Cold Copy (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Journalism isn't

a vocation. It's a persona.

It has to be.

You're trying to wrangle

deep uncomfortable truths

from people.

Truth that, if revealed...

Okay we're inbound.

Ready on set.

...can change the course

of their lives.

You don't think it speaks to

the credibility of your campaign

that you were intimately

involved with a member

of your campaign staff?

It's not about me.

This story's about you.

Truth that can shake

and tip the seats of power.

Truth that can make

a difference.

Locally.

Nationally.

Globally.

It takes a particular kind

of person.

I want you to know that

I do not underestimate

this opportunity.

For me

For me, journalism

is about one thing.

Truth. The truth.

And I just think

it's so important

so f*cking important to hold

power to account

and I know, I know

that you feel the same.

But for me

it's the stories.

It's what they did.

I mean, there are people

in jail, political movements,

whole systems that now function

completely differently

because those words hit that

front page at that precise time.

That's what journalism is to me.

That's what I'm going

to use it for.

That's why I'm here.

Alex? Are you okay?

Are you interviewing

for Heger's class too?

Yeah.

I f*cked up.

I drank too much last night.

I'm in no state

to be interviewed.

Hey. Everybody's

really nervous.

I can't do it.

I can't go in there.

Can you do something for me?

Yeah.

Can you give her this?

If I email it'll just get buried

in all the others.

You're going to be fine.

I can't.

Please.

Thank you.

I stayed up all night

and I still feel...

This is way too...

Mia Scott?

You got this.

It's a no.

The guy has more balls

than brain cells.

Yeah, the favor was getting him

in the room

and he did less than nothing

with it.

Well I can detail his slip-ups

over the phone

but you'll have to move

your 10:00

and then I'll do it

but I'm very thorough.

Yeah, wise choice.

Well, I hope the next one

turns out smarter.

Congratulations by the way.

Mia Scott.

I'm a journalism post-grad

focusing on investigative

technique.

I know.

Thank you so much

for meeting me.

I want you to know that I do not

underestimate this opportunity.

Clearly.

So.

What kind of stories

do you want to tell?

Well for me there's nothing

more important than truth.

Ooh, true stories. Brilliant.

That's exactly what journalism

needs, more blue-sky thinking.

I'm sorry.

So what are you going

to do with the truth?

You're going to handle it?

You're going to speak

it to power?

I just think it's

so f*cking important...

So important.

What?

Just so important.

Cursing is a w*apon that you

don't have on air or in print.

I know you think it sells your

passion but it makes you seem

like you're trying too hard

so try again.

I just think it's so important

to use journalism

to shake the power structure.

Great. That's what I think.

Now tell me what you think.

That is what I think.

No.

Well, with all due respect

you don't have a monopoly

on that point of view.

But you knew I held it and you

were aching to come here

and repeat it.

Mia, journalists with degrees

make less money than girls

posting from their bedrooms

about succulents and kombucha.

It's not about the money.

I'm not making a point

about money.

I'm making a point about risk.

Have you ever taken a risk, Mia?

You're so focused on trying

to look the part,

you're not actually playing it.

You know how I know that?

Because right now in this room

I am power.

And you're breaking

out the loot.

Well, that was quick.

You know you can slam the door

on me as hard as you like

if that's what gets you off.

But in a week I'll have

opened ten more,

and years down the line

when you're hosting

some geriatric talk show

on a streaming service

no one cares about,

I'll thank f*cking God you did.

Have you ever been

to a Hammam Mia?

What?

Steam room.

It's such a good way to let go

of a stressful day.

I'm not sure that humiliation

sweats out

but it might help you

find a more...

suitable direction.

You clapped back didn't you?

Harder than intended.

She probably liked it.

I'm going to end up running

copy for cereal boxes

and growing old

in my Dad's attic.

Relax. You're a f*cking

good journalist.

Have some faith in yourself.

Diane Heger doesn't.

So? Come on, like Diane's

whole att*ck-mode thing

it's all a performance.

It gets results.

It gets eyeballs.

She exploits her subjects

for views.

She's Dr Phil, not Marie Colvin.

If you hate her so much

why are you taking her class?

Well, I'm not allergic

to success.

Look all I'm saying is Heger's

not the best role model.

What's the point in making it

if the price is everything else?

There isn't anything else.

Okay.

What are you doing?

His name is Felix.

Ugh. No.

You know I was at this photo

sh**t with six other guys

and they singled me out.

Like this is what

we're looking for.

The other guys just couldn't

understand why it wasn't

a big deal to me.

It's like surrender

your ego, right?

Mm.

Just take everything

as it comes.

So, uh, where's this party?

Okay, up front?

There isn't one.

What?

Sorry, I just panicked.

Sometimes I say the wrong thing,

and I was having fun talking

to you

and wanted to keep talking

to you,

and maybe we could just go

to my place?

