03x07 - Prima

[bunniefuu]

[SYMPHONIC MUSIC PLAYING]

ALEXEI: Very good, Tatiana.

Natasha, please.

Bravo!

[SPEAKS RUSSIAN]

Tatiana.

The Presnensky Ballet is truly blessed

to have such prodigious talent.

But there can be only one prima.

You will have my decision

in the morning.

Good luck.

Those chaîné turns were flawless.

And you were so out of breath at the end.

[LAUGHS SOFTLY]

[g*n CLICKS]

[GASPS]

[SHOUTING IN RUSSIAN]

MIKE: Man, they've added
a lot of new stuff.

What do you think? One of everything?

Babe.

Oh, s-sorry, I'm just
checking in with the sitter.

It's bath time,
and Cody and Amy are helping.

Wish you were there?

Yeah. I'm gone so much
that when I'm home,

I just want to be with them every second.

[LAUGHS]

What?

Nothing. [STAMMERS]

Do you want to order something to eat

or nosh on this delicious piece
of chopped liver?

I'm being terrible, aren't I?

You haven't nodded off yet, so as far

- as date night's concerned, I'd say
- Oh, God.

[CHUCKLES]: we're doing
better than usual.

I get it.
You're juggling a lot of things,

between the kids and your other husband.

Will you quit calling him that?

Eric does get to spend more time
with you than I do.

Oh, Mike, come on. That's the job.

Eric is my boss.

You're my husband.

No matter what, you always come first.

That's good to know.

How about after dinner we, um,
stay out a little longer?

See where the night takes us?

[CELL PHONE RINGING]

I'll call him back later.

[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]

Hey, Eric, what's up?

Yeah, she's right here.

[SIGHS]

Hey.

Okay.

I'll catch a flight tonight.

KIDNAPPER: We said no police.

Sir, I'm not law enforcement.

I'm a negotiator hired
by the Presnensky Ballet.

My only goal is to ensure that
both parties get what they want

and that nobody gets hurt.

You know what we want.

Four million U.S. dollars, cash.

Yes, your ransom note was very clear.

But before we proceed, we need some proof

that Natasha and Tatiana are still alive.

Here's your proof.

[BOTH WHIMPERING]

BOGDAN: Tatiana.

If that bastard hurts one
hair on my daughter's head...

- one hair...
- CYNTHIA: Mr. Popov,

you have to remain calm.

[MILENA SHUDDERS]

Satisfied?

Yes. Thank you.

Most of the company's funds are tied up

in their upcoming production,

and Natasha and Tatiana's
parents aren't wealthy.

We can offer you $ million.

That is half of what I asked.

Two million is still a very good payday.

You kidnapped two dancers

from the most respected
ballet company in the world.

How long do you think we'll be able

to keep the police away from this?

Get the money together.

We'll call back with instructions.

Just know,

you will only be getting
one ballerina back.

Okay.

Well, I think we've been very clear...

we're negotiating for both.

One ballerina.

You choose which.

♪

OLIVER: Kidnapper is volatile,

stubborn, determined.

- No flexibility there?
- I don't think so.

We offered half the ransom.

Half the ransom equals one dancer.

Yeah, he's leveraging
the other ballerina,

forcing us to pay him the rest.

But we have no more money to spare.

OLIVER: Alexei, the kidnappers knew

that there was an audition taking place,

which means they were aware
of the company's schedule.

You feel this is an inside job?

I can't imagine any of my employees

doing something like this.

- But you can think of someone.
- Yes.

Ivan Orlov, my predecessor.

Before I took over, the Presnensky Ballet

was mired in corruption.

Ivan was accused of taking bribes,

money and sexual favors from dancers

in exchange for roles.

It became a national scandal,
so he was fired three years ago.

And I'm guessing
he didn't take this well.

That would be an understatement.

ZARA: Eric?

We have a problem.

Stop talking! Listen to me!

I gave , to the ransom.

She contributed next to nothing. Nothing!

Natasha's life is just
as valuable as Tatiana's,

if not more so.

Everyone knows she is the better dancer.

She should be the one chosen.

We won't be choosing.

I was hired to get both
your daughters back,

and that's what I intend to do.

How?

ERIC: My team and I will come up

with a strategy, but option one

is to raise the rest of the ransom.

