Original subtitles

You knew about Bent's cerebral embolism.

You kept it from me to promote your own interests.

Did you tell the Express I knew about his illness to discredit me?

Kruse is a no-go as minister.

You can't fire your Minister for European Affairs. It stinks.

I just told our party secretary you're resigning as deputy leader.

You are the new European commissioner.

You must understand that I'm 31 and probably want children.

I love you.

You gave up too soon.

Birgitte, you were never home. Everything was chaos.

Of course it was! I had just been elected PM!

You know where to find me, right?

Hell, no one ever praises the PM, so I'm going to.

Bloody well done!

Today we've shown our vision for Denmark. I'm very happy with it.

I'm going to let the Danish people decide

who is going to be PM.

I hereby call a general election to be held on Tuesday 11th June.

"Halfway on my journey through life I found myself in a dark wood..."

Dante, "The Divine Comedy"

TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER

During this crisis, let's not act like the two tourists who met a leopard.

One put on a pair of running shoes and the other said,

"You can't outrun a leopard."

"I don't need to. I just need to run faster than you."

Any questions? Yes.

Do you approve of the Liberals' business sector subsidies?

No. I don't need them. Yes?

You withdrew from politics. What would you do, if you were PM?

As I always used to say as PM,

I don't answer hypothetical questions.

Episode 21 - A Child of Denmark

Yes. I have a meeting at 10:00 with the CEO and the English architect.

- The board meeting is at 1:30. - Fine. Thanks.

Your department has lost 150,000 viewers of the big news programmes.

No. 120-130, I think.

The aim of public service is to make TV that people want to see.

But to me, public service is more about quality.

Unlike the rest of the management I find it important

that our news doesn't talk down to people. People talk about your ratings.

I prefer to talk about the high scores that viewers give your programmes.

- So we're not going to talk ratings? - No.

Not if you keep on producing strong formats like Juu/& Friis.

I'm proud of that myself.

So, Torben, I've recommended you for the job

as divisional manager of the Current Affairs Department.

I don't make the final decision, but they tend to listen to me.

So it might be a good idea

for you to wear a newly-ironed shirt on Monday.

Hey! It's the pilot. It's a plane.

- What did they say at nursery? - Everything's fine.

He made a bit of a fuss when I left, but that's all.

- Did he sleep? - For two hours.

Hungry, sweetie?

Hey, you like that one?

Well...

I'll pick him up at 5:00 on Friday. Is that okay with you?

Remember to pack his stuffed dog. He really missed it the last time.

- Sure, but it's a cat. - Okay.

It's an ugly cat that barks at our place.

I had to shop around for the organic pear baby food.

- Hi, Grethe. - Hi, Kasper. Good to see you.

- Are you staying for dinner? - No, I'm off.

- I'm making your favourite. - Well, thanks, anyway.

- Bye, buddy. See you. - Bye, Daddy.

- Bye. - Bye, Kasper.

The two of you are handling this great.

Come here, sweetie.

Lie down. You need a new nappy.

Come on, Gustav.

The red one.

Don't expect expensive gifts every time I'm away for a few days.

Oh, you think it's only fair?

I'm going to take a quick shower, and then I'm off to dinner. And you?

Okay. What about Magnus? Is he going to sleep over?

Give him my love and tell Dad

that you can come stay with me the day after tomorrow.

No, I'll be home by then. You too, sweetie. Bye.

- For you, sweetie. - Thanks. I love it.

And for you, darling. You can't buy them in Europe.

Sure you can. Theis has got one. And his is a newer generation.

- Thanks, dear considerate Mum. - Thanks, Mum.

- And a kiss. - No.

- How's school? - Fine.

- I got a B+ for my essay. - Really?

I changed the ending and used the plan like we talked about.

Hey, it's Kasper.

To swallow this. And Hesselboe is out to win supporters.

You watch Juul & Friis?

Mathilde and Sara think he's a hunk.

I have to ask, will the opposition yield that far?

Labour left the PM's Office.

