Blue Bloods s14e13 Episode Script
Bad to Worse
1
Oh, my goodness.
(PANTING)
Your knees ever feel like they
got about one case left in 'em?
It's two flights of stairs, Reagan.
It's good cardio.
Yeah, but there was
a perfectly healthy elevator
waiting for us.
(SIGHS)
I'll carry you on my back next time.
I can't wait.
Been carrying you on mine
for the better part of a decade.
You would be lost without me.
I would. It's true.
Happy now?
Hey. What do we got, Willie?
Treasure hunter.
Keep him here.
Bought the unit down here at auction,
cut off the padlock, and got a surprise.
Treasure hunter?
You know, when a guy
doesn't pay his bill,
the owner of the place
sells the unit sight unseen
to a guy hoping to find a treasure.
What's the surprise?
The kind of treasure
only you two find valuable.
The offer is
misdemeanor assault,
probation, an anger management program,
and a final order of protection.
All that for some little tiff.
Tiff?
You harassed your neighbor
for over a year,
put him a chokehold until he passed out,
all over a fence dispute?
That jerk made verbal threats.
That jerk was 72 years old.
Ms. Reagan, may I remind you
that during my client's time
as an officer with the NYPD,
chokehold was both legal and encouraged.
Yes, well, times change
and so do the laws.
Your old man ought to be ashamed.
The only one who's
going to be ashamed is you
if this goes to trial
and the jury convicts,
which they will, so sign it.
Pass.
What?
We won't be signing anything.
You agreed to this on the phone.
Then did you one better, sweetheart.
What is he talking about?
We've secured a last-minute
expert witness who will testify
to the NYPD's evolution
on chokehold policy.
Uh, but more importantly,
to Mr. Mathers' character
while on the force.
And who would that be?
The name Henry Reagan
ring a bell?
See you in court.
(DOOR OPENS)
You fed it mice?
What was I supposed to feed it? A salad?
Ugh, I would never have a pet snake.
Hey, a snake is a cool pet.
Yeah, for nerdy dudes and goth girls.
- Which are you?
- (CHUCKLES)
JANKO: What the hell is that?
(CHEERING, CLAPPING)
Oh! Whoa, hey!
(CROWD CLAMORING)
You folks okay?
MAN: You okay?
That is a public nuisance.
- Come on.
- (SIGHS) Let's go.
- What do we want?
- ALL: Climate justice!
- When do we want it?
- ALL: Now!
- No, I can't hear you!
- BADILLO: Coming through.
- Climate justice!
- JANKO: Everybody,
take a step back. When do we want it?
- ALL: Now!
- Move. All right.
- Let's go, let's go.
- We need you to come down from there.
Leave Nico alone. He's an artist.
Until he breaks his neck.
Let's go. (SCOFFS)
- Come on, man, let's get you down.
- Get out of here, man!
- Hey!
- That's assault!
Are you gonna let 'em stop us?
ALL: No!
(BOOING)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
- Everybody take a step back.
- Get out of the way! Get out
What are you doing?
- Get down now!
- JANKO: Hey!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
Nico, listen to me! It's a big fall.
You got to get down. It's not safe.
You really want to gamble
with your life like that?
Leave me alone!
Nico, slowly step down.
Come on, everybody, everybody Hey!
(WOMAN SCREAMS)
- (GROANS)
- Hands behind your back.
BYSTANDER: He didn't do anything wrong.
You happy? Now you're under arrest.
Listen, guys, I-I can't go to jail.
I'm donating a kidney in a few days.
That's a new one.
Come on, pal.
(CROWD JEERING)
But he's on his way?
He'll be here any minute.
A firefighter's funeral is always tough.
Yeah, well, the only
thing worse is a cop's.
Yeah, but the firefighters are
like wall-to-wall with the bagpipes.
Hi there. (SIGHS)
I won't ask how it was.
Same as it always is.
(SIGHS)
What is it
with the bagpipes?
They're like a-a dog whistle
that your tear ducts can hear.
And, uh
we already had our morning briefing.
Well, let's file it under
"while you were out."
(SIGHS) Okay, uh, let's have it.
While you were out,
the mayor tended the rally
for the migrant kids who
also died in that blaze.
(SIGHS)
I wondered where he was.
Some firemen egged his car
as he left the rally.
Got into it a little with his detail.
Luckily, no injuries.
Or arrests made.
But moments after she left the funeral,
the fire commissioner tweeted,
"Hashtag: mayor spits on FDNY.
Hashtag: Chase burned our trust."
Well, Veronica Radley
is somewhat new to the job.
And that excuses the low road?
We all started on the low road.
Well, Chase tweeted back,
basically saying:
She'd better learn
to keep her mouth shut
'cause she works for him.
And now they're shooting
flamethrowers at each other.
Pardon the pun.
But a good one, anyway.
Abigail, have my detail
bring my car back.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, boss,
this ain't your fight.
Yeah, this sounds like
Hizzoner versus FDNY to me.
I'll give the mayor's office a heads-up.
Oh, I'll tell you what.
Let's surprise him.
♪
- (OVERLAPPING ARGUING)
- UNIFORM: Bam!
- Nice catch.
- You're a TikTok cop, Badillo.
Hey.
You want to watch?
I was there, remember?
You know, next time people
film us collaring someone,
we should do, like, a high five
or signature dance.
- Signature dance?
- I've got moves.
Yeah, and I can move on
to another partner, you know.
Hey, all right. Nico, time to go
to central booking Uh
Hey, boss?
Where's our prisoner?
He left about 15 minutes ago.
What do you mean, "left"?
He was signed out
by Detective Ray Strickler,
from the 8-7 squad.
And you just let him go?
Strickler said he was gonna
throw the kid in a lineup.
Showed me a shield, ID card.
Gave me a squad car number.
I mean, I've seen him here
a time or two,
so, off they went.
What the hell?
I'm gonna find out what the hell.
Hey, Detective Gilliam,
this is Officer Janko from the 2-9.
Yeah, can I talk
to Detective Ray Strickler?
What?
Okay, th-thank you.
And?
Detective Ray Strickler
retired from the 8-7 three years ago.
Hello?
Grady Simms?
Yeah, who are you?
Detective Reagan, Detective Baez.
You're the police? That's cool.
Maybe not so cool when we get to talking
about your storage unit, though.
I don't have one of those.
Uh Midtown Storage number 226.
The owner ID'd you as
the renter since 2020.
Well, why'd he tell you that?
Cops ask people questions.
People tell cops stuff.
You're the police?
- That's cool.
- DANNY: Mm-hmm.
Sir, there were human remains
found in your storage unit.
So we need to ask you some questions.
No one's allowed to come in.
I'm not even supposed to open the door.
So how come you opened the door?
I couldn't see out the peephole.
That was weird. (LAUGHS)
Sir, how old are you?
Uh, 47.
And you live here alone?
Why are you asking me all this?
Like we said, we have questions
about a very serious crime, sir.
- So, you're the police?
- Yep.
That's cool. Hope you solve it.
- Bye.
- Sir
Um, what was that about?
- We're the cops.
- Cool.
Apparently not.
Commissioner, thank you for coming in.
Even if without an invitation.
(CHUCKLES)
It's my pleasure and I'm sorry
about the short notice.
But not the mystery?
You did come up the service elevator.
Well, see, I have a private elevator
for visits like this.
You should think about getting one.
And just what are visits like this?
Hopefully, well, private.
Just you and me.
But in reality, it's you, me
and the mayor who sent you?
He did not.
- Really?
- No.
I heard about the incident
between your people and his detail
and I came straight here.
Carrying his water.
I can find my way out, if you like.
I happen to be one of the few people
who can hopefully and honestly say
I know exactly how you feel.
