Classics: Early Edition 1:17 - The Jury

Plot Synopsis:

The story of the wackiest criminal trial in Chicago's history begins when Boswell delivers two months worth of Gary's back mail. Sitting on top of the pile, you see, is a jury summons.

Gary is desperate to get out of it; he has responsibilities, after all. As a matter of fact, on this particular day, he must prevent a man from getting beaten severely in an alley. Marissa, however, urges Gary not to ignore the notice, so Gary, after arming himself with a hockey stick, hitches a ride with Chuck to the courthouse. There, Chuck gets into an argument with a motorcyclist over a parking space. Seeing Gary's hockey stick, the motorcyclist warns Gary not to use it. "You'll regret it," he says.

As it turns out, the motorcyclist is the presiding judge for the trial for which Gary has been summoned - Judge Jake Wellborn. Wellborn, of course, doesn't buy Gary's rather lame excuse for why he cannot serve as a juror, so Gary has to stay for the vetting process. With Chuck's over-the-phone advice on his mind, Gary accidentally tells the defense attorney that he believes everyone is guilty until proven innocent, but then he immediately revises his answer. The defense attorney moves to dismiss Gary, but Wellborn, who has it in for our hero, denies her request. Just then, the defendant, Mr. Deluca, stands up and demands to know how he can get rid of his attorney, whom he calls a "ball and chain". Wellborn decides to call a recess to speak to Mr. Deluca in his chambers.

Gary takes advantage of the break to take care of the alley fight. He scares the attackers away by yelling and waving his hockey stick around like a crazy man. Naturally, he expects to be thanked by the victim, but the victim unaccountably tells him to butt out. When Gary sprints back into the courtroom, the jurors have already been selected - and Wellborn seems especially amused when Gary's is the last name called. Gary is well and truly stuck now.

When the trial begins, we discover that Mr. Deluca has decided to represent himself. He is awkward in the role, though, and doesn't do a very good job cross-examining his boss, Mr. Prosky. From Mr. Prosky, we learn that Mr. Deluca was an ex-con who was hired twelve years ago because Mr. Prosky wanted to give him a second chance. Mr. Deluca points out that in all that time, he has never stolen from his employer, and Gary takes this in attentively.

During the lunch break, as Gary is grabbing a sandwich from the vending machine, he notices Mr. Prosky talking to two other shady looking men. When the trial resumes, Mr. Deluca, who before had been passionately defending his innocence, mysteriously rests his case before calling a single witness on his own behalf. This immediately raises Gary's suspicions. During the jury deliberations that night, he tries share said suspicions with the other jurors, but he is ultimately railroaded into voting guilty with the majority.

The following morning, just as Gary is about to deliver the jury's verdict, Cat appears. A ruckus erupts as Cat darts about the courtroom evading capture, and the chaos gives Gary an opportunity to get a glimpse at his paper. A headline on the front page reports that Mr. Deluca's wife may hold the key to his innocence. When the bailiff finally snags Cat and things calm down, Wellborn asks Gary if the jury's verdict is unanimous. Gary says no and admits that he is the one hold out.

In Wellborn's chambers, the judge threatens to throw Gary out of the building, as he's heard from the bailiff that Gary has been caught reading the paper on two separate occasions, but Gary successfully convinces Wellborn not to kick him off the jury. Instead, Wellborn decides the jury members must be sequestered.

Gary then calls Chuck and sends him on a mission to locate Mrs. Deluca. But when Chuck finally finds Mrs. Deluca at a diner, she refuses to talk to anyone but Gary. To break Gary out, Chuck poses as his gay boyfriend and distracts the bailiff while Gary makes his getaway. At McGinty's, Mrs. Deluca tells Gary that her husband believes it was Mr. Prosky himself who was skimming funds from his own company. She also mentions off hand that another employee of Mr. Prosky's was beaten up in an alley a few days previously, something that definitely gets Gary's attention. Mrs. Deluca is reluctant to testify on her husband's behalf, however; clearly, she has been threatened with retribution.

