Original subtitles

[door closes]

We'd like to throw something new into the mix.

I won't plea down from felony hit-and-run.

That stands.

A felony conviction would destroy me

in the business community.

You left a man to die in the street.

What's that do for you in the business community?

Mr. Grady accepts responsibility for the accident.

But on the charge of hit-and-run, he's innocent.

I have an eyewitness that says otherwise.

We're due in court.

Mr. Grady is sensitive to the fact that

the victim was a homeless person.

As he is sensitive to the needs of

other homeless community members.

Hygate: His corporation owns

the Rio Del Mar Motel in Venice.

48 rooms, due for renovation.

Mr. Grady will convert the motel

into a shelter facility for the homeless.

400 beds and a kitchen.

That's very generous.

And we'll plea to misdemeanor

reckless driving, suspended.

This offer is premature.

When we get to sentencing, I will recommend leniency.

If we get to sentencing, this offer won't be made.

Killing a man is not a misdemeanor.

Hygate: Mr. Grady did not know that he hit that man.

This offer allows him to do something

constructive for the city.

What this does, is allow C. Howard Grady

to buy his way out of the system.

Nonsense. Fines are punitive.

Mr. Grady is willing to be punished

to the tune of 15 million dollars.

That's not skirting the system.

Plea to the hit-and-run,

I'll drop vehicular manslaughter

and I will work with you on the sentence.

We can't plea to a felony.

Then I'll see you in court.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

That covers the agenda.

If no one has anything else;

we're adjourned.

Sorry, all. Did I miss anything?

Just the staff meeting.

Oh, uh, don't move anyone.

Uh, Susan Bloom wanted you all

to see advanced copies of this.

[whistles] Kelsey: Oh, no!

CJ: It will be available

at your local checkout counter tomorrow.

Kelsey: Let me see!

- Oh, Leland! - Oh, my God.

They put us on the front page of this rag!

Markowitz: "Bride Weds..."

"Attorney to the Stars, Susan Bloom, partner

at Los Angeles law firm McKenzie Brackman Cheney and--

Let me see that!

She told 'em she was a partner!

That was the paper's mistake.

She's already called in a correction.

- When did she give you these? - Just now.

I'm working with her

on Mikhail's Presidency application.

You're representing them?

They are a completely credible couple.

Well, they better be.

From what I hear the Immigration Service

has broad discretion.

Believe me, Susan and Mikhail

are taking the process very seriously.

Well, this kind of trashy exposure can't help!

Oh, come on! Nobody actually reads this stuff!

No, they look at the photos!

It's not very comforting to me.

Leland, it kinda looks like you're the lucky bridegroom.

[laughing]

On that thought, we'd better adjourn.

[laughing]

[indistinct chattering]

Ah, Benny!

- You owe me $22. - Why?

Not only did Sam goad my son into joining him

in that foolish drinking episode at the wedding,

apparently, the boys used Susan's home phone

to make $44 worth of 976 calls.

What's 976?

Dirty phone calls, Benny.

To women who talk about sex.

- Sam shouldn't a done that. - You're damn right!

And he shouldn't have dragged my son

into his malicious mischief!

I hope you're giving Sam the punishment he deserves.

I told Sam he was bad.

That's it?

And that I was very mad at him.

That's not doing your job as a parent, Benny.

Which is, number one,

to encourage appropriate behavior by setting an example,

and number two, to discourage inappropriate behavior

by administering discipline.

Even though Alexander was only Sam's accomplice,

I grounded him.

He goes to school, he comes home, period.

No loitering at the mall,

no having friends over, no sending out for pizza,

and if he wants to rent a movie,

he has to watch it on the little screen

in his bedroom.

Oh, I don't have $22.

I'm prepared to waive the money this time,

but keep Sam away from my boy.

Not much of a honeymoon. Two days at the St. James?

Costs more than a month in Gatlinburg.

Like many two career couples, my clients have to make

the most of their limited time together.

Actually, we found a lot could be achieved in 48 hours.

I'm sure Mr. Spooner can use his imagination, Hon.

