Lights Out s01e06 Episode Script
Combinations
Previously on "Lights Out" If I was gonna fight again, how long? Could I even do it? Given everything, your best option is to file for chapter 7.
Bankruptcy? You keep the house And some pension.
Javier Morales.
Johnny: "El Diablo"? Are you crazy? Isn't he still in jail? I'm looking for a payday, not a bloodbath.
I'm gonna try a comeback.
What would you think about being my first opponent? You're joking, right? Robert: No joke, Jo Jo.
Eight weeks from Saturday.
Fight's off.
Jo Jo got hurt.
[ Laughing .]
The brother doesn't know.
What don't I know? Barry's got the rights to your next fight.
And options on your next two.
Brother Patrick, we're partners.
You're firing me? You can keep your cut, but you're done handling me.
Aw, come on, brother.
And I wish I could do this with you.
What are you saying? You're going back, and I'm staying here with the girls.
Theresa, we don't have to do this.
Javier would like to thank God, Mr.
Barry K.
Word and the Borinquen quarter horse Mr.
El Conquistador, whose ligament is holding together his left knee.
[ Laughter .]
His plan for the fight is to inflict damage.
[ Speaking Spanish .]
To take blood From the old man.
I punish you, old man.
Retire you.
Forever.
[ Men speaking Spanish .]
[ Laughter .]
Here you go, viejito.
For your retirement.
Gracias, Javier.
And now I would like to introduce the other half of our iconically electrifying fight.
One of the great champions of our time, back in the ring for the first time after his bitter defeat to Death Row Reynolds five years ago Patrick "Lights" Leary.
[ Applause .]
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
[ Laughter .]
[ Clears throat .]
Thanks.
I'm excited to be here and to be back in the gym with my dad.
I'd like to thank the fans and most of all my family, my wife and kids.
I've had five years to think about the last fight, about what it might have been.
Now we'll see what is.
Lights, do you see this fight as a stepping-stone to a rematch with Death Row Reynolds? Does he look like a stepping-stone to you? [ Laughter .]
Hey, Lights.
Uh, weren't you in talks to fight Jo Jo Reade? [ Clears throat .]
Well, we looked at several opponents, but Jo Jo had a Training accident.
Oh, training accident? So you were booked to fight him? Let me, uh, let me take this one, Lights.
Now, Mike, we were in talks with Jo Jo's people.
Aren't you Jo Jo's people? Mike, I'm everybody's people.
You know that.
Of the people, for the people, and sometimes I buy the people.
Did you also buy Javier's parole? [ Audience murmuring .]
Yes.
I bribed the Boqueron parole board.
I also buried Jimmy Hoffa, staged the moon landing, and shot J.
R.
[ Laughter .]
And now, without further ado, come on up here, fellas, and go toe to toe and foe to foe.
Here we go.
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
Why don't you put that out? It's a bad example for the kids.
Word: Oh! Ooh! Man: Come on, now.
[ Audience shouting .]
[ Shouting continues .]
Word: Nicely done, boys.
Praise that pay-per-view.
Javier.
[ Up-tempo music playing in background .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
You were supposed to miss, papi.
You blew smoke in my face.
You punch like a maricón.
Not in six weeks, I won't.
[ Laughs .]
You don't last two minutes in my world, bitch.
Tell your daughters to pray for you.
What was that all about? Just wishing me luck.
What were you doing out there? Looking after you and dad.
That is my job.
I told you You don't have a job.
I know.
I know.
Just, uh Don't tell Barry that, huh? Guy's all about divide and conquer.
We don't need that if we're gonna win this fight.
"We"? Far as I know, I'm the only one taking punches.
[ Music continues .]
[ Speed bag thudding .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Been a long time.
Yes, it has.
[ Up-tempo music plays .]
You hear me? That's our goal.
Get you in shape like you're 22 again.
All right.
Prepare your body for combat.
Faster! Go.
Morales is a brawler.
A savage.
I don't want you in the trenches, trading punches with him.
You'll get beat.
Resistance is the key to speed.
It's like swimming upstream.
I want you to stand tall and stay back.
Let him come to you.
When he tries to trap you and throws one of those fat, looping punches, you counter! You drill him! [ Exhaling sharply .]
Robert: 44, 45 46 Two more.
[ Grunts .]
That's why you got to be in shape like you're 22 again So you can be patient and bide your time.
So you can go and go until you get a clean shot and take this son of a bitch out! Time.
[ Breathing heavily .]
You're slow.
Get your ass on the heavy bag.
Some things never change.
[ Music playing in background .]
[ Train horn blows .]
[ Music continues .]
[ Grunts .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Knock on door .]
Go away.
[ Knocking continues .]
Come back later.
Thank you.
Fumosa: Hey, Lights.
Come on.
Open up.
[ Crickets chirping, engine turns over .]
Nice digs.
Why are you staying here? I always move out when I'm in training.
Oh, right.
Yeah.
Right.
Uh, I moved out once.
UhWas was writing a book, and Fumosa, what do you want? I need a denial.
There's a story going around you're doing cage fights for cash.
[ Vehicles passing in distance .]
Seriously? I got a million-dollar purse in six weeks.
Is that, uh Is that "no comment" again? 'Cause, uh I don't want to run it, Lights.
Screw you, Mike.
I don't.
Let me write your story.
Your fall from the top and then your climb back.
The sacrifices you make for your family.
That's the story people need.
I mean, the whole country's up against it now.
There's no shame in what you're going through.
I'm not ashamed.
I'm exhausted and sore, and the last thing I need is you around to make trouble.
Lights, we both want the cage story to go away.
But I'm on a deadline here.
You got to work with me.
I'll think about it.
Good night, Mike.
[ Engine rumbling .]
[ Reverse indicator beeping .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
Oh, shit.
I know and you know, baby that we're going through some hard times but you're my good thing, baby and I'm still glad that you're mine well, I feel so special, darlin' when I hear you call my name [ Engine, music stop .]
[ Birds chirping .]
[ Keys jingling .]
- Hey.
- Hi.
The kids ready? - For school.
