War (2026) s01e05 Episode Script

1
CREW MEMBER 1: Ms. Duval,
everyone's ready for you now.
(CREW MEMBER 2
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)
- (DOOR SHUTTING)
- (REVERSE ALARM BEEPING)
- CREW MEMBER 3: Good luck, Carla.
- Thank you.
- (CLOTHES RAIL RATTLING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SIGNAL BEEPING)
(AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACK JEFFREY: (OVER SPEAKER)
Good evening, good evening.
- And welcome.
- (SPEAKING SOFTLY)
(CHEERING CONTINUES) - JACK: We
have a very special show for you tonight.
The cast
of the new hit thriller show,
Endgame, are in the building,
ladies and gentlemen
- FLOOR MANAGER: Thirty seconds, Carla, thank you.
- Okay.
- SERENA BRYNE: Hey.
- Hi.
I've made it very clear.
Just about work.
No mention of the D-word,
not before the joint
announcement.
- Okay?
- Okay.
JACK: and if you like
your Formula One,
we have Swedish superstar
Magnus Lindholm
- on the sofa.
- (AUDIENCE CHEERING, APPLAUDING)
JACK: But my first guest
is no stranger to the show.
She's an actress, producer,
presenter, a model,
and a role model.
Someone I consider
a personal friend.
Please, give it up,
ladies and gentlemen,
for the beautiful,
the inimitable,
the sublime, Miss Carla Duval!
- (AUDIENCE CHEERS, APPLAUDS)
- (UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
- JACK: Gorgeous!
- CARLA: Thank you.
Thank you so much!
Miss Carla Duval,
ladies and gentlemen.
(MUSIC ENDS) - Oh my God.
Nobody should arrive looking this fabulous.
- (AUDIENCE LAUGH)
- Thank you very much.
So, just back from war?
Not the real war. No.
No. Not an actual war.
- No.
- Otherwise
Otherwise, I would have
to have serious words
- with my agent. (LAUGHS)
- (ALL LAUGH)
This is The Milliner.
- Exactly.
- (AUDIENCE APPLAUDING)
Still going strong,
- still in cinemas.
- Mm. Mm-hmm.
And I have to say,
the standout performance
- of your career, in my opinion.
- Oh, Jack.
- (AUDIENCE CHEER)
- Thanks.
Uh, you know
No, I know
I know all his secrets,
- so he has to say that.
- (LAUGHS)
- Don't believe a word of it.
- It's true.
(BOTH LAUGH)
- So, this is, uh, the premiere.
- Yeah.
- JACK: Co-star Jeremy Sampson.
- Good old Jeremy.
- There he is.
- JACK: Good old Jeremy.
- (FAN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
- JACK: And this This I love.
- AUDIENCE: Aw!
- Morgan.
Morgan.
- JACK: Given the
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
incredible things
that this man is doing
- in life.
- (AUDIENCE APPLAUD, CHEER)
Changing the conversation that
the world is having with itself,
he still finds time
to make sure he's there for you.
- The woman he loves.
- (CHUCKLES)
- (AUDIENCE CHEERS, APPLAUDS)
- JACK: Am I right?
It was a fun night.
It was a fun night. Yeah.
Date night on the red carpet
with hubby Henderson.
- (AUDIENCE LAUGH)
- Something like that.
JACK: I mean, I don't know
how you two juggle it,
how you manage your careers
and and and still have
moments like this.
- It it truly warms my heart.
- (MUSIC RISES) ♪
JACK: This is a power couple
that we're seeing,
ladies and gentlemen,
right here.
A power couple in action.
You are a very lucky lady,
Carla Duval.
- Sorry
- (MUSIC FALLS) ♪
It's okay.
Carla, are you all right?
(TENSE MUSIC RESUMES) ♪
Sorry, Jack, but you say this
is the performance of my career.
He's the one who's acting.
- Morgan? Acting?
- (AUDIENCE CHUCKLE)
CARLA DUVAL: He's lying.
I'm thinking this is going
to go south,
so let me know
if you want to go to a break.
You mean
he didn't like the film?
(AUDIENCE TITTER)
He's a bullshitter, Jack.
You have no idea just how much
of a bullshitter he is.
Okay, Carla, should we take
a little pause?
Because what Morgan wants
is a fucking divorce.
