Murder One

Season One - Chapter Eighteen

U.S. air date: March 18, 1996

(Complete transcript) - [Final version]

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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.
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"Previously on MURDER ONE"

Narrator's voice-over: "The murder."

Black/white and color clips of Jessica Costello.

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

THE SUSPECT - Clip of the press surrounding Neil Avedon, after his arrest.
With narrator's voice-over: "The suspect: drug-addicted movie star, Neil
Avedon."

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

Clip of Neil, in jail with Ted Hoffman. 

Ted: "Looks like your hip-deep in a rape-homicide." Clip of Neil crying.

THE TRIAL - Narrator's voice-over: "The trial." Clips of fans and press
surrounding Ted and Neil as Neil displays a thumbs up gesture to the crowd.

Neil: "I don't think I can get through this."

Ted: "Now you're going to depend on me and you're going to put your faith
in me. And you will come out on the other side."

THE OFFER - Narrator's voice-over: "Richard makes Justine an offer."

Justine: "He wants me to fly to Amsterdam to buy some painting. Made a big
show of wanting it to be all right with you."

Ted: "It's not. Tell Richard you aren't interested." Later on.

Cross: "Do we have something to celebrate?" Justine nods. "Excellent."

Justine: "Only about Ted, I would just like to choose the right time to
tell him about this."

THE FAVOR - Narrator's voice-over: "Richard calls in a favor."

Richard: "I was beginning to feel we had an understanding."

Justine: "Because you gave me a seventy-five thousand dollar piece of art?
I can't discuss Julie's testimony."

Richard: "I would like to know in advance if Julie intends to do any
permanent damage to our relationship."

Justine: "It's not because you're sure she might implicate you in her
sister's murder?" Clips in black and white of Richard's account of the
crime scene.

Clip of Justine's arrangement for Richard Cross to speak with Julie in her
apartment.

Julie: "What are you doing here?"

Justine: "Richard wanted to talk to you. I thought it would be all right."

BURYING THE DEFENSE - Narrator's voice-over: "Julie shows up in court
to bury the defense." Clips of the trial with Julie on the stand and Ted
questioning her about Richard Cross.

Ted: "Are you acquainted with an individual named Richard Cross?"

Julie "Yes. But isn't there some law about testifying against your husband?
Richard and I were married night before last in Reno."

NEW SUSPECT - Narrator's voice-over: "A new suspect." Clips of Eduardo
Portalegre. Clip of Ted and Lisa with Portalegre. And clip of Ted and
Polson discussing Portalegre.

Lisa: "This is your second arrest for rape."

Eduardo: "It was not rape."

Ted: "Do your twenty years as a homicide detective give you a strong sense
that Eduardo Portalegre could be responsible for Jessica's death?"

Polson: "If you're asking me if I think he's capable of a rape-murder, the
answer's yes."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The firm. Ted is just arriving when he runs into jury consultant, Lorraine
Vitalli.

Vitalli: "Ted."

Ted: "Lorraine, hello."

Vitalli: "I hope you're not the type to shoot the messenger."

Ted: "Depends. What's the message?" Hands him a folder.

Vitalli: "Our latest jury survey. The results aren't very encouraging." They
head towards the conference room for the morning staff meeting.

Ted: "Okay, folks. Let's get started. Lorraine's got some poll results for
us." She hands out copies to all the associates and Neil.

Vitalli: "Survey of 525 adults matched to the demographics of our current
jury indicates that if the trial ended today 59 percent would vote to
convict. Only 18 percent think Neil's innocent."

Neil: "59 percent? That's, that's almost no movement at all."

Vitalli: "Even less comforting are the reasons given by those voting to
convict. Despite our assault on Susan Dominick, 24 percent still cite Dr.
Lester's contention that Neil confessed. 16 percent cite the presence of his
semen in Jessica and a disturbing 47 percent simply believe Neil is the type
of person who would commit such a crime."

Ted: "In other words, it all comes down to character."

Vitalli: "Or more precisely the public's perception of Neil's character."

Ted: "Toward that end, Neil's mother arrives today." Neil rolls his eyes.

Justine: "Besides dishing out some mom and apple pie, what are we hoping to
accomplish with her?"

Ted: "Along with the other witnesses we've lined up, a more sympathetic
portrait of Neil."

Neil: "Dragging my mother out here from Indiana is a hell of a way to get
it done."

Arnold: "I take it you and your mother aren't close."

Neil: "Try we haven't spoken in years.

Next scene, Ted's office. Neil's mother, Jeanette Rennick, Neil, Chris and
Ted are getting acquainted and discussing what will be required from her
testimony.

Rennick: "I'm here for only one reason, Mr. Hoffman. Because my son needs
me." She and Neil are sitting as far apart as possible from one another on
Ted's couch.

Ted: "And Neil appreciates that, Mrs. Rennick."

Rennick: "`Neil.' So hard for me to remember that's what he calls himself
now. It was always `James' back home.

Ted: "Are you settled in at your hotel?"

Rennick: "Yes, it's very nice. Noisy, but nice."

Chris: "If there's a problem, Mrs... "

Rennick interrupts: "No, it's fine. I've never been one to complain." Neil
snickers.

Ted: "Our best estimate is that you'll be testifying the day after tomorrow.
Chris will be helping you prepare."

Rennick: "Fine."

Ted: "We'll be asking you about Neil's childhood, the kind of boy he was.
We will have to get into his relationship with Mr. Rennick."

Rennick: "I expected as much. Neil and my last husband had their share of
difficulties."

Neil: "That's one way to put it."

