Original subtitles

[footsteps]

Sorry, pal, I didn't see you.

We're even.

[indistinct chatter]

Why, thank you, Ms. Lamb.

Okay, so how did you know it's me?

The blind have mysterious powers.

Also, I recognized your perfume.

Actually, I know a great deal about you.

Like what?

- Would you like to know? - Hm.

I know World Wide Studios had a helluva short list

before deciding on you to represent them.

I know our male jurors find you very appealing,

but you don't seem to have alienated the women.

I know you are wearing a pink jacket

with a vest and no blouse.

And Judge Lobel doesn't approve of the length of your skirt.

Hm? [laughs]

And I know you're a blusher.

How do you know that?

I can feel your heat.

[laughing] And I know a good line when I hear one.

Is this how you throw opposing Counsel off her game?

No.

My curiosity about you is special.

Isn't this a little improper?

Not unless our resolve to win our respective cases

is somehow compromised.

Oh, well, there's no chance of that.

Agreed.

So, did your assistant mention the warts on my nose?

[laughs] No.

There are limitations to my method of research.

Then why don't you see for yourself.

[indistinct chatter]

[laughs] Now what?

- Nothing. - Really?

Until this case is over.

Alright. We'll put it on hold.

Until I win.

- Until you win? - Uh-huh.

Are you sure you want to wait that long?

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Moving on. Brennen vs. World Wide Studios.

Yeah. Our settlement offer was rejected.

- The trial's continuing. - McCoy's playing hard to get?

- It's nothing I can't handle. - Are you sure?

Beautiful, young actress maimed by breast implants?

Look, Cheryl Brennen is sympathetic.

But she's suing the wrong party.

I think the jury will see that.

Next up, Bob Steinlage versus

Florence Leach, a.k.a. Madame Eldemira?

- I'm afraid to ask. - Madame Eldemira?

Psychic to the stars?

That's the one. [laughs]

My client went to her Beverly Hills Center

of Psychic Understanding for help with his love life.

She took him for $160,000...

[chuckles] in cash and merchandise.

So now he's suing her for fraud.

Oh, come on. Any guy who forks over six figures

to a psychic deserves what he gets.

Now, she convinced him he was being

controlled by his dead wife's spirit.

Oh, well, why didn't you say so?

Look, we've tried to settle this but Madame Eldemira

seems determined to have her day in court.

Well, maybe she knows something you do not know.

Why doesn't she just tell you

the outcome of the trial now

and save everyone a lot of time and money?

- Do-do-do-do. Do-do-do-do. - This meeting is over.

How did you know that? [laughs]

Mr. Steinlage, why did you go to see Madame Eldemira?

My wife had been dead about a year

and so I thought I should start dating again.

In three months I must've asked out fifty women.

None of them would even agree to a cup of coffee.

It was very weird.

What did Madame Eldemira say was wrong?

She said that my wife didn't want me seeing anyone else

so she was sabotaging my love life from beyond the grave.

And did you believe her?

Naturally, I was skeptical at first, but...

my wife had resented my luck

with the ladies when she was alive

so Madame Eldemira got me thinking.

And then, uh, and then she did that chicken thing.

Could you please describe

the "chicken thing" to the court, Mr. Steinlage?

She had me breathe into he mouth of this chicken.

And then, uh, a couple of minutes

later the chicken was dead.

And what did she say that meant?

She said the evil presence of my dead wife was inside me

and that's what killed the chicken.

And what did Madame Eldemira tell you

you had to do to get rid of your wife's spirit?

Give her the two hundred and fifty grand

from Julie's life insurance.

She said that evil lived in money

and she'd bless it and give it back to me.

And did she give it back?

Most of it. She kept fifty thousand.

She said it was still cursed.

What else did Madame Eldemira ask for?

Stuff to appease Julie's vengeful spirit.

Gourmet foods, designer clothing.

And a, uh, a Lincoln Town Car.

To drive my wife's spirit out of town.

[laughs] Quiet down.

Well, Mr. Steinlage, did Madame Eldemira

solve your dating problem?

No.

