[JAX STEWART] Previously
on Reasonable Doubt...
[BROOKE CROPPER] I know way more
about you and the sh*t that you've done.
My husband, Eric Cropper,
tried to f*cking k*ll me.
Do you know a Fabian Cruz?
Yeah, a former artist of mine.
And I knocked the g*n out of his hand.
I shot him.
Let's get him out of there fast
before he loses his f*cking mind.
It would've been an
honor to work with you,
but going against you is even better.
[JAX] Of course Desiree
Grant would be here.
She was a fan of Eric's
until she turned on him.
[KRYSTAL WALTERS] How'd it go with Eric?
[COREY CASH] That brother's dangerous.
Allen Russo,
the engineer-turned-musician
you signed to your label.
- He disappeared over a decade ago.
- Uh-uhh.
f*ck, last one?
[PHARMACIST] [ON PHONE]
You'll have to wait another two weeks
- before we can fill your prescription.
- Another two weeks?
[BROOKE] He's finally gonna get
what he deserves and so are you.
[ERIC CROPPER] Who the f*ck is that?
Okay, well, these are not
for fun, okay? He needs these.
But don't worry, I will
make sure that he gets them.
Police have released additional details
in the kidnapping of Brooke
Cropper, wife of CROP Records
and Aura streaming
founder, Eric Cropper.
Well, hello there.
Hey.
Investigators have now
named Devonte Reese,
a man with ties to CROP Records,
as a person of interest in this case,
and are seeking
information from the public
to help find him.
However, the high stakes in this case
have Cropper's counsel at
The Stewart Firm working hard
to prepare for the
highest-profile trial this year.
Now, we did reach out
to Deputy District Attorney
Regina Harris's office.
A representative
emailed us this statement.
"This office is committed
to protecting the safety
and the welfare of the
people of California."
["STICKY" BY TYLER, THE CREATOR PLAYING]
[INAUDIBLE]
Girl, this Eric sh*t is a mess.
You think he really had her snatched?
He don't seem like that kind of violent.
Not to me, but in the early
days of CROP Records,
Eric used to take meetings
and make me wait in a car.
Sometimes he would come
out all banged up and bloody,
but he always closed the deal.
For real?
Always.
Now I ain't saying Eric
did anything to Brooke,
but when Eric wants something,
you better give it to him, period.
And it's a damn shame
Brooke's too stupid to know that.
[SIGHS] But we all know the
copy ain't as sharp as the original.
[BOTH LAUGH]
- You get anything good?
- Girl, I got it all.
[MELINA CROPPER] [ON TAPE]
In the early days of CROP Records,
Eric used to take meetings
and make me wait in a car.
Sometimes he would come
out all banged up and bloody,
but he always closed the deal.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
♪ From La Brea to Slauson ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ The Sun, Central
Ave Jazz, it's all us ♪
♪ Where we at, hit the Maverick Flats ♪
♪ Lemeirt and right back to the ark ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ We coastin' on the west
between sets and wealth ♪
♪ We toast the sunset in the Dons ♪
♪ Take flight into the
night under Cali stars ♪
♪ In a world on wheels ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ It's the world we feel ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ From the Hills to Hollywood ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
♪ No doubt we all we got ♪
♪ Hold it down, Black and brown ♪
♪ In a city of dreams ♪
♪ It's all us ♪
[ERIC] Melina's loose
lips are sinking my ship.
This sh*t is everywhere,
and it's not good.
I pay you to keep the world
from echoing sh*t like Melina's lies.
No, you're paying me for legal services,
like getting people
around you to sign NDAs,
but I can't stop Melina from talking
about things that I don't know about.
Now, is there anything
else that she knows
that you haven't told me?
Brooke is f*cking somebody.
Can you confirm that?
I seen it with my own eyes.
- But you don't know who it is?
- No, I don't.
Eric, this could be
someone who's responsible
for kidnapping Brooke or even worse.
In on it... with her.
f*cking kidding me.
I should check the security footage.
You know what? Don't worry about it.
I'll get my investigator,
Daniel, to dig into it.
Anything else?
That seems like a pretty
big load to drop right there.
It is, but I had to ask you about it.
I can't defend you if I'm in the dark.
So, what else do I need to know?
Since when do you question me?
I've kept it real with you
since the day we met.
["SAVAGE" PLAYING]
♪ Whoo ♪
♪ Once she see the sauce ♪
♪ Now you know she gotta have it ♪
♪ Let 'em meet the boss ♪
♪ Put her hands on the package ♪
♪ I know what it costs
'cause I got a bad habit ♪
♪ Turning good girls
like you into a savage ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Turning good girls
like you into a savage ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ Turning good girls
like you into a savage ♪
[JAX] Oh, uh...
♪ I'ma real... trapper ♪
♪ Once I set the trap, I
be... something after ♪
♪ Pick a molly sweet, jewel's
will just run up out 'em faster ♪
♪ She was kinda needy,
now she almost a disaster ♪
♪ Oh, I'ma real... master ♪
♪ I took her to school and
now she taking up like NASA ♪
♪ You still waiting now... ♪
Hello. How can I help you?
I'm Jax Stewart. I'm
here with Binder Hurwitz.
Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, finally.
Told that idiot, Vincent,
to send me a Black lawyer,
not like the first three suits.
Uh, I thought we were having a meeting.
This, this, this looks like a party.
Well, yeah, it's a
album listening party.
And I need a lawyer that listens.
Right?
Come on. Follow me.
