Press (2018) s01e01 Episode Script
Death Knock
1 BUZZ OF PRESS CHATTER AND CAMERAS My name is Holly Evans.
I'm a journalist.
RADIO DJ: Now let's take a look at this morning's headlines.
First up, the education paper.
We'll be discussing the implications of the Prime Minister's statement yesterday afternoon, and growing opposition to government policy, with many asking what can be done to ensure that children in state education don't suffer.
The Minister for School Standards has been bearing the brunt of criticism, over the false claims as to the contents of the paper.
The minister's speaking to us later in the programme, and will be addressing those claims as well as shedding light on the details of the plan for the next five years.
We're thinking around half eight, we'll ask those questions.
After the weather at nine o'clock we we'll be joined by a scientist who will be talking to us about the Bolivian solar eclipse and what to expect at 9.
35 this evening.
The last time we experienced an eclipse of this kind was in 199 HE SIGHS HE EXHALES Ed Washburn.
- First time? - Er, yes, actually.
Any advice? Right.
OK.
Thanks.
That's useful.
HE EXHALES HE RINGS DOORBELL Er, Mr Kingsley? I'm Ed Washburn from the Post.
I know this must be a terrible time, but DOORBELL RINGS I've made it clear! It would be a tribute.
I think you'd better go.
We want to make sure your son's story's heard.
Young people look up to him and they're shocked.
Tell them about him.
His his life.
Just saying! Well, that's, you would have more customers.
- Morning, Tone.
- Coffee? Sugar? Two, just in case.
- Happy birthday, Holly! - How does he know? I told him.
Can you keep it to yourself? I got you something actually.
You know I'm not a fan of birthdays.
Yeah, but I am.
Syria? - Page four.
- Carla Mason? Three.
- Ah, we won't touch it.
- Aw, it's a big story.
No, it's not.
What are you on? MI5 whistle-blower.
You? Hit and run.
But there's a twist.
Oh, your favourite person's in this morning.
Well, you're my favourite person.
Wendy Bolt.
What?! Yeah, Charlotte's trying to get the rights to serialise her new book, thought a feature might lure her in.
She's a provocative 21st-century icon, James.
She's a toxic, right wing troll.
And yet despite that I'm giving her a tour.
Celebrity culture, very important.
I'm a team player, me, doing my bit.
Holly, you hate her even more than me.
I don't hate you.
No, I mean you hate her more than I hate her.
You make these mistakes when you write as well.
Clarity, James.
What time's she getting here? I don't know.
Holly! This is Wendy.
Holly's our deputy news editor.
Deputy news editor? Sounds important.
See you later.
Something I can print.
Thanks for doing this.
You give the best tours.
- I'm the only one who volunteers.
- Also true.
Right, then, shall we? Shall I find someone less busy? You'd struggle.
- Who's this? - Andrea Reed.
She was walking back to the Tube after a night out.
She was hit and killed by a car that didn't stop.
- We think there's a story.
- Why? It was a police car.
So, the tour.
The Herald started in 1936 as the Yorkshire Herald, - and it continues a tradition of - I've read the Wikipedia page.
I know the Herald, you think you're a prize-winning, crusading, liberal lefty paper, exposing hypocrisy and corruption.
Well, we try to do the right thing, if that's what you mean.
- I prefer the Post.
- Yeah you would.
The Post is sexist, sensationalist, and doesn't check its facts.
I know.
But it's a lot more fun.
2-1.
Clearly a penalty.
Ah, but not awarded.
Let that be a lesson, Clive.
Life's not fair.
I could teach you a lesson, take away that pass.
Oh yeah? I'll kick you in the balls.
I'll call my guys.
You haven't got guys.
I've got seven guys.
Definitely a penalty.
That's right.
How was New York? Extremely cold.
I like your wife's new hair.
- What? - It's on Facebook.
What, her hair's on Facebook? The pictures she put up.
I, I don't know what you're talking about.
She got it done when you were away.
Duncan, it's a different colour.
Tell me you said something nice? - Wow.
- AUTOMATED: Doors closing.
Yeah, no, he absolutely respects your position in Parliament.
Oh, he's just here.
- Carla Mason.
- Oh, yeah, that's fine.
Carla! Oh, dear.
Mmm, I, I know.
I know, I can imagine.
What do you want us to do? Cos there's no doubt it's in the public interest.
She's got a speech on feminism tomorrow to the Oxford Union.
Raz tells me that you've got a speech on feminism tomorrow.
Are you, er, going ahead with that? Mm.
Yeah, that does sound important.
Yeah, I know, bad timing, indeed.
Hmm.
What's Raz suggesting? Well, sounds good.
Come to us.
We've got a new office we like to show off, and cos our proprietor's got a thing for design we've got these incredible seats.
It's like musical chairs here, everyone's trying to sit down all the time.
Two hours? OK, and we'll have a chat.
OK, bye.
All right, let's have a look.
Carla, Carla, Carla.
Well, how can we not use this? It's deliberate sexist, antifeminist shaming.
It's only surfaced now for political gain.
We shouldn't go near it.
It's a very human side to the politician.
- It's 30 years old.
- That doesn't matter.
Yeah, it makes it irrelevant, Peter.
Holly feels very strongly about it.
What was the occasion? A birthday, we think, early '90s.
This was taken on camera with film.
- Remember those? - Right, what's next? - Er, solar eclipse in Bolivia.
- Do some pictures.
Yep.
Shawn Kingsley.
Still a lot of questions about what it means.
There's issues we can bring out, but obviously we've got to be sensitive.
His body was found hanging in a stairwell by his cleaner in the morning.
Must've been a nasty surprise for her.
There were pills, drink.
On his laptop was homosexual pornography along with e-mails threatening to out him.
We've got an interview with his parents.
- Have we? - Yeah.
Er, er, yeah, but there, there is a problem.
I promised them it would be a tribute feature.
- Sorry, who are you? - Ed Washburn.
I started last week.
Jay's off sick.
First death knock? - Yeah.
- And you got in.
- Very good.
- Yeah, but What's the problem? - Er, well - Can he speak? LAUGHTER I didn't know he was gay.
I don't think they did either.
Didn't you ask them why they thought he'd done it? Yeah, they, they, they just thought he was unhappy.
Go back and tell them, then.
If they don't know, tell them.
Go back? Yeah, get their response.
Is Sorry, is that our job? To tell them about their son? Surely the police have got someone that could Our job is to deliver the news, so yeah, yes, very much in our remit.
Get that, we're good.
Go.
Kingsley could play.
He could.
Why don't they just come out? Andrea Reed? Oh, they say it was a tragic accident, but there were no police in the area, so the witness must be wrong.
I'm finding that hard to believe.
Keep digging.
- You mean - I mean ask around.
Find something more.
We need some proof.
Right, I'll keep Keep trying.
Exactly.
Have you seen James? Er, he's meeting someone for a story.
- What story? - I don't know, why? I had a nervous call from MI5, reminding us of the Official Secrets Act.
- Can you check what he's up to? - Yeah, sure, no problem.
Are you OK? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Nothing.
Tom Pryor? Where's your car? I don't have a car.
Then why are we meeting in a car park? You suggested it.
