The Fixer S01 E01 itv drama

Pete?

"Emergency services.

Which service to you require?

Which service do you require?

Hello?

Hello, is anyone there? Hello?"

- I didn't...
- What?

..know anything.

What didn't you know?

It wasn't

You knew.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?

Hello? Hello?

Can you hear me? Hello?"

I've just killed two people.

My aunt and my uncle.

My name's John Mercer.

The Fixer

How did I become a hitman for the state?

It all began five years
into my life sentence

and the day Lenny Douglas came
to take me out of prison.

I killed my aunt and uncle
because they'd hurt somebody that I love.

Maybe that was what got Lenny's attention.

He liked emotions. They...
gave him something to manipulate.

So, while the rest watch
The Champions League,

you stop trying to push down the walls.

You pick up your book...

and you worry about the mystery of things.

Lenny offered me a new life.

A new home and a new family.

But there was a price.

There was the job that he wanted me to do.

Lenny Douglas ran a secret team
in the war on organised crime.

I never knew who gave him his orders.

But somebody at the highest level
had approved our existence.

Lenny's first trick was to reunite me
with an old acquaintance.

Now, how can I describe him?

Take the person who annoys you the most
and multiply it by ten.

You think you've left them behind.

You think you'll never have to see
their face...

...or hear their idiot voice again.

That's Calum.

Yeah! Hey!

First time I heard this tune
I was in a club in San Antonio...

with these two mental birds
Niamh and Catherine.

Cousins from Burnley, mate.

Everyone's a cousin in Burnley, Calum!

Mate, I'm not joking.

I was on the dancefloor,
this tune was playing.

I had my hand up both of their skirts
at the same time.

It was like I was dancing
with Sooty and Sweep!

Very suave, man, very suave.

Oh, mate, that will be
a little surprise package...

...I've arranged for us this evening.

But without wanting to give
the game completely away...

They're twins, they're from Macedonia and

They don't have keys.

Shit.

You. Out.

Laters, bro.

Rawley Park Estate,South London

Mr Douglas.

Calum.

No, no.

Ha ha ha. John Mercer.

I'm not staying here.

Where was it you two shared a cell again?

Pentonville, wasn't it?

- I'm not staying here. He's an idiot.
- That's a bit harsh.

Granted he's no Steven Hawking.

- John mate, don't be like that.
- Don't John mate me, please.

I'm not staying here.

You don't want to live with him?

Fine. Get rid of him.

John!

What are you doing?

This way you can have
the flat all to yourself.

John mate, please.
I've changed a lot since then.

I'm sorry about that deodorant, mate.

Just tell him you'll stay with me, please!

John! Please!

What you've got to ask yourself is
do you think I won't do it?

That's the only thing that should be
on your mind just now.

Do you think that I won't do it?

All right.

Next time we play chicken,
I'll make sure the stakes are worth it.

There's some goodie bags
in your room and other essentials.

- Are you gonna tell me who you are, then?
- No, you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

ATT: John Mercer

That one.

I've always thought
scarlet suited you best.

It's red and don't be so cheeky.

I thought you'd be bursting
with curiosity about the new recruit.

When do I get to meet him?
Wait, when you decide the time is right.

You know me so well.

You're not scared he'll do a runner?

No, he's not that stupid.

So, when do you put him to work?

Fortunately I do happen to have
a case for him.

Good. Well, let's go eat...

and then you can tell me
all about the mysterious John Mercer.

How's the cat?

What cat would that be, Calum?

The one out of them science books
you was always reading in prison.

Is the cat dead? Is it not dead?

Is it both dead and not dead?

You remember that?

It's clever shit. But that was always
your reputation, right?

Don't mess with the clever, quiet one.

Why are you so negative
about it all, John?

I enjoyed sharing a cell with you.

I learned a lot.

Why have you got your eyes closed?

Because when I open them again
I'll be waking up in my nice cosy cell.

And you won't be with me.

I'm still here.

What do you do for them, Calum?

You know, pretty much
what I've always done.

Multitasking, bits and bobs,
needles and pins.

Not quite how the judge described it
at your sentencing, was it?

What do they want us to do?

Do the stuff the law can't do.

Dealing with people the law can't reach.

Come on, John, you're the clever one.

Have you not worked it out yet?

Check out the CVs. Who can make sure
the cat is most definitely dead?

You're the specialist.

You're the killer.

THE FIXER

Morning, flatmate.

Did you sleep well?

I made some breakfast.

I'd have made some for you as well
but that was the last of the bacon.

Are they always this noisy upstairs?

I like it. People enjoying themselves.
Helps me get to sleep.

They're Colombians, I think.

So, what happens now, Calum?

About what?

I'm sorry. I forget you need
a bit of extra help sometimes.

Yesterday? I was dragged here from prison.
Do you remember that?

You were nearly garroted.

Oh, that! They wouldn't have gone through
with it really.

Just their idea of a little kinky game,
was it?

Yeah. I'm a bit worried he likes me
too much, actually.

And so when are they gonna turn up again,
Calum?

Oh, don't worry.

Lenny'll be back soon.

And that's what he does, by the way.

Turns up.

Doesn't always knock, either.

So, make sure you're not doing
any washing up naked.

You'll be wanting to see your sister
after this, I expect.

You've not even met your niece yet,
have you?

Is that allowed?

