The Kingdom (2021) s01e01 Episode Script

Damage Control

1
A NETFLIX SERIES
"The old world is dying,
the new world struggles to be born.
In this chiaroscuro, monsters are born."
Antonio Gramsci.
[crickets chirping]
[melancholy music playing]
[theme song playing]
DAMAGE CONTROL
You're checking me, aren't you?
What?
I haven't done anything in ages.
I know.
[moans]
We still have time to think it through,
you know?
There's nothing to think about.
Do you think I can be
a good mother, Julio?
[Julio chuckles]
The best.
Well, then,
tell me what's keeping you awake.
I've got a rough day ahead of me.
I don't understand
why you keep doing this.
I mean, you know it's just for show.
- I owe it to your father.
- You owe him nothing.
I owe him everything.
When's it ever going to end?
If all goes well
it ends today.
[exhales]
[sighs]
I can't stand that we've got to hide
as if we're a couple of young kids.
[thudding]
[groans]
Where are you coming from?
What, Mom? You're checking on me
even in the bathroom?
The bathroom's that way.
Yes. I went to that one and it reeks.
[door closes, lock clicks]
[door closes]
What's that?
A silly accident at the temple.
Tonight of all nights.
Hm.
A little makeup and no one will notice.
Let's pray.
Emilio, you told me
you'd get Julio out of here.
And I will.
When, exactly?
When all this is over.
But right now, I need him around.
It better happen soon.
Promise me, Emilio.
Promise you?
There's no need for promises between us.
I need your word.
I promise.
Blessed be Jesus Christ our Lord.
[clicks]
[man breathing heavily]
[groaning]
[ominous music playing]
For the flame, for the wind.
By those who fly, for those who crawl.
For the serpent, for the eye.
For the back, for the whip.
For the flame, for the wind.
By those who fly, for those who crawl.
For the serpent, for the eye.
For the back, for the whip.
[groans]
For the flame, for the wind.
For those who fly, for those who crawl.
For the serpent, for the eye.
For the back, for the whip.
[exhales]
Come on. It's a shark.
[grunts]
Ulises, yours are there.
- Come on. Pick up, asshole.
- Armando!
- [boy] Give me that.
- [girl] Get it yourself.
- [boy] Mom.
- [girl] Mom, please.
- [Linda] Thank you. That's very nice.
- Morning.
I'd like a coffee
with a bit of cream, please.
You read this before sending it to me?
- Which one?
- The pastor's speech.
Read it quick.
What matters is your speech.
"Armando Badajoz for president."
Yes, that's what I'm talking about.
For my speech to work,
we can't have him spewing that kind of
[girl] Do you like it?
[boy] I'm not hungry.
- Read it, please.
- Okay.
- [boy] Come on.
- [girl] No way.
- [boy] Give me that.
- [girl] I said, no.
Yes, the stuff about Christ
being above the republic. A bit much.
- This isn't helping me, Rubén.
- Shh. Shh.
He'll push voters away
with that kind of rhetoric.
Delete the portions I highlighted.
Honestly, I think it's a bit late
to make any edits.
Excuse me?
You're the one who picked this guy
as my running mate.
You assured me that I'd be in control,
he'd ring the bell in the Senate.
And that's it.
Well, make sure he rings the bell.
- [boy] I wanna ring the bell.
- [Linda chuckles]
Very well.
- I'll see you this afternoon at the rally.
- Mm-hm.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our Savior ♪
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our redeemer ♪
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our Savior ♪
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
I wouldn't have thought
you'd be part of this whole circus.
And you?
I bet some people are wondering
where you are.
[cheering continues]
Jesus is the joy of my life
The Lord of my heart ♪
[indistinct chatter]
Look at the time.
Good afternoon.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our Savior ♪
SECURITY
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our Savior ♪
Credentials, please.
[singing continues indistinctly]
You have to be very quiet.
We're gonna wait right here.
Julio Clamens.
I need to know where he is, please.
The time of making promises is over
and we need to take action
against blatant corruption.
It's our only chance
to instigate real change
and to move closer to a better future.
Do you have water?
- No, but let me get you some.
- Please.
No, thank you.
Elena.
It's bewildering,
the amount of alcohol around.
Okay, I'll deal with it.
Excuse me. Get rid of the alcohol.
- We don't want any of it. Is that clear?
- Yes.
All the booze needs to go.
Hey.
