Pride and Glory

As the NYPD police squad takes on their opponents on the football field, Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell) stands out as the star player, exuding confidence as he leads his team to a 14-10 victory. Meanwhile, Ray Tierney (Edward Norton) sits alongside Megan Egan (Lake Bell), watching the game with Francis Tierney Jr. (Noah Emmerich), his brother. The atmosphere is electric, with cheers and jubilation filling the air as the NYPD emerges victorious.

However, the euphoria is short-lived, as Francis Jr., a high-ranking officer in the Department of Justice, receives a devastating call: four officers from his division have been brutally murdered. Ray and Francis Jr. rush to the crime scene, where they're met with a gruesome tableau of bodies scattered throughout the apartment. Amidst the chaos, Jimmy arrives on the scene, his expression morphing from elation to horror as he takes in the extent of the tragedy.

As the reality of the situation sets in, Francis Sr. (Jon Voight), a prominent figure in the department, arrives at the scene, issuing orders and displaying his authority. Later, at the hospital, Ray and Jimmy pay their respects to the fallen officer, whose wife's wails pierce the air as she mourns her loss.

In the hospital's sterile atmosphere, Ray retreats to the bathroom, where he begins self-medicating with prescription pills. Francis Sr. appears, his eyes fixed on his son, urging him to join the task force investigating the murders. Despite Ray's initial reluctance, citing a past trauma that led him to specialize in missing persons cases, his father is insistent, pointing out that the fallen officer would have done it for him. Ultimately, Francis Sr.'s persistence wears down Ray, and he agrees to join the task force, though not before expressing his doubts and reservations.

As Ray and his fellow task force officer venture into the dimly lit alley where chaos reigned, their trained eyes scan the scene for clues. The gruesome trail of blood leads them to a sudden stop, hinting that the fleeing perpetrator, likely Angel Tezo (Ramón Rodríguez), had scrambled into a getaway vehicle. However, they're left with more questions than answers.

In a nearby convenience store, an officer's query about Spanish speakers sparks action. Ray, familiar with the language, intervenes to calm a frantic local and coax his wife into taking them to their sleeping child. The kid's testimony proves crucial in unraveling the mystery, revealing that the shooter was hemorrhaging from his stomach and looked petrified.

When shown photographs, the young eyewitness confirms the identity of the fleeing culprit: Angel Tezo, whose desperate escape had left a trail of destruction. Furthermore, the boy recounts the getaway vehicle's distinguishing features - a white, four-door taxi cab - excluding yellow ones.

Cut to the abandoned car, where Jimmy, Kenny (Shea Whigham), Sandy (John Ortiz), and Eddie (Frank Grillo) conduct a hasty investigation. The scene suggests a botched operation, as they were initially attempting to eliminate Tezo and claim their payoff money, only for everything to go awry. Tezo managed to escape with the cash and leave behind his would-be assassins.

With Tezo now aware of their intentions to kill him, he poses an existential threat to these dirty cops, who must act swiftly to silence him before he can finger them. A fiery torching of the abandoned vehicle signals their resolve to destroy any remaining evidence and begin their perilous hunt for Angel Tezo.

The narrative seamlessly shifts to Tezo, whose abdominal wound is tended to by a medic within the confines of a secure hideout. As the doctor works to repair the damage, Tezo's temper flares, and he unleashes a tirade of frustration upon the medical professional. Once the doctor has finished, Tezo is handed a sum of money, but his associate presents him with a rather unexpected gift - a potato - which he proceeds to affix to his gun. With his paramour by his side, Tezo tenderly kisses her as he dispatches the doctor using the humble tuber as an improvised silencer.

Meanwhile, Ray sits pensively on his houseboat, poring over crime scene photographs, and his attention is drawn to a peculiar detail that has piqued his curiosity. One of the deceased individuals lacked both bootlaces and a belt - raising questions about their presence at the crime scene. Ray's inquiry yields little concrete information, leaving him with more questions than answers.

The following day, Christmas morning brings a somber atmosphere as Ray visits a townhouse, hesitates briefly before dropping off a small gift on the porch, and then departs. The door creaks open to reveal his estranged wife, their relationship now hanging precariously in the balance of an impending divorce, mere weeks away. The weight of their troubled past hangs heavy between them as they part ways with a sense of sorrow.

