Original subtitles

CRAVE ORIGINAL

PREVIOUSLY Let me introduce Arielle Lahaie.

- I read your novel; it's excellent. - That's very kind.

Would it be a major issue?

If a PBLD employee dated the doctor she's pushing into a national campaign?

- Hypothetically. - Can't happen.

I know for a fact that Dr. Fréchette is not gay.

Plan dinner for three.

I'll make my moves in the shadows, spin my web, you know?

Fine, we did kiss, but I mean, it wasn't the first time.

Let go!

- What's going on? - Your drunk friend wants to drive.

It'd be criminal to let him.

You're really dating that asshole? Is that what you like?

An hour-long interview? I'm in. Antoine, on the other hand...

No! Monique's a total has-been.

You both lost your gigs.

You dated her daughter! The teasers are all written already.

Would you be willing to have dinner with Monique?

Long story short, Monique got pregnant.

I didn't want any more children,

so I gave her an ultimatum.

Is that what you needed to see to be happy, my dear?

YOU LEFT FOR 10 YEARS, WE SURVIVED. LET'S TRY AGAIN.

SINCE WE'RE UNDER PATRICIA'S SUPERVISION,

HOW ABOUT A 2-YEAR BREAK?

- Yes. - Want to talk about it?

Not really.

Can I apologize, at least?

And thank you for wanting to make me happy?

You can, but will it change anything?

Doubt it.

I understand this is difficult for you emotionally.

You said you were ready to see him.

I said yes because I love you.

Seeing Marc again was your dream.

The dream of a child with low self-esteem

who thinks the past can magically change.

Dreams don't always come true.

I'll think about all of this. It's a lot to take in.

Shoving his happiness in my face,

it was too much.

At our age,

if we still can't

love one another without hurting each other...

well, like they say in baseball,

three strikes and we're out.

ANNA COMES HOME

Monique was completely out of line.

Thank you for saying that.

Too bad you couldn't be this supportive in the past.

I was supportive most of the time.

Mm-hmm.

"You don't appreciate our time together.

You got a PhD to stir the pot," etc.

Fine. I could've been more consistent with my support.

Mm-hmm.

Or...

...I have a gift to ruin everything good in my life.

Maybe I really am broken.

When I'm going through an existential crisis,

I talk to Pat.

He's really insightful.

I can cancel Monique's interview if it'll be too hard on you.

Please don't.

It's important for both you and the agency.

J-C's in charge anyway.

See? You're not that broken after all.

I hadn't heard that sweet little voice in a while.

If only we'd been honest with each other.

I'll help.

Since we're being honest,

you can't stay here forever.

I could tell you the same thing.

No, I officially have a room.

My presence feels more natural.

- We'll have to ask Étienne. - What do you mean?

Since I live here temporarily,

I must admit it can't be easy for a boyfriend,

dealing with your almost fused relationship.

Tell me, if you're so concerned about Patrick,

why didn't you tell him he wasn't in any state to see Étienne, yesterday?

Not to mention driving.

He could've avoided losing his licence, getting towed,

and paying $5,000 in legal fees.

I did, but just like someone else living here, he's stubborn.

You probably used that sweet little voice of yours.

That sweet little voice kept you out of prison

when your ex tried to reopen the case.

I've always loved your sweet little voice.

- You better. - Yeah.

- Let go. - No, it's mine.

What happened?

"I'm sorry about last night,

but it doesn't change the fact that I don't love you anymore..."

"I have no desire for you." That's pretty cruel.

- I'm so fucking stupid. - Wait a second!

I don't know why, but Étienne's trying to hurt you.

And based on their dynamics,

I wouldn't be surprised if Kristof sent that.

And if it was Étienne, well, fuck him!

Oh no, come here, sweetie.

- Maybe he's had a change of heart. - It's Marlène Beaumont.

- It's not even 8:00 a.m.! - I'm sick and tired of this shit.

- Turn that thing off. - No!

- Do you want me to answer? - Put her on speaker.

Ahem.

- Hello. - Patrick?

No, it's Anna, Patrick's friend and colleague.