Uh, okay I'm going to go home.

What? No no no no no.

Come on.

Don't be like that.

Hey. Come on.

-Whoa, dude.

-I opened up to you.

Hey, it's just not going

to work out, okay?

Is it that you think I'll think

less of you if you act on it?

Because I won't.

Whoa, get off of me.

You bitch, just stop

a sec, okay?

Get the f*ck...

Dude! Take a hint!

Whoa, what are you? 12?

Yeah. Hit a kid,

that'll definitely get her off.

You're into that, right?

Get the f*ck out of here.

No, I'm good.

Like there's literally no choice

here except you leaving

that doesn't make sh*t

way more awkward.

What the f*ck?

f*ck this.

f*ck you.

Oh, my God.

Are you okay?

Yeah. Are you good?

Yeah.

Hey, you need me to walk

you home or something?

No, I live like

right over there.

Okay well, should

be easy then.

You know that guy?

Not really.

And you went on a night time

walk with him?

I didn't expect him

to go all...

Zodiac?

No, he k*lled people.

Good thing I was here then.

Thanks.

Actually, do you want to come in

for a bit?

Uh, no, no.

I'm good thanks.

Alright. I'll see you around.

You live here?

You sound surprised.

Well, yeah.

Okay what's your name?

Mine's Igor Nowak.

Mia Scott.

What's this?

It's brandy.

It's what you give to people

after sh*t happens.

Uh, yeah I'm good thanks.

Hm, did your Mom or Dad

draw these?

Oh, she's not here.

Dad's an executive.

Neither can draw for sh*t.

So, you did them?

You like them?

Yeah, they're incredible.

So what do you do?

Model?

Study.

What happened to your face?

Maybe you're not the only damsel

I saved tonight.

Well, uh... this has been

f*cking weird, dude.

I was just helping.

Igor means 'warrior of peace'

in polish.

Hm.

So, you know, just buy me lunch

or something.

Or something?

You all should know by now

that this class

involves a significant

story assignment.

A word of warning...

this is a very competitive

field.

It's competitive to get a job.

It's competitive to keep a job.

If you get it,

and if you keep it,

you will be fighting over bagels

in the break room.

I'm going to treat this class

exactly the same way.

Over the next few weeks,

each of you will research,

sh**t and produce a 20-minute

investigative segment.

Choose your topic carefully.

Hi, my name is Mia Scott.

I was wondering if there's

someone I could talk to

about writing a potential

article on your company.

Okay, yeah, sure.

I'm looking for insight.

I don't want to hear

that homelessness is hard

or that racism is bad.

Hello? Hi, my name is

Mia Scott. I'm a student.

I was wondering if you'd be

interested in having an article

written on your company.

I want to feel angered.

Galvanized.

What's behind the

millennial rise of astrology?

Okay, yeah, sure.

Thanks for your time.

How do sewage workers

risk their lives

to keep things running?

I want an actual story.

Yeah, I was hoping to do a story

about Senator Bekerman

and his resounding

election victory.

And I don't care if your

subjects end up hating you.

What do you struggle with

the most?

Mia!

You are not there...

Mia!

...to get emotionally

involved or to make friends.

You're there to do whatever

it takes to get the truth.

Mia!

What about the accusation

that the only reason

you're in this position is

because of your parentage?

I think it's a smear...

And whichever one of you

bring me the best story...

Hi I'm a student,

my name is Mia Scott.

I'm a journalism student.

My name is Mia Scott.

Mia Scott.

It's Mia Scott.

It's Mia Scott.

Oh, hello?

Hi, I was wondering if you...

okay.

Thank you.

...your segment will air

on the night report.

You talk a lot about preserving

white American identity

but isn't it true that your

former leader had an affair

with a Black woman?

What about your staff's

accusations of discrimination?

For the rest of you...

You have defrauded hundreds

of thousands of dollars.

Do you care to comment?

I have no comment at this time.

Isn't that hugely ironic

given your own company's...

You'll be lucky if you

get a letter of recommendation.

We believe journalists

like yourself are so important.

The senator thinks of you

as bastions of our democracy

and the fact that you are

pursuing this profession

should be a source

of real pride.

However, we get so many

interview requests from so many

reputable publications

and even they often-

You're early.

With nothing to show for it.

I'm working on it.

You don't need to.

What do you mean?

I mean...

if you want to drop the class

there's no shame in it.

No, no no no.

I want to be here.

I put you in a really

tough spot,

giving you a place when I wasn't

sure if it was for you.

It's for me.

It's for me.

Hm.

Who's read Lippmann?

Yes?

The Almond-Lippmann

consensus states...

I'm sorry, can someone get

this girl a megaphone?

I can't hear you.

You want to try that again?

Louder?