♪ I know what it costs
'cause I got a bad habit ♪
Now, I know you wanna take
CROP from an indie to a major,
and Binder Hurwitz
offers a range of services
that I personally believe would...
Yeah, yeah, look, look.
I got a problem, alright?
I let one of my studio
engineers named Allen Russo,
uh, ghostwrite on this
song you hearing right here.
- Uh-huh.
- But now he wants to go out
and make hits for other n*gg*s.
But I'm the one that found him
and let him work with me.
Okay, well, did you make him an offer
for him to be your exclusive songwriter?
Yeah, last month.
But him and his lawyers
dragging they feet.
- Mmm.
- And Eric Cropper don't beg nobody.
Alright? Russo needs to
accept my offer this week.
So, what else you got? Next pitch.
Okay. Um, well, I can review
his employment contract.
If he's using your resources
on company time for his own work,
then you may have a claim against it.
Though, it might be tough to prove.
I mean, maybe there's a
more creative solution...
What? You scared?
Look, if I need to
sue him into oblivion,
then I need a lawyer that
can help make that happen.
Alright? Someone who goes hard for me.
I ain't accepting nothing less.
Hey, hey, Tyger, ask Desiree
what she think about the record.
- It's amazing. It'll outsell "21".
- [LAUGHS]
- That's what I'm talking about. See?
- [TYGER CROPPER] Okay, okay.
That's why you the
best writer in the game.
Somebody get this woman
a drink and a Pulitzer.
[LAUGHTER]
Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Uh, Jax from Binder Hurwitz, right?
- Yes.
- Tyger Cropper.
Hopefully, my brother
is not driving you crazy.
I could never. Come on, man.
So, um, you gonna
hang a bit, church girl?
Chur... [CHUCKLES]
- Yeah.
- Good, I'll be right back.
[HIP-HOP SONG PLAYING]
So, Jax, you need to
solve this Russo sh*t
because Eric's getting
obsessive, you know? And...
he's about to dump your firm for good.
I don't know, I like
the white. Looks good.
[JAX] "Eric Cropper is many things:
"a mogul, a musical genius,
he's a devoted husband.
"Opinions, theories,
assumptions are simply guesses.
When you, the jury, s..."
Uh... No.
Um...
"You will see, as the jury..."
f*ck! sh*t, it's not working.
It's, it's not cohesive.
There's no clear theme.
[SLOW, DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
- [MOUTHS] No!
- [g*nsh*t ECHOES]
You're tired, let's just take a break.
[SIGHS] I can't, the
trial is in three hours,
and I have to rewrite this.
Can you just give me some space?
Yeah, of course.
[SIGHS]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hey, Jax, uh, I got a call
from a woman applying
to be the new office
manager. I got her résumé...
Okay, I can't... I cannot
focus on this right now, please.
g*dd*mn it, can I please
just have a minute alone?
Yeah. Uh, bye.
- [DOOR CLOSES]
- [SIGHS]
[TIRES SCREECHING]
[AMBIENT STREET NOISE]
What you think? Nice touch? Hmm?
Be better if it were real.
If I win, I'll accept Christ, Jehovah,
Allah, Buddha, all of 'em in my heart.
[GRUNTS]
You coming?
I just need to finish up an email.
Email.
Just one second.
[ERIC EXHALES]
What?
I know about the pills, Jax.
What pills?
The ones you asked Steve for
that you said were for
me, but they weren't.
They were for you.
And to think, just yesterday,
you were telling me
to be honest with you.
You ain't gotta lie to kick it, Jax.
All I need from you is to be your best
so that my a*s don't go to prison.
So, if that means you need pills
or whatever to be that,
then I'll be the devil you know.
It was just because
my prescription ran out,
and I'm still in pain,
and it's the only...
Jax, Jax, Jax, I don't
need the story, alright?
Save that brain energy for trial.
In the meantime, I'll make sure
my people get you whatever you need.
Discreetly, of course.
Trust me.
It's not the worst
they've been asked to do.
And, Jax, just don't ever ask my staff
to work for you, alright?
You come to me.
Don't worry, I'll talk to security
and make sure they get
you whatever you need.
[JAX] Hmm.
For your email.
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOOR OPENS]
- [EXHALES]
- [DOOR CLOSES]
[REGINA HARRIS] Like many of you,
my love for Eric Cropper's
music started early.
I'm sure we can all remember him
in the "I'm Nothing Without
Your Love" music video
singing in that silk shirt in the rain.
- [JURY CHUCKLES]
- I grew up on his music,
and I can still sing
along word for word,
even though I can't
remember the passwords
to half the apps in my phone.
[JURY CHUCKLES]
For many of us, Eric Cropper
is the voice of romance.
But you will see the
defendant's positive public image
is just as much an act
as him lip-syncing that
love song in the rain.
Our evidence will show
that Brooke Cropper,
the victim of these brutal crimes,
just wanted a divorce
and to leave her marriage
with a portion of their fortune
that she so rightfully earned.
We will show you the mountain
of evidence that we have
to prove that the defendant
callously organized
the abduction and attempted m*rder
of his wife to punish her.
The hardest part of your job
will be remembering that
two things can be true.
A man can be brilliant and brutal,
charming and violent,
talented and guilty.
And we are confident that
the state of California will prove
beyond a reasonable doubt
that he is guilty of the kidnapping
and attempted m*rder of
his wife, Brooke Cropper,
and the m*rder of Fabian Cruz.
Thank you.
[UPBEAT, TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Ladies and gentlemen, the state
and I disagree on many things.
