What preceded:
Not convenient, getting so close to court with your newest crush.
This is Sabrina Bass, soon to be Connery Bass' ex-wife.
I have to try and make it up to Quinn.
Is that necessary? - I want it.
You want to be a father. I can't be the reason you aren't.
Was Miss Steele the only client Mr Svensson was involved with?
These complaints have been filed.
They display a disturbing pattern of behavior.
I've been suspended as a lawyer.
I have something to share with you.
You will eventually hear this...
so better of me.
What is? - Not heard?
Harry's Life Crisis.
I'm suspended for a month, effective today.
Why?
I am the victim of a witch hunt.
This will not harm the company or your job.
We will be as strong as ever.
During Harry's absence I make sure everything runs smoothly.
I won't be absent, Daniel. I still come to the office every day.
Everything is going its way.
If anyone here has any questions, including about your business...
my door is always open. Unofficially, of course.
Wait, who's in charge?
Dad, why are you suspended?
Crystal Steele filed a fabricated complaint against me.
If only there were signs that she was a horrible person.
You are not allowed to come to work.
That's a recommendation, not a requirement.
Does not matter. That's how people think you're working.
I have so many questions. - Dr. Svensson, your appointment is waiting.
And Mr. Svensson, Zander Davenport is here.
Is that the guy from those silly detective movies?
The Peach Pie Mysteries. Eleanor and I are fans.
Like a warm hug, but without the murders.
What shall I say?
Put him in the boardroom. I'll be right there.
Tell me what I need to know.
Zander and his ex were registered partners.
I helped him with the divorce contract.
Zander is very private when it comes to his private life.
According to the magazines, he touches a Bratz doll every week.
An actor? Great, for Abby. - What? No.
Pepe Le Pew is all yours. - I want you to do this together.
You probably don't need both of us. - I'm doing it for my client.
Two of you is one of me. Well, almost then.
Zander, good to see you. -Harry.
The last time I saw you was at a Lions game.
Zander, this is Daniel and Abigail.
Is this a law firm or a modeling agency?
I'll bring it myself. - Do you have new lipstick on?
Mr. Davenport, please. I greatly admire your work.
What's your name, honey? - Jerry.
A beautiful name for a beautiful lady.
The divorce agreement?
What should he do with that?
I'd love to help you myself, but I have an emergency.
No. I don't like this, Harry.
These are two of the best lawyers who promise to be discreet.
I demand a non-disclosure agreement.
This falls under professional secrecy.
The others are here.
Why is he being so secretive? His ex isn't a child bride, is he?
All right, Zander. I'm here. What's up now?
Topher violated his NDA. - Not true.
He wrote a play about me. - What kind of play?
I wrote a one-man show for a local theater.
But it's about my life, not his.
The sign clearly stated 'no filming'.
My third ex, we call him Zaddy.
Yes, he is an older man and also an actor.
There's no indication that this 'Zaddy' is Mr Davenport.
Zaddy is best known for those cozy murder series.
The Fruitcake Mysteries?
When he saw a fan outside, he said:
"Quick, hide in that trash can."
And then I heard Zaddy say, 'Hello there.
Is this a dump or a catwalk for supermodels?'
You outed me. - Come on.
I didn't say Zander. - You named the character 'Zaddy'.
That's gay language. Are you homophobic or something?
You mentioned his profession, his TV series.
You sprinkled breadcrumbs. You wanted people to find it.
That is a violation of the confidentiality clause.
Neither party is allowed to share information about the relationship.
My client will omit the reference.
The name too, but this piece had no negative influence.
Not? I have been fired.
No one at Kindred Broadcasting knew about my private life.
Then Kindred called to say my part was being given away.
That's no coincidence. - Maybe.
You're not exactly Daniel Day Lewis.
Mr Merigan has been outed by the piece.
This violation of their clause hurt his income.
Prove that.
And even then, it is small-scale, there is no money involved.
He has no money.
