01x02 - Head and Heart

[bunniefuu]

[ominous music playing]

[music turns dramatic]

[Toni] Come, come. This way. Hurry.

Go ahead, yeah.
Watch your step, please. Careful now.

Let's go.

Move over, please! Make way, watch it!

This way, Mrs. Fernanda.
That's it. Go with him, yeah.

Careful now.

Have faith. Have faith.

You got this, kid. All good.

[man] Go, go, go.

[dramatic music continues]

I didn't mean to hurt him, Toni.
I was just focused on winning.

You'd already won the fight, Marcelo.

I don't know why I went so far.

- I've no idea--
- I made a mistake.

I shoulda never let you into that ring.

It won't happen again.

[breathing deeply]

Please, Toni, I need you.

God gave you another chance, you know?

It's up to you to decide
what to do with it.

I've done what I could for you.

You need to take charge of your life.

[frenzied theme music playing]

WRATH

[music stops]

[tense music playing]

You sure it was here?

Yeah, positive.
We shot the shithead right here.

Look everywhere.

Where'd his body go, f*ck?

You sure you k*lled him right there?

[woman] You see this spot right here?

It's a b*llet fragment
lodged in your skull,

but it could move around at any time.

It's a serious risk.

I want you to take this.

It should relieve the pain
and help with those visions.

You need to take it consistently, alright?

What you did was very dangerous, Marcelo.

Running away from the hospital like that?

The fighting's even worse, understand?

I'm serious, just one punch
could move that fragment

and cause a hemorrhage.

You're putting your life at risk.
Don't do it.

You must not fight.

[shrill tone intensifies, fades]

[crowd chanting over phone]

sh*t, yo!

Check Marcelo out! Brutal.

- Really intense.
- Yeah, for real, man. It got so bad.

You say it was bad?
That's putting it mildly.

Marcelo almost k*lled Wagner, bro.

And yo, the guy was legit going nuts,
I think he wanted to k*ll him.

I call bullshit on that, Catolé.

[Catolé] Bullshit, Gabi?
Did you even see the fight?

Guy's got problems. He's a whack job, man.
I swear, he's not right in the head.

- [Olívia] You're a saint or something?
- [Catolé] No, I'm no saint, no.

But I'm not a damn crook though.

- [Hammer] What are you saying, bro?
- I'm not evil.

[Gabi] Here, Dad.

Thanks, sweetheart.

Here. Marcelo wants you to have this.

The prize from the fight.

He's no longer with Trindade.

The money's not mine. It's his.

[Gabi] Quit being so stubborn.

[poignant music playing]

[whirring]

- [sighs deeply]
- [Toni] Look, I know a deal's a deal.

But, Didi, it's really all I have.

Your equipment though…

You lost it.

Fábio told me your new kid's good.

A true animal. A real beast.

He's not fighting with us anymore.

[music playing from inside bar]

[girls vocalizing out of tune]

[message alert pings]

[Olívia] Oh, Júnior says
he's on his way here.

Babe, I don't wanna rain on your parade,

but if you do want
to break up with the guy,

you're gonna have to see him.

[singing continues]

[in Portuguese] ♪ A sad way to have you ♪

[buzzing, second voice echoes]

[in Portuguese] ♪ Far from sight
But inside my heart ♪

♪ Teach me how to forget you ♪

♪ Or come back soon
And pull me out of this loneliness ♪

[buzzing stops]

[in English] Hey.

- [Gabi laughs]
- Hey.

You alright?

Let's leave.

- You sure you're okay?
- [Marcelo] Yeah, sure…

What the f*ck, Gabi?

Is it 'cause of this as*h*le
that you ghosted me?

[Gabi] I don't feel
like answering you is all.

- Why do you avoid your problems?
- You think I avoid my problems?

You didn't even have the ba*ls
to tell my dad you were leaving Trindade.

- That's not loyal.
- Hey, I'm your guy. I'm not your pop's.

Well, we're over. Come on, Marcelo.

- You want us to break up for real?
- Don't touch me anymore.

[Malamute] Well, f*ck you then!

f*ck you and that m*therf*cker.
See you in hell.

I'll get you, as*h*le.
Your mother's a wh*re!

