01x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

Julia!

Have you seen this?

- Tell me what it is.

- Tomorrow's press digest.

Then I've seen it.

What the hell?

How did this happen?

I have no idea.

- That email was private.

- I drafted it, remember?

Did you keep a copy?

It was sent on your private account

to the Chair of the British Defence Group.

- No copies.

- Then how has it been leaked

to the press, Julia?

"I assure you, Trevor,

whatever noises I make in public

I will always defend the long-term interests

of the British Defence Group".

- Well?

- What can I say, Prime Minister?

It's that word, "noises".

- Yes.

- Did you choose it?

You approved it.

That's not what I asked.

It makes me sound like a total hypocrite,

saying one thing in public

and another in private.

And I rang Trevor, I got him out of bed.

He said no one else has read it

on the British Defence Group.

He even deleted it. That's what he said.

That leaves one possibility!

Someone has leaked it from Downing Street!

Now I am looking at you, Julia!

I'm looking you straight in the eye!

Prime Minister, I don't have children,

so I can't swear on their lives

but ask yourself,

why would I do such a thing?

It wasn't me.

LOCK BUZZES

OK.

So, now I think

I know who your mother must be.

I'm sure you've done your research.

Can't imagine you'd be here

if you hadn't done background.

You're Bella Gayle's daughter.

Correct.

Go on, then.

How is she?

Not very happy about this meeting.

When did she tell you who I was?

I had to fight pretty hard to get it

out of her. She never wanted to say.

She was a determined woman.

Still is.

She was principled.

Even so, that's a hell of a thing to do

to raise a child without telling her

who her father is.

I thought so.

I never had the slightest inkling

that you existed.

I think that's also part of the reason

why she never really wanted to contact you.

I wish she had.

Do you really?

I mean, would you have helped, or

would you have taken me on at the time?

That's a difficult question.

Why? Would you have wanted me aborted?

- Rose

- No, really, I'm asking you.

I was a different man

Right, is that a nice way of saying "yes"?

I was ambitious, and it wouldn't have made

any difference anyway, would it?

Bella would have got what she wanted.

She always did.

I know this is the question I'm not

supposed to ask, but why did you do it?

Why did you rob the bank?

You make it sound very romantic.

Why did you defraud the bank?

That's less romantic.

I was a high-flyer.

Fraud's quite common,

it's more common than anyone knows.

High-street banks try to cover it up.

They don't want their customers

to realise how easy it is.

But, in my case, they decided to prosecute.

Why your case?

Because they disliked me.

And I stole a little bit more, so

I didn't want to give you my name

when we first got in touch.

I thought maybe you'd remember the case

and it might've put you off.

I'd read the coverage

and I thought it was pretty r*cist.

Yeah. Who'd have thought a woman of colour

would be clever enough to steal that much?

So what was your reason?

The people at the top of the bank

were taking great big bonuses.

Just reaching their hands into clients' money

and calling it a salary.

So it was a protest?

No, it wasn't a protest.

I just fancied proving something.

Proving what exactly?

Proving that I was cleverer than them.

From what I've read,

you like doing that too.

And you?

- Me?

- Yeah, what should I know about you?

- Then or now?

- Both.

Er, well, for many years I, erm

I used to buy the papers

on the way to the tube

Yeah, Mum said.

And I found myself just lingering

longer and longer every day

because I realised that Bella

was probably going to be

the most interesting person I met that day.

And that's how we started.

PHONE BUZZES

Wait, you're meant to give your phone in.

I'm the Minister of Justice.

SHE LAUGHS

Sorry, I've kept you too long, haven't I?

Don't be silly. You haven't kept me.

Does that mean that you'll visit again?

How much longer

are you supposed to be in here?

It's about two years, I think.

Well, if I get parole.

This place is a sh*thole.

My friend has just died because a guard

couldn't work a defibrillator properly.

She hadn't been trained,

because everything here is about money.

They want to punish us on the cheap

and I want my father

to do something about it.

I promise you I'll do one thing,

I will come back and I will not let you down.

That's two things.

Yeah.

Can I ask you something else?

Yeah.

Will you own up to me?

HE SIGHS

That is something I have to decide.

Hey, Vanessa.

- You sent for me?

- Yes.

The Minister's been making

unscheduled visits.

- I'm sorry?

- You haven't put them in the diary.

He's been going to Shephill to see a woman

called Rose Dietl. Do you know who that is?

It's not my business to know.

Joy, the civil service accepts

that new ministers

expect to bring fresh blood with them

when they arrive

but new blood needs to meet

old blood halfway.