I'm also Monique's--

I know who you are. Put him on.

Well, it's a bit early and we're still at home.

I know it's early, but if I'm calling, the universe just glitched.

Put him on!

One moment, please. Let me just find him in this huge house.

Hello, Marlène, apparently, there's a bit of an emergency?

Now's the time to convince me that hiring you was the right call.

- I love challenges. - Read the message I sent you.

"Hello, Ms. Beaumont, Naomie Cardin, from Urbain Montréal ."

Oh no, not her.

"I'm writing a piece on Arielle Lahaie,

"the trans author whose novel you're about to publish.

"According to two credible sources, Arielle is actually a man named Léo Morin,

"who's posing as trans.

"Since this is a much-anticipated release,

"and this issue raises important ethical questions,

"you have 24 hours to respond before I release my article. Thank you."

- Patrick? - Yes, I just need a minute to think.

It's Anna again.

If I may,

have you contacted this Léo to get his version of the story?

Of course!

I was careless and signed a man posing as a trans woman.

I had 10,000 copies printed!

I was sure of its success! How do we fix this?

Let's meet at my office.

This afternoon around 2 p.m.

Fuck!

Fuck...

- A shower will jump-start the day. - Let's go.

There are your talk-show sponsors and the meeting in Québec City.

- That's enough! - I have so much to do.

Go shower and we'll figure it out after.

No one's dying today.

- Maybe tomorrow. - No, they won't.

Enjoy your shower.

You scared me.

I thought you were sinking into the depths of despair.

No, that was the wine talking.

Yesterday, I thought I was a goner.

- This morning... - You think I'm a slob?

I just cut ties with Anna.

I hate dust mites, so I guess I'm in luck.

Are you hungry?

- I guess I could eat a bite. - All right.

Can I interest you in an omelette?

I'm not really in the mood for that.

Is your famous Bloody Mary with crunchy vegetables on the menu?

- Right. - Yeah.

Let's stick to the classics.

Didn't you say you were completely indifferent to Mr. Marc?

I was.

I really was.

I watched that show-off flaunt their so-called universal love.

I may be a therapy success story...

- Everyone has their limits. - Exactly.

Kimi, a bit stronger.

- Extra olé olé? - Yeah.

You're on fire.

I'll just finish up.

Go for it! It's better than an alarm clock!

- You showed up early to get some peace and quiet. - Well, now that you're here.

I wish she had new photos taken, but which one's your favourite?

- The one on the right is stunning. - It's my favourite too.

Great! Easy day at the office.

I finished her novel yesterday; it really got to me.

Me too. I bawled my eyes out.

I'm not trans, but I sort of got everything.

Use that as your slogan, but without the "sort of."

Of course, it's your client.

Good idea; I'll pitch it to Beaumont.

- I'm a bit nervous. - Don't be; you've got this.

Will he get his act together?

- No, you can't go in there. - I know, but...

I know Pat's your husband, but he's my only friend.

Just get to work and keep things under control there.

- That's it. - You're right.

Pat, it's going to be okay.

- Antoine will take care of you, okay? - Okay.

- Take care of him. - I will.

- Rough night? - Nothing gets past you.

Listen, Patrick fell in the shower.

Is he badly hurt?

No, but Antoine's taking him to the hospital.

Given the state of our hospitals, he won't be available until tomorrow.

So he wants to talk to me?

No, he's given me all his instructions.

I have another call.

- I'll call when I'm on my way. - I'll let everyone know.

Anna, it's important to breathe when dealing with a crisis.

- Hello? - Anna, my dear!

- How should I say this? - I'm in a hurry, so shoot!

Your family reunion with Daddy dearest? A crock of shit?

Yes, it was. Anything worthwhile to say?

I have a gig at 10:00, I put your mom in a cab

after she asked for a fourth Bloody Mary.

Was she conscious?

Conscious enough to threaten to run away to Mexico, incognito.

I see...

uh...

I'll deal with that later.

Kimi?

Thank you for everything you've done for us.

Thank you too.

Fuck!

