The Midwich Cuckoos (2022) s01e02 Episode Script

-To new beginnings.
And to our family.
If and when.
-If and when.
-[Paul] Since 9:47 p.m.,
we've had a complete blackout.
Anyone trying to get in
falls instantly unconscious.
-Sir, London's sent someone.
-I have a daughter.
She's home on her own.
She has health issues.
-Mum, where are you?
♪
I need you.
[Birds chirping]
♪
-Canter on.
Nice.
Doing well.
Whoa. Hey.
[Neighing]
Keep the knees in.
Tell him you're there.
-I'm trying!
-You alright, Ellie?
[Neighing]
-Whoa!
Help!
-Ellie!
-[Gasps]
♪
[Women vocalizing eerily]
[Birds chirping, bell tolling]
-[Deborah] / love you.
-[Inhales sharply]
Yeah, it's me.
I'm on my way there now.
Arrange a meeting
for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
Let London know.
[Beep I]
-It was a freak event that
took the nation by surprise,
but as the weeks pass,
the small Buckinghamshire town
of Midwich
finds itself, at last
able to return
to some semblance of normality.
The huge power surge
♪
-[Deborah] / love you.
I love you.
[Siren wailing]
-Jodie.
[Car door closes]
-What are you doing here?
-It's a police matter.
-Is it about that Twix
I stole from Smiths?
It was 20 years ago,
and I've eaten it.
-Right.
It's not about the Twix.
-You better come in, then.
[Alarm chirps]
Look, how long
is this gonna take?
Because Steve's coming round
and I need to tidy up and cook.
-Steve?
-Yeah, we're giving it
another go.
Do you want tea?
-Why are you giving it
another go?
-None of your business.
You were a real bastard to me
after the funeral.
I was in grief, too.
Maybe you didn't notice.
-Something's happened,
to do with May the 6th.
-I'm done talking
about that night.
Fucking police interviews,
journalists everywhere.
I just want to live my life.
-Why are you back with Steve?
Any particular reason?
-What are you talking about?
-You know
what I'm talking about.
♪
-How the fuck do you know
about that?
-Jodie,
I need you to call Steve.
You need to cancel tonight,
and we need to talk
because this is not
what you think it is.
♪
-You ready yet?
-Coming!
Sorry, just had to send the edit
on Laura's novel.
Thanks for doing this.
-Are you kidding?
I wouldn't miss this [smooch]
for the world.
[Laughs]
[Laughter]
-Take a seat.
♪
-We have an appointment
at 2:00 p.m.,
about our pregnancy.
-Yes, of course.
Um, go through to D-Wing,
Ward 300.
Oh, ignore the signs
about rebuilding.
-Are you sure this is right?
-It's what she said.
Come on, we're late.
-[Exhales forcefully]
-You okay?
Mr. Clyde, listen
to your girlfriend.
This is not the same
as it was in London.
I can feel life growing
inside me.
[Siren wailing in distance]
-Yeah.
-Oh, name, please.
-Zoe Moran.
We have an appointment
with Obstetrics at 2:00 p.m.
-And this is your partner?
-Yeah, yeah.
We are in the right place,
aren't we?
-Oh, yes, just go on through.
[Beeping]
[Buzzer sounds]
[Indistinct conversations,
door slams, locks]
-What is this?
[Suspenseful music plays]
-[Man] Please come in, take a seat.
♪
[Door squeaks]
[Door closes]
Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Dr. Colin McAfferty,
and I am a senior advisor
to the government's
Medical Response Council.
The reason
that you're here today
is that DCI Haynes and I
need to talk to you
about what happened on the night
of Friday, May the 6th.
We asked you here today
along with a partner
and someone that you trust
because, as you will recall,
our medical teams
took extensive tests
from every victim
of the Midwich blackout.
Our intention was to check
that there were
no ongoing health concerns
and I'm happy to say
that there weren't.
But, what the tests did show
is that something occurred
that night.
It appears
that every woman
of childbearing age
who was in the zone
it seems that you've
all fallen pregnant.
