.

I also think there are plenty of rich people

who drink themselves silly and ignore their children.

They don't even discipline their children,

and I don't see any of those people

sitting out there waiting for hours

because someone accused them of being a bad parent.

Nobody's taking their kids away.

And yes,

I am very happy to have my kids home.

But now I have to figure out

how I'm gonna make up all the hours

I missed at work to be here

so I can support them.

And I have to let my scared little girl know

that no one's taking her from her mom again,

and I got to let my boy know

that all of this wasn't his fault.

So, maybe this is ending for you, but...

it's not over for me.

That's all I wanna say.

I'm not gonna get into a debate

with you, Ms. Diaz.

But if you believe you share no responsibility

in the events that brought you

to this courtroom, you are mistaken.

Some children are not so fortunate as yours,

some children whose cases pass

before this court never make it.

And those of us who work here and work very conscientiously

and very hard, I might add,

are haunted by the fact every single day.

We step foot in this room,

and I would always go to err on the side prudence and time

because at the end of the day,

it is a far lesser price to pay

than that of a young life.

I can sympathize with what you've been through

and it might be good of you

to understand our position as well.

Well, maybe so,

but your position is always gonna be

sitting up there,

looking down at all of us,

people you know nothing about.

If you have a problem with me sitting up here,

you can take it up with the mayor's office

before they reappoint me.

And I don't presume to know

you'd be on the confines of this courtroom,

but I can assure you, you don't know anything

about us either.

Those of us who work here,

all of us do it because we believe

in what we're doing.

Lord knows we're not doing it for the money.

So, go home, kiss your kids,

it might not look like it now

but you're actually one of our few stories

with a happy ending.

We're done here.

Thank you, everyone.

[Joe] Clear the court.

What are you doing outside? It's freezing.

What's that?

What does it look like?

You've never seen a Christmas tree before?

I need some help taking it upstairs.

Help me.

What are you smoking for? It's just plain stupid.

And if you dare have my boy

to one of your little parties, Anthony,

I swear I'm calling the cops.

I'm moving to my aunt's.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Really? How come?

Reasons.

Are you okay with that?

Like I got a say.

You gonna miss me?

Are you ever gonna stop being a wiseass, Anthony?

Jesus.

Okay, go.

Wait, okay.

Just one more flight.

You're gonna decorate this tree?

Yeah,

with my kids.

I got some lights for the windows.

You wanna help me?

-I guess. -No, Anthony, no guessing.

Yes or no?

Yeah.

Okay, hold this.

-[woman] You want a drink? -[Elaine] Yes.

-[Ally] I'm good. -You're good? Okay.

Happy Holidays, Ms. Fisher.

Mr. Denholz, you cleaned up for the occasion.

Yes, I bought this suit about a week ago.

I got a wedding to attend

and thought I'd give the collar's threads a rest.

Understood.

Ms. Fisher,

let me put my cards out on the table, okay?

Do I have a shot at a date with you?

No.

Ouch. Okay.

Let me leave you with this thought.

I am smart as anyone you're ever gonna date,

and I-- And I have a good heart,

and I know at least two women

that think I'm an excellent kisser.

And for the record,

I am from Brooklyn, Flatbush,

11234 to the core.

I'm not that faux hipster Williamsburg bullshit.

Good, I feel good about this.

Why don't you mull over what we talked about here

and get back to me, Ms. Fisher.

Don't close any doors.

I'm not gonna date anybody I work with,

but I must say, you've got certain charms about you

after a couple of eggnogs, Mr. Denholz.

-Happy Holidays. -Happy Holidays, thank you,

that's-- Ms. Dunbar,

let me put my cards out on the table.

Judges, is that how I'm supposed to address you?

This is my first social gathering

in mixed company.

Tonight, it's just-- It's Mark.

Don't you just love the Christmas party?

It's very festive.

It's always fun to see colleagues

out of uniform in a good Christmas sweater

with a few eggnogs, you know.

So, how are you enjoying working here?

I don't know if enjoy is the word that I would use.

It's been challenging.

Well, you certainly knew what

you were getting yourself into.

Of course, but how do you keep

from taking these stories home

with you at night?

Well, if you're lucky,

you'll learn to just leave it behind.

I read a lot of trashy novels.

It helps me to compartmentalize.

-Really? -God bless chick flick.

-Happy Holidays. -Cheers.

Enjoy the party, Ms. Fisher.

I think I'm just still on the fence about her.

Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Do you want another drink?

Yeah, I'm gonna get you a club soda.

-Club soda? -Yeah, Martha,

a club soda.

[Tia] Come on, Mom.

-Come on. -[David] Come on.

Oh, my gosh.

That's snow deep.

Wow, I can't wait to go home.

-Oh. -I can't wait.

I can't wait to go to sleep

in my own bed.

Heater hopefully works again.

Yes.

I got it, I got it.

-Okay. -I got the door.

[music playing]