- Huh.
You know you're a day early.
Am I? [ Laughs .]
Phew.
You going for a run or something? I'm going spinning.
Barb White talked me into it.
Spinning? Mm-hmm.
That's with the bikes that don't go anywhere.
She says it's "transformative.
" You looking to change your life? Anyway, I'm here.
Maybe I could just take the kids today.
No.
I I think it's important that we give them some structure until we We figure this out.
What do they think is going on? For now, that you're living near the gym while you train.
How's it going, by the way? My body's sore as hell.
But it feels good.
Transformative.
[ Both chuckle .]
Oh, God, what am I thinking? It's fine.
You know, you're here.
JustJust take them.
Really? Of course.
I mean, Daniella, she's already at soccer practice, but Ava! Katie! Daddy's here! Thanks, Theresa.
[ Clears throat .]
Okay, my beautiful girls.
Bye, Katie bear.
Katie: Bye, daddy.
Have a good day.
Dad, what's the deal? With what? What's really going on between you and mom? Nothing's going on.
Seriously.
I'm old enough to handle the truth.
Why do you think we're not telling you the truth? I don't know.
It it just feels different than the other times you've gone away to train.
And because I heard mom on the phone with Ms.
White asking about her lawyer.
She just got a divorce from Billy White's dad and I think she got this boob job.
Listen to me.
Nobody's getting a divorce.
Or a boob job.
Your mom's under a lot of stress.
I'll be home as soon as the fight's over.
Things will be like they always were.
Do you promise? Dad I promise.
[ Door closes .]
[ Weights clanking .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
Where the hell you been? Sorry, pops.
Come on.
Edgar's waiting to spar.
Be right out.
Who invited him? [ Door closes .]
Well, this is how the other half lives.
What do you want? Nice to see you, too, Lights.
Is your brother around? I need to talk business.
You can talk to me.
Oh.
Yeah.
You're doing your own P.
R.
now.
"Lights Leary cage potato?" Oh, for Christ's sake.
You do remember this is a fight about good versus evil.
You're playing the role of "good.
" The white knight.
The white knight doesn't do cage fights to pay off gambling debts.
Not to mention it's just stupid.
You get hurt in some basement, and you're out.
Come on, Barry.
You know how Fumosa is.
That's not my problem.
You need to make him, or this, go away.
Patrick! Get in here! Scary man.
I'd do what he says.
Hey.
Mr.
Word! It's Edgar Bell from Chicago.
Wait your chances.
[ Breathes deeply .]
up! Keep moving.
[ Grunts .]
There you go.
That's it.
That's the way.
Man: Nice shot, champ.
Nice combination.
Man #2: Easy, man.
Easy.
[ Grunting .]
Elbows up.
Defense, Edgar! Quit showboating! [ Grunting .]
Ow! Damn it! God! What the hell happened? I took a thumb.
Champ, I'm sorry! Get back! Who the hell you trying to impress? Get out of here.
You, too, Barry.
Get the hell out of my gym Now! Father knows best.
What the hell are you thinking about? Where's your head? Patrick, look at me when I'm talking to you.
Look at me! If Morales hits you like this, he'll kill you.
You expecting a surprise? Nothing speaks to me.
Hey, you settle things with Johnny? Nothing to settle.
[ Bell chimes .]
You had to stick yourself in the middle, huh? Can't help it.
I was born there.
Have the meatloaf.
I've been looking for you.
Called you at the house, but Theresa said You know I never stay at the house when I'm in training.
Yeah, but we used to rent cabins in the Catskills.
That was a nice spot, right? But this dump you're staying in.
Theresa kick you out? Hey, I know about getting the boot.
I ate here 16 nights in a row once.
Talk to Fumosa yet? Barry's pissed, you know.
You want me to take care of that? All right.
Forget that.
Look, Lights, I really can't handle having to hear this stuff secondhand, you know? I feel like a stranger in my own gym.
I don't know what to do with myself.
Johnny, I got enough to deal with without worrying about your feelings.
I'm not your manager anymore.
I-I accept that.
Whatever.
I'm still your brother.
What are you doing in that fleabag motel, man? Come stay with me.
My place is empty.
What you laughing at? "Empty" is right.
You don't have any furniture.
You can have my bed.
I'll sleep on Dylan's air mattress.
I'm good at the motel.
At least let me take you out tonight, huh? Blow off some steam like the old days? The old days are gone, Johnny.
[ Crowd cheering .]
Announcer: Morales has been sent to a neutral corner.
He's taunting his fallen opponent.
Wow.
Folks, this has been a brutal beating.
He's a beast, huh? What are you doing here? I work here sometimes.
Mm.
Your friend Barry Word was in here today, messing with your brother's head.
I heard.
He's not my friend.
No? Well, you could've fooled me.
Come on, dad.
For 15 years, we got by just fine without that S.
O.
B.
Game's changed, pops.
It's Barry's world now.
We didn't have a choice.
Yeah? Well, you should have told us! Like you don't know how the game works.
You want this fight more than anybody.
You watch your goddamn mouth.
It's always moving! Get out of my sight.
I just want to remind you of something you used to tell me, pop.
You want the fight, you pay the price.
[ Men shouting in Spanish .]
[ Applause, laughter .]
Write that down, paper boy.
Man: Call the ambulance! Call the ambulance, please! Who's next?! [ Vehicle door opens, keys jingle .]
Hey! I don't like being sucker-punched.
[ Door closes .]
No, no, no.
See, a sucker punch you don't see coming.
I told you I needed that story.
I laid it out for you.
And I told you I'd think about it.
You don't get it, Lights.
I'm in hock, all right? I got alimony.
I got child support.
I get it.
Every day I still have this job is a miracle.
Even went to see your boy Morales today, looking for scraps.
Look, how do I make this couch potato story go away? Cage potato.
Whatever.
What do I have to do? JustTalk to me.
All access.
Okay.
Okay? Uh, all right.
Wow.
What do you want to talk about? Strategy? How I'm gonna fight Morales? No.
No, no, no.
That's what everyone else is gonna write.
