Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

Ask away.

Hmm...

Let me think. What's a good question for you?

- Five, four... - Hey!

- Hold on a second! - ...and three.

- Okay, I got one. - Go ahead.

Greatest embarrassment?

Well...

One time, during my first big game, I'm benched.

Coach sends me in, I'm excited. Can't wait to get out there.

Without thinking about it at all, I took off my sweat pants,

only I wasn't wearing anything underneath.

You were completely naked?

I don't believe that.

It's your turn, sweetheart. What's your most embarrassing story?

No. You'll never get that out of me.

I finally got you to like me, I'm not messing that up.

- That dress is really pretty. - Huh?

The red one.

Oh.

I don't even know why I bought it.

I'm afraid it's too flashy for me.

I just think it's not my style, you know?

Well, I think it is.

Because I know you'd look great in it.

Do you think so?

Let's see. Why don't you put it on and we'll go somewhere nice for dinner.

Uh...

No.

- Why not? - No, I can't.

Yes, you can.

Do it for me.

- Come on. - Mm-mm.

- Just try it. - I don't want to. No.

- Pretty please? - Enough. Enough. I'm serious, Kemal.

I'm just not sure who I am anymore.

What's wrong?

It's just, you were this famous basketball player and now...

you're with me somehow.

Somehow I ended up meeting an incredible woman.

That's all.

I'll see who it is.

I'll be right back.

Are these from you?

Yeah. I thought you liked flowers.

I wanted to bring some yesterday, but they were fresh out.

Well, thank you.

Hold on a sec.

- What's up? You okay? - Nothing's up.

- I'll go put these in water. - Ah...

You know, you can tell me.

I just thought that...

It occurred to me that maybe...

Maybe what?

You know, since the kids set us up, I thought that maybe...

They bought the flowers and you're taking credit for them.

What are you saying, Burcu?

You're the one who sounds like a kid right now.

We're two adults in a relationship.

Why would anybody be doing things for me?

I know, but...

that's how we ended up getting together in the first place, you know?

I'm just still not sure how you feel about me.

You're not sure how I feel?

That's great.

- You're leaving? - I should get ready for tomorrow anyway.

First day of school.

I'll call you later.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'M GLAD I HAVE YOU.

...that's our most requested song.

One hour. Just one hour,

I'll come home right after, I promise.

It's too late. You have school tomorrow.

I was stuck in Ayvalık all summer.

And I haven't seen my friends since school ended.

Back up. What did you say? Now I get it.

Are you going to see that boy?

Sinan.

Makes sense.

Since he was expelled, you won't see him tomorrow.

Işık, honey...

You got suspended because of him.

Your dad and I were humiliated.

We already talked about this.

I know we talked about it, Mom. We talked about it the entire summer.

I thought we were finally starting to get through to you.

Just forget about those little thugs.

They were ruining your life.

Look.

This is your senior year. Now is the time to focus.

You should use your time to study for university exams, not fool around.

I'm asking for one night.

Haven't I been studying for those exams all summer?

Işık, I'm telling you no.

FUCK OFF WE'RE NOT APOLOGIZING

Hey! Man, what's good?

- Işık, hey. - Good to see you?

- Your hair looks really cool. - Aw, thanks. See you later.

- Işık? - Hi.

- How was your summer? - Good. You?

Good, good. I saw they let the rest of the gang back in school.

- What? - Look over there.

They're all basically slaves.

So today Necdet is basically making Karem wash his car.

Crazy.

Are you serious?

♪ There's a look on your face I would like to knock out ♪

♪ See the sin in your grin and the shape of your mouth ♪

♪ All I want is to see you In terrible pain ♪

♪ Though we won't ever meet I remember your name ♪

♪ Can't believe you were once Just like anyone else ♪

♪ Then you grew and became Like the devil himself ♪

♪ Pray to God I think of a nice thing to say ♪

♪ But I don't think I can So fuck you anyway ♪

♪ You are scum, you are scum And I hope that you know ♪

♪ That the cracks in your smile Are beginning to show ♪

♪ Now the world needs to see That it's time you should go ♪

♪ There's no light in your eyes And your brain is too slow ♪

♪ Can't believe you were once Just like anyone else ♪

♪ Then you grew and became Like the devil himself ♪

♪ Pray to God I think of a nice thing to say ♪

♪ But I don't think I can So fuck you anyway ♪

♪ Bet you sleep like a child With your thumb in your mouth ♪

♪ I could creep up beside Put a gun in your mouth ♪

♪ Makes me sick when I hear All the shit that you say ♪

Osman.

