A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
[Mauricio] How can you think I'd do something like this?
MEXICO CITY, 2006
Micky, hey!
We've known each other since we were kids, man.
My father was my father.
He robbed me till I fired him.
Now you're comparing me to your father? [chuckles]
You believe I'd actually put you in jeopardy for 4,000 euros, Micky?
All I know is what the promoter told Azucena.
Listen to me.
First of all, that promoter got in touch with José.
José booked that concert and the theater.
Now you think I screwed it all up with the wrong equipment? Kiss my ass.
So how do I know...
that you're not involved in this?
How do you know? 'Cause I gave you my promise, brother.
-Your promise. -What, is that worthless now?
Ambrosi, I have proof of it.
[sighs] I already told you, that's not my goddamn signature!
Hey! Don't take that tone when you're talking to me. You got it?
How do you think it makes me feel?
To know you betrayed me like that? [scoffs]
Micky, you know I'd never do that.
I didn't take a fucking cent.
You signed your name on that contract, didn't you, you asshole?
You really think I'm that stupid?
Huh?
I feel bad for you.
After all the time since your father, since Patricio,
you still can't find a way to believe in someone.
You're wrong about me, bro.
Totally.
There has to be a way to stop my grandmother.
[Patricio] I talked to my father.
He says there's nothing we can charge Matilde with.
Well, then, Cynthia Casas.
What? We don't even know how much information she has.
-She didn't publish anything at all. -McCluskey.
It's obvious she'll talk about my mother, and Michelle. Come on.
What if we can make a deal with your grandma, then? Offer her some money.
Grandma only wants to get rich off of Sergio.
[McCluskey sighs] I don't know.
So maybe you talk to the press, before--
-she has time to open her mouth. -Wait, wait.
So what you're telling me is...
your solution is that I should go tell the press my private life?
[McCluskey] Yeah.
Tell the truth, Micky.
I know it's never easy.
But it's the right thing.
-[horns honk] -[bicycle bell rings]
NEW YORK, 1994
-[Érika] I thought you'd be mad. -[Xime] Why?
You think it's a smart idea to move in together?
Look, I don't know. But you can't keep going with this situation.
First it's on, it's off, it's on, it's off...
It's been years, Éri.
Years! What could possibly happen?
I don't know.
Let's say, okay...
-Uh, imagine I'm living with him. -Mm-hm.
And, I don't know,
-maybe something happens-- -Yeah?
Well, something I don't like. Or I get uncomfortable.
Érika, you move back in here.
-What if it doesn't work out? -Same thing.
I mean, you fight and make up.
I think that you should try to stay together.
If things don't work out, well, too bad.
But if they do, hey!
You're the wife of Luis Miguel.
[both laugh]
-Silly. -Talk to him yet?
-Mm-hm. -Does he want the same thing as you?
Well, then.
[upbeat blues track plays]
Julio, are you familiar with Laura Pausini?
I really like her singing.
I know she just signed with Warner in Italy, one of our affiliates.
Well, she's gonna be here at Publishow.
Tomorrow, she's gonna visit our office.
-You talked this over with Micky? -Micky doesn't own Publishow.
-Man, he's your only client. -And?
When we started, we represented a few different artists.
When you started this, he wasn't yet Luis Miguel.
Man, have a little faith.
I'm on this.
[birdsong]
Hello, Micky.
I'm so glad you're feeling better.
It's best for Sergio, for you--
Tell me how often you want him each week.
Well, I guess, whatever you think.
How often... each week?
All afternoons, Monday through Thursday.
To start out. After all, we need time to practice.
[scoffs]
Don't give me that look, Micky.
-The boy wants to sing. -[sighs]
It wasn't my idea.
Anything else?
I mean, since you mention it, doesn't seem fair
that I'm living in a hotel.
I want a nicer space, with a yard.
-[sighs] -To relax with Sergio.
And maybe I...
want Sergio to do his rehearsals at your studio.
I need your promise you won't see Cynthia.
