Conviction (2006) s01e08 Episode Script

What the hell you want? What do you think? You looking to get your ass kicked again, bitch? Not exactly.
So what? You looking for some kind of revenge | or something? Maybe Bring it on, then, baby.
Let's see what your weak ass can You ain't got the balls.
So, have you? Have I what? Fantasized about taking matters into your own hands.
Exacting some form of revenge.
No.
You having any problems at work? No.
Well, how about your social life? Everything's fine.
Really.
Same time next week? I don't think that's really necessary.
Like I said, I'm fine.
You're sure? Yeah, I'm great.
The only reason I came here today is my boss made me.
Well, you're lucky.
Most people don't bounce back so quickly.
I--I haven't slept in three days.
I keep seeing this guy's face.
Hissmile and his white teeth.
You said he felt like he drugged you, right? No, more like paralyzed me.
I couldn't move.
But I knew what was going on.
And what was that? He was raping me.
Testifying is never easy.
Having the rapist in your line of sight while you do it can be unnerving.
Trust me.
I can't wait to see this guy again.
Good.
That's the right attitude.
Nobody has the right to do what he did.
Do you taking your medications? They kind of stopped working for me.
But yeah, I'm still on the antidepressants.
You think the jury's going to think I'm lying because he's a chiropractor? A lot of people think they're doctors.
Let me worry about that.
What I mean is He's a con artist.
He actually told me that chiropractic therapy would help my depression.
Just tell the jury what Banerjee did to you.
That's all that's important, okay So you think we can win? I wouldn't be trying this case if I didn't.
Nick.
Hi.
Hey.
How're you feeling? I'm good.
Listen, uh I want to lighten your load a little bit This Johnson case? I'm going to give that to somebody else.
The subway assault.
The trial starts in a couple of days.
I'm ready to try it.
I want to try it.
Nick, you've got nothing to prove, okay? Is this because you think I can't handle an assault case, or a black defendant? I'm not saying that.
Jim, don't treat me any differently unless I start doing a bad job.
Fine.
But not this case.
I'll find you something else, all right? I said my knees were hurting.
And the doctor told me I should have them replaced.
I'm like, replaced? What the hell you talking about? But he just kept telling me it was the best thing to do.
So I did it.
Mr.
Hollins, what kind of medication are you on? All kinds of painkillers.
And a little cannabis now and again to take the edge off.
Thank you.
So when do I get to testify against that son of a bitch who stole my knees? "I will remember there is an art to medicine "as well as science.
"That warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.
" That's the Hippocratic Oath.
That is the same oath that the defendant, Dr.
Warren, took 15 years ago.
But the evidence is going to prove that he wasn't interested in warmth and sympathy.
He was interested in money.
That's why he and his band of butchers performed hundreds of unnecessary surgeries on perfectly healthy people.
Crippling for life 19 men and women over the last five years.
So, how's it feel to be Cabot's boy toy? Um I think it's called second chair? Same thing.
Are you jealous? A little.
How did it go last night with Dr.
Lucas? Great.
Really.
He's amazing.
Good for you.
How's Lisa? She's good.
We split up.
Oh, I-- I had no idea.
What happened? You want the whole story, or? Up to you.
For you.
Oh, my God.
These are amazing.
And my punk-ass boyfriend won't even buy me a damn Big Mac.
Let me guess.
Like I said, he's amazing.
Black Men United is an elite group of New York power brothers.
Part social club, part charity organization.
But mentoring kids is the heart and soul of what we do.
So tell me, Billy.
Why is it that you want to be a mentor? Well, uh I grew up in Bed-Stuy.
Not saying we were broke, but I know I've been lucky to reach this point.
You know, I had both parents in the home, had a lot of people who encouraged me.
Teachers, my pastor Sorry I'm late.
Hey, John.
Billy, John Jenkins.
I didn't put a face with the name.
Councilman.
You two know each other? We've met.
So what's this, trying to cope with your guilt? Just trying to give something back.