Rennick: "There's no need to go into that here, Neil."

Neil: "Yeah, right."

Ted: "Just as long as you're clear on what we're expecting, Mrs. Rennick."

Rennick: "You ask the questions, Mr. Hoffman, I'll answer them."

Chris: "I thought we'd start reviewing your testimony over dinner tonight.
Is there any type of food you prefer?"

Rennick: "Whatever you choose."

Chris: "Neil? You're welcome to come along, if you like."

Neil: "No, I can't. I don't go out much any more."

Rennick: "You don't need to explain."

Ted: "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Rennick."

Rennick: "And you, Mr. Hoffman." They shake hands. "Mr. Dochnovich."
They also shake hands and she looks at Neil before turning and leaving the
office.

Neil: "Not exactly the Brady Bunch."

[Music and main titles roll]

Daniel Benzali as Theodore Hoffman
Mary McCormack as Justine Appleton
Michael Hayden as Christopher Dochnovich
Grace Phillips as Lisa Gillespie
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:
Concetta Tomei as Jeanette Rennick
Bobbie Phillips as Julie Costello
Markus Redmond as Mark Washington
Linda Carlson as Judge Beth Bornstein
Ned Vaughn as Dean Crowley
Tim Hutchinson as Paul Carter
McNally Sagal as Lorraine Vitalli
Hallie Todd as Monica Reese
Star Jaspar as Karen Lockwood
Ralph Monaco as Robert Strick

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 Geoffrey Neigher & Doug Palau
Story by Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein
Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter
-------------------------------

In court, the defense prepares for a day of character testimony for Neil.

Ted to Chris: "How'd it go with Mrs. Rennick last night?"

Chris: "Took her to dinner at Houston's. May not be easy but I think she'll
give us what we want."

Ted: "Neil, whatever your problems with your mother, her testimony only
help us if the jury sees a loving son."

Neil: "You'll see it when she gets up there, Ted. It's called acting."

Court clerk: "All rise. In the superior court of Los Angeles, the honorable
Judge Elizabeth Bornstein presiding." She enters the courtroom.

Judge to Ted: "We're on the record in People versus Avedon. Is there some
reason why Ms. Grasso and Mr. Washington are not present?"

Ted: "None that I know of, your honor."

Judge: "Bailiff, will you check the hallway." Washington rushes into court.

Washington: "Begging you pardon, your honor."

Judge: "Mr. Washington, these sessions begin promptly at nine-thirty. Last
time I checked the elevators to this floor were in running order."

Washington: "I apologize for my tardiness, your honor. May I approach?
Ms. Grasso's husband died of a massive heart attach at six-thirty this
morning."

Ted: "Your honor, uh, in light of this tragedy, the defense would have no
objection to a request from the People for a continuance."

Judge to Washington: "It's yours for the asking, Mr. Washington."

Washington: "Appreciated, your honor, but on Ms. Grasso's instructions,
I'm prepared to go forward."

Judge: "Very well, step back. Bailiff, please bring in the jury."

Court clerk: "Would you please state your name for the record."

Lockwood: "Karen Lockwood."

Ted: "Ms. Lockwood, were you acquainted with Jessica Costello?"

Lockwood: "Yes, I was her sponsor over at the West Hollywood chapter of
Cocaine Anonymous."

Washington: "Approach, your honor?" The judge nods. "Your honor, the
People object to this witness and fail to see her relevance to this case.
Ms. Lockwood knew the deceased two weeks and barely knew Mr. Avedon."

Ted: "She observed their relationship, your honor. The People have put on
witnesses who allegedly observed Mr. Avedon on a single occasion. Are they
now seeking to deny our right to rebut that testimony through someone with
considerably greater knowledge?"

Washington: "The People's witnesses observed Mr. Avedon's tendency towards
violence. That Ms. Lockwood did not is hardly probative."

Judge: "If that's your point, Mr. Washington, make it on cross-examination.
Your objection is overruled."

Ted: "Ms. Lockwood, how long before her death did Jessica Costello begin
attending meetings of Cocaine Anonymous?"

Lockwood: "About two weeks."

Ted: "And how did you happen to become her sponsor?"

Lockwood: "We started talking after one of the meetings. I think she liked 
the fact that I was young too. She asked me to sponsor her and I said okay."

Ted: "And how was she doing?"

Lockwood: "It was a struggle for her but I think she really wanted to get
clean."

Ted: "In the course of your sponsorship of her, did you ever meet Neil
Avedon?"

Lockwood: "Several times. Uh, he'd drop her off and pick her up, that sort
of thing."

Ted: "Would you say he was supportive of her efforts to get clean?"

Lockwood: "Very. The first time that she slipped he insisted that she call
me."

Ted: "Please describe this incident."

Lockwood: "About a week into the program, Jessica began using again. Neil
went over and found her strung out. He made her call me. When I got there
you could just see the concern in his eyes. Jessica became abusive. She
started lashing out at him. Neil just held her until she calmed down."

Ted: "So despite the fact that Jessica became physically abuse to him,
Neil didn't respond in kind?"

Lockwood: "Like I said he just held her."

Ted: "In all the times you saw them together, did Neil ever act as anything
but a loving boyfriend?"

Lockwood: "Never."

Ted: "Thank you. Nothing further."

Washington: "Ms. Lockwood, are you aware that up until several weeks after
Ms. Costello's death, the Defendant himself used drugs and alcohol?"

Lockwood: "I've read that, yes."

Washington: "Did you ever see him high?"

Ted: "Objection. Calls for a medical conclusion."