[People murmuring]
-[Exhales sharply]
[Voices muffled]
♪
-We see no sign, as yet,
that your fetus
is anything other than normal,
but how this happened, we --
we do not yet know.
-What do you mean,
you don't know?
-So you're saying it's --
What are you saying?
-If I could just finish.
-Hold on a second.
Um, are you implying
we're all pregnant
for the same reason?
-Um, we can't say anything
with any medical certainty
at this time.
We will be conducting
-What do you mean?
-more tests
after the meeting.
-But you are saying something.
You're making assumptions
about my body.
-Is this -- Is this a joke?
-It's not a joke.
-Do you want me to go in?
-No.
-Every woman here is at the
-The local touch is better.
-exact same stage
of pregnancy.
-This was always going to be
the tricky bit.
-We are, therefore, drawn
to date conception
to the night of the blackout.
-There must be some mistake.
-There's no mistake.
-Excuse me.
This is nothing to do with us.
-Please sit down.
-You can't tell us what to do.
-I'm afraid I can.
♪
-[Scoffing]
-I Know that this is a shock,
but it is vitally important
that what has happened to you
does not
go outside of this room.
For this reason,
we brought you here together
and, before anything
else happens,
everyone here must sign
the Official Secrets Acct.
[People murmuring]
-Oh, what?!
-What is he talking about?
-The blackout event
has been classified
a national red level threat.
[Distant, hollow]
A red level threat means
that we're dealing with
an unexplained phenomenon
that could be the result
of a hostile attack
from a foreign
or a domestic agent.
-Do you mean terrorism?
-I'm pregnant.
How can that be a hostile act?
-Yeah.
-Some external force,
as yet unidentified,
caused a major power cut
that night
and may have also caused you
all to conceive.
-What about the power surge?
There was a lightning strike.
-You lied to us.
-Let's just stay calm.
-Was there a lightning
strike or not?
-Well, was there?
-Sam, we're leaving.
-Please. Please sit down.
-You -- I went to my GP,
and he told me
my baby was normal.
-Is that a camera?
I asked you a question.
Is that a camera?
-Yeah.
[People murmuring]
-Who's watching us?
-Answer the question.
-The police have been assigned
temporary extrajudicial powers
by the Home Secretary.
-They're filming us.
-Can they do that?
-No, they fucking can't.
-Calm down, Curtis.
-Oi, look,
don't tell me what to do!
-Can you let us
out that door now, please?
-I can't do that.
-[Snaps fingers] With me.
-What you talking about?
-I'm calling a lawyer.
My phone's not working.
-Nor mine.
-Have you blocked our phones?
-What is going on?
-They've blocked our phones.
-They've what?
-Check -- check your phone.
There's no signal.
-You can't do that.
-Get your things. We're going.
-Sam, we're going, too.
-I'm sorry, but nobody leaves
until this is done.
[Door opens, gun cocks]
-Where did they come from?
-Sit down.
-Jesus Christ, what is this?
Just let us out of here.
-Curtis, sit down.
Could you ask the soldiers
to get away from the door?
I have a feeling
they're not very helpful.
-I don't even know
who the hell you are.
-I'm Susannah Zellaby.
I know Rachel.
-[Rachel] It's true.
Sit down.
-I'm a family therapist here
in the town.
I'm also the mother
of Cassie, here,
who was in the zone that night.
Five days ago, Cassie found out
that she was pregnant.
She swore to me she had no idea
how it had happened.
And I didn't believe her.
Since then, a few women
have come to me
with similar concerns
and it was then
I started to wonder
if something
strange had happened.
-I'll tell you what's happened.
My partner and I made love
that night in my new home,
and, as a result,
we have a baby coming.
And this is nothing
to do with it.
-Zoe, yes?
-Yeah.
-Zoe, I would dearly love that
to be the case.
But if every woman
in this room is pregnant,
regardless of their
sexual orientation,
her sexual experience,
then that --
-That's not my problem.
Sam, let's go.
-I think most of you know me.
I'm hard to miss.
But for those that don't,
I-I'm Mary-Ann.
