Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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REX IS NOT YOUR LAYWER "SITUATION" (SPEC SCRIPT)

WGAW Registration #1427853

Written by M.L. Zambrana

Based on the upcoming/in production television show, "Rex Is Not Your Lawyer" (NBC-TV) NOTE: This is only a speculation script--not for profit, sale or distribution. All copyright belongs to NBC Universal, BermanBraun and the writers.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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CAST

DAVID TENNANT - REX ALEXANDER ABIGAIL SPENCER - REXS EX-FIANCEE LINDSEY STEERS JERRY OCONNELL - REXS COLLEAGUE BRUCE SWEET JEFFREY TAMBOR - REXS PSYCHIATRIST DR. BARRY COHEN JANE CURTIN - REXS MOTHER ELLEN ALEXANDER LINDSEY KRAFT - REXS SECRETARY SOPHIA KRAFT DAVEY WESTER - MATTHEW KILLINGSFIELD** UNKNOWN - JUDGE LAPIER** UNKNOWN - REXS ESCORT, ANNE**

**denotes a spec script character created by this author, and not listed with the official production

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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REX IS NOT YOUR LAWYER: SITUATION

FADE IN TEASER INT. REXS OFFICE - DAY In an overhead shot, we see REX ALEXANDER as he prepares to go to court. He paces restlessly around his office in odd circles, gathering up some paperwork, a few pens and his cell phone as he moves about. CUT TO INT. REXS OFFICE - DAY From eye level, we can see him freaking out--his eyes are wide, hes beginning to sweat, his breathing is rapid and labored. His body moves in a jerky fashion as he closes his briefcase and struggles to put on his tie. He lets out a grunt of frustration at not being able to do so. His assistant SOPHIA KRAFT steps into Rexs office and forces him to turn around, then adjusts his tie for him with obvious sympathy. SOPHIA Oh, crap. Not now, Rex. REX Its not like I put this on my calendar. I dont have any control over this, you know. Hence the name, panic ATTACK. (pause) Damn it, Im getting worse. Before, it only happened IN court. Now its BEFORE court. Pretty soon Ill probably just wake up and start freaking out at the world--

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SOPHIA Just calm down for a second, take deep breaths REX tries to listen to her and slow his breathing, but once SOPHIA has the tie in place, he pulls away from her, restless. REX I cant. I just cant. Not now.

SOPHIA Did you take your Lorazepam?

REX No. Id rather go in straight. No drugs.

SOPHIA But they work for you! You cant exactly defend a client like this--

REX (shouts at Sophia) You think I dont know that already?!?

SOPHIA flinches but says nothing and doesnt back away.

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REX winces and puts a hand on her shoulder as a way of apology, then gathers up his briefcase, puts on his suit jacket and heads towards the door of his office.

SOPHIA (calls out) Center yourself!

REX shakes his head and EXITS. CUT TO INT. COURT HALLWAY - DAY REX ENTERS the courthouse and passageway towards the courtroom. REX (mutters) Center yourself, she says. All that yoga crap. Center yourself. (holds out his arms) Im centered in the hallway. How bout that? is walking down the

BRUCE, REXs friend and colleague, steps up to him from a nearby hallway. REX drops his arms down to his sides as he and BRUCE walk together.

BRUCE Uh-oh, there he is. Talkin to himself. Rex is losin it again. Looks like ol

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX

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(waves a finger at him) Dont start with me right now, or Ill lose it all over.

BRUCE You already did that at Christmas, remember? Peppermint schnapps and eggnog. It took two weeks before the smell came out of the carpet. Never mind you ruining my best suit.

REX Its your own fault. You shouldnt have dared me to drink them together.

BRUCE Now I know. Hindsight, twenty-twenty and all that--

BRUCE reaches out and stops REX.

BRUCE Rex, are you SERIOUSLY going to walk into Judge Lapiers court in this kind of a mood? Shell ream you. And by that, I dont mean--

REX Yea, yea, yea. Just keep your little judge fantasies to

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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yourself this morning, okay? Im a little stressed right now.

REX starts walking again and BRUCE falls into step beside him. BRUCE This is a little?

REX Havent passed out yet.

BRUCE Good point. BRUCE steers REX over to the window and the two of them look outside. REX forces himself to take some deep breaths.

BRUCE Okay, let me try to help.

REX There goes the rest of my mental health

BRUCE

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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Tell me what bothers you the most about going in court right now.

REX Oh, I dont know. Maybe because one slip-up and Judge Lapier will poach my balls and have them for breakfast. Maybe because Im going up against one of the Frandler Brothers, who decimated me in court the last time we met. Maybe because every time I sit down in that chair, I sweat so much the bailiff thinks I wet myself.

BRUCE (smiles) So dont sit down.

REX Oh, youre a riot.

BRUCE No. Come on. Remember what Doctor Cohen said? Pick one thing that sets you off more than anything else, and just find a way to deal with that, then let everything else ride.

REX One thing. One thing.