Yeah, so we could stay in our cars and we wouldn't be seen! Get in.
Did you bring your phone? - You said not to.
- Good.
That's good.
So, you work for MI5? Yep.
As what? I can't tell you.
OK.
Well Well, I've signed the Official secrets Act, OK, but I also have a conscience.
But I don't want to go to prison or leave the country.
Well, what can you tell me? Resonance.
Resonance? - That's the name of the project.
- OK.
What does it do? I can't tell you.
Right, Tom, look The name's enough, all right? You just, you just follow that up.
That's hard if it's literally just a code name.
I mean, I don't even know if you really work for MI5.
- I don't know anything.
- I've told you everything that I can.
What? Look, I am one of only three investigative reporters left at my paper.
I'm under huge pressure to write stories that have substance and evidence.
I don't know who you are.
I don't know what you do.
All you're giving me is a name, and a suggestion of a programme.
I thought you were into all this.
I looked you up.
I thought this was your thing, you know.
Take a hint and run with it.
Not these days.
Need more than a hint.
Look, get me some proof and we can talk again.
I can't.
Right I'm just supposed to sit here? Mrs Mason, sorry I'm late.
How do you do? Now, this picture, I don't know why you're ashamed of it, it's I'm the most prominent woman in the Cabinet and it doesn't fit with my message.
That little girls shouldn't want to be models, they should want to be engineers? Duncan, this government is trying to do things, achieve things that you approve of, under political circumstances that make it very difficult, and all I'm asking The National Gallery has images of woman with their clothes off.
No-one seems to be bothered about that.
That's completely different.
How? They're pictures, people look at them.
It's the way they look at them.
Oh, but you can't legislate for what goes on in my head.
If I go to a gallery and I get a semi staring at a picture there Not an image I wanted.
Or if I'm looking at one of the photos on our centre pages If I'm looking at Abi, off of Love Island relaxing on a beach, and instead of getting a hard-on I find myself contemplating abstractly the aesthetics of the female form, there's nothing you can do.
- Objectification and exploitation - We can't ignore this, Carla.
I know.
But you don't want the story on the front page.
Ideally not.
Shawn Kingsley's been found dead.
It turns out he was gay.
We might go with that.
That's your decision.
But if we splashed on you, we'd sell more papers.
An interview as we agreed, and it stays off the front.
Deal.
- Kelly! - Yep? Kelly is our deputy news editor.
- She'll be looking after you.
- Mrs Mason, pleased to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you.
We're going to need you to explain the context of the photo, and the effect that it's had on your family.
- I want this to be really personal.
- Sure.
Er, and Oh, we need a photo.
So if you follow me.
Excuse me, hello.
Abi.
Abi, you all right? - Hey.
- Hi.
This is Carla Mason.
Long service as an MP, married, very principled.
She's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and since this government sneaked into office she's also become their de facto spokesperson on women.
Duncan So we just thought that, since you were a party girl as a student, that you might pose with Abi.
- Do you recognise her? - I'm afraid I don't.
Really? You were on what? Erm One series of Love Island and - .
.
Big Brother.
- Celebrity Big Brother.
Celebrity Big Brother! And, before that, she was at Warwick.
Right? Same as you.
English and Philosophy.
Carla disapproves of your body.
I'm not doing this.
Oh, come on.
This is just about encouraging young people to have fun, but at the same time take care of themselves.
You know, safe sex, health checks, breast exams.
It's a good cause.
Check me out.
Yeah, right.
Check me out.
It's having a big impact on campus, and we just want you to endorse the campaign.
- You don't have to wear the T-shirt.
- I wasn't intending to.
You could just hold one up instead.
I can't walk out in front of the Oxford Union, to speak about women's rights, about rape culture on campuses, having just posed next to a young lady wearing a T-shirt saying "check me out".
Hmm.
Well, the Oxford Union should be a bit more open-minded.
Come on, what do you think? I mean splish splash.
Right, Abi, don't go home yet.
- No problem.
- All right, thanks.
How'd it go? Not great.
Apparently MI5 called the paper first thing this morning, to remind us of our national security commitments.
But best not get your hopes up.
Just find something Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Something you can print.
Oh, did you like your present? - I've not opened it yet.
- You should.
DISTANT CONVERSATION Let's go where it happened.
You mean the I mean Andrea Reed.
Let's see what we can find.
- The accident.
- But aren't you needed where? Yeah, you can get stuck behind a desk.
I've got 40 minutes for lunch so book a taxi about one o'clock, OK? No problem! I had reporters on my doorstep for five days after she died.
I don't mean in the street.
I'm talking on the balcony that leads up to my door.
I called the papers, and they said they would put me up in a hotel, protect me, but only IF I told my story.
My daughter had been killed.
That was hell.
But the newspapers were the ones making the flames hot.
That was 20 years ago.
It's no different now.
It's time to make sure that no-one else has to go through what I did.
It's time for statutory regulation.
Thank you, Mrs Ashton.
- Who would like to start? - Duncan Allen, Editor of the Post.
Yeah, I know.
Mrs Ashton, you are a remarkably able speaker.
Been campaigning for a while now.
Of course, yeah, I didn't mean that to be patronising.
Then you should be more careful.
Do you not feel that there was some public interest in your daughter's death? In the way it happened.
- We're talking hours after it happened.
- Hours after it happened is why it's news.
Didn't you want to see outrage at your daughter's murder? I would've rather had justice.
And do you feel that you've been denied that? Cos I wrote a lot about your case back then, and I agree you Were let down, Mrs Ashton, but not by us.
By the police.
Your community.
By the friends of your daughter who were with her that night that didn't come forward.
Just because there were failings elsewhere Go back over those stories.
Duncan, you're not supposed to be cross-examining I'm not.
Read the stories.
There were common sentiments - You've made your point.
- Compassion.
Outrage.
A desire to know what happened.
Right? Things the police were sorely lacking in.
Someone went through her locker.
A reporter from the Post broke into Letty's school at night, found her locker before anyone else had thought of it, before the police, and went through it.
That's the only way they could've known about her friends, her boyfriend, her drawing.
Yeah.
WHISPERS: Yeah.
Do you want the truth? Full transparency, until it's about you.
That's right.
It's a contradiction.
Why give her such a hard time? Look, we've all heard that speech before.
She's been in front of committees and press conferences for years now, she's used to it.
Can you imagine if something like that - happened to Fred? - I know.
That's why she's got my respect.
In spite of all that she's been through, she's somehow stayed good.
She still believes in righteousness.
Justice.
And she basically told me to fuck off, which is good.
- I like women who tell me to do that.
- I've met your wife.
Yeah, well Actually, these days she doesn't.
I forgot to tell her that I wasn't coming home, and she just kind of took it.
- It's not a good sign.
- Hm.
Were you on her balcony? One of those reporters she talked about? Actually, no.
No, I had standards.
Standards? Strange to think you were once a journalist.
I'm still a journalist! Really? I hadn't noticed.
DISTANT SIREN Holly! - Holly, er - This is where the car hit her? Oh, I think so.
This is where they found her.
But I spoke with the woman in the shop, and You realise you could die right now? - Sorry? - Any moment, one of these drivers.
