Original subtitles

What's currently going on in your head,

isn't true.

Benedikt, you're in the way.

At this very moment, your wife and your child

are fighting for their lives because of you!

Time has stopped. Your clock isn't working.

Benedikt!

I'm helping you make a very difficult decision.

It would be so much better

if Steinunn just raised the child all by herself,

you are not even there.

Benedikt, look at the state of you.

My apologies, I'm struggling with a bad bout of depression.

I've had first-hand experience with our mental health system

and it's riddled with issues.

Someone needs to step up and clean up this system.

I'm staying with her.

This is just what you need right now.

It's a great ministry.

The staff is great, they can take charge if you ever need a break.

The division of ministries took a long time to sort out.

This is the best we can do for now.

Yes.

But, Finnbogi,

I don't want to spend my time running some random ministry.

So. Thanks, but no thanks.

Thank you so much.

Thanks for meeting with me.

We're not handing over the most controversial ministry to a sick man.

We need him.

He's the chairman of your party, the president wants him

and we won't be able to do this without him.

What on Earth did you eat?

Or better yet, what did mom eat?

Did mom pop to KFC for lunch? - No, I didn't.

Don't listen to him.

You are so sweat!

It's actually pretty good. The ministry.

Like, really good. It's usually run by a party chairman.

I think...

I think you'd be really good at it.

Yes, great.

The thing is, they're expecting you to say no.

Why would they expect that? -Because it's not the ministry you want.

And if you say no, then Svanhvit will become the next chairwoman,

and then she and dad will take over the party.

But it's all just a bunch of fancy cocktail parties abroad, isn't it?

You're medicated.

You're seeing a psychiatrist.

We could do this together. If you want to.

I couldn't do this without you.

I couldn't do this without you. Not a chance.

No, this is just your dad...

If you say no, then you're out.

Then they can say that it was his decision.

Yes.

Let's see if dad is brave enough.

Benedikt, can you dress her?

Hello there. - Do you have a moment?

What a beautiful flat.

Thanks, we're still getting settled. - Yes.

It's going well.

Hi.

Look at her. She's adorable.

Is her Christening gown on backwards?

Her parents are a bit exhausted.

Benedikt, we've discussed it.

We're willing to reshuffle the cabinet mid-term.

So, the Ministry of Health is yours.

But until then, you'll be Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Magni will work with you.

But that's up to you. Then you'll take over.

That sounds great, Finnbogi.

Splendid. -Would you like to come to a baptism?

Sure, I should be able to manage that.

I just need to make one call. - Great.

I thought we were only inviting a few people.

Yes, but we need a few more guests.

Don't we?

Receive the holy sign of the cross,

on your forehead and your chest,

as proof that both your mind and your heart

are blessed by Lord Jesus Christ, the crucified and the resurrected.

What is the child's name?

Eva Benediktsdottir Kvaran.

Eva Benediktsdottir Kvaran,

I baptise you in the name of the Father,

the Son

and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Thanks so much.

Hi. - Hello.

So good to see you. - You too.

I'm looking forward to working with you.

Likewise.

How's it going

Good morning.

So.

Grimur. - They're waiting for us.

Right, Siggi.

It was great working with you.

Thanks for everything. - Likewise.

Dear staff. - Just keep it brief.

I'd like to welcome Benedikt Rikhardsson

who will be taking charge of our fair ministry.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Right.

Good morning. - Good morning.

It must be strange for you,

working for someone who's been diagnosed with a mental illness.

But, to be clear, I'm currently stable.

And ninety percent of the time, people who suffer from my disease

are totally normal people who go to work,

participate in society

and just sit at their desk, stare out the window and think:

"I wish I had the day off."

And if it were up to me, we'd all have the day off.

We would go outside and catch some sun.

Come to think of it, maybe it is up to me.

No? No.

Maybe that should be my first task.

To fight for Icelanders to get sunny days off.

It always rains on the first day of summer.

And Independence Day and Commerce Day too.

But anyway. I appreciate the warm welcome.

It warms my heart.

Thanks so much.

We decided not to fill your schedule on your first day.

We need to complete the Register of Interests.

Other than that, you've just got meetings with various departments.

And here's where you'll be traveling this month.

Okay.

Twenty-one days abroad. - Yes.

Is that necessary

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, that's the job.

Of course.

I'm going to level with you. I've got a disease.

Which makes it difficult for me to travel a lot. I need routine.

Right. That is unfortunate.

Yes. Exactly.

So I've been thinking, is there a chance

that while I'm getting into the rhythm

that we hold off on excessive traveling for a few months?

