Original subtitles

I hear the executive is planning to abolish the 12 o'clock news.

It has lousy ratings.

What if we sex-segmented the news?

This is my wife Karoline. This is Alex.

Hi, Alex. Alex Hjort.

Don't get your knickers in a twist. I don't mean to interfere.

You'd better go.

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

"The New Democrats have obtained 20,000 valid signatures

"and its candidates are entitled to run for parliament."

- Congratulations! - And a wee dram! How traditional!

A bit like the Labour Party!

Jon, aren't you too sophisticated for us?

Absolutely. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

Here's to the New Democrats!

- Nadia, we can run for parliament. - Fantastic!

The polls say that we'd win 6 or 7 seats already.

- Roll on the next election! - But we have no organisation.

- No money, no candidates. - As regards candidates, I have news.

I've found one. One of Denmark's top economists.

He was in the running for the Nobel Prize eight years ago.

- Søren Ravn? - Yes.

- He'd like to run for us? - Very much.

- And be our economics spokesmen? - If he wins a seat, yes.

You've so many other areas to look after.

And we need a detailed economic policy.

Of course.

- Right, we... - Just a moment.

I don't doubt his abilities as an economist.

But I was at university with him and he was extremely left wing.

Erich Honecker was his hero. He was in the Communist Party.

Yes, he was. He was.

- Is he a good idea? - And he was a skirt-chaser.

But the young ladies couldn't get enough of him.

- He's Denmark's leading economist. - Let's put it to the vote.

Who's in favour of Ravn?

- I am, and Nadia and Nete. - And Katrine makes four.

Katrine's our press officer.

Katrine should stay out of it and let us politicians vote.

Can any of you suggest anyone more competent

to draw up an innovative economic policy?

He could prove absolutely vital to our election campaign.

Vote again. If it's a tie this time, we'll drop him. In favour of Ravn?

Good. Søren Ravn is our new candidate.

Episode 26 - Sons of the Past

He certainly is impressive.

Yes, it just shows how important we regard economics.

Have you chosen Ravn

because politics is too important to be left to the politicians?

Should we elect technocrats because they're more competent than you?

- May I? - Yes.

Yes, I do know more about economics than certain politicians.

But I'm entering politics because I have views I want to fight for.

The fact I actually know a bit about the areas I'd be dealing with

is hard to regard as a problem.

Søren Ravn's candidacy has met with approval from other parties.

The Labour Party welcomes Ravn as serious and innovative...

it is hard to find anyone critical of the choice of candidate.

Even members of the government are expressing delight

at the prospect of Ravn's contribution to the debate.

The New Democrats seem to be onto a winner.

- Great reviews. Lovely. - Yes, a great reception.

But it doesn't absolve you from responsibility.

- What do you mean, Jon? - You're imposing your own agenda.

With the help of your little tin soldier, Katrine.

Strange for the party called "The New Democrats".

We agreed only recently that we had more than one founding member.

Strange that you oppose a candidate even our opponents welcome, Jon.

- Maybe this is about your ego. - My ego?

You're acting like some absolutist PM, not as a team player.

- My focus is on the party. - A vital post goes to an outsider.

Surely you don't expect me to jump for joy?

Another piece of really good news is that over the last couple of weeks

we've slowed the decline in viewers for the 6 o'clock.

We're really pleased, right, Torben?

Really pleased. A month ago we made it a bit fluffier.

All indications were that viewers wanted more family-oriented values.

And as Alex says, it's slowed the decline in viewers.

We shouldn't be afraid of listening to our viewers.

We also asked them if they missed the 12 o'clock news.

But our focus group answers with a responding no.

What do your staff say?

They understand the situation.

Did you tell them we're against abolishing the 12 o'clock?

I had no reason to tell them.

The 12 o'clock is the only thing distinguishing us from TV2.

The only people who miss it are us

and the journalists' trade union.

Who says so?

A major focus group study carried out by the executive, Hanne.

We need to start telling the electorate about our economic policy.

Søren has agreed to lead a series of meetings.

Everyone will be heard and we can hear about his visions.

Is history completely irrelevant here?

That Ravn preached that Denmark should be a communist dictatorship?

- Under Moscow's leadership? - That was 30 years ago, Erik.

