

The Defenders
2010–2011 · CBS · 60 min · 1 season
S01E18 · Morelli v. Kaczmarek
Sat, 12 Mar, 12:00 pm
The law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek is no more when Nick and Pete temporarily dissolve their partnership so they can both represent a husband and wife accused of murdering a yoga instructor.
About
The Defenders is a drama about two colorful Las Vegas defense attorneys who go all-in when it comes to representing their clients. Nick and Pete are the local go-to guys with an eclectic client list who are still looking to hit their own jackpot. Leading the law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli, an earnest, hard-charging attorney who represents his clients to the best of his ability, no matter how big or small the case; and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek, whose passion for the law is matched only by his love of fast cars, beautiful women and expensive clothes. Joining them in their growing law practice is new associate Lisa Tyler, an enthusiastic young attorney looking to put her exotic dancing days behind her; and their young assistant, Sophie, a spunky and sweet ingénue who is eager to please her bosses. While Lady Luck shines on their legal careers, the partners have their hands full when it comes to their personal lives. With Pete busy cruising the Vegas Strip for his latest romantic conquest, Nick is focused on repairing a fractured marriage to his estranged wife and remaining present in the life of their young son. No matter the offense, Nick and Pete aim to prove that when the stakes are high, they're willing to bet the house on the clients they defend in Sin City.
Episodes
- E01
Pilot
Thu, 23 Sept· 60 minNick and Pete defend a young man facing a murder charge in a case unique to Vegas that requires a slight bending of the rules and 'by any means necessary' tactics.
- E02
Las Vegas v. Reid
Thu, 30 Sept· 60 minNick works the system to free a single mother accused of running down a jogger while chit chatting on her cell phone, meanwhile, Pete does his best to help a man down on his luck.
- E03
Nevada v. Carter
Thu, 7 Oct· 60 minNick defends a stripper accused of solicitation, and Pete is forced to take an unwanted case after losing a hand of poker.
- E04
Nevada v. Cerrato
Thu, 14 Oct· 60 minNick is ready to accept a simple arson case until he realizes that his client could be convicted of first-degree murder. Meanwhile, Pete helps a lottery winner take on a casino when he loses his fortune after a night of high rolling.
- E05
Nevada v. Senator Harper
Thu, 21 Oct· 60 minNick and Pete are shocked when their client, a state senator, is charged with the kidnapping and burglary of his mistress in the midst of a divorce case. Meanwhile, Pete defends an attractive cabana girl from accusations of assault and battery.
- E06
Nevada v. Rodgers
Thu, 28 Oct· 60 minWhen a man is killed and an off-duty cop is left wounded in a bar shooting, Nick must prove reasonable doubt in his client's charge for attempted murder. Meanwhile, Pete tries to cut a deal for man caught with stolen Elvis memorabilia.
- E07
Las Vegas v. Johnson
Thu, 4 Nov· 60 minWhen an entertainer's girlfriend is charged with his murder, Nick begrudgingly accepts Pete's request to represent the finicky mistress. Meanwhile, Lisa battles a moral dilemma when her newest client reveals information that could be dangerous.
- E08
Nevada v. Killa Diz
Thu, 11 Nov· 60 minNick comes to the defense of a young rapper wanted on two counts of first-degree murder. Meanwhile, Pete takes the case of an Internet hacker facing RICO charges.
- E09
Whitten v. Fenlee
Thu, 18 Nov· 60 minWhen a woman's husband dies from a fall on a construction site, Nick and Pete look to prove wrongful death against the company. Meanwhile, Pete tries to help an online blogger avoid jail after exposing an illusionist's magic trick.
- E10
Nevada v. Dennis
Thu, 9 Dec· 60 minWhen a young man is pulled over carrying guns with filed-off serial numbers, Nick and Pete try to get the charges thrown out. Meanwhile, Nick agrees to help the ADA's sister save a bear from being euthanized.
- E11
Nevada v. Riley
Thu, 16 Dec· 60 minNick and Pete come to the aid of a troubled ex-football player charged with battery. Meanwhile, Pete becomes exasperated when his father shows up in town.
- E12
Nevada v. Wayne
Thu, 13 Jan· 60 minNick's personal ties to a young man charged with sexual assault prompt him to defend the accusations. Meanwhile, Pete is stunned when he has jury duty.
- E13
Nevada v. Donnie the Numbers Guy
Sat, 5 Feb· 60 minSeventeen years after disappearing on the eve of his wife's murder trial, a man from Nick's past returns to Vegas looking to prove his innocence by relying on new technological tools.
- E14
Nevada V. Doug the Mule
Sat, 12 Feb· 60 minWhen a young man is pulled over carrying 30 bricks of cocaine, Nick and Pete look to prove their client was duped by a girl he met on spring break.
- E15
Nevada v. Hunter
Sat, 19 Feb· 60 minFacing thirty counts of possession of a controlled substance, an overconfident judge turns to Nick, who has no choice but to help acquit him of the charges.
- E16
Noland v. Galloway Pharmaceuticals
Sat, 26 Feb· 60 minTwo separates incidents of victims overdosing on epinephrine prompt Nick and Pete to sue a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company for faulty packaging. Meanwhile, Lisa has a secret affair with ADA Ward while contemplating an intriguing job offer.
- E17
Nevada v. Greene
Sat, 5 Mar· 60 minUnable to recall any events from the previous night, the son of a hotel owner turns to Nick and Pete for help after he awakes to find a casino host strangled to death in a hot tub.
- E18
Morelli v. Kaczmarek
Sat, 12 Mar· 60 minThe law firm of Morelli & Kaczmarek is no more when Nick and Pete temporarily dissolve their partnership so they can both represent a husband and wife accused of murdering a yoga instructor.
Cast

Jerry O'Connell
Pete Kaczmarek

Jim Belushi
Nick Morelli

Tanya Fischer
Zoey Waters

Jurnee Smollett
Lisa Tyler