Skipping Ben Kelly's funeral
and then attending a rally
for the people
who likely caused the fire?
Well (GROANS)
You need to be careful there.
They lost people, too.
You're defending him.
No, I am arguing for different tactics.
Like?
Like, for starters,
lowering the temperature.
Raising it seems
to have worked very well.
It got you to come running over here.
Yeah, to tell you to cool it.
Frank. Excuse me,
- may I call you Frank?
- Sure.
Chase brought me up through the ranks
to give a "new perspective
to an old boys' club."
Those were his words at my swearing in.
And what has he done since then?
He has ignored every single issue
I have brought up.
Especially the fact that so many
of these migrant shelters
are firetraps.
This was completely preventable.
And I'm not defending him.
You have rocked your own boat
a million times.
Absolutely, yes,
in back rooms and private channels.
That's how things get done efficiently
in jobs like ours.
Except when "jobs like ours"
means putting one of ours
in the ground.
And the mayor of this city
can't even be bothered to show up.
Just like you said,
you know exactly how I feel.
So please tell me
what, exactly, would you do?
(SIGHS)
ERIN: Grandpa?
In here.
Proceed with caution.
The last thing
I want to do is have to report
an esteemed bureau chief
for witness tampering.
The moment I walk in here,
I am just your granddaughter.
Oh, well, then, let's have at it.
Have you lost your damn mind?!
(CHUCKLING): I didn't mean both barrels.
You're testifying for the defense?
- I am.
- You hate defense attorneys.
I hate the arrogant ones.
And Preston Ellis isn't one?
Not as arrogant
as this case is important.
They need expert testimony.
That expert is me.
Don't you see that they are using you
because they know I can't
cross-examine my own grandfather
on the stand?
I'm no one's pawn.
(LAUGHING): If you believe that,
then you really are
(CHUCKLING): What? A silly old fool?
I didn't say that.
I think you've said enough.
- But this guy Math
- Erin.
I've been at this game
since before you were born,
so I know how to judge people,
and, even better,
how to watch my own back.
Okay, but Grandpa
End of story.
End of discussion.
BADILLO:
We're out on a limb here, Eddie.
IAB handles police impersonators.
McNichols said she'd stall 'em.
Why? She could lose her command
over all of this.
She knows I want to hear what
this guy has to say for himself.
Mr. Strickler?
Please, call me Ray.
And I know you're here about Nico Hall.
Want to tell us why you took him?
The only reason I'd ever break the law.
Come in.
For my daughter,
Kathryn.
I'm not sure I understand.
I'm real sure I don't.
She's in end-stage renal failure.
A lifelong thing, but it's
accelerated the last few years.
She's why I left the job.
To take care of her?
Her mom died years ago,
so it's all up to me. Well, and Nico.
How?
He's donating the kidney
my angel needs next week.
You got to be kidding me.
- And we didn't believe him.
- Well, why would you?
We all know a collar will
say anything to wiggle free.
Yeah, but if Nico got
jammed up in the system,
he'd miss that surgery.
And I just could not let that
happen, not after everything
we've been through
trying to find her match.
- Yeah.
- Then it turns out it's her boyfriend.
They're dating?
Oh, I was never a fan.
You know, give me a doctor or a lawyer,
not some kid who's an artist.
But Nico stepped up,
so I had to, as well.
(SIGHS) Look, Ray,
we're really sorry
about your situation
But your stepping up was Criminal
Impersonation of a Police Officer.
Hindering Prosecution.
Okay, what my partner means
is that if you'd just
come to us, we could've
issued Nico a DAT.
Bottom line where is he?
- Somewhere safe.
- Not good enough.
It is until after the operation.
Put your hands behind your back.
(GASPS) Dad?
Hey. Hey.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
I'm right here, baby.
Come on, let's go.
He's coming with us.
And leave his sick daughter alone? No.
You said yourself,
IAB handles this stuff.
Let's let 'em.
(BADILLO SIGHS)
What's up on your end?
Skeleton was identified
as Beverly Chase.
Disappeared in 2020,
three weeks after calling 911
complaining about being harassed
on the street by Grady Simms.
Oh. You mean the same
Grady Simms who's been accused
of harassing women dozens
of times, including one woman
who he followed all the way home
and banged on her door,
and was collared for stalking?
So he's a creep.
He's definitely a little bit off.
A horny man-child doesn't
get a pass with these women.
I agree, 100%.
And now he's killed one of 'em?
Oh, except he didn't.
The mother, Marie Simms.
Thank you, Hoffman.
Ms. Simms, are you aware that your son
has a documented history
of harassing women?
Grady is different.
He got hit by a car when he was six.
And ever since, he can't think right,
or remember things.
His father couldn't take it, and
or didn't love him, and left.
So you raised Grady all by yourself?
A mother's job, right?
BAEZ: He said he's not allowed
to leave the house,
but he obviously does.
Yes, I-I work,
so sometimes he runs errands.
And I feel, for those women, I do.
But they just get scared
because of how he looks
and how he talks.
Has your son ever been violent with you?
The world has hurt my son over and over,
but he only has love in his heart.
Right.
Ms. Simms, are you aware
your son rented a storage unit?
Uh, that's all either of us
will say without a lawyer.
Does a mother really know her
son better than everyone else?
Or can she not see what's
right in front of her face?
(SIGHS)
Eggs, Frank, all over my limo!
The egg on your face
for skipping Ben Kelly's funeral
is a whole lot worse.
It was a scheduling issue.
I had to make a choice.
Yeah, then choose something
other than a sharp stick
in the eye to the FDNY.
Veronica Radley started it.
No, you started it
by skipping that funeral
and going to that rally.
To handle a potentially
explosive situation.
And I meant started this media circus.
You can't put that on me.
I'm putting it on both of you.
Serve this city,
not your egos.
How's my ego getting served here?
The press is killing me.
Ben Kelly, and Juana and Santi Marcos.
They were killed.
Same way I'll get killed when
the firefighters go on sick-out,
like Veronica announced this morning.
The firefighters themselves
call those, she didn't.
Ah. (LAUGHING)
You uniformed people.
You're all the same.
Family, brotherhood,
all in bed together.
And she has 11,000 troops
at her disposal.
I've got, what, a dozen staffers?
You're not in a war, Peter.
Says the man tossing grenades at
me whenever he gets the chance.
Hell, she probably learned
how to do this watching you.
Can we get back to a solution here?
The solution is,
your people start arresting
the flying monkeys
she has circling City Hall
day and night.
I have seen only peaceful protests.
And when it hits the fan tomorrow,
when firefighters call in sick?
What's my police commissioner
gonna do for me then?
Exactly.
(SIGHS)
(BIRDS SINGING)
DISPATCH (OVER RADIO): 2-9
George, 10-31 in progress.
Caller states perp
possibly armed with a handgun,
corner of Amsterdam and Bailey.
We should take their back.
And let the bad guy go when
he says his goldfish just died?
OFFICER: 2-9 Charlie, we got their back.
Whew. So glad we dodged
that sob story, huh?
(SCOFFS SOFTLY)
Do you even have a heart?
Ray committed, like, six crimes
in 24 hours, and you made us leave.
And IAB picked him up 20 minutes later.
And Nico?
He was in the back room.
It's catch-and-release on both of 'em.
Great. So it's over now and back
to being none of our business.
(PHONE RINGING)
This is Eddie Janko.
Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down.
Oh, my God. We're on our way.
- What's going on?
- We got to go.
Come on. Lights and sirens!
(ENGINE STARTS)
(SIREN WAILING)
- (SIGHS) Thanks for coming.
- JANKO: What's going on?
Is Kathryn okay?
Until Nico showed up. He came in,
kissed her, then said he's out.
