Class Act (2023) s01e01 Episode Script

Episode 1

1
This series is
loosely based on real events.
The story follows events
that are known to the public.
Beyond these,
the role played by family and friends,
as well as scenes of private life
and dialogue, are fictional.
- [prison door slams]
- [man] Hey, it's Tapie!
- [man 2] Yeah!
- [man 3] Hey, welcome, Bernard!
- [metal clanging]
- [whistle blows]
[man 4] Tapie!
[man 5] It's Tapie!
[guard] Hey, guys, that's enough!
Settle down, please!
[men chanting] Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie!
Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie!
Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie!
- Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie!
- [rhythmic clapping]
Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie! Tapie!
Tapie! Tapie!
[dramatic music playing]
And now,
let's all listen to the first record,
sung by Michel Polnareff.
This is called "La poupée qui fait non."
["La poupée qui fait non" playing]
[man] The image quality's amazing.
[man 2] 819 lines, 15 tubes,
best model on the market.
[man 3] Does your boss know
you took it home?
Your son's on TV. I'm not letting you
watch me on a set made before the war!
- [laughing]
- And when are you up, Bernard?
I'm happy to see
you're so impatient, Dad.
I mean, look at the eyes on this one.
He scares me a little bit.
- He looks like a hedgehog!
- [laughing]
- You're so mean! His has a lovely voice!
- What?
You can't even hear what he's singing!
He's got a tiny voice.
He sounds like a eunuch.
Where's the depth?
- Of course, you're a much better singer.
- Ah, thank you, my love.
- What do you think honey, huh?
- [scoffs]
You know I don't know much
about this sort of thing.
But him, no.
No, I don't like him.
You'd prefer he sang "The Internationale."
Right, Mr. Tapie?
- [laughing]
- Well, maybe he should.
Now it's time for the judges
to share their thoughts.
Listen up! The judges are talking!
I think that, for a song
to have any success,
it should be a song that can be
performed by several different artists.
And I don't really
think that's the case here.
I'm not really for it.
- [host chuckles] It fails for you then?
- I guess.
You see that? It fails!
And that's about all you can say.
So sorry, Mr. Polonareff.
- [doorbell rings]
- Can someone get the door?
[Tapie] You almost missed
the grand finale.
Ah, you know I wouldn't miss it.
You won't be disappointed, Roger.
The boss is here.
- [Roger] Hello, all.
- Hello.
- Mr. Tapie.
- Sh, sh, sh, sh.
Now, we have a record from Bernard Tapie.
[all] Ah!
This song is called
"Passeport pour le soleil."
[in French] Ticket to the sun ♪
Take us to your wonders ♪
[in English]
You're so handsome, Bernard.
[in French] The Earth is far away
The sky is ours ♪
Come on, brother of the universe ♪
Now you have to love yourself ♪
For it's tomorrow, you know ♪
[in English]
Ugh, Tapie with a Y? He changed it?
The record company says
it sounds more American.
- Dad, you talking or watching?
- Yes, but
Come on.
[song continues in French]
I mean, you gotta hold
that last note, right?
- [applause on TV]
- Bravo.
Now let's see
if it's a passport to success or not.
Hey, listen. Listen. It's the judges.
- [host] Let's hear from you first.
- Yeah, I really liked it.
- [host] Oh, you do?
- He's got the right idea. I'm a fan.
- All right, thank you. Thank you, sir.
- Oh, honey!
[overlapping chatter]
- [host] Marie-Josée?
- Sh, sh!
I think he's a great singer,
and he's very personable. It's uplifting.
I liked it a lot.
I wish him every success.
Well, that's something, isn't it?
Well, I guess we're unanimous for once.
I'm just glad the show didn't end
before we found someone
that I really liked.
- [woman] Ah.
- [judge] That was my favorite.
[host] Well, there you have it,
a passport to success. Thank you.
Bravo! Bravo!
Bravo! Bravo!
- Bravo! Bravo!
- [overlapping chatter]
Thank you, everyone.
Bravo, my love. Bravo.
So? Huh?
Happy you took a chance on me?
It was worth at least the 30,000
I gave you to record it.
Thirty thousand?
We're not here to talk about money,
are we?
- No. No.
- Oh no.
Unless you mean the money
your record will make for us.
Okay! Now that's the right attitude.
- You never told me you borrowed that much.
- It's fine. Who cares?
You heard what they said?
- In a few weeks, that'll be a month's pay.
- No, no, enough.
We agreed there'd be
no controversial topics today.
- To our new star, Bernard Tap-eye!
- [cheering]
Tapie!
Ugh! Tapie!
Thank you, my friends.
Same time next year at the Olympia!
[cheering]
[grunts]
[dog barking]
["Le responsable" playing]
[man singing in French]
SIMONET TELEVISIONS
NEW AND SECONDHAND
[Tapie] Roger, it's Bernard.
Come on. Open up.
If you came for money,
you can turn right back around.
Come on. Open up. It'll take a minute.
Please, I'm in some shit over here.
[footsteps approaching]
[soft rock in French playing]
I'm asking you to sell my P-2000.
