Executive Producer: David E. Kelley Executive Producer: Bill D'Elia Executive Producer: Scott KauferThis is the html version of the file http://www.roryoconnor.org/blog/wp-images/Boston.Legal-Let.Freedom.Ring-Story7016-REVISED.pdf. G o o g l e automatically generates html versions of documents as we crawl the web. To link to or bookmark this page, use the following url: http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:DHbIUfTcVRkJ:www.roryoconnor.org/blog/wp-images/Boston.Legal-Let.Freedom.Ring-Story7016-REVISED.pdf+%22we+do+have+a+problem%22+%22boston+legal%22&hl=en&lr=lang_en%20target=nw Google is not affiliated with the authors of this page nor responsible for its content. These search terms have been highlighted: we do have a problem boston legal Page 1 Executive Producer: David E. KelleyExecutive Producer: Bill D'EliaExecutive Producer: Scott KauferCo-Executive Producer: Mike ListoCo-Executive Producer: Peter OckoSupervising Producer: Steve RobinSupervising Producer: Jonathan ShapiroConsulting Producer: Sheila LawrenceConsul ling Producer: Bob BreechProducer Janet KnutsenAssociate Producer: Anne UemuraDirector; Hubert Dc La BouillerieBoston LegalLet Freedom Sales Ring(Season One/Production #1F16)Story # 7016Written by:David E. KelleyRevised Pages: 8,9,27,32©2005 DAVID E. KELLEY PRODUCTIONS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL ISTHE PROPERTY OF DAVID E. KELLEY PRODUCTIONS AND IS INTENDED SOLELY FORUSE BY ITS PERSONNEL AND AUTHORIZED RECIPIENTS, AND MAY NOT BEDUPLICATED WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION DISTRIBUTION OR DISCLOSURE OFTHIS MATERIAL TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED NO PORTIONOF THIS SCRIPT MAY BE SOLD, TRANSFERED, REPRODUCED, PERFORMED ORDISTRIBUTED BY ANY MEANS OR QUOTED OR PUBLISHED INANY MEDIUM, INCUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WEB SITE. WITHOUT THEPRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF DAVID E KELLEY PRODUCTIONS. DISPOSAL OR OTHERABANDONMENT OF THIS SCRIPT COPY SHALL NOTALTER ANY OF THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE.©DAVID E. KELLEY PRODUCTIONS1600 Rosecrans AvenueBuilding 4B - 3rd FloorManhattan Beach, CA 90266FIRST DRAFTJanuary 28,2005 - Full WhiteFebruary 1, 2005 - Full BlueFebruary 2, 2005 - Pink PagesFebruary 2,2005 - Green Pages Page 2 BOSTON LEGAL -1F162-1-05 – BLUEBOSTON LEGALSales"Let Freedom Ring"CAST LISTALAN SHOREDENNY CRANETARA WILSONBRAD CHASELORI COLSONSHIRLEY SCHMIDTPAUL LEWISTONCatherine PiperChelina HallMilton BombayJudge James BillmeyerAsst. Attorney General Doug BeechamDr. Malcolm FreemontMaitre D'Band LeaderStuart MilchJudge Peter HardingAttorney Elizabeth TylerSteven HarperFrank O'Donnell (on TV)John Dupree (on TV) Page 3 BOSTON LEGAL -1F162-1-05 -BLUEBOSTON LEGALSales"Let Freedom Ring"SET LISTINTERIORS:CRANE POOLE & SCHMIDTLAW OFFICES - DAY & NIGHTCONFERENCE ROOM - DAYCRANE'S OFFICE MORNING & DAYCRANE'S BALCONY - DAY & NIGHTSHORE'S OFFICE - DAY & NIGHTCHELINA'S OFFICE - DAYRECEPTION - DAYJUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - DAYCORRIDOR - DAYJUDGE HARDING'S COURTROOM - DAYHICKY BLAIR'S RESTAURANT - NIGHTEXTERIORS: Page 4 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 1BOSTON LEGALSales"Let Freedom Ring'COLD OPENFADE IN:INT. CRANE'S OFFICE - DAYMILTON BOMBAY, 70s, charismatic... a legal legend, enters with CRANE.They're competitive, antagonistic, but in the end, longtime admiringfriends.CRANEI can't tell you how good it is tosee you, my friend. I have to behonest. I thought you were dead.BOMBAYI've never felt better in my life.CRANEOh, come on, that's a lie, look atyou. How's Sylvie?BOMBAYSylvie j-s dead.CRANE(wasn't listening)Fantastic. And the kids?BOMBAYDenny. Last time we spoke... youmentioned that despite theastronomical odds, you'd managed tobecome yet an even better lawyer.CRANEHard to believe, isn't it?BOMBAYI have a motion which obviously I'mquite capable of arguing myself,being more talented than you,--CRANE(simple)No, you're not.(CONTINUED) Page 5 BOSTON LEGAL 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 BLUE - 2CONTINUED:BOMBAY(continuing)- -but I also happen to be the client(then)The case is also... extremelyunconventional.(then) .I want to be frozen.A beat. Another beat- FinallyCRANEWhat do you mean?BOMBAYI mean I want to be frozen. Andstored in a cryonics institute.A beat. Another beat.CRANEWhat do you mean?BOMBAYI'm seventy-five years old. Itwon't be long before my body startsto wither. I've lived a full life,The technology will one day exist...I'll be able to double that life.I want to be frozen and stored...until such time that technologybecomes a reality.A beat. Another beat.CRANEWhat do you mean?BOMBAYI mean when I leave this world, Idon't want it to be forever.(a beat)Which means for now... I want to befrozen.OFF Crane, still confused, we;SMASH CUT TOMAIN TITLES Page 6 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 3.INT. LAW OFFICES - DAY2Bombay is surrounded by admiring attorneys, including BRADand LORI.LORIIt is such a pleasure to finallymeet you.BOMBAYI can only imagine.BRADMy goal is to one day go up againstyou.BOMBAYYou'd lose.PAN TO'FIND LEWISTON and Crane, huddled, as they eye Bombay.LEWISTONSo basically, he's asking to beeuthanized.CRANEAnd preserved on ice. Evidentlythere's some right to privacy lawI've never heard of.LEWISTONWhy should you, it's in theConstitution.As SCHMIDT arrives--SCHMIDTWhat's Milton Bombay doing here?LEWISTONHe wants to be frozen and stored ina cryonics facility.SCHMIDT(raises her hand)All in favor?LEWISTONAnd he wants Denny to argue it.SCHMIDTI see, and what would possiblyoccasion him to want that?