Douglas Is Cancelled (2024) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
So how did you two first meet,
was it on the show?
Er, yes, well pretty much.
I mean, just before,
I guess. Er
Yeah. Just before.
Well, probably,
just before, yeah.
Yeah, I think
I probably auditioned her.
- No. He did not audition me.
- Er, probably
- He did not. Okay.
- Probably did a bit.
Let's stop that right there.-
- Did he give you any advice?
- Oh, he's never stopped.
He's at that age,
though, isn't he,
you know, he just
goes on and on.
I think he keeps going
when I'm not in the room.
Yeah, just an old granddad,
really, droning on.
Yeah. It's it's true.
What was the first piece
of advice he gave you then?
Erm, he told me it was worth it.
Erm, this job. He told me,
whatever you have
to wade through,
this job is, erm, is
Is worth it.
Did I say that?
I don't remember saying that.
- Well, you said it.
- "Wade"?
- Did I say "Wade"?
- Yep. You said "Wade".
Was he right?
Was it worth the wade?
With respect, Minister,
with all respect,
this is a bit more
than industrial action.
That's exactly what it is.
Well, I'd say
there's a real feeling
of moral fervour, wouldn't you?
I wouldn't
say "fervour"
So you would say "moral"?
Sure as a member
of the front bench
Oh, Madeline,
why are you watching this for?
There's cartoons on.
Some might say,
that your department is showing
signs of weakness,
would you agree?
Well, I think
you're being unreasonable.
I don't think
I'm being unreasonable,
I'm just reflecting
public opinion
and trying to get
your reaction to it.
No, no, no,
this is biased reporting.
This is typical,
I regret to say typical
of the current trends
in broadcasting
- Hi.
-Hello there.
Been waiting long?
Yeah, well, er, no.
I mean kind of long.
- What's the name?
- Madeline.
Madeline.
- Lovely name.
- Thanks.
- People call you Maddie?
- No.
Good, because Madeline is great.
Erm, Mr Bellowes,
I was wondering,
I'm hoping to work in the media,
- in the, er, the news media
- Mmm.
and I was wondering
if you had any advice or any
Er, work hard
and be incredibly lucky.
That's all I've got.
Okay. Thank you.
Give it a go, though.
Okay.
So who are you?
- Victoria.
- Victoria.
Lovely name.
Can we go back a paragraph?
Yeah
Can you check
Can you
change that to
Makeup
Timing Timing
Sorry, Madeline.
I'll just go see
where Toby's got to.
Right, thank you.
Okay. All right, all right.
- Yeah.
- Okay, I must probably
You got the figures?
Hi.
Hi.
Are you a visitor, then?
Are you watching
how the magic happens?
Well, kind of.
- Ah, it's amazing, isn't it?
- Yeah.
God, I remember
my first time
in the studio. Phew.
I might be coming to work here.
Oh! Cool! Nice.
Oh, well, stick close to me.
I'll keep you right on
who gets their tea first.
More on the presenting side.
- Presenting?
- Yeah.
Oh, that's great.
It's about time
we had more
People.
Presenting people.
- What do you do?
- Er, comedy.
- I'm on the comedy team.
- For what?
Er, this show. This one.
I feed in comedy material.
Me and the team.
Is it funny, this show?
Er, yes.
Ah, never thought
of it as funny.
Yeah, nobody does, actually,
but they're They're wrong.
So I might end up
writing jokes for you then.
I suppose so.
- Oh, that would be great.
- Mmm.
Me and the team
are a right bunch of feminists.
We're all quite
militant feminists, actually.
So, watch out.
- Any women on your team?
- No.
No, none.
Which is a pity,
we'd love a few.
Oh, we're hungry
for more women.
Ah, in a way, though,
comedy writers are sort of
like women, aren't they?
- Are they?
- Yeah.
Comedy writers
are the women
of the TV industry.
Aren't women the women
of the TV industry?
- Yeah, but you know
what I mean.
- No.
Well, we're treated
the same way by society.
How are we treated?
Well, it's like
we're kept in boxes
and only taken out
when everybody wants a laugh.
You think women
are kept in boxes?
Oh, God
No, God, no, not me.
No, no, no. No boxes.
My women roam free.
- Morgan, go away!
- Yeah, cool.
Toby sends his apologies.
He's got caught up.
- Can you come in again tomorrow?
- Sure. Yeah.
- Here?
- No, no, not here.
He'll be at the awards thing
tomorrow night
on the South Bank.
He'll meet you
around 6:00.
You know the Plaza?
Oh, that was quick.
I only went to the bathroom.
Sorry, yeah,
you were just faster
than I was expecting.
Okay. That's weird.
No, I just meant, you know,
faster than most
Most what?
Anyway, where were we?
Well, I think you were
basically just saying,
I'm unusually fast
at weeing for a woman.
It wasn't intended critically.
I'm more concerned
it was intended as a compliment.
Well, it absolutely was.
Is it part of the interview?
- What?
- Flow speed.
It's not an interview.
It's an informal chat.
Well, It was an informal wee.
- Where's Julie?
- Julie?
You said Julie was staying.
- Oh, yeah, she'll be back
in a minute.
- Okay.
Nice room this. Bloody huge.
Yeah, I often stay here
during the week.
- I mean, the size of that loo.
- Thank you.
- Corner bath.
- I know.
- I love hotels.
Do you love hotels?
-Eh, they're okay.
Everything's sorted for you,
convenient. It's tidy.
- Impersonal.
- Yeah.
Now, as far as this
silly old job is concerned,
frankly, you're verging
on overqualified.
Thin, good hair, fast wees.
Madeline Crow, let me tell you,
there's a great deal more
to you than that.
Right. Good-oh.
Trust me.
Okay. You know
when you're talking to someone
and they're being
a bit self-deprecating,
but it would be
insanely patronising
to start reassuring them
because, really,
they're just being funny,
and not actually insecure?
- Oh, yeah.
- That.
Yeah.
- Well.
-I'm so I'm sorry.
I'm being spiky.
I just say things,
they just come out,
I can't help it. Fuck.
No, I completely understand.
Speak first, think later.
That's me.
- Hey, there's nothing
wrong with that.
- Well
But I hope you realise
I wasn't being sexist.
Oh, don't worry about it,
it all balances out.
You guys may have
a speed advantage
on number ones,
but we are killing you
on number twos.
Well, there you go.
This is my point.
What point?
Toilet humour.
It's not a problem.
Why not? Good for you.
- Thank you.
- Do you know, it's funny.
When I got started
Er, no I'm okay.
The old guys,
they always used to say to me,
women in the workplace
made them tense.
- Well, that's
- Ridiculous.
Sociopathic.
Exactly. You know
what I'd say to them?
I like being tense.
- Okay.
- So
- We talked about university.
- Yeah.
Impressive.
- Thank you.
- Good work.
Thanks. I mean,
it was 10 years ago, but
- Any politics?
- I'm sorry.
At uni, any political activity?
I mean, it doesn't matter,
but the press think
we're all a bunch of Trots
so please let us know
if there's anything to dig up.
- Well, I'm not a Trot.
- Good then.
- Also not a member
of the Conservative Party.
- Well, no.
I've considered it many times.
Oh, I suppose
I shouldn't now, yeah?
- The Conservative Party?
- Yeah.
Okay. Good, good, good.
Those are the blue ones.
Yes. Sorry. No, I-
I just assumed, you know,
your father was a Labour MP.
Yeah, but following
a freak accident,
I found myself developing
opinions of my own.
Oh, I don't think
that was an accident.
No, I don't think it was either.
Do you get on with your dad?
I mean, despite the politics,
does it cause any friction?
Of course
I get on with him.
He's my dad.
- I love him.
- That's good, isn't it?
Mmm-hmm. Kindest,
most passionate man
in the world.
I mean, he's against
practically everything.