Take a look.
Mmm.
Original casing, hardly any wear.
Perfect condition.
Yeah? So what?
Five grand new. You can sell it for three.
I'll let you have it for 1,500.
It was never five grand.
Try 42. And not with that casing.
[sighs] How much do you want?
Zero. Can't make it any more simple.
Look, Roger,
I know we've had our differences.
Differences. That's a nice way to put
the 10,000 francs you still owe me.
- Well, you said it was a gift.
- You've got some nerve.
I just said that I'm tired of waiting
for your career to take off
to get my money back.
It's not the same thing.
I've got nothing, okay? I'm broke.
- The court took everything.
- Not everything, clearly.
- I managed to hide it before they arrived.
- Come on, Bernard. You know better.
Just so you know,
I'm about to make a big move.
[Roger] Uh-huh.
I'm meeting with the bankers
from De Sarnez for my next project.
- Well, good for you.
- [Tapie] Wait. Please.
I can't go like this.
I'm asking for one little favor.
- Come on.
- What favor?
Just 500 francs and I'll give you the
I'll give you the Grundig.
Why not sell your car?
It's not mine. It's Farid's.
And did you see the color?
Please, man.
You'll never hear from me again, I swear.
[Roger] What? What is it?
That suit's a little big on you, right?
DE SARNEZ BANK
[phone ringing]
[curious music playing]
- [door opens]
- [man] Mr. Tapie?
That's me.
Tapie. T-A-P-I-E.
Remember that name.
You'll be hearing it all over Paris soon.
"Got your subscription to Tapie's?"
"Seen what they got at Tapie's?"
"See what I got
my brother-in-law from Tapie's."
But it's not just another store
like millions before it.
It's a revolution
in the history of business.
Tapie. Remember that name,
because now everything changes.
Could you just explain,
uh, what it is exactly?
I don't know. It's such a good idea,
I'm worried you might steal it.
But since I'm in a good mood,
I'll tell you guys anyway.
All right, imagine a store where,
through a monthly subscription,
you get access to an unlimited stock
of household electronics.
That store exists.
There's one on every corner.
You don't need a subscription to go in.
Well, of course, sir. But in my store,
everything will be three times cheaper.
Mm-hmm. And how are you
going to lower the price?
That's why my subscription is genius.
Thanks to all the subscribers I'll know
what people like and what they don't
so I can target my stock.
I buy in bulk. I lower the price.
The more people subscribe,
the more I squeeze the price.
- Then what happens next
- Sir, could you speed this up?
We have other appointments.
What happens next,
I'll have more and more subscribers,
so we'll open stores all over France,
And then worldwide.
And that's all without even mentioning
the feeling of belonging to a club,
uh, being part of a privileged circle,
which I'm sure you know all about.
But the thing is, and this is important,
it will be much easier
to sign up for the subscription
than to cancel it.
So there it is, the Tapie revolution.
Mr. Tapie, I agreed to meet with you
out of sympathy for your wife,
who takes great care of my children,
but we require guarantees
before investing.
Look, I appreciate
your kindness towards my wife.
But if my name were De So-and-so,
would I need a guarantee?
I'm talking about a revolution
that'll transform all of France,
and you want guarantees?
Sir, this is an investment bank,
not the stage at the Olympia.
Something's always fascinated me
about you aristocrats.
If somebody mentions innovation,
your dicks shrivel up.
- You're out of line now, sir.
- Calm down, sir.
I'm offering you a fortune,
but you're not interested. That's fine.
You're not the only investors in Paris.
[dramatic music playing]
Oh. [whistles]
Oh, baby!
- How's it going down there?
- [Farid] There he is.
Who's this beauty?
What are you calling her?
Marilyn.
- [Tapie] Really?
- [Farid] Yeah.
- An American name for an Italian car?
- Yeah.
It's because a Hollywood star
is gonna come buy it one day.
Keep dreaming, by the way.
I'm never lending it to you.
She's mine in six months. You'll see.
I gotta make a call.
- How did it go at the bank this morning?
- Huh?
- How did it go at the bank?
- [scoffs]
How do you think?
[line ringing]
- [woman] Mr. Courson's office.
- Yes, hello, ma'am.
I'd like to speak
with Mr. Courson, please.
- [woman] Of course. Who is calling?
- Mr. Tapie.
- [woman] Ah.
- With an E at the end.
[woman] Mr. Tapie,
uh, could you call back tomorrow?
I won't call back tomorrow.
I've already called back five times.
[woman] Mr. Courson's schedule isn't
up to me. He's very busy at the moment.
Yes, I know. I know it's not up to you.
But you're underestimating
your power, miss. Think about it.
[woman] Excuse me?
I'm giving you the chance to go
from secretary to business partner.
[woman] I'm perfectly happy
being a secretary, sir.
- Fine. I can't force you to be ambitious.
- [woman] What?
- I'll figure it out with your replacement.
- [woman] My replacement?
- Have a nice day.
- [woman] I won't allow
What happened to France?
The whole country's going to shit,
that's what.
I couldn't agree more.