- Precisely, only 30 years ago. - Let's put the past behind us.

Erik, let's give him a chance.

We're all inextricably bound by economics.

That's why the rich nations of Europe

are trying to rescue the weak economies in the south.

It's to save ourselves.

Sartre said that one of the most fundamental truths

is that there's not enough to go round.

Money. Food. Water. Space.

Love. Sex.

So we compete for them. Or we learn to share them.

Have we got a crush on the teacher?

- Do you fancy him? - He's drop dead gorgeous!

"The allocation of scarce resources to cover competing needs."

Who's to be given, when there isn't enough to go round?

And my proposal for a new finance policy for the New Democrats

is based on an understanding of the complexity and connectedness

that we are all part of, whether we like it or not.

We take a markedly green profile as the bearing idea

and a fundamental showdown with redistributive policies.

A showdown with "business as usual".

And at this point, I usually have a five minute break, if that is OK.

BIRGITTE'S NEW CANDIDATE IS MOSCOW PARTY SOLDIER

An old workmate from the Express sent me tomorrow's headline.

He wants a comment.

I've tried this before, so...

Have a chat about anything else that might come from that direction.

It's an old story they wrote about the time I was made a professor.

- What was their point then? - The university...

Appointing a professor of economics

who'd flirted with Marxist planned economics.

You were in the Communist Party for 13 years?

But when the wall fell, it was hard to stick to my convictions.

I did a lot of soul searching, like the rest of the left wing.

I'd spent my entire youth on it.

But I've never tried to deny it.

Even though of course I strongly repudiate communism today.

Thank you.

And armed revolution?

It was in our manifesto. Hence the term "party soldier".

What else do you think they can dig up? Photos from those days?

Compromising information?

I have no idea what might be out there.

But I can assure you it will be innocent stuff.

Fine. Thanks.

I'm just going to find a pack of cigarettes.

My little red star... I have still got it.

Would it compromise me to wear it?

- You can try. - I'll be five minutes.

There's no meat on it. It's the old story of his communist past.

He was never a DCP leader and he's never concealed it.

- So what do you recommend? - A "future first" strategy.

We talk economics and not the old days.

An interview in the business press in which Ravn can unveil our visions

and criticise the government for not having any.

I need to know how you'll do it and I need it before 9:00am.

- I can't do it in time. - Let's move forward.

It was really lovely, Thursday.

Yes.

It was really lovely.

Lovely.

Sorry, it's me. I'm just... I am really pushed at the moment.

Just take all the time you need.

I want you.

I really want you right now.

See you tomorrow night?

Yeah. Or Wednesday may be better.

Getting out again once I've been home is...

Birgitte? Hi. The radiologist asked if you'd give us another test.

- Another? - A biopsy. It'll only take a moment.

- Why would I need a biopsy? - I don't know.

Can I talk to a doctor?

- Hello. Birgitte Nyborg. - Hello. Mogens Winther.

I had the cheek to ask to see the head of department,

because I can't understand what's going on.

I came here because of these pains in my right hand.

The radiologist decided to do the mammography this morning.

It's normal procedure with problems like yours in your hand and arm.

Based on the mammography,

the radiologist has recommended a biopsy.

- Was there something in the X-rays? - The biopsy's just in case.

- Here and now? - To minimise inconvenience to you.

- What has it to do with my pains? - Perhaps nothing.

But the body sometimes sends signals in other locations and ways.

Signals?

That there may be something we should look at. It won't take long.

- Today is really bad. - Now's the best time.

It usually is for busy people like you.

If you do have cell changes in your breast, time's not on your side.

Right...

Torben, are we going over to robot cameras?

- Yes. - A dictate from the commissioners?

Is that a problem?

It's actually a very thorough, modern plan.

I expect some people preferred horse-drawn trams to buses, too.

Are you calling us reactionary for being concerned about quality?

Give me a fucking break!

You never stop moaning.

I've had enough. We have news to do.

Right, particle filters. The city incineration plant. Do it.

Søren Ravn really lashes out at the government's economic policies.

- It's not a commie story? - Nor is it a New Democrat spin.

Ravn's criticism of the Liberals' economic policy seems pretty sound.

- It's already being quoted online. - Nice one, Katrine!