Washington: "The witness is a former drug user, your honor. I think she's
qualified to answer."

Judge: "Overruled. The witness will answer."

Lockwood clears her throat: "Well, a couple of times I saw him he may have
been on something."

Washington: "Cocaine?"

Lockwood: "I couldn't say."

Washington: "Come on, Ms. Lockwood. Weren't you in CA for your own coke
problem?"

Lockwood: "Yes."

Washington: "Then I repeat, did the Defendant ever demonstrate behavior
consistent with what you know to be cocaine abuse?"

Lockwood: "I guess he did."

Washington: "And are you aware that cocaine in sufficient quantities can
lead to paranoia even violence?"

Lockwood: "I'm aware of that."

Washington: "So it's entirely possible that on occasions other than you
observed Mr. Avedon became violent with Ms. Costello after using cocaine."

Lockwood: "It's possible."

Washington: "For all you know he could have killed her in such a state,
correct?"

Ted: "Objection. Calls for speculation."

Washington: "Withdrawn. I have no further questions for this witness, your
honor."

Next scene: A restaurant. Chris is waiting for Ted at the bar.

Chris: "Any luck getting through to Miriam?"

Ted: "I left a message. Apparently she's with her family."

Chris: "I didn't know her husband. Did he have a history of heart disease?"

Ted: "I saw him at a Bar Association dinner three months ago, he seemed to
be the picture of health." Julie spots and approaches them.

Julie: "Ted. Chris. I wasn't sure if I should come over in case you were
still mad at me."

Ted: "I was never mad at you, Julie. Please sit down." Chris holds her
chair.

Julie: "Thank you. I just want you to know the decision not to testify
against Dr. Lester was mine as much as Richard's."

Ted: "Forgive me but Richard seems to be able to summon up your amnesia at
will -- what happened at Zephyr House, his role in your sister's murder... "

Julie interrupts: "Ted, I know Richard had nothing to do with Jessica's
death. Thanks to Justine, that's one of the things we cleared up."

Ted: "Come again?"

Julie: "The night we flew to Reno, Richard was at Justine's house when I
arrived." Chris and Ted exchange glances. "After she went to bed, Richard
and I left to get a coffee. We talked everything out and he asked me to
marry him right there at Starbuck's."

Chris: "Over a decaf espresso, how romantic."

Julie: "I know it's not moonlight and champagne but a girl takes what she
can get."

Ted: "I wish I could be as convinced of Richard's innocence as you are,
Julie. But I do wish you happiness. After all you've been through, you
deserve it."

Julie: "And we're still friends?"

Ted: "Of course."

Julie: "You don't know how happy that makes me. Well, I should let you
get to your lunch." She leaves.

Chris: "I'd like to think Justine can explain this."

Back at the firm, Justine is called to Ted's office.

Justine: "You wanted to see me, Ted?"

Ted: "Yes. Shut the door. Sit down. I ran into Julie Costello at lunch
today."

Justine: "Mm-hmm."

Ted: "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about the night she 
disappeared?"

Justine: "Such as?"

Ted: "Such as the fact that Richard Cross was in your apartment that night?"

Justine: "I'm pretty sure I mentioned that."

Ted: "That he was there? I don't think that's something I'd forget."

Justine: "Ted, I admit I was pretty flustered that morning but I'm, I'm
positive I told you that Richard dropped by."

Ted: "All I remember you saying is that Julie's bed hadn't been slept in."

Justine: "That's not my recollection but ask the other associates. If I'm
wrong it was an oversight."

Ted: "However you characterize it, Justine, it was poor judgment to allow
Richard to have access to her."

Justine: "Ted, he showed up and demanded to speak with her. Should I have
called the police?"

Ted: "You're a lot smarter than that, Justine. Richard Cross arrives the
night before Julie is about to deliver potentially damaging testimony
against him -- and you suspect nothing? There are a thousand ways you
could have refused him, short of dialing 911."

Justine: "Then you're right. I made an error in judgment."

Ted: "Which I trust you won't let happen again."

Justine: "Ted, I promise. My `Richard Cross' radar is on extra alert." Ted
nods and she leaves.

Back at the courthouse, Ted rushes to catch up with Miriam Grasso.

Ted: "Miriam."

Grasso: "Hi, Teddy."

Ted: "I'm so sorry about Harry."

Grasso: "Thank you."

Ted: "If there's anything I can do, if you need a delay in the trial... "

Grasso: "No, that's the last thing I need, to stay home. No, I'd much rather
be here."

Ted: "Whatever helps."

Grasso: "The funeral will be Sunday. All the arrangements haven't been
made yet but I'll inform your office." They enter court together. The
next witness is on the stand.

Chris: "Mr. Strick, would you tell us what you do for a living?"

Strick: "I'm an apartment manager for the Carlton Apartments in Hollywood."

Chris: "And in this capacity, did you ever meet Neil Avedon?"

Strick : "About ten years ago. His uncle used to live in the building. When
Neil moved her from Indiana, that's who he moved in with."

Chris: "How old was Neil then?"

Strick: "Maybe fifteen."

Chris: "What were your impressions of him?"

Strick laughs: "A real charmer. Good looking as hell. He hadn't gotten his
big break on `All for One' yet but you could tell he was going places."

Chris: "And how well did you come to know him?"

Strick: "Pretty well. Uh, living in Hollywood I knew a lot about the old
days. Stewart Granger used to live in the building. Neil liked hearing
the old stories. I liked telling them. He'd come home after being rejected
for some part and I'd remind him, every one of those stars on Hollywood
Boulevard was rejected a hundred times before they made it."

