The Defenders - Episode 1.11 - Nevada v. Riley - Recap

Just love 'em...a lot.

Pete's dad Teddy (James Brolin) rolls into town in a red Corvette convertible. Everybody likes Teddy, except Pete. His presence makes him anxious, with reason. He's seventy going on seventeen. It's obvious he is tired of dealing with his father's eccentricities. Just minutes after saying hi to Pete and Lisa, he is arrested for grand theft auto. He can't afford a lawyer much less good cigars.

Brett Riley is Nick and Pete's next client. He was a professional football player before his drinking problems began and eventually arrested for assault and battery. He was clearly forgetful and confused. He did not know he had hit his friend, breaking the man's jaw and yelling about his wife when he beat up the man.

While they went to discuss the deal made with the DA, four years jail time for admitting guilty to felony battery, his sudden violent behaviour lead the partners to believe that Brett may have another problem.

There was no trace of alcohol in his system at the time of the arrest. Despite protest from Brett, Nick wants to go to trial to argue diminished capacity. Even with neurological scans that can prove his brain damage, from years of playing football, it was not a strong defense. At the risk of being found in contempt of court, Nick let the jury see how Brett was not in control. It still does not sway the State from arguing his violent intent.

Meanwhile, Teddy says he did not steal the car. He was helping his ex-girlfriend sell all of her cars. That's when he drove off with the Corvette he claimed they bought together. Lisa, who took his case, could not find any proof of Teddy's ownership.

In his closing, Nick uses his son's helmet to make his point come across. He tells the jury, because of his injuries, Brett Riley may have well been fighting the devil himself. He was fighting his past. And for that he needs medication, not prison. In the end, Brett was acquitted of all charges.

I don't think my boy will play next season.

Nick tries to convince Pete to be nicer to his dad.
“If my dad were still around, if I had one more summer with him, I would love every minute of him. I would. Even if he was robbing banks.”
It got to Pete, who then resolved the issue by buying the Corvette from Roberta for his dad.

Chip off the old block

Episode Highlights
When Teddy tells them that the woman accusing him of stealing her car was probably trying to get back at him, Nick voices his opinion. "Women." After one look from Lisa, he starts to backpedal. "Some women. Not all women."

Pete overreacts when Zoey tells her bosses she was going out with Teddy for drinks.
"She's going on a date with my dad."
"Yes I got a dirty mind. I got it from my dad."
Nick makes light of the situation.
"You gotta look at the positive side. Zoey could be your new mom."

After Teddy tells Nick that he needs to move on with his life, Nick reluctantly stores his wedding ring that he wore everyday everywhere, in a cigar box.
As for his kid...Just love 'em...a lot.

You have to move on.

What made this episode great was due to the introduction of Pete's dad. His presence had an effect on both Pete and Nick. Plus it was nice to see James Brolin again. 10/10