- Let's get Ravn in. - And the Liberal spokesman.

You haven't time to smoke.

- Has Ulrik briefed you? - In make-up.

He's totally vain, so just try to flatter him.

- Can't I just talk economics? - Well, you can try.

- How do I look? - Compromising.

- Shall I hold that for you? - Sure.

Is there anything else you'd like me to hold?

Hi, darling!

How about take-away? Our candidate's on the news.

- What's up? - I banged my shoulder at work.

Can you choose something nice?

Our proposed tax reforms will create lots of new jobs.

We've reduced the period you can spend on unemployment benefit.

And we're currently working on a pensions reform

as recommended by economic experts.

Does it sound good?

It sounds good, yes. But I've actually read the Liberal paper.

It'll have no impact worth talking about on the labour supply...

- Is that Søren Ravn? - Yes.

- In that case, I want to watch. - Lt is purely symbolic.

Thirdly, New Right will never agree to fiddle with pensions.

And fourthly, we're talking a drop in the ocean.

You've heard the verdict.

- Without getting too technical... - No need to keep it simple for me.

- Shall we have sushi? - Yes, fine.

Søren Ravn shouldn't be so cocksure until he's seen the calculations.

I've sat on three labour market commissions over the years,

all of which have rejected these calculations again and again.

If you reform sickness benefits,

flexi-jobs and early retirement schemes,

you won't get any economic surplus of any size.

The people you dream of forcing into jobs cannot all work.

So the whole basis for your calculations is pie in the sky.

You're trying to fool the electorate.

It's easy enough for you to say, you don't have to implement it.

This policy? No, fortunately.

I'm not entering Danish politics to do what's popular but to do what's wise.

Good thing he's on your team, eh?

Shall we have the big menu B?

Reforms are required in absolutely vital welfare areas,

but they're reforms that require courage...

And that's all for this evening.

You've certainly got yourself a hard-hitting friend.

Gustav and my mum are going to make pancakes.

- Lovely! - That went very well.

You remembered all the good advice I gave you about finance policy.

I'd have been lost without it.

- Thanks. What about this? - A souvenir.

For me? Wow!

Torben, where the hell did you get to? I've been waiting 20 minutes!

- Waiting for me? Why? - We'd agreed a meeting.

I must've misunderstood. I thought you'd just run with it.

We have to discuss tomorrow's Ravn portrait.

- Did Pia get hold of him? - Yes. And she told you, too.

- Shall we? - Can we do it tomorrow instead?

- In the studio? - Sure. Good night.

SØREN RAVN - SOVIET SPY?

- I thought you said... - There's no evidence at all.

- Let's hope not. - The Ekspres... I mean!

If this man turns out to be a traitor...

Easy now, Erik.

From one of those camps in the USSR for Young Communists.

- To recruit them for the KGB. - Who says they recruited him?

It's the Ekspres. And Ravn's on his way.

- I'll get to the bottom of it. - I'll talk to him.

- Those trips to Moscow took place. - I never claimed otherwise.

I never tried to conceal them. I had no idea they'd be a problem.

- KGB recruitment camps. - Political summer camps.

- How many did you go on? - Four. From 1984 onwards.

Or three. One was to East Berlin.

- Have you been there since? - To Moscow?

Yes. Two years ago.

With my then wife.

Did you go to see any old comrades?

Yes, one.

Lenin. I wanted to see his mausoleum.

You used to frequent the Soviet Embassy in the 1980s?

I went to four or five receptions there.

- Did you talk to any KGB officers? - They were receptions.

80% of the embassy staff were KGB.

In that case, I must've drunk lousy champagne with some of them.

But it was never about espionage or supplying information.

- They never tried to recruit you? - Definitely not. No.

- Katrine, what do we do? - Complete transparency.

Show we have nothing to hide. Give me anything you've got at home.

Our best bet is to make all the information available.

Especially to our greatest opponent... The Ekspres.

Look, I've found some old photos.

And minutes from DCP meetings.

Old party magazines.

- Goodness! - There's more.

Proposals by various working groups I was on.

- Surely they're of no interest. - We'll let Laugesen see them.

Oh, not that one. They're my KGB contacts.

I am trying to help you! Who is it?