I want to know about you.
I mean, five years ago, you had everything.
And you just You walked away.
You quit.
I didn't quit.
I left for my family.
And now you're going back for your family.
Good.
Good.
Aw, that'sThat's a bookend.
That's good.
That's a good start.
A bookend? Yeah.
Hey, there's a place around the corner.
Can I can I buy you a burger? Not now.
It's been a long day.
Tomorrow, after my morning run? 8 A.
M.
at the gym? 8 A.
M.
Really? Uh, yeah.
I'll be there.
I'll be there.
I miss you too, sweetie.
[ Indistinct conversations, music playing .]
Listen, it's late.
You should get to bed.
Can you put Daniella on? [ Train horn blows in distance .]
Daniella said, "tell him I'm studying.
" Oh.
Well, if she's studying, that's important.
But mommy's here.
Want to talk to her? Uh Hold on.
Thanks, sweetie.
Hi.
Hey.
Everything all right? Fine.
You? Okay.
And you? Okay.
Have you had any new thoughts about our situation? Well, Katie's right here, so Right.
Got it.
So, good night.
We all miss you.
Good night.
[ Siren wails in distance .]
[ Telephone beeps .]
You okay, mommy? Yeah.
Of course, sweetie.
[ Woman shouting indistinctly .]
[ Thudding .]
[ Woman moans .]
Cheers.
[ Up-tempo dance music playing .]
Must be a trip working out with dad again, huh? He's still hard as hell on me.
You were always the golden boy.
Those days are over, believe me.
You think you're pissed at me? Doesn't matter.
As far as dad's concerned, you're still undefeated.
I still got that going for me.
You know how many times he's said, "if Johnny hadn't gotten hurt" The big "if.
" No ifs.
You'd have made it through the trials.
And all the way to Sydney, right? I know.
You had it, Johnny.
You were a hell of a fighter.
You know, even if I hadn't have gotten hurt, even if I'd have won the gold medal, man, I'd have burned through it so fast, it would have killed dad Or me.
I never had the discipline that you had, Lights.
I don't know maybe 'cause dad rode you so hard but you were always the mature one.
You mean I'm old.
No.
I mean From as long as I can remember, you've always carried us.
Hell, you're still doing it.
[ Register clicking .]
Excuse me.
My friend and I have a bet here.
And she says that you used to be the heavyweight champion.
She must have me confused with someone else.
No, I don't.
You're Lights Leary.
You win.
He is.
He's just shy.
I'm his brother.
I'm Johnny.
And I'm not shy.
[ Mid-tempo dance music playing .]
[ Music continues .]
Um, I think that my ride just left.
[ Clears throat .]
How am I gonna get home? [ Down-tempo music playing .]
Woman: [ Laughs .]
These old cars.
Bucket seats.
[ Sighs .]
I can't get close.
I'm a married man.
I know.
I don't mind.
Yeah, but my wife might.
Come on.
I've never been with a heavyweight champ before.
Did Johnny set this up? No.
I just met him tonight.
It's not that I'm weak We just been apart too long Look, my brother means well But I have a family.
I'll just take you home.
So, baby, darlin' darlin' [ Horn honks, tires screech .]
[ Horn blaring .]
Woman: Keep still.
[ Indistinct talking on P.
A.
.
Telephone ringing .]
Okay.
Can you follow my finger? Johnny, where you been? Just look here.
I told the ambulance guy I didn't need to come here.
Just listen to the doc, all right? Everything's fine.
Okay, you've got some bleeding in the anterior chamber of your eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris.
It's something we call hyphema.
Do you remember banging your eye on the steering wheel or on the air bag? That makes sense.
Johnny: How long till it clears up? It depends.
The membrane that surrounds the eye will begin to absorb the blood.
It could take a few days, it could take a few weeks.
In the mean time, take it easy and protect that eye.
Why didn't you tell me how bad the eye was? I took a thumb.
You want me to shut down camp? - Did you call Theresa? - You crazy? - Well I could be on the news.
- Relax.
- It's all good.
- How do you figure? I took care of the EMS guys.
I had the car towed down the shore.
- What about the girl? - She's married.
Last thing she wants is for her husband to find out she moonlights.
Swell.
I mean, did she get hurt? Go buy her some earrings or somethin' when the money comes in.
This never happened.
Time.
Good, go get taped up.
- What for? - You're sparring today.
I found a guy that clubs just like Morales.
Say hello to Nico.
Hey.
[ Sighs .]
[ Music continues .]
Ava: Dad looks tired.
You spar five times a week when you're training.
It's hard work.
But nobody works harder than your dad.
I'm worried about him.
Aw, he's a tough old goat like grandpa.
They'll find a way.
No, the stuff going on with him and mom.
I mean, I know it's on his mind.
I'm the only one that comes down here to show their support.
I thought I told you to get taped up.
I don't think I should spar today.
Is the eye bothering you? It's okay.
Not ideal.
Can you see how pissed off I am? Always.
Get in the ring.
Dad, tomorrow.
You know, if you caught this thumb during a fight and things weren't ideal, what would you do? Would you throw in the towel? No.
Never.
'Cause during a fight, you would find a way.
I know you.
You'd keep your head moving until you found some tiny peephole to see through.
I never heard you make excuses before.
It's not an excuse.
All right, Nico.
That's it.
Change of plans.
Meet me in my office.
[ Shutter clicking .]
Mike.
Crap.
I forgot we were supposed to Don't worry about it, Lights.
Just glad you're okay.
People don't usually, uh, you know, walk away from a head-on with a tree.
Yeah, I heard on the squawk box a '71 Chevelle took a hit.
I drove right out there.
It was just a fender bender, but thanks for your concern.
That's not what the E.
M.
S.
guy told me.
He said, uh, your brother tried to buy his silence.
[ Chuckles .]
Why would Johnny do that? I don't know.
I don't know.
Maybe it's 'cause, uh, you lost control of the wheel with a hooker in the car.
Care to comment? Mike, listen to me.
Nothing happened.
Thing happened.