Mr. Karakış, good morning.

Well done.

Run and get me the attendance register, I want to look it over.

Right away, sir.

- I brought your coffee like you asked. - Bring it.

Tasty.

Well, turns out you can do something right after all.

Now go straight downstairs. The assembly's about to start.

Don't forget my tea in the afternoon.

I won't forget. The second the bell rings, I'll make the tea and bring it right up.

Come in.

Are they done?

Wait a second. They're scuffed on the side.

You see what I'm talking about, right?

Come on, wipe it off.

Why can't you do something this simple, huh?

Okay, that's enough.

Go to the assembly.

We're here.

Thank you.

CLASS REGISTER

- Is Mr. Karakiş here? - He'll be right in.

Okay, then I'll just wait right here.

Hey, Hakan.

It's me. Osman. What's happening?

Sounds great, just great. I'm gonna make sure you get paid today.

Hakkı's gonna drop it off later. All right, man. Keep in touch.

Elif is my name. I'm new here at school.

Uh-huh. Good for you.

Are you a student as well? I don't really understand.

Technically.

Why are you talking to me?

You don't have to get upset, I'm just trying to make friends.

Sweet girls like you shouldn't try to be friends with me.

You'll end up getting in trouble.

Elif?

Welcome, my dear. A pleasure to meet you.

We're so happy to have you with us.

My dad told me to come see you first thing.

He's a smart man, be sure to send him my regards.

Mm-hmm.

You brought me the register, Osman?

It's right here, sir.

You know, I think you'll fit right in.

Take a seat, we'll get you organized.

You made an excellent choice.

Ah! Why don't you watch where you're going?

- But I... - Osman!

What the hell are you doing?

Stop embarrassing yourself. Get out.

Pardon me, sir. My hand slipped.

Out, now.

Sorry about that. We have some bad apples here.

He's one of the worst too.

Door's open.

Are you still mad at me?

I don't know.

Are you still confused about how you feel?

Okay. You're right.

Why don't we pretend it never happened?

What do you think?

How could I possibly say no to you?

There's something I need to talk to you about first.

I've submitted my resignation from my position as the vice-principal.

Necdet got himself reinstated which means he'll start making changes around here.

Big ones.

Uh, I don't want to be a part of it.

You know he already offered me your position?

Did you accept it?

So you're Necdet's partner now or something?

- Who cares about Necdet? - You should.

Whatever. Who cares? Don't worry about it.

I shouldn't worry about it?

Kemal, I actually care about this place, you know?

This school, all my students.

I mean, you don't care about any of this, do you?

You're only here because you thought it was an easy job.

As a bonus, you found a little girlfriend for yourself.

And who cares what she wants to do with her life!

Admit it. You look down on this place.

- On everything, even me! - Stop it!

Come on, that's enough.

Are you breaking up with me?

What do you think?

You owe me an explanation. What's going on?

It's simple, really.

Necdet said we could come back to school and in return, we have to be his slaves.

No you didn't.

What happened to our pride, huh? What about our principles?

Why didn't we just apologize then?

I admit, we got carried away, but now we're doing the smart thing.

Who cares about pride, it's important to stay in school.

Just listen to yourselves.

It's like you all turned into completely different people.

What happened to my friends, huh?

Have you considered you were overestimating us?

I think you may have romanticized us, huh?

Listen to that, you're a poet.

I'm being serious!

Look, we did what we had to do.

So you can forget about it.

Relax. It's already done. Let's go.

You don't want to be late.

Good to see you. Your hair looks great.

Sinan, I've missed you so much.

