My Life Is Murder (2019–…): Season 2, Episode 3 - All That Glitters - full transcript
Alexa's personal and professional lives collide when she investigates the death of a drag queen whose career was on the rise.
♪ ♪
(FUNKY MUSIC)
Looks like they're letting
anyone in these days.
Yeah, difference is
I can lave any time I like.
You look like a million bucks.
- Well, I wish I got more interest.
- (LAUGHS SOFTLY)
Have you lost weight?
Yeah, been working out in the yard.
Changed my life.
- Good. Needed changing.
- Nah, seriously, things are looking up.
What things?
Oh,
why do you always sound so suspicious?
Do you blame me?
Oh, come on.
Right through the left ventricle.
Oh, I'm a miserable, miserable sister,
who brought you what you asked for.
- It's two months of books there.
- And instant noodles!
Is that it? Why'd you get vege flavour?
Listen, I've got better things to
do than be your personal courier.
Like what? You're retired.
Like watching the
washing machine go round.
(GRUMBLES)
I'm not bringing you foodstuffs
for with some racket.
Not a racket. Instant noodles
are a popular currency in here.
Yeah? Hey, what are
you trading them for you?
You... You really have made my life
easier,
and I appreciate that, I do.
- I smell a 'but'.
- Gross. (CHUCKLES)
- What are you, 12?
- Come on! There's no 'but'.
However, (WHISPERS) as a hypothetical,
you think you could bring a phone
charger in your next care package?
Yeah, that's not gonna happen.
Come on.
There's a gap in the market here.
Will! You're already doing three years.
You wanna risk six more months?
- No, I won't get caught.
- Hilarious.
Do not take me for granted, Will.
I Moved countries to be here for you.
(JAZZY GUITAR MUSIC)
Hey.
Hi.
Get your personal
matter sorted this morning?
Yes.
- Don't ask.
- Oh, hello. I detect man trouble.
Now, you would think a detective
saying
the word 'detect' would be amusing.
- Turns out, not at all.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
You know,
I'm pretty good at romantic advice...
- CHUCKLES: Really?
- ...just in case you need any, yeah.
Yeah, no, I don't. But thank you.
Come on. Aren't you looking
for something long-lasting
with depth and passion?
Oh, God, that's beautiful.
It's like a fridge magnet.
Well, here's a distraction.
Red-light district.
Drag queen found dead onstage
in the
cabaret theatre where he was rehearsing.
Let's go with 'she', shall we?
Well, shewas Needa Martini,
aka David Holmes.
Popular performer, half of the
successful drag duo Ginger and Needa.
They've toured throughout
New Zealand and Australia,
and were about to
take the show to Vegas.
What'd she die of?
According to the coroner,
accidental electrocution.
She was rehearsing between shows.
She fell, grabbed for a giant martini
glass onstage
that contained water.
When the water hit
the footlights... bang.
- That is bad luck.
- Maybe.
The club was closed and her partner, Felix,
confirmed that she was rehearsing alone.
But if Needa was alone,
why the full slap?
Why bother if there's no audience?
- So maybe there was.
- No one's come forward.
What do you make of the co-star?
Felix, aka Ginger Snaps.
Also her life partner and
the one who found the body.
WHISPERS: Shit.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
He was so distraught,
his 111 call was incoherent.
Needa could've been gussied up
for a number of reasons.
Doesn't mean murder.
People generally don't get dressed up
unless they're tryna impress someone.
Gosh, you are good at romantic advice.
So, who was all that glamour for?
(CURIOUS JAZZY MUSIC)
The utility provider confirmed
the electricity cut out at 11.37pm,
which fits with
the estimated time of death.
You got any footage of the actual show?
Only about a million hours worth.
They had a regular show,
and Ginger
and Needa were all about the socials.
This is their latest show,
'Ginger and Needa do burlesque.'
(JAZZY MUSIC PLAYS ON VIDEO)
That's Ginger, aka Felix,
in the red wig.
And the blonde is Needa,
also known as David, the deceased.
Together for 15 years,
that's a long time.
What are the odds of
someone jury-rigging a set
in order to electrocute her?
Oh, must be easier ways to kill someone.
Well, not if you want to
make it look like an accident.
Where are those pictures
of them rehearsing?
OK, if that's what they wear
when they're rehearsing,
then maybe Harry's right.
Here.
What's wrong with this picture?
It looks like Needa died doing a show.
Exactly. But who for?
And see this?
Find out if they tested that glass.
It might help tell us who
was there watching that night.
(CURIOUS JAZZ MUSIC)
This is the first time I've
been to a club since I moved here!
Hey, do you reckon there'll
be any straight blokes?
Yes, and they'll all be here
with their wives.
So you're still on the market, huh?
Hard to believe, I know.
Yeah, this is the part where
you say, 'Yeah, that's insane.'
Oh, by the way,
there's no mention of the glass
in the case file
because they didn't testit.
Ugh.
Well, that makes sense if they
thought it was an accident, I guess.
Good evening, ladies.
- Hi.
- Hey.
(CROWD CHEERS)
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS)
(CROWD CHEERS)
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
Oh, looks like Ginger's
found herself a replacement.
Yeah. Do we know who she is?
Ivana Martini, just like it says
on the poster, also known as Nathan.
Guess they're still going to Vegas.
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
Hm, that's a big step up
for the new girl.
It certainly is.
(CROWD CHEERS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
Yeah, you're right, I don't think
I'm gonna have much luck here.
(CHUCKLES)
- I'll check the place out.
- Good luck.
(LOUD DANCE MUSIC PLAYS)
- Drink?
- Thanks.
You're so welcome.
- It's a popular show.
- Why aren't they doing a longer run?
Oh, they are. In Vegas.
- Vegas, really? Wow.
- Mm-hm.
Now, honey, I'm not saying I hate them,
because hate isn't strong enough.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Hey, Bill.
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYS IN DISTANCE)
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Hello, Ginger.
And you must be Ivana.
(CURIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
But that must've have
been a shocking discovery.
It was the worst day of my life.
Look, it was a horrible accident
that nobody wants to rehash.
We were told the investigation
was done and dusted.
Another drink?
Silly question.
So, you're taking the show to Vegas?
A bittersweet career highlight.
Cos Needa should've been with you.
And would've,
if she hadn't been so
obsessed with the staircase sequence.
She was determined to get it right
before the Vegas tour.
But she was rehearsing without you.
She had a dodgy knee.
She was tryna find a workaround
so she wouldn't let me down.
Well, Ivana seems great.
It's amazing you were able to
find a replacement so quickly.
I can never replace David.
You kinda did.
Nathan was David's protege;
His drag daughter.
She was our costume mistress in
Sydney and she knows the routine.
Stepping in for David
was the obvious solution.
Yeah, I'm just saying she's
a really great replacement...
Darling.
David loves Nathan.
She'd have been thrilled.
(CURIOUS GUITAR MUSIC)
(DOOR OPENS)
We are so devastated.
Needa had the biggest heart.
She had the biggest feet, too.
People seem to like
her replacement, though.
Eh.
There's been a little bit of shade
around Ivana replacing Needa.
Those girls are just jealous.
And if you are asking for my
professional, unbiased opinion,
Needa was overworked. Flat out.
Honey, she was exhausted.
Ooh, girl, I gotta go. You good?
- I'm good.
- You're good, good.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC)
Hello.
Look, I'm sorry if I upset you earlier.
Forget about it.
It's just been hard.
And Needa...
She was the kindest, most
generous person I ever knew.