- They're waiting for you. - Shouldn't you join us?

No, Mia doesn't want calls going to voicemail.

One second.

- Hello. - I'm worried; how did it go with your mother?

Our relationship is officially toxic, but I've seen worse.

- Should I talk to her? - Absolutely not.

She's been on a Bloody Mary diet all morning. She slept at a friend's.

Can I call you back later? I have a big day at work.

Of course, do your thing.

Love you.

Me too.

Noor?

I told you it wasn't a sissy massage.

- Too hard, or not enough? - It's perfect.

- There's a lot of tension to work out. - It would seem so.

See, a nice smile after the storm.

Good God!

In short, everything's cancelled.

She sues the author for her losses.

Arielle, who's now Léo again, publishes his book elsewhere,

and it's a huge success.

How will Marlène Beaumont react?

- That's what concerns you? - We're brainstorming.

Our job is to cover all our bases.

Our job is to defend our client,

not predict the future of a ruthless author.

Who looks down on the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

This has got to stop.

Amen!

If you think that's the best strategy, go for it.

When you're stressed, it stresses me out.

I'm not stressing; I'm thinking.

Girl, you're trying to anticipate Marlène's reaction.

Of course, I am.

We can all imagine how she'll react.

Anna, can I talk to you?

- Seriously? - Sorry.

New office?

I'm the only senior employee here.

Mmm.

If Patrick had something to hide, he would lock the door.

You read my mind.

Tell me, how do we approach the meeting in Québec City?

Patrick told me.

He won't want to show up with a bump on the head.

- From falling in the shower. - Right.

The trip was cancelled. We'll have a virtual meeting.

Perfect; send me the link.

Listen, Jean-Michel is my client.

I can handle things myself.

Practise your pitch on me.

- Two heads are better than one. - Yes,

but Patrick must want you to focus on the meeting with Marlène Beaumont.

She's such an important client.

I heard you make a mean Bloody Mary.

Mmm.

You're 40 years too late to be Superman.

You think it's the right moment to get involved?

To save your daughter?

- I came all the way here! - I didn't ask you to.

I could knock all day.

Fine.

Hate me all you want, but Anna doesn't deserve this.

What does she deserve, according to Marc Tremblay, father of the year?

That you kindly let me in.

Hello, I'm Dr. Fréchette. May I speak with Anna Brodeur, please?

Yes, of course.

Here she is.

- Dr. Fréchette's here to see you. - Thank you, Noor.

- Hello. - Hi.

I thought you weren't free on weekdays.

I teach at university on Wednesday afternoons.

You teach at university.

What else are you hiding?

- Can we talk in private? - Yes, of course.

Everyone, this is Dr. Fréchette. He'll be working with Maestro Marsolais.

Hello, Dr. Fréchette.

Follow me.

What's up?

I printed some new statistics for tomorrow's meeting.

"Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Concerning Rise in Québec and Worldwide."

It might convince them.

You could've emailed this to me, Doctor.

Oops... Busted.

If we close the curtains,

we could make out.

We could.

Oops.

I really enjoyed our dinners

and everything else.

It wasn't very professional.

- But it was nice, wasn't it? - Very nice indeed.

No need to go overboard. This isn't some authority relationship.

We can't see each other anymore...

except for campaign-related matters.

I'll back out of the project.

The day before the pitch? That would be a shame.

So, to sum up, we've decided to be reasonable.

Nice to meet you, Dr. Fréchette. Mia Coupal, Senior Manager at PBLD.

We're excited about tomorrow's presentation. It's a wonderful project.

Thank you.

Oh!

Potent as ever!

What can I do for you, Marc?

Listen, Monique...

...I wouldn't have liked to be you last night.

How much did Anna pay you to say that?

She doesn't want me to get involved.

- You're here to help her? - I'm here to make sure you're okay.

I haven't missed you. I imagine it's mutual.

That we can agree on, but Anna's trying to...

She's trying to what?

How was I supposed to react?

Your new baby, Delphine, all that happiness...

I'm not even blaming you.

I'm sorry.