Can I count on that?
Yes, you can, Micky.
I'd better.
Then it's settled.
[Luis sighs]
-Oh! How nice to see you, beautiful. -Oh! Ms. Matilde.
-Long time. -Yeah.
So, tell me, are you two living together?
[Érika] We're trying it out.
Aah! There's nothing like being in love when you're young.
-[Érika] Thank you. -[Matilde laughs]
-Excuse me, please. -Oh! [laughs]
-[chuckles] -Okay. I'll leave you two alone.
-[elevator doors closing] -Congratulations.
-Thank you. -[Matilde chuckles]
-[groans] -Mmm.
-[chuckles] -Unbelievable.
I'm here now.
-Mmm. I'm so glad you are. -Mmm.
[sighs]
[tapping wall]
You forgot about the suit again, José?
-Huh? -Hmm?
-Tell him I'll bring it later. -No, you do it. So he'll yell at you.
You've never been anyone's best friend, have you?
[sighs]
[McCluskey] Right. We'll record a track or two.
-[Laura] Grazie. -[McCluskey] Please.
This is the conference room. After you.
Wait. Is that Laura Pausini?
-Is it Laura Pausini or not? -Yeah.
But I didn't think you liked her music.
[pills rattle]
[ice clinking]
[sighs]
[Michelle] Dad?
What's up?
Nothing.
-Just thinking. -Hmm.
About what?
Just things.
And how are you?
Good.
I haven't been locked in here all day, but--
[Luis chuckles]
I'm fine, I promise.
You're a bad liar.
[sighs]
[exhales]
[kicks off shoes]
Aaah!
What are you doing?
Want me to show you?
-Mm-hm. -Look.
-I have an audition for a new play. -How great!
You have no idea how nice it is to find you here.
Let's have my parents over for dinner.
Uh-huh.
Can we? They really want to see the house.
When?
On Friday? This Friday?
Sure.
[both chuckle]
-[phone rings] -Mm-mm. Mm-mm.
Hello.
Yeah, what's up, Robles?
Can I come in tomorrow to discuss it?
[sighs] Right now? You want me right now?
[sighs] Okay, fine. I'll be there.
[sighs heavily]
I'm sorry for dragging you out of the house.
We've been interviewing Manzanero and Kiko for the video special,
and we need to grab an interview with you.
-Can we do it in a theater? -[bell dings]
[sighs]
You like that idea?
Depends on what the other options are.
-[bell dings] -[Patricio] Shoot.
Someone's using the conference room today.
Come on, we'll use my office, all right?
Okay, Micky, I need you to approve all the details for the album now.
I was trying not to bother you with it, but we need this done right away.
[door closes]
Who's that in there with McCluskey?
I don't know.
[Luis] Let's find out.
[sighs]
[tapping on door]
Come in.
Hey.
What's up?
[Mauricio chuckles]
Uh, wanna sit down?
[sighs] Let me know when you feel like talking.
I spoke to my father.
And?
Were you stealing?
[sighs] Oh, my God.
You too?
Hey, I didn't-- I just needed to ask you if--
You know what? If you ask me, we don't have much to talk about.
Hey.
You know, you're pretty hard to talk to.
[footsteps receding]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[bangs table]
[sighs]
[McCluskey] Lety, have a nice night.
[Luis] Well, Alex. Were you...
gonna tell me you're thinking of signing other artists?
Yes, I was, honestly.
After you signed them, or before?
I have a right to represent other artists too.
Alex, I think you're not getting the situation.
All your attention goes to me,
or this is not gonna work out.
-Sorry, but Publishow isn't your company. -I'm sorry, but I am Publishow.
Yeah, precisely.
Hey, but we can't depend on you alone, Micky. Come on.
Not good for business.
Ah, no? It's not good for the business?
No, well, no, no. Not anymore.
Patricio brought you down here, didn't he?
That's what you're worried about?
Really?
You should be worried about other things.
[Nicolás] You sure you wanna practice with such an old song?