I work at Case & Wilson estate
agents on the High Street.
I asked my friend Sarah
to come with me today
because I was scared
to come on my own.
I'm pregnant.
And I haven't had sex
with a man for years.
-That can't be true.
-Trust me.
-What about artificial --
-No.
-I don't believe you.
-That's not helpful.
-It's alright, Sarah.
You know, it may not make sense,
Zoe, but it is the truth.
-Yeah, well, maybe you got drunk
and you forgot.
-Given the sexual desert
of my last couple of years,
Curtis, I think that is
something I would remember.
-What about you, Sarah?
Are you pregnant?
-I was out of town that night
with Charlotte.
Otherwise I think I might be.
-The, uh, same is true for me.
-They're here.
-Bring them in.
-Bring them in please.
-There are some younger women
coming up with their parents.
They were also in the zone
that night,
some of them at
a house party on Lichfield Road.
They're in the same situation
but given that they were
under 18 when it happened,
we thought it important to speak
to them individually first.
♪
Come on in, it's okay.
Everyone knows what's going on.
Please.
I really need them to sign this.
♪
-Listen, everyone.
DCI Haynes wants us to sign
this piece of paper
for our security
and our protection.
You don't have to do this.
No one here can make you
sign anything against your will.
You are free to leave
and go home.
But one thing we must
all accept
May 6th happened.
♪
And whether we like it or not,
we are all in this together now.
So I will be signing
if you wish to join me.
♪
Just sign here please.
♪
Just sign there, please
♪
[Indistinct conversations]
-Nora, isn't it?
-Yeah.
-Mary-Ann.
Bet that was one party
you wish you hadn't gone to.
-[Zoe] What is this for'?
-[Nurse] It's an NIP T.
We're looking to isolate
the fetal DNA from your own.
-Why?
-At just over seven weeks,
the mother's blood
contains small levels
of the baby's DNA,
which is excreted
through the placenta.
-But why are you doing this?
-We do it for a variety
of reasons.
But one thing we do want to do
is test for paternal DNA.
-Paternal DNA?
-We're looking to isolate
the fetal DNA from your own.
-It's an NIP T.
-We're looking to isolate
the fetal DNA from your own.
[Heart beating,
monitors beeping I
-Dr. Zellaby?
-Sorry, it's a bad habit.
I had given up, but, uh
-Free country,
last time I looked.
-Well, that's a matter
of opinion.
-Have you got a moment?
-Yeah.
I wanted to say
I'm so sorry for your loss.
If there's anything I can do
-Just, just through here.
-Thanks.
-[Machinery clunks]
-Right.
-Dr. Zellaby.
Bernard Westcott.
Home Office.
How do you do?
-How do you do?
-Shall we use my office?
♪
We're still locating
all of the women affected.
We expect mostly terminations,
but we are anticipating
a small percentage
may choose to keep the child.
Those women may need
psychological support.
-Well, I hope
you're not asking me
to report back
on personal consultations.
That would be unethical.
-We just want you to help
the mothers on their journey.
Like you did today.
-And we're willing to pay you
to do so.
-One of those mothers
is my daughter.
-Surely that's a positive.
Well, you'll have an insight
none of us could possibly share.
-Let me be frank, Dr. Zellaby.
An entirely unexplained
phenomenon has occurred.
We have a responsibility
to protect
not just the women concerned
but all of us.
We should use every tool
at our disposal.
Wouldn't you agree?
-Susannah?
Before you go
there is one thing that came up
on your background checks.
May 1999.
Your daughter Cassie.
-What about it?
-I just wanted to ask you
a few questions
about that time,
if that's all right?
♪
[Laughter]
[Door closes]
-Maybe this was a bad idea.
-No. I need to face it.
-Come on.
Let me show you the room.
-Paul.
You should know
I'm gonna keep the baby.
I think I have to.
Can you understand that?
-Well, it's your choice.
-I Know it's my choice.
I'm asking if you understand.
Are you okay?
-Honestly, I don't know how
to answer that question.
