Original subtitles

Helen, morning.

- Good morning. - Five hours for one photo shoot.

Yes.

What, is it really going to take half a day?

Yes.

It says... it says "candid shots of couple at home".

- Yes. - So why do we need a stylist?

Uh, it's a photo shoot. This is nothing.

I dress up as a bon-bon

on the News At Six Christmas card the other year.

Oh, where can I see those photos?

I've got really good news.

I have got the Caroline Gibson story across the line.

Caroline Gibson?

The mother who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion

and unknowingly gave it to her children.

- Lindsay signed off on it? - Yes.

And I think you should do it.

It's your story.

It's going to do more for you than it is for me.

You imagine? You on camera, empathizing with a mother.

Every woman watching is going to fall in love with you,

and they're going to call the switchboard

and ask for more Dale Jennings.

Okay.

Thank you.

Noelene, could you check some dates for me?

Sure.

I need to know when AIDS first arrived in Australia

and when the blood bank started screening donors for HIV.

On it.

- Jam donuts. - Aw, thanks, Noels.

You're a champion. Oi, um...

... who's your pick for this Saturday?

Demons or Swans?

What? I thought you wanted a bit of office footy chat?

I do, but I don't want anyone to know you're teaching me.

Why?

What? So I'm banned from talking about the footy with you?

In here, yes.

Everyone else can, but... not me?

Until further notice.

We allowed to chat about other topics?

Do you have other topics?

Cricket.

It's going to be the Swans.

I'm tipping three goals.

Hey, Dennis, is there a crew available?

I'm doing the Caroline Gibson story.

- She's in Beaumaris. - Ah, mate.

- What? - Poisoned chalice.

- Lindsay signed off on it. - That's 'cause Helen wore him down.

Lindsay hates AIDS stories.

He's gonna want to see a cut and he's not gonna be kind.

I'll be right.

Your funeral. Take Tim's crew.

Anyone else available?

You always go out with Tim's crew.

What, has he got BO or something?

Whatever. Give me a second.

I need a crew.

What, no, not Tim's crew. Give me another crew.

No. Thanks.

- Synced & corrected by MementMori - -- www.addic7ed.com --

Well, it's higher than I would have liked.

You haven't been exerting yourself, have you?

Just a gentle walk most evenings.

- How far? - End of the road and back.

Attempted the full block yesterday and...

... never heard the end of it.

Good.

It's paramount to give your body the time it needs, Geoff.

Remember when they sent me to cover Vietnam?

- Of course. - I came to you to get my jabs.

- Yes. - I could only get three at a time.

You made me pick.

Disease roulette.

I gave you tetanus, cholera and diphtheria,

and you got typhoid.

- Yes. - Yep.

Chucking my guts up on a dirt road somewhere.

Seconds later, shooting a story.

But I soldiered on.

We all did.

Your second Walkley.

Yes, well, you know, soldiering on with typhoid at 43

is very impressive,

but soldiering on after a heart bypass at 60 is...

... something else entirely, Geoff.

- I'll see you out. - No.

You stay right there. Rest.

I'll check in on you in a fortnight, alright?

Realistically, when do you think he'll be ready for work?

Months yet.

- Months? - Two at least,

preferably three, and even then I'd suggest part time.

I know my husband. He is not built to be at home.

He gets agitated.

Evelyn, he could die.

The warning signs have been there for years.

He's ignored them.

And if he keeps ignoring them...

What? I'm sorry, what?

Maybe you don't know everything about your husband.

Hmm?

Okay.

She specifically said not to get her kids' faces on camera,

so if they are in frame,

make sure you explain to her what you're filming,

'cause she might be okay with background shots with them.

Got it.

We don't touch her, right?

No, you're not going to be touching her.

What about door handles and stuff?

I read you can get it from that.

Well, that's a myth. You can only get it

if some of her blood gets physically inside you.

Sorry. I'm not good with sickness.

She's not sick.

She's HIV positive, and right now she doesn't have any symptoms.

Are we good here?

Yeah.