Figure you mentor a teenager, that makes up for all the young, black males you lock up? The ones I lock up need to be locked up.
Never at a loss for words, are you, brother? How long have you worked as a waitress? Nine years.
Did you develop any health problems related to your job? Last year, I started to feel pain and stiffness in my back.
Did you seek treatment for that? Yes.
My older sister suggested I go to a chiropractor.
How did you choose a chiropractor? I picked one out of the Yellow Pages.
Darpan Banerjee.
That's the kind of luck I have.
Move to strike, Your Honor.
Jurors, disregard what she said after "Darpan Banerjee.
" Refrain from that type of commentary, Ms.
Cole.
What happened on July 1, 2005? He asked me if I would like to try an experimental treatment that combined spinal manipulation and massage therapy.
I said okay.
So he made me some tea.
I drank it, um He said it would relax me.
Pretty soon, I started feeling woozy.
He was massaging my back, I was lying face down on the table.
And then he rolled me over and started massaging my chest.
Then he started kissing me.
On my breasts.
It was like I couldn't move.
And I said, "What are you doing?" And he didn't say anything back.
I--I said it again.
I said, "What are you doing?" "What are you doing?" And then he said-- What did he say, Ms.
Cole? He said, Just relax And then I could feel him penetrating me.
Slam dunk, rook.
18-year-old kid broke into a church poor box on Christmas Eve.
Stole $200.
Whole thing caught on tape.
You'll have fun with this one.
You don't have to sell me, Billy.
I have to take it, so I'll take it.
I'm serious.
You got a video and a priest.
It doesn't get any better than that.
Why didn't they plead it out? Court-appointed counsel makes more money if it goes to trial.
You did great, Deborah.
The worst part is over.
She wanted me to fall apart, but I didn't.
I stayed strong, right? You sure did.
Deborah? I just want to say that you were really great.
I mean it.
I'm proud of you.
Thank you.
Jessica.
Jessica.
Jessica, we need to talk.
About what? My client.
Forget it.
He can help your boss win her case.
Cabot? She does not need his help.
Banerjee was in on the scam.
Referred patients to Dr.
Warren in exchange for a piece of the action.
You want a deal for that? Just talk to Cabot.
Let us make a proffer.
I promise, this is big.
My rape defendant claims he can help Cabot's case.
Dr.
Warren? Turns out, the chiropractic rapist is also involved in medical fraud.
Is he willing to flip? According to his lawyer.
Where are you going? To talk to Cabot.
Jim, wait.
The victim in this case, Deborah? This case is very important to her.
So I don't want to throw her under a bus just because the pig who raped her can help Cabot get a W.
I understand, but We still need to hear what Banerjee has to say.
You got my back on this, right? Jess.
That a no? Look, Cabot's case is no joke.
Hundreds of innocent victims, crippled for life So it is a no? I'll talk to her.
See what I can do.
Anyway, Rossi's killing this Banerjee guy in trial.
Looks like a definite conviction.
I get it.
She's got a good case.
So, I was thinking, if you don't really need this guy-- Are you telling me how to do my job? No I'm just saying, this is an important trial for Rossi and for the victim.
I will take that into consideration.
Good.
I don't like rapists any more than you do.
So you think you're making my life hell? I'll show you what hell is, my friend.
I won't kill you, because then you'd be at peace.
But I might break your skull open with a claw hammer, pull your fingernails out one by one while you scream in agony That's David Nazarian? Mm-hmm.
But not happy enough.
When I start peeling the flesh from your bones, that's when I'll be really happy.
This is so unbelievable.
I mean, he's an amazing writer.
Have you seen Building of Blazes? I don't get to the theater much.
What was he like when you arrested him? Is he a nut case? He said he was only kidding.
The landlord begs to differ.
Do you really think David Nazarian is dangerous? I gotta get back to the squad.
Call me if you need anything.
Hey.
What's up, man? Wow.
Somebody knows what he's doing.
I know, right? Grant took me on the best date of my life.
