The Newsreader (2021) s03e03 Episode Script

1
LINDSAY: The problem is, you put
Bob Hawke against Dale Jennings,
Dale comes across looking
like a pinched sphincter
with a blow dryer.
"A pinched sphincter."
You were wrong, and the bulletin
triumphed in spite of you.
I wouldn't try to throw
your weight around.
I was given a car.
But are you going to ask me for a drive?
BILL: This show needs a rethink.
Helen Norville has been a
lot of things on screen, Bill,
but she has never been boring.
My current boss just
screwed me fucking over!
On my own goddamn show!
I think you need to deal with it,
because I can't have
that in this office.
How long have you been struggling?
My whole life.
We can't just always assume
that anything we take upstairs
is going to be rejected.
I mean, we have to at least try.
MARCIA: And what did Bill respond with?
I thought he was OK.
He arranged a meeting with the
execs upstairs so that we could pitch
this story on prostitutes with HIV,
which is an amazing story, by the way.
I'd spent days working on it.
So we go upstairs and
then Vincent walks in.
Vincent's the head exec.
So he immediately turns
directly to me and says,
"So, Bill tells me that you've
been pushing this story."
So it was over before
you even got there.
Exactly. I mean, we're supposed
to be a team, and if we're a team,
then we have to show a united front.
And he's my producer. It's his job!
So so how did you react?
I just walked out.
Immediately?
No, I said, "If I am this fucking
nightmare that you have to endure,
"then what is the point of any of this?"
And so now I am the
impossible nightmare,
and Bill is all wounded, and
And it's not fair, because I was right.
I was right.
Helen, you were in an
impossible situation.
Thank you.
But I think you're just gonna
have to forget about who was right.
So next time you feel that
kind of reactive rage
..I want you to stop.
I mean, literally stop yourself.
Just take a moment to notice
the room that you're in,
notice your breath and notice
the feeling in your body.
And just observe those three things.
You're just telling
me to shut the fuck up.
- (LAUGHS)
- That's what you're telling me to do!
- To just shut the fuck up.
- OK. Yes, yes.
But I want you to consciously
step through those stages.
Even say them in your
head before you respond.
OK.
Just as an experiment.
- Sure. OK.
- Yeah.
Why are you giving them to me?
Well, they're both of ours.
And I've had them for a year.
I can get you a bag if you're
worried. I know how you drive.
- No. I'm fine.
- OK.
Look, it's really just a pinch,
because you did overfeed them.
And also
You're throwing yourself a party?
Yes.
Why?
It's my birthday.
And it's a normal thing to
do, to throw a social event.
You'll know lots of people, though.
- Noelene. Dennis. Rob.
- Oh my God, Dale.
My show's about to get axed. I don't
want to go to an industry event,
especially not with Lindsay.
He's not invited.
- Why?
- I'm making a point.
He's not relevant.
(CLEARS THROAT) So, will
you come for a drink?
I'll think about it.
I'm gonna get you a bag.
All right.
TV: # Galumph went the
little green frog one day #
- (BABY BABBLES)
- Look out. She's done it again.
How does she do it? How do you
get more gorgeous in your sleep?
Well, she hasn't slept,
so that's impossible.
Well, of course she hasn't.
She's got places to go, people to see.
What are my girls up to today?
Well, as soon as my mother gets
here, I'm going straight to bed.
- OK. Uh, see you tonight.
- Yeah.
Love you. Love you.
You look after Mum. Be good.
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
(SIGHS)
- (TELEPHONE RINGS)
- OK. OK.
Uh, hello?
Hi. Uh, is this Noelene?
Yes, it is.
Hi, Noelene, it's Tim.
Tim Ahern from
I know who you are, Tim. Hi.
Listen, I'm so sorry
for calling you at home.
I'm just in an urgent situation,
and I could really use your advice.
What's the situation?
So, I've been in China for the past
month covering the student protests
for CBC Hong Kong, working with
a pretty remarkable reporter.
Anyway, two days ago, no
warning, they pulled us out.
And the Chinese government
are trying to say
that it's all winding down.
But Noelene, it is not winding down.
It is a ticking time bomb
and it is going to explode.
We need a network to get us
back there as soon as possible,
and my first thought was News at Six.