The Almond-Lippmann consensus

states that public opinion

is volatile and irrational

and...

Oh, it was the text.

Does anyone want to offer

some actual insight?

Yes?

Well I think that one of the

problems with the consensus

is that it relies on the idea

that people's views

are easily shifted.

And?

And when you look

at voting records

or electoral races

or at Page and Shapiro

survey suggests that...

Someone challenge her.

She goes really hard.

So did you.

Well, I'm just glad the words

came out.

Fifty-fifty it was going

to be puke.

Hey so guess what?

My story came through.

The senator's office?

Mhmm.

They ghosted me.

Dumped me by a voicemail.

Oh well I guess

I just got lucky.

I found a source on the inside

with some juice

they want to share.

You already knew

someone there?

I wish. I just asked nicely.

Sounds excellent, Connolly.

Good work today.

Is everything okay?

Okay, done my half.

Hey, do you remember, um,

Charlotte Nowak?

Yeah, the famous

children's author?

The Wilson Burrow series.

Yeah.

Dream Stealer and Light

in the Tunnel.

Didn't she accidentally

overdose?

Holy sh*t.

So you want to stalk me?

Shadow you.

Like hide in bushes

and garbage and stuff?

Asking you questions.

Like what?

Like how come you never

told me your mom was famous.

Alright.

What?

Look. Thanks, but

I'm not feeling it.

What? Why?

I've done this whole dance

a bunch of times.

Everyone acts like they want

to know me,

but they just want to know

about my Mom.

What she was like at home,

some book she never published or

who found her when it happened.

I don't care about that.

I think you're interesting.

Seriously?

Yeah, school kid wandering

around at 3:00 AM

getting into fights with creeps.

I didn't get into a fight.

Still. There's a story.

Trust me, there's not.

Hey, what about your art?

You like it?

Yeah, I love it.

Maybe I can give you a voice.

Show all the artistic talent and

character and coolness you have,

despite who your mom was.

Coolness?

Okay, pick a better word.

So this is just about me?

My life and my voice?

Yeah, yeah.

I mean, your Dad will have

to sign a release form

since you're a minor, but...

Only on paper.

Miss Heger?

I'm just grateful

I never had kids with him,

that's all I have to say

Oh right, one

kid's enough, huh?

Miss Heger?

Who's this?

I'm tempted to ask the same.

She's joking.

How can I help you, Mia?

A student.

Ah, not a broken spirit.

That's something.

It's lovely to see you

in the wild.

I have a story.

I just need to talk to you

just for a second.

Could we?

Just for a second.

Ella here is with The Guardian,

so you have got two expert ears.

What about yours?

Oh, I was talking about mine.

Go ahead.

Now?

Did you come here

to tell me tomorrow?

Can I sit?

No.

Tyrant.

Shh! She's pitching.

Okay. Okay, um.

It's like a profile piece.

Mmhmm.

The other night I was out on

this date and the guy starts...

Don't make the story about you.

It's not, it's not.

It's this kid.

He's like barely 15,

he just appears out of nowhere,

stands up for me,

gets knocked down.

Seems like this Dickens urchin

but I go back to his place

and it's huge.

Turns out, he's Charlotte

Nowak's kid,

you know, the writer?

Hm yeah, that story was milked

to death for about a week.

I seem to remember your hands

all over those letters.

That isn't the story.

Well the story is a strange

woman alone in a huge house

with a kid who's a minor.

No, it's...

I lost my mom too.

How?

Excuse me?

Well I assume you're telling me

that because you have some sort

of personal insight here

so I'm clarifying.

Uh well, it's complicated.

Ah.

What I can tell you is that

everybody talks about

these tragedies like they're

statistics but never about

the ones who aren't

in the numbers.

Never about what can grow

from the darkness.

Like he's this amazing artist

so it would be like

a phoenix in the ashes profile.

No one cares about a kid.

A lonely kid drawing in a big

house is not a story.

No, but, I mean,

you do have something.

Pretty sure the Nowak's refused

all interviews

in the wake of Charlotte's death

and that's why there was

so much speculation.

Now if you've got an in

with one of them,

I think there could be more

to uncover there.

If you can.

I also think I need

the restroom.

Good luck.

Thank you.

You could have put

all of that in an email.

Or a bottle in the ocean.

She liked it.

She was being polite.

You know, you're going to have

to work twice as hard.

You're going to be clamoring

over so many people

who are way more talented

than you are nervous.

You're going to need

to be exceptional.

I can get something compelling.

Well get it.

This seems like a great way

to get arrested.

Don't worry about it.

Shouldn't you be in school?

I go sometimes.

But not always? Why?

What would your Mom say

about that?

Oh so it's about my Mom again.

So you never think about

the future?

Like, what do you want to be?

What about your Dad?

What does he think?