REX ponders the question, then flaps one arm in the air and lets it drop. He puffs out a breath.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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REX Fine. Eyes.

BRUCE Eyes?

REX Eyes. Everyones eyes. When I start to lose it, I look around and I just see everyone STARING at me. Like they want me to fail. Watching me lose track of what Im saying, watching me crack up in front of them. I hate that.

BRUCE Okay. Good. So now you have somewhere to start. looking into their eyes. Avoid

REX I CANT. One wrong turn to the left or the right, and the next thing I know, Im looking into someones face again. Then I realize what Im doing, realize Im failing at what Im doing, and my anxiety level shoots through the roof.

BRUCES cell phone goes off. He pulls it out, consults the screen for a moment, then shrugs and looks back at REX.

BRUCE

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Sorry, man. My ten oclock is early. Gotta go. Take care of yourself, okay? Keep it under control. REX Yea. Sure.

BRUCE EXITS. REX Center yourself. Keep it under control. THAT helps

REX begins to pace the hallway. He puts one hand to his mouth and begins to chew at his thumbnail. He sees that a paramedic is seated just outside the courtroom, talking on his cell phone, with a first-aid kit near his feet. As REX continues to pace, a blind woman with a cane passes by. REX stops, lowers his hand and turns around, then calls out to the blind woman. REX Hey uh, maam scuse me DISSOLVE TO INT. COURTROOM - DAY The court is called to session and JUDGE LAPIER ENTERS. She sits down and looks across the courtroom at REX, who is seated at the table with his client. His eyes are bandaged and a wrap of gauze is around his head; the blind womans cane is by his side, and she is seated in the first row of seats behind him.

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JUDGE LAPIER (coldly) Mr. Alexander, there ARE certain circumstances where a case can be moved to a different day. I think blindness would qualify as one of those excuses, dont you?

REX (happily) No, Im fine, Your Honor. This is just a temporary problem. It wont interfere with my handling of the case, I promise you.

JUDGE LAPIER (pause) All right, Mr. Alexander. You may proceed.

REX smiles. CUT TO OPENING CREDITS FADE IN

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION ACT ONE SCENE ONE INT. REXS OFFICE - DAY

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REX lets out a whoop of happiness as he ENTERS, the bandages from around his head now looped around his neck. SOPHIA smiles and holds up her coffee mug in salute. REX YES! Another victory for Alexander! SOPHIA I didnt doubt it for a second. Maybe for a couple of hours, but not for a second. REX Smartass.

REX starts to laugh as he walks further into the office, and his smile fades a bit as he sees LINDSEY SPEERS seated next to his desk. REX Lindsey. Hey. (forces a wider smile) I won the case. LINDSEY With your eyes shut, from what I hear. So congratulate me.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX Yep. Im just that good. LINDSEY

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You had another attack, didnt you? Why else would you pull a crazy stunt like that?

REX puts his briefcase down on the desk and drops into his chair. REX No offense, but Im getting a little sensitive about the word crazy these days. LINDSEY You know what I mean. This isnt like you. Youre probably the best lawyer in the state-REX Probably? Thanks.

LINDSEY Oh, dont start with me. REX Why not? Youre starting with me.

REX glances at the door, and SOPHIA raises her eyebrows, nods and closes it to give LINDSEY and REX some privacy.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX forces himself to calm down. REX

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Lindsey, Im not the same as I was two years ago. Or even a year ago. This whole experience? Its changed me. And I dont like it, but its just something else that I have to deal with. And so does everyone else, too. LINDSEY I dont want to deal with it. We had such a good life together, Rex. I didnt want that to change. (leans forward) I still see the old you in there, and I want that Rex back. REX And I want you back. But I also need you. I need you to help me work through everything thats going on. LINDSEY I dont know if Im that strong. REX Youre stronger than you think. (takes her hand) Cant you try? For me? It was going to be for better or worse. If you cant do that now, why should I think youd do it if we were married? LINDSEY I dont know. I just Ill try. REX Thats all I can promise.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION All right. All right.

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There is a knock at the door and SOPHIA looks in.

SOPHIA Uh, sorry to interrupt. Matthew Killingsfield is here.

REX looks at LINDSEY and they slowly walk towards the door. REX Its my next case. (smiles) See? Even with everything that Im going through, my reputation is intact. Im still getting new clients

LINDSEY starts to smile, then stops with surprise when she sees MATTHEW KILLINGSFIELD. MATTHEW ENTERS the office, dressed in an extreme Goth style; he walks with a pronounced limp and awkward gait. He smiles as he and Lindsey walk past one another. MATTHEWS service dog is also decked out in a less-thanconventional outfit that matches that of his owner. LINDSEY pulls REX into the secretarys area of the office and closes the door. LINDSEY What the hell is that? REX

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(in a matter-of-fact manner) My next client. Show a little respect, huh? Believe it or not, that young man has the best publicist in the city of Chicago, and this case is going to be a sensation. LINDSEY (with obvious distrust) About as much of a sensation as a lawyer that cant speak in court.