Okay?

I was six months pregnant with my second child.

The hospital suggested that I have the AIDS test.

And when it came back positive, I thought...

... it had to be a mistake.

I couldn't even think how it was possible.

Till they asked me if I'd had a blood transfusion.

And you did have one, after the birth of your son.

That's right.

So you went undiagnosed for...

Four years.

And I passed it on to my children.

If I'd known, I never would have breastfed and, um...

... I certainly wouldn't have gotten pregnant for the second time.

Oh, sorry, are you sick?

- What? - Do you have a cold?

Just allergies.

I'm so sorry, I just really can't afford to get sick.

Of course. So sorry.

Brian, can you lock the camera off and go and wait in the car?

- Are you serious? - Yes.

- Sorry. - Of course.

Thank you.

Caroline, could you...

Could you explain to me a bit more

about what it's like living with the virus day to day?

Well...

... people treat us like lepers.

Our dentist has stop seeing us.

My son's been ostracised from school.

And the clinics we have to go to for treatment

are just full of homosexual men.

Are you angry that this happened?

Of course.

I was told that this blood transfusion had saved my life,

but really, it was...

... it was a death sentence for me and my children.

You're gonna have to lose 30 seconds out of that.

- 30 seconds. - It is dire.

It's wrist-slashing stuff.

It's moving, sure, but isn't that the point?

The point, Dale, is not to drop viewers.

Every time we put one of these bloody AIDS stories on,

we drop 100k, every time.

I'm worried if we cut that much, we'll lose the impact.

- We left out the best bit. - No, we didn't.

What's that?

When she says they poisoned the blood bank. The gays.

It's unsubstantiated.

- She was upset... - Let's see it.

Mate, you've just woken me up.

Poofter poisoning the blood bank. That is gold.

- The whole focus is the family impact. - Here.

"If it takes threatening and perhaps donating blood

"to get us the attention we need, that may be what we have to do."

That's a quote from a US gay activist.

I'll see if I can get another source, but it looks good.

That's your story.

Okay, if we put the quote in, can we keep the 30 seconds?

Oh, you're learning.

Yes, we can.

Great.

In 1983, Robert Schwab, a US gay activist

frustrated by the lack of funding for AIDS, told his followers,

"If it takes threatening and perhaps donating blood

"to get us the attention we need, that may be what we have to do."

Some gays thought that AIDS would only get attention

if straight people had it too.

That's what I've heard.

And now they do.

Are you angry that this happened?

Of course.

I was told that this blood transfusion had saved my life,

- but really, it was... - On my hand.

... it was a death sentence for me and my children.

This is Dale Jennings, News At Six.

To the Philippines now where deposed President Ferdinand Marcos

and his wife Imelda remain under siege.

You first hatchet job.

Congrats. It's quite a milestone.

Sorry?

You don't actually believe that there's people deliberately out there

poisoning the blood banks, do you?

I don't always get a final say about what goes into the edit.

Well, you do get a say, though, don't you?

I know it's a sensitive issue for you.

Nah. It's just shit journalism.

Oh, hell of a story, mate.

Brave.

Thanks.

Just hope you washed your hands.

Ha.

Yep.

- Night. - See ya, mate.

You sure that she... she said it on the record?

- Of course. - Okay.

Look, I admit that bit was bad, but it was definitely on the record.

Okay, okay.

You were still really great.

But?

No buts.

I can tell you've got more thoughts.

I don't.

You have a version in your head that you think's better.

Uh-uh.

Just tell me.

I probably would have asked more about the marriage...

- I knew it! - 'Cause I just...

I just... That's the only thing.

- I knew it. - That was the only thing.

No! It was good! It was good.

Maybe laughing now. Just laughing.

One more time.

Amazing.

That was so much better. You look beautiful.

Just your standard Thursday morning outfit.

Well, we decided that it's cocktail hour, so.

- We have? - Yes.

Mr Jennings, if you just want to stand beside her,

and maybe put your hand on her shoulder?

Sweet.