♪
-[Sighs]
[Crying]
♪
[Birds chirping]
-[Sighs]
[Knock on door]
-Brought you a tea.
How you feeling?
-Is this my free session?
Paid for by the government.
-No, I'm just asking you
how you are.
It's disturbing.
But it's okay to say so.
-Actually, it all
kind of makes sense.
I mean
I Knew that night
had to be for something.
The way that I felt,
right after,
I couldn't put it into words.
But now I
It -- it felt like
I was visited.
-Have you read the pamphlet?
-Yeah, I've read it.
-Cassie, this --
this isn't
an ordinary situation.
And you have to ask yourself
if you're ready for this.
I'm here, of course, always,
but is that what you want?
To be reliant on me?
-Just Say it.
You want me to get rid of it.
You don't think that I can cope.
-No, that's not what I said.
-No, but that's what you meant,
though, isn't it?
You don't think that
I'm mother material.
-Cassie, don't.
-I get one thing.
One thing of my own.
♪
-I understand.
And you'll send a letter?
[Keys jingle]
[Door closes]
Thank you.
-Who was that?
-The hospital.
They've got the test results.
-And?
-The baby has my DNA
but not yours.
Apparently there's no evidence
of paternal DNA of any kind.
The woman said as you're not
the father,
you don't have
the same legal rights,
so we have to sign something
to ascribe those rights to you,
if you want to.
This is bullshit.
I'm with you.
-It's okay.
-I'm getting rid of it.
Where's that letter?
-No.
-It's not what we wanted.
We wanted our child.
-Zoe, listen to me.
That doctor gave us a less
than 1% chance.
-That's why we came here.
Change of environment.
-Yeah. And it worked.
It worked!
-Not -- not how I wanted!
-But it might be
the best chance we get.
So please don't get rid of it.
Please.
♪
-For me, it's a matter
of my religion.
I'm as disturbed by this
as anyone,
but I won't interrupt
God's work.
I don't expect everyone
to agree.
But for me,
it's an article of faith.
[Door closes]
♪
-No, Sam is being amazing.
He's feeding me huge suppers.
The baby's good.
Scan was normal.
No need for amnio
or anything like that.
Yes, I am sleeping fine.
It's all fine.
-I can't explain it. It's like
this weird fucking miracle.
Hello, sweetheart.
-Go on, Charlotte.
Oh, my God.
You're the Virgin Mary.
-Definitely not a virgin.
[Cellphone beeping]
♪
-Who's messaging you?
-Uh, it's just someone
from the council.
-Can we play?
-Sure.
[Beep]
[Indistinct conversations]
-Excuse me.
Can I help?
-No, I know where I'm going,
thanks.
[Monitors beeping]
-Miss Stone?
We got your call.
Is anyone with you?
-No.
-Anyone coming to pick you up?
-Um, listen, I've, uh,
done this before.
So let's just get it done.
-Of course.
If you sit down and wait
for your name to be called
-Are you not with anyone?
-My mum can't cope.
It's too weird for her.
-It's too weird for all of us.
[Laughs]
-Hmm.
My mate Sadie tried posting
about the whole thing
on Facebook.
It got taken down.
The police came round.
-Yeah.
We're being watched
all the time.
-I don't want anything
to do with it.
-If you'd like to take a seat
through here
-Okay.
-and then wait for your name
to be called.
-Thank you.
Hi.
-Hi.
-I didn't know anyone else
would be here.
-Well, I guess it's more efficient.
-Cassandra Stone?
♪
So, Cassie
you've thought about keeping
the baby but decided against,
is that correct?
-Yeah. [Clears throat]
-And you've made that
decision yourself?
-Yeah.
-Okay, so you'll be taking
two pills.
The first will block
the main pregnancy hormone
and the second will induce
the breakdown of the pregnancy.
Due to the unusual nature
of the pregnancy,
we'll administer the pills here
and monitor you
during the process.
[Speaking indistinctly]
If you just sign
the consent form
and we'll get everything ready.
-[Nurse] You've thought about
having the baby
and have decided against,
is that correct?