She introduced me to this world.
She showed me who I really am,
and I owe her everything.
Well, 'Ginger and Ivana'
has a nice ring to it.
It was our manager's idea.
It's the same show;
It's a different duo.
Well, that must be strange,
considering you were all
supposed to go to Vegas together.
I feel sick that I only
got my break because she died.
But not so sick that you won't go.
- There's my superstar.
- CHUCKLES: Hey.
Oh, and you must be Alexa.
Police consultant, was it?
Something like that.
Hm. Kathleen Boyce, manager.
Manager extraordinaire, to be accurate.
Stop it!
Well, congratulations
on a most successful show.
Oh, yes, thanks. I've discovered a
knack for backing talent. (GIGGLES)
Oh, actually, that reminds me...
you go speak to Ginger.
She's a little down in the mouth.
Yeah.
Uh, one more?
Oh, do you want one?
Thanks, but I'm an Old Fashioned girl.
And besides, if you bought me a drink,
who knows where it would lead?
We might start to get on,
and then it would get awkward
when I have to ask you
to stop pestering my girls.
Oh.
You get it, right?
I need them in tip-top shape for the
Vegas tour,
physically and emotionally.
And frankly, we all
just want to move on.
Best if the coppers do too.
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYS IN DISTANCE)
According to Polly, the whole drag
community loved Ginger and Needa.
According to who?
Oh, Polly Amorous. And by the way,
there's only one door out the back.
Here. Wet your whistle, honey.
- Ah, merci!
- Cheers, babe.
How many of those have you had?
What's even in them?
Oh, it's mainly fruit.
I'll be fine!
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS)
- What?
- Nothing.
'I told you so' is the most unattractive
phrase
in the English language, Madison.
Uh, I didn't say anything.
You know, just cos no one
was there when Needa died
doesn't mean that
someone wasn't thereearlier
to cause the accident.
And Nathan has a motive.
Mm, but Polly Amorous said
Nathan loved David like a mother.
Oh, pish.
I know people that'd kill
their mother for custard pie,
let alone a trip to Vegas.
What do you got on the charmer?
Kathleen Boyce,
prosecuted for fraud five years ago,
trying to scam punters
out of thousands of dollars
for a non-existent music festival.
Well, maybe she's perfecting
her scam and working in it Vegas.
But why would she kill one of her marks?
Maybe Needa, aka David, was on to her...
and maybe she had something
going with Nathan.
Stab in the dark...
I think Nathan's gay.
They could have a weird mummy fetish.
- (KEYBOARD KEYS CLACK)
- Do not look that up.
If it's a scam, it's a pretty good one.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
Ooh, Vegas, eh?
- I wish.
- Aw.
You know, I've always wanted to go
to one of those gondola rides in Vegas.
But it's a bit passe now, eh?
Bit old-fashioned?
Well, I think it was a bit
passe when it started.
(CRUISY MUSIC)
- (SIGHS) Something I said?
- Oh, yeah.
What's going on?
Hello.
You see this?
The manager, Kathleen, said
she's an Old Fashioned girl.
This drink is called an Old Fashioned.
Right. Meaning?
Meaning I think Kathleen was
at the club the night Needa died.
(CRUISY GUITAR MUSIC)
(GEESE HONK)
Oh, hey, I was
wondering if you can help me.
I'm travelling with 'The Ginger
And Ivana Show' next month
and I just wanted to check
I have a room booked.
Oh, sure, hon.
I'm their personal trainer.
My name?
Madison Booty.
Oh, OK. That's weird. I'll have
to follow up with them on that.
Thank you so much for your help.
(GEESE HONK)
The Vegas show is legit. They're
booked courtesy of Kathleen Boyce.
But get this, Alexa,
the only guests
listed are Nathan, Kathleen and Felix.
Somebody knew Needa wasn't
gonna be in that show.
(INQUISITIVE MUSIC)
Did Kathleen tell you that
she wanted Needa out of the show?
Yes.
Kathleen wanted it to happen as soon
as the Vegas gig was confirmed,
and I was to be the
bearer of the bad news.
Really?
I insisted it came from me.
But I couldn't do it.
I knew how upset she'd be.
So you just let her keep rehearsing
for a show
she could never be part of?
I'm a coward.
How could I tell her she was
being replaced by someone younger?
It would've destroyed her, us.
I was terrified of losing
everything we had together.
Where were you when it happened?
Birthday drinks with friends.
Needa was supposed to join us
once she'd finished rehearsing.
So that's why she was
dressed to the nines,
or did she often rehearse in full drag?
Yeah, occasionally.
But she didn't show up.
David rang me,
upset.
Kathleen had gone ahead and
told him the bad news, so I lied.
I told him I'd never dream of doing the
show without him
and to keep on rehearsing.
I got plastered.
And the next morning when
David wasn't there, I rang.
No answer.
So I went looking.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
Does anyone else have keys to the club?
Please don't tell me you think
David's death was suspicious.
Well, that's what
I'm trying to rule out.
(UPBEAT ELECTRO POP MUSIC)
Look, is there a reason why
you're ruining my downtime?
Well, yes.
I wanna know why you were at
the club the night Needa died.
Mm. Yeah, as soon as you tell me
why you're poking around my business.
It's not like you're a cop anymore.
You wanted to dump Needa from the show.
She turned up dead, so I'm interested.
I know you were at the club.
Why didn't you tell the police that?
I'm their manager. I dropped in.
So what?
I'd been to dinner with Ivana,
who had been freaking out
because Ginger hadn't
told Needa the bad news yet,
so I decided to rip
the Band-Aid off myself.
How was she dressed?
- What? I don't know.
- T-shirt, sweatpants.
And how did she react to the news?
Oh, she did a little skip of joy!
How do you think? Anyway, she's...
She's dead now, so what does it matter?
It matters to Ginger.
Yeah, which is exactly why I
need you to stay away from us, OK?
We've got enough going on without some
bored ex-cop opening up old wounds.
Oh, just one thing. You've...
got a bit of lippy on your teeth.
There you go.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
- Mads?
- Hey.
Can you find out if Ivana and Kathleen
had dinner the night Needa died?
- Sorry, Ivana is Nathan, right?
- Yeah, that's right.
Cool. Does that mean that
I get to interview a suspect?
No, you're on a fact-finding
mission. Where are you?
Craft beer workshop. Learning
how to make a hoppy pale ale.
Why?
Oh, I get it. It's heaving
with eligible hipsters.
Oh, hipsters? Who even uses that word?
But yes, when you're in the market,
sometimes you have to go to the market.
(LAID-BACK MUSIC)
Nathan, what time
were you at dinner till?
I dunno. 8.30?
Guess you talked about
Needa and the show, huh?
What do you want me to say?
We're a family. Of course we
talked about it. Why wouldn't we?
Where did Kathleen go afterwards?
How would I know?
Sorry,
is there a point to this tedious Q & A?
Just cross-checking alibis.
Well, you know where I was,
so I guess we're done.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
(DOUGH SMACKS)
(DOUGH SMACKS) - Is that normal,
or you're tryna kill it?
(DOUGH SMACKS)
So, Kathleen and Ivana both
had motives. The question is how.
Kathleen,
if she had already dumped Needa,
why would she go to
the trouble of killing her?
With Kathleen's record,
there's nothing in it that
suggests murderous mastermind.
Oh, yeah. What does it suggest?
I dunno... smart, lying opportunist.
Her record's all shoplifting,
possession,
con jobs with dodgy mates.