We will give you a call
when we have an update,

but for your daughters' sakes,
please, let us do our job.

And how do you plan on raising
the rest of the money?

I saw that you recently got
a budget increase

from the minister of the arts.

We could contact him.

No. He'll call the police. It's his duty.

Okay, let me worry about that.
Right now, he's our best hope

of getting two million on short notice.

Sorry to interrupt.

I have the sketches for your approval.

No, it's fine.

Handle your business.
We'll, uh, take it from here.

Okay.

All right, Zara and I
will contact the minster.

You two, uh, try and track down
that old ballet director.

See what you can find out.

[POUNDING ON DOOR]

[NATASHA SPEAKING RUSSIAN]

Natasha.

I said stop it!

Don't touch me!

You heard what he said.
Only one of us is going home.

I have stop him! I have to try!

You think you can convince him
to choose you?

Leave me here to rot?

Of course... of course not.

That's-that's not what I was trying to...

Everything comes easy
for you, doesn't it?

The doe-eyed princess,
always so entitled.

ZARA: Looks like Miroslav serves

as the black sheep
of the Russian government.

He used to be defense minister.

Barely lasted a year before
the president removed him.

On what grounds?

Incompetence.

One m*llitary fiasco after the other.

The arts ministry is his last
chance to prove himself.

Listen, I'm sorry about last night.

Last night?

Interrupting your date.

How's Mike doing?

He's doing great.

- We're great.
- Great.

ZARA: I think that's him.

Minister Kutznetsov. I'm Eric Beaumont.

- I'm here, uh,
- Stand back.

representing the Presnensky Ballet.

We tried to make an appointment,

- but your secretary said that you were...
- Busy.

- Try again next week.
- Okay.

- Who do you think you are?
- Out of the car now.

ERIC: I'm afraid it's urgent.

You have a problem
with the Presnensky Ballet.

I'm a negotiator.

I was hired by the ballet
to handle the kidnapping

of those two dancers.

You know them?

Of course I do.

Two of Russia's rising stars.

When did this happen?

- Last night.
- And the demand?

Four million. Now, we've managed
to raise half of that,

but the kidnapper won't budge.

He'll only return one,
unless we come up with the rest.

We're hoping you can help.

Thank you for bringing this
to my attention.

I will alert the FSB immediately.

Well, that would be a mistake.

In this country, Mr. Beaumont,

the government doesn't negotiate
with t*rrorists,

and we certainly don't negotiate
with kidnappers.

And how has that worked out
for you so far?

Excuse me?

The siege at the Dubrovka Theater,

hostages dead.

The Beslan school siege, dead.

Russia has a history
of failed rescue attempts.

You call in the FSB right now,
how do you think this works out?

Don't tell me how to do my job.

If we work together,

we can avoid another tragedy.

You'll be a hero.

Any luck?

Ah, landlord said
he was home, but I knocked

for, like, five straight
minutes... no answer.

Guess, our boy Ivan
doesn't like uninvited guests.

He doesn't like his car much, either.

This thing's seen better days.

Anything interesting?

I don't know yet.

I don't know, Your Honor.

She just broke into the man's car.

I tried to tell her that Cri/Res

doesn't operate like that, but...

Hush.

Check the trunk.

Check the...?

Found a phone number.

OLIVER: Cynthia.

Oh, that's not creepy at all.

These look like surveillance
photos of ballerinas.

[PHONE RINGING]

Okay, everybody settle, please.

Contact.

Good news. We managed to raise
the full ransom amount.

- That is good news.
- Just name the time

and place, and, uh, we'll be
ready for the exchange.

Has the director made his choice?

I think you misunderstood me.

I said that we have
the full four million.

We can pay for both ballerinas.

No, Mr. Negotiator,
it is you who misunderstands.

I said you have to choose.

All right, if this isn't about the money,

what is it you really want?

Text once you have decided.

No, no, no. We're not playing this game.

Suit yourself, but if I don't
get a name by midnight,

I'll k*ll them both.

Choose wisely.

KIDNAPPER [ON RECORDING]:
Text once you have decided.

Suit yourself, but if I don't
get a name by midnight...

ERIC: These were in Ivan's car?

CYNTHIA: Yeah, these
are surveillance photos

of four ballerinas, but most of
them are of Tatiana and Natasha.