Always looking
for new minorities to support.
I don't think he'll be happy
until the whole world's
a minority.
Well, you'll balance out
all the social justice warriors,
I suppose.
I'm sorry. Sorry, I'm babbling.
It's it's the nerves.
I'm sorry.
No, I I completely
understand, Madeline,
really I do.
Getting where you've got,
a woman your age,
it's remarkable.
- No, it's not.
- Oh, it is.
There are plenty of women my age
doing lots of things.
- Breaking through.
- Well, just doing things.
Exactly. Good for them.
Good for all of you.
Thanks. I'll pass that along
at our next general meeting.
But you're gonna need
support out there.
You're gonna need friends.
So please understand,
I'm your ally.
I wasn't aware I needed one.
Don't look so frightened.
I'm not.
Would it surprise you to know
that I consider myself
a feminist?
Yes.
But good.
No, that That's good.
Well done.
- Excuse me a moment.
- Sure, yeah.
No problem.
Hurry up.
You're not even changed?
We don't sit down for ages.
- We're all in the bar.
- Yeah. I'll be down in a bit.
No, Come now.
Sheila's cross with me.
- She'll pretend
to be nice if you're there.
- What have you done?
- Nothing.
- Douglas?
She said I wasn't listening.
- To what?
- I don't know.
- Oh, hi!
- Hi.
Yeah, as you can see,
I'm in the middle
of something
- Madeline Crow, yeah?
- Yes. Hello.
- Douglas Bellowes.
- Well, yeah.
I know who you are.
Ob Obviously.
You did that thing, didn't you?
The thing we watched.
That was great.
- You were great.
- Yeah, she was.
- Thank you.
- No, you were really.
Coming from you,
that means a lot.
- Do you
- No, I'm good, thanks.
Very wise.
I, erm
This might seem stupid,
but you signed my book once.
- Well, er, your book.
- Oh, great.
Yeah. Fangirl, right?-
You should try finding
an unsigned copy,
they're much rarer.
You can sell them on eBay.-
You, er, you gave me advice.
- Oh, was it any use?
- No, not really.
Ugh, work hard and be lucky?
I figured it was
a standard response.
You're
gonna be needing
one of those soon.
I hear talks are going on.
Is that right?
Plans are in progress.
Yes, we're making them
right now.
Good. I'm very pleased
to hear it.
Yeah, it still
has to go to Geoff and Grace,
- so
- Exciting.
Yeah,
and we really need
to be getting on with it so
- We should meet up.
- Yeah.
- We should do that.
We should have a chat.
-Anytime.
- Douglas,
I don't mean to rush you
- You're not rushing me.
We do have
a lot to get through,
and I'm sure
- Sheila's getting impatient.
- Sheila's fine.
Shit.
Come in.
Er, Mum wants to know
where you are.
Well, did she send you
specifically here
to ask where I am
because I'm sensing
a logical problem with that?
You're supposed
to be in the bar.
Well,
I'll come to the bar then.
- Sorry, Madeline. Gotta go.
- No worries.
I hope it all,
you know, works out.
Yeah, me, too. Thanks.
Oh, and my mum is
Er, yeah,
I'm her biggest fan, too.
Okay.
Just tell her
I think her daughter's
a little bit ageist.
- Come on then.
- Why do I have
to come to this thing?
Because I'm winning an award.
Well, why should you
be winning an award?
Another old white man.
Well, it's
a lifetime achievement award,
and since it's my lifetime,
I'm the only one they can
feasibly give it to.
Well, that doesn't seem fair.
It will if you think about it
a tiny bit.
Great to meet you, Madeline.
- And you.
- Good luck!
- And if there's
anything I can do
- Well, any advice you've got
Oh, I don't think
you need any advice from me.
I do.
- I like her.
- Your wife is waiting for you.
See you down there.
Ugh.
Douglas! Douglas,
Douglas, Douglas!
Why did I say that about my mum?
Oh, don't worry,
he's used to that.
He carries a unique
erotic charge for the elderly.
He announces deaths.
My mum is 52,
and she doesn't give
a damn about him. It's me.
You?
Well, it's the face, isn't it?
I practically grew up
with that face.
Well, if you're
gonna be his co-presenter,
I should get that under control.
What, his face?
- Your
- What?
- Chemistry.
- Chemistry? What chemistry?
For want of a better word.
Oh, no. No,
I don't mean that. Jesus.
Well,
I'm relieved to hear it.-
But he's him, you know,
on top of his game.
National treasure,
all that crappy crap.
Yeah, well, he's known,
yeah, certainly.
But he's not
swipe-right material.
Well, no, of course not.
Of course he isn't.
More like a mentor or something.
Oh, I don't think
he should be your mentor.
Well, not actually my mentor,
not looking for a mentor.
Yeah, you should look elsewhere.
I said I'm not looking for a
Why?
- Trust me.
- No. Tell me.
What, you mean
you don't trust me?
- Do you trust me?
- Well, of course I do.
Good. Tell me then.
Look, between you and me,
Douglas isn't like us.
- Us?
- Exactly.
Meaning
Well, you and I
have an understanding, yeah?
- Okay.
-We're like-minds.
We're in step.
We have a connection.
We met three weeks ago.
I know it's amazing, isn't it?
- What's amazing?
- Now, Douglas, I
I love Douglas, but, er
Do you want a drink by the way?
- No.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
- Mind if I do?
- What, is the meeting over?
- No, I just thought
a drink might be nice.
Go ahead.
All your mates
are waiting at the bar.
We can pick this up tomorrow.
I'd rather have a drink here.
- Okay.
- With you.
- And Julie?
- Oh, no, She's gone home.
Sure I can't tempt you?
Yeah.
Too early for you, is it?
Oh, God, you're not
a non-drinker, are you?
Not at all.
I just don't want one.
I can see you've determined
to keep me in line.
Well, you're gonna
have to try a lot harder.
Hmm, I'm not trying at all.
- Exactly.
- So
- To be honest,
I've already had a couple.
- Yes.
Where were we?
Oh, yeah, Douglas.
Douglas. Douglas.
What shall we do about Douglas?
Well, you could
tell me about him.
It's possible
we'll be presenting together,
so if there's something
I should know,
I'd like to know it now.
Right. Shall we sit?
- I'm fine.
-No, sit, sit, sit.
Make yourself comfortable.
- I've been sitting all day.
- I know what you mean.
So, Douglas then.
What about him?
Well, you just saw him
in action, didn't you?
He seemed nice.
Yeah, nice.
That's it,
you put your finger on it.
My finger on what?
You're very quick.
Yeah, "nice".
He's always had difficulty
restraining his, er
What shall we call it?
No idea.
- Enthusiasm.
- For what?
Well, in this case, you.
- I don't follow.
- He's a married man.
He wasn't hitting on me.
Well, no, I wouldn't say
hitting on you
Does he cheat on his wife?
Is that what you're saying?
Sheila? No, never.
I never said that.
So he's a happily married man
who occasionally notices
that other women
are also attractive.
Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
Why? I'm not.
Don't you notice
other women are attractive?
I'm not married.
- Okay.
- Not anymore.
Back on the shelf,
as they say.
Available.
- Sorry to hear that.
- Swipe right.
So, back to Douglas, then.
Yeah. Yeah.
Douglas, Come on, sit.
Take the weight off.
- I'm fine.
- No, sit.
You're making me uncomfortable
standing over there.
Park your little bottom.
- I'm really fine.
- Come on, we're just chatting.
Look, either sit down
or let me get you a drink.
One or the other.
Have mercy on an old man.
- I'll get you a drink.
- I don't want a drink.
- Oh, just one. Come on.
- Really, I'm fine.
But we're
very nearly celebrating.
Come on, let's
nearly celebrate together.
- Congratulations.
- Oh, thanks very much.
- Well done.
- Cheers. Have a good evening.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Have you seen Claudia?