I am paid not to use my imagination.

Where was your husband born?

- Novotzbkov. - Spell it.

N-O-V-O-T-Z-B-K-O-V.

But don't ask him to tackle Buckhannon, West Virginia.

[laughing]

I am noting that you mentioned

your birthplace, Ms. Bloom.

I assume that's because you're afraid that

your husband couldn't supply that answer.

- Hey, that was a joke! - Because my spelling is lousy!

Surely you allow for the fact that my clients--

Shall we try to continue?

What is your method of birth control?

None. We want children.

Your mate's appendix?

- Out. Spooner: His tonsils?

In.

- Circumcision? - Nope.

Want to see? [snickers]

- Joint bank account? - No.

- Prenuptial agreement? - Yes.

As adults with successful careers,

my clients entered into this marriage with some protection.

Have we finished?

We haven't begun, Ms. Lamb. This is a two year process.

Now from now on, your clients will be interviewed separately.

And we will question friends and co-workers as well.

Any suspicious information or behavior

and Mr. Olinskov's application for residency will be denied.

You see my secretary and block out some time

later this week.

Thank you.

Dr. Waters, you were on duty

in Venice Hospital's Emergency Room

the night Mr. Walter LoBianco was brought in for treatment.

Could you describe his condition?

In addition to suffering from multiple

compound fractures in both legs,

there was extensive pelvic damage

and crush trauma to the lower vertebrae.

He died before I could get him into O.R.

Now were these injuries consistent

with being hit by a car?

Dr. Waters: Yes, the victim was traumatized twice, actually.

When the car struck, the fractures occurred.

When he was pinned under the wheel--

Move to strike, the doctor

was not at the scene of the accident.

Granted. The jury will disregard.

Doctor, did the victim's injuries suggest

that in addition to an initial impact,

he also had been crushed under a heavy weight?

Yes.

Almost 50 minutes passed between

the time of the initial injury

and when Mr. LoBianco received medical attention.

How did that impact his condition?

The victim died of internal hemorrhaging.

Every minute that passed was crucial.

So, if he had received immediate help,

he might have lived?

Objection. Calls for speculation.

Overruled. Please answer.

In my opinion, if Mr. LoBianco

had received medical help sooner,

there was a good chance he would have lived.

Thank you. Nothing further.

[classical music]

[knock on door]

[knock on door]

- Oh, hello there! - Hello.

Anything wrong?

No, I just thought I'd drop these off.

Thanks. Come in.

I'll just turn it down.

You're full of surprises.

Huh?

A quiet evening home with Wagner.

Oh, well, it was either that

or Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

Would you like a glass of wine?

- Oh, maybe a little glass. - Good.

Susan is seeing a client tonight, so I'm on my own.

Hmm.

Chin-chin.

[glass clanking]

I hope you have a hot date later.

Why?

The music... it's torturously unrequited.

Yes, I like a composer who can delay gratification.

Now that doesn't surprise me about you.

You know, Susan could have brought these papers

to the office tomorrow.

I know.

Excuse me, I thought I just

attended your wedding last week.

A niggling little detail.

What about the other little details?

That I'm your attorney and your wife's colleague?

And what about the I.N.S. breathing down your neck?

Would it make a difference if you knew that Susan and I

are very clear about what we expect from each other.

Please don't tell me anything that

would limit me as your attorney.

I don't think of you as just my attorney.

And I've been thinking about you a lot.

You're putting me in a difficult position.

Not my intention.

But it seems absurd not to at least

acknowledge the feeling.

Agreed.

But.

Okay. Understood.

No, for now.

Uh,

make that no, period.

- I better go. - Um-hm.

[ambulance siren blaring]

[indistinct chattering]

ED 1: I'll get the crash cart.

ED 2: Get the on call cardiologist. Stat!

Nurse: Alright, let's move!

- What happened? - Where's Sam?

If you were any kind of father to your son,

what happened wouldn't have happened.

Where's Sam?!

Sheila, don't play games with me.

Is Alexander alright?

