A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
How can you think I'd do such a thing to you?
MEXICO CITY, 2006
Micky, I--
We've known each other since we were kids, damn it.
My father was my father.
He stole from me until I fired him.
Now you're comparing me to your father?
Do you really think I'd put you in harm's way for four fucking cents?
All I know is what the promoter told Azucena.
Let's see.
For starters, that promoter was the one who reached out to José.
José got us that concert.
And now you say I fucked up not buying the right equipment, for fuck's sake!
How can I know
you're not colluding with them?
How can you know? I'm giving you my word, man.
-Your word. -Is it worth nothing to you now?
Ambrosi, there's proof.
I'll say it again, it isn't my signature!
Don't you forget who you're talking to.
How do you think I feel?
Finding out you betrayed me.
Micky, I didn't betray you.
I didn't take a damn euro.
Your signature is on the fucking contract, damn it!
Do you think you can rip me off?
It's such a shame, man.
No matter how much time goes by
after what your dad and Patricio did, you'll always be suspicious of everyone.
You're wrong about me, bro.
Big time.
There must be a way to stop my grandmother.
I spoke to my dad.
He says there's not a single charge we can legally accuse Matilde of.
Let's sue Cynthia Casas.
What?
We don't even know what information she has.
-They haven't published anything yet. -McCluskey.
She'll obviously want to speak about my mom
and about Michelle, for God's sake.
Let's come to terms with your grandma. I don't know, offer her cash.
All my grandma wants is to make money from Sergiño.
Then--
I don't know, you talk to the press, Micky.
-Before your grandmother speaks up. -Wait.
Let's see if I got this right.
Your solution is me talking to the press?
About my private life?
Yes.
Go and tell the truth.
I know it isn't easy.
But it's what you should do.
Think about it, Micky.
NEW YORK, 1994
-I was sure you'd scold me. -Why would I?
Do you think shacking up with him is a good idea?
Hey, what I think is you can't keep going on like this.
On and off, on and off, come on!
You've been dating for years, Eri.
Years! What could go wrong?
I don't know.
I mean, okay, picture it. I'm living with him.
-And then, something happens-- -What?
Who knows? What if I don't like it or feel uneasy?
Érika, you can always come back here.
-What if it doesn't work out? -Same thing.
You always break up and get back together again.
I think you should give it a try.
If things don't work out, well, tough luck.
But if they do, great.
You'd be marrying Luis Miguel.
-Silly. -Did you two speak?
So, you both want the same thing?
Well, then?
Julio, have you heard of Laura Pausini?
I love her songs.
In fact, she's under contract with Warner, with our Italian branch.
Well, now she'll be with Publishow.
She's coming to the office tomorrow.
-Have you told Micky? -He doesn't own Publishow.
-Man, he's your only client. -So what?
When we first started, we had other clients.
When he started with you, he wasn't Luis Miguel.
Man, have some faith in me.
I'll handle it.
Hello, Micky.
Well, I'm glad you've reconsidered.
I know it's what's best for Sergio. And for you--
How many times a week?
I don't know, as many as you want.
How many times?
Every afternoon, Monday to Thursday.
For starters. You know,
we need time to rehearse.
Stop frowning, Micky.
The kid wants to sing, this isn't for my own sake.
Anything else?
Hey, now you're asking, I shouldn't be living in a hotel.
I want a large house, with a garden.
For Sergio to be comfortable.
And, well--
I also want to rehearse with Sergio where you rehearse, in your studio.
And you give me your word you won't go to Cynthia?
Can I be certain?
Absolutely, Micky.
You'd better not.
Well, that's that.
-I'm so glad to see you, girl. -Hello, ma'am.
-Long time no see. -Yes.
Don't tell me you're shacking up together.
We're giving it a try.
There's nothing like being in love at your age.
Thanks.
Sorry, please, go ahead.
Okay.
-I'll leave you to it. -Yes.
Congratulations.
Thanks again.
Relax.
Fuck.
I'm here.
I'm so glad you're here.
Well, good morning.
Morning.
You forgot the suit again, José?
-Tell him I'll bring it later. -No, let him scold you.
You were never voted the cheeriest in high school, were you?
It's a pleasure having an artist like you in my office.
-Please. -Thanks.
This is the conference room. If you please.
That's Laura Pausini.
-It's Laura Pausini, isn't it? -Yes.
I'd never guess you liked her music.
Dad?
What are you doing?
Nothing.
Thinking.
What about?
Stuff.
And how are you?
Fine.
I haven't been cooped up in here all day, but...