Um, isn't the bulletin at cocktail hour, though?

Dale, you don't have to fact check the photoshoot.

Okay, just loosening up the shoulders.

And if you just want to pick up the martini glass,

maybe like you're offering a toast?

Cheers.

Is that real gin?

Maybe laughing now.

Laughing. Just laughing.

Couple in love, enjoying each other's company.

Mate, you look like you've been kicked in the nuts.

Okay. What's wrong? What is wrong?

It just feels a bit artificial.

Yeah, but that's the magic of it.

It's not us presenting who we really are.

It's more what people might imagine us to be.

Just relax. It's just supposed to be romantic and fun.

Okay.

No tension.

One, two, three, looking.

Beautiful.

One more time.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

- No more lies while gay men die. - What is this?

- No more lies while gay men die. - Um...

Should we go to the staff entrance?

Uh... no. I think we'll be okay.

It's not Caroline Gibson, is it?

No more lies while gay men die. No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die. No more lies while gay men die.

You're all liars, News At Six.

Do a bit of research.

Dale!

No more lies while gay men die.

It's Adam. Adam Lindell.

No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

Did you... did you know that guy?

He's just a research contact.

- You seen it? - No.

- The protesters? - The article.

It's a whole op-ed about the quote I found. The Robert Schwab one.

They say it was made up for some sort of anti-gay pamphlet.

I am so sorry.

"Throughout the coverage of this epidemic,

"we've heard from doctors, politicians, priests,

"but the primary victims, gay men, have been at best excluded

"and at worst demonized."

- I mean, he's not wrong. - Lindsay knows?

This is what happens when you let game show girls

and footy players front the news.

Geoff, that's got nothing to do with that. That quote is solid.

And Noelene found it, so it's legit. It's ridgy-didge, okay?

Serious reporters, they develop an instinct

for these sorts of things.

You know if something doesn't pass the sniff test.

- Just calm down, Geoff. - The Whitlam dismissal, '75.

You remember. There was bedlam.

There was rumours flying around everywhere.

And some donkey in Canberra got wind that the Queen was in on it.

You wanted to run it as fact.

My gut told me it didn't hold water,

so we held off. And guess what?

I saved us the humiliation of an apology!

Helen and Rob could never make that call!

Listen, mate, this is a completely different situation, alright?

Now, these people outside,

they're just a pack of pillow biters who are whipping up trouble.

Now, this quote is legit. It's solid.

We can back it up and we're gonna do that tonight.

Noelene!

Noelene! That quote better be fucking watertight, you got that?

I'm getting more articles from the Herald Library.

I'm also checking with the blood bank and the AIDS Council.

I'm waiting for them to call back.

Well, go call them now, will you?

We are not issuing an apology on this unless we absolutely have to.

Okay? Now, what's the follow up?

Well, I think that we should interview

- the op-ed writer. - That's insane.

Why would we back away? It's clearly hit a nerve.

- There are plenty more angles out there. - I'm just telling you it's a recipe

- for disaster. - I think that Dale should interview

the op-ed writer, then follow up with the blood bank

and I'll interview an AIDS sufferer, preferably gay.

... five minutes of AIDS.

Yeah, I know, Dennis, but we went up last night

and that's never happened before on an AIDS story,

so we'll keep going.

Caroline actually mentioned that there was problems in some schools,

so that could be another story.

Dale, you could maybe interview a parent.

I'm prepping for Anzac Day.

Oh, Jesus, Dale.

- They're throwing eggs out there now. - What?

Egged my car.

That happen to anyone else?

Do those protesters have AIDS?

I wonder if there was AIDS in what they threw.

You think they put HIV positive blood into an egg?

Yes.

Jesus. Come on, everybody.

Don't back away from this. This is your story.

- Yeah, and it's a disaster. - No, it's not.

We'll get it back on track. Have you spoken to Caroline?

You should, because all the other networks will be calling her

and it will be very overwhelming.

And this... this happens.

Sometimes things blow up.

It's gonna be okay.

No more lies while gay men die. No more lies while gay men die.

