‘Franklin and Bash’ Recap: Episode 7, 'Franklin vs. Bash'

The episode begins as two pole dancing instructors come to Jared and Peter seeking their representation because they are being charged with stealing from their clients.

Shoot to the courtroom as Jared and Peter are presenting their opening argument to the judge but the female prosecutor, Janie (played by Claire Coffee,) who Peter used to date but broke up with, objects, saying that Jared and Peter are using the titles of Van Halen songs as their defense. Janie then tells the judge that “Ms. [Amber] North and Ms. [Simone] Winters stand accused of stealing $350,000 worth of jewelry after drugging their victims during a glorified sex show.” The girls then whisper to Jared and Peter, “Drugging those housewives? We’d never do that.”

Shoot to Stanton who introduces Damian and Hanna to the firm’s newest client, a teenage boy named Alex Carmichael. Damian jokes, “Last time I checked we don’t do curfew violations.” Alex replies that he wants to be the “youngest kayaker to solo the Amazon.” Stanton explains that Alex’s father has “placed a preliminary injunction to stop him from going.” Damian says it’s a “suicide mission.” Stanton’s reply, “Great achievements require great risk.” Hanna jumps in and says she and Damian are ready for the challenge.

Shoot to Stanton explaining to Jared and Peter that they will have to let one of the pole dancing instructors “go.” Peter tries to come up with an alternative and suggests “putting up a Chinese wall.” Meaning that Jared and Peter each represent one of the women and then the firm can keep the case. Stanton tells Jared and Peter that their “responsibility will be to your clients, NOT each other.” Stanton explains that with Jared and Peter trying the same case they could “betray a confidence and get disbarred.” Jared replies, “Our lips are sealed.” Stanton proclaims, “Franklin versus Bash, it is.” Jared and Peter shrug the comment off.

Shoot to the courtroom as Jared is asking a witness questions. Peter objects on the ground that Jared is “stealing his moves.” The judge overrules Peter’s objection.

Shoot to the courtroom again. This time, Alex is being cross-examined by his father’s lawyer, Don LaVetta. He asks Alex about being in “the wild” only one other time in his life on a hike during which he left early and was called a “wuss” for doing so. LaVetta then asks Alex why he left early. Alex says it was because he was worried about his father. LaVetta badgers Alex, saying he left because he was homesick. Alex starts to cry on the stand. Alex’s father then stands up and tells LaVetta to “ease up” on Alex. Alex asks LaVetta to “give him a break” and says he’s crying “crocodile tears” and that it would “take more than that to make him cry.” Damian whispers to Hanna, “Awesome.”

Shoot to a diner where Jared and Peter are eating. Jared says they’ve broken their pact that said they’d “never let a case come between us.” Peter says their pact was “never to work Mondays or Fridays.” Peter says that they’ve pretty much let Janie win the case. Jared replies, “Not if we get the band back together.”

Shoot to the courtroom as Peter starts cross-examining one of the housewives who are accusing Amber and Simone of stealing. He starts talking about his “favorite subject…breasts.” He says that the housewife had a certain prescription drug in her system which was prescribed to her by her doctor following her breast enlargement surgery. Peter continues, saying that “pinning the crime on Amber and Simone would distract the insurance company from investigating the loss of your diamond necklace, wouldn’t it?” Peter then accuses the woman of lacing the drinks herself and stealing her own necklace. Peter turns and smiles at Jared.

Shoot to the courtroom with Alex’s father on the stand explaining that Alex’s mother left them six years ago. Damian replies that the “transition must have been difficult now being a single parent.” He then asks him how often he does the laundry and who pays his bills. He says that Alex does all of that. Damian says that Alex seems to manage “every aspect” of his father’s life. Alex’s father says that they “take care of each other.” Damian then asks him, “Who will care for you when Alex is on that river?” “No one,” he replies, then rephrases, saying, “I mean, me. I’ll take care of myself. And I’ll be fine while you’re away on your trip.” Alex and his father smile at each other.

Shoot to Jared saying “No hard feelings” to Janie on his way out of the courtroom after winning the case. Then, Stanton enters and as Peter watches, Stanton gives Janie a quick kiss on the cheek and apologizes for not being able to attend her engagement party next weekend. He hands her a red bag, which contains his engagement gift. She thanks him as he turns to Peter and congratulates him on winning the case. Peter tells Stanton he [Peter] knows that he [Stanton] “knew exactly what you were doing when you allowed the Chinese wall.” Stanton replies, “I know this much…you never value what you have until it’s gone.” Peter turns and watches Janie leave the courtroom.

Shoot to Jared and Peter’s place during a party. A pole dancer is pole dancing as Jared and Peter watch. Peter turns to Jared and says, “They’re not clients so it’s fair game.” Jared replies, “They nearly broke us up. They could be cursed, but it’s your call.” Peter says that Jared gets a shot with the “hottest ones on the planet.” Jared asks, “Can they be conjoined?” Peter replies, “That’s one person. Twin twins.”