But one issue that's not in dispute
is that my client, Eric Cropper,
is an icon of American music,
but he's also a man.
A man whose public image doesn't reflect
every single one of his
mistakes, just like you and me.
But our evidence will
show that those mistakes
do not include the kidnapping
and attempted m*rder
of his beloved wife, Brooke.
The state is right,
two things can be true.
Eric Cropper is a household name
who's built a business
celebrating love in this world,
but he also hasn't always shown love
to the people in his life.
You'll hear from the state's
witnesses, most of whom are
former employees, or
rivals, sexual partners,
that Mr. Cropper didn't
always share his wealth.
Or that he was unfaithful... arrogant,
or a, a ruthless businessman.
But thankfully, most of
these things aren't crimes,
or else most of us would be behind bars
based on how hard we work
or for what we say about
other drivers on the
We're not hiding from who Eric
Cropper was or is as a person,
but the state's burden is to
prove, through their evidence,
that my client
masterminded the kidnapping
and attempted m*rder
of his beloved wife.
You'll see the state's evidence
is circumstantial at best.
By contrast, our evidence will show
that Eric Cropper did not
commit conspiracy to kidnap,
attempted m*rder, and m*rder.
The state's task is to prove his guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt.
And by the end of this
trial, we are confident
that that is exactly what you'll have,
reasonable doubt.
- I just felt it!
- What?
- [JAX] You know?
- You went off the dome with it?
- Of the dome, baby! [LAUGHS]
- Damn, let's go, let's go.
And as a matter of fact,
I think I'm gonna stop
by Eric's just to make sure
that he is ready for this first witness
because I can't waste this momentum.
Well, Jax, you always say
trials are marathons, not sprints.
- You need some rest.
- [JAX] Uh-huh.
Oh, I agree, I almost lost you.
And you have to take care of yourself.
Thank you, Mom, and Dad.
[LAUGHS] But I got it.
I mean, look, y'all gotta keep in mind
that I have cheated
death twice now, okay?
So, trust me, I am not
trying to make it a third time.
I know my limits. When
I need to stop, I will.
Hmm?
What? I will.
- I will. I will.
- [LEWIS STEWART] Oh, you will?
- Come here. You know I will.
- Come here. Hmm.
Oh, will... Oh, will... Oh, will you?
- I will.
- Oh, you will?
- [JAX] You know I will.
- Mm-hmm.
[JAX CHUCKLING]
- [LIPS SMACK]
- [JAX/LEWIS LAUGHING]
Eric, Binder Hurwitz also offers
- various strategies that...
- [PARTY GUEST] Yo.
This record is beyond amazing.
You are a legend.
People gonna talk about
you long after we gone.
And we are so grateful
to you for giving us a chance.
Thanks, Devonte, Fabian.
You know Dark and Stormy
always has a home at CROP Records.
- [HIP-HOP SONG PLAYING]
- Hey, Jax.
Come meet my best
songwriter, Allen Russo.
- [LAUGHTER]
- [GUESTS CHATTERING]
- Yo, yo.
- [ALLEN RUSSO] Oh, hey!
Thank you for the invite, Mr. Cropper.
Sit down, Allen, what'd I tell you?
My friends call me Eric.
I've never been to a party like this
or seen a house this, uh, big
[CHUCKLES] before Mr., um... Eric.
Look, you can have
a house like this, too,
if you sign with me.
I'm still thinking that
over with my wife.
It's all good. You're just
an incredible talent, man.
And when I see talent, I gotta have it.
I wanna hear the songs
that you do late night at CROP.
Mmm. Nah, I keep CROP business
- at-at CROP.
- [ERIC] Hmm.
But, uh, I am performing
some original songs
at, um, Hotel Cafe next weekend.
But, so you sing and write music?
[CHUCKLES] I'm, uh, I'm nothing special.
I, uh, only wish that one day
I could be something
like Mr... Eric here.
[LAUGHS] Okay.
Me and Allen are gonna grab some drinks.
Jax, what do you want?
Um, just a Diet Coke
with a, a splash a rum.
With just a splash.
- Okay. Gotcha. Allen, let's roll.
- [HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING]
Just a splash?
No wonder you don't get me.
Just because I don't like to drink
when I'm talking business
doesn't mean I'm bad at my job.
Talking business and taking
shots is the job, home girl.
Come on, come meet my wife.
Babe, this is Jax Stewart.
She's a junior associate
over at Binder and Hurwitz.
Another one?
Just move over to
Gordon and Lear already.
- [ERIC] Brooke.
- Thank you.
Where's my snack?
[CHUCKLES] I'm sorry, I didn't...
She's my assistant, not yours.
For now.
[HIP-HOP SONG PLAYING]
["REGULAR" PLAYING]
So, Jax, you don't seem to
be fazed by any of this sh*t.
Did you, uh, work much
around entertainment?
Um, no, not a lot, but I'm from here.
So, unlike Russo
and a lot of these other
people at this party, I mean,
I didn't come off the Greyhound
clutching onto my hopes and dreams
and wait for somebody to
make me a star, you know?
- Yeah.
- So, I mean, can I hate? Yes.
Do I need to? No.
I see. So, what does
Mrs. Associate do for fun?
I mean, regular sh*t.
I chill with my husband, my kids,
you know, my girls from high school
on the other side of
town, South of the 10.
Sounds boring.
[CHUCKLES] Okay, you around
here surrounded by booze and t*tties,
and yet, you over here talking to me,
so you can't be that fulfilled.
Okay... I like you.
