Original subtitles

[sheep bleat]

[birds chirp]

[dog barks]

[cat meows]

[chuckles] Oh.

You've come to say hello too, have you?

[chuckles]

[woman] I used to believe that, as a journalist,

it was inevitable that you'd end up betraying your subjects.

That your job was to seem friendly and sympathetic,

even though you never had the slightest intention

of collaborating with them.

That the real intention was always to write a story,

regardless of the truth.

That was until I became part of the story.

Only then did I realise the power of telling the truth.

[theme music plays]

[birds chirp]

I know, but I didn't wanna cancel.

Yeah, especially if she's coming.

Yeah, that's why I said let's do it at mine.

Oh, well, of course.

Yeah, she's... she's in pieces, isn't she?

- Oi! - Hang on.

We not saying goodbye nowadays, then?

North Walians are so bloody rude.

Goodbye, Dai. Until we meet upon the morrow.

See you tomorrow, then.

Don't forget my pain au chocolate.

[woman on radio] So, in summary, a pleasant day here in West Wales,

northerly winds and mild temperatures

of between eight and twelve degrees.

Bit of news coming up on the hour,

but before then we've got

some classic Kylie and Jason for you.

[♪ Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue: "Especially For You"]

♪ Especially for you...

[music stops]

[probation officer] Since August, since July, sorry,

Mr Pritchard has been working on day release

at, um, Babin House.

- As a gardener. - Yes.

How have you found working in the community?

Good. I like working. I like being busy.

[judge] You asked for Mrs Roberts, the victim's mother,

not to be present.

Have you read her victim impact statement?

Yes.

[Mrs Roberts] Where is she?

Where is she?

[judge] Mr Pritchard.

Is there anything you would like to say to Mrs Roberts?

[judge] His record is good, but the murder

of a 15-year-old girl is what we need to remember.

[probation officer] And for that I think he has shown remorse.

[judge] But this consistent claim that he can't remember how she died

or where he disposed of the body, that still stands?

[probation officer] Yes. He had a referral for dissociative amnesia back in 2015.

But he has never denied responsibility for his offence.

[judge] So, do we still consider him to be a risk?

[dog barks]

[doorbell rings]

Alan! How's your knee?

- No measurable improvement. - Aw.

Well, thanks for coming all this way. Sit down.

I'll make you a nice cup of tea.

- Hi, Cer. - Hiya.

- What's in the box? - Red velvet fairy cakes.

What do you think this is, Come Dine With Me?

Oh, how's the knee, Alan?

No measurable improvement.

[doorbell rings]

- Shall I...? - No, no, no. I'll go.

- You know he was Ela's cat? - [Alan] No.

- Yeah, he's nearly 20. - Doesn't look it, does he?

- Smells it, though. - £3,000 on chemo.

- No. - Everyone, this is Maddie.

Maddie, this is everyone.

Hiya.

So, um...

The first thing, obviously, is to welcome Maddie.

Welcome.

Although I coordinate the group, I'm not in charge as such.

Everyone here in this room is the same.

We've all lost someone to violent crime.

- So we all know what it's like. - And you don't have to...

And just to say, Maddie,

you don't have to share anything today if you don't want to.

I'll probably just listen.

And then they said he was evidence,

and they couldn't let me touch him, or kiss him.

And I didn't get a chance to...

Say goodbye?

- I know. - Didn't you?

No, cariad.

Not yet.

I appreciate the work, but the things that I'm writing about...

I wanna write stories that matter, stories with substance.

- What's stopping you? - Apart from money and time?

I'm just looking for the right thing.

Actually, I've been reading about this cult in America...

You should write about Joe Pritchard.

- No. - Why not?

I just don't wanna go back there.

So if somebody else wrote it, it wouldn't bother you?

What's this?

- Back in Llanemlyn... - Your home town?

That's right.

Anyway, 18 years ago,

a 15-year-old girl vanished, and a local kid...

Oh, come on. She knew them both.

No. No, I didn't. I didn't know him, not really.

But I did know her. Ela. She was one of my best friends.

You never mentioned this before.

It was a long time ago.

So, Joe Pritchard, 18 at the time,

was convicted of Ela's murder.

But it was a miscarriage of justice?

