Previously on Boston Legal
Do we have anybody in corporate who
understands this credit card world?
Somebody... / Hands.
- Sorry? - Hands Espenson,
banking and finance genius.
Only don't call him "Hands".
- Why would I? - Bingo!
Why doesn't he move his hands?
- Bingo! - You making fun of me?
Should we be married and sensible and go home and
do whatever men do at home?
I have nothing against
marriage. I've done it five times.
But here's the thing about wives.
They don't let you play with your friends.
I'll take a friend over a wife every time.
Not only a patron of the arts,
Denny Crane is a generous contributor of his time,
energy and enthusiasm.
What the hell kind of charity is children's group?
We're teaching children to read.
No, we're buying them food.
I thought that we were providing
them with old people to play with.
I believe it's a children's theater group.
Well, how can kids with muscular dystrophy do theater?
They don't have muscular dystrophy.
Then what the hell are we doing here?
Judas priest, there's a game on.
Don't be long, Denny. Your speech is up next.
And you might want to actually
practice it, considering you're the honoree.
Not to worry.
It's all up here.
Please tell me there's no press here tonight.
Scotch. Single malt.
Straight.
Nice night.
Suddenly it is.
He's often told me that writing a check is easy.
Should we go look for him?
He'll be here. Denny's
never one to miss the spotlight.
But rolling up your sleeves and
getting dirty out on the front line,
that is not easy.
Faster!
And I'll wrap this up
before his head swells too much.
The Emcee's winding down, people.
I knew we should have tagged him.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the children's group
applauds and honors Mr. Denny Crane!
Dear Lord.
Thank you, thank you!
There's no doubt we do it all for the children.
And what did you think of my speech?
Excellent.
Thank you for writing it for me.
Give me a call sometime.
You know how to use a business card, don't you?
You just whip it out of your pocket and...
Blow.
- You look puzzled. - I am.
A woman I just had sex with hands me her card,
and I have no desire to throw it away.
You had sex with her here?
Hot, sweaty sex right there in the coat check room.
Keep it.
Daniel Post, CEO.
Kreisberg-Pellam, incorporated.
He has stage-4 metastasized lung cancer.
Never fun.
A major pharmaceutical company
was testing a new cancer drug,
and Post used his friendship
with the CEO of that company
to get himself put into the test group
and to make sure that he got
the actual drug, not the placebo.
The rich are different from you and me.
Certainly from you.
So Post is being sued by another cancer patient
who was in the same study and
who ended up getting the placebo.
- What's the cause of action? - What you'd expect?
Conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress.
We're going to court today.
Today?
I thought I could handle it myself, but, uh...
Olivia died of cancer, didn't she?
Yes.
At any rate, I'm hoping you can second-chair.
You ready?
Uh, Denise Bauer, attorney, Daniel Post...
Guy dying of cancer.
Is that the way you describe me?
Rich guy dying of cancer.
Denise will be first-chairing. I
just filled her in on the case.
Actually, you left out our defense. Do we have one?
I like her.
I'm not sure if the jury is
going to like me, Mr. Post.
I have a client who tried to
buy his way into a cancer study.
Could you tell me what possessed you to do that?
I got cancer.
Are you really my lawyer?
Or did the make-a-wish
foundation just finally come through?
Um, Alan? Do you have a minute?
What can I do for you, Jerry?
They're meeting soon to vote
on this year's partnerships,
and this will be my third time to be up for partner.
My last time.
I see.
I was wondering if maybe
you can tell me where I stand?
You know the right people around here, and I know...
well, no one.
Jerry, you are an extraordinary attorney.
I am.
I constructed a chart
that reveals my involvement is typically
the key variable in the firm's winning a case.
Bingo!
It was my research that was the determining factor
in the Simmons vs. Araygo oil victory,
not to mention 252 other cases.
Because of my research!
Bingo!
But still, I wonder whether the senior
partners are aware of my contributions.
Jerry, you know I have a tremendous
affection for my own intelligence,
and even I think you are smarter than me.
Oh, I am.
I'll see what I can find out.