- Well, she was here
a second ago.
We need to keep an eye on her.
Or she'll be out
stopping oil
by stoning pensioners.
Madeline Crow, what do
you not know about her?
Er, young, smart, Scottish,
on the way up,
God's gift to the photo desk.
But we don't have anything
substantial on her.
Nothing topless.
I just met her.
Seems very nice.
- What, is she here?
- Yeah, in Toby's room.
He's interviewing her,
for the presenting job.
He's interviewing her
in his room?
Yeah, he does that.
- He always does that.
- Okay.
Oh, it's nothing.
You know, he uses
that room like an office.
It's his thing.
Okay, fine.
- Go and talk to your agent.
- Why?
Because if you don't,
somebody else might,
and it's not fair on them.
- Michael, can I borrow you
for a second?
- Ah, Sheila
- Well done.
- Thank you so much.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks very much.
- Ah, Douglas!
The man of the moment.
-Thank you.
We have to move quickly,
exploit this
lifetime achievement award.
- Don't you think?
- Do we?
Well, lifetime achievement,
- the window is closing.
- Oh.
On the plus side,
there are relatively
few lifetime achievers
still around to compete with
and most of them
are verging on incapacity.
Bently
You don't ever hear
anything about Toby, do you?
- Toby?
- My producer, Toby.
- Oh, your boss.
- My producer.
Do you ever hear
anything about him?
Any stupid gossip?
Well, Toby. Well, well.
Well what?
Toby, Toby, Toby.
Yes, Toby.
Toby is as Toby does.
Are you just pretending
to know things now?
One has one's ear
to the ground.
One's nose to the
Bush telegraph. Is that right?
Nose to the bush.
Nosing the bush.
Sounds a little
impertinent, doesn't it?
Have you actually
heard anything?
Well, there's a general view
- that Toby has
certain attitudes.
- What attitudes?
General ones.
To what?
Things.
Have you heard anything
about Toby and, well, women?
You mean he's not gay?
Well, he's just left his wife
after 25 years.
Well, that's
the first sign, of course.
- Does he have dogs?
- No, he doesn't have dogs.
He's not gay
and he's just interviewing her.
He's probably
boring her half to death.
Excuse me?
Sorry, nothing.
Just a different conversation.
So
Do you have lots of jokes
about me in your speech?
I'm bracing myself.
Well, not that many.
Would you like some?
Oh, dear,
what have I let myself in for,
dreading it already.
Shall I just
put it in front of you
in case you change your mind?
I don't think I will.
There. It's optional.
- Anyway, Douglas?
- Yes, Douglas.
He seemed nice.
I like him. I admire him.
Now, Madeline, you admire
what you see on the screen
and a lot of work
goes into that.
You don't want to know
how the sausage is made.
No, I very specifically do.
- Well, you really don't.
- Yes, I do.
All right, all right.
I can see who's gonna be
the real boss around here.
Tell me about the sausage.
Yeah, coming to that.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Oh, take a sip.
Honestly,
I don't want to drink.
A tiny sip, you've cheersed.
It's the law.
I'm okay. Thanks.
- I don't wanna call the police.
- Don't then.
You're making me drink
for two here, Madeline.
Come on, save me from myself.
I didn't think
that was part of the job.
- Maybe it should be.
- I really don't think so.
Do you know what?
I agree with you.
Keeping me in line
is not your job.
Cheers. Take a sip.
Is it okay if I don't?
Oh, don't make me feel bad
when I'm trying
to lighten the mood.
A tiny sip, that's all. Come on.
- No, it's just
- A tiny, tiny sip.
I'm not telling you
anything about Douglas
until you take a sip.
Come on, Madeline,
we're just having
a laugh here, aren't we?
Come on. Come on.
Teeny, tiny sip.
Madeline can do it.
That's the way.
Now the evening's
getting started, isn't it?
- So, tell me about Douglas.
- Yeah, I'm coming to him.
Now, you've been around a bit.
You've worked with a lot of men?
Yes.
So you must be used to getting
a bit of, well, attention.
- I suppose so.
- Yeah.
It's the way of the world,
I'm afraid.
- I'm not.
- Good for you.
But since Douglas
wasn't hitting on me
and he's faithful to his wife,
how is any of this relevant?
I'm talking generally.
Generally speaking,
men must, you know,
what's the word, approach you?
Sometimes, yeah.
How do you handle it?
I just handle it.
It's just you and me here.
This is strictly between us.
Toby and Madeline.
Well, I deflect them.
Good word, "deflect".
How?
Politely, if they've been
polite to me.
- Not politely if they haven't.
- Good. Very good.
So you keep
yourself to yourself.
Alternatively,
if they're pretty and nice,
I might take them home.
Oh, very good.
- Sex jokes. That's the spirit.
- I wasn't joking.
Well, why would you be joking?
I mean, you're a modern woman,
for God's sake.
- You put it about a bit.
- I have relationships.
And no one
should be judging you for that.
- I didn't think anyone was.
- Well, they should cut it out.
What actually, are we
talking about here?
I'm coming to that.
Coming right to that.
Oh, hang on.
Er
God, you're stubborn,
aren't you?
You're so like me at times,
it's not even funny.
I'm not being stubborn.
- I just don't know
what you mean.
- Okay, okay.
You're the boss.
I can see that's how
it's gonna be around here.
Right. I'll give it
to you straight.
Plain talking,
how about that?
No, no, sit down.
I'll be right back.
- Maybe I should go.
- Go? Why?
- Well, you're running a bath.
- Yeah, sorry about that.
I'm a bit pressed for time.
I hate showers, don't you?
I always prefer
a proper British bath.
Okay. I'll let you
get on with it.
No, no, sit.
It'll be ages running.
You've seen
the size of that thing.
I'm not sure how many people
they're expecting to get in it.
- Well, you need
to get ready.
- No, no, sit.
Please.
So, this decision
is basically down to me.
My recommendation
carries it either way.
If you get the job,
if you don't get the job,
- my fault. Okay?
- Okay.
And the thing is,
I am mostly convinced.
You've mostly convinced me.
In the main,
I think you're extraordinary.
I see a lot of myself
in you. Seriously.
But I do want to know,
given the Douglases
of this world,
how robust are you?
I'd say I'm robust.
I thought the same, I did,
but you're not looking
very robust at the moment.
You look a little freaked.
Is this is a test?
Of course it's not a test.
I'm not freaked.
So, please try to understand
why I'm asking
the things that I'm asking.
- I don't know
what you're asking.
- Okay.
The way men
talk sometimes,
the way they behave,
the way they joke,
even the way
they look at you.
You know, this whole world
of entitled masculinity,
Madeline
does it ever get on your tits?
I cope.
It gets on my tits.
Does it ever
get on your tits?
As I said, I cope.
I didn't ask you
if you can cope.
I know you can cope.
I asked, "Does it
ever get on your tits"?
It's not a major problem for me,
however I feel about it.
Does it bother you,
me saying "tits"?
Madeline, does it bother you?
It's like my dad saying it.
Exactly.
It's no more than that.
It's just a word, right?
Tits, Tits.
Just a word, isn't it?
It's just a word. Yeah.
Yeah. I mean,
you say it, you say "tits".
- What? Now?
- No. No.
Generally, I mean,
in general, it's a word,
you would use,
you'd say "tits".
- I'm sure
I have said it, yeah.
- Yeah.
No, actually, yeah.
Now do say it.
Say it. Say it now. Say "tits."
Why?
Because I've said it,
and I'm feeling stupid,
like, I might have offended you.
Don't make me feel stupid.
That's not fair, Madeline.
Come on, don't pour
cold water over everything.
Say it. Say the word,
say "tits".
Are you playing games with me?
Of course
I'm not playing games.
Is this
Are you checking
if I'm robust?
Why? Are you not robust?