- (AUDIENCE EXCLAIM)
- JACK: (OVER TV) Okay.
Okay, maybe we should
take a pause.
CARLA:
No, Jack, this is a talk show,
so let me bloody talk.
- Can you take that photo down?
- (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
Don't laugh.
- Okay, Carla, I just
- CARLA: No.
I'm not going to sit here
and just switch on a smile.
I'm always having
to just switch on a smile.
- And you lot, you have no idea what you're talking about
- (AUDIENCE HECKLING)
so why don't you
shut the fuck up?
- Okay. Okay.
- WOMAN: This is the best acting
- I've seen you do.
- Please.
- You lot, just shut the fuck up.
- (AUDIENCE GASPING)
You have no idea what
you're fucking talking about.
Let's go to a break.
Um, thank you.
(AUDIENCE JEER, BOO)
Please, ladies and gentlemen,
have a little bit of heart.
Come on.
(MUSIC SWELLS) ♪
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
(THEME MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
(THEME MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
CARLA: (ON VIDEO)
I'm not gonna sit here and just
switch on a smile.
I'm always having to just switch
on a smile.
And you lot, you have no idea
what you're talking about,
-so why don't you shut the fuck up?
- -JACK: Okay.
- Oh, God.
- WOMAN: This is the best acting I've seen you do.
- JACK: Please.
- CARLA: You lot, just shut the fuck up.
- ANTONIA: Serena's here, quick.
- CARLA: You have no idea
- what you're fucking talking
- (VIDEO CUTS OFF)
- There's a delivery waiting at reception, Antonia.
- ANTONIO: I'm sorry.
(TELEPHONE RINGING)
No, it shouldn't hurt us
too much, not in legal terms.
- I mean
- No, I
For Cathcarts, it's Christmas
come early. I agree.
But it's
We can't have this throw us off.
(SIGHS) It's a bit
late for that.
No, what I mean is,
given the situation
with the money, the fact
we're going to litigation,
we need to keep working,
keep prepping for Budgie.
Interrogate Zephyr,
confirm the assets list.
All as if
as if the car crash
never happened.
- I should call Grace. PR.
- Ugh.
(CELL PHONE BUZZES) - I
mean, I struggle with her personally
- (KNOCK ON DOOR)
- but needs must.
Yep.
This came for you.
(LOW RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
ANTONIA:
Doesn't say who it's from.
NICHOLAS TAYLOR:
(SIGHS) Oh, God.
(MUSIC ENDS) ♪
It has no bearing, legally,
they know that.
But they'll also know
it's a colossal own goal.
The prevailing thought
for everyone
who saw that interview,
judge included,
is that Carla has gone
round the bend.
- Mm.
- Who can blame poor Morgan for wanting to escape?
- Poor guy's been trapped.
- I've always thought so.
There are lots more, but these
are the national newspapers
and the main websites
you wanted.
Oh, and, um,
there's a phone in on LBC.
Even Morgan couldn't have
bought this level
of negative PR.
"It's a talk show.
Let me bloody talk."
That's a personal fave.
And they're struggling
for money.
We've even caught sight
of their P and I.
So if you're Nick and Serena,
you'd be wanting what?
To get all their documents,
disclosures from us
as quickly as you could,
get to court
as fast as possible.
You're thinking
of the energy company case.
Kloro Energy,
court case on the horizon.
One side's firm struggling
for funds,
needed everything sent over
as quickly as possible.
- What they got
- What they got
was the "March of the Snails."
- (FAINT CHATTER)
- (SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
(CELL PHONE CHIMES)
(SIGHS)
LUCY COSTIGAN: They say they
understand you don't wanna leave the house,
or see anybody,
or talk on the phone,
but they really
need you in rehearsals.
It's not that I don't want
to leave the house.
I physically can't.
Do you want me
to suggest a Zoom?
That way you can turn off
your video and your audio.
- How many are there?
- (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
LUCY: About ten more
than last time I counted.
(GROANS)
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
Serena's calling.
(CELL PHONE CONTINUES BUZZING)
Hi.
SERENA:
Don't look at the papers.
It's total twisted bullshit.
I haven't seen a thing.
SERENA: Is that true?
Of course not.
- SERENA: Look, I know.
- It's not what you want,
But I need you to keep moving.
