1 00:00:05,439 --> 00:00:06,840 ELLIOTT: "His student 2 00:00:06,940 --> 00:00:10,111 "in the short skirt-- couldn't remember her name-- 3 00:00:10,178 --> 00:00:12,146 "appeared during office hours 4 00:00:12,246 --> 00:00:14,348 "that afternoon. 5 00:00:15,816 --> 00:00:17,885 "'You looked up my skirt,' she said. 6 00:00:18,018 --> 00:00:19,520 (scattered gasps, exclamations) 7 00:00:19,620 --> 00:00:21,355 "'What are we gonna do about it?' 8 00:00:21,455 --> 00:00:23,391 "How dare she? 9 00:00:23,524 --> 00:00:26,094 "He was a distinguished member of the faculty, 10 00:00:26,194 --> 00:00:27,161 "for God's sakes. 11 00:00:27,261 --> 00:00:29,197 "And this Lisa-- yes, that's it-- 12 00:00:29,297 --> 00:00:32,665 "would not be satisfied until he was... 13 00:00:34,235 --> 00:00:35,903 "...dismembered. 14 00:00:36,937 --> 00:00:39,473 "How had he arrived here, 15 00:00:39,540 --> 00:00:42,576 "from walking home from school 16 00:00:42,710 --> 00:00:44,545 "to his mother's embrace 17 00:00:44,645 --> 00:00:46,580 "and a tuna fish sandwich 18 00:00:46,714 --> 00:00:49,917 "on perfectly toasted toast... 19 00:00:52,052 --> 00:00:53,554 "...to this horror? 20 00:00:53,687 --> 00:00:55,055 "Well, of course 21 00:00:55,189 --> 00:00:58,058 "he had looked up her skirt. 22 00:00:58,159 --> 00:01:01,095 "But, you know, was that a choice? 23 00:01:01,229 --> 00:01:04,198 "In that moment, he knew 24 00:01:04,298 --> 00:01:06,567 "she had complete power over him. 25 00:01:06,667 --> 00:01:09,337 "And he knew that he was, 26 00:01:09,437 --> 00:01:12,573 "maddeningly, 27 00:01:12,673 --> 00:01:14,575 "absurdly... 28 00:01:16,577 --> 00:01:18,078 ...in love with her." 29 00:01:18,212 --> 00:01:19,880 -(audience chuckles) -BARNEY: Sixteen books 30 00:01:19,947 --> 00:01:21,282 in 18 years. 31 00:01:21,414 --> 00:01:23,417 Well, that includes, uh, a collection of my essays. 32 00:01:23,551 --> 00:01:25,085 Oh, such modesty. 33 00:01:25,219 --> 00:01:27,020 (audience laughs) 34 00:01:27,087 --> 00:01:29,923 A new novel by Elliott Pope is a major event, 35 00:01:30,023 --> 00:01:32,160 especially in our mutual hometown 36 00:01:32,259 --> 00:01:35,095 of Massapequa, which has featured prominently 37 00:01:35,196 --> 00:01:36,497 in many of your books. 38 00:01:36,597 --> 00:01:38,999 I'm sure that's just a coincidence. 39 00:01:39,098 --> 00:01:40,033 You ever go back? 40 00:01:40,134 --> 00:01:41,269 Only in my work. 41 00:01:41,402 --> 00:01:43,537 Well, everyone there is very proud, 42 00:01:43,637 --> 00:01:45,473 even if they're afraid that you're going to write 43 00:01:45,573 --> 00:01:48,609 your next "metafiction roman à clef" about them. 44 00:01:48,709 --> 00:01:51,145 You know, I never write about anyone in particular. 45 00:01:52,413 --> 00:01:53,814 I write what I write. 46 00:01:53,914 --> 00:01:56,083 And it has worked out for you. 47 00:01:56,184 --> 00:01:59,553 After those early, smutty bestsellers, 48 00:01:59,652 --> 00:02:01,489 you have become an institution, 49 00:02:01,589 --> 00:02:04,558 winning prizes and raves from everyone 50 00:02:04,625 --> 00:02:05,893 except me, 51 00:02:05,959 --> 00:02:08,461 but that is because I have recused myself. 52 00:02:08,596 --> 00:02:12,065 I don't read reviews, Barney, but it is nice to know 53 00:02:12,166 --> 00:02:13,401 that if I did, 54 00:02:13,467 --> 00:02:15,469 I wouldn't even have the option to read yours. 55 00:02:15,603 --> 00:02:17,371 Well, that's probably for the best. 56 00:02:17,471 --> 00:02:18,839 (laughs) 57 00:02:20,341 --> 00:02:22,176 BARNEY: Back through here. 58 00:02:22,276 --> 00:02:23,344 My God. 59 00:02:23,444 --> 00:02:25,478 I know, it's gotten out of hand, 60 00:02:25,579 --> 00:02:27,615 but I know where everything is. 61 00:02:27,681 --> 00:02:30,218 Oh, hey, would you like to sign some books? 62 00:02:30,318 --> 00:02:32,520 -I'm not in the mood. -Ah. 63 00:02:32,620 --> 00:02:34,154 ELLIOTT: Oh. Is that a rat? 64 00:02:34,255 --> 00:02:35,489 BARNEY: Oh, Templeton. 65 00:02:35,589 --> 00:02:37,090 Smart little guy, can't catch him. 66 00:02:37,156 --> 00:02:40,961 Bev keeps threatening to call the health department. 67 00:02:41,762 --> 00:02:43,797 Hey, tonight was great. 68 00:02:43,897 --> 00:02:46,200 It was an honor just being on 69 00:02:46,334 --> 00:02:47,768 that stage with you. 70 00:02:47,868 --> 00:02:49,168 (soft chuckle) 71 00:02:49,303 --> 00:02:50,471 Then, um, 72 00:02:50,538 --> 00:02:52,105 why did you have to spew all that, uh, 73 00:02:52,172 --> 00:02:54,341 "metafiction roman à clef" garbage? 74 00:02:54,475 --> 00:02:56,844 It diminishes my work. It's saying, 75 00:02:56,944 --> 00:02:59,213 uh, I don't make things up. 76 00:02:59,347 --> 00:03:00,781 Don't be so touchy. 77 00:03:00,848 --> 00:03:03,817 What's wrong-- is the writing not going well? 78 00:03:03,884 --> 00:03:05,386 -Uh... -What are you working on? 79 00:03:05,519 --> 00:03:06,554 That's none of your business. 80 00:03:06,687 --> 00:03:08,356 Oh, come on. Are you stuck? 81 00:03:08,456 --> 00:03:11,492 You know, I could be helpful. I'm not a total idiot. 82 00:03:11,592 --> 00:03:12,960 Barney, you're a critic. 83 00:03:13,026 --> 00:03:14,695 Who doesn't review your books. 84 00:03:14,795 --> 00:03:18,266 Let me read what you're working on. Please, as a fan. 85 00:03:19,833 --> 00:03:22,135 -It's not ready. -Well, maybe not for the world, 86 00:03:22,236 --> 00:03:23,437 but for me? 87 00:03:23,537 --> 00:03:25,639 Come on. It would give me so much joy. 88 00:03:25,739 --> 00:03:28,841 To be the first person to read a new Elliott Pope? 89 00:03:28,909 --> 00:03:30,077 Wow. 90 00:03:30,177 --> 00:03:31,745 You're laying it on a little thick. 91 00:03:31,845 --> 00:03:33,981 It's true. Elliott, 92 00:03:34,081 --> 00:03:35,383 I'm begging you. 93 00:03:35,516 --> 00:03:39,086 It would mean so much that you trusted me. 94 00:03:41,822 --> 00:03:44,992 Well... it's still in longhand. 95 00:03:45,091 --> 00:03:47,227 So, if you lose the manuscript, 96 00:03:47,328 --> 00:03:49,162 I will kill you. 97 00:03:49,228 --> 00:03:50,864 (laughs) 98 00:03:50,930 --> 00:03:54,268 ELLIOTT: Edgar Bishop walked up Madison, 99 00:03:54,368 --> 00:03:55,936 past the fresh-faced girls 100 00:03:56,036 --> 00:03:59,540 leaving the Dalton School, as was his habit. 101 00:03:59,607 --> 00:04:03,444 His thoughts kept returning to the little man in the bookstore. 102 00:04:03,544 --> 00:04:06,814 Two months and still not a word. 103 00:04:06,914 --> 00:04:09,817 Not one word. 104 00:04:09,917 --> 00:04:12,119 (Barney chuckling) 105 00:04:13,220 --> 00:04:14,955 Oh, uh... (mouthing) 106 00:04:15,088 --> 00:04:16,690 Let me get you a bag. 107 00:04:16,790 --> 00:04:18,459 There you go. 108 00:04:19,927 --> 00:04:21,329 WOMAN: Thank you. 109 00:04:22,195 --> 00:04:23,664 (chuckles softly) 110 00:04:31,605 --> 00:04:34,442 Yes, I'm sure they'll just fly off the shelves 111 00:04:34,542 --> 00:04:36,610 -when they're arranged like this. (chuckles) -Yeah. 112 00:04:36,744 --> 00:04:39,447 I'm glad you're here. I want to show you something. 113 00:04:39,547 --> 00:04:40,648 I took this out of my 114 00:04:40,781 --> 00:04:42,850 safe deposit box today. 115 00:04:42,950 --> 00:04:43,951 I have to sell it to 116 00:04:44,051 --> 00:04:45,653 cover some debt. 117 00:04:45,753 --> 00:04:47,220 Rent went up again. 118 00:04:47,287 --> 00:04:49,390 This is tough stuff for Forster. 119 00:04:49,490 --> 00:04:50,858 Not effeminate like the others. 120 00:04:50,957 --> 00:04:52,860 That's a first edition Howards End 121 00:04:52,960 --> 00:04:55,696 from Henry James' private library. 122 00:04:55,796 --> 00:04:57,831 Well, we think so. 123 00:04:57,931 --> 00:04:59,299 The proof is iffy. 124 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:00,634 Let me get you a drink. 125 00:05:00,734 --> 00:05:03,136 I hate to part with it, but if I don't, 126 00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:06,306 I'll have to let Bev in on the state of our finances. 127 00:05:07,608 --> 00:05:09,009 Oh. 128 00:05:09,109 --> 00:05:12,513 Oh, uh, yeah, I, uh, 129 00:05:12,646 --> 00:05:14,482 sensed some awkwardness, 130 00:05:14,582 --> 00:05:16,316 and I assume it's because 131 00:05:16,450 --> 00:05:18,018 I... I never called you 132 00:05:18,151 --> 00:05:20,521 about your manuscript. 133 00:05:21,489 --> 00:05:22,590 I read it. 134 00:05:24,057 --> 00:05:26,660 I mean, how much do you want me to say? 135 00:05:29,563 --> 00:05:31,331 I don't want you to say anything. 136 00:05:31,432 --> 00:05:33,534 I didn't even want you to read it in the first place. 