Original subtitles

- We deserve a holiday. Just the two of us. - Judy!

Strike breaking bitch.

You don't think someone here? One of us?

He should be interrogating them, not having a pint.

- This is our plan to get to the moon. - It's too much.

Jono suddenly decided he doesn't want to go into space.

Maybe you need to talk to him.

Bilya, he needs a high school certificate. Let him stay with me.

I'll stay with Nan.

- Grandad, what's going on? - Nothing.

- We're getting serious. - You wish.

Miss Universe coming to Perth. TV is gonna be huge in the '80s.

One of these days you'll try that shit with the wrong bloke.

Maybe this morning they pulled that shit on the wrong chick.

Your dad is supposed to be taking care of us.

We are a union. We are united!

I've just had a call from your bank.

They haven't been paid for three months.

I've got it sorted.

Judy Bissett, interim general manager.

We are gonna fix this. Tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you've had a comfortable flight

and that Penny and the girls have looked after you.

We'll shortly be arriving into Perth International Airport

where a warm welcome is expected

for our special guests competing in Miss Universe.

The weather is fine and we expect no delays.

Ten minutes till landing, folks.

And the Russian?

She won't understand a word the Australians say.

Looks like Miss Russia isn’t going to win the people’s vote.

Long flight, huh?

I have the perfect red lipstick to lift your complexion.

Keep it. A gift, from Miss USSR.

A van would’ve killed you?

A van would’ve looked like shit. Start as we mean to go on.

- You must be up to your eyeballs in debt. - Not if we have a good Miss Universe.

Then, Barry, you can have an entire fleet of vans.

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

Let's charm the pants off them.

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

Trevor? We spoke yesterday.

Mick Bissett. How are you?

M... My colleague and I, Barry, we're here for the Miss Universe arrivals.

Look, I'd love to help you, Mick, really. But I...

You can't say no to a bit of beer money.

After a week of listening to that?

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

You want a shot of them, Mick?

What do you want to watch on the news tonight, Barry?

Germaine Greer over there, burning her bra?

Or a dozen Miss Universe contestants arriving?

Yeah. Come on.

Uh, and what about a little extra?

I mean, just for holding all those TV crews at bay?

- What do we want? - Equality!

Yeah, all right.

- What do we want? - Equality!

- When do we want it? - Now!

Nice one, Trev.

- When do we want it? - Now!

- What do we want? - Equality!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now on our final approach

to Perth International Airport.

Please extinguish your cigarettes, finish any drinks

- and return to your seats... - Root...

...for landing. Thank you.

Root... Rottnest Island.

Eto Rottnest Island.

English!

That is where Australians drown their first child. In the sea.

They wear little red and yellow hats.

The sharks.

Primitive country.

Sign.

We're not here to admire this country.

We're here to represent ours, yes?

Money well spent, boss. But next time, get a proper sound man.

- Mick, boom. Mick, boom! - Oh, sorry.

- Barry, USSR. Stay on her! - All right.

Hello.

What's your name?

Miss USSR! Welcome to Australia!

- Oh, thank you. - Anything to say to camera?

Um... Good day. I'm Svetlana Kulkova. I'm representing the USSR,

and I'm so excited to be here in your beautiful country.

I just want to say...

Better dead than red. Soviet oppressors!

Fuck the beauty queen.

She's a war machine!

Stay out of Afghanistan!

- Hey! - Free the people! Stay home!

Get back in the USSR!

Barry. Barry.

Who's so bad, bitches?

Never had my hair done by a "Captain of Industry" before.

You're not gonna charge me more, are ya?

I could double my rate to bugger all if it’ll make you feel any better.

Look, I've only got time for a trim today. Sorry.

I just need to be presentable for this meeting

with the deputy principal.

I can’t be that wild Black woman scaring him on Bilya’s first day.

Oh, I thought you wanted to look snazzy for Rosemary’s street party.

A hundred and fifty years of settlement. Flamin' party.

- International Roast, ladies. - Thanks.

Oh, uh, your fella's trying to boil eggs again.

Do you want me to come and give you a wash and rinse later?

- I've got lovely soft hands. - Yeah.

I'd like that.

Thanks for helping.

Shit.

- You know... - Huh?

...you've managed to burn water again.

Yeah, that was me. I was trying to boil eggs.

- Sorry. - Without any water or eggs.

Like I said, trying.

Hey Mum, is there any juice?

You’ve got a set of eyes. Why don't you open the door and look?

You meeting Wayne this morning?