Oh, well, I don't work there anymore.
I didn't get leave.
I'm a full time mother.
Of course.
I'm so s I'm sorry.
I can pass on Dennis's number?
No, I've got that. It's
Noelene, this is the story of my life,
and I've seen you get impossible
stories across the line.
Is there any way you
could come in with me?
(PROTESTERS CHANTING)
(PROTESTERS CHANTING)
What's going on in there?
Noelene came in with
You remember Tim, from
Canberra, and a reporter.
They're discussing the
protests in China, I believe.
Great.
Hey, here he is.
PROTESTER ON TV: I'm not scared.
soldiers before my coming here
LEE: 21, biochemistry student,
hasn't eaten for four days.
Mm.
It's not just students, it's workers.
Some soldiers are sympathising.
This
This is a revolution waiting to happen.
Mmm Is it, though?
Or is it just a bunch of hungry kids
and it's all gonna be sorted
out by some nice noodles?
I mean, it'd sort me
out. I love Chinese.
(LAUGHS WEAKLY)
Lee has spent months embedded
with these protesters.
I'd trust his perspective.
He speaks fluent Mandarin,
knows the conflict, both sides.
And he's seen something the
rest of the world is missing.
Lindsay, I really think you
should hire him and get him
on the first flight back to Beijing.
Mmm.
Look, uh (CLEARS THROAT)
It's obvious that the
three of you are
Well, you're a lot more
interested in this stuff
than the rest of Australia
OK. Um, we appreciate
how important this is.
This is very important.
It's just weeks and
weeks of the same thing.
You know, we're just worried
our audience might get bored.
I disagree.
I think the fall of communism
is the single biggest story
in the world right now.
What is more fascinating than that?
Princess Di's new frock?
(CHUCKLES)
Righto, um
Righto. Right. This is
what I'm going to do.
Uh, I'm going to go crunch some numbers.
Then I'm gonna take this story upstairs,
and I'm gonna do my
damnedest to sell it to them.
And I'll let you know
first thing Monday morning.
Right? Happy days.
Yeah.
Ah, Dale? (CLEARS THROAT)
Dale.
Dale.
It's fine.
I'm gonna push this story. We'll
go upstairs and we'll push it.
Thanks so much for coming in.
Honestly, it's I really
appreciate it. Thank you.
Gotta go to a meeting.
God, I miss this place.
- (POP MUSIC PLAYING ON RADIO)
- (INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
You're done.
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION
AND POP MUSIC CONTINUE)
MAN: How are you doing,
mate? You doing well?
- What?
- Good. No, no. I've been really good.
I've been in China. You
know what? Hey, can I just
Yeah. All good, man. I gotta stack this.
Hey, Dale. Hi. Hey.
Hey.
I just want to say thank you
for, uh, for the support in there.
The footage speaks for itself.
Yeah, that's all Lee.
He's quite impressive.
Mm. Mm.
- One minute!
- He's got good instincts, it seems.
(FOOTSTEPS RUNNING)
You know he's my boyfriend?
Of course. Yeah.
That's that's Yeah.
Mm.
I haven't told the boys yet.
I want to, but I just I haven't.
I understand.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Did you meet in China?
No. No, no. Melbourne.
Oh.
- Cheryl. Hi. Congratulations.
- Hi!
I heard all about it.
- MAN: 30 seconds!
- Can I see?
Look at that.
- Yeah
- (VOICES FADE)
(CLEARS THROAT)
10 seconds!
(CLEARS THROAT)
And six
five, four
Good afternoon. Dale Jennings,
updating our top stories.
President George Bush pushes
for an end to the Cold War,
as British Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher
dismisses his proposals as optimistic.
(HEAVY DOOR OPENS)
Excuse me. I'm wondering if you could
show me the section on psychiatry.
I'm looking for any
journals you might have
on behavioural therapies.
Oh, yes. Follow me.
Great.
(DING!)
(CHEERING ON TV)
Um
How do you know this won't
go on for weeks or months
or just peter out completely?
I have family on both sides.
They're all saying they've
come too far to back down now.
This will come to a head, probably
suddenly and probably soon.
Mm-hm.
Look, there's no question
it's compelling. It really is.