No more lies while gay men die.

Do you have a spokesperson or an organiser?

We don't have an organiser. We're a collective.

Okay, I understand why you're upset.

That's why I'd like to show a different perspective.

I'm very interested in talking to an AIDS sufferer,

someone who's gay,

and not just about the blood bank controversy,

but about their life.

I'm genuinely interested in putting the other perspective on air.

My lover has AIDS.

Okay.

Let me get your name and I'll set something up.

Adam.

What's wrong?

I confirmed it.

The article was right.

A religious fundamentalist group in the US fabricated the quote

for these anti-gay pamphlets.

It spread at the start of '84.

I found all these subsequent sources debunking it.

Dale...

- This is really bad. - It's okay.

I was the reporter. Lindsay signed off on it.

Have you told Dennis?

No.

Noelene confirmed the quote was false.

We've confirmed that the quote was false.

Fuck!

Right. We are doing an apology.

And you're coming to see me after the bulletin.

27, 33 and the supplementary number is 26.

And don't forget that tomorrow is a public holiday for Anzac Day.

It certainly is, Rob.

So all dividends will be announced after the long weekend.

But before we leave you this evening, a clarification.

Last night, the News At Six aired a story

about a woman who contracted HIV from the blood bank.

A statement attributed to the late US activist Robert Schwab

was incorrect.

We apologise unreservedly.

- We'll leave you tonight... - First apology in years.

... musicians from China,

touring Australia for a series of concerts.

- I'm Helen Norville. - And I'm Rob Rickards.

- Good night. - Good night.

I suppose that's the best they can muster.

Well, I'm changing the channel.

Sale Of The Century or there's a doco on Japan.

You know, the thing that kills me is there is a great story there.

You'd never know it from that bulletin,

but they have stumbled on to one of the most critical stories

of our time.

And the gays have put society at risk.

Of course they have.

And no news outlet will touch it.

Instead of exposing it,

they've muddied the waters with...

with conspiracy theories, misquotes...

But it reflects well on you, doesn't it?

A month without you and look where they've ended up!

Apologising, grovelling.

Best thing you can do is sit back and let them fall apart.

Hm!

Noelene. A word.

Ah, close the door after yourself, will you, please?

Well.

It's a sad old shitshow, isn't it?

Lindsay, I am so, so sorry.

The quote came up a couple of times,

so I didn't think I needed to cross check it further.

I promise this will never happen again.

Look...

... easy mistake to make.

Yes, still, I wanted to stress...

But it was your mistake and we had to apologise.

So, I'm sorry.

You gotta go.

Lots of typing work out there. You'll be fine.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Not at all.

Mate, not now.

Noelene was just doing what she was asked to do.

- Mate... - Can't you just put her on suspension?

You wanted to run the quote. I was the...

Wake up to yourself, ya drip!

If you weren't Mr Helen Norville, you'd be out on your arse too.

So I'd tread very carefully, young Dale.

Thin ice.

Noelene, I'm gonna talk to Helen.

- It's okay. - No, it's not.

She won't stand for it and neither will Rob.

Thank you, but I don't want to cause any more trouble.

I'll... I'll... I'll do a ring around.

There might be something going at another network.

Thank you.

♪ Now let it out ♪

♪ Shout to the night ♪

♪ And so it goes ♪

♪ I hear motion... ♪

Hello?

Lindsay sacked Noelene.

What?

Yeah, right after the bulletin.

He wouldn't listen to me, so can you call him?

- Are you still at work? - No, I'm at home.

Actually, do you know what? Call Rob.

Lindsay might pay more attention to him.

Um, Dale, I'm making dinner for us.

I've got to be up before dawn. I've got a 15-hour day.

I'm sorry.

- Is there something wrong? - Yes.

I fucked up with my reporting and my colleague lost her job.

Isn't that enough?

I just think maybe if you come over here, we can talk about...

No. No, Helen, I can't.

I've gotta be up at three.

Sorry.

Goodnight.

Night.