But did she promise that she would?

Absolutely.

Do you think I'd drop that kinda dough on a maybe?

Thank you, Mr. Steinlage. No further questions.

Mr. Steinlage, did my client at any time

force you to give her money or gifts?

She said something awful might happen

if I didn't do what she said.

What kind of awful thing?

She wasn't specific.

Before coming to see Madame Eldemira

didn't you seek out the help of a psychotherapist?

Objection. Relevance?

Establishing a pattern, Your Honor.

I'll allow it.

You can answer the question, Mr. Steinlage.

Yeah, I went to see a shrink.

I thought maybe it was something I was doing

that was scaring the girls off.

And how much did you spend on psychotherapy?

About $7000 bucks.

And did your psychotherapist solve your problem?

Obviously not, or I wouldn't have gotten

mixed up with Madame Voo Doo.

Move to strike the "voodoo" reference, Your Honor.

Granted. The jury will disregard.

When you terminated your treatment

did your psychotherapist suggest

that you would be better off if you continued to see him?

He maybe have said something like that. But I--

- And are you suing him? - It's not the same thing.

She played me for a fool.

So, you can't get a date.

You can't solve your own problems.

You feel like a fool. And that makes client a fraud?

- Objection. - Withdrawn, I'm finished.

They'd read me for the role twice.

Then my agent called and told me

Jeffrey Stern wanted to take me to lunch.

And what happened when you met Mr. Stern?

He said how much he wanted me.

But there was a problem.

He'd always pictured the character as more voluptuous.

Fuller. Riper. That's how he put it.

Unless, I could solve his problem,

they'd have to find somebody else.

At which point he suggested implants?

Yes, he said there was a great doctor

in Beverly Hills who would take care of everything,

and then he looked me right in the eyes and told me

how much he believed in me

and about all the wonderful pictures

we were going to make together.

But I had to agree

to the implants within 48 hours.

And what was your reaction to all of this, Cheryl?

I didn't know what do to.

This was the chance of a lifetime.

But I was scared to have the surgery.

Then why did you go through with it?

What would you do if somebody offered you your dream?

Could you just walk away?

- No. - Objection.

Counsel is now testifying, Your Honor.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Cheryl, in the years after the operation you suffered

multiple capsular contractures, four separate surgeries

to remove and replace the silicone,

and finally a ruptured implant.

Were you able to work during this period?

Barely. I was in and out of hospitals.

I had to drop out of two pictures

and since, the mastectomy, I haven't had a single offer.

Not even from Jeffrey Stern, The man who believed in you?

No. He said his hands were tied.

I make audiences feel uneasy.

Thank you, Cheryl.

Cheryl, you didn't always regret...

Thank you, Ms. Lamb.

You didn't always regret your decision

to get implants, did you, Cheryl?

I never wanted them.

Isn't it true that one year

after the surgery you said in an interview,

"I've never been happier". I owe everything to Jeff Stern?

"Jamaica Rain" had just opened.

It was a big success.

But then you made two films that failed at the box office.

Now, isn't that the real reason no one will hire you?

No.

After I got sick, I wasn't offered

the best scripts anymore.

Do you blame everything on the implants?

I was fine with my body the way it was. He forced me.

Well, did he also force you

to get your teeth capped,

your nose done, your eyebrows reshaped, the liposuction--

Those things didn't make me sick!

They didn't leave me looking like a freak!

- Objection. Relevance. - Overruled.

You're right, I look hideous!

- I can barely look at myself! - Unresponsive. Move to strike.

So, ordered. The jury will disregard.

Ms. Brennen, please stick to answering the questions.

Cheryl, if he'd asked you,

would you have had sex with Jeffrey Stern to get that role?

Objection. That calls for speculation.

Your Honor, Ms. Brennen has testified

my client wielded so much power

she was helpless to resist.

I'm trying to establish the limits

of Mr. Stern's supposed influence.

Ms. Lamb has a point. I'm going to allow it.

So, Cheryl, if the choice had been

sex or no role, no dream,

would you have slept with him or walked away?

I would have walked away.