Nothing murderous.
Well, my gut says that this one is.
Could be wrong, of course.
- But you don't actually think that.
- 'Course not. I'm never wrong.
You would've been a great cop
if
You just had a bit more self-confidence.
Oh, yeah. Thanks.
(DOOR OPENS)
Hiya.
Hello.
So, they did have dinner
together at Luigi's,
but Ivana is definitely guilty
and squirming about something.
Super. So they're all complicit in
the big lie
about Needa getting dumped.
Tell me this... if Kathleen did it,
would Ivana cover for her?
Well, Kathleen is offering
the chance of a lifetime.
Then how would she, or they,
arrange an electrocution?
I mean, that is next level.
Is there anything in her record that
suggests she'd have the know-how?
Not to me.
You're welcome to have a look.
Mm.
How on earth did they do it?
- Third party?
- Maybe.
I mean, that would explain why David put
on the Needa gear
after he was dumped.
Well, I'm sure you'll crack it.
I believe in you.
Is this you trying to
give me self-confidence?
Well spotted.
(CHUCKLES)
(CURIOUS JAZZY MUSIC)
You have got to be kidding me.
Great.
Ooh, shrimp!
I thought I was in the dogbox.
Yeah, you sort of are, but...
I got to thinking, well, you're
my brother and I hardly knows ya.
Right?
You know,
I don't know anything about your life,
really,
or who you've been hanging out with.
There's so many family memories that
we could have shared but didn't.
Yeah.
You know,
the memory that jumps out at me
is you telling me that I
was an embarrassment.
You sort of are,
but blood's thicker than water.
What do you want?
I am just trying to
reconnect with my brother.
(SCOFFS) Oh, yeah, right.
Come on.
- OK.
- Here you go.
What do you know about Kathleen Boyce?
- Did you bring the phone charger?
- No, I did not. - Hm.
Why do you wanna know about Kathleen?
I just do.
Really?
You're back in harness.
- I am not.
- Yeah, you are. Homicide?
No.
- No?
- Mm-mm.
I remember Dad telling Mum
once that Alexa's an excellent liar.
It's a sign of an imaginative brain.
Are you gonna tell me what you know?
Well, I may be many things,
but a dog isn't one of them.
What about the quid pro quo?
Every dog has its price.
All right.
Kathleen...
Great shoes, excellent shopping skills.
She'd move like a cat.
She only got
pinched for half the jobs she pulled.
Tell me about one of the jobs
where she you didn't get pinched.
Oh, she was part of a crew
that did a lucrative arson job.
Two security guards died.
Didn't seem to bother her.
How did the security guards die?
I think she was seeing a sparkie.
It was their job to make it
look like an electricalfire.
They didn't realise that the two
security guards had been on the piss
and they were asleep on the premises.
Oh, that will do.
Well, you got your quid.
WHISPERS: When do I get the pro quo?
(FUNKY JAZZ MUSIC)
- Hi again. Can we have another chat?
- About what?
About you replacing Needa for the Vegas
show
and not bothering to tell her.
Kathleen said we don't have
to talk to you or your friend.
Won't take long.
I don't have anything else to say!
But don't you wanna hear
what I have to say?
Let's have some tea.
What do you mean 'suspicious'?
Apparently the police don't think it was
an accident.
They think someone killed her.
You all wanted Needa out of the show
and
she ends up accidentally electrocuted.
You've got to admit,
it's kind of weird timing.
That's ridiculous.
Nobody wanted her dead.
What if someone was going to
benefit from her being dead, like you?
You can't believe
that I was responsible.
Well, not me, obviously,
but maybe you have
some thoughts about who could have been.
No, I don't!
Whose idea was it to replace Needa?
Kathleen's,
after she saw me in the Sydney show.
But that doesn't prove anything.
Oh, sure. It's not proof.
Please, just leave.
Sure.
(KETTLE BOILS LOUDLY, CLICKS)
You know, I've heard
camomile tea's pretty good.
Helps soothe the nerves.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
She's trying to convince him
of something, but what?
Whoa, he's afraid of her.
So either he knows what she
did to Needa or he suspects it.
Whatever it is, he's trying to hide it.
I'd love to know the
content of that conversation.
You should've bugged him.
Agreed.
Oh, here we go.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
Maybe she actually
cares about him after all.
Don't be crazy.
That's just good performance.
She's all about the money.
I get that Kathleen wanted to
replace Needa with a younger version,
but why murder?
Money. I mean, what if she had
to buy Needa out of her contract
and Needa wouldn't go there?
How do we find that out?
Call Ginger. Ask her when
Needa's contract was due to expire,
but keep it casual.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
- Here you go, amigo.
- Ah, thanking you kindly.
Hey, I was wondering if you'd be
interested in doing themed loaves
for special holidays.
Such as?
Well, Valentine's Day,
maybe Father's Day.
What would the Father's Day loaf
look like? A TV remote.
No, a kid waiting at a window
for a visit that never comes!
I was thinking more
like putting 'Dad' on top.
Oh.
I asked you to stop harassing us,
but clearly the message was loud enough.
Kath! Have some bread.
I hate being called Kath.
And I hate calling you Kath,
so I guess we're even.
Ivana is a mess,
and now your assistant
is badgering Ginger about her contract.
Damn, I've told Madison
about the badgering.
I've spent weeks getting
Ginger and Ivana back on form.
Stay the hell away from them.
You know trying to stop an investigation
makes you look dodgy, right?
Especially with your background.
Do you know how much time
and money I've invested in this tour,
how much I have riding onit?
Why don't you fill me in?
If you mess this up for me,
I will
come after you for everything you own.
You know, I'm strangely aroused by that.
Lady Needa was blind as a bat, OK?
She tripped on the bloody stairs
and fell.
Wait a sec.
So when you went to the club that night,
was Needa wearing her glasses?
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
(DOOR SLAMS)
Well, this is the most challenging
show we've ever attempted,
and we are so excited to be
bringing it to Sydney.
You can expect double the frocks
and double the double entendres.
Oh, yes! Sauce factor five!
Let's just hope this one's knee
holds up. (BOTH CHUCKLE)
You do not want to
know how she injured it!
Oh, the bare-bottomed cheek of it!
(LAUGHS)
So, I'm going out.
Madison, look at that.
He's wearing glasses.
Chowder, he's wearing glasses.
OK. The only time that David's not
wearing glasses
is when he's Needa.
Here she is... no glasses,
and no
mention of them in the police report.
Now, why would a queen who can barely
see it all,
who's got a dickie knee,
rehearse on stairs with high heels
and a long dress?
Contact lenses.
No, there's no mention
of that in the coroner report.
Well, maybe the cops missed the glasses.
Wait a minute.
If Needa wasn't wearing
glasses or contact lenses,
how did she do her own her make-up?
You're right.
My mum is short-sighted and
there is no way
she could do her make-up
without contacts
or having her nose pressed
right up against the mirror.
It's virtually impossible.
Unless somebody else did the make-up.
- Kathleen?
- No, she can hardly do her own.
No, I think another drag queen did this.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Did you ever see
Needa perform in glasses?
God no, girl.
She was far too vain for that.
She wouldn't be caught dead in them.
Oh, that was a bad choice of words.
Where were you on
the night that she died?
I was in Rotorua at a whanau
gathering. That's like a family thing.
Do you have someone who can verify that?
Oh.
OK.
How about 75 someones?
Wow, that's even bigger than my family.
Thank you.
Evening.
Oh, God.
I bring a peace offering.