The Moderates are due there this afternoon. Is this project feasible?

They've adopted a new style since Birgitte Nyborg was their leader.

- And when you worked for them. - Jacob Kruse said this yesterday.

How do the Moderates stand on tightening the deportation rules?

- Is it in breach of human rights? - Well, I'm not a lawyer...

The Freedom Party wants misdemeanours to lead to deportation.

Aren't you legitimising that?

Let's not attach too much significance to legal quibbles.

- So deporting people for... - Oh, come on!

Let us enter the negotiations first.

Not quite the clear statement we're used to from the Moderates.

The other tourist says, "You can't outrun a leopard."

"I don't have to. I just need to run faster than you."

Any questions? Yes.

The Moderates have entered the financial negotiations.

What would you do, if you were PM?

I wouldn't compromise my principles in order to get in on a minor deal

that violates human rights, a key issue to the Moderates.

We mustn't allow this country,

once known for its tolerance and the Scandinavian welfare model,

to close the door on the outside world.

I'd be highly aware of that.

Let's meet at the airport. We all need to be there.

- Torben... It's important. - I'm on the phone with Washington.

- Five minutes. - It's about Gregers.

Gregers. I've spoken to him. All's well. He loves us.

Gregers doesn't work here anymore, Torben!

- He was fired an hour ago. - No way!

They already announced who's taking over as Head of Programmes.

- Who? - Alexander Mø... Hjort.

- From Warner Brothers? - Yes.

Martin from Planning will be made head of coordination,

making divisional managers redundant.

- I don't believe it. - He's on a tour, so get to work.

On what?

Your e-mail server changed its name.

Thanks, but doesn't it take forever to receive my e-mails?

Your Internet connection's slow. Call your landlord.

- How much is the rent here? - Not that much, Phillip.

- The kids love it. - I get that.

Magnus' room is the size of our old living room and kitchen combined.

Phillip...

In March, when you're in Hong Kong, I have important board work.

We have to work something out.

Sorry, you were saying?

How would you feel about...

about me going back into politics?

Oh, my God.

Well, I think it would do the Moderates a world of good.

- Are you being ironic? - I mean it.

Kruse may have streamlined the party, but it's out of touch with the voters.

- Certain people will feel threatened. - Perhaps.

The right-wingers who were peeved at your collaboration with the left.

And Kruse's posse, not to mention Kruse himself.

It depends on what you have in mind. MP and party spokesperson?

- Spokesperson on foreign policy? - Sure, or financial.

- But definitely not leader. - No. Definitely not leader.

- Torben Friis! Good to meet you. - Welcome.

Thanks. I'm a huge fan, so this is an honour.

- Hi. - Alex Hjort.

I'm a huge fan of your department.

I have some questions and thoughts,

but you run a great show.

And kudos to you for inventing Katrine Fønsmark.

- She's the face of the network. - Katrine!

Oh, there she is. Speak of the devil, huh?

Have him call me back. Thanks.

- This is Alexander Hjort. - Call me Alex.

I'm a huge fan of your work.

- Hi. - Hi.

I hope I didn't keep you waiting long. We're in negotiations.

Thanks for taking time to meet me.

I'm all for letting bygones be bygones.

I was in a difficult place back then.

But I've straightened things out with Sejrø.

You're doing a great job as party leader.

Jacob, I've decided to get back into politics.

I fully respect that my role in the party is different now.

I'm prepared to back up your leadership.

I hear what you're saying.

You're a first-rate politician and a role model for many people.

But I'm going to have to let you down.

I don't see you fitting into the Moderate project now.

Hell, no. Well, maybe in the European Parliament.

I'm afraid your return would divide the party and confuse voters.

I'd fight for our common project and work for you.

We have a great balance in the party right now.

You'd be too heavy, you'd rock the boat.

As party leader, I have to decide what's best for the Moderates right now.

My decision is to turn down your splendid offer.

I have an announcement to make.

Torben and I would like to brief you

on how the new management structure will affect the News. At 6:30.

At the same time, we'll say goodbye to Gregers and have a glass or two.