Well, my Dad is usually at work

and my Mom lacks

corporeal form at this point so

I sort of just do my own thing.

What?

Nothing.

Oh you're doing like

that journalist thing where

you don't say anything

so I end up spilling like

deep sh*t, right?

I don't do that.

What about this place?

I like it.

Why?

Because it's cool and no one's

here so I can do what I like.

Like an escape?

You know what,

it doesn't suit you.

What?

Your reporter voice?

I don't do a voice.

Yeah come on, you're like

all stern and serious.

Did you start coming here

after your Mom

Watch this.

I think this should be

your intro.

Igor Nowak!

Yeah!

So, your Mom?

Did she get you into drawing?

No, I got me into drawing.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Hey, I'll ask the questions,

okay?

Girlfriend?

I'm serious.

Come on, what do you do

for fun?

This.

It's kind of boring.

Well, not to me.

Hey, how are you so okay?

You know, after...

I just think the good

stuff wins.

You know, all the fun memories.

I'm going to have to hide

overnight in your trash

to get juice on you, aren't I?

Yeah.

Wait, does that mean

you'll spend the night?

Oh my God.

Observing me in

my natural habitat?

I just wanted your thoughts.

You just got an hour of them.

I mean on my footage.

Very artistic.

Light and sugar.

Keen eye for detail.

I enjoyed every frame.

And the story?

What story?

What are you looking for?

From you?

From them?

It's an entry-level position

for TNR.

You ever hire a student?

Goodbye Mia.

On July 21, 2019,

Charlotte Nowak,

author of the wildly popular

Wilson Burrows series,

was found dead at her home.

A week later, authorities

revealed her cause of death

to be an accidental overdose

of anti-anxiety medication

and sleeping pills.

She is survived by her

husband and son,

both of whom have declined

to comment except to ask

for total privacy.

The clich is giving

something back, right?

But to me that implies

what you have

was given to you

in the first place.

I don't teach out

of a sense of duty,

I teach because I want a new

generation of journalists

with the right set of skills.

Hey! Stop trying to move, bro!

Igor...

Oh my God.

Igor?

Hey!

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah...

Oh my God.

Let's um...

Why are you here?

Well I was waiting for you.

My Dad's home and I can't

go back like this.

That's okay, let's get you

cleaned up, okay?

Come on.

sh*t.

Hi.

Hi.

This is Igor.

I'm her story.

Hello, story.

What did she do to you?

Said it'd make me feel

more sympathetic.

Shut up!

Sit down.

Let's get you cleaned up, okay?

You should see the other guy.

Well I got there

too late, so...

Like he's literally folded

in half.

Has to walk like a crab now.

Yeah? I think you're good.

You got any brandy?

No.

How old are you?

Twelve.

He's kidding.

I've been trying to get her

to lighten up.

How's that going?

Your room is kinda messy,

but I dig it.

Thanks. I was waiting

for your approval.

Was that your Mom?

Mhm.

She's hot.

What does she do?

Not much.

What does that mean?

It means we have something

in common.

Oh sh*t, what happened?

How many have you had?

None, I'm sixteen, dude.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

You were actually

fun tonight.

Yeah, because I wanted

to get more out of you.

Oh, right. That was

just like journalism.

You always want to be

a journalist?

Yeah, I guess

since I was like eight.

Why eight?

Like I said, we have something

in common.

And I guess I wanted to pick

my own stories

because the one

I was in sucked.

You should try and focus

on the good stuff.

Like the other day, I just

remembered this random song

my Mom used to sing to me.

Didn't even know I knew it,

but I guess my brain

figured I needed it.

Everything you know,

everywhere you've been,

my beautiful boy.

Every time you cry,

every time you laugh,

my beautiful boy.

Then you would say

when I grow up,

I want to be just like you.

And I would say

when I grow up,

I want to be just like you.

That's all I remember.

That's nice.

Yeah.

Be nicer if you could sing.

We should get you home.

Yeah.

Still up?

Yeah. I think I have nothing.

I think it's real.

Yeah.

I'm the one with nothing.

So last October, a bunch

of voters in this district

never got a registration

reminder

for the Senate election.

No letter, no email,

no text, nothing.

Massive f*ck up by the Senator's

office, of course.

They fired an admin,

and apologized.

But then, I found this source...

Who?

As if you would know

who they are.

I have connections.

Dude, come on.

Okay but this is

for your ears only.

Of course.

Name's Rachel.

She's just admin, not top tier.

But she says that there

was an email circulating

that proves it was deliberate.

Clear cut suppression.

That's huge.

Except it's not.

Rachel never got

the email herself.

She just saw it on her

supervisor's computer.

She's trying to get a hold

of it now but...

I don't know.

I guess I just thought it

would all like blow wide open,

like boom.

Watergate.