♪ You say the word ♪

♪ I hear motion ♪

♪ Now let it out ♪

♪ Shout to the night ♪

♪ Shout to the night ♪

♪ And so it goes ♪

♪ I hear motion ♪

♪ I hear motion ♪

♪ I hear motion ♪

♪ I hear motion. ♪

- Hi. - Hi, Adam.

Come in.

Thank you so much for agreeing to this.

Oh, we're lucky.

It's a good day for Russell. Relatively.

Russ, this is Helen Norville.

Hi. It's a pleasure to meet you.

I hear you might be putting me on the telly.

Uh, let's just see how we go, eh?

Oh.

I thought you were gonna make me a star.

- Well. - You think it's too late for me.

Never.

Is the other reporter coming?

- The Bendigo boy? - No.

You can't have too many visitors.

I forgot that you'd had contact with Dale.

- Mm. - Was that for this issue?

No.

Actually, I went to high school with Dale.

In Bendigo, hence the...

Were you friends at school?

Uh, I don't know.

He's not exactly the most popular alumnus.

Um, cuppa? Or water?

Glass of water, please.

How did you two meet?

Oh, well, we were both working at the university.

When was it, darling?

- '82? - Yes, it was.

In '82.

And we locked eyes at a faculty drinks.

But at the time, Adam wasn't out,

so the whole thing was very secretive.

Almost like we were having some thrilling affair.

Thank you.

So may I... may I ask about the diagnosis?

That's what you're here for.

How did that happen?

I'd had a bad run of colds,

but I'd been putting off seeing a doctor.

I think...

... part of me knew.

But then I bit the bullet

and three weeks later, the results came back.

What was it like for you, Adam? Getting tested?

Ah...

Awful.

Waiting for the results was agony.

And I started bargaining with myself.

I said, "If the test results come back negative,

"then I'll never sleep with another man again."

And if they came back positive?

Uh...

... I'd end it.

With Russ?

My life.

So, I really want to put your story on camera.

Now, if you're open to it.

I think I could get a crew here, maybe even today.

Ah, I don't know.

- It could be, a small crew. - Only if it's live.

I'd do it...

... if it's live to air.

- Russ... - No.

I don't want to be chopped up and spliced between Fred Nile...

- We wouldn't water you down. - We need to talk about this.

I know how it goes.

You might have the best of intentions,

but your boss has done...

I can look at getting a live cross out here,

- but... it's a bit... - No.

I want to be in the studio and I want to sit at that desk.

Russ.

Do you have those makeup mirrors

with the light bulbs all around them?

Yes, we do.

Well, then.

Make me a star.

Hey. They charged my car.

- Spat on it. - Who? The protesters?

Yeah, they yelled so hard, bits of spit landed on the windscreen.

I just... I don't understand, mate.

We apologised. Why are they still even here?

Mate, don't worry about it.

Well, can't we get the coppers to move 'em on or something?

Yeah, well, you're going to speak to two of them tonight,

so hopefully that'll shut the door on it.

What?

Helen chased down an interview.

An AIDS patient on the desk.

Yes.

Well, Helen could do it alone, couldn't she?

Well, how do you think that's going to work, Rob?

We're gonna cut to the desk and you're just not there.

Yeah.

Mate, it's just three minutes.

We'll write down the questions. You'll be fine.

Where's Noelene?

It was, uh, Lindsay's call, not mine.

What do you mean?

She got sacked late, over the misquotes.

After last night's bulletin.

As I said, wasn't my call.

Rob, just don't...

- Did you sack Noelene? - Sorry?

This place is bullshit. You can't sack Noelene.

She does 10 times as much work as anyone else here.

Come one, Rob. Mate, I don't like it either.

But upstairs wanted a head to roll

and she had the most expendable head.

Well, get her on the phone. Get her back.

Don't you come in here, yelping orders at me.

If you don't her back right now, I'm happy to...

What are you gonna do, son? What are you gonna do?

Well, I'll fuckin' walk is what I'll do. I don't care.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

It's done.

Righto, mate.