More or less. He's up in X ray.

Brackman: X-rays for what?

Sure, I know how to control him!

Sheila: Let him come live with me!

- How may I help you? - Where's Sam?

...contender for "Worst Father of the Year!"

Sam... Perry?

Sam Perry. Where's Sam Perry?

You must be Mr. Stul...

Stulwicz! Benny Stulwicz!

I wanna see Sam Perry.

I'm Douglas Brackman. I believe my son's in X-ray.

One second, please. As Sam's guardian,

you need to sign this authorization

for medical treatment.

It's only a broken wrist, it's nothing serious.

If I could just get a signature.

Hold it! You don't know what you're signing.

Okay.

Officer, this is Mr. Stulwicz and these are the Brackmans.

I wanna see Sam.

Sam?

- Mr. Stulwicz! Benny: Sam?!

Mr. and Mrs. Brackman.

I understand there's been an accident.

Yes, sir, there was. Your son is under arrest.

Brackman: What for?

If there's damage, I'm sure it can be

handled between insurance companies.

Would you shut up, please?

I don't see that this needs to be a police matter.

Sir, your son is an unlicensed driver.

He was drinking under-age,

had an open container in the vehicle, ran a red light.

He failed to obey a police officer's order to pull over.

He drove recklessly in order to avoid arrest.

He crashed into a service station.

The Hazardous Materials Squad had to be called out

in order to handle the fuel spill.

Oh, my God!

Hey, Doug and Sheila!

Together again. Anybody got a camera?

You've got some explaining to do, young man.

His X-rays were fine.

Stitches should come out in eight days.

Otherwise he can go.

Okay. Let's go, son.

What, are you just gonna stand there and watch'em bust me?

Officer: You can see him down at Juvenile Hall.

Wait, wait. What about my bud, Sam?

He'll be comin' along, too. Let's go.

Do something. I don't want my son in jail with criminals.

I'll handle this. You don't have to come.

Oh, you've done such a marvelous job so far.

I think I'd better come along.

Suit yourself. We can go in my car.

So you can tell me about how this is all my fault.

I better drive myself downtown.

Fine. Drive yourself downtown.

Drive yourself over the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Here.

Why don't you sit right there, okay.

So, Ann and I have just been talking about your work here.

And you know, since the Hudson report is done.

We all knew the job was temporary, right?

Right.

Not that I couldn't find something to keep you busy,

I just don't know if you'd find it terribly interesting.

What Stuart is trying to say

is that we would like to propose an alternate plan.

Yeah, we'd like you to consider

the possibility of helping us out with Matthew.

We know it sounds like a lot of responsibility,

it is... but both of us think you're terrific with him.

I don't know. I still have school and everything.

Oh, well see Matthew's going into daycare,

so you could pick him up after 3:00.

Yeah, and he's just crazy about you.

- It, it won't work. Markowitz: Why not?

Look, why don't you just try it out

for a while and see how you feel?

I just-- I think I'd feel--

I mean, it's your house and everything.

Oh.

Oh, look, we--we trust you.

It's not that. I just-- I can't.

Sarah, does this have anything to do with what we--

Please, stop trying to rule my life!

Would you be more comfortable working here?

I don't want to work here either!

Please leave me alone!

Sarah?

Mr. Varns, where were you when Mr. LoBianco was hit?

I was sittin' in the doorway to this camera store.

I'd been down to the beach but it was too cold

and windy to sleep down there.

What time did you come up from the beach

and move into the doorway?

Oh, it was a little before 3:00

I saw Walter coming up out of this parking garage.

He was lookin' for some way to stay warm.

What did you suggest?

Well, there was a big pile of garbage bags

outside of this restaurant across the street.

Clemmons: How would they help?

Well, you empty out the garbage and you tear holes for the arms

and your head and you wear it under your shirt.

I told Walter about it and he ran across to get one

and I sat down in this doorway to get out of the wind.

Then what happened?

Well, this Jaguar came flyin' up outta this cross street

and the next thing I know, it jumped

the curb and plowed into Walter.