Lewinsky.

I'm just waiting to get chucked

out of class.

The stuff that I'm handing

it now it's just speculation,

office B-roll, stupid.

I'd watch that.

f*ck off.

I guess, it just comes

with the job,

the constant insecurity.

Yeah, you're right.

I guess you don't have a story

until you have it.

Yeah.

I thought I asked

for something compelling.

It's not that much.

It's a bar that you could

trip over

and yet some of you are

limboing underneath it.

I wish I had your knees.

No one is compelled

by viral food.

No one.

If it's possible for caring

to enter negative equity,

your grandmother's childhood

took me there.

Can anyone analyze the Fuller?

Anyone?

Class is done for today.

Connolly, a word.

Everything okay?

She asked me to be

a runner on TNR.

A what?

I know.

Are you serious?

You said you didn't

hire students.

Excuse me?

You said you didn't

hire students!

I very specifically did not.

Why her?!

Why who?

Why Kim?

Why did you hire Kim?!

I'm trying to do

something different!

Well I really look forward

to seeing

how that finally manifests.

Mia... this is something you

should work out privately.

My perfect boy.

I want you to know that

this is not your fault.

It's something deep and

fundamental and purely mine.

Know that I hope you'll

forgive me for leaving,

but that I'll understand

if you don't.

Know that you'll be great,

whatever you do

with all that talent

and kindness.

Know that you have a good,

gentle heart.

And know that I love you.

Mom.

-See you.

-Bye.

I watched what you sent me.

And?

And my father used to say

'never chew fat sober'

Let's go get a drink.

What are you having?

Whatever you're having.

Celentano G&T and not a lot of

ice, I want to taste it.

And we'll have two.

You took a risk.

And?

And there was potential.

There's more than that.

Well there was one revelation,

and it was a big one, but you...

you don't have much

structure yet.

You're fighting

stronger stories.

Which ones?

What?

Kim's?

I can't talk to you about

the work of other students.

You know the whole accusation

comes from one email.

All it takes is one lead.

It's a receptionist

with a grudge.

I ruled it out weeks ago.

It's a dead end.

But it's an end.

What are you aiming at?

Truth.

That's the word you use when

you don't have an answer.

You're not mining the gold.

So there is gold?

His anger.

His vindictiveness.

Not the fact that

she k*lled herself?

What is that?

That's a sentence.

That's an in.

That's not a story.

What is?

That they hid it.

Why? Why?

Why did they hide it?

He has a secret and it's burning

him up inside.

I don't think it is.

I don't think he's vindictive.

His Mom bailed on him.

That can leave a mark.

And maybe he's overcome it.

Oh.

Okay.

I see what this is.

It's complicated.

What?

Your Mom.

Maybe you want this story to

turn out grand so that you know

it's possible, but you've got to

follow what's in front of you.

Got to stop chasing the fun.

I'm not.

You are.

What you do becomes

the story, Mia.

Take us, right now, here.

What do you think people see

when they're looking at us?

At us?

Yes.

I don't know.

That's not an answer.

Two women talking.

A professor and a student, why?

Because that's what we are.

Maybe they see

a mother daughter.

Or a friend.

Maybe more.

How I act towards you tells

people how to perceive you.

If you act like Igor is fine,

he'll look fine.

But what if he is fine?

Then where's the story?

Hi.

Hey.

What sorrows

are you drowning?

The usual.

How was work?

Uh, Diane is working

on a sex scandal story.

It's big, dude.

Especially if it turns out

to get legs.

Or other appendages.

Oh sh*t, um, do you know

who I'm working with?

That guy that that we knew

years back in undergrad

Dan something.

The lanky pretentious guy.

He's one of the production

staff.

Anyway, he let a stat error slip

and Diane unloaded on him.

You think she goes

hard in class,

you should see her at work.

I mean, I'm pretty sure Danny's

pants do not stay clean.

Hmm.

But, you know, it's mostly

just getting coffee

and typing up stuff.

Sounds good though.

Yeah, it kind of is.

I mean, before I was always

pretty focused on

the print stuff you know,

like maybe a couple regular

magazine columns...

So how are you?

I'm good.

There's a

critical difference

between truth and fact.

You can read a really good novel

and learn a lot of truth

about life and love.

But that doesn't mean

the text is fact.

Hello.

Am I to infer that the first

55 minutes of my lecture

was not worth your time?

We can end class for today.

I'd like new footage by Thursday

and we will do some

interview role-plays.

You think I'm an idiot, Mia?

What's wrong?

You exposed Rachel, what

the hell is wrong with you?

Rachel?

You know who Rachel is.

You're the only one

I told about this.

Do you know she's fired now?

That's her life.

Well it wasn't me.

She took a risk.

I'm out of the f*cking

class now.

It's like you said, you don't

have a story until you have it.