I'll f*cking end you.

You're gonna pay for this, you d*ck!

Yeah, you're a b*tch, Gabi.
f*ck you! She's a f*cking b*tch!

Whoa! Hey, take it easy, my man.

[music cl*max, stops]

[gentle music playing]

Hey, I need to sit down for a bit.

My knee hurts.

[grunts]

I'm so over that bullshit.

I dragged you outta there.

I didn't ask
if you wanted to come with me.

So, what's the deal with you?

I know nothing about you.
I've got no idea why you're here.

I don't know anything.

I'm in the dark as well.

Yeah, right.

For real.

You see that?

I got shot.

What? You got jumped? What was it?

Don't know.

First thing I remember…

was being in a hospital.

I didn't know my own name.

I went blank.

[Gabi] I feel you.

Yeah, 'cause I also went through trauma.
Just not the same.

It was a car crash.

I thought I'd die, I got knocked out.

Happened the day of the title fight.

I used to fight.

I never told you?

Not to brag or anything,
but I was f*cking good.

[both laugh]

For real. You'd have been shocked.

Gabriela "The Beast" Trindade.

It's funny how life
has a way of showing you…

the path you've chosen
isn't right for you.

Were you alone in the car, or not?

My dad was driving.

He's quit drinking since.

It was a few years ago.

He's a regular at church now.

Toni's a great guy.

It was just the two of us.

He had it hard.

He'd scavenge in the trash.

To provide for us. It was brutal.

Life was f*cking hard.

[Gabi sighs]

Wanna get going? [sniffs]

[ethereal music playing]

Ah, man, the sun's coming out already.

Haven't been out all night in a while.

Gabi.

Toni's gonna need help.

He's got debts.

Oh, come on, for f*ck's sake.

I knew something was off
with the gear situation.

Who does he owe money to?

Don't have a name. Some woman.

Dienifer. Is she tall? Like yay high?

Yes.

Don't tell him that I know now.

[Marcelo scoffs]

I can't really.

He kicked me out of the club.

Gotta place to stay?

No.

[Gabi] Need help?

I'm not inviting you over,
but I'll find you a place to stay.

He's got a big old heart. Trust me.

Give it a few days and I'm sure
he'll welcome you back in to Trindade.

It's the white rooming house there.

It's kinda rundown, but it's a roof.

Thank you.

Good night.

Good night.

You should start fighting again.

Why don't you wanna try?

Watch what you wish for! Hmm?

[laughing] Watch what you wish for!

God broke my knee to humble me.
I was getting too arrogant.

But I still got it!

I'll get you some day. Wait and see.

[motor starts]

Hey there, k*ller.

Saw you fight yesterday.

You dating Stomper's daughter?

Listen to me, man.

We could make some good money
with all your rage.

You still fighting for Toni?

Then I'll train you.

Come meet me tonight at Central Square.

[motor starts]

[hip-hop music playing]

[man] What's up?

Up for making a name for yourself in MMA?

Actually,

you've got one now.

Got this for you.

Your new ID card.

I gotcha.

[Olívia] Marcelo!

Hey!

Olívia, he's not with us anymore.

[man] Look at me.

Your fight's the last one tonight.

That's right.
Badass managers get sh*t done.

If you're in trouble,

just headbutt his nose.

Don't let the ref see you.

Go.

Go make us some money.

[funky electronic music playing]

[crowd clamor]

Come on! Beat the hell outta him.

Fight, you f*ck! You've gotta fight back.

Move! Get out of there!

Come on!

Dammit! Get outta there! Get outta there!

Off the ropes, Marcelo, get off the ropes.

Listen to me, Marcelo.

Create some space!
Open up. Use your shoulder!

That's it! That's it, son.
Keep your guard. Guard up!

Keep moving. Keep moving.

Guard up! Hit him! Now!

[man] Ah! Hell, yeah!

That's it!

Hey, where you going?
What did I tell you, bro?

You see? What did I tell you?

f*ck yeah!

Take a picture of us together.

Or are you gonna sell out
even though I helped you?

[whirring]

Seven K?

The bike wasn't worth more than that?

How much did my dad borrow?

