Borgen (2010–2013): Season 2, Episode 10 - En bemærkning af særlig karakter - full transcript

I'm dating Kasper Juul,
Birgitte Nyborg's spin doctor.

Have you gone mad? Are you aware
of the possible consequences?

His main concern was whether or not
we were going to have children.

-We're not going to have children.
- Why not?

Today, the judge will pass sentence
on Kenneth's father-

- who stands accused of having
violated his son with three friends.

- Call an ambulance.
- Laura needs long-term therapy.

The private hospital Liseholm has
a program for girls like Laura.

You must be Laura.

My family needs a chance
to overcome these hardships.

And so I've made
the very difficult decision -



-to go on leave as PM.

During my leave H.C. Thorsen will
take over my official duties.

"To be or not to be. That is
the question." - Shakespeare, Hamlet

Is the summons to the meeting ready?
Good.

Can it wait? Good morning.

We're going to need an extra copy
of the Legislative Committee report.

We're out of sugar, and the minister
takes cream in his coffee, not milk.

We need to go over the
Security Council meeting at two.

We've put off Betancourt for a month
now, since Nyborg went on leave.

- Let's go to Brussels next week.
-Yes, I think that would be best.

The Greenland Premier is pressing
for a talk about mineral quotas.

You handle that. Don't give them
any more than absolutely necessary.

- Yes?
- My turn.

The News wants to run a story with
the angle: "Who's PM in Denmark?"



On the pretext of wanting a comment
on the reform bill, they're pushing...

- Who's pushing?
- TV1.

- I'll refer them to the relevant...
- Let's not appear exclusive.

My gut feeling tells me
not to open this debate now.

No... Still, I'd like to talk to them.

- You want to do the interview?.
- Yes.

-As foreign minister?
- No, as acting PM.

I'll call them right away.
Have you got a number, Kasper?

GOVERNMENT - Episode 20
An Extraordinary Remark

-Hi.
-Hi.

-That was Maria?
- Yes.

- She looks nice.
- She is.

She's a really good painter.
She wants to go to the art academy.

I'm sure you can tell
she's much, much better.

It's fantastic,
and we're very happy.

And today's good news is -

-that Lisbet Kofoed,
Laura's psychiatrist, has decided -

- to reduce Laura's dose
of anti-depressants by half.

- Great!
- We're going to phase out the pills.

When will she be off them completely?

If this keeps up...
maybe in a couple of months.

- Is that the original stucco?
- Yes.

I knew that.

-The light is great.
-Yes, it faces south.

The price is reasonable considering
it's the embassy neighbourhood.

- How big is the apartment?
- 2,700 square feet.

2,700? Wow!

-And with French doors.
-And there's more this way.

The kitchen's in here.

- Great.
-That's the nursery.

- It could work as an office.
- Sure.

But there's a really good office
next to the living room.

-And this is across from the bedroom.
- I think we'll use it as an office.

- Lots of closet space.
- Yes.

Oh! I'm sorry.
We'll have it removed.

Didn't you say the apartment
was emptied and renovated?

If we spend millions on this,
we get to decide -

- how to use the rooms.
Get it?

Excuse us for a second.
Come here.

- Behave, will you?
- What?

I get that you don't want kids, okay?.
Keep the realtor out of it.

And why the hell
do you want a castle like this?

Why do we need a luxury flat?
That alone won't make us happy -

- if you can't get used to the fact
that we?re a couple.

Where did that come from?

When you picked me up
on Wednesday, you stayed in the car.

Yes. Because I don't want to get
your coworkers all worked up.

- I don't want to talk about it.
- Katrine...

I won't talk about it
with a stranger right outside the door.

I think we?ve seen more than enough.

- Hi, Kasper.
- Hi. Sanne sends her best.

- Cleaning up?
- I got some extra time on my hands.

Thorsen was too busy to meet.
That's a first for him.

- Sit down somewhere.
- Thanks.

- How are things at the Office?
- Good. Or okay.

Today's first meeting went fine.

The Security Committee meeting
went well.

But the Greenland Premier wants
to discuss mineral quotas.

That can wait till I return.

Thorsen set the ball in motion.

But Greenland doesn't
interest him one bit.

