Murder One

Season One - Chapter Ten

U.S. air date January 8, 1996

(Complete transcript) - [Final version]

[**NOTE: Newly included in this transcript is the alternate "Previously
on... " portion which aired on BBC2 when this chapter was shown as Chapter
10 there. Courtesy of Vincent Matis. Thanks! -- mlv]

========================================================================
Disclaimer: These transcripts were made from personal video copies of
the shows and are presented for Fair Use only to Murder One fans. All
of the characters and the scripts are the properties of Steven Bochco
Productions, Charles H. Eglee, Channing Gibson, ABC television and
their respective authors. No copyright infringement is intended nor
implied by the distribution of this document. It is solely meant for
entertainment purposes only.
========================================================================

"Previously on MURDER ONE"

Various clips of nearly everyone in the cast run during the voice-over.

Narrator's voice-over: "In the next few minutes, you'll find out everything
you need to know to enjoy what TV Guide calls, `The Best New Show of the
Year,' Murder One. So let me bring you up to date."

THE MURDER - Narrator's voice-over: "It all begins with a murder. The
victim, Jessica Costello, was found bound, sexually assaulted and
strangled." Clips in black and white of Jessica's dead body.

Clip of Detective Arthur Polson.

Polson: "All the evidence points to a single perpetrator who knew the
victim and had rough sex with her prior to her murder."

SUSPECT #1 - Narrator's voice-over: "Suspect number one, billionaire Richard
Cross."

Clip of Cross asking Ted to represent him.

Cross: "I would be relieved and grateful if you would represent me on this,
Teddy."

Ted: "Why were you there if your girlfriend was out of town?"

Cross: "Jessica called me, very frightened, and asked me to come over to the
apartment. And she was dead when I walked in." Clips in black and white from
Cross' description of the apartment and Jessica when he arrived.

THE ARREST - Narrator's voice-over: "Suspect number one, Richard Cross,
arrested."

Clips of Cross in jail.

Cross emphatic: "Get me out."

THE ALIBI - Narrator's voice-over: "But Richard Cross has an alibi."

Clips of Beverly Nichols, both on the videotape with Cross and in Ted's
office.

Nichols: "I have information Richard Cross is innocent. I was with him when
he went to that girl's apartment."

THE GIRLFRIEND - Narrator's voice-over: "Richard Cross also has a girlfriend,
the older sister of the victim."

Clips of Julie arriving from Costa Rica, ID'ing her dead sister through a
photograph and being interviewed by Det. Polson.

Polson: "There were some sexual aspects to your sister's murder. What kind
of relationship did Richard Cross have with your little sister?"

Julie: "He was like a second father to her."

THE RELEASE - Narrator's voice-over: "Richard Cross is released."

Clips of the press surrounding Cross and Ted as he is released.

Cross: "I am confident that my innocence will be proven and my name
cleared."

SUSPECT #2 - Narrator's voice-over: "Suspect number two, drug-addicted
movie star, Neil Avedon."

Clip of Neil surrounded by the press and fans as he arrives at court. Clip
of Miriam Grasso.

Grasso: "They arrested Neil off of the semen in Jessica Costello and his
inconsistent statements to police..

Clip of Neil in jail with Ted.

Ted: "It looks like you're hip-deep in a rape-homicide."

THE KEY PIECE OF EVIDENCE - Narrator's voice-over: "The key piece of
evidence is the victim's diary."

Various clips are shown of the diary, Neil with Melissa Griotte from the
videotape, drugs at Jessica's apartment and of Cross when he gave Ted the
diary.

Cross: "Jessica writes about her experience with sex and drugs. For all we
know, Jessica was planning on blackmailing one of these men, none of whom
could afford to have these revelations made public."

THE STRUGGLE FOR POWER - Narrator's voice-over: "The struggle for power."
Montage of Ted, Neil and Cross.

Clip of Ted and Neil when he asked about Grasso's offer for a plea bargain.

Ted: "I told you not to talk to Richard Cross."

Neil: "Well he's my friend."

Ted: "He is not your friend."

Neil: "He put up a million bucks so I could stay out of jail. I call
that pretty friendly."

Ted sighs: "I am your only friend. You trust me and me alone. You consider
everyone else an enemy."

THE PSYCHIATRIST - Narrator's voice-over: "The psychiatrist, Graham Lester."

Clip from Ted and Lester after Susan Dominick was interviewed.

Lester: "I resent your suggesting that I would do anything to undermine the
well-being of one of my patients."

Ted: "Would your definition of Neil's best interests include keeping him
out of the gas chamber?"

Lester: "Neil confessed to killing Jessica."

THE INTERVIEW - Narrator's voice-over: "Suspect number two, Neil Avedon's
live network interview."

Clip from the interview with Felicia Norell.

Felicia: "Isn't it possible that you strangled her and you just don't
remember?"

Neil: "It's impossible for me not to remember something I couldn't have
done, something that's inconceivable that I'd ever do to anyone, let alone
a person that I loved that way I loved Jessica." He's in tears.

-----------

[Alternate "Previously on... " Clips shown in Europe on BBC2.]

Clip of Ted Hoffman and Justine.

Ted: "And Julie Costello's a client again. She wrecked Richard Cross' Rolls
last night. Julie is charged with DUI, reckless driving, driving without a
license. Justine, I want you to handle this one."

Justine: "Julie will get her license renewed, do a little traffic school."

Clip from TV show, Deadline: America hosted by Connie Dahlgren with the
phoney footage of Neil having sex with a teenage girl..

Dahlgren: "The teenage girl says the man, seen in the poor-quality video, is
Neil Avedon."

Neil: "Look, this isn't a news bulletin, folks. I said earlier the tape was
a phoney. Now, maybe you'll believe me."

Clip of Connie Dahlgren 'confessing' in Ted's office.

Dahlgren: "When Sydney Schneider gave me that tape, I made the mistake of
taking it at face value."

Clip of Ted and Sidney in the firm's library.

Ted: "You're fired. Effective immediately."

Sydney: "Why?"

Ted: "You didn't learn anything from your last mistake."

Clip of the conversation between Stephanie Lambert and Julie Costello about
the 'bad dreams' they both had.