You know I can't talk about work with you.

- Fine. Gotta get ready. - Oh! You’ve got to get ready?

I think I'm gonna go surfing this morning.

I don't wanna talk about this again, all right?

Surfing? No.

Thanks, Jude.

- I didn't finish yet. - It's all good.

- Really? - Mum, it’s Francesca.

Mum, parent-teacher night. Don't forget.

- I'll be there. - And deb practice with Jono.

- Hi, Fran. - Judy, where are you?

I'm coming.

The cops are coming to interview you.

- Now? - Wayne wants to talk to you.

Yeah, yeah. I'm coming. I'm almost there.

Dad, the police are coming to work. They want to talk about the brick.

Well, they took their merry time, but that's good.

Um. I can't find my work shirt. Did you iron it?

Oh, give me a tick!

Hey, tell me, comrade,

is my girl giving you a lift to work

as well as making you and your daughter breakfast,

doing your laundry?

Anything else?

- Well, she's the boss now. - She's still your wife.

Remember that, son.

- There you go. - Ta.

Tilly, I almost forgot.

So these were for my deb ball.

I thought maybe you could wear them

- to your rehearsal? - Oh, Mum.

- Try them out? - They're beautiful,

and they're gonna go perfectly with my dress.

- Yeah? - Thank you.

What?

- It's... - I'm not allowed to enjoy that moment?

Or is it because it's not your moment and it doesn't involve a surfboard?

The way you’re going, you won’t even make it to your deb.

Oh, God.

Woah!

Just... Just... Just... Just go.

Jude?

- You okay? - Yes, um...

Promise me something.

Anything.

Whatever happens at work, whatever goes on...

promise me it won't come between us.

Of course.

Because it has this week, and it just can't.

No matter what.

It won't.

Promise.

You know, today is his special day.

- Mum, I can't be late. - I made these for you. Special.

You okay?

Today, no. I just miss him.

I know. We all do.

- Come on, sit and eat. - I'm sorry.

I have to get to the wholesaler.

But...

It's okay.

You think she'll always be like this on Van's birthday?

It would have been his 18th.

Maybe it'll get easier.

Maybe, Son.

Oi!

Hey! Cut it out! What did I tell ya?

Come on.

Bloody hell!

Your missus. The boys are worried.

Are they now?

They reckon if she's not helping us,

she's helping that prick in there.

Piss off, Gazza. Give her a chance.

Mate, she's been there a week, and we’re still standing out here.

You’re meant to be helping lead this thing.

- Lead us. - You mean, like I did in ‘73,

‘77 and since the start of this shitful year?

Don't talk to me about leading!

Even more reason why your missus needs to deliver...

- She has a name, Gazza. - All right.

- Christ! - Judy has to deliver something.

Anything.

Paperwork, scandal, figures, information.

Anything that will give Wayne Doull a problem.

Or else, mate, you have got a problem. You've got a problem.

Morning. So,

we have a brick, we have a bridge.

Not really much to go on, is there?

And a note calling my colleague a "strike breaking bitch."

Oh! That's not very nice. Sorry to hear that.

So, if evidence is thin

on the ground, suspects?

Anyone who might have a problem with you, Judy?

Well, uh, Rocco, the way you keep such a beady eye on our street,

I thought you'd know everything about me.

Apart from the two dozen people that I’m about to make redundant.

What did your forensics team dig out?

Forensics. Hilarious.

Look, ladies, there’s bugger all evidence, no witness, no one was hurt.

It might just be best to get on with life.

- Mm. - There's nothing we can do.

- Bloody drama queens. - You said it.

Let's go.

Jude.

The redundancies.

How do you do it?

How do you tell someone they're not needed, they're not wanted?

Honestly?

Quickly. Clearly. Compassionately.

- I did not sign up for this. - You know what, Judy?

You did.

Is that meant to be that prick Stirling?

Bilya, not now.

Uh, sorry, sorry, my apologies.

All right.

So, Bill. Bil... Bilya.

I'm Mr Williamson, Deputy Principal, Scarborough Beach High School.

Top 100 in the state academically.

Top ten in the footy, which is the important thing.

I can't think of a better place for my grandson.

Well, Mrs Wilberforce, as a teacher of sorts,

- your opinion can't really... - Of sorts?

Well, as one of our supply teachers,

you might be biased.

You play footy, Bill?

No.

Uh-huh. More of the artist, perhaps?

We’ve got an opening for someone to play the Aborigine

in our upcoming school play about WA’s anniversary.