- [JAX CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
- You got ba*ls.
How'd you get so bold, South LA?
End of the day, I guess
I'm just a n*gga in a skirt.
Oh, sh*t. [LAUGHS]
Ni... What?
Hey, what'd I miss? What'd I miss?
Something in a skirt,
that-that's all I'ma say.
[LAUGHTER]
Well, Jax Stewart
gave a hell of an opener.
She definitely lives up to the hype.
Tune all of that out. The
jury is your only concern.
Make them believe that Cropper
is capable of these crimes.
- It's just that simple, huh?
- Yeah.
It's simple. I mean, not easy.
But I think it'll be easier for you.
You have an amazing ability
to make cases clear
to the everyday person.
Being relatable is your superpower.
So, don't get caught up in Jax's game.
You're in your own league, okay?
Okay.
I appreciate that, Mike.
Your wife is a very lucky lady
to have someone like
you to come home to.
[DINERS CHATTERING]
My wife and I divorced last year.
I only wear the ring so I don't
have to talk about it at the office.
Oh.
Well, what about you? Married? Kids?
Um...
No kids, no man, and
no time for anything
'cause this job takes up all my time
and it is so stressful.
I hear you, sometimes you just need a...
- I don't know, a drink.
- A release?
[LAUGHS]
Wait.
You said a release.
Right.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
[BOTH CHUCKLING, PANTING]
[DOROTHY] Regina.
Regina!
- [REGINA] Mm.
- You have a roommate?
Um, yeah, my mom's
staying with me for a-a bit.
She's not well, but it's all good.
- [DOROTHY] Regina! You hear me, girl?
- [REGINA] Mm.
Ugh.
[MIKE SIGHS]
[REGINA SIGHS]
[WHISPERING] Yeah,
okay, you should probably,
you should probably go.
[WHISPERING] Yeah,
yeah. Yeah. Okay. Um...
Well... Um, uh... I had a good time.
Me too.
- Um...
- [REGINA SIGHS]
[KEYS JANGLING]
- [CHUCKLES] Thank you.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- [MIKE CLEARS THROAT]
- [SIGHS DEEPLY]
- [KNOCKS ON DOOR]
Listen, I know you're mad at me,
but I didn't know Eve was
gonna be talking to that
grimy a*s reporter.
What'd I tell you about making friends
with random a*s hoes?
People stay using you to get to me.
I got my own friends.
Everything is not about you.
I know that's a tricky
concept for you to understand.
I thought you came to apologize.
I did, until you started
acting like an as*h*le.
I get to be an as*h*le, Melina.
I'm fighting for my f*cking life.
You need to make it
up to me on the stand.
Fix sh*t under oath.
I'll try my best, but I'm
not gonna lie in court.
That's a crime.
Your Build-a-b*tch body is a lie.
I don't see you losing sleep over that.
Getting lashes and Botox
is not the same as committing perjury.
Alright, hold, hold
on, hold on, hold on...
Melina, you know me.
You have to know I didn't do this.
You believe me, right?
[LIGHT, TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
You're the only one I can count on.
[SIGHS]
The only one I ever could.
So save me on that stand.
If you knew this is how
things would turn out
with you and Brooke,
would you still have left me?
[ERIC CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
You want me to be honest?
I'd rather you make me feel better.
I'm a married man.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Like that's ever stopped you.
[ERIC AND MELINA CHUCKLE]
[ERIC] And yet, after all these years,
there's nothing more sexier
than watching you come on my d*ck.
[MELINA] Mm.
[ERIC] Except...
watching you not get what you want.
You're a f*cking sadist.
Like that ever stopped you.
[SENSUAL MUSIC PLAYING]
[BROOKE] No, I don't wanna
watch, thank you for asking.
[ERIC] I like a woman
that asks for what she wants
and then just f*cking takes it.
Believe me, I could take
anything you give me.
So, you finally gonna give
me that snack I wanted?
Want? I'll give you everything you need
and all the things you didn't
even know you could have.
Are y'all role-playing or something?
Sure.
Babe, how about you, um, step back
and watch for a minute?
Crawl for me.
Yeah, let me see it.
- [BROOKE] Do you like that?
- [ERIC] Just like that.
Mm-hmm.
Don't worry, you up next, Melina.
- [ERIC AND BROOKE MOANING]
- f*ck. You want this f*ck' body?
- [BROOKE CHUCKLES, MOANS]
- This is f*ck' crazy.
["BROKEN HEARTED GIRL" BY TEYANA
TAYLOR FT. FABOLOUS PLAYING]
- Ooh, sh*t.
- [HEAVY BREATHING]
Yeah?
Oh, sh*t.
[BROOKE] Just like
that, Eric. Just like that.
[ERIC] [MOANS DEEPLY] sh*t.
Eric, what the f*ck is going on?
Have y'all been f*cking behind my back?
[ERIC] No, babe, this
is, uh, this is the first time.
Certainly won't be the last.
- You're alright, Brooke.
- [BROOKE CHUCKLES]
[DOOR SLAMS]
♪ 'Cause I ain't got
nothing to do with that ♪
♪ Do with that, do with that... ♪
I knew you was a nosy a*s b*tch
when I first met you,
but go on in, he'll
probably f*ck you too.
I only want him as a client, that's all.
[SCOFFS] Just give it some time.
[DOG BARKING]
Hey, Lu, brought back your baking dish.
Oh! See, that's why I love you.
Anytime I ask Jacqueline,
it takes her weeks.
[LEWIS LAUGHS]
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Alright, well, you have a
great day. I'm off to work.