Lambert: "And that whole sick little ceremony that went on every night
wasn't just some 'bad dream that's a normal part of therapy' like he kept
saying it was. Watching me, touching me, pulling up my nightgown, forcing
himself on me."

Clip of Blondo trying to convince Ted to allow Neil to be interviewed by
Felicia Norrell.

Blondo: "This is not an interview, this is Felicia Norell. This is a
blue-chip opportunity for Neil to tell his side of the story."

Clip of the interview.

Neil: "It's impossible for me not to remember something that's inconceivable
I would ever do to anyone, let alone a person that I loved that way I loved
Jessica. And wherever she is now, she knows the truth."

Clip of Justine and Cross in a restaurant

Justine: "So? I'm guessing you didn't invite me here to discuss your diet."

Cross: "A Hans Holbein is coming on the market in three months. I want you
to go to Amsterdam and negotiate the purchase."

Clip of Ray and Ted.

Ray: "Diane 'Dee-Dee' Carson, friend of Jessica's from the diary." 

Ted: "How did you find her?"

Ray: "Put the word out. Greg Bunt from vice called."

Clip of Dee-Dee Carson in Ted's office.

Carson: "Actors, musicians, rock stars. Just as long as they were fine.
That's how she met Neil."

Clip of Ted and Justine.

Ted: "Tell Richard you aren't interested."

Justine: "Don't you think... "

Ted interrupts: "I told you what I think." 

Clip of Dee-Dee Carson in Ted's office.

Ted: "You could tell us if there was anyone else?"

Carson: "There was a guy named Walter.

Clip of Justine and Cross in a bar.

Justine: "I have some vacation days coming up. I could use them to make the
Amsterdam run."

Cross: "Say no more. I'm sure you'll tell Ted when you're ready."

-----------

CHAPTER NINE

Opening scene, the firm. Ted and Chris come out of the elevator to find
Neil waiting for them.

Ted: "What are you doing here at seven-thirty in the morning?"

Neil: "This was stuck under my door last night." Hands Ted a letter.

In Ted's office, Ted asks Neil about the author of the letter.

Ted: "You're sure this is from the same woman who stalked you?"

Neil: "Holly Gerges."

Ted: "Is Holly Gerges capable of doing what she says she did in this
letter?"

Neil: "You're asking me? Absolutely. This woman used to send me between
seventy-five and a hundred letters a week. She used to send me gifts.
Sweaters, blankets, socks. She broke into my apartment and waited for me,
in my bed. Had to get a restraining order to keep her away from me."

Ted: "This is murder we're talking about now."

Neil quoting the letter: "`Tell your girlfriend to keep away from you or
I'll do to her what I did to Jessica.' She says she did it."

Chris: "Not to say that she's not dangerous, Neil, but people say a lot
of things."

Ted: "Why have you never mentioned her to me?"

Neil: "Well, I hadn't heard from her in a couple of years. I didn't think
to mention it."

Ted: "Right off the bat I'd say your girlfriend needs someone looking after
her. We should find out where Holly Gerges is currently living. If she's
inclined to confessing to the murder of Jessica Costello, Ray Velacek and
I ought to have a little talk with her. Her hands fit around Jessica
Costello's throat as easily as anyone else's."

[Music and main titles roll]

Daniel Benzali as Theodore Hoffman
Mary McCormack as Justine Appleton
Michael Hayden as Christopher Dochnovich
Grace Phillips as Lisa Gillspie
J.C. MacKenzie as Arnold Spivak
Stanley Tucci as Richard Cross
Dylan Baker as Detective Arthur Polson
Vanessa Williams as Lila Marquette
John Fleck as Louis Heinsbergen
Barbara Bosson as Miriam Grasso
Patricia Clarkson as Annie Hoffman
Jason Gedrick as Neil Avedon

Created by Steven Bochco & Charles H. Eglee & Channing Gibson
Executive Producer: Steven Bochco

[Episode credits roll]

Guest starring:
Joe Spano as Raymond Velacek
Debra Christofferson as Holly Gerges
Donna Murphy as Julie Costello
Lisa Banes as ???
Linda Carlson as Judge Beth Bornstein
Gregory Itzin as DA Roger Garfield
McNally Sagal as Lorraine Vitalli
Frederick Coffin as Wayne Cormier
Juli Donald as Julia Antonelli
Lynn Wanlass as ???
Charles Cyphers as Patrick McQuen

Music by Mike Post
Casting by Junie Lowry Johnson, C.S.A.
Producers: Geoffrey Neigher, Marc Buckland
Supervising Producers: Ann Donahue, Joe Ann Fogle
Creative Consultant: David Milch
Co-Executive Producer: Michael Fresco
Executive Producers: William M. Finkelstein, Charles H. Eglee
Teleplay by William M. Finkelstein & Geoffrey Neigher
Story by Steven Bochco & George Putnam
Directed by Joe Ann Fogle
-------------------------

Opening scene, in Judge Beth Bornstein's court, jury selection begins in
the Avedon case. The prospective jurors are in court, standing and awaiting
instructions on their voir dire by the prosecution and the defense.

Judge: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Please be seated. I trust you've
read the booklet explaining your duties and obligations as jurors, should
you be selected. Let me emphasize that it's extremely important for you to
speak out fully and honestly in response to questions. No one here seeks to
pry into your lives or to embarrass you, however our Constitution guarantees
Mr. Avedon's right to a fair trial by an impartial jury. We need your
forthright answers. Counsel, please rise and introduce yourselves."

Grasso: "Miriam Grasso and Mark Washington for the People of the State of
California."

Ted: "Theodore Hoffman and Christopher Dochnovich for Mr. Neil Avedon."

Grasso: "And do you understand, sir, that while police officers do on,
occasion, arrest innocent people, the District Attorney's office wouldn't
be prosecuting this case if we didn't have a good faith belief that the
evidence will show the Defendant's guilt?"

Person #1: "I understand that's what you're saying. I don't know if that's
always the case."

Ted: "If the evidence indicates that Mr. Avedon was having consensual sex 
with Jessica Costello, do you think that fact makes it more likely that he
would also have committed murder?"

Person #2 (Cormier): "Statistically, most of the people who are murdered,
are murdered by people they know, so it's definitely more likely. Whether
or not it's so in this particular case depends on the evidence."