So much for that night off.

Hi, Mum. I'm afraid I'm going to be late tonight.

Will you put Gustav to bed?

I miss him too. Kiss him a thousand times from me.

Great. Bye.

You should go home.

They won't tell us anything, and you don't know Gregers, do you?

No, but it's important to stay on top of things.

It's important to see your child too.

What do you mean?

Sorry. You know best.

- Handicap or Africa first? - Africa, I think.

- Great, handicap it is. Thanks. - Why did you ask?

That's all for now. Have a good evening.

Damn it!

- We're we still on air? - I don't think you could see it.

- Who put that cable there? - Kris.

- Got anything to say? - It won't happen again.

- Get my mike, someone! - Hey, Katrine. Are you okay?

I just sprained my ankle because you man my show with trainees!

- Hey, calm down. - Goodbye!

- I thought you were working late. - It wasn't important after all.

I'll cook us a nice dinner then.

- Mum, you don't need to cook. - I want to be put to good use.

- And I want to put Gustav to bed. - He tried to say grandma.

- Isn't that cute? Gramma... - Gramma.

Why the hell did you go and move the nappies?

- I'm going to move them back. - Go ahead, dear.

Right!

He kicked me out.

- Did you eat humble pie? - Like you wouldn't believe.

No, he... cold-shouldered me.

- So it's back to Hong Kong? - Sure. What else can I do?

Contest his leadership.

Any member can challenge the leader at the party conference.

What an insane idea, Bent. I could split the party.

Anyway, the conference is in a month. We have no time to prepare.

I saw your interview with Jacob Kruse the other day. Great.

- How's Kasper and your little boy? - Fine.

But Kasper and I split up.

What I'm about to say is confidential, no matter the outcome of this meeting.

I'm going back into politics. I'm going to challenge Jacob Kruse.

I need a media adviser.

- Why don't you call Kasper? - Our project was the PM's Office.

I have other plans now. You gave me a run for my money when I was PM.

You turned down the job as adviser to Hesselboe due to political differences.

I think you're the one I'm looking for.

What do you think?

Fill me in on why you want to get back into politics.

You tell me. You know me better than most reporters.

You're disappointed in the cowardly course of the Moderates.

If they won't even block the Freedom Party's policy of values,

there's not much left.

- But the conference is in a month. - Right. So make up your mind fast.

- Name your price, and we'll see. - Who's paying?

I am, to begin with. It's a big decision.

But I need your answer in 24 hours. Don't discuss this with anybody.

There.

Here we go.

I know, I know.

Gustav, look. Let's see what's on TV.

Look at that. A little bear.

- Gramma... - I'll be right with you.

Gramma.

- Gramma... - Coming, sweetie.

- Gramma! - There, there, sweetie.

- Daddy! - Hush. Oh, damn it.

Shit!

MUM

Hi.

I just tucked him in.

I want to talk to you about something.

Hi, dear. It's only me.

I took the train at 6:00.

Hi, pumpkin.

Katrine, don't do it.

You've got a steady, well-paid job. What does she have to offer?

Dear, you're a single mum.

- We'll get it ready for the 8:30. - Okay. That's a deal.

Are you in a meeting? Good. Can I have a word, Torben?

- Well? - I'd like to go on leave. As of now.

- How many members have you got? - A little over 10,000.

There are 92 districts each headed by a district leader.

- And they have voting rights? - Them and the parliamentary party.

- 18 at the moment. - So 110 people get to decide this.

Exactly, so I need at least 56 votes at the conference.

I'll take care of the parliamentary party. You take care of the rest.

- You know all the district leaders. - I'll prepare a media strategy.

- Don't release it yet. - No, but it may leak soon enough.

We must keep our cards close to our chests.

We must talk to the most influential people first and win them over.

Jon tops my list. He's got a great deal of influence in the party.

- Jon Berthelsen? - He tops mine too.

We don't always see eye to eye on things, but we share many views.

Jon and Kruse don't get along.

The government is still making overtures to the Moderates.