In case it's not clear, I'm working.
Relax, I just wanna ask
you one question.
When Needa did her make-up,
did she wear glasses or contacts?
Contacts. Although, quite often, I
did her make-up. It's how I learned.
What about the night she died?
That's two questions.
Indulge me.
TEARFULLY: I already told you
I didn't see her the night she died.
And I wish to God that I did.
Do you genuinely think she was killed?
Yes, I do.
Oh, God. (SOBS)
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
Hey.
- Hi.
- You've come to give me a pep talk?
No, I've come to tell you David's
glasses weren't at the scene.
Oh.
And that Kathleen Boyce has registered
an official complaint against you.
Really?
You know she's claiming financial losses
if her stars pull out of the Vegas show
because you messed with them, right?
- That's great.
- (CELL PHONE VIBRATES)
- Is it?
- Yeah,
cos it means she's rattled. Hang on.
- _
- (SIGHS) Bloody men!
- What?
- Nothing.
Yeah, that's great. Thank you.
(BOTTLES RATTLE)
Homework. And before you ask,
no, I
didn't bring a study buddy home with me.
Oi, what's happened?
You look suspiciously upbeat.
I've just been talking to the
pathologist who did Needa's autopsy.
I wanted to know if there was
anything strange about the make-up.
She said that the make-up
hadn't been absorbed by the skin.
It was just lying on top like paint.
- Which means what?
- It was applied post-mortem.
Oh, my God. Weird. Why would
anyone put make-up on a corpse?
Why does anyone put make-up on a corpse?
To make them look better
for everyone to view.
Bingo.
(RELAXED ROCK MUSIC)
So this is a bit uncomfortable.
OK?
It seems that someone did
Needa's make-up after death,
someone who knew exactly how to do it.
Are you suggesting Nathan?
Yeah, maybe.
Nathan adored David.
Well, maybe she adored
starring in a Vegas show more.
But why do the make-up after death?
I couldn't possibly imagine.
Well, can ya make a guess?
Suppose she couldn't bear for Needa
to be found looking like a dog's dinner.
I mean, she'd hate that.
She'd want to go out looking her best.
One last magnificent curtain call.
Oh.
So it was an act of love?
Making sure she looked OK
before anyone else saw her.
I dunno.
I just dunno.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Needa's glasses were just sitting there.
So what if Needa's glasses
were at the apartment?
It was home. She probably
had more than one pair.
Mm.
OK, officially not a fan of stouts.
- What is all this in aid of?
- I am training my palate.
Thing is, it's not even a crime
to do someone's make-up, is it?
I mean, even if they're dead.
Still think it was murder?
How do you feel about dancin'?
(JAZZY MUSIC PLAYS)
Kisses, kisses.
(KISSES) Is this absolutely necessary?
Yeah, 'course, otherwise I wouldn't
have asked you to do it, would I?
Pretty sure there are
health and safety rules.
Health and safety?
Oh, honey, that is adorable.
OK, so she's coming down
a couple of steps and then...
Yep. And turn... there. Stop, stop.
And then turn to your left.
- No, your other left.
- Yeah. (GIGGLES)
Two hands on that vase. Bend
your knees and stick out your butt.
It's a booty pop.
- Do it.
- Mm-hm.
Bam. (LAUGHS)
(BOTH APPLAUD)
I feel like I'm being mocked.
- No!
- No, not at all.
Just practise that before
you unleash it on the world.
Well, I can see any number of ways
that she could've fallen.
Those vases, are they heavy?
Are they bolted down?
It's super heavy.
They're weighed at the bottom.
Wait, there used to be
a vase in that corner.
You know, on the video of the show,
there's 12 vases on this set.
Well, there are only 10 now.
So where are the other two?
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
Oh.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
OK, we're keeping an eye out for it.
Hello.
Oh, wow. You're stronger than you look.
Yeah, it's cos someone's taken
the weights out of that one.
Whereas this one...
Wait, hang on. This plan
leaves way too much to chance.
If Needa hadn't fallen,
she could
have just as easily sprained something
I think you might be
on to something there.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Wish me luck, dear.
This is not a good time. Perhaps you
could speak to us after the show.
I came looking for you,
the one who loved Needa
more than anybody.
Look, doll. Enough is enough.
Felix,
I have the vase.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about you
not wanting to hurt Needa
by telling her she was
cut from the Vegas show
because it would have destroyed her,
so you tampered with the set.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You knew she'd do the move
putting her full weight on the vase,
expecting it to be solid.
You hoped she would fall, get
injured and be forced to pull out.
Your relationship would be intact.
Everybody would get what they wanted.
Well, except Needa, of course.
Scene set, you left via the back exit,
where you knew there was no CCTV.
You joined your friends
and you waited to get a call from
Needa to say she'd had an accident.
And when the call came,
it wasn't about that.
It was about getting dumped,
about what Kathleen said.
Only Needa wouldn't believe that you'd
agreed to that,
so it was easy to lie.
You told her you'd sort it
out and to go on rehearsing,
which she did with fatal consequences.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SPARKS EXPLODE)
(SMOKE CRACKLES)
This is insane. And ludicrous.
Yes, and very, very true.
Isn't it?
And when she didn't come home, you went
to the club
where you found her body.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC)
You couldn't stand for her
to be found looking amiss,
So you restored her to glamorous Needa,
cos you knew that's what
she would have wanted.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
And you remove the evidence.
You hid the tampered vase,
and you took her glasses.
And when you came back in the morning,
you called the police and
reported your discovery.
TEARFULLY: I didn't want to hurt her.
I only took her glasses
cos it made
me feel like she wasn't really gone.
Like she'd walk into the house,
looking for them.
I didn't want people to gossip.
I just wanted her to look
like a star right till the end.
One last magnificent curtain call.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
Pleased with yourself,
you interfering cow?
Do you have any idea how
much money you have lost us?
You've cost me my career!
Oh, come on. A smooth operator like you?
Won't take you long to find a new
Gingersnaps.
That's how your roll.
(CRUISY GUITAR MUSIC)
Hey, how about I cook
us a celebratory dinner,
three courses with
complementary craft beer?
Even this.
Yeah, sure.
Oh, unless you're busy.
No, no, I've just got a
few things to take care of,
but then a late dinner would be good.
- Something fun?
- Not really, no.
You know, if you're seeing
someone, you can tell me, right?
OK.
So are you?
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Didn't know if you were gonna show.
Unlike some members of the family,
I am trustworthy.
I'm trustworthy.
Says the con man.
- Alleged.
- Convicted.
Mm, semantics.
Not really.
Here, I brought you some bread.
What, you make this?
- This morning.
- Nice.
What about the quid quo pro?
You're looking at it.
Oh, baked in. Clever.
Sometimes a loaf of bread
is just a loaf of bread.
But good bread.
I thought we had a deal.
Hey, I guarantee that is the
best pro quo you'll eat in weeks.
(FUNKY GUITAR MUSIC)
And it beats the heck out of noodles.
(BREAD THUDS)
Even the antiquities world
has a dark side.
Daniel Woodward, historian.
Owner and main presenter of a visiting
costume exhibition
in Auckland Museum.
Daniel's body was pulled from the water.
- If you went over here...
- If you hit your head, you're dead.
Did he fall or was he pushed?
What happened to him
was an awful accident.
He didn't have enemies.
You lied to me.
Whoa, this place at night
gives me the creeps.
Look, we're not the police.
We can do things our way.
- Your way.
- All right, my way.