Except for the exorbitant amount I pay him every month.
I want the play stopped. I want him to keep...
Are you writing all this down?
This cannot happen. Anyone should be allowed to attend the session.
Abby and I are requesting arbitration to protect your privacy.
Zander, how did it go? - Relationships are not worth it.
You better die alone. - I'll put that on a T-shirt.
This is Maeve, my assistant and good friend.
I would be lost without her.
How long have we known each other?
Six years. - I had just graduated... - Yes.
Yes, we've been together for six years. Six happy years.
So happy.
Honestly? It does make sense. He was almost too straight.
The pressure to stay in the closet is real.
I didn't dare to tell my parents until last year.
Didn't they know yet?
I was a class representative, got high grades.
I was just busy, they thought.
The best boy. - Thank you.
No, it's a theory.
Closed men work extra hard to distract from their sexuality.
That's our client. Man's behavior, cheap pick-ups.
"Beautiful name for a beautiful lady." - It's called chivalry.
Thanks to you it no longer exists. - Was he fired for being gay?
This is the 21st century. - Have you seen their movies?
No gays, no colored people.
And no gay actors playing leading roles.
I don't think grabbing coffee violates my suspension.
I'll have Cecil look at Kindred. - It's tough in itself.
Imagine someone turning it into a play.
Agree. Someone you trust hangs out your dirty laundry...
and suddenly you're a pariah to all your colleagues.
Harry, you're suspended for a month. Take your coffee and go.
Does your girlfriend have a label maker? - Stop.
You don't have to worry about me stealing your lunch.
I'm going out. With my ex.
Who hung all my dirty laundry out in court, so...
Anyone want to see a revenge piece on her?
Mr. Svensson, Sabrina on line one. - You have to tell her, Harry.
Important clients need to hear the news in person.
Put her through. I'll say let's have lunch.
Why did you want to meet? Is everything all right?
Yes fine. Sofia got an A in chemistry.
And Nico is now locked in the toilet for hours.
Yes I know. You don't think he...
I said nothing. - No.
Who is that?
Harry's paranoid client, who is now my paranoid client.
Correct. Because of Harry's suspension. - How do you know?
Family law is a small, incestuous world.
What is your case about?
Bickering exes and their divorce agreement.
That's why I wanted to talk to you.
I was unreasonable when I insisted...
that new partners were only proposed after a year.
If it's serious, you should introduce Aidan to the kids.
That's sweet, but not necessary. Aidan and I broke up.
I find that annoying for you. - Not true.
Well true. He seemed nice.
For a student.
Are you on it? I need private photos.
My fans can't know. They would be devastated. Me, too.
This was definitely not on the route.
Here we can talk freely, without prying eyes.
What's so important? - I want to postpone your hearing.
Delay? Why?
I think your ex is hiding personal assets abroad.
Give me more time and it will be better for you financially.
How long do you need? - Not long.
We could go to court in a month.
Zander was Kindred's favorite actor for all their rom-coms.
Lucy wasn't exaggerating. There is a pattern.
Zander ages, but the women don't.
Who is the target group? Creepy uncles from Central America?
Everyone is entitled to problematic favorites.
Then I called the casting director.
She told me about wrongful dismissal lawsuits.
Allegations of homophobia, racism. There is always suitable.
Kindred once did a scene with a lesbian couple in the background.
Discrimination strengthens our cause.
Kindred will come later.
First we have to freeze Topher's play.
Harry, how long have you been standing there?
Have you persuaded the source to testify yet?
Cecil, try to get the source to testify.
Why don't we have nice stuff?
You should have taken that life preserver right away.
It's just a suspension.
And now everyone sees that I can run the office.
Harry, you mean.
Maybe this makes him long for retirement.
How's that cook? Are you still dry?
Martina and I are just friends. - Nothing happened between you?
Her boyfriend is back. I showed him around.
So all those times you didn't show up...
were you with your sweetheart's boyfriend?
She isn't. And Quinn is pretty cool.