How long have you worked for Devlin
MacGregor pharmaceuticals, Mr. Clark?
- Eight years. - And what was your position?
I was a lab technician in oncological protocols.
You worked on a drug to cure cancer?
Trade name is pneumotrox.
It was specifically designed to hinder
the rapid cellular mutation in the lungs.
And did Devlin MacGregor conduct a
double-blind study to test pneumotrox?
- Sort of. - Why do you say "sort of," sir?
The test was corrupted.
- Objection. Foundation. - Overruled.
On July 9th of this year you
received a call from your supervisor.
What did he want?
Well, he told me to ensure that patient 1123
received the pneumotrox and not the placebo.
- Why? - He didn't say,
but I subsequently discovered that patient 1123 is Mr. Post.
It seemed fairly obvious.
- Objection! - Sustained.
What made you come forward?
Doing so has cost you your job, correct?
- It did. - Then why?
Because some things are more important than a job.
Mr. Clark, how many patients
were involved in the experiment?
- Uh, 2,000. - And statistically speaking,
how would it change the
likelihood of one person out of the 2,000
receiving the drug over the placebo
if another person was directed to get the drug?
Not much.
Because there was no guarantee that
any of the volunteers would receive the actual drug.
The odds were originally 50-50.
The odds would change minimally.
Instead of 50-50,
the odds would change from 49.95 to 50.05.
Sounds right.
So virtually no change at all?
If you were dying, miss Bauer,
.05 is everything.
Shirley,
I wanted to ask you about Jerry
Espenson. He's up for partner.
I can't discuss that with you.
Why not?
Well, that determination is for partners only,
and you're not a partner.
I'm sure you understand, Alan.
Absolutely.
Jerry Espenson?
You mean Hands? Not a chance. He's a weirdo.
Denny, he's not a weirdo, and he doesn't like to be called "Hands".
How could you not? The Hands!
A peccadillo to be sure. We all have them.
I don't have any peccadilloes.
What's your name, Denny.
- Denny Crane. - Ah, yes.
My point is, Jerry Espenson deserves to be made a partner.
What is that?
Bev bought me a camera phone.
The woman you enjoyed in the coatroom?
We can send each other pictures.
This damn thing takes forever to load.
Things going well with Bev then?
She said she wanted to fulfill
every single one of my fantasies.
I made a list. I had to type it myself.
My assistant threatened to quit.
Denny, you're glowing.
She's an amazing woman, Al.
It's like having a one-night stand,
but every night with the same woman.
I'm thrilled for you, Denny.
- Now, about Jerry... - He's not a rainmaker, Alan.
Shirley says he's not bringing in enough money.
He's toast, weird toast.
Would you at least let me have a
glance at his performance review then?
Well, it's highly confidential.
Just don't tell anybody where you got it.
Oh, picture's finally loaded!
Look at this.
She's very limber for a woman her age.
Alan, I'd like to be alone with my phone.
Just, uh, 15 minutes.
"Poor people skills".
- Just hands it to you. - "Not presentable".
- That's my Denny. - "Not a team player".
I can see why it's confidential. It's revolting and mean.
You don't have all the facts, Alan.
Apparently I do.
Apparently at this firm, being
white and male isn't even enough.
You also need to be a golden retriever
with a pedigree to be considered for partner.
I'm telling you...
It's a wonder you slipped under the radar, Shirley,
with your vagina and all.
Jerry's had a few blowups, Alan,
one in front of a client.
Yes. It's on his permanent record back in 2000.
It also says he made a couple of clients feel awkward.
Could that be perhaps because he's an awkward guy?
It also says he doesn't play golf.
Actually, he doesn't kiss any ass
whatsoever. He just does his job.
And no one's denying that,
but partners need to bring in clients.
That's how we make our money.
Partners need to attend social dinners
and make public speaking engagements,
and they need to do it without being...
Different.
Very dangerous, Shirley.
Very dangerous.
You know how the obituaries always say things like,
so-and-so died after a brave struggle with cancer?
I'm not brave.
I'm terrified.
Cancer can make a coward out of anybody.
So when you heard about the trials for this new drug...
I leapt at it.