(FUNKY MUSIC)
Looks like they're letting
anyone in these days.
Yeah, difference is
I can lave any time I like.
You look like a million bucks.
- Well, I wish I got more interest.
- (LAUGHS SOFTLY)
Have you lost weight?
Yeah, been working out in the yard.
Changed my life.
- Good. Needed changing.
- Nah, seriously, things are looking up.
What things?
Oh,
why do you always sound so suspicious?
Do you blame me?
Oh, come on.
Right through the left ventricle.
Oh, I'm a miserable, miserable sister,
who brought you what you asked for.
- It's two months of books there.
- And instant noodles!
Is that it? Why'd you get vege flavour?
Listen, I've got better things to
do than be your personal courier.
Like what? You're retired.
Like watching the
washing machine go round.
(GRUMBLES)
I'm not bringing you foodstuffs
for with some racket.
Not a racket. Instant noodles
are a popular currency in here.
Yeah? Hey, what are
you trading them for you?
You... You really have made my life
easier,
and I appreciate that, I do.
- I smell a 'but'.
- Gross. (CHUCKLES)
- What are you, 12?
- Come on! There's no 'but'.
However, (WHISPERS) as a hypothetical,
you think you could bring a phone
charger in your next care package?
Yeah, that's not gonna happen.
Come on.
There's a gap in the market here.
Will! You're already doing three years.
You wanna risk six more months?
- No, I won't get caught.
- Hilarious.
Do not take me for granted, Will.
I Moved countries to be here for you.
(JAZZY GUITAR MUSIC)
Hey.
Hi.
Get your personal
matter sorted this morning?
Yes.
- Don't ask.
- Oh, hello. I detect man trouble.
Now, you would think a detective
saying
the word 'detect' would be amusing.
- Turns out, not at all.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
You know,
I'm pretty good at romantic advice...
- CHUCKLES: Really?
- ...just in case you need any, yeah.
Yeah, no, I don't. But thank you.
Come on. Aren't you looking
for something long-lasting
with depth and passion?
Oh, God, that's beautiful.
It's like a fridge magnet.
Well, here's a distraction.
Red-light district.
Drag queen found dead onstage
in the
cabaret theatre where he was rehearsing.
Let's go with 'she', shall we?
Well, shewas Needa Martini,
aka David Holmes.
Popular performer, half of the
successful drag duo Ginger and Needa.
They've toured throughout
New Zealand and Australia,
and were about to
take the show to Vegas.
What'd she die of?
According to the coroner,
accidental electrocution.
She was rehearsing between shows.
She fell, grabbed for a giant martini
glass onstage
that contained water.
When the water hit
the footlights... bang.
- That is bad luck.
- Maybe.
The club was closed and her partner, Felix,
confirmed that she was rehearsing alone.
But if Needa was alone,
why the full slap?
Why bother if there's no audience?
- So maybe there was.
- No one's come forward.
What do you make of the co-star?
Felix, aka Ginger Snaps.
Also her life partner and
the one who found the body.
WHISPERS: Shit.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
He was so distraught,
his 111 call was incoherent.
Needa could've been gussied up
for a number of reasons.
Doesn't mean murder.
People generally don't get dressed up
unless they're tryna impress someone.
Gosh, you are good at romantic advice.
So, who was all that glamour for?
(CURIOUS JAZZY MUSIC)
The utility provider confirmed
the electricity cut out at 11.37pm,
which fits with
the estimated time of death.
You got any footage of the actual show?
Only about a million hours worth.
They had a regular show,
and Ginger
and Needa were all about the socials.
This is their latest show,
'Ginger and Needa do burlesque.'
(JAZZY MUSIC PLAYS ON VIDEO)
That's Ginger, aka Felix,
in the red wig.
And the blonde is Needa,
also known as David, the deceased.
Together for 15 years,
that's a long time.
What are the odds of
someone jury-rigging a set
in order to electrocute her?
Oh, must be easier ways to kill someone.
Well, not if you want to
make it look like an accident.
Where are those pictures
of them rehearsing?
OK, if that's what they wear
when they're rehearsing,
then maybe Harry's right.
Here.
What's wrong with this picture?
It looks like Needa died doing a show.
Exactly. But who for?
And see this?
Find out if they tested that glass.
It might help tell us who
was there watching that night.
(CURIOUS JAZZ MUSIC)
This is the first time I've
been to a club since I moved here!
Hey, do you reckon there'll
be any straight blokes?
Yes, and they'll all be here
with their wives.
So you're still on the market, huh?
Hard to believe, I know.
Yeah, this is the part where
you say, 'Yeah, that's insane.'
Oh, by the way,
there's no mention of the glass
in the case file
because they didn't testit.
Ugh.
Well, that makes sense if they
thought it was an accident, I guess.
Good evening, ladies.
- Hi.
- Hey.
(CROWD CHEERS)
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS)
(CROWD CHEERS)
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
Oh, looks like Ginger's
found herself a replacement.
Yeah. Do we know who she is?
Ivana Martini, just like it says
on the poster, also known as Nathan.
Guess they're still going to Vegas.
(SULTRY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
Hm, that's a big step up
for the new girl.
It certainly is.
(CROWD CHEERS)
(MUSIC ENDS)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
Yeah, you're right, I don't think
I'm gonna have much luck here.
(CHUCKLES)
- I'll check the place out.
- Good luck.
(LOUD DANCE MUSIC PLAYS)
- Drink?
- Thanks.
You're so welcome.
- It's a popular show.
- Why aren't they doing a longer run?
Oh, they are. In Vegas.
- Vegas, really? Wow.
- Mm-hm.
Now, honey, I'm not saying I hate them,
because hate isn't strong enough.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Hey, Bill.
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYS IN DISTANCE)
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Hello, Ginger.
And you must be Ivana.
(CURIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
But that must've have
been a shocking discovery.
It was the worst day of my life.
Look, it was a horrible accident
that nobody wants to rehash.
We were told the investigation
was done and dusted.
Another drink?
Silly question.
So, you're taking the show to Vegas?
A bittersweet career highlight.
Cos Needa should've been with you.
And would've,
if she hadn't been so
obsessed with the staircase sequence.
She was determined to get it right
before the Vegas tour.
But she was rehearsing without you.
She had a dodgy knee.
She was tryna find a workaround
so she wouldn't let me down.
Well, Ivana seems great.
It's amazing you were able to
find a replacement so quickly.
I can never replace David.
You kinda did.
Nathan was David's protege;
His drag daughter.
She was our costume mistress in
Sydney and she knows the routine.
Stepping in for David
was the obvious solution.
Yeah, I'm just saying she's
a really great replacement...
Darling.
David loves Nathan.
She'd have been thrilled.
(CURIOUS GUITAR MUSIC)
(DOOR OPENS)
We are so devastated.
Needa had the biggest heart.
She had the biggest feet, too.
People seem to like
her replacement, though.
Eh.
There's been a little bit of shade
around Ivana replacing Needa.
Those girls are just jealous.
And if you are asking for my
professional, unbiased opinion,
Needa was overworked. Flat out.
Honey, she was exhausted.
Ooh, girl, I gotta go. You good?
- I'm good.
- You're good, good.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC)
Hello.
Look, I'm sorry if I upset you earlier.
Forget about it.
It's just been hard.
And Needa...
She was the kindest, most
generous person I ever knew.
She introduced me to this world.
She showed me who I really am,
and I owe her everything.
Well, 'Ginger and Ivana'
has a nice ring to it.
It was our manager's idea.