(CONTINUED) Page 7 BOSTON LEQAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 – BLUE 42CONTINUED:LEWISTONThe problem is the basis of thecase, if there is one, would lie inThe Bill of Rights, which Denny, ofcourse, thinks never should havebeen passed.CRANEWe're one Supreme Court appointmentaway from overturning them.SCHMIDTThe Bill of Rights.CRANEDamn right. Red States rule.SCHMIDTPaul. There seems to be apsychological deficit in play here.(to Crane)I refer to Milton's, not yours.(back to Lewiston)Any person who wants to be frozenshould perhaps be referred to atherapist, not a lawyer.PICK UP CHELINA, as she catches up to SHORE.CHELINAHey. Pretty boy. I hear you'relooking for interesting cases.(then)Chelina Hall, we haven't officiallymet.SHOREYes, I've peeped at you in the girlsroom. Unofficially.CHELINACute. Come with me?3INT. CHELINA'S OFFICE - DAYSTUART MILCH, 17, coat and tie, sits as Chelina and Shoreenter.CHELINAStuart Milch, Alan Shore.(CONTINUED) Page 8 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 5.3 CONTINUED:STUARTA pleasure. Sir, thanks so much foragreeing to see me»SHORENot at all, especially since I'vemade no such agreement.(to Chelina)He doesn't look old enough to signa binding retainer.CHELINAShow him the gizmo, Stuart.And Stuart holds out a little black cylinder.CHELINA (CONT'D)Tell him what it is, Stuart.STUARTIt's called a news blocker. Soldoff the internee. You attach it tothe coaxial input on your televisionand it basically blocks newstransmissions.Shore looks to Chelina.CHELINATrue.SHORECan we fast-forward to the partthat should make me care?CHELINAMake him care, Stuart.STUARTMy high school principal attachedthese devices to all the televisionsin the building. The problem is...turns out, it only blocks out onenetwork, the most fair and balancedone. All the others, kids can watch,CHELINA(to Shore)Care yet?SHOREIt singles out one network only.(CONTINUED) Page 9 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 63CONTINUED: (2)STUARTYes, because it supposedly pushes aconservative agenda. Which is alot of hooey. This is blatantcensorship. It furthers evidenceof a liberal media, and I for oneam sick of it. In all my years.Shore turns to Chelina.SHOREIn all his years.OFF Chelina--4INT. CRANE'S OFFICE - DAYCrane, Schmidt, and Milton Bombay,SCHMIDTFirst of all, the case cannot bewon.BOMBAYTell a client that, he hires anotherlawyer. Probably me.SCHMIDTMilton. I consider you a friend.Actually, I don't. I find you abit boorish, but I have alwaysenjoyed your unfettered candor. Inthe spirit of that candor -- thecase cannot be won. Given this islikely the only lifetime you'll getto have, please don't waste what'sleft of it in the vast, cavernoussinkhole known as our system ofjurisprudence,BOMBAYI made my life in that system. Irose to the very top of that system.CRANENo, you didn't.(CONTINUED) Page 10 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE7.CONTINUED:4SCHMIDTNo judge is going to let you beeuthanized and stashed in a sub-zero.BOMBAYWe cannot know that unless we try,Shirley.SCHMIDTI know you recently retired. Isthis about--BOMBAYAnd please do not profferpsychological counsel, I came inhere in search of legal andintellectual acuity.SCHMIDTAnd you sought out Penny?Crane waits for Bombay's response, perhaps he considers it agood question.BOMBAYI assure you this is something Iconsidered with all due gravity, Icame to a decision and now I appealto you as my attorney to help meexecute that decision. Do I makemyself clear?SCHMIDTPerfectly. We're talking aboutyour execution.OFF this, we:FADE OUT.END OF COLD OPEN Page 11 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-2-05 - GREEN 8,ACT IFADE IN:INT. LAW OFFICES - DAY5Schmidt, Brad, Lori, and TARA by the kitchen as CATHERINEapproaches to get coffee.;TARAFrozen?BRADThat's why he's here?SCHMIDT(to Tara)If there's any legal research onpoint, which I doubt there is, thesooner the better. By way ofanalogy, you might want to look atassisted suicide, or right to die.(to Brad)Brad. You take the math and sciencepart because you're male, andtherefore innately more qualified.Anything and everything you cancome up with on cryonics technology.LORIThis firm is actually going to helpMilton Bombay be put on ice?CATHERINEOh come now, Lori, you of all peopleshould know it's not so bad to gothrough life as a popsicle.LORIWhat's that supposed to mean?CATHERINENothing.(as she leaves)My, everybody's so sensitive. Can'twe all just get along?And Catherine heads off.SCHMIDTWe're going into court this morning.So as fast as we can. Page 12 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-2-05 – GREEN 9INT. JUDGE HARDING'S COURTROOM - DAYShore and Attorney ELIZABETH TYLER, 30, stand before JUDGEPETER HARDING. Chelina sits with Stuart.TYLERFirst of all, students have no vestedrights whatsoever to watch any newsduring school--SHOREBut they are allowed to do so atWinslow High except for one network.JUDGE HARDINGMs. Tyler, is this particularbroadcast being singled out oncontent?TYLEREven if it is. Your Honor, schoolshave the right to legislate content,just as we can search students'lockers, civil liberties—-SHOREObjection to the spin, Judge, thisis a no spin--TYLERA school principal is not subjectto grounds of reasonableness whenit comes to policy--SHOREThis is the First Amendment in playhere, what's next, burning a fewbooks?JUDGE HARDINGMs. Tyler, I must say, this has abad stink to it. How do you banone network news program and notthe others?TYLERThe principal felt this particularnetwork was detrimental.(CONTINUED) Page 13 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE10.CONTINUED:6JUDGE HARD INGWell, I want to hear from theprincipal in this witness chair, orI'm going to grant the petitioner'smotion right now.TYLERFine. I can get him here thisafternoon.JUDGE HARDINGWe'll adjourn for lunch. Be backat one.SHOREHow was I?