I'm not a fool.
I knew it was a random chance I'd
even get the drug and not the placebo.
Okay, I was willing to leave that to fate.
He wasn't.
Mr. Hopper, when you began the test,
did you stop taking chemo or any
other treatments for your cancer?
No,
but there were other promising tests I
didn't enter because of Devlin MacGregor.
I see.
And did Devlin MacGregor ever guarantee
that you would receive the actual drug?
No, they did not.
Isn't it true that you've already
sued Devlin MacGregor for this
matter and received a sizable settlement?
- Objection. Relevance. - I'm going to allow it.
Yes, but I spent every penny on medical treatments.
But the money isn't the reason I'm doing this.
I'm doing this because I feel I have a moral obligation
to stand up to people like Daniel Post.
People like that with money and power,
they think they can get away with murder,
and now he's murdering me.
No further questions, your honor.
Court will resume tomorrow at 10 A.M.
Denise, are you trying to make the jury hate our client?
If so, you're doing a good job.
I'm starting not to like me either.
Mr. Post, I...
Denise, I'm kidding. You're doing an excellent job.
I have a few questions. Um...
Are you free for a bite?
Um, couldn't you just ask me now?
Well, yeah, but then it wouldn't be a date.
Our client just asked me out to dinner.
Well, good.
Then you can use the time to convince him to settle.
Jerry, it's not looking like a lock.
What's the problem?
Generally, it's poor people skills.
You mean I'm odd?
Does it say in my file I'm odd?
No.
Alan, I would appreciate candor here,
even should you deem it hurtful!
According to your file, you've occasioned clients to feel uncomfortable.
Some have even expressed
reservations about being alone with you since...
Evidently, you also once pushed
opposing counsel over some dispute.
He made fun of me.
As conditioned as I've become to ridicule,
sometimes...
So I'm out.
It's not over.
No, I deserve this more than Brad Chase.
He cuts off a priest's fingers,
and I lose out because I push a bully?
- It's not right. - It's not over.
Jerry, I give you my word I'll do what I can.
Oh, Shirley. I'm sorry.
I didn't hear your knock.
Gee, I wonder why that could be.
Maybe because you were too busy having sex on your desk?
How did you know? I had the door closed.
Ah, but you neglected to draw all the blinds.
Oversight.
We were both facing the same way.
I'm all too horribly aware
of which way you were facing.
Oh, goodness me.
I am so rude.
I'm Beverly Bridge.
Shirley Schmidt.
Did you finish the notes on
the partnership candidates?
I've been busy.
The vote's tomorrow.
50 of the most senior partners will be there.
This is unprofessional, Denny.
You are setting a very bad
example for the rest of the firm.
Understood.
And from now on in this office, those blinds go down
before anybody else does.
She's jealous.
Poor thing.
Hi, Brad.
Hey, Jerry. How's it going?
Oh, a little nervous about the partner thing. You?
I can't say I'm not.
Got any indication?
Not really.
Paul seems to think it looks good, but
I certainly didn't help my chances by...
Lewiston? He says it looks good for you?
Well, he couldn't make any promises.
Did he mention how it looks for me?
No, we didn't really discuss you.
Do you ever?
I beg your pardon?
Do people discuss me?
Do they talk about me being
odd because of my behavior?
Jerry, everyone here knows you to be a fine lawyer.
That's all I've ever heard discussed.
It's in my file that I'm violent
because I pushed another lawyer once.
How do you know what's in your file?
I have a mole.
Right here on my neck.
It's not like me to make a joke.
I hope it's in my file I'm funny.
That's a good social skill.
Given the evidence, a
credible witness and documented proof
that you were administered the
actual drug and not a placebo...
- Question. - Go.
When do you see yourself liking me?
Um, Mr. Post, Daniel, um,
plaintiff's attorney has been very effective
in turning the jury against you.
You come off as someone of
privilege who has everything
the jury wants but doesn't have.
Except the girl.
Bottom line, it's in your best interest to settle.
How about we negotiate a settlement?
I'm not following.
I agree to settle the case
if you agree to stop talking about
it and declare this an official date.