The ambassador to Copenhagen at the time, Malakof. And embassy staff.

- I'm off. - I'll call when he's gone.

- Please... - What was the occasion?

Birgitte, what a surprise! I didn't know you'd be here.

- I'm on my way home. - I like the transparency.

But I hope you don't think we'll write whatever you want.

That would be a first.

I also owe you an apology.

- An apology? - For the pictures of your daughter.

We went too close. Sorry about that.

Michael, you went way too far and you harmed my daughter.

I'll accept your apology the day it appears on your front page.

Ravn has given the Ekspres access to his past in the DCP.

Everything about his youth. Moscow, the Soviet embassy...

I can see why Nyborg's fighting for him.

He's an economics genius who can win them the election.

The Freedom Party is agitating to ban Ravn from parliament.

- Well, shall we call Saltum? - No, that's simply too unsexy.

How about that woman? What's her name, the new one? Benedikte?

Put her up against Ravn, eh?

She's young and represents another wing of the Freedom Party.

- And she's a hottie. - Indeed.

You're doing 'Juul & Friis' tonight on Ravn, right?

- Yes, why? - I just heard from a journalist.

He's been into the archives at Police Intelligence.

He's just been given hitherto embargoed details

on an espionage case from 15 or 20 years ago.

- A serious one. - Involving Ravn?

Indirectly. A fellow student, Gorm Kofoed.

The leading figure in the biggest Danish spy case ever.

- Why isn't it public knowledge? - Kofoed died of cancer in 1993.

Before the Stasi archives were opened.

- What did he pass onto them? - All kinds of stuff.

His codename was Phoenix. He was in the Ministry of Justice.

And he passed on information about Police Intelligence to the KGB.

- Bloody hell. Ravn's friend? - Ravn's best friend.

There are snaps here of Gorm Kofoed. And there we have Ravn.

Niels Thygesen simply handed you the story just like that?

If we mention his new book. And I agreed.

It's completely absurd.

Why the hell has this emerged right now?

Two seconds ago Ravn had to defend himself against the Ekspres.

And now a new story: his best friend was a former KGB agent.

Maybe somebody showed the journalist the right filing cabinet?

It's getting a bit too John le Carré-like.

The New Democrats would win 8 seats if there was an election now.

Ravn just demolished the Liberals. Hesselboe is scared stiff of Ravn.

We can't insinuate that Hesselboe leaked the info on Ravn.

We don't need evidence. We just run the story.

- We can't do that. - Of course we can.

We run the story on the news and then follow up in 'Juul & Friis'.

Torben, listen to the man!

Don't you need to go upstairs to talk to Alex about it, Torben?

- Ask for permission? - Like hell I will!

- We'll break the story on... - The 20:30.

And we'll follow up on it on 'Juul & Friis'.

- Juul & Dickhead. - Let's look for some visuals.

How can a person with that background be part of the Danish government?

In a democracy, isn't that up to the electorate?

Of course, but Søren Ravn was ready to abolish democracy

and sell the country to the enemy. That is high treason.

The period to which you refer was over 20 years ago.

I have put it well and truly behind me.

I never wanted to sell Denmark to anyone or anything.

I've laid all my cards on the table to show I have nothing to hide.

Today PET published documents showing your friend was a leading spy.

Obviously many Danes wonder whether you've told them everything.

I don't think it's obvious at all. It came as a tremendous shock to me

to hear that Gorm was working for the Soviets.

But there isn't a shred of evidence that I ever did what he did.

Lots of people were tempted. I was only tempted ideologically.

Isn't that enough? You believed in armed revolution.

You went to cocktail parties with the Russians and visited Moscow.

- You are on file. - Just like 60,000 other Danes.

Yes. But your best friend was a KGB agent.

And in his Stasi file, you're on a list of names of interest to the KGB.

That list includes the Minister of Justice,

several civil service mandarins and a number of chief constables.

You are accusing me of being a traitor and a spy.

But in this country, aren't we innocent until proven guilty?

I don't have to prove I wasn't an agent.

It's up to you to prove that I was.

I wish you the best of luck, because I wasn't.

We're running out of time, so can you guarantee

that there are no more skeletons relating to you and your past?

- There's no way I can... - It's a very simple question.

