[mournful piano music playing]
WHEN THEIR TIME COMES, THEY CAN NEITHER DELAY NOR HASTEN IT
(SURA AL-ANKABUT, VERSE 57)
[indistinct chatter]
[Aslı] In a tragic turn of events, Türkiye is grappling with the heartbreaking news
of the passing of a highly regarded news anchor.
People swarmed the mosque in Teşvikiye
to pay their respects and attend the funeral service.
A name that's left the memory of the younger generation
has left a void in our hearts.
Lale Kıran.
Lale, seasoned veteran, had a deep-seated respect
for traditional values and customs.
In time, she could be forgotten,
but today, we hold her in our prayers and thoughts.
And by "people," what do I mean?
The over-50 set.
[tense music playing]
Lale could neither please her family nor be happy in her own circumstances.
A waste of a life where she could never reunite with her first and only love,
Kenan.
The epitome of righteousness, an example of kindness,
the goddess of staleness, Lale Kıran.
Yes.
She's gone for good.
Lale's been laid to rest six feet under.
Farewell.
Let's now move on to more important news.
THE OTHER SIDE
[music fades]
[melancholy piano music playing]
[sighs]
AS THE CROW FLIES
[uptempo rock music playing]
You moron, what the hell were you thinking?
[music fades]
So, what's up? What brings you to my place?
-I wanted to see if I'd wet your whistle. -[laughs]
I saw you on social media.
So…
You were worried about me.
Whoa. [chuckles]
I mean, good, your love muscles really do work.
What are you talking about, huh?
I'm talking about you worrying about me.
-I'm not quite sure I see the relevance. -That's right.
You're a girl with a plan, you don't have time for this stuff.
Where are those old words coming from, dude? Okay, I'm outta here.
Aslı.
["Playing on Rewind" by David Disher playing]
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ The shape, the color, the look ♪
♪ Is all I see ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ The music when you speak ♪
♪ Is all I hear ♪
♪ Ooh, how you move ♪
♪ How you feel ♪
♪ I've got you on my mind ♪
♪ You're stuck in my head ♪
♪ Playing on rewind ♪
♪ Every single night The words that you said ♪
♪ Playing on rewind ♪
[song fades]
[sighs]
What's the matter? Why are you staring at me like a psychopath?
When you sleep, it's impossible to know.
What?
That you're completely insane.
Oh…
[chuckles]
Would you look at that?
You're literally in love with me, huh?
What a shame.
I'm sure you'd have wanted to fall for someone more important,
And he would have fallen in love with you.
Then you'd have joined forces to become a power couple and all.
But this is God's punishment.
You're so full of shit, it's disgusting.
-I'm going to vomit all over your bed. -[cell phone ringing]
[continues ringing]
Hello?
Hello, Yusuf. What's up? How are you?
-I'm fine, ma'am. Thank you. -[whispering] Speakerphone.
Uh…
Well, I have a broken forearm, a few scratches,
but other than that, I'm good.
Thank God for that. We were all very worried about you.
I'm glad. I'm relieved this isn't more severe.
Do you need anything? Please, be honest.
No, no. I'm all good right now, thank you very much though.
Okay, but feel free… What's your expected return to work?
Kenan said he'd have a ride ready for me in an hour.
Would you like me at the network?
No, no. You should stay home.
You can come back whenever you're feeling good, okay?
Whenever you want.
Just try to get some rest, if that's possible.
No, I can come in. It's okay.
All right, hon. Suit yourself.
Have a safe trip to work. I'll see you soon.
Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. See you soon, ma'am.
You have to lick her boots, right?
It's clear you're precious to her.
Yes, I am.
Not just her.
I have people visiting me at night.
Oh, will you stop it, please?
I hope you're aware they'll chew and spit you out, Yusuf.
Don't go yet. We still have some time.
I'm going to pass.
I'll just go.
[door opens, closes]
THE OTHER SIDE WITH ASLI TUNA
[Nazlı] Good morning. How are you?
Wow, you look amazing, as usual.
After last night, how could you not?
Our party was a success, wasn't it?
Um, by the way, there are many stories from the other party,
you know, Lale's party.
I took screenshots of each of them in case you'd like to take a look.
Yeah, let me see them.
[Nazlı] See? Our party was ten times better.
They gave champagne to the guests as gifts. I think that's super lame.
You know, like wedding candies. I'm glad we didn't do that.
[soft tense music playing]
-By the way, that jacket is on fire. -Oh.
-That's… -What, ma'am?
Nothing, it's okay, just go back to work.
Of course, no problem.
[music intensifies]
Oh. Hello, dear.
Tell you what, I think we had a little too much to drink last night.
Though it was tense when Zerrin and you got into that…
As I'm sure you know, she chose to come to our party.
Müge.