Okay, could you just explain
what relevance this has
to a conversation about Douglas?
Hmm.
You do want this job, don't you?
I mean, you want it enough?
I want it far too much.
- Which is why
I'm asking about Douglas.
- It's not all about him.
I didn't say it was.
All right,
Douglas is a fine man
in many ways,
but he has a certain background.
He has certain attitudes
to life.
He's not like us.
You keep saying "us".
I know. It's amazing
how that just happens, isn't it?
Let me put it another way.
You're a feminist.
God knows I'm a feminist.
Douglas, whatever he imagines,
he will never,
ever be a feminist.
Fine.
Fine?
How can you be
so beautifully tolerant?
- Because I don't really care.
- I'm sorry?
I don't really care
if he's a feminist.
- But you're a feminist.
- I suppose so.
You suppose so?
- Is it mandatory?
- It should be.
What, because I'm a woman?
If I rule the world,
I'd pass a law.
- A law just for women?
- Well
Passed by a man?
Look, as a man
speaking as a man,
yes, I would call myself
without hesitation,
- an ardent
and committed feminist.
- Okay.
- What would
you call yourself?
- A journalist.
- Your bath is nearly full.
- I'm sorry?
By the sound of it,
I think your bath is about full.
- Is it?
- By the sound of it, yeah.
Hmm.
Can't get your mind off
flow speed, can you?
You naughty girl.
I was thinking I should, er,
I should probably
Could you check it for me?
- Excuse me?
- The bath.
Could you check it?
I don't want it overflowing.
It's fine. It's, er
It's about half full.
Could you stick some
bath salts in? I forgot.
- I'm sorry?
- Put some bath salts in.
There's some on the side.
Which one?
Oh, I dunno.
What's your favourite scent?
- I don't have one.
- Pick one for me.
Whatever it is,
that'll be my scent.
Our scent.
I'd better go.
Let you get ready.
What did you mean
you're not a feminist?
- I didn't say I wasn't.
- Well, you kind of did.
No, I said I suppose
I am a feminist.
I don't really
think about it.
Oh, clearly we're
gonna be arguing a lot.
They'll be pulling us
off each other.
So, come on,
explain yourself, young lady.
How can you not really
think about feminism?
- Could you stop that, please?
- Stop what?
- You seem to be
- What?
- Undressing.
- Well, I'm gonna have a bath.
- Fine. I'll leave.
- No, you can't leave
on that bombshell.
I really can't see
how any sane woman
wouldn't be in favour
of women's rights.
Be fair.
You have to explain that.
Please don't speculate
on my sanity.
Please don't tell me
what I can and cannot think,
and don't ever,
ever tell me what
I have to do.
Oh, some fire at last.
That's what I'm talking about.
- God, could you give me a hand?
- With what?
Cufflinks?
I'm hopeless
with cufflinks.
- I don't think
that's appropriate.
- They're only cufflinks.
"Appropriate".
I'd like to hear you say that
out in a war zone,
sharing a chemical toilet
with 20 hairy squaddies.
Oh, she's done that before.
- We're not in a war zone.
- Yes, you and me, though.
Everywhere is a war zone
with us two, right?
You keep saying "us".
Stop saying "us".
And can you stop undressing?
Look, turn your back
if you're determined
to be a snowflake.
I really don't need
to be watched.
I'd prefer it if you didn't,
in fact.
Well, say something.
Say what?
Something nice.
Stop killing the mood.
Thank you for
a stimulating meeting.
I very much hope I get the job
and look forward to working
with you and Douglas,
but now I think
it would be better if I left.
You can leave any time you want.
- No problem.
- Thank you.
But first
women's rights, discuss!
I'm seeing you tomorrow.
This job you want so much
is all about having a dialogue.
The kind of dialogue
we're having right now.
So tell me what you mean
and you can go.
Come on, we're talking.
We always enjoy talking.
Women's rights.
- Specifically, women's.
- Exactly.
- Do you have rights?
- Yes.
- Do you have any rights
I don't have?
- No, of course not.
- Do I have any rights
you don't have?
- Well, no.
We have the same rights then.
So we call those human rights.
Any other subdivision
or category
or descriptor is unnecessary,
not to mention patronising
and presumptuous.
Good. Very good.
You are a feminist.
- Never said I wasn't.
- You want equality.
Are you granting me equality?
- Of course I have.
- Ah, I'm confused.
How come I wasn't equal
in the first place?
How come
I needed you for that?
Because that doesn't sound
very equal to me.
Plenty of places in the world,
women don't have equal rights.
I agree.
What have you done
about that lately?
Or might that limit
where you go on holiday?
Oh, ho, ho.
Oh, now we're cooking.
- This is the stuff!
- See you tomorrow.
- Wait. Where you going?
- I just heard you undo
your belt and I'm leaving.
- What happened to robust?
- Nothing.
Robust means.
I will never mention
any of this again, if you don't.
Mention what?
Oh, for God's sake,
you don't think
I'm propositioning you, do you?
I don't think anything.
I'm just leaving.
That's a very unpleasant
accusation to make, Madeline.
I think you might wanna
think twice about that one.
I'm not accusing you.
I couldn't work with someone
who thought that about me.
I'm just leaving.
That's all I'm doing.
Wait. No, wait, this is sil
This is silly.
I mean, look at the two of us.
- We've both been drinking.
- I haven't been drinking.
- You don't have to go.
- I do, and I'm going.
I'll go.
I am stepping into the bathroom.
Okay? I'll change in here.
I'll leave the door
a little open so we can talk.
No peeking.
- We can talk tomorrow.
- No, no, no, no.
You can't leave
on that unpleasant note.
Not after
an accusation like that.
I won't be able to sleep.
Don't do that to me, Madeline.
Don't be unfair.
Ah.
So are we
friends again, Madeline?
Are we friends again?
Yes.
Good. Can you come a bit closer
to the door so I can hear you?
Oh, will you bring my, er
The papers on the table?
Just the ones on top.
Oh, and I forgot my drink
if you don't mind.
Bring yours, too,
if you want.
Whoever that is,
get rid of them.
Hello?
Oh, where's Toby?
Erm, he's in the bathroom.
Ah, well, it was you
I was looking for anyway.
Come for a drink.
Come and meet everyone.
Listen, I'm not sure
this is, er
I'm not sure
it's gonna work out.
Yeah, but you don't wanna
get stuck here with fossil man.
Why don't you
Listen, it doesn't matter,
it was just a thought.
Why did you come back?
No reason.
I'll leave you to it.
See you soon, I hope.
I mean, good luck with it all.
Really, best of luck.
It's worth it.
Whatever shit
you have to wade through,
it really is worth it.
Thanks.
- Has yours?
- Yeah. No, we had one
cancelled yesterday
- Seriously?
- Erm, because
Oh.
You okay?
Yeah.
- Yeah, I just got a DM.
- Who from?
Just someone
who works with dad.
Hi. Hi, everyone.
Hi, Madeline.
Or do I call you Emily?
No, Kirsty. She's Scottish.
Yes, Kirsty.
Oh, hello, Sheila!
Come to watch?
This is gonna be fun, yeah?
Sheila, shall we go
into the viewing room?
We can watch from there.
Sure.
Hey.
Hey.
God. This is
ridiculous, isn't it?
I mean, you interviewing me?
I mean, rehearsing me.
Helping me. Obviously.
But it's also
ridiculous, isn't it?
I mean, how can
there be all this fuss
about a stupid joke?
It wasn't a joke,
though, was it?
It was a story
and they all laughed.
All those men laughed.
And the story you told them
was about me.
Okay, studio, here we go.
Three, two, one-
Stop!
And I know exactly
what you said.
Idea for a movie.
The Driver.
The driver picks up an assassin
and takes him to the airport.
The assassin
boards a plane and flies off.
Who knows where?
The driver doesn't.
Idea for movie.
