Original subtitles

I have had precancerous cells removed from one breast.

I am now undergoing radiation therapy.

Have you slept with another woman? Who is she, Torben?

- Pia. - Give me the key.

- What about the children? - Why take an interest in them now?

A general election on 8th November.

We're waiting.

I can't monopolise the whole programme.

My party leader crashed and burned. How do we rise again?

The New Democrats need a visionary economic policy.

We need you to finish the work you started.

- I am so pleased you're back. - We have a mole.

- You lost your touch. - You're through.

Drastic action is required.

The New Democrats are no longer backing Thorsen for PM.

- This could kill us. - Better than fading away.

"He who dares loses his footing for a time.

"He who dares not loses himself."

A week ago the New Democrats were announced they were going it alone.

Many predicted that this was the death knoll for the party.

But the latest opinion polls suggest the New Democrats will win five seats.

Congratulations are surely in order, Birgitte Nyborg.

There are still a few days to go.

But we are really pleased with the support we are meeting.

- Congratulations on the polls. - Check your itineraries.

Taxis are due in 20 minutes. Any questions?

We've done damned well. Let us raise a toast in coffee.

It's quite a feat.

But the Ekspres hits the nail on the head.

SAME PRODUCT DIFFERENT PACKAGING

"Voters can't tell us and the Moderates apart".

So we have set up a public meeting with the Moderates.

- Birgitte and Kruse cross swords? - No, a peaceful debate.

- The Moderates have a new style. - Now they want to be friends...

Where is Nete?

Bent over a desk receiving Kruse's gratitude.

Thank you, Jon!

The media have bought the story that she left for personal reasons.

Thank you.

Søren has prepared a critique of government economic policy for you.

Let's go. Jon, I'll be with you in a tic.

Jon is right. And I am going to act on it.

We're doing well. With eight days to go we are pretty stable.

Stable on six seats. We won't budge if we go on like this.

The true battle is between the Moderates and us.

We need a new strategy.

Episode 29 - Sense and Sensibility

I'm just writing a prescription for an ointment you can use

if you get a rash or irritation.

We'll see you again for a check-up in nine months' time.

So that's it. I am in the clear.

Your treatment is over. There is no sign of the disease.

But you may experience a reaction, physically and emotionally.

I hope you realise that you have had a shock.

I know I can't tell you to relax.

But do take care of yourself.

We mustn't be too desperate in our efforts to get on TV.

Right, clothes for tonight's debate.

TV2 are running this election debate as a handball game,

so be prepared for sound bites, red cards, cheerleaders...

- Can't someone take my place? - Like who?

- Nadja is the sporty type. - She's in Aarhus.

Erik?

Red bloc will be in red, blue in blue. I suggest you wear orange.

Do I have to provide my own hair ribbon? Flip-flops? Resin?

Kristian can do Ringkøbing and Erik can do Aarhus.

- Hi, darling. - There are flowers from Jeremy.

And yucky Thai take-away in the fridge. Magnus bought it.

I have only got half an hour.

Mum, have a look at this!

Giving industry carte blanche to use fossil fuels to get us out of the crisis...

Jon Berthelsen...

You are time-wasting!

You get one chance to answer a simple question.

Will your tax reform mean tax cuts for the rich?

- Let me finish describing our... - Time-wasting! Red bloc?

- Have you done your stretches? - That programme was a scandal.

It was important for us to show our faces.

- What are you reading? - Just background.

You are up to something. You and Birgitte.

- I don't quite read you? - Nete's breakaway has changed us.

- Our party used to share everything. - We still do.

Let's hope so.

- "Best in the world!" - Thanks a bunch.

- Is he a bit peeved? - Not really.

- I really enjoyed last night. - Me too.

- It's getting to be a habit. - Good or bad?

Good.

Some young people to see you.

- Emma? - You're not answering your phone.

- Can I borrow the car? - You say you phoned?

- Only four or five times. - This is my daughter Emma.

Gracing her old dad with a visit from Stockholm.

- Jonas told me about you. - Only good things.

I won't disturb you. Car keys?

Yes. I'll just show you where the car is.

- How long do you need it for? - Just to pick up some stuff.

- Nice to meet you. - Same to you.

So that's your new family!

Hey, the news!

