02x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

What's currently going on
in your head,

isn't true.

Benedikt, you're in the way.

At this very moment,
your wife and your child

are fighting for their lives
because of you!

Time has stopped.
Your clock isn't working.

Benedikt!

I'm helping you make
a very difficult decision.

It would be so much better

if Steinunn just raised
the child all by herself,

you are not even there.

Benedikt, look at the state of you.

My apologies, I'm struggling with
a bad bout of depression.

I've had first-hand experience
with our mental health system

and it's riddled with issues.

Someone needs to step up
and clean up this system.

I'm staying with her.

This is just what you
need right now.

It's a great ministry.

The staff is great, they can take
charge if you ever need a break.

The division of ministries
took a long time to sort out.

This is the best we can do for now.

Yes.

But, Finnbogi,

I don't want to spend my time
running some random ministry.

So.
Thanks, but no thanks.

Thank you so much.

Thanks for meeting with me.

We're not handing over the most
controversial ministry to a sick man.

We need him.

He's the chairman of your party,
the president wants him

and we won't be able
to do this without him.

What on Earth did you eat?

Or better yet, what did mom eat?

Did mom pop to KFC for lunch?
- No, I didn't.

Don't listen to him.

You are so sweat!

It's actually pretty good.
The ministry.

Like, really good.
It's usually run by a party chairman.

I think...

I think you'd be really good at it.

Yes, great.

The thing is,
they're expecting you to say no.

Why would they expect that? -Because
it's not the ministry you want.

And if you say no, then Svanhvit
will become the next chairwoman,

and then she and dad
will take over the party.

But it's all just a bunch of fancy
c*ck parties abroad, isn't it?

You're medicated.

You're seeing a psychiatrist.

We could do this together.
If you want to.

I couldn't do this without you.

I couldn't do this without you.
Not a chance.

No, this is just your dad...

If you say no, then you're out.

Then they can say
that it was his decision.

Yes.

Let's see if dad is brave enough.

Benedikt, can you dress her?

Hello there.
- Do you have a moment?

What a beautiful flat.

Thanks, we're still getting settled.
- Yes.

It's going well.

Hi.

Look at her.
She's adorable.

Is her Christening
gown on backwards?

Her parents are a bit exhausted.

Benedikt, we've discussed it.

We're willing to reshuffle
the cabinet mid-term.

So, the Ministry of
Health is yours.

But until then, you'll be
Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Magni will work with you.

But that's up to you.
Then you'll take over.

That sounds great, Finnbogi.

Splendid. -Would you like
to come to a baptism?

Sure, I should be able to
manage that.

I just need to make one call.
- Great.

I thought we were only
inviting a few people.

Yes, but we need a few more guests.

Don't we?

Receive the holy sign of the cross,

on your forehead and your chest,

as proof that both
your mind and your heart

are blessed by Lord Jesus Christ,
the crucified and the resurrected.

What is the child's name?

Eva Benediktsdottir Kvaran.

Eva Benediktsdottir Kvaran,

I baptise you
in the name of the Father,

the Son

and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Thanks so much.

Hi.
- Hello.

So good to see you.
- You too.

I'm looking forward
to working with you.

Likewise.

How's it going

Good morning.

So.

Grimur.
- They're waiting for us.

Right, Siggi.

It was great working with you.

Thanks for everything.
- Likewise.

Dear staff.
- Just keep it brief.

I'd like to welcome
Benedikt Rikhardsson

who will be taking charge
of our fair ministry.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Right.

Good morning.
- Good morning.

It must be strange for you,

working for someone who's been
diagnosed with a mental illness.

But, to be clear,
I'm currently stable.

And ninety percent of the time,
people who suffer from my disease

are totally normal people
who go to work,

participate in society

and just sit at their desk,
stare out the window and think:

"I wish I had the day off."

And if it were up to me,
we'd all have the day off.

We would go outside
and catch some sun.

Come to think of it,
maybe it is up to me.

No? No.

Maybe that should be my first task.

To fight for Icelanders
to get sunny days off.