Chris: " And when he got his role on `All for One,' did Neil change?"

Strick: "Not toward me. Even after he moved out to Malibu he'd still come
back to see me. When my wife died two years ago Neil gave me some money, 
to tide me over. I tried to pay him back but he wouldn't accept it. Said
he owed me more than that for encouraging him back when he was nobody. I'll
tell ya, it really touched me."

Chris: "So, when you hear Neil described in this courtroom as a violent,
self-centered, drug addict -- do you recognize that person?"

Strick: "Uh-uh, no. That's not the Neil I know."

Another witness takes the stand.

Monica: "My first acting class, Neil was there. He had already gotten the
part on `All for One' but I guess they thought he should still take classes.
Uh, our teacher was a screamer; he was a real tyrant. And I was given a
scene to do with Neil. I was petrified. And the first run-through I just
screwed up royally and the teacher just unloaded on me. And Neil came to
my defense. He said that he was the one who had screwed up by not giving
me enough to play off of which was totally untrue, of course, but I
appreciated him saying that."

Chris: "Did you see him after that?"

Monica: "We went for a cup of coffee and he gave me tips on acting, agents.
We just became pretty good friends, even though my career never took off
like his."

Chris: "Subsequent to this, Ms. Reese, did you work with Neil
professionally?"

Monica: "Yeah. A couple of years later, I was visiting Neil on the set of
`All for One' -- he was really big then, he was in all the teen magazines
-- and I, uh, mentioned to him that I could really use a day-part to keep
my health insurance. And he called his producer over and they gave me a
guest role on the show. I played this girl that Neil's character gets stuck
in an elevator with. I got a lot of work off of it too."

Chris: "Did, uh, did Neil ask for anything in return?"

Monica: "If you mean did he come on to me?" Chris nods. "No. Neil helped
me for only one reason: the goodness of his heart."

Next witness is Neil's mother.

Chris: "Your honor, the defense calls Jeanette Rennick to the stand." She
takes the stand. "Mrs. Rennick, where do you reside?"

Rennick: "Franklin, Indiana."

Chris: "And prior to coming here for this trial, when was the last time
you saw your son, Neil Avedon?"

Rennick: "About five years ago."

Chris: "Why so long?"

Rennick: "I think James, I mean Neil, blames me for certain things that
happened during his childhood."

Chris: "Would I be correct in assuming that one of these things was his
relationship with his late father?"

Rennick: "Yes."

Chris: "What did your husband do for a living?"

Rennick: "He worked for Bendix Brake Linings in Bloomington, on the
production line."

Chris: "Hard work?"

Rennick: "Very."

Chris: "When Neil was a young boy, what kind of relationship did he have
with his father?"

Rennick: "A normal father-son relationship. They'd play catch in the
back yard, go fishing, that sort of thing."

Chris: "Did this change at some point?"

Rennick: Gradually, over the years. Lou began having less time for Neil."

Chris: "Any particular reason?"

Rennick: "I don't think he got the promotions he wanted. It made him
bitter."

Chris: "Did he change in any other way?"

Rennick: "He began to drink and take his frustrations out on Neil."

Chris: "In what way?"

Rennick: "We'd sit at the dinner table and no matter what Neil did, it was
wrong: how he held his fork, how quickly or slowly he ate his food. Lou
criticized everything. If Neil talked back, Lou would start yelling. And
when Lou yelled, you didn't want to get in his way. You were likely to get
a smack across the face."

Chris: "So he would hit Neil with his hands?"

Rennick: "Or his belt, yes." This gets a reaction from some of the jurors.

Chris: "And, when this was happening, what would you do?"

Rennick: "Nothing."

Chris: "Mrs. Rennick, what kind of a student was Neil?"

Rennick: "Outside of the school plays, not much of one. He had the ability, 
just never applied himself."

Chris: "Why do you think that was?"

Rennick: "His father's criticism. And then in his freshman year in high
school he started drinking."

Chris: "Neil's sophomore year, did something happen following a play in
which he appeared?"

Rennick nods: "Yes."

Chris: "Would you describe that for us?"

Rennick sighs: "Neil played Danny in a production of `Grease.' He was quite
good, even then. Opening night his father never showed up. Neil hid his
disappointment but I could tell he was crushed. When we got home, there was
Lou, on his fifth scotch."

Chris: "Did Neil ask him why he missed his performance?"

Rennick: "No. But Lou started yelling at him anyway. He told Neil that he'd
never amount to anything, that acting was for sissies. Neil said something
back and Lou just started hitting him. Of all the beatings I saw Neil take,
that one was the worst." Many of the jurors are becoming emotional with the
testimony.

Chris: "What happened the next day?"

Rennick: "Neil ran away from home. He went to live with my brother in Los
Angeles. He and his father never spoke again."

Chris: "Did you have any further contact with him?"

Rennick: "After he got the part on `All for One' he'd send me money,
sometimes with a brief letter. About five years ago he came back home
to do a photo-shoot about where he grew up. After he'd left I found out
he'd paid off our mortgage." She's near tears.

Chris: "Despite everything that had happened?"

Rennick: "Yes." Neil and his mother have been looking at one another nearly
throughout her entire testimony.

Chris: "Thank you, Mrs. Rennick. Your witness."

Washington: "Mrs. Rennick, did you give an interview to TV Guide in March
of 1991?"

Rennick: "Yes."

Washington: "Do you remember telling the interviewer quote, `Neil had a
happy childhood. He had everything a boy could possibly want.'"