He put Niels Erik
in charge of negotiations.

-What? Tell him to postpone it.
- He's PM.

- No, I am.
- He's acting PM.

- When are you coming back?
- When Laura has recovered.

I'm went on leave to support her.

Your absence is turning into
a story we can't control.

Your poll numbers are falling.

Thorsen is going on the News tonight,
live, as PM.

Laura's rate of recovery is directly
proportional to my absence.

My focus is on her,
and that's how it's got to be.

My guest tonight
is Denmark's acting PM.

You are in charge of the
implementation of the reform bill -

- the government's most prestigious
project, 'Our Common Future'.

The last parts of the package will
be passed with a narrow majority.

- That is correct.
-Why is that?

-The opposition won't cooperate.
- Why not?

They feel an election coming on,
but I assure you that isn't the case.

- Is it because of Nyborg's absence?
- No.

Nyborg and I are in total agreement.

It doesn't matter who kicks
the ball across the goal line.

I think it's a shame in light of the
broad compromises we have achieved.

Vice PM is not
an actual title in Denmark.

It's a title usually adopted by the
leader of the other cabinet party.

- Is it hard to be in charge, untitled?
- No. When you're it, you're it.

It's not an altogether uncommon role
for Labour to lead the nation.

Thank you for coming.

Torben, I want to talk to you.

Great interview with Thorsen.

Ida's coming back from maternity
leave. You said you'd get back to me.

Sure. Christ, yes. I've been busy.
Can we do this later?

If you?re not pleased with my work,
I hope you'll tell me.

What are you talking about?
Not pleased with your work?

- Hi, Kasper.
- Hi, Torben.

-We'll do this later, okay?
- Sure.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Thanks.

You came to pick me up?

Thanks.

- Ignore them.
- Okay.

I'll just go get my bag.

Hi.

Hey. What an honour.

- Yeah.
-And flowers... Aw.

-Your minister did a good job.
- What?

-Your minister did a good job.
-Thorsen isn't my minister.

But I'll pass it on.
Want me to take the flowers?

- Bye.
- See you.

You bet.

-You're a tough cookie, sweetie.
- Thanks.

I'm so proud you've done
all the group therapy sessions.

I don't want you to think
you need to confide in me.

It's not such a big secret
what we talk about.

Right now we?re talking about how
I shouldn't feel I'm letting you down -

- because I don't do as well
in school as usual.

Don't ever feel guilty towards me.
Never. I don't care -

- how you do in school.
You can't let me down, sweetie.

It's okay, Mom. It's just therapy.
We talk about everything.

Okay.
I just wanted to let you know.

- See you tomorrow.
- See you.

Torben Friis, is Nyborg's absence
a problem for the government?

It's unavoidable that her now
month-long absence leaves a mark.

The legislative work
is running smoothly.

What can't be overlooked
is the psychological factor.

The country cannot be without
a leader without it being felt.

While the Moderates keep a low
profile, Labour make their mark.

There's been backstage talk
about this in Parliament -

- but now everyone's talking openly
about it, even from the rostrum.

It's becoming part of the rhetoric
surrounding the upcoming election.

Laura is soon ready -

-to be discharged gradually.

- What does that mean?
- She doesn't have to sleep here.

She can sleep at home
and come to therapy during the day.

And I'm pretty sure
you can go back to school in the fall.

- See you next week.
- Yes.

- Bye, Laura.
- Bye.

Bye.

Phillip, take this, will you?
I'll be right out.

Look, I don't want to make
a big deal out of this -

- but Laura said something
I can't quite shake off.

I make her feel guilty
for not being good enough -

- and for not doing well in school.
I just want her to get well.

Look, Birgitte.
Laura has learnt a lot during her stay.

She's a very bright and strong girl.

Your divorce took its toll on her,
naturally.

Children always forward a bill
to their parents.

Hey, that's the main theme
of any Greek tragedy.

Nice chatting to you.

Birgitte.

I'm a mother too.
I've made millions of mistakes.

They've made me all the wiser.

You can't work 24 hours a day and
be a good mother at the same time.

But you can't stop working. What kind
of role model would that make you?

I don't feel like a role model.