Is that supposed to be James Stirling?

- Indeed it is, young man. Very good. - Oh.

And for the jackpot, he was...?

The founder of Western Australia. A hundred and fifty years ago, this year.

Bingo!

And as the native, you'll be playing opposite Captain Stirling,

played by my son, Bryce, the show's playwright.

- He's quite the talent, my lad. - Mm.

- You bewdy! - Excellent.

Well, Mrs Wilberforce, why don't you show him to the library,

and we'll see if we can find him a class.

Here we are. Down here, please.

Mick Bissett. I was at the airport...

this morning. I'm... I'm sorry about what happened to Svetlana.

I know you must be furious.

Svetlana still looked better than the other contestants,

even with the paint.

Look, I need a story and Svetlana is a great one.

I can help you tell your story. That's what I do well.

I need this.

And I... I think you do too.

And some of the good stuff.

We could talk over a glass.

I'll see you at the bar.

Svetlana!

An Australian!

He might be useful.

Only if he can drive taxi to the airport.

- Tilly? - Bilya?

I haven't seen you in ages.

In years, yeah.

- How are you? Where've you been? - I've been traveling with Mum.

Up north, down South Australia.

Wherever there’s a protest, we’re there. So...

That's cool. Eileen's always talking about you guys.

Whatcha doin'?

Uh...

Letters. Letters to 146 astronauts.

Cool.

- Why are you doing... - Um, well, I...

I want to know how they prepared and what they did to train.

Especially the ones that flew alone.

Okay. I'll help you.

I have to do all of Mum's protest flyers,

so I'm pretty mean when it comes to this stuff.

- Okay. - That one?

Yeah, photo.

- Oh! Sorry. - Thank you.

One of these? Yep.

There we go.

Mia?

That was weird, wasn’t it?

Like, us. The kiss.

- I guess. - You guess?

Yeah, like kissing my brother.

You don’t have a brother.

But, like, if I pashed him, I reckon it might be like that a bit.

So we don't do it again?

And we never talk about it again.

Ever.

Binh!

Time for work.

This feels like something my nan would put you up to.

She said she'd kill me if I gave up.

I think she's gonna scare me all the way to the moon.

Oh, she scares me. And Mum.

I think that’s why I’m staying. Fear.

- Nan reckons... - Hmm.

...the scariest thing to a whitefella?

Blackfella with an education.

Everything okay, Tilly? This blackfella here bothering you?

What?

He’s Bilya. He's Eileen’s grandson.

G'day.

You used to do your smoking behind the bike shed, mate.

All grown up now, Tone.

So, anything from Judy?

Yeah, mate. She’s gonna take Wayne out tomorrow morning.

Either a stapler to the head or spike his morning coffee.

- It's as funny as cancer, champ. - I’ve not asked her.

I won’t be asking her for anything.

This is our battle, not hers.

Hmm.

Then you’re out.

I'm what?

You can’t be a shop steward and be married to one of them.

You’re gone. We all agreed.

- Gazza, the fuck? - I’m sorry, mate. Really.

Come on, son. Let's go.

Here we go.

- Nan. - Rocco.

- So he is your grandson? - Course he bloody is!

I told you, he was trying to help me post my letters.

Hey, I'm just doing my job, Eileen.

No, piss off.

- Don't push it. - Or what?

You gonna arrest me? Black lady, your neighbour? Jesus, Rocco!

There's been a spate of robberies in the area lately...

And you grab the first Black kid you see?

No.

This area, he's been in less than a week.

- Bilya. - Go on. Off you go, okay? Go on.

It was his first bloody day at school, Rocco.

His first day.

- Judy, you fired her? - Yes, I did.

First of many redundancies you requested, Wayne.

I can’t believe you’re letting her do this.

Look, these are the tough times and negotiations are still in stalemate.

Most of your responsibilities can be taken on by Fran.

At least the work ones.

So call me tomorrow if you'd like to discuss the terms of your severance.

Wait, where are you going?

Look, I'm... I'm terribly sorry

but I need to go to Tilly’s parent-teacher interviews.

Well, I think trying to fire me is a little more important than that,

- don't you reckon, Judy? - There’s nothing more to discuss.

Look, darl, it was good while it lasted, wasn’t it?

No, don’t darl me, Wayne. You promised me this job if I...

Tam, take the money...

- Mm. - ...that Wayne is offering.

- Trust me, it’s fair. - Easy for you to say.

You know what, Judy?