Their hand could slip.
They could come off the road and suddenly you're dead.
Or you could trip and fall the wrong way.
Um right, um Holly, the shop has a camera, you can see the street.
But they don't have the footage any more.
Apparently a reporter from the Post came in over the weekend and er, they took the CCTV footage away from outside the shop.
They took it away? Then we need to get it.
The footage.
They're not going to give it away.
How am I supposed to? The Post won't help us! Maybe I can try the flats next? Or, erm, put a request out on social media.
FADING: There's a few local groups which might be I'd gone for a lie down, and I woke up There he was.
Do you know what he told me? You mean? It was a dream.
"It's for the best.
" I said, "How can it be?" And he said, "Have faith.
"Wait and see.
" He believed in God.
Right.
Do you? What did you want to tell us? Did the police talk to you about what they found? Shawn took his own life, and I just wanted to make sure you were aware of what they believe to be the reason.
He'd always suffered with depression, since he was a teenager.
The police said an ex had pictures of him.
- She was going to put them out there.
- Did they Did they say it was a girl? The ex? Is that what they said? I think there's been some miscommunication, because it wasn't a girl who was blackmailing him.
Shawn was gay.
That's what's going to emerge over the next few hours, and the fact that was hidden suggests it may have been a contributing factor to him taking his own life.
But I was concerned you weren't aware of that during our interview.
- Gay? - This is going to be all over the news very soon, and I wanted to make sure you knew.
MESSAGE TONE We We think we'd rather not do the interview, actually.
- You - Cancel the whole thing.
It's going to be a shock for his fans as well.
There may be young men out there who are in Shawn's position, and they would benefit from hearing from you.
Like you said, why didn't he come to you and talk about it? It's bullshit.
You just want your story.
The thing is I'm sorry, but we have actually already done the interview.
If you don't do another I'll have to write up the story as about how his parents didn't have a clue who he was.
HE EXHALES We didn't know our own son? It's up to you.
If you want to have another go, and talk some more.
WHISPERS: Get out.
SHOUTS: Get out! She returns! I'm told you went on a mission.
How did it go? Clearly not well.
How was your interview? They wanted to know about my curtains.
My hairstyle.
Nothing on politics, society, our obsession with celebrity, welfare, the NHS.
From what I understand, it's not that sort of article.
You don't actually write the stories, do you? I used to, but I'm a news editor now, so So you don't normally go out in person.
- No.
- And yet, you're also not fully in charge.
You're in a kind of hinterland between where the work happens and management.
You're exactly where one finds the dead wood! Well, that's strange, cos I'm busy from the moment I wake up.
Yet the paper's still riddled with mistakes.
Is this really what you wanted to do? - What? - An office job, essentially.
Admin.
Wendy, I hope you won't be offended if I completely ignore you.
You know, you're very clever, but you don't really look people in the eye all that much.
Do you have a thriving personal life outside all of this? - I'm busy, so - Busy with work, but not much else.
You get 100 e-mails a day, but none of them inviting you out for a drink.
I've met women like you, using work to cover a sort of dissatisfaction with their lives.
Fail to find a man, fail to have children, fail to even have a close group of friends.
Work's your one and only thing, and even at that you're failing, though you probably haven't realised yet Well I'd call that a confirmation.
Wendy, would you like to come with me? Sure.
Mrs Mason! If you'd just wait here! I can find Amina for you! She's not in her office, Mrs Mason! MESSAGE TONE Carla.
- The photo's on your website.
- No, it's not.
The first paragraph of the article, you link right to it.
A link, precisely.
Same difference.
Amina, I've just been at the Post basically begging Duncan Allen not to put it on the front page.
Did he offer you a deal? - I'm not taking it.
- Good.
But whatever he does is irrelevant when you've got it front and centre yourself.
So hypocritical.
I'm trying to make a difference and I can't help it if there are pictures from decades ago.
It's being widely discussed.
"It's already on the internet," is no defence.
So are beheadings, hard-core pornography.
You're supposed to be better than the internet, that's the point of you.
Carla, we have known each other a long time, and you have a tendency to over-react, OK? So take a seat, and some water, do some breathing exercises.
Yes, the link is currently prominent on our website, but in an hour it won't be.
And I'm sorry for your ego but it won't be prominent in the paper tomorrow.
We are going to cover it as a feature about misogyny on page four and that's your lot.
I've got a speech tomorrow.
To the Oxford Union.
On modern feminism and rape culture.
Well, now you're uniquely placed.
Duncan wants me to endorse his campaign, "check me out", all that.
Eugh, I'm not sure that will help.
Maybe it's safer to keep him happy.
Don't.
Then he'll put it on the front page.
So style it out.
He's influential.
He's a bully.
Stand up to him.
He likes that.
HOLLY: Duncan Allen! Excuse me.
Duncan Allen.
- Hello.
- I'm Holly Evans from the Herald.
- Holly Evans, right.
- Yeah, I know Tony at the coffee stand, he said you normally get coffee around mid-afternoon so I got him to text me when you did.
I'll never trust Tony again! I'm trying to find out about the death of someone called Andrea Reed.
She was hit by a police car on Friday night and the car didn't stop.
Apparently you've got a copy of the CCTV.
I'd like to see it, but when I called the Post you refused so I thought I might be able to persuade you.
What's the story? A witness says she was hit by a police car.
Was it an accident? Well, that's what they're saying, but I don't know, that's why We would've put a lot of resources, I'm sure, into getting that footage and if there's a story, we're not going to want to give it to you.
There might not be.
Well, if there's not a story, why would you want it? This isn't usual journalistic practice, door-stepping the editor of another paper.
You seem very passionate about it.
Yeah, yeah, I am.
Actually, that's what I've heard.
You've what? Holly Evans.
I don't forget a name.
I know who you are.
I read a couple of your articles from a few years ago.
Well, one in particular.
Can you guess which one? Well, I'm sorry if "A misogynist, overbearing well-oiled bully.
"An offence to journalism.
" You wrote that when, two years ago? About me.
- Well, I'm - Well-oiled, what does that mean? Drunk, or something about my hair? - You can quote it.
- It hurt my feelings.
Well, I'm really sorry if you felt it was unfair, - but I really want to - Do you really want to see this footage? Yeah.
Nah.
Sorry.
Five minutes.
Did you find out about the MI5 call? Yeah, yeah, they'd had a cyber attack.
They weren't sure if anything leaked so they called all the news outlets in a panic.
False alarm.
Right.
- So not about your man, sorry.
- No, OK.
All right, thanks.
Chris? James.
You speak to people at MI5.
You've got contacts.
A few.
Have you ever heard of a programme called Resonance? No.
Ah.
Do you think you could maybe discreetly ask around? See if it exists.
I'll mention it.
Thank you, thanks.
I've sent Abi home cos we won't be asking you to endorse the campaign any more, but thanks for coming back.
Do you want to sit down? You should.
Mostly our purpose here is quite a clear one, to entertain.
So when we dig around, that's what we're after.
You know, life's hard and our readers want a giggle, it's as simple as that.
We do the news but we cheer people up.
Duncan, I don't have time This is the most important meeting you'll have today.
Maybe this year.