Fighting.
Otherwise, everything
you've wanted out of this,
it all comes crashing down.
- (SOMBER MUSIC RESUMES) ♪
- (CELL PHONE BEEPS)
(REPORTERS CHATTING)
(EXHALES DEEPLY)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC OVERLAPPING) ♪
(EXHALES DEEPLY)
(REPORTERS CLAMORING)
RADIO HOST: And what did
you think of her performance
on The Jack Jeffreys Show?
Did she cross the line?
CALLER 1: I don't know
who she thinks she is,
talking to the public like that.
CALLER 2: She's biting the hand
that feeds her.
CALLER 3: It's not like she's Meryl
Streep or someone who can actually act.
CALLER 4: No wonder
he wants rid of her.
She's a crazy attention seeker.
She'll be loving all this.
DRIVER: Sorry, I'll
I'll turn that off.
- No, leave it on.
- RADIO HOST: Lots more on what the tabloids are terming
- "Car Crash Duval" after this.
- (SCOFFS)
(CLAMOR CONTINUES)
- (MUSIC RISES) ♪
- (INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Did you see
The Jack Jeffreys Show?
When was the last time
you saw your wife?
(OVERLAPPING SHOUTS)
(MUSIC FADES) ♪
- GILLIAN POPE:
- Eric's going to recap
And we can discuss
what this means for us all.
ERIC MCDANIEL: Item One.
This came late Thursday.
Zephyr is now the subject
of a freezing order.
That's a result of Morgan's
personal situation.
There will be no expansion
in Asia,
no movement of any equity,
no bonuses, nothing,
until the divorce is resolved.
Which leads us to Item Two.
We, ourselves, are to be
fought over, are we not?
This company. In court.
Uh
Yeah, Carla is claiming
a certain degree
of ownership over Zephyr.
(SCOFFS) We're being held
hostage to his personal life.
Who's this person again?
- Gee.
- Guy.
- "Gee?"
- Ouais.
Isn't that some kind of butter?
(CLEARS THROA
Uh, it's like Guy,
the way the French pronounce it.
You hired him
as Creative Director
of the EMEA.
The people
around this table, Morgan.
This is the point.
Our contributions,
our prospects,
these are all tied to
the outcome
of your divorce with Carla,
which is now being
played out in public.
Yes, all right.
We were supposed to make
a joint statement,
and unfortunately,
she jumped the gun.
We noticed.
In a way that
you might all think I enjoyed,
seeing all the shit she's slung
at me recently,
but in fact, it hurt me.
I don't enjoy seeing someone
I love in that state
being on the receiving end
of all this abuse.
Even if it does benefit me,
or my lawyers, or all of you.
GILLIAN: But
But it doesn't benefit us.
It damages us.
- The reputation of the company.
- And that would be Item Three.
The publicity surrounding Carla
- has an effect on the business.
- Has or might?
- Will.
- Will or might?
Will. I'm sorry.
And we do not want to get
dragged into your shit storm.
Well, I'm really sorry, Gillian,
if my life
is inconveniencing you.
But I feel compelled
to remind you the only reason
you're able to sit there
and make that point
Oh, come on.
instead of sitting
in a traffic jam
in Swindon on your way
to some middle management job
Nothing wrong with that,
by the way.
is because of me,
because of what I started.
(LOW TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
So I will decide how this goes.
GILLIAN: Okay.
- (TELEPHONE RINGING)
- (MUSIC FALLS) ♪
MOLLY GIORDANO: Jesus.
Hey, apparently there's
paps downstairs.
Did you see 'em?
I was thinking I might go and eat
my lunch down there, you know?
Raise my profile a little bit.
Be, like,
the "People's Solicitor."
I feel like that's relatable.
Catchy.
Hey, Johnny.
Do you want to stop weirding out
on the clients?
I was saying
- there's paps downstairs. Yeah.
- There's paps downstairs.
Shit! Look at this. (CHUCKLES)
Someone's come up
with "Cruella Duval."
- (CELL PHONE BUZZING)
- Oh!
Susie, what's taking so long?
No, no, no, no, no. These are
basic fucking disclosures.
- MICHAEL STEFANOU:
- On top of all that,
You have the apartment
on the Upper East Side.
- We having that revalued.