Um... did you notice Jacqueline
acting strange the other night?
- Strange?
- Hmm.
You mean, like, because she was excited
about her opening statement?
No, it was something different.
I mean, she kept sitting
down and bouncing back up.
Have you... kept track
of how many pills she takes every day?
What? Why would I do that?
I lived with an addict for years.
Okay, she's not an addict.
I mean, she takes it seriously,
especially because of Eddie.
It took some convincing for her
to even take them to begin with.
Hmm. Well, I know firsthand
how you can start off taking the drugs
and then the drugs end up taking you.
That girl's got her daddy's blood
and I'm worried,
and you should be too.
[PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING]
The people call...
[DET. ANNIE ZHANG]
Detective Annie Zhang.
[DR. KENNETH LAWRENCE]
Dr. Kenneth Lawrence,
Chief Medical Examiner
for Los Angeles County.
[DET. ZHANG] I'm an LAPD detective
in the Robbery-Homicide Division.
How did you get involved in the case?
LAPD responded to the defendant's call
from the Cropper home
about a kidnapping.
I am now showing you
the People's Exhibit 1.
Do you recognize it?
Yes, this is the footage
outside the Cropper
home during the kidnapping.
We think the kidnappers were there
because they knew Mrs. Cropper
would be leaving that night,
which was our first clue
that this was an inside job.
Did you find any other evidence
at the Croppers' home?
The day after the kidnapping,
the kidnapper sent a
fingernail to the defendant.
[DR. LAWRENCE] A DNA
test of the blood and skin on it
confirmed it was Mrs. Cropper's.
Now, can you determine if someone other
than Mrs. Cropper
removed her fingernail?
That would be very difficult to do.
Difficult, but it's not
impossible, correct?
Correct.
Three days later, after the victim
came to the police station,
she gave us a general
description of where she was held,
which we later determined
was an abandoned warehouse
in San Pedro.
At the warehouse, we found a chair
with torn duct tape still stuck to it
with hair matching
Mrs. Cropper's profile.
Blood on the floor, bloody
bandages, and pliers.
Based on the traces of Mrs.
Cropper's blood on them,
we believe the kidnappers
used it to denail her.
Fingerprints on them match Fabian Cruz.
His and Devonte Reese's prints
were found in the warehouse.
We believe they're
responsible for her kidnapping.
Reese and Cruz were an R&B duo
called Dark and Stormy
that was signed to CROP Records,
which is owned by the defendant.
I am now showing you
what has been marked
as the People's Exhibit 11.
Will you please identify it?
[DET. ZHANG] That is
the phone record for the line
in the defendant's
office at CROP Records.
Those three phone calls
were to Devonte Reese
and the other three to Fabian Cruz.
The most recent were on
the day of the kidnapping.
Did you find any other evidence
at the scene of the crime?
[DET. ZHANG] We found
Cruz's body consistent
with Mrs. Cropper's
account that she broke free,
got their g*n, and shot Cruz to escape.
The g*n is registered to the defendant,
but he didn't report it stolen.
The autopsy revealed
that the b*llet entered
Mr. Cruz's chest.
When the b*llet
penetrated the aortic arch,
it caused a hemothorax,
a fatal bleed in the chest.
Death occurred in minutes.
[CLEARS THROAT] Detective,
you said that you believe
the kidnappers knew
when the victim was leaving,
but based on the
security camera footage,
the kidnappers' van
sat in the street for hours
before the kidnappers
took the victim, correct?
Yes.
As if they had no idea when
the victim would appear,
or if she would even appear at all.
But if Mr. Cropper told the kidnappers
when the victim was leaving,
then, surely, he could have told them
the exact time in advance, correct?
Yes.
[JAX] Now, when you
searched CROP Records,
you found Mr. Cropper's office
was unlocked during business hours.
So, that means that
anyone could have walked into his office
and used his phone to
make calls from his landline.
Possibly.
Detective, what time did
Mr. Cropper get home?
Approximately 30 minutes
prior to the incident.
So, if the van was
parked out on the street
for hours, as you testified,
that would mean that Mr. Cropper
would have to pass
the van on his way in.
However, a man of
his stature called no one
about a suspicious vehicle
parked outside of his house?
Huh, maybe because
it wasn't so suspicious.
Objection.
Withdrawn. Nothing further.
- [INTENSE, UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
- [SIGHS]
Okay.
[CHUCKLES] She out here trying to spin
soft circumstantial
evidence into hard clay.
Well, that don't sound good to me.
You figure out who Brooke's f*cking yet?
Well, I, uh, reviewed
your security footage,
but I couldn't make out any faces
or any kind of identifying details...
So, no, you ain't got sh*t?
- W...
- Is this your best man right here?
'Cause he's not exactly
inspiring confidence.
Okay, Eric, stop,
we'll find Brooke's man
and Devonte Reese.
You just stay out of trouble.
Right, well, why don't
you ride back with me
and make sure I stay out of trouble?
You can check your... emails.
[SOFT, DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
I'm trying hard to like that dude.
I'm not even trying.
[SIGHS]
[DEEP BREATH]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
I can't believe I'm doing this sh*t.
[JAX] You ready to watch Paradise?
Yeah, yeah, I'll be right out.
[SIGHS]
[PILLS RATTLE]
[EXHALES]
It is day three of
the Eric Cropper trial
where Cropper's first
wife, Melina Cropper,
will be taking the stand.