It's the same show;
It's a different duo.
Well, that must be strange,
considering you were all
supposed to go to Vegas together.
I feel sick that I only
got my break because she died.
But not so sick that you won't go.
- There's my superstar.
- CHUCKLES: Hey.
Oh, and you must be Alexa.
Police consultant, was it?
Something like that.
Hm. Kathleen Boyce, manager.
Manager extraordinaire, to be accurate.
Stop it!
Well, congratulations
on a most successful show.
Oh, yes, thanks. I've discovered a
knack for backing talent. (GIGGLES)
Oh, actually, that reminds me...
you go speak to Ginger.
She's a little down in the mouth.
Yeah.
Uh, one more?
Oh, do you want one?
Thanks, but I'm an Old Fashioned girl.
And besides, if you bought me a drink,
who knows where it would lead?
We might start to get on,
and then it would get awkward
when I have to ask you
to stop pestering my girls.
Oh.
You get it, right?
I need them in tip-top shape for the
Vegas tour,
physically and emotionally.
And frankly, we all
just want to move on.
Best if the coppers do too.
(DANCE MUSIC PLAYS IN DISTANCE)
According to Polly, the whole drag
community loved Ginger and Needa.
According to who?
Oh, Polly Amorous. And by the way,
there's only one door out the back.
Here. Wet your whistle, honey.
- Ah, merci!
- Cheers, babe.
How many of those have you had?
What's even in them?
Oh, it's mainly fruit.
I'll be fine!
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS)
- What?
- Nothing.
'I told you so' is the most unattractive
phrase
in the English language, Madison.
Uh, I didn't say anything.
You know, just cos no one
was there when Needa died
doesn't mean that
someone wasn't thereearlier
to cause the accident.
And Nathan has a motive.
Mm, but Polly Amorous said
Nathan loved David like a mother.
Oh, pish.
I know people that'd kill
their mother for custard pie,
let alone a trip to Vegas.
What do you got on the charmer?
Kathleen Boyce,
prosecuted for fraud five years ago,
trying to scam punters
out of thousands of dollars
for a non-existent music festival.
Well, maybe she's perfecting
her scam and working in it Vegas.
But why would she kill one of her marks?
Maybe Needa, aka David, was on to her...
and maybe she had something
going with Nathan.
Stab in the dark...
I think Nathan's gay.
They could have a weird mummy fetish.
- (KEYBOARD KEYS CLACK)
- Do not look that up.
If it's a scam, it's a pretty good one.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
Ooh, Vegas, eh?
- I wish.
- Aw.
You know, I've always wanted to go
to one of those gondola rides in Vegas.
But it's a bit passe now, eh?
Bit old-fashioned?
Well, I think it was a bit
passe when it started.
(CRUISY MUSIC)
- (SIGHS) Something I said?
- Oh, yeah.
What's going on?
Hello.
You see this?
The manager, Kathleen, said
she's an Old Fashioned girl.
This drink is called an Old Fashioned.
Right. Meaning?
Meaning I think Kathleen was
at the club the night Needa died.
(CRUISY GUITAR MUSIC)
(GEESE HONK)
Oh, hey, I was
wondering if you can help me.
I'm travelling with 'The Ginger
And Ivana Show' next month
and I just wanted to check
I have a room booked.
Oh, sure, hon.
I'm their personal trainer.
My name?
Madison Booty.
Oh, OK. That's weird. I'll have
to follow up with them on that.
Thank you so much for your help.
(GEESE HONK)
The Vegas show is legit. They're
booked courtesy of Kathleen Boyce.
But get this, Alexa,
the only guests
listed are Nathan, Kathleen and Felix.
Somebody knew Needa wasn't
gonna be in that show.
(INQUISITIVE MUSIC)
Did Kathleen tell you that
she wanted Needa out of the show?
Yes.
Kathleen wanted it to happen as soon
as the Vegas gig was confirmed,
and I was to be the
bearer of the bad news.
Really?
I insisted it came from me.
But I couldn't do it.
I knew how upset she'd be.
So you just let her keep rehearsing
for a show
she could never be part of?
I'm a coward.
How could I tell her she was
being replaced by someone younger?
It would've destroyed her, us.
I was terrified of losing
everything we had together.
Where were you when it happened?
Birthday drinks with friends.
Needa was supposed to join us
once she'd finished rehearsing.
So that's why she was
dressed to the nines,
or did she often rehearse in full drag?
Yeah, occasionally.
But she didn't show up.
David rang me,
upset.
Kathleen had gone ahead and
told him the bad news, so I lied.
I told him I'd never dream of doing the
show without him
and to keep on rehearsing.
I got plastered.
And the next morning when
David wasn't there, I rang.
No answer.
So I went looking.
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
Does anyone else have keys to the club?
Please don't tell me you think
David's death was suspicious.
Well, that's what
I'm trying to rule out.
(UPBEAT ELECTRO POP MUSIC)
Look, is there a reason why
you're ruining my downtime?
Well, yes.
I wanna know why you were at
the club the night Needa died.
Mm. Yeah, as soon as you tell me
why you're poking around my business.
It's not like you're a cop anymore.
You wanted to dump Needa from the show.
She turned up dead, so I'm interested.
I know you were at the club.
Why didn't you tell the police that?
I'm their manager. I dropped in.
So what?
I'd been to dinner with Ivana,
who had been freaking out
because Ginger hadn't
told Needa the bad news yet,
so I decided to rip
the Band-Aid off myself.
How was she dressed?
- What? I don't know.
- T-shirt, sweatpants.
And how did she react to the news?
Oh, she did a little skip of joy!
How do you think? Anyway, she's...
She's dead now, so what does it matter?
It matters to Ginger.
Yeah, which is exactly why I
need you to stay away from us, OK?
We've got enough going on without some
bored ex-cop opening up old wounds.
Oh, just one thing. You've...
got a bit of lippy on your teeth.
There you go.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
- Mads?
- Hey.
Can you find out if Ivana and Kathleen
had dinner the night Needa died?
- Sorry, Ivana is Nathan, right?
- Yeah, that's right.
Cool. Does that mean that
I get to interview a suspect?
No, you're on a fact-finding
mission. Where are you?
Craft beer workshop. Learning
how to make a hoppy pale ale.
Why?
Oh, I get it. It's heaving
with eligible hipsters.
Oh, hipsters? Who even uses that word?
But yes, when you're in the market,
sometimes you have to go to the market.
(LAID-BACK MUSIC)
Nathan, what time
were you at dinner till?
I dunno. 8.30?
Guess you talked about
Needa and the show, huh?
What do you want me to say?
We're a family. Of course we
talked about it. Why wouldn't we?
Where did Kathleen go afterwards?
How would I know?
Sorry,
is there a point to this tedious Q & A?
Just cross-checking alibis.
Well, you know where I was,
so I guess we're done.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
(DOUGH SMACKS)
(DOUGH SMACKS) - Is that normal,
or you're tryna kill it?
(DOUGH SMACKS)
So, Kathleen and Ivana both
had motives. The question is how.
Kathleen,
if she had already dumped Needa,
why would she go to
the trouble of killing her?
With Kathleen's record,
there's nothing in it that
suggests murderous mastermind.
Oh, yeah. What does it suggest?
I dunno... smart, lying opportunist.
Her record's all shoplifting,
possession,
con jobs with dodgy mates.
Nothing murderous.
Well, my gut says that this one is.
Could be wrong, of course.
- But you don't actually think that.
- 'Course not. I'm never wrong.