- NORA OKAFOR: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
MICHAEL: The house in Sussex,
commercial properties
in Hammersmith,
Wandsworth, Parsons Green.
So those were part
of Morgan's existing portfolio.
- (CELL PHONE BUZZES)
- Uh, what might have been once,
that's now a shared portfolio,
which is why Saeed!
Which is why Saeed is
- is writing all this down.
- Yeah.
MICHAEL: But it's
It's the personal assets
that I really want us to catch.
Anything we haven't already
discussed.
Anything over ten grand.
- He's bought a lot of art.
- NORA: Yes.
So there's now the small canvas
by George Braque.
Uh, you think
that's in New York?
- Mm.
- NORA: And also two works
by Franz Klein.
Are they worth more
than 10,000 pounds?
Yeah. Well, they look like
they could have
been drawn by a child,
so presumably.
We're nearly done.
You also have
the cottage in Normandy.
He's not having that.
NORA: Nobody's suggesting
he should.
We just need to disclose it.
Are we missing anything else?
Cottage in Normandy.
Two horses.
Time to come clean
about the helicopter
- and the Fabergé egg?
- (MICHAEL CHUCKLES)
- And the Ferrari Testarossa.
- (NORA AND MICHAEL CHUCKLE)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
It's stupid people saying
stupid things. Ignore.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
- NORA: Thanks. See you soon.
- CARLA: Thanks.
ANTONIA: Car's outside.
Lucy's downstairs.
Molly, I need you to type
all these up,
then give them all
to Serena, okay?
Sorry, this is this is
my "no fucking way" face, Saeed.
You have to, okay?
I need to go through
their investment disclosures.
They haven't arrived yet
and they're insisting
- on sending hard copies.
- Hard copies? Why?
- ANTONIA: See you soon.
- (ELEVATOR BELL CHIMES)
(SIGHS)
- (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
- (JOHNNY WARREN SIGHS)
Sorry, I just wanted
Wanted to say that
if you need anything
some time out or a drink,
then you can just
give me a call, okay?
And we can, what?
Go for a stroll
through the park?
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)
(JOHNNY SIGHS)
(SIGHS) Six.
- No problem. (CLEARS THROAT)
- (ELEVATOR CHIMES)
This is perfect for me.
It doesn't feel very perfect.
GRACE HOPPER:
Serena, I'm Crisis PR.
It's a David
versus Goliath industry.
I need something
to fight against,
otherwise what am I?
Just a topless boy holding
a handful of pebbles.
Is that all he was wearing?
And would we call it
an "industry"?
Come on.
GRACE: Look, she's drowning,
poor thing.
On X, Instagram,
Zephyr, you name it,
it's growing by the hour.
It's vile and it's vicious,
but much as it renders your
whole case as almost unwinnable,
it's actually not the very
worst situation to be in.
What would be worse than this?
If the abuse had stopped,
that's what you want to avoid.
When the hating ends,
it's because the world
has made up its mind.
- So she's still alive?
- Oh, yeah.
There's a pulse.
But only just.
(DISTANT DOOR BANGS)
- (CRATE TROLLEY ROLLING)
- (RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
NICHOLAS: Oh, God.
(CELL PHONE BUZZING)
(TELEPHONES RINGING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪
(BOX THUDS)
- Are these full?
- Yeah.
What the hell
did you ask them for?
Uh, statements of interest
for the past six months.
And they sent all this?
Well, they're saying
they're in here,
but in the interest of time,
they suggest
we find them ourselves.
- There's even more downstairs.
- (BOX SLIDING)
- (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
- (SOFTLY) Fuck.
The dark arts of pagination.
What does that mean?
The opposition are ahead.
And they have deeper pockets
than we do,
so they are deliberately
slowing things down.
That's what it means.
MOLLY: Serena, Saeed asked me
to type these up for you.
Okay, thanks.
JOHNNY: (OVER PHONE) Well, they know what
you're doing, but it's definitely working.
The crate they actually want
- is the one crate we forgot to send.
- (PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
DAVID: I'll send that tomorrow
using London's slowest courier firm.
I like it,
the attention to detail.
DAVID SCHILL: "The simple act
of paying attention
can take you a long way."
- Know who said that?
- No, go on.
Keanu Reeves.
We are winning, Johnny.
Neither side can be
in any doubt about that.
