Smother (2021) s01e02 Episode Script

And if I see a sign
in the sky tonight
No one's gonna tell me
it's a trick of the light
May never come but
I'm willing to wait
What can I say?
I'm a man of the faith
And there's
an ocean in my body
And there's a river
in my soul
And I'm crying
[waves crashing
and cry of seagulls]
[indistinct voices]
[beeping]
Be careful you don't spill that.
Spoil your surprise.
My surprise?
[beeping]
London?
I said I would take you
to Harrod's one day.
We can get your dress
for Joe's debs.
Grace.
Grace, I'm here for you,
I've always been here for you.
[beeping]
-How is she?
-She's okay.
She's a bit out of it
but they sedated her.
Did you bring my stuff?
Is it just Rory with the boys?
No, Mairead's arrived.
She's gonna stay for a while,
I asked her.
Come on.
So what are we thinking here?
I don't know what to think,
could be an accident,
Grace could be
Right, well let's see how
Mam's gonna play this one.
Given Grace's medical history,
the fact you told me
she's been off her
medication for a while,
I have to recommend we monitor
her in a care facility.
-No, she'd hate that.
-Mam, at least listen.
She'll come home,
I'll watch her myself.
Watch her for what, Mrs. Ahern?
Watch that she takes
her pills again.
I am very sorry for
your recent loss.
-Maybe Grace is finding
it difficult to
-She went for a swim.
People swim in all weather.
The tide pulled her out, she'll
be grand once she gets home.
Look, you can already see
she spent a week in her teens
in a secure place.
Now I had to sign
that paper myself.
Don't ask me to do that again.
I'm thinking about what's
best for Grace, Mrs. Ahern.
I never think of anything else.
For God's sake, where would
I be if patients just
ignored my advice?
So what you're suggesting we
just a lot Grace up and then
let her out for her own
father's funeral?
The psychiatric team might
decide to let her out.
Maybe she can't handle it,
we don't know.
Sometimes you're just
too pragmatic for
your own good, Jen.
Your patients ever
tell you that?
They don't seem to mind
if I'm saving their lives.
Grace got pulled out by
the tide, she got cramp.
-She's been saved.
-Cramp?
You hear that, Hannah, so we're
adding cramp to the story now?!
Mam stop!
You know that Grace
could be a danger to
herself and maybe others
when she's manic.
Mam, if Grace is gonna stay
in the house, I have to think
about Calum and Jacob.
I am, I am thinking about them.
Okay, look, how about we
just put you up in an Airbnb
for a few days?
I come home after seven years
and you turf me out?
I'm sorry, okay!
We'll figure something out.
We can't help if
you won't listen.
You know, Grace is our
burden too you know.
Burden?
I didn't mean it that way.
You know, you're the doctor Jen,
but let me tell you how it is
with a sick child.
It's grimy, it's shitty,
and it's relentless.
It's not right, it's never fair.
But it's your child
and you'll do anything.
So no, I am not going to put her
in one of those places again.
So long as I have two arms
to hold her myself.
Do you understand?
Look, I need to think
this through.
Just keep her safe while
I go and get some clothes.
What's the rush? She's drugged
up to her eyeballs now.
Exactly, she could say anything.
-About what?
-Mam.
Listen, just if she wakes
make sure she doesn't
talk to anyone, okay?
Okay?
Did you hear anything
from Val yet?
No, not yet.
Have your friends said anything?
They must have heard how it
all came out at the party?
It's a five minute wonder,
it'll pass.
Has it been difficult?
How about you?
It's fine.
Honestly.
It's nothing like before.
Is everything alright
with you and Rory?
Fine. Why do you ask?
Because I saw him, hit Calum.
It's quite a temper he's
got, I didn't know.
He's just tired.
It's all the stress from dealing
with Elaine, he's not himself.
It was a one-off.
Okay.
Because if I thought
it was a regular thing,
or if I thought he
was putting his hands
on any of you, then I
would tear
his throat out with my teeth.
You know that, don't you?