The Assassin.
was it on the show?
Er, yes, well pretty much.
I mean, just before,
I guess. Er
Yeah. Just before.
Well, probably,
just before, yeah.
Yeah, I think
I probably auditioned her.
- No. He did not audition me.
- Er, probably
- He did not. Okay.
- Probably did a bit.
Let's stop that right there.-
- Did he give you any advice?
- Oh, he's never stopped.
He's at that age,
though, isn't he,
you know, he just
goes on and on.
I think he keeps going
when I'm not in the room.
Yeah, just an old granddad,
really, droning on.
Yeah. It's it's true.
What was the first piece
of advice he gave you then?
Erm, he told me it was worth it.
Erm, this job. He told me,
whatever you have
to wade through,
this job is, erm, is
Is worth it.
Did I say that?
I don't remember saying that.
- Well, you said it.
- "Wade"?
- Did I say "Wade"?
- Yep. You said "Wade".
Was he right?
Was it worth the wade?
With respect, Minister,
with all respect,
this is a bit more
than industrial action.
That's exactly what it is.
Well, I'd say
there's a real feeling
of moral fervour, wouldn't you?
I wouldn't
say "fervour"
So you would say "moral"?
Sure as a member
of the front bench
Oh, Madeline,
why are you watching this for?
There's cartoons on.
Some might say,
that your department is showing
signs of weakness,
would you agree?
Well, I think
you're being unreasonable.
I don't think
I'm being unreasonable,
I'm just reflecting
public opinion
and trying to get
your reaction to it.
No, no, no,
this is biased reporting.
This is typical,
I regret to say typical
of the current trends
in broadcasting
- Hi.
-Hello there.
Been waiting long?
Yeah, well, er, no.
I mean kind of long.
- What's the name?
- Madeline.
Madeline.
- Lovely name.
- Thanks.
- People call you Maddie?
- No.
Good, because Madeline is great.
Erm, Mr Bellowes,
I was wondering,
I'm hoping to work in the media,
- in the, er, the news media
- Mmm.
and I was wondering
if you had any advice or any
Er, work hard
and be incredibly lucky.
That's all I've got.
Okay. Thank you.
Give it a go, though.
Okay.
So who are you?
- Victoria.
- Victoria.
Lovely name.
Can we go back a paragraph?
Yeah
Can you check
Can you
change that to
Makeup
Timing Timing
Sorry, Madeline.
I'll just go see
where Toby's got to.
Right, thank you.
Okay. All right, all right.
- Yeah.
- Okay, I must probably
You got the figures?
Hi.
Hi.
Are you a visitor, then?
Are you watching
how the magic happens?
Well, kind of.
- Ah, it's amazing, isn't it?
- Yeah.
God, I remember
my first time
in the studio. Phew.
I might be coming to work here.
Oh! Cool! Nice.
Oh, well, stick close to me.
I'll keep you right on
who gets their tea first.
More on the presenting side.
- Presenting?
- Yeah.
Oh, that's great.
It's about time
we had more
People.
Presenting people.
- What do you do?
- Er, comedy.
- I'm on the comedy team.
- For what?
Er, this show. This one.
I feed in comedy material.
Me and the team.
Is it funny, this show?
Er, yes.
Ah, never thought
of it as funny.
Yeah, nobody does, actually,
but they're They're wrong.
So I might end up
writing jokes for you then.
I suppose so.
- Oh, that would be great.
- Mmm.
Me and the team
are a right bunch of feminists.
We're all quite
militant feminists, actually.
So, watch out.
- Any women on your team?
- No.
No, none.
Which is a pity,
we'd love a few.
Oh, we're hungry
for more women.
Ah, in a way, though,
comedy writers are sort of
like women, aren't they?
- Are they?
- Yeah.
Comedy writers
are the women
of the TV industry.
Aren't women the women
of the TV industry?
- Yeah, but you know
what I mean.
- No.
Well, we're treated
the same way by society.
How are we treated?
Well, it's like
we're kept in boxes
and only taken out
when everybody wants a laugh.
You think women
are kept in boxes?
Oh, God
No, God, no, not me.
No, no, no. No boxes.
My women roam free.
- Morgan, go away!
- Yeah, cool.
Toby sends his apologies.
He's got caught up.
- Can you come in again tomorrow?
- Sure. Yeah.
- Here?
- No, no, not here.
He'll be at the awards thing
tomorrow night
on the South Bank.
He'll meet you
around 6:00.
You know the Plaza?
Oh, that was quick.
I only went to the bathroom.
Sorry, yeah,
you were just faster
than I was expecting.
Okay. That's weird.
No, I just meant, you know,
faster than most
Most what?
Anyway, where were we?
Well, I think you were
basically just saying,
I'm unusually fast
at weeing for a woman.
It wasn't intended critically.
I'm more concerned
it was intended as a compliment.
Well, it absolutely was.
Is it part of the interview?
- What?
- Flow speed.
It's not an interview.
It's an informal chat.
Well, It was an informal wee.
- Where's Julie?
- Julie?
You said Julie was staying.
- Oh, yeah, she'll be back
in a minute.
- Okay.
Nice room this. Bloody huge.
Yeah, I often stay here
during the week.
- I mean, the size of that loo.
- Thank you.
- Corner bath.
- I know.
- I love hotels.
Do you love hotels?
-Eh, they're okay.
Everything's sorted for you,
convenient. It's tidy.
- Impersonal.
- Yeah.
Now, as far as this
silly old job is concerned,
frankly, you're verging
on overqualified.
Thin, good hair, fast wees.
Madeline Crow, let me tell you,
there's a great deal more
to you than that.
Right. Good-oh.
Trust me.
Okay. You know
when you're talking to someone
and they're being
a bit self-deprecating,
but it would be
insanely patronising
to start reassuring them
because, really,
they're just being funny,
and not actually insecure?
- Oh, yeah.
- That.
Yeah.
- Well.
-I'm so I'm sorry.
I'm being spiky.
I just say things,
they just come out,
I can't help it. Fuck.
No, I completely understand.
Speak first, think later.
That's me.
- Hey, there's nothing
wrong with that.
- Well
But I hope you realise
I wasn't being sexist.
Oh, don't worry about it,
it all balances out.
You guys may have
a speed advantage
on number ones,
but we are killing you
on number twos.
Well, there you go.
This is my point.
What point?
Toilet humour.
It's not a problem.
Why not? Good for you.
- Thank you.
- Do you know, it's funny.
When I got started
Er, no I'm okay.
The old guys,
they always used to say to me,
women in the workplace
made them tense.
- Well, that's
- Ridiculous.
Sociopathic.
Exactly. You know
what I'd say to them?
I like being tense.
- Okay.
- So
- We talked about university.
- Yeah.
Impressive.
- Thank you.
- Good work.
Thanks. I mean,
it was 10 years ago, but
- Any politics?
- I'm sorry.
At uni, any political activity?
I mean, it doesn't matter,
but the press think
we're all a bunch of Trots
so please let us know
if there's anything to dig up.
- Well, I'm not a Trot.
- Good then.
- Also not a member
of the Conservative Party.
- Well, no.
I've considered it many times.
Oh, I suppose
I shouldn't now, yeah?
- The Conservative Party?
- Yeah.
Okay. Good, good, good.
Those are the blue ones.
Yes. Sorry. No, I-
I just assumed, you know,
your father was a Labour MP.
Yeah, but following
a freak accident,
I found myself developing
opinions of my own.
Oh, I don't think
that was an accident.
No, I don't think it was either.
Do you get on with your dad?
I mean, despite the politics,
does it cause any friction?
Of course
I get on with him.
He's my dad.
- I love him.
- That's good, isn't it?
Mmm-hmm. Kindest,
most passionate man
in the world.
I mean, he's against
practically everything.
Always looking
for new minorities to support.