But you didn't choose to walk away from implants?

- No, that was-- - Thank you.

I have nothing further.

You may step down.

This court is adjourned until

10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

[indistinct chatter]

See you at 9:30 tomorrow morning.

Good work.

Don't ever do that again.

What, neutralize your client's testimony?

Don't treat me like an invalid. I can find my own chair.

Oh, come on. I was only helping.

You were showing the jury that even as you attacked

Ms. Brennen, you are basically a decent and caring person.

And you accomplished that at my expense.

You're the one playing the sympathy angle, David.

My case can be won on its merits.

[door knock]

- Sarah. - Hi.

I went to pick up Matty at day care

but the Haileys had already gotten him.

That's right.

Don't you want me to babysit for you anymore?

Sarah, you haven't been home since Friday night.

When your mother called you at Brian's you hung up on her.

You hadn't notified me or Ann.

That's because this is between my mom and me.

I don't have any problem with you.

You've been playing us off against

your mother over this boyfriend.

I have not. You liked Brian. [sighs]

Why are you taking her side?

Because she's your mother

and she know what's best for you.

I'm seventeen years old

and she keeps treating me like I'm a child.

Yeah, well, if you behave like a child,

you're going to get treated like one.

You drop into my life after seventeen years

and suddenly you think you know everything

there is to know about being my father!

I don't give a damn what you call me. I am your father.

And if you insist on living with this boy

and disregarding your mother's advice,

you will not be welcome in my house.

- Fine. - Fine.

[door close]

- You're up early. - Yeah.

I, uh, I think I'm gonna call her.

Well, honey, honey, she's not going to make the first move.

She's kind of painted herself into a corner.

That's exactly what she did.

And that's why we have to let her stay there.

I think we were too tough on her.

We could have said no babysitting

but at least she could come and visit.

But we didn't.

Look, I'm as bad as you are.

I drove by Brian's on the way home yesterday

to see if her car was there and I almost stopped.

You remember when Matty had colic

when he was a little baby?

You told me not to worry.

They would grow up. It'll gets easier.

I lied.

[sighs]

I know it's hard, but you know...

you were right.

More than anything else right now

Sarah needs for us to give her some room

to make her own decisions.

I'll wait one more day.

Mr. Gerard, were you Cheryl Brennen's agent in 1987?

That's right. We parted ways three years ago.

Did Mr. Stern ever tell you Cheryl

would have to get breast implants

before he'd put her in his movie?

All Jeff said was she'd be more castable

if she got the implants.

And have you ever known, Mr. Stern to use

his position to exert

inappropriate influence on a subordinate?

No, Jeff's one of the most decent

and respected executives in town.

He's got integrity and vision.

Do you remember Cheryl Brennen being reluctant

to have breast implant surgery?

No, I remember her being

enthusiastic about the break she was getting.

Thank you. Nothing further.

Mr. Gerard, do you recall a phone conversation

in which Jeffrey Stern brought up

a plastic surgeon, a, uh, Dr. Ludwig?

Jeff and I have had hundreds of conversations.

I can't remember each one.

Here's a copy of your phone log

for March 15th, 1987.

Please note the call from J. Stern at 2:03.

Note also your scribbled reference to Dr. Ludwig

next to a doodle of two large bosoms and a dollar sign.

Now, would this have been when

Mr. Stern offered to pay for Cheryl's surgery?

Maybe. I vaguely remember the call.

And didn't you tell Cheryl that if she didn't get

the implants she may as well just

get on the bus back to Minnesota?

That was a joke.

But the reality is girls with more up top get more work.

But if Mr. Stern never expressed

this as an ultimatum, why did you

imply to Cheryl that it did?

Look, he gave me the doctor's number,

and he said he saw the part going to a big girl.

He didn't have to say anymore.

So, you understood Mr. Stern as saying

if Cheryl didn't get the implants,

she would not get that role.

That was my understanding, but--

Mr. Gerard, isn't it true

that you are currently negotiating

two multi-million dollar

film packages with Mr. Stern's studio?

We're discussing two projects, yes.