Is his name Quinn? - Let's have a drink.
Come along. - I will think about it.
Abigail, these are my dear friends.
You already know Maeve.
This is Kendra. - Zanders stylist and life coach.
And this is Donovan. Donovan, what are you wearing?
This is a neckerchief. All the men in Milan wear them.
What is the Italian word for "take off now"?
Can my friends be at the hearing?
The hearing I had to keep private?
They signed statements. I can use the support.
Yes, bring your entourage.
Oh my God. You are Zander Davenport.
From The Peach Pie Mysteries.
This is Abigail, my... - Strictly platonic colleague.
What's your name, honey? - I'm Martha, your biggest fan.
Martha? Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.
I have to hand it to him, he plays a convincing bastard.
Guess who the judge is.
Shortly after my client got out, he was fired by Kindred...
a station with a history of discrimination.
We'll fix that separately, but for now...
I ask that Mr Merigan's play be stopped...
for causing further harm to my client.
Would you like to add anything, Mr Krol? - Just a question.
Are you sure Kindred fired you because of your sexual orientation?
Emails shared anonymously by a Kindred employee.
Can you read this aloud?
'Cast a bigger net for Zander's replacement. He must be younger.
There's not much we can do about his double chin.'
Kindred terminated the contract because of his age.
Too bad, but that is separate from the play.
I've heard enough.
There's no evidence that this harmed your client.
Mr. Merigan violated his non-disclosure agreement.
I deny your petition to stop the play.
We must not give up. Can't we do more?
We're suing them for wrongful dismissal and age discrimination.
No, the play. It goes on for another three weeks.
Topher scraps the references.
In a month everyone will have forgotten this.
Kindred knew nothing about it. - That's true.
So I was just too old. - Is that possible with men?
For women, yes, but fortunately we still measure with two sizes.
Think George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Josh Brolin.
I could be Josh's older brother.
This could be luck in an accident. You shit on Kindred.
Now you can go for other challenging roles.
Sometimes you have to leave to get ahead.
That sounds good. Excuse me.
Who was that?
Sir? I have something for you. - Brownies? What is the occasion?
My mother made them to cheer you up.
And if she were your client, she would date you in a heartbeat.
I had to tell you that last several times.
I am speechless.
That's fine. This is a gift. Take it.
Can I ask how things went in court?
Our preparation didn't matter.
Lost? - Chip Crombie was our judge.
He holds a grudge against someone. - Do not blame me.
We lost because you let Yannick surprise you.
That's why I can't leave.
Soon I will have no clients to return to.
To return to? You never left.
I want Harry to distance himself, but I also want him to annoy Daniel. Annoying.
It must be hard for Dad. The company is everything.
And don't leave the dishes out all the time.
I let it soak.
Kelly makes good use of that label maker.
Because some people don't buy anything themselves.
Why is she here so often? Doesn't she have her own house?
Your own fridge? - She doesn't like her roommate.
She's 40 and has a roommate? - You too.
0k come for a snack.
How was your day? - I listened to that podcast.
I should have warned you.
Didn't you? Did you have smelling salts on hand?
Abigail? - Zander, how are you?
Listen, I went through my lines with an actor friend.
He gets to audition for a new series.
Guess who the writer is. - Nobody knows.
Topher. And the series is about me.
Forget that stupid play, the whole world will see this.
Calm down, Zander. Is he really about you?
"Who's Your Zaddy?" follows Alex, a gay actor...
who goes to crazy lengths to pass for straight...
because he's terrified of losing his place in the industry.'
When people see this, they know it's about me.
Not necessarily.
You don't know Topher. He sometimes lets slip something in an interview.
Alex's dialogue is word for word from texts I sent Topher.
Alex tells his friend to walk ten feet in front of him.
Literal? Did Topher copy the dialogue from your texts?
Word by word. - A plagiarism case?
Zander's texts and Topher's script are identical.
He transcribed 40 words. Accident, sorry.