But what we do now
is extend our lead.
I slow things down at my end,
you expedite at yours.
Send everything you have as soon
as you can.
So we make the most
of this chaos.
(MUSIC FADES) ♪
Paintings by Kline and Braque.
Spelt wrong.
Commercial properties
in Hammersmith, Parsons Green.
Good.
Good.
Normandy cottage.
Two horses.
Uh, Ferrari Testarossa?
Carla doesn't own
a Ferrari Testarossa.
- I wasn't in the meeting.
- Morgan doesn't even drive.
They're Saeed's notes, though.
(TELEPHONE RINGING) -
Well, then you check with Saeed.
You don't just
type this up blindly.
Check with him first, yeah?
- Sorry.
- No, there's no need for sorry.
Just do it again. Quickly.
- Yeah.
- SERENA: Yeah.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
(INDISTINCT CLAMOR)
PHOTOGRAPHER 1: Carla!
(CLAMORING INTENSIFIES)
- (SIGHS)
- (KNOCKING ON DOOR)
PHOTOGRAPHER 2:
When was the last time
you saw your son, Carla?
- (KNOCKING CONTINUES)
- CARLA: Not my son!
-Not my fucking
-LUCY: No, no, no! Carla! No! No! No!
- Stop! Stop!
- (GRUNTS)
(MUSIC TURNS SOMBER) ♪
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
(BREATHES SHAKILY)
(SOBS)
(MUSIC FADES) ♪
(SOBS)
(DISTANT SIREN WAILING)
(VACUUM CLEANERS WHIRRING)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
(MUSIC FADES) ♪
Oh, it's all so fake.
I'm not going to sit here
and just switch on a smile.
I'm always having to
just switch on a smile.
I mean, she's meant to be
this amazing actress,
and she clearly wants
to own the narrative,
but it it just looks
like total bad acting.
I don't think she was acting.
Johnny, I know
bad PR when I see it.
I think she was just
being honest.
BELLA CROFT: Honest?
He says that "This is the performance
of her career," in his opinion.
Massive question marks
over Jack Jeffreys' opinion
on anything else ever again,
by the way.
Well, have you seen it?
BELLA: What?
The Milliner.
(SCOFFS) I don't need to see that
film to know that it is extremely bad.
And the irony is he's about to
see her worst performance ever.
(DISHES THUDDING)
Why are you sticking up
for her anyway?
I'm not saying you're bad
lawyers for defending her.
Do you mean "representing" her?
I'm just sorry you have
to dig her out of all this shit.
Do do you know
something, Bella?
I I know this is fun
to talk about, or whatever,
but she's actually
just a normal person.
- (RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
- Wait, are you fucking serious?
(CHUCKLES SARCASTICALLY)
This this is bad acting now.
Johnny, like
CARLA: Do you know what?
You lot can shut the fuck up
because you don't have any idea what
you're fucking talking about, all right?
- JACK: Let's go to a break
- (AUDIENCE JEERING ON LAPTOP)
(MUSIC RISES) ♪
(TELEPHONES RINGING)
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
GRACE: Did you hear it?
Every Little Thing She Does?
You know it?
Well, it's enormous.
And last night,
they dropped an interview
with Tamara Chong.
Singer-songwriter.
No?
Well, she's my client,
and she's the biggest guest
they've ever had on.
Watch this.
TAMARA CHONG: (OVER LAPTOP)
I just think what's happening is insane.
Carla Duval is clearly
in fucking pain.
- Sorry to swear.
- Oh, no, no.
You you need to.
It's important.
TAMARA: Clearly in fucking pain.
Upset because something's wrong
with some guy.
And I don't care
how much money he's got,
or how great people
who don't actually
know him think he is.
She lives with him.
And she's telling us
that he's the problem.
And rather than listen,
we pile in.
SAFFRON YOUNG: Women included.
- TAMARA: Women included.
- SAFFRON: Yeah.
I mean,
what's actually going on?
And can we all just stop hating
on Carla for one second
and find out please?
You think it'll make
a difference?
- Mm, could.
- It already has.
(VIDEO CUTS OFF)
There's all this traffic
on his platform,
and it's turning her way.
(LOW RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
Magazines, Instagram posts.
It's an oil tanker,
but it is starting to turn.
We've got you
on the same podcast.
When?