We've already announced your attendance.

There are several important matters on the agenda.

A meeting with Nordic ministers about fishing in the Arctic.

Fishing is one of Iceland's biggest industries.

I'm not trying to downplay that.

I'm just wondering, could it be an online meeting?

Excuse me.

Benedikt, there's a reporter on the line.

We're in a meeting. - Don't worry, we're done here.

'll transfer the call.

Thanks. For the meeting.

Good morning.

Hello, Benedikt. This is Ragna, I'm calling from the paper.

Hello. - How are you?

How is your first day going

It's going really well. So many great people. The weather is lovely.

I can't complain. And if there are no complaints, there is no news, right?

Yes, sure.

You mentioned the weather. Someone told me you were planning to

abolish fixed public holidays in Iceland

and have the Meteorological Office allocate them instead.

Yes.

Was that a joke? - Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.

It's a much better system.

A sun-holiday. Have you ever considered that?

Sure. But it's not something

the Minister for Foreign Affairs should worry about. -Of course it is.

We would have to speak with the Norwegian Meteorological Agency.

Their forecast is much more accurate than the Icelandic one.

Is that right?

But what can I do for you?

I just wanted to hear from you. Is everything going well?

Absolutely. It's been a great day.

No complaints -None.

My only complaint is that I'm working on such a nice day.

You and me both.

Thanks for your time. We'll speak again soon.

Thanks a lot. Bye. - Bye.

You wanted to see me?

Have a seat.

So, Ottar.

You and I, we've had our

differences.

You've impressed me.

You're a very skilled reporter. You're reliable.

And...

And as you know, we're looking for a new editor-in-chief.

Would you be interested?

The honourable MP from the North-West Constituency will now speak.

Honourable speaker.

Last weekend, I attended an agriculture conference

in Hvolsvollur.

And had a very meaningful and informative conversation

with the farmers of this country, the grassroot.

I just published a story and it's vanished.

Really? -Ragna, you wrote a story about a joke.

Why would you say that?

The minister plans to negotiate with the Norwegian Meteorological Agency

regarding the allocation of Icelandic holidays

based on the Norwegian weather forecast.

That's what he said.

As a joke.

To a reporter, on the record. - As a joke.

How do you know that?

He's not crazy.

But he is. Not like that.

First of all, this is a man who sometimes loses contact with reality.

He has power, it's important to report on any wild ideas of his.

Second of all,

isn't it distressing that he's cracking jokes about the government?

Because he's mentally ill?

He's not allowed to tell jokes?

Isn't that a bit bigoted?

No, I write news in a truthful way.

What you're actually doing is taking some joke out of context

to create some clickbait headlines. - No.

All you'll accomplish by doing this,

is undermine the integrity of the paper. -Me?

I'm the one undermining its integrity?

You might want to take a look in the mirror.

I just write stories. That's my job.

In that case,

consider yourself formally released from that burden.

Are you firing me?

At the door of His temple, this glorious night,

in homage they pray from their hearts confiding.

But vainly they wait, for locked is each gate,

and silent the spirit presiding.

I love you so much.

On the same day he comes back to work,

his wife returns from maternity leave.

Benedikt. -To the biggest media outlet in the country.

I'm going to lay you down.

Daddy will be right back because it's bedtime.

Daddy needs to have a word with mommy.

Just a quick word with mommy.

...so that Icelanders can always enjoy good weather on their days off.

How so?

He spoke of abolishing all public holidays in Iceland.

And said he'll have the Norwegian Meteorological Agency

allocate holidays.

Norwegian Meteorological Agency manage holidays based on weather?

On a day like today, everyone would probably get the day off.

But when we tried to report this

at his wife's media outlet

the stories were killed and that is a very serious matter.

You have to watch what you say to the media. -I...

That was clearly a joke.

Okay, don't tell reporters jokes.

You know we can't afford a misstep. - A misstep?

Like you censoring some story about me?

I'm not censoring anything, this isn't news.

It was copy-editing, not censorship.

It's my first day back, why did you have to go to work?

Don't you see how this looks?

This was my first day back from maternity leave.

I had Eva with me. You didn't even ask me how it went.

How did it go?

Just wonderful.

Your assistant is calling.

She's great at her job. - Says you.

Hey, routine.

Good night. - Good night.

Hello. - Hi, I was watching.

I know what we do about this weather holiday matter.

Good morning. - Morning.

Where's your luggage?

We have to deliver the papers first, Erna. It's all about routine.

Benedikt. Our flight is in three hours.

Yes. We'll make it, if we must.

You coming

Thank you, Erna.