Have you seen Mr. Farid?
Farid.
- Yeah?
- Visitor for you.
Would you be so kind as to tell him
Mr. Loiseau is outside?
Thank you. Good day.
- Who's that guy?
- [Farid] One sec.
- Who is he?
- [Farid] One sec, okay?
[Loiseau] Ah, Mr. Farid!
[Farid] Mr. Ben Tarek.
[Loiseau] Yes, Mr. Ben Tarek.
How are you today?
- [Farid] Very well, you?
- [Loiseau] Have you thought about it?
Anything's possible here.
This shopping mall will happen, Mr. Tarek,
whether you like it or not.
Okay?
Have a nice day.
- Something wrong?
- Nothing to worry about.
- Who was that?
- He's a guy who does business around here.
He built the shopping mall
in La Courneuve.
- What did he want?
- [Farid] He's harassing me.
He's crazy. I can't stand him.
He comes here every day with his driver.
He wants to buy the garage.
But I'm not for sale!
Get out of here.
- What's his name again?
- Marcel Loiseau.
Marcel Loiseau?
[Farid] Yeah, stay away from him.
Do you have his card?
- No. It's out of the question.
- Come on.
No, man. No.
- Come on!
- Don't lean on that, please, Bernard.
- Where's his office?
- I said no.
You introduced us.
It would be a shame to leave it there.
Farid!
Bernard, stop it.
[dramatic music playing]
Don't sit too close to the screen, honey.
[girl] Okay, Dad.
[man on TV in French]
One characteristic of Picasso's art
[Tapie in English] Here. Eat up.
- Tell me, Daddy.
- Hmm?
Are the guys who took
our furniture bringing it back?
Of course they're going to bring it back.
They just needed some cleaning up.
That's all.
Once they're done, they'll be right back.
Even the turning table?
Even the turning table.
That's a priority, that one.
- [door opens]
- [footsteps approaching]
- Mommy!
- [woman] Hi, honey.
Bernard, can we talk?
Yeah.
Tell me which one we should buy.
Make it a big one, okay?
[woman sighs]
What did you say to Mr. De Sarnez?
Who me?
He said you were obnoxious with him.
What? I didn't say anything.
Hey. Come on.
You can't let them get to you.
You don't owe them. They'll make you sick.
Yeah? How would we live without my job?
What's wrong?
You okay? Hmm?
Feeling grumpy?
It's gonna be fine.
Yeah, yeah, sure.
I mean, it couldn't possibly be any worse.
Mmm.
We could lose the roof over our heads.
We're being evicted, Bernard.
What are you talking about, huh?
That's illegal in winter.
We're good until April.
You're not taking this seriously.
My idea's solid.
I just need to find an investor.
- No, I can't do this. I can't.
- Just trust me.
[woman] No, no, I can't live like this.
We've got nothing left. This is too hard.
Don't worry. Look, I met an investor.
A friend of Farid's. He's legit.
- Why not go back to Simonet?
- You're kidding, right?
He's been harassing me
for his money the last two years.
- No, I'd rather die.
- And your dad?
- You could work with him for a while.
- You kidding me?
No, just for a while to give us
I have an idea
that'll make us millionaires,
and you want me to go fix boilers?
Millionaire
Do you even hear yourself? Huh?
[curious music playing]
[rings doorbell]
[opera music playing]
Can I help you?
I'm here for Loiseau.
[coughs] Sorry.
To install his TV?
Uh, no, to speak to Mr. Loiseau.
I'll see if he's available.
Can I come in? Thanks. Thanks. Sorry.
[door closes]
What's your name?
Bernard.
Well, Mr. Tapie.
He uh he knows me. We met yesterday.
- Mr. Loiseau?
- [Loiseau] Yes?
[woman] There's a Mr. Tapie for you.
[Loiseau] Tapie? Let him in.
[woman] You can come in.
Mr. Loiseau.
Hmm?
Thanks, Dominique, dear.
[Dominique] You're welcome, Mr. Loiseau.
I'm confused.
Yesterday, you were a mechanic,
and today you're selling me a television?
Uh, no, I'm selling you
the France of tomorrow.
Right. Is that the France of tomorrow?
No, that would be me
and my Tapie stores.
T-A-P-I-E.
[Loiseau]
So the customer has a subscription,
through which they get access to the store
where you sell
household electric appliances at 50% off.
The reduction is made up
by the number of subscribers,
and the margin negotiated
directly with the producers, right?
Yes, exactly right.
She's pretty, huh?
Beg your pardon?
Dominique.
The young lady who just answered the door.
What do you think of her?
I wouldn't know. I'm married.
What difference does that make?
Well, quite a lot, actually.
You're faithful then?
- Yeah. Of course.
- Ah. And why is that?
Uh, I can think of three reasons:
tradition,
uh, education, and love.
Mmm. Which one is most important?
Well love, of course.
- Oh, thanks.
- [Loiseau] How long have you been married?
Ten years.
And are you still in love?
I'm not sure that's your business.
And what if it is?
Yeah, I'm still in love. Very much.
Do you want my opinion?