137 00:05:33,634 --> 00:05:35,703 Y... I don't care 138 00:05:35,836 --> 00:05:37,438 what you think at all. 139 00:05:38,271 --> 00:05:41,542 Oh, thank you. Thank you. 140 00:05:42,376 --> 00:05:43,611 Why are you thanking me? 141 00:05:43,677 --> 00:05:45,846 For not making me give you my notes. 142 00:05:45,946 --> 00:05:47,781 I'm so tired of the sound of 143 00:05:47,848 --> 00:05:50,518 my own voice, pompously pointing out 144 00:05:50,651 --> 00:05:52,119 flaws in people's work. 145 00:05:52,219 --> 00:05:53,721 Flaws. What... 146 00:05:53,854 --> 00:05:55,122 Come on. What flaws? 147 00:05:55,222 --> 00:05:56,524 I thought you didn't want to know. 148 00:05:56,657 --> 00:05:58,692 Okay, well, now I'm interested, so go ahead. 149 00:05:58,792 --> 00:06:01,194 -Come on, tell me. -You sure? 150 00:06:02,295 --> 00:06:03,864 W... Well, uh, 151 00:06:03,964 --> 00:06:05,899 where to start? (short chuckle) 152 00:06:06,033 --> 00:06:08,702 Uh, you know, it's just another 153 00:06:08,836 --> 00:06:11,271 sad, masturbatory exercise, 154 00:06:11,371 --> 00:06:12,873 steeped in misogyny 155 00:06:12,973 --> 00:06:15,242 and casual cruelty. Once again, 156 00:06:15,342 --> 00:06:17,110 you have strip-mined the lives 157 00:06:17,210 --> 00:06:19,747 of the good people of Massapequa-- 158 00:06:19,847 --> 00:06:21,549 I recognized every one of them-- 159 00:06:21,649 --> 00:06:23,016 for filthy lucre. 160 00:06:23,116 --> 00:06:25,018 And all but your sainted mother 161 00:06:25,085 --> 00:06:26,720 and her tuna sandwiches 162 00:06:26,820 --> 00:06:29,723 are subjected to your snide disapproval. 163 00:06:29,857 --> 00:06:31,725 Honestly, every 164 00:06:31,859 --> 00:06:34,595 impeccably-crafted sentence 165 00:06:34,728 --> 00:06:37,598 made me want to vomit. 166 00:06:38,932 --> 00:06:40,601 Hmm. 167 00:06:41,902 --> 00:06:44,271 Well... 168 00:06:44,371 --> 00:06:46,039 thank you, Barney. 169 00:06:46,139 --> 00:06:48,341 I value your opinion. 170 00:06:48,442 --> 00:06:50,578 The way I would 171 00:06:50,678 --> 00:06:53,447 value the opinion 172 00:06:53,581 --> 00:06:56,416 of a loser want-to-be 173 00:06:56,517 --> 00:06:59,887 of no literary importance. 174 00:06:59,987 --> 00:07:03,023 A man who sells and criticizes 175 00:07:03,123 --> 00:07:05,192 books he wished he had written, 176 00:07:05,292 --> 00:07:08,929 but all the while knowing he is incapable 177 00:07:09,029 --> 00:07:11,231 of holding anyone's interest 178 00:07:11,331 --> 00:07:14,468 because his life, like his mind, 179 00:07:14,602 --> 00:07:17,270 is completely worthless. 180 00:07:21,074 --> 00:07:22,375 (chuckles) 181 00:07:22,442 --> 00:07:24,177 (laughs) 182 00:07:25,078 --> 00:07:26,614 -Ah... -Maybe so, 183 00:07:26,714 --> 00:07:27,781 my old friend, 184 00:07:27,881 --> 00:07:29,282 -maybe so. -I'm sorry. You know, 185 00:07:29,382 --> 00:07:32,219 it's-it's the people who know us best 186 00:07:32,319 --> 00:07:35,088 whose bad opinions hurt the most, so forgive me. 187 00:07:35,188 --> 00:07:38,425 Oh, I deserve every bit of it. 188 00:07:38,492 --> 00:07:39,827 Oh... 189 00:07:39,927 --> 00:07:41,795 You still want me to sign some books? 190 00:07:41,929 --> 00:07:43,897 (short chuckle) 191 00:07:43,964 --> 00:07:45,666 Of course. 192 00:08:03,651 --> 00:08:05,653 Oh! 193 00:08:05,753 --> 00:08:06,754 Elliott! 194 00:08:06,854 --> 00:08:08,155 Elliott, please. 195 00:08:08,255 --> 00:08:10,090 Help. Help. (grunting) 196 00:08:10,157 --> 00:08:11,725 Elliott, 197 00:08:11,825 --> 00:08:14,394 doesn't our friendship mean anything to you? 198 00:08:16,964 --> 00:08:19,466 How much do you want me to say? 199 00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:21,434 No! 200 00:08:21,535 --> 00:08:23,170 No, no, no! 201 00:08:23,270 --> 00:08:24,772 No, Elliott. 202 00:08:24,838 --> 00:08:26,540 (shouts) 203 00:08:54,134 --> 00:08:55,569 ELLIOTT: "Edgar Bishop knew 204 00:08:55,669 --> 00:08:56,904 "his life wouldn't change much 205 00:08:57,004 --> 00:08:58,405 "after the death of his friend. 206 00:08:58,538 --> 00:09:00,641 "Was that even the word? 207 00:09:00,741 --> 00:09:02,409 "Acquaintance? More like 208 00:09:02,509 --> 00:09:04,845 "a mirror. 209 00:09:04,945 --> 00:09:07,748 "For Marty Roper could always show him 210 00:09:07,881 --> 00:09:09,717 "who he really was. 211 00:09:09,850 --> 00:09:11,518 He would miss the son of a bitch." 212 00:09:11,619 --> 00:09:13,120 -(gentle laughter) -FRED: Now, the character of 213 00:09:13,220 --> 00:09:16,223 Marty Roper does bear a passing resemblance 214 00:09:16,323 --> 00:09:17,825 to a mutual acquaintance of ours. 215 00:09:17,891 --> 00:09:19,159 Yep, Barney Corman. 216 00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:20,828 Now, for those of you who don't know, 217 00:09:20,928 --> 00:09:23,597 Barney Corman was a critic who owned Barney's Books, 218 00:09:23,731 --> 00:09:26,867 and who died tragically a year and a half ago, 219 00:09:26,967 --> 00:09:28,602 crushed by his own bookcases. 220 00:09:28,736 --> 00:09:30,604 -(audience murmurs) -Oh, my God. -You know, I remember 221 00:09:30,704 --> 00:09:32,539 hearing from his wife, Bev, who mentioned that 222 00:09:32,606 --> 00:09:34,908 you were devastated when she called you. 223 00:09:35,008 --> 00:09:37,110 I mean, you know, who wouldn't be? 224 00:09:37,244 --> 00:09:38,178 Did you know immediately 225 00:09:38,245 --> 00:09:39,446 you wanted to write about it? 226 00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:41,849 Well, no, 'cause, you know, I haven't. 227 00:09:41,915 --> 00:09:43,684 I mean, yes, Barney's death, 228 00:09:43,784 --> 00:09:47,187 uh, did spark my imagination, you know, at some level, 229 00:09:47,287 --> 00:09:49,690 but, you know, I'm not interested in parsing out, 230 00:09:49,757 --> 00:09:51,959 you know, what's true and just pure invention. 231 00:09:52,092 --> 00:09:54,194 That's been a constant in your career, hasn't it? 232 00:09:54,261 --> 00:09:56,463 People asking what's made up, what isn't? 233 00:09:56,596 --> 00:09:58,598 -Yeah, it's irritating. -(laughing) 234 00:09:58,699 --> 00:10:00,968 And I just did it. Bad Fred. 235 00:10:01,902 --> 00:10:03,103 All right, let's open it up 236 00:10:03,203 --> 00:10:04,471 -to some questions. -ELSBETH: Oh. 237 00:10:04,604 --> 00:10:05,372 Oh! 238 00:10:05,472 --> 00:10:06,974 -Yes? -Me? 239 00:10:07,107 --> 00:10:08,475 -Mm-hmm. -SHERYL: Uh, hi, 240 00:10:08,575 --> 00:10:11,611 I'm Sheryl Jacobs. Um, I'm actually an author, too. 241 00:10:11,745 --> 00:10:14,581 My book Unwell On My Way 242 00:10:14,682 --> 00:10:15,916 is out in paperback... 243 00:10:16,016 --> 00:10:17,417 -What is your question? -SHERYL: Sorry. 244 00:10:17,517 --> 00:10:18,551 I'm a little nervous. 245 00:10:18,618 --> 00:10:20,053 Um... 246 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:22,956 -such a fan... -Again, your question? 247 00:10:23,056 --> 00:10:24,892 I forgot what it was. 248 00:10:24,992 --> 00:10:27,427 -Oh, no, wait, my friend has one. -Oh. 249 00:10:27,494 --> 00:10:29,062 -Yeah. Right? -Okay. 250 00:10:29,162 --> 00:10:31,064 Um, hello. Hi. 251 00:10:31,164 --> 00:10:32,465 Uh, hi, Fred. 252 00:10:32,565 --> 00:10:34,401 -Oh. -(laughs) 253 00:10:34,467 --> 00:10:38,405 Um, I was just curious about the way Marty dies 254 00:10:38,505 --> 00:10:40,240 in the avalanche. 255 00:10:40,307 --> 00:10:43,010 I was surprised when he went on that ski trip. 256 00:10:43,143 --> 00:10:44,477 He wasn't very athletic. 257 00:10:44,611 --> 00:10:47,514 Well, you know, uh, character is often, uh, revealed 258 00:10:47,647 --> 00:10:49,082 through contradiction. 259 00:10:49,182 --> 00:10:51,852 But the narrator, Edgar, 260 00:10:51,952 --> 00:10:55,689 says that his and Marty's eyes meet 261 00:10:55,823 --> 00:10:57,725 just before he dies. 262 00:10:57,825 --> 00:10:59,192 That doesn't seem possible. 263 00:10:59,292 --> 00:11:01,361 -How do you mean? -Well, I mean, if they were 264 00:11:01,494 --> 00:11:02,963 actually that close, 265 00:11:03,063 --> 00:11:04,865 then both of them would have been killed 266 00:11:04,998 --> 00:11:07,000 by the falling snow. 267 00:11:07,100 --> 00:11:08,268 You're reading it wrong. 268 00:11:08,335 --> 00:11:10,037 Oh, okay. 269 00:11:11,204 --> 00:11:13,941 It's just, it says their eyes meet, 270 00:11:14,007 --> 00:11:15,375 so... 271 00:11:15,508 --> 00:11:17,344 And Eddie is really you, 272 00:11:17,444 --> 00:11:18,678 -isn't he? -FRED: Okay, 273 00:11:18,779 --> 00:11:21,048 let's move on to the next question. Uh, yes, 274 00:11:21,148 --> 00:11:22,950 -over here. -Thank you. 275 00:11:23,016 --> 00:11:24,317 WOMAN: Over here. 276 00:11:24,417 --> 00:11:25,552 SHERYL: To Sheryl. 