Haven't we been here before? The cage fight? The dentist? Why don't you go on the record? Tell me what's going on.
I'll write the hell out of it.
I'll give your side.
Okay.
How much? How much to make this go away? Go to hell.
Mike, for the sake of my family Aw, stop it, Lights.
You want to lie to me, lie to me.
Go ahead.
Everybody else does.
You asking me not to run stories, it's like me asking you to throw a fight, okay? Okay.
How about this? I'm not asking you.
I'm telling you.
What are you doing? I'll leave the bribes and the threats off the record, just for old times' sake.
Everything else is fair game.
Story runs tomorrow.
I wasn't even drinking, but this woman was.
Which is why I drove her home.
And, you know, like I said, Johnny disappeared.
Classic Johnny.
And the thing is, it seems like the girl Might've been a call girl.
Or something.
I don't know.
I just drove her home.
But, you know, my eye has been a little I took a thumb.
And I don't know.
The accident justHappened.
The boys are back, huh? Just like old times? You and Johnny and a couple of Friday-night girls.
I didn't do anything, Theresa.
Well, then why are you telling me? Because it's gonna be in the papers tomorrow.
Oh, great.
That'll be great for our girls.
Jesus Christ.
God, what do you want from me, Patrick? I want you to believe me.
Why? What does it matter what I believe? You see, this is why I didn't want you to fight again.
This is is the very reason I It wouldn't have happened if I was here, if I was home.
Oh, so this is my fault? That's not what I'm saying.
I'm no good without you guys.
I mean there was a lot of years, where I could put everything out of my mind and just fight.
But it's not like that anymore.
It doesn't matter.
We had a deal.
Oh, right.
The deal.
Is that why you're getting a lawyer? What? The one who handled Barb White's divorce.
I called her tax attorney about the I.
R.
S.
lien.
Oh.
I thought She suggested I talk to her divorce attorney.
Maybe now I should.
Johnny: You see the paper? How bad was it? Wasn't even in there.
What? You worried over nothing.
I thought that might cheer you up.
You don't have to do this, you know.
I'm sure I can make a claim over the eye injury.
If I remember correctly, there's an accidental benefit worth about 10 grand.
Yeah? Then what? We'll figure it out.
Hey, we always do.
I got to go.
Can I borrow your car? Why don't I drive? Where to? I'm taking the girls to church.
[ Keys jingle .]
Just drive slowly, will you? [ Keys jingle .]
Thanks, Johnny.
[ Mid-tempo music playing .]
Did you come to gloat? No.
I came to thank you for not running that story.
Screw you.
[ Laughs .]
I wrote it.
It wasn't art, but, hey, it was It was damn good entertainment.
But, uh, then the lawyers had to read it.
Why is it that there's never any money for anything these days, but there's always money for lawyers? You know? So they had the article fact-checked, and it turns out that there's no record of you at the hospital.
And the police report says that, uh, that Johnny Leary was the lone victim of a single-car accident.
You a Kennedy? You get in a little trouble, your brother takes the hit, huh? WellPaper fired me.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about me.
You got enough going on, training for this fight.
- That guy's a killer, Patrick.
- Thanks a lot.
You'll be okay.
That's the thing about you.
What's that? You never quit.
You don't know how.
I do.
[ Ice rattles .]
Father Moran: We humbly beseech you, lord, to grant that those you refresh with your sacraments may devote themselves to good deeds in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[ Both grunting .]
Damn, B.
Sparring on a Sunday? He's a godless heathen.
He hasn't fought in two years.
Worried about rust.
When did he start sparring? About a week ago.
Brother got himself straightened out in prison.
He's gonna kill Lights.
I thought we had a plan.
Five years I wait for a rematch with Lights.
Relax.
Three more months, the clamor will be all that much louder.
Come on.
You know if Lights Leary was a brother, he'd have to prove himself against one legitimate contender before he got a title shot.
I don't buy into this two tear system of boxers.
Never have.
- If Lights doesn't get past Morales - Well, then, for once, Death Row, you get to play the good guy.
Wear the white hat, ride the white horse, and get that all white money.
- Hi.
- Hey.
Thanks for seeing me.
- Sure.
- The girls still out with Patrick? Um, yeah, he's taken them for lunch after church.
How was the drive? Eh, okay, I only got in two fights with my GPS.
Haha.
You want to come in? Come in.
Yeah.
I've got, uh, green tea, lemon ginger, oolong.
Just tea? Normal tea? Okay.
So I heard about the other night, about the car and the Oh.
You know my brother worships the ground you walk on, right? Whatever you think might have happened the other night Yeah.
That's between me and Patrick.
Well, yes and no.
Thing is, we're all being dragged into it now You're being dragged into our marriage? Theresa, he's half a fighter without his family.
[ Water pouring .]
[ Sighs .]
You know, I thought I was done worrying about if he'd get hurt.
He promised me it was over.
And he meant it.
He's tried, Theresa.
He's done the carpools and cooked dinners and put a smile on his face every single day.
He wasn't putting a smile on.
He loved it.
I know.
It was supposed to be my turn to get my degree, to support us.
I know.
Don't get me wrong, Theresa.
I think you deserved your turn.
Really? Actually, I don't know how you put up with him with us all these years.
But what I don't understand Haven't you missed him? Of course I have.
I'm not just talking about the last two weeks.
He's a fighter, Theresa.
That's who you fell in love with.
That's who you married! I know who I married, Margaret.
I know what I asked him to give up.
Okay, then.
Sorry if I overstepped.
He's been climbing the walls for five years, Theresa.
Let him out.
Let him out.
That was great, Ava.
Someone taught you how to drive pretty well.
Mm! Ha ha ha! Dad, does this mean that I get to drive at night now? Absolutely.
Not.
Jeez.
I want to learn how to drive.
Better ask your mother.
I heard that.
Theresa.
How was church? Father Moran told me he'd pray for us and hopes you and Daniella get over your colds.
You want to come in? It's okay.
[ Sighs .]
No, it's not.
Come in.
Stay for supper.
[ Sighs .]
I can't.
I'm sorry.
I just have to stay focused right now.