Ted: "It says in your questionnaire that you work in a women's health
clinic. Is one of your responsibilities counseling rape victims?"

Person #3 (Julia Antonelli): "It was in the past. It's not what I do at
present."

Ted: "In your experience, has a man ever been falsely accused of rape?"

Antonelli: "Yes."

Ted: "Have you formed an opinion as to whether or not Jessica Costello was
in fact victimized by Mr. Avedon as a result of his having sexual relations
with her?"

Antonelli: "I have formed no such opinion."

Ted: "It's been your experience though, has it not, that most women are
in fact victimized by men in their sexual relationships?"

Antonelli: "Well, many women are. I don't know about most."

Ted: "Is it your opinion, ma'am, that, uh, men have a physical advantage
over women and that the threat of physical violence is used by men as a
means of control or intimidation?"

Antonelli: "There are many men that would fit that description to a T. But
I wouldn't go so far as to say it describes them all."

Ted to the judge: "Approach. Move to challenge for cause, your honor."

Grasso: "On what grounds?"

Ted: "This woman's experience working with rape victims makes her
predisposed to be biased against my client."

Grasso: "The People don't believe that working in the field of women's
health is de facto proof of bias against men."

Judge: "I agree. I even find the suggestion vaguely offensive. Do you have
any other grounds, Mr. Hoffman?"

Ted: "Not at present, your honor."

Judge: "Challenge for cause denied. Is defense counsel exercising any of
his peremptories?"

Ted: "No, your honor."

Judge: "In that case, step back and resume your voir dire."

Back at the firm.

Louis: "Your wife is here. She's in the office."

Ted to Chris: "Give me ten minutes. I'll meet you in the conference room."
Heads toward his office.

Annie: "Sorry to do this."

Ted: "What's wrong?"

Annie: "I, I could have waited until you go home. I just thought, let me
not wait, let me come up here and talk to you about it right away." She's
nervous, agitated.

Ted: "Annie, I'm going to drop dead of a heart attack! What are you talking
about?"

Annie: "I had lunch with Celia today. She said she had heard that you and
Francesca Cross were having an affair."

Ted: "Who did she hear it from?"

Annie: "She wouldn't tell me."

Ted: "The first thing I want you to know is that it's not true. Francesca
Cross and I aren't having an affair in any possible sense of the word."
Annie's relieved.

Annie: "I knew it. I just had to ask."

Ted: "I understand."

Annie: "I know people talk. I know you're in the middle of this case. It's
still hard to hear though."

Ted: "Of course it is."

Annie: "Okay, that's all. We don't have to talk about it any more." She's
smiling.

Ted: "You believe, Annie, don't you?"

Annie: "Yes, I believe you. I'm embarrassed I even brought it up."

Ted: "Don't be."

Annie: "I'll see you at home." They kiss and she leaves.

Later that evening in the conference room, the associates meet with the
jury consultant regarding the day's voir dire of prospective jurors.

Vitalli: "From where we sit right now I'd say we have fifteen candidates
who would be more likely to vote to acquit."

Justine: "Of which how many are going to be knocked off by the prosecution?"

Vitalli: "There are six who'll go down as soon as they open their mouths.
Depending on how the prosecution exercises its peremptories, there are five
others we have a real chance of getting in."

Ted: "Who do you like?"

Vitalli: "Julia Antonelli."

Ted laughs: "I just tried to get rid of her."

Vitalli: "I know you did and based on the fact you have eleven peremptories
left, I think you exercised good judgment not using one of them up on her.
I think she could be good for us."

Chris: "She's a card-carrying feminist."

Justine: "So?"

Arnold: "Our client is a male. He's an admittedly heterosexual male. He
represents the motion picture and television industry which has, according
to a strictly feminist perspective, systematically both glamorized and
demonized the image of women. Accordingly, I think she'd hurt us."

Vitalli: "There is that risk. There's also the likelihood that feminist
identification comes accompanied by a greater suspicion of authority and
a less judgmental attitude toward both promiscuity and so-called underage
sexual relations. Particularly when the age of consent differential between
male and female is consistent with what they view as an oppressive
patriarchal paradigm."

Arnold, impressed, takes notes: "Hmm."

Ted: "What about the ex-cop?"

Justine: "Cormier."

Ted: "It would be interesting to know why he took early retirement."

Chris: "Hmm. In other words he may have an ax to grind against the police
department."

Ted: "Right."

Lisa: "He also worked out of Hollenbeck which is where Dave Blalock was.
He might have known Dave. He might have known that Dave worked for us, in
which case he might be more favorably inclined toward us."

Arnold: "Alternatively, Dave might have slept with his wife and he'd love
to hang Neil for that very reason." He realizes that Neil is staring at him.

Ted: "Arnold."

Arnold: "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean that literally, Neil."

Neil: "No, that's all right." Ray opens the door to the room.

Ray: "I've located her, Teddy. We ought to get over there."

Next scene, Holly Gerges' house. Ray and Ted have gone there to speak with
her regarding her letter to Neil in which she confessed to killing Jessica
Costello. Ray knocks on the door.

Gerges: "Just a second! Who is it?"

Ray: "We work for Neil Avedon. I wonder if you'd talk to us for a moment."
She opens the inner door but not the screen door.

Gerges: "You're from Neil?"

Ray: "I'm Ray Velacek and this is Ted Hoffman. He's Neil's attorney."

Gerges: "Have we met?"

Ted: "I don't believe we have."

Gerges: "Oh, I didn't think so, which is odd because I know everyone who
works for Neil."

Ray: "We haven't been working for him very long."

Gerges: "Oh. Can I ask you in?" She finally opens the screen door and
invites them in.

Ray: "Thank you."

Gerges: "Would you like some herbal tea?"

Ray: "No. No, thank you." They see that the house is a virtual shrine to
Neil Avedon. His pictures are everywhere: on the kitchen cabinets, the 
walls, etc. 

Gerges: "Both Neil and I are trying to eat healthier."

Ray: "That's good."

Gerges: "When I used to make lasagna for us I would always use either
sausages or ground chuck, now I'm making it strictly vegetarian. I use
zucchini, eggplant. I also use a low-fat ricotta cheese."

Ray: "I'll have to remember that."