Are you trying to miss your flight?

Seriously?

Why would you say such a thing? - We're way behind schedule.

Yes...

What are you doing? - What?

Do you know what time it is? - Just give me a minute.

Good morning. - Benedikt?

Honourable Prime Minister. Here's your paper.

May we? - Yes, of course, come in.

So.

How about some coffee? - No, thanks.

Are you sure? - Yes, we're in a hurry.

Thanks.

Benedikt. - Thank you, my friend.

Have some of this too. - Thank you.

You're not trying to kill me, are you?

What?

Of all the ministries, you put me in the worst one.

I did? - All this traveling, I can't do it.

It puts me in real danger. - Why?

I need routine.

Why didn't you tell me right away

I felt ashamed.

So will you take a step back? Again? -No.

I'll handle it. - Okay.

So what's the issue? - Look.

I'm on my way to the airport for work. -Yes.

Yes. We have to get a move on.

Yes. But I've got an idea.

All these flights

are expensive and bad for the environment.

We've got ambassadors working in most of these countries.

What is the point of them if they can't attend the occasional meeting?

And if absolutely necessary, I could join a virtual meeting.

That way, I would only fly when we have no other choice.

If not, I'll just speak to people online.

I think that's brilliant.

Thanks, Oskar.

You might be onto something.

Agreed. -We'll package it as a green initiative.

You will be the minister of the twenty-first century.

It'll be an experiment.

Wow.

The Progressive Party, pushing innovation in bureaucracy.

I didn't see that coming. - Don't make fun of me.

Sorry.

Benedikt.

I'm glad to see you're doing better.

To be honest with you, when I saw you, having hit rock bottom,

I never thought you'd tell another joke in your life.

But look at you now.

But you have to be careful.

This sun-holiday stuff is funny but it doesn't belong in the media.

It was just a joke.

But yes, of course. You've got it.

Why are you not at the airport?

I decided to skip class. - Excuse me?

We’ve got ambassadors and delegations in every one of these countries,

but I'm still expected to show up.

Isn't this what young people would call administration bullshit?

These trips are not bullshit!

They are about forming friendships and engaging in active collaboration.

Why aren't the delegations forming friendships

and engaging in active collaboration?

It's quite different when the minister himself attends.

Sigridur. -Sigridur Helga, thank you very much.

Yes. Right.

All these travels, I can't do it. -No.

Well, maybe this is the wrong ministry for you.

Exactly. After all, The Ministry of Health is where I'm headed.

But until then, we have to do this my way.

This is nonsense. This isn't how diplomacy works.

Maybe so. But I've got the Prime Minister's blessing.

So we're going to try something new.

Good seeing you.

Good morning. - Good morning.

That went well.

Won't you put all of this away? - Yes.

Minister, this is Karl Uve,

ambassador of Norway to Iceland. -Yes.

Welcome. Please, have a seat.

May I please have it? Thanks.

It brings me great pleasure to give you this pin. -Wow.

Thank you so much. Look at that.

And regarding the sun-holidays, what a fantastic idea.

It would make the Icelandic people so much happier,

having days off whenever the sun is out.

This is currently being discussed in Norway.

They've asked me to tell you this:

We appreciate the confidence,

but we can't possibly be responsible

for allocating public holidays in Iceland.

It was just a joke.

A joke like that can...

It wasn't a joke. It was just a misunderstanding.

And it snowballed.

But Benedikt never actually said this.

We've just release a statement,

where it says that he never suggested linking

public holidays and the weather forecast.

But where did this idea come from?

A lot of people want Benedikt to look bad on his first day.

Alright. But can I send a photo to the Norwegian media?

To show that we've relayed the message. -No.

I would just stay out of this whole thing, if I were you.

Okay then.

Thanks for the meeting.

Yes, thanks so much. Thanks for coming.

Thanks for the pin. Let me walk you out.

Thanks so much. It was so nice to meet you.

Likewise.

Bye.

Press release?

What were you thinking? -We just thought it was the right thing to do.

We?

Me. You and Steinunn.

It's simplest just to lie to people, isn't it?

It’s better than having you look incompetent.

Telling a joke isn't the same as being incompetent.

It depends on who tells the joke.

It was one joke. Just one.

Damn it.

Oh, hey. - Hi.

What are you up to?

Just picking up some things.

How are you?

You good? - Yes.

Good morning.

Hello, Benedikt. This is Ragna, I'm calling from the paper.

Hello. Ragna.

How is your first day going

It's going really well. So many great people. The weather is lovely.

Can't complain. - Ragna.

I can't let you do this.

You mentioned the weather... Someone told me...