I don't think he'll be happy
until the whole world's
a minority.
Well, you'll balance out
all the social justice warriors,
I suppose.
I'm sorry. Sorry, I'm babbling.
It's it's the nerves.
I'm sorry.
No, I I completely
understand, Madeline,
really I do.
Getting where you've got,
a woman your age,
it's remarkable.
- No, it's not.
- Oh, it is.
There are plenty of women my age
doing lots of things.
- Breaking through.
- Well, just doing things.
Exactly. Good for them.
Good for all of you.
Thanks. I'll pass that along
at our next general meeting.
But you're gonna need
support out there.
You're gonna need friends.
So please understand,
I'm your ally.
I wasn't aware I needed one.
Don't look so frightened.
I'm not.
Would it surprise you to know
that I consider myself
a feminist?
Yes.
But good.
No, that That's good.
Well done.
- Excuse me a moment.
- Sure, yeah.
No problem.
Hurry up.
You're not even changed?
We don't sit down for ages.
- We're all in the bar.
- Yeah. I'll be down in a bit.
No, Come now.
Sheila's cross with me.
- She'll pretend
to be nice if you're there.
- What have you done?
- Nothing.
- Douglas?
She said I wasn't listening.
- To what?
- I don't know.
- Oh, hi!
- Hi.
Yeah, as you can see,
I'm in the middle
of something
- Madeline Crow, yeah?
- Yes. Hello.
- Douglas Bellowes.
- Well, yeah.
I know who you are.
Ob Obviously.
You did that thing, didn't you?
The thing we watched.
That was great.
- You were great.
- Yeah, she was.
- Thank you.
- No, you were really.
Coming from you,
that means a lot.
- Do you
- No, I'm good, thanks.
Very wise.
I, erm
This might seem stupid,
but you signed my book once.
- Well, er, your book.
- Oh, great.
Yeah. Fangirl, right?-
You should try finding
an unsigned copy,
they're much rarer.
You can sell them on eBay.-
You, er, you gave me advice.
- Oh, was it any use?
- No, not really.
Ugh, work hard and be lucky?
I figured it was
a standard response.
You're
gonna be needing
one of those soon.
I hear talks are going on.
Is that right?
Plans are in progress.
Yes, we're making them
right now.
Good. I'm very pleased
to hear it.
Yeah, it still
has to go to Geoff and Grace,
- so
- Exciting.
Yeah,
and we really need
to be getting on with it so
- We should meet up.
- Yeah.
- We should do that.
We should have a chat.
-Anytime.
- Douglas,
I don't mean to rush you
- You're not rushing me.
We do have
a lot to get through,
and I'm sure
- Sheila's getting impatient.
- Sheila's fine.
Shit.
Come in.
Er, Mum wants to know
where you are.
Well, did she send you
specifically here
to ask where I am
because I'm sensing
a logical problem with that?
You're supposed
to be in the bar.
Well,
I'll come to the bar then.
- Sorry, Madeline. Gotta go.
- No worries.
I hope it all,
you know, works out.
Yeah, me, too. Thanks.
Oh, and my mum is
Er, yeah,
I'm her biggest fan, too.
Okay.
Just tell her
I think her daughter's
a little bit ageist.
- Come on then.
- Why do I have
to come to this thing?
Because I'm winning an award.
Well, why should you
be winning an award?
Another old white man.
Well, it's
a lifetime achievement award,
and since it's my lifetime,
I'm the only one they can
feasibly give it to.
Well, that doesn't seem fair.
It will if you think about it
a tiny bit.
Great to meet you, Madeline.
- And you.
- Good luck!
- And if there's
anything I can do
- Well, any advice you've got
Oh, I don't think
you need any advice from me.
I do.
- I like her.
- Your wife is waiting for you.
See you down there.
Ugh.
Douglas! Douglas,
Douglas, Douglas!
Why did I say that about my mum?
Oh, don't worry,
he's used to that.
He carries a unique
erotic charge for the elderly.
He announces deaths.
My mum is 52,
and she doesn't give
a damn about him. It's me.
You?
Well, it's the face, isn't it?
I practically grew up
with that face.
Well, if you're
gonna be his co-presenter,
I should get that under control.
What, his face?
- Your
- What?
- Chemistry.
- Chemistry? What chemistry?
For want of a better word.
Oh, no. No,
I don't mean that. Jesus.
Well,
I'm relieved to hear it.-
But he's him, you know,
on top of his game.
National treasure,
all that crappy crap.
Yeah, well, he's known,
yeah, certainly.
But he's not
swipe-right material.
Well, no, of course not.
Of course he isn't.
More like a mentor or something.
Oh, I don't think
he should be your mentor.
Well, not actually my mentor,
not looking for a mentor.
Yeah, you should look elsewhere.
I said I'm not looking for a
Why?
- Trust me.
- No. Tell me.
What, you mean
you don't trust me?
- Do you trust me?
- Well, of course I do.
Good. Tell me then.
Look, between you and me,
Douglas isn't like us.
- Us?
- Exactly.
Meaning
Well, you and I
have an understanding, yeah?
- Okay.
-We're like-minds.
We're in step.
We have a connection.
We met three weeks ago.
I know it's amazing, isn't it?
- What's amazing?
- Now, Douglas, I
I love Douglas, but, er
Do you want a drink by the way?
- No.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
- Mind if I do?
- What, is the meeting over?
- No, I just thought
a drink might be nice.
Go ahead.
All your mates
are waiting at the bar.
We can pick this up tomorrow.
I'd rather have a drink here.
- Okay.
- With you.
- And Julie?
- Oh, no, She's gone home.
Sure I can't tempt you?
Yeah.
Too early for you, is it?
Oh, God, you're not
a non-drinker, are you?
Not at all.
I just don't want one.
I can see you've determined
to keep me in line.
Well, you're gonna
have to try a lot harder.
Hmm, I'm not trying at all.
- Exactly.
- So
- To be honest,
I've already had a couple.
- Yes.
Where were we?
Oh, yeah, Douglas.
Douglas. Douglas.
What shall we do about Douglas?
Well, you could
tell me about him.
It's possible
we'll be presenting together,
so if there's something
I should know,
I'd like to know it now.
Right. Shall we sit?
- I'm fine.
-No, sit, sit, sit.
Make yourself comfortable.
- I've been sitting all day.
- I know what you mean.
So, Douglas then.
What about him?
Well, you just saw him
in action, didn't you?
He seemed nice.
Yeah, nice.
That's it,
you put your finger on it.
My finger on what?
You're very quick.
Yeah, "nice".
He's always had difficulty
restraining his, er
What shall we call it?
No idea.
- Enthusiasm.
- For what?
Well, in this case, you.
- I don't follow.
- He's a married man.
He wasn't hitting on me.
Well, no, I wouldn't say
hitting on you
Does he cheat on his wife?
Is that what you're saying?
Sheila? No, never.
I never said that.
So he's a happily married man
who occasionally notices
that other women
are also attractive.
Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
Why? I'm not.
Don't you notice
other women are attractive?
I'm not married.
- Okay.
- Not anymore.
Back on the shelf,
as they say.
Available.
- Sorry to hear that.
- Swipe right.
So, back to Douglas, then.
Yeah. Yeah.
Douglas, Come on, sit.
Take the weight off.
- I'm fine.
- No, sit.
You're making me uncomfortable
standing over there.
Park your little bottom.
- I'm really fine.
- Come on, we're just chatting.
Look, either sit down
or let me get you a drink.
One or the other.
Have mercy on an old man.
- I'll get you a drink.
- I don't want a drink.
- Oh, just one. Come on.
- Really, I'm fine.
But we're
very nearly celebrating.
Come on, let's
nearly celebrate together.
- Congratulations.
- Oh, thanks very much.
- Well done.
- Cheers. Have a good evening.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Have you seen Claudia?
- Well, she was here
a second ago.