So just bear with me, OK? I got my people to find out where that photograph came from cos I thought that there might be some more amusing shots.
They're very talented.
They, er, tracked down this old friend of yours, who now hates you and he had these.
Here.
I mean, this one in particular.
See, I don't do drugs.
I mean, people find that hard to believe.
It's not morality, I just, I just I've tried them, I just don't like them.
But you're an elected minister who's made many statements about drug policy, who's advocated zero tolerance and who's been hiding this the whole time.
You must've known it would come out.
I didn't think there was a photograph.
Glass house.
What now? Barring an international atrocity, this is on our front page tomorrow.
So I suggest that we wrap it up into a full confession.
The party, the drugs, what you were like as a student.
You admit it all.
Resign, probably.
But if you come clean now, to us I don't see any reason why you couldn't return to front-line politics at some point.
I'd be sad if this was the end of your career.
- Really? - Yes.
I think you're really good at what you do.
But maybe you'll be a little bit less judgmental when you return.
It's lucky I looked.
What kind of journalist would I be otherwise? Well, I suppose like your friends at the Herald.
No instinct for news.
All principle, no trousers.
Whenever you're ready, Raz will take you through it and we'll make a start.
How did it go? Really very well indeed.
Perfect.
Let's go.
Yeah, we're off stone.
CAMERAS CLICK I'm grateful for the strong support that I have received from my friends, family, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.
I've decided that it is right to tender my resignation as minister.
I do not see how I can carry on my crucial work while I have to deal with the private and public implications of recent revelations.
TV: I hardly need to say how much I regret having to leave such vital work, which I feel all my life has prepared me for.
TV VOLUME INCREASES The last 24 hours have been very difficult and distressing for me.
I have been thinking carefully about what action I should take in the interest of the government, my constituents and most important of all, those whom I love.
You at home tonight? - Why? - Your wife's asking.
- No.
- OK.
It's good.
It's not good enough.
Sales are down.
If we carry on like this, we won't survive.
It's fine but we need to take some risks.
See you tomorrow.
Bye.
There's a risk right there.
- What do you mean? - There's something up with her today.
Well, I'm going on a date.
You? Who with? No idea.
It's some internet thing.
I don't want to go but it's what you're supposed to do, isn't it? - After your marriage has ended.
- No, you'll have fun.
You don't want a drink instead? No, sorry.
I, erm, I'm supposed to go home.
Suzie's cooking a special risotto.
What's so special about it? It's a special sort of mushroom.
- Wow.
- Yeah, she can really cook.
- Sounds it, you should go.
- Yeah.
- Text me how it is.
- What's that? The risotto.
No problem.
- You have a good night.
- Bye.
The picture on page 37 in the sports section has the wrong caption.
- Excellent.
Last one? - No idea.
It says the French President recognises the historic and ongoing relationship between our two countries.
What's wrong with that? Well, I saw the statement live on TV and the President actually said that he recognised the historic and current relationship between our two countries.
- Current, not ongoing.
- Wow.
Important distinction.
- Your French is that good? - I should've picked it up.
You're a geek.
Open your present.
Oh! Everyone's wearing these.
Yep, so now you're fashionable.
Oh A new experience for you.
And also it's very soft.
- Thanks.
- And, finally, to prove my point, - I'm going to take you for a drink.
- And what's your point? Birthdays are good.
- So, what happened with your story? - Dead end.
Yeah, tell me about it.
CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS FROM CAR Well, this isn't bad.
- Glad you approve.
- That's NOT what I said.
I have very deep pockets.
Which is lucky, as on its own, the Post loses money.
- You know that.
- I do.
Then I need it to be the best.
The best layouts, images, the best online.
These pictures are 30 years old and you've driven out a rather competent minister, who I liked.
And then, inside, a gossip story about the death of a gay footballer.
A picture of a treehouse.
Biggest treehouse ever made.
It's not news.
Entertainment.
Without it, we won't sell papers.
You don't need to tell me how to sell papers.
I don't make money from the Post, I lose money, and in return I want journalism.
You understand? You want money to get the best, you've got it.
Steal someone from another paper, favours, more resources.
- Whatever it takes.
- Sure.
- No problem.
- Good.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a concert to go to.
- Something nice? - No.
My grandson's learnt the violin.
It's excruciating.
But every time he plays, it makes me cry.
How's your boy? You going home tonight? MUSIC: That's Entertainment by The Jam A police car and a screaming siren A pneumatic drill - Mm.
You want another one? - Yeah.
- Same again? - Yeah.
All right.
PHONE BEEPS APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS Hi.
You're Holly Evans.
Ed Washburn.
I wrote to you for a job at the Herald.
OK.
Didn't even give me an interview.
SHE EXHALES Top up? Yeah, why not? I'm at the Post now.
- Great.
- Mm.
I did my first death knock today.
Slammed the door in your face? No, worse.
They let me in.
I just got myself a story.
Should be writing it.
So why aren't you? Cos it's my birthday today.
Haven't told anyone.
Why haven't you told anyone? Cos I'm getting old.
- Cheers, anyway.
- Cheers.
THEY LAUGH Oh.
Oh! THEY LAUGH Mm! I have an array of drinks in the kitchen.
We can do cocktails! I've got this bottle of grappa so if you want a challenge, that's the thing to go for.
Thought you said you had a flatmate? Yeah, Dee.
Her room's over there.
All right.
Shall we be quiet? Nah.
What do you want? - What? - To drink.
- Grappa, grappa, grappa! - HE LAUGHS - Gin and tonic.
- Boring! Is she asleep, then? The flatmate.
No, no, she's not asleep.
She made a birthday card for me.
I found it in her room, the day after it happened.
Read it this morning, ripped it up.
Her name's Andrea Reed, but I call her Dee.
Three days ago, she was walking home after a night out, got hit by a police car and died.
And now we know for sure that the police car didn't even stop.
I should write a story but I didn't tell anyone cos I don't want them feeling sorry for me.
But, you know, it's sad.
Were you close? Friends since uni, so I've spent the weekend wondering if she was in pain.
It was a while before the ambulance turned up, apparently.
If the car had stopped, not driven off, maybe he could've done something and she'd still be here.
Oh, well.
Death knock.
Clink.
Well done.
- You haven't spoken to anyone? - No-one to speak to.
Well, maybe we should leave it.
Just because I'm in a state of mourning doesn't mean we can't fuck.
You don't seem OK.
- I'm not sure you're - Fine.
Leave.
And you should feel bad about what you did today.
It means you're still human.
Only get worried when you see stuff like that and you feel nothing at all.
Write the story.
Bye.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES DOORBELL RINGS - Hi.
- Hey.
MUSIC: Second Chance by Peter Bjorn and John Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh When you flew out of the nest You made a mistake Flew all the way back When you got back to your den One minute too late was already wrecked I, I - What's your name? - E-Ed.
You're un-fired.
Dress as a polar bear and go to this party with Angie.
Times are tough, could be us next.
A year ago, I think you were braver.
I want to save this marriage.
Are you the organ grinder or the monkey? I'm a reporter.
I'm the monkey.
I also found some articles you wrote when you were a reporter.
Proper journalism.
