Opens in Jimmy's Office, he's leading a woman in.
Jimmy: Wow it's been a while. About 5 years.
Deborah: Yeah, when you left the bank I remember Bill saying you got a job at a law firm.
Jimmy: Yeah is he okay?
Deborah: No Jimmy. He's not.
Jimmy: (Motions for her to sit down.) Please
Deborah: It started slow, like he'd forget things.
Jimmy: Like amnesia?
Deborah: No. He's delusional. Bill's schizophrenic.
Jimmy: I'm sorry.
Deborah: He's been like this for 5 years. I can't care for him alone anymore. There's a home. A mental institution. I put him there 2 years ago.
Jimmy: Tell me how I can help.
Deborah: For the most part, he's lived there without any problems. Then about 8 months ago, he fell out of a window.
Jimmy: He fell out a window?
Deborah: On the seventh floor
Jimmy: Oh my god. But he survived?
Deborah: Yes. A canopy on the third floor broke his fall. That and a man named Edward Green.
Jimmy: Who?
Deborah: An accountant who happened to be walking by the building. Bill landed on him and killed him instantly. Bill's being sued. Me too. I'm his legal guardian.
Jimmy: Deborah, if you need a lawyer, I'll do whatever I can.
Deborah: He thinks he's superman.
Jimmy: Excuse me?
Deborah: My husband thinks he's superman.
Jimmy: I'm not sure what to say to that.
Deborah: I know It sounds absurd but it's not in his mind. He really believes it Jimmy. And what scares me? I don't think he fell out that window. I think he was trying to fly.
Opening Credits
Bobby and Lindsay's office: They're arguing... again.
Lindsay: I've got a hearing that day.
Bobby: So do I but mine's in Federal Court.
Lindsay: We're not making childcare based on jurisdiction.
Bobby sighs heavily.
Lindsay: Please I need you to help me this one time. We need to find a new babysitter.
Bobby: I understand but I've got a full plate!
Lindsay: So do I but that never seems to count. Meanwhile you keep taking on new cases.
Bobby: I'm being criticized for that now? We need new cases to keep this place running.
Lindsay: (angrily) Sometimes you need to choose family before work!
Lucy opens the door and interrupts them:
Lucy: Sorry, this sounds like a pretty good fight but they're waiting.
Lindsay leaves Bobby in the office staring at the wall shaking his head.
Cut to the Conference room:
Jimmy: The Munces need our help.
Eugene: A lot of people need our help, Jimmy.
Jimmy: But I know these people. Bill Munce was my friend.
Eleanor: So why are they just hiring you now?
Jimmy: The hospital told them they'd work out a settlement with the victim's wife, but they couldn't make a deal so they're going to trial.
Eleanor: When?
Jimmy: 2 days.
Eugene: You can't just jump into a complicated court case on 2 days notice!
Jimmy: It's not complicated! Everyone agrees he's nuts, everyone agrees he pancaked the guy.
Eugene: We're talking about priority. Taking on new clients when you already have cases that need your attention.
Jimmy: It won't take that long I promise.
Bobby: Defending a wrongful death case means no contingency.
Jimmy: These people got nobody else to turn to!
Bobby: One day. That's all you get. If the case doesn't settle, I want you out.
Jimmy: That's all I ask. Now I gotta go. (Gets up to leave)
Lindsay: Jimmy wait I'm going with you. (Gets up to follow him).
Bobby: Lindsay-
Lindsay: We need a new babysitter. I suggest you start looking. (She gives Bobby a squeeze on the shoulder as she walks out.)
Cut to the Mental Hospital:
Doctor: Bill's been deeply affected by this. He sees himself as Superman. Heroes don't kill innocent people.
Lindsay: Did you tell him we were coming?
Doctor: Yes, of course.
Jimmy: What should I call him, Bill or Superman?
Doctor: Normally, superman. We do our best here not to indulge the delusion. When we do it's only to keep him calm.
Lindsay: Won't the medication help him with that?
Doctor: To some extent, but Bill's not responding to the current drugs. I wish I could say he's improving, but he's not.
Jimmy: So the Bill I once knew...
Doctor: He's almost completely gone, Mr Berlutti. But he's still there. He still has rare moments of lucidity. You need to understand. Bill Munce is mentally ill. That means he can be unpredictable. Even unreasonable.