We need to keep an eye on her.
Or she'll be out
stopping oil
by stoning pensioners.
Madeline Crow, what do
you not know about her?
Er, young, smart, Scottish,
on the way up,
God's gift to the photo desk.
But we don't have anything
substantial on her.
Nothing topless.
I just met her.
Seems very nice.
- What, is she here?
- Yeah, in Toby's room.
He's interviewing her,
for the presenting job.
He's interviewing her
in his room?
Yeah, he does that.
- He always does that.
- Okay.
Oh, it's nothing.
You know, he uses
that room like an office.
It's his thing.
Okay, fine.
- Go and talk to your agent.
- Why?
Because if you don't,
somebody else might,
and it's not fair on them.
- Michael, can I borrow you
for a second?
- Ah, Sheila
- Well done.
- Thank you so much.
- Congratulations.
- Thanks very much.
- Ah, Douglas!
The man of the moment.
-Thank you.
We have to move quickly,
exploit this
lifetime achievement award.
- Don't you think?
- Do we?
Well, lifetime achievement,
- the window is closing.
- Oh.
On the plus side,
there are relatively
few lifetime achievers
still around to compete with
and most of them
are verging on incapacity.
Bently
You don't ever hear
anything about Toby, do you?
- Toby?
- My producer, Toby.
- Oh, your boss.
- My producer.
Do you ever hear
anything about him?
Any stupid gossip?
Well, Toby. Well, well.
Well what?
Toby, Toby, Toby.
Yes, Toby.
Toby is as Toby does.
Are you just pretending
to know things now?
One has one's ear
to the ground.
One's nose to the
Bush telegraph. Is that right?
Nose to the bush.
Nosing the bush.
Sounds a little
impertinent, doesn't it?
Have you actually
heard anything?
Well, there's a general view
- that Toby has
certain attitudes.
- What attitudes?
General ones.
To what?
Things.
Have you heard anything
about Toby and, well, women?
You mean he's not gay?
Well, he's just left his wife
after 25 years.
Well, that's
the first sign, of course.
- Does he have dogs?
- No, he doesn't have dogs.
He's not gay
and he's just interviewing her.
He's probably
boring her half to death.
Excuse me?
Sorry, nothing.
Just a different conversation.
So
Do you have lots of jokes
about me in your speech?
I'm bracing myself.
Well, not that many.
Would you like some?
Oh, dear,
what have I let myself in for,
dreading it already.
Shall I just
put it in front of you
in case you change your mind?
I don't think I will.
There. It's optional.
- Anyway, Douglas?
- Yes, Douglas.
He seemed nice.
I like him. I admire him.
Now, Madeline, you admire
what you see on the screen
and a lot of work
goes into that.
You don't want to know
how the sausage is made.
No, I very specifically do.
- Well, you really don't.
- Yes, I do.
All right, all right.
I can see who's gonna be
the real boss around here.
Tell me about the sausage.
Yeah, coming to that.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Oh, take a sip.
Honestly,
I don't want to drink.
A tiny sip, you've cheersed.
It's the law.
I'm okay. Thanks.
- I don't wanna call the police.
- Don't then.
You're making me drink
for two here, Madeline.
Come on, save me from myself.
I didn't think
that was part of the job.
- Maybe it should be.
- I really don't think so.
Do you know what?
I agree with you.
Keeping me in line
is not your job.
Cheers. Take a sip.
Is it okay if I don't?
Oh, don't make me feel bad
when I'm trying
to lighten the mood.
A tiny sip, that's all. Come on.
- No, it's just
- A tiny, tiny sip.
I'm not telling you
anything about Douglas
until you take a sip.
Come on, Madeline,
we're just having
a laugh here, aren't we?
Come on. Come on.
Teeny, tiny sip.
Madeline can do it.
That's the way.
Now the evening's
getting started, isn't it?
- So, tell me about Douglas.
- Yeah, I'm coming to him.
Now, you've been around a bit.
You've worked with a lot of men?
Yes.
So you must be used to getting
a bit of, well, attention.
- I suppose so.
- Yeah.
It's the way of the world,
I'm afraid.
- I'm not.
- Good for you.
But since Douglas
wasn't hitting on me
and he's faithful to his wife,
how is any of this relevant?
I'm talking generally.
Generally speaking,
men must, you know,
what's the word, approach you?
Sometimes, yeah.
How do you handle it?
I just handle it.
It's just you and me here.
This is strictly between us.
Toby and Madeline.
Well, I deflect them.
Good word, "deflect".
How?
Politely, if they've been
polite to me.
- Not politely if they haven't.
- Good. Very good.
So you keep
yourself to yourself.
Alternatively,
if they're pretty and nice,
I might take them home.
Oh, very good.
- Sex jokes. That's the spirit.
- I wasn't joking.
Well, why would you be joking?
I mean, you're a modern woman,
for God's sake.
- You put it about a bit.
- I have relationships.
And no one
should be judging you for that.
- I didn't think anyone was.
- Well, they should cut it out.
What actually, are we
talking about here?
I'm coming to that.
Coming right to that.
Oh, hang on.
Er
God, you're stubborn,
aren't you?
You're so like me at times,
it's not even funny.
I'm not being stubborn.
- I just don't know
what you mean.
- Okay, okay.
You're the boss.
I can see that's how
it's gonna be around here.
Right. I'll give it
to you straight.
Plain talking,
how about that?
No, no, sit down.
I'll be right back.
- Maybe I should go.
- Go? Why?
- Well, you're running a bath.
- Yeah, sorry about that.
I'm a bit pressed for time.
I hate showers, don't you?
I always prefer
a proper British bath.
Okay. I'll let you
get on with it.
No, no, sit.
It'll be ages running.
You've seen
the size of that thing.
I'm not sure how many people
they're expecting to get in it.
- Well, you need
to get ready.
- No, no, sit.
Please.
So, this decision
is basically down to me.
My recommendation
carries it either way.
If you get the job,
if you don't get the job,
- my fault. Okay?
- Okay.
And the thing is,
I am mostly convinced.
You've mostly convinced me.
In the main,
I think you're extraordinary.
I see a lot of myself
in you. Seriously.
But I do want to know,
given the Douglases
of this world,
how robust are you?
I'd say I'm robust.
I thought the same, I did,
but you're not looking
very robust at the moment.
You look a little freaked.
Is this is a test?
Of course it's not a test.
I'm not freaked.
So, please try to understand
why I'm asking
the things that I'm asking.
- I don't know
what you're asking.
- Okay.
The way men
talk sometimes,
the way they behave,
the way they joke,
even the way
they look at you.
You know, this whole world
of entitled masculinity,
Madeline
does it ever get on your tits?
I cope.
It gets on my tits.
Does it ever
get on your tits?
As I said, I cope.
I didn't ask you
if you can cope.
I know you can cope.
I asked, "Does it
ever get on your tits"?
It's not a major problem for me,
however I feel about it.
Does it bother you,
me saying "tits"?
Madeline, does it bother you?
It's like my dad saying it.
Exactly.
It's no more than that.
It's just a word, right?
Tits, Tits.
Just a word, isn't it?
It's just a word. Yeah.
Yeah. I mean,
you say it, you say "tits".
- What? Now?
- No. No.
Generally, I mean,
in general, it's a word,
you would use,
you'd say "tits".
- I'm sure
I have said it, yeah.
- Yeah.
No, actually, yeah.
Now do say it.
Say it. Say it now. Say "tits."
Why?
Because I've said it,
and I'm feeling stupid,
like, I might have offended you.
Don't make me feel stupid.
That's not fair, Madeline.
Come on, don't pour
cold water over everything.
Say it. Say the word,
say "tits".
Are you playing games with me?
Of course
I'm not playing games.
Is this
Are you checking
if I'm robust?
Why? Are you not robust?