Have you ever done anything nice for anybody, ever?
Bum, bum, bum. See, you're
trying to get a look under the hood.
Not until you agree.
- Agreed. - The answer is yes,
but my mom taught me that it's
impolite to brag about one's good works.
Then don't brag. Tell.
What's to say?
Um, my company sent thousands of
pounds of supplies down to New Orleans
before FEMA even put its pants on.
I fund a charter school for
learning-disabled kids here in south Boston.
I don't think the government
does enough to help its people so,
I give as much as I can.
Do you know why I can do that?
Because you're a rich guy who throws his weight around.
It goes hand-in-hand. Money gives me connections.
Connections let me do what I want, get what I want.
You really don't care what anybody thinks, do you?
I got stage-4 lung cancer.
I don't give a damn what anybody I don't know thinks about me.
Life's too short, really.
One more question.
Why are you really settling?
Did Mr. Hopper's testimony get to you?
It did.
But don't get me wrong. I, I...
I would do it again.
It was a chance.
So I took it, and, uh,
as it turned out, the pneumotrox
didn't work as well as I'd imagined so...
given that I have less time than I'd hoped,
I don't intend to waste that time fighting a lawsuit,
so I'll settle.
Now, more wine?
You look distressed.
Your "Guns & ammo" magazine late again?
She hasn't called all day.
- Ah, Bev. - It's nearly 4.
She hasn't called the office.
She hasn't called my cell phone.
I checked the machine at home at 9:15, 9:30, 9:45.
Okay, I sense a pattern.
I've done something.
I bought her a gift.
I bought her a gift!
Well, in time, I'm sure she'll forgive you.
Don't you see? I didn't, I didn't
give her money like I do most women.
I didn't have a personal
shopper pick something out. I shopped.
And I, Denny Crane...
thought about what she would like.
Maybe I'm, I'm having a stroke.
- Maybe it's the mad cow. - Maybe you're in love.
I am delirious with joy.
Denny, you enjoy being with
Bev. She enjoys being with you.
Why don't you just have fun in the moment
and leave it at that?
I knew you wouldn't
understand, you heartless bastard.
Wow, he's got it bad.
You shouldn't eavesdrop.
Yes, he does, very.
You wanted me to tell you when
that partnership voting thing was?
It starts in 20 minutes.
And now we turn our attention to
our next candidate, Brad Chase.
Excuse me. Uh, sorry to interrupt.
I have an urgent announcement to
make regarding national security.
I don't think our country is being run very well.
That concludes the national security announcement.
Now onto other business,
I'm looking at a group of
partners in a world-class law firm,
each of whom owes some of
their success to Jerry Espenson.
When any of you is stumped,
and you need someone who has an
encyclopedic knowledge of the law
and the creative spark to know how to apply it,
whose door do you knock on?
Mr. Shore, we appreciate your
input, but you are not a partner.
Yes, but that's only because I can't be trusted.
I have here the
confidential report on Jerry Espenson,
known to some of you who
should know better as "Hands".
Uh, this report, while acknowledging
that Jerry works very hard
and has an astute legal mind,
also makes some veiled
references to "inappropriate behavior,"
but really, this is about money, isn't it?
And whether Jerry Espenson brings in enough.
And don't we all just love our money?
You people must realize that once the rainmakers
have brought in the million-dollar accounts,
those clients expect excellent representation for their money,
and Jerry is a big part of what they're paying for.
My God, why isn't being brilliant enough?
Why can't a lawyer be a valuable asset to this firm
without being a smiling Ken Doll
with an aggressive handshake?
Does everyone at the firm have to be this guy?
Mr. Shore, you have no standing at this meeting.
We would like to ask you to leave, please, now.
Jerry Espenson has given 15 years of his life to this firm.
His work has been essential.
How dare you invade the province
of a private partnership meeting?
I'm sorry. I didn't think an
invitation was forthcoming.
There's a lot you don't know about the
business of running a law practice, Alan,
- The first rule being... - It's a business.
I understand that, Shirley, but it's a service business.
You don't peddle widgets. You don't push stocks.