Everything the men say outside about you is true.

Go to hell!

Don’t you love it?

Best part of management, I reckon. The look of shock on their faces.

It's like guppy.

Hello.

Have I reached Bui home?

- Is this... - Yes?

Your son, Van. Van Bui.

Yes, who...

He asked to call to tell you...

What? I'm sorry, what?

Refugee camp... I work...

Malaysia. Semerak. I am Malaysian UN...

- Semerak camp. - What?

- Semerak? - Yes, yes, Semerak.

Uh...

Maybe we can reinstate his privileges.

Is, um...

Is your wife coming?

- Working. Late. - Professional woman?

Yeah, it's...

That might actually be part of the problem.

It's the example being set.

See, Tilly’s grades, they're high, but her ambitions are, uh...

Sky-high.

- Sorry I'm late. It's just... work. - Hmm.

- Darling. - Hi.

Tilly does seem to be very serious about this astronaut dream.

Ambition. Yes, she is. Always has been.

That's not a concern to you at all?

Our daughter being shot into space

at the top of what is essentially a controlled hydrogen explosion?

Yes, that’s a worry.

That’s the concern here?

And when that doesn’t happen, which it won’t?

- It won’t? - We can’t

build up a girl’s hopes.

We have to be realistic about her place in the world.

Ah.

A girl? Her place?

You have a responsibility to not set her up for an inevitable fall.

And your responsibility? To educate? Enlighten?

Inspire? I don't know, empower her?

Do you know I’ve got 30 students per class?

Youth unemployment rate of 13%,

and I have exactly eight minutes per student tonight.

And you think your daughter is going to the moon?

Mick Bissett. We... met.

Drink?

The network didn’t show the attack on Svetlana tonight.

I have...

the only tape.

And now you do.

Yvgeny.

Let's go!

- Hello? - Room service.

Champagne? And paint remover?

I want to say g'day, and the girls want to say sorry.

- I'm sorry. - Sorry.

Who has the glasses?

Too ambitious?

What the hell?

Oh, it’s what she’s up against.

Yeah, your fault, according to her bloody phys ed teacher.

Thank you... for saying all that.

For understanding.

Not everybody would.

Well, people surprise you.

Yeah.

They do.

Tony.

The union is not gonna budge.

Wayne's not budging.

Company's on its last legs.

If it survives, it won’t be the same. It will be...

smaller.

And I've done... everything that I can to save money.

But I won't be able to save jobs.

Not in the way that you and Gazza or anybody’s... hoping.

What are you doing?

You need to... to know this to understand...

why you’re being made... redundant.

What?

Tony.

You’re gonna be amongst the first wave of redundancies,

which means you're gonna get a decent severance package.

We're talking six months of wages, Tony.

- You... - It'll be enough to keep us afloat.

You ca... can’t do this.

- Just think of it as a second chance. - I don’t need a second fucking chance!

I just need my job.

My wife to do hers at home.

My girls, at school.

All right. Well, what happened to empower and enlighten?

You could've walked out and crossed the line with me.

You could’ve told me...

You could’ve told me the roof over our head was threatened.

Missing mortgage payments?

Who's gonna pay the mortgage, Tony?

And make Tilly’s dresses?

And buy her space books? And Mia’s wetsuits?

I mean, Jesus, Tony, wake up!

All I’m trying to do is keep us together.

Just think of it as an opportunity.

It's an opportunity to do something new.

To try.

You got a promotion. The first thing you did...

was take my bloody life away.

Room for one more?

You okay?

Hmm.

It's a cool view.

Hmm.

I remember her from years ago.

Oh, yeah, that’s Poppy.

She’s always at our house. She’s one of Mia's friends.

She’s his daughter?

Great.

- I thought you’d done your letters. - Um...

The last one. It's special. For John Glenn.

- He was the first, um... - American to orbit the Earth.

You’re not the only one Nan likes to teach.

Read it to me.

It's... mm-mm, personal.

Come on.

- Mm-mm. Mm-mm. - Please?

Come on.

Okay.

"My mother was pregnant with me

"the night you flew over her, and our hometown of Perth.

"You were the most isolated human in history."

"As you flew over Perth,

"our lights, torches, and bonfires lit up for you.

"Did you feel less alone

"above the most isolated city in the world?

"I know we did."

"Or did you just embrace the solitude?

"I want to do it like you did, but I need to know how.

"Maybe the lights are blazing in the sky, and I haven’t seen them yet.

"Or maybe, I am really alone on my journey."