- All good?
- Yes.
- Need anything?
- No, no. I'm fine.
The crowd is expecting
the imminent arrival
of presidential candidate Armando Badajoz
and his running mate Emilio Vázquez Pena
Jesus is the way
Our guide to the truth ♪
He knows my destiny
And has so much to offer ♪
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
Come on!
You are our Savior ♪
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus ♪
You are our redeemer ♪
All together!
[crowd] Oh, oh, oh ♪
PARTISAN MASS OR CAMPAIGN CLOSURE?
JESUS' REDEEMING LIGH
[Armando] Rubén?
- Yes, I know.
- You've got to get rid of that banner.
It's not possible.
Then make sure no one sees it.
I don't want any of the cameras
to focus on it
because that is not what we want.
This is our last rally.
That banner cannot be
what makes the headlines tomorrow.
- You understand?
- Yes. Absolutely.
Yeah, well
Rubén?
The pastor's speech
was taken care of, I hope?
Almost.
[chuckles]
Don't yank my chain, Rubén.
- Relax, everything will be fine.
- It better be.
[rioter 1] Church of corruption!
[crowd clamoring]
[rioter 1] Church of corruption!
The Church of corruption!
The Church of corruption!
THE CHURCH OF CORRUPTION
[rioter 1] Church of corruption!
[rioter 2 shouting indistinctly]
Motherfucker.
More makeup? [chuckles]
I never imagined a pastor
would need so much makeup
to uh, to spread the gospel.
Any other pastor may not,
but someone like me in the era of HD?
No makeup, no miracles.
[both laugh]
Speaking of miracles, Rubén, come here!
Could you tell the pastor
what you told me about his speech?
I'll leave you to it.
- Emilio.
- Yes?
Your speech is excellent. It's spot on.
But since this is going live,
and the broadcasters are uptight
about time, we need to shorten it a bit.
- I was thinking
- Take it to Julio.
- But it's three or four minutes with all
- Take it to Julio.
- Where are you, Julio Clamens?
- Oh, sweetheart.
What is it? There's no need
to raise your voice, darling.
Julio's not here.
But there's Pablo,
Magdalena, Oscar and me.
What do you need?
I need Julio.
Is there anything at all
we can do to help?
There are many things
you can help me with,
but I need to finalize my speech right now
with my good friend Osorio.
And for that, I need Julio.
He's worked on it for weeks.
Sure, but since the right man's
not around, I'll take care of it.
Follow me, please. Come on.
Go with her.
Or find Julio. I have no idea
where he could be.
Well, me neither.
The job he's got to do isn't so hard.
Find me Julio Clamens.
Tell him to come backstage right now.
Dad, don't treat me like an idiot.
I know damn well you're the one
who sent these people to mess things up.
I'm no fool. Hey!
No, no, they're not my people
nor Badajoz's!
You sent these people,
and I swear you'll regret this!
Take my word for it. This isn't over.
You hear me?
I can't reach Julio.
Don't worry about it.
Give me what you did with Elena.
Anyway, I don't really read.
I'll wing it like my sermons.
- Yes, but this is precisely
- I'm ready.
What about you, Mr. Future President?
[laughs]
I am too.
My esteemed VP. Let's go.
[Elena] Come on, everyone. Gather round.
CHRIST SAVES
[Emilio] Elena!
Elena.
Ah.
[clicks tongue, sighs]
For your protection.
God bless.
Thank you.
- Father.
- Yes. Yes, Pablo.
Thank you.
God bless you, Dad.
God bless. I love you.
[Armando clears throat]
- Good luck, Emilio.
- Yes. Thank you.
All set?
Of course.
Wait. One minute.
The chief of security
is coming with instructions.
There's major rioting happening
near the entrance.
- Shit!
- [man] Good day.
- Abel Nicora, chief of security.
- Go ahead.
We're making every effort to suppress
the riots, but new ones keep breaking out.
We recommend calling off the event.
[Emilio] Call it off?
Absolutely not.
Calling off the event
would cause a scandal.
- And if something happens?
- No, nothing will.
In other words
Jesus will happen.
We're under his protection. Don't worry.
I'm not sure Jesus can handle this one.
Yes, he can. Of course he can.
He's almighty, Julio. He can.
I propose we wait, then.
Fifteen, 20 minutes.
Can we win this election if we let
ourselves be bullied by cowards?