(to Stuart)You decide.STUARTI feel you're making fun of mynetwork.INT. COURT CORRIDOR - DAY7Big throng of media as Bombay, Schmidt and Crane come offthe elevator. On the move--BOMBAY(basking)It's simply about wanting to continuemy legacy for centuries to come. Iam perhaps the greatest lawyer ofall time.ANGLE CRANE----right behind him.BOMBAY (O.S.) (CONT'D)CRANE(under)(over; muttering)And I want that timeNo, he's not, I'm better.to extend into ourDenny Crane. I'm better.future.Still the king.INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - DAY8Schmidt questions Bombay. JUDGE JAMES BILLMEYER presides.ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG BEECHAM, 40s, sits acrossfrom Crane.(CONTINUED) Page 14 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 – BLUE 11CONTINUED:BOMBAYIt's not that I want to die. Justthe opposite.SCHMIDTMr. Bombay, you're asking for acourt order to end your life.BOMBAYUnder today's science. Tomorrowthings might be quite different. Iwant to preserve what's left of mymind and body so should they developthe technology to reverse aging,should we discover how to rejuvenatethe cells in our body, I want to bearound to reap the benefits.SCHMIDTBut let's be realistic. Sir.BOMBAYWhy the hell do I have to berealistic, it's my body. What do Ihave to do, get pregnant?SCHMIDTWell, you may be couching this inpro-life terms, but in today'sscientific world, being frozen makesyou dead.BOMBAYI'm asking for a chance to be alivein tomorrow's world. To play withmy great-great-great-greatgrandchildren.TIME CUT TO:3INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - LATERBeecham is now up.BEECHAMHave grandchildren today?BOMBAYSix, all grown up. Three of 'emlove me.(CONTINUED) Page 15 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 129 CONTINUED:BEECHAMSuppose one of them came into courtat the age of, say, thirty, askingto be frozen.BOMBAYI'd say "Wait, you got a lot of years. "BEECHAMBut maybe they too would like itdone before their body starts to gosouth, which at the age of thirty,it can.BOMBAYLook, I'm not advocating this foryoung, healthy people--BEECHAMBut certainly if you get to decidefor yourself, then so should others,right?BOMBAYAt seventy-five years old, my lifeis almost over.BEECHAMNow I'm confused, is this a personalautonomy issue, or does your advancedyears factor into the equation?BOMBAYBoth, peanut-head.JUDGE BILLMEYERSir.BEECHAMSpeaking from the peanut gallery...does one have to be old to get thisautonomy? How 'bout somebody thirty-five, with cancer?BOMBAYIf it were incurable, yes, I'd lethim be frozen too, if he -wanted.BEECHAMParkinson's Disease?Silence.(CONTINUED) Page 16 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE13.9CONTINUED: (2)9BEECHAM (CONT'D)M.S?(then)I'm just having trouble with theline, Mr. Bombay. Old, sick,...young, healthy. Suppose somebodywanted to be frozen to avoid thedraft?CRANELet him move to Canada, freeze hisballs off.10IMT. COURT CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER10Bombay and Crane emerge from the courtroom, bickering likebrothers. Schmidt follows. On the move"BOMBAYWhy'd you do that?CRANEYou were getting picked apart,Milton.BOMBAYCRANENo, I wasn't. I wasWe needed to break up thehandling him just fine.other side's momentum--BOMBAY--he was shooting spit balls at abattleship.SCHMIDTBoys.BOMBAY(to Schmidt)I was having a real moment in there.And he stepped on it.SCHMIDTBoys.(off their looks)We need to get back to the officeand prepare our expert. Let's go.As they go,BOMBAYYou stepped on my moment.(CONTINUED) Page 17 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 -PINK 14.10CONTINUED:CRANEDid not.SCHMIDTBoys.11INT. SHORE'S OFFICE - DAY11Shore and Chelina, going over research.CHELINAIf the schools can regulate freespeech of the students, it wouldprobably follow that they canlegislate content of the televisionprograms they watch on schoolgrounds.SHOREBut the restrictions can't bearbitrary, this clearly is. Youcan't single out one network.Shore looks up to see Catherine at the door, smiling proudly.SHORE (CONT'D)Do you need something, Catherine?CATHERINENo. I'm just so happy to see youfinally doing God's work.SHOREBy defending this particular network?-*CATHERINEWhy, you sly"SHORE/CHELINADon't say it!!!A beat.SHOREDo you watch this network, Catherine?CATHERINEOh, heavens no, I don't watch anytelevision, it's all filth.CHELINAYou don't watch any television?(CONTINUED) Page 18 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 - BLUE 15.11 CONTINUED:CATHERINENone. 'Cept "Desperate Housewives."Sundays at nine, eight central.(then)Once in awhile, "Lost," Wednesdaysat eight, seven central.Chelina and Shore exchange a look. Then-—CHELINAIf you had to watch the news, Mrs.Piper, which network would you goto?CATHERINE(simply)I don't know, I'd probably seek outthe station where we're most likelyto be winning the war. Where Icould find a better economy. Maybesome weapons of mass destruction.OFF Shore and Chelina, we:FADE OUT,END OF ACT I Page 19 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE16,ACT IIFADE IN:12INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - DAYSchmidt questions DR. MALCOLM FREEMONT, 40s.DR. FREEMONTCryonics proponents don't refer tothe patient as dead. Simplypreserved.SCHMIDTFrozen.DE. FREEMONTYes.SCHMIDTBut, Doctor...if a person's heartisn't beating, if there's no brainactivity... we tend to call themdead.DR. FREEMONTUnder today's medical definition,yes. But the definition of cryonicsis basically a process using a verycold temperature to prevent peoplefrom dying.CRANE(softly; to Bombay)Where'd we get this quack?BOMBAYSssshhhlSCHMIDTOkay, Doctor, but let's be fair.Has anybody been brought back tolife after being frozen?DR. FREEMONTNo, and it's not likely to happensoon. But the technology ischanging, we're discovering moreand more about molecular nano-technology every day. And one day-(CONTINUED) Page 20 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring' 2-1-05BLUE 17CONTINUED:DR. FREEMONT (CONT'D)it will be a reality.CRANE(sotto) Molecular what?SCHMIDT(to Dr. Freemont)One second. Doctor.