This is not a little play, but a TV series.
We'll let Topher buy the rights and give up some of the profits.
And then we can rub shoulders with Harry that we've won.
It was a few text messages. The violation is too small.
We need to see more of the script.
This is all the text my agent could come up with.
“A secret doesn't make me self-hating.
Clark Kent has a secret and he's an American hero.'
Wait, is Superman gay?
I sent that text when it just came out.
“Cherie doesn't empathize with her role.
Her lovelorn face looks clogged and she smells like hot dogs.”
I never sent it.
These are scenes from multiple episodes.
The whole series revolves around you and your texts.
This is good. It proves that Topher stole your words.
We can force them to buy the rights.
Absolutely not. It's my life.
Topher won't get the rights. That show isn't happening.
I would definitely look into it. - Out. I want to speak to our client.
I am partner. You can't just send me away.
How do you feel?
How Dicky Gray must have felt.
Who? - Precisely.
He played the leading role in all the rom-coms...
and came out 15 years ago.
Now his most prestigious role is...
that of gay steward in Hyena's on a Plane Part II.
His face is bitten off. - Poor Dicky.
I don't want to play a flight attendant or gay spicy roommate.
I doubt you'll get college roles.
Don't underestimate what this series can do for you.
If we win this case...
you don't have to worry about other roles.
You do not understand. Acting is my calling.
It's what I do.
I need fresh air.
Is he okay?
Yesterday, one of Zander's friends texted Topher.
What if they share all those embarrassing things he says?
We can subpoena Topher's provider.
Cecil, file a disclosure request.
And make sure we don't get Judge Crombie.
How do I do that?
A session for tomorrow? - Please.
And preferably not with Judge Crombie.
We don't adjust anything. Does this look like a Starbucks?
People customize their drinks. Funny. You are funny.
I do improvisation.
Do you read Night Lotus? - Of course.
I wanted to go to the premiere, but the hardcore nerds beat me to it.
One of those hardcore nerds is standing in front of you.
You? - I've had my tickets for months.
Unfortunately, my date left me.
Female friend? - My mother.
So now I have an extra ticket, but no one to go with.
Looks like Judge Boyte will be available tomorrow.
A revenge series on TV? Poor Zander.
Fortunately, Cecil loves it.
Do you have anything to do tonight? - No. How so?
Do you want to eat with us?
By "us," you mean... - Kelly wants to get to know you.
You always sit in your office.
What do you care what I think of her? Fine.
Fine.
Quinn, this is Yannick. - Glad you're here.
You must be Martina, the chef. - Indeed.
You are here. - Quinn invited me. Okay?
Yes of course. I assumed you had other plans.
We need more booze. I'll be right back.
- How's the... - There's Tracey. I'm going...
That was incredibly uncomfortable.
Someone cleaned up my workspace.
That's one less thing to worry about.
You've been so busy. And I like to do nice things for you.
This looks good. You said it...
Enchiladas with cauliflower.
This is delicious. And healthy.
Do you feel uncomfortable? - No.
We've become such a couple. Such an annoying clumsy bunch.
Lucy said your relationship just broke up.
Is that right? - I know it.
My last breakup was a disaster.
I couldn't eat, couldn't shower.
That's why you should do things that make you happy.
Something creative. - Excellent, but unsolicited advice.
What else did Lucy say? - The cake is ready.
I'll help you with the plates.
Rocky Mountain oysters are a delicacy.
bull balls. - Nice with ketchup.
tasted? - Not really.
Me neither. But I found a place in Florida...
Did I ever tell you about the time we ordered puffer fish?
Probably. - It was a really seedy place.
Twenty minutes after eating I became terribly sick.
First my mouth tingled, then my tongue became...
It was fun, but I have to get up early.
I walk with you.
...the deadliest poison in the world.
You have ten minutes to get it out of your system.
Martina seems nice. - She's okay.
Say. You have a good job, you earn well.