Gerges: "Oh, you wouldn't think it to look at him but... " She's take a
photo of Neil down from the cabinet. "... Neil has a problem with his
cholesterol." Ted notices the table is set for two, complete with candles,
for a romantic setting.

Ted: "Are you expecting Neil for dinner, Ms. Gerges?"

Gerges: "Uh-huh. I would ask you to stay but I never know what time we're
actually going to sit down." She finally puts the photo she has been holding
down on a table.

Ted: "Neil got a letter from you this morning, Ms. Gerges."

Gerges: "Oh, Neil gets lots of letters from me. I'll send him a snapshot
or I'll see something in the newspaper that strikes me as funny and
sometimes for no reason at all I'll see something that reminds me of him.
No I find that it's no more trouble to jot down a note and stick it in an
envelope than it is to pick up the phone and call." She's picked up a copy
of Interview magazine with Neil's picture on the cover. She had begun
cutting the photo out of the cover sometime earlier.

Ted: "You said something in this last letter which is of great interest to
us, Ms. Gerges."

Gerges: "Well, what would that be, Mr. Hoffman?"

Ted: "You said that you killed Jessica Costello."

Gerges, upset: "That letter was not addressed to you, Mr. Hoffman. That
letter was addressed to Neil Avedon."

Ted: "Neil is about to stand trial for murder, Ms. Gerges. It's important
that if you know something about that murder you come forward." She picks
up a pair of scissors and continues cutting the photo from the magazine.

Gerges: "I don't."

Ray: "You said you did."

Gerges: "Neil understands what I said. Neil understands what I didn't say."
She gets very angry and begins shouting. "And if there is anything that
Neil does not understand then Neil is the one who should be asking the
questions!" She's been gesturing with her hands, still holding the scissors.

Ray: "Holly, you have a history psychiatric problems. We want you to know
that we're aware of that." 

Gerges gets angry again: "You know, that is insulting. I have allowed you in
my home. I have been entirely hospitable with you. And now, each of you, in
turn, has taken an accusatory tone and seen fit to talk to me about things
that are really none of your business!" Ray holds up a hand, trying to calm
her down. She does. "I'm going to ask you both to leave and I'm going to
tell Neil. I promise you, he will not be happy." She gestures toward the
door.

Next scene, DA Garfield's office. Grasso and Ted are meeting with Garfield
and Detective Polson. They show them the Gerges letter and ask that she be
investigated in the murder of Jessica Costello.

Garfield reading the letter: "So. Seems to me we need to talk to Holly
Gerges." Polson snorts.

Ted: "Allergies, detective?"

Polson: "Every time you start blowing smoke, counselor, I get a nasal
tickle."

Grasso: "You don't think this woman warrants investigation?"

Polson: "Yes, she warrants investigation. Just don't get your hopes up. This
is for the benefit of the working press. He (meaning Ted) knows as well as I
do, this woman didn't kill Jessica Costello."

Ted: "Your source at the Psychic Friends Network tip you off?"

Polson to Garfield: "You want me to interview her, I'll interview her. But
don't get sidetracked by some flake who danced through Neil Avedon's life
five years ago. I know these wackos. I deal with them everyday. We got the
right guy. You know it.(to Grasso) You know it. (to Garfield) And he knows
it. (to Ted)"

Garfield: "You'll have her in today, I trust." He hands Polson the letter.

Polson: "Yeah." Gets up and leaves.

Next day, arriving at court, the defense team, along with Vitalli and Neil,
discuss the on-going jury selection.

Vitalli: "I did a little more digging on Patrick McQuen."

Chris: "Patrick McQuen? We still considering him?"

Vitalli: "He may not be what he seems."

Chris: "Well, he seems pretty scary. Sixty-six years old, ex-Marine. He
voted for Reagan, Wilson and the death penalty."

Neil: "That's not good."

Ted: "Let's take this in here." Leads them all into an empty room.

Vitalli: "Five years ago McQuen's son, they both worked at Chemtron
Eletronics, got fired. My people tell me it went down around a sexual
harassment suit. The company spent a fortune defending themselves and
they took it out on junior."

Ted: "And the old man resented it."

Vitalli: "He quit in protest when his son got fired."

Ted: "So what I'm getting is a juror who may be sympathetic to charges of
false accusation. Despite his surface profile, he could be one of ours."

Vitalli: "He may not be willing to characterize Jessica as the innocent
waif. May feel men are getting the shaft these days. May feel accusations
in matters involving sex are too wide-spread."

Neil: "What do you think, Teddy?"

Ted: "Political philosophy's one thing, family's another. I think we want
him. The only problem is, Miriam may be looking at the same things we are."

Chris: "If we leave him alone, she's going to smell a rat."

Ted: "Then we appear to go after him, kick him around, look to get him
excused for cause, give her something to push against."

Neil: "And what if Grasso knows as much about him as we do?"

Ted: "She'll exercise one of her peremptories. Either way, we win." They
head into the courtroom. Grasso is interviewing Mr. McQuen.

Grasso: "Mr. McQuen, you wrote in your questionnaire that you're the
captain of your neighborhood watch association. Do you have much crime
in the, uh, Marvista area?"

McQuen: "We keep a pretty tight lid on things. Bunch of good people. We 
look out for ourselves."

Grasso: "So you feel the police aren't getting the job done?"

McQuen: "They're doing fine. What we do it's, uh, an addition."

Grasso: "You fought in Korea, didn't you?"

McQuen: "Yeah, Marines, uh, I saw some action."

Grasso: "You're aware that the Defendant is about to appear in a film in
which he plays an action hero. Does that impress you?"

McQuen: "It's acting, right? I know the difference. No more questions, 
your honor."

Ted: "Good afternoon, sir. Mr. McQuen, you understand the nature of the
presumption of innocence, don't you?"

McQuen: "Yeah, I do."

Ted: "So, you understand that just because the police arrest someone that
doesn't mean he committed the crime with which he's charged?"

McQuen: "Like I said, I'm pretty clear on the presumption of innocence."

Ted: "Well, would you say the police are right when they arrest someone
most of the time, some of the time, what?"

McQuen: "The way I see it, uh, the police are right a lot more than they're
wrong. They're not to blame. There's a lot of violence in this world. But
the police are pulling their oar pretty damn good."