277 00:11:25,685 --> 00:11:27,087 Thank you. 278 00:11:27,187 --> 00:11:28,221 Could I 279 00:11:28,321 --> 00:11:30,724 give you a copy of my book, too? 280 00:11:30,824 --> 00:11:32,359 It would mean so much to me. 281 00:11:32,459 --> 00:11:34,294 Sorry, life is finite. 282 00:11:34,394 --> 00:11:36,764 Oh. Oh-oh... 283 00:11:36,864 --> 00:11:38,431 No, I understand. 284 00:11:41,068 --> 00:11:42,602 Hi. It's for 285 00:11:42,702 --> 00:11:45,572 Elsbeth. With a "B." (chuckles softly) 286 00:11:45,705 --> 00:11:48,876 Elsbeth with a "B." 287 00:11:48,976 --> 00:11:50,177 That's right. 288 00:11:50,277 --> 00:11:52,579 I'm sorry if my question seemed rude. 289 00:11:52,679 --> 00:11:54,815 I'm actually so impressed with 290 00:11:54,915 --> 00:11:57,017 how vividly you imagined that death scene, 291 00:11:57,117 --> 00:12:00,087 because, of course, you weren't there when your friend died. 292 00:12:00,187 --> 00:12:02,089 No, I read it in the paper, 293 00:12:02,222 --> 00:12:03,290 like everybody else. 294 00:12:03,390 --> 00:12:05,225 I thought Fred said 295 00:12:05,325 --> 00:12:07,260 you got a call from Barney's widow, 296 00:12:07,360 --> 00:12:08,561 and that's how you found out. 297 00:12:08,695 --> 00:12:11,731 Yes, and then I read the details. 298 00:12:11,865 --> 00:12:13,767 Yeah, a word of advice. 299 00:12:13,901 --> 00:12:17,570 You focus so much on unimportant details, 300 00:12:17,670 --> 00:12:19,206 you lose the deeper meaning. 301 00:12:19,272 --> 00:12:20,740 You can't read my books 302 00:12:20,874 --> 00:12:24,344 like they're Agatha Christie murder mysteries. 303 00:12:24,444 --> 00:12:27,447 Who said anything about a murder mystery? 304 00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:33,353 I've met that woman before. 305 00:12:33,420 --> 00:12:35,088 -She's pretty kooky. -Yeah. 306 00:12:35,222 --> 00:12:37,891 Hard to believe she works with the police. 307 00:12:37,958 --> 00:12:40,293 (softly): I know, I heard you telling him. 308 00:12:41,428 --> 00:12:42,863 -Hi. -(clears throat) 309 00:12:42,930 --> 00:12:44,932 (chatter continues indistinctly) 310 00:12:45,032 --> 00:12:47,234 * * 311 00:12:57,310 --> 00:13:00,948 Ooh. Elliott Pope? Now, that man can write. 312 00:13:01,048 --> 00:13:02,082 So you've read his books? 313 00:13:02,182 --> 00:13:03,616 Uh, yeah, one or two. 314 00:13:03,716 --> 00:13:06,019 -You mean the early dirty ones. -Hey, now. 315 00:13:06,119 --> 00:13:08,956 Just because Pope's books were somewhat explicit 316 00:13:09,056 --> 00:13:11,024 doesn't detract from their literary merit. 317 00:13:11,124 --> 00:13:12,960 My older brother gave me a copy of Couch Liar 318 00:13:13,060 --> 00:13:15,963 when I was 12, saying it would put hair on my chest. 319 00:13:16,063 --> 00:13:18,798 I still don't know why he was expecting it to do that. 320 00:13:18,899 --> 00:13:20,300 So, why are we talking about him? 321 00:13:20,433 --> 00:13:22,769 Well, I have been making my way through Pope's books. 322 00:13:22,836 --> 00:13:25,805 He's not very good at writing women, is he? 323 00:13:25,906 --> 00:13:28,241 And I can't stop thinking about his new book, 324 00:13:28,308 --> 00:13:31,678 Snow Falls Down, which is inspired 325 00:13:31,778 --> 00:13:34,747 by the death of a friend of his. 326 00:13:34,814 --> 00:13:37,317 Oh, I-I see where this is going. 327 00:13:37,450 --> 00:13:39,719 Barney Corman was crushed 328 00:13:39,819 --> 00:13:41,654 by falling bookcases 329 00:13:41,754 --> 00:13:43,756 18 months ago. 330 00:13:43,823 --> 00:13:46,593 Aah...! 331 00:13:46,693 --> 00:13:48,295 In the book, 332 00:13:48,395 --> 00:13:52,099 Marty Roper was crushed by an avalanche 333 00:13:52,199 --> 00:13:53,766 on a ski trip. 334 00:13:53,867 --> 00:13:55,835 So, the first could have inspired the second. 335 00:13:55,936 --> 00:13:57,070 That's what writers do. 336 00:13:57,170 --> 00:13:59,339 True. But in most of Pope's books, 337 00:13:59,439 --> 00:14:03,343 the narrator-- his alter ego is usually named Edgar Bishop-- 338 00:14:03,443 --> 00:14:05,012 is wracked with all sorts of guilt 339 00:14:05,112 --> 00:14:06,379 about everything. But in this book, 340 00:14:06,479 --> 00:14:08,515 Edgar doesn't feel guilty at all 341 00:14:08,648 --> 00:14:11,051 about Marty's death, even though he had sex 342 00:14:11,151 --> 00:14:13,686 with Marty's wife in a cave at the top of the mountain, 343 00:14:13,786 --> 00:14:15,388 which is what caused the avalanche. 344 00:14:15,488 --> 00:14:18,358 Oh. Yeah, yeah, yeah. The man's still got it. 345 00:14:18,458 --> 00:14:20,193 Don't you see? 346 00:14:20,961 --> 00:14:22,963 Pope is trying to distance himself 347 00:14:23,030 --> 00:14:25,398 from the death of Barney Corman, 348 00:14:25,532 --> 00:14:28,768 but he can't resist writing about it. 349 00:14:28,868 --> 00:14:31,838 So, what do we know about the guy under the bookcase? 350 00:14:31,905 --> 00:14:34,574 Barney Corman was a minor figure 351 00:14:34,674 --> 00:14:37,310 in New York literary circles. 352 00:14:37,377 --> 00:14:38,478 He wrote reviews freelance 353 00:14:38,545 --> 00:14:40,047 and owned Barney's Books bookstore, 354 00:14:40,147 --> 00:14:43,415 which sold retail and also dealt in rare editions. 355 00:14:43,550 --> 00:14:44,851 So what's all that? 356 00:14:44,952 --> 00:14:46,920 Oh, this is all from the original police report. 357 00:14:47,020 --> 00:14:48,255 Which was very thin. 358 00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:49,756 GRACE: Yeah, it looked like 359 00:14:49,856 --> 00:14:52,592 an accident-- a man crushed by old bookcases, 360 00:14:52,725 --> 00:14:54,161 clutching a copy of Howards End, 361 00:14:54,227 --> 00:14:56,363 in a room that was a health hazard. 362 00:14:56,463 --> 00:14:57,564 ELSBETH: Barney's wife 363 00:14:57,664 --> 00:14:59,266 had called the health department, 364 00:14:59,399 --> 00:15:01,834 but nobody wanted to be in close quarters with Templeton. 365 00:15:01,901 --> 00:15:03,003 Templeton? 366 00:15:03,070 --> 00:15:04,237 Oh, that's the name that Barney gave 367 00:15:04,337 --> 00:15:05,272 to the rat who lived there. 368 00:15:05,372 --> 00:15:06,940 Probably named after the rat 369 00:15:07,074 --> 00:15:08,375 in Charlotte's Web. 370 00:15:08,441 --> 00:15:09,909 Oh, I love that book. 371 00:15:10,043 --> 00:15:12,545 Yeah. So, I asked 372 00:15:12,612 --> 00:15:15,282 Elliott Pope some totally innocent questions 373 00:15:15,382 --> 00:15:16,716 at his book signing 374 00:15:16,816 --> 00:15:19,886 and he lectured me about caring too much about facts. 375 00:15:19,953 --> 00:15:21,955 So he clearly doesn't want anyone to do 376 00:15:22,055 --> 00:15:23,756 a close reading of this case. 377 00:15:23,856 --> 00:15:26,526 So... can we? 378 00:15:26,593 --> 00:15:27,860 Look, 379 00:15:27,927 --> 00:15:30,030 as much as I try to indulge your hunches, 380 00:15:30,130 --> 00:15:32,599 which I admit, usually turn out right, 381 00:15:32,699 --> 00:15:34,034 there's simply not enough there. 382 00:15:34,101 --> 00:15:35,868 The man died 18 months ago. 383 00:15:35,969 --> 00:15:37,304 Oh, come on. 384 00:15:37,404 --> 00:15:40,773 A novelist and a critic who grew up together? 385 00:15:40,907 --> 00:15:43,776 That is fertile ground for a literary feud. 386 00:15:43,876 --> 00:15:46,079 Sure, like my feud with Cyrus Tully, 387 00:15:46,179 --> 00:15:47,547 but I would never go out and kill the man. 388 00:15:47,647 --> 00:15:48,948 Well, that's you. 389 00:15:49,049 --> 00:15:50,950 Elsbeth, your consent decree doesn't include 390 00:15:51,051 --> 00:15:52,652 creating new cases that don't exist. 391 00:15:52,785 --> 00:15:54,887 But it does include pointing out cases 392 00:15:54,988 --> 00:15:57,324 that may have been missed. Or at least it should. 393 00:15:58,790 --> 00:16:00,627 What do you think? 394 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:01,894 Me? 395 00:16:01,961 --> 00:16:03,563 I'm tired of being in this position. 396 00:16:03,630 --> 00:16:04,964 If you're convinced that this 397 00:16:05,065 --> 00:16:07,234 is an actual murder case worth investigating, 398 00:16:07,334 --> 00:16:08,501 then I'll agree. 399 00:16:08,601 --> 00:16:10,470 So what's it gonna be? 400 00:16:10,570 --> 00:16:12,372 Well, I... 401 00:16:14,107 --> 00:16:15,608 ...agree with Captain Wagner. 