Rain check? Yeah, sure.
Bankruptcy? You keep the house And some pension.
Javier Morales.
Johnny: "El Diablo"? Are you crazy? Isn't he still in jail? I'm looking for a payday, not a bloodbath.
I'm gonna try a comeback.
What would you think about being my first opponent? You're joking, right? Robert: No joke, Jo Jo.
Eight weeks from Saturday.
Fight's off.
Jo Jo got hurt.
[ Laughing .]
The brother doesn't know.
What don't I know? Barry's got the rights to your next fight.
And options on your next two.
Brother Patrick, we're partners.
You're firing me? You can keep your cut, but you're done handling me.
Aw, come on, brother.
And I wish I could do this with you.
What are you saying? You're going back, and I'm staying here with the girls.
Theresa, we don't have to do this.
Javier would like to thank God, Mr.
Barry K.
Word and the Borinquen quarter horse Mr.
El Conquistador, whose ligament is holding together his left knee.
[ Laughter .]
His plan for the fight is to inflict damage.
[ Speaking Spanish .]
To take blood From the old man.
I punish you, old man.
Retire you.
Forever.
[ Men speaking Spanish .]
[ Laughter .]
Here you go, viejito.
For your retirement.
Gracias, Javier.
And now I would like to introduce the other half of our iconically electrifying fight.
One of the great champions of our time, back in the ring for the first time after his bitter defeat to Death Row Reynolds five years ago Patrick "Lights" Leary.
[ Applause .]
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
[ Laughter .]
[ Clears throat .]
Thanks.
I'm excited to be here and to be back in the gym with my dad.
I'd like to thank the fans and most of all my family, my wife and kids.
I've had five years to think about the last fight, about what it might have been.
Now we'll see what is.
Lights, do you see this fight as a stepping-stone to a rematch with Death Row Reynolds? Does he look like a stepping-stone to you? [ Laughter .]
Hey, Lights.
Uh, weren't you in talks to fight Jo Jo Reade? [ Clears throat .]
Well, we looked at several opponents, but Jo Jo had a Training accident.
Oh, training accident? So you were booked to fight him? Let me, uh, let me take this one, Lights.
Now, Mike, we were in talks with Jo Jo's people.
Aren't you Jo Jo's people? Mike, I'm everybody's people.
You know that.
Of the people, for the people, and sometimes I buy the people.
Did you also buy Javier's parole? [ Audience murmuring .]
Yes.
I bribed the Boqueron parole board.
I also buried Jimmy Hoffa, staged the moon landing, and shot J.
R.
[ Laughter .]
And now, without further ado, come on up here, fellas, and go toe to toe and foe to foe.
Here we go.
[ Camera shutters clicking .]
Why don't you put that out? It's a bad example for the kids.
Word: Oh! Ooh! Man: Come on, now.
[ Audience shouting .]
[ Shouting continues .]
Word: Nicely done, boys.
Praise that pay-per-view.
Javier.
[ Up-tempo music playing in background .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
You were supposed to miss, papi.
You blew smoke in my face.
You punch like a maricón.
Not in six weeks, I won't.
[ Laughs .]
You don't last two minutes in my world, bitch.
Tell your daughters to pray for you.
What was that all about? Just wishing me luck.
What were you doing out there? Looking after you and dad.
That is my job.
I told you You don't have a job.
I know.
I know.
Just, uh Don't tell Barry that, huh? Guy's all about divide and conquer.
We don't need that if we're gonna win this fight.
"We"? Far as I know, I'm the only one taking punches.
[ Music continues .]
[ Speed bag thudding .]
[ Indistinct conversations .]
Been a long time.
Yes, it has.
[ Up-tempo music plays .]
You hear me? That's our goal.
Get you in shape like you're 22 again.
All right.
Prepare your body for combat.
Faster! Go.
Morales is a brawler.
A savage.
I don't want you in the trenches, trading punches with him.
You'll get beat.
Resistance is the key to speed.
It's like swimming upstream.
I want you to stand tall and stay back.
Let him come to you.
When he tries to trap you and throws one of those fat, looping punches, you counter! You drill him! [ Exhaling sharply .]
Robert: 44, 45 46 Two more.
[ Grunts .]
That's why you got to be in shape like you're 22 again So you can be patient and bide your time.
So you can go and go until you get a clean shot and take this son of a bitch out! Time.
[ Breathing heavily .]
You're slow.
Get your ass on the heavy bag.
Some things never change.
[ Music playing in background .]
[ Train horn blows .]
[ Music continues .]
[ Grunts .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
[ Knock on door .]
Go away.
[ Knocking continues .]
Come back later.
Thank you.
Fumosa: Hey, Lights.
Come on.
Open up.
[ Crickets chirping, engine turns over .]
Nice digs.
Why are you staying here? I always move out when I'm in training.
Oh, right.
Yeah.
Right.
Uh, I moved out once.
UhWas was writing a book, and Fumosa, what do you want? I need a denial.
There's a story going around you're doing cage fights for cash.
[ Vehicles passing in distance .]
Seriously? I got a million-dollar purse in six weeks.
Is that, uh Is that "no comment" again? 'Cause, uh I don't want to run it, Lights.
Screw you, Mike.
I don't.
Let me write your story.
Your fall from the top and then your climb back.
The sacrifices you make for your family.
That's the story people need.
I mean, the whole country's up against it now.
There's no shame in what you're going through.
I'm not ashamed.
I'm exhausted and sore, and the last thing I need is you around to make trouble.
Lights, we both want the cage story to go away.
But I'm on a deadline here.
You got to work with me.
I'll think about it.
Good night, Mike.
[ Engine rumbling .]
[ Reverse indicator beeping .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
Oh, shit.
I know and you know, baby that we're going through some hard times but you're my good thing, baby and I'm still glad that you're mine well, I feel so special, darlin' when I hear you call my name [ Engine, music stop .]
[ Birds chirping .]
[ Keys jingling .]
- Hey.
- Hi.
The kids ready? - For school.
- Huh.
You know you're a day early.
Am I? [ Laughs .]