Armed with this new information, Gary tries to sneak back into the hotel where the jury has been sequestered. Unfortunately, in his absence, juror Linda, who has the hots for Gary, discovered Chuck in Gary's shower. Wellborn arrives just as Gary enters the room and throws Gary off the jury.

The next day, Gary reads in the paper that Mr. Deluca will commit suicide after a guilty verdict. Realizing that this has now become a matter of life and death, Gary and Chuck look for the guy - Gus - who suffered the beat-down. They find Gus working on some pipes down in a manhole. Gus is also reluctant to stick his neck out for his friend, but when Gary tells him that Mr. Deluca will commit suicide if he's found guilty, Gus changes his mind. Chuck, Gary, and Gus rush to the courthouse, interrupting the proceedings there just as the new foreman is about to read the verdict. Wellborn finally gives up and declares a mistrial. Back in his chambers, Wellborn declares that Gary will never be called for jury duty again.

Overall: 9.2

Our four hour string of fantastic episodes concludes with this uproarious comedy, which features several classic scenes that have us rolling in the aisles.

Cut for length.



SABR Matt's Ratings:

Writing: 10.0

It's hard to say which should get more credit - the writing (and this script is brilliantly done in a completely different way than our two previous features: we've gone from big-budget heroic drama to heart-string-tugging emotional masterpiece, and now...slapstick comedy!) or the acting (more on that in a minute). I give more credit to the writing, because the situations in this episode are PERFECT for these characters to play in. From Chuck paying Gary a "conjugal visit" (one of the funniest things I've seen on TV) to Gary trying to lie his way out of jury duty by saying things that are COMPLETELY the opposite of his character and doing a horrible job of it to Cat making a mess of the court room and Gary reacting to the news he delivers...it's all comedy gold even before Chandler and Stevens get their hands on it.

Acting: 9.0

The background actors (extra jurors, the judge, etc) aren't anything to write home about, but this show doesn't rely on that to be well done from a performance perspective. It's entirely a Kyle Chandler/Fisher Stevens vehicle and they make the most of it. It should come as no surprise that Chandler is great at playing the man who is clearly "out of position"...a terrible liar having to make things up as he goes along to get himself out of trouble or help someone in need. But we're seeing a lot of range here in this four-hour swath of feature-worthy goodness. They can cover every corner of the canvas (yes, even the underrated Stevens) and they seem to do it equally well in all settings.

Message: 8.5

For an episode that is supposed to be light and funny, this one still manages to pack in a nice little message too. We all tend to get caught up in our own lives and what we need on any given day. The rest of the jurors in Gary's trial certainly aren't behaving any differently than normal when they want to reach a quick verdict so they can get back to their lives. But it's important to remember that for our justice system to work, we have to realize the big stakes...we have to subjugate our own needs and do due diligence in making decisions like these that can be life altering and permanent. I know that I for one, if ever called on for jury duty, will not only look forward to participating in the system and being a good juror, but will attack my decision (if it gets as far as the verdict - about 4/5ths of all trials end in a plea or a mistrial - little fun fact) with the zeal it deserves (and the objectivity of a scientist). Of course, Gary has a little help from God, who lets him know something is rotten with this trial, but we all have help from God. With twelve jurors...if they're all paying attention the way they should...SOMEONE should notice when things seem a little hinky and an innocent man is getting falsely accused or even framed. The task is to get all twelve jurors to treat this like a big deal (because it is a big deal) and to get the ones who feel things are off with the Prosecution's case to stand by their principles and stop thinking of themselves.