Red bloc has made some headway

but the polls put blue well ahead.

The New Democrats are the only party

not saying who they'll back.

But their six seats won't make any difference either way.

If you have any questions do get in touch. Mogens Winther.

Magnus?

The tone between you and the New democrats was harsh.

But it's more conciliatory now?

We shouldn't confuse the electorate

by fighting a party so close to our own.

There are far more important issues at stake.

- For example? - Countering the freedom Party.

- And a greener approach. - You have voted against both.

What do you expect from the public meeting?

To emphasise the importance of a more centrist approach.

- The hypocrisy of the man! - I know. But what can you do?

I am going to beat him.

How?

By attacking the Moderates.

And Kruse in particular.

Good morning.

Morning.

Rumour has it that the executive have new ideas for us.

A good thing I am head of news and not Alex Hjort.

- Just until Karoline and I are OK. - There'll be coffee soon.

Kruse never shows his feelings.

He presents himself as coldly rational.

- Almost to the extreme. Why? - Because he has no feelings?

He never appeals to the emotions. He doesn't respect anyone who does.

Maybe he is afraid of emotion.

Kruse is actually very choleric.

When he started in politics

he had to fight to control a volatile, touchy, vindictive side to him

that he has hardly shown since. It's not at all endearing.

He simply can't control his temper.

- It has nothing to do with politics. - But it brings politics down to earth.

- Neat. - Neat?

- This is not 1964. - Nobody wants to watch it.

- Everyone I know gave up. - 1 .1 million viewers.

A share of 43.9%.

That's a fifth of the population. But they rated it poorly. 3.4.

- So you are right there. - Nobody managed to talk politics.

- Anyone who did got booed off. - The statistics have spoken.

- And that's that. - Good morning.

Did you watch TV2's handball game?

I certainly did. Do you want to hear my opinion? It was a shambles.

Journalistic trash. No politics in it at all.

Badly made and nothing to do with public service.

I agree. But it works.

I can't judge the content. But our competitors came up with real impact.

- We can't ignore that. - Our strong point is our credibility.

And that is fine. But right now our credibility is being challenged

by a highly competitive format on TV2.

The executive expects a countermeasure from us.

Have the polls come in?

- No change. - We can play safe from now on.

That'll give us 5 or 6 seats. We'll be able to say "Job done".

But the Moderates and the Freedom Party will take Hesselboe to power.

Nobody will give us the time of day.

Or we can persuade the electorate that we are the party of the centre.

That Kruse has betrayed centrist values, gone all right wing,

and may even work with the Freedom Party.

A professional foul against our old party.

I will attack Kruse politically at the public meeting.

But we agreed a more conciliatory tone with them?

They'll be totally wrong-footed.

He will lose his cool and act irrationally.

We've got this far by conducting a decent campaign. It's a gamble.

You risked so much by leaving New Right.

We have all staked a lot to get this far.

I suggest we aim for decisive influence in parliament.

- Must it be today? - The Moderates' voting record.

I'll call you later.

I'm not sure.

Can I call you when we get back?

I'll call you when I get back, OK?

- Bye. Hello, Bent. - I hope you know what you're doing.

You know Kruse and his violent temper.

His party organisation is bigger and better off than ours.

- They'll go gunning for you. - Kruse spied on our party.

I am quite deliberately going to provoke him.

You risk letting the genie out of the bottle.

Are you ready for that?

Let's hear it for the leader of the Moderates,

Jacob Kruse!

That's Kruse's new spin doctor.

And the leader of the New Democrats: Birgitte Nyborg!

Hi, Jacob.

Traditionally, in Danish politics the centre is what everyone fights for.

But between your parties all we see is peace and friendship.

There are far greater divisions in the political landscape at present

than there are between the Moderates and the New Democrats.

Do you agree?

I agree that the Moderates have adopted many of our policies now.

I don't blame them.

Let me ask a more provocative question...

Birgitte Nyborg needed a political comeback.

It wasn't possible as part of the Moderates

so she founded the New Democrats with great aplomb.

Jacob Kruse seems to think that you are still a Moderate at heart.

Are you?

I wish I could answer "yes", but I can't.

Because the party I belonged to no longer exists.

Under Kruse,

the Moderates are betraying everything the party stood for.

