The Plot

I think I've just understood it. (Spoilers alert.) Richard HAS sold his soul to the devil. The Portalegres are his link to the South American drug trade. That's why he buys up failing companies (Justine is so bright - why doesn't she work it out?). He is supplying the youth of Hollywood with drugs, and destroying them. But he is also bankrolling a corrupt quack like Graham Lester who aims to "cure" them by handing out more drugs. I also notice this time around that Neil becomes a nicer person throughout the series. He gets off drugs and alcohol, and begins to respond to witnesses and jurors as people. He also becomes increasingly tragic as we hear of his past and learn that he is threatened with spending his life in prison. Growing old in a place like Folsom - except that it's more likely the other prisoners will murder him.