Yes, of course.
Your idea is genius.
Your store, it's simple, it's efficient.
I wonder why
no one's thought of it before.
What do you need from me?
- Uh, a location would be a start.
- That's not a problem.
And also, some capital, of course.
That's not an issue either.
However, if I put up the starting capital,
we cannot be partners at 50-50.
- That's not possible.
- But I came to you with the idea though.
We could say
60-40.
And that's being very generous.
So
[sighs]
Consider this check an advance.
Let's meet on Monday
to start drawing things up.
Oh, just one last thing.
Actually two.
Uh, first, don't try
any dirty tricks with me.
Those who have tried before,
well, I'll let you imagine.
And the second thing, I'm afraid the store
cannot be called Tapie.
That's impossible.
I cannot invest in a store
that's named only after my associate,
with a lesser holding at that.
But if that's going to be a problem,
hand the check right back
and we'll leave it there.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jean] So you turn up at his door,
explain your project to him,
and he writes you a check, huh?
- [Tapie] Yeah.
- Wow.
He said it was a genius idea. Genius idea!
One hundred thousand! I think
he might've fallen in love with you.
- No, Mom.
- [laughs]
Did you check the guy out?
I told you, he's an investor.
He's got shares in all kinds of companies.
He's the guys who built
the shopping mall in la Courneuve.
- Courneuve?
- [Tapie] Yeah.
- Hmm.
- What? What's wrong?
No, I didn't say anything, Bernard.
Come on now. Spit it out.
Tell me what you think.
Go ahead. I wanna know.
Why? Would it make a difference?
Oh, listen,
let's not argue about this, please.
Well, I'm just saying
you never listen to reason.
Why? Because I'm innovating?
Because I'm trying to succeed?
Yeah, of course, Bernard.
Just remember you said the same thing
when you released that record.
We're still waiting for the US tour.
- Jean!
- What?
- You take that back right now.
- [Jean] Nah.
[tense music playing]
I'll be in the car.
Oh. Say something to him.
- [girl] Where are we going?
- Back home. Come on.
I'd rather just go, Mom,
before this ends badly.
Go! You can't let him leave like this!
[door slams]
Put your jacket on.
I drove all the way across town
just to get shit on.
- [honks horn]
- [Tapie] Michelle!
[footsteps approaching]
She fell asleep.
I don't want to upset you,
and I'm not saying he's right,
but you're sure about this?
Meaning?
Well, it's a lot of money,
and if this doesn't work,
you'll have to pay him back.
Michelle, it's not your problem.
It's mine.
Yes, but
it is my problem a bit too.
You can see that.
Look how we're living.
But that's almost over.
Can't you see that?
One day you want to be
a race car driver, the next, a singer.
Then it's restaurant owner
and now a big electronics store.
Why can't things be simple?
No that's not that's not the point.
Are Stéphanie and I not enough?
I don't want to feel limited.
I don't want you to be limited.
Otherwise, we'll never get to the top.
But I get vertigo. I'm afraid of heights.
We'll be happy.
I promise.
Look, you're cold.
Go inside.
- I'm gonna go to bed.
- I'm gonna watch some TV first.
[upbeat music playing]
[man]
If you'll look at the TV for a moment
Let's switch to channel two.
Huh.
Let's see if I get a bit closer, maybe.
Well, I don't really see the point
if I have to be that close to it.
No, but normally, you don't need to be.
With all these TVs, it gets lost.
- [man] If I lose it, I can't turn it on?
- No, you can still use the buttons.
- So it's a gadget thing?
- Not only
"Not only"? No, hang on. If I may?
- Excuse me, sir. Hello.
- Hello, sir.
I'm sorry, but I just can't let you
miss out on this innovation today.
Sir, I assure you, in three years,
everyone will be using one.
I just came to buy a regular television.
But this isn't regular. It's magic.
You just point and click.
Every channel in France at your fingers.
Watch this. Look, one.
- [man on TV] announces the report will
- That's two.
- [woman on TV] four points for
- And three. Here. Try for yourself.
[woman 2 on TV]
Charlie, a great little factory.
- Like this?
- You got it.
[woman 2] Feeling more
- [Tapie] There you go.
- Ah, yeah,
- Well?
- Yeah, it works.
I told you it was magic.
Imagine your neighbors' faces
when they see this.
Sir, do you know
what I can do for you today?
No.
I'll include delivery and installation.
- Okay, but how much is this gonna cost me?
- Nothing! It's free. It's on me.
- Okay?
- Okay.
Now go on over to the cashier,
give her your address,
and we'll take care of it.
I, uh Should I
No, this is just the display model.
We'll give you a brand-new one
that no one's touched.
- Congratulations, sir.
- Yeah. Thanks.
Do I need to tell you the three 20s again?
Huh? For the 100th time?
The first 20 seconds,
the first 20 words, and
20 centimeters from their face.
20 centimeters from their face!
You're 20 centimeters from the remote.
"I don't understand.
Who cares? It's a gadget."
Got it? You're going to that man's house
to deliver and install his set.
And it's coming out of your pay.