Clearly, he's been
stalking them for a while.

The choice is an
unrealistic demand, a cruel one,

which speaks to a deep personal vendetta.

Ivan was forced out of
the artistic director's job

in favor of Alexei.

He could've orchestrated
this entire thing

to get back at the ballet,
t*rture his successor.

All right, but why these two dancers?

Well, Alexei said they were the best.

Kidnapping them would have
the most impact.

ERIC: He said, "Choose wisely."

If this is a test, then there has to be

some significance to the choice itself.

Both were up for prima,
and they were kidnapped

right before a decision could be made.

That can't be a coincidence.

And why midnight? Why not force
us to make a choice right now?

MAN: Mr. Beaumont.

What can we do for you?

The minister would like to see you.

The car's waiting downstairs.

Of course. Can you give me a moment?

Thanks.

Do you want one of us to go with you?

Uh, no, no. You stay here.

Run interference with
the parents and Alexei.

I think the stress
is starting to get to him.

Get Ivan to agree to a sit-down,
whatever it takes.

"Over years of exceptional experience.

Learn from the absolute best."

He's an artist with a big ego
looking for a comeback.

All he needs is a little encouragement.

[PIANO PLAYING]

I can't imagine

how difficult this must be.

Especially with things so tense
between you and Mr. Popov.

I've known Bogdan a long time.

We'll do whatever it takes
to save our daughters.

They used to be friends
when they were children,

but once they started
competing for roles...

...everything changed.

I've heard how fierce
those rivalries can get.

In ballet, you are a product,

and every time you perform,

you carry the weight of your country

on your shoulders.

No one cares about your feelings,

and if you don't fight,

you will not survive.

Was it too much for Natasha?

A couple of years ago,

there was another dancer.

She committed su1c1de

after she was passed over for prima.

It shook her.

Natasha loves ballet,

but she hates

how cutthroat the world can get.

[NATASHA GASPING]

[CONTINUES GASPING]

Sit up. Sit up.

- Breathe slowly.
- I can't.

Yes, you can.

In and out.

[BREATH SLOWS]

You still get asthma att*cks.

I haven't in years.

Not since that day back at the academy.

It's the stress.

Try to stay calm.

Everything will be fine.

How do you know?

I just do.

Sip this.

It has caffeine. Should help.

Been awfully quiet today.
Something on your mind?

I want to plan a surprise
getaway for Mike,

but I'm having a hard time
coming up with a place.

Doing a little maintenance, are we?

Trouble on the home front?

Don't shrink me, Yates. How many
times do I have to tell you that?

Sorry. Habit.

What about that luxury
ski resort in Colorado?

The one where the owner's son
took everyone hostage?

- The views were spectacular.
- Yeah.

But taking Mike
to the site of an old case

might be counterproductive.

I think he's feeling neglected.

He started to call Eric
my "other husband,"

which is ridiculous.

What?

Remember when that stuff
went down with Delaine,

and Eric wanted to turn himself in?

You're the one who flew back to Budapest.

He told us not to come,
but you went anyway.

I was trying to be a good friend.

I know, but you have to consider

how that might look from
Mike's perspective.

That's all.

Well, look who came out
in his Sunday best.

Thank you for taking this meeting.

- No. Thank you.
- Mm.

I have great respect for
the Chicago Ballet Institute.

Your message said, uh,
you have a position open?

Our artistic director is about to retire.

We were looking into
Russian candidates, and...

you came highly recommended.

I'm honored,
and certainly up to the task.

- You're familiar with my résumé?
- OLIVER: Yes.

It's very impressive.

But, um, we do have some
concerns about your time

at the Presnensky Ballet.

Mm. I'm sure you've done
your due diligence,

but the allegations against me are false.

"Fake news," as you Americans say.

So you had no part in any corruption?

I was a scapegoat

for a culture that existed
long before I took the reigns.

Although it was a hard pill to swallow,

I made my peace a long time ago.

Are you sure about that?

We spoke to your successor,
Alexei Smirnov.

He said that you threatened
him and the ballet

on multiple occasions.

That's absurd. I did no such thing.

Well, your body language
suggests otherwise.

What is this?

Who are you really?

We're negotiators, not recruiters.

We're here because
these two ballet dancers

were kidnapped last night.