It's just, international
correspondents
they're usually the domain
of the news division.
No, they're not.
Well, up until now we haven't
really delved into world issues.
I don't see why we'd
Well, why wouldn't we do
an international story?
I mean, we've got the budget.
It's not really about the money
What's it about? Why are
you shooting it down, Bill?
Well
Um, if we were at number one,
they'd be on the next
plane, no question.
But we're not.
OK? We're on our knees, and
and this could be brewing for months,
and we need eyes on screens now.
You just said that they're on the brink.
OK.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Say that's true.
I mean, we would just be in the
same position that we are now,
just waiting around for the axe to fall.
So why not take a punt?
I mean, honestly, what
have we got to lose?
- Sure, Helen.
- Great.
Whatever you say.
Great.
Well, if this fails, Helen, it's on you.
OK, so, Leonie, I want you
to get these guys flights.
We got a sound guy over there
or are you gonna do that as well?
So, just two tickets.
- It's great.
- Real pleasure to meet you.
MARCIA: There's some real
progress that we can observe there.
You didn't lash out, but
you did stand your ground.
- You were fair.
- Can I ask you a question?
Yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT) These, um, skills.
Are they are they connected
to or are they related to
dialectical behavioural therapy?
You're familiar with
dialectical behaviour therapy?
Well, I'm a journalist, Marcia,
so I did a little bit of research.
But to be honest, I'm
I'm finding it a little
bit difficult to understand,
and I'm hoping maybe
you could enlighten me.
Right. Yes.
Uh, it's a new therapy.
I think of it as a skill set
for managing intense emotions.
It's pretty heavily linked to
borderline personality disorder,
am I correct?
Are you familiar with
borderline personality disorder?
Well, it's pretty dire.
It's for manipulative,
vindictive, narcissistic,
promiscuous, hysterical people.
And apparently there's no
fucking treatment for it.
So why am I here?
Well, perhaps it will be worth us
stepping through the actual criteria.
Please.
It seems that you have
quite a negative rhetoric
around the disorder.
Is there a positive rhetoric around it?
My colleagues at the
University of Washington
are seeing excellent results
with this new therapy,
and I myself have treated many
patients with the exact symptoms
that you're exhibiting right now.
Is this your diagnosis, Marcia?
Helen.
We've been discussing
your emotional reactivity
from our very first conversation,
and your fear of abandonment,
and those are two of the main criteria.
And we've also covered the instability
of your relationships.
You've mentioned risk taking
and behaviour you
describe as hedonistic.
That already accounts for
four of the nine criteria
of borderline personality disorder.
So yes, Helen, in my
professional opinion,
a diagnosis is something
worth considering.
But that is something
that it takes time.
Oh, you're a fucking bitch.
Wayne called. She's downstairs.
She's going straight
through to wardrobe,
and make-up saw her taking
both booze and Valium.
Fuck.
Am I standing down Jude?
Not yet.
Fuck sake.
- Helen! Hey.
- Bill.
- I'm very sorry. I was a little late.
- That's OK.
Did you get those boys on the plane?
- Uh, yeah.
- Great.
Sorry. What happened?
Where have you been?
Hm? What are you talking about?
- Well, you
- Fuck!
Sorry. Do you want to sit this one out?
What the fuck, Bill?
Jude's here and she's been
through hair and make-up.
No, no, no! There's fucking hundreds
and thousands of people that
I'm not gonna put someone
in this state on air.
Don't fucking touch me!
Go home.
- Wayne.
- Yes, Bill?
Can you call Leonie and get
Jude down here immediately?
- Thank you.
- Leonie. Wayne. Yeah, plan B.
DALE: The airline industry
is still in turmoil
as calls for the privatisation of
Qantas and Australian Airways
- Turn it over to Public Eye.
- (CHUCKLES) No, thank you.
I don't want any of her bullshit.
Well, that's handy 'cause she's not on.
What do you mean?
They're running almost
three minutes late now.
They're just rolling commercials.
Welcome to the Swagman.
Best price in town.
Technical difficulty?
Well, whatever it is, it isn't good.
(LAUGHS)
So let's just
take a minute to enjoy it.
(WHISPERS) You heard from Helen today?
No. Why?
Oh, she's not on air yet.