And the driver got out, and--

Let the record show that the witness has indicated

the defendant, Charles Howard Grady.

Well, the driver ran around the front

of the car and looked at Walter.

Objection! The witness could not possibly

know what Mr. Grady did or did not see.

Sustained.

Did he look down in the direction

of Mr. LoBianco?

Yeah, he even bent over towards him.

Clemmons: Could you see Walter LoBianco?

Hell, yeah, I could see him.

I could see hear him, too. He was moanin'.

Like that sound a cat makes when it wants to fight.

Then what did Mr. Grady do?

Well, he ran back to the car and drove away.

Clemmons: Nothing further.

So, you were sitting in the doorway

watching your friend across the street?

Varns: Yes, sir, that's right.

Hygate: What kind of distance are we talking here?

About 30 yards. I didn't step it off.

30 yards. In the dark.

Oh, it was pretty bright.

We got some fine street lights in Venice.

And when the Jaguar came through the intersection,

was the signal light red or green?

Well, I'm pretty sure it was red.

- It was red? Varns: Yeah, red.

Well, that's interesting because the police report

states that there is no signal light

at that intersection.

Now, let's move on.

How many bags was Mr. LoBianco standing in?

Well, I don't know. A lot.

The police report says 18. That sound about right?

Sure. It was a big mound.

So, Mr. LoBianco was covered with bags?

How could Mr. Grady have possibly seen him?

Well, he wasn't covered. The guy looked right at Walter.

He even bent down to check him out.

He knew. I could see it in his eyes.

Hygate: It was 3:00 a.m.,

you were cold and sleep-deprived,

yet you say you could see a man's eyes

when you were sitting 30 yards away?

Yeah.

Through the 1979 blue Toyota

that was parked in front of the camera shop?

That didn't obscure your view?

Varns: Well, I guess I'd stood up by then.

So when you were standing you could see over the blue Toyota?

Yeah.

The Toyota was yellow, Mr. Varns.

Nothing further.

Mr. Varns, how did you identify Mr. Grady's car for the police?

Well, I read part of the license number when he drove by.

And isn't it true that Mr. Grady is here today

because you accurately saw and reported

the first four digits?

That's right.

Clemmons: Thank you. Nothing further.

I don't see what you're so torqued about.

Alex is the one who's in serious trouble.

I told you don't run away from cops, but he wouldn't listen.

You were truant, you were drinking underage

disorderly conduct.

You're not exactly in the clear, Sam!

Plus, when we go into court tomorrow

the judge isn't just gonna consider

what happened with you and Alexander!

It's very likely that the whole question

about Benny's guardianship will come up!

You could lose him, Benny.

Why? I didn't do anything wrong.

I know you didn't, Benny,

but Sam's behavior, it makes it seem

like you can't control him.

Sam: Look, I'll tell the judge I made a mistake!

And I'll be standing there with Alex and Alex's dad,

and Alex is in a lot deeper doo than I am.

No way is his old man gonna let him get nailed.

So, if Alex gets off,

then I get off.

And if I get off, then Benny and I get off.

You got it all figured out, don't you?

Well, let me tell you somethin', wiseguy.

The first thing Douglas Brackman did

was to make sure his son won't be seen with you.

Because he thinks you're a bum.

You're not gonna be able to ride

anybody's coat tails out of this, Sam.

You screwed up.

[knock on door]

You wanted to see me?

Are we failing to communicate?

Ah, I guess we are.

[chuckles] What are we talking about?

Howard Grady's people offered civic service as part of a plea

and I had to hear about it from a councilman?

How did a councilman find out?

Grady's floating his "offer" to the public.

There'll be an article

in the late edition of the Times.

I did not call you on this

because it was tantamount to a bribe!

We have got a 170,000 homeless in our city

and a shrinking budget!

Grady is offering 400 beds,

a meal program and job counseling!

If a rich man can buy his way out of a murder rap,

what happens to equal justice?

Is there any way we can make Grady's deal

and still serve this office?