Am I interrupting?

- Not at all.

- Minister.

Excuse me.

I don't mean to disturb you, Vanessa

but I'm just looking over the draft

of my new bill and I'm confused.

Everything I really care about,

the early parole

and the alternatives to incarceration

Yes?

It's not there. It's just dropped off.

I don't know if I'm missing some pages,

or do I detect your hand in this?

Minister, I know how deeply

you feel about prison reform

- Indeed I do.

- But I think it's foolish

to draft provisions which have no chance

of becoming legislation.

Isn't that for me to decide?

This ministry takes a certain

professional pride

in ensuring that our proposals

are thought-through, practical

destined to end up on the statute book.

I don't see those proposals coming into

that particular category.

I'm worried that you may be working on

emotion.

Is that such a bad thing?

In this context, yes.

If we lose faith in the idea of prison,

we move into uncharted waters.

Dame Vanessa, I don't know if you've noticed

but the government is in uncharted waters.

Right now, we are looking at

a no-confidence vote in the Prime Minister.

That is what I would call

"uncharted waters"!

I think you have been over-affected

by your visits to prisons.

There's an element of personal investment.

Oh, yes, possibly.

And possibly for the better.

If there were more people in this place

who actually had some intimate knowledge

of what goes on inside prisons,

we might make better decisions.

New policies have to be tested.

I am suggesting a pioneering trial

in one or two prisons only

- No!

- so that we see the effect.

So that there is an evidential

No!

basis on which any possible innovation

may be based

and we make changes that any of your possible

successors will be able to defend!

"Possible successors"?

I see what's going on.

It's foolish for civil servants

not to make provision for the future.

A future that in your case, Dame Vanessa,

you devoutly desire.

Let me tell you, there is a reason

why this country has never moved

into the 21st century

and it's called the civil service!

I am aware of your view.

You've made that plain.

Anytime any minister comes into office

with any trace of passion

or a serious idea for change

there you are,

in the best traditions of your calling

ready to throw a wet blanket over

anything that might improve people's lives!

Restore the missing clauses to the bill!

That's an order.

Is there anything else?

Yes.

I've had a visit and a couple of calls

from the director of Shephill.

She seems to believe

you have a relative in her prison.

Really?

And how is that any business of yours?

Thank you, Minister.

No, thank you.

- How's your boss?

- Bewildering.

He was furious with me

for pursuing his daughter.

- Now he's met her, he seems full of beans.

- Why?

I've no idea.

Does he thank me, for getting them together?

HE SCOFFS

Does he buggery?

For the first time ever, I feel like he's

drifting away from me and I don't know why.

He's up to something.

What about yours?

Rattled. She doesn't know which way to jump.

- Mind you, she thinks it's gonna blow over.

- Hm.

- And is it?

- Oh, ask me again in a week.

Mr De Banzie's asked

if we can go in round the back?

Of course. Any reason?

Reason? Why do you ask?

No, I just wondered, sir.

Security, I think.

WOMAN:

They're just over there.

Right, thank you.

- Peter.

- Adam. Good to see you.

You know Trevor's joining us?

No, I did not,

but always happy to see Trevor.

- How are you?

- Peter.

Well, it seems like your tormentor is dead.

Yes. Yes, I read about that in the papers.

I was quite taken aback.

- Do we know anything more?

- Do we need to?

Well, she was still pursuing me.

In spite of losing the case,

she was still after me.

Well, she's not anymore.

No.

Did you know she was in Washington?

Did we?

I don't remember.

Look, Peter, you once told me your motto.

What was my motto?

"Always put the past behind you".

That's what you said. You've lived by that.

ADAM:

Yes, her death is tragic.

But for you, it might be a stroke of luck.

That's all you need to know.

QUINN:

She was a drunk.

Even before she died,

we made a decision.

We should have done it weeks ago, actually,

after the trial

- We've decided to close down British-American.

- Mmm.

We had a board meeting yesterday

by conference call.

We decided to make a clean cut.

It's served its purpose.

The staff are being let go.

All of them?

That's that's necessary, is it?

Or else we wouldn't have done it, would we?

But what's the thinking here?

You're not worried that

shutting it down now might draw

more attention, rather than less?

No, it'll be done quietly.

Your trial caused a lot

of unwelcome publicity.

We've kept British-American

under the radar for years

and suddenly, we're seeing the name in print

and the board didn't like it.

- But you'll start up another think tank?

- Eventually.

Different name, different personnel.

Same philosophy.

Get the US and the UK as close as we can.