He's not gonna help her anymore.
Why not?
He didn't say. Just left.
So you called us?
I called her.
I don't why you care,
but I can see that you do,
so, please, just help me
- find Nico before my daughter
- Ray.
(INHALES) He's not answering
his phone, but I know
a couple of places that he hangs
out. Let me get my jacket.
No, no, no, no, you stay here.
(SLAPS COUNTER)
My daughter is going to die
- unless
- We're going to find Nico.
What? We have a tour to finish.
We can't keep our eyes
peeled while we do?
You stay with her. Text us some places
you think Nico might be.
Okay?
Come on, partner. Clock's ticking.
MAN: Grady hasn't paid for months.
- (PHONE RINGING)
- Was about to open it myself.
It's number 418, down that hall.
Got it. Thank you.
DANNY: Hey.
Hey.
Owner said Grady rented
this one out about a year ago,
He gave me the key, told me to
knock myself out. Who knew
when we scratched
the surface with this guy
he'd have storage units
all around the city.
Apparently not his mother. I found mine.
Mine, too.
Putting you on speaker.
Yeah, me, too.
(SIGHS) Ready?
Ready.
All right. One,
two, three, go.
(EXHALES)
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS)
Oh (EXHALES)
Good Lord.
Yeah, we got a serial killer.
HENRY: And this father
isn't even a match for his own daughter,
even with the same genes?
No, it's more complicated than that.
And you know this how, Dr. Reagan?
(CHUCKLES)
I looked into it in case
you ever needed a kidney.
Aw.
- Aw.
- Me?
Yeah, you're not getting any younger.
(CHUCKLES)
Hey, Sean, you keep that up,
you might not end up getting any older.
(LAUGHTER) Exactly.
And you don't have to worry
about my organs,
they're in fine working order.
Yeah, Sean, if your dad needs
anything, it's a brain donor.
- Hardy har har.
- (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
You see what you started?
Tell me about it.
And just so you know, I'd give a kidney
to any of you if you needed one.
- Aw.
- Me, too.
Me three.
Well, almost any of you.
Like I'd want yours.
What's this?
Yeah, why don't you want
to help Erin, Gramps?
Doesn't matter.
Well, Erin, why don't
you want to take his help?
It doesn't matter.
JAMIE: No, no,
you guys can't be on the outs
and then just say it doesn't matter.
- Watch us.
- Watch us.
Okay, they are warring
over her Don Mathers trial
and Pop's testimony for the defense.
How the hell do you know that?
I'm the police commissioner,
I know everything.
(LAUGHTER)
And that's all he'll say
so he doesn't get
my trial thrown out entirely.
What, you don't want my opinion?
Enough, Dad.
Hey, I did know Mathers back in the day.
HENRY: Francis, are you deaf?
Butt out.
DANNY: Gramps,
he just doesn't want to see
you and Erin not getting along.
Yeah, none of us do.
See, Pop? Just trying to help.
What, the way you helped the mayor
in his spat with the fire commissioner?
Fat lot of good that did,
from what I hear.
Well, uh, the meatloaf's tasty, huh?
- (SIGHS)
- DANNY: Hmm.
Mmm.
(CLEARS THROAT)
- JANKO: We're looking for Nico Hall.
- (CELL PHONES CHIMING)
We're told that he hangs out here a lot.
MAN: Haven't seen him.
- Me, neither.
- Is he in trouble?
We're worried about his well-being.
Like when you almost got him killed
for putting up a banner last week?
Yeah, I recognize you.
Well, then you know I'm the guy
who saved
- his ass when he fell.
- Whatever.
Yo, either of you gonna
pickup your phones,
'cause they're blowing up big-time.
Does anyone else know
where Nico might be?
Not me. I barely know the guy.
Have you checked with Kathryn?
They're a thing.
Well, Kathryn's sick.
And Nico's supposed to help her.
WOMAN: Which is totally
the kind of thing he'd do.
Nico's a sweetheart.
Or is that illegal now, too?
Thanks for your time.
Four missed calls from Ray.
Two texts here. "Where are you?"
"Have you found him yet?"
Dude, calm down, we're on it.
Would you be calm if it was your kid?
Don't look now, but Rudy,
the kid who said he
didn't know who Nico was,
is suddenly on the move.
Well, let's see where he's going.
Boss, one day?
How does that even count as a sick-out?
I don't know, ask the owners and tenants
of the six buildings
that were damaged because
firehouses were short-staffed
and response times were from 1908.
I'm just saying,
when the department gets the blue flu,
it's like a month, at least.
Well, her strategy is working
with the press and the public.
Even with the fires, the FDNY support
is through the roof
and Chase is in the basement.
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
Yeah, and it wouldn't have happened
if I hadn't gotten involved.
What am I missing here?
You had one short meeting with her.
How's this on you?
GORMLEY: Boss,
you're hard enough on yourself
- as it is
- This is on her.
Well, that was quick.
What was quick?
What?
My excellent source says
Chase has summoned Radley to
his office tomorrow to fire her.
Not even the courtesy of
a suggested resignation?
Nope, straight-up,
"Don't let the door hit you."
Old school, my alma mater.
Any bets she shows up with
a couple hundred firefighters
to make a circus out of it?
What did you say to her?
To cool it.
That's it?
Pretty much.
But, uh, I think
it's what I didn't say that
might have got us here.
Well, how could it be
something you didn't say?
Well (SCOFFS)
basically, she asked me
if I would've just laid down
if the mayor had
skipped one of our cop's funerals
for political reasons.
I didn't answer
'cause I couldn't lie.
Truth is
I probably would've done
what she did.
Hmm.
So, like, ten percent's on you, boss.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
(SIGHS)
BAEZ: So, that's Grady two months ago
at the storage place I went to.
And then, three weeks later,
he dumps Jill Joseph
at the storage place you found her.
So, this footage, plus the 911 call,
plus the stalking conviction
It should get us a search
warrant for Grady's house.
It'll get us a lot more
than a search warrant.
Should get us a murder conviction.
Well, then we'll wait for the forensics.
Grady's DNA or fingerprints
on the victim
should make it a slam-dunk.
Well, check the department email.
(COMPUTER CHIMES) Oh.
Ask and ye shall receive.
DANNY: Good.
I kind of feel bad for his mom.
You know, you raise a kid,
you send him out in the world,
thinking great things are gonna happen,
and this happens instead.
What is it?
It's not Grady's DNA on our victim.
Oh.
So, how do you want to handle this?
Hey.
Wait, wait, wait!
Wait!
- Open the door.
- I didn't know who you were!
Yes, you did. That's why you ran.
Hey, hey, stop! Nico! (GRUNTS) Damn it.
(GRUNTS)
Whew.
You just love running
from the cops, huh?
Man, what do you guys want from me?
It's about what your girlfriend needs.
I can't help Kathryn anymore, man.
Do you love her?
Of course I do, but you guys
come and arrest me,
then Ray busts me out,
only for the other cops
to come arrest him?
Yo, the guy is crazy, all right?
Well, he's worried about his daughter.
So am I.
So then come with us.
I can't. It's-it's too nuts.
You know what, partner?
If the kid is scared,
let's just go.
Wait,
I never said I was scared.
- Really?
- Yeah.
(SCOFFS) I would be.
So, seriously, man,
we'll void your arrest,
and I'm sure your girlfriend can find
another donor in the next couple hours.
(SIGHS) Except
I'm, like, her only match.
Yeah, but, you gonna
let them carve you up?
Come on,
no one will blame you for backing out.
I sure won't.
No, I mean
(GROANS)
I-I did promise her, man.
Uh, yeah.
And we promised her dad we'd find you.
But, hey, look,
we will just say you got away
and Kathryn and her father can
figure it out for themselves.