Phew.
You going for a run or something? I'm going spinning.
Barb White talked me into it.
Spinning? Mm-hmm.
That's with the bikes that don't go anywhere.
She says it's "transformative.
" You looking to change your life? Anyway, I'm here.
Maybe I could just take the kids today.
No.
I I think it's important that we give them some structure until we We figure this out.
What do they think is going on? For now, that you're living near the gym while you train.
How's it going, by the way? My body's sore as hell.
But it feels good.
Transformative.
[ Both chuckle .]
Oh, God, what am I thinking? It's fine.
You know, you're here.
JustJust take them.
Really? Of course.
I mean, Daniella, she's already at soccer practice, but Ava! Katie! Daddy's here! Thanks, Theresa.
[ Clears throat .]
Okay, my beautiful girls.
Bye, Katie bear.
Katie: Bye, daddy.
Have a good day.
Dad, what's the deal? With what? What's really going on between you and mom? Nothing's going on.
Seriously.
I'm old enough to handle the truth.
Why do you think we're not telling you the truth? I don't know.
It it just feels different than the other times you've gone away to train.
And because I heard mom on the phone with Ms.
White asking about her lawyer.
She just got a divorce from Billy White's dad and I think she got this boob job.
Listen to me.
Nobody's getting a divorce.
Or a boob job.
Your mom's under a lot of stress.
I'll be home as soon as the fight's over.
Things will be like they always were.
Do you promise? Dad I promise.
[ Door closes .]
[ Weights clanking .]
[ Exhales deeply .]
Where the hell you been? Sorry, pops.
Come on.
Edgar's waiting to spar.
Be right out.
Who invited him? [ Door closes .]
Well, this is how the other half lives.
What do you want? Nice to see you, too, Lights.
Is your brother around? I need to talk business.
You can talk to me.
Oh.
Yeah.
You're doing your own P.
R.
now.
"Lights Leary cage potato?" Oh, for Christ's sake.
You do remember this is a fight about good versus evil.
You're playing the role of "good.
" The white knight.
The white knight doesn't do cage fights to pay off gambling debts.
Not to mention it's just stupid.
You get hurt in some basement, and you're out.
Come on, Barry.
You know how Fumosa is.
That's not my problem.
You need to make him, or this, go away.
Patrick! Get in here! Scary man.
I'd do what he says.
Hey.
Mr.
Word! It's Edgar Bell from Chicago.
Wait your chances.
[ Breathes deeply .]
up! Keep moving.
[ Grunts .]
There you go.
That's it.
That's the way.
Man: Nice shot, champ.
Nice combination.
Man #2: Easy, man.
Easy.
[ Grunting .]
Elbows up.
Defense, Edgar! Quit showboating! [ Grunting .]
Ow! Damn it! God! What the hell happened? I took a thumb.
Champ, I'm sorry! Get back! Who the hell you trying to impress? Get out of here.
You, too, Barry.
Get the hell out of my gym Now! Father knows best.
What the hell are you thinking about? Where's your head? Patrick, look at me when I'm talking to you.
Look at me! If Morales hits you like this, he'll kill you.
You expecting a surprise? Nothing speaks to me.
Hey, you settle things with Johnny? Nothing to settle.
[ Bell chimes .]
You had to stick yourself in the middle, huh? Can't help it.
I was born there.
Have the meatloaf.
I've been looking for you.
Called you at the house, but Theresa said You know I never stay at the house when I'm in training.
Yeah, but we used to rent cabins in the Catskills.
That was a nice spot, right? But this dump you're staying in.
Theresa kick you out? Hey, I know about getting the boot.
I ate here 16 nights in a row once.
Talk to Fumosa yet? Barry's pissed, you know.
You want me to take care of that? All right.
Forget that.
Look, Lights, I really can't handle having to hear this stuff secondhand, you know? I feel like a stranger in my own gym.
I don't know what to do with myself.
Johnny, I got enough to deal with without worrying about your feelings.
I'm not your manager anymore.
I-I accept that.
Whatever.
I'm still your brother.
What are you doing in that fleabag motel, man? Come stay with me.
My place is empty.
What you laughing at? "Empty" is right.
You don't have any furniture.
You can have my bed.
I'll sleep on Dylan's air mattress.
I'm good at the motel.
At least let me take you out tonight, huh? Blow off some steam like the old days? The old days are gone, Johnny.
[ Crowd cheering .]
Announcer: Morales has been sent to a neutral corner.
He's taunting his fallen opponent.
Wow.
Folks, this has been a brutal beating.
He's a beast, huh? What are you doing here? I work here sometimes.
Mm.
Your friend Barry Word was in here today, messing with your brother's head.
I heard.
He's not my friend.
No? Well, you could've fooled me.
Come on, dad.
For 15 years, we got by just fine without that S.
O.
B.
Game's changed, pops.
It's Barry's world now.
We didn't have a choice.
Yeah? Well, you should have told us! Like you don't know how the game works.
You want this fight more than anybody.
You watch your goddamn mouth.
It's always moving! Get out of my sight.
I just want to remind you of something you used to tell me, pop.
You want the fight, you pay the price.
[ Men shouting in Spanish .]
[ Applause, laughter .]
Write that down, paper boy.
Man: Call the ambulance! Call the ambulance, please! Who's next?! [ Vehicle door opens, keys jingle .]
Hey! I don't like being sucker-punched.
[ Door closes .]
No, no, no.
See, a sucker punch you don't see coming.
I told you I needed that story.
I laid it out for you.
And I told you I'd think about it.
You don't get it, Lights.
I'm in hock, all right? I got alimony.
I got child support.
I get it.
Every day I still have this job is a miracle.
Even went to see your boy Morales today, looking for scraps.
Look, how do I make this couch potato story go away? Cage potato.
Whatever.
What do I have to do? JustTalk to me.
All access.
Okay.
Okay? Uh, all right.
Wow.
What do you want to talk about? Strategy? How I'm gonna fight Morales? No.
No, no, no.
That's what everyone else is gonna write.
I want to know about you.
I mean, five years ago, you had everything.