Ted: "But you do believe there's a problem in the criminal justice system,
correct?"

McQuen: "Yes."

Ted: "Am I part of what's wrong with the criminal justice system, Mr.
McQuen?"

McQuen: "Well, I don't know about you personally but a lot of the times
you defense guys are pretty sneaky."

Ted smiles: "Approach. Challenge for cause."

Judge: "Why?"

Ted: "This man is a poster boy for the prosecution."

Grasso: "Your honor, we can't let counsel's paranoia rule the jury selection
process. There's nothing about Mr. McQuen that indicates any limiting bias
or prejudice."

Judge: "I'm inclined to agree."

Grasso: "If he wants to use a peremptory, he can."

Judge: "Well, Mr. Hoffman?"

Ted: "We won't challenge at this time, your honor." Loraine Vitalli and
Chris smile at each other, pleased that Ted was able to pull it off.

Later that night, in Ted's office, Louis knocks at the door.

Louis: "Vivien Barone."

Ted: "Send her in, Louis. You have choir practice tonight?"

Louis: "If you need me to stay?"

Ted: "Naa, go ahead. See you tomorrow." Barone enters.

Barone: "Teddy."

Ted: "Hello, Vivien."

Barone: "In case you haven't heard, there's a mean-spirited rumor out on
the grapevine."

Ted: "I know. It's extremely upsetting to both Annie and me."

Barone: "As it is to Francesca, quite understandably."

Ted: "I assume this came out of your negotiations with Richard."

Barone: "He knows how loyal Francesca is to her friends, you being among
her most valued. By trashing you he so unnerved her she's about ready to
cave. Teddy, you have every right to be upset. But if Francesca calls I
would be very grateful if you would not communicate your distress."

Ted: "It goes without saying, Vivien. You have your hands full as it is
without my saying something that might further inflame the situation."

Barone: "Thank you, Teddy. I appreciate your understanding."

Ted: "What's the number you're going after?"

Barone: "Half, which right now is around two hundred million. He put twenty
on the table the day we served papers, hasn't budged since."

Ted: "If Francesca calls, I'll encourage her to stay the course. She's a
good person and I'd like to see her get everything she's entitled to."

Barone: "As good a person as she is I don't know if she has the stomach for
a long fight, no matter what anyone says. Thank you, Teddy." She leaves.
As Ted is leaving, he finds Neil sitting in the law library, reading some
of the questionnaires from the jury selection.

Ted: "Do yourself a favor, Neil. Go home. Go to sleep."

Neil reads: "`Drives a four-wheel-drive vehicle and subscribes to Sports
Illustrated' -- bad for me. `Would use homeopathic medicine and subscribes
to the New Yorker' -- that's good."

Ted: "That's a slight oversimplification."

Neil: "Yeah, well, I didn't feel like I had a lot of friends in that room
today, Ted."

Ted: "You don't need a lot." Holly Gerges enters the library.

Gerges: "Neil? I thought I heard your voice. You know who I saw today? I
was at the Irvine Ranch Market and I saw Gale Storm. Do you remember her?
I used to watch `My Little Margie' every single morning. Oh, by the way, I
need for you to look at a leather jacket for me. I tried it on this morning
at Nordstrom's but I really don't know how I feel about it."

Ted: "What is it that you want, Ms.Gerges?"

Gerges: "Well, I want to talk to you, alone."

Ted: "That's not going to happen, Ms. Gerges.

Gerges: "Neil, I need to talk to you about what's being done to me by this
man. He has inroads at the police department and now I am being harassed by
the police. I can't go home now because they're waiting for me there. He's
making my life a living hell and you need to put a stop to it."

Neil: "What exactly would you like me to do, Holly?"

Gerges, growing more upset: "Well, tell the truth, how about? I can show you
a hundred different ways where we are one hundred percent predestined to
be together. Instead of accepting it, you fight it. And now lies are being
told about me and you are not standing up to defend me and that is really
something we need to talk about." Regaining some of her composure. "What
I need for you to do now is wait for me outside because I'm going to kill
your attorney... " She has pulled out a gun and is pointing it at Ted. "...
and I really think that it would be better for you legally if you were not
present in the room."

Neil: "I don't want you to do that, Holly."

Gerges: "I don't think you know what you want."

Neil: "I'm telling you that I do know what I want and what I want is for 
there not to be any killing here tonight. That's number one. And I want for
you and me to be happy."

Gerges, in tears: "So why do you put me through all this?"

Neil: "'Cause I don't always know what's staring me right in the face." He
draws closer to her and begins caressing her face.

Gerges: "I could make you happy."

Neil: "I know you could."

Gerges: "What do we do now?"

Neil: "Oh, we'll figure that out back at my place, over dinner, candlelight,
nice bottle of wine. Just the two of us."

Gerges: "Oh, I'd really like that."

Neil: "Yeah. First, give me the gun. Come on." He takes the gun away from
her. Ted lets out a deep sigh of relief. "All right. Now, let me finish
talking business for five minutes, okay, Holly? I'll meet you down in the
lobby." He gives her a kiss to convince her he means it. She leaves.

Next day, Ted's office. Louis knocks and enters.

Louis: "Francesca Cross is here."

Ted: "Show her in. Francesca, how are you?"

Francesca: "Not very good."

Ted: "Please sit."

Francesca: "I, um, understand you've spoken to Vivien Barone." Ted nods.
"Can I assume it was to discuss Richard's latest unpleasantry?"

Ted: "She told me he's been playing hardball on your divorce."

Francesca: "Hardball. Mud wrestling is more like it. To drag you and Annie
into this, it's unconscionable."

Ted: "Our marriage will survive."

Francesca: "If you want me to call her, talk to her... "

Ted: "No, no, we're fine. It's you I'm worried about."

Francesca: "I just want to be free of all this, Ted. Richard's not the
same man that I married. Six years ago we started living separate lives.
His was a parade of users, mistresses, whores. Mine was charitable work.
And the rumors of infidelity behind my back. I decided to accept the
offer that's on the table and get on with my life while I still have
a shred of dignity left."

Ted: "Don't let Richard's tactics defeat you, Francesca. You're entitled
to a good deal more than he's offering."