- What?
- You heard me. This guy
Hey, there. Excellent choice.
Continental Edison, great brand.
Hello.
- Hi.
- How are you?
Better than ever.
- You?
- I'm great. Thanks. Very well.
You won't believe what happened yesterday.
Oh yeah? Try me.
So I was out with my best friend,
at a flea market, looking for things
to decorate the beautiful apartment
her husband just bought for her.
[Tapie] Fancy.
- Have a seat, please.
- Thank you.
- She found this Louis XV dresser.
- Uh-huh.
Expensive, not that pretty,
but she decided to buy it.
I'm listening.
[Dominique] She's talking to the seller.
- I leave her negotiate.
- [Tapie] Yeah.
And then I go for a walk
while I'm waiting.
Are you still there?
Yes, yes. I'm sorry. [chuckles]
So I come across this little store.
Tiny place, didn't look like much.
But I went in anyway.
- Here. You can count it if you like.
- No, I trust you.
Thanks.
- And then?
- And then, I found something.
Isn't this you?
BERNARD TAPY
TICKET FOR THE SUN
Yeah, that's me. Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
So, yeah.
- [chuckles]
- [knock on door]
- Come in.
- [door opens]
Uh, I'm sorry, sir. Oh, hello.
Uh, we have a problem with that customer.
He's from the 17th.
Yeah, what's the problem?
It's far and I don't have a car.
Heard of the subway?
Little train underground. It's great.
Or the bus, but I'd avoid it at this hour.
Okay.
- Uh, he's the worst.
- What authority.
No, in fact, I'm too nice.
If I could do it alone,
I'd have three times the subscribers.
But what can you do
with idiots like that around?
He's nice, but
- Marcel tells me the store is doing well.
- Doing very well.
But it could be even better.
I'm full of ideas.
I'm sure you are.
Do I get an autograph?
Uh, well, sure, if you want.
Yeah.
Oh, right here.
I listened to it last night.
It's a great song.
Thank you.
I signed it with an E, just so you know.
[chuckles]
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I'll get going.
I'll walk you out.
Send my regards to Marcel.
[clears throat] Sorry.
Thank you.
- Bye, see you soon. Goodbye.
- [Dominique] See you soon.
[curious music playing]
[dramatic music playing]
[Tapie] Dominique!
Do you have plans for lunch?
Nothing in particular.
Maybe we could eat together?
Then I can tell you
my ideas for the store
since you give such good advice.
Good advice?
Yeah.
Oh, now, don't get the wrong idea here.
I'm married, you know.
Not getting any ideas.
- Can I choose the restaurant?
- All right.
Huh. This way.
THE BIG WAREHOUSE
HIFI - TELEVISION - HOME APPLIANCES
[Tapie] So the verdict was
mine was the best song in the show.
- You should've seen Polnareff's face.
- [Dominique chuckles] I can imagine.
So after Top Jury,
did you tour the country? Tour the world?
Oh, no. No, no.
I left showbiz behind.
Not for me.
It's superficial,
you know, the glitter, that stuff.
I don't believe you.
Why not?
Do you think I'm lying?
What about you?
What was your dream when you were younger?
Uh,
I wanted to be a ballerina,
meet Prince Charming,
have 12 kids, 15 dogs,
a boat, and a mansion in Paris.
Oh, wow. That's quite a plan you had.
- Mm-hmm.
- [Tapie] Well, it's never too late.
For the dancing part,
I think it is too late.
Says who? Is there law that says
we can't follow our dreams?
I don't agree.
Speaking of dreams, what are
these big ideas for Le Grand Depot?
Which ideas?
You told him you wanted
to expand across France?
Yeah. What does he think?
He'd never tell me
He keeps business to himself.
Like most men, actually.
Look around you.
When business talk starts,
the women seem to disappear.
No, they're not talking business.
- Oh, no?
- [Tapie] No.
- Then about what?
- They're talking about you.
And saying what?
That you'd be better off
at their table than at mine.
One thing's for sure.
You have your own code.
Oh, now that's interesting.
What is my code?
Well, look how you're eating.
- What?
- Just, I'm sorry, but your knife.
The way you're gripping it in your hand.
It's not going anywhere.
[Tapie] Okay, but
- [chuckles] And the fork.
- What?
You're supposed to hold it
the other way around.
- [Tapie] Okay.
- And don't bend your wrists.
- Ugh! Is this a foosball table?
- [laughs]
Is this better?
- There.
- You shouldn't cut your lettuce.
- Oh, you can't do anything.
- No, it's just Relax a little.
What? Do I look tense to you?
- [laughs]
- [Tapie] Well, all right.
I'm glad we had lunch.
There's so much to learn.
I didn't know you would
need etiquette lessons.
Oh, that looks good.
Excuse me. Want dessert?
What if we want to taste them all?
Well, they'd be added to your bill.
In that case,
why don't you leave the cart?
[dramatic music playing]
- Hi, Sylvain.
- [Sylvain] Hello.
- Mr. Tapie, can I finish this tomorrow?
- Yeah, of course.
Thank you.