You're pretty handsome. - Thanks for that.
Then why are you chasing a girl through her boyfriend?
We are just friends.
Friends don't look at each other that way.
It is obvious. You did it.
And then she says: I like to do nice things for you.
Yes, she's a monster. - You weren't there.
It's her whole vibe.
She is always there, just a fright away.
Then go to your boyfriend. - Can't, we broke up.
Now I get it.
You are disappointed that you are single yourself and you take that out on Kelly.
I haven't been single for a year.
That's voluntary. - Tell yourself that.
Is it really that clear? - What exactly?
That you and your girlfriend did it? Of course.
Is it clear to him too? - For the boyfriend?
He's way too arrogant for that. - Wait, you don't like Quinn?
As a former liar I say he is lying.
How so? - That story about the blowfish?
Catching puffer fish is prohibited. He lied.
Why do you know that? - I googled last night.
You are jealous.
To that fake Anthony Bourdain?
I know it's hard, but you are irreplaceable.
Don't make me hit you in court.
Mr Merigan, is your TV series based on Mr Davenport's life?
All writers draw inspiration from their lives. Knausgard, Hemingway.
Isn't it plagiarism? - No.
It creates a dangerous precedent if only own experiences are allowed.
Miss Bianchi?
This is a text message from my client. Can you read it aloud?
'Gay teens think they're having a rough time, but they have no idea.
Gay men once had to marry women.'
That sounds more sexist than I meant it to.
Can you read this from the Who's Your Zaddy script?
'Gay teens think they're having a hard time...'
The words are identical.
Objection. This is a small part that my client likes to customize.
We're not talking about one part.
Telephone records of over 200 text messages.
Mr. Merigan and my client's friends correspond.
A message from Donovan De La Cruz:
'So embarrassing. Use this for your series.'
He shared a post about manscaping...
that Mr Merigan used in his pilot.
Another message, from Maeve Adams on April 3rd...
with a link to an audio message from Mr. Davenport.
Topher keeps asking when we're getting married.
If only same-sex marriage had never been legalized.
Didn't your character Alex use those words in episode four?
Do you know what it was like living with him?
How many times did I have to pretend to be his gabber in public?
This is based on Zander, but it's also my story.
Should have used your own words, not my client's.
There's plenty of evidence...
that Mr. Davenport's intellectual property has been plagiarized.
If Mr Merigan wants to make the series...
he must first negotiate the rights.
Mr. Davenport is entitled to financial compensation.
As for you, Mr. Davenport...
the people behind you are not friends.
I suggest you find new friends.
Zander, maybe you shouldn't...
Why did you do it? I trusted you.
I told you things no one knew.
Zander, I don't know anything about you. None of us.
You always feed this lie. - I'm not the bad guy.
You told Donovan his wardrobe was faggot.
You got mad because I kissed my girlfriend in public.
Because you don't dare to come out, you want us to suffer too.
You were my girlfriend. - I was your employee.
Hi Zander.
That series should not be made. I don't want people...
Is he about to pass out? - He's having a panic attack.
Honey, are you okay? Remember what we do. Look at me.
Take a deep breath. - Do not.
What's not, honey?
Don't call me "honey" in public.
That's why I wrote a series about him.
Do you have someone you can talk to?
I have you. Only you.
No, I mean a professional.
When I was 18 I tried to come out.
I told my best friend. How he looked at me...
I said it was a joke and we never talked about it again.
Have you ever told anyone else?
He made a series about me.
After you confided in him something so personal?
I'm not innocent. Maeve was right, I choked them.
I've been in the closet for so long I wanted to get them.
I am almost 60 and have never been to a gay bar.
I never did anything.
No parades, no parties.
I wouldn't know where to start.
I don't know how to be gay.
I've been playing this role for so long. What if it's too late?
We see coming out as a big thing.
You declare your truth and it's over.
But being gay is not a role.
You don't need an audience to be real. It's you.
You discovered that part of yourself...
and kept it until you wanted to share it.