Batting cage and then Moroccan food.
Batting cage? I told him I liked baseball.
I wanted to impress him.
You know, be the hip chick who digs sports.
Right.
Only problem is, now the pressure's on.
I told him I'd take him out Friday.
Relax, you'll find something fun to do.
From a guy's point of view, what's a really great date? You're joking, right? Just get your mind out of the gutter.
I mean it.
What's an experience he will always remember me by? You are joking.
Hello, may I speak to Cynthia Carter, please? Billy Desmond from Black Men United.
Thanks for seeing me, Father.
I just wanted to go over the facts before trial.
There's no need.
I'd like to drop all charges.
I know this boy.
I spoke to him a few days ago.
He's a good kid.
He's a victim of tough circumstances.
No father, no money.
I don't think a trial is what's best for anybody here.
Well, it's not really your call, Father.
Adrien Brown didn't commit a crime against you, or Our Lady of Grace.
He committed a crime against the people of New York.
I'm offering to resolve this and you're giving me the back of your hand? He has three prior convictions.
Talk to him.
Please.
The boy's a little lost, sure, but he's a decent person.
This is a long-running landlord-tenant dispute.
It doesn't belong in criminal court.
Mr.
Nazarian, I-- Please, call me David.
I heard the answering machine tape.
And frankly, it sent a chill through me.
I don't know if you're familiar with me.
I write for a living.
I know.
You know? Oh, good.
In the room where I write, there's a leak in the roof that this guy, Steiner, refuses to fix.
I'm sorry, have you seen Building of Blazes? Not yet, but I hear it's amazing.
I did see Paradiso last year, and it's I enjoyed it very much.
My apartment is where I work.
I've written four plays there, half a novel.
So I need to be able to focus.
I see what you're saying, but I can't ignore those threats you made.
Ms.
Finn, I'm an artist.
Not a man of violence.
Hey ! Good afternoon, Jamal.
Have a seat.
- Hi, Miss Carter.
- Jamal, this is Billy Desmond.
He's going to be your mentor.
You remember the mentor program we talked about? How you doing, Jamal? Fine.
So I see you get straight as in art.
Is that your favorite subject? Yeah.
What's wrong with that? Nothing.
I think it's great.
So do you want to be an artist? Not really.
What do you want to do? Design tennis shoes.
Tennis shoes, huh? That's a cool job.
Well, you should think about going to design school after you graduate.
Design school? There's plenty of good design schools in New York.
I'll take you.
We can check some out.
All right.
That is, if you're interested.
Yeah, I'm interested.
You sure? I referred patients to Dr.
Warren for the past three years.
He gave me a cut, usually 10% of the insurance money.
Is that all you've got? He told me that the best patients are old, poor, and crazy.
And not to worry if they needed orthopedic care or not.
Mr.
Banerjee will cooperate totally in exchange for full immunity and a misdemeanor sexual misconduct plea.
Misdemeanor? Are you kidding? Jessica, please.
You interested or what? Yeah.
Make the deal.
There you are.
Are you okay? Yeah, fine.
I heard about your case.
I'm sorry.
That self-promoting bitch sold me down the river.
- I know it's tough, but - But what? She's the boss.
Doesn't make it right, Chris.
- You tell your victim yet? - No.
I've sort of been avoiding that.
She's been living and breathing this case for nine months.
It's not your fault.
I have a feeling Deborah's not going to care whose fault it is.
What's up? How come the court's empty? - The trial's over.
- What? Banerjee's pleading guilty.
That's great.
So, uh, how much jail time is he going to get? None.
None? What the hell? He's agreed to testify in another case involving-- Is it because I was a bad witness? No, no.
You were terrific.
Well, then what was it? We needed Banerjee on another matter involving a doctor-- So it was a more important matter? No.
Deborah.
I needed money to help my moms.
She has diabetes.
Right.
I swear to God, I gave it to her, man.
You can ask her.
I'm sure you did.
Adrian has a B average at Jameson High School.
Thinking about college next year, too.