This is the Moderate manifesto.

It states that the Moderates work to improve the environment.

As chairman Kruse has voted for no fewer than eight bills,

subsidising heavy polluters

or postponing the introduction of CO2 quotas.

So we'd better remove that part of your manifesto.

The manifesto also states support for the implementation of human rights.

But Kruse voted with the Freedom Party for the new expulsion act

which contravenes the international conventions on human rights,

so I think we'd better remove that too.

- This isn't what we agreed. - We agreed to talk politics.

This is politics.

The Moderate manifesto states that you work to secure children's rights.

But he voted in favour of putting 14-year-old children in prison.

Another principle bites the dust.

I could go on and on.

The most important reasons I became a Moderate are there on the floor.

That's why I started the New Democrats.

Somebody has got to fight for these principles as you no longer want to.

NYBORG DESPERATE

Is something the matter?

No. The Moderates are mad at me. Listen.

I was pretty hard on Kruse last night.

There will probably be consequences. You may read nasty stuff about me.

- Such as? - Personal stuff.

The election is hotting up. They're digging out old stories.

We must be prepared and preferably not even read it.

It's not about you or me. It's the election and it'll blow over.

Agreed?

- Good. Finished? - Yes.

- Aren't you having anything? - I'll have an apple on the coach.

You'd better get ready too.

Good morning.

Moderate Youth have taken a double page spread.

HYPOCRITE

With a website, nyborgisahypokrite. dk.

But I have stuff on Kruse we can pull out.

Dictatorial, internal mutterings, Kruse's expenses as a commissioner.

We'll stick to politics. Let Kruse wear himself out with personal attacks.

Off we go!

- Don't forget your apple. - Oh, yes, nearly forgot.

Have a lovely day. Bye!

Birgitte Nyborg abuses her ministerial transport.

Tactical to announce her breast cancer...

as PM she used illegal immigrants to do her gardening...

As PM, Birgitte Nyborg always had an air force jet on standby...

Birgitte Nyborg out of touch with ordinary people, say the Moderates.

- We're in the final phase. - We certainly are.

What we're seeing now is negative campaigning.

The Moderates are trying to create negative coverage

about Nyborg and the New Democrats.

And the red tops, led by the Ekspres, print stuff like this.

NYBORG ABANDONS FAMILY

Her marriage breaking up, her daughter in a private hospital.

Hi, darling. Hi. Goodness I have missed you.

Shall we get some of all this clobber off you, eh?

Goodness, Birgitte has taken a beating!

Journalists keep phoning to ask about old stories.

- And I tell them if they pay well. - Of course.

- When are you going to retaliate? - That's not our line.

Of course not.

So you won't be interested in hearing about young, newly qualified Kruse

who got a job at the ministry of trade in 1999, married Mrs Kruse,

and after a liquid lunch crashed his car, also containing his mistress.

With an alcohol level of 1 .3.

The girl received minor injuries. Kruse didn't have a scratch.

He lost his license and received a suspended sentence. End of story.

Why hasn't this come out before?

There's a five-year limitation. There's nothing on file.

Unless you know a policeman.

I can get you proof if you want.

- It's a good one. - Amazing.

- It's not our kind of thing. - He's concealing a criminal past.

Birgitte will say no.

Don't ever tell Birgitte.

You protect your politician by not telling her.

Then she can never be caught lying. And you know who to go to this time.

People who will keep your identity secret.

Kasper Juul, what do you think Birgitte Nyborg says

to this muckraking?

She realises that it's the work of Kruse and the Moderates

even though Laugesen and the Ekspres are the mouthpiece.

Rubbish. Birgitte Nyborg should answer some of these charges.

Many votes are disappointed in her.

But the New Democrats are also being praised for talking politics.

- The Ekspres, good evening. - May I talk to the news desk?

Or... can you just put me through to Martin Krog?

- Of course. - Thanks.

Martin Krog speaking.

Hello?

What about the declining support for the New Democrats?

It shows that voters don't feel happy about their economic policies.

They've shown that they should have paid more attention in maths classes.

The same old story. But Torben Friis, what is this really about?

Birgitte Nyborg's credibility was seriously undermined

during the first party leader debate.

She suddenly lost the plot. She couldn't describe their policy.