(sotto; to Crane)Denny. I'm going to try somethinghere, I haven't got time to explain,but I need you to just go with it.I want you to count backwards froma hundred, silently.CRANE(sotto)Why?SCHMIDT(sotto)I'll explain later, please, it'simportant.(back to Dr. Freemont)Okay, Doctor, we've all heard thatcryonics is in our future. But,please. Give me one example, onepiece of evidence that indicatesthat this could possibly work.ANGLE CRANE—--mouthing "ninety-four, ninety-three, ninety-two.DR. FREEMONT (O.S.)The wood frog.RESUME—SCHMIDTI'm sorry. "Did you say the wood Frog?”DR. FREEMONTYes. A frog in the Canadian Arcticthat hibernates and completelyfreezes in the winter. No heartbeat,No brain activity. It goescompletely dead by today's definitionof death. Then, in the spring, itwakens, brain activity resumes, theheart starts beating, it's aliveagain.(CONTINUED) Page 21 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 1812CONTINUED: (2)SCHMIDTAnd you think if it's possible fora frog...DR. FREEMONTWhy not for a human? If we canaccomplish total metabolic arrestwith no tissue damage, we will beable to freeze people for thousandsof years, and bring them back tolife.TIME CUT TO:13INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - LATERBeecham is now up.BEECHAMAnd suppose a thousand years fromnow it doesn't work? You just givepeople their money back?DR. FREEMONTI don't work for the cryonicsinstitute. Sir, I'm just giving youthe science.ANGLE CRANE----mouthing "seventy-six, seventy-five, seventy-four.BEECHAM (O.S.)Humans are warm-blooded animals,designed to stay at ninety-eightdegrees.RESUME--BEECHAM (CONT'D)Those frogs are cold-blooded, witha completely different molecularstructure.DR. FREEMONTAdmittedly, the future of cryonicsinvolves the development of moleculartechnology--BEECHAMFor which there's no evidence itcan work with warm-blooded--(CONTINUED) Page 22 BOSTON LEGAL -1F16 "Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 -BLUE 19.13 CONTINUED:DR. FREEMONTYes there is. We have frozen ratlivers, thawed them and transplantedthem into living rats. In Israel,they did it with frozen hearts, inboth cases the rats lived, not forlong, but the hearts and livers didcome back to life. With humans,we've frozen heart valves--BEECHAMAnd you think the idea of freezingpeople is ethical, is that consistentwith--DR. FREEMONTIt's evidently ethical to freezeembryos, but again, I'm up here todiscuss the science, not engage ina moral debate.ANGLE CRANE "--mouthing "fifty-nine, fifty-eight, fifty-seven."14INT. RECEPTION - DAY14Crane, Schmidt and Bombay emerge from the elevator, under--BOMBAYHe kicked their ass. And the bestpart was he had integrity, which iswhat you need in your expert. What'dhe cost us?SCHMIDTTwenty-five hundred.BOMBAYThe whore.As Tara approaches.SCHMIDTHow we doing?TARAThe leading federal case would beSchiavo, it's not First Circuit,but since the Supreme Court justrefused to hear the appeal, we couldargue it's controlling.(CONTINUED) Page 23 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 -BLUE 20.CONTINUED:SCHMIDTGet me a copy, let me read it.Would you like to read it, Denny?CRANEHell no.BOMBAY(to Tara)Can I talk to you a second inprivate, please?Tara shoots a confused look to Schmidt... whose return lookoffers no explanation.INT. CONFERENCE ROOM -Bombay and Tara enter.SECONDS LATERBOMBAYI didn't want to embarrass you infront of your superiors. But itseems to me the controlling case onthis would be Cruzan. The wholethrust of Rhenquist's opinion wasautonomy, the patient's right todecide.TARAMuddled.BOMBAYI'm sorry?TARAThat opinion was muddled. It wasessentially three-pronged. Autonomy,patient's best interest, and thestates' interest to preserve life.You win on prong one, but you likelylose on prongs two and three, you'remuch better off arguing Schiavo.Bombay just stares. Almost... in a trance.Mr, Bombay?TARA (CONT'D)Are you all right?BOMBAYYes. I... uh... you just sort ofbrought back the memory of...(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 24 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE21.15 CONTINUED:BOMBAY (CONT'D)(softly)I think my happiest time as a lawyerwas when I was a young associate.I hated doing all the grunt workbut... there was all the promise oftomorrow.It's a slightly awkward moment for Tara. A beatBOMBAY (CONT'D)Would you have dinner with metonight, Tara?SCHMIDT (O.S.)Milton.REVEAL Schmidt.SCHMIDT (CONT'D)Why don't you have it with me?OFF Bombay--16INT. JUDGE HARDING'S COURTROOM - DAY16Tyier questions high school Principal STEVEN HARPER. He'spretty formidable.TYLERWhy this one particular network?HARPERLook. I know all the networkspander, some to the liberal, someto the conservative. But when anews organization goes so far as toactually promote a political agenda,--TYLERCan I dial you back a second? Howdo they do that?HARPERFirst, the broadcasts speak forthemselves. Its CEO used to be thechief media operative for formerRepublican presidents.SHORE(rising)I object to his open mind. Judge.