402 00:16:15,708 --> 00:16:17,477 There's no hard evidence, 403 00:16:17,577 --> 00:16:19,079 so there's not enough here. 404 00:16:19,179 --> 00:16:20,447 Yet. 405 00:16:20,513 --> 00:16:22,082 "Yet?" 406 00:16:22,149 --> 00:16:25,385 Thank you, Lt. Connor. That's all we need. 407 00:16:32,625 --> 00:16:34,494 Boy, you can just 408 00:16:34,594 --> 00:16:38,298 smell the literature. (laughs) 409 00:16:38,365 --> 00:16:40,867 (sighs) This place is classic New York. 410 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:42,669 Barney liked to think so. 411 00:16:42,802 --> 00:16:44,804 Oh, you must miss him a lot. 412 00:16:44,871 --> 00:16:47,774 More than when he was alive, that's for sure. 413 00:16:47,840 --> 00:16:51,611 So, you say you're with the police? 414 00:16:52,379 --> 00:16:55,682 Sort of. I help to make sure they do everything right. 415 00:16:55,782 --> 00:16:58,085 They didn't do something right? 416 00:16:58,185 --> 00:16:59,719 I don't know yet. 417 00:16:59,852 --> 00:17:01,254 But there are some things 418 00:17:01,354 --> 00:17:03,490 I wish were in the report that aren't there. 419 00:17:03,556 --> 00:17:05,692 (gasps) I knew it. 420 00:17:05,825 --> 00:17:07,394 Ooh, I should have pushed, 421 00:17:07,527 --> 00:17:09,796 but they were so sure, and I figured 422 00:17:09,862 --> 00:17:12,832 the storeroom was a disaster waiting to happen. 423 00:17:12,932 --> 00:17:14,901 I've kept it locked up 424 00:17:15,034 --> 00:17:16,136 ever since. 425 00:17:16,236 --> 00:17:17,537 Do you think I could take a look? 426 00:17:17,670 --> 00:17:20,039 You're not afraid of rats? 427 00:17:20,140 --> 00:17:23,009 Oh, no, I most definitely am. 428 00:17:23,076 --> 00:17:24,411 Hmm. 429 00:17:24,511 --> 00:17:26,979 Oh, oh. I have an idea. 430 00:17:27,046 --> 00:17:29,449 That is one feisty little rat. 431 00:17:29,549 --> 00:17:31,851 Oh. Oh, thank you 432 00:17:31,951 --> 00:17:34,821 for not just killing him. 433 00:17:34,887 --> 00:17:36,589 He was a friend of my husband's. 434 00:17:36,689 --> 00:17:37,590 BRAD: Oh, no, 435 00:17:37,724 --> 00:17:39,592 we never kill rats with names. 436 00:17:39,726 --> 00:17:41,494 It's in our manifesto. 437 00:17:41,594 --> 00:17:43,396 -Oh. -JILL: We'll find Templeton 438 00:17:43,496 --> 00:17:46,266 a good home in the wilds of New Jersey. 439 00:17:46,366 --> 00:17:47,834 Thanks for calling us, Elsbeth. 440 00:17:47,934 --> 00:17:50,737 You're always my first thought when I see vermin. 441 00:17:52,872 --> 00:17:55,942 Well, what are we waiting for? 442 00:18:02,682 --> 00:18:05,552 Oh, they put the bookcases back up, 443 00:18:05,618 --> 00:18:08,621 but everything else is just as it was. 444 00:18:08,721 --> 00:18:10,957 (softly vocalizes crashing) 445 00:18:14,161 --> 00:18:16,463 What-what-what, exactly, 446 00:18:16,596 --> 00:18:18,131 are you looking for? 447 00:18:18,231 --> 00:18:20,900 I'm not quite sure... 448 00:18:20,967 --> 00:18:22,869 yet. 449 00:18:22,969 --> 00:18:25,138 (softly exclaims) 450 00:18:25,938 --> 00:18:27,640 (softly imitates crash) 451 00:18:29,942 --> 00:18:32,212 But I just found it. 452 00:18:32,312 --> 00:18:33,746 But the scratches on the footstool 453 00:18:33,846 --> 00:18:35,782 were clearly made by the molding 454 00:18:35,882 --> 00:18:37,049 on the top of the bookcase. 455 00:18:37,116 --> 00:18:38,618 Footstool. 456 00:18:38,751 --> 00:18:40,187 Bookcase. 457 00:18:42,289 --> 00:18:43,656 Barney. 458 00:18:44,757 --> 00:18:46,626 (softly imitates crashing) 459 00:18:46,759 --> 00:18:47,894 Somebody 460 00:18:47,994 --> 00:18:49,962 must have dragged the footstool out from 461 00:18:50,096 --> 00:18:52,098 under the bookcase after it fell. 462 00:18:52,165 --> 00:18:53,166 Boom. 463 00:18:53,266 --> 00:18:54,801 And if that's true, 464 00:18:54,901 --> 00:18:56,303 then that somebody 465 00:18:56,403 --> 00:18:58,338 murdered Barney Corman. 466 00:18:59,172 --> 00:19:01,073 Or... 467 00:19:04,311 --> 00:19:05,378 ...Barney Corman 468 00:19:05,478 --> 00:19:06,946 accidentally pushed out the footstool 469 00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:08,281 in his confusion. 470 00:19:08,348 --> 00:19:09,782 Ugh. 471 00:19:09,882 --> 00:19:12,319 You enjoy doing this to me, don't you? 472 00:19:12,419 --> 00:19:14,621 The report did mention a witness who arrived at the store 473 00:19:14,687 --> 00:19:17,557 at 6:40, but the sign said it was closed. 474 00:19:17,657 --> 00:19:20,427 But the store didn't close until 8:00. 475 00:19:20,527 --> 00:19:21,528 so who 476 00:19:21,628 --> 00:19:24,163 turned the sign to "Closed?" 477 00:19:24,264 --> 00:19:25,965 -Is that it? -Isn't that enough? 478 00:19:26,032 --> 00:19:29,035 Yes, I believe that is enough to warrant a new investigation. 479 00:19:29,135 --> 00:19:31,471 -All right! -(laughing) 480 00:19:31,538 --> 00:19:33,105 So, uh, which detective should we go to? 481 00:19:33,172 --> 00:19:34,207 WAGNER: No detective. 482 00:19:34,307 --> 00:19:35,842 Since Lt. Connor is convinced, 483 00:19:35,942 --> 00:19:38,044 he's gonna help you on the very cold 484 00:19:38,177 --> 00:19:39,746 barely-a-case case. 485 00:19:39,846 --> 00:19:41,047 Good enough for me. 486 00:19:41,180 --> 00:19:43,216 So, uh, should we talk to Elliott Pope? 487 00:19:44,851 --> 00:19:47,454 Edgar Bishop knew the vultures of biography 488 00:19:47,554 --> 00:19:48,855 were circling. 489 00:19:48,988 --> 00:19:50,823 He needed a strategy to confound them. 490 00:19:50,890 --> 00:19:53,159 But his mind was diverted by a woman 491 00:19:53,226 --> 00:19:56,062 dressed in absurdly bright colors, 492 00:19:56,195 --> 00:19:59,866 asking irritating yet perceptive questions. 493 00:19:59,966 --> 00:20:01,568 Who was she? 494 00:20:04,237 --> 00:20:06,239 Everything I say here is off the record. 495 00:20:06,339 --> 00:20:07,974 -What record? -Any record. 496 00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:11,578 From official precinct memoranda to Teddy Tascioni. 497 00:20:11,711 --> 00:20:12,979 Understood. 498 00:20:13,045 --> 00:20:14,314 The election is now 499 00:20:14,414 --> 00:20:16,249 a few days away and Alec, if he wins, 500 00:20:16,349 --> 00:20:17,817 wants to hit the ground running. 501 00:20:17,884 --> 00:20:19,586 So, what do you want from me? 502 00:20:19,719 --> 00:20:21,421 Alec is choosing people 503 00:20:21,521 --> 00:20:23,556 for important appointments and he wants to know, 504 00:20:23,690 --> 00:20:27,026 would you be interested in being police commissioner? 505 00:20:27,093 --> 00:20:28,160 Yeah. 506 00:20:28,227 --> 00:20:30,062 Big stuff. 507 00:20:30,196 --> 00:20:31,431 -(knock on door) -What? 508 00:20:31,564 --> 00:20:34,133 Marissa. Hi. 509 00:20:34,233 --> 00:20:35,435 What's this about? 510 00:20:35,535 --> 00:20:37,036 -Nothing. -We're asking him 511 00:20:37,136 --> 00:20:38,905 if he wants to be police commissioner. (gasps) 512 00:20:39,005 --> 00:20:40,172 I thought this was off the record. 513 00:20:40,273 --> 00:20:43,610 Well, Alec trusts Elsbeth. Clearly. 514 00:20:44,411 --> 00:20:46,679 Don't answer right away. Think about it. 515 00:20:46,779 --> 00:20:48,415 But don't take too long. 516 00:20:48,515 --> 00:20:50,417 Don't lead Alec on. 517 00:20:50,517 --> 00:20:51,918 Be clear on what you want. 518 00:20:52,051 --> 00:20:53,486 He deserves that. 519 00:20:56,456 --> 00:20:58,591 Wow. 520 00:20:58,725 --> 00:20:59,859 So, what are you gonna do? 521 00:20:59,959 --> 00:21:01,994 I don't know yet. 522 00:21:03,262 --> 00:21:04,864 Uh, what did you... 523 00:21:04,931 --> 00:21:07,867 Oh. Uh, I really want to question Elliott Pope, 524 00:21:07,967 --> 00:21:11,103 but his agent refuses all requests for interviews. 525 00:21:11,203 --> 00:21:12,772 But you won't let that stop you. 526 00:21:12,905 --> 00:21:15,074 I'll consider that your blessing. 527 00:21:17,109 --> 00:21:19,145 Why, hello. 528 00:21:19,278 --> 00:21:20,112 You remember me? 529 00:21:20,246 --> 00:21:22,048 Actually, I do. 530 00:21:22,148 --> 00:21:25,652 This isn't a coincidence, is it, Elsbeth with a "B"? 531 00:21:25,752 --> 00:21:27,920 -Oh, you're so smart. -Mm. 532 00:21:28,020 --> 00:21:30,289 No, I read how every workday, 533 00:21:30,423 --> 00:21:31,791 you go to the place down the street 534 00:21:31,891 --> 00:21:33,993 to get a tuna fish sandwich just like the one 535 00:21:34,093 --> 00:21:35,562 your mother used to make you. 536 00:21:35,662 --> 00:21:38,565 Boy, you must think about your mother a lot. 537 00:21:38,665 --> 00:21:42,335 She's the only woman who has never disappointed me. 538 00:21:42,469 --> 00:21:44,671 Well, that's... sad. 539 00:21:44,804 --> 00:21:47,306 Anyway, you mentioned this little lunchtime ritual 540 00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:50,209 in several interviews, which is surprising for someone 541 00:21:50,309 --> 00:21:52,144 who claims to treasure their privacy. 