Ragna... -Wait.

...abolish fixed public holidays in Iceland

and have the Meteorological Office allocate them instead.

Yes. - Was that a joke

Heads up.

It would be much better that way. - What are you doing here?

I won't let you spin this story.

You're trespassing. We store sensitive data here.

You need to leave. - Or else?

You'll call the police?

Good idea.

Great.

Congratulations.

The article will no longer just be about a sick minister who lied.

Please leave. -But also about how his wife had a reporter arrested

for writing about it.

What was she doing here?

I don't know.

Listen.

Come find me later.

Guess what?

Good news.

The speech you made at the meeting, it was a big hit.

Norway has agreed to let Hafro fish in their waters.

Sigridur Helga was so annoyed

that a speech worked just as well as a physical visit.

She couldn't even bring herself to say that we did a good job.

This is the news. It's two o'clock.

The assistant to The Minister for Foreign Affairs

lied in a statement sent to the media earlier today.

The assistant claimed that the minister had never spoken

of abolishing public holidays.

The truth is that he plans to negotiate

with the Meteorological Office in Norway regarding

the allocation of public holidays based on the weather forecast.

But that's according to a recording that appeared on social media today.

I will set this right. I'll explain that it was just a joke.

We'll deal with the consequences.

It's no big deal. People tell jokes in meetings all the time.

I wouldn't do that.

You just want me to be dishonest. - Not at all.

I spoke to the news earlier.

I told them we'd probably form a committee to review what happened.

A committee?

You're going to form a committee to review a joke I told in a meeting?

I think that's a good idea.

They'll release a report in about three months.

Meanwhile, the matter is forgotten.

How many people will be on this committee?

We're not forming a committee!

At the moment, it's hard to tell

which one of you is doing more damage.

You or Benedikt.

You shouldn't come into the office. All it does is hurt Benedikt.

A sick man editing the news.

Thank you for this unsolicited analysis.

You're welcome.

And thanks for stopping by.

Am the only vice-chairman in the party's history

who wasn't given a seat in government for two consecutive terms.

But

you're both angry with me.

So shall we call it even?

You tried to deprive my husband of his autonomy.

Yes.

But we're in the same boat now.

Is that so? - Yes.

Svanhvit and your dad are planning to take over

the party at the next National Assembly.

They will try.

You know who's behind all of this, right?

Who?

You kicked me out.

Benedikt got stuck with a ministry where he has no routine.

I'm out.

Benedikt gets sick.

Who is left, riding a white horse to the next National Assembly?

It was Svanhvit who convinced the party and Finnbogi

to place Benedikt in The Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

But

when we joined forces

we disarmed them and formed a government.

And now? We need to work together again.

I don't need your help.

Yes, you need my help.

Here's what you need to do.

Have the new assistant fall on her sword.

Erna?

My cousin? - It's just politics.

Here's the official statement:

Benedikt told a joke, she misunderstood it

and leaked it to her friends at the press.

She later realized her mistake and lied to the nation.

You seem like you're taking this seriously.

And the whole thing fades away.

Next up:

Find another assistant.

Assume you have one in mind?

Welcome everyone, thanks for coming.

Today, we implement the first steps of our reform strategy

to improve the country's mental health care system,

a system which Benedikt has had to navigate.

It wasn't smooth sailing.

Anyway.

We will build a new psychiatric ward.

Applications are now open,

architects can go ahead and submit their designs for the building.

We've secured five hundred million kronur for the project.

Construction is due to begin next year.

Right. Any questions?

A question for Benedikt.

The origin of your idea of weather-related holidays is unclear.

Is this something you are actually working towards?

That's not really what this meeting is about.

But I will comment on that later today.

This holiday matter is the talk of the town.

What do you think the unions will make of this proposal?

Look.

So...

I told a joke in a meeting. This is clearly a misunderstanding.

Nobody is planning on changing any holidays,

let alone linking them to the weather forecast. It was a joke.

A press release stated that the President of The Supreme Court

will form a committee to investigate this matter.

Is that necessary? - That's it, everyone.

Thanks so much for coming. Goodbye.

Do you intend to make a habit of making jokes like this?

Was a joke. - Sure.

Not a great joke, but still a joke.

Hi. -Hi.

Listen, Benedikt.

Tell me. Are you taking your meds?

Of course I am.

Are you? - Yes.

Good.

Great.

Do you know what I think? - No.

I think you should go home and relax.

Just call it a day.

Then show up to work tomorrow, refreshed.

Right? - Yes.

Right? - Sounds pretty good to me.

Let's do it. - Okay.