Jimmy and Lindsay enter Bill Munce's room:
Bill: Jimmy!
Jimmy: Bill!
Bill: I'm sorry. When they said my friend Jimmy was here I assumed they meant Jimmy Olson. Have we met?
Jimmy: (slightly disappointed) No, I don't think we have. I'm Jimmy Berlutti, this is Lindsay Dole.
Lindsay: We're your lawyers.
Billy: Oh, you must be here about the accident.
Lindsay: Yes, we were hoping to talk about that.
Bill: I don't know what more I can say. It was a busy morning and the attendants here at times can get you a little distracted… I tried to fly without my cape.
Jimmy: Your cape?
Bill: All I can say is I made a mistake.
Jimmy: It's just I didn't realize the cape was that important.
Bill: Of course it's important! I can't fly without it!
Jimmy: I understand.
Bill: A man is dead and it's my fault. Nothing I ever do can change that. I'll have to live with that for the rest of my life.
Jimmy: Actually, you may not remember me Bill, but you and I once knew each other. I didn't keep in touch. I'm sorry about that, but you and I were once friends.
Bill: (studies him for a minute) I'm sorry. I don't remember.
Jimmy: It was a long time ago. But the man I knew would never mean to hurt anyone. This was not your fault. Sometimes bad things happen. Even to heroes.
Doctors office:
The doctor is there with the hospitals lawyer (Mr. Aldredge).
Lindsay: Aren't you concerned about the affect a trial's going to have on him?
Doctor: Yes for Bill's sake I prefer we settle.
Lindsay: So why haven't you?
Mr. Alldredge: We've done everything we could but Ms. Green and her lawyer are being totally unreasonable.
Jimmy: The woman is entitled to something, her husband was killed.
Mr. Alldredge: Sure but she's suing for 15 million. We offered her 1 million but she won't settle for less than 3.
Jimmy: You don't have insurance?
Mr. Alldredge: Of course we do, but we're worried our carrier will drop our coverage if we get hit for too much.
Doctor: If that happens, we're finished. Patients that we've treated for years will get thrown into state mental institutions if there's room. Most will end up on the street.
Jimmy: But if you lose at trial, the sky's the limit on damages. I mean let's face it. He jumped out of your window! You have to think you're gonna lose!
Mr. Alldredge: Only if the jury thinks we're to blame.
Jimmy: Wait a minute, you're gonna blame Bill? He's insane! You're responsible for him.
Mr. Aldredge: We're not blaming Bill.
Jimmy: Who then?
Mr. Aldredge: Talk to his wife.
Lindsay: His wife?
Mr. Alldredge: Ultimately we didn't push him out that window, she did.
Jimmy: What are you talking about?
Doctor: On the day Bill fell his wife came to visit to tell Bill she was filing for divorce.
Mr. Alldredge: Your client wasn't trying to fly. He was trying to kill himself.
Commercial Break
Back at the firm of D, Y, D + F
Jimmy: Why didn't you tell us?
Deborah: I'm sorry, I didn't think they knew.
Lindsay: Deborah…
Deborah: I talked to their lawyer about a dozen times and he never said anything about the divorce. Look, I'm not exactly proud of myself. We've been married almost 14 years, for the last 5 I've been watching him fall apart, praying he gets better.
Lindsay: Deborah, you don't have to---
Deborah: I know I'm supposed to love him and stay with him but I swear to you both I have tried but you don't know what my life has become.
Lindsay: Do you think this was a suicide attempt?
Deborah: Is that what they are planning on saying?
Jimmy: Yes.
Deborah: You can't let them. Please, you cannot let Bill hear that.
Cut to: Everyone except Bobby are in the office talking about the case.
Lindsay: So they let Deborah and Bill walk into court unprepared and get slaughtered with the judgement.
Ellenor: What are you gonna do now?
Jimmy: Well…
Eugene: Plan B
Rebecca: What exactly are you getting at?
Eugene: Well, Ms. Green isn't the only one getting hurt by this. The Munces have too. Emotional distress, pain and suffering put the blame where it belongs.
Lindsay: You think we should sue the hospital?
Eugene: Damn right.
Bobby's office door opens and an elderly woman runs out crying. Everyone stares at the lady in shock.
Bobby then emerges from the room.
Bobby: Lucy, call the agency, I need to meet with more babysitters.
Bobby goes straight back into his office.