You haven't changed a bit,

no matter what anyone thinks you will always say what's on your mind.

That's what makes you special.

I don't understand. What's really going on?

Nothing. We made a deal to stay in school.

Sorry, but I don't believe that even a little.

I don't know what to tell you, it's over.

Sinan would never do this.

He would. 'Cause I did.

When are you going to realize real life is complete shit?

Sinan, maybe that's something you can accept,

I won't.

Hey, everyone!

- What's up with you guys? - What?

Come on, don't play dumb with me. What's going on?

Well, we made a deal with Necdet to stay in school and that's it.

You care that much, huh?

I'm not buying it. What's the truth?

Testing...

Testing the mic. Testing, one, two, three.

Still testing the microphone.

Everyone settle down.

Attention.

Quiet, everyone.

And that's why.

Well, allow me to introduce Mr. Karakiş to make his

opening remarks for the new semester.

To our faculty, and our dear student body,

and esteemed board members,

I wish you all nothing short of a fantastic start

to the new academic year of 1998-1999.

And now I'll introduce

a very special guest student who'll be studying with us,

Elif Pınar.

Elif, please come forword so that we may all welcome you.

Welcome, Elif.

This young woman should be a role model to you all.

As a matter of fact, she is an exceptional talent

who has made our country proud.

Elif is a piano prodigy

and she's one of the few young people from Turkey

to have their application accepted into the Fine Arts Academy in Vienna.

Let's give her a round of applause, everyone.

As if that weren't enough...

Elif also happens to be...

the daughter of our esteemed Provincial Director of National Education.

I should've known something was up.

Why would Necdet shell out so much money for a brand new piano?

I'm happy to announce...

the director will be joining us to observe our flag raising ceremony

on this coming Friday.

Now, a few words for the seniors.

We all know that this year is critical to your future lives.

And the university exams you'll take are the most important part.

This year is very important for me, too.

Seeing as I'm once again your principal, this reflects on me too.

It's my hope that all of your scores will be through the roof.

Much higher than last year.

We can also, with a little luck,

break our own record for most college admissions.

Hopefully!

To that end, I'm changing how we do things around here.

EXAM DURATION: 120 MINUTES

From now on,

our top students will be transitioning into "Class A."

This way, the students we expect to be the most successful,

will get the attention they deserve.

To sort you,

we'll have placement tests every month.

If you score too low, I'm afraid you will go into the lower classes,

but those who score highly

will get a chance to have a spot in Class A.

Why don't you come right in, my dear?

Of course, it may seem that those in Class A are getting a better education,

but don't worry, a little competition in no way detracts

from our principles of quality and hard work.

This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to really improve ourselves.

I hope you can see that.

And I'm positive that soon enough the results will speak for themselves.

I nearly forgot about the Honor Board.

I'm happy to announce this week's...

Every month, the highest achievers

will get their photos displayed on the board

for everyone to see.

ISTANBUL TEPEBAŞI HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME

As a bonus, these students will be given special badges

to honor their accomplishments.

Students will wear their badges at all times.

What better way to easily identify

which students are the best our school has to offer?

Burcu.

So happy you're back.

WE'RE NOT APOLOGIZING

Extracurricular activities will be limited.

To help you all concentrate better on your studies,

the hallway lights will be dimmed during lesson hours.

TEACHERS ONLY!

Lunch breaks will be cut by half.

I'm sure you'll all appreciate the extra time you can spend studying.

With these changes, I'm sure we're well on our way to achieving our goals.

I wish each of you all the best,

and may the brightest students win.

OCTOBER 1998 - NOVEMBER 1998

Eda!

Can we get some sodas when you're done?

You've lost weight.

I don't feel any different.

Do you want some tea?

No, that's all right.

Tea would be lovely, Sinan.

I'm not sure about selling.

But we agreed.

Things are tight. I need the money.

And you do as well.

You're right, but I can't help it.

What about him?

What if I just take my dad with me and Sinan can move in with you.

I can't. The twins are already sharing a room.

The nanny is using the small room.

Well, you had room to put in an art studio for Nihal.

What am I supposed to do?