Yeah, hon?
You're a great coworker.
I'm lucky to have you. You're awesome, thank you.
Oh, it was nothing, baby. Aw, anytime.
Anytime. You know that?
It was a pleasure. Coffee?
My head is killing me, I was about to order coffee.
[telephone dialing]
["Hurricane vs. Dolemite" Damon Baxter & Mike Westergaard playing]
[inaudible]
[music continues]
NEWSROOM WITH LALE KIRAN
[music continues]
[inaudible]
I'll need ten minutes for that…
-You're not gonna eat? -Phone call.
Yeah, I am. I ate a couple of bites.
[Lale sighs]
What's that?
A story.
It's exhausting…
I'm finally gonna break it tonight.
What is it? What's the story about?
Hold on, just a minute,
Uh…
Oh…
Whatever, it's fine, forget I asked. You're clearly busy.
Selim.
Cancel meeting.
Postpone the session…
What's the matter?
Are you okay?
You seem a little out of it.
We'll talk. We really need to talk.
Whenever you have a moment to spare.
No problem, whatever you say, hon.
The industry.
Yes.
[Yusuf] Ma'am, your story's gone viral.
It's spreading like wildfire right now.
It's not my story, Yusuf, it's really a joint effort.
But I had nothing to do with it.
It's all yours. And look, even the foreign media are sharing it.
Tell me what you want me to do. Should I make a compilation of these articles?
-That's not a bad idea, go ahead. -All right.
The ratings are still not in.
That's not bad.
I couldn't stand waking up to yet another reminder of my failures.
So, it actually feels good.
Have you stopped eating again?
You wanna talk about that right now?
Well, ma'am, I should get going, I have a lot on my plate.
You two have a nice day.
[door closes]
[Kenan groans]
[sighs]
Do you remember where we were when we got our first rating?
No, I don't think so.
[emotional piano music playing]
Well, I do.
-Great. -You wanted to go outside for a walk.
So we walked along the boardwalk in Fenerbahçe.
-Hm. -By that time, the ratings were in.
After that, whenever we were anxious about the ratings,
we would rush to the boardwalk in Fenerbahçe.
It had become our lucky charm.
Yeah, and?
Why are you bestowing upon me such wisdom?
I really don't get it, Kenan.
I've already accepted this. I'm out of fashion.
Even Zerrin didn't come to our party.
Why not? Because I'm at the end of my rope.
I am, no need to bring it up.
Okay, what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this?
Is it worth stressing that to me? Killjoy.
Is that what you got from all that?
I'm good at picking up on hints, I'm not dumb.
And before I get angry, run for your life.
Get going while you still can.
Besides…
Whatever.
You're right.
-Whatever. -Hmm.
Mm-hmm.
[door opens, closes]
[cell phone buzzing]
#1 - NEWSROOM WITH LALE KIRAN- GÜNCE TV
[sobbing]
[sniffling]
[laughing]
[exhales emotionally, sniffles]
[intense music playing]
Have you seen them?
-Just now. -They succeeded brilliantly. Number one!
I highly doubt it's permanent.
They'll fail, it was just luck.
Oh really? You know what I think?
I think people are bored of your absurd show.
They've grown tired of it.
No, it's not that.
There's some… There's something wrong with those ratings.
Plus, it's not like I can control them, and I'm also having issues with the crew.
But I'll sort it out.
Yes, you will.
Regain control of your boat.
But please don't take too long,
or you'll be alone in boiling water, Aslı.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Good morning, ma'am. Your outfits are here.
[woman] Good morning.
-Everyone leave. -But what about these?
I told you all to get out now!
-Leave me, go! -Get out. Quick.
I'LL TELL YOU A SECRET
I'M OVERWHELMED, I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE.
I CAN'T TRUST ANYONE BUT YOU. I'VE BEEN SEEING A MARRIED MAN
What's that got to do with me?
That bitch is as dumb as a box of rocks, I swear.
AND NOW… I'M PREGNANT…
[Lale] Thank you so much.
You can all be proud of your work.
Oh, great job.
Thank you, thank you so much.
Oh, I mean, the heights to which you have elevated us, Lale!
You're so kind, sir.
And kudos to you as well, Kenan.
It wasn't in anyone's power to convince
Lale Kıran to work here. I mean, honestly, it never…
well,
occurred to us to try.
But how proud of you I am now.
-That's nice. -Thank you, boss.
Cheers to you, congratulations again, ma'am.
-Thank you. -[all congratulating]
[Lale] Thank you very much. Cheers.
All right then, people. Let's wrap up.
Get back to work.
Not without a speech first, Lale. Go on.
-Mm-hmm. -[chuckling] Okay, um…
Well, I have the utmost trust in this team,
and the work ethics of everyone involved.
And I'm really happy that I can be a part of this.