So you are, in a very direct way,

beholden to Mr. Stern for your livelihood.

Our relationship is based on mutual respect.

- Jeff is a man of-- - Don't tell me.

A man of integrity and vision.

And you're scared to death of him, aren't you?

Afraid of Jeff? That's crazy.

Then why during your testimony have you been looking

to Mr. Stern for approval?

And if the kind of subtle pressure which Jeffrey Stern

exerts can intimidate an experienced agent,

imagine what kind of influence he might have over a naive,

eighteen-year-old girl.

Objection. Your Honor.

Withdrawn. Nothing more, Your Honor.

I hear your group's concern,

but thousands of people need low-income housing.

We've got to build it somewhere.

Alright, how's 11:30 tomorrow?

Great. I'll look forward to it.

[phone hang]

[on intercom] Councilman Vance on three.

I'll call him back. I'm late.

[door knocks]

Is this Councilman Rollins' office?

Zo, baby. I tried to call. I have to cancel lunch.

I've got a press conference with the Mayor in one minute.

I thought your constituents came first.

They do. But he-- he's the mayor.

Besides, you don't live in my district.

[laughs]

- What is that? - Bourbon.

For you to put in your desk.

Isn't that what politicians drink,

bourbon and branch water? [laughs]

Maybe in Kentucky, yeah. [laughs]

[door knocks]

Hello.

Uh, Paul, Zo.

Zo, Paul Gimbel, Special Assistant to the Mayor.

- Zoey Clemmons. - Sorry, we are on the run.

I understand. Oh, what time is that dinner on Thursday?

Invitation says 6:00.

Uh. Well, I'll have to reschedule a hearing.

If you're talking about the Brotherhood Awards,

they never start on time.

Well, I'm hoping I don't miss Jonathan's first speech.

- You got to get going. - Yeah, I'm out of here.

Listen, I'll see you tonight.

Mrs. Leach, do you believe in evil spirits?

I believe in spirits good and evil.

And you honestly believe

that an evil spirit is interfering

with Mr. Steinlage's happiness?

Yes. His late wife is very angry with him.

Move to strike.

My client's wife is dead.

Granted, the jury will disregard

Mrs. Leach's last remark.

Mrs. Leach, to the average person,

uneducated in the ways of the spirit world,

your methods may seem rather unorthodox.

Why the gourmet food? The designer clothing? The car?

Mrs. Steinlage never got what she wanted

from her husband when she was alive.

Now that she's dead she is determined to change that.

- Your Honor. - Mrs. Leach.

I warned you about speaking for Mrs. Steinlage.

Mrs. Leach, if Mr. Steinlage

had stuck with your program and completed his treatment,

what would have happened?

His wife would be satisfied and

he'd be dating someone wonderful by now.

Thank you. No further questions.

Mrs. Leach, do the names Lady Wanda,

Madame Solane, and Miss Loreena mean anything to you?

They are some of the, uh,

personas who have helped me in the past.

Aren't those, in fact, aliases

that you have used in other states?

Yes, but alias is such a judgment-laden term.

Mrs. Leach, why didn't you return

all of Julie Steinlage's life insurance money

to Mr. Steinlage as you said you would?

The curse was still on the portion I kept.

I was able to condense

the negative energy into a smaller sum.

But you can never get rid of it completely.

Did you threaten my client that

terrible things would happen if he did not

meet your demands?

They weren't my demands.

Mr. Steinlage's wife.

Mr. Steinlage's wife is dead, Mrs. Leach.

What can she do with designer clothes,

caviar, champagne, and a Lincoln Town car?

Loan them to you?

Objection! This is badgering.

Overruled.

Witness will answer the question.

Spirits are unable to rest

when they pass over to the other side,

if their earthly desires were left unsatisfied.

I allow myself to be the vessel for these spirits.

If they can experience the fulfilment

of their desires through me,

then they rest.

I may have drunk the champagne,

but Mrs. Steinlage enjoyed it.

Does she also enjoy the Mercedes 300SL

and the diamond bezel Rolex,

and the Faberge egg

that you have gotten from your other clients?