-Ready. -You sure?
-Stop asking that. -Okay.
Three, two, one.
♪ Close your eyes ♪
♪ Let me love you ♪
♪ I want to take you ♪
♪ To the valley of pleasure ♪
♪ Mine ♪
♪ Today, you'll be mine, that I know ♪
♪ Let me steal The great secret of your skin ♪
♪ Let yourself be carried away By your womanly instincts ♪
[backing track stops]
Hmm. [sniffs]
Wanna try it again?
[Luis] Let's go from the pre-chorus.
[Nicolás] You sure? You don't have to rush into this.
Say that again and you're dead.
-What did I tell you, moron? -Okay.
Three, two, one.
[backing track plays]
♪ Let me steal The great secret of your skin ♪
♪ Let yourself be carried away By your womanly instincts ♪
-[high-pitched ringing] -Ah, fuck! Fuck, fuck!
[low, buzzing hum]
[winces]
[high-pitched ringing and low, buzzing hum continue]
Come on, cut. Micky?
Everything okay?
[ringing and buzzing sounds continue]
You okay?
[ringing and buzzing sounds continue]
-[door opens and slams] -Micky?
-You got a few minutes? -Sure.
You all right?
Yeah, yeah. Fine, um...
I need to ask a favor.
There's someone who...
I want you to contact this week.
MEXICO CITY, 1994
[Matlide] Okay. Let's go.
The other one. There.
Thank you.
It's been a while since I've sang.
But you did so well.
-We should celebrate-- -[Luis] Hey!
Where do you think you're goin', huh?
Ah, Micky. We're through here.
What are you talking about? I'm here to sing with Sergio.
No, but we're already finished practicing.
But it's been less than two hours.
You know how long I used to practice as a kid? [laughs]
-I know you do. -[Sergio] Are you gonna practice with me?
Right. But listen to me.
If we're gonna do this, we're gonna do this right.
-Okay? Come on. -[Matilde] Are you sure?
-Isn't it better for him to rest? -Not yet.
-Sergio can sing with you another day. -Better if you stay here.
-Okay. That's good. -Micky!
-[sighs] You ready? -Yeah.
[Luis] You know "Palabra de Honor"? Ah, really?
Okay, good. Nico!
Would you cue it up?
So now I have to ask permission from Luis Miguel to use the bathroom.
Hey, look, Alex, you probably haven't been thinking clearly.
-As clearly as you should, right? -[sighs]
He told me I can't be talking to other artists.
He won't let me pick my own team. What is this?
-He told me, "Don't fire Robles." -He's your only client.
Doesn't mean he can act as if he's the owner of Publishow.
Hold up. I did say...
before you tried contacting Laura, Alex, you should've talked to Micky.
Oh, so you're on his side now?
He's Luis Miguel.
So I can't count on you, now. Great.
Put yourself in my shoes. Warner needs us.
We'll continue to work with him...
whoever his manager is.
[sighs]
♪ I must forget you-- ♪ [voice wobbles]
Stop! Come on, hit that note. Do it again.
-This time, at the right spot. -Micky.
He'll lose his voice.
At his age, I did 250 shows a year.
If I say he can do it, then he can do it.
What are you waiting for, Nico?
♪ I must forget you-- ♪
[voice wobbles]
Again, Nico!
♪ I must forget you-- ♪
[voice goes off-key]
[Luis] Stop! You're ahead of the beat.
-[sighs] -Do it again.
♪ I must forget you-- ♪
One more time, Sergio. This time, at the right spot.
♪ I must forget ♪
[Sergio hesitates, off-key] ♪ You-- ♪
[Luis] No, with vibrato. End stronger.
Once again!
-That-- that's not right. -[Sergio sings]
It's not about singing pretty. Stop!
We're not leaving until you get through this song.
[Sergio] But Micky, I can't do it.
I'm losing my voice.
You think you can learn to sing in a matter of hours?
You learn to sing over years.
Years of discipline.
Sing it again.