It's a great shame though, isn't it?

I mean, we had good times, didn't we?

- Some very good times.

- QUINN LAUGHS

Sure, I was in Washington, of course I was

arguing from deep experience

that the only way the NHS is gonna survive

is by bringing in private expertise.

Opening it up is sensible and humane.

It's gonna save lives.

But of course, I'm not allowed to say that,

so, yeah, I lied. I had no choice.

That's life. I can talk about privatisation,

you can't.

HE CHUCKLES

As I remember, you took your money

through a company called Stanfield Titles.

- Is that right?

- Yes.

QUINN:

In the Virgin Islands?

Yes.

You need to wind that up too,

as soon as you can.

Adam, I haven't used that company in years.

It's virtually defunct.

Good. So get rid of "virtually".

Now, I take it you've seen

Dawn's contribution to today's news?

In disbelief.

How could she have done something so stupid?

- She's weak. She panics.

- We always knew that about her.

She got carried away. Straight choice to make

between being strong or being liked.

- She made the wrong choice.

- But even so, sending such a stupid email?

QUINN:

That's what I'm saying. Pure panic.

If I can't get export licences

for fighter jets

then I choke to death.

And Britain chokes with me.

What are you saying? You leaked the email?

As a matter of fact, not.

But you know who did?

Peter, we don't give a damn

who the Prime Minister is. We really don't.

As long as whoever it is

lets us get on with our work.

ADAM:

You look a bit uncertain, Peter.

No, it's it's nothing.

If the three of us can't speak frankly

after all we've done for each other,

then who can?

Well, there is something

I should warn you about.

- Oh, go on?

- It's a technical thing

but I put Stanfield Titles

in my wife's name.

So, if I'm gonna wind it up,

I'm gonna need Helen's signature.

Well, there's no reason why

that should be a problem, is there?

INDISTINCT CHATTER

ALISHA:

Joe! Have you seen?

Oh, yep.

The shark's in the swimming pool.

Did you know she was coming?

Fish her out before she does any damage.

Joe.

JOE:

Gillian!

We see you so rarely.

Erm Would you like to come through

and talk to us?

I should like that very much.

Oh!

JOE CLEARS THROA

Just clear this

Right, er, ahem

You, er, down from Scotland?

GILLIAN: Yes, I came overnight,

and I'm going back this evening.

The trains are terrible.

Yes. We've, er, mentioned it in the paper.

That's kind.

Is there anything in particular?

The decision to return

to the Peter Laurence business?

Well, we're not returning to it.

- Really?

- JOE: No, we're developing it.

Taking it to a new level.

- You ran a story about his daughter.

- JOE: We did.

Taking drugs in Leeds.

Yes, the pictures were newsworthy.

She's over 18.

They are of legitimate public interest.

It's the subject of a complaint

to the body for press regulation.

Hm! With respect,

I'm not trembling at that prospect.

GILLIAN:

Well, perhaps you should be.

I've spoken to friends.

Which friends are they?

The consensus is we look small and vengeful.

We look like bad losers.

We lost to Peter Laurence in court.

To our friends, it doesn't look

like journalism. It looks like a vendetta.

I think I should inform you of our plans.

We have new information with which we hope

we can fight the court's verdict.

Exactly, that's my point.

We're fighting everything.

At a loss, so far, of 1.5 million pounds.

Well, that's my point.

We're trying to get our money back.

Our money?

HE CLEARS THROA

Yours, Gillian.

Before she died, Charmian Pepper interviewed

an ex-employee of British-American.

Do I really need to hear this? Hasn't that

unfortunate girl caused us enough grief?

JOE: The witness confirmed that Laurence

was indeed in Washington

when he claims to have been in New York.

Now, he got paid for facilitating access

for American private health providers

to the NHS.

He'd been a junior minister at Health.

He sold his expertise.

- I see.

- JOE: We have it on tape.

We collected the recording

after Charmian's death.

If it's as conclusive as you say,

why have you not published it?

I'd like to know.

We're having to tread carefully.

Our lawyers and insurance company

are being unnecessarily cautious

after what happened last time.

We're also doing background

on his time as a landlord.

There are big questions as to some of

the things that went on in his properties.

So if you can't get him on one thing,

you'll go after him for another?

Honestly, it's not like that.

No, isn't it?

I've never even met Peter Laurence.

I don't know the man,

but I have met his wife.

Are you talking about Helen?

Yes. I heard her choir singing at St John's,

Smith Square.

They were transcendent.

You could be endangering

the future of this newspaper

because of an obsession.