Plea down to felony reckless with injury?

I already tried that, he won't go

for anything more than a misdemeanor!

If we come up dry in court, it'll be a political firestorm.

This case is strong. I can win this.

Okay...

but if you lose this one, Zoey,

my skirts won't be wide enough to hide behind.

[door opens]

You know, the Rio Del Mar is valued

at more than 14 and a half million.

Hygate suckered my eye witness.

Is Grady going to take the stand?

Tomorrow.

I saw him once before the planning commission.

Slick. And he's gotta be worth, what, about 300 million?

Clemmons: Something.

You could grind him for a helluva lot more than 14-5.

- Jonathan! - What?

Go back and torch him for 26, see what he says.

It is not a question of how much!

Prosecution is not a business deal.

Oh, please, Zoe! That's exactly what it is.

How many plea bargains do you do everyday?

It's one thing to compromise the system.

It's another thing to sell it out!

A man was killed!

There has to be some justice.

Tempered by what's possible.

Now, you just said your case is shaky.

I said my witness got rattled, I did not say he crumbled.

All the more reason to up the settlement stakes.

Wait, so what's the message here?!

Millionaires can do whatever they want, as long as they pay?

Zoe, I know you're frustrated--

You think I'm whining because I've had a bad day!

No! I think you're upset,

and I think it's making you

a little inflexible-- I don't...

- Where are you going? - Home.

- Why are you angry with me? - You figure it out.

All I was sayin' was go for your best shot.

I was tryin' to help.

Look, I really can't deal with this right now. Or you.

[instrumental music]

Where's Alexander?

You were supposed to bring him.

I was supposed to pick him up at school,

but he wasn't there. I thought you'd gotten him.

He was released into your custody, Douglas.

How could you let this happen?

What am I supposed to do, hog tie him?

When he was living with me we had problems

but he wasn't a missing person.

What are we going to tell the judge?

Just shut up, Sheila, let me handle it.

Douglas Brackman for the minor, Your Honor.

I'd like to petition the court for a continuance.

Where's your son?

I don't know, Your Honor.

You don't know?

You have my word I'll find him

and get him here as soon as possible.

Alright, Mr. Brackman.

I'll hold a bench warrant until 8:30 tomorrow morning.

But if he's not in this courtroom at that time,

I'm gonna have him arrested.

Thank you, Your Honor.

[door opens]

Sorry everybody.

Mama Bear, Papa Bear,

here comes your Baby Bear.

Tardy as usual.

Judge: Young man, are you loaded?

I'm not gonna puke, if that's what you mean.

Your Honor, a 14-year old boy who's wandering around town

on his own, drunk is a danger

to himself and to his community.

I'm requesting that he be taken into custody immediately.

Your Honor, clearly Alexander's substance abuse problem

is more acute than either his mother or I realized.

I respectfully request that he be released to us--

Atta boy, Doug!

- Shhh! Brackman: Alexander!

So that he can undergo whatever counseling

or psychiatric evaluation

is necessary to deal with this problem.

I have strong reservations about

placing him back in your care.

However, I'm going to.

This is your son's first criminal offense.

And you have shown an awareness

of the severity of his problems,

and a willingness to deal with them.

Alexander will reside with his mother,

maintain his schooling, grades,

attend a 12-step program three times a week.

Cool. I have many buds in A.A.

I am also ordering that he immediately be placed

in a private residential

substance abuse facility for 30 days.

No way!

Mr. Brackman, you'll make restitution

for the damage he caused to the gas station.

Now you people may be divorced,

but if you don't figure out how to fulfill

your continuing obligation to your son,

you're gonna lose him.

Thank you.

Judge: Call the next case.

Forget about it. I'm not going into rehab.

Oh yes, you are.

What kind of butthole lawyer are you?

Selling out your own son...

I see why you divorced this jerk.

But you were a dope to have married him

in the first place.

Let me go!

You listen to me, young man.

You're going to show us some respect from now on.

Do you understand?

Your father and I have done a terrible thing...

We've put your anger at each other before your welfare.

