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Raising the Bar Episode Guide

1 :01x01 - Pilot

First aired: Sep/01/2008
Writer: David Feige, Steven Bochco
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Stacy Hall (Vince), Ryan Van de Kamp Buchanan (Courtroom Officer), David Selby (Richard Patrick Woolsey III), Emily Schweitz (Laura Jenkins), Roberto Sanchez (Guard), Paul Joyner (Assistant District Attorney)

Public defender Jerry Kellerman must defend a man who he believes is innocent. However, the case becomes complicated when Jerry struggles in front of a judge that has it out for him. Meanwhile, Michelle works on a rape trial while being pressured by the DA's office who doesn't want to be embarrassed by a wrong conviction.



2 :01x02 - Guatemala Gulfstream

First aired: Sep/08/2008
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Charles S. Kim (ADA), William C. Mitchell (Judge Henry Daniels), Jim O'Heir (DA Thomas Sheridan), Eric Payne (Officer Aaron Sampson), Andrew Sikking (Kessler's clerk), Glenn Taranto (Lloyd), Brent Tarnol (Cedric), Matt Angel (Justin Grader), Michael Kagan (Judge Martin Rainsdorf), Juliette Jeffers (Georgette Fletcher), Andres Padilla Infante (Edgar Rodriguez), Stacy Hall (Vince), Natalia Cigliuti (Roberta "Bobbi" Gilardi), Wilson Cruz (Rafael), Percy Daggs III (Terrence Fletcher), Reynaldo Gallegos (Pedro Morales), Andrew Galves (Brooklyn's Court Clerk), Brea Grant (Heather Dreeban), Terry Hoyos (Dr. Wexler)

Jerry takes the case of a man who is accused of murder, but the only witness to the alleged crime is in Guatemala. Meanwhile, Michele has an opportunity to try her first murder trial; Richard defends an assault case; and Charlie is put in an awkward situation when he runs into a former fling in court.



3 :01x03 - I Will, I’m Will

First aired: Sep/15/2008
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Guest star: Michael Mantell (Dr. Daniels), Roberto Sanchez (Guard), David Nathan Schwartz (Bailiff), Amy Steel (Catherine Cooper), Bresha Webb (Kate Banks), Kate Danson (Adrian Cook), Patricia Lentz (Ellen Cooper), Teddy Lane, Jr. (Guard), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Tony Amendola (Judge Joseph Gomez), Kathie Browne (Foreperson), Bruce French (George Cooper), Shane Johnson (Will Cooper), Christian Keiber (Paul Reilly)

Jerry is hired to defend a mentally disabled client and has a run in with Judge Kessler. Meanwhile, Richard defends a woman who will not be able to care for her ill grandmother if convicted.



4 :01x04 - Richie Richer

First aired: Sep/22/2008
Writer: David Feige
Director: Bobby Roth
Guest star: David Selby (Richard Patrick Woolsey III), Joe Nieves (Detective), Ricky Harris (Shawn Cassidy), Stacy Hall (Vince), Louis Giambalvo (Daniel Lugano), Wilson Cruz (Rafael), Kristen Ariza (Sabrina Watson), Kelly Nienaltowski (Armenian)

Roz receives a job offer from Richard's extremely wealthy father. Meanwhile, Jerry defends a case in which a mother's arrest may be connected to a murder trial. Also, Jerry works for his broke mother and Judge Kessler continues with his political aspirations.



5 :01x05 - Bagels and Locks

First aired: Sep/29/2008
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Kai Lennox (Kevin Davies), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Marshall Manesh (Hansour), Tomiko Martinez (Belinda Valerio), Mel Rodriguez (Bruce), Hrach Titizian (Raffi Andouzian), Robert Vazquez (Davido Ruiz), Virginia Watson (Judge Hu's Clerk), Kristof Konrad (Andrei Markova), Michael Harney (Detective Dougherty), Craig Barnett (Foreman), Tom Billett (Guard), Lombardo Boyar (Freddy Valerio), Joel Brooks (Murray), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon), Barbara Gruen (Foreperson), Stacy Hall (Vince), Kelvin Han Yee (Judge Anthony Hu)

Jerry faces his most emotional case yet when he takes on the case of a murdered young boy. As the press watches the case closely, Balco takes over the case as lead prosecutor. Meanwhile, Bobbi defends a man on possession of heroin charges.