That's not what it's about.

It's about how long
he's owed us. Interest.

He never told you
why he'd gotten into debt, huh? Right?

No.

To pay for your knee surgery.

Hey, sweetheart.

Where's your bike?

When were you gonna tell me what you did?

What did I do?

You got involved with loan sharks.

Gabriela…

This involves only me.

And not you.

Well, the knee is mine,
so the debt is mine.

Your bike? Who did you sell it to?

[Gabi] Doesn't matter.

It does. I'll buy it back.

Oh, yeah? With what money?

I'll find my way like I always have.

Your problem is
you don't want to recognize

your way doesn't work anymore.

You're gonna need me someday.

You see me as a kid still, all helpless,

like you want me to stay an invalid,
incapable, or whatever…

But things need to change now.

You can't go around deciding for me
behind my back anymore.

You're not being fair right now.

I'm unfair?

That's how you see it?

[inhales, exhales deeply]

How do you think I feel
when I come deliver lunches

and I see everyone training here?

I used to live for that
and I'm not allowed on the mat anymore.

Whenever a guy with a stupid beard
and some muscle walks through that door,

you go running to them,
you pay more attention to them than me.

Only one person's loyal. Your daughter.

But you never listen to me.

Júnior's really vain,
there's no doubting that,

but he didn't leave the club
just to get rich.

No way.

Everyone has dreams.

And people need to feel
their dreams are heard.

They need to feel appreciated.

That day in the car,
if you'd just opened your ears…

[exhales]

[sniffs, sobs]

[traffic bustle]

[Toni sighs]

God helps me every single day.

He never gives me any orders.

He asks me what kind of man
I need to be when I need guidance.

How would you answer, Marcelo?

I'm a fighter.

You're not just a fighter.

Alright.

Let's do a one-two combo now.

Go.

Is this good?

[Toni] Yeah, that's it.

Hey!

You look like
you're kneading dough. Come on.

Punch harder, go!

Who asked you to do that?

I told you
to practice two moves. That's it.

Jab and cross.

- Sorry, Coach.
- Put your guard up.

Place your feet right.

Go. One-two.

One-two.

One-two. Faster now.

One-two. One-two. Go.

One-two.

One-two. One. Faster.

Your arm has to push through his.
Fight for the grip.

Dammit, Marcelo, the grip! Fight for it!

[Toni] Every fighter has trauma.

Every fighter knows
what pushed them to fight.

To throw punches.

To get punched.

[inspirational music playing]

[Toni] No one here's in their right mind.

Including this guy.

If you all weren't here right now,

where would you be?

Locked up?

Dead in a ditch?

Only God can judge you. He's true.

Not me, or anyone else.

That's it.

[Toni] Morning.

Supposed to be a fighter, aren't you?

C'mon up!

This is Trindade, my man.

You get opportunities here.

You can become a new version of you.

It's your chance
to build a new path forward.

If you chose to be here though,
you have to honor the mat under your feet.

Respect your opponent at all times!

You gotta fight fair.

Let's go.

One-two.

The choice is yours.

One-two.

You're not here to caress! Go. Hurt him!

Faster now. Faster, Marcelo.

One-two.

[inspirational music cl*max]

[Hammer] Calm down, easy.
Relax, kid. Listen to me, dammit!

Hold on!

[Toni] Go, Marcelo, go!

[Hammer] f*ck me!

sh*t! Stop, stop!

Stop, kid. Stop it. Enough already!

What the hell? Get a little rest now.

This kid is not a beginner.
There's no way, man. [sighs]

[sighs deeply]

Am I ready?

[Toni] Almost.

[Toni] It's here.

[pained sigh]

- Thanks, Ma, you're the best.
- Of course.

[groans]

Forgive me, Wagner.

I didn't mean to…
I swear I didn't want to hurt you.

[Wagner] I forgive you, Marcelo.

Comes with the territory.

[Toni] Not like that.
Marcelo was at fault.

As his trainer,
I take responsibility for his mistake.

Mrs. Fernanda.

Please, take this.

- Toni, no, it's too much…
- I insist, please. Take it.

- It's the least I can do.
- Thank you.

Of course.