And that's going to change.

We're going to do whatever it takes to help you get well.

And we're gonna do it together.

On the evening of January 27th,

were you driving a car that struck

and killed Walter LoBianco?

God help me, I was. Yes.

Tell us how it happened.

It had been a long day.

I was driving home after an extended business negotiation,

an acquisition I was trying to put together

and I was so tried that my eyes were flagging.

The next thing I knew I felt a sharp jolt

and my car was on the sidewalk.

I must've fallen asleep.

Is it true that you got out of the car?

Yes, I was shaken and wasn't sure

what I had hit, so I got out.

- And what did you find? Grady: Garbage bags.

I remember feeling relieved and then stupid.

I thought I might've hit the side of the building,

but there didn't seem to be any damage

except to my car, so I went home.

And did you see Walter LoBianco pinned

under the right front wheel of your car?

No, I did not.

If I had, I would've helped him.

Hygate: Nothing further.

You walked around to the front

of your car to check for damage?

Yes, the right headlight was broken

and the grill was cracked.

You saw the light and you saw the grill,

but you didn't see Walter LoBianco?

All I saw were the bags.

A Jaguar XJS sits pretty low.

How high were the bags piled?

Well, it was a big mound.

The paramedics who arrived on the scene

say that the garbage bags were

scattered as far as 30 yards,

consistent with a moderate speed impact.

The bags must have scattered when I drove away.

When the police arrived at your home at 8:40 the next morning,

they found that your car had been freshly washed.

I wash my car every Sunday.

Every Sunday afternoon, according to your neighbors.

But the Sunday you washed your Jaguar in the morning.

You arrived home exhausted at 4:00 a.m.,

and were up bright and early to wash your car?

The accident... shook me.

I tried to sleep,

but I was distracted over the acquisition.

How's your hearing, Mr. Grady?

I have good hearing.

Lenny Varns has testified that after the accident,

he heard Walter LoBianco moaning

from across the street.

Why couldn't you hear him when you were standing

in front of the tire he was pinned under?

Like Mr. Varns said,

it was a very windy night.

I don't know what he thought he heard,

but there was no moaning.

I think Walter LoBianco was moaning.

I think you saw him and you panicked.

Your company was leveraged, you had to get this acquisition

to happen fast, isn't that right?

I would never put a business transaction above a man's life.

The police found blood scattered

all over the scene of the accident

on the garbage bags, on the ground.

There had to have been blood on the wheels...

and the broken grill of that car.

Sustained.

Isn't that why you panicked and washed your car?

There was no blood.

And anyone who knows me will tell you...

I don't panic.

You don't panic?

So you can handle any difficult situation?

Just like you handled yourself that night.

Hygate: Objection!

Clemmons: Withdrawn.

Nothing further.

I ask you again, Mr. Grady,

when you left the scene of that tragic accident,

did you know that you were leaving an injured man?

I swear to you that I did not.

Hygate: Nothing further.

Bloom: Does your wife wear perfume?

Yes, she does. Shalimar.

Do you ever use a term of endearment

when you speak to me?

How about, dushenka?

Sweet soul.

I like it. I hope I can remember it.

Describe the last time you had sex.

They can ask us this?

According to my sources,

we gotta be prepared for anything.

Okay. It was tonight.

We were sitting on our living room floor,

going over some papers, sharing a cigarette.

And suddenly I looked at you in the firelight.

Your hair was flaming...

I saw the look on your face,

and I couldn't stop my fingers from reaching across

and tracing the line where your shirt collar met your throat...

and the front of your neck I found a button

that slid open easily.

And I liked that so much

that I turned your hand upto my lips

turned it over and gently stroked it open

and kissed your sweet, voluptuous palm.

I respond well to positive reinforcement.

I reached for your belt buckle--

- Mm. - But I stopped you.

Because our love-making that morning

had been fast and wild and furious.

And tonight, I wanted

to take my time, adoring you slowly.

[giggling]

But I was pretty intent on that belt buckle of yours

[laughs]

so I leaned over you...