6 :01x06 - Hang Time

First aired: Oct/06/2008
Writer: David Feige
Director: Chris Long
Guest star: Josh Stewart (Dan Denton), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Angel Oquendo (Carlos), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Page Kennedy (Sherron Nettles), Ashley Johnson (Elise Denton), Stacy Hall (Vince), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon)

Jerry takes on the case of a man who followed a driver after he hit-and-ran from the scene of a crime and then stole from him. Meanwhile, Bobbi's works on the case of a wife refuses to press charges on her husband who has been abusing her.



7 :01x07 - A Leg to Stand On

First aired: Oct/13/2008
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Carol Banker
Guest star: Reno Wilson (Mr. Wilson), Jud Tylor (Lisa Landis), Cynthia Sophiea (Dr Emma Goosen), Alex Schemmer (Sean Campbell), Karl Makinen (Ray Crawford), Brandon Keener (Sergeant Crawford), Bruce Katzman (Ed Kilmer), Jim Jansen (Judge Arlen French), James Handy (Judge Albert Meade), Stacy Hall (Vince), Tempestt Bledsoe (Kameela Hansen)

Jerry's latest client assures him he's innocent, but Jerry believes that there is more to the case than meets the eye. Meanwhile, a law student takes an interest in Richard.



8 :01x08 - Out on the Roof

First aired: Oct/20/2008
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Rick Bota
Guest star: Angel Oquendo (Carlos), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Alex Sol (Detective Winoski), Jud Tylor (Lisa Landis), Sonny Valicenti (Timothy Nolan), Sonny Marinelli (Frank DiMeglio), Will MacMillan (Frank Nolan), Lauri Johnson (Shauna Nolan), Stacy Hall (Vince), Wilson Cruz (Rafael), Conni Marie Brazelton (Court Clerk), Matthew John Armstrong (Adam Nolan)

When Charlie's friend is arrested, he has Jerry handle the case. Meanwhile, Michelle asks Jerry to intercede on Bobbi's current case.



9 :01x09 - Roman Holiday

First aired: Oct/27/2008
Writer: David Feige
Director: Rick Wallace
Guest star: Darryl Theirse (Greg Bussie), Mirron E. Willis (Officer), Jay Brian Winnick (Paul Orlando), Justin Mitchell (Duval Demming), Gina Torrecilla (Foreperson), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Erik Palladino (ADA Brandon Radley), Angel Oquendo (Carlos), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Stacy Hall (Vince), Ken Garito (Officer Tim Sherman), Keith Diamond (Desmond Demming), Larry Anderson (Justin Smolar)

Jerry takes the case when an HIV-positive man is charged with attempted murder after spitting in an officer's face. Meanwhile, Bobbi and Richard team up for the case of a 14-year-old who was involved in a murder.



10 :01x10 - Shop Till You Drop

First aired: Nov/03/2008
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Teddy Lane, Jr. (Guard), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Angel Oquendo (Carlos), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Andrew Sikking (Kessler's clerk), Magda Harout (Mrs. Martha Delman), Stacy Hall (Vince), Peter Gannon (Foreman), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon), Tim De Zarn (Padden), Matt Bushell (Saunders), Danielle Bisutti (Emma Troutman), Sharif Atkins (Andrew Hamilton)

When the conviction of a black firefighter accused of stealing property is overturned, it is ruled that Judge Kessler was wrong to disallow testimony. Because of this, Roz and Balco must retry the case. Elsewhere, Charlie continues to be impacted by Judge Kessler due to a serious conflict.



11 :02x01 - Hair Apparent

First aired: Jun/08/2009
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Sonny Marinelli (Frank DiMeglio), Lizzie Murray (Danielle), Angel Oquendo (Carlos), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Romy Rosemont (Barbara Gosslin), Reni Santoni (Mr. Consardi), Derek Webster (Eric), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Andre Jamal Kinney (Lincoln Shayes), Stacy Hall (Vince), Jenica Bergere (unknown), Danielle Bisutti (Emma Troutman), Ivar Brogger (Gavin Dillon's Attorney), Elizabeth Connors (Bobby Gilardi's Attorney), Christine Dunford (Eileen Thomasen), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Amelia Mikali), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon)

Jerry advocates for a barber who is accused of allowing a nephew to sell crack from inside his shop. Meanwhile, Roz starts working on cases once again, Bobbie's divorce case begins, and Jerry celebrates his birthday.