MAN: We're back in
seven, six, five, four
REPORTER: The Prime Minister
would still like to see Labor
change its mind before
the next election.
To world news now,
and US Speaker of the
House Mr Jim Wright
yesterday became the first Speaker in
US history to be forced to resign.
REPORTER: Mr Jim Wright delivered
an emotional, hour-long speech
to the House of Representatives
defending himself
against ethics charges
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Helen!
Helen.
Helen.
Oh my God.
Why weren't you on the desk?
They sent me home.
Why?
Here. I'll get you a water.
Yeah.
I've been seeing this woman,
this, um, this therapist, Dale,
and she's been really good.
She's been really good.
She's given me, like, all
of these kind of, um, ways
to to handle, um, stuff.
And then today she said,
um, that I that
that I just am fucked.
What?
And it's not like, um like a, um
It's not like I'm sick.
It's just my personality. (SOBS)
She said it's a personality
disorder, and it's
And it's true, you know?
It's just true.
And and, I mean,
- you must have seen it.
- No.
Why wouldn't you say you're the only
person who's ever told me the truth?
Why wouldn't you tell me?
Why wouldn't you tell me?
I could have done something about it.
I could have fixed it.
I could have done something about it.
- And now there's no one!
- Just look at me. Look at me.
(SOBS) And
I even fucked up with you.
My fucking family and
now my fucking job.
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
Hello?
- Are you OK?
- You know what?
I will decide when I can go on
air and when I can't go on air.
That is not up to you.
I have gone on air
when I have been sick,
- when I have been grieving.
- Helen
- What?
- Are you OK?
I'm
- Should I come over to you?
- No, I don't want you to come here.
- What? What are you gonna
- I should talk to you
- and I would like
- What?
Well, there's some news,
and I'd like to tell you
face to face, if that's OK.
What?
Uh
Vincent called, and they're
going to axe the show.
(LAUGHS)
Because I didn't
Because I didn't do one show?
The ratings have been shit anyway.
No, no, no, no.
They made the decision a few days ago.
They just wanted to give
us to the end of the week.
OK. Well, um
I would like to be the one to
tell everybody, if that's OK.
Absolutely.
Uh, they're not telling
anyone until Monday.
All right, well, I'll see you on Monday.
Thank you so much for the phone call.
Fuck!
Why don't you just sit down, Helen?
Oh, fuck.
I'm gonna put some music on.
Here.
- I'll do it.
- Thank you.
- Why don't you sit down?
- You know what?
I feel fine now, because it's like
Cheers.
That's it.
It's called borderline
personality disorder, apparently.
And she started doing this, um,
breathing, you count breathing.
And I went this dialectical
therapy, and I went to study it.
I really think it's true.
And
Did you see that?
All I see is you.
And I don't think it makes a difference.
Do you feel different?
No. (LAUGHS)
No, I fucking don't.
Thank you.
(FOOTSTEPS ON HARD WOOD)
Oh, well, you have
certainly made a statement.
Thank you.
I take it there'll be press
at this birthday celebration?
Probably.
Well, darling, is this
a legitimate courtship
or just a bid for attention?
I don't know, maybe both.
Come on, Mum.
Like you can judge.
You invited the press to nearly
every family event we had.
No, I'm not judging you, darling.
I just have my reservations
about Dale Jennings.
Why?
He's basically Dad, the sequel.
Well, there may be aspects
of Dale you're not aware of.
He has certain proclivities.
Proclivities? (LAUGHS)
What?
There were rumours, persistent
rumours, of an entanglement
he had with a cameraman.
He was in a relationship
with Helen for years.
Well, as I understand it, that was
more of a transactional arrangement
than a genuine romance.
Like you and Dad.
Oh, darling, I'm only
trying to protect you.
DALE: Welcome to my home.
Welcome to my home.
Welcome to
(INDISTINCT RADIO REPORT)
Breaking news just to hand
Should we come up with some sort
of signal if we want to bail early?
have moved into Tiananmen Square,
dispersing the student
protesters with gunfire and
My God, he's done it.
Dennis, you sly dog.
- Turn it back on.
- OK. All right.
To sport now, and
Collingwood yesterday beat
(RADIO STATIC)
by Gary Ablett
Is that ? Are they
talking about China?