I can't know what the press will decide to jump on.

But I can guarantee

that I have never been an agent for the KGB or any other foreign power.

- Thank you. - That was Juul & Friis.

Didn't he hesitate too long?

No, he was very convincing.

We have to be the ones who know most. Everything must be gone over.

Maybe Ravn doesn't even know what the press might be interested in.

Are there more photos? Who are the people he is with?

KGB people? Has he had other problematical friends?

I'll call Katrine.

If you know anyone who might know anything, bring them into play.

I know the deputy chief constable from Copenhagen at that time.

Kurt Bisgaard? My goodness. Is he...?

No, Nete, he is not gay. It's known as "network".

Katrine, Birgitte speaking. It isn't over yet.

We still have to get to the bottom of this business.

FORMER KGB CHIEF IN EXILE IN MALMÖ

Hi, Birgitte, Katrine here.

I've found someone who can definitely tell us something if he wants to.

Well, you can just call me. Bye.

- Hello, Birgitte. - Hello, Mogens.

Now, Birgitte, let me show you...

There are some cell changes

in what we call the upper fourth quadrant.

Quite high up in the other side of your right breast.

Tiny dots that look like grains of sand.

- Cell changes? What do they mean? - We can't say yet.

But to me, they look like precancerous cells

of what we call category three.

And it requires immediate treatment.

It's not a big operation. You can be out again the same day.

- When? - In the next few days.

- That is soon. - It's the law.

It's something you yourself enacted when you were PM.

The area is about 2 cm by 2 cm. And I'll do the operation myself.

And we've become really good at making the result look nice.

- Will I need chemo as well? - No. No, you won't.

But you'll need radiation therapy 25 times over 5 weeks, every weekday.

Every weekday?

- But I'll still be able to work? - It only takes a couple of minutes.

But don't underestimate the way that a disease process like this

can very much affect you psychologically.

- We will call you in. - Fine.

- Do you mind not shoving me? - You're in the way!

You're so irritating!

And don't use my headphones.

Hey, you two, stop it! You aren't three years old any longer.

I'm sorry.

Please be good.

Keep your damn headphones.

Your wife's waiting in your office.

Hi darling.

- I've been waiting 15 minutes. - Have you? Why?

Marriage guidance!

How the hell could you forget?

Sorry, it slipped my mind.

Sorry. I really mean it. I'm sorry, darling,

I completely... I'm under such insane pressure here at the moment.

I know...

I don't know what's happening to me.

I just can't remember stuff.

I forget. Everything.

I simply can't stand it here any more.

No, darling. You're on your way out of it, aren't you?

You have one of the most prestigious jobs in the country, right?

- Yes, yes. Yes, I know that... - You're highly respected.

- Sorry. - Come on or we'll miss it.

- I'm sorry, darling. - Just get a move on.

- Torben. Good to see you. - It's been a while.

- You still drink your coffee black? - Black is the new black.

- Is that what they say? - That's what they say.

I can't wait to hear what this story is that you've got for me?

You've found some dirt you want us dirty boys to break in the Ekspres.

That's fine by us. I can live with it. Is it the Ravn case?

- You must've misunderstood me. - What's this about then?

I'm sick and tired of TV1.

There's no money. And there's this brand new head of programmes.

- Alexander Hjort? - Yes. Fucking irritating.

34 years old, very, very young. He wears male jewellery, Michael.

I just can't cope.

That's really depressing.

But why are you telling me all this?

Because you want me as a counsellor or because you want a hug?

No. Because I want to quit TV1.

And you've advertised for a new political editor.

And we've known each other from college.

It's about time we worked together too.

So maybe it's time we joined forces.

- So this is a job interview? - No.

More like an offer to the Ekspres.

Hang on a moment.

I hope you know how much I respect you.

So I'm going to be frank with you.

You aren't sexy any more, Torben.

You are an admin officer on TV1.

This is the age of the younger generation.

For a new editor, I look at journalists 30, 31, max 32 years old.

My best advice is...

stay put and stay really good pals with the fellow with the jewels.

Hanne, it's Katrine. Call me. I have a prezzie for TV1.

Ravn has now been cleared of any real wrong-doing

by the former KGB colonel Vassily Andreyev.

