Ellen Parsons quotes from Damages

IBC was Patty's first case after she started her own firm. The stakes were very high. Losing was not an option for her.

Ellen

Is it ever?

Patty

[on choosing a case] It starts with a seed of anger. I can feel it in my hands and my chest, and that seed has to be nurtured, cultivated until it grows into a full-blown rage. Then I know that I can't turn back. I have no choice but to take the case because the rage doesn't abate.

Ellen

Until someone's punished.

Ellen

I didn't hit him once?

Wes

If nothing else, I'm sure you scared him.

Ellen

How is that even possible?

Wes

It takes time. Besides, look at his face, he's terrified. No way he didn't shit himself.

Patty

You see anyone else checking their phone while I'm talking?

Ellen

No. I apologize.

Patty

Don't. Just tell me the truth. What do you have in your life that's more important than work?

Ellen

Nothing. I'm sorry, Patty.

Patty

I'm not asking you to be sorry. I'm asking you who called.

Ellen

[on the death of Uncle Pete] I don't know, but she blames you guys. This is like a call to war for her.

Meaning what?

Ellen

Meaning you're not just targeting her now. She's targeting you.

We don't work for the FBI, Ellen.

Ellen

Who do you work for?

The IPF.

Ellen

The what?

Inter-Planetary Federation. You never saw Men in Black?

Ellen

Oh, you guys are jackasses.

Ellen

It's hard to know... what I... owe David.

Wes

And what you owe yourself.

Ellen

Yeah.

Ellen

I want to apologize for pushing you to pursue Frobisher's connection to Calder security. I, uh... I got emotional. I crossed a line.

Patty

We've talked about your temper, Ellen. It's a shame that you still can't control it.

Ellen

I said I'm sorry.

Patty

I heard you the first time.

Patty

So, you were asking about marriage. Well, you know, it's funny because everyone will tell you it's about trust, commitment.

Ellen

It isn't?

Patty

No, that's exactly what it is. Trust, commitment. I mean, some things in this life are simple.

Patty

I can't figure out whether I should thank you.

Ellen

For what?

Patty

Sending me the pictures. You could have been trying to protect me. Let me know before the... world knew. Or maybe you were just being vindictive.

Ellen

I met with Judge Oliver. You were right. I think he'll play ball.

Patty

Did he try to grope you? He can be a very grabby old man.

Ellen

No, he was a perfect gentleman, except, of course, his willingness to be bought.

Patty

The alternative... is to believe in our case and trust the system.

Ellen

Judge Oliver doesn't believe in the system. He believes in money.

Patty

The only one that was loyal to me was Pete... and you.

Ellen

I haven't stuck by you because of loyalty.

Patty

No?

Ellen

I believe in what you do.

Patty

Well, that's all I can ask for.

Ellen

You know, working for you this past year, I... think I understand you. You're corrupt, narcissistic, cruel...

Patty

I can be.

Ellen

But so is the rest of the world.

Tom

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I have to get going.

Ellen

Where are you heading?

Tom

To tell my wife that we've lost everything...