Stephanie S.'s Ratings:

Writing: 9.5

This episode is a fan favorite for a reason: as SABR Matt notes above, it is hilarious. Chuck's conjugal visit and Cat's tear through the courtroom are indeed absolutely classic scenes, but there are also many other moments that, for me, generate big laughs. I love, for example, Gary's reaction to Linda's remark about her previous boyfriend's mastery of "hip checks." Actually, the whole thing with Linda is a scream. I love the way she deliberately drops her pencil so she can surreptitiously feel Gary up in the courtroom. Oh, and the moment with the note? Priceless. I shouldn't enjoy watching Gary be embarrassed, but I'm sorry - I just do.

Acting: 9.5

I second SABR Matt's rave review of both Kyle Chandler and Fisher Stevens. My heart almost explodes from all of their cuteness. I disagree with his contention, though, that none of the supporting players are especially remarkable. I really like Kevin McCarthy as Judge Wellborn - and as the bailiff, Eddie Smith wins the award for the series' funniest line delivery from a minor character when he reads Linda's note.

Message: 8.5

Not only does this episode subtly suggest through Gary's example that service on a jury should be taken seriously, but it also quietly reinforces that idea that, despite what cynics like juror Hank might think, it is possible for a man to completely reform his life. Mr. Deluca did not always make the right choices, but when he was given a chance to turn his life around, he rose to the challenge. He got married, started a family, and worked an honest job for twelve years. Fortunately, Gary was there to preserve Mr. Deluca's success at seizing some modicum of redemption.

The Benevolent Hand:

It is, of course, fortuitous that Gary would receive a jury summons just in time for this particular case. And throughout the trial, as SABR Matt mentions above, God continues to intervene through the paper - and His wayward animal messenger. Obviously, God has a real interest here in saving Mr. Deluca from an ignominious fate.

Highlights:

GARY: Oh, no.
CHUCK: What?
GARY: A jury summons. (He reads.) "Failure to respond may lead to arrest and fine..."
CHUCK: Oh, that's all right. You can ignore that.
GARY: "...due to disregard of previous three notices."
CHUCK: The first three times.

GARY: Uh. (Gary clears his throat.) I have some... personal issues, Your Honor.
WELLBORN: Could you be more specific?
GARY: No. I mean, uh, not really. Uh - well, let's just say I have some personal responsibilities.
WELLBORN: Let's just say congratulations! You get to serve the state of Illinois.

CHUCK: There are four sure-fire ways to get out of jury duty.
GARY: All right, well, what are they?
CHUCK: One - you have an incurable disease with less than a year to live.
GARY: Go on.
CHUCK: You're self-employed, and you have a wife and four kids to support.
GARY: (rolling his eyes) Next.
CHUCK: You believe every man is guilty until proven innocent. It works every time!

(Gary runs into the courtroom at the last second.)
WELLBORN: Don't bother taking a seat, Mr. Hobson.
GARY: (out of breath) Well, Your Honor - Your Honor, I'm very sorry for taking up the court's time...
(Gary moves to leave.)
WELLBORN: Bailiff - will you call the final juror please?
BAILIFF: Gary Hobson!
(Gary turns. He looks like he's about to protest.)
WELLBORN: (amused, he emulates the announcer on The Price is Right) Come on down!

WELLBORN: Juror number four - would you be kind enough to give the note that was just handed to you to the bailiff?
(Linda hands over the note. Gary tries to speak up for himself, but he's cut off.)
BAILIFF: Don't!
WELLBORN: Bailiff.
BAILIFF: Yes, sir?
WELLBORN: Would you read the note for the benefit of the court?
BAILIFF: (reading) "I am very attracted to you."
(We hear laughter in the court.)
WELLBORN: Isn't that nice. Juror number five - do me a favor, would you please? Make time on your time, not on mine. (It's impossible to convey in print just how hilariously the bailiff reads Linda's note.)

HANK: Whose idea was it to make Hobson foreman again?
DORIS: I believe it was Linda's, Hank.
HANK: I thought you couldn't wait to get out of here.
GARY: Doesn't anybody find his behavior just a little odd?
DORIS: He's no Matlock, I'll give you that.
GARY: I'm talking about after the recess. I mean, he just gave up. That's not odd?
HANK: Of course he gave up - because he realized that he couldn't win!
GARY: Then why didn't he go down fighting, Hank?