Francesca: "I thought that I could go to war with him, but I can't."

Ted: "That's why you have Vivien in your corner. She's a fighter, believe
me."

Francesca: "Well, I think that I can make ends meet on twenty million
dollars, Ted. No one will be holding any bake sales for me."

Ted: "If you're doing this to spare Annie and me... "

Francesca interrupts: "I'm doing what's right for me. Honestly. Besides,
I know Richard. This will be just the beginning. He will do whatever it
takes to bring me to my knees."

Ted: "If you really want to hurt him, go on record with what you know."

Francesca: "As much as I'd like to help you, Ted, I can't. Richard scares
me and I'm tired of being scared."

Ted: "Whatever you decide, Richard's taken a great deal from you, Francesca.
But he hasn't taken your dignity."

Francesca: "Annie's a lucky woman, Ted. I hope I'm as lucky one day. Please
give her my apologies." She leaves.

Back in court, the jury selection continues.

Ted: "Sir, you understand the concept of circumstantial evidence, don't
you?"

Person #4: "It means no eyewitness, just a lot of circumstances that suggest
he did it."

Ted: "The law requires that when there are two reasonable inferences to be
drawn from such evidence -- one suggesting guilt, the other innocence -- you
must adopt the one suggesting innocence."

Person #5 (Milligan): "I think I can make that distinction. After all a
man's life is at stake."

Person #6: "Like the man says, innocent until proven guilty."

Grasso: "Mr. Cormier, do you understand the concept of reasonable doubt,
that if such doubts aren't reasonable, then you must return a verdict of
guilty?"

Cormier: "Twelve years on the force, you grasp the concept."

Ted: "You work in a psychiatrist's office, isn't that right, Ms. Milligan?"

Milligan: "Yes, eight years."

Ted: "What do you do there?"

Milligan: "Billing, reception, um, a little of everything."

Ted: "If the evidence were to show that Neil Avedon had sex with a girl
not much older than your daughter, would that affect your ability to judge
him fairly?"

Milligan: "Um, I won't pretend I approve of that behavior, Mr.
Hoffman, but I think I can decide this case on the facts."

Ted: "Because you work in a psychiatrist's office, do you believe you have
more insight into human behavior?"

Milligan: "Only that people don't always pay their bills and
that they're sometimes late for their appointments."

Ted: "Does that bother you, people being late, not paying?"

Milligan: "Yes, it does."

Ted: "Why?"

Milligan: "Because it's wrong."

Ted: "Would you agree that there are instances where people's actions cannot
be viewed in black and white terms, that things which may appear one way on
the surface, in fact may not be what they appear?"

Milligan: "Of course I would."

Ted: "Thank you, ma'am."

Grasso: "Think there's anything complex about murder, Ms. Milligan?"

Milligan: "How do you mean?"

Grasso: "Well, if I were to prove to you that the man sitting at the
Defense table brutally killed a fifteen-year-old girl, you wouldn't have
any trouble finding him guilty, would you?"

Milligan: "Not as long as you proved it beyond a reasonable
doubt."

Grasso: "And would you look beneath the surface, as Mr. Hoffman has
suggested to try and find some complex reason to acquit him, despite
evidence to the contrary?"

Milligan: "If you convince me beyond a reasonable doubt,
Ms. Grasso, I'll be the first one to vote him guilty."

Grasso: "Thank you."

Judge: "The court will take a fifteen-minute recess." 

The defense team meets in an empty room to discuss the jury selection.

Ted: "First impressions, we may have some keepers on this panel."

Chris: "Cormier's definitely one of them."

Vitalli: "Assuming he isn't picked up on Grasso's radar."

Chris: "He's a cop. Miriam's gotta love him for that."

Neil: "Yeah, I kind of like him too. I got along great with the cops working
security on `Deadbolt' and if this guy's had a beef with the department,
that's got to be good for us, right?"

Vitalli: "That's the theory. Now, the one I'd definitely pass on is
Milligan."

Chris: "The one who makes time for her kids and works for a shrink?" Vitalli
nods.

Ted: "I have to say, Lorraine, I liked her. She's patient, maternal, willing
to weigh the evidence."

Vitalli: "All true. But when I look at her demeanor, her body language, I
see trouble."

Chris: "If you're bothered by the crucifix she had on, my sixteen-year-old
sister has one just like it. And a navel ring."

Vitalli: "Wear it one day, it's a fashion statement. Wear it three days
in a row as this woman has and it's who you are. Whenever sex is mentioned
she shifts in her seat or folds her arms. What I see is a judgmental,
moralistic woman who as soon as she gets the chance is going to drop the
hammer on Neil."

Ted: "At this point I don't want to use a peremptory because we don't like
this woman's wardrobe choices."

Vitalli: "Ask her if she thinks she'll be unduly influenced by Neil's
celebrity. She'll dispute the notion that Neil's a celebrity in the first
place. Ask her about Neil's history with drugs and alcohol. She'll say
substance abuse is a failure of character. Watch."

Back in court, the voir dire resumes.

Ted: "Do you think Mr. Avedon's celebrity status will influence your ability
to remain impartial?"

Milligan: "The fact that he was in a TV show doesn't make any difference to
me one way or the other."

Ted: "So if he were to take the stand in this trial, your ability to
objectively evaluate his testimony wouldn't be affected by his being
famous?"

Milligan: "Jonas Salk was famous, Mr. Hoffman. Susan B. Anthony was famous.
He's just someone who gets his picture in a lot of magazines."

Ted: "In those magazines, have you read about Mr. Avedon's struggle with
drugs and alcohol?"

Milligan: "Yes."

Ted: "In you opinion, is it more or less likely Mr. Avedon committed
the crime with which he's charged because he suffers from the disease of
alcoholism?"

Milligan: "Hmm. One's got nothing to do with the other but I don't buy
this disease business, um. If you get drunk or take drugs it's because
you want to. It's not a disease, it's a failure of character." Ted nods
and turns around to look at Vitalli.

Ted: "Nothing further. Your honor, the Defense thanks and excuses Ms.
Milligan."

Judge: "Ms. Milligan, you are excused."

Outside the courtroom, the press tosses questions at Ted.

Reporter #1: "How is the jury selection coming along?"