REX frowns as LINDSEY EXITS.

SOPHIA looks at REX.

SOPHIA For what its worth, I think hes a very good client. (pause) Or at least he would be if he didnt have to talk for you. Any chance youll have a quick recovery?

REX does not look at her. office.

He turns and goes into his

DISSOLVE TO

SCENE TWO INT. DR. COHENS OFFICE - DAY REX and DOCTOR BARRY COHEN are seated across from each other in Dr. Cohens office, in the middle of a therapy session. BARRY

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION So you went into court blind? REX

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Yea! I did. (laughs) Good thing I read that case inside and out. I wouldnt have been so thorough if I hadnt been going up against Pat Frandler, though. He murdered me the last time we were in court together. I wasnt about to let that happen again. BARRY So did it work? Did you stay on top of the anxiety? REX Mmmm, yea, pretty much. I mean, I still felt a little jangly on the nerves, but not having to look at anything helped. It was just darkness and my voice. I stayed more focused than I wouldve otherwise. And I won! Ha! BARRY You dont plan to do this for the rest of your career, I hope? REX (smile fades) No. No, I know that it was only a temporary fix. BARRY You tricked your brain. REX Well, thats the key, isnt it? Tricking your brain?

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BARRY No, the key is to RETRAIN your brain. Youre an intelligent man, Rex. Theres no way a one-time stunt like what you pulled is going to work the next time youre having an anxiety attack. REX Yea, I I guess so. (pause) BARRY Stay on the regimen that youve been following. Take your medication. Relaxation exercises. I also have an excellent hypnotherapist that I can recommend, if you want her number. REX Does that work for you? BARRY Well, you know, no two patients are the same-REX That means no. BARRY But that doesnt mean Im giving up on it. There is no overnight cure. (pause) Look, Rex, your whole life is wrapped up in your work. All your friends are lawyers or judges. And for years now, youve been balancing an entire vision of what should make you happy based on this world

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you live in. It hasnt made you happy. Is it any wonder that your mind is rebelling against all of it? REX So what do I do? BARRY Go out and be with other people. New people. At least for one day. Be with someone who doesnt have anything to do with the legal profession. REX What about Lindsey? Things look like they could turn around for us. Were going out as friends, reestablishing our relationship BARRY And it is very possible that shes also part of the problem. Her, Bruce, your mother. Theyre all lawyers. Just take a step back from that life for a little bit. REX Okay, Ill give it a try tomorrow. BARRY What about today? REX Cant. Ive got dinner plans tonight. You ought to know. Youre supposed to come over. You, my Mom, Bruce, LINDSEY

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION BARRY

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And you lack spontaneity. Not that I want to miss an opportunity to see your mother again, but this is about you and your recovery. Think about what you love to do-REX I LOVE being a LAWYER! BARRY Im sure you do. But being a lawyer isnt everything--it cant be, or you wouldnt be having a problem right now. Like I said, Rex, youre an intelligent man. But you need to step outside yourself for a little while. See what the rest of the world has to offer. Have some fun. DISSOLVE TO

SCENE THREE INT. REXS CONDO - DAY (MUSIC CUE: PULP - COMMON PEOPLE - taken from the first chorus) REX reaches deep into his closet and pulls out a rattylooking pair of jeans and a faded t-shirt. He removes his suit jacket, pulls off his tie and dress shirt, then dons the t-shirt. He glances in a mirror, messes up his hair a bit, then puts his hands on his hips and stares at himself. CUT TO SCENE FOUR

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION EXT. CHICAGO EL STATION STAIRWAY - DAY

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REX approaches the stairs leading up to one of the El stations in downtown Chicago. He is jostled about by the afternoon rush of people. He reaches for the handrail for support as he starts to go up the stairs, only to put his hand onto something sticky and pull it away with obvious disgust. CUT TO SCENE FIVE INT. BOWLING ALLEY - DAY REX has never been bowling and it shows in his awkward movements. He struggles to understand the electronic scorer. He snaps a shoelace on the rental shoes. He miscalculates his first attempt and the ball goes flying into the lane next to his. REX backs up and gives an apologetic glance to the irritated bowler on his right. REX Sorry. CUT TO SCENE SIX INT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT REX is trying to mingle at a local dance club, but the crowd is filled with twentysomethings and as a man in his late 30s, he is being routinely ignored by the younger girls. He finds a YOUNG WOMAN and tries talking to her but the music is too loud. REX

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION HI! Im REX. REX.

PAGE 22 Nice to NICE TO MEET YOU

Two friends of the YOUNG WOMAN come out of the crowd and pull her towards the dance floor, laughing. REX leans back against the bar with a frustrated look, then looks over the busy scene and EXITS. CUT TO SCENE SEVEN EXT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT REX walks outside and rubs at his ears. ANNE is standing nearby, and she smiles and approaches him, looking him up and down. ANNE A little hard on the ears, isnt it? REX Not if youre young, apparently. ANNE I take it this isnt your usual scene? REX I was told that I had to get out a little more. Try something different. (points to the door of the club) Who knew itd turn out that bad? ANNE Yea, I saw you, uh, trying to get some action. So youre

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION into younger women? REX

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Not necessarily. But theres not much choice in there. Twenty-two or twenty-six, maybe twenty-nine ANNE If youd like, I think I can offer you some better company.