In a different vein, Eddie and Sandy pay a visit to a convenience store, where they orchestrate a chaotic scene by forcibly evicting customers and pistol-whipping the clerk until he reveals crucial information about Tezo's whereabouts. The man is given a 24-hour ultimatum to provide further intel or face certain death at their hands. Eddie's instability is on full display as he simulates a fatal shot, only to reveal an empty gun. The duo then empties the cash register and makes off with the store's takings.

As Francis Jr.'s wife, Abby (Jennifer Ehle), lies bedridden, her once-luxuriant locks now replaced by a stark baldness, she takes her medication and prepares for a festive evening ahead. Francis Sr., already inebriated, oversees a flurry of culinary activity downstairs as the children eagerly anticipate opening their gifts. Upstairs, Francis Jr. bestows upon Abby a token of his devotion, a ring symbolizing his eternal love. As Jimmy and his family arrive, the atmosphere transforms into one of revelry and gift-giving, with Francis Jr. and Abby joining in the merriment, their spirits momentarily lifted above the shadows that have come to define their lives.

As the evening unfolds at the dinner table, Francis Sr.'s inebriated ramblings paint an unsettling portrait of overpraising Ray's intellectual prowess, proclaiming he will soon rise through the ranks to become an investigator. Meanwhile, Megan's compassionate nature is highlighted as she pursues a career in nursing. The silence that follows is palpable, heavy with unspoken tension. Francis Sr.'s reluctance to acknowledge Francis Jr.'s presence or Jimmy, his son-in-law, only adds to the sense of unease.

As the dinner conversation falters, Francis and Jimmy retreat to the hallway for a hushed discussion. Jimmy assures Francis that he will handle the situation, but Francis's growing concern is met with stony silence from his son-in-law. The air is thick with unspoken worry as Francis Sr.'s drunkenness begins to take its toll.

Just as the tension reaches a boiling point, chaos erupts once more at the house where Tezo first appeared. The sound of sirens and blood splattering fills the air as Ray surveys the gruesome scene. The discovery of the officers' execution-style killings is met with a mix of shock and dismay. Amidst the carnage, Tezo's girlfriend, who had previously shared a poignant moment with him over a potato, reveals to Ray that she was present at the crime scene.

As Ray's anger simmers just below the surface, he threatens to take her child away if she doesn't reveal what she knows. Eventually, she breaks down and confesses that Tezo was tipped off by an insider in the police department - Sandy, a name that sends a chill down Ray's spine. Despite the mounting evidence, Ray chooses not to share this information with the detectives on the scene, instead opting for a quiet exit.

The funeral procession for the fallen officers is a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of corruption. Francis Jr., now in charge as the CO, plays a prominent role in the ceremony. However, his brother's concerns about what might be going on in his department are met with denials and evasions.

As tensions simmer between Ray and his brother, Tezo's phone rings, revealing that someone outside the operation was aware of the planned bust. Francis Jr.'s shady behavior only adds fuel to Ray's suspicions, prompting a heated confrontation as he confronts his brother about the possibility of Sandy, a police officer, being involved.

The brothers' disagreement ends with both men left feeling unhappy and unresolved. Meanwhile, Francis Sr., now sobered by the events, meets Ray on the boat and implores him to exercise restraint, advising him to sit on his concerns until the truth becomes clear before taking action. Despite his reservations, Ray reluctantly agrees to hold fire, acknowledging that protecting himself and those he cares about is paramount.

As Francis Jr.'s (character name omitted) intense gaze bore into Sandy's tormented soul in the dimly lit police showers, the air was thick with tension. With a stern tone, Francis Jr. demanded that Sandy vacate the premises, leaving him alone with his anguish. Sandy, overwhelmed by remorse, poured out his heart to Francis Jr., revealing the shocking truth about Jimmy's (character name omitted) nefarious activities: drug dealing and meticulously planned executions. The revelation sent shockwaves through Francis Jr.'s very being as he struggled to reconcile this new information with his perception of his brother-in-law.

As Sandy's words trailed off, Francis Jr. delivered a stern ultimatum: surrender his badge and gun immediately, and never again darken the door or risk having his pension cut short. Sandy, realizing too late that he had lost his connection to the force, slumped in despair on the shower floor, tears streaming down his face.