- Wagner, get well soon, buddy.
- Thank you.

That's how it's gonna be.
Every month, until he's better.

- You've got a debt, Toni.
- Stay out of it.

Wagner's gotten paid.
Now just focus on your fight, Marcelo.

[pounding fight music playing]

[Toni] Trained for this, right?

Circle. Spin.

Always wait for an opening. Do it calmly.

When you see an opening,
place your feet, and strike.

Got it?

You got this.

[presenter] And fighting
in the blue corner,

representing Trindade,

Marcelo…

Lazarus!

[crowd roars]

[ref] Are you ready?

Are you ready?

[ref] Now, fight!

[crowd roars]

[music continues]

- [ref] It's over!
- sh*t!

The boy did it! Whoa!

- He did it!
- [Hammer] Yeah!

[crazed yell]

[crowd chanting] Marcelo! Marcelo!

[presenter] And the winner
of the fight is…

Marcelo Lazarus!

What a victory, Lazarus.

What a knockout!

But tell me about you.
How did you start fighting?

What made you want to start fighting?

He's not giving interviews today.
Not today.

Thanks. Come on, Marcelo.
Focus on the fight.

Congrats, champ. Wow, haven't seen
a knockout like that in a while.

- Pleasure, my name is Yana Novaes.
- Hey, Yana, excuse us.

Toni…

Toni, what's wrong?
Come on, I've got a fight offer for you.

Professional.

- Marcelo's clearly at that level. We--
- [Toni] Not interested.

Marcelo's not ready to fight pro.

- Excuse us.
- Wait.

Lazarus versus Júnior Malamute.

He's challenging you.

You guys are hilarious.

You went and poached
the best fighter I've trained

and now you want Marcelo
to get that traitor traction?

- Nice try, girl.
- Toni, I lost a rival.

- I want a substitute.
- Good luck with that, Yana.

There's good money in it, Toni.

Much more than
what you're getting tonight.

It would also be a good way for me
to make up for our misunderstandings.

Is that what you call it?

- I've had enough. Let's go, Marcelo.
- Real money, guys. Seriously.

- Real money.
- Toni, I can beat that guy.

- And it would pay well too.
- We're building a career for you.

Money's not the target.

Just stay calm and patient, Marcelo.

You're not ready yet,
you've gotta trust me.

But you need the money, Toni.

That's not for you to fix.
And it's not for Gabriela, okay?

Go to the locker room, take a shower.
I gotta run a couple errands.

Tomorrow we'll start early.

Tell me again how you got the knockout.

- He let his guard down.
- [laughs] That's the spirit.

[Olívia] There he is.
Let's go talk to him.

- Hey, man!
- Take a look at our winner!

Congrats, cuz. You were amazing.

- Thank you.
- So amazing.

- Great job.
- Marcelo, you crushed it.

[Olívia] Congratulations, cousin.
You did great.

I'm proud of you.

[ominous music playing]

[slow clapping]

Congrats, you piece of sh*t.
Well done, man.

You proud you won an amateur fight?

'Cause I made you an offer
to fight pro but you didn't wanna?

You think you're so tough
for winning this little fight, huh?

You know what we're gonna do now?
We're gonna fight right here, right now.

Hey, man, you ready to fight me,
aren't you?

- Júnior, calm--
- Stay out of it.

f*ck off.

What's the matter? You afraid?
You scared of me, you dumb f*ck?

Come on, fight!

You know why you don't?
Because you're a g*dd*mn p*ssy.

That's all you are. You and your trainer.
Just two f*cking p*ssy shits.

- [Catolé] What the f*ck's wrong with you?
- Bring it on!

[Catolé] Cut it out, as*h*le.

[Gabi] Enough! Quit it, stop!

[Olívia] Don't give in to him.

[Olívia] Cut that out!

[Gabi] Stop it! Enough!

- What? Are you on his side?
- You as*h*le!

- Are you on his side, Gabriela?
- You're not!

- Son of a b*tch! m*therf*cker!
- [Gabi] Get out of here!

[Malamute] I'm gonna get you, as*h*le!
I'm gonna get you! f*cking loser!

- [Olívia] f*cking as*h*le!
- [Gabi] What's your f*cking problem?