12 :02x02 - Rules of Engagement

First aired: Jun/15/2009
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Eric Laneuville
Guest star: Arjay Smith (James Madison), Octavia Spencer (Arvina Watkins), John Michael Higgins (Judge Albert Farnsworth), Stacy Hall (Vince), Jack Guzman (Diaz), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Amelia Mikali), Jack Carter (Davey Rose), Shelley Berman (Danny Rose), Josh Randall (Detective Porter), Wayne Lopez (Court Clerk), Teddy Lane, Jr. (Guard)

Jerry and Michelle go with a full court press as they face an overly strict new judge. Making things worse, Michelle finds herself falling for a handsome cop who possibly committed perjury. Meanwhile, a case revolves around a pair of aged twins who are accused of falsifying a welfare check; and Marcus gets a date with a political figure.



13 :02x03 - The Curious Case of Kellerman's Button

First aired: Jun/22/2009
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Octavia Spencer (Arvina Watkins), Brandon Scott (Dyrell King), Tommy Savas (Owen Clark), Peter Paige (Sean Graydon), Christopher Allen Nelson (Tommy), John Michael Higgins (Judge Albert Farnsworth), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Amelia Mikali), John Thaddeus (Officer Joseph Duncan)

Jerry's tardiness has caused fiery friction to erupt between Jerry and Judge Farnsworth. Elsewhere, Roz and Richard team up on a case involving a hate-crime. And Marcus finds himself in a tight spot with Balco over his well connected girlfriend.



14 :02x04 - No Child's Left Behind

First aired: Jun/29/2009
Writer: Joel Fields
Director: Rick Bota
Guest star: Titus Welliver (Nate Chrisman), Sterling Macer, Jr. (Detective Jackson), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon), Megan Follows (Reanne Chrisman), Federico Dordei (Satish), Elizabeth Connors (Bobby Gilardi's Attorney), Dameon Clarke (Sean Lusik), Ivar Brogger (Gavin Dillon's Attorney)

A child-pornography case finds Jerry going up against Balco's zealous prosecution. Meanwhile, Bobbi's divorce proceedings take a bad turn after the soon-to-be-ex finds a legal loophole, causing possible life changing consequences to begin spinning into motion.



15 :02x05 - Is There a Doctor in the House?

First aired: Jul/06/2009
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Guest star: Robert Bailey, Jr. (Zeshawn Wagner), Enuka Okuma (Suzette Wagner), Malcolm J. Goodwin (Wesley Wedderbum), Josh Randall (Detective Porter), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon)

Conflict arrives between Jerry and Michelle's new cop boyfriend, when Jerry advocates for a woman charged with drug possession. Additionally, Bobbi defends a client stuck with a larceny charge; while Charlie and Judge Farnsworth spend an interesting dinner together.



16 :02x06 - I'll Be Down to Get You a Taxi, Honey

First aired: Jul/13/2009
Writer: Tassie Cameron
Director: Martha Mitchell
Guest star: Robin Thomas (Gordon Burke), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Manny Montana (Romeo Vasquez), Jamie McShane (Henry Ryan), Gloria Garayua (Romeo's Fiancée), Josie DiVincenzo (Maureen Riley), Gregg Daniel (Eye Witness), Heath Freeman (Gavin Dillon), Stacy Hall (Vince)

Jerry relies on the sympathy of the jury instead of the facts when he holds court for a man charged with running over a corrupt lawyer. Elsewhere, Richard makes a judicial fumble when he rushes through his cases. Also, Bobbi's divorce proceedings advance.



17 :02x07 - Fine and Dandy

First aired: Jul/20/2009
Writer: David Feige
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Grainger Hines (Philip Harfleur), Jennifer Hetrick (Susanne Dupois), Alex Fernandez (Parole Officer Alan Garcia), Cyrus Farmer (Darnell Taylor), Eddie Rouse (Mr. Guttierrez), Mac Brandt (Officer Boozang), Larry Brandenburg (Administrative Judge Edward Lyden), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Ronald Auguste (Shakeem), Demond Robertson (Christopher Jeffreys), Polly Leporte (Jacqueline Ruynion), Harrison Knight (Xavier Watson), Stacy Hall (Vince), James Curreri (Joe Conrad)

Jerry and Richard both fight for their clients who have received unjust punishments. Judge Kessler will be working Richard's case, while also looking forward to going on a first blind date. Meanwhile, Bobbi has trouble adjusting to a life-shattering situation concerning her ex-husband.