I'm fine, I swear.
You're such a bad liar.
What are you doing?
Do you want to know what I'm up to? Check this out.
I have a casting for a play.
That's great!
It's so nice coming home and finding you here.
I want to invite my parents over for dinner.
Come on, they're dying to see the house.
When?
This Friday? I don't know, is it okay?
Yes.
No.
Hello.
What's up, Robles?
I'll go tomorrow so we can talk.
Right now? You want me to go there right now?
Okay, see you there.
Sorry for making you come,
but we're interviewing Manzanero and Kiko for the behind the scenes
and we need to interview you too.
I want it to be in a theater.
Do you like the idea?
It's a matter of checking out options.
Bummer! The conference room is taken.
Come, we'll do it in my office, right?
Okay, Micky, I need you to approve all the recording details.
I didn't want to bother you, but it has to be today.
Who is talking with McCluskey?
I don't know.
Find out, will you?
Come in.
Hi.
Do you want to sit?
Let me know if you want to talk.
I spoke to my dad.
And?
You stole from him?
You too?
Really?
Hey, relax, okay? It's just a question.
If that's what you're asking, we don't have much to talk about.
Talking to you is so fucking hard.
Get it done, Lety, bye.
Great, my dear Alex.
When were you going to tell me you're looking for new artists?
I swear I was going to tell you.
Before or after they signed with you?
I'm entitled to work for other artists.
Alex, you know?
I don't think you get it.
Either you focus on me,
or this isn't going to work out.
-Sorry, but Publishow isn't your company. -Excuse me, I am Publishow.
That's exactly why.
We can't depend on you entirely.
-It isn't good for the company. -Really? It isn't good for the company?
Yeah, I mean, no.
Patricio told you to come, didn't he?
Is that what you're worried about?
Really?
You should be worried about other stuff.
Are you sure you want to practice with such an old song?
-Ready. -Are you sure?
-You don't have to keep asking. -All right now.
Three, two, one.
Want to try again?
Let's start from the pre-chorus.
You know, it'll come to you in time.
Say that again and I'll kill you.
-What did I tell you, stupid? -Hit it.
Three, two, one.
Damn it!
Micky.
It was okay to me.
Micky?
-Can you spare a second? -Yes.
Everything okay?
Yes.
I came to ask you a favor.
There's someone
I'd like you to contact this week.
MEXICO CITY, 1994
Let's go.
The other arm. There you go.
Thanks.
I hadn't sung in such a long time.
You did great. Let's celebrate, anywhere you want--
Where are you going?
What are you doing here?
What do you mean? I'm here to rehearse with Sergiño.
-But we're done here. -Come on.
You're done? Do you know the hours I practiced when I was a kid?
-I'm sure you know. -So, you're practicing with me?
Of course. But listen, let's do things properly.
Okay? Let's do it.
Are you sure? We should let him rest.
-We can do it some other day. -You'll be more comfortable back there.
-Ready? -Yes.
Do you know "Palabra de Honor"? Are you sure?
Okay. Nico.
Hit it.
Turns out I have to ask Luis Miguel every time I want to take a leak.
Listen, Alex, you're not thinking straight.
Relax a little, will you?
He forbade me to sign other artists.
I can't even choose my own staff. For fuck's sake!
-He asked me not to fire Robles. -He's your only client.
That doesn't mean he owns Publishow.
Hey, wait, I told you.
Before meeting with Laura, you should've run it by him.
You're taking his side?
He's Luis Miguel.
I don't even have you, great.
Put yourself in my place. Warner needs him.
We'll keep working with him,
whoever his manager is.
Stop! Reach the note.
One more time.
-Pay attention to your cue. -Micky.
The kid will lose his voice.
At his age, I gave 250 concerts a year.
If I say the kid can do it, it's because he can.
One more time, damn it!
Stop! You're rushing it.
Again.
Again, Sergio. Pay attention to your cue.
No, vibrato.
End strong.
One more time!
You're doing it wrong, Sergio.
It's not just about singing nice. Stop!
We're not leaving until you finish the song.
But Micky, I can't do it anymore.
My voice is gone.
Learning to sing isn't done in a matter of hours.
It takes years.
Years of discipline.
Then sing it right.
One more time.
Hey, how did it go?
I love you so much.
Honey.
Was it that bad?
It was horrible.
-Horrible. -I'm so sorry.
Do you think it worked?
He'll never want to step foot in a studio again.
Well, if you think about it,
you're doing this for his own good.
-Yes. -Think about it that way.