No, no, he did do it, but the thing is, such a small town,

and we never, police included, ever found out why he did it

or what he did with Ela's body.

It's like a black hole in the collective psyche of the town.

[woman] And now he's up for parole.

Yeah, but that doesn't mean he's gonna get it, does it?

- He didn't last time. - This sounds interesting.

We've been looking for a story like this.

[Maddie] Honestly, now, if it's easier to email...

Mm-mm. Now, read the bit, "dealing with media intrusion",

cos if you are not prepared, they will take advantage.

If you engage, that's it, there's no stopping them.

Right, folder.

You'll get used to her. Eventually.

Only joking. You never get used to her.

Did you see the light switch in the hall?

The one with the tape over it?

She's kept that light on since Ela disappeared.

Right, cariad.

- There you are. - Thanks.

[Mrs Roberts] Take care, Alan! Ta-ra, Bron!

Bye, Maddie. See you next time.

Bye. And thanks.

Buzz you later.

[front door opens]

[front door closes]

All right?

- No. - What is it?

Work.

How was the murder wang gang?

Can you stop calling it that, please?

That's what you do, innit? Wang on about murder.

Just like you wang on about your wedding.

Which is, I believe, what they call normal.

Talking about death is normal.

It's real. It happens.

OK, I'm sorry.

And people should be allowed to talk about it

without being bereavement shamed.

Oh, God, all right!

Sorry. Had a shit day.

Better?

OK.

[man] These days, true crime can be whatever it wants to be.

However you style it,

it's still picking over the bones of the dead.

And not just the dead. The tragic dead.

It's not really about the tragic dead, is it?

It's about us, what we bring to the story,

and what we take from it.

Hmm. What do we take from it?

Resolution.

The story, the crime, gets some sense of closure.

Yeah, I guess.

So what's the latest with your wife?

I think she's moving in with that arsehole.

- Oh, shit. Sorry. - No. It's old news now.

Right.

I think Mags is right.

You need to write the story about your friend.

I know it's the obvious thing to do, but...

I don't know if I wanna go there.

You're always saying you wanna get your own voice heard.

You know the family, the community.

Isn't it your story to tell?

What are you looking for?

A screw.

- What kind of screw? - Forget about it.

Dai. Just tell me what kind of screw you're after.

Well, that's a bit inappropriate, innit, Sharon?

I might have to call you out on the internet about that.

Don't try and be modern, Dai. It makes me feel sick.

What do you mean, try? I am modern.

I was just thinking of having some of that new sushi

from the Co-op for my lunch.

Sushi isn't new, Dai.

Well, if it ain't a steak bake, it's new to me, babe.

[phone rings]

Hello.

Did he say anything?

What about the panel?

OK.

Bye. Thanks.

Right, come on. I'm taking you to lunch.

- What about the screws? - Screw the screws.

Why didn't you tell me that he was up for parole?

I thought you were tired of hearing about it.

Everyone else is.

Well, everyone else isn't me.

Do you know what?

I'm genuinely surprised

I haven't got cancer from hating him so much.

Well, if you check, you might find that you have got cancer.

Bet you I have that dream again.

Which one?

It's the one where he's just about

to tell me where she is,

and... I wake up.

I've got a feeling that if I could get him on his own,

I could make him talk.

Is that nuts?

- Yeah. - Oh.

Mind you, I'd be the same.

The second they let him out, I'd be all over him.

They don't tell you where they send them, you know.

So? I'd find out, easy.

If he gets out, then... that's it.

I'm never gonna get her back.

He's not getting out.

No.

Listen to me.

Whatever obstacle is in your mind,

can't you try to go round it, pretend it's not there?

Whatever you have to do.

You need to tell them where her body is.

I can't help 'em.

[sighs]

Take it.

[ringing tone]

This is Greta. You know what to do.

Where are you? We need to talk about this bloody outfit.

[doorbell rings]

[indistinct voices over police radio]

[ringing tone]

This is Greta. You know what to do.

Where are you? Why aren't you picking up?

- [doorbell rings] - Phone me straight back.

Sharon? It's the police.

Can you open up?

[phone rings]

[Sharon] Thank God.

[Greta] Mam, what's the matter? What's going on?

[knocking]

[officer] Sharon, it's important.