18 :02x08 - Trust Me

First aired: Jul/27/2009
Writer: Joel Fields
Director: Tricia Brock
Guest star: Stephen Markle (Jeffrey Cox), Michael Patrick McGill (Dean O'Farrell Jr.), Sean McGowan (Detective Stahlmer), Frank Novak (Dean O'Farrell Sr.), Ivet Corvea (Camille de la Paz), Adam Lieberman (Officer Price), Max Greenfield (Civil Law attorney), Larry Joshua (Sylvester Walters' Attorney), Dorian Missick (Sylvester 'Slice' Walters), Andrew Rothenberg (Undercover eye witness cop), Peter Jason (Rex), Eugene Byrd (Andre Jackman), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia)



19 :02x09 - Trout Fishing

First aired: Aug/03/2009
Writer: Jonathan Abrahams
Director: Steve Robin
Guest star: Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Michael Irby (Wilfredo Villamaria), John Michael Higgins (Judge Albert Farnsworth), Larry Clarke (Dr. Hirschman), Julanne Chidi Hill (Regina Daniels), Danielle Bisutti (Emma Troutman), Jeremiah Birkett (Vernon)

Kessler and Farnsworth clash over a case in which a mother is set to go to prison. Elsewhere, Balco hands a case to Michelle, but she'll only have 48 hours to prepare before it goes to trial.



20 :02x10 - Making Up Is Hard to Do

First aired: Aug/10/2009
Writer: Alison Cross
Director: Reginald Hudlin
Guest star: Saige Thompson (Laurel Redson), Marcello Thedford (Tro Gattis), Octavia Spencer (Arvina Watkins), Josh Randall (Detective Porter), Jonathan T. Floyd (Detective Joe Tirney), David Doty (Juror number 3), John Michael Higgins (Judge Albert Farnsworth)

A woman charged with smuggling drugs is offered legal help from Bobbi, but when Michelle's cop boyfriend becomes involved it raises questions and eyebrows. Elsewhere, Jerry tries getting his client a better deal by tangling with Marcus over the issue.



21 :02x11 - Bobbi Ba-Bing

First aired: Aug/17/2009
Writer: David Feige
Director: Jesse Bochco
Guest star: Vernee Watson-Johnson (Judge Edith Washington), Autumn Reeser (Ashley Hastings), Jon Polito (Judge Dominick Ventimiglia), Glenn Plummer (Frank Lewis), Meredith Monroe (Professor Doris Castillo), Annie LaRussa (Emilie Nusblatt), Robbie Jones (Jawara Obasi), Max Greenfield (David Steinberg), J. B. Blanc (John Sharifi), Bruno Amato (Don Hilderbrand)



22 :02x12 - Beating a Dead Horse

First aired: Aug/24/2009
Writer: Joel Fields
Director: Rick Bota
Guest star: Rebecca Tilney (Dr. Karrie Mintz), Michael Olifiers (Officer Gafferty), Stacy Hall (Vince), Cutter Garcia (Farnsworth's Clerk), Chastity Dotson (Eden R'Mante), David Barrera (Alberto Capulet), John Michael Higgins (Judge Albert Farnsworth), Joe Sabatino (Dean)

Jerry defends a heroine-addled pregnant woman against Michelle. Elsewhere, surprising details arise in a case of a carriage driver accused of abusing his horse and hitting a cop.



23 :02x13 - Maybe, Baby

First aired: Dec/24/2009

Jerry questions his client's deal to testify against a rapist and a series of events leave Roz with a baby.



24 :02x14 - O! Say Can You Pee

First aired: Dec/24/2009

Richard defends a law student accused of pouring beer on a cop at a sporting event. Marcus takes legal action against a father who stole food to feed his family, however, a videotape surfaces to tell another story. Bobbie and Jerry face an important personal decision.



25 :02x15 - Happy Ending

First aired: Dec/24/2009

In the series finale, Jerry defends a male massage therapist against charges of inappropriately touching a female client. Kessler's boyfriend asks for a favor, Bobbi and Jerry look for a place together, and Roz must deal with the father of the baby she is caring for.