Mrs. Cropper and
Mr. Cropper have allegedly
had an amicable relationship
in the years since their divorce,
but we will all be curious to see
how that translates to the public,
and more importantly, the jurors.
Mrs. Cropper, you married the defendant
before his commercial
success, is that correct?
Yes, we actually married for love.
I don't recommend it.
[REGINA] Are you familiar
with the defendant's music?
I probably know his
songs better than he does.
We sold 500 copies of
his first EP out of my trunk.
And when we sold them,
Eric bought me my
dream car to celebrate.
He always wanted my
opinion on his music,
like his personal focus group.
Whatever problems I
had with Eric the man,
Eric the artist always amazed me.
And even after our
divorce, he would still
have me listen to his
music before he released it.
So, it sounds like you both had
a relationship built on mutual respect.
Why get a divorce?
Love fades, respect stays.
The defendant said that
his music is often inspired
by real-life experiences.
Has he written any songs about you?
Yeah, some of his biggest hits.
[REGINA] Hmm.
This is the People's Exhibit 16.
Do you recognize this?
The lyrics to "Broke, bitter b*tch,"
an unreleased song that Eric wrote
after he filed for our divorce about me.
[REGINA] And why was it not released?
The label was worried it would turn off
his hardcore R&B fans.
Uh, let's see, would you mind
reading the highlighted portion?
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
"Broke bitter b*tch,
back to life on the street.
"Broke bitter b*tch
back to sucking that D.
"Broke bitter b*tch,
back to f*cking for free.
f*ck that broke bitter b*tch,
won't get a dime outta me."
[REGINA] Mmm. Yeah, that is definitely
not getting me in the mood.
Can we please play People's Exhibit 17?
Can you please identify it?
[ERIC] [ON RECORDING] You must've
forgot who the f*ck you dealing with,
and how I handle
motherfuckas who get in my way.
You want half my stack, you broke b*tch?
I'll k*ll you before you see
a dime of my motherfuckin' money.
When Eric left me this voicemail,
he was mad that I was trying to get...
Mad enough to keep good
on his promise to k*ll you?
- What?
- Objection, calls for speculation.
She can't testify to what
the imaginary actions
of my client based on his creativity.
Your Honor, I am asking for her opinion
on evidence submitted before the court,
not as a fan, but as a former spouse
of over 20 years.
Overruled, the witness may answer.
[MELINA] I... [SIGHS]
I think Eric is someone
who keeps his word.
Nothing further.
[MOUTHS] What the f*ck are you doing?
Well, [SIGHS] I think
we can all agree that, um,
that voicemail was awful.
Divorce can be painful...
but did he k*ll you?
- No.
- Right.
He was mad, but you're, you're alive.
And despite the
voicemail and the lyrics,
Mr. Cropper provided for you financially
during the divorce settlement, right?
Yes, the settlement was generous
even though Eric dragged
our divorce out three years
and took my dream car with him.
[JAX] Okay, but your relationship
with Mr. Cropper today is good, correct?
[MELINA] No.
You see, the thing is,
when Eric wanted a divorce,
I took the minimum allowed to me by law
so Eric was happy.
The difference here is,
Brooke wanted to leave
first, and Brooke got greedy.
She wanted a piece of Aura,
a company she helped start,
but it had Eric's name all over it.
And anyone who knows Eric
knows that Brooke's fate
probably wasn't gonna be good.
You never know what
a person is capable of
until you do.
What the f*ck? I thought
you said we was good.
How the f*ck you gonna get up there
- and pull that bullshit...
- And tell the truth?
I told you I wasn't gonna lie for you
when all you've done these
past years is degrade me.
Oh, is that it? Okay.
We gonna see how you feel
when I cut your a*s off.
[CHUCKLES] Nice try.
You gotta pay me alimony
for the rest of my life,
even from San Quentin.
But don't worry, I'll put
money on your books.
Who's the broke b*tch now?
Broke b*tch?
- Oh, I'll show you a broke b*tch.
- Don't do it, bruh. Don't do it.
No, f*ck that. You not
getting a m*therf*cking dime.
You watch, keep playing
with me. f*ck, okay.
- Alright, alright.
- Uh-uh, uh-uh. Give me that.
You do not need to be calling
anybody while you are upset.
Didn't you learn anything in that
courtroom with that voice note?
Go home, okay?
Relax. Just take a breath.
Even though Melina's
testimony didn't go as planned,
she came off as a scorned ex.
- We can spin that...
- Jax, thank you.
Alright? How about you go home
and do what you need
to do to be better...
Hey, hey, hey, hey, n*gga. Hey!
You know what?
I'ma go get my d*ck sucked,
and try forgetting that
I married not just one,
but two trifilin' a*s b*tches!
f*cking kidding me?
I can't believe that this
n*gga talked to you like that.
Look, he's not mad at me,
he's mad at himself, okay?
I told you, Corey, none
of this sh*t is personal.
[SLOW, TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
- [ENGINE STARTS]
- [SIGHS]
[LEWIS] How was court?
Not great, but [SIGHS] it's whatever.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I've just been
exhausted from this case.
You know, I haven't
been getting any sleep.
You alright?
Yeah.
N-No.
We promised each other
that we wouldn't keep secrets
between us in our marriage,
no matter how hard the conversation
or small the action.
Okay.
You're scaring me, Lewis.
Your mom told me that
she's worried about you.
[LAUGHS]
Okay, my mom has been worried about me
since the day I was born.
No, she's worried that
you have a problem.
A drug problem.
Wait, what?
She asked me to count your pills.