Commercial Break
Lindsay, Jimmy and Deborah are emerging from an elevator in the court house
Deborah: Will the judge let you do that? Sue the hospital?
Lindsay: We hope so it's probably our only shot at winning but it's dangerous. The hospital will come after you and Bill.
Deborah: I don't know how much he can take.
Jimmy: You need to understand if you're found liable you could lose everything, including the money to pay for his care.
Deborah: Okay.
Lindsay: He's been waiting for a while, we should go in.
Deborah walks in and Bill turns around, a huge smile forming on his face when he sees who it is.
Deborah (smiles slightly): Hello Bill.
Bill: Hello Lois.
Deborah loses her smile and looks sadly away.
Jimmy: We're not going to deny what happened, we're just going to say you weren't to blame.
Bill: Okay.
Jimmy: One more thing. If we can get the judge to go for it, we want you to wear the Superman outfit.
Bill: I saw the complaint. They named Munce, not Superman. Munce is the one on trial.
Deborah: Bill, they already know you're Superman.
Bill: Do they? I'm not really sure.
Jimmy: Believe me. They definitely know. And having the jury see who you are could explain how this happened.
Bill: Really? How?
Jimmy: Superman is an icon. America loves you.
Bill: Yes, which is why I won't wear the outfit. Superman is a role model and shouldn't be seen on trial. As a matter of fact, now that they know Munce is Superman, I'm gonna need your help changing my name.
Courtroom:
Judge: Ms. Dole, I don't like surprises. Filing a cross complaint on the day of trial constitutes surprise.
Lindsay: Your honor, we've recently got on this case.
Judge: Mr. Klein, what does the plaintiff have to say to all this?
Mr Klein: (Ms Green's lawyer, the lady whose husband got killed by Superman Bill) Let them point fingers at each other as long as my client gets what she's entitled to. What we don't want is a continuance.
Mr. Alldredge: We need time for discovery.
Lindsay: You have had time. They have had access to our clients from the moment this happened.
Mr. Alldredge: Your honor, if the Munces lose they can always come after us later.
Lindsay: That means 2 trials with the same witnesses and testimonies, we don't need to try this twice.
Judge: Since the plaintiff did not object and the hospital did have ample discovery, I'll allow the cross complaint. We'll begin in an hour.
Bill's Doctor comes up to Jimmy and Lindsay
Doctor: You asked if I was worried that a trial could devastate Bill. The better question is are you? (He leaves)
The hospitals lawyer then comes up to speak to the both of them
Mr. Alldredge: You need to understand-Dr. Gorman is a compassionate man who gets paid to care about Bill's condition. I'm not.
The Plaintiff Ms. Green is on the stand as her lawyer does the cross examination
Mr. Klein: How long were you and Mr. Green married?
Ms. Green: In August it would have been 23 years.
Mr. Klein: You must have loved him very much.
Ms. Green: Yes Mr. Klein, I loved my husband.
Mr. Klein: Tell us what happened Ms. Green.
Ms. Green: I met Ed for lunch at 12, and when we were done we decided to walk a few blocks to his office.
Mr. Klein And when did you realize something was wrong?
Ms. Green: I slowed up for a minute to look at a dress in one of the windows.
Bill: (To Jimmy) Look, I-I don't want to hear this.
Jimmy: Bill, it's okay.
Ms. Green: And I heard a scream, and I saw a man-THAT man (Bill) lying on the sidewalk. He was wearing a superman costume.
Mr. Klein: And what happened to Ed, Ms. Green?
Ms. Green: His neck was broken. I knew he was dead.
Mr. Klein: Thanks you, I have nothing further.
Judge: Mr. Berlutti?
Jimmy: (Shakes his head that he doesn't need to question the lady)
Judge: Mr. Aldredge?
Mr. Aldredge: (stands up) You husband was an accountant.
Ms. Green: Yes.
Mr. Alldredge An accountant who made 45,000 a year.
Ms. Green: So?
Mr. Alldredge So you're suing for 15 million in damages. The truth is, Ms,. Green, your husband was 53 years old. It would have taken your husband 300 years to earn that kind of money.
Ms. Green: My husband was killed, Mr. Aldredge.
Mr. Alldredge Yes, because that woman was reckless! (Points at Deborah)
Jimmy: (jumps up) Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Bill: This isn't right. I don't like this. (Lindsay attempts to calm him down).