Long way from what you do now.
Maybe you should take a closer look at what we do.
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.
I'm a journalist.
RADIO DJ: Now let's take a look at this morning's headlines.
First up, the education paper.
We'll be discussing the implications of the Prime Minister's statement yesterday afternoon, and growing opposition to government policy, with many asking what can be done to ensure that children in state education don't suffer.
The Minister for School Standards has been bearing the brunt of criticism, over the false claims as to the contents of the paper.
The minister's speaking to us later in the programme, and will be addressing those claims as well as shedding light on the details of the plan for the next five years.
We're thinking around half eight, we'll ask those questions.
After the weather at nine o'clock we we'll be joined by a scientist who will be talking to us about the Bolivian solar eclipse and what to expect at 9.
35 this evening.
The last time we experienced an eclipse of this kind was in 199 HE SIGHS HE EXHALES Ed Washburn.
- First time? - Er, yes, actually.
Any advice? Right.
OK.
Thanks.
That's useful.
HE EXHALES HE RINGS DOORBELL Er, Mr Kingsley? I'm Ed Washburn from the Post.
I know this must be a terrible time, but DOORBELL RINGS I've made it clear! It would be a tribute.
I think you'd better go.
We want to make sure your son's story's heard.
Young people look up to him and they're shocked.
Tell them about him.
His his life.
Just saying! Well, that's, you would have more customers.
- Morning, Tone.
- Coffee? Sugar? Two, just in case.
- Happy birthday, Holly! - How does he know? I told him.
Can you keep it to yourself? I got you something actually.
You know I'm not a fan of birthdays.
Yeah, but I am.
Syria? - Page four.
- Carla Mason? Three.
- Ah, we won't touch it.
- Aw, it's a big story.
No, it's not.
What are you on? MI5 whistle-blower.
You? Hit and run.
But there's a twist.
Oh, your favourite person's in this morning.
Well, you're my favourite person.
Wendy Bolt.
What?! Yeah, Charlotte's trying to get the rights to serialise her new book, thought a feature might lure her in.
She's a provocative 21st-century icon, James.
She's a toxic, right wing troll.
And yet despite that I'm giving her a tour.
Celebrity culture, very important.
I'm a team player, me, doing my bit.
Holly, you hate her even more than me.
I don't hate you.
No, I mean you hate her more than I hate her.
You make these mistakes when you write as well.
Clarity, James.
What time's she getting here? I don't know.
Holly! This is Wendy.
Holly's our deputy news editor.
Deputy news editor? Sounds important.
See you later.
Something I can print.
Thanks for doing this.
You give the best tours.
- I'm the only one who volunteers.
- Also true.
Right, then, shall we? Shall I find someone less busy? You'd struggle.
- Who's this? - Andrea Reed.
She was walking back to the Tube after a night out.
She was hit and killed by a car that didn't stop.
- We think there's a story.
- Why? It was a police car.
So, the tour.
The Herald started in 1936 as the Yorkshire Herald, - and it continues a tradition of - I've read the Wikipedia page.
I know the Herald, you think you're a prize-winning, crusading, liberal lefty paper, exposing hypocrisy and corruption.
Well, we try to do the right thing, if that's what you mean.
- I prefer the Post.
- Yeah you would.
The Post is sexist, sensationalist, and doesn't check its facts.
I know.
But it's a lot more fun.
2-1.
Clearly a penalty.
Ah, but not awarded.
Let that be a lesson, Clive.
Life's not fair.
I could teach you a lesson, take away that pass.
Oh yeah? I'll kick you in the balls.
I'll call my guys.
You haven't got guys.
I've got seven guys.
Definitely a penalty.
That's right.
How was New York? Extremely cold.
I like your wife's new hair.
- What? - It's on Facebook.
What, her hair's on Facebook? The pictures she put up.
I, I don't know what you're talking about.
She got it done when you were away.
Duncan, it's a different colour.
Tell me you said something nice? - Wow.
- AUTOMATED: Doors closing.
Yeah, no, he absolutely respects your position in Parliament.
Oh, he's just here.
- Carla Mason.
- Oh, yeah, that's fine.
Carla! Oh, dear.
Mmm, I, I know.
I know, I can imagine.
What do you want us to do? Cos there's no doubt it's in the public interest.
She's got a speech on feminism tomorrow to the Oxford Union.
Raz tells me that you've got a speech on feminism tomorrow.
Are you, er, going ahead with that? Mm.
Yeah, that does sound important.
Yeah, I know, bad timing, indeed.
Hmm.
What's Raz suggesting? Well, sounds good.
Come to us.
We've got a new office we like to show off, and cos our proprietor's got a thing for design we've got these incredible seats.
It's like musical chairs here, everyone's trying to sit down all the time.
Two hours? OK, and we'll have a chat.
OK, bye.
All right, let's have a look.
Carla, Carla, Carla.
Well, how can we not use this? It's deliberate sexist, antifeminist shaming.
It's only surfaced now for political gain.
We shouldn't go near it.
It's a very human side to the politician.
- It's 30 years old.
- That doesn't matter.
Yeah, it makes it irrelevant, Peter.
Holly feels very strongly about it.
What was the occasion? A birthday, we think, early '90s.
This was taken on camera with film.
- Remember those? - Right, what's next? - Er, solar eclipse in Bolivia.
- Do some pictures.
Yep.
Shawn Kingsley.
Still a lot of questions about what it means.
There's issues we can bring out, but obviously we've got to be sensitive.
His body was found hanging in a stairwell by his cleaner in the morning.
Must've been a nasty surprise for her.
There were pills, drink.
On his laptop was homosexual pornography along with e-mails threatening to out him.
We've got an interview with his parents.
- Have we? - Yeah.
Er, er, yeah, but there, there is a problem.
I promised them it would be a tribute feature.
- Sorry, who are you? - Ed Washburn.
I started last week.
Jay's off sick.
First death knock? - Yeah.
- And you got in.
- Very good.
- Yeah, but What's the problem? - Er, well - Can he speak? LAUGHTER I didn't know he was gay.
I don't think they did either.
Didn't you ask them why they thought he'd done it? Yeah, they, they, they just thought he was unhappy.
Go back and tell them, then.
If they don't know, tell them.
Go back? Yeah, get their response.
Is Sorry, is that our job? To tell them about their son? Surely the police have got someone that could Our job is to deliver the news, so yeah, yes, very much in our remit.
Get that, we're good.
Go.
Kingsley could play.
He could.
Why don't they just come out? Andrea Reed? Oh, they say it was a tragic accident, but there were no police in the area, so the witness must be wrong.
I'm finding that hard to believe.
Keep digging.
- You mean - I mean ask around.
Find something more.
We need some proof.
Right, I'll keep Keep trying.
Exactly.
Have you seen James? Er, he's meeting someone for a story.
- What story? - I don't know, why? I had a nervous call from MI5, reminding us of the Official Secrets Act.
- Can you check what he's up to? - Yeah, sure, no problem.
Are you OK? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Nothing.
Tom Pryor? Where's your car? I don't have a car.
Then why are we meeting in a car park? You suggested it.
Yeah, so we could stay in our cars and we wouldn't be seen! Get in.