Are you f*cking serious? Wh...
Why would she even...
Wh-What are you talking about, Lewis?
Jax, I didn't tell you
this to make you mad.
I told you this because I
don't wanna keep secrets.
- Did you?
- Did I what?
- Did you count the pills?
- No.
And what the... Why d...
What does that have to do with
anything? Why does it matter?
It matters because it tells me
if you believe her or if you trust me.
Well, Jax, that's exactly
why I'm asking you now.
You actually didn't ask me anything!
You know what? Fine.
You're right. I don't
have to ask you anything.
I don't gotta count your pills,
I just wanted you to know.
[JAX SCOFFS]
- [LEWIS SIGHS]
- [JAX SIGHS]
Okay...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for getting mad at you, okay?
I just... I... I cannot believe
that she would even
do something like this.
Jax, you can't be mad at her.
She was really coming from a good place.
Okay.
You know what, baby? Thank you.
Thank you for being
honest with me, okay?
I appreciate it.
[EXHALES]
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, so you talking sh*t
about me to my husband?
Is that what we doing?
Well, I'm sorry, I... I... I
must be having a dream
'cause who are you talking to?
I'm talking to you, Mother.
Because you told my husband
that I was a drug addict
- because...
- Yes.
Wow. Wow.
Mom, you know what? I am not Dad, okay?
I did not stick a needle in my arm
after a few late nights
with a bunch of raggedy a*s n*gg*s
from the juke joint.
I got shot twice,
and that sh*t f*cking hurts!
It's a kind of pain that
makes you wanna see God.
And you know what? While
I am happy that I'm alive,
I'm still in pain, which I am managing!
So, the last thing I
need is to manage you
and your paranoid delusions
about who I am and
what you think I'm doing.
I knew it.
I'm looking into your eyes
and you look just like your father,
and I'm not talking
genetics, I'm talking addiction.
Because the audacity
you have to come here
and talk to me like that
is deflection at its finest.
You're not mad at
me for talking to Lewis.
You're mad at me for
revealing your little secret.
But you see, I'm not your husband.
So, a few little kisses
and some back rubs
ain't gonna make me forget something
that I can see with my eyes.
Been there, done that, baby girl.
So, you're not gonna apologize?
I'm only sorry I didn't
say anything sooner.
So, what's the next step?
Clearly, you can't continue the trial
- or these lies, baby girl.
- You know what, Ma?
[VOICE BREAKING] I have
been dealing with your sh*t,
with-with-with your guilt,
with your men for my entire life.
And you know what? I am tired of it.
So, you know what the next step is?
You have finally meddled yourself
out of a relationship
with your only child!
So, you stay the f*ck out of my life!
No! Jacqueline!
[SOBBING]
[LAWYER] I was surprised you called.
Mr. Russo hasn't yet
made a decision on the offer.
That's fine, because that
offer's no longer on the table.
Allen, Jax here has helped me see you
as both a singer and a songwriter.
So, CROP Records is offering you
a seven-album record deal.
[JAX] With very generous terms.
And during the course of the agreement,
Mr. Russo will provide exclusive
songwriting services to Mr. Cropper.
Aside from writing his
own albums, of course.
Allen, look at me.
I wanna make you a f*cking star.
- [ALLEN EXHALES]
- [JAX AND ERIC CHUCKLE]
I gotta tell Abby [LAUGHS]
and my-my daughter, Tina.
Oh, my God! Oh, my!
Allen, wait, wait.
This contract says he'll provide
exclusive songwriting services,
but there is no time limit
or obligation on CROP
to put out his records.
But he'll have a chance
to record seven albums.
He can even record them at Cropland.
If you think you're
gonna find a better deal
somewhere else, you won't.
Allen, look, think about
Abby and Tina, right?
You can take care of them in a way
that being an engineer can't.
Allen, I strongly encourage
you to think about this
and not rush to sign anything.
[PEN SCRIBBLING]
- Perfect.
- [ERIC LAUGHS]
Stacy, we can have copies
made and sent over to your office.
- Congratulations.
- [ALLEN LAUGHS]
CROP Records is now in
the Allen Russo business.
Give me a hug, man, bring it in.
[ALLEN AND ERIC LAUGH]
Listen, I don't do this all the time.
Make a couple whiskeys
for the both of us, alright?
And then we can talk about them
new songs you've been writing.
Maybe you've been writing
some new songs for me.
Yeah? [LAUGHS]
My n*gga in a skirt,
you handling all my
business from now on.
[JAX LAUGHS]
[STACY] You proud of yourself?
What you did to that man.
What did I do to him?
Help make his dreams come true?
You know Eric's never
gonna put out any records.
Okay, first of all, I'm
not a fortune teller,
so I have no idea
what Eric's going to do,
but what I do know
is that I've represented my client well.
And after all, isn't
that our ethical duty?
You think that was ethical?
You helped crush a man just because.
Those your values?
Look, I know who I am,
and no one will ever
make me question that.
And I also know that
the longer he is with me,
the smarter he will get
and the better he will be.
Wow. See, I thought
you were just cynical.
But now I see that you are delusional.
You think you can change him?
You can't make him better,
but he will absolutely make you worse.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
[INAUDIBLE]
["NEW PERSON, SAME OLD
MISTAKES" BY TAME IMPALA PLAYING]
[WATER RUNNING]
- [GROANS]
- ♪ I can just hear them now ♪
♪ "How could you let us down?" ♪
♪ But they don't know what I found ♪
♪ Or see it from this way around ♪
♪ Goin' with what I always longed for ♪
- ♪ Feel like a brand-new person ♪
- [GASPING]
- ♪ So, how will I know that it's right? ♪
- [PANTING]
Hey, how was your bath?