542 00:21:52,278 --> 00:21:55,081 Is there something... I don't know, specific 543 00:21:55,147 --> 00:21:56,516 you want to talk to me about 544 00:21:56,616 --> 00:21:58,618 or are you just attracted to me? 545 00:21:58,685 --> 00:21:59,852 Oh. 546 00:21:59,952 --> 00:22:01,087 The former. 547 00:22:01,187 --> 00:22:03,289 -I work with the police. -I heard. 548 00:22:03,390 --> 00:22:05,124 And we're taking another look at the death 549 00:22:05,224 --> 00:22:07,326 of your friend Barney Corman. 550 00:22:07,460 --> 00:22:10,262 We have evidence that suggests that he was murdered. 551 00:22:10,363 --> 00:22:12,264 No. What new evidence? 552 00:22:12,331 --> 00:22:14,200 Well, there were marks on a footstool 553 00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:17,003 that was probably keeping a bookcase from crushing him. 554 00:22:17,103 --> 00:22:19,839 Someone must have yanked it away. 555 00:22:19,972 --> 00:22:21,073 You don't say. 556 00:22:21,173 --> 00:22:23,209 And a book dealer came by to pick up 557 00:22:23,342 --> 00:22:25,077 a rare edition of Howards End, 558 00:22:25,177 --> 00:22:28,180 but the store was closed too early. 559 00:22:28,280 --> 00:22:29,916 Now, you knew Barney well, 560 00:22:30,016 --> 00:22:32,685 you were together for an event a few months beforehand. 561 00:22:32,819 --> 00:22:35,555 Did he say anything about any difficulties 562 00:22:35,655 --> 00:22:36,789 that he may have been having? 563 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:37,990 Elsbeth, 564 00:22:38,090 --> 00:22:39,459 do you like Russian food? 565 00:22:39,559 --> 00:22:40,893 Russian food? 566 00:22:41,027 --> 00:22:42,361 Have dinner with me, hm? 567 00:22:42,462 --> 00:22:44,664 At Gogol's. It's kind of my place. 568 00:22:45,465 --> 00:22:46,833 Why do you want to have dinner with me? 569 00:22:46,899 --> 00:22:49,636 I confess, I've been thinking about you 570 00:22:49,702 --> 00:22:52,238 since we met. I'd like to write about you. 571 00:22:52,338 --> 00:22:53,840 And in order to do that, 572 00:22:53,940 --> 00:22:55,675 I have to understand you. 573 00:22:55,742 --> 00:22:58,210 I thought you don't write about real people. 574 00:22:58,310 --> 00:23:00,379 I don't, but, uh, 575 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:03,416 I need fodder for my imagination. 576 00:23:04,250 --> 00:23:05,918 Okay, Elliott. 577 00:23:06,018 --> 00:23:08,154 I will have dinner with you. 578 00:23:08,220 --> 00:23:11,591 But just to be clear, I'm not interested in romance. 579 00:23:12,425 --> 00:23:13,893 Neither am I. 580 00:23:17,430 --> 00:23:19,566 (knock on door) 581 00:23:19,666 --> 00:23:20,733 I've thought more about it. 582 00:23:20,800 --> 00:23:21,934 And? 583 00:23:22,034 --> 00:23:23,269 I'm interested. 584 00:23:23,402 --> 00:23:25,705 The city would be lucky to have you. 585 00:23:25,772 --> 00:23:28,240 Of course, if it happens, I'll have to review 586 00:23:28,307 --> 00:23:30,610 the department's use of consent decrees. 587 00:23:30,710 --> 00:23:34,113 Oh, don't worry about that on my account. 588 00:23:34,213 --> 00:23:36,415 You've already done so much for me. 589 00:23:37,183 --> 00:23:40,252 Bev Corman is here. She found something. 590 00:23:40,352 --> 00:23:41,588 I was wondering about 591 00:23:41,654 --> 00:23:43,723 the fax machine on Barney's desk. 592 00:23:43,823 --> 00:23:46,893 I mean, why is he still the only idiot using one? 593 00:23:46,993 --> 00:23:49,962 Well, that's not necessarily suspicious. 594 00:23:50,096 --> 00:23:51,197 Maybe. 595 00:23:51,297 --> 00:23:52,999 But I put a new roll of paper in it 596 00:23:53,132 --> 00:23:54,734 and it spit out a log 597 00:23:54,834 --> 00:23:57,604 of all the faxes he sent over the years. 598 00:23:57,704 --> 00:24:00,540 I figured maybe you could find out who they went to. 599 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:02,441 I'm working on it. 600 00:24:04,644 --> 00:24:06,546 He needed money. 601 00:24:06,646 --> 00:24:07,914 Maybe he sent some 602 00:24:07,980 --> 00:24:10,817 faxes to a loan shark who-who killed him. 603 00:24:10,917 --> 00:24:13,285 Oh, let's not jump to conclusions. 604 00:24:13,352 --> 00:24:14,821 GRACE: Okay, I traced 605 00:24:14,921 --> 00:24:17,624 a number that appears several times, 606 00:24:17,690 --> 00:24:19,926 and it's listed as belonging to 607 00:24:20,026 --> 00:24:22,529 a Maura Davidoff. 608 00:24:22,629 --> 00:24:23,696 (gasps) 609 00:24:23,830 --> 00:24:25,832 Who's Maura Davidoff? 610 00:24:25,965 --> 00:24:28,868 Elliott Pope's first wife. 611 00:24:33,806 --> 00:24:34,774 Barney Corman and me? Please. 612 00:24:34,907 --> 00:24:36,408 I have some self-respect. 613 00:24:36,509 --> 00:24:39,445 We thought perhaps Elliott knew of your secret relationship 614 00:24:39,546 --> 00:24:41,413 and was driven to murder. 615 00:24:41,480 --> 00:24:44,383 Elliott wouldn't care if I'd cheated. 616 00:24:44,483 --> 00:24:46,819 If anything, it would relieve his guilt 617 00:24:46,919 --> 00:24:49,656 for his serial philandering. 618 00:24:49,756 --> 00:24:51,791 The man's a hound, incapable of 619 00:24:51,924 --> 00:24:54,193 relating to any woman without trying to sleep with her. 620 00:24:54,293 --> 00:24:55,294 Oh, dear. 621 00:24:55,394 --> 00:24:56,896 Why do you think he works all alone 622 00:24:56,963 --> 00:24:58,464 in that dreary office of his? 623 00:24:58,598 --> 00:25:00,232 His publisher won't let him hire any more 624 00:25:00,299 --> 00:25:03,102 young female graduate students to work for him. 625 00:25:03,169 --> 00:25:04,971 Not since the lawsuits. 626 00:25:05,104 --> 00:25:06,305 Lawsuits? 627 00:25:06,405 --> 00:25:08,174 He kept taking them to dinner at Gogol's. 628 00:25:08,307 --> 00:25:10,142 He'd order schnapps, 629 00:25:10,242 --> 00:25:11,611 you know the rest. 630 00:25:11,711 --> 00:25:15,081 Well, it must have been hard being married to him. 631 00:25:15,147 --> 00:25:17,083 You can read all about it in my book, 632 00:25:17,183 --> 00:25:18,818 Writer's Wife Strife. 633 00:25:19,852 --> 00:25:21,187 Of course, the critics killed it. 634 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:23,489 It only sold 147 copies. 635 00:25:23,623 --> 00:25:25,391 A hundred and forty-seven. 636 00:25:25,491 --> 00:25:27,627 -That sounds low. -I told 637 00:25:27,727 --> 00:25:29,061 the truth about our marriage, 638 00:25:29,161 --> 00:25:30,830 unlike his novels. 639 00:25:30,963 --> 00:25:32,098 But Elliott is 640 00:25:32,164 --> 00:25:34,166 still a better writer than I am. 641 00:25:34,266 --> 00:25:37,303 -Life isn't fair. -Not usually, no. 642 00:25:37,369 --> 00:25:40,773 So, if you weren't romantically involved 643 00:25:40,873 --> 00:25:43,509 with Barney Corman, why was he faxing you regularly? 644 00:25:43,610 --> 00:25:46,012 He liked to send me his reviews of Elliott's books. 645 00:25:46,112 --> 00:25:48,715 He couldn't publish them because he'd recused himself, 646 00:25:48,848 --> 00:25:50,549 they made a big deal about growing up together, 647 00:25:50,683 --> 00:25:52,318 but he knew I'd get a kick out of them. 648 00:25:52,418 --> 00:25:54,320 Because they were insightful? 649 00:25:54,386 --> 00:25:55,955 Because they were vicious. 650 00:25:56,022 --> 00:25:57,056 (chuckles) 651 00:25:57,156 --> 00:25:59,726 Did you, by chance, keep any? 652 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:02,461 CONNOR: These are extremely 653 00:26:02,561 --> 00:26:03,963 uncharitable. 654 00:26:04,030 --> 00:26:06,599 Is that how you spell "puerile?" 655 00:26:06,699 --> 00:26:08,234 Hm, I guess it is. 656 00:26:08,334 --> 00:26:10,402 Was Elliott Pope aware of these? 657 00:26:10,536 --> 00:26:12,204 I have no way of knowing. 658 00:26:12,338 --> 00:26:13,640 We don't speak. 659 00:26:13,706 --> 00:26:15,742 We don't even scream at each other anymore. 660 00:26:15,842 --> 00:26:17,644 I've never heard of this one. 661 00:26:17,744 --> 00:26:19,078 Troubled Pants. 662 00:26:19,211 --> 00:26:20,980 It's the latest review, 663 00:26:21,047 --> 00:26:22,849 but I've never heard of that book. 664 00:26:22,949 --> 00:26:24,116 Wait, the cover sheet 665 00:26:24,216 --> 00:26:25,417 says "Sneak Peek." 666 00:26:25,551 --> 00:26:27,153 Could it have been a work in progress? 667 00:26:27,219 --> 00:26:28,755 Possibly. People always begged Elliot 668 00:26:28,888 --> 00:26:30,389 to read what he was working on. 669 00:26:30,522 --> 00:26:31,824 He'd let them 670 00:26:31,891 --> 00:26:34,226 when he needed that extra hit of adulation. 671 00:26:34,326 --> 00:26:35,527 Mm. 672 00:26:35,628 --> 00:26:37,396 And you're sure you never showed these to Elliott? 