No skin off our teeth, right?
(SCOFFS)
No
I-I got to do it.
Really?
I have to help Kathryn, man.
Like
I love her.
You want to drive, partner?
Lights and sirens.
How's the carrot cake, Henry?
- Outrageous, as usual. Thanks.
- Okay.
Henry Reagan.
What a surprise.
What are you doing here?
You kidding?
Best carrot cake in town.
Yeah, I won't argue that.
But come off it.
She send you?
No. No, I swear, she didn't.
Give her a message from me.
There's no way she can stop me
from testifying in her case.
It's not hers anymore.
Judge made her recuse herself.
Not that you would care.
Keep your nose out of this.
How? I work for her.
I mean our family.
You see, uh, that's the thing.
Erin is family to me.
And it's killing me seeing
how all of this is killing her.
She's got plenty of other cases.
Yeah, but first, she's got
to prep her new prosecutor
to do the one thing
that she never wanted to.
Which is?
Destroy her own grandfather's
credibility on the stand.
Or did you not realize
where all of this was headed?
We all have our role to play.
And yours is to break her heart.
Bravo.
You know what?
I lost my appetite.
(DOOR CREAKS)
Careful.
Could be a setup.
Ma'am?
Put the knife down.
On the counter, right now. Put it down.
Put it down and step away.
(SIGHS)
Where's Grady?
I sent him to the store.
Seem like you might have
been expecting us.
I knew you or someone like you
would find out one day.
Well, we wouldn't have if
you hadn't attacked that woman
in the subway five years ago.
You got yourself in the system.
She called my boy a freak
because he spilled his soda on her.
He didn't mean to.
So you struck back,
just like you did with Beverly Chase,
Maricella Vogel and Jill Joseph?
Grady was just trying
to be nice to them.
He wouldn't hurt a fly.
So, he was just obeying you
when you sent him to
rent out the storage units
and bring over duffel bags
and suitcases?
He's a good boy.
We look after each other.
Not anymore. Put your hands
behind your back, ma'am.
Okay. Please, uh, can we just wait
until he gets home so I can say goodbye?
Like those dead women never got
a chance to, to their parents?
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you do say may be
used against you in a court of law.
Mr. Reagan,
you wore the uniform of
a New York City police officer
for more than four decades,
is that correct?
Yes, it is.
And it's well-known that you served
as NYPD's police commissioner
after you retired from the force.
City crooks certainly knew it. (LAUGHS)
(QUIET LAUGHTER)
ELLIS: Uh,
during your time as commissioner,
was it common practice to deploy
sustained neck compression,
also known as a "chokehold,"
to ensure compliance
from an unruly perpetrator?
When necessary, yes.
So, any officer who served under
you would have been trained
to use one safely?
- That's correct.
- So it's fair to say
that Mr. Mathers
would have been acting
under his trained instinct,
indeed almost as second nature,
when he was forced to use a chokehold
to defend himself from
his out-of-control neighbor?
Objection. Leading the witness.
Sustained. Mr. Ellis, move on.
Mr. Reagan, do you consider
yourself a good judge
of character of the brave men
and women who serve under you?
I certainly hope so.
And you personally knew
Don Mathers when you served as PC?
Our paths crossed.
Using your own words,
would you please describe
Mr. Mathers' reputation
for peacefulness in the community?
Bad, as in, arrogant,
ill-tempered, disdain for everyone.
Like hell I am!
Hey.
Uh-huh. See? There he is.
- Your Honor?
- Oh, and,
the way our paths crossed
was me seeing reports
of him being disciplined
for using chokeholds on
completely compliant citizens.
Hell, it's cops like him
that had the chokehold banned.
ELLIS: Judge, I move that Mr. Reagan
be deemed a hostile witness.
Hostile to him? Hell yes.
Mathers is a menace, then and now.
Oh.
(GALLERY MURMURING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Smooth as silk.
Both of 'em. (EXHALES)
Thank you so much.
Yeah. They'll be out in a moment.
Okay.
(SIGHS)
(INHALES SHARPLY)
And you two.
Glad it all worked out.
But you still got a lot to answer for.
Yeah.
You're a good cop.
Now that she's safe,
I don't care what happens to me.
(SIGHS)
Now, what about Nico's charges?
We'll make sure he has a soft landing.
But for now, you stay in retirement.
(LAUGHING)
Look at their smiling faces.
Oh, my God.
- Thank you.
- Yes.
Thanks for convincing Nico.
Just trying to catch up to you.
What do you mean?
I finally saw past the perp
to the person.
Like you did from the get-go.
And always do.
But if ever there was a moment
to put on TikTok
You keep your signature
dance moves to yourself.
I mean,
come on. We got to get
a selfie at least.
You know I have a gun.
I'm not afraid to use it.
You could've at least told me.
What? And ruin the surprise?
It really was worth seeing the
surprise on Don Mathers' face.
Wiped the smirk right off, huh?
(BOTH LAUGHING)
So
(SNIFFING)
Where is it?
Where is what?
The Scotch.
I figure you owe me one
for winning your case.
Pops, it's 11:00 in the morning.
- I'm retired.
- Well, I am not.
(LAUGHS)
I'll stop by later, and
we can toast then, okay?
That's my girl.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
GRADY: Is this the police station?
Why am I here?
I want to see my mama!
I I can't go in
to explain it to him again.
He's just gonna forget what I
tell him in ten minutes anyway.
GRADY: Mama?
So what do we recommend
to the D.A. as charges?
Or do we?
He can't survive at home without her.
Maybe we can declare him an EDP,
get him evaluated by Social Services.
Or Child Protective Services.
Even better.
Mama?
Mama, where are you?
(CRYING)
Mama?
Where are you?
(CRYING)
(GRADY SOBBING)
Maybe it's not my knees
that are getting too old
for this after all.
(GRADY CONTINUES CRYING)
What? He brings you in for backup?
Quite a show you got going on out there.
Must be 300 firefighters
not doing their job.
I didn't ask them to come.
But you didn't order them
back to work, either.
Are you a part of this meeting?
Well (CHUCKLES)
maybe an unwelcome part.
You know,
I kid myself that I'm still a cop.
And I think you kid yourself
you're still a firefighter.
I don't kid myself. I am one.
Yeah, but you are much more
than that now.
You're the commish.
Yes, but I'm still one of them.
Then do your damn job.
Put the wet stuff on the red stuff.
'Cause (SIGHS)
I can guarantee you one thing.
Your men and women will not be stronger
or safer
with some committee scrambling
around to find your replacement.
(DOOR OPENS)
Commissioner Radley.
I don't think he's expecting
you, Commissioner Reagan.
I'm a surprise.
(CLEARS THROAT SOFTLY)
Ah.
You were not invited.
I'll only be a moment.
Your moment's not now.
Well, it kind of is, Mr. Mayor.
Please, sit down.
(SIGHS)
Uh
Okay.
Just apologize.
To whom?
To him.
For your people egging his car,
for the circus outside,
for whatever else you got going
in this little rumble.
No.
And you
(SIGHS)
When we put one of ours in the ground,
you stand beside us and
get all teary with the bagpipes.
That's in your contract.
The hell it is.
Oh, it is.
(CHUCKLING):
You just haven't read it right.
Trust me.
So
apologize to her.
No.
Yes.
Both of you.
Or what? We go without supper?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
And there it is.
Thank you.
There what is?
Well, I've been sitting here
treating two very smart,
very accomplished adults
like a couple of bratty kids.
Hmm.
My mistake.
My sincerest apologies
to you both.
Wait. You're leaving?
I have made enough mess
of things already.
Yeah, you kind of have.
Please
carry on.
I hope.
(DOOR CLOSES)
So?