I wasn't a good partner nor a good father.

- I didn't ask you for anything. - I know.

Only...

I regret...

pressuring you to get an abortion.

- Samuel Hébert. - Hi, Samuel.

It's Monique.

- Monique? - Come on, your ex-mother-in-law.

Ms. Brodeur?

What's up? Nothing serious, I hope.

No, it's just that I'm at home

with my ex.

And I honestly don't feel safe.

- Did he threaten you? - No, not at all.

He's been a perfect gentleman.

My problem is a little more personal.

And you're telling me this why?

You're pretty damn clueless for a cop.

Should I send officers?

No, I'm talking about emotions.

You want to sleep with him?

Are you serious?

When they taught emotional intelligence at the police academy,

you clearly had a metal rod up your ass!

I was trying to help.

I'm not surprised you're too uptight

to forgive Anna.

I can now confirm that you're heartless.

Hey.

What time is it?

1:30; you slept for over an hour.

You stayed here the entire time?

I went over my interview questions.

- You didn't have to. - I'm more than happy to take care of you.

That's nice and all...

Tut tut tut tut.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you want to cry?

Oh.

I think I cried enough for a lifetime.

A second smile! I'd call that a good mood.

- Too much love and emotion for one day. - Fine, okay.

Enough, then.

To keep the ball rolling,

here's a smoothie to get you back in gear.

Unlike Monique Brodeur, I'll tell you what's in it: two CBD gummies.

It's been shown to help you relax, reduce anxiety,

and improve your mood.

Scientifically proven.

That's kind.

You've been taking care of others for years.

What about you?

Mm?

All is said.

Okay, I understand.

All right, so what do we do?

It's 2 p.m. I feel like listening in on the meeting.

- Ms. Beaumont. - Is Patrick here?

- Unfortunately, Patrick's out sick. - He didn't tell me.

He updated the team. They're waiting. Follow me.

- Are you sure? - I'm against it.

I'm not dead! I can follow a conversation.

Gentlemen, the big bad Beaumont just arrived.

Go.

My bladder's not quite what it used to be.

When your daughter turns 17 or 18,

she'll fall in love.

I'll likely be done driving everyone crazy by then.

Exactly.

I didn't wish you dead.

Just a tad...

I hope she's not stupid enough to think love...

...conquers all.

I paid a heavy price for that mistake.

Monique.

For whatever time I’ve got left, I promise I’ll never hurt you again

Is that even possible at our age? Making promises...

We can try.

You're implying we'll see each other again.

How about you lie down for a bit; I'll clean up the kitchen.

- It's the hardest part. - Yeah.

That's our recommendation.

We cancel the book launch. What do we do with the novel?

Unfortunately, you can't publish it.

I printed 10,000 copies.

We understand it's a delicate situation.

10,000 copies of a first novel, it's practically unheard of.

I did so because it has incredible potential.

We were all shocked by how vividly the novel comes to life.

I had the tag line all prepared: "I'm not trans, but I get it."

It made me cry too.

We all loved it, but now the truth is out.

We really don't want the LGBTQIA2S+ community

to gang up on La Marge Publishing.

I understand that people get sensitive.

It's not just that.

You're asking me to throw $80,000 out the window.

The author lied about his identity.

The odds of getting compensation are in your favour.

Hmm.

- I still have to sue him. - Yes, it's a tedious process,

but on a PR level, it would prove you weren't in on it.

You've read the novel.

- It's not an insult to the trans community. - You can't separate the two.

He based his credibility on an experience he never had.

It'll be seen as appropriation.

Flaubert shouldn't have written Madame Bovary ?

- People see things differently now. - Times have changed.

Frustration or losing money aren't good reasons to overlook things.

- That's enough. - No!

We've looked at every media crisis from the past few years.

Including the one at TNM. SHE'LL DROP US

We don't have a choice.

Naomie Cardin wrote Exposing First Nations: The Normand Savoie Case.

There's Sophie Ducharme's case, where she impersonated a Black voice.

You'll end up paying the price. We don't want that.

WE NEED A PLAN B NOW!!!