Hey! Hey!

If you two want to k*ll

each other you do that

in a parking lot.

In here, you control yourself.

What was that?

No idea.

You come with me.

Did I stutter?

Where are we going?

Put a smudge on it

and you'll lose a hand.

You like it?

Yeah.

Good. Because I'll need

you to step in.

Yes? Great.

I like it black.

Right over there.

How was work?

This is my Dad's family

when they had a bakery.

That's my Grandma.

When she was young,

she got in trouble for swearing

at German soldiers.

What did she say?

I'm not sure.

Probably f*ck off,

but in polish.

Sorry.

What do you tell people?

I tell my Dad

it's from football.

Hm. You play football?

No.

Sometimes, I don't know, it

seems like you seek out trouble.

Just living my life.

It's letting two meatheads

b*at you into the dirt?

Letting?

Skipping school.

Breaking into factories.

Because it's fun.

Or maybe there's something

you're not dealing with.

You ever wonder if your Mom

could see her perfect boy now,

what she'd think?

Who are you?

I'm... I'm a student.

I'm writing an essay on

your son's artistic talent.

You are a journalist?

You've come in here to open

old wounds?

You think she's writing

about you?

Is it for TV?

There's a chance it could air

but it's really not likely.

So, you go behind my back,

you come into my home,

you talk to my son,

you inv*de our privacy?

I should have asked you first

You shouldn't be here

Okay, okay I apologize.

I just really think that this

story of loss and strength

will resonate with people.

Oh, there it is, cards

on the table now, huh?

You see that.

You see what you did,

you let this f*cking vulture

into our home.

Can you please leave?

Yeah, of course.

Do we have any proof?

Just

the source himself.

So that's a no.

Elliott,

you have enough.

One source.

Yeah.

How reliable?

It's David Qualley.

Who?

You know.

You know, the guy, the guy who,

the company CFO, you know the...

For Christ's sakes, you

couldn't talk yourself out of

someone else's parking ticket.

Forget the source.

Then what are we even

talking about?

You and I both know

that Markham is filthier

than your hard drive.

What?

Let's make him defend himself.

I'm sorry, what?

If you're going to accuse

somebody of using

company expenses for

extramarital whoring,

you're going to need a metric

sh*t ton of proof.

I'm not going to accuse him.

The rumor is not the story.

His reaction is

the story Elliott.

He's a liar.

You've heard all the same

off-the-record stuff

that I have.

So let's present him

with an emotive narrative,

and a scandal, and watch him

squirm and stammer and deny.

That sells the truth.

No proof needed.

I don't like it.

I don't care.

You know, for someone

with your job title,

your legs are remarkably

inactive.

So, we're decided then,

let's move on.

Is she busy?

Yeah.

You work here?

Yeah, I pretty much

just started.

Listen, do me a favor.

Can you give this to her?

Oh, yeah.

Who should I say it's from?

Tell her it's from Max.

What's the occasion?

She'll know.

Just make sure she gets it.

Sure.

Thanks.

Yes?

Hi.

Hi.

This is from Max.

Cheapskate.

He's trying to charm me into

signing off on our apartment.

Oh, he's your...

Ex-husband.

You want some?

Oh, I'm working.

No, you are just standing

in my dressing room.

Have some champagne.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Mmmm.

I have something for you.

Thanks.

I used to wear that at

the start of my career.

I was on a show

just like this one.

It was worse, of course.

The Lowdown?

Very good.

Why are you giving it to me?

I wouldn't push you this hard

if I didn't think there was

something worth pushing for.

Down the line, I can see you

sitting in that chair.

Plus I think it'll look very

good with the lipstick

you seem to like.

Now earn it.

Got your form signed.

How, how did you...?

I told him that you were

my friend.

And that you saved me

from, you know.

I also told him that you're

too stupid to be a vulture.

More like a marshmallow

dressed up like one.

Well, thank you.

How did you know

that's what she called me?

What do you mean?

Perfect boy.

How did you know about that?

Almost like I'm a journalist

or something.

Hey, they get you again?

Maybe I got to them.

Sure.

I didn't know.

I just know you.

What does that mean?

I never told you about my Mom.

She k*lled herself

when I was eight.

She cut her wrists.

sh*t, I'm sorry.

It's okay. It's okay.

I was the only person in

the apartment at the time.

Suddenly I heard this screaming.

Calling my name,

telling me to call 911.

So I run and I find her

in the tub,

panicking because

she's changed her mind.

Now it's actually happening,

she wants to turn back.

And um, and...

she was screaming at me to go

and get towels to wrap around

her arms because her fingers

had stopped working.

Then um, I tried to go

to tie them

but my hands were trembling...

because I'm scared.

The blood wasn't stopping

and then she was screaming

at me about what 911

did I call, are they coming.