- Objection. Irrelevant. - Sustained.

The spirit world is obviously not a reality

for you, Ms. Van Owen.

I don't expect you to understand.

But I do understand, Mrs. Leach.

No further questions.

Hi. Are you sure you have time for dinner?

You bet. Just let me get rid of this stuff.

[on telecom]

This is Frank Kittredge. Leave a message after the beep.

[beep sound]

Frank? Frank, are you there?

Pick up, you son-of-a-bitch.

If you think your help with Mother's estate

- is all you owe me... - What are you doing?

think again, call me or--

That's Laura McConnell.

You did tell her about the letter.

You used me and you lied to everyone!

Listen, I do know Laura McConnell,

but I did not tell her about that letter.

You expect me to believe that?

It sounds like you were sleeping with her.

It started long before I came here, and it's over.

You asked me about the case, Frank.

You working on nothing else for days.

What else were we going to talk about?

- I don't know. - Gwen, please.

Settle down and listen to me.

I didn't expect to feel this way for you, but I do.

I care about you very much.

You erased the tape.

It could be misunderstood.

I think it's very clear.

Before you run off telling any wild story,

you should consider how it's going to make you look.

You're the one who's discussing her boss' business in bed.

You son-of-a-bitch. [slam]

[instrumental music]

No one's disputing Cheryl's beauty.

She had a unique softness and vulnerability.

But the truth was she looked like a child.

I wanted to go with Cheryl.

But for that picture

I felt I had to have a woman up on the screen.

So, you discussed implants with her?

Yes, it was discussed.

But the decision was hers and hers alone.

But you only gave her 48 hours to decide?

We were on a tight production schedule.

But there was never any mention of 48 hours.

I told her we'd talk after the weekend.

What if she had refused,

would you still have given her the role?

I don't know. I never had to face that.

The next thing I knew, I got a call

saying that she was having the surgery.

And were you ever told by the late Dr. Ludwig

that breast augmentation was anything

but a simple, cosmetic procedure?

No. "Perfectly safe".

Those were the exact words he used.

Thank you. Your witness.

Are you saying you might have cast Ms. Brennen

even if she'd refused the surgery?

As I said, I don't know.

In some circumstances we can pad

costumes or employ a body double.

Well, did you mention exploring these options

when you had lunch with Ms. Brennen?

I don't recall.

You testified that Dr. Ludwig

advised you that the implants were safe.

Now, did you rely solely on his advice

or did you seek out other medical opinions?

Why would I seek other opinions?

The man was a first-class plastic surgeon,

we'd used him before without any trouble,

and he never once said anything about complications.

No? Hadn't he notified you the year

before Cheryl's operation in a letter

that implants could rupture?

Objection, Your Honor.

And cause scarring and disfigurement?

May we have a sidebar?

Just exactly how it happened with Cheryl Brennen?

Counsel, approach.

Your Honor, this "document"

is hear say and without foundation.

The letter was written on Dr. Ludwig's letterhead

and was found in his files.

It's not signed, Your Honor.

It was addressed to Mr. Stern and warns

of precisely the kinds of complications

my client is suffering.

You can't prove it was ever sent

or that my client ever received it.

Why would the doctor write a letter if not to send it?

Why would he continue to perform implant surgery

for four years after it's dated if he was so concerned?

- I think that he-- - Stop.

I have to agree with Ms. Lamb.

This cannot be connected to Dr. Ludwig.

Anyone could have written it.

But it was found in his files.

- That's not enough. - Your Honor.

Sorry, Counselor. You cannot use it. Step back.

Mr. Stern, is it your testimony

that Dr. Ludwig never warned you in writing?

Your Honor, look what he's doing.

The jury should know that this

piece of paper in Mr. McCoy's hand

is in no way relevant and should be totally disregarded.

Did Dr. Ludwig warn you, in writing,

that implants could cause scarring

and painful hardening and might rupture,

as they did in Cheryl Brennen's case?

He never warned me in writing or any other way.

[paper shredding] I have nothing further for this witness.

You're listening to the unfounded accusations

of some frustrated young woman?