She gets exhausted after being with the kids all day.

She has to get away somewhere.

- You're his mother. Can't you take him? - No way!

I can't handle you.

Hold on. Uh...

Sinan, honey, we really wanted to discuss something with you

but clearly, we're not ready yet.

Your dad and I have some things to sort out.

I'm heading out. I'll be back later.

Seriously, you should eat something, you're wasting away.

Mm.

Yeah, sure.

No! They won't fucking sell.

I try to do 100 practice questions a day before my other reading.

- What do you do? - Basically, I would, uh...

- How am I supposed to get home? - I don't care!

I don't care.

Hey, you! Baldy!

Yeah, I'm talking to you.

You brought him here this morning, right? So why can't you take him home then?

- He's gotta pay. - You some kind of monster?

What kind of adult bullies a little kid?

I'll pay his fee. Get on the bus.

Forget about it. We'll get him a cab. Let's go.

Thank you.

- Are you okay? - Yeah.

Don't worry about him, we got you.

Wait a sec. You shouldn't have to pay for it all. We'll all chip in.

Hey, here's a question.

Do you believe in what people tell you or what you see them do?

Grandpa, here.

Have your breakfast.

Grandpa?

Come on.

Seriously?

It's time to wake up.

Grandpa.

- Hey there. - Good morning.

Kemal.

Good morning, ma'am.

Good morning, girls.

I'm listening.

- I just have one question. - Go right ahead.

Why would I be second-guessing myself? Denying how I'm feeling?

On one level, I know exactly what it is that I want but...

I must be afraid of something.

What is it?

You're going to have to find those answers yourself.

- So you have nothing to say to me then? - Not anymore.

That figures.

That makes perfect sense because you never ever doubt yourself, do you?

You always know exactly where you stand.

You've never been uncertain in your life, is that it?

- It's not like that. - Wait, hold on a second.

Is something wrong?

It really seems like you're off somewhere else.

Those kids of yours,

Eda, Kerem, Osman, Sinan.

Yeah?

What do you know about their situation?

I know all about it. Makes me sick.

- Necdet has been using those poor kids... - There's something you don't know.

- Where the hell is Necdet? - Not in yet.

So...

how are you?

I know everything, Osman.

What do you mean?

I'm talking about this deal he made with you.

What a horrible man!

In fact, I'm going to report him to the board of education.

You don't think we deserve it?

You know, I sort of thought you hated us.

Oh, Osman.

You act so tough, but you're really just a little boy.

I say you don't deserve it, okay? No student of mine deserves this.

But now we're going to have to do something about it.

Don't. Please.

Seriously, we don't really mind it. So you can just forget about it.

No, I won't forget about it. I'm going to do something. Right now.

Seriously. Why don't you just stay out of it?

We'll deny it.

We'll say it was our idea, Necdet had nothing to do with it.

So don't interfere.

I'll be leaving.

Out of my way, Osman.

Excuse me, girls, could you please leave?

- Okay. - Işık, you stay.

Hey! Didn't you hear me?

Please leave.

Ugh.

Close the door on your way out.

Is something wrong?

Işık, dear.

I just learned the truth about something

and I believe you have the right to know as well.

As you know, nobody likes to be manipulated.

You were right to have your doubts.

I'm afraid you've been lied to.

What do you mean?

FOUR MONTHS EARLIER

Suck my dick, fuckers. I'm not going to apologize.

Aw, damn you!

Enough! Cut it out!

Goddamn you! Stop it! Stop this now.

You should all be ashamed!

Cut it out!

EXPULSION FORM

PRINCIPAL NURİ ERGİN

Move! Out of the way!

Hey!

Damn hooligans. Get out of the way!

- You're going to get killed. You blind? - It's Necdet.

FUCK OFF

Son, are you a moron? Can't you see the car coming at you?

Honestly, I don't know where we get all these half-wits from.

Oh, no!

Ramo!

Ramo!

FUCK OFF

We paint over them every day

and then, sure enough, there's new ones in the morning.

Listen, Ramo, paint over them extra thick!

Shh. Here he comes.