I'm sure you recognize them.

Look,

I don't know anything
about any kidnapping.

Now, you get why that's hard
for us to believe, right?

You clearly have a grudge
against your old company,

- and these pictures...
- It's not what you think.

You're right.

I do have a grudge.

But those backstabbers at the ballet,

those were just pawns.

Pawns for who?

Miroslav.

The minister of the arts.

f*ring me was all politics.

But trust me.

Anything I've ever been accused of,

he's done the same, even worse.

That's why I took these pictures.

I'm not following.

I heard a rumor

that Miroslav is having an affair

with a young soloist and making promises

to advance her at the ballet.

I want to show the public
that the man is a hypocrite.

You were trying to get evidence.

Yes.

MIROSLAV: So, you were wrong.

The kidnapping isn't about the money.

Evidently not, no.

We're looking into personal motives.

Any leads?

- Nothing solid yet.
- I see.

- Well, Mr. Beaumont...
- [CELL PHONE CHIMES]

...we did it your way.

Now here we are.

Absolutely nothing to show for it.

Yeah, yeah.

No, you're right.

Look, if the worst comes to the worst,

and a choice needs to be made
between these two dancers,

I'm... I'm an outsider.

I have no stake in the outcome
and therefore

really no right to an opinion,

but if anyone does
have that right, it's...

it's the minister of the arts.

Who do we choose?

A decision like this

should never be political.

Agreed.

I mean...

tell you what, how about we, uh...

how about we take politics out of it?

Just let fate decide?

Flip a coin?

Why not?

If we don't choose, we'll lose them both.

We must save one life at least.

Exactly.

Tatiana.

[COIN CLINKS ON DESK]

- Thank you, Minister.
- [COIN SLIDES]

Been very helpful.

Tatiana's the one he's sleeping with.

Someone else must have found out
that he's forcing Alexei

- to make her prima.
- Someone with an a* to grind.

But who? Natasha was the one
screwed over, and she's

- one of the victims.
- [EXHALES] Maybe this has

something to do
with corruption in the past.

Someone else who was snubbed?

Natasha's mother mentioned a dancer

who k*lled herself a few years ago.

Hang on.

Sofia Petrov.

The article says that
the company was staging

Giselle that year and
she was shoo-in for prima,

but when the position was given

to a rival,
she k*lled herself a week later.

I remember her. Look, she's the woman

- who came to see Alexei earlier.
- Eric, there's a picture here

of Sofia's mom, Olga.

She works for the ballet's
costume department.

We always said it was an inside job.

Grief is a powerful motivator.

You know, Ivan said the ballet had

a long history of corruption.

Maybe the kidnapping is Olga's way

of shining a light on the problem.

"Choose wisely."

She's calling Alexei out.

Giving him the chance
to make the right decision.

If he texts Natasha's name
to the kidnappers,

it's possible we'll get
both dancers back.

And if he makes the wrong decision...

Tatiana will be k*lled.

In two hours.

Find Olga. Cynthia, can you...?

We need to talk.

Is something wrong?

ERIC: The prima audition was a sham.

Wasn't it?

You were coerced

by the minister of the arts
to choose Tatiana.

I don't know what you're talking about.

CYNTHIA: We believe the kidnapping

was orchestrated
by one of your employees,

Olga Petrov, as a statement
against corruption.

To pass the kidnapper's test,
you have to choose Natasha,

the rightful prima.

[EXHALES]

I'm sorry.

You're too late.

I already chose.

ERIC: Why did you choose Tatiana?

When I was first promoted,

I had every intention
of changing Presnensky

for the better, but the minister,

he...

he threatened to cut our funding in half.

We have employees,

all of them depending on me.

I had to think of the company's future.

That decision you just made,

that wasn't just about prima;
that was about life and death.

I know.

He also threatened my family.

By making you send that text,

he just signed his lover's death warrant.

She's gone.

See if you can find anything
with a home address on it.

[SIGHING]: Okay.

Zara.

What's up?

Scrolled through her
search history. Check this out.

Is that how to make a b*mb?

I don't know, but whatever it is,

it's not good.

Her address. Got it.

Okay. Let's get out of here.

I'll text Eric on the way.

Do you remember Madame Petrov?

I remember her ridiculous accent

and how she used to make us
call her "Madame"

even though she only spent
six months in France.