I'm listening to someone I trust.

Give it up, Kittredge.

Just pack up your office and get out.

Aren't you forgetting I don't work for you?

I work for Susan Bloom.

But you work on McKenzie Brackman property.

And at five o'clock this afternoon

I'll have your office locked up tight.

If you attempt to return to these premises,

I will have you removed.

And I intend to report you to the bar.

Careful, gentlemen. The McConnell conservatorship

isn't the only McKenzie Brackman case

I'm well acquainted with.

If I'm the man you're accusing me of being,

I could bring this firm crashing down.

Cross me and you won't know what hit you.

[door open]

[door close]

[foot steps]

Jonathan, got a sec?

Don't tell me. It's the Pico Development.

Paul, I've got business interests chewing my right ear,

I've got community leaders chewing the left.

- Which side do you want? - Neither.

The mayors taking a courageously

neutral stance on this one.

I wondered if you wanted a ride

to the awards dinner tomorrow.

Thanks, but I've got to pick up Zoey.

Jonathan, it's not really my business,

but considering that this is going to be your

first major public appearance,

do you think that's a good idea?

Paul, are you saying I should hide

the fact that I'm seeing a white woman?

Of course not.

But you might want to consider the timing

of this kind of personal revelation.

Just so you know, girlfriends, black or white,

aren't generally included at political events.

Wives, yes. Fiancées, maybe.

How serious are you two, if you don't mind?

We're pretty serious.

- Do you live together? - Not yet.

Look, who you bring or don't bring is up to you.

I just wanted you to know what you might

be getting yourself into.

I understand.

The defense calls the late Julie Steinlage to the stand.

What?

Mrs. Leach has agreed to act

as medium for Mrs. Steinlage.

Your Honor! This is ridiculous.

Counsel, approach the bench.

Your Honor, this whole case hinges

on whether or not my client is a fraud.

The jury has a right to see what she does

and judge for themselves.

The jury wouldn't know Julie Steinlage

from Eleanor Roosevelt!

But your client would.

- This is asinine. - Be quiet, both you!

Frankly, Counselors, I'm still trying to figure out

why this case wasn't settled a long time ago.

Maybe in another life?

However, since we've come this far, Mr. Pavlik,

I'm going to give you some leeway.

- But-- - Your Honor.

If you turn my courtroom into a sideshow,

I'm going to bounce you out of here on your crystal ball.

Now, step back.

- Mrs. Steinlage? - Yeah?

Could you please state your name for the court?

Julie Steinlage.

And who is this man?

A lousy, philandering pig!

- Objection! - Sustained.

Mr. Pavlik, if you can't control Mrs. Stein--

your witness...

We're gonna end this right now.

What are you going to do,

throw me into purgatory for contempt?

[laughs]

It's great being dead.

You don't have to listen to anybody.

- Mr. Pavlik. - I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Mrs. Steinlage, if you could just,

please tell the court something about

Mr. Steinlage that only his wife would know?

Bobby Steinlage likes to wear women's underwear.

You said it didn't bother you!

I guess we both said things we didn't mean, eh, buddy boy?

- Your Honor! - Counselors,

- get control of your clients! - You are ruining my life!

At least you've still got a life!

Everybody, shut up!

Mr. Steinlage, sit down.

Thank you.

Mr. Pavlik, do you have anything more?

Nothing, Your Honor. I'm finished.

Ms. Van Owen?

We thoroughly questioned Mrs. Leach

when she took the witness stand yesterday, Your Honor.

We have no further questions for her today.

Boots, you're still as stubborn as ever.

Who's boots?

I don't know.

[door open]

What in the hell do you think you're doing

with Frank Kittredge?

He stole privileged information from this firm

and used it against one of our clients.

You can't prove that!

And you cannot fire a man who represents

thirty percent of my bottom line!

Susan, you and Frank Kittredge have brought

a lot of money into his firm,

but I would shut my doors and sit on my front porch

before I would continue to do business

with an unethical attorney.

I am not defending Frank Kittredge.

Hell, I almost fired him myself a couple of times.

But I cannot accept you going over my head with this.