[crash of waves
and cry of seagulls]
She was sick,
and I know that but
I still hated her sometimes.
Hate's a bit strong, no?
Didn't you, ever?
I mean when we were sent out
combing the roads for her.
[Anna]
The day they took her away
It was a terrible day.
Naked as a bug down
on the beach.
Screaming like a banshee.
And all I could think
was 'you jammy bitch'.
You've got everyone's
attention again.
It's like I love her but
I hate the sick her.
Does that make me a bad person?
I think you're probably the
kindest person I know, Anna.
Am I?
I don't think so.
[bang on door]
Mrs. Ahern?
Val are you in there?
Hi, Paudie.
Are you looking for me?
I thought I heard someone,
I was upstairs.
I went up to the house
Mairead said you might be
getting some stuff for Grace.
-Is she all right?
-She's fine.
What can I do for you, Paudie?
I just wanted to let you
know that we'll need to
speak with the family,
get informal statements.
Who saw Denis last,
that kind of thing.
If it's nothing formal
you can walk me to the car.
So when did you last
see your husband?
When we were leaving,
and yes with Carl Jensen.
Look, Paudie, the whole
town knows what happened
at the party.
So you left with Mr. Jensen.
Did you argue with your
husband before you left?
Did Mr. Jensen?
No, no, no arguments.
Do you know of anyone
who might have wanted
to harm your late husband?
Well, not enough to kill him
if that's what you mean.
Anyone who might have
wished him dead, well
that's a whole other
We'll call the house about
a time to see the family,
whenever Grace is
home obviously.
We'll be in touch.
-Elaine.
-Hi.
Is Anna in, could I have a word?
She's out, Ennis
I think, gone shopping,
so she could be a while.
[indistinct chatter]
Hey, Jacob, Calum, hi.
Do you maybe fancy
a trip somewhere?
Maybe some pizza?
Is their Dad in?
If I could ask him?
Hang on.
I'll see what he says.
Rory, Rory.
Rory.
He's sound asleep.
Maybe come back later.
I want pizza.
I'll bring you back a slice.
Go on, I'll let you.
Or you can stay here
and help me pick out readings
to your grandfather.
Thank you.
All right.
[speaking indistinctly]
Where's this pizza you said?
Well, yeah, there is a really
great place in town,
but I was thinking we
could get a takeout, go for a
picnic, what do you think Jacob,
what do you fancy?
Barbecue chicken?
-Pepperoni?
-I'm a vegetarian.
Jenny?
Ah, Kevin.
-We're all so sorry at the
surgery to hear about Denis.
-Thank you.
Actually I'm here checking
on your Mr. O'Donnell's
post-op progress.
He's doing well,
you'll be glad to hear.
Good, plenty of fight
left in him.
Your patients miss you.
Time will fly before I'm back.
Just have to get this
little one out first.
Listen, I know
the practice manager has
been trying to get in touch.
I'll tell her I saw you,
and passed on the message,
if that's okay.
Great. Yeah.
See you, Kevin.
No, he didn't make a charitable
sperm donation, so you can shove
that smirk up your hole.
Guys!
Maybe we can -- somewhere
along here, yeah.
[phone rings]
Hi, Rory, yeah, I couldn't speak
earlier because I was driving.
[Rory] Where are you?
Where have you taken them?
We're at the beach with pizzas,
we shouldn't be long.
I want you to bring Calum
and Jacob back here right now.
Elaine?
Yeah, I heard you.
Please just give us
an hour you know they're
perfectly happy just
-being out and about.
-When I say now, I mean now!
Elaine, did you hear me?
Elaine!
[call ends]
You okay?
-Joe.
-Hiya, Val.
We came as soon as we heard.
Grace is fine, there's
no need for both of you
to interrupt your jobs.
I tried calling you,
I was worried.
As soon as she wakes up,
we'll be out of here.
I think she's probably
safer here.
-Exactly.
-That's what
we've been saying.
[phone buzzes]
I gotta go.
-Get a coffee?
-Sure, and Joe.