Rennick: "Yes, but I wasn't being truthful."

Washington: "Then or now?"

Rennick: "Then."

Washington: "And what you're telling us now, ma'am, isn't this the `abuse
excuse'? Neil isn't responsible for his behavior because his father
disciplined him."

Rennick: "This wasn't discipline. This was abuse."

Washington: "Well let's see how this so-called abuse has affected his life.
He's rich, he's famous, he's living out in Malibu -- we should all be so
abuse, wouldn't you say?"

Rennick: "I wouldn't wish my son's childhood on anyone, Mr. Washington."

Washington: "Because you love him?"

Rennick: "Yes." Neil is fighting back his own tears.

Washington: "But because you love him wouldn't you say or do anything to
keep your son from going to prison?"

Rennick: "I wouldn't lie."

Washington: "You lied to TV Guide."

Rennick: "That was different."

Washington: "With all due respect, ma'am, haven't you concocted this entire
story to play on the jury's sympathies, to get them to excuse your son's
crime?"

Rennick: "The crime is mine, Mr. Washington. For twenty years I've lived
with the guilt of what I allowed Neil's father to do to him. I've seen my
son's bitterness, the anger in his eyes when he looks at me. If I could
take his place right now, I'd do it. I'd do it. Maybe then he wouldn't
hate me for my weakness, for the terrible way I've failed him. I'm sorry,
Neil. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."  She breaks down in tears. Many
of the jurors as well as Neil, are in tears. Grasso knows that Washington
has pushed the witness too far.

Back at the firm. Louis pokes his head 'round the kitchen to inform Ted
of a visitor.

Louis: "`The Prince of Darkness.'" Richard Cross.

Ted: "Richard, thanks for coming by." They head towards Ted's office.

Cross: "I must admit, Teddy, given our recent relations I, uh, was surprised
by your invitation."

Ted: "Well, whatever our differences I assume we share a common interest in
helping Neil."

Cross: "Always."

Ted: "In that regard, what can you tell me about Eduardo Portalegre?"

Cross: "Besides the fact that he's handsome, arrogant and cheats at doubles
tennis, very little."

Ted: "Are you aware that he was seeing Jessica?"

Cross: "Teddy, do I take this to mean that you suspect young Eduardo in
Jessica's death? I thought that particular ring of hell was reserved for
me."

Ted: "I try to remain flexible on that point, Richard."

Cross: "Well, no offense, Teddy, but that's the first time I've heard
paranoia being described as flexibility."

Ted: "Then you won't mind indulging my paranoia on another subject."
Cross shrugs his shoulders. "When did Justine Appleton's duties for you
expand to include matchmaking?"

Cross: "I beg your pardon?"

Ted: "When she asked if she could do some work for you, it was my
understanding that she'd be buying paintings. Now I'm informed that
she arranged the meeting which led to your marriage."

Cross: "Teddy, I want you to know in all her activities on my behalf,
Justine scrupulously avoided any conflict of interest between us."

Ted: "Did she?"

Cross: "Absolutely. And as far as my marrying Julie goes, there's no way
she could have possibly anticipated that. I barely anticipated it myself."

Ted smiles: "Somehow, Richard, impetuosity isn't a characteristic I 
associate with you."

Cross: "Well I'm changing, Teddy. A new marriage, a new life. And if I'm 
not being too presumptuous, a return to some civility in our relationship.
I feel truly blessed."

Ted: "You should."

Cross: "So then we understand each other, regarding Justine?"

Ted: "Perfectly." He accompanies Cross out the door.

Justine's office. She's watching Law TV. Dean Crowley is speaking with 
Paul Carter, a field reporter covering the Avedon case.

Crowley: "Paul Carter, with the case in recess, how badly has the
prosecution been hurt by Mark Washington's overly-aggressive questioning
of Neil Avedon's mother?"

Carter: "Well, Dean, anytime you reduce members of the jury to tears, those
tears had better be working to your advantage. In this case, they weren't."

Crowley: "Though we all know that Miriam Grasso's husband died yesterday
morning, should the prosecution have asked for a delay rather than depend
on the relative inexperience of Deputy Washington?" Ted opens her door and
enters. Justine shuts off the TV.

Ted: "Justine."

Justine: "Ted. I was just watching the Law TV wrap-up. Looks like we caught
a major break with Neil's mother."

Ted: "I'm not here to talk about that. I had a conversation with Richard
Cross this morning. He informs me that you've been working for him."

Justine: "We had discussions. I told you about them."

Ted: "You told me that he wanted you to buy a painting for him. Now I want
to know, did you or did you not contravene my instruction to turn him down?"

Justine: "Ted, let me explain."

Ted: "Did you buy the painting?"

Justine: "Yes."

Ted: "And did you deliberately mislead me by failing to mention that you
had arranged for Richard to meet with Julie on the night she disappeared?"

Justine: "I wouldn't characterize it as deliberately misleading you. But
no I didn't tell you the entire truth."

Ted: "You're fired."

Justine: "Excuse me?"

Ted: "I can't have you working for me any more. I can't trust you." Ted
leaves.

Next morning, the staff meeting.

Ted: "Good morning. For those of you who aren't aware, Justine Appleton
was terminated yesterday. I'm not going to get into any of the details."

Arnold: "With all due respect, some of us would like to hear the details."

Lisa: "Can you tell us if it's final?"

Ted: "Absolutely final. And as for further discussion, we really haven't
got time for it."

Chris: "Lorraine Vitalli did a quick phone poll last night. Off Neil's
mother's testimony we made a big dent in the `not sures'."