Sometimes I'm happier working
and not having to deal with my family.

Join the club.

I think all workaholics feel like that.

Let me make this clear: Laura did
not get ill because you made PM.

Do you understand?

Thank you.

- Dad, stay and have dinner with us.
- No, Cecilie is on her way.

Let's go and have dinner with Laura.

Mikkel asked me to come over later.

Sure, no problem.
Don't forget your backpack.

You're really winding down, huh?

Laura said you hadn't been
at the Office for a month.

I've turned into
the Birgitte of your dreams.

-What do you mean?
- I'm home much more now, aren't l?

Sure.

Birgitte, is there something
we need to talk about?

Yes, Phillip.

You were too quick to take off.

I think
you were far too quick to move on.

Birgitte, you weren't here.
You were absent 24 hours a day.

- It just didn't work.
- I had just made PM!

What the hell did you expect? For us
to make the transition like that?

It takes time to find the right
balance. We had to invent it.

In less than a year you were gone.

After you told me
to go fuck someone else.

- I hoped we could stick together.
- But how...?

I don't know, but you were weak,
and you quit. You let me down.

Hi, Cecilie.
I'm just yelling at your boyfriend.

- But I'm done now.
- See you. Hi. Let's go.

Can we talk?

Sure.

I can't quite find my place
in all this.

Seems to me you're all getting...

You all seem like a family again.

Birgitte and I have to deal with this
together. This is about Laura, not us.

I know it's about Laura.

I'm just trying to explain
that I feel... really left out.

Cille...

Don't.

Come here. Come on.

Come here.

There.

I can't do this.
Do my toenails for me, will you?

- I do my own.
- Okay, here.

- Hi.
- Hi, sweetie.

Let's find a restaurant near you
and go out for dinner, the two of us.

- Magnus is sleeping at Mikkel's.
- I have plans with Maria.

Oh. Great.
You go ahead and have fun.

Don't mess about!
Some other day, okay?.

Sure.
Have a great time. Bye.

Bye.

-Thanks for showing it again.
- Sure. It's a big decision.

It's a great apartment.

I think you can get a reduction,
if you move fast.

Then we'd end at DKK5.8m -

-with a monthly rate of DKK33,000.

Kasper. Are we sure
we can afford that in the long run?

You know
how much we make between us.

Sure, but my job situation is
still uncertain.

If you can't stay on at TV1,
we'll find you another job.

I have to take this.
Kasper speaking.

Are you considering
maternity leave, or...?

That's really none of your business.
Kasper!

Do we need to see more?

I was thinking,
if we took down that wall -

- we could make a neat walk-in closet
across from the bedroom.

How do we proceed?

Katrine!
Excuse me.

- Hi, Bent.
- Hi, Birgitte.

-The garden looks wonderful.
- Quite a change, huh?

You even have time to fix
your bike? That just won't do.

Hi, dear friend.
A cup of coffee?

Yes, please.

Home-made cookies.

How is Laura?

- She's doing good.
- Great.

She required long-term therapy,
but she's much better.

That's just great.

Birgitte, I think you?d better
return to work. Now.

- Is that why you came?
- You watch TV?

Your absence gets more attention
than our political work.

You've been gone an entire month.

- I want Laura to get well.
- You said she was on the mend.

If I go back to work,
and she has a relapse...

That's my main priority right now.

Birgitte, I think you have
to make up your mind -

-where on your list of priorities
you put "prime minister".

Please talk to me.

You have the right
not to want children -

- and I have the right to want them.

Yes.

It's not okay
that we can't talk about it.

- Luckily we have talked about it.
- No, we haven't.

It can't come as a shock to you
that I'm 31 and want kids.

I'll gladly talk about having kids.

But I don't want to pass on my DNA.

- But why not?
- How can you even ask?

We can't live in the shadow
of your past.

I'm just facing up to reality.

I'd rather do the responsible thing
than feel I'm entitled to everything.

What reality are you talking about?

You're living proof
that kids survive the worst things.

I don't want any, okay?

Then I don't know what I want.

- Where does that leave us?
- I don't know.

Everyone at Parliament is now openly
discussing, if Nyborg will return.

I do understand
that her daughter needs care.