REX catches the intonation in her voice, studies her for a moment, then gives her a smile and shakes his head.

REX Thats not the kind of company Im looking for tonight. offense. ANNE Of course not. Getting offended is bad for business. (pause) But if youd like to buy me dinner, we can just sit around and talk. What do you say? Sit around, talk, have dinner? REX Okay. But just dinner. No

REX and ANNE walk away from the dance club. DISSOLVE TO

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION SCENE EIGHT INT. ANNES BEDROOM - NIGHT REX and ANNE are in bed together. REX Mmm. They kiss.

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Youve got the lingering aroma of risotto about you. (laughs softly) Im still tasting mushrooms.

ANNE Really? (with a mischievous smile) So should I call you Oskar instead of Rex? REX (puzzled) ANNE Gnter Grass? The Tin Drum? REX No. Why? Youve never read it? Oskar?

ANNE Well, youre obviously a smart guy. I figured you were a voracious reader, too. REX Voracious? Pretty big word for someone in your profession.

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ANNE Ive cracked a few books in my time. low-class. REX You are anything but low-class. (kisses her) Though I have a feeling this is going to cost me a lot more than dinner did. ANNE It goes against my policy to discuss finances at a time like this. But clearly youre not hurting for money. REX (puzzled) What makes you say that? ANNE I can tell when someones slumming it. Your clothes, the way you carry yourself. The fact that youre not carrying a cell phone. (looks into his eyes) An iPhone, I think. You dont strike me as the Blackberry type. REX Clever deduction. ANNE Thank you. That (runs one hand down his chest) And the fact that youve got one very fit body. Years of gym work went into this. Plus youve got a HELL of a lot of stamina. I wasnt always so

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX Youre in a hurry, then?

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I can pick up the pace--

ANNE No, you take your time. Enjoy yourself. (pause) having fun? REX (smiles) As a matter of fact, I am. ANNE Thats all that matters. Thank you. Are you

REX and ANNE kiss and press their bodies together. FADE OUT

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION ACT TWO

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SCENE ONE INT. REXS CONDO, LIVING ROOM - DAY REX ENTERS his apartment whistling, still dressed in the previous days clothes, and closes the door. There is the jangle of silverware from the HOUSEKEEPER in the kitchen. BRUCE is seated on his sofa, his feet up on the coffee table and his arms over the back of the sofa.

REX Oh, come on. How many times do I gotta tell you--feet off the furniture! BRUCE (with hands in the air) Thats all youve got to say? Not, how did you get in--

REX points towards the noise coming from the kitchen.

REX The housekeeper. BRUCE Or how about, what are you doing here? REX

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION (crosses his arms) Why waste my breath? me anyway, right? BRUCE

PAGE 28 Youre gonna tell

Yea, youre right. I am. (moves his feet off the table) You canceled a dinner party, turned your phone off, left without saying where you were going, and nobody is supposed to ask why?

REX takes off his jacket and hangs it up.

REX Something came up. Hey, I called and gave everyone what, five hours notice? And my phone wasnt off, by the way. I just left it behind. BRUCE You NEVER go anywhere without your phone--

REX sits next to BRUCE. REX Not without head trauma being involved, anyway. Speaking of which, did you know I got a bill from the hospital? They want six thousand dollars from when I passed out in court last month. Insurance will cover most of it, but I mean, come on! Its not like I was in surgery. BRUCE (pause) Where were you yesterday? Really?

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REX I was out having fun. (lifts one finger) REALLY. BRUCE Huh. You know, words going around. Rex thinks he can do his job blindfolded and all that. Theyre painting you up to be a real arrogant ass. Not that THAT required much effort. REX Watch it, or this arrogant ass will kick you right out on yours. Im in a good mood today. Dont ruin it for me. Doctors orders.

REX pats Bruce on the leg and stands up.

REX Come on. Ill make you breakfast. And I know you cant refuse that. Not with the kind of food you eat, mostly off the dollar menu. BRUCE Hey, at least I know where my heart attacks coming from.

REX grabs BRUCES hand and helps him up. DISSOLVE TO

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION SCENE TWO INT. REXS CONDO, KITCHEN - DAY

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REX and BRUCE are seated around the island in the kitchen, eating breakfast. The HOUSEKEEPER shifts the dirty dishes from the stove and counter into the dishwasher, then EXITS. BRUCE Sometimes I think you missed your calling. tried culinary school. REX Thats a laugh. For the longest time, I couldnt make anything without burning it. Pretty much starved through law school. Then I turned thirty and for some reason, boom! What do you know? Im a cook! You shouldve

BRUCE gives REX a meaningful look. BRUCE Thats what you were out doing last night? REX Is that your subtle way of saying that I need a shower? BRUCE Take it however you want. (pause) I wont say anything to Lindsey. REX Cooking?