We think of it as investigative journalism.

Always with the same target?

We look small, Joe.

I very rarely interfere in editorial policy

but I do not want to be known

as a proprietor who carries a grudge.

We are at the point of confirming

Charmian Pepper's original story.

That issue was settled, in court!

If you go on with this,

I shall have no alternative!

Alternative to what?

Please don't make me spell it out.

I hope I've made myself clear.

I hate unpleasantness.

Well?

There'll be no unpleasantness.

Good.

Every day,

I wake up and read your paper.

JOE:

I know.

ROCHELLE:

Well?

JOE: That's why I wanted to see you.

So I could, er, tell you.

We've hit an unforeseen problem.

ROCHELLE:

Is that hers?

I'm sorry.

Does that mean you're not going to publish?

We're not.

Look, my advice is

- take it elsewhere.

- Oh, yes!

I can get disbarred for this and now

you want me to go and trust someone

like I trusted you.

I've got the names written down here.

Just a couple of editors

I think might take it.

- I had a visit.

- What sort of visit?

From my proprietor.

She told me this is not something

I am to pursue.

Why not?

She's lost a lot of money already.

She doesn't want to lose anymore.

Is that the real reason?

She likes choral music!

She thinks Helen Laurence is a nice woman.

Maybe she wants Helen's husband

to be Prime Minister.

Someone got to her. Take your pick!

She's a Scottish aristocrat.

Who knows what the f*ck goes on in her head?

She stopped you?

She stopped me under threat

of losing my job.

That's how it is.

You go any further, we're in the same boat.

Your receipt. Have a nice day.

I don't believe it.

Hello, Bella.

You've seen her.

Yes, I have.

I hope you don't mind me asking

but I wonder if you could do me a selfie?

Well, actually, I've just gotta have

a quick chat with a friend of mine.

- Right, yes, I'm sorry to have bothered you!

- No, no, it's fine.

- MAN: Thank you. Bye.

- You're welcome.

You're popular.

I never thought this day would come.

You were never gonna tell me?

Why not?

Cos I wasn't sure you'd be a good father.

- That hurts.

- I wasn't sure you'd even admit to her.

You have a dim view of me.

And I've had a long time to think about it.

I wanted to be responsible for my own life,

not depend on a man.

Come on, give me a drag.

- Are you sure?

- I only do this with you.

She was doing really well.

A good education. I was proud of her.

Then she blew up and I don't know why.

She had everything anyone could ever want

but she still got angry.

I did my best

but I couldn't control her.

I saw her.

And I liked her, genuinely.

If I go public, Bella

we're gonna be naked in a hurricane,

all three of us.

- It's you who's well-known.

- Yeah, but I'm used to it, you're not.

The press would be all over you.

It's brutal, I promise.

You'd do that for her?

You'd risk your career for her?

Peter Laurence,

if you let her down at this point

I am never gonna forgive you.

You'll be joining a queue.

You do this properly

or not at all.

Sir.

JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS

Door was open.

After three years,

I've developed a sort of psychic gift.

I'm hoping it's going to stay with me.

I can sense when you're in the area.

Close it.

I'm sorry I haven't been in touch.

DOOR SHUTS

- I was

shaken by what happened.

And you think I wasn't?

I was appalling.

I apologise.

I was rattled that night.

I wanted to tell you that my family

had found out about you.

Sure.

You don't seem surprised.

Here.

It's the one you like.

Know how sometimes you happen

to catch sight of yourself in a mirror

when you're not expecting it, and you go,

"Who on Earth is that?"

Maybe that's what happened to me

the other night.

"Who's that ridiculous woman?"

You are not ridiculous.

I gave up a perfectly good job in Texas.

Madeleine, I'm I'm sorry, I

- I don't know what you're getting at.

- I don't have a trace of self-pity.

I just know it's time for us to stop.

No, no, there's no need.

That's what I came round to say.

I can handle this, I promise.

It's not a problem.

- Isn't it?

- Madeleine, we can go on.

But I don't want to go on.

If you look at it my way,

you could say I used you.

I needed you to put me back together

when I lost my son

but now

if I'm to survive, I need to move on.

Madeleine, I love you.

You say that now it's over.

I'd say gather up your things,

but you don't really have any, do you?

- What does she want with you this time?

- Pretty soon, you're gonna find out.

Contain your excitement.

But since she's got herself

in a bloody great hole

I imagine she's gonna want me

to dig her out of it.

CROWD CLAMOURS

- CAMERAS CLICK

Ah, good, the Prime Minister's waiting.