Mr. Aldredge She didn't care about ending her marriage, you think she cared about ending yours?
Ms. Green: I don't know who is to blame Mr. Aldredge, all I do know is that my husband is dead, and no amount of money can make that right.
Commercial break.
Doctor Gorman is on the stand while Mr. Alldredge examines him
Doctor: Bill's never tried to fly before. He's never discussed the ability to fly. Flying is just not a part of his pathology.
Mr. Alldredge: Did Mr. Munce appear to be suicidal before that day?
Doctor: No, if he had, we would have lodged him on a more secure floor.
Mr. Alldredge: Then why do you think this was a suicide attempt?
Doctor: To understand, you need to know about Bills condition.
Mr. Alldredge: Has his condition improved since being at the hospital?
Doctor: No, about all we can do is keep him safe and calm. That means keeping stress to an absolute minimum.
Mr. Alldredge: Why?
Doctor: It triggers inappropriate behaviour. I think stress made him try to take his life.
Mr. Alldredge: And what stress are you referring to?
Doctor: Bills wife Deborah visited on the day in question. I met her at the reception desk and led her into a private room. About 10 minutes later I walked by that room and saw Bill alone, crying.
Mr. Alldredge: Did you ask him what was wrong?
Doctor: Yes, but he wouldn't say. I got him calmed down, and went to get his medication. It was then that Bill jumped out the window.
Cut to: Jimmy is now crossing.
Jimmy: He dresses like Superman, he calls his wife Lois, but you didn't think he'd try to fly?
Doctor: What happened that day had nothing to do with his assumption of Superman's identity.
Jimmy: So he was lying when he said he tried to fly.
Doctor: At some level I'm sure he believes it. But that's just the defence mechanism. Bill Munce heard his wife say she was leaving him. Bill Munce tried to kill himself, not Superman.
Jimmy: And you being the doctor, you must know the reality he's in at any given moment.
Doctor: I know he's ill. He needs a safe place, which we provided him until his wife destroyed
Jimmy: Move to strike, non-responsive.
Judge: Sustained. The jury will disregard.
Jimmy: As director of the hospital, you treat patients and make staff decisions.
Doctor: Yes.
Jimmy: Doctor, isn't it a fact that last year your hospital was bought by a parent company?
Doctor: Yes, but-
Jimmy: And less than three months after you were bought, you reduced your staff by almost 30%?
Doctor: The company chose to streamline our costs. The reduction hasn't proved a danger to anyone.
Jimmy: Tell Ed Green that.
Mr. Alldredge: Objection.
Jimmy: Withdrawn. There were no bars on the windows were there doctor? Because bars cost money.
Doctor: They also intimidate and frighten patients.
Jimmy: Well that's worse than falling out a window?
Doctor: I told you before that day he wasn't suicidal!
Jimmy: Did you ask Mrs. Munce why she was there that day?
Doctor: Well, no.
Jimmy: If you were so concerned about Mr. Munce's fragile psyche, why didn't you ask Mrs. Munce why she was there?
Doctor: Because I thought Mrs. Munce cared about her husbands health. It never occurred to me that she would behave so recklessly!
Cut to: Bobby's office, he and Lucy are interviewing a babysitter.
Woman: I love kids. I have 6 of my own.
Lucy: 6?
Woman: They're older than you! Are you two planning on having any more? (Indicates that Bobby and Lucy are together)
Lucy: Oh nonono, we're not-
Bobby cuts her off.
Bobby: Ever been accused or misconduct with a child?
Woman: (shocked) No, of course not.
Bobby: Have you ever been arrested?
Lucy: Bobby!
Woman: No!
Bobby: Any problems with drugs or alcohol?
Woman: Now wait a minute! The agency told me you were nice people.
Bobby: (Smiles) Sorry, this is new for me. Before I hire someone to take care of my son, I'd like to be sure about them.
Woman: (calms down) Well I understand. I do have excellent references.
Bobby: I see only 2 families listed.
Woman: I was with those people for over 10 years without a problem.
Bobby: What about an aids test?
Lucy: What?!
Woman: Aids test? No I have NOT had an aids test.
Bobby: Exactly how old are you?
Woman: (stands up furious) I tell you what-I am old enough to know, I don't need this! (To Lucy) Good luck staying married to the pig! (leaves slamming the door.)
Lucy gives Bobby a weird look.