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(with a touch of sarcasm) Thanks. Youre a pal. (pause) Not that what I do with my spare time is her business any more. Not when shes got you around for company. BRUCE Now, wait a minute. Im not dating Lindsey any more than you are. REX Which is interesting. Because youre seeing her about as often as I do-BRUCE As a FRIEND. REX Which is whats so interesting. (pause) Oh, come on, you cant tell me that you dont know whats happening. Shes got the two of us in her back pocket but at the same time, shes keeping us at arms length. BRUCE You dont know what youre talking about. REX Oh, I know exactly what Im talking about. A year ago, Lindsey left me and said she wanted to move on with her life. Yesterday, she does a three-sixty and she wanted the old Rex back, but here she is, stringing you along at the same time. (pause) At least its only the two of us-nobody else. Thats flattering in its own way. Were the best candidates for her.

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BRUCE Thats a little harsh. REX Maybe. But I spent all day yesterday trying to figure out what it is that I want out of life, outside of being a lawyer. You know what I came up with? BRUCE What? REX Nothing. I like this. I like having dinner parties and going golfing and working my ass off six days out of the week. (points to window) Theres nothing out there that I cant have (points down) in here. BRUCE Including Lindsey? REX falls silent. then stands up. If its that easy, then where is she?

Bruce wipes his mouth with his napkin, BRUCE

You know, youre sitting here talking about how Lindsey is manipulating us, but what are you doing to her? If you really wanted her, and I mean with every bit of your soul, then shed be here. REX

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION Yea same goes for you, too, though. BRUCE Thanks for the food.

PAGE 33 Doesnt it?

Catch you later.

BRUCE EXITS.

REX sighs and leans back in his chair. DISSOLVE TO

SCENE THREE INT. ELLEN ALEXANDERS HOUSE, DEN - DAY ELLEN ALEXANDER, REXS mother, mixes a drink for herself and REX at the bar in the corner of the den, then carries the drinks over and sits in a chair opposite REX. ELLEN Well, I think it was incredibly rude of you to cancel everything at the last minute, just so you could go gallivanting around town. REX I was doing what Barry said to do, Mom. Get out, get some new experiences. Youre telling me you dont trust your own boyfriends judgment? ELLEN Oh, stop it. Hes not my boyfriend, just an interest. REX

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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Yea okay. (pause) But it didnt do me any good, so now I go back to my old life, and to hell with Barrys opinion. Im rescheduling the dinner party to this coming Friday, if youre interested in coming. Barry will be there. ELLEN Oh, stop it. REX (smugly) So thats a yes. ELLEN Whats on your schedule for this week? REX Ive got the pre-trial for the Killingsfield case tomorrow. ELLEN A nice, high-profile case, just the way you like them. But I want to know how you expect to walk in to court with a Goth client and his Goth dog and expect a fair trial. REX This thing wont go before a jury. Im surprised this going to pre-trial, to be honest--the smart thing would to just settle. Its cut-and-dried discrimination. Matthew Killingsfiled paid his tuition in full, hes disabled and he need a service dog, and he has a right his education as much as he has the right to dress how wants. It doesnt matter that hes Goth. And so what the dog looks like Gwar? is be to he if

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION ELLEN Gwar? Whats Gwar? REX What am I, Google, all of a sudden? ELLEN

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Go look it up.

Ugh! This is revenge for all those times I sent you to the library, isnt it? REX (imitating ELLEN) Find out for yourself. Do I look like an encyclopedia? ELLEN It got you to think for yourself, didnt it? REX Yes, Mom. Thank you.

ELLEN The question is, can you talk for yourself?

CUT TO SCENE THREE INT. RESTAURANT - DAY BRUCE and LINDSEY are seated at an outdoor caf across the

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION street from Grant Park, eating a light lunch. BRUCE

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How about I pick you up around six? We can drive over to Rexs together, have dinner, then maybe go down to Navy Pier. Theres ballroom dancing going on at midnight. Invitation only, but Ive got connections. LINDSEY Of course you do. But whats Rex going to think about that, us showing up together? BRUCE I dont care. LINDSEY Sure, you do. You always have. BRUCE Maybe its time to stop caring, then. For both of us. Lindsey, what do you think about me? LINDSEY I think we could be happy together. BRUCE But you dont want to find out? I care about you, too, but youre keeping me at (pauses as he remembers Rexs words) at arms length. LINDSEY

I care about you.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION Im sorry.

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Im just being cautious.