Voters don't forget things like that. It may prove decisive.

Thank you. Hello?

I've found out something about Jacob Kruse.

He was convicted of drink driving in 1999.

A woman passenger was injured. She wasn't his wife.

I smell Kasper Juul.

It can be leaked so it can't be traced back to us.

We'd still be morally responsible for the victims.

- See you. - Bye.

Facts about breast cancer

You should be asleep!

Are you playing games again?

3 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION

- They'll be given millions. - Millions or billions?

It was on YouTube this morning. 104,374 hits.

Good morning. I have seen it, don't worry.

- When do we strike back? - We don't.

- We are political. They are personal. - But it works. We're losing support.

The tide will turn. We'll win it all back.

They should be concentrating on selling their own policies.

- We're getting far more coverage. - Negative, a lot of it.

Surely we need to persuade the average centre voter

that we do economics better than the Moderates.

I've been looking at Kruse's latest statements.

Compared to the tax reform they've announced, there are flaws.

His calculations are extremely optimistic.

The Moderates usually work with leading economists.

I'm pretty sure I'm right.

Jon, you're on the radio and we're going to a rally.

If we're to attack their economic policies we had better be right.

I'll have to do all the calculations if I'm to be more precise.

You think there's something?

Remember we can't attack them on incomprehensible technicalities.

- The concluding debate? - We've booked the Stock Exchange.

A bit fuddy-duddy.

Are we doing it the usual way?

What do you suggest? A boxing ring for Hesselboe and Thorsen?

I think it'll be good. Much sharper than usual.

Pacier. What's the problem?

Must it be so erudite just because we're TV1?

- Have you had Alex on the phone? - I just want to ward off criticism.

- I can do some hard-hitting lighting. - ALEX: POP UP HERE.

- Lighting? - I've heard your opinion.

Send me a few sketches. It'll be totes fantastico!

Right on. Nice one, Alex. Laters.

Do you know Lasse and Emil from Development? They're awesome.

Now then... as regards the election, you've got to change tack.

- We are. - We have to win election night.

We have the concluding debate the day before.

Win the viewers there, and we'll have them the next day.

- So it's got to be right on the button. - We're making big changes.

It'll be more acute, much more like an interrogation.

We've already got the viewers who are into politics.

What about the viewers who are not normally into politics?

What is that segment into? Games. Entertainment. Drama.

A political game show.

We're talking scoreboards.

Flashing lights in the consoles. Special effects.

The studio audience will use remotes to signal who is winning.

- You can't be serious. - Those guys are onto the visuals.

You've already started?

So any Tom, Dick or Harry can waltz in with a tasteless proposal

for how to cover election night?

- We're not talking taste. - It has nothing to do with politics.

We're talking about what works.

I assume that when your staff are told to execute it,

it will feature TV1's journalistic integrity and credibility.

Was that it?

We'd like to do this in close cooperation with the news desk.

So I assume you'll brief your people.

- Hi. - How long have you got?

- How long can we have? - A couple of hours?

Fine.

Bye, mummy.

- Have fun with daddy, right? - Yes.

How about... a walk along the waterfront?

Getting a cup of hot chocolate? Or a cola if... Fancy that?

- OK. - Let's go, then.

Are you doing well at school?

Good.

Dad, why don't you just come home?

Because mummy and me can't seem to sort it out right now.

And it's my fault, but...

I'm doing my best to get us back together.

Because I love you very much.

I also love mummy very, very much. Do you understand that?

Have you ever been on that?

- No. - It doesn't cost much.

- I've never been on it. - It sails right past your work.

- Hot chocolate? - Yes.

2 DAYS TO GO

Have you seen your other boot?

Yes. I know you're down there.

But I am not ready yet.

- Damn! - What's up?

I'm out of milk and the bread was mouldy. All he's had is crackers.

That's more than he gets at his dad's.

- Is that a man? - Has he fallen down?

But you're looking great.

The polls say the Moderates are slipping.

Thanks for saying Kruse is orchestrating the witch hunt.

I saw Kruse with Laugesen yesterday, and the man behind the articles.

You didn't use Kruse's drink driving?

If it doesn't break tomorrow, it'll be too late.

You won't get it into the papers on election day.

- We're not using it. - I am not doing it for you. I am not.