SERENA:
Later today. Our PR woman,
Grace, says you need
to dress carefully.
Look strong, you mean?
Strong, but a bit tired
around the edges.
Sunglasses, big coat
to shield you from a world
that's been so cruel,
hair that looks messy,
but in a way that, you know
- Looks amazing.
- SERENA: Yeah.
And we can record it
in the office.
They've agreed to that.
It means we can control
everything.
I'm not sure.
Carla, you're the only one
who can change all this.
This is it now.
Tell them your side.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) - SAFFRON:
Can I just say thank you for your honesty?
I just think, all of us,
from when we're tiny,
are told just
to get on with things.
Don't make a fuss,
tolerate any behavior.
You're talking about Morgan.
Well, just all of us, generally.
But I mean, yes,
in my case, with a man.
A very successful man.
But none of that success,
and and he's talented too
and can be funny and kind,
should mean that
we excuse bad behavior.
I'm not doing my job
if I don't ask you
what that behavior is.
I mean, you can say as much
or as little as you like.
It's about respect for me.
I had this terrible experience
on the talk show.
They were showing this photo
of Morgan and me
smiling together.
They wouldn't stop showing it.
And the next day, after it had
all gone horribly wrong,
I I realized that I hadn't
I hadn't told anyone
what had made me so angry.
I hadn't
I hadn't told the audience
what I was thinking
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
which was that, um
60 seconds before
that photo was taken
he had served me divorce papers.
At my premiere.
He'd had one of his lawyers
in the crowd posing
as someone who wanted a selfie
and he'd had her
um, serve me divorce papers.
At your premiere?
For the listener,
Carla is nodding.
"Carla is nodding." (SCOFFS)
(SNIFFLES)
After everything
that we had together,
and it's it's not all
"him-bad, me-good," I just
SAFFRON: We just
all need that respect.
Don't smile too much, darling.
- All right?
- CARLA: Yeah.
- (SIREN WAILING)
- (MUSIC CONTINUES) ♪
(CELL PHONE PINGS)
SAFFRON: (ON PODCAST) One
last question before we wrap up.
Carla Duval,
your marriage is over.
- (CARLA SCOFFING)
- SAFFRON: I know that's hard,
but does that mean
the love stops?
CARLA: Hand on heart,
I didn't stop loving Morgan
till he stopped loving me.
(MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
ST. JOHN SMALLWOOD: It's the
most listened-to podcast in the country.
And this is already
its most listened-to episode.
Beatrice thought it best
I give you all
your medicine in one go.
She makes it
sound like I'm the villain.
When you were
the ones that served her
and she honey-trapped me.
Explains all
the vicious messages from Gabe.
You can't blame him,
I'd hate me too, after that.
My advice? Don't rise to it.
Not good enough. You fight back.
- With what?
- With Flora, for a start.
I'd like to see that get out.
See how much fucking sympathy
the Queen of Hearts gets then.
- We won't be doing that.
- Well, do bloody something.
(LOW RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
(SIGHS)
Call Gabriel.
Take him for some supper.
Mend with the boy.
(MUSIC RISES) ♪
- There you are, sir.
- Thanks.
- (MUSIC CONCLUDES) ♪
- Hi.
(CLASSICAL MUSIC
PLAYING IN BACKGROUND) ♪
Sick look, bro.
- Where's your skateboard?
- (CHUCKLES)
My dad got me drunk
for the first time
in a pub near here.
He did it so he could, um, look
after me when I threw up,
and also so he'd have an excuse
to get pissed himself, I think.
WAITRESS: Menu?
Thanks.
There you go.
(CLEARS THROAT)
So you served her
at her premiere?
They told me it was necessary.
They said that's how it had
to be done.
Right.
Listen, Gabe.
Your mother and I had
something wonderful.
She saved me,
both of you did, in ways
that you'll never even know.
And just because she
and I have
have reached
the end of something
you will always be
the best thing
that ever happened to me.
And to have seen you grow
into this exceptional young man,
it's the truest pride
I've ever known.
And I'll always
be there for you.
In that way, nothing changes.
Nothing.
And I regret giving her
those papers in that way.
I really wish
it hadn't happened.
Well, she's trending number one
on your platform.
So I guess you're even.
(CHUCKLES)
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
Is she?