673 00:26:37,529 --> 00:26:40,166 'Cause it seems like that would have given you pleasure. 674 00:26:40,232 --> 00:26:43,169 Yeah, well, I stopped reading Barney's reviews 675 00:26:43,269 --> 00:26:44,937 a few books ago. 676 00:26:45,071 --> 00:26:48,607 I'm a bitter person, but even I have my limits. 677 00:26:51,077 --> 00:26:53,846 I don't know how much more Elliott Pope I can read. 678 00:26:53,913 --> 00:26:56,015 I want to take a shower after every chapter. 679 00:26:56,082 --> 00:26:59,518 He does present a somewhat outdated form of masculinity. 680 00:26:59,585 --> 00:27:01,487 One that's making a comeback. 681 00:27:01,587 --> 00:27:02,955 Grace, welcome. 682 00:27:03,055 --> 00:27:04,957 Hi. (laughs) 683 00:27:05,091 --> 00:27:06,558 Oh, you sweet thing. 684 00:27:06,659 --> 00:27:07,927 I'm sorry I'm late. 685 00:27:08,027 --> 00:27:09,595 I went to early voting. 686 00:27:09,696 --> 00:27:11,263 -Oh. -Smart. -GRACE: People on line 687 00:27:11,363 --> 00:27:13,800 were very excited and nervous. 688 00:27:13,933 --> 00:27:16,135 Looks like it's gonna be a real nail-biter. 689 00:27:16,268 --> 00:27:19,038 What do you think, Elsbeth-- you think Alec Bloom will win? 690 00:27:19,105 --> 00:27:21,073 Ooh, yeah, has he given you any inside info? 691 00:27:21,140 --> 00:27:23,442 We're not here to talk about the election. 692 00:27:23,542 --> 00:27:24,911 We are here for 693 00:27:24,977 --> 00:27:27,947 the Elliott Pope investigation book club, 694 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:30,549 for which I have made his favorite tuna fish sandwiches. 695 00:27:30,616 --> 00:27:31,583 Oh, I love 696 00:27:31,684 --> 00:27:33,385 book club theme food. 697 00:27:33,452 --> 00:27:35,454 I followed his mother's recipe 698 00:27:35,554 --> 00:27:37,223 in Couch Liar. 699 00:27:37,323 --> 00:27:38,324 How are they? 700 00:27:38,457 --> 00:27:40,526 They're good. Chewy. 701 00:27:40,626 --> 00:27:41,828 CONNOR: I don't know if this is 702 00:27:41,961 --> 00:27:43,763 something I would write about for decades. 703 00:27:43,863 --> 00:27:45,231 To be honest, you can get 704 00:27:45,331 --> 00:27:46,999 a better sandwich at the Massapequa diner 705 00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:48,200 near his childhood home. 706 00:27:48,300 --> 00:27:49,702 I did some research. 707 00:27:50,937 --> 00:27:52,705 But, you know, these are good, too. 708 00:27:52,805 --> 00:27:55,074 ELSBETH: Oh, no, you don't have to finish them. 709 00:27:55,141 --> 00:27:57,076 All right. 710 00:27:57,176 --> 00:27:58,911 Has anyone found anything helpful? 711 00:27:59,011 --> 00:28:01,313 I did. In the childhood section 712 00:28:01,447 --> 00:28:03,149 of Sunday's Playhouse, 713 00:28:03,282 --> 00:28:05,684 a friend of Eddie's Bishop's stays at Eddie's place 714 00:28:05,818 --> 00:28:07,453 when the other boy's parents split up. 715 00:28:07,519 --> 00:28:10,456 Then Eddie gets jealous when his mother 716 00:28:10,522 --> 00:28:13,592 compliments the other boy's penmanship. 717 00:28:13,692 --> 00:28:14,994 Maybe that friend 718 00:28:15,094 --> 00:28:17,663 from school was little Barney Corman. 719 00:28:17,764 --> 00:28:19,365 GRACE: And we definitely 720 00:28:19,465 --> 00:28:22,668 think that Eddie Bishop is a stand-in for Elliott Pope? 721 00:28:22,802 --> 00:28:24,603 Pope. Bishop. 722 00:28:24,703 --> 00:28:26,939 (scoffs) Duh. How'd I miss that? 723 00:28:27,039 --> 00:28:28,741 Are published authors really that petty? 724 00:28:28,841 --> 00:28:30,209 Oh, absolutely. 725 00:28:30,342 --> 00:28:32,779 Yeah, being, uh, published does something to you. 726 00:28:32,845 --> 00:28:34,613 Every time I go into a bookstore, 727 00:28:34,680 --> 00:28:36,348 I have to make sure that they're 728 00:28:36,448 --> 00:28:38,350 "displaying my book" properly. 729 00:28:38,450 --> 00:28:41,353 Well, I guess I'll have to find out more 730 00:28:41,453 --> 00:28:43,455 in my dinner with Elliott Pope on Tuesday. 731 00:28:43,522 --> 00:28:45,124 What? I-Is that wise? 732 00:28:45,191 --> 00:28:48,194 That's one way to avoid Alec on election night. 733 00:28:48,294 --> 00:28:51,597 No, Elsbeth, I have read enough to know that any woman 734 00:28:51,697 --> 00:28:54,000 should keep her distance from that man. 735 00:28:55,501 --> 00:28:57,336 I can take care of myself. 736 00:28:57,436 --> 00:29:00,940 I have met plenty of charming monsters. 737 00:29:02,674 --> 00:29:03,910 And, yeah, 738 00:29:04,010 --> 00:29:06,345 we'll both have the borscht. 739 00:29:06,412 --> 00:29:08,047 Yep. 740 00:29:09,715 --> 00:29:11,417 You didn't have to order for me. 741 00:29:11,517 --> 00:29:12,885 You've never been here before, 742 00:29:12,985 --> 00:29:14,453 so you don't know what you want. 743 00:29:14,553 --> 00:29:16,388 -More schnapps? -Actually, 744 00:29:16,488 --> 00:29:18,057 I've had about enough schnapps 745 00:29:18,157 --> 00:29:20,592 as I can handle. 746 00:29:20,692 --> 00:29:22,428 So, Elsbeth. 747 00:29:23,395 --> 00:29:24,997 Tell me about your hopes and dreams. 748 00:29:25,064 --> 00:29:27,766 Well, before we get to those, 749 00:29:27,867 --> 00:29:29,701 I wanted to show you something. 750 00:29:29,802 --> 00:29:31,270 What do you got in there? 751 00:29:31,370 --> 00:29:33,239 Well, these are photos 752 00:29:33,339 --> 00:29:35,341 taken from events at Barney's Books, 753 00:29:35,407 --> 00:29:38,845 before and after the night he died. 754 00:29:38,945 --> 00:29:41,113 Here was... 755 00:29:41,247 --> 00:29:42,548 a launch party before, 756 00:29:42,614 --> 00:29:46,218 and here was a memorial for Barney after. 757 00:29:46,285 --> 00:29:47,753 You see? 758 00:29:48,587 --> 00:29:50,022 See what? 759 00:29:51,557 --> 00:29:54,526 ELSBETH: In the second photo, the display of your books 760 00:29:54,626 --> 00:29:55,895 is... different. 761 00:29:55,995 --> 00:29:57,396 It's way more prominent. 762 00:29:57,463 --> 00:29:59,231 Now, why would that be? 763 00:29:59,331 --> 00:30:02,301 Well, maybe a fan thought 764 00:30:02,434 --> 00:30:05,771 I wasn't getting the respect I deserve. 765 00:30:05,872 --> 00:30:08,140 Or, more likely, uh, 766 00:30:08,274 --> 00:30:10,642 Barney, uh, was reminded 767 00:30:10,742 --> 00:30:13,812 of how much he revered my work when we appeared together, 768 00:30:13,913 --> 00:30:16,615 and wanted his customers to... 769 00:30:16,715 --> 00:30:18,150 pay more attention. 770 00:30:18,284 --> 00:30:20,953 See, that doesn't square 771 00:30:21,087 --> 00:30:23,789 with the reviews that Barney wrote of your books. 772 00:30:23,890 --> 00:30:25,958 Yeah, well, Barney did not 773 00:30:26,092 --> 00:30:27,626 write reviews of my books, 774 00:30:27,759 --> 00:30:29,295 because of our history. 775 00:30:29,395 --> 00:30:30,762 (laughing): Oh. 776 00:30:30,863 --> 00:30:32,731 He actually did. 777 00:30:32,798 --> 00:30:35,401 He just didn't publish them. 778 00:30:35,501 --> 00:30:36,635 He sent them 779 00:30:36,768 --> 00:30:39,271 to your first wife, Maura. 780 00:30:39,371 --> 00:30:41,107 -He did? -Mm-hmm. She 781 00:30:41,207 --> 00:30:44,110 had them on that, uh, curly fax paper, 782 00:30:44,176 --> 00:30:47,914 but we made nicer copies for the publisher. 783 00:30:47,980 --> 00:30:49,481 -The publisher? -Yes. Fred Harrison 784 00:30:49,615 --> 00:30:52,251 -is helping us get these published. -Oh. 785 00:30:52,351 --> 00:30:55,221 They're so well-written, and by an important critic 786 00:30:55,321 --> 00:30:58,557 with such a close relationship to your work. 787 00:30:58,657 --> 00:31:01,527 And then the proceeds will help shore up Bev 788 00:31:01,627 --> 00:31:03,495 and the bookstore's finances. 789 00:31:03,595 --> 00:31:06,265 Well, that's a win for everybody. 790 00:31:06,365 --> 00:31:07,599 Right. 791 00:31:07,666 --> 00:31:11,237 And to think, if Barney hadn't died, 792 00:31:11,337 --> 00:31:13,539 these might never have come to light. 793 00:31:13,639 --> 00:31:15,707 Well, this is, uh, 794 00:31:15,841 --> 00:31:17,809 very, uh, illuminating. 795 00:31:17,910 --> 00:31:19,678 I mean, I knew he was jealous. 796 00:31:19,811 --> 00:31:21,447 I had no idea 797 00:31:21,513 --> 00:31:23,749 he was so obsessed with me. 798 00:31:23,849 --> 00:31:25,451 Right. 799 00:31:25,551 --> 00:31:26,919 And you wrote a book about him. 800 00:31:27,019 --> 00:31:30,022 Oh, uh, I was wondering if you could help us. 801 00:31:30,156 --> 00:31:32,724 The last one is of a thing 802 00:31:32,858 --> 00:31:35,194 called Troubled Pants. 803 00:31:35,294 --> 00:31:36,562 What was that? 804 00:31:36,695 --> 00:31:38,097 Uh, that doesn't ring a bell. 805 00:31:38,197 --> 00:31:40,399 Are you sure? 