(CONTINUED) Page 25 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-2-05 - PINK 22.16 CONTINUED:TYLERMove to strike.JUDGE HARDINGSustained.HARPERAnd then when I saw the documentary,"Outfoxed," it blew my mind.TYLERBecause?HARPERBecause it detailed the extent towhich the media can promoteconservative Republican causes.May I?TYLERYour Honor, we'd like to show you abrief series of clips from thedocumentary.Harper clicks the remote.ANGLE MONITOR--FRANK O'DONNELL (ON TV)We were stunned because we thoughtwe were allowed to do legitimatenews. And suddenly we were orderedfrom the top to carry propaganda.Carry Republican right-wingpropaganda.The tape cuts to:JOHN DUPRE (ON TV)We weren't necessarily, as it wastold to us, a news gatheringorganization so much as we were aproponent of a point of view.Harper turns off the tape.HARPERIf you watch this documentary, andI strongly suggest you do, you'llsee it goes on and on and on.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 26 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-2-05 - PINK2316CONTINUED: (2)HARPER (CONT'D)And these accounts are from peopleon the inside.JUDGE HARD INGOkay. But to put a device on thetelevision?HARPERI hate the idea of shutting downfree expression. But this becamemore of a safety issue.TYLERA safety issue?HARPERThey've got their talk show hostsdeclaring that anybody who opposesthe war is an enemy of the state.A traitor. We're getting more andmore fights, kids being attackedfor being unpatriotic. Arab andMuslim students being targeted.Maybe this little device is overkill,I admit, but I got a high school torun and the first order of the dayis make the kids safe.TIME CUT TO:17INT. JUDGE HARD ING'S COURTROOM - LATERShore is up.SHOREI thought the first order of anacademic community was embracingdiversity of opinion.HARPERNot when it's a bias that fostersintolerance.SHOREDid you attach any little blockersto networks that lie about Presidentsand, say, the National Guard?HARPERI don't dispute there's a liberalbias, too.(CONTINUED) Page 27 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16 "Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 - PINK 2417 CONTINUED:SHOREBut you don't censor those networks.HARPERThose networks don't fosterintolerance.SHOREAny blockers for shock jocks, or isracism and misogyny not a concern?HARPERLook, there's a lot of garbage, Iadmit that--SHOREAnd what about your own teachers?HARPERMy teachers?SHOREA recent poll showed six out ofseven college professors voted forKerry, does that not suggest a biasin academia, Mr. Harper?TYLERObjection.SHOREWe've got countless news programs,too many talk shows to keep trackof, all kinds of opinions are beingspewed across the airwaves, extremesto the left, the right. And theonly thing you block"HARPERThat's actually not true, there areall kinds of programs we don'tpermit.SHOREBut this is the only news show"HARPERLook, what does it say that theyactually make a device to block outthis particular news network?(CONTINUED) Page 28 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-2-05 - PINK2511CONTINUED: (2)SHOREIt says censorship is popular, thatdoesn't make it right.HARPERAs a principal I have to make acall. And let me say this. I'm aproud American. I got a flag on myporch. I pray every night for thosetroops, I taught some of those kids.They're over there fighting fordemocracy which includes the rightto question your government. Forthis network to be sayingotherwise... it offends me as acitizen. And as a principal.SHOREI see, so you're squashing contentto promote democracy.HARPEROnce again, I will shut down contentthat fosters intolerance. That'swhere I stand.OFF Shore, a little stymied, we:FADE OUT,END OF ACT II Page 29 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 - BLUE 26ACT IIIFADE IN:18INT. LAW OFFICES - NIGHT18Crane with Schmidt.CRANEYou're having dinner with him?SCHMIDTI want to find out what's reallygoing on here.CRANEWhat's going on is a runaway ego, Ican tell you that. This is allabout a spotlight. Man wishes hewere me.SCHMIDTWe all wish that, Denny.CRANEMilton and I go way back. I knowhim like the back of my hand.As he's saying that, he looks at the back of his hand... asif he's suddenly seeing something for the first time.CRANE (CONT'D)(I'll toe damned)Hmmm.(then)He knows he's going to lose thismotion. There's no risk if himbeing frozen. In the meantime,he's all over the news. I'm tellingyou, the man wants to be me.SCHMIDTEven so. I'm going to have a littletalk with him.CRANEHe'll insist you go to Nicky Blair's,watch.SCHMIDTSorry?(CONTINUED) Page 30 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16 "Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 - GREEN 27.CONTINUED:CRANEHe pays them to let him sing.A beat.SCHMIDTI beg your pardon?CRANEHe slips the maitre d' a hundredbucks to come to the table and say,"Please, Mr. Bombay, sing us a song,It's all about the limelight withMilton, I promise you.INT. SHORE'S OFFICE NIGHTShore and Chelina watching the documentary. Shore clicksoff the TV. A beat.SHOREThe judge said he plans to watchthis documentary. That doesn'thelp our chances.CHELINA(how can we lose?)We're on the side of the FirstAmendment. Would he ban the NewYork Times or the Washington Postfor being too liberal?SHOREThe problem is', school principalsdo have a wide discretion. This isarguably inflammatory, and if theycan classify it as disruptivespeech...A beat.SHORE (CONT'D)We may be in this for the FirstAmendment. But freedom of expressiondoesn't win this case.CHELINAWhat does?A beat. He picks up from his desk a magazine with a largeAmerican flag photo, maybe in an ad. He stares at the flag,wheels spinning. OFF this— Page 31 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE28.20INT. NICKY BLAIR'S RESTAURANT - NIGHT20Upscale restaurant. Schmidt and Bombay in a booth. A smallBAND PLAYS in the background.BOMBAYWhat's the point?SCHMIDTThe point?BOMBAYOf us having dinner, what's thepoint? If it's sexual, I neednotice, so I can take my littlepill.SCHMIDTYou asked Tara to dinner, what wasthe point of that?BOMBAYWith her I wouldn't need the pill.SCHMIDTYou've talked a wonderful game aboutthe future and wanting to perpetuateyour legacy into the next century.But when you were talking to Tara...what I observed was a man lookingbackwards. A man who perhaps islonely.BOMBAYYou got it wrong.SCHMIDTI saw melancholy, Milton. And whenmelancholy accompanies a desire tobe dead... Is this Milton Bombaylooking to check out in a way thatwouldn't tarnish his grandreputation?He stares back.SCHMIDT (CONT'D)Denny thinks you don't really wantto win, which would explain yourhiring him. But you also hired me.