Roll it back!
[crickets chirping]
Hey, how'd it go?
[Luis] Shh.
[sighs] God, I love you so much.
-My love-- -Shh, shh, shh, shh!
[Luis sighs]
[sighs heavily]
-[sighs] -How bad was it?
It was just horrible.
-Horrible. -I'm so sorry.
Do you think it worked, though?
I don't think he's ever gonna want to come back into a studio.
-[sighs] -It's for the best, isn't it?
For his own well-being?
You know it is, love.
Tomorrow is the dinner for my parents, don't forget it.
Tomorrow?
[sighs] Micky, yeah. It's really important to me.
I do have work scheduled, but I'll be there.
I know.
Will you promise?
I promise.
[sighs] Thank you.
How have you been?
Great. It's, uh, so nice to be here.
You have no idea how ashamed I was about having to cancel my show.
No. No.
I apologize, to you.
Luis Miguel, the accident happened in my country.
Even worse, in my theater.
-And I'm just... uh, so embarrassed. -No, no, no, no, no.
No... No shame at all.
Right, Azucena?
Yes. Precisely why we both wanted to speak with you now.
Our people know the accident wasn't your fault.
So, Luis Miguel would like to offer you a show as compensation in Peru. For free.
Are you serious?
[gasps] That's amazing. Really.
Whatever you might need, please just let me know and you got it.
Fabulous. I'll put you in touch with my manager for all the details.
Manager? Who?
What do you mean who? Ambrosi.
Ah. Well...
He still works for you?
Why the hell wouldn't he work for me?
After all, what happened there was an accident.
Or not?
Well, yes.
Listen, I'll make this real simple.
There are two ways you get outta here.
One,
tell us about what happened there
and go home to Peru on my jet.
Or, two...
I put your ass in prison for the rest of your fucking life.
Choice is yours.
[Luis] McCluskey fired you?
Yeah, he did it last night.
[Luis sighs]
Well, don't worry about it. I'll fix this, okay?
No, no, no. Don't get caught in the middle.
I don't want you to fix anything, Micky.
I'm not following.
Why do you even need Publishow if they don't have Hugo?
McCluskey's a good person, my kind of man.
But the industry is moving ahead faster, and McCluskey will get left in the dust.
He's not our generation, he doesn't like what we do.
Look what we've accomplished, just you and I.
Now, imagine all that's still possible to do.
I need to... think about this a little, Pato.
Mull it over.
Sir, your coffee.
-Thank you, Magda. -You're welcome.
[school bell rings]
See you at the next meeting.
What's the matter?
I don't think Micky likes the way I sing.
Of course he does. He's trying to help you.
You have to work hard if you want to be a singer.
Well, then, I'm not sure I wanna be a singer.
Well, did I tell you...
that I got you entered in a contest on television?
I won't even tell you about the prize. In Madrid, in a month.
You interested or no?
-Yes, Grandma, thank you! -Oh! My boy.
Hey, man, I specifically said not to fire the guy.
And why not?
What the hell's Patricio accomplished?
He's loyal, Alex. He's loyal.
Loyal to you or loyal to the company he works for?
[Luis sighs]
And I'm sure it was Robles who leaked the news about the duet with Sinatra.
Then he made the deal behind my back, the day of Hugo's funeral.
Well, it needed to get handled.
He's manipulating you.
No, Alex, you're wrong, man.
So am I wrong about representing other artists?
You're wrong for not consulting me before making these decisions.
-You can't make them on your own. -It's my company.
Yet all your success is due to me.
You know I'm right, Alex.
You know, I don't think we should keep working together.
Don't tell me that now.
No, Magda, not the piano, he'll kill us both.
-[elevator bell dings] -On the bar, please.
-Hello, my love. -[Luis] Hey.
[Érika] Please iron the dress I left on the bed?
-[Magda] Of course. -Thank you.
-So, how's dinner going? -It's good.
And you? How are you, huh?
Micky, wait till you hear this.
Grandma entered me in a talent contest on television.