We came as fast as we could.

No, we didn't. We didn't run.

The Prime Minister knows Justice

is eight minutes away.

DAWN:

You can come in!

You can also give me an explanation!

You go on ahead. I'll see you there.

PETER:

Dawn?

I would love to explain.

If you can tell me

what I'm meant to be explaining.

Peter, I'll put it bluntly. I promoted you.

Any prominence you have

is entirely down to me.

Not entirely.

So let me ask you, why are you not

out there fighting to save my premiership?

Oh, I see.

Things are going that badly, are they?

Usually you can't get enough publicity.

You and the limelight

are in some kind of permanent romance!

Now for the first time in years,

you've fallen silent. I heard you on AllTalk.

Your support for me

was less than whole-hearted.

You think so?

Maybe I misjudged my tone.

I'm facing a confidence motion.

From stinking Bishop?

Yes.

Surely you don't take him seriously?

He's a piece of ripe Tory gammon,

but he's gaining votes fast

and you're saying nothing.

- I'm not saying nothing.

- You're standing on the sidelines.

The Prime Minister's requesting

more vocal support.

Yeah, I got that, thank you.

I make one small error of judgement.

A private message, that's all.

I was tired, I was fatigued,

it was a moment's inattention.

Viciously leaked from I don't know where.

And I'm facing a confidence motion. You

- Me?

- You're up to your neck in

You lawyer your way out of the libel courts,

by the skin of your teeth.

High-wire doesn't do it, more like Houdini.

You were for sale, or near as dammit,

and you pay no price for it?

Why?

How does that work out?

Do we put it down to misogyny?

Could be. Could also be down to character.

- Character?

- Yeah.

Yours or mine?

You were always respected

as a cautious leader.

That was your strength.

So when you did something careless,

people got unreasonably angry.

You just spoke about me

like was in the past tense.

I didn't mean to.

Can I warn you, Peter?

Lately, I've been briefed

about your private life.

Please go on.

Specifically, about your family.

What about my family?

About how it's larger than anyone

had hitherto known.

Larger?

If you're talking about

my unacknowledged daughter

I am.

Her existence is not exactly news to you.

My impression is that you've known

for some time, almost as long as I have.

Just an instinct. I could be wrong, but

Yes, I have recently discovered

that I have a third child.

- In prison.

- Yes.

She's had some bad luck in her life.

Bad luck? She swindled a bank!

She was trying to walk away

with a million pounds. How is that bad luck?

She was angry.

What's she got to be angry about?

Believe me, in the unlikely event

that I lose this confidence vote

I shall do everything in my power

to ensure that whoever is my successor

showed me loyalty throughout.

Now, I very much doubt you want

the public to know about "Rose Ditel".

Dietl.

But if she is the unlucky victim

that you make her out to be

I suggest for her sake, as well as your own,

you think very carefully about it.

So, Peter

do I have your support?

You have it.

Good.

Julia tells me you're going to be

on Prebble tonight.

Julia is well informed.

Always. Well, I shall be watching.

And I shall expect

to be pleased in what I see.

You should be campaigning for me,

unreservedly.

Is that understood?

DOOR OPENS

DOOR SHUTS

WOMAN: Do you think the Prime Minister

can survive this?

CROWD CLAMOURS

- CAMERAS CLICK

MAN:

Will you be supporting the Prime Minister?

WOMAN:

Do you know who leaked the email, Minister?

CROWD CLAMOURS

Broadcasting House.

- So what was that about? What happened?

- Tell you later.

One thing at a time.

Hello, there! Hello.

- Nice to meet you, Peter!

- Nice to see you. How are you?

Yes!

WOMAN: Good evening. Tonight, I am speaking

with the Secretary of State for Justice

Peter Laurence.

- Good evening, Sian.

- Good evening, Minister.

So, I'll start off with, do you think

it's possible for the Prime Minister

to win a vote of confidence

in the House of Commons?

PETER:

Of course it is.

The rules are obscure.

She may prefer to hold a leadership election

within the party.

To be honest,

I haven't discussed the choice with her.

And would you yourself

be interested in standing?

We are nowhere near that, nowhere near.

I'm getting on with the work of

my department

and of course, I've let the Prime Minister

know she has my full support.

SIAN: You do seem to be setting about

the job at Justice with an axe.

Well, I wouldn't say an axe. Uh

I'd hope it's more targeted,

more forensic than that.

Gardening shears, maybe.

Some people have charged you

with caring more about the criminal

than you do about the victim.

That is quite ridiculous.

