4/4/2025 Kick Recap - "Judgement Day"
Lang checks in with Opal for the morning, Nino arrives to speak with Lang. Nino has been trying to communicate with Lang for the past few days, declaring his concern for Lang's safety. Nino confronted the Faceless and confirmed they have no intent to harm Lang, outside of an asset that shot his legs. They asked about CJ, and Nino gave no information or response. Nino called CJ and shared what happened, but was followed by the Marshalls and the Faceless. Nino asks if Lang was able to decrypt the message, but explains what was in the note anyways. Nino knows that Edgar is an asset, the Judge handling his case is compromised (Nino is speaking in code, but I am translating it for ease of understanding). He knows that Beric is compromised, and an asset. The decision to extend Edgar's house arrest was made by Beric, and Beric is now the presiding Judge for Lang's case. Nino isn't concerned with revealing all of this to Lang now, whether they hear them or not. Nino does not like to be watched, or be used as a puppet. Taking his leave, Nino offers to give Lang a radio, but Lang refuses.
Lang writes his assumed final note to CJ, incase things go wrong. CJ arrives and hands off a note, Lang exchanges his own. CJ asks if he's ready, he believes so. Edgar and Lang make small chat about what the results of today might bring, but the officers arrive to take Lang to court. Edgar requests to view the case, but it is denied. Opal prepares to take Lang, making an awkward joke about not killing him. Edgar asks for a private moment, Opal allows him to say good bye. Edgar hopes that Lang comes to his senses in the court room, reminding him that the only evidence they have is what he gave through admission. Opal escorts Lang to court, he notices they put out a state announcement for his trial. Lang gets processed through security, and placed to sit patiently until court begins.
Judge Beric begins, having Lang rise to be read his charges. Lang is charged with the 3 murders of Cassie, Tommy, and Ilya, and the attempted murders of Larry and Renato (Bubbles). Lang pleads guilty to all charges. Opal reads her closing statement, highlighting that although Lang murdered people thoughtfully and intentionally, he admitted to his wrong doings and assisted in the investigation. She reminds the court that during his house arrest he was an excellent captive, and hopes that through his journey of redemption that he might be able to serve his further punishment in a lesser or redeemable way. Judge Beric heads to deliberation, and returns later with a verdict.
Judge Beric took Opal's statement into effect, having Lang not serve in maximum penitentiary. Lang is sentenced to: 9 years (5 on house arrest), 14 years parole, 5 years community service, 2 million in fines, 5 daily therapist sessions, final day psych evaluation. Officer Opal Price gives Lang some final words, hopeful that he finds atonement with this verdict. Lang is escorted to prison, officially fined 2m and sent into the cells.
Sitting on a bench reflecting on the days to come, Grace approaches. Politely reminding Lang of his fate with Matt, Grace isn't interested in harming him. She asks about his relationship with Cassie. Lang hangs his head in disappointment. Grace remembers the many times she's encountered Cypress, and her original positive outlook of him (when he was a lawyer). Lang shares that he's worked with Lifers before, and he wanted to assist in a way that he thought he could. Cassie didn't know how to be free, Grace agrees. Lang doesn't think that she deserved it, but it needed to be done. Grace mentions that Bane spoke highly of Lang, giving her perspective of how much the lifestyle shifts when you've escaped. Lang apologizes for killing Cassie, and wishes that Matt did actually kill him. Grace doesn't agree with the 'eye for an eye' mentality. Grace asked if Cassie said anything, but Lang thought that she understood the finality of it all.