Isn't that right? Yeah, applying to Howard in D.
C.
Heard it's pretty cool down there.
And he agreed to work at the church for the next ten weekends to repay the money he stole.
So as you can see, he's trying his best to make amends.
So we got a deal? - No.
- What? I don't believe a word he said.
What's going on? - I talked to Rossi.
- So? I thought you were going to try to keep from using Banerjee.
I did what's best for the bureau.
You know how important this is.
You have a good case without Banerjee.
- With him, I have a great case.
- So you give a rapist a pass to go from good to great? This scumbag performed unnecessary surgery on hundreds of innocent people.
I--we cannot afford to lose this case.
- You humiliated Rossi in front of Banerjee and his lawyer.
- Excuse me? You at least could have listened to what she had to say about the case and Banerjee.
Can I give you some advice? - By all means.
- Worry more about the office and less about the women you're screwing.
Jessica and I are coworkers and friends.
Right.
Just like us.
- Jazz? On a third date? - It's sexy.
Hip.
Feels more like date number eight.
What? You can't really talk when there's loud music playing.
- So? - I want to get to know him better.
Then go to dinner, talk your heart out, and hit the Blue Note, how's that? - Not bad - Again, sorry I'm late.
That's fine, Mr.
Collins.
I left my apartment an hour ago.
The subway was a zoo.
Some wacko broad dove into the 6 train right in front of your building.
What, she dove? She jumped in front of the thing as it was zipping down the track.
- You get the victim's name? - Yeah, Cole.
Deborah Cole.
It's terrible Jess, but it's not your fault You know that, right? It'sit's just part of the job part of the job? Telling a depressed woman her rape doesn't matter? That we have some insurance fraud case that means more? Yeah.
Do you ever feel anything? I mean, really feel it.
Or is it all some detached, third-person experience for you? For God's sake, Jess.
This isn't about me.
Or you.
It's just about reality.
Reality? What the hell does that mean? Look.
I'm sorry about your victim.
- Okay? - Her name is Deborah.
- I thought you had my back.
- Jess.
You could have talked to Cabot.
You could have explained to her how important this was, how close I was to a conviction.
I am sorry.
- Hey, youngblood.
- Councilman.
What brings you around? I want to get to know you, Billy.
Where do you see yourself ten years down the road? City Hall? Congress? The future's an open book.
You got in with the right group of brothers.
Black Men United's got journalists, entrepreneurs, executives, I'm not a bad friend to have either.
What can I do for you, Johnny? As you may know, I'm a major proponent of charter schools.
But unfortunately, there are those people who don't want them to succeed.
That's not an issue I've thought about.
A school in my district, Ageeza Bindeer Academy, is being looked at by the D.
A.
With respect to? I wish I knew.
They'll use any excuse to turn people against the charter movement.
I don't know anything about it.
Is there a way you could find out? All I'm asking for is a heads-up.
How serious is this thing? Billy.
In this town, a good turn is not forgotten.
Ageeza Bindeer Academy.
About how many patients did you refer to the defendant? Total, 217.
- And how much did he pay you? - 10% of his insurance collections.
About $350,000.
- That was your 10% share? - Yes.
He used other chiropractors too.
And what type of patient was the defendant looking for? - Objection.
- Calls for speculation.
Do you know? Low income, limited English.
Someone who wouldn't complain.
What did he do with your referrals? He had his people operate on them.
Back surgery, knee replacement, shoulder reconstruction.
You name it.
Did the patients you referred to the defendant need to see a medical doctor? No.
Most just needed an ice pack.
- You're really going to try this case? - Yes.
I talked to this boy at length.
He's apologetic, he's remorseful.
That's great, but that doesn't mean he gets a free pass.
What if I refuse to testify? I'll subpoena you.
Well, you can force me to the stand, lad.
You can't control what rolls off my tongue.
You you're going to lie? That's what you're saying? Ah, boyo.
A priest never lies.
- On December 24th, did someone steal money from a collection box in Our Lady of Grace? - No.