You're home early?

Just needed to catch my breath.

Is she asleep? - Yes.

How's it going

I told them it was a joke.

I saw that.

How do you feel about Erna?

She kind of overstepped today, didn't she?

What if we make a statement later today, stating she made a mistake?

And

then we just find a replacement?

We all make mistakes.

Could I...

...maybe...

...could I maybe get my old assistant back? Hrefna?

Could we maybe consider someone we both want?

Why don't you take the job?

See.

How about my brother, Porgeir?

He's your brother-in-law, your friend.

He was the first one who got involved when you got sick.

He knows the politics.

You don't think he'll try to pull some strings for your dad?

Steinunn, was it a mistake, going back to work?

No, come on. You've only just started.

Porgeir, he's solid.

He's a good man. We'll make sure everything is above board.

I think this might actually calm dad down.

I think I should go to him later. Have a chat.

Yes. Should I come with you?

Why don't you just stay home and rest?

Yes.

I could look after the little crocodile.

It would do me good, spending time alone with my daughter.

Let's have something nice to eat.

That's so fun.

What's for dinner?

Bacon and eggs.

Steinunn. I'm not interested in getting mixed up

in a political fight between you and dad.

But you are destined for that sort of dilemma.

Decades of experience.

Porgeir, I mean it.

I think this would be good for everyone.

It would also be an interesting challenge for you.

You did say you wanted to try something new.

Yes, but this isn't exactly what I meant.

More like a new hobby. Maybe squash.

Squash won't do it for you. Politics, that's a real sport.

Do you trust me?

You think you can act as a mediator

and if you won't let dad fuck with you, then

yes.

I've tried to be the mediator of this family for a long time.

Porgeir, you are capable of doing whatever you want to do.

I think it's almost ready.

Experts say it's very serious when a politician...

Are they talking about dad on TV? Come on, let's take a look.

The assistant to the minister lied.

We must assume that the minister was involved in that.

I want to speak with him.

Right now? - Yes.

Okay. -I think you might want to see the news.

But of course it's not good because of the past

it is perhaps precisely important that we get to watch...

What do the leaders of the unions think about this?

It's sad that the minister treats the public with such contempt,

making jokes about abolishing their holidays.

Let's not watch the news. They're no fun.

Should we call mom? Let's try calling mom.

Don't cry, sweetie. Please don't cry.

No, listen.

Let's not call mom, let's not call her.

We can do this, just the two of us.

Hey.

Would you like to dance? Let's dance. Come here.

This is an extremely rich man

who can't possibly understand the plight of the working class.

And to make matters worse,

he tries to prevent the public from hearing about this.

The Icelandic Meteorological Society says that the minister's comments

highlight The Icelandic Met Office's prolonged underfunding.

Behind every joke, there is some truth.

And the truth is that the minister has expressed a lack of confidence

in The Icelandic Met Office.

We'd like to point out that we urgently need increased funding

to be able to produce more accurate weather forecasts.

Yes, smile.

Come. Let's just go outside.

I live here.

What happened?

What happened?

We're fine.

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

Can you start tonight?

There, there.

Good morning.

Hello.

Do you deliver papers now?

No, this is just to get my steps in.

But ministers can't hold other jobs in office, correct?

Yes, exactly. Which is why Benedikt won't be doing this anymore.

You can quote us on that.

Yes. - Let's go.

Yes. It was nice meeting you. - You too.

Come here. - Where are we going

I have something to show you. It's upstairs.

We must deliver the remaining papers. I need the exercise.

We'll figure something out.

Maybe we could shoot some hoops. - No, I need it now.

Hey, good morning. - Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

I've got an idea.

That child. Come here.

I can't leave the baby with him. I don't trust him anymore.

Look. I'm a pretty decent dad.

I've left Karen in a shopping trolley.

I've locked her in the bathroom. I've locked myself out of the house.

I've locked her out of the house. These things happen.

Porgeir, it's working. - Great.

It's working. Just a bit of stretching.

Is anyone running a story on the fire?

No. Because I spent all night making calls.

So you're an assistant now?

It sure sounds like it.

Thank you, Porgeir.

Don't mention it.

I'll speak to Erna.

Are they jumping ship?

Good morning. - Good morning.

Yes.

I'll call you later. Yes.

Hi. -Hi.

Hi.

Is this because I told a joke? - No.

We did this for you.

National security matters will be handed to The Interior Ministry.

Among other things. To give you space to recover.

I have recovered.

Absolutely.

We're just helping you stay that way.

It's been great working with you.

You're off to a great start.

Well, now we do this. - Yes.