With the wrong people. - You learned from that.
There is no gay checklist, things you have to cross off.
Your homosexuality is yours.
And whatever the next phase of your life looks like...
your experiences help you.
I don't know what my life would be like if I wasn't hiding.
So you're selling the rights to Topher...
so that he can make his TV series.
Financially it makes sense.
I checked my savings. Fake girlfriends are expensive.
Chances are that this series betrays you.
Bring it on. I'm not inundated with auditions anyway.
It's twelve o'clock.
Usually at this time I get a protein bar from Maeve.
I'll get something from the kitchen.
Real? - Actually, I'd like...
How's Zander? - Fine.
Anyway, your session helped.
I've been thinking.
I can be a little critical at times.
And maybe I can try harder with Kelly.
She makes you happy, so maybe she's not totally groggy.
Thank you. But you also do the dishes yourself.
Glad Zander is back.
Now that you know him a little better, you should check out his movies.
No thanks. Contrived plots and bad acting?
This just proved that Zander is a great actor.
He's been playing Zander Davenport for so long.
Give the man an Oscar.
Do you have something low in carbohydrates? - Do you know Larry David?
We're arranging. - Yes why?
He plays a better version of himself on TV.
People adore him. Why? - Because they're afraid of him?
He dares to joke about his shortcomings.
Larry David can't play me. He's way too old.
Cherie doesn't empathize with her role.
Her lovelorn face looks clogged and she smells like hot dogs.
He seems to get along well.
His notes are endless.
Creative input for all episodes.
The cast likes him.
That has to be. He's at the top of the list.
But he's perfect for the role.
Have a beer soon? - Don't you have any plans with Quinn?
I have to take a look. It is busy. - Naturally.
Folks, before you leave, I want to share something with you.
I am a gay man.
That's all. Thank you.
I wanted to cook on Sunday.
And by cooking, I mean... - Uber Eats?
Oh yes, Kelly and I have... - Mr. Svensson, Sabrina Bass called.
She says, “I thought about it and you were right.
Let's postpone the hearing for a month.'
Did you or didn't you tell Sabrina that you were suspended?
I didn't think that was necessary. I acted in her best interests.
No, in your interest.
You postponed her trial until your suspension is over.
You lied to your client.
There are good reasons to postpone it.
Which only came to mind from your suspension.
Sabrina never finds out. - Mr. Bass' lawyers do.
Wouldn't Cordelia Bernstein know? When they hear...
What if they find out you violated the terms?
Then the whole company is screwed. Take a step back.
You have a great team. We'll manage without you for a while.
Yes, sure.
Don't trust us?
Not in such a case.
Even with your sister's help, you can't replace me.
Finished.
If you give your clients legal advice...
I report it myself. - Don't be so dramatic.
This firm suffers because you can't sit on the sidelines for a month.
You believe that? - Daniel's right.
If you continue like this, you will be disbarred.
Maybe free time is good for you.
Think about what you want for the future.
What's that box for? - Correct.
I wanted to tell you... - Do these have to go to the bedroom?
Are those yours? - Kelly moves in with me.
Her roommate is insufferable. - And my lease is about to expire.
So why not?
So that old joke has some truth to it.
What does a lesbian bring? A moving van.
Because of the...
Did you make that joke? - They didn't get it.
There was a moving van.
You know this. For an Abby joke, you have to sense your surroundings.
Remember Sofia's Nativity Play? That kid couldn't handle it.
He was eight, and his parents were right behind us.
I started to make progress with Kelly.
She'll get used to you. You have that effect on people.
Even if your jokes are from 1993.
I'm planning my next campaign. May I present you with a screenplay?
How did you get this? - From Isabelle.
Isabelle, that girl from your math class?
From that valentine? - No, Daddy's new girlfriend.
Daddy's new girlfriend? - Yes, I met her this weekend.
She is nice.
Translation: Marleen Kerssens-Gimpel Iyuno