Ted: "The process continues. We remain hopeful of finding an impartial
panel which will fairly weigh the evidence against my client." Polson
has arrived and waits to speak with Ted.

Reporter #2: "There's a rumor the police are looking at another suspect?"

Ted: "Yesterday evening the police took into custody a woman who has been
stalking Neil Avedon. In a letter delivered to Neil's home, this woman
claims to have killed Jessica Costello. If a police investigation bears
this out, we will be seeking a dismissal of all charges."

Reporter #3: "Can you give us her name?"

Reporter #4: "Did she make an attempt on Neil's life?"

Ted: "An incident in my office was diffused without violence. Any further
details will have to come from the police. Thank you very much." He turns
and leaves the press behind. They spot Polson and begin asking him some
questions.

Reporter #5: "Detective, can you comment?"

Polson: "Unlike Mr. Hoffman, I don't conduct my business in front of
the cameras. If and when we have any evidence concerning this woman's
involvement in the murder, you'll be informed in the appropriate forum."
He makes his way through the press while a security guard holds them back
from following after him. Polson continues on till he finds Ted. "Counselor,
I wouldn't be filing that motion any time soon. I questioned this Gerges
woman myself. She doesn't know what planet she's on."

Ted: "Does that mean you've eliminated her as a suspect?"

Polson: "As far as I'm concerned she never was a suspect."

Ted: "You don't want to ignore the fact that she confessed to Jessica's
murder in her letter to Neil."

Polson: "She also said she was carrying Neil's baby, counselor. How does
that stack up? As for the confession, we went over that. She said it was
a metaphor."

Ted: "There was nothing metaphoric about that gun she was waving around my
office."

Polson: "You mean the unloaded gun? That nets her a weapons charge, not the
rap for the murder your client did. But hey, it made for a nice sound bite,
didn't it?" He leaves.

Next scene, another morning meeting at the firm to discuss the jury
selection candidates.

Ted: "Well, we're due in court, people so let's wrap this up. What's the
consensus?"

Vitalli: "Teddy, I understand your concern about her potential bias against
men but Julia Antonelli's background could cut two ways. Plus, our research
turned up she's unmarried with a live-in boyfriend."

Chris: "Then why does Grasso like her so much?"

Ted: "Could be an act, to make us think she does. My concern is that she'll
identify with the murder victim here and vent her rage at Neil for the
injustices she sees done to women every day."

Chris: Hmm. Well, the question is do we want to spend a peremptory at this
stage of the game?"

Ted: "How do feel about it, Neil?"

Neil: "My vote would be to keep her. Out of everyone we've seen so far,
she's the only one who's made eye contact with me."

Chris: "You sure she's not just getting a good look at the enemy?"

Neil: "I don't think so. Teddy, there's a lot I don't know about but I know
women. And I'm getting a good hit from this one."

Ted: "It's your jury, Neil. If you feel there's a line of communication
there, we need to trust that. Have we dug up anything to cause us to rethink
seating the cop?"

Vitalli: "Believe me, Wayne Cormier is someone you want on this jury. With
him, this girl and Patrick McQuen on board we may have the nucleus of a
panel we can work with."

Ted: "Let's hope so. But as long as Miriam Grasso can draw breath and has a
peremptory in her pocket, don't fall in love with any of these people."

Back in court, the voir dire continues.

Grasso: "Do you understand the presumption of innocence only applies until
I present evidence that shows the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt?"

Antonelli: "Yes."

Grasso: "Do you think you're capable if the evidence so indicates of
delivering a verdict of guilty?"

Antonelli: "Yes, I do."

Grasso: "And what if you were to hear evidence in this case that the victim
was sexually promiscuous, would that make you think that she had at least
something to do with what happened to her?"

Antonelli: "As divine retribution or something? No way. The person that
killed that girl is the only one responsible."

Grasso: "Thank you, Ms. Antonelli. Nothing further."

Judge: "Counsel?"

Ted: "No questions and no challenge, your honor."

Grasso: "Uh, with the court's permission, I have a few more questions for
Mr. Cormier." The judge nods. "Mr. Cormier, you took an early retirement
in June of 1992 after twelve years with the LAPD, is that correct?"

Cormier: "Yes."

Grasso: "Were you compelled to retire because of an injury you sustained
while on duty?"

Cormier: "Yes."

Grasso: "Would you describe that injury and the circumstances under which
it occurred?"

Cormier: "The patrol car that I was driving was rear-ended by a suspect's
vehicle, running from a crime scene. I suffered a neck injury due to
whiplash."

Grasso: "Did your injury entitle you to any sort of, uh, disability payments
from the department?"

Cormier: "Yes."

Ted: "Objection, your honor. I fail to see the relevance of this line of
questioning."

Judge: "Overruled."

Grasso: "How did you feel about that decision?"

Cormier: "I disagreed with it."

Grasso: "Would it be accurate to say you were angry about that decision?"

Cormier: "At the time I was angry, but life goes on."

Grasso: "Well, notwithstanding that life does go on, do you think that you
can objectively evaluate the testimony of police officers in this trial?"

Cormier: "Whatever my opinion of the bean counters downtown, I would never
take it out on the guys on the job."

Grasso: "You were on the job with a former detective by the name of David
Blalock."

Cormier: "That's right."

Grasso: "Are you aware that Mr. Blalock is a former employee of defense
counsel?"

Cormier: "I guess I read that in Davey's obituary."

Grasso: "Approach. Move to challenge for cause. His animus for the police
department coupled with a personal relationship of a man that investigated
the case... "

Ted: "Now deceased."

Grasso continues: "An unfortunate incident that can only make Mr. Cormier
more sympathetic towards the Defendant. Your honor, under the circumstances
it's impossible for this man to be fair-minded."

Ted: "Ms. Grasso can draw whatever inference she cares to. Nothing I've
heard this man say demonstrates bias."

Judge to Cormier: "Sir? Were you a friend of Mr. Blalock?"

Cormier: "We knew each other but we weren't close, no."

Judge: "When was the last time you spoke to him?"

Cormier: "A year ago, maybe."

Judge: "Challenge for cause denied."

Grasso: "Your honor, the People wish to thank and, uh, excuse Mr. Cormier."

After the session, Ted, Chris, Neil and Lorraine leave the courtroom.