It is true that I am constantly shocked

by the squandering of human potential.

And that's something I know a little bit

about from my own experience.

What experience is that?

I have some

personal knowledge of what goes on

in British prisons.

SIAN: You mean,

beyond your professional responsibility?

Yes.

I have not spoken about this before,

but I have a daughter

who is serving a sentence right now,

in jail.

In fact, in Shephill.

And I've only recently discovered

that she's

Uh, well, let's say that I had

no knowledge of her existence.

But finding out about her has been

one of the best things

that's ever happened in my life.

Many years ago,

I had a child that I knew nothing about.

Her name is Rose,

and she and I are now reconciled.

SIAN:

And she

is a prisoner?

Correct.

Julia!

SIAN:

Most people

I think, will be astonished

What the hell is this?

and wonder whether

you've been forced to make it.

All of this is completely voluntary.

I'm saying it because I want to

He wants to get it out of the way

before he makes his move for the leadership.

Is that what he's thinking?

With Peter, you never know.

PETER:

Of course, I am fully aware that this

will cause a great deal of hurt to my family

and those around me.

I am the guilty one here,

there's no question about that.

There's also no point in pretending

that my daughter committed a small crime.

She didn't. She committed a big one.

SIAN:

And does it worry you at all

the effect that this admission may have

on your political career?

You use that word "admission"

That many people within your party

No, you're making it sound as if

this is someone I should be ashamed of

I don't mean that you should, however

I am not ashamed.

In fact, quite the opposite.

I'm proud. I'm proud of my daughter.

I'm proud that she exists.

This is the 21st century,

I think people understand

that we don't all live faultless lives.

I've made terrible mistakes

and I have paid for them.

But my daughter is not a mistake.

And just to be clear, I am saying this now

because she wants me to.

I think it's about time

that she was listened to.

For many years,

she's lived a shadow existence

in a good home with a good mother.

But now

I want my daughter

to be part of my life.

SIAN:

Thank you, Minister.

Thank you.

The game's in play, what's the verdict?

First impression, Twitter's kind of 60/40.

Well, which? For or against?

For.

- You see!

- "Brave and honest".

"Incredible television", er

"iconic moment".

"Terrific courage".

"I always thought he was a prick

and now I'm sure of it".

"Patriarchal swine".

I told you it would work!

Joy's on this stuff all night,

we'll see how it goes.

It's only gonna get better, you watch.

CROWD CLAMOURS

- CAMERAS CLICK

CLAMOUR CONTINUES FAINTLY

Well, what happened?

You said you were going to the paper.

- Are you cross-examining me?

- It's all about his daughter.

- That's all there is. Everywhere.

- Yep.

How's he got this daughter

he didn't know about?

That could work either way, for him

or against him, but one thing's for sure

- no one's talking about anything else.

- Did the paper not hear the tape?

- Yeah, they heard it.

- So? When are they publishing?

Luke, I've got a conscience of my own.

I don't need anybody else to do the job.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Mrs Laurence, this is very kind of you.

Oh, it's nothing.

I might be a poor judge of character, but

I was surprised when you agreed

to have lunch.

I'm not often in town.

It's so sad they've modernised this place.

It was the last decent lunch spot in London.

Really? I've never been here before.

Oh, I thought barristers specialised

in long lunches?

No, we, er we grab a sandwich

and cram facts for the afternoon.

- Oh, I'm surprised.

- Excuse me.

Thank you. Yeah, it's one of

one of the most common

misunderstandings about us.

One of them? What's the other?

Oh, that we're cynical

and completely uncaring about the truth.

I never felt that.

And that we defend people

that we know are guilty.

In fact, we never do that. It's unethical.

Is that why you never ask?

Hm.

Mrs Laurence, I think you and I

got on reasonably well, didn't we?

Yeah, I think so.

I hope I did a professional job.

- You won.

- Yes.

- Is that what you mean by professional?

- Hm.

You were courteous and calm.

You had to be patient. I knew that.

I'd never been in a witness box.

You did very well.

Thank you. You rehearsed me.

- Yes.

- Thoroughly.

Juries like witnesses

that aren't too certain.

If you're overly sure of yourself,

they begin to suspect you.

You said you were in New York?

- Yes.

- Shopping.

- I said I was shopping.

- Yes, and you went to see a show.

- Yes.

- On Broadway, together.

- The Book of Mormon.

- You mentioned the Rainbow Room.

- That's right.

- For c*ck.

- The Empire State.

- Yes.

The fact that you couldn't quite

remember everything in exact detail

that added to the impression of honesty.

