Hard Decisions (S05E04)

Melanie tells Lindsay that it would be better if Lindsay were not part of Melanie's lawsuit against Michael for custody of Jenny Rebecca. Melanie tells Lindsay to trust her to honor the deal that they have to raise Gus and Jenny Rebecca together even though they are not all living in the same place. But when Lindsay confides in Brian that she fears being completely deprived of a role in raising Jenny Rebecca, Brian gives her the money to hire her own attorney. At a meeting to discuss custody, Lindsay's attorney characterizes Michael as unfit to be a parent because he lives with two HIV-positive men, including one who is a male prostitute; frequents gay sex clubs; and writes a violent, pornographic gay comic book. Michael's attorney reminds Lindsay that, since she is not a biological parent to Jenny Rebecca, she has no legal rights. Melanie and Michael both view Lindsay's move as a betrayal, and Michael is further incensed that Brian has financed it. But to avoid a long and costly court trial, the three parties must come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. Ted finds a buyer for the failing Babylon, but the prospective purchaser plans to develop the property as a family-oriented mall. Brian refuses to walk away from his beloved Babylon or to contribute to the gentrification of Liberty Avenue. Recalling a trendy nightclub in Los Angeles, Justin gives Brian an idea about how to create an aura of uniqueness and exclusivity for Babylon. Brian pays some hot guys to stand in line behind velvet ropes in front of the club, and soon the line of would-be club goers stretches for blocks. Self-censoring his customary over-the-top flamboyance, Emmett flops in his debut as the Channel Five news team's "Queer Guy" because he's just not queer enough. On his second appearance, he avoids termination by pulling out all the stops and being himself. Emmett is a big hit, but his newfound celebrity is not enough to gain admission to Babylon. Horvath wants Debbie to quit working at the Liberty Diner after 25 years. Debbie interviews prospective replacements before finally hiring Loretta Pye (recurring guest star Rosie O'Donnell - "The Rosie O'Donnell Show"), a woman with a hard-luck story and no qualifications. The gang and other diner regulars give Debbie a going-away party on her emotional last day. (Warner Bros. UK)