I appreciate...

...your honesty.

Don't you have a plan B?

Listen, Ms. Beaumont,

we're well aware--

Of course, we have a plan B. We always do.

Finally, I was choking on the inside.

Anna, would you mind explaining what our plan B is?

Of course, I can do that.

We're all ears.

Umm...

So...

here's the famous plan B

we discussed briefly with Patrick.

We'll call Naomie Cardin.

It won't work. Where's she going with this?

Hold on, just trust her. Listen.

We'll invite her to a high-level meeting,

here at the office.

We'll bring in all parties involved.

Including Léo, aka Arielle, and you, Ms. Beaumont.

As well as a trans woman, of course,

to discuss the situation openly and honestly

in front of the cameras.

From that,

we'll edit snippets

and post them online to spark a discussion.

It'll prepare readers,

the whole readership,

and allow them to form their own opinion.

Most importantly, they'll want to read the book.

Do all parties agree?

We haven't confirmed yet, but considering the circumstances...

Next time, start with plan B.

What is it?

You'll give Léo Morin a platform?

A go-getter who dressed up as a woman

and changed his voice to convince Marlène Beaumont

he was a real trans woman, so he'd get published?

It's sick.

It's sick.

I don't want any part in this.

A word?

I know you're upset about my promotion.

Patrick named me Senior Manager, not you.

I have the experience.

I was talking to Marlène Beaumont,

I was just about to convince her to go with the best-case scenario.

In Patrick's absence, you went behind his back!

No! I'm warning you, this isn't over.

SHE'LL DROP US!

WE NEED A PLAN B NOW!!!

I would've told you before if I could.

- Want to call Naomie together? - It's your plan.

Ask your husband.

Ugh.

- Did she eat a rabid dog? - We had some challenges today.

- Patrick never answered. - How can I help?

It's concerning dinner with Dr. Fréchette.

I said we'd take care of it after our meeting tomorrow.

- Did you forget? - No.

I can't give you all the details, but since he's so busy,

I'd like to confirm a date ASAP.

What's the emergency?

Mm, Anna.

I'm old enough. I don't need your permission.

So let me reiterate.

I'll plan your stupid date

with a doctor who's not interested in you after tomorrow's meeting.

Is that clear enough?

- That tone doesn't become you. - Unfortunately, it's the only one I have today.

Is Ms. Brodeur here?

Yes, and who exactly is asking for her?

Ms. Brodeur, are you okay?

Oh.

Don't worry, he doesn't bite.

Our crafty Anna must've planned this, so we'd reconnect.

So her plan worked?

- It worked very well. - Who is he?

That handsome man is Samuel, a great detective.

If life hadn't been so fickle, he could've been your son-in-law.

So you dated my daughter?

For a few weeks.

He couldn't forgive her for sleeping with Antoine during a moment of weakness.

Well, you're up to speed.

If you're looking to blame someone

for the problems between you and Anna,

let's say Anna got a lot of his traits.

So everything's fine here?

Yes, Ms. Brodeur just had a nap.

I stayed to make sure she didn't choke on her own vomit.

How classy. Hooray for Exes.

- I'm guessing Anna's doing well? - Absolutely.

She's on fire!

Single as ever.

Yeah... and you?

- I'm very well, thanks. - Yeah?

- Well, enjoy your reunion. - Okay.

You'll be okay?

Yes, you get an A for effort.

Tell your daughter I said hi. I mean, your wife.

Right.

Jean-Michel called you?

- Yeah, but he went straight to voicemail.

- You're not mad? - No, he was out of line.

Our love for clients has limits.

Yeah, but thanks to me,

the office is empty.

They'll get over it. Tomorrow's a new day.

Mia said she was about to convince Marlène.

Maybe she was right; I humiliated her.

No, Mia doesn't know Marlène negotiated an exit clause.

If she's not fully satisfied with our services,

she can end her contract within the next four months.

Judging by her tone, she was ready to walk out on us,

so your plan's the best one.

Call Naomie and ask her to meet now.

- In person? - Yes, it'll be easier to manage.