An impression?

Please, um

tell me what this is about?

Look, Helen, as far as I was concerned,

this was just another case.

High-profile, yes,

but legally unexceptional.

But now it's different, because one of

the parties is a senior government minister

and another has been k*lled.

- Do you know that for sure?

- What I'm saying

it was one thing to help Peter

with an alibi when reputations were at stake.

But now it's lives.

Also, he's now confessing to a daughter

from an affair long ago

so I can only imagine how painful that is

for you and what you're going through.

Did you have a childhood sweetheart?

Yes. I haven't seen him in years.

I stayed with my sweetheart.

I have a memory of him, as he was then.

If you don't believe the journalist

died accidentally, then you should prove it.

Helen, I don't think you've wholly understood

just how serious this stuff is.

I've understood perfectly.

But I'll tell you one thing: if I do

betray a man I've been with for 30 years

it won't be because a professional advocate

took me to a posh lunch.

In fact, it won't be because of anyone else.

It will be what I decide for myself.

LOCK BUZZES

- Is Can I do this?

SHE LAUGHS

Have you read it?

No. Is it any good?

Yeah, it is, pretty good.

Thank you.

I watched the TV.

Yeah, that was the point.

I was talking to you.

How was my mum?

Well, you know your mother.

She gave me a hard time.

Yeah.

I can't believe when I get out,

I'm gonna have a dad.

- I hope I'll see you before then.

- Good.

You know where I am.

Yeah.

Is it Are we allowed to to kiss?

On the cheek, sir, but no hand contact.

HE MUTTERS

MUSIC PLAYS FAINTLY ON HEADPHONES

Mum's upstairs. She's waiting for you.

I'm sorry you've been upset.

She's as angry as I am. Angrier.

You know, maybe once, I'd like you to go on

television and tell your adoring public

just how much you love

your other two daughters.

The two you had with your wife.

Lily

You're selfish.

You're utterly selfish.

You've got the talk.

My God, you've got the talk.

You've got it all worked out, just how

the people around you never stop suffering.

MUSIC: "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart

MUSIC STOPS

You know what's odd about getting old?

You're the same person, and yet you're not.

Are you talking about you or me?

I married a furniture salesman,

I didn't a Prime Minister.

Oh, hold on, that is a long way off.

The whole country's still talking

about Rose Dietl.

I know perfectly well.

That's just you getting the subject

out of the way.

Believe it or not, it was also me

trying to give Rose a life.

There are two things in play.

And the other thing?

You going to Downing Street?

- Were you planning to talk to me about that?

- Helen

of course I'll talk to you.

And the journalist that was k*lled?

I know nothing about that.

I didn't even know she was in Washington.

Really? Well, if I looked into your eyes,

would I be able to tell anymore?

You talk all the time about freedom.

But is freedom really the ultimate good?

- Helen

- Is it?

Compared with loyalty?

We started out together

and we will end up together.

You know that. We've always known that.

And the Prime Minister,

that is a long journey.

There's weeks ahead

and so many things that can go wrong.

Nobody becomes leader by right.

Well, on the other hand

I was thinking maybe this weekend,

you could come down and meet Rose?

With press or without?

Without.

Then yes. I'd like that.

Good.

Oh, by the way,

I've got something I need you to sign.

It won't take a moment,

I'll just leave it with you.

HELEN:

What is it?

It's the ownership of Stanfield Titles.

If you remember, it's in your name.

Why am I signing?

I'm dissolving it. It's just a technicality.

So can't wait for tomorrow.

DUNCAN:

No.

She knows it's over. By this time tomorrow,

your man's gonna be making his move.

Do you have any idea who leaked the email?

I don't believe it.

- it came from you?

- Yes.

But you did yourself out of a job.

Not quite. Adam De Banzie spoke to me.

Why De Banzie?

Well, if he gets in, Peter's gonna

keep me on. I'm just jumping rafts.

Adam De Banzie does not run the government.

Doesn't he?

Gosh, my mistake.

TV CHATTERS INDISTINCTLY

Good morning, Minister.

- ALL: Morning, Minister.

- Morning, everyone.

Obviously, clear all commitments.

We start planning from here.

Of course.

How are the papers? I haven't seen them.

Horrible.

But less horrible than yesterday,

and even less horrible than the day before.

You're saying that in ten days,

they might be positively pleasant?

It's usually ten days.

Listen, Joy, wherever we're going,

I want you to come with me.

Thank you. That makes me so happy.

Just doesn't feel right without you.

Good.

Right, better start plotting the day.