You sell your people, and as far your
people go, I'll take Jerry Espenson over...
- Don't give me... - Well, you need to hear it!
I said nothing when you fired Sally Heep,
whose only infraction was to sleep with me.
I made not a peep when you deftly
ushered Lori Colson out of the firm.
I even understood when you fired Catherine Piper,
a woman I profoundly adore.
I swallowed all of it, because I know it's a business.
But to abuse a talented, selfless employee,
only because his social skills lack polish,
to allow him to work tirelessly under
the delusion that he could make partner,
a delusion you carefully nurtured,
so as to make piles of money off him in the short-term,
that's a betrayal, Shirley, not just of Jerry,
but of you and your character,
which up till now I have considered undeniably decent!
- Are you finished? - No.
Jerry Espenson no doubt will go off
quietly into the night, as the meek often do,
but somebody around here has to get angry about it.
Otherwise, you'll just go off and blithely do it again.
We have not yet made a decision concerning Jerry Espenson.
When we do, I will call you first to
tell you it is none of your concern.
There's a saying, Shirley. Perhaps you've heard it.
All it takes for evil to succeed is for good people to say,
"It's a business".
I've been given a death sentence.
And you're the one person in this room
that knows exactly what that's like.
And there was this drug, and
I thought it could help me,
so I used all my power and my
influence to make sure that I got it.
But I didn't think it through,
and I didn't think that there
might be consequences for other people,
in this case for you.
And I see now that I hurt you...
And I am sorry.
This is our offer.
It's the only one we're going to make,
and it expires when we walk out the door.
This is a very generous offer. Think about your family.
I don't care.
This could be a very long and drawn out...
That's exactly what it should be.
What do you want?
If I take your money, I won't be hurting you.
The only thing that will really hurt you now
is if I take your time,
and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
I need to talk to you.
- You'll talk to me. - No, I won't.
You have a wife. You have a family.
You owe something to them, but
you also owe something to yourself.
I know this road.
Do not allow anger to consume the last days of your life.
- Bev. - Yes, Denny Crane?
Would you like some...
money?
I, I, I don't...
Bev, I'm afraid.
- Of? - Myself, of course.
As godlike as I seem to you and other people,
there's a, there's a...
a mortal inside this godlike shell.
I don't trust myself.
Bottom line...
I'm not a one-woman man.
You know, Denny.
We're both much too old for this and too smart.
We are?
Is there a powerful man out there
who hasn't felt what you're feeling?
No.
So why fight it?
Look, people don't change their
stripes, and you don't want me to change you,
and I certainly don't want you to change me.
Therefore, Denny Crane,
as long as we're together,
feel free to have sex with anyone else you want.
Bev!
I love you.
Brad.
It was a very close vote but...
You made it.
You are now officially a full
partner at Crane, Poole & Schmidt.
- Congratulations. - Thank you, Paul.
I will not let you down.
- Brad, on your knees. - What?
Denny, must we do this every single time?
My name on the door. The answer would be "yes".
On your knees.
Brad Chase, I hereby dub thee Brad Chase.
Welcome, partner.
Thank you.
Milord?
You wanted to see me, Shirley?
Yes, Jerry. Out of courtesy, I'll be brief.
I'm very sorry, but you won't be making partner.
But I've done everything I've been asked.
Your work here is considerable. It's just not enough.
Not enough?
I won't lead you on. There will be no
further opportunities for partnership.
However, we certainly appreciate all your hard work,
and we welcome you to stay of counsel.
The choice is yours.
Okay.
You free for dinner?
Because I got a private chef that makes a mean breakfast in bed.
You see where I'm going with this.
A friend of mine just made partner, so
we're gonna celebrate, you know, cake.
- Rain check? - Sure, sure thing.
I got nothing but time.
Oh, wait, you know, that's not true.
Mr. Lewiston tried to impress upon me
that I not consume the rest of my life with anger.
But the truth is, anger can satisfy,
while despair is rather empty.
You don't seem very satisfied.
This isn't simply about vengeance, Mr. Post.
If you were the only one out
there corrupting medical testing,
perhaps I'd take your money or if not, your apology.