You would've been a great cop
if
You just had a bit more self-confidence.
Oh, yeah. Thanks.
(DOOR OPENS)
Hiya.
Hello.
So, they did have dinner
together at Luigi's,
but Ivana is definitely guilty
and squirming about something.
Super. So they're all complicit in
the big lie
about Needa getting dumped.
Tell me this... if Kathleen did it,
would Ivana cover for her?
Well, Kathleen is offering
the chance of a lifetime.
Then how would she, or they,
arrange an electrocution?
I mean, that is next level.
Is there anything in her record that
suggests she'd have the know-how?
Not to me.
You're welcome to have a look.
Mm.
How on earth did they do it?
- Third party?
- Maybe.
I mean, that would explain why David put
on the Needa gear
after he was dumped.
Well, I'm sure you'll crack it.
I believe in you.
Is this you trying to
give me self-confidence?
Well spotted.
(CHUCKLES)
(CURIOUS JAZZY MUSIC)
You have got to be kidding me.
Great.
Ooh, shrimp!
I thought I was in the dogbox.
Yeah, you sort of are, but...
I got to thinking, well, you're
my brother and I hardly knows ya.
Right?
You know,
I don't know anything about your life,
really,
or who you've been hanging out with.
There's so many family memories that
we could have shared but didn't.
Yeah.
You know,
the memory that jumps out at me
is you telling me that I
was an embarrassment.
You sort of are,
but blood's thicker than water.
What do you want?
I am just trying to
reconnect with my brother.
(SCOFFS) Oh, yeah, right.
Come on.
- OK.
- Here you go.
What do you know about Kathleen Boyce?
- Did you bring the phone charger?
- No, I did not. - Hm.
Why do you wanna know about Kathleen?
I just do.
Really?
You're back in harness.
- I am not.
- Yeah, you are. Homicide?
No.
- No?
- Mm-mm.
I remember Dad telling Mum
once that Alexa's an excellent liar.
It's a sign of an imaginative brain.
Are you gonna tell me what you know?
Well, I may be many things,
but a dog isn't one of them.
What about the quid pro quo?
Every dog has its price.
All right.
Kathleen...
Great shoes, excellent shopping skills.
She'd move like a cat.
She only got
pinched for half the jobs she pulled.
Tell me about one of the jobs
where she you didn't get pinched.
Oh, she was part of a crew
that did a lucrative arson job.
Two security guards died.
Didn't seem to bother her.
How did the security guards die?
I think she was seeing a sparkie.
It was their job to make it
look like an electricalfire.
They didn't realise that the two
security guards had been on the piss
and they were asleep on the premises.
Oh, that will do.
Well, you got your quid.
WHISPERS: When do I get the pro quo?
(FUNKY JAZZ MUSIC)
- Hi again. Can we have another chat?
- About what?
About you replacing Needa for the Vegas
show
and not bothering to tell her.
Kathleen said we don't have
to talk to you or your friend.
Won't take long.
I don't have anything else to say!
But don't you wanna hear
what I have to say?
Let's have some tea.
What do you mean 'suspicious'?
Apparently the police don't think it was
an accident.
They think someone killed her.
You all wanted Needa out of the show
and
she ends up accidentally electrocuted.
You've got to admit,
it's kind of weird timing.
That's ridiculous.
Nobody wanted her dead.
What if someone was going to
benefit from her being dead, like you?
You can't believe
that I was responsible.
Well, not me, obviously,
but maybe you have
some thoughts about who could have been.
No, I don't!
Whose idea was it to replace Needa?
Kathleen's,
after she saw me in the Sydney show.
But that doesn't prove anything.
Oh, sure. It's not proof.
Please, just leave.
Sure.
(KETTLE BOILS LOUDLY, CLICKS)
You know, I've heard
camomile tea's pretty good.
Helps soothe the nerves.
(DOOR SHUTS)
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
She's trying to convince him
of something, but what?
Whoa, he's afraid of her.
So either he knows what she
did to Needa or he suspects it.
Whatever it is, he's trying to hide it.
I'd love to know the
content of that conversation.
You should've bugged him.
Agreed.
Oh, here we go.
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
Maybe she actually
cares about him after all.
Don't be crazy.
That's just good performance.
She's all about the money.
I get that Kathleen wanted to
replace Needa with a younger version,
but why murder?
Money. I mean, what if she had
to buy Needa out of her contract
and Needa wouldn't go there?
How do we find that out?
Call Ginger. Ask her when
Needa's contract was due to expire,
but keep it casual.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
- Here you go, amigo.
- Ah, thanking you kindly.
Hey, I was wondering if you'd be
interested in doing themed loaves
for special holidays.
Such as?
Well, Valentine's Day,
maybe Father's Day.
What would the Father's Day loaf
look like? A TV remote.
No, a kid waiting at a window
for a visit that never comes!
I was thinking more
like putting 'Dad' on top.
Oh.
I asked you to stop harassing us,
but clearly the message was loud enough.
Kath! Have some bread.
I hate being called Kath.
And I hate calling you Kath,
so I guess we're even.
Ivana is a mess,
and now your assistant
is badgering Ginger about her contract.
Damn, I've told Madison
about the badgering.
I've spent weeks getting
Ginger and Ivana back on form.
Stay the hell away from them.
You know trying to stop an investigation
makes you look dodgy, right?
Especially with your background.
Do you know how much time
and money I've invested in this tour,
how much I have riding onit?
Why don't you fill me in?
If you mess this up for me,
I will
come after you for everything you own.
You know, I'm strangely aroused by that.
Lady Needa was blind as a bat, OK?
She tripped on the bloody stairs
and fell.
Wait a sec.
So when you went to the club that night,
was Needa wearing her glasses?
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
(DOOR SLAMS)
Well, this is the most challenging
show we've ever attempted,
and we are so excited to be
bringing it to Sydney.
You can expect double the frocks
and double the double entendres.
Oh, yes! Sauce factor five!
Let's just hope this one's knee
holds up. (BOTH CHUCKLE)
You do not want to
know how she injured it!
Oh, the bare-bottomed cheek of it!
(LAUGHS)
So, I'm going out.
Madison, look at that.
He's wearing glasses.
Chowder, he's wearing glasses.
OK. The only time that David's not
wearing glasses
is when he's Needa.
Here she is... no glasses,
and no
mention of them in the police report.
Now, why would a queen who can barely
see it all,
who's got a dickie knee,
rehearse on stairs with high heels
and a long dress?
Contact lenses.
No, there's no mention
of that in the coroner report.
Well, maybe the cops missed the glasses.
Wait a minute.
If Needa wasn't wearing
glasses or contact lenses,
how did she do her own her make-up?
You're right.
My mum is short-sighted and
there is no way
she could do her make-up
without contacts
or having her nose pressed
right up against the mirror.
It's virtually impossible.
Unless somebody else did the make-up.
- Kathleen?
- No, she can hardly do her own.
No, I think another drag queen did this.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Did you ever see
Needa perform in glasses?
God no, girl.
She was far too vain for that.
She wouldn't be caught dead in them.
Oh, that was a bad choice of words.
Where were you on
the night that she died?
I was in Rotorua at a whanau
gathering. That's like a family thing.
Do you have someone who can verify that?
Oh.
OK.
How about 75 someones?
Wow, that's even bigger than my family.
Thank you.
Evening.
Oh, God.
I bring a peace offering.
In case it's not clear, I'm working.
Relax, I just wanna ask
you one question.
When Needa did her make-up,
did she wear glasses or contacts?