It always rains
on the first day of summer.

And Independence Day
and Commerce Day too.

But anyway.
I appreciate the warm welcome.

It warms my heart.

Thanks so much.

We decided not to fill your
schedule on your first day.

We need to complete
the Register of Interests.

Other than that, you've just got
meetings with various departments.

And here's where you'll
be traveling this month.

Okay.

Twenty-one days abroad.
- Yes.

Is that necessary

As Minister for Foreign Affairs,
that's the job.

Of course.

I'm going to level with you.
I've got a disease.

Which makes it difficult for me
to travel a lot. I need routine.

Right.
That is unfortunate.

Yes. Exactly.

So I've been thinking,
is there a chance

that while I'm getting
into the rhythm

that we hold off on excessive
traveling for a few months?

We've already announced
your attendance.

There are several important
matters on the agenda.

A meeting with Nordic ministers
about fishing in the Arctic.

Fishing is one of
Iceland's biggest industries.

I'm not trying to downplay that.

I'm just wondering,
could it be an online meeting?

Excuse me.

Benedikt, there's a reporter
on the line.

We're in a meeting.
- Don't worry, we're done here.

'll transfer the call.

Thanks.
For the meeting.

Good morning.

Hello, Benedikt. This is Ragna,
I'm calling from the paper.

Hello.
- How are you?

How is your first day going

It's going really well. So many
great people. The weather is lovely.

I can't complain. And if there are no
complaints, there is no news, right?

Yes, sure.

You mentioned the weather.
Someone told me you were planning to

abolish fixed public holidays
in Iceland

and have the Meteorological
Office allocate them instead.

Yes.

Was that a joke?
- Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.

It's a much better system.

A sun-holiday.
Have you ever considered that?

Sure. But it's not something

the Minister for Foreign Affairs
should worry about. -Of course it is.

We would have to speak with the
Norwegian Meteorological Agency.

Their forecast is much more accurate
than the Icelandic one.

Is that right?

But what can I do for you?

I just wanted to hear from you.
Is everything going well?

Absolutely.
It's been a great day.

No complaints
-None.

My only complaint is that I'm
working on such a nice day.

You and me both.

Thanks for your time.
We'll speak again soon.

Thanks a lot. Bye.
- Bye.

You wanted to see me?

Have a seat.

So, Ottar.

You and I, we've had our

differences.

You've impressed me.

You're a very skilled reporter.
You're reliable.

And...

And as you know, we're looking
for a new editor-in-chief.

Would you be interested?

The honourable MP from the North-West
Constituency will now speak.

Honourable speaker.

Last weekend, I attended
an agriculture conference

in Hvolsvollur.

And had a very meaningful
and informative conversation

with the farmers of this country,
the grassroot.

I just published a story
and it's vanished.

Really? -Ragna, you wrote
a story about a joke.

Why would you say that?

The minister plans to negotiate with
the Norwegian Meteorological Agency

regarding the allocation
of Icelandic holidays

based on the
Norwegian weather forecast.

That's what he said.

As a joke.

To a reporter, on the record.
- As a joke.

How do you know that?

He's not crazy.

But he is.
Not like that.

First of all, this is a man who
sometimes loses contact with reality.

He has power, it's important
to report on any wild ideas of his.

Second of all,

isn't it distressing that he's
cracking jokes about the government?

Because he's mentally ill?

He's not allowed to tell jokes?

Isn't that a bit bigoted?

No, I write news in a truthful way.

What you're actually doing
is taking some joke out of context

to create some clickbait headlines.
- No.

All you'll accomplish
by doing this,

is undermine the integrity
of the paper. -Me?

I'm the one undermining
its integrity?

You might want to take a look
in the mirror.

I just write stories.
That's my job.

In that case,

consider yourself formally
released from that burden.

Are you firing me?

At the door of His temple,
this glorious night,

in homage they pray
from their hearts confiding.

But vainly they wait,
for locked is each gate,

and silent the spirit presiding.

I love you so much.