- Look, I'll call you back. - Mam.

Sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you.

I've got some news.

Joe Pritchard.

What about him?

The parole board have decided to release him.

I know it's not what we hoped for.

- Where will he be? - I can't tell you.

He'll be on licence,

so he can't contact you or come within five miles of here.

[phone rings]

Graham, hi. How you doing?

Yeah.

Right, OK. Well, thank you for letting me know.

Um, Graham, is there a way of finding out

where he's gonna be placed?

Great. I'll speak to you later, then. Bye.

Shit. He's getting out.

That's a good thing, isn't it?

I don't know.

Cat, write the bloody story.

[scrubbing]

I'm going out!

[Sharon] All right.

- Don't be late. - [Ela] I won't.

- Love you! - Love you too!

What's going on?

Nothing.

I left work early.

- I thought something was wrong. - Will you get into trouble?

Can you get your head out the cupboard?

What's going on? Is this about the costume?

Yes.

No, something's happened, hasn't it?

It's him, isn't it?

[sighs]

He's getting out.

- When? - On the 12th.

Of this month?

- It's not fair. - I know.

I know.

[cat meows]

At least it won't be hanging over us any more.

The best thing we can do now is just get on with our lives

and not let him ruin anything else.

Not let him ruin the wedding.

We're not gonna let him ruin the wedding, are we?

Of course we're not.

So when we go out tomorrow, we're just gonna have a drink

and a laugh and a good time, right?

Right.

[chuckles]

♪ Oh, no, not I I will survive ♪

♪ Oh, as long as I know how to love

♪ I know I'll stay alive...

She is really going for it. Yeah!

♪ I've got all my love to give ♪

♪ I'll survive

♪ I will survive I will survive ♪

Ah-ah! Whoo!

[whooping]

[karaoke DJ] Come on, then, hens, let's give it up

for the fantastic Sali!

I really enjoyed that. Made me feel so powerful.

Your stepmum's hilarious.

Do you think she sings like that for your dad?

[groans]

Come on.

I need a wee.

[panting]

[soft music plays]

[door buzzer rings]

- All right? - You called, madame?

Yeah, thanks for coming over so quickly. Come in.

So what's up?

Um...

I've decided to do it. The story.

I'm going back to Llanemlyn.

♪ Break my bones but you won't see me fall, whoa ♪

♪ The rising tide will rise against them all, oh-oh ♪

♪ Darling, hold my hand

♪ Oh, won't you hold my hand?

♪ Cos I don't wanna walk on my own any more ♪

♪ Won't you understand?

♪ Cos I don't wanna walk alone I'm ready for this ♪

Now for some vintage cheese, especially for you.

Jason and Kylie couldn't make it,

so we have to make do with Rhydian and Sharon!

- [cheering] - No. No.

- Come on, babes. - No, I can't. No, please.

- You be Jason, I'll be Kylie! - I don't want to.

- This is Ela's song. - Go on.

[all chant] Sharon! Sharon! Sharon!

- You'll be fine. - Sharon! Sharon!

- Come on. - I don't want to.

[whooping]

♪ Especially for you

♪ I wanna let you know what I've been going through ♪

♪ And all the times we were apart I know... ♪

[yells]

- [thuds] - [gasping]

[music stops]

Shit. He's bleeding.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

[sighs]

Why'd you do that?

Sorry. It was an accident.

- Is everyone OK? - How was that an accident?

- It was an accident. - Sorry. Do you mind?

I'm trying to speak to my mother.

I told him I didn't want to.

I told him it was Ela's song, but he wouldn't listen.

- But it wasn't Ela's song. - It was.

No, it wasn't. She didn't even like that song.

She always told you to stop playing it.

[sighs]

I knew something like this was gonna happen.

I knew it.

Can we not do this?

Because I can't have anything, can I?

I can't have anything ever.

I can't even have my own hen do

because everything always, always has to be about Ela.

- No. Gret... - Oh, don't Gret me. Just...

Just go home.

Oh...

So, Joe Pritchard, is it that

he can't disclose her whereabouts or that he won't?

Is that his way of maintaining control over the family?

Although that would make him a sadistic psychopath.

Well, I don't think he's that, but, honestly, I don't know.