Did you bring your phone? - You said not to.
- Good.
That's good.
So, you work for MI5? Yep.
As what? I can't tell you.
OK.
Well Well, I've signed the Official secrets Act, OK, but I also have a conscience.
But I don't want to go to prison or leave the country.
Well, what can you tell me? Resonance.
Resonance? - That's the name of the project.
- OK.
What does it do? I can't tell you.
Right, Tom, look The name's enough, all right? You just, you just follow that up.
That's hard if it's literally just a code name.
I mean, I don't even know if you really work for MI5.
- I don't know anything.
- I've told you everything that I can.
What? Look, I am one of only three investigative reporters left at my paper.
I'm under huge pressure to write stories that have substance and evidence.
I don't know who you are.
I don't know what you do.
All you're giving me is a name, and a suggestion of a programme.
I thought you were into all this.
I looked you up.
I thought this was your thing, you know.
Take a hint and run with it.
Not these days.
Need more than a hint.
Look, get me some proof and we can talk again.
I can't.
Right I'm just supposed to sit here? Mrs Mason, sorry I'm late.
How do you do? Now, this picture, I don't know why you're ashamed of it, it's I'm the most prominent woman in the Cabinet and it doesn't fit with my message.
That little girls shouldn't want to be models, they should want to be engineers? Duncan, this government is trying to do things, achieve things that you approve of, under political circumstances that make it very difficult, and all I'm asking The National Gallery has images of woman with their clothes off.
No-one seems to be bothered about that.
That's completely different.
How? They're pictures, people look at them.
It's the way they look at them.
Oh, but you can't legislate for what goes on in my head.
If I go to a gallery and I get a semi staring at a picture there Not an image I wanted.
Or if I'm looking at one of the photos on our centre pages If I'm looking at Abi, off of Love Island relaxing on a beach, and instead of getting a hard-on I find myself contemplating abstractly the aesthetics of the female form, there's nothing you can do.
- Objectification and exploitation - We can't ignore this, Carla.
I know.
But you don't want the story on the front page.
Ideally not.
Shawn Kingsley's been found dead.
It turns out he was gay.
We might go with that.
That's your decision.
But if we splashed on you, we'd sell more papers.
An interview as we agreed, and it stays off the front.
Deal.
- Kelly! - Yep? Kelly is our deputy news editor.
- She'll be looking after you.
- Mrs Mason, pleased to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you.
We're going to need you to explain the context of the photo, and the effect that it's had on your family.
- I want this to be really personal.
- Sure.
Er, and Oh, we need a photo.
So if you follow me.
Excuse me, hello.
Abi.
Abi, you all right? - Hey.
- Hi.
This is Carla Mason.
Long service as an MP, married, very principled.
She's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and since this government sneaked into office she's also become their de facto spokesperson on women.
Duncan So we just thought that, since you were a party girl as a student, that you might pose with Abi.
- Do you recognise her? - I'm afraid I don't.
Really? You were on what? Erm One series of Love Island and - .
.
Big Brother.
- Celebrity Big Brother.
Celebrity Big Brother! And, before that, she was at Warwick.
Right? Same as you.
English and Philosophy.
Carla disapproves of your body.
I'm not doing this.
Oh, come on.
This is just about encouraging young people to have fun, but at the same time take care of themselves.
You know, safe sex, health checks, breast exams.
It's a good cause.
Check me out.
Yeah, right.
Check me out.
It's having a big impact on campus, and we just want you to endorse the campaign.
- You don't have to wear the T-shirt.
- I wasn't intending to.
You could just hold one up instead.
I can't walk out in front of the Oxford Union, to speak about women's rights, about rape culture on campuses, having just posed next to a young lady wearing a T-shirt saying "check me out".
Hmm.
Well, the Oxford Union should be a bit more open-minded.
Come on, what do you think? I mean splish splash.
Right, Abi, don't go home yet.
- No problem.
- All right, thanks.
How'd it go? Not great.
Apparently MI5 called the paper first thing this morning, to remind us of our national security commitments.
But best not get your hopes up.
Just find something Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Something you can print.
Oh, did you like your present? - I've not opened it yet.
- You should.
DISTANT CONVERSATION Let's go where it happened.
You mean the I mean Andrea Reed.
Let's see what we can find.
- The accident.
- But aren't you needed where? Yeah, you can get stuck behind a desk.
I've got 40 minutes for lunch so book a taxi about one o'clock, OK? No problem! I had reporters on my doorstep for five days after she died.
I don't mean in the street.
I'm talking on the balcony that leads up to my door.
I called the papers, and they said they would put me up in a hotel, protect me, but only IF I told my story.
My daughter had been killed.
That was hell.
But the newspapers were the ones making the flames hot.
That was 20 years ago.
It's no different now.
It's time to make sure that no-one else has to go through what I did.
It's time for statutory regulation.
Thank you, Mrs Ashton.
- Who would like to start? - Duncan Allen, Editor of the Post.
Yeah, I know.
Mrs Ashton, you are a remarkably able speaker.
Been campaigning for a while now.
Of course, yeah, I didn't mean that to be patronising.
Then you should be more careful.
Do you not feel that there was some public interest in your daughter's death? In the way it happened.
- We're talking hours after it happened.
- Hours after it happened is why it's news.
Didn't you want to see outrage at your daughter's murder? I would've rather had justice.
And do you feel that you've been denied that? Cos I wrote a lot about your case back then, and I agree you Were let down, Mrs Ashton, but not by us.
By the police.
Your community.
By the friends of your daughter who were with her that night that didn't come forward.
Just because there were failings elsewhere Go back over those stories.
Duncan, you're not supposed to be cross-examining I'm not.
Read the stories.
There were common sentiments - You've made your point.
- Compassion.
Outrage.
A desire to know what happened.
Right? Things the police were sorely lacking in.
Someone went through her locker.
A reporter from the Post broke into Letty's school at night, found her locker before anyone else had thought of it, before the police, and went through it.
That's the only way they could've known about her friends, her boyfriend, her drawing.
Yeah.
WHISPERS: Yeah.
Do you want the truth? Full transparency, until it's about you.
That's right.
It's a contradiction.
Why give her such a hard time? Look, we've all heard that speech before.
She's been in front of committees and press conferences for years now, she's used to it.
Can you imagine if something like that - happened to Fred? - I know.
That's why she's got my respect.
In spite of all that she's been through, she's somehow stayed good.
She still believes in righteousness.
Justice.
And she basically told me to fuck off, which is good.
- I like women who tell me to do that.
- I've met your wife.
Yeah, well Actually, these days she doesn't.
I forgot to tell her that I wasn't coming home, and she just kind of took it.
- It's not a good sign.
- Hm.
Were you on her balcony? One of those reporters she talked about? Actually, no.
No, I had standards.
Standards? Strange to think you were once a journalist.
I'm still a journalist! Really? I hadn't noticed.
DISTANT SIREN Holly! - Holly, er - This is where the car hit her? Oh, I think so.
This is where they found her.
But I spoke with the woman in the shop, and You realise you could die right now? - Sorry? - Any moment, one of these drivers.
Their hand could slip.
They could come off the road and suddenly you're dead.