On the same day
he comes back to work,

his wife returns
from maternity leave.

Benedikt. -To the biggest
media outlet in the country.

I'm going to lay you down.

Daddy will be right back
because it's bedtime.

Daddy needs to have
a word with mommy.

Just a quick word with mommy.

...so that Icelanders can always
enjoy good weather on their days off.

How so?

He spoke of abolishing
all public holidays in Iceland.

And said he'll have the
Norwegian Meteorological Agency

allocate holidays.

Norwegian Meteorological Agency
manage holidays based on weather?

On a day like today, everyone would
probably get the day off.

But when we tried to report this

at his wife's media outlet

the stories were k*lled
and that is a very serious matter.

You have to watch what you say
to the media. -I...

That was clearly a joke.

Okay, don't tell reporters jokes.

You know we can't afford a misstep.
- A misstep?

Like you censoring
some story about me?

I'm not censoring anything,
this isn't news.

It was copy-editing,
not censorship.

It's my first day back,
why did you have to go to work?

Don't you see how this looks?

This was my first day back
from maternity leave.

I had Eva with me.
You didn't even ask me how it went.

How did it go?

Just wonderful.

Your assistant is calling.

She's great at her job.
- Says you.

Hey, routine.

Good night.
- Good night.

Hello.
- Hi, I was watching.

I know what we do about
this weather holiday matter.

Good morning.
- Morning.

Where's your luggage?

We have to deliver the papers first,
Erna. It's all about routine.

Benedikt.
Our flight is in three hours.

Yes.
We'll make it, if we must.

You coming

Thank you, Erna.

Are you trying to miss your flight?

Seriously?

Why would you say such a thing?
- We're way behind schedule.

Yes...

What are you doing?
- What?

Do you know what time it is?
- Just give me a minute.

Good morning.
- Benedikt?

Honourable Prime Minister.
Here's your paper.

May we?
- Yes, of course, come in.

So.

How about some coffee?
- No, thanks.

Are you sure?
- Yes, we're in a hurry.

Thanks.

Benedikt.
- Thank you, my friend.

Have some of this too.
- Thank you.

You're not trying to k*ll me,
are you?

What?

Of all the ministries,
you put me in the worst one.

I did?
- All this traveling, I can't do it.

It puts me in real danger.
- Why?

I need routine.

Why didn't you tell me right away

I felt ashamed.

So will you take a step back?
Again? -No.

I'll handle it.
- Okay.

So what's the issue?
- Look.

I'm on my way to the airport
for work. -Yes.

Yes.
We have to get a move on.

Yes.
But I've got an idea.

All these flights

are expensive
and bad for the environment.

We've got ambassadors working
in most of these countries.

What is the point of them if they
can't attend the occasional meeting?

And if absolutely necessary,
I could join a virtual meeting.

That way, I would only fly
when we have no other choice.

If not, I'll just speak
to people online.

I think that's brilliant.

Thanks, Oskar.

You might be onto something.

Agreed. -We'll package it
as a green initiative.

You will be the minister
of the twenty-first century.

It'll be an experiment.

Wow.

The Progressive Party,
pushing innovation in bureaucracy.

I didn't see that coming.
- Don't make fun of me.

Sorry.

Benedikt.

I'm glad to see you're
doing better.

To be honest with you, when
I saw you, having hit rock bottom,

I never thought you'd tell
another joke in your life.

But look at you now.

But you have to be careful.

This sun-holiday stuff is funny but
it doesn't belong in the media.

It was just a joke.

But yes, of course.
You've got it.

Why are you not at the airport?

I decided to skip class.
- Excuse me?

We’ve got ambassadors and delegations
in every one of these countries,

but I'm still expected to show up.

Isn't this what young people would
call administration bullshit?

These trips are not bullshit!

They are about forming friendships
and engaging in active collaboration.

Why aren't the delegations
forming friendships

and engaging in
active collaboration?

It's quite different when
the minister himself attends.

Sigridur. -Sigridur Helga,
thank you very much.

Yes. Right.