Meanwhile, across town, Abby sat amidst her children's joyful chatter, her eyes welling up with sorrow as she faced the cruel reality of her own mortality. The sound of a car pulling up outside served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and Francis Jr.'s (character name omitted) anguish became palpable as he remained frozen in his seat, unable to shake off the weight of his wife's impending departure.

In stark contrast, Jimmy's world seemed to be spinning out of control. As he played with his children alongside his wife, a sudden knock at the door shattered the tranquility. A menacing figure, later revealed to be Casado (Rick Gonzalez), appeared on their doorstep, his countenance twisted in anger and betrayal. The uninvited guest demanded Jimmy's attention, his words dripping with malice as he accused him of reneging on their agreement to eliminate Tezo.

Jimmy's response was swift and decisive: pinning Casado against the wall, he growled a stern warning, making it clear that any further encroachment upon his family or domain would be met with brutal consequences. As the door closed behind Casado's retreating form, Jimmy's wife quivered with fear, her husband's unyielding resolve a stark reminder of the treacherous world they had unwittingly stepped into.

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Jimmy mobilizes his team, only to discover that Tezo's trusted associate has arrived in town. With calculated precision, they storm into the unsuspecting man's dinner gathering, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. The crew descends upon their target, brutalizing him mercilessly, yet he refuses to divulge Tezo's whereabouts. Undeterred, Jimmy orders Kenny to contact child services regarding a distressed infant with a grotesquely deformed visage, its mother frantic in desperation. As the situation reaches a boiling point, Jimmy brandishes a hot iron, poised to scorch the innocent child's face. It is only when the man's wife implores him to reveal vital information that he finally cracks under the pressure, surrendering Tezo's location. With the truth finally out, Jimmy departs, returning the baby safely to its distraught mother.

Meanwhile, Ray tracks down a former informant, a junkie, and after pilfering his stash and destroying some of it, extracts crucial intel on Tezo's whereabouts from his battered acquaintance. Ray hastens back to HQ, alerting the task force to converge on the target location. Upon arriving at the scene, he surveys the area, only to be met with the sound of gunfire. Requesting backup, he ascends the stairs, harried tenants pointing him towards the source of the chaos. As he approaches the floor, a gruesome discovery awaits: a lifeless body and cries of distress fill the air. Ray's trained instincts guide him to locate Tezo, submerged in a bathtub with Jimmy looming over him, forcing a nightstick down his throat. The seasoned detective bellows at the scene, yanks the instrument out of the victim's throat, and orders aid be summoned. However, before medical help arrives, Jimmy snatches Ray's gun from its holster, delivers three fatal shots to Tezo's chest, and returns the firearm with a chilling instruction: perpetuate the narrative that he was first on the scene and took down the cop killer. Aghast, Ray protests, only to be physically restrained by Jimmy, who coldly reminds him that they are all law enforcement officials – "so just go with the story."

As the sun dips below the horizon, Ray and Francis Jr. find themselves at the latter's boathouse, where the former's turmoil is palpable as he recounts his harrowing experience to his friend. The conversation takes a curious turn when Francis Jr. inquires about Sandy, prompting Ray to express his disillusionment and frustration with his comrade's deception. As the weight of the situation settles upon him, Ray seeks solace by retreating to his boathouse, desperate to wash away the bloodstained memories.

As Francis Jr. (character) carefully pours a bath for his wife, Abby senses a palpable sense of unease emanating from him. She approaches him with concern etched on her face, asking what's troubling him. His silence is met with her gentle prodding, as she implores him not to let whatever demons he's facing tear them apart now. Francis Jr.'s words are laced with desperation, revealing the gravity of his situation: he's deeply entrenched in a predicament from which there seems no escape, and his fear is palpable. Abby's reaction is one of shocked disbelief (her pale complexion a testament to her own fragile state) as she asks if there's any way to undo the damage. Francis Jr.'s response is a somber acknowledgment that some things are beyond repair, leaving him no choice but to surrender to the inevitable consequences.