My parents are coming to dinner tomorrow, don't forget.
Tomorrow?
Come on, Micky, it's important to me.
I've got a work thing, but I'll be here.
I know.
Promise?
I promise.
Thank you.
-Hi. -How are you?
Great, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Jeez, I'm so sorry
I had to cancel the concert.
No.
No, I'm the one who should apologize, Luis Miguel.
Being the accident happened in my country.
And even worse, on my stage.
I'm the one who's sorry.
No. Not here.
No moping here.
Right, Azucena?
Yes. That's exactly why we wanted to talk to you.
We are well aware the accident wasn't your fault. So, Luis Miguel
would love to offer you a compensation concert in Peru. For free.
Seriously?
Well, I'd be delighted. I mean it.
I'm here for you, ask anything you want. I'm here.
Fabulous. I'll get you in touch with my manager to set the date.
Your manager? Who?
What do you mean who? Ambrosi.
He's still working with you?
Why wouldn't he work with me?
In the end, it was an accident.
Wasn't it?
Well, yes.
Look, it's simple.
You can walk out of here in one of two ways.
One,
you tell me the absolute truth
and go back to Peru in my plane.
The other...
I'll fucking lock you up for life.
Your choice.
McCluskey fired you?
Yes, man, last night.
Don't worry about it, I'll fix it.
No, I don't want you to get involved.
I don't want you to fix anything, Micky.
What? I don't get it.
What's the need for Publishow if Hugo is gone?
McCluskey is a good man, I like him.
But the industry is changing, he refuses to evolve and falls behind.
He isn't our age, he doesn't have our taste.
Think of what you and I have done up to this point.
Now, imagine everything we can achieve.
I have to think things through, Pato.
Think about it.
Sir, your coffee.
-Thanks, Magda. -You're welcome.
See you at the next meeting.
What's wrong?
I think Micky doesn't like how I sing.
Of course he does, he's pushing you.
So, you must practice if you want to be a singer.
If that's what it takes, I don't want to be a singer.
Well, I haven't told you
I got you a spot in a TV contest.
I won't even tell you what the prize is. It's in Madrid, in a month.
Are you interested or not?
Of course, Granny, thanks.
My boy.
I specifically asked you not to fire him.
Why not?
Okay, what's Patricio's huge contribution?
He's loyal, Alex. He's loyal.
Loyal to you or loyal to the company he works for?
I'm sure Robles leaked the Sinatra duet scoop.
He closed a deal behind my back on Hugo's funeral day.
Someone had to fix it.
He's manipulating you.
Alex, you're wrong.
Is wanting to have other clients wrong?
You're wrong for not running it by me.
You can't make those decisions on your own.
-But it's my company. -Which I built, don't forget.
I am the company.
You know?
I think it's time we stop working together.
You can't say that.
No, Magda, not on the piano, he'll kill me.
On the countertop, please.
-Hi, honey. -Hi.
-Iron the dress I left on the bed. -Yes.
-I'll be glad to. -Thanks.
-How are the preparations coming along? -They're taking shape.
What about you, how's it going?
Micky, you've got to listen to this.
Grandma found me a spot in a TV contest.
Really?
What?
Well, I'm singing on TV. If I win, I'll record an album in Spain.
How about that?
In Spain?
In Madrid, yes. Granny wants to take me there this month.
And that would be all.
It's been a pleasure
sharing all these years with you.
Well, almost all.
And no matter who replaces me,
don't worry, things won't change in the office. So--
-What is it? -How are you?
Come with me.
If you came to check if I've stolen anything else,
there's no need to worry, I assure you.
I came here
because I wanted to tell you I spoke with the Peru promoter.
With my friend, the promoter?
And what am I accused of now?
-What? -I know it wasn't your fault.
I spoke to him because I knew it couldn't be true.
Stay.
I've suspected many people, but I never should've suspected you.
Let me sleep on it.
I was ready to go home to my family.
Let me think about it.
Yes.
I understand. Yes.
Robles.
-What's up, Micky, everything okay? -Thanks for coming. I'm fine.
I need to talk to you.
I've been thinking about what we talked about this morning.
About your proposal.
I need a change.
Let's work together.
It'll be an honor.
But first, I need you to help me with a personal matter.
It may come at a high price,
but I see no other way.
Whatever you need.
-Hi, Nicolás. -Matilde, come in.
Come on, Sergio. I know it's late, honey,
but we've got lots of practicing to do before we go to Madrid.
Come on.
Good evening.
Nicolás, can we have a minute, please?
Of course, Pato.