- And I need a bigger ladder here.
- [Tapie] Sure, I'll get one for you.
For the yeah.
- [Tapie] Hey, thanks.
- [Sylvain] My pleasure.
[Michelle laughs]
- [man] Way back, first year of school.
- [Michelle] Oh, you are a riot!
- [Farid] Ah! Bernard!
- [Michelle] Ah, honey!
- Here's the man.
- Hey, sorry, everyone.
I had to take care of a delivery.
- [Farid] That's okay.
- How are you, man?
- I'm good.
- [Tapie] How about you?
Wow, your home looks so different.
It's beautiful.
[Tapie] Thanks.
- It's not over the top?
- [woman] No!
It'll never be enough for Bernard,
mark my words.
He's right.
- I'll go kiss Stéphanie.
- And where's my kiss?
Of course.
I'll be right back.
[indistinct chatter]
- You okay, honey?
- Yeah.
- Did you make this?
- Yeah.
Look at this.
Wow, it's beautiful.
Can I have a kiss?
Mmm.
Oh.
- Dad, you're crushing me.
- [Tapie] Oh, I'm sorry.
You know I love you? Hmm?
- I love you so, so much.
- [Stéphanie] Yeah.
- Bernard, can you start the paella?
- Sure. Coming.
- See you later, honey.
- [Stéphanie] Bye-bye.
You're handsome tonight.
["Ouah Ouah" playing]
[lyrics in French]
- Need a hand my friend?
- [Tapie] Mmm.
You stay away from my paella.
I'll take a beer then.
[Tapie] Make yourself at home.
Wow! Your fridge is awesome, Bernard.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Come to the store. I'll knock off 30%.
- 30%?
- [Tapie] Yeah.
With the price I gave you for the Ferrari
[Tapie chuckles]
All right. Good.
And your parents?
What?
You should talk to your dad.
It's ridiculous you guys aren't talking.
Come on. Don't you start too. I already
have Michelle on my back about it.
- [Farid] Jean's not doing so good.
- Yeah? Well, neither am I.
Well, what's wrong, huh?
I'm trying to put on a brave face, but
- Is it Loiseau?
- No, no.
It is Loiseau. I knew it.
I told you not to get involved with him.
I warned you.
The business is fine.
Honestly, it's great.
What is it then?
What are you
Bernard?
What's going on?
It's a girl.
- A girl?
- Yeah.
- What are you talking about, Bernard?
- I shouldn't have brought it up.
Well, now you have, so talk to me.
What's happening?
Yeah, no, no. It's nothing. It's fine.
It's a girl, okay?
It's a girl, and she
- Oh fuck, you met a girl?
- No, come on.
I'm not insane.
- We just had lunch.
- Look, I'm not judging you, Bernard. I
- Look around you, man.
- Look, I know I'm crazy.
But nothing happened. It was only lunch.
And it's normal to have these doubts,
you know?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, temptation's normal.
- It makes you a stronger couple.
- I won't argue with that.
Right? Right. I mean
- I suppose that happens sometimes.
- Yeah. Look, Michelle is Michelle.
She's always been there for me.
She's my wife,
the mother of my child. She's
That's right!
But she can be annoying.
Okay, but so can every girl everywhere.
[Tapie] I get a little bored sometimes,
you know?
- We all get bored sometimes.
- And have you seen her lately?
- Never looked better!
- She's always been beautiful.
She's as gorgeous today
as when we met, I swear. It's bizarre.
So you find her more beautiful now?
Well, I think, uh
You think she suspects?
It's crazy, I mean
You're falling in love again.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
- Everything happens for a reason.
- It's a good thing.
You know what this makes me wanna do?
- It makes me wanna have another kid.
- Oh shit, that's great!
I'm going to do that.
Besides, she's suffered enough,
poor Dominique.
Who's Dominique, Bernard?
What Dominique?
You said Dominique.
No, you did. I said Michelle.
I heard an "ique."
- I said
- [Michelle] Ready?
Yeah, two "miniques" two minutes.
[clears throat]
- It's, uh it's ready, I think.
- You guys seem weird.
What are you talking about?
Just talking about the
the project for, uh
for the store expansion,
- [Michelle] Ah.
- Yeah, it's all sounding great.
- Mm-hmm. See you in there.
- [Tapie] Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, yeah.
[guests laughing]
[dramatic music playing]
Congratulations again.
Thank you for your business.
- Julien will help you pack.
- [woman] Thanks. Great, thanks.
[woman] Yes, that's everything.
Yes, you can return it with the receipt
[woman 2 on PA] Check the discount corner
and discover your next favorite thing.
Would you like a copy of your receipt?
- [man] Hello, sir.
- Hello.
[woman] Hi.
[Tapie] Hello.
Now you'll find, in these models,
the efficiency is much better.
You're in luck, ma'am.
He's my best salesman.
You won't have any problems
with that model, ma'am.
Oh, and is that model for sale as well?
Right that one.
Yes, of course.
We can deliver to your home.
Hello.
How are you?
I'm fine. Thanks.
Could you give us a minute,
please, Colette?