Or you could trip and fall the wrong way.
Um right, um Holly, the shop has a camera, you can see the street.
But they don't have the footage any more.
Apparently a reporter from the Post came in over the weekend and er, they took the CCTV footage away from outside the shop.
They took it away? Then we need to get it.
The footage.
They're not going to give it away.
How am I supposed to? The Post won't help us! Maybe I can try the flats next? Or, erm, put a request out on social media.
FADING: There's a few local groups which might be I'd gone for a lie down, and I woke up There he was.
Do you know what he told me? You mean? It was a dream.
"It's for the best.
" I said, "How can it be?" And he said, "Have faith.
"Wait and see.
" He believed in God.
Right.
Do you? What did you want to tell us? Did the police talk to you about what they found? Shawn took his own life, and I just wanted to make sure you were aware of what they believe to be the reason.
He'd always suffered with depression, since he was a teenager.
The police said an ex had pictures of him.
- She was going to put them out there.
- Did they Did they say it was a girl? The ex? Is that what they said? I think there's been some miscommunication, because it wasn't a girl who was blackmailing him.
Shawn was gay.
That's what's going to emerge over the next few hours, and the fact that was hidden suggests it may have been a contributing factor to him taking his own life.
But I was concerned you weren't aware of that during our interview.
- Gay? - This is going to be all over the news very soon, and I wanted to make sure you knew.
MESSAGE TONE We We think we'd rather not do the interview, actually.
- You - Cancel the whole thing.
It's going to be a shock for his fans as well.
There may be young men out there who are in Shawn's position, and they would benefit from hearing from you.
Like you said, why didn't he come to you and talk about it? It's bullshit.
You just want your story.
The thing is I'm sorry, but we have actually already done the interview.
If you don't do another I'll have to write up the story as about how his parents didn't have a clue who he was.
HE EXHALES We didn't know our own son? It's up to you.
If you want to have another go, and talk some more.
WHISPERS: Get out.
SHOUTS: Get out! She returns! I'm told you went on a mission.
How did it go? Clearly not well.
How was your interview? They wanted to know about my curtains.
My hairstyle.
Nothing on politics, society, our obsession with celebrity, welfare, the NHS.
From what I understand, it's not that sort of article.
You don't actually write the stories, do you? I used to, but I'm a news editor now, so So you don't normally go out in person.
- No.
- And yet, you're also not fully in charge.
You're in a kind of hinterland between where the work happens and management.
You're exactly where one finds the dead wood! Well, that's strange, cos I'm busy from the moment I wake up.
Yet the paper's still riddled with mistakes.
Is this really what you wanted to do? - What? - An office job, essentially.
Admin.
Wendy, I hope you won't be offended if I completely ignore you.
You know, you're very clever, but you don't really look people in the eye all that much.
Do you have a thriving personal life outside all of this? - I'm busy, so - Busy with work, but not much else.
You get 100 e-mails a day, but none of them inviting you out for a drink.
I've met women like you, using work to cover a sort of dissatisfaction with their lives.
Fail to find a man, fail to have children, fail to even have a close group of friends.
Work's your one and only thing, and even at that you're failing, though you probably haven't realised yet Well I'd call that a confirmation.
Wendy, would you like to come with me? Sure.
Mrs Mason! If you'd just wait here! I can find Amina for you! She's not in her office, Mrs Mason! MESSAGE TONE Carla.
- The photo's on your website.
- No, it's not.
The first paragraph of the article, you link right to it.
A link, precisely.
Same difference.
Amina, I've just been at the Post basically begging Duncan Allen not to put it on the front page.
Did he offer you a deal? - I'm not taking it.
- Good.
But whatever he does is irrelevant when you've got it front and centre yourself.
So hypocritical.
I'm trying to make a difference and I can't help it if there are pictures from decades ago.
It's being widely discussed.
"It's already on the internet," is no defence.
So are beheadings, hard-core pornography.
You're supposed to be better than the internet, that's the point of you.
Carla, we have known each other a long time, and you have a tendency to over-react, OK? So take a seat, and some water, do some breathing exercises.
Yes, the link is currently prominent on our website, but in an hour it won't be.
And I'm sorry for your ego but it won't be prominent in the paper tomorrow.
We are going to cover it as a feature about misogyny on page four and that's your lot.
I've got a speech tomorrow.
To the Oxford Union.
On modern feminism and rape culture.
Well, now you're uniquely placed.
Duncan wants me to endorse his campaign, "check me out", all that.
Eugh, I'm not sure that will help.
Maybe it's safer to keep him happy.
Don't.
Then he'll put it on the front page.
So style it out.
He's influential.
He's a bully.
Stand up to him.
He likes that.
HOLLY: Duncan Allen! Excuse me.
Duncan Allen.
- Hello.
- I'm Holly Evans from the Herald.
- Holly Evans, right.
- Yeah, I know Tony at the coffee stand, he said you normally get coffee around mid-afternoon so I got him to text me when you did.
I'll never trust Tony again! I'm trying to find out about the death of someone called Andrea Reed.
She was hit by a police car on Friday night and the car didn't stop.
Apparently you've got a copy of the CCTV.
I'd like to see it, but when I called the Post you refused so I thought I might be able to persuade you.
What's the story? A witness says she was hit by a police car.
Was it an accident? Well, that's what they're saying, but I don't know, that's why We would've put a lot of resources, I'm sure, into getting that footage and if there's a story, we're not going to want to give it to you.
There might not be.
Well, if there's not a story, why would you want it? This isn't usual journalistic practice, door-stepping the editor of another paper.
You seem very passionate about it.
Yeah, yeah, I am.
Actually, that's what I've heard.
You've what? Holly Evans.
I don't forget a name.
I know who you are.
I read a couple of your articles from a few years ago.
Well, one in particular.
Can you guess which one? Well, I'm sorry if "A misogynist, overbearing well-oiled bully.
"An offence to journalism.
" You wrote that when, two years ago? About me.
- Well, I'm - Well-oiled, what does that mean? Drunk, or something about my hair? - You can quote it.
- It hurt my feelings.
Well, I'm really sorry if you felt it was unfair, - but I really want to - Do you really want to see this footage? Yeah.
Nah.
Sorry.
Five minutes.
Did you find out about the MI5 call? Yeah, yeah, they'd had a cyber attack.
They weren't sure if anything leaked so they called all the news outlets in a panic.
False alarm.
Right.
- So not about your man, sorry.
- No, OK.
All right, thanks.
Chris? James.
You speak to people at MI5.
You've got contacts.
A few.
Have you ever heard of a programme called Resonance? No.
Ah.
Do you think you could maybe discreetly ask around? See if it exists.
I'll mention it.
Thank you, thanks.
I've sent Abi home cos we won't be asking you to endorse the campaign any more, but thanks for coming back.
Do you want to sit down? You should.
Mostly our purpose here is quite a clear one, to entertain.
So when we dig around, that's what we're after.
You know, life's hard and our readers want a giggle, it's as simple as that.
We do the news but we cheer people up.
Duncan, I don't have time This is the most important meeting you'll have today.
Maybe this year.
So just bear with me, OK? I got my people to find out where that photograph came from cos I thought that there might be some more amusing shots.