(a beat)You lost your wife. Your job. Areyou just giving up, Milton?(CONTINUED) Page 32 BOSTON LEGAL 1F16"Let Sales® Ring"2-1-05 BLUE 29CONTINUED:A beat. Then"BOMBAY(with escalatingbluster)Let me tell you something. I don'tlook at old age as a curse. I likewho I am, what I am, right now, Idon't want to be twenty again. Mymind, my wisdom... I've graduatedfrom the school of experience and Iwant to keep going at my peak.Other patrons are staring.SCHMIDTA little softer, please.BOMBAY(blustering now)As medicine and science continue toevolve, so must the law to keeppace. I'm blazing the trail as apatient today so I can continue toset the standard as a lawyertomorrow. That's what this is about.SCHMIDT(if you say so)Okay.A beat. Upon which, the MAITRE D' arrives.MAITRE D'Mr. Bombay. The band... and someof the patrons have requested thatyou grace us with a song tonight.BOMBAYSure. Tell 'em to vamp "She's MakingEyes," I'll be right up, Walter.MAITRE D'Excellent. Thank you. Sir.And the Maitre d' heads off.BOMBAY(back to Schmidt)I happen to believe in reincarnation,I also believe things even out.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 33 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE 3020CONTINUED: (2)BOMBAY (CONT'D)Given the hand I was dealt thistime, I could be in for some serioushardship the next go round. I don'twant that for my next life, I wantto be me all over again. MiltonBombay.SCHMIDTGot it.And he heads up to join the band, under--BAND LEADERLadies and gentlemen, a treat... aspecial guest performance from thatlegendary barrister... Milton Bombay.Applause.BOMBAYThank you, Dick. Folks. Glad tobe with you tonight. Here's one ofmy favorites. Hope it's one ofyours.(singing)"Ma... she's making eyes at me.As he sings, Schmidt studies him. Does he really want tolive tomorrow. Or die today? OFF Bombay singing, heruncertainty, we:FADE OUT.END OF ACT III Page 34 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 31.ACT IVFADE IN:2lINT. CRANE'S OFFICE - MORNINGCrane and Bombay.BOMBAYWhat do you mean, you're closing.What happened to Shirley?CRANEMilton. There's a reason you cameto me. In your gut... you know I'mbetter than you. Go with your gut,Milton.BOMBAYI'd sooner go with my intestines.I prefer Shirley doing the closing.SCHMIDT(entering)I'm not doing it.CRANE(bolstered)Lock and load. What's the issue?SCHMIDTAnd neither are you.CRANEWho does that leave, Tammy?BOMBAYTara.SCHMIDTAs I said from the start, the lawdoesn't support us here. For us toget a court order that allows youto die, which would be the resultin today's world,... that judge isgoing to have to hear from you.BOMBAYHe did hear from me.SCHMIDTI don't think so.(CONTINUED) Page 35 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 -GREEN 32.21CONTINUED:A beat.SCHMIDT (CONT'D)If this is only about you gettingto perpetuate your legacy in thenext century,... I'm afraid you'llhave to make do with sustaining itin this one. You'll need to dobetter.(a beat)And for my money, Milton, any guywho's asking to get stuck in afreezer isn't that desperate tolive.OFF Bombay--22INT. JUDGE HARD ING'S COURTROOM - DAYAll present as Judge Harding ascends the bench. A beatJUDGE HARDINGOkay, Ms. Tyier. This is a form ofprior restraint so I'm going to putthe burden on you.TYLEREvery major media watchdog grouphas labeled this news program asthe most biased, right-wing newsprogram on television.JUDGE HARDINGSo what? Political bias is rampantthroughout the news business,including liberal bias.TYLERWe're not talking about just a slant,Judge. A recent poll showed thatthe more people watch this newsshow, the less they know aboutforeign policy, and the more inclinedthey are to support the government.That may be good team spirit, butit's disgraceful journalism.JUDGE HARDINGBut, come on, you talk about ademocracy. What kind of principalcensors free expression?(CONTINUED) Page 36 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 3322 CONTINUED:HARPER(rising)Your Honor. May I? It's a salesissue.(then)Any principal has the right, if notthe obligation, to rail againstbias where he sees it. You sawthat tape.JUDGE HARD INGWhich was also biased--HARPER(overriding)Their most popular commentatoractually threatens retributionagainst those who dissent. It almostrises to the level of hate speech,and if in my view it jeopardizesthe welfare of the students, Icertainly have the authority toshut it down.JUDGE HARDINGMr. Shore. This j-s a school. Isit wise to expose students toprograms which send the message --you're anti-American if you questionthe government?SHOREYour Honor, before we convict themas the network of conservativevalues, or any values for thatmatter, these are the folks whobrought you "Joe Billionaire," and"Who's Your Papa?"JUDGE HARDINGThat's the entertainment division,I'm talking about the news.SHORE(building steam)And I'm telling you it's all thesame. This isn't about politicalcontent. This is a corporationlooking to make money.