[crowd screaming]
[host] Ladies and gentlemen!
Ladies and gentlemen!
Can I please have your attention?
I hope you're all in good spirits.
[crowd chanting]
And now, what you've all been waiting for!
Ladies and gentlemen,
let us give a warm welcome
to the future president
and future vice president of our republic,
Armando Badajoz
and Emilio Vázquez Pena.
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
[woman shouting indistinctly]
[crowd cheering and applauding]
CHURCH OF THE KINGDOM OF LIGH
Whoo!
[music stops]
- [man shouting indistinctly]
- [groaning]
[crowd screaming and crying]
We need a doctor, now!
Go!
[Elena speaking indistinctly]
Don't go. Don't go, dear.
[grunting]
Keep walking.
Keep walking!
Armando!
It's gonna be okay.
Over there. Hurry up! Come on.
It's okay. It'll be fine.
Come on, let's go!
- Where's the ambulance?
- Hang in there.
Open up! Let us through!
Let us through!
[woman screaming]
[crowd yelling]
FOR EACH CITIZEN'S FUTURE
The crowd is running. Some people
are running out, others rushing in.
Because they're trying to find out
what's going on.
Hey, hey.
Go on.
- Can you help find his mom?
- Yes?
- That's all right. Come with me.
- Thanks.
["Amazing Grace" playing]
Armando, my love.
It's going to be all right.
It's going to be all right.
Oh, sweetheart. Oh.
[crowd screaming]
Julio!
Julio, where are you going?
Hey!
Julio, it's me. Look at me.
No.
No.
[clamoring]
Amazing Grace ♪
How sweet the sound ♪
That saved a wretch ♪
Like me ♪
[crowd singing along]
I was blind ♪
But now I see ♪
I once was lost ♪
But now He found me ♪
Was Grace that taught ♪
My heart to fear ♪
My fears ♪
He relieved ♪
How precious did ♪
That Grace appear ♪
The hour I first believed ♪
The hour I first believed ♪
[Rubén] Listen, Badajoz is dead.
Please be careful. The steps.
I'll handle it.
Congresswoman, how is the pastor
after what went down?
He feels terrible, as we all do.
This is a political assassination.
This is unprecedented
in the history of our country.
It's now the matter
for law enforcement to do their work
Thank you very much for your time.
The district attorney has just arrived
along with the members of her office.
- [reporter] DA Candia.
- [man] Move, please.
[reporter] Please.
- Who are they?
- District attorney's team.
[reporter speaking indistinctly]
Can you tell me
who's in charge of the Badajoz case?
Sure, I'll wait.
Sir, I said no! We have work to do.
Are you sure?
Okay. Thank you.
[reporter 1] DA Candia?
- DA Candia.
- [reporter 2] DA Candia.
[reporter 1] DA Candia,
can you give us some answers?
Please don't keep us in the dark.
[reporter 2] DA Candia.
DA Roberta Candia, she's on our side.
It's all under control.
Other side.
I'd like to see the wound, please.
Hm.
- Come. Wanna see it?
- No. I see fine from here.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hm.
- Good day.
- Any news, chief?
The murder weapon.
We have the weapon, the perpetrator.
Motive? A psycho?
Big time.
At least, he sure looks like one.
He even tried to cut his own throat.
Disconnected kind of guy.
Impossible to read.
Hasn't said a word since we caught him.
No. It's good. That way, it's better
for the proceedings. Where is he?
- He's in one of the offices locked up.
- Very well.
Ramiro, go with Chief Lamas. Meet the man,
explain the charges, read him his rights.
Start on the paperwork.
Then take him to custody.
- Very well.
- I'm gonna go meet the rest.
My sympathies. You'll have
more fun with the killer. Come on.
Okay.
Uncover him, please.
- I tell you, I didn't see him.
- But I saw your face, your eyes.
Now is not the time
to keep secrets from each other.
- Who is he?
- I don't know.
It was all blurry. I was in shock.
I want you in the bar in 15 minutes.
I cleared the area for us.
It'll be strictly inner circle.
I can't. They want me with them.
Julio, I don't think you understand.
This is not a game.
I'm not asking if you want to come.
I've cleared the area.
We have important decisions to make.
I want you there in 15, alone.
Leave the pastor here.
Is that clear?
[pensive music playing]
[line ringing]
[phone ringing]
HOLY BIBLE
[grunting, panting]
[breathing rapidly]
[breathing heavily]
- This is the district attorney's
- I killed him.