Frank is my associate. He is my responsibility!

You should have come to me with this!

Susan, anytime

I have ever come to you expecting cooperation

I have received nothing but trouble.

Why would I bring any matter to you?

You are without a doubt the most obnoxious, arrogant--

You're a self-righteous, high-handed windbag.

Are you planning to change?

Not on your life!

Well, neither am I.

Frank's history.

[door open]

[instrumental music]

In 1987, Movie Times magazine

ranked Jeffrey Stern the sixth most

powerful man in all of Hollywood.

Cheryl Brennen was an eighteen-year-old actress

just starting her career.

Today, she has no career.

And numerous painful surgeries have left her

permanently disfigured.

And all because the sixth most

powerful man in Hollywood made her get breast implants.

Now, Jeffrey Stern claims that it was

just a suggestion,

but he knew precisely what he was doing

when he promised her a part in his movie.

He told her he would pay for the surgery,

and then he gave her 48 hours to make up her mind.

That was no suggestion. It was an ultimatum.

By making it he assumed a duty to warn Cheryl about

possible complications from this procedure.

A duty he clearly failed to perform.

Now, today when Cheryl looks in the mirror, she sees

one breast missing, the other mis-shapen.

None of us can know the pain she feels.

If it weren't for Jeffrey Stern

Cheryl Brennen's tragedy would never have happened.

Cheryl Brennen is a young woman

who has endured a terrible tragedy.

And we can't help but feel compassion

for her suffering and for her lost dreams.

But the hard truth is,

Cheryl made the decision to have her breasts enlarged.

And I don't doubt that as an 18 year old actress

she felt tremendous pressure.

But Cheryl wasn't coerced by Jeffrey Stern.

She was seduced by her own desire

to be part of a glamorous industry

that prize is sensual beauty above all else.

An industry supported by an entire society

obsessed with physical perfection.

We can't hold Jeffrey Stern

responsible for our obsession.

Nor did he make Cheryl Brennen's tragic decision.

She made that choice herself.

[elevator open]

[indistinct chatter]

Above.

[elevator close]

Nice closing, Counselor.

You changed your perfume.

Well, I can't let you have the upper hand.

No, I've noticed.

Tell me, C.J.

do you really think Jeffrey Stern had no duty

to warn Cheryl Brennen?

I think she'll have a stronger case with the manufacturer.

You're right. Forward.

[indistinct chatter]

So, how sore a loser are you?

I don't know. It's been a long time since I've lost.

Do you think we'll be able to call a truce?

Only one way to find out.

If I wind up running late, you go on and I'll take a cab.

You know, there'll be plenty of other speeches.

It's the kick off of your political career!

Well, my part will only last about ten minutes.

Then you'll have to sit through about two hours

of boring acceptance speeches.

Plus, the fact that it's a bad neighborhood ,

and I don't want you going down there by yourself.

You don't want me to go.

- Of course, I do. - But?

Okay.

It was mentioned that it might be

a better idea if I went alone.

I told you this was going to come up.

It's not that, it's just a matter

of picking the right time.

And this isn't the right time?

Zoey, come on, don't make a big deal out of this.

I already feel I'm being pulled in six different directions.

And I'm just another thing pulling at you?

- No. Of course not. - Yes, I am.

This won't be the last dinner.

It's not gonna get any easier to bring me along.

Your job is going to be pulling us apart.

And I don't want to be the only one

trying to put us back together.

[sobs lightly]

Zoey.

Hey.

I love you.

[signs] Then why is it so hard

for you to make a choice

that includes me?

Just let me settle into the job, and

when we're ready, then we'll take a public stand.

I'm ready now.

[cries]

Obviously, you still have some questions.

I think...

you should call me when you have sorted out what you want.

Has the jury reached a decision?

- We have, Your Honor. - What say you?

On both the claims of negligence

and negligent infliction of emotional harm,

we find for the defendant, Jeffrey Stern.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, thank you.

We are adjourned.

There was never any doubt in my mind.

I'm glad you were so confident.

Any chance you're free for a celebration lunch?