Eat, eat.

You should choke on it. Choke to death, you little bastards.

- I oughta shove them down... - Mr. Karakiş! Please.

- See who cares if you die! - Control yourself.

Shouldn't be giving them the satisfaction.

They see you like this, they just want to act out more. Please.

How could I have known expelling those kids would turn them into heroes?

I'm afraid that's an understatement. They've become legends.

Come on.

Eda.

Are you dressed? Yusuf is here with his family.

I don't care. I told you I wasn't going to do this.

You will!

And his thing with school, you keep that to yourself.

We'll all be humiliated if they find out you've been expelled.

You're afraid they'll think I'm damaged goods?

You are. Would you marry a high school dropout?

Now go get ready.

Hello? Lifeguard on duty!

- He's my type. - Yeah, mine too.

He looked at me!

I always imagined you'd have a car like this one day,

with drivers and people working for you.

Anyway. Uh...

The boss needs someone to drive his son to school and pick him up later.

I told him once you turn 18, we'll get you a license and you can start.

Mr. Salih would like to make a donation to the school, sir.

I told him we should ask you first. And that you'd probably accept.

Hope that's okay, sir.

Well, then, this will be good for the school I think.

I don't understand either.

Mr. Salih is insisting that we forced him to make the donation

and that we misled him.

He's accused you of corruption.

I'm afraid he's reported you to the Ministry of Education.

I recommend that you leave for a week.

When the inspectors come around I'll explain the truth to them.

Well, I don't understand it either, sir.

I tried to tell him this is not how we do it.

But no matter how hard I tried to stop his scam and return his money,

he wouldn't listen.

He was too far gone.

Blinded by greed, perhaps.

PRINCIPAL NECDET KARAKIŞ

Ah.

This is wonderful, sir.

We're all so happy to have you back.

Good to be back. It really is.

And, with any luck, this will help with the student situation as well.

- What situation? - The situation...

uh, that you're some kind of joke to them.

What do you mean?

Um, it's just... They think that...

All I'm saying is, you were humiliated.

That's enough, okay, enough!

I know what happened! Now get out.

Out!

- Now please. - I'll just... I'll just be going.

"You were humiliated."

Lunatic.

What'll I do?

Could it be that simple?

All right.

Are we really doing this?

This isn't how I pictured my summer.

What does Necdet want? We were already expelled.

Aren't you curious what that shithead has to say?

I am. Messing with him is the only fun part of that school.

He probably has some shitty plan. Did you hear he's principal again?

Acting principal. Temporarily. Until the minister finds someone else.

Why do I get the feeling Necdet doesn't think it's temporary?

I bet his office chair is shaped like his ass already.

You'll never get him to leave now, I'm telling you.

PRINCIPAL NECDET KARAKIŞ

Well, well, well.

I get it.

You have your pride.

You won't admit you were wrong. You won't apologize.

It sure must be fun being so pigheaded.

We all know where your lives are headed,

but that's not my problem.

You all go get yourselves into unimaginable trouble.

It'll serve you right.

Once they put you all in jail the world will be a better place.

I thought he kicked us out already. Was that before or after you got fired?

You saw my name on the door.

After the hard work I did, I'm finally where I belong.

A bright new era is beginning to dawn for me now.

Yeah, so what? Why are you telling us all this?

Do you not have old people friends?

I want to offer you sociopaths a deal.

Continue.

I want to let you back in school,

and I won't expel you, no matter what.

You can turn the place upside down again, for all I care.

I won't expel you.

- And? - Wait a second. Wait.

Now he's finally saying something interesting.

I want you all to be my servants. You will do everything I say.

You're going to be the most obedient students

any school has ever seen.

Everyone will see once and for all

Necdet gets everyone in line when he's the one in charge.

A display of power.

You think there'd be a better way to show that.

Why would we help you?

You must have thought up something really special for this.

I finally figured you out. All of you.

I found your weakness.

Do it or Işık gets expelled.

Mess up one time...

Işık is gone.

Osman, you start up one of your little scams.

"Oh, Işık's out of here."

Kerem, you raise your voice even a little, Işık's out!