Seriously?
How?
Well, I'll be singing on television.
If I win, I get to do a record in Spain.
What do you think?
Spain?
[Sergio] In Madrid, yeah. Grandma wants to take me there this month.
[Mauricio] And, above all...
It's been my pleasure to be here,
to be sharing time with you all of these years.
Most of them, anyway.
And whoever takes over my responsibilities here,
don't worry about things changing in the office.
I'll be--
-What's up? -Meeting's over.
Come with me.
If you're gonna ask me if I've stolen anything more,
you can relax, don't worry.
I'm here...
because I had a talk with the promoter we used in Peru.
My pal, the promoter?
[sighs] There are more accusations?
-What? -I know it wasn't your fault.
I talked to him because I knew it wasn't true.
Please stay.
[Mauricio sighs]
I've doubted a lot of people, but I never should've doubted you.
[Mauricio sighs]
Give me a little time.
I was just getting ready to go visit my family.
I need time to think.
Yeah. Sure.
I get it. Yeah.
Robles.
-Micky, everything all right? -Thanks for coming. Fine.
I wanted to talk with you.
I've been thinking about what we discussed.
Your proposal.
And... I think it's time...
we work together.
It'll be such an honor for me.
First, I'm gonna need you to handle some personal things.
It's gonna be expensive, but there's really no way around it, so...
Whatever you want.
-Hi, Nicolás. -Matilde, come in.
[Matilde chuckles]
Come on, Sergio.
I know it's getting late,
but there's so much to go over for the show in Madrid.
-[knocking] -All right?
Good evening.
Nicolás, can you give us a few minutes, please?
Of course. Pato.
-Excuse me. -Yeah.
Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Matilde.
I am Patricio Robles, Luis Miguel's new manager.
-It's a pleasure. -I have a surprise.
You ready?
This is a contract.
A contract for you to make a record with the Warner Music company.
The biggest recording label in all of Latin America
wants to sign with Sergio.
-How about that? -Who there has heard Sergio?
Well, I mean...
Micky's good recommendation's the only reference necessary.
Ah, so it's from Micky.
This is from Warner.
And the contract, Micky has no part in it.
Because he has no legal custody,
-and you do. -Mm-hm.
This is a contract between Warner and yourself, no one else.
-You're sure? -I'm sure.
Mmm.
Okay, then. Only thing we need now
is for your grandma to sign the contract on the last page,
and you're on your way to becoming a singing sensation.
Sign it, Grandma, come on!
-Sign, Grandma! -You want me to?
[Sergio] Yes.
You mean he's still in the interview?
How many of these interviews does he have to do?
I-- I don't know, go get him, please.
Say that we've been waiting for more than an hour.
-I thought she was here already. -She's here.
-I have to go. -They don't wanna give us the questions.
[scoffs]
-Tell them no questions, no interview. -They insisted-
-[woman] Good afternoon. -Or what--
-Are you ready? -Doc.
Ready to go?
-Micky! -Wow, I can't believe it.
-Feels like I saw you just yesterday. -[laughs]
At the festival in Acapulco, three years ago.
[chuckles]
-Are you ready? -Not quite.
I need the questions before we start.
I need a vacation, but it's not happening.
I don't do interviews without pre-approving the questions.
[laughs] I guess you've never done an interview, baby.
[laughs]
Tell me what we'll talk about.
What we always talk about.
-Your CDs, the girls-- -Girls? Okay...
-Girls, yeah. The same stuff. -Princess.
But I'd feel much, much better
-if you'd show me the questions. -[giggles]
The questions are all right here.
-Just relax, now. Come on. -[sighs]
-[interviewer] Ready, guys? -Yeah, I guess I'm ready.
-Pablo, shoot me from the right side. -You got it.
-[interviewer] That's my camera? -[Pablo] It is.
[interviewer] Okay.
Micky.
-Relax, I won't bite you. -[both laugh]
[Patricio] What's the first song you wanna record?