So?
Hmm.
Oh, my goodness.
(PANTING)
Your knees ever feel like they
got about one case left in 'em?
It's two flights of stairs, Reagan.
It's good cardio.
Yeah, but there was
a perfectly healthy elevator
waiting for us.
(SIGHS)
I'll carry you on my back next time.
I can't wait.
Been carrying you on mine
for the better part of a decade.
You would be lost without me.
I would. It's true.
Happy now?
Hey. What do we got, Willie?
Treasure hunter.
Keep him here.
Bought the unit down here at auction,
cut off the padlock, and got a surprise.
Treasure hunter?
You know, when a guy
doesn't pay his bill,
the owner of the place
sells the unit sight unseen
to a guy hoping to find a treasure.
What's the surprise?
The kind of treasure
only you two find valuable.
The offer is
misdemeanor assault,
probation, an anger management program,
and a final order of protection.
All that for some little tiff.
Tiff?
You harassed your neighbor
for over a year,
put him a chokehold until he passed out,
all over a fence dispute?
That jerk made verbal threats.
That jerk was 72 years old.
Ms. Reagan, may I remind you
that during my client's time
as an officer with the NYPD,
chokehold was both legal and encouraged.
Yes, well, times change
and so do the laws.
Your old man ought to be ashamed.
The only one who's
going to be ashamed is you
if this goes to trial
and the jury convicts,
which they will, so sign it.
Pass.
What?
We won't be signing anything.
You agreed to this on the phone.
Then did you one better, sweetheart.
What is he talking about?
We've secured a last-minute
expert witness who will testify
to the NYPD's evolution
on chokehold policy.
Uh, but more importantly,
to Mr. Mathers' character
while on the force.
And who would that be?
The name Henry Reagan
ring a bell?
See you in court.
(DOOR OPENS)
You fed it mice?
What was I supposed to feed it? A salad?
Ugh, I would never have a pet snake.
Hey, a snake is a cool pet.
Yeah, for nerdy dudes and goth girls.
- Which are you?
- (CHUCKLES)
JANKO: What the hell is that?
(CHEERING, CLAPPING)
Oh! Whoa, hey!
(CROWD CLAMORING)
You folks okay?
MAN: You okay?
That is a public nuisance.
- Come on.
- (SIGHS) Let's go.
- What do we want?
- ALL: Climate justice!
- When do we want it?
- ALL: Now!
- No, I can't hear you!
- BADILLO: Coming through.
- Climate justice!
- JANKO: Everybody,
take a step back. When do we want it?
- ALL: Now!
- Move. All right.
- Let's go, let's go.
- We need you to come down from there.
Leave Nico alone. He's an artist.
Until he breaks his neck.
Let's go. (SCOFFS)
- Come on, man, let's get you down.
- Get out of here, man!
- Hey!
- That's assault!
Are you gonna let 'em stop us?
ALL: No!
(BOOING)
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
- Everybody take a step back.
- Get out of the way! Get out
What are you doing?
- Get down now!
- JANKO: Hey!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
Nico, listen to me! It's a big fall.
You got to get down. It's not safe.
You really want to gamble
with your life like that?
Leave me alone!
Nico, slowly step down.
Come on, everybody, everybody Hey!
(WOMAN SCREAMS)
- (GROANS)
- Hands behind your back.
BYSTANDER: He didn't do anything wrong.
You happy? Now you're under arrest.
Listen, guys, I-I can't go to jail.
I'm donating a kidney in a few days.
That's a new one.
Come on, pal.
(CROWD JEERING)
But he's on his way?
He'll be here any minute.
A firefighter's funeral is always tough.
Yeah, well, the only
thing worse is a cop's.
Yeah, but the firefighters are
like wall-to-wall with the bagpipes.
Hi there. (SIGHS)
I won't ask how it was.
Same as it always is.
(SIGHS)
What is it
with the bagpipes?
They're like a-a dog whistle
that your tear ducts can hear.
And, uh
we already had our morning briefing.
Well, let's file it under
"while you were out."
(SIGHS) Okay, uh, let's have it.
While you were out,
the mayor tended the rally
for the migrant kids who
also died in that blaze.
(SIGHS)
I wondered where he was.
Some firemen egged his car
as he left the rally.
Got into it a little with his detail.
Luckily, no injuries.
Or arrests made.
But moments after she left the funeral,
the fire commissioner tweeted,
"Hashtag: mayor spits on FDNY.
Hashtag: Chase burned our trust."
Well, Veronica Radley
is somewhat new to the job.
And that excuses the low road?
We all started on the low road.
Well, Chase tweeted back,
basically saying:
She'd better learn
to keep her mouth shut
'cause she works for him.
And now they're shooting
flamethrowers at each other.
Pardon the pun.
But a good one, anyway.
Abigail, have my detail
bring my car back.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, boss,
this ain't your fight.
Yeah, this sounds like
Hizzoner versus FDNY to me.
I'll give the mayor's office a heads-up.
Oh, I'll tell you what.
Let's surprise him.
♪
- (OVERLAPPING ARGUING)
- UNIFORM: Bam!
- Nice catch.
- You're a TikTok cop, Badillo.
Hey.
You want to watch?
I was there, remember?
You know, next time people
film us collaring someone,
we should do, like, a high five
or signature dance.
- Signature dance?
- I've got moves.
Yeah, and I can move on
to another partner, you know.
Hey, all right. Nico, time to go
to central booking Uh
Hey, boss?
Where's our prisoner?
He left about 15 minutes ago.
What do you mean, "left"?
He was signed out
by Detective Ray Strickler,
from the 8-7 squad.
And you just let him go?
Strickler said he was gonna
throw the kid in a lineup.
Showed me a shield, ID card.
Gave me a squad car number.
I mean, I've seen him here
a time or two,
so, off they went.
What the hell?
I'm gonna find out what the hell.
Hey, Detective Gilliam,
this is Officer Janko from the 2-9.
Yeah, can I talk
to Detective Ray Strickler?
What?
Okay, th-thank you.
And?
Detective Ray Strickler
retired from the 8-7 three years ago.
Hello?
Grady Simms?
Yeah, who are you?
Detective Reagan, Detective Baez.
You're the police? That's cool.
Maybe not so cool when we get to talking
about your storage unit, though.
I don't have one of those.
Uh Midtown Storage number 226.
The owner ID'd you as
the renter since 2020.
Well, why'd he tell you that?
Cops ask people questions.
People tell cops stuff.
You're the police?
- That's cool.
- DANNY: Mm-hmm.
Sir, there were human remains
found in your storage unit.
So we need to ask you some questions.
No one's allowed to come in.
I'm not even supposed to open the door.
So how come you opened the door?
I couldn't see out the peephole.
That was weird. (LAUGHS)
Sir, how old are you?
Uh, 47.
And you live here alone?
Why are you asking me all this?
Like we said, we have questions
about a very serious crime, sir.
- So, you're the police?
- Yep.
That's cool. Hope you solve it.
- Bye.
- Sir
Um, what was that about?
- We're the cops.
- Cool.
Apparently not.
Commissioner, thank you for coming in.
Even if without an invitation.
(CHUCKLES)
It's my pleasure and I'm sorry
about the short notice.
But not the mystery?
You did come up the service elevator.
Well, see, I have a private elevator
for visits like this.
You should think about getting one.
And just what are visits like this?
Hopefully, well, private.
Just you and me.
But in reality, it's you, me
and the mayor who sent you?
He did not.
- Really?
- No.
I heard about the incident
between your people and his detail
and I came straight here.
Carrying his water.
I can find my way out, if you like.
I happen to be one of the few people
who can hopefully and honestly say
I know exactly how you feel.