- I'm sorry? - It's a poor box.
That money belongs to the poor, not the church.
Your Honor, may we approach? All right.
I'd like to treat this witness as hostile.
- Him? - Yes, Your Honor.
- Counsel? - Wants to attack the testimony of a priest? Fine by me.
Have at it, Mr.
Potter.
You keep that collection box locked, don't you? Mymy memory isn't what it used to be.
Happens to the best of us, I guess.
Sometimes I forget to lock it.
Well, there was money in it, right? - Yes.
- How much? - I'm not sure.
- Not sure? You told the police there was $200 in it? Are you calling me a liar, son? Just noting your inconsistent statements.
Nothing more.
Did your video surveillance camera record the act of someone stealing money from the collection box? Father McMillan You have the videotape.
Haven't you looked at it yourself? I have.
I'd like to have the tape marked as People's five and play it for the jury.
See what Father McMillan is apparently unwilling to describe.
You're tougher than I thought, Potter.
What do you mean? It's not every day a prosecutor gets to tear apart a priest.
Collar or no collar, he was lying.
Well, as long as your jury's filled with atheists, you'll be fine.
Just got two media calls about David Nazarian.
Where are we on that? I think we should drop the case.
He's a harmless pain in the ass with a dark imagination.
As long as it doesn't look like we're cutting the guy a break just because some people think he can write.
Did you see Paradiso? Horrible.
Walked out at intermission.
- What about Building of Blazes? - Chris, please.
Just plead the guy out to disorderly conduct and leave me alone.
Paradiso is probably the best play I've ever seen.
Plead out the case.
- Evening.
- Billy.
- What you drinking? - No thank you, Councilman.
What'd I say about that? It's Johnny.
I won't be able to help you with the charter school thing.
- You didn't find out anything? - I looked into it.
But I can't comment on the investigation.
It would be inappropriate.
- Is that so? - Yes.
- I read you wrong, youngblood.
- Obviously.
I guess Black Men United has to re-open the question of whether you're a good fit.
I'm not surprised.
Do yourself a favor, Billy.
Stick with law.
Politics is a whole 'nother ballgame.
And you ain't ready.
- Yes? Can I help you? - We met yesterday.
I read about Deborah jumping in front of the train.
Okay.
- He did it to me too.
- What do you mean, did it to you? Banerjee.
I went to see him about my wrist.
And he gave me some tea with some kind of drug in it.
And raped me.
And how involved are you with the practicing physicians? Not very, for the most part.
I, uh talk to them on an as-needed basis.
Do you give them medical advice? When they need second opinions, I render them.
Nothing further.
Did you give a second opinion to Helena Dunn? I don't recall.
She's the 62-year-old African American woman who had an unnecessary hip replacement.
She was left in a permanent vegetative state.
Perhaps this will refresh your memory, Doctor.
Objection.
Approach.
Ms.
Dunn is not a named victim in this matter.
- There are dozens of unnamed victims in this case.
- She's trying to backdoor inadmissible evidence.
- What's the relevance, Ms.
Cabot? - Impeachment of this self-proclaimed expert.
The objection is overruled.
Proceed.
What about Sarah Grimm? - Did you give her a second opinion? - Your Honor! Overruled.
Does orthopedic surgery entail risks? Yes, it does.
But every decision I make, And, and every action I take, is for the betterment of my patients.
How did your medical advice better Mr.
Strawbridge? Let me rephrase that.
How did the amputation of his right leg make his life better? - Ladies and gentlemen, have you reached a verdict? - We have.
What say you? Do you find the defendant guilty? Or not guilty? We find the defendant guilty.
Thank you for your service.
Please go with the court officers.
Your Honor, may I request the defendant be taken into custody? - Officer.
- Let's go Sir.
I have to plead guilty to a crime? - I'm a criminal because of a stupid voicemail message? - David.
It's a good deal.
- Your boss is making you do this, right? - That's not the point.