The growth package has been criticised by the opposition,

due to the proposed tightening of the immigrant laws.

Political commentators say the Moderates are changing course.

Hi, Jon. Birgitte calling again. I haven't heard from you.

But I presume our 11:00 meeting is still on.

- Hi. - May I see your card, please?

Are you serious? I don't have one. I'm going to a meeting.

- You ought to be registered then. - No.

Please call and make a formal appointment.

It's Birgitte Nyborg... Nyborg, yes. The guard won't let me in.

- I'll bring you as my guest. - Nete is here. Everything's fine.

- Hi, Birgitte. - Hi, Helge.

We missed you. How could he not let you in?

- Hi, Lars. - To what do we owe this honour?

Oh, this and that. Just paying my party a courtesy visit.

Well, I'm in a hurry.

But I bet it won't be the last time I bump into you here.

Have a good day, Lars.

Birgitte, I just heard all your messages. My phone's acting up.

- Nice to see you. - And you, Jon.

Well, let me get straight to the point. I want to get back into the Moderates.

Jacob Kruse doesn't want me to, so I'm going to challenge his position.

You know where I stand,

and we agree on certain issues unlike you and Jacob.

That's great news, Birgitte.

- You like the idea? - You just made my day.

If anyone can get us out of this logjam, it's you.

The party's in a state of apathy after our three years in power.

- After three good years in power. - I'm glad you're on board.

I didn't say I was on board.

I love your idea, but I can't promise you my support just like that.

Many things have happened in the party since you left us.

It's not just a question of what Kruse can and cannot do.

He's coerced and threatened a lot of the old heavyweights to support him.

Particularly District Leader Henning Johansen.

You know how much clout he's got in the party.

I'll say you have a third of the district leaders.

Maybe more of the parliamentary party, but it's still not enough.

You're basically saying that if I'm elected party leader,

I have your support.

Yes, I guarantee you that.

She hasn't forgotten her political skills. It's Birgitte!

Johansen, you know me. I'd never back this project, if I weren't sure.

What? And what about Kruse and the property tax?

He's turning into a real liberal. Sure, but...

- Right... - How did it go?

I will. Sure. Okay.

Sure.

Okay, yes. I see.

Look, we'll get the necessary votes.

There's no risk. Jon Berthelsen's a long-time supporter of Birgitte.

I'm sure he's behind us. Sure, we've thrown out a feeler.

He's very positive. Yes, sure.

We can't find the red car, and it's turning into a bit of an issue.

We need to know where you stand.

There's the red car.

We need to know where you stand. Okay. Fine.

Okay, call me back. So long.

What did Johansen say?

- Isn't he off to nursery? - He's got an eye infection.

He wouldn't make any promises.

I'm surprised to find that Kruse has got such a hold on the old ones.

Now what?

Let's break it.

Birgitte Nyborg is making a comeback in Danish politics

after two years as a lecturer and member of various boards.

We spoke to Nyborg earlier.

I'm very pleased to be back in Danish politics again.

Is it a case of the old circus horse missing the arena?

No. The old circus horse feels that too many aren't being heard.

- Martin speaking. - You can talk to Birgitte at 3:00.

Great. I'd like an hour with her.

I can't give you more than 45 minutes, so you'll just have to talk fast.

We'll make it. Sound, ready? A minute and a half. Great.

- You'll do fine. - He forced you to challenge him.

Smile, be on top. People love you.

If Ulrik tries to provoke you, commend him on his question.

- Give me your watch. - Why?

It costs like 25% of the average Dane's annual pay. Have fun.

- Hi. Welcome. - Thanks.

Four, three, two, one.

Welcome. Today, the former PM announced

her comeback in Danish politics. Birgitte Nyborg, welcome.

This is you arriving in Parliament with your family

after the landslide victory which made you PM.

Isn't this comeback risky? Aren't you nervous?

Well, my work isn't done yet. Many Danes aren't being heard.

People who used to feel they were part of the Moderate project.

But isn't challenging the current leader Jacob Kruse a drastic move?