Skipping Ben Kelly's funeral
and then attending a rally
for the people
who likely caused the fire?
Well (GROANS)
You need to be careful there.
They lost people, too.
You're defending him.
No, I am arguing for different tactics.
Like?
Like, for starters,
lowering the temperature.
Raising it seems
to have worked very well.
It got you to come running over here.
Yeah, to tell you to cool it.
Frank. Excuse me,
- may I call you Frank?
- Sure.
Chase brought me up through the ranks
to give a "new perspective
to an old boys' club."
Those were his words at my swearing in.
And what has he done since then?
He has ignored every single issue
I have brought up.
Especially the fact that so many
of these migrant shelters
are firetraps.
This was completely preventable.
And I'm not defending him.
You have rocked your own boat
a million times.
Absolutely, yes,
in back rooms and private channels.
That's how things get done efficiently
in jobs like ours.
Except when "jobs like ours"
means putting one of ours
in the ground.
And the mayor of this city
can't even be bothered to show up.
Just like you said,
you know exactly how I feel.
So please tell me
what, exactly, would you do?
(SIGHS)
ERIN: Grandpa?
In here.
Proceed with caution.
The last thing
I want to do is have to report
an esteemed bureau chief
for witness tampering.
The moment I walk in here,
I am just your granddaughter.
Oh, well, then, let's have at it.
Have you lost your damn mind?!
(CHUCKLING): I didn't mean both barrels.
You're testifying for the defense?
- I am.
- You hate defense attorneys.
I hate the arrogant ones.
And Preston Ellis isn't one?
Not as arrogant
as this case is important.
They need expert testimony.
That expert is me.
Don't you see that they are using you
because they know I can't
cross-examine my own grandfather
on the stand?
I'm no one's pawn.
(LAUGHING): If you believe that,
then you really are
(CHUCKLING): What? A silly old fool?
I didn't say that.
I think you've said enough.
- But this guy Math
- Erin.
I've been at this game
since before you were born,
so I know how to judge people,
and, even better,
how to watch my own back.
Okay, but Grandpa
End of story.
End of discussion.
BADILLO:
We're out on a limb here, Eddie.
IAB handles police impersonators.
McNichols said she'd stall 'em.
Why? She could lose her command
over all of this.
She knows I want to hear what
this guy has to say for himself.
Mr. Strickler?
Please, call me Ray.
And I know you're here about Nico Hall.
Want to tell us why you took him?
The only reason I'd ever break the law.
Come in.
For my daughter,
Kathryn.
I'm not sure I understand.
I'm real sure I don't.
She's in end-stage renal failure.
A lifelong thing, but it's
accelerated the last few years.
She's why I left the job.
To take care of her?
Her mom died years ago,
so it's all up to me. Well, and Nico.
How?
He's donating the kidney
my angel needs next week.
You got to be kidding me.
- And we didn't believe him.
- Well, why would you?
We all know a collar will
say anything to wiggle free.
Yeah, but if Nico got
jammed up in the system,
he'd miss that surgery.
And I just could not let that
happen, not after everything
we've been through
trying to find her match.
- Yeah.
- Then it turns out it's her boyfriend.
They're dating?
Oh, I was never a fan.
You know, give me a doctor or a lawyer,
not some kid who's an artist.
But Nico stepped up,
so I had to, as well.
(SIGHS) Look, Ray,
we're really sorry
about your situation
But your stepping up was Criminal
Impersonation of a Police Officer.
Hindering Prosecution.
Okay, what my partner means
is that if you'd just
come to us, we could've
issued Nico a DAT.
Bottom line where is he?
- Somewhere safe.
- Not good enough.
It is until after the operation.
Put your hands behind your back.
(GASPS) Dad?
Hey. Hey.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
I'm right here, baby.
Come on, let's go.
He's coming with us.
And leave his sick daughter alone? No.
You said yourself,
IAB handles this stuff.
Let's let 'em.
(BADILLO SIGHS)
What's up on your end?
Skeleton was identified
as Beverly Chase.
Disappeared in 2020,
three weeks after calling 911
complaining about being harassed
on the street by Grady Simms.
Oh. You mean the same
Grady Simms who's been accused
of harassing women dozens
of times, including one woman
who he followed all the way home
and banged on her door,
and was collared for stalking?
So he's a creep.
He's definitely a little bit off.
A horny man-child doesn't
get a pass with these women.
I agree, 100%.
And now he's killed one of 'em?
Oh, except he didn't.
The mother, Marie Simms.
Thank you, Hoffman.
Ms. Simms, are you aware that your son
has a documented history
of harassing women?
Grady is different.
He got hit by a car when he was six.
And ever since, he can't think right,
or remember things.
His father couldn't take it, and
or didn't love him, and left.
So you raised Grady all by yourself?
A mother's job, right?
BAEZ: He said he's not allowed
to leave the house,
but he obviously does.
Yes, I-I work,
so sometimes he runs errands.
And I feel, for those women, I do.
But they just get scared
because of how he looks
and how he talks.
Has your son ever been violent with you?
The world has hurt my son over and over,
but he only has love in his heart.
Right.
Ms. Simms, are you aware
your son rented a storage unit?
Uh, that's all either of us
will say without a lawyer.
Does a mother really know her
son better than everyone else?
Or can she not see what's
right in front of her face?
(SIGHS)
Eggs, Frank, all over my limo!
The egg on your face
for skipping Ben Kelly's funeral
is a whole lot worse.
It was a scheduling issue.
I had to make a choice.
Yeah, then choose something
other than a sharp stick
in the eye to the FDNY.
Veronica Radley started it.
No, you started it
by skipping that funeral
and going to that rally.
To handle a potentially
explosive situation.
And I meant started this media circus.
You can't put that on me.
I'm putting it on both of you.
Serve this city,
not your egos.
How's my ego getting served here?
The press is killing me.
Ben Kelly, and Juana and Santi Marcos.
They were killed.
Same way I'll get killed when
the firefighters go on sick-out,
like Veronica announced this morning.
The firefighters themselves
call those, she didn't.
Ah. (LAUGHING)
You uniformed people.
You're all the same.
Family, brotherhood,
all in bed together.
And she has 11,000 troops
at her disposal.
I've got, what, a dozen staffers?
You're not in a war, Peter.
Says the man tossing grenades at
me whenever he gets the chance.
Hell, she probably learned
how to do this watching you.
Can we get back to a solution here?
The solution is,
your people start arresting
the flying monkeys
she has circling City Hall
day and night.
I have seen only peaceful protests.
And when it hits the fan tomorrow,
when firefighters call in sick?
What's my police commissioner
gonna do for me then?
Exactly.
(SIGHS)
(BIRDS SINGING)
DISPATCH (OVER RADIO): 2-9
George, 10-31 in progress.
Caller states perp
possibly armed with a handgun,
corner of Amsterdam and Bailey.
We should take their back.
And let the bad guy go when
he says his goldfish just died?
OFFICER: 2-9 Charlie, we got their back.
Whew. So glad we dodged
that sob story, huh?
(SCOFFS SOFTLY)
Do you even have a heart?
Ray committed, like, six crimes
in 24 hours, and you made us leave.
And IAB picked him up 20 minutes later.
And Nico?
He was in the back room.
It's catch-and-release on both of 'em.
Great. So it's over now and back
to being none of our business.
(PHONE RINGING)
This is Eddie Janko.
Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down.
Oh, my God. We're on our way.
- What's going on?
- We got to go.
Come on. Lights and sirens!
(ENGINE STARTS)
(SIREN WAILING)
- (SIGHS) Thanks for coming.
- JANKO: What's going on?
Is Kathryn okay?
Until Nico showed up. He came in,
kissed her, then said he's out.
He's not gonna help her anymore.