They're very talented.
They, er, tracked down this old friend of yours, who now hates you and he had these.
Here.
I mean, this one in particular.
See, I don't do drugs.
I mean, people find that hard to believe.
It's not morality, I just, I just I've tried them, I just don't like them.
But you're an elected minister who's made many statements about drug policy, who's advocated zero tolerance and who's been hiding this the whole time.
You must've known it would come out.
I didn't think there was a photograph.
Glass house.
What now? Barring an international atrocity, this is on our front page tomorrow.
So I suggest that we wrap it up into a full confession.
The party, the drugs, what you were like as a student.
You admit it all.
Resign, probably.
But if you come clean now, to us I don't see any reason why you couldn't return to front-line politics at some point.
I'd be sad if this was the end of your career.
- Really? - Yes.
I think you're really good at what you do.
But maybe you'll be a little bit less judgmental when you return.
It's lucky I looked.
What kind of journalist would I be otherwise? Well, I suppose like your friends at the Herald.
No instinct for news.
All principle, no trousers.
Whenever you're ready, Raz will take you through it and we'll make a start.
How did it go? Really very well indeed.
Perfect.
Let's go.
Yeah, we're off stone.
CAMERAS CLICK I'm grateful for the strong support that I have received from my friends, family, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.
I've decided that it is right to tender my resignation as minister.
I do not see how I can carry on my crucial work while I have to deal with the private and public implications of recent revelations.
TV: I hardly need to say how much I regret having to leave such vital work, which I feel all my life has prepared me for.
TV VOLUME INCREASES The last 24 hours have been very difficult and distressing for me.
I have been thinking carefully about what action I should take in the interest of the government, my constituents and most important of all, those whom I love.
You at home tonight? - Why? - Your wife's asking.
- No.
- OK.
It's good.
It's not good enough.
Sales are down.
If we carry on like this, we won't survive.
It's fine but we need to take some risks.
See you tomorrow.
Bye.
There's a risk right there.
- What do you mean? - There's something up with her today.
Well, I'm going on a date.
You? Who with? No idea.
It's some internet thing.
I don't want to go but it's what you're supposed to do, isn't it? - After your marriage has ended.
- No, you'll have fun.
You don't want a drink instead? No, sorry.
I, erm, I'm supposed to go home.
Suzie's cooking a special risotto.
What's so special about it? It's a special sort of mushroom.
- Wow.
- Yeah, she can really cook.
- Sounds it, you should go.
- Yeah.
- Text me how it is.
- What's that? The risotto.
No problem.
- You have a good night.
- Bye.
The picture on page 37 in the sports section has the wrong caption.
- Excellent.
Last one? - No idea.
It says the French President recognises the historic and ongoing relationship between our two countries.
What's wrong with that? Well, I saw the statement live on TV and the President actually said that he recognised the historic and current relationship between our two countries.
- Current, not ongoing.
- Wow.
Important distinction.
- Your French is that good? - I should've picked it up.
You're a geek.
Open your present.
Oh! Everyone's wearing these.
Yep, so now you're fashionable.
Oh A new experience for you.
And also it's very soft.
- Thanks.
- And, finally, to prove my point, - I'm going to take you for a drink.
- And what's your point? Birthdays are good.
- So, what happened with your story? - Dead end.
Yeah, tell me about it.
CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS FROM CAR Well, this isn't bad.
- Glad you approve.
- That's NOT what I said.
I have very deep pockets.
Which is lucky, as on its own, the Post loses money.
- You know that.
- I do.
Then I need it to be the best.
The best layouts, images, the best online.
These pictures are 30 years old and you've driven out a rather competent minister, who I liked.
And then, inside, a gossip story about the death of a gay footballer.
A picture of a treehouse.
Biggest treehouse ever made.
It's not news.
Entertainment.
Without it, we won't sell papers.
You don't need to tell me how to sell papers.
I don't make money from the Post, I lose money, and in return I want journalism.
You understand? You want money to get the best, you've got it.
Steal someone from another paper, favours, more resources.
- Whatever it takes.
- Sure.
- No problem.
- Good.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a concert to go to.
- Something nice? - No.
My grandson's learnt the violin.
It's excruciating.
But every time he plays, it makes me cry.
How's your boy? You going home tonight? MUSIC: That's Entertainment by The Jam A police car and a screaming siren A pneumatic drill - Mm.
You want another one? - Yeah.
- Same again? - Yeah.
All right.
PHONE BEEPS APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS Hi.
You're Holly Evans.
Ed Washburn.
I wrote to you for a job at the Herald.
OK.
Didn't even give me an interview.
SHE EXHALES Top up? Yeah, why not? I'm at the Post now.
- Great.
- Mm.
I did my first death knock today.
Slammed the door in your face? No, worse.
They let me in.
I just got myself a story.
Should be writing it.
So why aren't you? Cos it's my birthday today.
Haven't told anyone.
Why haven't you told anyone? Cos I'm getting old.
- Cheers, anyway.
- Cheers.
THEY LAUGH Oh.
Oh! THEY LAUGH Mm! I have an array of drinks in the kitchen.
We can do cocktails! I've got this bottle of grappa so if you want a challenge, that's the thing to go for.
Thought you said you had a flatmate? Yeah, Dee.
Her room's over there.
All right.
Shall we be quiet? Nah.
What do you want? - What? - To drink.
- Grappa, grappa, grappa! - HE LAUGHS - Gin and tonic.
- Boring! Is she asleep, then? The flatmate.
No, no, she's not asleep.
She made a birthday card for me.
I found it in her room, the day after it happened.
Read it this morning, ripped it up.
Her name's Andrea Reed, but I call her Dee.
Three days ago, she was walking home after a night out, got hit by a police car and died.
And now we know for sure that the police car didn't even stop.
I should write a story but I didn't tell anyone cos I don't want them feeling sorry for me.
But, you know, it's sad.
Were you close? Friends since uni, so I've spent the weekend wondering if she was in pain.
It was a while before the ambulance turned up, apparently.
If the car had stopped, not driven off, maybe he could've done something and she'd still be here.
Oh, well.
Death knock.
Clink.
Well done.
- You haven't spoken to anyone? - No-one to speak to.
Well, maybe we should leave it.
Just because I'm in a state of mourning doesn't mean we can't fuck.
You don't seem OK.
- I'm not sure you're - Fine.
Leave.
And you should feel bad about what you did today.
It means you're still human.
Only get worried when you see stuff like that and you feel nothing at all.
Write the story.
Bye.
DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES DOORBELL RINGS - Hi.
- Hey.
MUSIC: Second Chance by Peter Bjorn and John Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh When you flew out of the nest You made a mistake Flew all the way back When you got back to your den One minute too late was already wrecked I, I - What's your name? - E-Ed.
You're un-fired.
Dress as a polar bear and go to this party with Angie.
Times are tough, could be us next.
A year ago, I think you were braver.
I want to save this marriage.
Are you the organ grinder or the monkey? I'm a reporter.
I'm the monkey.
I also found some articles you wrote when you were a reporter.
Proper journalism.
Long way from what you do now.
Maybe you should take a closer look at what we do.
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.