I had no choice. We have different goals.

Contested elections are never fun, but it's better than a divided leadership.

We must settle once and for all who the party backs.

Many people are happy to see you back in the game.

Some might even say you've been a great politician.

You've been PM. Your great achievements are behind you.

Are you a has-been?

That's a good question. I thought my time was over.

But I can see we're moving in the wrong direction, and I have to act.

My answer is simple: I am a politician.

Thank you for coming. There were many reactions in Parliament.

And we're off.

Great, thanks. Welcome back.

All right. We're rolling.

It's District Leader Johansen.

He's going to declare his support for Birgitte tomorrow.

ONE MONTH LATER

This dramatic day could have major political consequences.

At the Moderates' conference the delegates will elect their new leader

Kruse or former PM Birgitte Nyborg who's made a sensational return.

Tonight the two candidates will speak to the delegates who will then vote.

- Birgitte, are you going to win? - I feel I have a lot of support.

Jacob Kruse, you've come straight from negotiations in Parliament.

Yes, but today my main focus is the party, not Parliament.

How do you feel about competing with former PM Birgitte Nyborg?

I'm not the slightest bit nervous. Politics are all about getting results.

- That's what I stand for. - How does this affect the party?

- Are we ready? - She's ready.

- Is Birgitte in there? - Yes.

I just came to say the mood is great in there.

People are happy to see Birgitte again.

Oh, my God. Hi, Peter.

She's sweet.

Birgitte enjoys a lot of respect.

Birgitte is the greatest politician this party ever had, and they know it.

But Kruse is feared somewhat.

Yes. They know he comes down hard on disloyalty.

Three, two, one...

Welcome to this special edition focusing on the party conference.

- It's drawn quite a crowd. - You can say that again.

But we're talking about a former PM trying to make a political comeback.

The Moderates have chosen a bombastic setting.

- Oh, yes, the Arken Museum. - Very intellectual.

I can't help teasing you.

Don't you feel a yearning when you see Nyborg getting back in the game?

No more chit-chat. This is a showdown: Kruse vs Nyborg.

Fair enough. Let's go over to Birgitte Nyborg.

- She's about to give her speech. - Standby, Arken. You're on.

The next item on the agenda is the election.

The first speech will be given by one of the candidates: Birgitte Nyborg.

I'VE MISSED YOU

I've missed you.

Not only have I missed you, I've missed working with you

to change the political course.

Unlike Kruse, I don't think we should make overtures to the government,

if it entails making ideological concessions to the Freedom Party.

That's the choice you face today.

I'm looking forward to working with you again

to create a Denmark we can be proud of.

I can't help being puzzled by this sporadic applause.

What's going on? This is after all their former leader.

It's their first PM in 50 years,

and they can't even applaud her back to her seat. What's going on?

They're called the Moderates for a reason.

- They can't applaud? - They're above applauding.

They hate being "folksy". But they weren't swept away, I'll give you that.

- It wasn't Nyborg's best speech. - It wasn't bad.

She made her political messages clear.

She thinks the current leadership has swung too far to the right.

Let's return to Arken.

Jon Berthelsen, the former Minister for Education, is about to speak.

Did you hear that?

Did you hear Birgitte Nyborg telling us

that she'd missed us?

She had missed us.

That's nice to hear. But have we missed her?

Have we missed Birgitte Nyborg in the Moderate Party?

That's the question.

After Birgitte finished her speech, I wasn't bursting with questions.

I wasn't bursting with questions. No, I had a bursting feeling.

The feeling that this was the return of a great statesman

to the political arena. And allow me to say...

Allow me to reply,

yes, we've missed you, Birgitte, on the political arena.

Bent!

- Something's up. - Please return to your seats.

Many of you may have seen Jacob Kruse leaving prematurely.

He had to go to a meeting with the PM.

Jacob apologises for the delay. He'll give his speech in 45 minutes.

The good news is that there seems to be a breakthrough in negotiations.

Let's get TV1 News up on the screen.