Why not?
He didn't say. Just left.
So you called us?
I called her.
I don't why you care,
but I can see that you do,
so, please, just help me
- find Nico before my daughter
- Ray.
(INHALES) He's not answering
his phone, but I know
a couple of places that he hangs
out. Let me get my jacket.
No, no, no, no, you stay here.
(SLAPS COUNTER)
My daughter is going to die
- unless
- We're going to find Nico.
What? We have a tour to finish.
We can't keep our eyes
peeled while we do?
You stay with her. Text us some places
you think Nico might be.
Okay?
Come on, partner. Clock's ticking.
MAN: Grady hasn't paid for months.
- (PHONE RINGING)
- Was about to open it myself.
It's number 418, down that hall.
Got it. Thank you.
DANNY: Hey.
Hey.
Owner said Grady rented
this one out about a year ago,
He gave me the key, told me to
knock myself out. Who knew
when we scratched
the surface with this guy
he'd have storage units
all around the city.
Apparently not his mother. I found mine.
Mine, too.
Putting you on speaker.
Yeah, me, too.
(SIGHS) Ready?
Ready.
All right. One,
two, three, go.
(EXHALES)
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS)
Oh (EXHALES)
Good Lord.
Yeah, we got a serial killer.
HENRY: And this father
isn't even a match for his own daughter,
even with the same genes?
No, it's more complicated than that.
And you know this how, Dr. Reagan?
(CHUCKLES)
I looked into it in case
you ever needed a kidney.
Aw.
- Aw.
- Me?
Yeah, you're not getting any younger.
(CHUCKLES)
Hey, Sean, you keep that up,
you might not end up getting any older.
(LAUGHTER) Exactly.
And you don't have to worry
about my organs,
they're in fine working order.
Yeah, Sean, if your dad needs
anything, it's a brain donor.
- Hardy har har.
- (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
You see what you started?
Tell me about it.
And just so you know, I'd give a kidney
to any of you if you needed one.
- Aw.
- Me, too.
Me three.
Well, almost any of you.
Like I'd want yours.
What's this?
Yeah, why don't you want
to help Erin, Gramps?
Doesn't matter.
Well, Erin, why don't
you want to take his help?
It doesn't matter.
JAMIE: No, no,
you guys can't be on the outs
and then just say it doesn't matter.
- Watch us.
- Watch us.
Okay, they are warring
over her Don Mathers trial
and Pop's testimony for the defense.
How the hell do you know that?
I'm the police commissioner,
I know everything.
(LAUGHTER)
And that's all he'll say
so he doesn't get
my trial thrown out entirely.
What, you don't want my opinion?
Enough, Dad.
Hey, I did know Mathers back in the day.
HENRY: Francis, are you deaf?
Butt out.
DANNY: Gramps,
he just doesn't want to see
you and Erin not getting along.
Yeah, none of us do.
See, Pop? Just trying to help.
What, the way you helped the mayor
in his spat with the fire commissioner?
Fat lot of good that did,
from what I hear.
Well, uh, the meatloaf's tasty, huh?
- (SIGHS)
- DANNY: Hmm.
Mmm.
(CLEARS THROAT)
- JANKO: We're looking for Nico Hall.
- (CELL PHONES CHIMING)
We're told that he hangs out here a lot.
MAN: Haven't seen him.
- Me, neither.
- Is he in trouble?
We're worried about his well-being.
Like when you almost got him killed
for putting up a banner last week?
Yeah, I recognize you.
Well, then you know I'm the guy
who saved
- his ass when he fell.
- Whatever.
Yo, either of you gonna
pickup your phones,
'cause they're blowing up big-time.
Does anyone else know
where Nico might be?
Not me. I barely know the guy.
Have you checked with Kathryn?
They're a thing.
Well, Kathryn's sick.
And Nico's supposed to help her.
WOMAN: Which is totally
the kind of thing he'd do.
Nico's a sweetheart.
Or is that illegal now, too?
Thanks for your time.
Four missed calls from Ray.
Two texts here. "Where are you?"
"Have you found him yet?"
Dude, calm down, we're on it.
Would you be calm if it was your kid?
Don't look now, but Rudy,
the kid who said he
didn't know who Nico was,
is suddenly on the move.
Well, let's see where he's going.
Boss, one day?
How does that even count as a sick-out?
I don't know, ask the owners and tenants
of the six buildings
that were damaged because
firehouses were short-staffed
and response times were from 1908.
I'm just saying,
when the department gets the blue flu,
it's like a month, at least.
Well, her strategy is working
with the press and the public.
Even with the fires, the FDNY support
is through the roof
and Chase is in the basement.
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
Yeah, and it wouldn't have happened
if I hadn't gotten involved.
What am I missing here?
You had one short meeting with her.
How's this on you?
GORMLEY: Boss,
you're hard enough on yourself
- as it is
- This is on her.
Well, that was quick.
What was quick?
What?
My excellent source says
Chase has summoned Radley to
his office tomorrow to fire her.
Not even the courtesy of
a suggested resignation?
Nope, straight-up,
"Don't let the door hit you."
Old school, my alma mater.
Any bets she shows up with
a couple hundred firefighters
to make a circus out of it?
What did you say to her?
To cool it.
That's it?
Pretty much.
But, uh, I think
it's what I didn't say that
might have got us here.
Well, how could it be
something you didn't say?
Well (SCOFFS)
basically, she asked me
if I would've just laid down
if the mayor had
skipped one of our cop's funerals
for political reasons.
I didn't answer
'cause I couldn't lie.
Truth is
I probably would've done
what she did.
Hmm.
So, like, ten percent's on you, boss.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
(SIGHS)
BAEZ: So, that's Grady two months ago
at the storage place I went to.
And then, three weeks later,
he dumps Jill Joseph
at the storage place you found her.
So, this footage, plus the 911 call,
plus the stalking conviction
It should get us a search
warrant for Grady's house.
It'll get us a lot more
than a search warrant.
Should get us a murder conviction.
Well, then we'll wait for the forensics.
Grady's DNA or fingerprints
on the victim
should make it a slam-dunk.
Well, check the department email.
(COMPUTER CHIMES) Oh.
Ask and ye shall receive.
DANNY: Good.
I kind of feel bad for his mom.
You know, you raise a kid,
you send him out in the world,
thinking great things are gonna happen,
and this happens instead.
What is it?
It's not Grady's DNA on our victim.
Oh.
So, how do you want to handle this?
Hey.
Wait, wait, wait!
Wait!
- Open the door.
- I didn't know who you were!
Yes, you did. That's why you ran.
Hey, hey, stop! Nico! (GRUNTS) Damn it.
(GRUNTS)
Whew.
You just love running
from the cops, huh?
Man, what do you guys want from me?
It's about what your girlfriend needs.
I can't help Kathryn anymore, man.
Do you love her?
Of course I do, but you guys
come and arrest me,
then Ray busts me out,
only for the other cops
to come arrest him?
Yo, the guy is crazy, all right?
Well, he's worried about his daughter.
So am I.
So then come with us.
I can't. It's-it's too nuts.
You know what, partner?
If the kid is scared,
let's just go.
Wait,
I never said I was scared.
- Really?
- Yeah.
(SCOFFS) I would be.
So, seriously, man,
we'll void your arrest,
and I'm sure your girlfriend can find
another donor in the next couple hours.
(SIGHS) Except
I'm, like, her only match.
Yeah, but, you gonna
let them carve you up?
Come on,
no one will blame you for backing out.
I sure won't.
No, I mean
(GROANS)
I-I did promise her, man.
Uh, yeah.
And we promised her dad we'd find you.
But, hey, look,
we will just say you got away
and Kathryn and her father can
figure it out for themselves.