Is that your dad?
I'm Calum,
one of the long lost grandsons.
Ingrid.
I guess we'll be related
in some random way then.
I can get you a wetsuit
if you want a go.
I'll just watch for now, thanks.
Do you think Anna,
your mum, will get you
anything nice in Ennis?
We doubt it.
She's at a hospital.
Aunty Grace nearly drowned.
She's a bit weird.
-How's she weird?
-I don't know.
But Aunty Jenny says
she's off her meds.
You're not scared of her
or anything like that.
Yeah, I bet you and your brother
aren't scared of anyone.
[laughter]
You know, I wanted
to Skype and email but
your dad said best not to.
But you got my birthday
cards though, and presents?
Yeah, thank you.
We would have --
but like you said.
-So is he going to
marry gran then?
-I dunno.
Thanks.
Do you have a problem with that?
I so couldn't give a shit.
[laughter]
I suppose I know her
a lot more than you do.
She's cool though.
I'm good with her moving in.
Okay.
Isn't this the bit where
you nose into my business
and ask me what
happened to your Mam and why
are you here and, etc, etc?
-Like I said
-Oh, yeah, you don't
give a shit.
Nice. [laughs]
Can I ask you a question Jacob?
You know Anna wants to become
your mum officially.
She is my mum.
Yeah.
And she's done --
she's done a terrific job.
You and Calum are both
lucky to have her.
Jesus Anna, first Denis
now Grace, you must think
you're in a nightmare.
-You've no idea.
-[phone buzzing]
-Hello.
-Your aunt let
Elaine bring the
boys out for pizza
or something, but
they're gone hours now.
They've been gone how long?
I dunno, but she just hung
up on me when I called
Calm down, calm down,
I'm on my way.
If they're not home
by the time I get there,
I'll go out looking okay.
-Okay.
-Okay, bye.
I have to go,
Elaine has the boys.
Will you tell mam I got a taxi?
Don't be mad,
I'll drive you myself.
-Joe, tell Val what's happening.
-Yeah, sure.
Come on.
Grace! Grace!
Open the fuckin' door!
Get out,
fucking get the hell out!
Why would you do this?
Why are you doing this?
Grace, it's going to be okay.
Val, Cathy is going
to take Anna home.
10th of September 2012,
does that date mean
anything to you Joe?
No, should it?
Well, it's just --
it's a tattoo I found
on Grace, now you two were
together at the time,
you must -- you must
remember something?
I don't know what
that date means.
But you have an idea?
-I can't say.
-Can't or won't?
She told you something
after she attacked Cathy,
what did she tell you Joe?
Did she have a falling out
with her father in London?
Did she walk in on him
with another woman?
Look, if Grace wants to
tell you that's up to her
I can't say any more.
Cathy's taken Anna home.
[phone buzzing]
[phone buzzing]
Stop, stop, stop, stop.
-You all right, Jen?
-No, Frank, I'm not all right.
Why didn't you warn
me not to invest?
Would you have listened?
I did tell you to insist on
getting your deposit back.
I tried, all night at
that ridiculous shindig
before it all kicked off.
He lied to me.
He said my money would
make all the difference.
Every penny I'd saved.
I'd get it all back.
You're a doctor.
You'll make good money again.
[phone buzzes]
Jesus, Frank.
I'm in so much trouble.
You really never got a chance
to confront him at the party?
Or afterwards?
What's that supposed to mean?
No, I'm just thinking about the
angles they might investigate.
The guards I mean.
Am I in a place?
Did you put me away in a place?
No.
You're in a regular hospital.
We're gonna head home
when the time is right.
I want to go home now.
You need help.
-Help?
-Hmm.
Monitoring until you're back
on your pills again.
[speaks indistinctly]
You can't make me
stay in a hospital.
I hate hospitals.
It's okay, but you have
to agree to stay at home.
If you agree I'll bring
you home now.
Hmm.
Okay.
Bye.
Hi mum.
-[fire alarm]
-[man] Calum, open the door.
The way she looked
right into my eyes.