FINANCIAL AGREEMENT REACHED

We have reached an historic financial agreement

which will do much towards getting the economy back on track.

I'd like to take the credit myself,

but I have to say it was thanks to Jacob Kruse's visionary goals

that we reached this agreement.

Thank you very much, Lars.

I'm proud to put a Moderate mark

on this major and significant agreement.

The Moderates are back in the game. We're going to create results.

Critics will say you've made a deal with the Freedom Party

which is in breach of human rights.

Look, those are all vague speculations about some legal details.

Let's pat ourselves on the back for landing this agreement.

I have to get back to the party conference now.

He timed that one well.

To the question of whether I've missed Birgitte Nyborg,

my reply is: sure.

Sure, I've missed the well-meaning, well-spoken,

and very well-dressed Birgitte Nyborg who stood here

filling the rooms with all her visions

of a modern notion of solidarity, that however...

Excuse me, but to me it sounds like champagne socialism.

With whom does she intend to collaborate in Parliament?

She won't talk to the right wing.

The left wing is gasping for air.

Tonight, dear friends, you've seen me deliver results.

Real political results.

In my opinion, you face a very simple choice.

The choice between Nyborg's dream factory and the real world.

I hope and believe...

you will do the responsible thing and place the Moderates in the latter.

In favour of Birgitte Nyborg as new leader: 51.

In favour of Jacob Kruse as new leader: 59.

Jacob Kruse has been re-elected as party leader.

- Congratulations, Jacob. - Thank you.

Birgitte, have you got five minutes?

Go ahead, Torben.

And so Kruse was elected leader of the Moderates

after a dramatic election.

Ls this more than just Nyborg leaving the conference?

Is it also the briefest comeback in Danish history?

I can't see Nyborg as a rank-and-file Moderate.

- What about another party? - No, Nyborg is too idealistic.

So a return ticket has been ordered for Nyborg back to where she came from.

- Kasper Juul... - Torben Friis.

It's been a long night. Thank you and good night.

Damn, I thought she'd make it.

Rumour has it you're moving up in the world.

- Do I need to look for a new partner? - Not yet. Hold your horses.

Something like that takes time. See you.

I know it's late, but I'd like to enter into a dialogue.

- Well, let's talk. - Great.

I've gone through the last six months' ratings.

I'm astonished.

Far be it from me to lecture you,

but you do know the term 'contact price'?

The price of making a programme compared to the number of viewers.

- Yes. - Let me give you an example.

While we showed the conference, TV2 showed an American sitcom.

- How much can an episode cost? - There's a difference...

DKK60,000. That sitcom had 700,000-800,000 viewers.

That equals a contact price of 0.10 per viewer.

Unlike a conference, a studio costing 240,000 and 300,000 viewers.

All your programmes are too expensive.

Gregers had another set of priorities...

Let me introduce you to my world and the questions I will be met with.

Why does the News take up so much of the programming?

And why is the Head of News still called Friis?

They won't be able to understand how TV1 can afford

to let their most popular anchor, Katrine Fønsmark, go.

- I haven't had time to... - Think hard about these questions.

And let's have a real talk about it in a couple of days.

Okay. See you.

- Did you talk to TV1? - I did.

We need to find out what the hell happened... to this party.

- I don't know... - For God's sake!

That's politics for you, Katrine. Win some, lose some.

There now. Mummy's here, okay, sweetie? Mummy's here.

Gramma...

Let me take him, dear. You need to get some sleep.

Come here, dear. Grandma will take care of you.

Good night. Come along, darling.

Well...

It's a lot of square meters, 327 to be precise.

The building has a quaint story. In here.

It used to house underpaid seamstresses.

The bathrooms have been damaged by water.

During the war, it housed a workshop for a locksmith

who collaborated with the Germans.

The owner knows it's rundown and in need of a loving hand.

And the price reflects that.

Think it over for a couple of days.

That won't be necessary. When can I have it?

As soon as you've signed the deed.

What do you plan to do with it?

Hang on.

It's going to house a new party.