Okay, could you just explain
what relevance this has
to a conversation about Douglas?
Hmm.
You do want this job, don't you?
I mean, you want it enough?
I want it far too much.
- Which is why
I'm asking about Douglas.
- It's not all about him.
I didn't say it was.
All right,
Douglas is a fine man
in many ways,
but he has a certain background.
He has certain attitudes
to life.
He's not like us.
You keep saying "us".
I know. It's amazing
how that just happens, isn't it?
Let me put it another way.
You're a feminist.
God knows I'm a feminist.
Douglas, whatever he imagines,
he will never,
ever be a feminist.
Fine.
Fine?
How can you be
so beautifully tolerant?
- Because I don't really care.
- I'm sorry?
I don't really care
if he's a feminist.
- But you're a feminist.
- I suppose so.
You suppose so?
- Is it mandatory?
- It should be.
What, because I'm a woman?
If I rule the world,
I'd pass a law.
- A law just for women?
- Well
Passed by a man?
Look, as a man
speaking as a man,
yes, I would call myself
without hesitation,
- an ardent
and committed feminist.
- Okay.
- What would
you call yourself?
- A journalist.
- Your bath is nearly full.
- I'm sorry?
By the sound of it,
I think your bath is about full.
- Is it?
- By the sound of it, yeah.
Hmm.
Can't get your mind off
flow speed, can you?
You naughty girl.
I was thinking I should, er,
I should probably
Could you check it for me?
- Excuse me?
- The bath.
Could you check it?
I don't want it overflowing.
It's fine. It's, er
It's about half full.
Could you stick some
bath salts in? I forgot.
- I'm sorry?
- Put some bath salts in.
There's some on the side.
Which one?
Oh, I dunno.
What's your favourite scent?
- I don't have one.
- Pick one for me.
Whatever it is,
that'll be my scent.
Our scent.
I'd better go.
Let you get ready.
What did you mean
you're not a feminist?
- I didn't say I wasn't.
- Well, you kind of did.
No, I said I suppose
I am a feminist.
I don't really
think about it.
Oh, clearly we're
gonna be arguing a lot.
They'll be pulling us
off each other.
So, come on,
explain yourself, young lady.
How can you not really
think about feminism?
- Could you stop that, please?
- Stop what?
- You seem to be
- What?
- Undressing.
- Well, I'm gonna have a bath.
- Fine. I'll leave.
- No, you can't leave
on that bombshell.
I really can't see
how any sane woman
wouldn't be in favour
of women's rights.
Be fair.
You have to explain that.
Please don't speculate
on my sanity.
Please don't tell me
what I can and cannot think,
and don't ever,
ever tell me what
I have to do.
Oh, some fire at last.
That's what I'm talking about.
- God, could you give me a hand?
- With what?
Cufflinks?
I'm hopeless
with cufflinks.
- I don't think
that's appropriate.
- They're only cufflinks.
"Appropriate".
I'd like to hear you say that
out in a war zone,
sharing a chemical toilet
with 20 hairy squaddies.
Oh, she's done that before.
- We're not in a war zone.
- Yes, you and me, though.
Everywhere is a war zone
with us two, right?
You keep saying "us".
Stop saying "us".
And can you stop undressing?
Look, turn your back
if you're determined
to be a snowflake.
I really don't need
to be watched.
I'd prefer it if you didn't,
in fact.
Well, say something.
Say what?
Something nice.
Stop killing the mood.
Thank you for
a stimulating meeting.
I very much hope I get the job
and look forward to working
with you and Douglas,
but now I think
it would be better if I left.
You can leave any time you want.
- No problem.
- Thank you.
But first
women's rights, discuss!
I'm seeing you tomorrow.
This job you want so much
is all about having a dialogue.
The kind of dialogue
we're having right now.
So tell me what you mean
and you can go.
Come on, we're talking.
We always enjoy talking.
Women's rights.
- Specifically, women's.
- Exactly.
- Do you have rights?
- Yes.
- Do you have any rights
I don't have?
- No, of course not.
- Do I have any rights
you don't have?
- Well, no.
We have the same rights then.
So we call those human rights.
Any other subdivision
or category
or descriptor is unnecessary,
not to mention patronising
and presumptuous.
Good. Very good.
You are a feminist.
- Never said I wasn't.
- You want equality.
Are you granting me equality?
- Of course I have.
- Ah, I'm confused.
How come I wasn't equal
in the first place?
How come
I needed you for that?
Because that doesn't sound
very equal to me.
Plenty of places in the world,
women don't have equal rights.
I agree.
What have you done
about that lately?
Or might that limit
where you go on holiday?
Oh, ho, ho.
Oh, now we're cooking.
- This is the stuff!
- See you tomorrow.
- Wait. Where you going?
- I just heard you undo
your belt and I'm leaving.
- What happened to robust?
- Nothing.
Robust means.
I will never mention
any of this again, if you don't.
Mention what?
Oh, for God's sake,
you don't think
I'm propositioning you, do you?
I don't think anything.
I'm just leaving.
That's a very unpleasant
accusation to make, Madeline.
I think you might wanna
think twice about that one.
I'm not accusing you.
I couldn't work with someone
who thought that about me.
I'm just leaving.
That's all I'm doing.
Wait. No, wait, this is sil
This is silly.
I mean, look at the two of us.
- We've both been drinking.
- I haven't been drinking.
- You don't have to go.
- I do, and I'm going.
I'll go.
I am stepping into the bathroom.
Okay? I'll change in here.
I'll leave the door
a little open so we can talk.
No peeking.
- We can talk tomorrow.
- No, no, no, no.
You can't leave
on that unpleasant note.
Not after
an accusation like that.
I won't be able to sleep.
Don't do that to me, Madeline.
Don't be unfair.
Ah.
So are we
friends again, Madeline?
Are we friends again?
Yes.
Good. Can you come a bit closer
to the door so I can hear you?
Oh, will you bring my, er
The papers on the table?
Just the ones on top.
Oh, and I forgot my drink
if you don't mind.
Bring yours, too,
if you want.
Whoever that is,
get rid of them.
Hello?
Oh, where's Toby?
Erm, he's in the bathroom.
Ah, well, it was you
I was looking for anyway.
Come for a drink.
Come and meet everyone.
Listen, I'm not sure
this is, er
I'm not sure
it's gonna work out.
Yeah, but you don't wanna
get stuck here with fossil man.
Why don't you
Listen, it doesn't matter,
it was just a thought.
Why did you come back?
No reason.
I'll leave you to it.
See you soon, I hope.
I mean, good luck with it all.
Really, best of luck.
It's worth it.
Whatever shit
you have to wade through,
it really is worth it.
Thanks.
- Has yours?
- Yeah. No, we had one
cancelled yesterday
- Seriously?
- Erm, because
Oh.
You okay?
Yeah.
- Yeah, I just got a DM.
- Who from?
Just someone
who works with dad.
Hi. Hi, everyone.
Hi, Madeline.
Or do I call you Emily?
No, Kirsty. She's Scottish.
Yes, Kirsty.
Oh, hello, Sheila!
Come to watch?
This is gonna be fun, yeah?
Sheila, shall we go
into the viewing room?
We can watch from there.
Sure.
Hey.
Hey.
God. This is
ridiculous, isn't it?
I mean, you interviewing me?
I mean, rehearsing me.
Helping me. Obviously.
But it's also
ridiculous, isn't it?
I mean, how can
there be all this fuss
about a stupid joke?
It wasn't a joke,
though, was it?
It was a story
and they all laughed.
All those men laughed.
And the story you told them
was about me.
Okay, studio, here we go.
Three, two, one-
Stop!
And I know exactly
what you said.
Idea for a movie.
The Driver.
The driver picks up an assassin
and takes him to the airport.
The assassin
boards a plane and flies off.
Who knows where?
The driver doesn't.
Idea for movie.
The Assassin.