(CELL PHONE TONE RINGING)
(SIREN WAILING)
(BUZZES)
Hello.
CARLA: Thanks for the text.
Glad to see things are starting
to go your way.
CARLA: You said to call
if there's anything I need.
JOHNNY: Tell me.
There's a gate behind the houses
to the communal gardens.
I want to apologize
for how I spoke to you
in the lift, but I feel like
like I should do that in person.
JOHNNY: Are you sure?
- CARLA: Definitely.
- Okay.
(CELL PHONE BEEPS)
(MUSIC ENDS) ♪
- This was really nice.
- Yeah.
PAPARAZZO: Morgan, Morgan,
over here. This way, mate.
- Quick, here, Gabe.
- PAPARAZZO: Morgan, quick one!
- (TENSE MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
PAPARAZZO: Gabriel,
come on. Give us a shot.
MORGAN HENDERSON:
Leave us alone.
- PAPARAZZO: Come on.
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING)
Sorry.
They're fucking everywhere.
- (MUSIC FADES) ♪
- (PAPARAZZO SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)
You got what you needed.
What?
Gabe, that's
That's not what that was.
Yeah, sure.
He was just walking by.
- I swear.
- Yeah, sure.
And you just forgot to put
your stupid fucking cap back on.
- Gabe, listen.
- Well, you take this car
and I'll get a tube or
No, no, no. It's all right.
Shut the door. Shut the door.
You take the car.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
Well, come on, you scumbag!
You want a photo?
Come and bloody get one!
(PANTING)
(DISTANT SIREN BLARING)
(“BAD GIRL” BY DEVENDRA
BANHART PLAYING OVER SPEAKER) ♪
Just in case anyone asks.
Just a couple more signatures?
- Yeah. That's all it is.
- CARLA: Yeah.
Good idea.
Bad idea.
- Terrible.
- Mm.
Mama, I ain't waiting ♪
I ain't waiting
But I'm still holding on ♪
Mama, I ain't waiting ♪
No, I ain't waiting
But I'm still holding on ♪
Holding on, baby ♪
Mama, I ain't waiting ♪
No, I ain't waiting
But I'm still holding on ♪
(SONG CONCLUDES) ♪
(JOHNNY GRUNTS)
(CELL PHONE PINGS, BUZZES)
(SIGHS)
SERENA: (OVER VOICEMAIL)
Carla, I'll have Grace call the journalist
and explain just what Gabe means
- to you, okay?
- (SCOFFS)
SERENA: We can still turn this
around (CELL PHONE BEEPS)
JOHNNY: "Gabriel Duval sweetly
reaffirms unbreakable bond
with adoptive father
amid bohemian actress mother's
frequent absence ".
Thank you. I can read.
"Too busy doing photo shoots
to bother with her boy."
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
Was that the comments
or the article itself?
Does it matter?
You were right.
This was a bad idea.
(INTENSE
STRING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
Mr. Smallwood is going
to be delighted
you've decided
to drop in, Mr. Henderson.
The fuck is he?
I'm just not sure he was
expecting you to arrive
with such enthusiasm.
Did I tell you to use my son
as a fucking prop?
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
- "Not good enough."
- What?
- "Fight back."
- No, no, no, no.
- "Do bloody something."
- Yes, but not-like-fucking-that.
You mustn't feel
pressured into leaving
the door open, Nicky.
(DOOR SHUTS)
Morgan, this is a PR war,
and she was winning,
outperforming you.
I'm afraid that's
not a smart enough response.
Morgan, we heard you were in.
I expect better for my money.
You've been playing chicken
with them all this time,
and you thought they'd run.
You thought they'd cave,
but they haven't.
They've called your bluff,
and now you're going
to have to fight them
in the open in court,
and you are nervous.
- Morgan, we are relishing court.
- Well, then get on with it.
And get a decent barrister.
I'm about to walk
into a board meeting now
full of people wondering
why their boss is being paraded
around in public like
he's something off reality TV.
So you'd rather not have
taken back the advantage?
- Final warning.
- (DOOR OPENS)
Well, go on.
(LOW RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
The asset schedule.
Lock it, print it, send it.
Tell them we see this
as a fait accompli.
Okay. Got it.