LINDSEY takes BRUCES hand and they stare at one another, Lindsey with an apologetic look and BRUCE with the uncomfortable look of realization. He frees his hand. BRUCE Youre right, you know. I dont care what anyone else in this world thinks, not even you. But when it comes to Rex LINDSEY You think I dont understand that? Why else havent I been dating anyone, or at least going out. Something about him has got a hold on me. BRUCE Yea. FADE OUT

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION ACT THREE SCENE ONE INT. REXS CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT

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It is the night of the dinner party. REX is busy in the kitchen, putting together various food trays and checking on items in the oven and microwave. The doorbell rings. REX Ah! CUT TO SCENE TWO INT. REXS CONDO, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT REX hurries to the door and opens it to find ANNE there, dressed in a maids uniform. REX Finally! Ive got guests on their way and--oh. ANNE Uh hi. REX Youre the-ANNE Yea, yea. Im the replacement for tonight. If thats all

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION right with you? REX Oh. Sure. Come in.

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CUT TO SCENE THREE INT. REXS CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT ANNE ENTERS and follows REX into the kitchen, where she begins the halfway-completed process of preparing food trays and getting dinner settings ready.

ANNE Sorry about being late, but I just got the call a half-hour ago. The agency said three other people dropped out on you. (stares at him) You that hard to work for? REX (smiles) Maybe. Ive been running around here trying to get everything ready. Guestsll be here in about ten minutes. Im just glad someone showed up. (pause) Im glad it was you. Good to see you again. ANNE And you. (puts her hands up) I know. Its a little awkward, in this capacity. REX So you do other work besides--

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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ANNE --the obvious, yes. Have to. Not everyone in this world makes your kind of money, Rex. So, when we walked by the dining room, I saw that the table isnt set. Is everyone eating in another room or? REX No, I just didnt have time to do anything else yet. busy. Food and everything. ANNE Right. Well, lets finish up these trays, get some things set out, and Ill get started on the table. REX All right. Been

REXS smile fades as the doorbell rings again. REX AH! ANNE Relax. Ive got this covered. guests. You go and greet your

REX moves towards the hallway and ANNE calls out to him.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION ANNE How many people are coming? REX (over his shoulder) Nine.

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Ten, with me.

ANNE (smiling) Yea, I can count, thanks.

CUT TO SCENE FOUR INT. REXS CONDO, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT REX laughs as he enters the door, and finds BRUCE and LINDSEY standing there. He forces himself to keep the smile as he steps back to let them in. LINDSEY So whats so funny? REX Ah, nothing. Private joke.

BRUCE (glances towards kitchen) Between you and the help? And since when do you even talk to them? Usually you just shout orders through the door.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX

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Well, them is one woman, and shes funny. BRUCE Made YOU laugh. Thats something.

LINDSEY goes up and gives REX a quick kiss. REX closes the door as BRUCE and LINDSEY make themselves comfortable on the sofa.

LINDSEY Everything go all right this week? REX Very well, thanks for asking. I had two court dates, minor cases, and I sailed through them. (holds out hands) Not so much as a tremor. LINDSEY Youre getting better. REX Seems like it. Ive got to check on dinner. (looks at BRUCE) Youll let everyone else in, right? BRUCE No, Im gonna tell em to go home.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX What a pal.

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CUT TO SCENE FIVE INT. REXS CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT ANNE is standing by the open oven and basting the turkey when REX ENTERS. He scoops up a few food trays and walks out, then returns quickly. REX How about the chicken skewers? ANNE Theyre in the warmer. When you get a few more people, Ill pull them out--

The doorbell rings again. ANNE All right. Ill just pull those out now-REX No, no, no. Ive got em.

REX scoops up a serving tray from the counter, opens up the

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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warmer and starts arranging the chicken on the tray. doorbell rings again and ANNE gives him a curious look.

REX Bruce has the door. You take your time and watch that bird. I love turkey, but I hate it when its dry. Wont due to ruin the main course. ANNE Whatever you say, boss. (pause) Did you cook all this food by yourself? REX As a matter of fact, I did. ANNE A man of many talents. Youll make a good wife someday.

REX laughs. BRUCE ENTERS. He gives the obviously happy REX a curious look, glances at ANNE, then approaches REX.

BRUCE Now were just waiting on the Griffiths. REX (shrugs) Theyre always late. I think they operate in a different time zone

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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BRUCE watches as ANNE puts the turkey back into the oven. ANNE turns and they look at one another, then she picks up a stack of plates and EXITS towards the dining room. BRUCE stops REX, who is carrying the tray of warm food.

BRUCE Hold up a sec. REX What? BRUCE (nods behind him) Who is that? The help is invisible to you. They always have been. If youre not yelling at them, youre ignoring them. Whats so special about that woman?

REX cant hide the guilty look on his face and tries to explain away the situation.

REX She was sent by the employment agency. Apparently everyone else bailed on me, and she was the only one whod come here on short notice. Her names Anne. BRUCE Anne. Since when do you go on a first-name basis with your help? Or laugh at something they say?

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX She showed up.

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Im grateful. What, I cant be nice once in a while? BRUCE

Not to the temps.