'Cause I feel like 806 00:31:40,499 --> 00:31:42,168 -this might be important. -(people exclaiming, cheering) 807 00:31:42,268 --> 00:31:44,603 ALEC: We did it, New York! It's a new day. 808 00:31:44,703 --> 00:31:46,705 Thank you to all who worked so hard 809 00:31:46,838 --> 00:31:49,175 -to make this a reality. -ELLIOTT: Looks like 810 00:31:49,275 --> 00:31:51,510 your pal Alec Bloom 811 00:31:51,577 --> 00:31:53,645 just got elected mayor of New York City. 812 00:31:53,745 --> 00:31:55,714 Everybody who worked on this campaign 813 00:31:55,814 --> 00:31:57,883 showed tenacity 814 00:31:57,984 --> 00:31:59,851 -and courage -Yes. 815 00:31:59,952 --> 00:32:02,054 -and an incredible faith in me. -Looks like he did. 816 00:32:02,188 --> 00:32:05,791 And to those people who aren't in this room tonight, 817 00:32:05,891 --> 00:32:07,559 who played such an important part 818 00:32:07,659 --> 00:32:09,528 and made me a worthy candidate, 819 00:32:09,595 --> 00:32:11,697 you know who you are. 820 00:32:11,763 --> 00:32:13,132 Now let's celebrate! 821 00:32:13,232 --> 00:32:14,866 Uh, maybe 822 00:32:14,933 --> 00:32:19,071 after our chicken Kiev, we could celebrate back at my place. 823 00:32:19,738 --> 00:32:21,940 -Hmm. -Hmm. 824 00:32:22,941 --> 00:32:24,310 No. 825 00:32:24,410 --> 00:32:26,912 Ah. Okay. 826 00:32:42,594 --> 00:32:45,764 (fire alarm beeping) 827 00:32:45,864 --> 00:32:48,434 (siren blaring) 828 00:32:53,305 --> 00:32:54,773 -A fire at Elliott Pope's? -Fire Marshall Jake said 829 00:32:54,873 --> 00:32:56,808 -it was very suspicious. -Did he now? 830 00:32:56,908 --> 00:32:59,411 Now, fortunately, no one was hurt, but here's the thing. 831 00:32:59,511 --> 00:33:00,746 The fire wasn't in the kitchen. 832 00:33:00,846 --> 00:33:03,182 It was in his office, where he writes. 833 00:33:03,282 --> 00:33:05,317 Clearly, my questions at dinner struck a nerve. 834 00:33:05,451 --> 00:33:06,818 He was burning evidence. 835 00:33:06,952 --> 00:33:08,920 Okay. You got me. Do your thing. 836 00:33:08,987 --> 00:33:10,956 (gasps) Can I send things to the lab? 837 00:33:11,057 --> 00:33:12,491 You can send things to the lab. 838 00:33:12,591 --> 00:33:13,892 But, Elsbeth, you have to prove 839 00:33:13,992 --> 00:33:15,294 that Elliott was in the bookstore 840 00:33:15,394 --> 00:33:17,663 the night that Barney Corman died. 841 00:33:20,232 --> 00:33:21,733 ELSBETH: I brought you something. 842 00:33:21,833 --> 00:33:23,135 I'm writing. 843 00:33:23,235 --> 00:33:25,771 But you have to stop for... lunch. 844 00:33:25,871 --> 00:33:28,040 And I saved you a trip to your local sandwich shop. 845 00:33:28,140 --> 00:33:30,442 -You mean you... -A tuna fish sandwich, 846 00:33:30,509 --> 00:33:32,511 exactly like your mother used to make you. 847 00:33:32,644 --> 00:33:35,147 I'm gonna be the judge of that. 848 00:33:38,250 --> 00:33:40,452 You know, I have never, ever found 849 00:33:40,552 --> 00:33:43,021 one even as half... as... 850 00:33:43,155 --> 00:33:45,157 Oh, my God. 851 00:33:45,991 --> 00:33:48,260 Oh, my... 852 00:33:48,360 --> 00:33:50,262 -Oh, how did you... -I didn't make it. 853 00:33:50,329 --> 00:33:52,998 It's from the diner near your childhood home, 854 00:33:53,132 --> 00:33:56,768 which has been owned by the same family for 75 years. 855 00:33:56,835 --> 00:33:58,904 (laughs softly) 856 00:33:59,004 --> 00:34:00,972 Well, what are you implying? 857 00:34:01,073 --> 00:34:02,474 Oh. Oh, nothing. 858 00:34:02,541 --> 00:34:04,343 Just that your mother didn't make those sandwiches 859 00:34:04,443 --> 00:34:07,179 when you came home from school. She just pretended to. 860 00:34:07,313 --> 00:34:09,681 Isn't that funny? (laughs) 861 00:34:10,416 --> 00:34:12,650 Oh. I'm sure she still loved you. 862 00:34:12,717 --> 00:34:15,487 She went to the trouble of lying to you. 863 00:34:16,822 --> 00:34:19,158 To think that all of those books 864 00:34:19,257 --> 00:34:20,659 were written right here. 865 00:34:20,759 --> 00:34:22,628 If you're looking for the lost manuscript, 866 00:34:22,694 --> 00:34:25,297 you're not going to find it. I already looked. 867 00:34:25,397 --> 00:34:26,931 Oh. 868 00:34:27,032 --> 00:34:28,900 Gosh, I hope it didn't get destroyed 869 00:34:29,034 --> 00:34:30,735 in that mysterious fire. 870 00:34:30,869 --> 00:34:33,905 Hey, maybe it's in Barney's storeroom. 871 00:34:34,039 --> 00:34:35,274 Have you ever been there? 872 00:34:35,373 --> 00:34:36,742 I'm afraid of rats. 873 00:34:36,842 --> 00:34:37,943 How do you know about Templeton 874 00:34:38,043 --> 00:34:39,210 if you've never been there? 875 00:34:39,311 --> 00:34:42,414 It's a small community, you know? 876 00:34:42,547 --> 00:34:44,049 And it's a good story. 877 00:34:44,183 --> 00:34:45,951 Yeah, but who told you? 878 00:34:46,051 --> 00:34:49,821 It couldn't be one of those female graduate students 879 00:34:49,920 --> 00:34:52,090 who used to work for you, because you're not allowed 880 00:34:52,224 --> 00:34:53,592 to hire them anymore. 881 00:34:53,725 --> 00:34:56,562 Well, that was one of several misunderstandings. 882 00:34:56,695 --> 00:34:58,197 It makes sense, though. 883 00:34:58,264 --> 00:34:59,565 I've read your books. 884 00:34:59,665 --> 00:35:03,001 You do have a pretty severe women problem. 885 00:35:05,237 --> 00:35:07,139 I beg your pardon. 886 00:35:07,906 --> 00:35:10,342 I don't have a women problem. 887 00:35:10,442 --> 00:35:12,278 I have a problem 888 00:35:12,411 --> 00:35:14,946 with women like you, 889 00:35:15,046 --> 00:35:18,284 you know, liars who will do anything to trap me. 890 00:35:18,417 --> 00:35:21,820 I know you're attracted to me, and I remind you of your father. 891 00:35:21,920 --> 00:35:24,323 -I'm not, and you don't. -And you're disappointed 892 00:35:24,423 --> 00:35:26,625 in every man you ever met, but you 893 00:35:26,758 --> 00:35:28,927 will not tear me down. 894 00:35:29,027 --> 00:35:31,197 I will remain 895 00:35:31,263 --> 00:35:32,931 on the required reading list 896 00:35:33,064 --> 00:35:35,534 and a giant in the canon! 897 00:35:36,302 --> 00:35:39,805 Now, thank you for the sandwich, Elsbeth. 898 00:35:39,905 --> 00:35:41,707 Now get out. 899 00:35:41,773 --> 00:35:43,975 Get out! 900 00:35:50,949 --> 00:35:52,618 How was election night? 901 00:35:52,718 --> 00:35:54,286 It looked exciting on TV. 902 00:35:54,386 --> 00:35:56,655 Well, I was... 903 00:35:56,755 --> 00:35:58,890 I was sorry you weren't there. 904 00:35:59,658 --> 00:36:03,094 You deserved to win, Alec. You ran a great campaign. 905 00:36:03,195 --> 00:36:05,096 Especially at the end. 906 00:36:05,163 --> 00:36:06,565 Because of you. 907 00:36:06,665 --> 00:36:09,968 Thank you, Elsbeth, for inspiring me, for... 908 00:36:10,068 --> 00:36:13,405 pointing me down the... the path of truth. 909 00:36:13,472 --> 00:36:16,141 Forcing you is more like it. (laughs) 910 00:36:16,242 --> 00:36:18,844 Yes, but ever since you did, 911 00:36:18,944 --> 00:36:21,480 I feel so much better about what I'm doing, 912 00:36:21,580 --> 00:36:23,849 my life, everything. 913 00:36:23,949 --> 00:36:27,353 And I want this to continue, 914 00:36:27,486 --> 00:36:29,821 with you by my side. 915 00:36:29,955 --> 00:36:31,923 Oh. Alec. 916 00:36:32,023 --> 00:36:35,494 Before you go any further, I need to say something. 917 00:36:35,627 --> 00:36:36,862 Okay. 918 00:36:38,430 --> 00:36:40,232 I admire you, 919 00:36:40,332 --> 00:36:42,368 what you've done, so much. 920 00:36:42,468 --> 00:36:45,271 And I really do think you can be 921 00:36:45,337 --> 00:36:46,805 a wonderful mayor. 922 00:36:46,872 --> 00:36:49,308 Maybe you'll go even further than that. 923 00:36:49,408 --> 00:36:51,209 Ah, well, one thing at a time. 924 00:36:51,343 --> 00:36:53,545 You're right. Right. 925 00:36:54,846 --> 00:36:57,048 But whatever you do... 926 00:36:58,650 --> 00:37:00,419 ...it won't be with me. 927 00:37:01,287 --> 00:37:03,088 Why? 928 00:37:03,188 --> 00:37:05,957 I... I did what you asked. 929 00:37:06,725 --> 00:37:08,960 I can't stop thinking about that night, 930 00:37:09,060 --> 00:37:10,696 at the jungle restaurant, 931 00:37:10,796 --> 00:37:13,732 when I asked, and you said, "Yes, 932 00:37:13,832 --> 00:37:17,403 there was a guy named Pete." 933 00:37:18,236 --> 00:37:20,839 You lied to me, right to my face. 934 00:37:20,906 --> 00:37:22,741 (sighs) I... I wasn't ready. 935 00:37:22,841 --> 00:37:25,243 Okay, but here's the thing. 936 00:37:25,377 --> 00:37:27,212 I couldn't tell. 937 00:37:28,046 --> 00:37:29,548 And that's kind of my thing. 