I know that look.
You're losing the run
of yourself now a bit.
She's shown precious
little interest in those
boys over the years.
So why were you so worried
when she took them today?
Because she's trouble.
She could have killed them
that time in the fire.
I think she only gave
them up out of guilt,
first she didn't send
the papers back and then it was
"I'll sign when you're home."
She's got that
little bit of power now,
so she's playing with us.
You gave her time with them.
Don't you see that?
I was sleeping,
you can blame your aunt.
She could lawyer up,
claim her rights,
I won't have a leg to stand on.
Calum and Jacob will always see
you as their mother, Anna.
But I'm not, I won't
be legally until she signs
that piece of paper.
They're her boys, Rory.
Don't you see?
We're running out of time.
Grace, Grace, come on,
before they change
their mind, let's go.
Grace Come on.
What's the matter?
I told Joe.
We said we'd never tell.
Who?
Me and Dad.
What?
I tried to block it out.
Dad said the choice
was mine to make.
A choice to do what, Grace?
[Denis]
I said I would take you
to Harrod's one day.
Thank you.
Afternoon tea, Your Ladyship.
Go easy on that clotted
cream though.
Or you won't be fitting
into that for the debs.
But you're wondering
how you're going to fit
into it in any case.
Aren't you love?
Dr. Vincent and I used
to play on the same team.
He made a discreet call to me.
Does Mam know?
And Joe?
I haven't told anyone.
That must have been really
hard on you, love,
keeping all
that worry to yourself.
I was hoping it would
just go away.
There's a clinic
around the corner.
I've made an appointment,
but I will cancel it right now,
if that's what you want.
I don't know.
I don't know what
It's only gonna
get harder, Grace.
Right now we're talking
about what, an acorn?
I love you, Grace.
And I will help however
I can with whatever
you decide,
because at the end of
the day this is your
choice, love.
It's completely yours.
Grace!
When I found out Cathy
was pregnant it all
came rushing back.
I had to see Dad,
I needed to tell him
my choice was no,
I was going to
say no until
Until what?
Until he said about you.
He said you put your
whole life on hold.
He was right.
You would have given it all
up to mind a baby I couldn't.
Your father had no right to make
decisions for you or for me.
Oh, Grace.
I'm here for you now, Grace.
I got you, Grace.
I've got you.
[Jacob]
That was kind of okay.
What was?
Going out with Elaine
today, all that.
Mairead said Dad nearly
called the cops.
Arsehole.
You know, I woke up when
Grace was shouting.
And you weren't here.
I checked everywhere.
I wasn't gonna say anything.
[Val]
What do you remember, Grace?
After Cathy's you went back
to speak to your father,
did you find him?
So we're not just
out for coffee?
Did you confront him?
I don't know, the whole
night comes in flashes.
Well just flash in
that direction, okay.
Come on, just think.
Oh, God, okay.
You were upset, you wanted to
speak to him about the abortion.
But you're not going
to say that, Grace,
you're going to say you
wanted to ask him about us
splitting up, have you got that?
Yeah?
Right, you were crying.
You were looking for him
around the house.
-I think so, yeah.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
But you never found him.
-You didn't.
-I didn't.
No, you never found him.
No, you stumbled out
of that house down the road
all the way to Uncle Frank's
because you wanted
to ask him if he knew about
your parent's break-up.
And then you just passed out.
Do you think I killed Dad?
I don't, and the guards
won't either when you tell
it like I just said.
Grace, they are going
to be talking to everybody
at the party.
It's just procedure, okay.
But they know you ended
up in hospital,
but you, you got cramp, okay?
You got pulled out by the tide,
have you got that too, Grace?
-Jesus, did I kill Dad?
-No, of course you didn't.
Of course you didn't.
But how do you know,
I don't know for certain.
That is not what you
say to anyone but me,
do you understand?
You looked for him,
but you never found him.
What if I did?
What if I did something
No, honey. Listen.
We're going to start again,
and we're going to get
our story straight.
You got that?
Trust me.