Bobby: Hmmm… What?
Back in the courtroom, Deborah takes the stand.
Deborah: I lost him the day he forgot my name. He started calling me Lois.
Lindsay: Why did you place him at Clarendon Hall?
Deborah: I kept him at home for as long as I could. Please understand, I'm still in love with the man I married, it's just Bill is not that man anymore. I've lost my husband!
Lindsay: Tell us why you went to see him that day.
Deborah: I went to tell Bill I was asking for a divorce.
Lindsay: Was that really something he needed to hear?
Deborah: Yes, we'd been together a long time, it was something he deserved to hear from me.
Lindsay: And how did he react when you told him about it?
Deborah: At first he was confused and upset. He said that Superman and Lois could never be apart. But by the time I left he seemed okay.
Mr. Alldredge is now questioning
Mr. Alldredge: This wasn't the first time you considered a divorce, was it?
Deborah: That's not true.
Mr. Alldredge: You didn't want to be married to a mid level banker. You resented Bill for his lack of ambition.
Lindsay; Objection your honor.
Mr. Alldredge: This is what Bill Munce told his therapist the first year he got to the hospital.
Lindsay: That's privileged.
Mr. Alldredge We can use his statements to defend ourselves.
Judge: He's right Ms Dole, by suing the hospital you waived privilege.
Deborah: I loved my husband, Mr. Alldredge.
Mr. Alldredge: Then why did you make him so miserable? He said you called him weak, stupid-
Deborah: I would never have said that!
Mr. Alldredge: Your husband chose to be Superman. In his mind he had to be perfect to make you happy.
Lindsay: Objection-argumentative.
Judge: Sustained.
Mr. Alldredge: This past year Mrs. Munce, how many times did you visit your husband?
Bill: (To Jimmy) She came when she could.
Mr. Alldredge: Mrs. Munce-
Deborah: I don't know.
Mr. Alldredge: 9 times, Mrs Munce. You can't even make it there one day a month.
Deborah: It's hard for me to see him like this!
Bill: (To Lindsay) Stop him from hurting Lois!
Mr. Alldredge: Why didn't you talk to the doctor first?
Deborah: Excuse me?
Mr. Alldredge: You're his legal guardian, you were filing for divorce. You had to know Bill might get upset. Why not ask his doctors permission?
Deborah: I don't need permission to speak with my husband!
Mr. Alldredge: Your husband, Mrs. Munce, is mentally ill! You're going to leave him and you don't tell his doctor ahead of time?
Lindsay: Objection!
Bill: (Jumps up) Stop it! None f this has anything to do with truth or justice!
Judge: Mr. Munce, sit down right now!
Bill: She doesn't have to worry about me! I'm Superman!
Judge: Counsel, sit him down right now or he's out of here faster than a speeding bullet.
Jimmy: Bill, please. (They sit him down)
Cut to chambers:
Bill: I will testify!
Jimmy: We can talk about that, but you need to sit down.
Bill: Attacking Lois like that. We can't let them get away with it!
Deborah: I don't think he should testify.
Lindsay: I don't like it either, but you didn't do so well up there. It's risky, I know, but I think we need to get him to say this wasn't your fault.
Jimmy: Bill, are you sure you want to testify?
Bill: You're damn right! Those sons of bitches! (Bill pauses for a minute to compose himself). I'm sorry, I um… I don't know why I just… I'm going to protect Lois. I'm going to testify!
Judges chambers:
Mr. Alldredge: He can't testify, he's crazy!
Jimmy: He's a named defendant, he has to be allowed to take the stand.
Mr. Alldredge: Not if he's incompetent.
Lindsay: They say his wife caused him to jump, he's got the right to explain that she didn't!
Mr. Alldredge: He has no sense of reality, of the truth-
Jimmy: He can explain what was going through his mind. That's completely relevant to the question of liability.
Mr. Alldredge: I hope Mr. Berlutti realizes that if his client testifies, I'm going to treat him like any other witness.
Jimmy: Meaning what?
Mr. Alldredge: I'll have no choice but to go after him. The man is not well, you've made him watch everyone he's ever trusted turn on him. His wife, his doctor, what are you trying to do? Totally destroy him?
Jimmy: Is he threatening my witness?
Judge: No, he's warning you. So am I. Are you sure you want to do this Mr. Berlutti?
