*
Went out with da boys last night and saw “End of Watch.”
Boo-yah!
Yeah, it was formulaic and predictable and over the top supercop stuff, but they really did a bang-up job with the two cops, played by Jake Gyllenhal and Michael Pena. Those boys capture what it’s like to push a sled with a good partner- the banter, the ribbing, the love, the boredom and the thrill-seeking.
And they get at how good it is to go into the mouth of the lion with someone who’s got your back.
I fucking loved it.
*
The defendant took the stand yesterday on the last day of evidence. The prosecutor tore him up. It was beautiful to see. Dude was cool as a cucumber on direct, with his attorney holding his hand and leading him down the primrose path. He was looking at the jury, all smiles, and bashful glances, and heartfelt apologies. Only the barest edge of his temper glinted under the carefully groomed surface.
But when it was time for cross, things got ugly fast. Soon the defendant found himself in the tall weeds, looking over at his attorney, wild-eyed, for help.
There was none to be found.
*
I hope the jury could see him for what he is, but it’s not real easy. Guy is a handsome, articulate, intelligent dude. Pretty wife, lots of family and friends in the audience carrying his water.
But he’s a sociopath. Empty inside, except for a sense of self-regard and a disdain for others.
Makes you want to roll over him, you know?
*
Nice quiet weekend ahead of me. Clean the house. Walk the dog and the grandbaby. Do the shopping. Maybe cook a little something.
Take a nap.
Read.
Miss my old lady.
It could be worse.
*
Namaste.
***
Those sociopaths can be tricky. It’s best to avoid them if you can recognize them, but too often they’re in positions of power. Terrific post, as ever,
Scott.
Thanks, Elisabeth. Great to hear from you, as always. The sad thing about spending all of this trial time going after him is that even if he gets convicted, he won’t learn anything from it. It won’t help him.
But it might help someone else, so that will have to be enough.
Can I just say, I fucking LOVE this place…?! It’s so great at the end of a totally surreal or hard day to come here and see bask in art and read your words.
My husband is a criminal investigator and I well acquainted with how screwy the system is both ways from Sunday. Sociopaths walking free, innocents behind bars and everything in between. It’s all we’ve got, but it’s hard to know what you know and watch it go the wrong way when it does. I hope that this goes as it should.
The movie sounds like it struck the right chord. Sometimes even the ones that are somewhat predictable are really good, because they makers of it make the journey to where you know it’s going, interesting, fun and relatable. (maybe that’s not so much a word, but…) It’s good you got out wit yer boys and had a good hoo ha at eh movies and wherever else.
Hope the woman comes back soon. I know from that scene. Hang in.
peace,
pf
Sorry for all the typos. I have to admit, I’ve had a few this evening and it’s late on the east coast. It happens.
It does happen, doesn’t it?
Even to the best of us.
Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts. Even if they’re not spelled exactly right.
Ha.
Scott, it’s like taking a quiet slow breath to read your blog. In between the lines is a good message – handle and struggle with it, value self deprecation, strive for equanimity and gratitude … thank you. Mary
Mary-
I always get a quiet thrill when you stop by and say something. I got a little tender patch in my heart for you and yours. Hope all is well.
and thank you.