That's how you're gonna treat people.

Well!

Very fuckin' professional, Rob.

- Chuckin' a hissy fit. - No, no.

You find someone else to sit on your desk.

Oh, come on! Hey!

You fancy her, don't ya?

Son, you are scraping the bottom of the fuckin' barrel.

Oh, you... Righto, mate.

You poor bastard.

Well, piss off back to Echuca, you sausage-roll-munching bastard.

Need a moment?

I need a fucking decade.

Should I call Noelene?

Yes.

And you can inform her her suspension... is over.

Hello?

Is Noelene there?

Noelene Kim?

Okay, just do it.

- Rob! - Evelyn.

Um, I'm sorry to turn up unannounced.

I don't suppose Geoff's free at the minute, is he?

- Yeah. Come in. - Thanks.

Good job, darling. You're the eucalyptus hunter.

Well, hey, you look pretty good, Cap.

Well... they've got me, uh, wrapped up in cotton wool,

but I'm getting there.

Listen, um...

... I'm sorry for not coming around to see you sooner.

- It's just been... - Of course. Of course.

To be honest, I've been imagining you sitting up there watching me

and thinking, "Who is this joker who's taken my job?"

Not at all.

Well, I want you to know that I know...

... how shithouse I'm doing. It's...

It's just...

It's never a job I wanted.

And I certainly never lobbied for it.

I know that.

And given the circumstances, you've done very well

and you will continue to grow.

- No doubt. - Actually, I think I'm done,

'cause, uh... yeah, I walked out today.

- What? - Well, it's the blowout

from this AIDS story.

There's riots outside the building.

Noelene got the sack

and now they want me, right,

to interview one of the protesters with AIDS live on the desk.

And I'm... I'm not up for it.

You put me with a sportsman and I can go for hours,

but this situation, it's...

Ah...

I'm not you.

I'll never be.

And I know that.

And, uh... I want you to know...

... that I know that.

I appreciate that, Rob.

It takes a very decent man

to be that honest.

Well done.

Evelyn?

Lay out a suit.

New runsheet. This is now after the AIDS interview.

Uh-huh.

AIDS interview?

Do you wanna have one last look at this parade story

or are you happy?

- Dale? - Ah, it's fine.

Great! Let's move on to the dawn service.

Adam, Russell, just this way.

Just come through here, if you like.

- Do you need a hand? - We're fine, thanks.

You may need everything in that kit of yours.

Nah, we'll have you glowing in no time.

- Just in here? - Mm-hm.

- Oh, yes. - Yep.

Just take a seat.

You can't get it, by the way, just doing his make-up.

Oh, yeah, I know that.

Less talk, more make-up.

Alright.

Tonight, Australia commemorates Anzac Day.

From the dawn service to the parade,

a record number of Australians lined the streets

to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

It's about a nation, it's about a country.

And living with the AIDS virus.

It's feared, it's debated, it's misunderstood.

But for homosexual couple, Russell and Adam,

AIDS isn't a headline, it's their life.

We'll be speaking to them later on in the program.

And from all of us at News at 6,

a very warm welcome back to you, Geoff.

Thank you, Helen.

And to all the viewers who sent cards,

flowers and well wishes...

- Blah, blah, bloody blah. - ... a very, very sincere thank you.

A huge turnout for Anzac Day marches around the country

has surprised even the RSL.

Dale Jennings reports.

- Thousands of people... - And we're clear!

Uh, if I could have my AIDS gentlemen around, please?

... and to think about those who made it home too.

Just up the stairs here, gents.

Russell, you're here, and Adam, you're here.

- Thank you again. Hi, Russell. - Hi.

Thank you.

- Uh... This is... - Geoff Walters. Welcome.

I, uh, I thought it was just with you.

Uh... live interviews are conducted by us both.

This is a really special bulletin

'cause this is Geoff's first since returning.

- Oh, lucky us. - And we are on in 20.

Adam, what should I call you?

Companion? Friend?

Lover.

And in 10.

On my hand in five, four...