Sinan, my boy,

if you start flapping that big mouth of yours,

trying to show your teachers up,

just watch how fast I expel your beloved Işık.

Yeah.

Oh, what's wrong?

Don't you brats have anything to say?

Think about it.

That brilliant girl got suspended because of you.

I won't have mercy this time.

I won't even need a reason to get rid of her.

I'll just make something up and then she's out of here.

What do you say?

You pathetic psychopaths.

Sinan? Sinan, are you all right?

Would you like something to drink? Can I offer you something?

What?

Get the fuck out of my office. Get out!

Out.

Have some nuts.

Is Necdet taking new medication?

I always thought he had dementia.

That wouldn't be my diagnosis.

That shithead put us in a tough situation.

I swear if it were anyone else in the world,

if it were Jesus Christ himself. I wouldn't take this deal. But...

it's Işık.

Işık's different.

Işık's special. She's nice.

You can always count on her to tell you the truth.

She straightened us out, one by one.

She made us better.

She's actually kind of the reason we're together.

If it wasn't for her, we would've never become friends.

Kerem and I wouldn't be together.

And this idiot over here would've drowned himself by now.

That's right.

She gave me a reason to live.

Almost makes you think the world is a good place.

Guys, we should do it.

I'm serious. We should do it for Işık.

I might have to clean the school's stairs every day by myself but I'll do it.

- Işık deserves it. - She does.

So we agree to do this, then.

We agree to be his servants so long as he doesn't mess with her.

Let's drink to that.

- These things taste great with beer. - Yeah.

Oh, shit, you guys.

Before we do this, we have to tell Işık.

She deserves to know the truth.

I'm not sure if it's right to burden her with this.

I mean, the choice is ours. We're the ones doing it.

Makes sense. What if she feels guilty?

I'm not sure you'd want her to think she did this to us.

Well, would you want to know?

Of course I would.

I think we should tell her, then.

Knowledge is a curse.

The more you know, the more it hurts you.

What good would it do for her to know the world is fucked up?

Just let her be happy.

Figures. We can't have your one and only getting hurt.

Sounds like you miss her a lot.

She left town on the first day of summer.

Something about love I can't figure out.

It's scary, letting someone else take over your heart.

It's not something you let happen.

It's the kind of thing you never see coming.

- She doesn't need to know. - I think I agree with you on that one.

If you think she won't be hurt, then I agree too.

Guys, this is such fucking bullshit.

You're treating her like she's some frail little thing. You realize that?

Doesn't she have a right to know the truth?

Doesn't she have the right to know what Necdet is threatening to do?

This affects her too.

I'm going to tell her, just so you know.

Please don't.

Yeah, I am, Sinan.

Işık, what's up?

How's it going?

Işık, wait, I have to tell you something.

What did she say?

I couldn't tell her.

Who cares about pride, it's important to stay in school.

Have you considered you were overestimating us?

He would. 'Cause I did.

When are you going to realize real life is complete shit?

The moment we've been waiting for weeks has finally arrived.

Our Provincial Director of National Education, Mr. Yıldıray,

is back at our school.

Won't you all join me in welcoming him here today.

Give him a round of applause.

What a tremendous honor.

♪ Birds flying high You know how I feel ♪

♪ Sun in the sky You know how I feel ♪

We're delighted you can visit, please come up here Mr. Yıldıray.

Welcome. We're so happy to have you. What an honor.

♪ Oh, it's a new day It's a new life ♪

♪ For me ♪

♪ And I'm feeling good ♪

Ah!

♪ You know how I feel ♪

♪ Blossom on a tree You know how I feel ♪

Who did this to me?

Suck my dick, fuckers!

I swear to God, when I get my hands on you...

Why are you laughing? What's funny? What's funny?

I'm so sorry. Mr. Director, please forgive me.

Stop laughing!

This horrific incident has humiliated us all.

I don't know how we'll get over it.

Needless to say, the student in question has been expelled.

She has tarnished our school's reputation,

and will never be forgiven for what she's done.

- Go easy, will you! - It's not coming off, sir.