Maybe the country would be better off,
if she let someone else take charge.

Torben Friis,
who could take charge?

That's the big question.
There is no obvious candidate.

- Bent Sejr? has resigned.
- So now what?

They'll have to let someone
from another party become PM.

H.C. Thorsen has done
quite a good job lately.

But I'm not sure
that Thorsen can beat Hesselboe.

Might Nyborg resign
without calling an election?

Yes, it happened once before,
in 1972 -

-when the PM at the time, Krag,
made us a member of the EEC.

He went on to say he had
"an extraordinary remark".

That's one way for a PM to say
he's resigning or calling an election.

Krag subsequently resigned.

- Welcome back.
- Does it look familiar?

Oh yes. You were here
last time, as well.

Hi, Christoffer. Please call a meeting
of the Coordination Committee.

- Welcome back.
- Please call the party secretary.

- Thanks.
- Birgitte.

The amazing thing is
we've hardly felt her absence.

You and the rest of us have been
working our butts off...

- Hi. It's great to see you again.
- You too.

-Yes, you too, Birgitte.
- Hi.

- We missed you.
- Thanks.

Welcome back. You've been in our
thoughts during this difficult time.

They're beautiful.
How very considerate of you.

I'm touched.
Find a vase for them, will you?

Don't hesitate to put us
in charge again.

That's nice to know, Pernille.
Let's get to work.

We need to get all our bills
passed before the holiday.

We have two days to get the last part
of the reform package passed.

It's not just the opposition
who's in election mode.

Let's get to it.

We often say women lend an air
of humanity to the corporate world.

Women are more in touch
with their feelings.

But a PM must be able to cope
with an extreme work load.

Do we really want a PM
who goes AWOL for a month -

-just to take care
of her sick daughter?.

I'm glad Nyborg is a good mom.
But do we want a good mom for PM?

- I can't stand that man.
- Settle down. What's the angle?

- Can a woman be PM?
- No, it's more like...

Can the PM afford to be human?
Have a family? Go on vacation?

-Torben, you can't be serious.
- I'm dead serious.

We'll give the PM
a chance to defend herself.

On "Focus" with Katrine.
Are you with us?

I think the PM will like the idea.

To be interviewed by Katrine
on "Focus"? Nice and intimate again?

- Sure. That would be great.
- How intimate do you want it?

Pia, get it rolling.

- How long have we got?
- 1 5 minutes.

A friend of mine used to be
an advisor to the government -

- but now he works
for the conservative think-tank.

Rumour has it Hesselboe is working
on a tax cut proposal -

-to be presented
in the next sessional year.

By no means lofty promises
which can be brushed aside like this.

- So what do you think?.
- It could prove dangerous.

Hesselboe knows you have to call
an election before next summer.

That gives him time to make
a strong base for his campaign.

His tax cuts could make him
come off as Santa Claus.

And I'll come off as
the mean housewife who says no.

- Hi.
- You came?

-Well, I promised.
- But after those headlines...

It's my job. I'm sorry they wrote
a bit about you too, sweetie.

I know. But even when they write
about me, it's all about you, isn't it?

Exactly.

And now it's legitimate
to criticize the PM for her gender.

-Any comments on Nyborg's return?
- It's marvellous.

But that doesn't set everything right.

Her absence created a power vacuum,
and Parliament is stressed.

Many people connect her absence
to her being a woman.

Nyborg knows that best,
so why don't you ask her?

-When will Birgitte be back?
-At two.

Great.

- I'm going to Liseholm.
- Good idea.

Have you seen today's papers?
They're all about you.

-Your absence and qualifications.
-Yes, I saw Hesselboe.

TV1 wants to interview you tonight
about being a woman PM.

Are they flogging that horse, too?

Must we debate
whether a woman is fit to be PM?

- No. That debate is beneath me.
-You can't afford to keep out of it.

-What do you mean?
-We're behind in the polls.

Hesselboe would win
an election today.

The Express goes all out and asks
if women get off work easier.

The majority of Parliament
want me for PM.

-You have to stand up for yourself.
- I'd love to debate politics.

But I'll be damned,
if I'll debate my gender.

-The PM says no.
- What is she afraid of?