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 37 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 -PINK 34CONTINUED: (2)SHORE (CONT'D)They began as alternative newsprogramming to grab a market share,they saw ratings and profit in aconservative demographic, and they'vebeen waving the flag ever since.And so what? News today, all ofit, is infotainment. Last February,a deadly toxin known as Ricin wasfound in the mailroom of the SenateMajority leader, potentialterrorism, headline news led withJanet Jackson's exposed breast. Amonth ago, while we're in the middleof a war, newscasts all across thecountry led with Prince Harry'scostume at a keg party. It's abusiness, and while some news groupsgo for the deeper social issueslike Brad and Jennifer's breakup,the one here chooses to run withred, white and blue. And by theway, before you villify them, asurvey done in 2002 revealed thatseventy percent of the people inthis country believe it is goodwhen news organizations take a strongpro-American point of view. Seventypercent.JUDGE HARDINGDoes that make it right?SHOREOf course it makes it right. Becausethe rule in infotainment is givethe people what they want. This ismoney. Your Honor. Not politics.(a beat)Let me say, I am a great lover ofthe news.JUDGE HARDING(dry)I can that.SHOREI watch it all. On days like 9/11,or for other world-changing events,the news programs are nothing shortof spectacular.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 38 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-2-05 –PINK 3522CONTINUED: (3)SHORE (CONT'D)When President Kennedy was shot,when Martin Luther King delivered"I Have A Dream," when we walked onthe moon, our lives were shaped bythese events, in part because ofthe news. But on all the otherdays,... they're businesses, lookingto compete like anybody else in acompetitive market place. Theysell product. And even if you'redetermined to believe that thisparticular network is some evilempire, looking to spread right-wing propaganda... that still doesn'tchange the fact that we are in thisroom today because a principal isshutting down the expression ofideas... simply because he disagreeswith the content. If anything needsa champion today, it's the FirstAmendment. In a recent poll, halfof today's high school studentsthought newspapers should getgovernment approval of stories beforepublishing them. The First Amendmenthas become an endangered species.And here we have a high schoolprincipal practicing censorship.My, my. We do have a problem.And he returns and sits.21 OMITTED24INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM: - LATERBeecham is up.BEECHAM(quietly)There is nothing in the law tosupport Mr. Bombay's request thathe be assisted in his quest to die.And that's what this is, assistedsuicide. Mr. Bombay says what he'sreally trying to do is go on living,But there is no credible evidencethat this cryonics could ever besuccessful.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 39 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 36.24 CONTINUED:BEECHAM (CONT'D)The only certainty before us isthat if we allow Mr. Bombay to befrozen, he will be dead.(a beat)We hear a lot of talk about personalautonomy. But there is a sanctityto life. Your Honor. A stateinterest in that sanctity. If weerode that in any way.-. well...you make the idea of suicide moreacceptable. Perhaps more conceivablefor the troubled teenager, thedepressed mother. You say suicidein some situations is an option.We have an overriding stateinterest... and a humane one, innot sending that message.And he sits. A beat. Another beat. Crane, confused, assumeshe must be closing. Rises. Schmidt stops him.SCHMIDT(sotto)That was beautiful. Now sit.Crane sits as Bombay rises, moves out.BOMBAYI believe in the sanctity of life.It's in the spirit of thatsanctity...(a beat)At thE risk of sounding immodest...I'm one of the greatest lawyers,possibly the greatest, to grace thecourtrooms of this Commonwealth.Crane starts up, Schmidt quickly stops him.BOMBAY (CONT'D)And just the possibility of beingable to still try cases in the twenty-second century...A beat. Another beat. Another beat. He looks to Schmidt.Yet another beat. Finally--BOMBAY (COHT'D)(humbly)I have ALS.A beat. That's a shock.(CONTINUED) Page 40 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE37.24CONTINUED: (2)BOMBAY (CONT'D)In a few months, I'll start to losemotor control. Control of my bowels.My brain will begin to...(a beat)In a year or so. . .I'll be dead.Legends shouldn't die like that. Idon't want to die like...•(a beat)I, uh... cryonics might not work.But a hundred years ago... nobodywas talking about cloning or thehuman genome or... a hundred yearsfrom now, who knows what's possible.(a beat)I truly... truly love life. Thechance that I could be livingagain... seems preferable toeternal... nothingness. Part ofwhat's going on... I fear dying apainful... but what I'm so profoundlyafraid of... is nothingness.(a beat)And uh... well... what Red Sox fanwouldn't jump at the chance to lienext to Ted Williams.(a beat)I realize. Your Honor, no judgewould do what I'm asking you for.Do it anyway.And he returns, sits. The room is stunned. OFF the silence,we finally:FADE OUT.END OF ACT IV Page 41 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 -BLUE 38.ACT VFADE IN:EXT. CRANE'S BALCONY - DAY25Bombay smokes a cigar. Crane emerges. Lights up.CRANEWhy didn't you tell me you weresick?BOMBAYBecause I'm a tree. When I fall, Iwant it to be in the forest.CRANEWhat the hell does that mean?BOMBAYIt means I didn't want anybody toknow. I don't want to be pitied.All I want to be is...CRANEDenny Crane.Bombay rolls his eyes. Looks away. Crane regards his cigar.Regards Bombay's. Then--CRANE (CONT'D)Mine's bigger.Bombay nods, without looking at him.