Excuse me.
It's a pleasure, Mrs. Matilde.
I'm Patricio Robles, Luis Miguel's new manager.
-My pleasure. -I brought you a surprise.
Are you ready?
Warner sent this contract
for you to sign and record your first album with them.
The top record label in Latin America
wants Sergio.
-How about that? -But who has heard Sergio?
Well,
Micky recommended him, that's all the referral he needs.
This is Micky's doing.
This is Warner's doing.
Luis Miguel doesn't appear on this contract.
He's not his legal guardian, you are.
This is a contract between Warner and you, that's all.
-Are you sure? -I'm sure.
So, all we need
is for your granny to sign the last page.
And that's it, you're on your way to stardom.
Come on, Granny, sign.
-Come on, Granny. -You want me to sign?
Yes.
He's still being interviewed, Doc?
How many people are interviewing him?
I don't know, interrupt him.
Tell him I've been waiting an hour here.
-You said she was here. -She is.
I've got to go.
She won't give us the questions.
-No questions, no interview. -I know, I insisted--
-Good evening, guys, are you ready? -I'll handle this.
Everyone ready?
-Micky. -I can't believe it.
It seems I just saw you yesterday.
At the Acapulco Fest, around three years ago.
-Are you ready? -Almost.
I need to see the questions first.
I need a vacation, but that's not going to happen.
I don't give interviews without first seeing the questions, dear.
Then you've never been interviewed, dear.
At least tell me what it's about.
Well, the usual.
-Your albums, your girls-- -Girls? No.
-Yes, girls, you know. -Princess.
I'd feel much more comfortable
if you show me the questions.
The questions are here.
Don't worry. Come on.
-Ready, guys? -Okay, are we set?
-Only right-side takes, please. -Sure.
-This is my camera, right? Yes. -It is.
Okay.
Micky.
Relax, I don't bite.
What's the first song you want in your album?
I don't know yet.
You don't know yet? Okay, fine.
Thanks. Okay now.
You have all the time in the world to prepare this talented kid.
Because it says here he can't record his first album until he turns 18.
So you can't exploit him for a single cent more.
Congratulations.
Remember, this is an exclusive contract with Warner.
No TV contests or anything.
Congratulations, champ.
ASSHOLE
Micky.
You asked to see me?
What do you do?
What else?
Nothing but work, work, and work.
To think someone so stupid stole so much from me.
What?
-What? Micky, I didn't steal. -Get out.
You're firing me? Really?
You're firing the only guy who never said no to you.
-To anything. -Listen.
I don't ever want to fucking see you again.
Get out.
Frankly...
I liked the interview.
Mine?
I'm sure they always ask the same questions.
-And tell us, Luis Miguel. -No.
Do you have a girlfriend?
Do you want kids?
Do you want to get married someday?
Come on, I'm sure you gave me the same answers you give everyone.
Me? Repeat answers? Never.
What are you talking about?
Have any plans?
Want to go for drinks?
Darling, we've waited almost two hours.
It's disrespectful, we're leaving.
No, Dad. Please, don't go.
This city is madness, you know how bad it gets.
It's peak traffic time.
Dad, he's working. I swear, he said he'd make it.
I'm home, sorry.
I'm terribly sorry, they wouldn't let me go.
It was hectic. Forgive me, honey.
Mom.
I beg you to forgive me.
Sorry, uncle.
They wouldn't let me go.
Don't go.
-We'll show you around the house. -Don't, Micky.
Please, let's just eat.
Of course.
Love.
Forgive me.
Please forgive me, it was hectic back there.
I promise it won't happen again.
Of course it won't happen again.
I'm sorry.
I'd tell you to take a break, but I know what you'll say.
-From the top, one more time. -Let's try an easier one.
Hey,
I can't give a concert with Christmas carols alone.
I couldn't agree more.
Again.
Okay now.
Three, two, one and--
This is for you, man.
Sweet, man, sweet.
Before we start,
for avoidance of doubt or misunderstanding--
you do understand that, the minute I turn this recorder on,
anything you tell me can be published,
don't you?
-Yes. -All right.
Where do you want to start?
Look, Cynthia.
Do you know anything about...
Marcela Basteri's whereabouts?
-Hello. -Hi.
May I come in?
You may come in.
Okay.
I messed up.
Forgive me.
I forgive you.
Okay.
Michelle, I think we should stop meeting this way.
This way?
How?
What?
Michelle, I'm your dad's best friend.
You're right.
-Yes. -Yes.
Subtitle translation by: Harry Darkins