There were plenty of rumours about him.

Yeah? Like what?

All the usual stuff for somebody that's a bit of an outsider.

I mean, he lived in a caravan in the woods.

What more d'you want?

Hey, is... is this her?

Yeah. Yeah, that's Ela.

That's me. And that's Caryl.

We used to do everything together.

I haven't seen Caryl in years.

[man] And what about Ela's family?

I wrote to her mum, Sharon, once,

but I didn't get anything back.

I thought you said you guys were close friends.

Yeah, we were.

I just don't know what kind of reaction I'm gonna get

after all this time.

Well, I think you're making the right decision, Cat.

Hmm. Almost sounds like you're gonna commission my story.

Well, I mean, seeing as you're gonna do it anyway...

Hang on. So you are?

Of course I am.

All right, what's the first move?

Well, I've managed to track down

the address for Joe's probation hostel.

- Straight in there, then. - Yeah, naturally.

Look, just be careful.

I don't want you putting yourself in any danger.

I won't.

- Hey, pass me the hairdryer. - Yeah.

Look, I don't want you to...

I don't want you to think that I'm...

I'm only commissioning you because we...

Sorry.

[clattering]

Oh, shit.

[both laugh]

[scissors snipping]

[young Joe] Careful, Shelley.

- Don't move. - I'm not.

[door bangs]

[man] Shelley! Shelley, come here!

[banging]

[woman] Do you think they'll recognise you?

Your family?

I don't know.

[knocking]

I made you a cup of tea.

I'm sorry for being horrible.

Well... if you were, I deserved it.

Sorry.

I wanna be here for you from now on, OK?

It's not that I want it to be about me all the time.

Oh, I know.

I think about her too.

What do you think about?

If things had gone differently.

If she'd have stayed home that day.

If she hadn't gone near that freak.

Do you sense that she is dead?

Because sometimes I feel like she isn't.

She is.

She's just not home yet.

[announcer] The train is now approaching Newport.

[conductor] Tickets, please.

Thank you. Thank you.

[Joe] It's a travel warrant.

It's the same as a ticket.

It's from the prison.

I just got out of prison.

[young Joe] Shelley, wait!

[announcement beep sounds]

[announcer] The next station is Carmarthen.

The train will terminate here.

[drum and bass music plays]

Right.

So your next appointment will be at the probation office.

OK?

[man] I've already told you,

I haven't fucking seen her!

All the details you need are in here.

It's really important that you attend. OK?

Good luck.

[biscuits rattle]

Sylvester!

Oh...

Oh, no.

Oh, Sylvester.

Hello, Mum.

Oh.

I'll bring better ones next time.

Your hair looks nice.

Oh.

Someone comes in.

Shelley was the only one who did it the way I liked.

It's your fault she's gone.

- No. - Where is she?

Where's your sister? Where is Shelley?

- Where is she? - Fuck...

Where's Shelley?

- Mum! - [sobs]

- Eilis? - [alarm blares]

- Are you OK? - Shelley...

[carer] What happened?

[mother] Oh, Shelley...

I'll see you again, Mum.

[sobs]

I'll see you soon.

[key turns in lock]

Oh. All right, mate? Ian.

Joe.

Uh, I was in this room before.

I left a photo, I did. D'you mind?

Just got out, have you?

Aye. It's what they said.

Hmm.

Seen my girl?

She's 20 now. Bit of a prick as it goes.

Only joking.

How long was you in for, then?

Not to be busy, like, but, well, you know,

you like to know who your neighbours are, right?

Anyway...

Oh. Need any razors?

I got a load of swivel heads, special edition.

No.

Sunglasses? Chocolates?

- No. - Right.

See you around, then.

He was...

He was...

I know, girl.

[sobs]

Just...

tell me how I can help you.

Joe?

My name's Cat Donato.

I'm from Llanemlyn too. I'm a writer now.

- I'm writing an article... - I'm not interested.

OK, fair enough.

You wouldn't have to say anything,

but maybe we could just grab a drink

and I could tell you why I'm wri...

OK.

Um, look, if you change your mind about talking,

then here's my number.

Call me, or text me, any time.

What, is he famous or something?

Bitch.

[siren wails]

[Sharon] Where is she?

Where is she?