All these travels,
I can't do it. -No.

Well, maybe this is
the wrong ministry for you.

Exactly. After all, The Ministry of
Health is where I'm headed.

But until then,
we have to do this my way.

This is nonsense.
This isn't how diplomacy works.

Maybe so. But I've got
the Prime Minister's blessing.

So we're going to try
something new.

Good seeing you.

Good morning.
- Good morning.

That went well.

Won't you put all of this away?
- Yes.

Minister, this is Karl Uve,

ambassador of Norway
to Iceland. -Yes.

Welcome.
Please, have a seat.

May I please have it?
Thanks.

It brings me great pleasure
to give you this pin. -Wow.

Thank you so much.
Look at that.

And regarding the sun-holidays,
what a fantastic idea.

It would make the Icelandic people
so much happier,

having days off whenever
the sun is out.

This is currently being
discussed in Norway.

They've asked me to tell you this:

We appreciate the confidence,

but we can't possibly
be responsible

for allocating public holidays
in Iceland.

It was just a joke.

A joke like that can...

It wasn't a joke.
It was just a misunderstanding.

And it snowballed.

But Benedikt never actually
said this.

We've just release a statement,

where it says that he
never suggested linking

public holidays
and the weather forecast.

But where did this idea come from?

A lot of people want Benedikt
to look bad on his first day.

Alright. But can I send a photo
to the Norwegian media?

To show that we've
relayed the message. -No.

I would just stay out
of this whole thing, if I were you.

Okay then.

Thanks for the meeting.

Yes, thanks so much.
Thanks for coming.

Thanks for the pin.
Let me walk you out.

Thanks so much.
It was so nice to meet you.

Likewise.

Bye.

Press release?

What were you thinking? -We just
thought it was the right thing to do.

We?

Me.
You and Steinunn.

It's simplest just to lie to people,
isn't it?

It’s better than having
you look incompetent.

Telling a joke isn't the same
as being incompetent.

It depends on who tells the joke.

It was one joke.
Just one.

Damn it.

Oh, hey.
- Hi.

What are you up to?

Just picking up some things.

How are you?

You good?
- Yes.

Good morning.

Hello, Benedikt. This is Ragna,
I'm calling from the paper.

Hello.
Ragna.

How is your first day going

It's going really well. So many
great people. The weather is lovely.

Can't complain.
- Ragna.

I can't let you do this.

You mentioned the weather...
Someone told me...

Ragna... -Wait.

...abolish fixed public
holidays in Iceland

and have the Meteorological
Office allocate them instead.

Yes.
- Was that a joke

Heads up.

It would be much better that way.
- What are you doing here?

I won't let you spin this story.

You're trespassing.
We store sensitive data here.

You need to leave.
- Or else?

You'll call the police?

Good idea.

Great.

Congratulations.

The article will no longer just be
about a sick minister who lied.

Please leave. -But also about how
his wife had a reporter arrested

for writing about it.

What was she doing here?

I don't know.

Listen.

Come find me later.

Guess what?

Good news.

The speech you made
at the meeting, it was a big hit.

Norway has agreed to let
Hafro fish in their waters.

Sigridur Helga was so annoyed

that a speech worked just as well
as a physical visit.

She couldn't even bring herself
to say that we did a good job.

This is the news.
It's two o'clock.

The assistant to
The Minister for Foreign Affairs

lied in a statement
sent to the media earlier today.

The assistant claimed that
the minister had never spoken

of abolishing public holidays.

The truth is that
he plans to negotiate

with the Meteorological Office in
Norway regarding

the allocation of public holidays
based on the weather forecast.

But that's according to a recording
that appeared on social media today.

I will set this right. I'll explain
that it was just a joke.

We'll deal with the consequences.

It's no big deal. People tell jokes
in meetings all the time.

I wouldn't do that.

You just want me to be dishonest.
- Not at all.

I spoke to the news earlier.

I told them we'd probably form a
committee to review what happened.

A committee?

You're going to form a committee to
review a joke I told in a meeting?