Maybe she won't debate her gender.

She needs the airtime. The opposition
is breathing down her neck.

If we can't get the PM, let's get the
guy who wants to be PM. Hesselboe.

- Katrine, you're still game, right?
- Sure.

But I used to work for the man.
Doesn't that disqualify me?

You think you won't be
critical enough? You?

- I'll be too critical.
- Ulrik, trade with Katrine.

- You take Hesselboe.
- Sure.

- Critical isn't my angle, you mean?
- Line up the questions together.

- Katrine F?nsmark...
- Can't answer your call.

You look like my mom got her way.

Just say the word, if you need help.
I've got a handle on her these days.

I've got other, more private stuff,
on my mind.

You and I know that life is a crock
of shit, when it comes down to it.

Only if you let your anxiety
rule you, they say here.

Well, they're so fucking smart here,
aren't they, Laura?

It's the shit that makes you stronger.

What's going on with you? Did they
bump up your dose of happy pills?

Hi. Let's go.

I'm glad you're doing better, Laura.

Your mother's room is up there.
She's right over here.

- I haven't seen you here before.
- No, it's my first visit.

You'd better prepare yourself then.
Your mother is very demented.

Mrs. Juul?

Mrs. Juul, you have an
unexpected visitor. Your son, Kasper.

But I don't have a son called Kasper.

Kenneth?

I had made up my mind
never to see you again.

But there's something I need to know.

Why did you let him do it?

Did you hear me?

I've met a girl.
She wants to have my baby.

How did that song go again?

... up into your trunk

sleep tight
Little Jumbo

and rockabye

darkness soon falls
on the jungle

How did it go again?

as well as Rhino
your uncle

That's it!

Good.

Katrine.
Come in here for a second.

I never really got back to you
about your job situation.

- Right.
- It's gone surprisingly smooth.

You and I have never had
such a smooth teamwork before.

Could that be because you knew
your job was only temporary -

- and that's brought out a side
we rarely see?

Humility.
A side of you we're not used to.

I don't have a burning need
to provoke you, Torben.

No matter what, I'd be really sad
to miss the daily frustration -

-you cause me as a member of
my staff. You're a pain in the butt.

If you promise me
to stay true to yourself...

... then welcome on board
as a regular host on TV1.

Thanks.

- Katrine, one last thing.
- Yes?

We've been hit by pregnancy
many times.

Ida's been there. Theis from research.
Dan's got twins.

It makes it hard to make
a working schedule.

Could we make a deal -

-for you not to get pregnant
in the near future?

Sure. I'm not going to have a baby
anytime soon.

- Okay... Welcome home, then.
-Thanks.

We need women politicians. Some
of my best colleagues are women.

However, many women strive,
more so than men -

- to combine their work life
with a close family life.

Some jobs don't allow that.

Hi. Was it a good movie?

- Stay and say good night, Dad.
- Brush your teeth and go to bed.

There he is again, huh?
But without his wife this time.

- Did you neglect your family?
-Absolutely.

It's not a nice realization,
but I have to own up to it.

My wife was in despair, because
I neglected her when I was PM.

I just have to admit
that it's part of my nature -

-to hold my duty as PM higher
than anything else, even my family.

Doesn't that make you a bad person?

Maybe. I'll let others
be the judge of that.

Nyborg is a good person.

She must be to take
such good care of her child.

However, that's not what
the upcoming election is about.

Danes aren't called to vote
for the best human being.

Thank you. They invited me in, but
I didn't want to debate that topic -

- so he got the opportunity instead.
Maybe I made a bad call there.

- I'm ready.
- Okay. Say good night to your dad.

- Yes.
- Good night, buddy.

Dad's picking you up tomorrow, so
you'll see him in a bit. Drive safely.

- I'm only reading a very short story.
- That's not fair.

Avery short fight,
and a very short story, okay?

Patient, four years old.
Subfebrile, weak muscle pain.

Prescription: Panodil, 250 mg.

Hi.

How nice.
You came to pick me up?

Did you get my message
about the plane tickets for Friday?

Yes, but I can't...

I don't think I can go.

All right.