Dale Jennings, News at 6.

It's the greatest health crisis to face the country this century.

Hundreds of Australians are now infected with the AIDS virus,

and experts predict it will soon be thousands.

Among those scores, Russell and his companion Adam.

They join us in the studio tonight.

Welcome.

Russell, can you explain your diagnosis?

Uh, well, there's a few.

Um, stomach cancer, which is what's making me sick.

Also AIDS.

How severe is it at the moment?

Well, I'm not about to go dancing, put it that way.

I have my good days and my bad days.

But I'm very lucky.

You don't usually think of an AIDS sufferer as being lucky.

But my lover, Adam...

... has been a huge support to me.

Some people have to go through this alone,

which I just can't imagine.

When your results came back positive,

how did that impact you?

It was horrific.

All of a sudden, you're staring down your own mortality

at the age of 35.

But the worst part, by far,

was knowing that I'd put Adam at risk.

But, Adam, you are not infected.

- Is that right? - That's right.

I got tested right after Russell found out

and, um, well, waiting for those results,

that was the worst time in my life.

And I'm ashamed to say that...

Sorry, sorry, just to go back. Um...

As a loyal long-term couple,

how do you account for the fact that one of you contracted the virus

and the other one did not?

Well, we were a couple,

but we were not a monogamous couple.

Oh-ho!

Adam, did you know that Russell was non-monogamous?

Yes, I did.

Adam, you were saying while you were waiting...

Were you angry with Russell

because of the huge risk he exposed you to?

No.

No?

Russell, do you regret your lack of monogamy?

No, not at all. Not at all.

My only regret is that I wish we'd known about the virus back then.

Well, amongst the public at large,

there's the impression that gay men have spread this disease,

putting the whole community at risk

because of promiscuity and carelessness.

Now, even despite the terrifying price that you've paid,

you still wouldn't endorse monogamy?

No, no.

I would endorse safe sex.

Adam, you've been caring for Russell at home...

Imagine a mother whose young children have AIDS.

- A mother who's devastated... - Come on.

... because a promiscuous gay man donated blood.

- What would you say to them? - Fucking hell!

Maybe that heart attack's done him some good!

What would you say to a mother

who's about to lose her young children?

Well, I would extend my greatest sympathy.

What would you say to Adam's mother

whose son's life you put at risk by your behaviour?

- I think we should move on to... - My mother...

... in fact, my whole family, don't speak to me.

That must be very, very difficult.

Yeah.

It's agony.

But I've spent most of my life trying to avoid it.

But in the end, denying the truth about myself...

... that was even worse.

Russell, Adam, I'm afraid that's all we have time for tonight.

Thank you both very much.

We'll be right back after the break.

Bugger me, I can tell you,

I have not seen this bloke this sharp since the 1970s.

He's grown a set in hospital, that's what he's done.

Come on, hey!

And clear!

I am so sorry.

Adam, Russell, I didn't know that Geoff was gonna be at the bulletin.

I didn't think that he was gonna take...

If your goal was to subdue those protests,

I suspect you might have fallen a little short.

Is Dale here?

Uh, I don't think so, no.

Could I get you to pass on a message from me?

Sure.

Just... sorry.

Sorry.

I'll call you tomorrow

and maybe come around to your house to see you.

Oh, darling...

... we've both heard far worse before

and we will again.

Helen, 20 seconds.

Hello, you've reached Dale Jennings.

I can't take your call right now,

but if you leave me a message with your details,

I'll get back to you.

Dale, it's Mum.

Could you...

Could you give me a ring, please, just when you...

Hi, Mum.

- You saw the... - Yeah.

I had nothing to do with it.

You said you'd had no contact with him.

I haven't.

Adam's a...

I don't know. He's an activist, I guess.

Someone needs to say something to the Lindells.

He shouldn't be coming to your work!

Don't.

Does Helen know about...

- what he... - No.

Well, if she has any concerns, get her to ring me.

I can tell her what kind of person Adam is,

- what kind of a... attacks... - Mum.

He's been through enough.