Hey? I didn't hear. That's
the bird from the Logies.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Here.
We've got people for that, Mum.
I'll do it. Just enjoy the music.
Um, yeah. So Yeah.
(VIOLINISTS PLAYING CLASSICAL MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
- Dale, how are you?
- Hi.
- You've met Deb. Deb, Dale.
- Yes, so good to see you.
- Yes, hi.
- I remember you from the Logies.
- Yeah. This house is stunning.
- Oh. Thank you.
- Yeah. How much are you on, eh?
- (LAUGHS)
- Hello, hello.
- Hello!
- Happy birthday, Dale.
- Thank you.
- Happy birthday.
- Thanks very much.
Uh, you both know Deb.
Oh, we do indeed. Unforgettable.
Absolutely unforgettable.
A beautiful couple.
Yeah. Thanks.
- So, please, come through.
- After you.
Dale, would it be OK if I quickly
called home just to check in?
My mother's looking after Hana.
Of course. Yeah.
And can I get anyone
a champagne or a?
- Give me a beer.
- I'll have a champagne.
Mate, uh, obviously I need
to know why you've decided
to keep this a secret from
the bloke who set you up.
- You didn't set me up.
- But first, just tell me,
how long has it been going on for?
- Have we met the family yet?
- Come on.
Hello. I'm Dale's mum, Val.
So lovely to meet you.
You must be so proud.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
Hi. You've reached Helen
Norville. Please leave a message.
(BEEP!)
Helen, it's Bill.
Um, I'm in the office.
Look, we've just had contact
from Tim Ahern in Beijing.
The situation, it's completely erupted.
The Chinese military opened
fire on the protesters.
Tanks have rolled in, and
we're hearing that hundreds
are dead, maybe even thousands.
And Tim's managed to
make it back to the
Hi.
Did you speak to him personally?
Uh, no.
No. Leonie got it, b ut by the time
I got there, the line had cut off
before I could speak to him.
Um, apparently it's complete carnage
and he's been separated from Lee.
(VIOLIN MUSIC AND LIVELY CHATTER)
Oh, Kay Walters, don't you look divine?
You are teensy weensy, aren't you?
Oh, is that one of your own creations?
- Oh, yes. Yes, it is.
- Oh!
- Kay. Hi.
- Hi.
You look lovely.
Happy birthday.
Oh, you didn't have to do that.
You already gave me this suit.
Did she?
Oh, yes. It does look
beautiful with that frock.
"Happy birthday to the king of news."
It's a book.
I love it.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Help yourself to a drink.
I'll see you around.
- Richard.
- Ah, birthday boy.
- You know Ann, of course.
- Of course. Ann.
Sorry we're late. It's
been a frantic morning.
What do you make of
this Beijing business?
- Mm.
- It sounds dreadful.
- We were listening on the way here.
- Yeah.
Ann's quite the scholar
of Oriental culture.
Yes, I love it.
She went on the gourmet food
tour with Margaret Fulton.
- Mm-hm. 23 unforgettable days.
- Sounds wonderful.
Can I get you a drink?
Uh, whisky for me, please.
And sparkling something.
- Yes. Bubbles is lovely.
- Bubbles.
- Bubbles.
- Ouch!
- Oh!
- What's going on in Beijing?
Do we know from Lee or Tim? Do we know?
- Can you find out?
- How am I gonna do that?
Can you find out, please?
Noelene, could you do it?
Could you take that?
Thanks, Dale.
Can I just say, I watch
the carols every year.
No one has sung the Little
Drummer Boy better than you.
Oh! Thank you.
(TELEPHONES RINGING)
TIM: they were
screaming, trying to get away.
It turned into a
stampede, and they just
they just kept open firing.
He's stuck in a hotel in
Beijing. The soundo got out.
He's on his way to Hong
Kong with the footage.
I'm sorry. Can can you hear me?
Sorry, Tim. Helen's just arrived.
Hey, Tim. Is Lee with you?
(RADIO STATIC)
We got separated.
And the gunfire now, I can't
even get close to the window.
Tim, we're gonna figure out a way
of getting you out of there, mate.
I am not leaving this hotel without Lee.
No, Tim, we have to
get you to an embassy.