Is there any coffee in this hellhole? Tell Peluso I want to see him right away.
And call Conley and reschedule that dinner for early next week.
Also, I need to get-- Excuse me! Excuse me! You the big, bad boss of the joint? I'm Alexandra Cabot, the bureau chief.
- You are? - David Nazarian.
Criminal defendant you're looking to gut like a bloated sow.
Well, I don't know about gut, but I must tell you, Building of Blazes is one of my favorite plays.
Is that supposed to make me feel better? A little lube while I grab my ankles? - What? - You know, blonde bitches like you have always had it in for me.
So what is it, honey? You hate men? I'm in the middle of a trial.
Otherwise I would stick around and chat.
Yeah.
Yeah, the lesbians will rejoice tonight! You've nailed Nazarian's testicles to your front door.
You know, one of these days someone's going to give you a good, strong smack - to remind you what you are.
And I hope it's me.
- David shh And you know what, boss lady? You're going to love it! Oh, my What the hell are you doing? Working on dialogue for a new play.
You know what, I think anger management has to be part of this deal.
Anger management? What are you, stupid? Your Honor, we have an agreed-upon recommendation of one year probation.
May the defendant be inquired of? Mr.
Banerjee.
Do you wish to change your plea to guilty of sexual misconduct? - Yes.
- And is that because you're, in fact, guilty? Yes And because I'm getting a deal and I don't have to go to jail.
Hands behind your back.
What are you talking about? You're under arrest for the rape of Elizabeth White.
What the hell are you doing? I thought we had an understanding.
On Deborah Cole.
Not Elizabeth White.
Take this punk to Central Booking.
Probation and restitution do not adequately address this crime, Your Honor.
He's a teenager.
Who stole $200.
The victim, Father McMillan, has already forgiven him.
The people are asking for a sentence of one year.
Incarceration? This is not his first offense.
He has three priors.
Including aggravated assault.
Was the victim injured? Broken nose, seven stitches.
The case was pled out because the defendant's lawyer argued he was a prime candidate for rehabilitation.
Probation didn't work then.
It won't work now.
Adrien Brown needs to be punished.
Mr.
Brown.
You are hereby sentenced to a term of no less than one year incarceration.
You shall receive credit for any time spent in custody.
This court is adjourned.
No! - Mr.
Potter, you struck a real blow for justice today.
- Adrien Brown committed a crime.
He got convicted.
That's the way it's supposed to go, Father.
Perhaps you can visit him in prison.
Well, perhaps you should do the same.
with all respect that's not really your concerned I don't want to fight with you, son what happened, you're getting assaulted That has nothing to do with anything.
When it happened to me, I said the same thing.
You're not the only one ever to be mugged, Potter.
Forgiveness probably isn't an idea they teach in law school.
I got to get back to the office.
Vengeance, anger.
Those feelings come easy.
But forgiveness, well, that's a little harder, isn't it? There will come a day when you yourself need to be forgiven, son.
I promise you that.
- Sorry, Father, but I'm not religious.
- I'm not talking about God.
I heard about the Banerjee arrest.
Nice job.
Got lucky.
Another victim appeared out of nowhere.
Nothing wrong with that.
Um I'm sorry about Deborah's suicide.
Yeah.
I didn't want to interfere with your case.
You know that, right? Yes ! So we can still hang out, it's just we won't be a part of the official Black Men United program.
Oh.
- Hey, you like baseball? - Yeah, a lot.
Cool.
'Cause I got two tickets to the Yankee game this Saturday.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- Give me a minute with your friend, Jamal.
- Saturday.
How you doing, Ms.
Mosley? I'm Billy Desmond.
- Uh, your son is a great-- - Oh, don't give me none of that smooth-talking politician crap.
Excuse me? Councilman Jenkins called.
He did? He told me all about you and your aspirations.
So please stay the hell away from Jamal.
I don't need no phony ass brother looking to use my boy for a photo op.
That's just ridiculous, okay? I want to spend time with Jamal because I think he's a great kid, and--