Cut to a bustling newsroom, where rumors and speculation surrounding Tezo's brutal beating have reached a fever pitch. Theories abound, with many pointing to the gruesome discovery of splinters in his throat as evidence of a calculated attack. Amidst the chaos, a reporter receives an urgent call from an unknown source, leading him to a deserted parking lot where he meets the caller: a disheveled and clearly troubled Sandy (character). As they sit in the cold rain, the reporter discreetly deploys a tape recorder under his seat, assuring Sandy that no recording devices are present. Despite this, Sandy's words are laced with venom as he reveals the extent of corruption within the force: everyone has sold their integrity to the highest bidder, engaging in nefarious activities such as murder, drug dealing, and bribery. His once-prideful profession has been reduced to a farce, leaving him feeling disillusioned and trapped.

As the reporter attempts to console Sandy, offering a platform for his story and a chance to expose the truth, Sandy's despair boils over. He covers his head with a white cloth, the symbolism of his impending doom starkly apparent, before pulling the trigger and taking his own life. The aftermath is one of horror and devastation, as blood splatters across the rear windshield of the reporter's car, a gruesome reminder of the devastating toll exacted by corruption.

As the investigation into the "vigilante" killings gains momentum, Francis Jr. (character) is confronted by his father, Francis Sr., who demands to know how much he knew about the extrajudicial justice meted out by the four deceased officers. Francis Jr.'s candid admission that he knew enough sparks a heated exchange between the two, with Francis Sr. expressing dismay and disgust at his son's alleged complicity. The conversation takes a surprising turn when Francis Jr. challenges his father to recall a time when push came to shove, prompting Francis Sr. to reveal that he had never taken a bribe or compromised his values. The revelation leaves Francis Jr. stunned, and he exits the scene, citing pressing matters to attend to.

Meanwhile, Ray is seen wandering through a seedy section of New York City, his senses heightened as he becomes aware of a tail following him. He eventually corners the mysterious figure, only to discover that it's a journalist who claims to possess knowledge about the events surrounding Francis Sr.'s division. The reporter, whose motives are shrouded in ambiguity, hints at Ray's exceptional detective work but also alludes to his past dishonesty, specifically a case where he fabricated evidence to protect fellow officers. His intentions, however, appear more focused on exposing the truth about the corrupt practices within Francis Sr.'s division than bringing Ray down.

Later that evening, Francis Jr. tracks down Jimmy to a dingy bar and demands an explanation for the disturbing developments. Jimmy reveals that he has been following Francis Jr.'s orders to pad his income and keep crime rates down, but Francis Jr. is horrified by the extent of Jimmy's involvement. He rebukes Jimmy, emphasizing that this level of corruption was unacceptable and warning him that Ray would never betray his integrity by lying to the Internal Affairs Bureau.

As Jimmy's world begins to crumble, he attempts to compensate for his misdeeds by offering Francis Jr. a substantial sum of money, claiming it was his share of the spoils from their illicit activities. However, Francis Jr. remains steadfast in his refusal, and instead walks away, leaving Jimmy visibly shaken and distraught.

The tranquility of Ray's boathouse was abruptly shattered by the jarring ring of his phone, summoning him to the Independent Authority Board (IAB) for an impromptu statement. Initially resistant to the invitation, Ray reluctantly acquiesced, unaware that a maelstrom of reporters and protesters awaited him outside. The IAB officials, however, greeted him with respect, their eyes betraying a deep admiration for the seasoned officer.

As the questioning commenced, Ray's responses were met with anticipation by his inquisitors, but he remained resolute, pausing before offering a candid account of events. "This isn't going to go as you've scripted," he warned, refusing to implicate himself or anyone else in Tezo's brutal demise. With unyielding conviction, he declined further elaboration, insisting on maintaining his integrity and the department's.

Meanwhile, Francis Sr., Ray's father figure, was privy to a damning video featuring Jimmy's incriminating claims: that Ray had cold-bloodedly executed Tezo. The elder Francis was horrified, convinced that his son would never stoop to such depravity. He confronted high-ranking officials about the department's willingness to condone and cover up such heinous actions, only to be met with a chorus of corroborating testimony from other officers.

As tensions escalated, Ray and Francis Sr. engaged in a heated debate, with the elder urging his son to protect the department by adopting Jimmy's fabricated narrative. But Ray was adamant, still seething from the betrayal that had forced him to lie years ago to save the department. His father's wife intervened, only to be driven out of the room by her husband's ire.

Just as Francis Sr. seemed poised to command his son to perpetuate the deceit, Francis Jr. burst into the scene, demanding an end to the charade. He vowed to expose the corruption that had spawned in their division and work alongside Ray to clear their names. First, however, they needed to track down Jimmy, whose trail led them to the notorious Irish Eyes bar, where they planned to confront him head-on.