Lee is an experienced
journalist. He'll work it out.
- No, I'm not leaving without
- (RADIO STATIC)
Is it still possible to safely
exit and enter the hotel, mate?
(STATIC)
Tim?
Tim?
(LINE CUTS OUT)
I'll try again.
OK. We need to call the government
and the embassies and let them know
- that Lee is missing.
- Yeah.
I'll check all the flights coming
out of China into Hong Kong.
We'll get the footage to
our Hong Kong affiliate.
(PEOPLE CELEBRATING)
Oh, happy birthday!
Happy birthday.
Happy birthday, Dale!
Happy birthday. And, um
Lovely cake!
It's so lovely to see
all your friends here.
Happy birthday. Cheers.
King of news, hey?
That's what he's called now.
Happy birthday, Mr Jennings!
Hey, golden boy. Many happy returns.
And keep up the good work.
REPORTER: The bloodbath happened
after an afternoon of tension
and small skirmishes yesterday.
Thousands of riot police
confronted students
not far from Tiananmen Square.
The students opted for a
passive defence, offering
Do you have a phone number for Lee?
- Noelene!
- Sorry?
Gotta get him on an aeroplane. Do
you have the phone number for Lee?
Not on me.
But I do know he was
talking to other networks.
Fuck me!
(PEOPLE SING) Happy
birthday, dear Dale ♪
Happy birthday to you ♪
Hip, hip! Hooray!
Hip, hip! Hooray! Hooray!
Yay! Well done.
Well, thanks so much for coming.
You know, I'm not in the habit
of throwing myself parties,
but this year, I just wanted
to thank you all so much
for your support and your camaraderie.
So, thank you so much.
And please keep drinking.
We will. Cheers.
Cheers. And happy
birthday again. (CHUCKLES)
It's not good news,
all right? Let's talk.
How long have they been separated?
Since right after the gunfire started.
Listen, Noelene, do you
have a contact number
for Lee's family?
No. Tim was my contact.
But I do know somebody at
the embassy I could try.
OK. Noelene, I know that you're
super busy with Hana, but, geez,
- we could use your brain in here.
- It's not very reliable right now.
Oh, bullshit. You're sharper than ever.
I'm not sure that would be appropriate
- in terms of News at Six.
- You don't owe them anything.
I'm still in contract.
- Footage just came in.
- OK.
Hey, Noelene, I gotta go.
Listen, if you change your
mind, you know where we are.
(HANGS UP)
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
Hello?
Oh, hello.
Can I speak to Dale Jennings, please?
Who am I speaking to?
Oh, for fuck's sake. Unbelievable.
(TELEPHONE RINGS)
- Hello?
- Hey.
Thank Christ. Noelene, it's
me, Lindsay. Now, listen
Sorry. Noelene is not here.
Oh. Oh, right. Right, right. Sorry.
Now, can you tell me where she might be?
She's at her boss's house.
Oh, for Christ I can assure
you, she is not at her boss's house.
Ah! The newsreader.
A party for the newsreader.
The newsreader?
(PROTESTERS SHOUT AND CHANT)
(GUNSHOT)
(SHOUTING AND GUNFIRE)
(CAR HORNS HONKING)
(GUNFIRE)
The gunfire is constant
and indiscriminate,
but still thousands of people
are refusing to move back.
Army trucks are being set alight, and
(GUNFIRE)
Can we get some copies
to the Bulletin, please?
What? No. No, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no.
No, this is our story.
- Tim and Lee, they work for us.
- I know.
I know, but they're gonna need
- this on air as soon as possible.
- Yeah, so we go to air early.
We make it a Public Eye special.
We call it China in Crisis.
That's fucking great.
But how do we sell that to
Vincent? He did just axe us.
You pick up the phone and
you ask him how he'd feel
about going to number one.
OK.
I'll get into hair and make-up
and I'll meet you in the studio.
Leonie, can you get me Vincent, please?
(VIOLIN MUSIC INTERRUPTED BY TAPPING)
Uh, ladies and gentlemen,
I'm so sorry, but it seems
we're in the middle of a breaking
international story, and I'm
- I'm gonna have to step away.