Contacts. Although, quite often, I
did her make-up. It's how I learned.
What about the night she died?
That's two questions.
Indulge me.
TEARFULLY: I already told you
I didn't see her the night she died.
And I wish to God that I did.
Do you genuinely think she was killed?
Yes, I do.
Oh, God. (SOBS)
(POIGNANT MUSIC)
Hey.
- Hi.
- You've come to give me a pep talk?
No, I've come to tell you David's
glasses weren't at the scene.
Oh.
And that Kathleen Boyce has registered
an official complaint against you.
Really?
You know she's claiming financial losses
if her stars pull out of the Vegas show
because you messed with them, right?
- That's great.
- (CELL PHONE VIBRATES)
- Is it?
- Yeah,
cos it means she's rattled. Hang on.
- _
- (SIGHS) Bloody men!
- What?
- Nothing.
Yeah, that's great. Thank you.
(BOTTLES RATTLE)
Homework. And before you ask,
no, I
didn't bring a study buddy home with me.
Oi, what's happened?
You look suspiciously upbeat.
I've just been talking to the
pathologist who did Needa's autopsy.
I wanted to know if there was
anything strange about the make-up.
She said that the make-up
hadn't been absorbed by the skin.
It was just lying on top like paint.
- Which means what?
- It was applied post-mortem.
Oh, my God. Weird. Why would
anyone put make-up on a corpse?
Why does anyone put make-up on a corpse?
To make them look better
for everyone to view.
Bingo.
(RELAXED ROCK MUSIC)
So this is a bit uncomfortable.
OK?
It seems that someone did
Needa's make-up after death,
someone who knew exactly how to do it.
Are you suggesting Nathan?
Yeah, maybe.
Nathan adored David.
Well, maybe she adored
starring in a Vegas show more.
But why do the make-up after death?
I couldn't possibly imagine.
Well, can ya make a guess?
Suppose she couldn't bear for Needa
to be found looking like a dog's dinner.
I mean, she'd hate that.
She'd want to go out looking her best.
One last magnificent curtain call.
Oh.
So it was an act of love?
Making sure she looked OK
before anyone else saw her.
I dunno.
I just dunno.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Needa's glasses were just sitting there.
So what if Needa's glasses
were at the apartment?
It was home. She probably
had more than one pair.
Mm.
OK, officially not a fan of stouts.
- What is all this in aid of?
- I am training my palate.
Thing is, it's not even a crime
to do someone's make-up, is it?
I mean, even if they're dead.
Still think it was murder?
How do you feel about dancin'?
(JAZZY MUSIC PLAYS)
Kisses, kisses.
(KISSES) Is this absolutely necessary?
Yeah, 'course, otherwise I wouldn't
have asked you to do it, would I?
Pretty sure there are
health and safety rules.
Health and safety?
Oh, honey, that is adorable.
OK, so she's coming down
a couple of steps and then...
Yep. And turn... there. Stop, stop.
And then turn to your left.
- No, your other left.
- Yeah. (GIGGLES)
Two hands on that vase. Bend
your knees and stick out your butt.
It's a booty pop.
- Do it.
- Mm-hm.
Bam. (LAUGHS)
(BOTH APPLAUD)
I feel like I'm being mocked.
- No!
- No, not at all.
Just practise that before
you unleash it on the world.
Well, I can see any number of ways
that she could've fallen.
Those vases, are they heavy?
Are they bolted down?
It's super heavy.
They're weighed at the bottom.
Wait, there used to be
a vase in that corner.
You know, on the video of the show,
there's 12 vases on this set.
Well, there are only 10 now.
So where are the other two?
(SUSPICIOUS MUSIC)
Oh.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
OK, we're keeping an eye out for it.
Hello.
Oh, wow. You're stronger than you look.
Yeah, it's cos someone's taken
the weights out of that one.
Whereas this one...
Wait, hang on. This plan
leaves way too much to chance.
If Needa hadn't fallen,
she could
have just as easily sprained something
I think you might be
on to something there.
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Wish me luck, dear.
This is not a good time. Perhaps you
could speak to us after the show.
I came looking for you,
the one who loved Needa
more than anybody.
Look, doll. Enough is enough.
Felix,
I have the vase.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about you
not wanting to hurt Needa
by telling her she was
cut from the Vegas show
because it would have destroyed her,
so you tampered with the set.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You knew she'd do the move
putting her full weight on the vase,
expecting it to be solid.
You hoped she would fall, get
injured and be forced to pull out.
Your relationship would be intact.
Everybody would get what they wanted.
Well, except Needa, of course.
Scene set, you left via the back exit,
where you knew there was no CCTV.
You joined your friends
and you waited to get a call from
Needa to say she'd had an accident.
And when the call came,
it wasn't about that.
It was about getting dumped,
about what Kathleen said.
Only Needa wouldn't believe that you'd
agreed to that,
so it was easy to lie.
You told her you'd sort it
out and to go on rehearsing,
which she did with fatal consequences.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SPARKS EXPLODE)
(SMOKE CRACKLES)
This is insane. And ludicrous.
Yes, and very, very true.
Isn't it?
And when she didn't come home, you went
to the club
where you found her body.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC)
You couldn't stand for her
to be found looking amiss,
So you restored her to glamorous Needa,
cos you knew that's what
she would have wanted.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
And you remove the evidence.
You hid the tampered vase,
and you took her glasses.
And when you came back in the morning,
you called the police and
reported your discovery.
TEARFULLY: I didn't want to hurt her.
I only took her glasses
cos it made
me feel like she wasn't really gone.
Like she'd walk into the house,
looking for them.
I didn't want people to gossip.
I just wanted her to look
like a star right till the end.
One last magnificent curtain call.
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
(GENTLE POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES)
Pleased with yourself,
you interfering cow?
Do you have any idea how
much money you have lost us?
You've cost me my career!
Oh, come on. A smooth operator like you?
Won't take you long to find a new
Gingersnaps.
That's how your roll.
(CRUISY GUITAR MUSIC)
Hey, how about I cook
us a celebratory dinner,
three courses with
complementary craft beer?
Even this.
Yeah, sure.
Oh, unless you're busy.
No, no, I've just got a
few things to take care of,
but then a late dinner would be good.
- Something fun?
- Not really, no.
You know, if you're seeing
someone, you can tell me, right?
OK.
So are you?
(CRUISY JAZZ MUSIC)
Didn't know if you were gonna show.
Unlike some members of the family,
I am trustworthy.
I'm trustworthy.
Says the con man.
- Alleged.
- Convicted.
Mm, semantics.
Not really.
Here, I brought you some bread.
What, you make this?
- This morning.
- Nice.
What about the quid quo pro?
You're looking at it.
Oh, baked in. Clever.
Sometimes a loaf of bread
is just a loaf of bread.
But good bread.
I thought we had a deal.
Hey, I guarantee that is the
best pro quo you'll eat in weeks.
(FUNKY GUITAR MUSIC)
And it beats the heck out of noodles.
(BREAD THUDS)
Even the antiquities world
has a dark side.
Daniel Woodward, historian.
Owner and main presenter of a visiting
costume exhibition
in Auckland Museum.
Daniel's body was pulled from the water.
- If you went over here...
- If you hit your head, you're dead.
Did he fall or was he pushed?
What happened to him
was an awful accident.
He didn't have enemies.
You lied to me.
Whoa, this place at night
gives me the creeps.
Look, we're not the police.
We can do things our way.
- Your way.
- All right, my way.