Peter, sorry, I haven't liked to ask.

I've rather assumed.

If you are going to Downing Street,

I am coming with you, presumably?

Hey, hey, hey, let's not jump ahead.

Don't want to jinx it.

This is just the start of the campaign.

- There's a long way to go.

- No, it's just

I was speaking to Julia

and she did mention

Mention what?

You'd had a word with her already.

Yeah. You should probably

take that up with her.

Shut the door?

LUKE:

I haven't read anything.

- No.

- In the paper. What's happening?

- It all fell apart.

- Why?

You really want to know?

- Don't you think you owe me an explanation?

- I don't owe you anything.

So what's that?

I want a precis by closing time,

with b*llet points.

You went to see Lapidus?

Yes. You're right.

How was he?

Well, he's scared of losing his job.

He's been told to k*ll the story.

- Told by who?

- "By whom".

"By whom" is English,

if you want to be a lawyer.

What can I tell you? He has changed his mind.

He doesn't want to proceed.

- He's been leant on.

- So we just leave it?

Luke, whistleblowing isn't romantic.

It's more like suicide.

If I go hawking this stuff around,

I'm going to be thrown out of chambers.

I'll be finished.

And please tell me for what?

To see justice done!

OK, Luke,

maybe you don't want to be a lawyer!

Because for all I know, you want to burn

your career before it's even begun

and spend the rest of your life

in the ashes. Do you?

Because that's what's going to happen,

unless you learn to let go.

I only met her once.

And you think it's all very funny,

going to meetings.

But addiction isn't funny.

And at that meeting and afterwards,

I heard what she had to say.

About the things

she's tried to do in her life.

She was a decent person, Rochelle.

I only knew her briefly,

but I thought she was great.

And you

You're gonna be the first QC

of your generation, we all know that. Fine.

But what we didn't know?

That is the only thing that matters to you.

SHE GASPS

You were my hero, Rochelle.

I admired you.

Fine.

Admire someone else.

MICK: Peter Laurence is with us,

and of course we 're all worried

it could be for the last time.

I wouldn't say that.

That's that's all in the hands

of my colleagues.

I'd never try and pre-judge a vote.

Let's just say if you don't make it

to Downing Street tonight

a lot of us are gonna lose a lot of money.

We've all been down the betting shop.

I am very touched by that.

Only eight weeks ago, Dawn Ellison

was looking at a clear blue sky.

Now she 's history.

How quickly did that happen?

PETER: I think politics in the 21st century,

it's more volatile.

Things move faster. That's a fact,

that's just the world we're living in.

Personally, it doesn't frighten me.

I find that exciting.

And more important, if I'm lucky enough

to make it into Downing Street

I will enter it unencumbered

and beholden to no one.

Do you think that things can keep on changing

at this pace? Because from the outside

from where I'm looking at it,

I don't know how you lot keep up.

We don't have to be politicians.

No one forces us.

We do it because we want to.

MICK:

I'm sure you do, Peter. I am sure you do.

Well, we did say this one

was full of surprises.

- This one?

- Peter Laurence.

Did we?

Oh, yes.

Hey, you're back! How did it go?

It looks like you're gonna be

the Prime Minister's daughter.

Yeah. I'll just have to put up with it,

won't I?

Sure.

Oh, come on, is it really that bad?

If you think it'll make any difference,

now we know who your father is

I know it won't.

But it's making a difference to me.

It's always been a position of trust,

hasn't it, Sydney?

SYDNEY:

Sorry, sir?

Driver to the Prime Minister.

After all, you couldn't be closer.

SYDNEY:

No, sir.

PETER:

It works both ways, doesn't it?

You know everything about me

but on the other hand,

I know a lot about you.

SYDNEY:

I don't quite know what you mean, sir.

I mean, I'm not quite as stupid as I look.

CROWD CLAMOURS

- CAMERAS CLICK

Good afternoon.

All my life, I have refused

to be weighed down by the past.

I believe in the future

and I believe in freedom, I really do.

By all means, judge me by my results

but today, at least,

I can tell you my intention.

I will do anything

anything

to set my country free.

Thank you.

CROWD CLAMOURS

Hello, hello, hello

Hello. Nice to see you.

Goodness me!

Goodness me, look at this

Bravo!

Good to see you.

Can I introduce my wife, Helen?

What's this?

Stanfield Titles.

I'd hoped you'd signed it.

Well, obviously not.

I'll be upstairs if you need me.

See you later.

DOOR SHUTS

HE SIGHS

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR OPENS

JULIA:

Prime Minister.