Lisa interrupts: "Excuse me, Chris. Ted, don't you think Justine deserves
a second chance?"

Ted: "If I thought she deserved a second chance I would have given her one.
I hope you're aware that I don't fire people lightly. Therefore you can
assume that I did what I did with justification. If anyone of you want to
take it up with me beyond that, you can do it individually, in my office,
at a later date."

Chris: "As I was saying, Lorraine likes the numbers coming off of Ms.
Rennick's testimony, not to mention the jury who bought into it big time."

Ted: "When do we get her paperwork?"

Chris: "Full breakdown with matched demographics in a day, day and a half."

Ted: "When the material comes in let's look for the areas where our numbers
are still weak. We'll need strategies to shore them up." Louis enters the
room.

Louis: "Ted."

Ted: "Yes?"

Louis: "Miriam Grasso on the phone. She'd like to see you in her office at
your earliest convenience."

Ted: "Tell her I'm on my way." Ted leaves.

Next scene: Grasso's office.

Grasso: "Sorry to haul you down here like this, Ted."

Ted: "Not a problem. How are you doing?"

Grasso: "I'm doing fine. Thank you for the flowers."

Ted: "The offer still stands, Miriam. Anything I can, anything at all,
consider it done."

Grasso: "Actually I think I've got things pretty much under control. The
will, notifying people... the funeral, by the way, will be at ten a.m. at
Forest Lawn in Glendale. Did you know that, they call themselves bereavement
counselors and they offer packages, just like booking a cruise. Well, to the
business at hand. I thought we would explore your client's future, look at
some alternatives."

Ted: "A deal? One, I take it, that would not contemplate life imprisonment
for Neil?"

Grasso nods: "Well, before this trial began I told you that I was willing
to look at involuntary manslaughter with four years served. Taking another
look. What, Teddy, it can't be that shocking?"

Ted: "I know we hurt you with Neil's mother, Miriam, but frankly I'm more
than a little surprised that you're offering terms at this stage of the
proceedings."

Grasso: "I can get you a glass of water, if you like. I still think that
your client is guilty of murder but there is the possibility that one or
two of the jurors might have been swayed, logic and evidence to the
contrary."

Ted: "This is uncharacteristic of you, Miriam. This sudden loss of faith
in the jury system."

Grasso: "This is Los Angeles, Ted. We both know how difficult it is to
convict a celebrity in this town. It's a simple equation really. If I can
put your client away for four years, it beats a hung jury. So, can I assume
that you'll take this offer to your client?"

Ted: "You'll have our decision by the end of the day."

Grasso: "Good."

Ted returns to the firm. Richard Cross is waiting for him by reception.
Lila hands Ted several papers to sign and gives him his messages as Cross
speaks with him.

Cross: "Ted. I have to say I feel I've been terribly manipulated."

Ted: "Really, Richard, why is that?"

Cross: "Well frankly when we spoke yesterday I assumed that you, uh,
understood and sanctioned my relationship with Justine. But in the light
of recent events I realize that you pretended to know more than you already
did."

Ted: "Then we complement each other since you pretend to know so much less."
Turns away to head for his office but Richard dogs him.

Cross: "Ted, Justine is a very intelligent and capable person. I don't think
she deserves this kind of draconian punishment."

Ted: "Justine is a grown-up. She did what she did with her eyes open." Tries
again to head for his office but Cross cuts him off.

Cross: "Look, Ted, wait. Maybe she was a little wide-eyed, perhaps even
dazzled, in which case it was her judgment that was at fault, not her
ethics. Why don't you make me the snake in the Garden of Eden? Don't blame
the victim."

Ted: "Make no mistake, Richard, I'm aware of your role in this affair.
You set out to corrupt one of my associates and you succeeded."

Cross: "What could I possibly have to gain?"

Ted: "What you have to gain is access to my private deliberations, any
opportunity to injure me. Please don't insult my intelligence any more
than you already have."

Cross: "I can see that you're becoming overwrought."

Ted: "Actually, I'm fine. The harm you've done to me is temporary and it's
nowhere near the harm you've done to Justine."

Cross: "Then acknowledge that fact and reinstate her."

Ted: "Are we done, Richard?"

Cross: "No, but I sense that you're done, Teddy. And never one to overstay
my welcome, I will accede to your desire for closure, at least temporarily.
I hope that when the dust settles, you'll reconsider. Good-bye, Teddy."
Cross leaves. As Ted continues toward his own office, Lisa passes him on
her way to the law library to speak with Chris.

Chris: "Hey."

Lisa: "Did I miss something this morning?"

Chris: "What would that be?"

Lisa: "That would be your support for Justine when her remaining friends 
tried to fight to keep her employed."

Chris: "Uh-huh." Deep sigh. "Yeah. Yeah, you missed that."

Lisa: "So, you agree with this summary execution."

Chris: "It's, uh, it's a little extreme, isn't it? I mean, you go out in
the lobby, that's Ted's name up there on the door. He's got the right to
let her go."

Lisa: "But not the justification."

Chris: "She screwed up, Lisa."

Lisa: "Chris, she was your friend."

Chris: "She's still my friend but that doesn't change the fact that she
screwed up. Ted's got to be able to trust the people that work for him."

Lisa: "I hope I never screw up."

Chris sighs: "Meaning?"

Lisa: "We have to be able to trust each other too, don't we? What would you
do if something like this happened to me?"

Chris: "You wouldn't let it happen."

Lisa: "But hypothetically, what would you do if I screwed up? Would you
back me or your boss?"