You can read her and adjust.

Plus, she won't really have an out.

- What if she says no? - Anna, she can't say no.

Okay? Go.

Knock, knock.

The two rejection letters sent to Léo Morin and some rather negative reviews.

I couldn't find the 2020 manuscript,

but I just sent you the 2022 version, The Noise of Silence .

You're amazing.

Anything else?

I wouldn't mind a moment of relaxation.

Unfortunately, I'm expected elsewhere.

Not even 10 minutes? Just to help me get through the storm.

Not tonight.

- Cédrick? - Yes?

- Is everything okay? - Yeah.

Have a good evening.

- Double espresso to help you sleep. - Thank you.

If I decline your offer, what will Ms. Beaumont do?

I'd rather you accept.

Otherwise, you publish your article

and nobody wins.

- I can ask any questions I deem relevant? - Yes, that's the idea.

I get to pick the trans woman. Ideally, an author.

- Perfect, anything else? - Two copies of the manuscript.

Let me get those for you.

Give us 24 hours to read them.

We'd like to have the meeting here on Friday around 9 am.

I'm sure your offer will interest readers.

I suspect any kind of dishonesty from you or anyone else involved,

I'll withdraw and publish my article.

- Understood? - Yes.

Thank you.

I know we're supposed to be taking a break,

but I'm still leaving this message.

I've been thinking about dinner yesterday.

You never told me you wanted to have another child.

I can't even imagine what that would've been like.

Thank you for choosing to be my mom.

You probably won't believe me, but I'm happy to be here.

Can't wait for that break to be over.

- Come on. - What?

Don't tell me this message isn't a miracle.

- Especially after how you acted. - You asked how I was doing.

- Better. - Yes, but...

- Are you going to call her back? - We're taking a break.

Can you text her at least?

Tell her that seeing her dad again wasn't such an awful idea.

It might help her sleep at night.

Why risk... blurring the lines?

We must give time... the time to heal.

Right.

That time you're taking

could start getting on the nerves of those who know the whole story.

My God, what a great topic.

You can talk about it on your first One Drag Show.

Hey.

Don't start.

Because your next call for help - we both know there'll be one -

might go straight to voicemail.

Now, text your daughter.

That's it.

Good girl.

I'M NOT READY YET, BUT THANK YOU FOR THE LOVELY MESSAGE.

See? Things are slowly getting better.

It'll be the same at the office.

You seem better.

No man I've loved ever told me he had no more desire for me.

That was...

- Well, you know, you were there. - Yeah.

Honestly, Antoine stepped up.

- So he gets to stay on the couch? - Right.

Once he shoots his pilot...

- Hey, ciao, bye. - Ciao, bye.

It's crazy.

We all hit rock bottom, but we're slowly climbing back up.

There's beauty there.

Uh...

I wanted to wait until you felt better to tell you.

- What? - Well...

It was stupid.

I had sex with Harold.

Anna, no!

Yes, I know...

I told him today, and I was adamant,

that it would never happen again.

It was obviously a mistake.

- How did he react? - He was pretty disappointed,

but he understood.

Does anyone else know?

No, that's the beauty of it; it stays between us.

Well, in that case...

Yay!

I've never felt so ridiculous.

In my line of work, I've heard every possible excuse for shadowing someone.

It's none of my business.

Good thing is, my work is just as confidential as a doctor's.

You won't tell me anything I don't know already.

Is that right?

He's probably married. Hopefully, he doesn't have any kids.

He drives to work in a red convertible.

Deep red.

He's been married to Judith Lord for four years.

Of course. She's easy on the eye as well.

She's an audiologist. No children. They both work a lot.

Still manageable.

Before his last dinner reservation...

I know who she is. She does my PR.

- Anna Brodeur? - Yes.

She should've told me she was having dinner with him.

She's probably planning a surprise for me.

He followed her

into a bathroom stall.

They exited nine minutes later.

And?

Some looks don't lie, Mr. Marsolais.

NEXT ON ANNA COMES HOME

I deleted your number.

Can we talk?