And I hadn't so I run to go

and do it,

and the ties were undone

and there was just never

enough time.

That's why I know where you

are now.

I bottled it up after.

I didn't talk about it and I...

pushed people away, I lashed

out, I got into fights.

You think it makes you stronger

but it doesn't.

You have a gentle heart.

And that's a good thing.

But because of the way you are,

because of what happened to you,

it makes you vulnerable.

And it makes you an easier

target for bullies.

I'm not a f*cking target.

She was unhappy,

she bounced,

how does that make me

the vulnerable one?

And those two assholes

don't have a f*cking brain cell

between them, and if

they try me again

I'll smash both

their f*cking empty heads

into the f*cking dirt.

They're nothing.

The only reason I let them

get away with it is

because they're not worth me.

Turn it off.

I said turn it off!

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

It's okay.

Turn it off.

Turn it off.

It's a demon's eye.

At first glance,

a picture perfect home.

The photographs.

And the houseplants.

And the light.

The smell of yesterday's

home-cooked food,

of air freshener and detergent.

But since that late day in July,

it's also been home

to a dark secret.

That Charlotte Nowak,

renowned children's author,

took her own life.

Addressed to her perfect boy,

Charlotte's su1c1de letter

praises his gentle heart,

his kind nature,

but those are hard to maintain

in the wake of tragedy.

Her actions were a part

of a dark cycle.

Hidden family struggles,

mental health,

culminating in a tragedy

that intensifies the darkness

in those left behind.

It shows us the true cost

of a lost life.

Shouldn't you be

in school?

I go sometimes.

It shows us the cost

of a dark secret.

Confusion.

She was unhappy,

she bounced.

How's that make me

the vulnerable one?

Rebellion.

Anger.

I'll smash both their

f*cking empty heads

into the f*cking dirt.

All that's left are the

ingredients of more tragedies,

more v*olence to come.

Mia?

Yeah.

How do you think you did?

Just tell me.

The spot is yours.

Are you serious?

I am.

It's not a perfect piece,

but it's very emotive

and it's very good

and I would like to use it.

That's just some legal stuff

for TNR.

Gotta cover all our bases.

Don't tell anyone out there.

I like to see the disappointment

firsthand.

Want to join me?

Diane chose my piece.

That's great Mia, but I can't.

I have work.

What's work?

Um, I wrote up

the Senator story.

Said what I went in looking for,

how I failed to find it,

what it taught me.

I sent it to Ellipsis,

they said it was real, genuine.

Ellipsis Magazine?

Yeah. I guess we both got

what we wanted.

Have one for Mia.

You couldn't have

done this after?

You've been avoiding me.

Or you haven't been

trying hard enough.

I'm not here to flirt, Diane.

We found a buyer

for the old apartment.

Needs your signature.

There. You're finally

rid of me.

We have to get ready.

We're live in five.

A number of sources are adamant

you pushed for his resignation.

He's completely capable

of making his own decisions.

So you didn't pressure him?

We are speaking about an adult.

A respected politician

who's capable of choosing

what he does and does not.

So you're unwilling

to answer the question.

Again, he's not a child.

Thank you, Congresswoman,

I think the audience can

read the subtext.

And now we turn to a home

broken by strategy.

A story that we thought

we all knew.

At first glance,

a picture perfect home.

The photographs and the

houseplants and the light.

The smell of yesterday's

home-cooked food.

Of air freshener,

and detergent.

But since that late day

in July 2019,

it's also been home

to a dark secret.

What's this?

What do you mean?

Where's my voice?

It's supposed to be me talking.

Sorry, who are you?

...children's author

took her own life.

This is the wrong tape!

It's the wrong tape!

This is supposed to be me!

Can you shut it off?

No, you need to get out.

Can we get her out?

...recovered a note,

addressed to her perfect boy,

Charlotte's su1c1de letter

praises his gentle heart.

But those are hard to maintain

in the wake of tragedy.

It shows us the true cost

of lost life.

Shouldn't you be

in school?

I go sometimes.

Confusion.

She was unhappy.

She bounced.

How does that make me

the vulnerable one?

Rebellion.

Anger.

I'll smash both their f*cking

empty heads

into the f*cking dirt.

All that's left are

the ingredients

of more tragedies,

more v*olence to come.

What the f*ck was that?

Watch your tone.

-Watch my tone?

-Yeah.

You're a f*cking liar!

Do you want to try that again?

You.

Are.

A.

f*cking.

Liar!

I told you that your piece

would air on TNR.

It aired on TNR.

You stole my story!

It was an important piece, Mia.

It needed an established

voice behind it.

You can pretend that

I stole your story,

but the truth is I gave it

the push that it needed.

You don't know what

I had to do to get it.

Every story takes work.

It was my story!

It's my story!