Jimmy: Look, if we lose, if the jury hits the Munces with real damages, they won't be able to afford private care. Bill will spend the rest of his life in a state institution and feel responsible for bankrupting his wife. We can't let that happen.
Judge: I'll let him testify, Mr. Berlutti. I hope you know what you're doing.
Back in the courtroom:
Bill: Flying isn't something I just do, there has to be a reason.
Jimmy: So you've flown before?
Bill: Many, many times.
Jimmy: Why did you want to fly that day?
Bill: Well, Lois had come to see me…
Jimmy: Who is Lois?
Bill: That woman seated there, my wife.
Jimmy: Why do you think she came to see you?
Bill: She said she wanted a divorce, but I think she wanted my help. I think she was in some kind of danger.
Jimmy: What kind of danger?
Bill: I don't know. When she left, I watched her from the window, and I was gonna follow her from above to make sure she was all right. But that nurse, she started harping me about going down to lunch. I forgot my cape. I need my cape to fly.
Jimmy: So you weren't trying to hurt yourself. You were just trying to fly.
Bill: That's right.
Jimmy: Thanks you, nothing further.
Jimmy sits down and Mr. Alldredge stands up.
Mr. Alldredge: Mr Munce, you love your wife.
Bill: Very much.
Mr. Alldredge: So when she told you she was leaving you, that was devastating, wasn't it?
Bill: No.
Mr. Alldredge: Weren't you crying?
Bill: At first, maybe, and then I calmed down.
Mr. Alldredge: Doctor Gorman said he found you crying 10 minutes later. Alone. You do remember that, don't you?
Bill pauses.
Mr. Alldredge: Mr. Munce?
Bill: Um, I remember.
Mr. Alldredge: Did she say why she was leaving?
Jimmy: Objection! Irrelevant.
Mr. Alldredge: It goes to his state of mind.
Judge: Overruled.
Mr. Alldredge: Did she say why she was leaving?
Bill: Not really.
Mr. Alldredge: Not really? Didn't she tell you exactly why? Isn't it a fact that your wife told you that she had met someone else? A man she met at work?
Bill: What?!
Jimmy: Objection! Lacks foundation.
Mr. Alldredge: I can lay the foundation, I've got photos.
Jimmy: Objection!
Judge: Overruled. Mr. Munce, do you remember the question?
Bill: She didn't say that. I don't know what he's talking about.
Mr. Alldredge: Mr. Munce, you tried to kill yourself, didn't you?
Bill sits there muttering and shaking his head.
Mr. Alldredge: Your wife told you that she'd fallen in love with another man and you tried to kill yourself. Isn't that right?
Bill: I don't know what he's talking about. I don't know what he's talking about. I don't-I don't I-I-I don't know what he's talking about. I don't know I don't know I don't-she would not tell me anything like that, she wouldn't.
Commercial Break
Lindsay and Jimmy come out from talking with Bill, and Jimmy sighs. Deborah then approaches them.
Deborah: How is he?
Jimmy: I don't know, he won't talk to anyone.
Deborah: Can I see him?
Jimmy: I don't think that's a good idea.
Deborah: Jimmy, what they said to him about me meeting somebody else, you have to believe me, I never told him. That's not the reason I want the divorce!
Jimmy: I understand, Deborah, and I know you were trying to protect him but hiding the truth, he shouldn't have heard it the first time in court and I shouldn't have either. I gotta get reading for my closing. (He leaves)
Deborah: I'm sorry.
Lindsay: Jimmy gets nervous before his closings.
Deborah: No, he's right. The truth is, Lindsay, I've never known what's best for Bill. I mian, I know I'm not responsible for his disease, but that lawyer, he was right about one thing. I never apprectiated what we had. I kept pushing him to be what I wanted. (This strikes a chord with lindsay, who looks thoughtful and as if she understands what Deborah is saying). What I thought he could become. I don't think I ever accepted him for who he really was. I should have.
Lindsay looks down and obviously knows what Deborah is talking about.
Back in the courtroom, Mr. Klein is presenting his closing.
Mr. Klein: In the law we have a doctrine called Res Ipsa Loqcuitor. The thing speaks for itself. Sometimes negligence is so obvious, so blatant. The law simply shifts the burden to the defence. WE know someone is at fault for this, so explain to us why it shouldn't be you. Here we have 2 defendants at fault. A wife who drove her husband to attempt suicide, and an institution that failed to control it's patient. Who's more to blame? That's your decision. But there was negligence here. Mentally ill men in costumes don't just drop on an accountant's head.