- (DISAPPOINTED GROANS)
But, please, you know, there's
so much champagne and music,
so please, try and enjoy the afternoon.
I'm so sorry.
Lindsay, welcome.
(VIOLINISTS PLAYING)
You've got my entire FUCKING team
getting pissed on grog that I paid for.
Dennis!
Hey. Hey, Lindsay.
- See, I thought you were on your way.
- No, I don't think you did, mate.
And I don't think you were, were you?
- You trying to hurt my feelings?
- Why don't we just go to the office?
- (VIOLIN MUSIC CONTINUES)
- Do you realise
that we are in the middle of
the biggest international story
since JFK copped two slugs
in the back of his melon?
And here you are all
swanning around with canapes.
- Will you shut the fuck up?
- (VIOLINISTS STOP)
Lindsay, mate, relax.
We are tracking the story. It's fine.
Oh, you're tracking it,
are you, Dennis? Very good.
What? From the toilets, with some
nose beers, some champagnes? You.
Noelene. Where are they?
Where are your mates? Come on.
You know, Tim and what's-his-name?
Bloody Bing Lee, number
33. Where are they?
There is a plane out
of here in four hours
and they had better be on it,
or I am really gonna do my block.
They're already in China.
They were talking to other people
and they went with Public Eye.
(WHEEZES)
Outstanding!
That is a top shelf piece of
prize fuckwittery! Congratulations!
Mate! That's enough.
Enough?
It'll be enough, mate,
when you can tell me
how your missus can raise
a child and work so hard.
She's always working hard.
We know that because she's telling
us she's always working so hard.
But she can still find the
time to sell our story
MY story
to the competition.
Where is your fucking loyalty?
As soon as I talked to Tim,
I came to you straight away.
I explained exactly why
you should hire them.
YOU didn't do it! YOU lost them!
And it was YOUR mistake!
I told you I would make
my decision on Monday.
OK. We should really be
in the newsroom right now.
Oh, do you think so? And
leave your lovely soiree here?
Jesus, Richard! Mate, how are you?
Apologies for that.
I tell you what, though,
Richard, this is what happens
when you let your, um (LAUGHS)
your talking heads try to think.
This is where you end up, in a
fucking Cadbury Flake commercial!
While our network has missed
out on the biggest fucking story
since the crucifixion.
So, yeah. Let's get back
to the the newsroom.
Richard, I am so sorry.
Yeah. I'll, uh I'll
leave you my number.
Call me.
Are you all right?
What?
Welcome. Thank you for coming.
Thank you for asking. Any update on Lee?
No, not yet, but the footage
they sent through is astonishing.
We're gonna go to air with
it in less than an hour.
Um, everybody, this is Noelene.
And for those of you who don't
know, Noelene brought us Lee Zheng.
So can we get her set up on this desk?
If she asks for anything,
please give it to her.
Come with me.
Um, we've been in contact with
the government, with the embassy,
and Leonie has also found a
contact number for his family.
I'll call the foreign minister.
- Why aren't we breaking programming?
- We don't have enough footage.
- In fact, we have no footage.
- At all?
We thought we had a guy in Asia, but no,
and the affiliates have nothing
HELEN: Good evening, and welcome
to our special early edition
of Public Eye.
- Tonight, China in crisis.
- Christ! Get it off!
After more than seven
weeks of peaceful protest,
the People's Liberation
Army have opened fire
on pro-democracy
demonstrators in Beijing.
Our reporter Lee Zheng was on the ground
when the first shots were fired.
But as we go to air tonight,
his whereabouts are unknown
and we have grave
concerns for his safety.
(GUNFIRE AND SCREAMING)
LEE: The gunfire is constant.
- Hello?
- Hello?
Hello, can you hear me?
Yes, I can hear you.
Lee, can you hear me?
OK.
Li, it's Noelene. Are
you OK? Are you safe?
Safe as I can be.
I made it back to the
hotel. I'm with Tim.
Thank God.
Lee, it's Bill.
Um, we got this morning's footage,
and we're putting it to air now.
Uh, could you speak to Helen?
Live to air?
Yes, of course.
I'll call Wayne.
Tonight, news is emerging
of a brutal military
intervention in China.
Details remain sparse, but
early reports suggest fatalities
in the hundreds.