It was my break!

I wrote it!

I wrote every f*cking word!

I found it!

You didn't even think

that it was a story!

And you proved me wrong.

Do you have any idea

the opportunity

that I am giving you here?

You won Mia.

Tell your f*cking face.

Everything on front page is

a decision and breaking it down

in that way is the easiest

way to think about it.

What is each element's purpose

and what decision

should we make...

Mia?

It's occupied.

I tried to find you

after Heger's class

but I heard you dropped

out weeks ago.

You know, she told me

she never got it.

I emailed.

There's no point in pretending.

Jesus, Alix.

Maybe she got it and hated it

and didn't want

to hurt your feelings.

Doesn't mean you have

to stalk me for months.

I trusted you.

Why?

Rumors that Diane Heger's

going to be launching

a new talk show on top of

her regular TNR gig,

where she'll talk to prominent

journalists and celebrities

about their struggles

with mental health.

It comes off the back

of her breaking

the tragic Charlotte Nowak

story last month.

A story that we were

all here to hear.

Hello, dropout.

I never gave you

Alix Neiman's portfolio.

And it got you a job.

Which you threw away.

But I already knew that.

Alix emailed me.

It was an accident.

Was it?

You know, you and I share

a rare trait.

Your goal first.

Do what has to be done.

There's always going to be

useless little weasels like

Elliott who obsess over every

tiny little ethical detail.

But you and I know,

story is king.

That's what got you on the air.

Really?

Because I only saw you.

Do you know where I grew up?

Tell me.

Chino Hills, California.

My Dad shined shoes

for a living.

Then he would drink

after work.

I had this one friend

and we would go to

the Chino Hills Mall, and we

would just talk and waste time.

If I was lucky my Mom

would call on the weekends.

That was it.

I knew I was going to come here

and I was going to be somebody.

My Dad used to say that

the odds were against me.

Little Black girl,

comes from nothing.

People don't assume you're

going to be a success.

And if you do it anyway,

they think it's because

of who you are,

not because of what

you've done.

You gotta make those two things

the same, no matter what.

I'm Diane Heger.

Journalist, host of

The Night Report.

I'm the iron hammer

of interviewers.

That's who I am.

That's what I've done.

Doesn't matter what people

know or not.

Is that why you stole my story?

You can pretend

that I stole your story.

But it was a home video

without me.

Nowak kid doing fine?

I made sure that you

pushed him to the brink.

I made sure that you edited

in the right direction.

Because that's what made

the story work.

And if you stick with me,

you will keep working.

You will keep climbing

to the top

until the Alex Neimans

and the Kim Connollys,

they'll be sitting on the other

side of your desk.

Laughing like you're

their best friend,

and it won't matter that

you screwed them over.

It doesn't matter the bridges

that you burn to get there.

Everyone else is just going to

build them back for you anyway.

Success is not the reward.

Success is a resource and if

people need something from you,

then you are never alone.

Yeah, um, get back to work.

Journalism isn't

a vocation, it's a persona.

It has to be.

You're trying to wrangle

deep uncomfortable truths

from people.

Truth that if revealed

can change the course

of their lives.

Takes a particular

kind of person.

They'll be sitting on

the other side of your desk,

laughing like you're

their best friend.

And it won't matter that

you screwed them over.

It doesn't matter the bridges

that you burn to get there.

Is that why you stole my story?

There's always going to be

useless little weasels

like Elliott.

You useless little weasel.

You useless weasel.

You obsess over every

tiny little ethical detail.

But it was a home video

without me.

Nowak kid doing fine?

I pushed him to the brink.

I edited in the right direction.

Because that's what made

the story work.

It's a rare trait,

doing what needs to be done.

Your goal first.

I will keep climbing,

and it won't matter

that I screwed you over.

Coming up next,

The Night Report.

It doesn't

matter the bridges

that I burn to get there.

Hey,

you've reached Kim.

Leave a message

after the beep.

Everyone else

is just going to build

them back for me anyway.

Because I'm Diane Heger,

host of The Night Report.

Hey.

I'm the iron hammer

of interviewers.

Please.

And this is coming

in right now,

breaking news about renowned

TNR host Diane Heger.

You can pretend

that I stole your story.

Where is everybody?

No, I need Kate to stand

in for Diane tonight.

What are you talking about?

The f*ck did you do?

No no, when can she get here?

Good evening,

I'm Kate Merriweather

and you're watching TNR.

So I stole your story.

Get back to work.

-How do you respond to

the released reporting?

-Are there discussions about

your future at the network?

-How many other stories

have you stolen

or dishonestly edited.

I strongly deny any-

Please let me through.

-How do you defend

your decision?

-Do you intend to issue

an apology?

-Do you feel ashamed

of stealing this story?

-Ms. Heger were you driven

to do this...