Jimmy gets up to do his closing:
Jimmy: He's convinced he's Superman, but they never expected he might try to fly? Ed Green would be alive if there were bars on those windows. It really is that simple. You have to ask yourselves, who was in the best position to prevent what happened? They were in control (The institution). They were responsible for keeping him safe. That's what they were being paid to do. The fact is, Clarendon Hall isn't really a hospital. It's a business. These people care about profits, not patients. And that's why they didn't have bars on the windows. That's why they didn't have more staff in his room. If anyone had stayed in that room, Ed Green would still be alive. If they really think he tried to kill himself, imagine the cruelty of revealing to him that his wife was seeing another man, right here, in open court. Now, I don't know much Latin, Mr. Klein, but that's a thing that speaks for itself.
Mr. Alldredge now proceeds with his closing:
Mr. Alldredge: When Deborah Munce told Bill he was leaving him, it was reckless cruelty. She drove him out that window. Has she told Doctor Gorman, and she had the chance, he would have protected Bill. She didn't do it. That's the negligence that took Ed Green's life. Our hospital has taken good care of Bill Munce for almost 5 years, long after his wife stopped coming to visit him. Doctor Gorman and his staff have provided round the clock treatment. Don't blame us for the actions of a wife who parked her sick husband on our doorstep and stopped caring for him. Don't blame us for her neglect, cruelty. We're a hospital. We're in the business of caring for people, but for Mrs. Munce, this tragedy would never have happened.
Lindsay is pacing the Court halls when she sees Bobby coming towards her:
Lindsay: Bobby, what are you doing here?
Bobby: is it over?
Lindsay: Jimmy is with the Munces. We're still waiting for our verdict.
Bobby: What do you think?
Lindsay: I don't know. An innocent man was killed, the jury's gonna want to blame somebody for that.
Bobby pulls an envelope out of his jacket pocket and hands it to Lindsay.
Bobby: I, uh, thought you might need this.
Lindsay: (Opens the letter) What is this?
Bobby: It's a list of mental hospitals from around the country. I made a few calls.
Lindsay: A few? There are 15 names here.
Bobby: The underlined ones may be able to take Bill when this is over, the 2 with the stars by them may be your best shots.
Lindsay: This must have taken you hours, and with all the work you've got… why'd you do it?
Bobby: To be honest? I don't know. Let's just say I felt for the guy.
Lindsay: (nods) There but for the grace of God.
Bobby: Something like that. (Smiles) By the way, I think we've got a babysitter.
Lindsay: You're kidding. You managed to hire one?
Bobby: No, uh, Eugene and Ellenor did the interviewing. She seems very nice.
Lindsay: (Smiles) You still get the credit. Thank you.
Bobby smiles.
Bobby: I better get back to the office. (He starts to leave)
Lindsay: Bobby? (She goes after him)
He stops and turns around to see what she wants and she stops in front of him. Bobby looks into her eyes to see what she wants and she slowly reaches up and kisses him. He looks surprised and kisses her back.
Lindsay slowly pulls away.
Lindsay: I just... well, I'll see you later. (She plays with his shirt)
Bobby: Okay. (He turns around and leaves as Lindsay stares after him.)
A man comes up behind Lindsay:
Man: Mrs. Dole, the jury's back.
Lindsay stares after Bobby a moment longer before turning around to leave.
In the Courtroom:
Bailiff hands the verdict to the judge.
Judge: Madam Foreperson, the jury has reached a verdict?
Madam Foreperson: We have your honor.
Judge: What say you?
Madam Foreperson: On question one, do we find the defendant William Munce negligent? We the jury answer no. On question two, do we find the defendant Deborah Munce negligent, we the jury answer, yes. ( There is a lot of noise a murmuring in the courtroom)
Judge: Quiet! I said quiet! Madam Foreperson, do you have a verdict for question three?
Madam Foreperson: Yes your honor. Question three, do we find the defendant Clarendon Hall negligent, we the jury answer yes. WE further order that Clarendon Hall pay damages to the plaintiff in the amount of 3 million dollars, and that Deborah Munce pay damages to the plaintiff in the amount of 1 dollar.