Thats not like you. REX

Not now, Bruce. REX maneuvers around BRUCE, and he and BRUCE EXIT. CUT TO SCENE SIX INT. REXS CONDO, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT REX steps into the living room and puts down the trays of warm food. DOCTOR BARRY COHEN and ELLEN ALEXANDER are seated together on the sofa. LINDSEY is in the chair in the corner. A man is standing next to her, and a couple is on the loveseat across from BARRY and ELLEN. BRUCE pauses behind him and leans against the corner. The group breaks out into casual conversation, but after only a short time, REX REX (in a low voice) Stop giving me that look. BRUCE We have to talk.

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BRUCE and REX EXIT towards the back of the room. CUT TO SCENE SEVEN INT. REXS CONDO, BEDROOM - NIGHT BRUCE and REX go into the bedroom and BRUCE closes the door, then leans against it. BRUCE Since when are call girls your thing? REX Wh--oh, no. No way. You do not know her.

BRUCE Yes, I do. The question is, why do you? REX Jesus, its not bad enough youve got moves on my fiance? Youre beating me to every other woman in this city? BRUCE How many times do we have to go over this? Lindsey is your EX. Either get back with her or get over it. And as for Anne? Shes an occasional visit for me. Thats how I am and you know that. But this isnt your kind of thing, Rex. It isnt like you.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION REX

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Fine. So what is like me? Because Ive been trying to figure that out for a while now, and I cant. You go ahead. Tell me where I belong. Tell me how I should live my life. Who I should be with. Who I shouldnt be with--

BRUCE remains silent as REX paces the bedroom, highly upset.

REX This whole thing, this whole life, everything feels like a lie! And youre the biggest part of it. Youre my friend, but you do things that go against friendship. You live one life as the charming, upstanding lawyer and the other one chasing after every piece of tail that you can. Is it any wonder that I dont want you to end up with Lindsey? Knowing how youd cheat on her? Hurt her? BRUCE And do you think shed feel if she knew you were payin for it? REX (coldly) Is that a threat? BRUCE No. (looks away) Maybe maybe youre deserve her. Not right now. (stares I have a shot at redemption. Youre Rex. And thats no life for right. Maybe I dont at REX) But at least going the other way, her, either.

BRUCE opens the bedroom door and EXITS. REX sinks down on

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the edge of the bed, rests his elbows on his knees and puts his head in his hands. DISSOLVE TO SCENE EIGHT INT. REXS CONDO, DINING ROOM - NIGHT A montage of images with the guests at dinner. A shot of Bruces empty chair. LINDSEY glances at the chair, then over at REX. REX is concentrating on carving the turkey, not looking at anyone. BARRY smiles at ELLEN, but looks at REX with obvious concern. ELLEN holds lighthearted conversation with the guests. ANNE clears away dishes and helps REX serve dessert. Guests EXIT. REX kisses ELLEN goodbye and shakes BARRYS hand; BARRY tries to lean in and ask him a question but REX shakes him off and walks away.

FADE OUT

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ACT FOUR SCENE ONE INT. REXS CONDO, KITCHEN - NIGHT ANNE closes the dishwasher and wipes her hands on a nearby towel, then hangs the towel up and turns to REX, who is seated at the island, holding a drink and clearly intoxicated. ANNE All done. Dining room is wiped down and the floor is vacuumed. Dishes should take about twenty minutes. Do you want me to wait for them, or will you put them away? REX Get me another drink. ANNE Thats not such a good idea. You cant even stand up now.

REX stands up, weaving, and holds out his glass.

REX I can so.

ANNE takes the glass from him and refills it as REX sits down again. She brings the glass back.

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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REX That was her, by the way. Lindsey. Lindsey? ANNE Yes, you did. Several times. REX But she didnt stay. She went home. (looks around) God, I loved having her here with me. We did everything together. The two of us together, wed put away the dishes. But now Ive got to pay someone to do it. ANNE I dont mind. REX Of course you dont. Bad for business and all that. for play. Is that all I have to offer? ANNE No, Rex. You have a lot to offer the right woman. maybe Lindsey isnt the right woman. REX I loved her. I still do. But Pay Shes very beautiful. Did I tell you about

ANNE

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Im not saying you dont love her. Im saying that maybe shes just not the right one for you.

ANNE sits next to REX, who looks at her blankly. REX What, you think you are? ANNE No. By no means. But Rex, Ive known a lot of men over the years. Some in bed, some out, and Ive learned that love can be in both or neither of those places. That, and the fact that there is no one type of love. We love people in all sorts of ways--as friends, as lovers, as family. Love is forever, but its also something thats always changing, never the same. REX What are you saying? ANNE Im saying that whatever you used to feel for her is different than what you feel now. Its supposed to be. And REX And? ANNE And that youre drunk and this isnt the time to get all philosophical about it. Come on. Lets get you to bed.

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ANNE pries the drink out of REXS hand and puts his arm over her shoulder in order to help him stand up.

CUT TO

SCENE TWO INT. REXS CONDO, BEDROOM - NIGHT ANNE sits REX on the edge of the bed and takes a step back, but he grabs her hand and pulls her forward. REX You want to stay? ANNE No, I dont want to stay. You know how to get a hold of me. REX Yea. Like this.