She would bring out
those feather boas after class

and teach us those crazy

burlesque moves. [CHUCKLES]

You and I would always
stay later than the others.

It was fun.

It was.

Until that day those scouts
from the Presnensky came

and you decided

we couldn't be friends anymore.

I didn't decide anything.

It was pounded into us.

We were rivals.

We had to compete to be the best.

And friendship was a weakness.

[DOOR OPENS]

Why? Am I going home?

ZARA: That's her.

Olga.

Olga. Olga, wait.

We just want to talk.

Get out of my way!

We know what you've planned, Olga.

We know about Sofia.

He made his choice. Now, move.

Why the rush? My understanding is we have

- until midnight.
- I said move your car!

[CELL PHONE RINGING]

[CAR HORN HONKING]

ERIC: Zara.

OLGA: Who do you think you are?

You and Oliver head back over to Ivan's.

He was the ballet director
when Olga's daughter d*ed.

Find out everything you can
about why Sofia wasn't chosen.

On it.

ERIC: Olga,

it's either you talk to us
or to the police.

Your choice.

Your son Roman, he's the one
we've been talking to, right?

We do background checks.
It's part of the job.

You're a single mother, two kids.

Roman was the big brother, the protector,

and Sofia was the...

What about Sofia?

You don't want to talk
about her. I... I get it.

I understand. I can't imagine
how hard her death

must have been on you both.

What was the name of the dancer
who took her spot?

- Olga?
- Her name doesn't matter.

Was she from a wealthy family?

Oligarch money.

I knew Ivan took bribes,
but Sofia's talent

was undeniable.

I was a dancer myself.

Would have made prima if I...

hadn't been injured.

But my baby was even better than I was.

She was going to be the best.

Talent like that is...
is one in a million.

Is... is that what you saw in Natasha?

When I saw her dance solo
for the first time,

it was like Sofia had come back to life.

I couldn't let

history repeat itself.

The corruption must end.

You really think that k*lling
Tatiana is gonna do that?

The story will be huge.

How can they ignore this?

Well, no, you'll definitely
get the world's attention,

but are you punishing the right person?

I saw her with the minister

in his limo.

She was laughing, happy.

Tatiana climb into bed with that man,

and for that, she will meet
the same fate as my daughter.

IVAN: I can't believe it.

Olga could be difficult
sometimes, but I never thought

she could be capable
of something like this.

Well, grief can change people.

I don't understand.

What do I have to do with all this?

You were the one in charge
when Sofia d*ed.

What are you implying?

Olga believes she committed su1c1de

because of a choice you made.

Did you take a payoff to
make another dancer prima?

So that's what this is all about.

You're looking for someone to blame.

All we're looking for is the truth.

A young woman's life is at risk.

Ivan, please, we don't
have a lot of time.

Did you take the bribe or not?

Money was offered, yes, and I took it.

But only after Sofia's letter.

OLIVER: What letter?

[IVAN SIGHS]

I couldn't show it to Olga.

I didn't want to pour salt
into the wound.

Watching that girl dance

was like being in a fairy tale.

She was special.

Olga, it was Miroslav who put pressure

on the ballet director to make her prima,

and yet, she's the only one
that's going to die?

You did all this to right a wrong.

To honor your daughter's memory.

If I can guarantee that
Natasha will be made prima,

will you... will you at least
consider letting Tatiana go?

ERIC: Okay, what...?

[GRUNTS]

CYNTHIA: Hey.

We will take over now, Mr. Beaumont.

Don't do this. Look, I just
need a little more time.

I'm a politician, Mr. Beaumont.

I'm used to compromising.

But this woman has left me
no other option.

You see these guards?

Ex-m*llitary.

They can be quite persuasive.

If you don't tell me
where Tatiana is right now...

I'll do it.

I'll make deal.

MIROSLAV: It's done.

Check the website.

It confirms Natasha as prima.

I held up my end.

Now, where is Tatiana?

- I will take you to her.
- ERIC: No.

Call your son. Tell him to release them.

He has no cell reception.

Call him anyway.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

OLGA: Only minutes left.

It will take about to drive there.

You really want to sit here arguing?

Let's go!

Minister. Minister.

She's leading you into a trap.

I gave her what she asked for.