I'm really proud of us.
Because we always work so hard.
We really do. For sure.
And we also never take detours, I mean,
it's entirely true that we never, ever resort to taking shortcuts for our show.
Anyway, that's why I feel so proud that I can share this with you, thank you all.
Of course it hasn't been easy for us to get to this point.
But we never refrained from kicking asses and taking names.
For instance, how do the ratings affect us?
We need to think about that to better understand the situation.
Surely, it's not all about the numbers.
We must understand that.
Exactly.
When we're about to start something new, do you know how
we always encourage others to have faith in us?
We constantly work so hard because of the fact
that you trust us and have the decency to stick around and come every day to work.
I want to thank everyone for that.
Thank you too, Lale.
Okay, people. We should get back to work.
Thanks for the champagne. Let's get to it.
-Let's go. -Sound good?
Okay, I'm hosting a Zoom meeting, so, yeah, I should get going.
-I can't be late. -Okay.
Okay, I'll be in my office.
Yusuf, follow me.
Coming.
I hope we'll have more of these.
So do I, thank you.
-[door closes] -[Lale sighs]
["Set The Stage" by Danny McCarthy playing]
How are things with you?
In between jobs, right?
I fucking am. [chuckles]
That's the curse of being an executive.
I've made so many enemies.
After all these years, it's like,
everybody I see is out for blood.
How's that?
People who clawed at my door in the past are now just like,
"Wow, Gül Simin,
she's in front of me, and she's here for a job interview." Blah, blah, blah.
It's lame, right?
Screw them.
They're all just petty.
Oh, come on.
that was exactly what we did for years, Kenan.
The things we did to people just because they needed our help.
Don't worry, Gül, you'll weather the storm.
Bottoms up.
I'm gonna go have a smoke.
I'll come with you.
I heard Güliz made you some kind of offer.
What is it?
Spill it. Come on.
Why do you wanna know?
Kenan, is that your way of telling me I'm not in the game anymore?
Gül is never out of the game completely.
Doesn't the house always win?
Thanks for the kind words, but
stop stalling and answer my damn question.
Lale would be heartbroken.
I don't think you can part with her.
Why not?
Don't bullshit me.
"Stop me. I don't want to leave, stop me."
"Don't let me go."
Did you know I was quoting a song?
Poor thing.
If you were grumpier, you'd audition for The Grinch.
I would have taken you out for a binge session if I had known.
[Aslı] Would you look at that?
How are you guys doing tonight?
Our friendship is forever, I guess, right?
Wait, wait, Kenan. Don't go. I haven't congratulated you.
How about I buy you a bottle of champagne?
Aslı.
Get lost.
You seem upset.
Have you found a job yet?
Aslı, leave.
No, wait a minute.
You guys used to almost rip each other's throats out,
so why are you rude to me now?
[melancholy piano music playing]
[narrator] The lions are adamant
that the bird is like a fish out of water among them.
They can never loosen their grip on their pride,
roaring with joy at being the king of the jungle.
They have their own little world,
and no bird can break into their inner sanctum.
Surely, this is a true test for them.
And how long they can keep the bird at bay,
only time will reveal.
I MADE UP MY MIND… I'M IN.
ASLI TUNA WITH A MARRIED MAN.
IT SEEMS ASLI TUNA HAS BEEN UP TO NO GOOD.
HOME-WRECKERS ARE DOOMED TO BE ALONE!
TRENDING IN TÜRKİYE SHAMELESS ASLI!
HOMEWRECKER! ASLI TUNA
BOYCOTT ASLI TUNA ASLI HAS NO MANNERS
[music fades]
THE OTHER SIDE WITH ASLI TUNA
[footsteps approaching]
-Müge? -Yeah, honey?
God. You look so great.
And I love those glasses. They're stunning.
Müge.
I am here to fire you.
Effective immediately.
Could you repeat that to me, please?
I said, get out of my office.
We'll go our separate ways.
I'll find myself a new editor-in-chief, okay?
As we say in these situations…
you should take a break.
Aslı, Aslı, wait a minute. What?
I don't get it, really. What is this? What do you mean?
I told you to go.
Leave. Got it? I'm firing you.
I know you're playing for both sides, Müge.
Joining Lale's party after mine, huh?
The game is over, Müge.
What? I never went to Lale's house…
You're pulling a joke on me, aren't you?
No, I'm not.
Not at all, Müge.
Or perhaps I should make it clearer, you know?
So that you can totally understand me.
I am kicking you off The Other Side as of now.
Got it?
[tense music playing]
What the hell are you talking about?
Do you not hear me?
I heard you just fine, Aslı.
You uneducated idiot.
I'll tell you what I don't understand,
you stupid bitch who thinks there's an "I" in team.
You believe that your ass has the power to fire my ass? Ha!