And you just You walked away.
You quit.
I didn't quit.
I left for my family.
And now you're going back for your family.
Good.
Good.
Aw, that'sThat's a bookend.
That's good.
That's a good start.
A bookend? Yeah.
Hey, there's a place around the corner.
Can I can I buy you a burger? Not now.
It's been a long day.
Tomorrow, after my morning run? 8 A.
M.
at the gym? 8 A.
M.
Really? Uh, yeah.
I'll be there.
I'll be there.
I miss you too, sweetie.
[ Indistinct conversations, music playing .]
Listen, it's late.
You should get to bed.
Can you put Daniella on? [ Train horn blows in distance .]
Daniella said, "tell him I'm studying.
" Oh.
Well, if she's studying, that's important.
But mommy's here.
Want to talk to her? Uh Hold on.
Thanks, sweetie.
Hi.
Hey.
Everything all right? Fine.
You? Okay.
And you? Okay.
Have you had any new thoughts about our situation? Well, Katie's right here, so Right.
Got it.
So, good night.
We all miss you.
Good night.
[ Siren wails in distance .]
[ Telephone beeps .]
You okay, mommy? Yeah.
Of course, sweetie.
[ Woman shouting indistinctly .]
[ Thudding .]
[ Woman moans .]
Cheers.
[ Up-tempo dance music playing .]
Must be a trip working out with dad again, huh? He's still hard as hell on me.
You were always the golden boy.
Those days are over, believe me.
You think you're pissed at me? Doesn't matter.
As far as dad's concerned, you're still undefeated.
I still got that going for me.
You know how many times he's said, "if Johnny hadn't gotten hurt" The big "if.
" No ifs.
You'd have made it through the trials.
And all the way to Sydney, right? I know.
You had it, Johnny.
You were a hell of a fighter.
You know, even if I hadn't have gotten hurt, even if I'd have won the gold medal, man, I'd have burned through it so fast, it would have killed dad Or me.
I never had the discipline that you had, Lights.
I don't know maybe 'cause dad rode you so hard but you were always the mature one.
You mean I'm old.
No.
I mean From as long as I can remember, you've always carried us.
Hell, you're still doing it.
[ Register clicking .]
Excuse me.
My friend and I have a bet here.
And she says that you used to be the heavyweight champion.
She must have me confused with someone else.
No, I don't.
You're Lights Leary.
You win.
He is.
He's just shy.
I'm his brother.
I'm Johnny.
And I'm not shy.
[ Mid-tempo dance music playing .]
[ Music continues .]
Um, I think that my ride just left.
[ Clears throat .]
How am I gonna get home? [ Down-tempo music playing .]
Woman: [ Laughs .]
These old cars.
Bucket seats.
[ Sighs .]
I can't get close.
I'm a married man.
I know.
I don't mind.
Yeah, but my wife might.
Come on.
I've never been with a heavyweight champ before.
Did Johnny set this up? No.
I just met him tonight.
It's not that I'm weak We just been apart too long Look, my brother means well But I have a family.
I'll just take you home.
So, baby, darlin' darlin' [ Horn honks, tires screech .]
[ Horn blaring .]
Woman: Keep still.
[ Indistinct talking on P.
A.
.
Telephone ringing .]
Okay.
Can you follow my finger? Johnny, where you been? Just look here.
I told the ambulance guy I didn't need to come here.
Just listen to the doc, all right? Everything's fine.
Okay, you've got some bleeding in the anterior chamber of your eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris.
It's something we call hyphema.
Do you remember banging your eye on the steering wheel or on the air bag? That makes sense.
Johnny: How long till it clears up? It depends.
The membrane that surrounds the eye will begin to absorb the blood.
It could take a few days, it could take a few weeks.
In the mean time, take it easy and protect that eye.
Why didn't you tell me how bad the eye was? I took a thumb.
You want me to shut down camp? - Did you call Theresa? - You crazy? - Well I could be on the news.
- Relax.
- It's all good.
- How do you figure? I took care of the EMS guys.
I had the car towed down the shore.
- What about the girl? - She's married.
Last thing she wants is for her husband to find out she moonlights.
Swell.
I mean, did she get hurt? Go buy her some earrings or somethin' when the money comes in.
This never happened.
Time.
Good, go get taped up.
- What for? - You're sparring today.
I found a guy that clubs just like Morales.
Say hello to Nico.
Hey.
[ Sighs .]
[ Music continues .]
Ava: Dad looks tired.
You spar five times a week when you're training.
It's hard work.
But nobody works harder than your dad.
I'm worried about him.
Aw, he's a tough old goat like grandpa.
They'll find a way.
No, the stuff going on with him and mom.
I mean, I know it's on his mind.
I'm the only one that comes down here to show their support.
I thought I told you to get taped up.
I don't think I should spar today.
Is the eye bothering you? It's okay.
Not ideal.
Can you see how pissed off I am? Always.
Get in the ring.
Dad, tomorrow.
You know, if you caught this thumb during a fight and things weren't ideal, what would you do? Would you throw in the towel? No.
Never.
'Cause during a fight, you would find a way.
I know you.
You'd keep your head moving until you found some tiny peephole to see through.
I never heard you make excuses before.
It's not an excuse.
All right, Nico.
That's it.
Change of plans.
Meet me in my office.
[ Shutter clicking .]
Mike.
Crap.
I forgot we were supposed to Don't worry about it, Lights.
Just glad you're okay.
People don't usually, uh, you know, walk away from a head-on with a tree.
Yeah, I heard on the squawk box a '71 Chevelle took a hit.
I drove right out there.
It was just a fender bender, but thanks for your concern.
That's not what the E.
M.
S.
guy told me.
He said, uh, your brother tried to buy his silence.
[ Chuckles .]
Why would Johnny do that? I don't know.
I don't know.
Maybe it's 'cause, uh, you lost control of the wheel with a hooker in the car.
Care to comment? Mike, listen to me.
Nothing happened.
Thing happened.
Haven't we been here before? The cage fight? The dentist? Why don't you go on the record? Tell me what's going on.
