L.A. Law (TV Series)

Blood, Sweat and Fears (1990)

Corbin Bernsen: Arnie Becker

Photos 

Quotes 

• Leland McKenzie : I want to thank you all for staying late.

  Michael Kuzak : So what's going on, Leland?

  Leland McKenzie : This. Effective as of this Friday. I am resigning as Senior Partner of this law firm.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : What?

  Ann Kelsey : Leland.

  Leland McKenzie : I'll stay on as of Counsel. But one of you will have to take over.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Are you sick?

  Leland McKenzie : No, no. I'm not sick. My health has nothing to do with it.

  Ann Kelsey : Then what? What possible reason could you have for dropping this kind of bomb on us?

  Leland McKenzie : Because for some time now, I've hated to come into work, Ann. People keep threatening to quit. People tell me to go to hell. The place is splitting at the scenes and I can't be the one to hold it together very long.

  Arnie Becker : So what are we supposed to do?

  Leland McKenzie : You'll elect the new Senior Partner, that's what you'll do.

  Ann Kelsey : Who? Who here can do this job?

  Leland McKenzie : Anybody but me.

  Michael Kuzak : Well, you can't do this, Leland.

  Leland McKenzie : Oh, yes, I can. I'm old. I'm rich. I'm done.

  [Leland resign as Senior Partner and going for to nominate and electing the next Senior Partner for the upcoming Election Day. Leland heads and leave the Conference Room Meeting] 

• Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Lastly, cleanup items. As you know, the vote for the new Senior Partner is Friday, which is just 3 short days away. When it decided by plurality, the declared candidates are Rosalind, Stuart and myself.

  Arnie Becker : Uh, Stuart, you little power hog.

  Stuart Markowitz : I believe I'm qualified.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Yes, well, best of luck to us all. Let's try to run a clean campaign. And very lastly, I've been instructed to request that you keep the evening of May 4th, clear on your calendar, though I have no idea why.

  Abby Perkins : Benny's clinic is doing a play, and he's landed a major role, so I think we shall all be there.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Oh, no. First Roxanne think she's Aretha Franklin. What's he doing? An evening with Mark Twain?

  Abby Perkins : The Wizard of Oz. He's playing the Cowardly Lion. And Alice has been cast as Dorothy.

  Stuart Markowitz : That's great.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Well, that's it, people. We're adjourned.

  [Douglas closed his pocket watch with a chain] 

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Leland?

  [Leland gets up] 

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : I'd like a minute of your time, please.

  [They all dismissed] 

• Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Arnie, I've been thinking.

  Arnie Becker : Great. Every man should have a hobby.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : I've been thinking about the future of the firm. I think an Entertainment Department could be a very good idea. And I'd be willing to support you in that endeavor should you decide to pursue it.

  Arnie Becker : Thank you, Douglas, I appreciate the bribe.

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : It's not a bribe. It is, however, an indication of how receptive I can be to new ideas. Perhaps your ideas.

  Arnie Becker : I haven't decided who I'm voting for yet.

  [Douglas goes into Arnie's office] 

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : And I certainly don't want to influence you in any undue way. But I might remind you of your own belief, that Rosalind Shays' is not a team player. Not to mention the fact that having a woman at the helm would shatter a long-standing tradition here.

  Arnie Becker : Mm-hmm. What about Stuart? Do we have any, uh, tradition against him?

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : A fine tax attorney.

  [Close the door] 

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Well, let's face it. A little Napoleon, who knows what would happen with him running around in charge, but this much we do know, a vote for Stuart Markowitz...

  [Arnie blowing his nose] 

  Douglas Brackman, Jr. : is a vote for Ann Kelsey. She'd be the one calling the shots.

  Arnie Becker : It's pretty vicious, Douglas. I'm not altogether sure I agree with it.

• Douglas Brackman, Jr. : Well... then think about this. If I get the nod, the totem pole stays basically the same. But if Stuart gets elected, he becomes more powerful than you. And so does Ann Kelsey.

  Arnie Becker : Thank you for that objective analysis, Douglas. I'll, uh... I guess I'll have some thinking to do.

  [Douglas nodded]