I... have a kitchen guy calling me
on a daily basis wanting to know -

- if we?ve decided on the grey
or the blue cupboard doors.

Shall I tell him to wait, too,
until Laura has hopefully recovered?

Or what?

This isn't really about Laura, is it?

Cecilie...

I can't...

I can't be in a relationship
with you right now.

- I'm sorry.
- So am l.

Is it because of her?. Is it?

Just answer me.
Is it because of Birgitte?

Yes, maybe.

Do you know what these
past six months have been like?

Cecilie...

Do you want to know
what this is about?

You started something with me without
having finished what you came from.

There's some Thai takeaway
in the fridge, if you?re hungry.

I love you.

Hey, hey, hey. What's all this?

Sure you've got enough gear
with you?

- I promised Mark a sword fight.
- Put the swords back.

You have to be able
to carry your own stuff.

- Hi.
- Hi, Dad.

Magnus is repacking. He'd packed
enough toys for four weeks.

I broke up with Cecilie.

Oh.

I won't tell the kids just yet.

They like her, and they don't need
any more confusion in their lives.

-Are you okay?
- Damned if I know.

-You've still got swords.
-Yeah, but I can carry these.

Did you bring any clothes at all?
Did you pack your tooth brush?

- Have a nice trip.
- See you.

Coming, Dad?

Take care, Phillip.
You know where to find me, okay?

See you.
Let's go, buddy.

Good morning, Birgitte.
You have a visitor.

- In my office.
-Yes. I thought it was okay.

- My!
-You deserve a pretty sight.

My hydrangeas have turned blue
again. Maybe it's an omen.

Hi, Bent. Great to see you.
To what do I owe the honour?.

I wanted to congratulate you
on the reform package.

It frustrates me to see the media
going on about the gender issue.

Why the hell don't they write
about your fantastic achievements?

Look.

Recognize this note?

Our notes from the first meeting
about the government program.

Three years ago.

1. Rethink the Danish welfare model.

2. Secure the environment
through long-term planning.

3. Strengthen the health system, make
it independent of private insurance.

Nobody ever praises the PM -

- so I'm going to praise you.
You've done a hell of a job.

Have this framed.

- It's going to be uphill next year.
- I've tried it before.

25 billion.
You do want a number, don't you?

Hesselboe is threatening with tax cuts
worth 25 billion in September.

Just to tell you what you're up against
come the election.

Fortunately,
Hesselboe doesn't call all the shots.

Good girl.
That's all I wanted to hear.

-They need lots of water.
-And they'll get it. Thank you.

Kasper, are today's polls reliable?

Yes. 50/50 with 0.2 percent
in our favour.

- Niels Erik.
- Yes.

Please call the president
of the Presidium.

- Of course.
- I'm off to see the Queen.

Birgitte Nyborg, any comments
on Hesselboe's criticism?

I'm here to do politics.

We're about to pass the last part
of the reform package.

82 for, 80 against.
The government bill is passed.

I bet your minister regrets
handing "Focus" over to Hesselboe.

-What makes you say that?
- Well...

He succeeded in casting doubt
on her ability to make tough decisions.

Nyborg is the best PM
Denmark ever had.

Order, please.
The PM requests the floor -

-for an extraordinary remark.

Order, please.

Elna Munch, Helga Larsen -

- Karen Ankersted,
Mathilde Malling Hauschultz.

I hope we all know these names.
These are the four women -

-who were the first of their gender
to gain a seat in Parliament in 1918.

And thus ended
the Parliament debate -

- about whether women are
cut out to be politicians.

To all those who wish to debate
whether women should enter politics -

- on equal terms with men
and ultimately make PM -

- I can only say:
You're 1 00 years behind.

So many insignificant topics
have been discussed.

Did any of you really believe -

- I intended to resign
and become a housewife?

You must not know me at all then.

I very much want to end
all these foolish discussions.

Today, the last part of the government
reform package was passed.

We've shown you
where we want to take Denmark.

I'm very pleased and proud of that.

That's why I'm going
to let the Danish voters decide.

Not what gender the PM should be -

- but whom they feel
is the best PM for Denmark.

See you.

I hereby call a general election
to be held on Tuesday, June 11th.

She beat you to it, Hesselboe!