I think that's a good idea.

They'll release a report
in about three months.

Meanwhile, the matter is forgotten.

How many people
will be on this committee?

We're not forming a committee!

At the moment, it's hard to tell

which one of you
is doing more damage.

You or Benedikt.

You shouldn't come into the office.
All it does is hurt Benedikt.

A sick man editing the news.

Thank you for this
unsolicited analysis.

You're welcome.

And thanks for stopping by.

Am the only vice-chairman
in the party's history

who wasn't given a seat in government
for two consecutive terms.

But

you're both angry with me.

So shall we call it even?

You tried to deprive my husband
of his autonomy.

Yes.

But we're in the same boat now.

Is that so?
- Yes.

Svanhvit and your dad
are planning to take over

the party at the
next National Assembly.

They will try.

You know who's behind
all of this, right?

Who?

You kicked me out.

Benedikt got stuck with a ministry
where he has no routine.

I'm out.

Benedikt gets sick.

Who is left, riding a white horse
to the next National Assembly?

It was Svanhvit who convinced
the party and Finnbogi

to place Benedikt in
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

But

when we joined forces

we disarmed them
and formed a government.

And now?
We need to work together again.

I don't need your help.

Yes, you need my help.

Here's what you need to do.

Have the new assistant
fall on her sword.

Erna?

My cousin?
- It's just politics.

Here's the official statement:

Benedikt told a joke,
she misunderstood it

and leaked it to her friends
at the press.

She later realized her mistake
and lied to the nation.

You seem like
you're taking this seriously.

And the whole thing fades away.

Next up:

Find another assistant.

Assume you have one in mind?

Welcome everyone, thanks
for coming.

Today, we implement the first
steps of our reform strategy

to improve the country's
mental health care system,

a system which Benedikt
has had to navigate.

It wasn't smooth sailing.

Anyway.

We will build a new
psychiatric ward.

Applications are now open,

architects can go ahead and submit
their designs for the building.

We've secured five hundred million
kronur for the project.

Construction is due to begin
next year.

Right.
Any questions?

A question for Benedikt.

The origin of your idea of
weather-related holidays is unclear.

Is this something you are
actually working towards?

That's not really what this meeting
is about.

But I will comment on that
later today.

This holiday matter
is the talk of the town.

What do you think the unions
will make of this proposal?

Look.

So...

I told a joke in a meeting.
This is clearly a misunderstanding.

Nobody is planning
on changing any holidays,

let alone linking them to the
weather forecast. It was a joke.

A press release stated that
the President of The Supreme Court

will form a committee
to investigate this matter.

Is that necessary?
- That's it, everyone.

Thanks so much for coming.
Goodbye.

Do you intend to make a habit
of making jokes like this?

Was a joke.
- Sure.

Not a great joke, but still a joke.

Hi. -Hi.

Listen, Benedikt.

Tell me.
Are you taking your meds?

Of course I am.

Are you?
- Yes.

Good.

Great.

Do you know what I think?
- No.

I think you should go home
and relax.

Just call it a day.

Then show up to work tomorrow,
refreshed.

Right?
- Yes.

Right?
- Sounds pretty good to me.

Let's do it.
- Okay.

You're home early?

Just needed to catch my breath.

Is she asleep?
- Yes.

How's it going

I told them it was a joke.

I saw that.

How do you feel about Erna?

She kind of overstepped today,
didn't she?

What if we make a statement later
today, stating she made a mistake?

And

then we just find a replacement?

We all make mistakes.

Could I...

...maybe...

...could I maybe get my
old assistant back? Hrefna?

Could we maybe consider someone
we both want?

Why don't you take the job?

See.

How about my brother, Porgeir?

He's your brother-in-law,
your friend.

He was the first one who got involved
when you got sick.

He knows the politics.

You don't think he'll try to
pull some strings for your dad?

Steinunn, was it a mistake,
going back to work?

No, come on.
You've only just started.

Porgeir, he's solid.

He's a good man. We'll make sure
everything is above board.