OK.

Thanks for looking after Gustav. I know you're busy.

- Not as busy as you. - Oh? Jealous, are we?

Oh, there it is! My mum will take over tomorrow. See you.

Hi! Give daddy a scrunch!

Standby for a run through. Dolly... voiceover... action.

The Choice is Yours... The last word before judgment day.

- They enter simultaneously? - Tonight's presenters...

- Ulrik Mørch and Hanne Holm. - And Hanne...

- Eight parties. - Eight party leaders.

- Who'll win? - And who'll lose?

- The Choice is Yours. - When we play: the Power Game.

For goodness sake. I look ridiculous!

- Get the old biddy to turn a bit. - Who's that?

A young chap from Development called Lasse.

Hi there.

Hi there? Lasse from Development,

I may look like a clapped out Soviet air hostess.

But this old biddy is not going to take direction

from a first-year student from film and media studies.

- Shall we move on? - Start again.

See you tomorrow.

Hi, Laura. I'm from the Ekspres. Got a moment?

- Talk to my mother. - Now it's us two talking.

Did you know your mum jumped the hospital queue?

Women with cancer were forced to wait.

- How do you feel about that? - Let me pass.

How do you feel about it?

A reporter stopped me downstairs to ask how I feel

about my mother queue-jumping. He's gone now. Mum?

It's too late.

They must leave my children alone.

- You know how it is. - They can call me a hypocrite.

But they must lay off my children. It is definitely Kruse's doing.

Run it.

- Run what? - Get the dossier.

What are we talking about?

Kruse was done for drink driving in 1999.

We are thinking of using it against him.

- Birgitte, don't do it. - He's gone too far.

- It is not politically relevant. - He went for my children.

It's not the SMEC economic indicator model, it's not DREAM.

It's some kind of macroeconomic quackery if you ask me.

Give me a moment.

Just start. Start!

- Are you OK? - Who is that?

Some of my students giving me a hand.

- What will they come up with? - Any flaws in the Moderates' sums.

They are the best brains on my course.

Just a moment.

I've sent you the police record and Kruse's false statement.

I'll fetch it right away.

- See you. - Hey! What's going on?

I have obtained something highly compromising about Kruse.

- Personal stuff. - Which you want to use.

- Yes. - Isn't that what we don't do?

I thought we were going to defeat him with politics? And my brain trust?

- Tactics sometimes change. - Tactics?

We have no option... You don't understand this game.

No. You bet I don't.

We'll need to examine every decimal.

ONE DAY TO GO

- Katrine speaking. - Birgitte here.

The Kruse story doesn't seem to be in the papers.

Sack me if you want. I didn't do it.

It was a bit... overhasty of me.

I am so grateful.

Good morning.

- Where's the economic hit squad? - I sent them home.

Here.

Some ammo for the closing debate.

- You found something. - Yes. It is way too complicated.

You'd never get it. Sorry!

I must brief Birgitte properly this time. But it's watertight.

Torben...

Torben... time to wake up.

- Yes. What time is it? - Morning. Time to wake up.

Morning?

OK. Fine.

- What are you doing in here? - People are turning up for work now.

- What's the time? - 8:20.

- How did you know I was here? - We all know.

Don't touch me.

Just leave the room. I'm on my way.

OK?

- It's November. So it's not hay fever. - It's Torben and me. We...

- We know. - Yes.

- What is going on? - He can't talk about things.

Everything's in turmoil. I think he needs some time.

- Right? - Sure.

I just want to show him that I am there for him.

His marriage needs to end before he can move on and...

Then you and Torben have a chance.

Hanne... I know it's silly.

But I'm so crazy about him.

- There, there, dear. - I am just so crazy about him.

- I'm sorry. - No need to say sorry.

- Talk to Pia. - Why?

You know what I am talking about. She's miserable.

You don't want her.

- Isn't that the way it is? - Yes.

Things like that, you have to tell a girl.

- No wise cracks from you, please. - Ah, democracy for the proles.

- Birgitte will go there. - But they'll be on from the start.

No, they'll be presented. Shall we hear Birgitte's intro?

Ladies and gentlemen. For the New Democrats, Birgitte Nyborg!

She'll get 20 seconds so things don't get too technical.