You were in there for a while.
[SIGHS] Good.
It's much needed.
[LEWIS] Hmm.
[JAX] Mm.
Mm, and I hope you
get some rest tonight.
[JAX SIGHS]
Yeah.
Me too.
[SONG FADES OUT]
- [INDISTINCT CHATTER]
- [ELEVATOR BELL DINGS]
[JAX] [SIGHS] Okay.
Wait, I don't have my
purse. Did I hand it to you?
Uh, no, I... I don't have it.
Oh, damn it. I only grabbed my work bag.
- I must've left it at the office.
- Oh, it'll be safe.
You know Shemari
don't play about security.
[GROANS] Well, it's not that.
- My notes are in there.
- Oh.
So, I'm gonna need you to go pick it up.
Wait, now?
Ja... Jax, that's on the
other side of town, and...
Oh, wait, plus you're not even
cross-examining the
witness today, Corey is.
Okay, if I tell you to
do something, you do it.
I don't need backtalk.
Backtalk? You're not my mother.
Right, I'm your boss
and I need my purse before court starts.
Now, do I need to repeat myself
or do I need to find your replacement?
[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]
Krystal, that was not okay.
I have to go.
In 2025, Mr. Cropper hired
you as an A&R executive.
Did you have any previous experience?
[QUINCY] No, I did not.
Do you have a criminal record?
Yes, before I started at CROP,
I did four years at Folsom for
as*ault with a deadly weapon.
And who was the victim of that attack?
Slick. I mean, Raymond Green.
[REGINA] Is it true that Mr. Cropper
hired you to beat up Mr. Green
and take the fall because
he broke his contract
- with Mr. Cropper?
- Objection, leading the witness.
[JUDGE GREGORY] Sustained.
Nothing further.
Has Mr. Cropper ever
asked you to break the law?
No. Eric is a stand-up dude.
[COREY] So, you previously testified
that you have no A&R
experience, but you are a musician.
- Is that correct?
- [DIALOGUE FADES OUT]
["T-SHIRT" BY MIGOS PLAYING]
♪ TrenchWerk ♪
- ♪ Aye ♪
- ♪ Mama told me, aye ♪
- ♪ Not to sell work ♪
- ♪ Mama ♪
♪ Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ♪
- ♪ White ♪
- ♪ Mama told me, aye ♪
- ♪ Not to sell work ♪
- ♪ Mama ♪
♪ Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ♪
- ♪ Yeah ♪
- ♪ Young n*gga poppin' ♪
♪ With a pocket full of cottage, aye ♪
♪ Whoa, kemosabe, chopper
aimin' at your noggin, aye ♪
♪ Had to cop the Audi,
then the top I had to chop it ♪
- ♪ Skrrt, skrrt ♪
- ♪ n*gg*s pocket watchin' ♪
♪ So I gotta keep the rocket ♪
- ♪ Brah! ♪
- ♪ Neck water faucet ♪
- ♪ Water ♪
- ♪ Mocking birds mocking ♪
- ♪ Woo ♪
- ♪ Act' pint, stock it ♪
[COREY] No further
questions, Your Honor.
- ♪ Nats ♪
- ♪ Wrist on hockey ♪
- ♪ Hockey ♪
- ♪ Wrist on Rocky ♪
See how smooth I was with that?
Yeah. You did that, Cash.
They don't call you Corey
"The Closer" Cash for nothing.
[JUDGE GREGORY] The court
will now take a 10-minute recess.
[GAVEL POUNDS]
Oh, hey, Jax, sorry.
The 10 was completely backed up...
You're welcome!
- ♪ n*gg*s get to droppin' ♪
- Excuse me.
- ♪ When that Draco get to poppin' ♪
- ♪ Frr ♪
♪ All I want is cottage,
roll a cigar full of broccoli ♪
- ♪ Cookie ♪
- ♪ No check, want all cash, n*gga ♪
- ♪ I don't do deposits ♪
- ♪ Uh-uh ♪
♪ b*tches cross the border,
n*gga, b*tches from the tropics ♪
♪ I'ma get that bag,
n*gga, ain't no... ♪
[JAX] Only two left?
♪ I'ma feed my family, n*gga ♪
- ♪ Ain't no way around it ♪
- ♪ Family ♪
♪ Ain't gon' never let up, n*gga ♪
- ♪ God said show my talent ♪
- [GASPING]
- f*ck.
- ♪ Young n*gga with the Anna ♪
- ♪ Walkin' with the hammer ♪
- ♪ Grrah ♪
sh*t, no!
No! [GASPS]
Oh, God. f*ck, f*ck.
[PANTING] Oh, no.
Okay, okay.
♪ n*gg*s pocket watchin', so
I gotta keep the rocket, aye ♪
♪ Mama told me,
aye, not to sell work... ♪
Yo, Jax, just heard from
my contact with the LAPD
that Devonte Reese
will be arrested soon.
- ♪ Not to sell work ♪
- ♪ Mama ♪
♪ Seventeen five, same color T-shirt ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
[SINGER VOCALIZING]
♪ Mama told me ♪
Devonte Reese, you're under arrest
for the kidnapping and attempted
m*rder of Brooke Cropper
and for the m*rder of Fabian Cruz.
You have the right to
remain silent, anything...
Wait, wait, please!
I wanna make a deal.
[SONG FADES OUT]
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