It's gonna be fine.
You've got this.
We're gonna get
through this, okay?
Thank you for coming.
I'm not gonna apologize
for taking boys out today.
And why should you?
We're two grown-up women,
we want what's best
for Calum and Jacob.
How can we help each
other to make that happen?
Are you so certain that you know
what's best for them, Anna?
Can you supervise her
second dose of the day?
It's gonna take a while
to get her on an even keel.
I hope you've done the right
thing bringing her home.
Who knows what's
the right thing?
Just watch her like a hawk.
-There's something I have to do.
-Where are you going?
Back as soon as I can.
[door closes]
[phone rings]
Hi.
[Carl]
Hey it's me,
so what, are you
back from hospital?
Yeah. Yeah, we're back home.
Jenny's keeping an eye on Grace.
Well, that sounds great,
because then you can just come
and join us for dinner.
Yeah, okay.
I'll see you soon, yeah.
Bye.
I was sick.
And I see that now.
After years in AA.
But at the time you don't see a
disease, all you see is the most
disgusting contemptible
creature in the universe.
So you have another drink.
It's the only way you can
face what you've become.
I'm sorry.
In my mind, I put
the boys in a box, safe,
where I couldn't harm them.
You know, I did everything
Rory said because
I could hardly breathe with
the guilt over the fire.
I thought I was ready
to sign those papers.
And then I saw them.
Calum and Jacob
I'm not a memory.
Not an old photo, but there,
right in front of my eyes
and every
Every drop of blood in my body
called out to them.
Please Elaine
No, I can't
I can't have people
telling me what to do
for the rest of my life.
Because when you've
been wrong for so long,
you kind of assume that
everyone else is right.
But I'm remembering now.
Rory wasn't always right either.
And if I sign that document,
he gets total control.
And if he chooses, I might
never get to see them again.
And I want to see them again.
-I mean, you get that?
-Of course I get that.
Look, does it help if I give you
my word that you can see them?
But you'll be in Singapore.
Don't do this.
You know, I need to speak to
Rory before I sign anything.
I need to hear
him give his word.
Like you did.
And also I want to
see him with them.
That's just stalling.
He's a good father,
you know that.
I saw him hit Calum hard.
Can't I just spend some
sober time with my sons?
Don't make me go legal.
They're my sons now, Elaine.
I don't say that to hurt you,
it's just the way
the boys see it.
If you go legal
you'll push them away.
The boys would find
out shit you'd never
want them to find out.
Yeah.
Well that works both ways,
Anna.
All Grace has to say is she
didn't find her father,
just stick to that line.
Take it easy, you'll choke.
I haven't eaten all bloody day.
Anyway, we need to wait for
her meds to kick in now.
What?
Why did she walk into the sea?
Ah, she went for a swim,
she got cramp.
Come on, Val,
you're talking to me now.
Please don't do this.
I'm not always going to say
what you want to hear.
-I'll double your pay.
-Really?
Yeah, you get one day
a month where you don't have
to say what I want to hear.
Oh.
Anyway, you were the one
said that I was fixating
on Grace, if you remember.
I do remember, but I didn't know
then that Denis more or less
forced an abortion on her.
Well, maybe he thought he
was doing the right thing.
I mean, she was very sick.
What did Denis give
you a choice?
A say in the matter?
No.
He didn't.
And I'll never forgive
him for that.
But you do see I need to
concentrate on Grace now.
Yeah I do, of course I do.
-I mean, I have to help her.
-Mm-hmm.
But are you really helping her,
if she's guilty?
Don't say that.
Val, if she's guilty,
she was traumatized.
She was off her medicine.
-She will get off lightly.
-No, you don't know that.
No, but I do know it's not
your decision to make.
Whether she was guilty
or innocent.
Okay, that's all I'm saying.
Take it or leave it.
I'll leave it.
Thanks, I'm gonna get back.
-Don't go like that.
-Like what?
Hurt or angry with me
for saying exactly what
you're thinking yourself.
What would you do if it
was your daughter?