- What about explanations? - Only brief, or she'll get this...

Shall we move on?

Torben, which do you prefer for the countdown? This one...

Or this one?

Torben?

The studio audience will decide who leaves as a winner... or a loser.

Can't we drop this Mr and Mrs News bit? At the very least?

Ditch it.

Get it out of here. It looks like a tin-pot son et lumière.

Politics is what counts here. It's not a funfair.

Hanne, put some decent clothes on. Ulrik, think of something.

- We can't do this! - I don't need your input. Move it.

PUTS HER CAREER BEFORE HER KIDS

Supper time!

The kids are staying in with Jeremy to watch the debate.

Great. Bye!

Magnus, now! Supper's on the table!

Come on!

- Switch off and eat. - Shut your gob!

- Hey! What's all that about? - Mum, wait.

He sits up at night googling stuff

about cancer and diagnoses and morbidity.

He's scared that you're keeping something from us.

Magnus?

Magnus, please come back out.

My darling.

I am cured, darling. And it's not just something I am saying.

The doctor says I am cured, too. I'm doing really well.

I'm not keeping secrets. I'm not telling lies.

- Hi, Ulrik. - You're looking radiant.

- Where's the game show? - Binned. Torben's a hero.

So it's an ordinary debate?

No game shows. You'll get loads of time.

I know I always sound as if I think you're a prat.

But you are a talented prat.

I've no link to the OB unit.

Why can't Ulrik hear me?

Pia, I am sorry I snapped at you.

I mustn't do that. It doesn't help.

- Is that better? - Yes.

That's what I wanted to tell you.

- 45 seconds. - Ready?

- What's this? Where's the set? - I sacked it, Alex.

I didn't like it.

20 seconds, so...

We are ready. Are you all ready in there?

Take your places.

Five seconds. Four, three, two, one...

- Looking good. - Intro.

Welcome to the final debate on TV1.

And welcome to our party leaders, and to all of you at home.

- Are you sure, Hesselboe? - We are in no doubt.

We must cut income tax to ensure competitiveness.

- But the deprived will pay for it. - Not if we use our model.

This election is about whether we'll continue to have unity.

And four. Next question.

Why vote for you? Jakob Kruse?

This election has proved

that although the New Democrats are close to the Moderates,

voters regard us as the economically responsible party.

Jacob, you say you'll cut taxes by 10 billion kroner

while increasing welfare spending by 12 billion a year. Splendid.

But when we do the sums for you...

And the 12 billion will be spread over 4 years.

So when you say 12 you mean 3 billion a year.

- It's a fair question. - Make him answer.

Have you promised 12 billion for welfare but will only give them three?

The money is for the whole term. Some newspapers misunderstood.

- In the Moderate manifesto... - Other people are waiting.

Hanne, I have just learned how Kruse turns 3 into 12. One more question?

Jacob, the manifesto promises 10 billion in tax cuts,

because you claim the Finance Ministry says it can save 10 billion

by rationalising the public sector.

But the projections are based on a 0.9% growth in treasury spending.

So seven of the ten billion will actually go back to the treasury.

- You are left with a shortfall. - Isn't it getting a bit technical?

I think I can handle it. But please teach me your conjuring trick.

How do you have 10 billion for tax cuts if you've already spent 7?

- Jakob Kruse... - He's sweating.

Unfunded tax cuts. Yes or no?

- I don't have to explain the sums. - Just explain your own policies.

Which promises are you going to renege on?

- You're being frivolous. - Unfunded promises are frivolous.

And irresponsible.

Not as irresponsible

as voting for Nyborg out of pity without knowing what you'll get.

- Now, Jacob, shall we move on? - Move on?

What do we do now?

- Perhaps I... - I'll tell you what you get.

- Birgitte, your time is up. - You will get a former PM.

One who has delivered results in Denmark and abroad.

You'll get a former company chairman who knows what industry needs.

A party leader with enough faith in her party's policies to go it alone.

And a woman with the balls to admit her mistakes.

That's what you get.

And that was tonight's final words.

Thank you everybody out there.

- How dare she! - Jacob, a word.

Torben... the way you binned the executive's concept

is the bravest thing I have ever seen here.

"Hi Torben, Please report to me at 9:00am tomorrow. Regards, Alex."