- Hold on. We're required by law
- I'm the killer.
- to inform you of your rights.
- I'm the killer!
Read him his rights.
"Have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can be used against you.
If you cannot afford a lawyer,
one will be appointed to you.
You have the right to call someone
to let them know."
You're charged with the murder
of Armando Badajoz.
I'm a killer! I'm the killer!
[Elena] For shining your light on us
[all] Jesus, we adore you.
[Elena] For showing us the way
[all] Jesus, we adore you.
For keeping us from the darkness
[all] Jesus, we adore you.
[Elena] For keeping evil at bay
[all] Jesus, we adore you.
Excuse me. Good afternoon.
I'm District Attorney Roberta Candia.
Please. Pastor Emilio.
Pleasure. How are you?
I'm in charge of the case.
Maybe you have something to tell me
that could be useful.
I'm sorry. This isn't a good time.
Of course. I don't wanna bother you
if you're not well.
But in cases such as these,
there never really is a right time.
Anyway, it's a simple visit.
I want to introduce myself, nothing more.
I've already gathered
all the information I need to get started.
We'll get in touch shortly.
We'll need to speak with you,
with all of you.
Does anyone have anything
you'd like to tell me?
No? Okay.
I'll see you at the DA's office,
and we'll go to the temple.
My assistant and I will visit the temple.
I hope you will give my husband
a chance to rest a little bit.
I'm sure you understand.
This is a very difficult moment.
Yes, of course. I completely understand.
Pastor, I'll see you soon.
Thank you very much.
Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
The nerve of that woman coming in here
and treating us like we are the killers.
Come on. Come with me.
Darling.
When we feel we have no strength
we adore you
[both] Jesus.
When we feel we have no strength
[both] We adore you, Jesus.
Come on. You too, come.
You heard the district attorney.
[Pablo] Mm.
She'll go to the temple.
And she'll be doing her best
to find dirt under the carpets.
You know how to get rid of dirt
under the carpets.
And if there happens to be some,
make sure she does not find it.
[Rubén] I understand
we're in a very bad way.
But we must shoulder the responsibility.
We need to put our civic duty
above the pain we feel.
Now the question is, what's next?
By law, the natural successor
would be the pastor,
but if he resigns, the next is the highest
ranking senator or representative.
Get him to resign then.
And we're all good.
I find your attitude
a bit reckless, senator.
More than reckless, it's stupid.
I've explained it a hundred times.
I don't know how you came
to be a senior senator.
Do you think you can win an election
with anyone else on the ticket?
Would you even dare to try?
We're not going to find
wonderful solutions.
This is all about damage control.
You all need to get that in your head.
Damage control.
We can't trust him.
Did you read him his rights,
explain the charges?
Yes, I did both.
Not sure he listened though.
Anyway, it's written in the transcript.
It's in the record. I got a copy.
Hang on.
Ah, here it is.
[scoffs] I'm guessing you're not known
for your organization skills.
Why do you say that?
Never mind.
First thing tomorrow morning on my desk,
a detailed report on Remigio Cárdenas.
We must find out why he killed Badajoz.
Crazy or not, he's gotta have a motive.
Even in his madness.
[thunder rolling]
[Roberta sighs]
[sniffling]
[cries]
[sniffles]
[exhales]
Honey, you're on every
single news TV channel.
It's all they talk about.
I don't know if you're aware of it. Huh?
Oh, yeah?
Let's make a toast to a bright future.
Yeah. Bright professional future,
because the personal
- Oh, it didn't work?
- No.
Oh.
I'm so sorry, honey.
[cries]
Let's sit down.
Come. Come over here.
It's okay. Relax. Deep breath, eh?
Listen, I'm sure next time
it's gonna work, huh?
It's just a matter of time.
It won't be long. It'll happen for sure.
- [moans]
- The baby.
[moans] I don't know anymore.
I already feel like I've ran out of time,
you know?
Oh, let's not go there. Not now, okay?
[doorbell rings]
- Who could that be at this time?
- I'll get it.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah, yeah.
Ramiro.
- What brings you here?
- I have Remigio Cárdenas' profile.
He works at the Church of the Light.
The home for children.
He's a man of the church, not a psycho.
[thunder crashing]
[whispering]
[liturgical music playing]
TO JOSÉ LUIS DÍAZ
(1953-2020)
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