REX pulls ANNE close and starts to kiss her, but she pushes his arms down.

ANNE No, Rex. You dont want me. I doubt you even know WHAT you want.

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REX (in an unpleasant tone) What do you care, so long as I pay you? ANNE (shrugs) I care. Thats my problem. REX reaches out for

ANNE kisses him and takes a step back. her. REX Im sorry. ANNE For what? REX I dont know. REX passes out.

FADE OUT SCENE THREE INT. REXS OFFICE - DAY SOPHIA is at her desk, writing on a notepad as REX walks in. She gets up quickly and follows him to his desk, grinning. REX, clearly hung over, drops down in his chair

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION

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and stares at his hands with half-closed eyes. SOPHIA About time you got in. You know Killingsfield, right? guy with the limp and the dog? REX Im hung over. Not stupid. SOPHIA In your case--well, anyway, I had to move his appointment from two oclock. REX To what? SOPHIA To right now. The

REX groans and watches as MATTHEW KILLINGSFIELD, who is decked out in his usual Goth outfit, ENTERS and sits with his service dog at his feet. He points between REX and the dog.

MATTHEW (grins) Its still funny for me, yknow? Rex and all. REX Both of you being

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION Its, ah, yea. Funny.

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Now, look, Matt--

MATTHEW Hold on a second, okay? I just gotta text my publicist. Let her know where I am, what Im doin.

MATTHEW pulls out his cell phone and texts while talking.

MATTHEW This woman is awesome, man. She has kept me high profile. Im gettin' commercial offers and speaking engagements and whatnot from people I never knew existed. REX Matt, weve been over this. You cant tell her everything that were preparing. MATTHEW puts his cell phone back into his pocket. MATTHEW Oh, I dont. Course I dont. Confidentiality and all that. But I keep playin it up like I dont have a chance, which is gonna make it all that more impressive when we win this case. REX Thats what I asked you to come in today for. there wont be a trial. It turns out

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION MATTHEW (with a blank expression) REX

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What?

(shakes his head) The college is settling this case right now. They know theyre in the wrong. MATTHEW Well, whats all that mean for me? REX That means that you can go back to your classes with no further problems. Any other harassment issues that come up between you and your professors will be dealt with through the school, and I can pretty much guarantee that after everything thats gone on, with your story being spread across the country, youre going to win any minor disputes. And you get a nice settlement on top of it, which should cover your college tuition for at least the next three years, maybe longer. MATTHEW But I dont get to go into court, in front of a jury, and get to talk and tell everyone about all this? Aw, man. REX I know. You were looking forward to that.

MATTHEW grunts and pulls out his cell phone again, then retexts his publicist. MATTHEW

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School settled. No court. Can you still get me that Memphis TV commercial?

REX sighs and puts his head into his hand.

CUT TO

Rex Is Not Your Lawyer SITUATION SCENE FOUR INT. INDOOR MALL, FOOD COURT - DAY

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It is lunchtime. REX is leaning against the corner and looking over the food court, a cup of coffee in his hands and his eyes half-shut. He takes a sip, shakes his head, checks his watch then looks around. LINDSEY is on her way to a nearby mini-restaurant. heads her off. REX Lindsey. LINDSEY Hey. You look like hell. REX Doesnt take much these days. (faint smile) I knew youd stick to your lunch routine. We should talk. LINDSEY Ive only got about twenty minutes. Have a seat, Ill grab some food and we-REX No. I mean, we should really talk. And not here. (takes a deep breath) Id like us to see Barry. Doctor Cohen. Couples counseling. LINDSEY REX

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Its a little late for that--were not a couple any more, are we? (crosses her arms) Maybe things wouldve been different if youd agreed to therapy year and a half ago when I suggested it. But you wouldnt. REX I didnt I didnt want to admit that we had a problem. But obviously we did. LINDSEY And now youre the one with the problem. And Im the one that has to make the sacrifice. You wouldnt do it for me. Why should I do it for you? REX I dont know. Maybe because theres still a chance for us. LINDSEY Is there? REX Id like to think there is. LINDSEY (with a sigh) So would I. Look, Ive got a full calendar this week. And Ive got to think about this. Give me some time? REX Ill give you as much time as you need. mind? Just keep me in

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LINDSEY I always do. Damn it.

REX and LINDSEY smile at one another, exchange a prudent kiss on the cheek, and LINDSEY heads off to get lunch. REX EXITS the food court. CUT TO

SCENE FIVE EXT. CHICAGO CITY STREET - DAY REX walks outside and puts his hands in his pockets. He stops at the corner near a trash can and looks down, puzzled. He pulls a business card out of his pocket and stares at the card, looking between it and the trash, then glances back at the food court entrance. REX squeezes his eyes shut, then takes out his cell phone and puts the number that is on the card into the phone. He then tears the card in half and throws it away, then walks off, putting his phone away. The expression on his face is one of self-loathing. One half of the card falls deep into the trash; the other balances on top of the garbage. It has the name ANNE and a Chicago area code on it. FADE OUT CREDITS