Because I have a daughter
and I wasn't there
for the most traumatic
event in her life, okay,
so I'm here now, right?
And honestly, quite frankly,
I couldn't give a flying fuck
about the truth.
-Okay? Okay?
-Okay. Okay.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I'm really sorry you to had
to hear that, Ingrid.
-You two hardly ever fight.
-Yeah, well
You know what, it's gonna
happen from time to time
with me living here.
Okay?
And yes of course that is still
the plan, so don't worry.
-Okay?
-Yeah.
He's upset you know.
Just about the way things
came out at the party?
You know, about you and him.
-Has he said that?
-No, I can just tell.
When he came home that night
I tried to talk to him about it,
but he just went out
on a run instead.
Oh, that must have
been all hours, I mean,
we didn't get back till late.
Yeah, you must have conked out.
He was brooding in the kitchen.
You know how he is.
Hi, Paudie.
[Paudie speaks indistinctly]
They're here.
Honest to God, you think they'd
have something better to do?
I wouldn't mention
anything about the loan
to your father right now,
if comes up later,
you didn't even think.
That's all I need for now.
Thanks, Rory.
Grace, sorry for
keeping you waiting.
Same questions.
And I know that this must
seem very intrusive in
the face of the family's
-grief, but
-I understand, it's procedure.
Me and Dad had a great
relationship.
You were a bit upset at
the party were you?
Mam and Dad splitting up,
it was a shock.
Of course.
And you you ran out from
the house?
Is that the last time
you saw your Dad?
I came back to have
it out with him
To talk to him about it all.
And did you have it
out with him?
I couldn't find him.
I never found him.
Were you upset about that?
-What?
-About not being
able to find him.
I was upset he put
my cafe up for sale.
Did your father tell you that?
Well, how could he,
she never found him.
It was the estate
agent details I found.
So you got upset,
and then you ended up in the
hospital, is that right, Grace?
Do you go for a swim out
there every day?
Can we just -- can we
stop this please?
I mean, Grace really
should be in bed resting.
Okay.
We'll be in touch as soon
as we hear anything.
Are you done with
the family now?
We have a lot of people to talk
to, Val, not just the family.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I think your father said
you weren't supposed
to be down here, Calum.
He says lots of things.
But you don't always
do what he says.
A rebel heart like myself.
Ingrid likes you.
Ingrid, but that's 'cause
Ingrid's got great taste.
We could go over there for
a visit if you like?
Should we go?
Come on.
Hey.
You have to take them
at regular intervals.
How are you feeling?
It's not really sinking in.
How can it be that we'll
never see Dad again?
Like everything else
you can fix.
Or, hope you can fix.
But when someone dies,
all your chances are gone.
With me he wasn't
like with you and Anna,
I always felt left out a bit.
Like I had to prove myself
to him over and over.
Kind of funny in a way,
you've always been
driven like Dad.
Of the three of us,
you're the most like him.
[car door closes]
I'm really sorry I came on
strong about Grace.
It was stupid, it was tactless.
No, you were only saying
what was in my own head.
Maybe we're jumping to
conclusions.
How about you?
Ingrid says you're holding
back how upset you were,
with Denis naming
you like that in front
of everyone.
It was uncomfortable standing
there with all eyes on me,
but it's done now.
I'll live.
And we're together?
Yeah, we're together.
Val, come on.
Yeah.
So are we done with
the broody night runs now?
Ingrid told me.
Yeah, well, uh, I run,
a run takes the edge off.
-Really?
-Hmm.
Could you wake me up
if there's a next time?
'Cause I know a better way
to take the edge off.
Oh.
[knock on door]
Mr. Jensen, can you accompany
me to the station please?
I have a warrant here
to search your house.
Immediately, Mr. Jensen.
And if I see a sign
in the sky tonight
No one's gonna tell me
it's a trick of the light
May never come but
I'm willing to wait
What can I say?
I'm a man of the faith
And there's an ocean
in my body
And there's a river
in my soul
And I'm crying
And we carry the sun