No, what she wants
is revenge for her daughter.

She wants you to pay
for the choice that you made.

You interrupted the negotiation
before we could convince her.

Even if that's the case,

my bodyguards are well trained.

You've done your part, Mr. Beaumont.

Have a safe flight home.

Eric, you need to see this.

This is a letter from Sofia to Ivan.

ERIC: We can use this,

but not if we don't know
where they're going.

She said Tatiana would meet with
the same fate as her daughter.

Do we know where Sofia k*lled herself?

- I'll look.
- Okay.

Hurry up!

OLGA: Not that way.

It's locked. Follow me.

Where is your son?

I'll call for him when we're inside.

When we have Tatiana, sh**t them both.

♪

In here.

[GROANS]

Where is Tatiana?

I-I don't know. The masked man
took her somewhere.

Bring her.

Call your boy.

Tatiana!

Please, don't come any closer.

- [g*nsh*t]
- [TATIANA GASPS]

- Stop!
- [g*nf*re CONTINUES]

OLGA: Stay where you are.

Put the g*ns down, or the next one

goes through your boss's head.

[GROANING]

[WHIMPERING]

[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING]

ERIC: Act Two, Giselle.

You know it?

Now it makes sense.

At midnight, the Wilis rise
and take their revenge,

dancing foolish men to their deaths.

They summon Giselle from her grave,

beckoning her to join them.

Sofia performed this
for her prima audition.

It was breathtaking.

Why don't you show them?

I can't.

Do it!

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[CRYING]

And now the world will see.

Hey, listen, I know you're hurting.

I'm not hurting. I am angry.

They took my baby away from me!

She wanted to be prima,
and it was stolen from her.

Just like these two tried

to take it from Natasha.

- Is that true?
- OLGA: Yes.

And you deserve justice.
And Sofia deserves justice!

I understand you want change.
You want revenge for what

the ballet company did to her. I get it.

She hang herself one week after
she lost the prima spot.

She die on that stage.

No more!

This will never happen again.

CYNTHIA: Olga, wait.

I need you to see something.

The Presnensky Ballet
didn't k*ll your daughter.

This is a letter that
Sofia wrote to Ivan.

You think it's corruption
that drove her to su1c1de,

but you're wrong.

Ivan only chose another dancer because...

Sofia begged him not to make her prima.

You're lying.

See for yourself.

CYNTHIA: That's her
handwriting, isn't it?

She said that all her life, she
was forced to live your dream.

To make up for everything that
you lost because of your injury.

And that ballet was
your obsession, not hers.

And that the pressure you
put on her was too much.

She thought that if she
lost prima, you would...

you would let it go.

Set her free.

Your daughter made a choice.

We may never fully realize why.

But you, you... can make
a different choice right now.

Mama?

Let me help you.

It's too late.

ERIC: No, it's not.

You can still make this right.

Here.

Hand me the detonator.

[OLGA SHUDDERING]

[EXHALES]

[SOBBING]

[SIREN WAILING]

Natasha.

[LAUGHS]

CYNTHIA: It's funny. I've been
to the ballet many times.

I've always left on a high.

It's so easy to get
caught up in the magic.

Forget the pressure
those dancers are under.

Maybe doing something you love
isn't always worth the price.

[CAR ENGINE STARTS]

ZARA: Mike, how did this happen?

Remember when you said
we should hire handymen

and knock out the wall in the guest room,

and I said, "No big
deal, I can handle it"?

Yeah.

Turns out sledgehammers are no joke.

This is why you were calling me earlier.

I couldn't find anyone to watch the kids,

so I tried to tough it out,
but then the pain got worse.

Lucky Brenda showed up when she did.

Well, why didn't you call back
or leave a voice mail or do

- what you normally...
- It's all right.

I told you, it-it all worked out.

Besides, I'm sure Eric
needed you more than I did.

Why do you always do that?

Do what?

Bring Eric into it.

I'm just stating facts.

Are you... jealous of him?

[SIGHS]

Mike... come on.

You said that I always come first,

but we both know that's not true.

Whenever he calls, you go running.

You might not have
two husbands, Zara, but...

you have two lives.

You're right.

And I am so sorry that
I wasn't here for you.

We'll figure this out.

I promise you.

[SIGHS]

Let's go home.

Let's go.

[GROANS]