Normally, it is probably not a good idea to go against the wishes of the boss, but I like how Brad handled this situation. He calmly, but firmly, said that he had not seen Rachel using drugs or act as though she were addicted, so he was not about to lie. Of all people, he knows better than to mislead others, even if the reason is sound. Last time he did that, he nearly lost his law license and almost went to prison, despite an abducted child being rescued ("Gone" and "Legal Deficits"). Paul should have known better than to ask.
Alan tells Melissa he is not sure that he can get the charges dropped against her. These are serious allegations, and she is guilty. She mentions that her grandfather would not have agreed to pay taxes with the state of the U.S. government as it is today.
The pre-trial hearing does not go well, with the judge telling Alan that he is not interested in "jibber-jabber" and expects a proper decorum in his courtroom. While these are two different people, I was reminded of a certain judge who was infamous for being somewhat "namby pamby" ("Til We Meat Again"), played by the wonderful character actor Henry Gibson.
Alan says Melissa should really consider settling the case. She says that she wants to go to trial, because she has never had an opportunity to stand for something she believes in. There was a nice exchange during this! Alan reached out and took Melissa's hand, and she covered their joined digits with her other hand. He did not pull away. Hallelujah!
Paul goes to see Rachel in the treatment center. She hands him a list of instructions about how to care for Fiona, mentioning that she is allergic to soy and wheat. With perfect clarity, she asks if Brad is a PI who works for him. He only says that Brad is an attorney. Rachel declares her intention to sue Brad for invasion of privacy, among other things. She is none too happy that he deceived her.
Back at the firm, Paul tells Brad that he is about to be sued. Brad says that he doesn't like being the bad guy. Paul apologizes for getting Brad involved in his family business, but the important thing is Fiona.
Brad finds Rachel at the treatment facility. He says that he heard he was being sued, and says all he told her father was that she was clean. No mention of the request for a $40 loan, but Paul never told him about crystal meth addicts getting their fix in those increments.
Article comments
1 - Man About Town
Great review! Someone may have already commented on this. Melissa was having credit card problems in the episode "Legal Deficits" (exorbitant interest rates, late fees, etc.)but I don't recall her being arrested or charged with burglary.
2 - NancyGail
You must have tuned in late. In practically the opening scene, Alan had to bail Melissa out of jail for "trying to rob a bank" (her own words). Charges were later dropped when she apologized to those who ran the bank (Alan made her). But Jerry Espenson's work helped Alan "convince" the charge company lawyer to forgive all of Melissa's debt.
3 - Imamess
Love your reviews. I'm sort of reading them backwards. I didn't know you did them. Just a small correction. Melissa's full sentence is: "They’re saying I tried to rob a bank. I didn’t. I just smashed a window."
4 - NancyGail
Exactly my point. She was arrested because the bank authorities thought she was trying to rob it. Glad you like the reviews!