Uh, I'm sorry. I have an another engagement.

I heard you stopped by while I was out.

Yeah, I just wanted to tell you again

how sorry I am about all this.

Arnold told me you gave him your resignation.

It was really stupid of me to pillow talk.

Well, it was a big mistake.

But I'm betting that you learned from your mistakes.

That's why Arnold and I are in agreement

that you should stay on.

Well, that's very generous.

But I don't think I can work for Arnie again.

Well, that's good. Because Arnold doesn't want you back.

Your heart really isn't into being a secretary.

Arnold suggested, and I agree,

that with your law school training we'd be putting

your talents to better work as a law clerk.

Well, take a few days to think about it if you need to.

No. Yes. Yes. I mean, I want the job.

I'm, uh...

Thank you, Leland.

We're glad you're still on board.

[door knock]

- Can I come in? - Sarah.

Is everything okay? [cries]

[sobbing] Sarah, what's wrong?

Is it Brian? Did he do anything?

No. No. Brian's trying to be so nice.

But it's just so obvious.

I don't know what I was thinking.

[signs] Just because we liked each other.

Maybe it was a little bit early

for you to move in with each other, huh?

Brian's so great. But living together...

Yeah, well. It's not such an easy thing, even for family.

[cries]

I screwed that up too.

I won't blame my mom if she never lets me come back.

Listen, if you go home,

your mom's gonna be just as relieved to see you as I am.

She'll probably ground me forever.

Yeah, well, maybe.

But whatever she does it's gonna be because she loves you.

But it's like she doesn't see I'm grown up.

[sobbing]

Yeah, well, maybe running away

wasn't the best way to convince her.

[laughs]

But what you're doing right now,

talking to me very honestly

openly, I think that will impress her.

It sure as hell impresses me.

Thanks, Dad.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

In the matter of Steinlage versus Leach,

we find in favor of the plaintiff

and order Mrs. Leach to pay damages

in the amount of 50,000 dollars.

Jury is dismissed.

And this court is adjourned.

Uh, yes! He was right!

- Who was right? - My astrologer.

He was the one who advised me to sue her.

Thanks a lot, Ms. Van Owen.

[indistinct chatter]

At first, they thought I needed glasses.

But then it got worse.

- You were sixteen? - Uh-huh.

I'd just got my driver's license.

Suddenly there I am back at square one,

completely dependent.

You've over compensated nicely. [laughing]

Still couldn't beat you.

Because you didn't have a case.

Oh, like hell.

Now, if the jury had seen that letter--

- Oh, sour grapes. - What?

If I had lost--

Well, I wouldn't be gloating over it.

I am not gloating.

And if you could see me,

you would see that I am not gloating.

What are you doing?

I'm admiring your cheekbones.

- David. - What?

I want to tell you something about me.

Something my research has overlooked?

I don't apologize for who I am,

and I'm not looking to reform myself.

But I've had my share of relationships with men.

I assumed you weren't a virgin.

And I've had my share of relationships with women.

Does that bother you?

That surprises me.

Are you saying that if we start seeing other

you'll be seeing women too?

No. No, I wouldn't see other men either...

I'm pretty bad at playing the field actually.

Oh, me too.

Now, if we get involved,

you'll have my undivided attention.

And you'll have mine.

For as long as it's right.

Oh and that's another thing.

I don't seem to settle down for long.

- Any other warnings? - [laughs] No, that's about it.

[laughs]

Well, let's take this slow.

How slow?

[instrumental music]

[door open]

Come in, Ms. Van Owen.

I normally close at six, but I hoped you were coming.

Have a seat.

I didn't come here for a reading.

I just want to know how you knew about Boots.

I don't. Do you?

It's my nickname. My mother used to call me that.

[sighs] Ahh, so that's your mother who's so worried.

My mother died four years ago.

She wanted me to tell Boots to stop feeling sad.

I'm not sad.

It has something to do with a man.

Tall, dark.

Is he Latino?

[laughs]

This is crazy. I'm sorry.

Thanks anyway.

He's coming back.

What?

He's coming back.

[theme music]