I think this might actually
calm dad down.

I think I should go to him later.
Have a chat.

Yes.
Should I come with you?

Why don't you just stay home
and rest?

Yes.

I could look after
the little crocodile.

It would do me good, spending
time alone with my daughter.

Let's have something nice to eat.

That's so fun.

What's for dinner?

Bacon and eggs.

Steinunn. I'm not interested in
getting mixed up

in a political fight between you
and dad.

But you are destined
for that sort of dilemma.

Decades of experience.

Porgeir, I mean it.

I think this would be good
for everyone.

It would also be
an interesting challenge for you.

You did say you wanted
to try something new.

Yes, but this isn't exactly
what I meant.

More like a new hobby.
Maybe squash.

Squash won't do it for you.
Politics, that's a real sport.

Do you trust me?

You think you can act
as a mediator

and if you won't let dad
f*ck with you, then

yes.

I've tried to be the mediator
of this family for a long time.

Porgeir, you are capable
of doing whatever you want to do.

I think it's almost ready.

Experts say it's very serious
when a politician...

Are they talking about dad on TV?
Come on, let's take a look.

The assistant to the minister lied.

We must assume that
the minister was involved in that.

I want to speak with him.

Right now?
- Yes.

Okay. -I think you might want
to see the news.

But of course it's not good
because of the past

it is perhaps precisely important
that we get to watch...

What do the leaders
of the unions think about this?

It's sad that the minister treats
the public with such contempt,

making jokes about
abolishing their holidays.

Let's not watch the news.
They're no fun.

Should we call mom?
Let's try calling mom.

Don't cry, sweetie.
Please don't cry.

No, listen.

Let's not call mom,
let's not call her.

We can do this, just the two of us.

Hey.

Would you like to dance?
Let's dance. Come here.

This is an extremely rich man

who can't possibly understand
the plight of the working class.

And to make matters worse,

he tries to prevent the public
from hearing about this.

The Icelandic Meteorological Society
says that the minister's comments

highlight The Icelandic Met Office's
prolonged underfunding.

Behind every joke,
there is some truth.

And the truth is that the minister
has expressed a lack of confidence

in The Icelandic Met Office.

We'd like to point out that we
urgently need increased funding

to be able to produce more
accurate weather forecasts.

Yes, smile.

Come.
Let's just go outside.

I live here.

What happened?

What happened?

We're fine.

Are you alright?

Are you alright?

Can you start tonight?

There, there.

Good morning.

Hello.

Do you deliver papers now?

No, this is just to
get my steps in.

But ministers can't hold other jobs
in office, correct?

Yes, exactly. Which is why Benedikt
won't be doing this anymore.

You can quote us on that.

Yes.
- Let's go.

Yes. It was nice meeting you.
- You too.

Come here.
- Where are we going

I have something to show you.
It's upstairs.

We must deliver the remaining papers.
I need the exercise.

We'll figure something out.

Maybe we could sh**t some hoops.
- No, I need it now.

Hey, good morning.
- Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

I've got an idea.

That child.
Come here.

I can't leave the baby with him.
I don't trust him anymore.

Look.
I'm a pretty decent dad.

I've left Karen in
a shopping trolley.

I've locked her in the bathroom.
I've locked myself out of the house.

I've locked her out of the house.
These things happen.

Porgeir, it's working.
- Great.

It's working.
Just a bit of stretching.

Is anyone running a story
on the fire?

No. Because I spent all night
making calls.

So you're an assistant now?

It sure sounds like it.

Thank you, Porgeir.

Don't mention it.

I'll speak to Erna.

Are they jumping ship?

Good morning.
- Good morning.

Yes.

I'll call you later.
Yes.

Hi. -Hi.

Hi.

Is this because I told a joke?
- No.

We did this for you.

National security matters will be
handed to The Interior Ministry.

Among other things.
To give you space to recover.

I have recovered.

Absolutely.

We're just helping
you stay that way.

It's been great working with you.

You're off to a great start.

Well, now we do this.
- Yes.