-[Rachel] Yes, that's right.
-[Nurse] Have you made that
decision yourself?
-[Rachel] Yes.
In consultation with my husband.
-Now just wait through here,
Mrs. Saunders.
Sign this consent form
and I'll get everything ready.
-Thanks.
-Sign this consent form,
and we'll get everything ready.
-Right. Thank you.
♪
[Electricity buzzing]
♪
♪
-Okay, Miss Stone.
-It's happened again.
[Wind blowing, wheat rustling,
birds chirping]
♪
♪
♪
[Bird squawking]
-As you can see,
with Kilmorey Avenue,
you get more gardens,
a little less living space.
But it's all a matter of taste,
I personally think
it's a peach.
Come anytime.
Even in winter, it's always
a trip worth making.
-Your brother is going
to love you so much.
-No. Don't be silly.
[Speaks indistinctly]
Still got another
two months to go,
although you wouldn't
think it to look at me.
-Ma'am.
♪
[Keyboard keys clacking]
-[Announcer] Platform 1
for the 09:56 service
to London Marylebone,
calling at Great Missenden,
Amersham
[Train brakes squeak]
for the 09:56 service
to London Marylebone
♪
♪
[Beeping]
[Doors close]
♪
-[Breathing heavily]
Sorry about this.
-No, not, not at all.
I'm -- I'm glad you called.
Cassie's got a friend here,
but they're upstairs,
so we can talk in my study.
Would you like a cup of tea?
♪
-[Sighs]
There it is again.
-God.
What are you gonna call her?
-I was thinking about Eve.
First woman.
What?
-It's too mystical for me.
♪
-Hey, stranger.
-Hey! How are you?
-Haven't seen you around.
-Uh, well, I went to Croydon
for a bit,
but it just didn't feel right,
you know?
-So where are you staying?
-I'm just with Paul for now.
-Okay.
-Mm. It's only temporary.
I'm gonna look
for my own place soon.
-Well, you know where to come.
I've got a lovely 2-bed
in Drakesford Avenue.
600 a month.
-Oh.
Yeah, that sounds great.
-How can we be so bloody heavy?
We've still got six weeks to go.
-It shouldn't be this big.
Mum says it's weird.
-Well, your Mum thinks
everything's weird.
-That is so true.
[Laughs]
-Oh
-Laters, babe.
-Come tomorrow.
[Birds chirping]
[Indistinct conversation]
-I was at the station.
And I just couldn't
get on the train.
-Well, a-a pregnant body
can behave like that.
The chemical changes
are extreme.
-No.
This was different.
It controlled my body,
Susannah.
♪
-It?
-Yes.
It doesn't want me
to go to work.
It just wants me to be here.
It's like it has
a will of its own.
♪
-Having chicken?
-Yeah, it's an old
family classic.
I can't find any
of the spices, though,
so I'm having to improvise.
Oh!
-You okay?
-Uh Yeah.
-Okay. Stay calm.
-Have you got that number?
-Yeah, it's in my phone.
-Oh, it's so early, though.
-They said it might come early,
remember?
Let's just tell them
you're on your way in,
and then we'll call Paul
and he can come and pick you up.
We'll call outside.
Walk with me.
-Okay.
-Oh!
-No way.
-Okay.
-Okay.
♪
-Okay?
-Yeah.
-Mum.
-Yeah. I've just seen --
-Seen what?
-It's the Midwich chat group.
A couple of the mothers have --
[Electricity buzzing]
-[Groaning]
Ah. [Groans]
[Grunts]
Oh!
[Women screaming]
♪
♪
♪
[All screaming]
♪
-Uhhhhhhhhh!
-Aaaaahhhh!
[Women screaming]
♪
[Babies crying]
[Women panting]
♪
♪
[Babies cooing]
[Monitors beeping]
[Electricity buzzing,
rattling]
♪
In April ♪
I open my bill ♪
In May ♪
I sing night and day ♪
In June ♪
I change my tune ♪
In July ♪
Far, far I fly ♪
In August ♪
Away ♪
Away ♪
Away ♪