As the world waits for
updates, let's take a look back
at the escalation of the
conflict over recent weeks.
REPORTER: Around Beijing, tens
of thousands of ordinary citizens
left their homes to blockade
We ran this fucking footage in May.
One tank became trapped
inside a barricade
and was quickly surrounded.
The crowd hurled sticks and
stones, then climbed on top,
trying to prise open the hatch
to get at the soldiers inside.
Minutes later, they set it ablaze.
Stranded in a sea of hatred,
the crowds jeering as the vehicle
became engulfed in flames.
And we're out.
We've got new footage from today.
Lee's on the line.
He's already patched through.
All right. You talk to
him right now. Right now.
- Yeah.
- OK. And in five, four, three
If you're joining us, we
have located Lee Zheng,
our reporter in Beijing.
And I believe that we have
him on the line right now.
Hello, Lee, can you hear me?
I can, Helen.
What can you tell us about the situation
on the ground right now?
It's a war zone.
The loss of life is catastrophic.
Now, in the daylight, we can see
the sheer scale of devastation.
Lee, the footage that
we're looking at now
are tanks driving down an empty street.
And there appears to be a
lone person blocking their way.
This was earlier today.
An unidentified man stood
in the path of Chinese tanks.
Incredibly, he even clambered
aboard and appeared to negotiate
with the crew of the lead tank.
Extraordinary images, encapsulating
both the sheer brutality
of the military crackdown
and the staggering bravery
of those resisting it.
(APPLAUSE)
Stunning work, Helen. Stunning work.
I had to come down and thank you myself.
Well, really, you should be thanking
Noelene, because she got us Lee.
This is where you offer her a job.
I don't suppose there's
any point in doing that now.
Oh, do you want to have a private chat?
Uh
I think we're all pretty keen
to know where we stand, actually.
Right.
Are we axed or not?
Lee and Tim are still on the ground
and Noelene has heard
from the PM's office.
He's keen to talk live on the issue.
Right.
We could give you extended
editions every night this week.
You can lock in next
week, but that's it.
I wouldn't relax just yet.
Well, we don't relax here, mate.
We do not relax.
Yoo!
(SOFT WHOOPS)
- WOMAN: Keep it coming.
- MAN: Yeah, I'll call them.
(INDISTINCT NEWSROOM CHATTER)
(KEYS CLATTER)
(SIGHS)
Huh.
Hi.
Hi.
I had three champagnes, so
I couldn't risk going home.
Huh.
Feel like a fourth?
The party wasn't as bad as you think.
It was a fucking disaster.
(LAUGHS)
Yeah, but you came off well.
Lindsay was in a nylon tracksuit,
screaming, and you were calm,
in full designer wear.
Donna's not going to print
anything compromising.
She just needed a
quote from me about you.
And I said, having watched Dale
on screen for years, I can confirm
that he's just as
wonderful in real life,
and it's been a joy getting to know him.
I know who you are, Dale Jennings.
And I don't care.
(WHISPERS) I love the way
you make me feel, Dale.
And I can tell you're attracted to me.
Unless I'm misreading things.
No.
(BIRDS WARBLING)
Morning, Richard.
Apologies for the theatrics yesterday.
Apologies for the theatrics yesterday.
Actually, that's pretty
standard behaviour for Lindsay.
In fact, he's a lot worse when
he thinks no one's watching.
I see.
He's aggressive, erratic.
Quite frankly, his
judgement is appalling.
Well, um, he does have a
great deal of leave owing.
Perhaps the two of us need
to encourage him to take
- a well-earned break, and then
- No.
No.
Richard.
(CLEARS THROAT)
I'm at the point where I
simply will not work with him.
I completely understand if
your loyalty lies with Lindsay.
But let me be clear.
If Lindsay stays
I walk.
ROB: I think the beautiful thing
about the Aussie sports field
is we do not see colour in our sport.
HELEN: Rob's emerged as one
of the highest profile people
in support of the rugby players.
I was just trying to
say how beautiful it is
to live in a country without apartheid.
I think Australia is no
better than South Africa.
Actually, I think
Australia IS South Africa.
That's offensive.
Football is the jewel of
the crown of this network!
So we don't try?
You are the king of news.
I know exactly what you're doing.