As Kenny (actor name) and Eddie cruise down the highway in their vehicle, a sense of unease settles over them. Eddie's plea for financial relief is met with Kenny's cautionary warning, citing the instruction from Jimmy to lay low. However, Eddie's desperation gets the better of him, and he makes another ill-fated attempt to rob the convenience store. The outcome is predictable - he gets shot, and the ensuing chaos draws the attention of a group of agitated gang members, who are still reeling from the recent police killings that have been dominating the headlines.

As the situation spirals out of control, Kenny becomes increasingly panicked, realizing that his predicament has just taken a drastic turn. The store's owner is taken hostage, and the authorities close in, trapping Kenny inside. Desperate for a way out, Kenny frantically dials Jimmy, hoping to get some guidance on how to extricate himself from this dire situation - but Jimmy remains ominously silent.

Meanwhile, Francis Jr. (actor name) receives a distress call about Kenny's predicament and is instructed by Ray (actor name) to handle the hostage situation while he deals with Jimmy. Francis Jr.'s efforts to negotiate with Kenny are met with resistance at first, but eventually, he manages to talk Kenny down and coax him into surrendering.

As Francis Sr. (actor name) receives a call from an officer seeking to apprehend Ray, he disingenuously claims that his son is not present - despite the fact that Ray's vehicle is parked outside. The detective asks to enter, but Francis Sr. politely declines, preferring to maintain a safe distance from the impending storm.

In a separate, yet equally intense scenario, Jimmy (actor name) sits alone at the bar, lost in memories of his wife and children, nursing a drink and drowning his sorrows. His reverie is interrupted by Ray's sudden appearance, badge flashing, as he orders everyone to evacuate. With a gun trained on Jimmy, Ray demands that they settle their differences once and for all.

The two adversaries face off, guns drawn, badges displayed, and cuffs at the ready - it's a showdown of wills, with the stakes higher than ever before. Tables are upended, chairs crash to the floor, and the air is filled with the sound of shattering glass as they clash, their movements becoming increasingly frenzied.

As the fight rages on, they finally come to rest on the pool table, locked in a fierce stalemate - until Ray seizes the cue ball and delivers two devastating blows, leaving Jimmy reeling. As both combatants slump to the ground, battered and bruised, it becomes clear that only one of them will emerge victorious from this brutal battle of wits.

As Francis Jr.'s soothing words calm Kenny's nerves, he skillfully extracts him from the store and into a waiting vehicle, effectively escaping the chaos that has engulfed the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Tezo's loyal enforcer, still seething with resentment towards Jimmy for his earlier misdeeds, stokes the flames of outrage among the crowd, egging them on as they converge on the scene. The tension is palpable as Kenny is whisked away to safety.

In a subsequent development, Ray apprehends Jimmy and begins transporting him to the site where the standoff took place, mere blocks away. However, their journey is abruptly disrupted when an enraged mob, fueled by the Tezo enforcer's incendiary rhetoric, converges on them. The crowd's ire is specifically directed at Jimmy, with the enforcer hell-bent on meting out his own brand of justice. As Ray struggles to maintain control, Jimmy's tormentors forcibly remove him from Ray's grasp and hold him in place.

With a cold calculation, they arm Jimmy with a baseball bat, while their accomplice wields a crowbar. It becomes clear that this is the end for Jimmy as he drops the bat, only to be brutally assaulted with the crowbar, his cries of pain met with savage punches from his attackers. Ray's anguished screams are eventually muffled by repeated blows.

As the hostage situation begins to wind down, Francis Jr., still reeling from the events that have transpired, is seen conferring with a superior before joining his brother at the scene. The somber atmosphere is underscored by poignant music as they share their account of Jimmy's fate in hushed tones.

In the aftermath, Ray, Francis Jr., and Francis Sr. arrive at the courthouse, resplendent in full dress uniform, amidst a sea of reporters clamoring for information. United in their grief and determination, the trio ascends the stairs together, entering the courthouse as the camera captures their solemn reflections in the revolving door's mirrored surface. The final shots reveal them extending hands to shake those of the prosecutors, investigators, and other authorities, as they prepare to testify about the tragic events that have unfolded.