All we do around here is put up with you! All of us!
You may be here today, but you won't be tomorrow,
so we're just putting up with you and staying quiet.
I keep telling myself, "Have patience. Just please go along with it for now."
Yeah!
You're only here because you took advantage of the calamity, Aslı!
We just tolerate you!
You're nothing but trash.
You…
People like you come and go, but I'm here to stay,
and I will.
You heard me. Just get the fuck out of here and run to Güliz,
and tell her that you're firing Müge Turkmen.
Yeah, go tell her, bitch, and watch her reaction.
Get the fuck out!
This is amazing.
You have no idea how long I waited to see this side of you.
I'm so lucky I got to see it.
This is the real Müge.
[laughing]
Go on.
Go get your severance pay, honey.
Aslı?
She said she wanted to terminate you, huh?
That's right!
And she doesn't even have the decency to ask you about it before.
She's so stupid! She's totally lost it!
You should stop her!
Yeah, well, I get why you're angry,
but at the end of the day, you know who you work for, sweetheart.
Hold on.
What's your point?
You're familiar with Aslı's contract and its terms.
And she's also the news editor.
Because of that, she can fire you without breaking the law,
I'm afraid.
Yeah, but I'm…
Yeah, it is what it is, sweetheart.
There are no ifs or buts about it.
This isn't what I would have wanted for you, but…
[Güliz sighs]
Oh, look.
It's a hard pill to swallow,
but there'll be other opportunities for us to work together.
We'll definitely reunite.
Besides, I'm certain there are lots of networks who would love to work with you.
Come here, let me give you a hug.
Fuck you all, okay? This is absolutely insane!
I was working in this place long before any of you did, do you hear me?
Now look at the bitch who's in charge. You just work here because of your daddy!
Relax now, please, Müge.
Let's not part ways like this, okay?
Go on, now. That's it.
I hope you daddy's girl and that dumb bitch drop dead!
I pray that you have an awful, agonizing death, you bitches.
Fuck you both!
[tense music continues]
Thank you.
For having my back, you know?
PLANS CHANGED, I NEED YOU NOW
GIVE ME A DATE!!
Lale?
Selim?
You're home early.
I hurried back home to see you.
Don't you remember our talk?
Oh my, I forgot…
I'm sorry.
What is it?
It's Mila's math grade again, I bet.
No, it's not.
Let's sit down, c'mon.
[melancholy music playing]
[Selim] It was never my intention to talk about this before you go on air,
but you are busy in the evening and come home exhausted.
So, I thought it'd be better to talk to you about it now.
We…
I mean, you and I…
are done, I guess.
What do you mean, Selim?
Do you mean you wanna get a divorce?
Huh?
Don't take this as something terrible.
You and I, we'll always be a family.
You know, I'm just talking about us not being a couple anymore.
We don't need to make it official,
if that's what you want.
But…
you and I, we're no longer in a husband-and-wife relationship.
It's obvious, isn't it?
I'm clearly no longer your sweetheart.
[music continues]
So, what are we gonna do?
What happens next?
Well…
I… gave it some thought.
-And what I think-- -Did you?
The girls.
they don't need to change their life and move anywhere.
They should stay here, in this house.
[sniffles]
Well, you're also gonna keep living in this house.
This is your home.
I mean, it's not like I'm always here, anyway. Right?
[sniffling] No one would even miss me or notice that I'm gone.
Lale, don't say that.
I'll continue to pick up the girls from school, if you don't mind.
[Lale sniffling]
That's my moment with them, you know what I mean?
You've got a great routine going on, picking them up.
You haven't missed a day in years.
You never stopped caring about your family, no matter what.
For me, for the girls,
you tried very hard to make us feel valued, and we thank you for that.
Yeah.
Though it seems like I failed anyway.
Lale.
And you've always been…
the one person who knows what's best for everything, Selim.
So,
that's why I'll go with
whatever you say, and whatever you want.
[sniffles]
[music fades]
You need to go.
Once again, I'm sorry that I had to talk about this before the show.
[emotional piano music playing]
Selim, I'm begging you…
You're breaking my heart, because you're more important than the show.
You always have been. Come on.
Okay, I think I'll just…
I just want to… cry a little on my way to work.
Can I ask one last thing of you, please, Selim?
I'd like you to hold me.
Please.
[sobbing] I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, Selim.
[sobbing]
[man] Sound check, please.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Sunday.
Lale, you okay?
Can you hear me? Lale?
Do you not hear me?
Because I know you do.
I want you to hear it now.
I've given my notice.
I'm leaving.
[emotional music continues]
And I'm leaving you with a brand-new world too.
I'll pack my things and leave.
[man] Five seconds to air.
Four.
Three. Two.
Lale, you're on.
[melancholy music playing]