No skin off our teeth, right?
(SCOFFS)
No
I-I got to do it.
Really?
I have to help Kathryn, man.
Like
I love her.
You want to drive, partner?
Lights and sirens.
How's the carrot cake, Henry?
- Outrageous, as usual. Thanks.
- Okay.
Henry Reagan.
What a surprise.
What are you doing here?
You kidding?
Best carrot cake in town.
Yeah, I won't argue that.
But come off it.
She send you?
No. No, I swear, she didn't.
Give her a message from me.
There's no way she can stop me
from testifying in her case.
It's not hers anymore.
Judge made her recuse herself.
Not that you would care.
Keep your nose out of this.
How? I work for her.
I mean our family.
You see, uh, that's the thing.
Erin is family to me.
And it's killing me seeing
how all of this is killing her.
She's got plenty of other cases.
Yeah, but first, she's got
to prep her new prosecutor
to do the one thing
that she never wanted to.
Which is?
Destroy her own grandfather's
credibility on the stand.
Or did you not realize
where all of this was headed?
We all have our role to play.
And yours is to break her heart.
Bravo.
You know what?
I lost my appetite.
(DOOR CREAKS)
Careful.
Could be a setup.
Ma'am?
Put the knife down.
On the counter, right now. Put it down.
Put it down and step away.
(SIGHS)
Where's Grady?
I sent him to the store.
Seem like you might have
been expecting us.
I knew you or someone like you
would find out one day.
Well, we wouldn't have if
you hadn't attacked that woman
in the subway five years ago.
You got yourself in the system.
She called my boy a freak
because he spilled his soda on her.
He didn't mean to.
So you struck back,
just like you did with Beverly Chase,
Maricella Vogel and Jill Joseph?
Grady was just trying
to be nice to them.
He wouldn't hurt a fly.
So, he was just obeying you
when you sent him to
rent out the storage units
and bring over duffel bags
and suitcases?
He's a good boy.
We look after each other.
Not anymore. Put your hands
behind your back, ma'am.
Okay. Please, uh, can we just wait
until he gets home so I can say goodbye?
Like those dead women never got
a chance to, to their parents?
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you do say may be
used against you in a court of law.
Mr. Reagan,
you wore the uniform of
a New York City police officer
for more than four decades,
is that correct?
Yes, it is.
And it's well-known that you served
as NYPD's police commissioner
after you retired from the force.
City crooks certainly knew it. (LAUGHS)
(QUIET LAUGHTER)
ELLIS: Uh,
during your time as commissioner,
was it common practice to deploy
sustained neck compression,
also known as a "chokehold,"
to ensure compliance
from an unruly perpetrator?
When necessary, yes.
So, any officer who served under
you would have been trained
to use one safely?
- That's correct.
- So it's fair to say
that Mr. Mathers
would have been acting
under his trained instinct,
indeed almost as second nature,
when he was forced to use a chokehold
to defend himself from
his out-of-control neighbor?
Objection. Leading the witness.
Sustained. Mr. Ellis, move on.
Mr. Reagan, do you consider
yourself a good judge
of character of the brave men
and women who serve under you?
I certainly hope so.
And you personally knew
Don Mathers when you served as PC?
Our paths crossed.
Using your own words,
would you please describe
Mr. Mathers' reputation
for peacefulness in the community?
Bad, as in, arrogant,
ill-tempered, disdain for everyone.
Like hell I am!
Hey.
Uh-huh. See? There he is.
- Your Honor?
- Oh, and,
the way our paths crossed
was me seeing reports
of him being disciplined
for using chokeholds on
completely compliant citizens.
Hell, it's cops like him
that had the chokehold banned.
ELLIS: Judge, I move that Mr. Reagan
be deemed a hostile witness.
Hostile to him? Hell yes.
Mathers is a menace, then and now.
Oh.
(GALLERY MURMURING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Smooth as silk.
Both of 'em. (EXHALES)
Thank you so much.
Yeah. They'll be out in a moment.
Okay.
(SIGHS)
(INHALES SHARPLY)
And you two.
Glad it all worked out.
But you still got a lot to answer for.
Yeah.
You're a good cop.
Now that she's safe,
I don't care what happens to me.
(SIGHS)
Now, what about Nico's charges?
We'll make sure he has a soft landing.
But for now, you stay in retirement.
(LAUGHING)
Look at their smiling faces.
Oh, my God.
- Thank you.
- Yes.
Thanks for convincing Nico.
Just trying to catch up to you.
What do you mean?
I finally saw past the perp
to the person.
Like you did from the get-go.
And always do.
But if ever there was a moment
to put on TikTok
You keep your signature
dance moves to yourself.
I mean,
come on. We got to get
a selfie at least.
You know I have a gun.
I'm not afraid to use it.
You could've at least told me.
What? And ruin the surprise?
It really was worth seeing the
surprise on Don Mathers' face.
Wiped the smirk right off, huh?
(BOTH LAUGHING)
So
(SNIFFING)
Where is it?
Where is what?
The Scotch.
I figure you owe me one
for winning your case.
Pops, it's 11:00 in the morning.
- I'm retired.
- Well, I am not.
(LAUGHS)
I'll stop by later, and
we can toast then, okay?
That's my girl.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
GRADY: Is this the police station?
Why am I here?
I want to see my mama!
I I can't go in
to explain it to him again.
He's just gonna forget what I
tell him in ten minutes anyway.
GRADY: Mama?
So what do we recommend
to the D.A. as charges?
Or do we?
He can't survive at home without her.
Maybe we can declare him an EDP,
get him evaluated by Social Services.
Or Child Protective Services.
Even better.
Mama?
Mama, where are you?
(CRYING)
Mama?
Where are you?
(CRYING)
(GRADY SOBBING)
Maybe it's not my knees
that are getting too old
for this after all.
(GRADY CONTINUES CRYING)
What? He brings you in for backup?
Quite a show you got going on out there.
Must be 300 firefighters
not doing their job.
I didn't ask them to come.
But you didn't order them
back to work, either.
Are you a part of this meeting?
Well (CHUCKLES)
maybe an unwelcome part.
You know,
I kid myself that I'm still a cop.
And I think you kid yourself
you're still a firefighter.
I don't kid myself. I am one.
Yeah, but you are much more
than that now.
You're the commish.
Yes, but I'm still one of them.
Then do your damn job.
Put the wet stuff on the red stuff.
'Cause (SIGHS)
I can guarantee you one thing.
Your men and women will not be stronger
or safer
with some committee scrambling
around to find your replacement.
(DOOR OPENS)
Commissioner Radley.
I don't think he's expecting
you, Commissioner Reagan.
I'm a surprise.
(CLEARS THROAT SOFTLY)
Ah.
You were not invited.
I'll only be a moment.
Your moment's not now.
Well, it kind of is, Mr. Mayor.
Please, sit down.
(SIGHS)
Uh
Okay.
Just apologize.
To whom?
To him.
For your people egging his car,
for the circus outside,
for whatever else you got going
in this little rumble.
No.
And you
(SIGHS)
When we put one of ours in the ground,
you stand beside us and
get all teary with the bagpipes.
That's in your contract.
The hell it is.
Oh, it is.
(CHUCKLING):
You just haven't read it right.
Trust me.
So
apologize to her.
No.
Yes.
Both of you.
Or what? We go without supper?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
And there it is.
Thank you.
There what is?
Well, I've been sitting here
treating two very smart,
very accomplished adults
like a couple of bratty kids.
Hmm.
My mistake.
My sincerest apologies
to you both.
Wait. You're leaving?
I have made enough mess
of things already.
Yeah, you kind of have.
Please
carry on.
I hope.
(DOOR CLOSES)
So?
So?
Hmm.