Hanne Holm went to see Andreyev at his home in Malmö.

Nice work, Katrine.

- That should be the end of that. - \t should.

The Ekspres says Søren won't be on the front page tomorrow.

Søren, you'll be meeting your constituency chairman tomorrow.

I'm going home to mug up on him. Shall we say 11:00am?

See you tomorrow.

Katrine, we'd better talk press strategy.

We need to reinvent the story of Ravn the master economist.

Good evening, I'm Kurt Bisgaard.

I used to be a police inspector. I know Jon from your party.

Jon asked me to call you.

I have information on Ravn...

Every single time we scratch the surface, something else pops up.

- Give me a break. - Sit down!

I have homework to do.

Did you tell me everything about your days in the Party?

It was 25 years ago. I barely know what I remember...

You had relations with secretaries from the embassy.

- Relations? We flirted. - Flirted? Or more than that?

Maybe more than that. With some of them.

Did you and Gorm see the same women?

- What women? - Secretaries, girls from the Party?

- Yes, what about them? - Ida Skov?

Who was she?

She was a girl I met in 1990.

We went out together.

- And why did you break up? - I'd had enough.

- Is that the whole truth? - Yes.

- You're lying. She killed herself. - Why ask if you know already?

Why did she kill herself?

- Answer me! - That's personal!

That's for me to decide!

What is all this?

It's my job.

It's my life.

I met Ida at university.

And we were together for five years.

We were going to have a baby. But we...

lost the baby in the sixth month.

And she became terribly depressed. I couldn't...

I didn't know how to...

and she ended up...

She ended up swallowing sleeping pills.

And I wasn't there for her.

No more questions. No more now.

Has the constituency chairman come?

No, he caught a later flight. I'm going to pick him up.

- He'll appreciate that. - Yes, he's an old fashioned chap.

Did you tell Søren to dig out his suit and tie?

Søren, can I brief you on the Viborg constituency?

- Can it wait? - Yes.

Birgitte? May I have a word?

Birgitte Nyborg has agreed to an interview. It's an exclusive.

Great. I think Ravn is on his way out.

Søren Ravn has decided not to run for parliament.

He says he refuses to accept the smears and innuendo in the press

based on views that he abandoned years ago.

Søren Ravn was accused by certain red tops of being a Soviet spy.

He will remain Professor of Economics at Copenhagen University.

Earlier today, Hanne Holm talked to Birgitte Nyborg.

I regret his decision, but it's up to the individual

to decide whether this kind of publicity is acceptable.

He says he's not prepared to sacrifice his private life.

- Is he just too sensitive? - No. His life was turned inside out.

He'd done nothing illegal,

yet there's no indication that this probing into his past will cease.

- What about your party? - It's a terrible shame.

Not just for our party, Denmark's losing a hugely gifted politician

who would've brought great knowledge to parliament.

But those are the conditions for democracy,

when the press is the fourth estate...

I agreed to pick up my stuff when there was nobody around.

- I'm so sorry I was so intrusive. - It's your job.

You have to dig up the stories before the press does.

Nobody has the right to do what I did yesterday.

I went too far.

Thanks.

I have this thing about secrets. They terrify me.

So they have to be uncovered.

Yes. We all go around with something or other.

But, er... it's nice to hear you admit it.

It doesn't happen every day.

No.

I'd been looking forward to working with you.

- Likewise. - Say hi to the others.

Oh, you'd better have the key back.

If anyone says "Soviet" or "past", I'm going to throw up.

Yes, now we must move on.

Jon will of course continue as our finance spokesman.

I'd like to know if it's just until you find a better candidate.

If so, I think we should find another solution right now.

Jon, it's your area till at least after the next election.

Agreed?

All right, I can live with that. Anything else?

Yes. We don't have enough candidates.

Perhaps we should take the time to check potential candidates out.

Yes, we must get moving.

- Can we meet about it tomorrow? - I can't make it tomorrow.

- Perhaps we could start without you? - Of course.

- I think that's a shame. - I have a date with my father.

9:15 then?

A nurse will bring you a sedative in a moment.

Have you ever had a general anaesthetic before?

- No. - You'll hardly notice it.

It isn't a complicated operation.

Is there someone waiting for you when you come round?