938 00:37:29,648 --> 00:37:33,319 And I understand what it is to be a people pleaser. 939 00:37:33,419 --> 00:37:35,153 (cries softly) 940 00:37:35,220 --> 00:37:36,655 I am one. 941 00:37:36,755 --> 00:37:38,790 And that... that could be really great 942 00:37:38,890 --> 00:37:42,428 for the people of New York, but it won't work for me. 943 00:37:42,561 --> 00:37:44,029 Elsbeth, uh, 944 00:37:44,129 --> 00:37:46,732 politics is a... a tricky business, and... 945 00:37:46,832 --> 00:37:48,334 Yes, I know. (chuckles) 946 00:37:48,434 --> 00:37:50,101 Uh, been there, done that. 947 00:37:50,201 --> 00:37:52,003 And maybe I'm being childish. 948 00:37:52,103 --> 00:37:55,006 Maybe I'm expecting too much from a man, 949 00:37:55,106 --> 00:37:56,842 from anyone, 950 00:37:56,942 --> 00:37:59,244 but this is who I am. 951 00:37:59,345 --> 00:38:02,314 What about... second chances? 952 00:38:02,414 --> 00:38:05,317 Oh, Alec. 953 00:38:06,952 --> 00:38:09,120 You got one. 954 00:38:09,955 --> 00:38:11,823 Just not with me. 955 00:38:20,198 --> 00:38:22,267 Come on, Gonzo. Poop already. 956 00:38:22,368 --> 00:38:23,702 Don't push her. 957 00:38:23,802 --> 00:38:25,070 She needs to do it her way. 958 00:38:25,203 --> 00:38:26,905 What is it with you men? 959 00:38:27,038 --> 00:38:28,340 (Teddy laughs) 960 00:38:28,407 --> 00:38:30,642 You did the right thing, Mom. Really. 961 00:38:30,742 --> 00:38:31,977 I don't know. 962 00:38:32,043 --> 00:38:34,312 Maybe now that you're not dating the mayor-elect, 963 00:38:34,413 --> 00:38:36,782 my editor will let me write about politics again. 964 00:38:36,882 --> 00:38:38,750 -Well, that's good. -Mm-hmm. 965 00:38:38,884 --> 00:38:41,753 -Oh, I hope I didn't make a mistake. -Uh-uh. 966 00:38:41,853 --> 00:38:45,056 Elliott Pope says I find all men disappointing. 967 00:38:45,156 --> 00:38:46,725 That's just a sign of intelligence. 968 00:38:46,858 --> 00:38:48,660 -(laughs loudly) -(laughs) 969 00:38:48,727 --> 00:38:50,829 Gonzo, you're lucky you're spayed. 970 00:38:50,896 --> 00:38:52,364 -Mm-hmm. -(laughs) 971 00:38:52,464 --> 00:38:54,566 -(gasps) -Oh, there we go. We got a pooper. 972 00:38:54,700 --> 00:38:56,968 Yes, I have the poop bag. 973 00:38:57,068 --> 00:38:59,037 Ah. (clears throat) 974 00:38:59,104 --> 00:39:02,774 Ugh. These things are always so hard to... 975 00:39:08,914 --> 00:39:11,116 So, I'll introduce you, you'll read a chapter, 976 00:39:11,249 --> 00:39:12,651 and then the interview. 977 00:39:12,751 --> 00:39:14,953 I know the drill. 978 00:39:15,053 --> 00:39:16,522 Gosh. Boy, 979 00:39:16,622 --> 00:39:19,290 for a reclusive author, you sure do agree 980 00:39:19,425 --> 00:39:20,726 to a lot of interviews. 981 00:39:20,792 --> 00:39:22,928 I'm nominated for a National Book Award. 982 00:39:23,028 --> 00:39:25,764 -Oh. That's very impressive. -(laughing): Oh. 983 00:39:25,864 --> 00:39:27,999 But, unfortunately, there will be 984 00:39:28,099 --> 00:39:30,869 no hit of adulation tonight. 985 00:39:30,969 --> 00:39:32,103 And why is that? 986 00:39:32,203 --> 00:39:33,772 Because you murdered Barney Corman. 987 00:39:33,872 --> 00:39:36,575 -Well, that's ridiculous. -ELSBETH: You know, this case-- 988 00:39:36,675 --> 00:39:38,610 it got me back to reading more. 989 00:39:38,744 --> 00:39:40,612 After I finished all of your books, 990 00:39:40,712 --> 00:39:42,514 I moved on to Howards End, the book 991 00:39:42,614 --> 00:39:45,183 that Barney was clutching before he was crushed. 992 00:39:45,283 --> 00:39:48,787 Oh, Forster writes female characters so well. 993 00:39:48,887 --> 00:39:50,321 Oh, it's like he thinks of them 994 00:39:50,422 --> 00:39:52,290 as fully-dimensional human beings. 995 00:39:52,424 --> 00:39:53,725 ELSBETH: I was also struck 996 00:39:53,825 --> 00:39:57,128 by the death of Leonard Bast at the end, 997 00:39:57,228 --> 00:39:59,498 you know, when Charles Wilcox 998 00:39:59,631 --> 00:40:00,966 hits him with a sword, 999 00:40:01,066 --> 00:40:04,135 and then a bookcase falls on him. 1000 00:40:04,269 --> 00:40:05,937 Sort of like an avalanche? 1001 00:40:06,004 --> 00:40:08,006 CONNOR: "Bast" is a fiber used to make rope. 1002 00:40:08,139 --> 00:40:11,443 The character in Snow Falls Down is Marty Roper. 1003 00:40:11,510 --> 00:40:13,812 These stupid word games-- they don't prove a thing. 1004 00:40:13,945 --> 00:40:15,914 Okay, you're right. You're right. 1005 00:40:15,981 --> 00:40:17,449 We needed real proof 1006 00:40:17,549 --> 00:40:20,686 that you killed Barney in the storeroom that night. 1007 00:40:20,819 --> 00:40:23,522 Proof like your DNA 1008 00:40:23,622 --> 00:40:25,857 on that copy of Howards End, 1009 00:40:25,957 --> 00:40:28,927 the copy that Barney took from his safe deposit box 1010 00:40:29,027 --> 00:40:30,596 the day he died. 1011 00:40:30,696 --> 00:40:34,165 -And sure enough, we found it. -ELLIOTT: And how? 1012 00:40:34,265 --> 00:40:35,934 I mean, you don't have my DNA. 1013 00:40:36,034 --> 00:40:37,669 You have 1014 00:40:37,803 --> 00:40:39,905 an interesting habit of... 1015 00:40:40,005 --> 00:40:41,907 licking your thumb 1016 00:40:42,007 --> 00:40:43,675 every time you turn a page. 1017 00:40:43,809 --> 00:40:46,444 You probably don't even notice that you're doing it. 1018 00:40:46,545 --> 00:40:50,181 But you did it when you signed my copy of 1019 00:40:50,315 --> 00:40:52,350 Snow Falls Down, 1020 00:40:52,450 --> 00:40:54,185 and you did it 1021 00:40:54,285 --> 00:40:56,922 when you thumbed through Barney's precious edition 1022 00:40:57,022 --> 00:41:00,492 of Howards End just before you killed him. 1023 00:41:00,559 --> 00:41:03,294 In fact, we found your saliva on the pages 1024 00:41:03,394 --> 00:41:05,631 where Leonard Bast dies under a bookcase. 1025 00:41:05,697 --> 00:41:07,365 (chuckles) 1026 00:41:07,465 --> 00:41:09,167 Boy... 1027 00:41:09,267 --> 00:41:11,169 you're not very good at making things up, 1028 00:41:11,236 --> 00:41:12,671 -are you? -CONNOR: Elliott Pope, 1029 00:41:12,771 --> 00:41:15,674 you are under arrest for the murder of Barney Corman. 1030 00:41:15,741 --> 00:41:19,410 My lies have won me a shelf full of prizes. 1031 00:41:19,511 --> 00:41:22,180 What have yours gotten you? Hmm? 1032 00:41:23,882 --> 00:41:25,416 WAGNER: I have to hand it to you. 1033 00:41:25,517 --> 00:41:27,018 Not only did you solve a murder, 1034 00:41:27,118 --> 00:41:29,420 but you found an excellent source for tuna fish sandwiches. 1035 00:41:29,521 --> 00:41:32,323 Right? No wonder he thought his mother was magic. 1036 00:41:32,390 --> 00:41:34,292 I wonder if this was the kind of sandwich that 1037 00:41:34,392 --> 00:41:37,729 Pete from the MTA gave the Young Alec Bloom. 1038 00:41:37,829 --> 00:41:39,598 There was no Pete. 1039 00:41:39,698 --> 00:41:41,767 Or maybe there was. 1040 00:41:41,900 --> 00:41:43,068 Are we still on this? 1041 00:41:43,201 --> 00:41:45,003 Marissa. Pull up a sandwich. 1042 00:41:45,070 --> 00:41:47,573 I can't stay. I have news. 1043 00:41:47,673 --> 00:41:49,941 Alec picked someone else to be commissioner. 1044 00:41:50,075 --> 00:41:52,711 What? How can that be? 1045 00:41:52,778 --> 00:41:54,445 Who got the job? 1046 00:41:54,546 --> 00:41:56,481 Captain Cyrus Tully. 1047 00:41:56,582 --> 00:41:58,950 -Oh. (laughs) -That's ridiculous. 1048 00:41:59,050 --> 00:42:01,052 That man is an unhinged bully. 1049 00:42:01,152 --> 00:42:03,622 Alec feels he needs someone who projects toughness 1050 00:42:03,722 --> 00:42:05,256 because people think he doesn't. 1051 00:42:05,390 --> 00:42:09,027 Wait. Marissa, does this have anything to do 1052 00:42:09,127 --> 00:42:11,262 with what happened between Alec and me? 1053 00:42:11,362 --> 00:42:13,632 These things are never that simple. 1054 00:42:13,732 --> 00:42:16,001 -I'm sorry. -It's okay. 1055 00:42:16,101 --> 00:42:18,937 Police commissioner is a pretty thankless job. 1056 00:42:19,070 --> 00:42:22,373 I just wanted to be considered, and I was. 1057 00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:25,811 This new mayor won't be in there forever, will he? 1058 00:42:25,911 --> 00:42:28,046 No. Just for the time being. 1059 00:42:28,146 --> 00:42:31,282 And it is nice to have a friend at Gracie Mansion. 1060 00:42:31,382 --> 00:42:33,318 Is Alec still a friend? 1061 00:42:33,418 --> 00:42:35,120 We'll see. 1062 00:42:35,220 --> 00:42:37,322 But you will have at least one friend there. 1063 00:42:39,290 --> 00:42:40,425 See you around. 1064 00:42:40,491 --> 00:42:43,328 Captioning sponsored by CBS 1065 00:42:43,461 --> 00:42:46,097 and TOYOTA. 1066 00:42:46,197 --> 00:42:48,667 Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org