- Come on!
- [Marcelo] No!

- What the f*ck were you doing?
- He wanted to.

Why would he, huh?

He wants me to agree to fight.

So why'd you turn him down?

'Cause your father said so.

[dramatic sting]

[Paulina] One, two, three, four, five,

six, seven, eight, nine, ten…

[distorted dramatic chords]

[Paulina] …twelve, thirteen,
fourteen, fifteen…

- Where'd you find it? Say it.
- [boy] Dunno.

- What's going on?
- You better tell me.

Marcelo, he didn't find it, I did.
Leave him.

I found it.

Chill. We were just playing. No big deal.

I'm sorry.

Where did you find it though?

This is from the hospital?

It's what you were wearing
when we found you in the landfill.

[intriguing music playing]

How did I end up with that?

[sinister chords]

[soft knocking]

Dr. Letícia?

Yeah, what is it?

July 11th.

You were on duty that day?

I don't remember really.
It doesn't ring a bell but…

- Can I help you with anything?
- I wasn't really asking.

I'm looking for a man.

Tadeu.

He got shot in the head,
and I was told he got treated right here.

As a doctor,
I can't divulge any information

about who I treat.

If he's dead, you can't either?

Is he alive?

[Letícia sighs]

- Hey, Peri!
- [Peri] What's up, Toni?

Don't be a stranger, man.

[ominous music playing]

[ominous music turns tense]

Was I wearing this
when you found me, Toni?

Was it on my f*cking face?

[deep sigh]

Marcelo…

I've never lied to you.

I found you face down in the trash,
nearly dead.

A b*llet hole right through your skull.

And yes, with that f*cking thing
covering your face.

So you threw it away?

I'd do it again too.

Because when I found you there, Marcelo,
my only impulse was to think,

"What a blessing."

An opportunity that God gave you.

A perfect way
to leave your past behind you…

in order to get a fresh start.

- It wasn't for you to choose, Toni.
- I know.

I know I've got this flaw
of always wanting to help out,

but I just wanted to give you a hand.

[wry laugh]

Marcelo, I don't expect you
to have my faith.

But I have it, son.

You're not here by chance, you know?

I mean, think about it.

My life's always been a struggle,

I get knocked down, whenever I got up,
just me against the world.

Then you appear in a f*cking landfill?

On the verge of death. And look at you.

You told me yourself…

that you knew you were a fighter.

It's the only thing you were sure of.

And I can help you.

I want to help you. Alright, son?

You want to know why I do?

Because what I see in you,

I've never seen in anyone
who's set foot in Trindade.

Never.

But then why do you keep saying
I'm not ready?

Why not let me fight Malamute?

Because when you lose a fight,

it's a bit like dying.

Not everyone can handle it.

I've died once before.

I won't do it twice.

[Yana] You want to sit?

- Care for any coffee?
- I'm agreeing to the fight.

Marcelo versus Malamute.

How marvelous.

- Now we just have to talk about--
- We're going half with the prize money.

[scoffs]

Malamute's rank is higher.

Lazarus is a nobody.

He's an amateur.

Well, he fights like a veteran.



Or there's just no fight.

Marcelo's gonna win this thing.
So I want 50-50.

Excuse me.

[hissing]

Hey there, champion.

You ready?

- For what?
- You're fighting Lazarus.

- Ah! Let's go, f*ck.
- That's right! It's f*cking on.

You're the GOAT at ground fighting.
Work your kicks.

Yeah, yeah.

- Hey, sparring now.
- What's up?

- But that's on Tuesdays, right?
- [Malamute] Let's go.

[Tank] What for?

[hissing]

[taunting laugh]

Come on, Malamute.

[music swirls]

Watch it, my hand's healed.
It's gonna hurt. I can pack a real punch.

Come on, you wimp.

Afraid of getting your a*s kicked
by Malamute?

f*ck, let's go, you sh*t.
Don't look at Daddy. Come on.

Come on, you f*ck!

Scared of me, m*therf*cker?

[both grunting]

I'm not Catolé, m*therf*cker.
I'm Malamute, boy.

[Toni] Malamute's gonna try
to get in your head.