Yeah, sure.
- Goodbye, Mr. Loiseau.
- Goodbye.
Thanks.
I'm the majority shareholder here, right?
You are, yeah.
Let me put this in the safe.
- Then I'll get your envelope.
- No, no, no. I'm not here for that.
Have a seat. We need to have a discussion.
I've been thinking about
your proposal that we expand,
and I'm wondering
how we should best proceed, you and me.
I have many contacts across France,
particularly in Lyon and Bordeaux.
Oh, that's great news, Marcel.
Happy to hear it.
You know, I have a few ideas.
I think we should expand our stores
into the suburbs here in Paris.
- Already handled.
- Okay.
I'm going to visit a location for sale
next week in Aulnay-sous-Bois.
Okay, great.
And, uh, in terms of management,
I don't know who you have in mind.
But I was thinking
that I could get out of the store,
take on a supervisory role
I think that may be a bit premature.
- You are an excellent salesman, Bernard.
- Oh, thanks
And from what I've seen,
a remarkable leader too.
But, for management, I think
it would be better for you and me
to find someone a little more solid.
So I think it would be better
if you stayed here.
Of course, you'll remain
a shareholder in the store.
- Sure. Of course. No problem.
- Mmm.
I feel pretty solid myself,
but it's your call.
By the way,
how was your lunch with Dominique?
What? Beg your pardon?
You had lunch
with Dominique last week, didn't you?
[tense music playing]
Uh
Well, I just had a few ideas
I wanted to share with you.
- And she came to the store, so
- She came into the store?
- Yeah.
- What for?
To pick up the money,
like every Wednesday. [coughs]
Don't you try playing dumb with me,
Bernard.
- I don't see what the problem is?
- You don't see it?
[Tapie] No.
I'll tell you what's the problem.
In our line of work,
there is one quality,
just one,
that's more important
than anything else, loyalty.
I thought I made myself
very clear about that, no?
Very clear. Yes, I understand.
[clears throat]
We play by my rules.
Yeah.
Yes, who?
"Yes, who?"
Yes, who?
Yes, Mr. Loiseau, you mean?
- That's a good boy.
- [knock on door]
I, um Sorry. Hello, Mr. Loiseau.
Bernard, your mom just called.
There's something wrong with your dad.
[suspenseful music playing]
- [Tapie] Where is he?
- In his room.
- Mom!
- [Tapie's mom] Ah, it's Bernard.
He was chopping wood in the garden
and didn't feel well.
He just passed out.
- Are you okay? How are you feeling?
- [Jean] You didn't need to come.
- I'm fine.
- Are you kidding, Dad?
And how's the store doing?
How's business?
- It's fine. Going well. Thanks.
- [Jean] That's good.
- I'm happy for you.
- Well, thanks, Dad.
And Michelle, how's she doing?
Michelle's fine.
Stéphanie's fine. Everyone's fine.
[Jean] Don't worry, Bernard.
I've just been working
a little too much lately. That's all.
Well, what did the doctor say?
He checked my heart,
my blood pressure, and
Ah, well, that's the minimum, Dad.
- I just need to rest up.
- Why aren't you in the hospital?
- No, no, no.
- What if you need an electro thingy?
- Shouldn't they do some additional tests?
- No, no, I'm fine. I'm fine.
Are you a doctor now?
Why didn't they take you to the hospital?
It's unbelievable.
Is this idiot still here?
I'm okay, Bernard.
[Tapie] He has a heart attack
and they just leave him?
Are you the doctor?
Yes, why?
- Shouldn't he be hospitalized?
- [doctor] No need, sir.
His vitals are good.
All your father needs is some rest.
Does it normally take you
three hours to show up?
We do our best, sir.
We don't have Ferraris, you know.
Funny joke.
Oh yeah?
Okay, look.
You should count yourself lucky.
He had a vasovagal syncope.
If he'd had a heart attack,
he would've had a half-hour.
Are you saying if he'd had
a heart attack, he'd be dead?
Yeah.
The response time
makes all the difference.
The response time.
- Yeah.
- Mmm.
You know, if we could respond in less
than 30 minutes with a defibrillator,
we'd save a million lives.
So today, we have
fast trains and the Concorde,
but we can't get someone help
in half an hour in a city like Paris?
That's the problem of cardiology.
You know how many
ambulances serve the suburbs?
No, I don't.
- Exactly, we do our best.
- [man] Serge, emergency call.
I'm coming.
Now, don't worry about your father.
It's not bad.
Let's go.
- This is unit three. On our way.
- [woman over radio] Copy that, unit three.
[doors close]
Good day.
[siren blaring]
- Don't worry. He'll be fine.
- What kind of life is this?
Fifty-five years,
40 lost repairing heaters
Stop. You're gonna make me cry.
Oh, you exercise, feel good,
and then [scoffs]
just like that, nothing.
You collapse and it's over.
[Tapie] Mom, you're talking
as if he was already dead.
- Well, that's what it feels like.
- Well, no, he's not.
Come on. I'll make you guys some food.
- [Tapie's mom] Oh, you will?
- Yeah.