(PRINTER WHIRS)
(MUSIC BUILDS) ♪
- CARLA: I've spent my whole career
- (MUSIC TURNS TENSE) ♪
my whole adult life
in the public eye.
Facing comment
and judgment and scrutiny.
(PAPARAZZI CLAMORING)
- (MUSIC STOPS) ♪
- CARLA: You know something?
I can't do it anymore.
I can't. I'm sorry.
Carla, that all makes
total sense.
I think Nick should be here
to hear me say this too.
(INTENSE
STRING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
- (MUSIC ENDS) ♪
- Where is everyone?
What about the board meeting?
Morgan, there's somebody
we'd like you to meet.
He flew in last night.
(SIGHS)
It's not Michael Ancker, is it?
Is he here?
Just listen to what
he has to say.
Morgan, good to see you.
As I understand it,
Gillian and Eric
are going to leave us to it.
I'm a huge fan.
Wish I could say the same.
I don't know how
it's reached this point.
I mean, I know what's happened,
how one thing
has led to another,
but I don't understand
how you can start so in love,
and end up so stuck,
so humiliated,
so determined
to ruin each other.
And that's why I
I can't do it.
I can't go to court. I'm sorry.
I can't do it to Gabe.
MICHAEL ANCKER: When a company
like yours stops growing, Morgan,
that's a major problem.
When the truth about its CEO
starts being played out
- in public?
- The truth?
My friend, that's a crisis.
Morgan.
Either your ex comes
after your business, or I do.
And I can do it
in a way that keeps you rich.
You've been misled.
I can't sell to anyone.
There's an injunction.
Doesn't stop you agreeing
a price.
CARLA: Money never
used to matter.
(SIGHS) It was so easy
at the beginning.
I mean, I was exhausted,
he was a mess,
but we found each other.
We spent a month in my cottage.
We were so happy.
We ate great food.
We read poetry. (CHUCKLES)
What was it?
(POIGNANT MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
"To hail soft Zephyr
as she goes.
To fan the dew-drop
from the rose."
That's where I got the name.
When I read him that poem,
he didn't even
- know what a Zephyr was.
- Um
Sorry, I just want
to make sure of something.
The name, Zephyr.
You came up with it?
Yes.
Oh, Carla. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
ANCKER:
It's your company.
- Don't let her take it away.
- (MUSIC GROWS TENSE) ♪
Let's you and I agree
on a price right now.
The market says Zephyr
is worth one billion.
My offer is two billion.
- Sterling.
- (SCOFFS)
ANCKER: I have that money
in a safe place
that Carla's lawyers
cannot access.
Two billion, Morgan.
Guaranteed.
NICHOLAS:
You're back in the game.
If you created Zephyr together,
then that's It's the fruit
of the marriage.
- SERENA: Yeah, yeah.
- NICHOLAS: We take that one fact
to court, Carla,
and we can get you half.
Half of everything he gets.
Do that now, and it's gone.
Money's in a place
she can't get it.
Locked away. Guaranteed.
SERENA: Look, I know
you want to protect yourself
and your child from scrutiny.
We we absolutely
understand that.
But if you can just
find the resolve
to keep fighting,
then you can protect his future.
- Gabe's future.
- And your own.
(LOW RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING) ♪
What do you say?
(MUSIC RISES) ♪
I say yes.
I say
no.
I say, let's do this.
I say, get the fuck
out of my office.
- "Carla is nodding."
- (CHUCKLES) "Carla is nodding."
- Everybody's nodding.
- (ALL CHUCKLE)
(MUSIC SWELLING) ♪
(MUSIC FADES) ♪
MOLLY: Hey, Johnny.
What do we say
about you and the client?
Never gonna happen.
(SIGHS)
Wait, I thought we took
that out.
Molly, this is the, uh,
asset list from Cathcarts.
It's got Ferrari Testarossa.
Didn't you
I took that off.
Serena gave me a bollocking,
so I took it off.
I did.
Oh, I know. So then how the fuck
did Cathcarts get that word?
(“TROUBLE”
BY BOB DYLAN PLAYING) ♪
Trouble in the city ♪
Trouble in the farm ♪
You got your rabbit's foot ♪
You got your good-luck charm ♪
But they can't help you none
When it's trouble ♪
Trouble ♪
Trouble, trouble, trouble
Nothing but trouble ♪
(SONG CONCLUDES) ♪