(There is murmuring in the courtroom)
Madam Foreperson: Excuse me, we're not done. Question four, as to the cross complaint, we find for the complainant and order the hospital to pay Bill and Deborah Munce actual damages in the amount of 1 dollar, and to pay Bill Munce punitive damages in the amount of 1 million dollars. (Bill sits there with the same expressionless face he wore during the whole trial)
Mr. Alldredge: Your honor, we move for judgement not withstanding the verdict and ask that the damages awarded be set aside.
Judge: Motion denied. Members of the jury, this completes your service. You are dismissed with my thanks. This court is adjourned.
Deborah: You did it Jimmy. Thank you so much. (She hugs him)
Mr. Alldredge: (To Doctor Gorman) We'll appeal until this judgement…
Doctor Gorman collapses and grips his next.
Lindsay: Somebody get a doctor!
Bill finally snaps out of his daze while everyone gathers around Doctor Gorman.
Lindsay: Somebody get a doctor!!
Bill stands up and rips off his suit revealing his Superman costume underneath. He jumps up on the desk.
Bill: I'm flying to get this man a doctor!
He takes off full speed running towards the window while everyone screams for him to stop.
Jimmy: Bill, wait!
Deborah: BILL NO!!
Bill jumps arms first through the window, breaking the glass. Jimmy, Deborah and Lindsay come running to the window and look out. They see Bill lying on a pile of broken glass on a ledge a few metres down. After the ledge, there is about a 7 story drop to the ground, where there are cars driving quickly by.
Bill attempts to move but is unable to.
Cut to Later:
Bill: He was having a heart attack! (He has bandages on both his wrists)
Jimmy: It was a panic attack Bill. Some minor chest pains caused by stress.
Deborah: Bill, now that this is over, we need to talk.
There is a knock on the door and Doctor Gorman enters.
Doctor: Can I come in?
Lindsay: This is a client meeting.
Doctor: Come on, Bill.
Jimmy: What are you doing?
Doctor: Taking Bill back to the hospital. The lawyer says our appeal should take a year. Whatever you may think, Mr. Berlutti, I'm still his doctor. Bill tried to save my life. So as long as we remain open, he's going to have a home.
Bill gets up and walks over to Doctor Gorman.
Lindsay: You don't have to go with him, Bill. There are other hospitals that might take you in.
Bill: (Turns to Doctor Gorman) Is it okay to talk to Lois first?
Doctor: I don't think that would be a good idea.
Deborah: No, wait. It's all right.
Doctor Gorman, Jimmy, and Lindsay all back away to give Bill and Deborah some privacy.
Bill: I want to come home.
Deborah: I know, but you can't.
Bill: You don't love me anymore.
Deborah: That's not true. I just can't take care of you anymore.
Bill: Whatever you did, if you met someone else, I don't care about that. All that matters to me is that we stay together.
Deborah: (Shakes her head no and starts to cry) I can't do this again. I'm sorry. (She starts to leave)
Bill: Deborah!
Deborah stops and turns around, shocked.
Bill: I'll use whatever name you want.
Deborah: Bill...
Bill: Listen to me. I won't be Superman anymore. I promise I can do it.
Deborah: You can't. The world needs Superman, especially now. And no matter how much I might want to, I can't ask you to stop being who you really are.
Bill: I love you.
Deborah: I love you too. Goodbye.
She leaves and Bill starts to cry.
Bill: I... I wanna go home.
Doctor Gorman puts his arm around him and leads him out as Lindsay and Jimmy watch after them.
The End.
Whoo hoo! I just transcribed my first The Practice episode! Some of you might be wondering why I chose this particular episode… well, I have been a Practice fan for less than a month, but I watch it about 3-4 times daily. This episode was playing one Sunday night about 2 weeks ago, and I decided I would just tape it and transcribe it, because someone told me that if every Practice fan were to transcribe one episode, we'd have them all. So I figured I'd do my share, and it was an added bonus when that Bobby and Lindsay part came up. Bobby and Lindsay are so adorably cute! And I was so sad when Bobby was about to leave, and they didn't even touch each other... not a hug or even a peck... then when Lindsay called him back... ahh bliss. Anyhoo, I'll be doing some more transcripts soon... most of them will be Bobby and Lindsay episodes though so beware! Lol. Thanks for reading. Happy transcribing, and feel free to email me if something doesn't make sense. Barbara - matthewperrylover@hotmail.com