But there are others like you.
Maybe this will send a message.
Maybe that will be the final legacy of my anger.
Guy acts like he's the only one dying around here.
About that dinner...
It's not enough.
It's not enough. Where is my coffee mug?
Surprise!
Oh, no!
Look at that!
It's not enough!
My initials on the briefcase? Nice touch.
Jerry.
Why don't you come on in, have a piece of cake?
- Here, I'll get it for you. - No, I can do it.
Okay.
How's that, Shirley?
Is that enough?
How about that?
Is that enough?
Is that?
Look, Hands. I mean, Jerry.
Everybody, stand back! I'll kill her!
I swear, I will kill her!
I want to be made partner.
I'm gonna draw up an agreement,
and you're gonna sign it, Shirley.
I'll include a hold
harmless clause for this assault.
But this is a crime.
Hold harmless clauses are for insurance and real estate, not for crimes.
Don't say "crime". We're just talking here.
It certainly won't cover attempted murder.
Don't say "murder".
You, substandard first year.
Go pull the criminal law treatise
at 22 ALR, 3rd 12-28, reference cases
that hold extreme emotional conditions
diminish one's responsibility for a crime.
You!
What do you think you're doing?
You gonna get one of your guns?
No, why would I do that?
The one day I don't bring my sock holster.
You, substandard partner,
get me Rosenberg vs. Kaplan, 273 mass. 4-11.
The facts of a case can be
construed to uphold an employment contract
even though it's entered into under duress.
You!
Hot secretary that makes me nervous,
get me a copy of the firm's partnership agreement
and prepare to make some changes.
Jerry, this is never gonna work.
Pipe down!
Don't stand. Go!
Get my guns!
- I'm calling the police. - Which guns should I get?
No guns! Just look up the damn cases.
"Subsection I, upon his or her motion,"
"a named partner may unilaterally reconsider"
"the rejection of a senior associate for partnership".
Did you get all that?
Yes, Jerry.
Please type it up.
Clackety-clack!
What's going on?
Hands went nuts.
I found the cases you wanted.
They're excellent.
Thank you.
Jerry.
What are you doing?
Taking matters into my own hands.
That's right, people, I said "Hands".
See, I can be just as funny as you jokesters.
Why aren't you all laughing?
Don't do this, Jerry, please.
Stop now before this gets too out of hand...
control.
I will help you.
Like you did with the partnership?
You don't want to throw away
an entire life's worth of work over one emotional outburst.
I don't want to see the most gifted legal mind
I have ever encountered rotting in a prison cell.
Now put down the knife, Jerry.
On one condition.
You represent me once I'm arrested.
I can't. That's a conflict of interest.
I don't care.
You know the firm can waive that conflict,
and I know that you'll honor that waiver,
because if nothing else, you're a man of your word.
- Make the deal. - I'll represent you.
Now hand me the knife.
Oh, everyone.
This is the cake I want for my birthday.
This is really good work.
I assume it's clear to you now why we couldn't make Jerry partner.
I have to be with my client.
Well, there's, um, not much to tell, really.
We were married for ten years and in love for,
well, probably half that.
Well, it's probably hard loving a golf bum.
Do you want to hear something really awful?
When we first got married,
I knew deep down that he would
never amount to anything and,
somehow I was okay with that.
So what are your plans now? You, um, dating?
Occasionally.
Actually, not at all.
Little problem with commitment, huh?
I know the feeling.
Um, I'm not looking for a long-term relationship either.
What I don't understand is how
he got his hands from the cake
to Shirley's neck so quickly.
You know, Denny, I can't
actually talk about this with you
now that Jerry's my client.
You aren't really gonna represent him, are you?
I gave him my word.
Oh, please. We're lawyers.
He's a whack job.
By the way, uh, did I tell you?
Bev and I are getting married.
No.
I would have remembered that.
Yeah. Well...
she's the one.
Yes. She seems like the one.
Congratulations, Denny.
I want to assure you
that my impending nuptials
won't change anying between us.
No impact whatsoever.
I gotta go.
We're registering for flatware.