I'll call you tomorrow.

... very boring.

Noels, how are you?

What the hell, Noely?!

Yeah, I can explain.

Did you get the sack and you didn't tell us?!

I had the best intentions, I promise.

I just might have stuck my foot in it.

I learnt a bit of French at school,

but no Korean, I'm afraid.

Oops. Excuse me. Sorry, everyone.

Um...

Mr Kim, Mrs Kim, Jean,

thank you for that tea.

It was delicious.

Oh.

Merci.

Um... actually, I'll just leave these thongs for you at the door.

Thanks!

Noels, Noels.

I'm gathering you didn't tell your family.

I'm gathering you did!

Ah!

Well... anyway...

... I'm hearing you can come back in on Monday.

What?

Yeah, well, you know bloody Lindsay.

He... he blows a gasket and then a day later

he's forgotten all about it.

- Did you say something? - Eh?

Well, I... I didn't say anything

a halfway decent person wouldn't have said.

I mean, you're the best one there, Noels.

Thank you.

Oh, it's alright.

- Oh. - Oh.

You'd better head back in.

Do you want to grab a drink?

Yeah?

Yeah, I mean, are you sure?

- Yeah. - Yeah?

Nah, I feel like a dork.

- You saw it? - Of course!

- Ah. - Geoff, just slow down.

- You're breathless. - I'm fine, darling.

First day back was always going to push me.

Ah.

What did you think?

Why don't you have a lie down and I'll bring your dinner...

What did you think?

You were incredible.

Absolutely incredible.

Ah, yes.

You should have seen Lindsay's face. Ha!

Okay, you bastard.

You think a sports boy could give you that, huh?

Yeah, unlikely. Ha-ha!

Mm.

- You watched? - Yeah.

Fuck! It was a fucking disaster.

You know, Geoff wasn't even supposed to be there.

He came in specifically, and I don't even know how he heard.

Could I pour myself a drink?

Oh, I feel sick.

- Did you book them? - Fuck!

- Adam and, um... - And Russell? Yeah.

Yeah, I went out looking for someone who had AIDS,

and then Adam came forward and told me about his partner.

You said that he was a research contact.

Yeah.

He said that you guys went to high school together.

So which is it? Or is it both?

- He said that? - Yeah.

He asked me to pass on a message. He said, "Tell him I'm sorry."

Helen, it's a complicated situation between our families.

I don't think...

There's no need to involve you in this.

Involve me in what?

I don't want to talk about it.

You have to tell me.

I mean, nothing that you can say

is worse than what I'm thinking in my head right now.

He made allegations against me.

What kind of allegations?

When we were teenagers.

He said I did things that I did not do.

He said I forced myself on him.

It wasn't me.

It was not me.

- Are you talking sexually? - We were best friends,

we were teenage boys messing around.

It was adolescent boy stuff. It wasn't...

Has anything like this happened since you were a teenager?

Helen, I love you.

- I'm... I'm in love with you. - While we were together?

I'm in love with you, Helen.

With who? With who?

- With who, Dale? - Tim.

For a brief moment, only once, and I stopped it.

As soon as it ended, I told him, Helen.

I told him that I was committed to you!

- Synced & corrected by MementMori - -- www.addic7ed.com --

Helen, this is not fair.

Could you just open the door, please?

Very substantial quantities of radiation have been released

in an accident at the Chernobyl power station.

They're getting five times the standard level of radiation

in Finland.

Well, safe to assume there's gonna be

a few changes for tonight's bulletin.

We don't know how it's gonna play out.

How about I go to the press

and detail exactly how I've been treated by this network?

I've been watching the power structure here for years. Trust me.

Lindsay's blowing his top, he's literally frothing at the mouth.

So I need you to get back here now, please.

Yeah, so what we're gonna do is we're gonna bill you as an expert

on the whole nuclear thing.

With Helen?

Meet with her, spend every waking minute with her,

because both of you have got to blitz this.

Can we talk privately?

Helen?

Whatever happens, son, you just concentrate on the job.