Chris: "Tell me something, is, is this your version of a loyalty check?"

Lisa: "I'm sorry, am I getting a little too personal?"

Chris: "Don't make this into a war between my ambition and my devotion to
you."

Lisa: "Very cleverly put. You should be a lawyer."

Chris: "Look, we don't have to think the same way just because we share
a bed. Bottom line, I agree with Ted. It doesn't make me a hypocrite. It
doesn't make me a disloyal friend. And it doesn't make me a future traitor
to our relationship. If you think that then you don't know me at all." Lila
enters the library.

Lila: "Chris, Neil Avedon's in Ted's office."

Chris: "Okay." 

Ted's office. Ted has informed Neil of Grasso's offer.

Neil: "Four years... " Chris enters. "... which means I'll be out before
I'm thirty." Pacing the floor.

Ted: "Neil, Miriam Grasso made this offer for a reason. And the reason is
her side of the case isn't going as well as she'd hoped."

Neil: "Yeah, how great is our side going, Ted?"

Chris: "Your mother was an extremely effective witness. She made a strong
impression on the jury."

Neil: "She got up there and exposed to the world how my father used to beat
the crap out of me and a couple of jurors misted up. You think that gets me
home free?"

Chris: "It was very powerful testimony."

Neil: "Is it going to wipe out what those people said about my violent
nature, how I choke women? You know when the tears dry in those jurors'
eyes they're still going to hear Graham Lester's voice saying I confessed
to murder."

Ted: "Neil, we've damaged Lester's testimony by undermining his
credibility."

Chris: "Same with Susan Dominick."

Ted: "And when we get Richard Cross back up on the stand, we'll position
him, very credibly, as the killer of Jessica Costello."

Neil: "Oh, so that's what my freedom depends on, convicting Richard?"

Ted: "This is not about convicting him. It's about establishing reasonable
doubt for you. And I think we have a very good chance of doing that."

Chris: "So does Grasso, or she wouldn't be making this offer." Neil finally
sits down and sighs.

Neil: "I don't know. I mean, when you look at what I've got to gain against
what I'm risking... "

Ted interrupts: "What you have to gain is your freedom. If you want me to
tell you there's no risk, I can't do that. What I can tell you is that if
you accept this offer you'd be admitting that you killed Jessica Costello
and that'll follow you for the rest of your life." Neil sighs deeply.
Sitting in a waiting area, Neil's mother is reading a magazine.

Neil: "Hi."

Rennick: "Oh, hello, Neil."

Neil: "All packed and ready to go?"

Rennick: "The hotel check-out was eleven o'clock. Mr. Hoffman said I could
wait here until... " She checks her watch. "... well, my flight leaves in
three hours."

Neil: "Oh. That's quite a while."

Rennick: "Oh I have a magazine, a crossword puzzle."

Neil: "You know what, why don't I drive you to the airport?"

Rennick: "Oh no, you, you really don't have to. Mr., uh, Dochnovich said
that he would get someone to take care of that."

Neil: "Well this would be better, it would give us some time together." She
nods. Neil bends down to get her suitcase and his mother touches his arm.

Rennick: "What your father did, I never wanted any of that to happen." Neil
sits down across from her.

Neil: "I know."

Rennick: "Do you think my testifying helped you, Neil? I mean, do you think
the jurors understood?"

Neil: "Yeah, I do. You know sometimes a person gets forced into a place and
the can't get out, you know. They get blamed but it's not their fault."

Rennick: "Did you kill that girl, James?"

Neil: "No, ma. No, I did not." She smiles. She believes him. Neil rises
to get her bags. "My car's downstairs. Let's get something to eat. As they
leave together, she takes his arm.

The firm, just outside Ted's office. Louis gives Ted his messages as they
both enter the office.

Louis: "Bill Weingart called requesting a session with you to review fees
and charges; the Bar Association luncheon has been moved from Friday at
noon to Monday the eighth, same time; and a Pepper Ladinsky called with a
problem."

Ted: "I'll call him in a few minutes."

Louis: "One more item. Justine is outside. She'd like to have a moment."

Ted: "Louis, I have nothing more to say to Justine."

Louis: "Maybe she has something to say to you?"

Ted: "I can't conceive of what that would be."

Louis: "Should I tell her you're unavailable?"

Ted: "Show her in."

Justine: "I know you're busy, Ted. Thanks for seeing me. Look, I understand
why you fired me. If I had been in your position I probably would have fired
me too."

Ted: "Justine... "

Justine interrupts: "Wait. I'm not going to get down on my knees, if that's
what you're afraid of. What I am going to do though is crouch a little, own
up to what I did and try to explain. I want you to know my purpose was never
to harm the Avedon case or to harm this firm. I took a calculated risk and
it turned out to be a poor one. I guess playing Mata Hari isn't my strong
suit."

Ted: "Is that what you're claiming? That you saw yourself as a spy against
Richard Cross?"

Justine: "Initially, yes. I saw that possibility."

Ted: "But you abandoned it, Justine. Even if it had been a legitimate
approach in the first place, you dropped it. Instead, you directly 
contravened my instructions against working for Richard, you revealed
confidential information which hurt our case, and then you lied about
it."

Justine: "Ted, if in firing me your aim is to teach me a lesson I want to
assure you, I'll never forget the lesson."

Ted: "I didn't fire you for instructional reasons. There were very practical
considerations."

Justine: "Well then consider this. Consider that I've spent four years
working for this firm. That should count for something. If not friendship
or compassion, then it should earn the recognition that I'm a damn good
lawyer. One who can do a great deal for this firm in the future."