Your hair cascading around my face,

your breasts a wonder against me.

And I begin to kiss you.

Your lips were full.

Yours are strong and surprising.

And I suddenly want you.

And I have something I want to do for you.

Suzy. You're wonderful.

You ain't seen nothing yet.

After a long day, trying to save his company,

Howard Grady, fell asleep at the wheel,

lost control of his car,

and struck Walter LoBianco.

Now when Mr. Grady heard what had happened,

he felt extreme remorse

and responsibility for this accident.

But Lenny Varns claims that this wasn't just an accident.

Lenny Varns, the only other person

at the scene of the accident,

claims that Howard Grady saw

Walter LoBianco among the garbage bags.

But how could he know what Mr. Grady saw?

He was 30 yards away, in the dark.

He couldn't see, and he didn't see.

Lenny Varns wanted to believe a stereotype.

He wanted to believe that a wealthy man,

a man in a Jaguar, is so cowardly and self-serving

that he could leave someone to die in the street.

Mr. Grady's public and private life

don't support that stereotype.

What you've seen and heard in this courtroom

doesn't support that stereotype.

Believe what you've seen and heard,

ladies and gentlemen.

C. Howard Grady isn't a criminal.

He's a man who was involved in a horrible accident

an accident that could happen to any of us.

The People didn't bring charges against C. Howard Grady

because he's wealthy.

We brought charges because he is guilty.

And under the law, all men and women are treated equally.

Put aside whether he's is rich or poor;

whether he's a good guy or a lousy guy.

Look at the facts.

Mr. Grady smashed into a pile of garbage bags

and hit Walter LoBianco.

We have an eyewitness who swears

he saw Mr. Grady get out of the car,

look at the moaning victim and drive away.

The same witness correctly identified

the first four digits

in the license number of Mr. Grady's car.

Blood was splattered at the accident,

yet Mr. Grady says he didn't see any blood on his car...

a car he washed himself by 8:30 the next morning.

C. Howard Grady says he feels remorse

about hitting Mr. LoBianco.

But at the time of the accident

he wasn't thinking about Mr. LoBianco.

He was only thinking of himself.

He saw a homeless man lying under his car.

A man without any means.

Without any family, perhaps, or any friends.

And he ran.

He thought he could get away with it.

So he hit and then he ran.

And because he ran, a man died.

Don't you let him get away with it.

Treat C. Howard Grady like

any other hit-and-run felon.

Find him guilty.

It's the recommendation of the District Attorney

that Sam Perry be placed on probation

and that he be committed to the custody of the Court

for suitable placement in a foster home.

The young man has a social history of street life

and delinquent behavior.

he obviously requires more rehabilitation

than Mr. Stulwicz is equipped to provide.

Your Honor, since Sam has been in the care of Mr. Stulwicz,

his school attendance has been nearly perfect.

His grades show steady progress.

His teachers' comments indicate

a great improvement in his attitude and social skills.

The Family Court did a noble thing letting

Mr. Stulwicz have custody of Sam.

But the experiment's not working.

After reviewing the background of this case,

I have to agree with the recommendation

of the District Attorney.

With all due respect,

a family provides support in times of trouble.

This is one of those times.

But you're not allowing Sam's family to work

if you dismember it at the first whiff of adversity.

Let Benny be a parent.

Let him help Sam learn from his mistakes.

While Mr. Stulwicz may have the best intentions,

it's apparent that the kind of rehabilitation

that Sam requires is beyond the scope of his abilities...

I'm revoking Mr. Stulwicz's temporary guardianship,

and committing Sam to the custody

of the Probation Officer.

We're adjourned.

Can I take Sam home now?

No, Benny.

The, ah, judge won't let me go with you.

The other judge said Sam lives with me. Tell her.

I'm sorry, Benny.

- No. - It's okay.

No.

[knock on door]

Susan, I just got a call from the I.N.S.

They're postponing your session.

I'd hope so.

After Spooner's visit this morning.

He came to your house?

Honey, I couldn't have scripted it better.