-[Sergio] We'll have to see. -We'll see. Okay!
Very good. Thank you.
Now, you can have all the time you need
for preparing this talented young guy.
Because it says in this paragraph
he won't begin recording before he's 18.
And you can't squeeze a cent out of him.
Congratulations.
Here, it says this contract's exclusive with Warner.
Can't do contests on television, or anything like that.
Congrats, champ.
ASSHOLE
[elevator bell dings]
[José] Micky.
You wanted to see me?
What are you doing?
[chuckles] What do you think?
I'm working, working, working.
To think that an idiot like you could steal so much from me.
-[sighs heavily] -[chuckles]
What?
-What? I didn't steal any-- -Get out.
Is this for real?
You're firing the only man who never said no to you.
Over nothing?
I don't wanna see your goddamn face for the rest of my life.
Get the fuck out.
[sighs]
Honestly...
[interviewer whimpers]
-I liked the interview. -[laughs] Mine?
The same questions you get every single time. Mmm.
-"So tell us, Luis Miguel." -[laughs] Oh, no!
"Got a girlfriend?"
You wanna have kids?
Like to get married someday?
And I'm sure you gave me all the same responses you gave everybody else.
No! The same responses? Come on!
Whatever do you mean?
What are you doing right now?
You wanna get a drink?
[Jaime] Sweetheart, we've been waiting almost two hours.
It's so disrespectful, we're leaving.
No, please. Please, don't go.
This city's crazy, you know how the traffic is.
It's rush hour.
Please, Dad. Micky's coming.
-I know he is. -[elevator bell dings]
[Luis] Please forgive me.
Please, please, please, this is all my fault. I am so sorry.
Oh, it was crazy, my love. Forgive me.
Ma'am. Oh!
Mwah! I hope you'll forgive me.
It's okay.
[sighs]
I'm sorry, they...
they just kept me.
[sighs] Don't leave yet.
-Lemme give you a tour of the house. -No tour, no tour, Micky.
Come on, let's have some dinner.
Of course.
[crickets chirping]
My love.
Forgive me.
Please forgive me, it was just madness over there.
I promise you, it won't ever happen again.
No. Of course it won't.
Forgive me.
Hey.
I would say that maybe we should take a break,
but I think I know what the response would be.
-One more time, from the top. -Let me put up something easier.
[Luis] Look, I can't do a whole concert singing only Christmas songs.
[backing track plays]
I happen to agree with you.
Again.
[Nicolás] Let's do it.
Three, two, one and--
♪ How dare you ♪
♪ Look at me that way? ♪
♪ Be so beautiful ♪
♪ And on top of that, smile? ♪
♪ Mine ♪
♪ Today you'll be mine at last ♪
♪ Close your eyes ♪
♪ Let me love you ♪
♪ I want to take you ♪
♪ To the valley of pleasure ♪
♪ Mine ♪
♪ Today, you'll be mine, that I know ♪
♪ Let me steal The great secret of your skin ♪
♪ Let yourself be carried away ♪
♪ By your womanly instincts ♪
♪ Give in to me ♪
♪ I haven't felt you yet ♪
♪ Let your body get used to my warmth ♪
♪ Give in to me ♪
♪ My prisoner ♪
♪ Passion won't wait And I can't hold back my love any longer ♪
That one was for you, bro.
Really good, my friend.
Okay, then, before we start,
make sure you completely understand that--
[click]
...that once we get started, and when I begin the recording,
all that you tell me will be publishable.
Fair enough?
-Yes. -Good.
Where should we begin?
Well, listen, Cynthia.
Do you know anything about the...
disappearance of Marcela Basteri?
-Hello. -Hello.
May I come in?
Please do.
[sighs]
Okay...
Hmm.
I was wrong.
Forgive me?
You're forgiven.
Okay.
[sighs]
I don't think we should keep seeing each other like this.
Like this?
What's this?
-[sighs] -What?
Michelle, your father is my best friend.
Yes.
-Yeah. -Yeah.