Ted: "I don't question and never have questioned your ability, Justine."

Justine: "I made a mistake, Ted, that's what it was. A mistake. I think you
know, basically, I'm not an unethical person."

Ted: "But you did unethical things. You left me no choice except the one 
I made and I'm standing by it."

Justine: "Well, you've said many times, all we can do is plead our case.
Good-bye, Ted." 

Ted: "Good-bye, Justine." They shake hands and she leaves the office. Later
Ted goes to Louis' desk outside. "Louis, would you get Mr. Ladinsky for me,
please?" Louis nods and dials the number as Ted watches Justine in tears
being consoled by the other associates and Lila further down the hall.

Louis: "It's ringing." Ted turns back and enters his office to return the
call.

Next scene, Justine with Richard Cross, in his office. 

Cross with champagne in hand, toasts: "To loyalty."

Justine: "Of which Ted Hoffman could use a great big dose."

Cross: "Oh, Ted Hoffman could use a great many things. Point is, he's not
worth thinking about. He's irrelevant to the only part of your life that
matters -- your future."

Justine: "I know that I should move on. It's just that I had so much
going for me and I blew it. I mean I could say good-bye to being a partner
anywhere." She sighs.

Cross: "Partner? Justine, I think you're missing the big picture. When
Chris Dochnovich is made a partner, he'll be working for you." She smiles.
"You didn't think I'd abandon my friend in her time of need, did you?"

Justine: "Quite frankly, I didn't know what to think."

Cross: "Well what don't you think about gambling? I have a casino in Aruba
that requires a strong managerial hand."

Justine laughs: "I don't know."

Cross: "Well what about another adventure in the art world?"

Justine: "Richard, the only experience I have is in litigation."

Cross: "You learn fast and you're loyal. Those are the only two qualities
I require."

Justine toasts: "To loyalty." They touch glasses.

Final scene, Miriam Grasso's office. Ted arrives to bring her Neil's
decision on her offer.

Ted knocks: "You have a moment, Miriam?"

Grasso: "Welcome, Teddy. Beginning to wonder if I was going to see you
today."

Ted: "We are going to pass on the offer."

Grasso: "Remember, it's a one-time sale." Ted nods. "You pass now, it's off
the table for good."

Ted: "I understand."

Grasso: "And your client understands?"

Ted nods: "We're going to take our chances."

Grasso: "Why don't you try one of these?" Gets up to bring over a plate of
food. "For the past few days people have been plying me with all kinds of
food. The universal sign of condolence." Ted takes a piece and eats it.

Ted: "Mm, very good."

Grasso: "I used to shove this stuff at Harry. Always non-fat, low
cholesterol. He'd shove it right back, say it tasted like dirt."

Ted: "Your husband always had a way with words."

Grasso: "Six months. That's how long he'd been having chest pains. And no
matter how much I begged him, he wouldn't do a damn thing about it. Then,
a couple of weeks ago, he had some numbness in his arm. I said I was going
to call the paramedics if he didn't do something. He said I was a pain in
the ass but he would, he'd go to the doctor. Just as soon as he finished
this SEC filing he had in New York. So I let him off the hook."

Ted: "You did everything you could, Miriam, but Harry was his own man."

Grasso: "The night before he was to go to New York, he went downstairs and
he got out his tape recorder and he dictated a message to me. Um, laid out
where the insurance policies were, the extra key to the safe deposit box,
you know, stuff like that. Then he wrote a letter to his brother in Omaha,
patching up an old feud. And then the next morning, when he got out of the
shower, before he could dry himself off, he was dead. He was going to retire
in four years and we were going to travel, just the two of us. Maybe take a
trip around the world." Ted rises to offer her comfort.

Ted: "Miriam, you can't let twenty-five years be defined by what you didn't
have."

Grasso: "I know what we had, Teddy, and I'll always love him for it. But
I can't help it. I'm having a hard time forgiving him. I know that sounds
stupid, resenting a man for dying." Crying. "Wanting to yell at him because
he skipped out on a chance to wear the tie I bought him for his birthday.
Oh God, Teddy." Ted holds her as she continues as breaks down in tears.
"What am I going to do?"

[End titles]

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

Co-Starring:
June Saruwatari as Karen Ting
Paul Goodman as Shel Metzger
Alexia Robinson as Akeesha Wesley
Rosanna Huffman as Eleanor Iverson
David Fresco as Albert Wysong
Donisha Walker as Clerk

Director of Photography: Anthony R. Palmieri
Production Designer: Paul Eads
Edited by Lance Luckey
Unit Production Manager: Patrick McKee
First Assistant Director: Michael J. 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: Margaret Varian
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: Dave Weathers
Music Editor: Patty McGettigan
Background A.D.R.: Superloopers
Re-recording Mixers: Robert L. Appere, Ken Burton
Set Decorator: Mary Ann Biddle
Art Director: Mindy Roffman
Lead Person: Randy Bostic
Property Master: Tommy Day
Location Manager: John Armstrong
Script Coordinator: Michael Norell
Casting Associate: Libby Goldstein
Construction Coordinator: Pete Lawrence
Transportation Coordinator: Norm Benson
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 Miles of Fun Sound
Presented in Dolby Surround
Lenses & Panaflex (R) camera by Panavision (R)
Copyright (c) 1996 Steven Bochco Productions #7118 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
applicable laws, and any unauthorized duplication, distribution or
exhibition of this motion picture could result in criminal prosecution
as well as civil liability.