Chris: "I didn't see that coming."

Ted: "This is why Miriam's a nightmare in pumps." They run into Ray.

Ray: "Teddy."

Ted: "I'll catch up with you. What's up, Ray?"

Ray: "Holly Gerges died in custody."

Ted: "How did it happen?" Clip in black and white is shown of Ray's
description.

Ray: "Guard came down to serve lunch around twelve noon. Found her alone
in the cell. No sign of struggle. Not a mark on her. Couldn't find a pulse.
They got her to the infirmary and pronounced her. Cause of death hasn't
been determined but it doesn't look like a homicide."

Ted: "What are the actuarials of a woman in her thirties dropping dead
on cue?"

Ray: "If it was a hit it was pretty sophisticated."

Ted: "Richard Cross is a pretty sophisticated guy." They both leave.

Back at the firm, Richard Cross is waiting to speak with Ted.

Cross: "Hi, Teddy."

Ted: "Richard."

Cross: "So? I heard about that girl who was stalking Neil. Do they know
what happened?"

Ted: "Foul play has been ruled out for the moment pending results of the
autopsy."

Cross: "Well, at least she's out of her misery." The conversation continues
in Ted's office. "And certainly Neil's fortunes soar with her passing."

Ted: "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Richard."

Cross: "Well even with this woman's confession you and I both know the
police would not drop the charges against Neil without a fight. Number one,
because Polson would not admit he's wrong twice in a row and number two,
Neil Avedon is a much sexier collar than some nobody. No, the police would
be obligated to do everything possible to debunk this Holly person's story
to keep them from looking like the idiots that they are."

Ted: "And with her out of the picture that's not possible, is it?" 

Cross: "No. Her confession stands. Unrefuted. Oh, by the way, you'll be
pleased to know that Francesca and I have concluded our divorce negotiations
amicably. So, all in all, I'd say it's, uh, it's been a good day."

Ted: "For whom?"

Cross: "Excuse me?"

Ted: "Dragging Francesca's name through the mud. And mine and my wife's
along with it, to save a couple of million dollars you'll never miss."

Cross: "Teddy, if you're implying that I started those awful rumors about
you and Francesca just to gain some advantage... "

Ted interrupts: "I'm not implying, Richard, I'm stating the facts as I
understand them to be."

Cross: "Look, Teddy, I understand you're under a lot of pressure just now."

Ted: "I know what you did, Richard, even if I'll never be able to prove it.
Just as I know you were involved in this girl's murder. And Dave Blalock's.
And Jessica Costello's. Blow all the smoke you want, I see through it. I see
through the alibis, the surrogates, the veils of lies and deception, to the
sickness at the core of your being."

Cross: "I'm going to leave now before any more hurtful things are said that
might make it that much harder to mend fences later on." He heads for the
door and opens it. "Good night, my friend." And leaves. Louis enters.

Louis: "There's a news crew in reception."

Ted: "I'll be right there."
 
[End titles]

Steven Bochco Productions
20th Century Fox Television, a News Corporation Company
Story Editor: Doug Palau
Supervising Associate Producer: Gigi Coello-Bannon
Associate Producer: Chad Savage
Casting in New York: Alexa L. Fogel, C.S.A.

Co-Starring:
Markus Redmond as Mark Washington
Victor Bevine as the Chef
Ernie Lee Banks as the Postal Worker
Benjamin Lum as the Asian Male
Betty McGuire as the Woman
Joe Basile as the Tough Guy
Michelle Bonilla as the Latina
Paul Goodman as the Actor
Bruce Wright as Reporter #1
Lisa Dinkins as Reporter #2

Director of Photography: Aaron E. Schneider
Production Designer: Paul Eads
Edited by Kaja Fehr, A.C.E.
Unit Production Manager: Patrick McKee
First Assistant Director: Mike Schilz
Second Assistant Director: Brian Faul
Costume Designer: Brad R. Loman
Legal Consultant: Howard Weitzman
Technical Advisor: David J. Gascon
Production Coordinator: Nancy Wilkerson
Costume Supervisor: Debra Beebe
Make-Up Artists: Norman Page, Jim Scribner
Hairstylists: Paulette Pennington, Anthony Wilson
Continuity Supervisor: Mary Ann Newfield
Camera Operator: David Boyd
First Assistant Camera: Brian LeGrady
Gaffer: Mark Vuille
Key Grip: Harry L. Rez
2nd 2nd Assistant Director: Andy Spilkoman
Technical Consultant: Debra Carrillo
Production Sound Mixer: Susan Moore-Chong, C.A.S.
Supervising Sound Editor: Margi Carlton
Music Editor: Patty McGettigan
Background A.D.R.: Superloopers
Re-recording Mixers: Robert L. Appere, Ken Burton
Set Decorator: Mary Ann Biddle
Set Designer: Mindy Roffman
Lead Person: Randy Bostic
Property Master: Jerry Moss
Location Manager: John Armstrong
Script Coordinator: Michael Norell
Casting Associates: Libby Goldstein, John A. Aiello
Construction Coordinator: Pete Lawrence
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Assistant Production Coordinator: Ann M. Kaiser
Post Production Coordinators: Laina Mumbrue, Jamal A. Swinton
Production Accountant: Candace Montgomery-Lira
Asst. to Steven Bochco: Barbara Kroells
Asst. to Charles H. Eglee: Marian Devney
Asst. to Fogle/Buckland: Karin Londgren
Asst. to Donahue/Neigher: Holly Baker
Asst. to Michael Fresco: Maureen Milligan
EPR (R) Telecine and Electronic Assembly by Encore Video Inc.
Telecine Colorist: Steve Porter
Re-recorded at Sony Pictures Studios
Post Production Sound Editorial by Dave Weathers, Miles of Fun Sound
Presented in Dolby Surround
Lenses & Panaflex (R) camera by Panavision (R)
Copyright (c) 1996 Steven Bochco Productions #7110 All Rights Reserved
Steven Bochco Productions is the author of this motion picture for purposes
of copyright and other laws.
(AMPTP) Color by Foto-Kem Laboratory (R) 

The events and characters depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any
similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely
coincidental.

Ownership of this motion picture is protected by copyright and other
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as well as civil liability.