😭I mentioned this months ago.
I thought it would have made sense for Leslie to use her connection to Marcel to either taint evidence, essentially, the helmet, or prove that other sets of fingerprints have touch the helmet besides Leslie (Eva's prints have got to be on there, Kat may have worn gloves when she handled the helmet but I don't remember) thus muddying the chain of evidence and creating "Reasonable Doubt". I also mentioned months ago that when Leslie is arrested, that would have been a good time for BTG to bring back Mike Davis, because he's the only lawyer that Eva could find to represent Leslie. Of course, the show makes up this silly malpractice lawsuit against Madison to bring back Mike Davis (they listen but they don't listen 😩🙄) because the show needs a good ole fashion soap opera style court case with a jury and members of the community and county in the court room gallery. I also mentioned that during this time, Leslie should spend some time behind bars in prison and maybe run into Allison but I remember a few folks poo-pooed that idea🤷🏾♀️but I think those scenes could be interesting. It's not a problem for Mike to show up again and Bill will roll his eyes and say "I really should have had that guy disbarred when I had the chance" as he watches Mike deliver his opening statement from the gallery. Procter & Gamble soaps had some fantastic court cases, I always loved seeing character's reactions to testimony revelations and when the judge admonishes a witness (I could imagine that happening to Kat when she tries to add in extra commentary during her testimony😂), even a bit of a reversal when on the stand, when Ted (who the defense has called as a character witness) has to admit under cross-examination the number of times Leslie has crossed the line, including the time where he wound up in bed with her and Ted reluctantly admits that he did not give consent, causing gasps from the gallery. That would be the perfect time for Leslie to urge her lawyer to put her on the stand when her lawyer Mike has been explicitly trying to avoid this but with Ted's revelations they may have no choice. Leslie, under oath is forced to admit that she and Ted never slept together that night in his hotel room because he was passed out cold. More gasps from the gallery and the camera closes in on the Duprees reactions, Nicole's face and Anita's face as she looks at Nicole's reaction with concern. When they get to the issue of the helmet, Leslie, Eva and at least another set of unidentifiable prints are on the helmet which builds Mike's case for reasonable doubt. We can see Kat's face, searching her mind to try to remember whether she wore gloves when she handled the helmet (a well placed flashback would go there).
Are the fingerprints hers? Are they Marcel's? Or someone who Marcel found to taint the evidence?
Ultimately, the jury finds Leslie "Not Guilty". Once the judge bangs her gavel after the verdict, the Duprees look around to see that Laura has disappeared. Kat and Naomi offer to try to find her.
News gets around that Leslie was found "Not Guilty". The reactions are mixed. Vanessa shakes her head in disbelief and is irritated to see that Joey only chuckles in response. Joey mentions something about Vanessa being naive about the way the wheels of "justice" and how it actually works. Mona and Jan are outside of the courthouse. Mona, in particular is angry, Jan questions whether Leslie actually could have done it and points out that she was found innocent. "Not guilty...it's a big difference", Mona corrects her.
Later, Leslie is scene with Mike and Eva at the country club. Leslie orders a bottle of their best champagne. Eva squirms under the stares and glares of the other patrons.
At the Dupree mansion, commiserations all around as Nicole is on her phone and declares that there is still no word from Laura. Anita, backed by Vernon, reminds everyone that Laura is one of the most conscientious people she knows and won't do anything rash.
Kat and Naomi are at Uptown when Laura walks in. They have been looking all over town for her and are ready to console her when Laura says she went back to the courthouse but everyone had already left, she's also been looking for Naomi and wants to discuss something with her and she thinks it needs to happen fast.
Later-
At the Dupree mansion, Nicole informs everyone that Naomi texted her to let her know that they found Laura and are discussing something, and Kat's on her way.
Caroline enters Bill's office and says "he insists on seeing you", Bill groans and says "show him in". Mike, gloating says "what a great day to be in the legal profession" to which Bill responds "I should have had you disbarred when I had the chance". Mike replies "It's not to late". Bill: "too late to do what?" Mike: "bring me back to the firm". Bill is slack-jawed. Mike: "my answering service is overflowing with clients who want to hire me...more clients for me, would be more clients for this firm...think about it" and Mike leaves. Bill heaves a deep heavy sigh.
Naomi and Laura are outside of Uptown. Naomi is on her phone. Naomi: "Can we have that done today?" she looks at the expectant face of Laura and nods. Laura breathes a sigh of relief.
Ted sits in an office. Ted: "I can't believe I'm sitting here in a therapist's office. And it's not my ex-wife's". Therapist (a Napiera Groves type) "well, I am glad that you have entrusted me to guide you on this journey. Shall we begin?" Ted, nervous, nods. Ted: "let's begin".
At the Dupree mansion-
The Duprees, Jacob, Mona, et al are gathered when Naomi enters, followed by Laura. Everyone looks sad but relieved. Anita takes Laura by the hand. Anita: "how are you?" Laura: "I am trying to deal with...all of it but thanks to Naomi, I think there may be some shred of justice that can come out of this whole situation". Vernon: "Wow, that is an optimistic way to look at things". Laura: "It may hit me later but, then again, I'm still in processing mode"-
At the country club:
Leslie, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary, tries to clink glasses with Eva.
Leslie: "Aww, Eva, one more 'gain.
Eva: "Enough mama, don't you think you've had enough? It's late, why don't we call car service?"
Leslie: "Baby, don't be a wet blanket or is it...a party pooper? In all these years, I thought I told you how to live it up?"
The maître d', followed by another man walk over to Leslie and Eva's table.
Leslie (tipsy): "Don't tell me you called a bouncer?".
Man: Leslie Dana Thomas?
Leslie: "No autographs please".
Man, hands her an envelope. Man: "You've been served". Man, processor server walks away.
Leslie has a sober expression, Eva is stunned.
At the Dupree mansion.
Kat (to Laura): I'm glad you're going to stay and have dinner.
Anita (to Laura): I was worried you wouldn't have an appetite.
Nicole, with her arms around Laura. "I know it doesn't seem like it now but, we'll find a way through this".
Laura, silent, has a faraway look on her face and a glint in her eyes.
Music cues as scene fades to black
Geez, I could write this storyline myself in one weekend.💅🏾
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DramatistDreamer ·
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