I'll write the hell out of it.
I'll give your side.
Okay.
How much? How much to make this go away? Go to hell.
Mike, for the sake of my family Aw, stop it, Lights.
You want to lie to me, lie to me.
Go ahead.
Everybody else does.
You asking me not to run stories, it's like me asking you to throw a fight, okay? Okay.
How about this? I'm not asking you.
I'm telling you.
What are you doing? I'll leave the bribes and the threats off the record, just for old times' sake.
Everything else is fair game.
Story runs tomorrow.
I wasn't even drinking, but this woman was.
Which is why I drove her home.
And, you know, like I said, Johnny disappeared.
Classic Johnny.
And the thing is, it seems like the girl Might've been a call girl.
Or something.
I don't know.
I just drove her home.
But, you know, my eye has been a little I took a thumb.
And I don't know.
The accident justHappened.
The boys are back, huh? Just like old times? You and Johnny and a couple of Friday-night girls.
I didn't do anything, Theresa.
Well, then why are you telling me? Because it's gonna be in the papers tomorrow.
Oh, great.
That'll be great for our girls.
Jesus Christ.
God, what do you want from me, Patrick? I want you to believe me.
Why? What does it matter what I believe? You see, this is why I didn't want you to fight again.
This is is the very reason I It wouldn't have happened if I was here, if I was home.
Oh, so this is my fault? That's not what I'm saying.
I'm no good without you guys.
I mean there was a lot of years, where I could put everything out of my mind and just fight.
But it's not like that anymore.
It doesn't matter.
We had a deal.
Oh, right.
The deal.
Is that why you're getting a lawyer? What? The one who handled Barb White's divorce.
I called her tax attorney about the I.
R.
S.
lien.
Oh.
I thought She suggested I talk to her divorce attorney.
Maybe now I should.
Johnny: You see the paper? How bad was it? Wasn't even in there.
What? You worried over nothing.
I thought that might cheer you up.
You don't have to do this, you know.
I'm sure I can make a claim over the eye injury.
If I remember correctly, there's an accidental benefit worth about 10 grand.
Yeah? Then what? We'll figure it out.
Hey, we always do.
I got to go.
Can I borrow your car? Why don't I drive? Where to? I'm taking the girls to church.
[ Keys jingle .]
Just drive slowly, will you? [ Keys jingle .]
Thanks, Johnny.
[ Mid-tempo music playing .]
Did you come to gloat? No.
I came to thank you for not running that story.
Screw you.
[ Laughs .]
I wrote it.
It wasn't art, but, hey, it was It was damn good entertainment.
But, uh, then the lawyers had to read it.
Why is it that there's never any money for anything these days, but there's always money for lawyers? You know? So they had the article fact-checked, and it turns out that there's no record of you at the hospital.
And the police report says that, uh, that Johnny Leary was the lone victim of a single-car accident.
You a Kennedy? You get in a little trouble, your brother takes the hit, huh? WellPaper fired me.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about me.
You got enough going on, training for this fight.
- That guy's a killer, Patrick.
- Thanks a lot.
You'll be okay.
That's the thing about you.
What's that? You never quit.
You don't know how.
I do.
[ Ice rattles .]
Father Moran: We humbly beseech you, lord, to grant that those you refresh with your sacraments may devote themselves to good deeds in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[ Both grunting .]
Damn, B.
Sparring on a Sunday? He's a godless heathen.
He hasn't fought in two years.
Worried about rust.
When did he start sparring? About a week ago.
Brother got himself straightened out in prison.
He's gonna kill Lights.
I thought we had a plan.
Five years I wait for a rematch with Lights.
Relax.
Three more months, the clamor will be all that much louder.
Come on.
You know if Lights Leary was a brother, he'd have to prove himself against one legitimate contender before he got a title shot.
I don't buy into this two tear system of boxers.
Never have.
- If Lights doesn't get past Morales - Well, then, for once, Death Row, you get to play the good guy.
Wear the white hat, ride the white horse, and get that all white money.
- Hi.
- Hey.
Thanks for seeing me.
- Sure.
- The girls still out with Patrick? Um, yeah, he's taken them for lunch after church.
How was the drive? Eh, okay, I only got in two fights with my GPS.
Haha.
You want to come in? Come in.
Yeah.
I've got, uh, green tea, lemon ginger, oolong.
Just tea? Normal tea? Okay.
So I heard about the other night, about the car and the Oh.
You know my brother worships the ground you walk on, right? Whatever you think might have happened the other night Yeah.
That's between me and Patrick.
Well, yes and no.
Thing is, we're all being dragged into it now You're being dragged into our marriage? Theresa, he's half a fighter without his family.
[ Water pouring .]
[ Sighs .]
You know, I thought I was done worrying about if he'd get hurt.
He promised me it was over.
And he meant it.
He's tried, Theresa.
He's done the carpools and cooked dinners and put a smile on his face every single day.
He wasn't putting a smile on.
He loved it.
I know.
It was supposed to be my turn to get my degree, to support us.
I know.
Don't get me wrong, Theresa.
I think you deserved your turn.
Really? Actually, I don't know how you put up with him with us all these years.
But what I don't understand Haven't you missed him? Of course I have.
I'm not just talking about the last two weeks.
He's a fighter, Theresa.
That's who you fell in love with.
That's who you married! I know who I married, Margaret.
I know what I asked him to give up.
Okay, then.
Sorry if I overstepped.
He's been climbing the walls for five years, Theresa.
Let him out.
Let him out.
That was great, Ava.
Someone taught you how to drive pretty well.
Mm! Ha ha ha! Dad, does this mean that I get to drive at night now? Absolutely.
Not.
Jeez.
I want to learn how to drive.
Better ask your mother.
I heard that.
Theresa.
How was church? Father Moran told me he'd pray for us and hopes you and Daniella get over your colds.
You want to come in? It's okay.
[ Sighs .]
No, it's not.
Come in.
Stay for supper.
[ Sighs .]
I can't.
I'm sorry.
I just have to stay focused right now.
Rain check? Yeah, sure.