*CRANE (CONT'D)(humbly)Y'know, I... I've always admiredyou, Milton.BOMBAYI'm not dead yet.(a beat)When's the judge going to rule?CRANEHe said by tonight.INT. SHORE'S OFFICE - DAYCatherine and Shore.28(CONTINUED) Page 42 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16“Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 3926 CONTINUED:CATHERINEPersonally, I don't have a problemwith censorship. Saves a lot ofpeople from going to hell.SHOREI see.CATHERINEEven the cartoons. Last week Icaught my grandson watching a littlegay sponge trying to hump a starfish,it's awful what they put on thesedays.CHELINA(poking in)Alan. Judge is back.27INT. JUDGE HARD ING'S COURTROOM - DAYJudge Harding ascends the bench as Shore, Chelina and Stuartenter.JUDGE HARDINGI grew up watching Walter Cronkite.It was a time, the news seemed tobe fair, objective... and trusted.In fact, whenever we doubted theblather coming out of thepoliticians' mouths... it was thepress we turned to to get a senseof the truth. Well... WalterCronkite has definitely left thebuilding. When it comes tocredibility... big media is dead.Networks pander, some toconservatives, others to liberals.,This past election... you coulditurn to one channel to see PresidentBush ahead. Turn to another to seeKerry leading. It's ridiculous.And I agree with Mr. Shore, it'sprobably more about money thanideology. And being about money...well, why shouldn't networks ^free to adopt a b;-&s ^n hopes ofattracting a bigger audience? Thisis America. Mr. Harper, I realizetimes have changed in the highschools as well.(MORE)(CONTINUED) Page 43 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16 "Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 - BLUE 40.27 CONTINUED:JUDGE HARDING (CONT\D)Hate violence is on the rise.Administrators have to be more freeto curtail students' civil liberties,including disruptive speech. Buta-t-taching a device to a televisionto block out a certain networkbecause of its content... that seemsto go too far. It's censorship.And I cannot let it stand. Motionfor the plaintiff... is granted.STUARTI don't know what to say, Mr. Shore.You were incredibly brilliant.SHOREI know.CHELINAIf there's any retribution at theschool, let us know.STUARTI will. Thank you both.(to Shore)Your country thanks you.And off he goes. Shore looks to Chelina.SHOREMy country thanks me.OFF Chelina—28OMITTED29INT. JUDGE BILLMEYER'S COURTROOM - DAYAll present as Judge Billmeyer takes the bench.CRAKE(sotto; to Bombay;helpful)This is where he gives his ruling.BOMBAYThank you.(CONTINUED) Page 44 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE29 CONTINUED:JUDGE BILLMEYERMr. Bombay, it seems ironic, if notindecent, that the state's interestin preserving life... should mandatethat you die a wrenching and painfuldeath, rather than be frozen in thehopes of finding a cure. But that'sthe law as it stands today. Welive in a country that celebratesindividual liberties and personalautonomy. But when it comes tocontrolling your own destiny...this is a freedom that does not yetring. I will pray for you. But Icannot grant you your request.Your motion is denied. God blessyou.SCHMIDTI'm sorry.CRANE(to Bombay) We can appeal. Next time, I'llclose.BOMBAYThat's all right. I'm heading toArizona. .Try my luck with the Courtsdown there.SCHMIDT(gently)Milton. No court anywhere is goingto rule in your favor.BOMBAYEven so. There's another cryonicsfacility there. So whenever thetime comes...SCHMIDTDo you know anybody in Arizona?BOMBAYNope. That's the point. I don'twant to deteriorate in front of...SCHMIDTClearly you're not inclined to takemy advice but... do not go off todie alone.(CONTINUED) Page 45 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE42.29CONTINUED: (2)29BOMBAYHey. You live your way. Shir ley.I'll die mine. I'm entitled to beremembered the way...(a beat)Thank you both for your effort here.And he starts off.CRANEMilton.The room has emptied out by now.CRANE (CONT'D)Listen. I, uh... we go way back,you and I.BOMBAYLet's not get carried away. Wewere worthy adversaries, occasionaldrinking buddies. It's not like wehave any great affection for oneanother,That's a lie. They both know it. A beat.CRANEAnyway. I uh... we'll see you,Milton.BOMBAYSee you.They shake hands. A beat. Then... feeling a crack in hisarmor.BOMBAY (CONT'D)(with some emotion),;See you, Denny.,CRANEGoodbye, my friend.And they embrace tightly. Schmidt looks away, just to keepher composure. Crane and Bombay then break from theirembrace... and Bombay walks away. Forever. OFF Crane,fighting emotion— Page 46 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring" 2-1-05 -BLUE 43EXT. CRANE'S BALCONY - NIGHTCrane stands there, staring into darkness. AfterShore approaches- A beat.a few beatsSHOREI'm sorry.CRANEHey, people get old, get sick...happens to everybody.SHOREHow close were you?CRANE(in denial)Oh... not so much that we went deepas we went...SHOREWay back.A beat.CRANEYou can be larger than life. Justnot death.A beat.SHOREHe went off to Arizona?CRANEYup.(then)I really admired him more than...A beat.CRANE (CONT'D)You go through life and you nevertell people how much you care about'em, when... people should probablydo that more, y'know.A beat. Another beat.SHORE(softly)I care about you.(CONTINUED) Page 47 BOSTON LEGAL - 1F16"Let Sales Ring"2-1-05 - BLUE44.30CONTINUED:3CRANEI wasn't fishing for that. I fishfor steelhead, not mush.SHOREI care about yon, Denny.A beat,SHORE (CONT'D)You don't have to say it back.CRANEWasn't planning to.Truth is... he doesn't need to. Shore smiles softly. Thetwo just stand there... grateful to have a friendship thatthey don't take for granted. OFF this, we eventually:FADE OUT.The End