He's gonna spew sh*t till the last round.

Need to get him off you.
Come on, let's go! Get him off you.

Come on. Fight!

Get on him.

Piece of sh*t!

- You f*ck!
- [Toni] Yeah.

- [grunts echo]
- [music stops]

You did good, kid.

Real good.

It's all gonna change now.
A professional career.

The first fight on your record.

This event… [laughs]
…is bigger than anything you've seen.

But f*ck that sh*t. Just f*ck it.

When you're in that cage,
don't think about any of that horseshit.

Right?

I want you to remember
to focus just on your opponent.

Use everything we've done in training.

I have faith in you, kid.

Hey, I heard the organizers made a deal
with the toxicology lab. They'll test you.

You gotta stay sharp, man.

Stay clean, okay?
I f*cked up an international career.

Just one mistake overseas,
I got caught, I was banned from fighting.

For a whole year.

One whole year. Zero fights.

So when you don't know
what's inside the pill,

don't touch the thing.

You feel me?

[somber music playing]

[traffic bustle]

[man] Money, m*therf*ckers, money!

Yeah! Only taking twenties here.

Come on! Come on.

[men clamoring]

Can I help you?

The minimum bet is 300, got it?

Are you in or out?

I know how it goes with Portuga. [laughs]

I came here looking for a friend.

There's no refunds.

Got a photo?

Name?

Tadeu.

The guy's got a scar on his head.

From a recent g*nsh*t wound.

[Portuga] Hmm.

Oh, yeah. I've seen a fighter
with a scar like that, man.

[sinister music playing]

He's got a b*llet hole
right here on the side.

- [electronic music fades up]
- [crowd roars]

[music continues from outside]

[Toni] A true winner…

actually fights with his head
and his heart.

Your head…

is your compass, your guide.

It's focus.

And your heart's the motor.

It pushes you forward.

So… [inspirational music plays softly]

fighting…

is done from here…

and here.

That's balance.

I know you've got a huge heart, son.

So don't lose your mind.

[music turns rhythmic]

[Toni] Let's go.

[coach] sh*t, you gotta go faster, champ.

f*ck, come on! Let's go.

- [Malamute] sh*t.
- [coach] Keep the pace. Keep it up.

Let's go, champ.
You gotta show him who's boss.

[Gabi] Great. Nice.

He only knows
how to throw that feint, alright?

So surprise him with an uppercut.

Try it.

I'm being soft right now.
He's gonna hit you hard.

[Marcelo] Yeah, I know, Coach.

I know, what?

I know, Master.

Come on.

Surprise me.

Good. Surprise me! Yeah. Keep moving.

Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah…

Good.

Come on, you gotta be
like 20 times faster for the fight.

Speed up.

Gabi is back out there,
fighting again. Amazing!

- [Hammer] It's great.
- [Gabi] Right here. Go!

- There you got it.
- [Toni whistles]

Hey, Beast!

You gotta wear the shirt
if you're joining the team.

Trindade, f*ck yeah! [chuckles]

[presenter] With seven victories
fighting as a pro,

not one loss in his entire career,

he's the man.

Júnior Malamute!

[intense hip hop music playing]

[booing]

[crowd roars]

Hey, hot stuff.

You alright?

- Good luck.
- Thank you.

[presenter] In the blue corner,
making his professional debut…

[ominous buzzing]

…it's a very special night for…

Marcelo Lazarus!

f*ck yeah, Trindade, for life!

Let's f*cking go!

- [crowd roars]
- [ominous buzzing builds]

[crowd roar muffles]

[deep breathing]

[music turns sinister]

[dramatic sting]

[nervous breathing]

[dramatic sting]

[booming claps]

[dramatic electric guitar riff]

[muffled]

[muffling clears]

Hey, Toni.

Good luck.

I had no idea you were coming.

[ref] Fighters to the center.

Touch gloves if you want.

Back to your corners.

Focus, Marcelo! Concentrate!

- You got this, cuz!
- Come on!

Can't wait to see
if Malamute's good at all.

[ref] Are you ready?

Are you ready?

Let's fight!

[sinister music playing]

[music fades]

[closing theme music playing]

[music stops]