(After Cat wreaks havoc in the court and Gary reads the headline regarding the defendant's wife.)
WELLBORN: Now, Mr. Foreperson - where were we? We have a verdict?
GARY: (standing) Yes, Your Honor.
WELLBORN: I assume it is unanimous?
GARY: (after hesitating for a moment) No, Your Honor, it's not.
(Gary's fellow jurors groan.)
WELLBORN: Why does that not surprise me? Without polling the jury, I'd say it's eleven to one and -
GARY: Yes, sir, I'm the one.

WELLBORN: I gotta tell you, son - if your intention is to try my patience, you're doing one hell of a fine job.
GARY: Well, Your Honor, you see, there's -
WELLBORN: You know, I'm just an inch away from drop kicking you right out of this building.
GARY: Well, I hope you don't do that, Your Honor.

HANK: Come on, people, we decided this thing once. Why shouldn't we do it again?
GARY: Because we might be wrong, that's why.
HANK: (to the girl sitting next to him) You believe this guy?
GARY: Look, I don't want to be here any more than anyone else does - but I keep asking myself the same question: why does a guy who's been clean all this time - who's changed his life - why does he suddenly throw that all away?

(As Gary is talking on the phone with Chuck, the bailiff comes up behind him and clears his throat.)
BAILIFF: Hang it up. Now. And get on the bus.
GARY: Oh, well, honey, I gotta go. I'll, uh, talk to you later.
CHUCK: Honey?
GARY: Kisses to you too!
CHUCK: Okay, sweetie.

CHUCK: Look, this, um, this person who sent me here - now, he's convinced your husband is being railroaded. How he knows this, I can't tell you. Why he wants to help, I have no idea. That's just the way he is.
MRS. DELUCA: So why didn't he come?
CHUCK: He's on your husband's jury.
MRS. DELUCA: I don't think I believe you.
CHUCK: Fine. You don't want to help your husband? It's no skin off my nose. I'm not the one who has to explain to his son why Daddy isn't coming home for the next ten to twenty.

BAILIFF: Your conjugal visit is here.
GARY: My what?
(The bailiff steps aside, revealing Chuck, who is holding a bouquet of flowers.)
CHUCK: Hi, honey.
(Chuck walks up to Gary and kisses him on the cheek.)
CHUCK: I missed you. (Then, to the bailiff.) I can take it from here.
(Chuck shuts the door. Inside Gary's room, he starts to strip.)
GARY: Wait-wait-wait! What are you doing now?
CHUCK: Relax. I'm just trying to get you out of here.

CHUCK: You got forty bucks?
GARY: For what?
CHUCK: The flowers. You're not going anywhere until I get reimbursed for that beautiful bouquet.

CHUCK: Excuse me? Mr. Bailiff?
BAILIFF: Yeah?
CHUCK: (mincing over in his bathrobe and acting really, really gay) I'm afraid things got a little out of control in there, and we had a little accident with the wine. I think it's a shame to see it stain, so I was wondering, um... I was wondering, maybe we could get some club soda to let it soak. You know?
(Gary sneaks out of his room.)
CHUCK: I can never remember - is it hot water that sets a stain, or cold?
BAILIFF: How am I supposed to know? Do I look like Martha Stewart to you?
CHUCK: (leaning in close) A little bit.

WELLBORN: I don't know what your story is, son - and I have half a mind to take you out to the woodshed. But in spite of all that, I will allow that your motives may have been better than your methods.
GARY: Thank you.
WELLBORN: Based on your time served in my courtroom, I've asked the courts that you never be summoned for jury duty again.
GARY: Well, thank you, Your Honor, but -
WELLBORN: Oh, no. (He laughs.) I didn't do it for you.