There's Mikhail naked, my undies all over the place

I wish I could have seen the look on his face.

It was great.

Not as great as the sex had been.

Susan?

[loud] Susan!

[laughs]

I'm gonna level with you C.J.,

I've known Mikhail forever.

We have partied together.

Gotten drunk together.

We even got married.

But until last night,

well, I never thought I had a chance.

[scoffs] Life is full of surprises.

Even for an old broad like me.

Well, good for you

Why not fall for your own husband?

Lot of reasons. For starters, he's not in love with me.

But I've have ah, two years to change all that.

And you always close you deals?

You took the words right outta my mouth.

[laughs]

Whoo!

[both laughing]

[knocking on door]

- Hi. - Hi.

I was hoping we could talk.

Come on in.

Thanks.

I'm sorry about the way I left the other day.

You don't have to apologize.

Mom disagrees.

I told her about what happened.

I was gonna call you and Stuart tonight.

Sounds like you and your mom are pretty close.

Probably because it's always been just the two of us.

By the time I was your age, my mom and I were alone,

we fought nonstop.

Of course, by then I was sure I didn't need a mother at all.

The last thing I would have wanted is two new parents.

[sighs]

It is a little hard to take.

Sarah, Stuart and I can see that you're nearly grown.

And it would be silly for us to try to do

what your mom has already done so well.

But you're family.

And that's why we thought of the babysitting.

You could find someone with a lot more experience than me.

They wouldn't be Matthew's sister.

I, I know you don't like me. It's okay.

I'm still getting used to the idea of you.

It's just... to work in your house.

I feel like I've barged in already.

You did.

But since you did it seems a shame for you and Matthew

to miss this chance to get to know each other.

What if I screw up?

Even on something little.

I might jump all over you.

I'll try not to, but sometimes when I'm off-balance, I attack.

That's what I got from my mother.

I've never taken care of a kid as young as Matthew.

If I didn't think you could handle this,

I wouldn't have suggested it to Stuart.

This wasn't his idea?

No.

It was mine.

Will you do it?

Okay.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

- We have. Judge: What say ye?

Foreperson: In the matter of People versus C. Howard Grady,

on the charge of misdemeanor reckless driving,

we find the defendant guilty.

On the charges of felony hit-and-run

and felony vehicular manslaughter,

we find the defendant not guilty.

[indistinct chattering]

Judge: Members of the jury, thank you for your time.

This court is adjourned.

Reporter 1: Mr. Grady, can we have a statement please?

[indistinct chattering]

Reporter 1: Mr. Grady! Do you feel you got special treatment?

Reporter 2: How do you feel about the verdict?

Obviously, we're very pleased.

- Mr. Grady? - I'm just happy it's over.

You did what you thought was right.

And I lost.

You followed your instincts, Zoe.

And you held on to what you believe.

Can't beat yourself up for that.

What about those 400 beds in Venice?

Hey, let C. Howard Grady live with that one.

Reporter 2: What about the program for the homeless?

Well, obviously, we'll have to reconsider it.

It appears he'll live with it very well.

[indistinct chattering]

[copier machine whirring]

Working kind of late, aren't you, Benny?

I have a lot to do.

[sighs]

Look, I owe you an apology.

I had a tendency to blame Sam

for all the trouble he and my son have gotten into.

The truth is, Alexander is just as responsible.

I wasn't being honest.

I made a mistake.

Why don't you knock off for the night,

go home.

I'll be lonely at home without Sam.

Will Sam be able

to come live with me again?

Some day, maybe, when he's older.

When will Alexander be able to...

come live with you?

The program he's in...

lasts 30 days.

And then he can come home?

Yes.

If Alexander can come home, why can't Sam come home?

Well... Alexander has parents who are able to--

Sam has me! I'm his parent.

Yes, but... you see, the way

the court views this kind of thing--

That's not fair. That's not fair.

That's not fair.

You're right, Benny. It's not fair.

I want Sam to come home.

I miss him.

[instrumental music]

[sobbing]

[sobbing] I...

[theme music]