[keys jangle]
[keys jangle]
[mysterious music playing]
["Passeport pour le soleil" playing]
[Bernard, in French]
Now, it's too late ♪
We leave it up to fate ♪
A star-studded journey ♪
Opens up the immensity ♪
Passport to the sun ♪
Take us to your wonders ♪
The Earth is far away
The sky is ours ♪
Come on, brother of the universe ♪
[curious music playing]
[in English]
Dominique, can I have a minute?
Please.
It's for work.
I have a new idea
I'd like your opinion on.
Marcel said not to talk to you.
[Tapie] He told me that too.
All the more reason.
I wanna start a new business.
One without Marcel.
I'll be the only boss.
You should come and work for me.
What's your idea?
The short version, there's a problem
with cardiology in France.
It takes paramedics
three hours to respond
when most people
can be saved in half an hour.
So are you planning to study medicine?
No, I'll create
an emergency response service.
- Kind of like doctors on demand.
- Interesting.
With a subscription, you know,
just like the store.
Sounds highly profitable.
[Tapie] Hey, the point is to save lives.
Yeah, of course,
Well?
[Dominique chuckles]
Come on. Get in. Let me explain it all.
No.
But I won't stop you getting out.
I'm afraid of the subway.
- Too bad.
- I can walk though.
I was left alone with my mother
until she, uh,
went to live with an American.
And ever since,
I've lived here with my grandma,
in the 17th.
I don't know why I'm telling you this.
Maybe 'cause it's not good
to keep things bottled up.
You could've been a poet, huh?
[dog barks]
This is me.
It's cute.
Can you make it back to the car?
It's not too far?
Oh, no, I can walk some more.
It's fine. Good exercise. [scoffs]
Can I walk you back?
[chuckles]
Sure, if you want to.
[chuckles]
[dog barks]
[dog barks]
I should go home.
All right.
[mysterious music playing]
[Michelle] Aren't you hungry?
You scared the hell out of me.
I had a bite to eat with Sylvain.
We had to finish the inventory.
Oh.
Your mom called. She's throwing
a barbecue to celebrate Jean's recovery.
She wants you to come by tomorrow
and give her a hand setting things up.
Yeah, of course. Yeah.
Mmm. Coming to bed?
Yeah, right after a quick smoke.
["Tout éclate tout explose" playing]
[lyrics in French]
["Tout éclate tout explose" continues]
This is nice, isn't it?
- It is. Cheers my love.
- [Jean] Cheers.
- Cheers.
- [man] Cheers!
[Michelle] Cheers!
Oh. Just like that.
[laughing]
You sure you
don't need any help, son?
No, I'm good. You relax.
He's right. Relax, Jean.
- I'll go help him.
- [Jean] Yeah?
- You okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
Yeah
You wanted to tell me something?
- No.
- Mmm.
- You're good then?
- Yeah, all good.
- [Stéphanie] Hey, Mom! Mom!
- [Jean] Thanks.
Mom, can we go play
at the neighbor's house?
[Michelle] Sure, honey.
[woman] There's nothing again?
Come on. Go on. It's a party.
[man] "You feel fine now," he said.
Boom.
[indistinct chatter]
[ominous music playing]
[Jean] Really, I'm fine.
- [man] Yeah?
- [Jean] It happens.
- Nothing to worry about.
- [man] Yeah. Well, if that is
[indistinct chatter]
Hello, everyone.
Hello.
- Hello.
- [Tapie] Hello.
Uh, Marcel, you didn't need to come.
But of course I did.
Uh, this is Marcel Loiseau,
my business partner at the store.
- [Tapie's mom] Ah!
- Ah! Welcome.
I didn't mean to interrupt
your little gathering.
It's just I heard you were
finally out of the woods, Mr. Tapie.
And I'm honored to be here today
with all you lovely people.
The honor's all mine.
Well, then, Mr. Tarek,
would you be so kind
as to open the bottle of champagne?
- Ben Tarek.
- Mr. Ben Tarek.
Can we talk a minute?
But of course.
No. I have no idea.
What the hell is this?
You know, Bernard,
there's something
I find fascinating in Beethoven.
It's the way he lingers
in this moment of suspense
before freeing the orchestra.
A pause.
And then, there's this note,
strange, growing louder and louder,
which tells the orchestra to play.
Though, I'm not sure you'd be
a fan of the music of Beethoven.
What are you playing at?
What am I playing at?
Dominique is a jewel.
I am not going to let you ruin her
like you ruin everything else.
I I don't know what you mean.
- You don't understand?
- No.
Let me tell you all a funny story.
Oh. [chuckles]
Yes.
It's about a kid from the projects
who thought he was
this great revolutionary,
when in reality, he was only
a pathetic Don Juan imitation.
Why don't you tell
the rest of it, Bernard?
Go on. Tell it to them!
I'm sure there are details I'm forgetting.
Like last night, for example, when you
walked my lovely secretary to her house.
Hmm?
She really is an enchanting woman.
Don't you think, Bernard?
[dramatic music playing]
[dramatic music continues]
Next Episode