Course it is.

You're not on the run.

Licence is in order.

Go ahead. Go see Jess and the kids.

I'm not a control freak.

This is where you really want me
to live, is it?

You wouldn't wanna live here.

Too many ghosts.

Door.

This house belonged to Kevin Simmonds,

a senior SOCO detective
also head of Operation Merlin.

Him and his wife were murdered here
a few weeks ago...

while the kids were upstairs sleeping.

Yeah, the kids found the bodies.
I saw something about that on the news.

Yeah, I keep forgetting they let you
lot watch TV in prison.

Yeah, and we had toilet roll.
It's political correctness gone mad

They dragged Alison Simmonds
out of her bed,

sat her down here, forced her
to watch her husband's execution.

After that he wrapped this tape
around her face.

Suffocated her.

Must have taken a while.

The man who organised it
is called Jacob Gould.

A real high flyer.

But I think he had help from the inside.

From who?

Bent coppers.

They bring out the traditionalist in me.

I really don't like them.

So you're part of this Operation Merlin
thing as well, are you?

No.

I'm the guy they come to
when operations like Merlin go wrong.

Who do you work for, then?

Oh, now, there's a question.

Officially, nobody, of course.

I'm on sick leave from the police.

Post traumatic stress.

Yeah, and unofficially?

I don't really think
that's any of your concern.

My job's to disorganise crime.

Illegally.

I prefer to use the world irregular.

Yeah, yeah, I bet you do.

Look at that. Bobbies on bikes.

Everybody loves a bobby on a bike.

Unfortunately a million extra bobbies
on bikes couldn't deal with Jacob Gould.

Operation Merlin couldn't deal
with him either.

What do you want from me?

You're going to kill him for me.

Niece and nephew, right?

Yeah.

I haven't got 'em any presents, though.

A bit behind when it comes to
computer games and stuff like that.

You should talk to me.
CDs, DVDs, video games.

Steve can get anything in that department.

No, John, that'd be irresponsible!

That's not their age range at all!

How did it go with Lenny?

Yeah, pretty good, really.

He wants me to become an assassin for the state.

I guess that's what you did in the Army, right?

Wrong.

That was legal.

Yeah.

Then you whacked your aunt and uncle.

Shut up, Calum.

I'm just saying.

At least with Lenny you know it's someone who probably deserves it.

Not just some scared kid in a trench.

I didn't fight in the trenches, Calum.

You wouldn't be going to see your sister if Lenny hadn't got you out of prison.

Yeah, well, I'm not gonna do it.

OK.

He can find himself another hitman.

I'm sure.

OK, kids, lunch is ready.

You should get yourself a new map.

Nah. This is my only school prize.

The names are out of date.

I know.

But the old maps are the best.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that's a brilliant name for a country.

Are you gonna talk to me?

What do you wanna know?

How did you get out so early?

Where you're living now.

What you're planning on doing with your life.

I'm out on licence.

Living in a kind of halfway house.

My life? I don't know, Jess, you're gonna have to give me a little bit more time on that one.

Is that it?

Of course it's not it.

I did it for you.

No.

I killed them for you.

You did it for yourself.

Why did you write to me, then, Jess?

Because I love you. And you were the only person I could turn to.

You're all I've got right now, Jess.

Promise me you won't go away again.

I need my brother back.

I promise.

JESS: Promise me you won't go away again.

I need my brother back.

Are you ready?

One condition.

Just this. Then we're done.

I'll talk to Calum.

He'll get you everything you need.

You talking to me?

You what? You what? Haha haha!

Check this, yo.

Don't point a gun at me ever again.

Where'd you get it?

Kosovan Kate.

Who's Kosovan Kate.

She works with the Albanians.

Here. You need to wear these.

Give the old bill an head start.

So she's setting up her own people, is she?

Mate, I don't know how much you know about that part of the world

but they treat women in a very degrading way.

Dealing with you must have made a nice change for her.

She noshed me off for free so that tells you something.

Yeah, it certainly does.

Lenny wants it done at the airfield.

Problem is, isn't there a lot of CCTV down there?

Entrances, lobbies.

Exit to runways, manager's office.

There's a blind spot in the toilets which could be a good thing.

It's the one thing everyone does before they get on a plane.

Didn't you say the front entrance was covered?

Yeah, I can get you in a different way.

How?

Did a Duke of Edinburgh climbing course on my pupil referral unit.

What was my nickname inside?

Spider, right?

Not the nickname I heard.

Grantham Hill Private Airfield

We're done.

I'm gonna go and stay with my sister now.

I assume that we never meet again which is a tragedy I'll just have to learn to live with.

Here are the keys to the flat.

We're not finished yet.

We had an agreement, Lenny.

Yeah, but I think you overestimated your ability to insist on dealbreakers though.

You gave me an undertaking

To review.

So consider it under review.

OK. Fine. Send me back to prison, then, please.

We can do that.

Well, then, do it.

Only this time it's for life.

I'll make sure of it.

You were never gonna set me free, were you?

Don't be so ungrateful, John.

I've even authorised your mobile to make outgoing calls.

This is freedom, isn't it?

Oh, mate.

You're not gonna believe this.

I've only cracked it with one of them Colombian chicks from upstairs.

Big beautiful brown eyes.

Mate, I have got a strong feeling that before long, Manuela

that's her name

she's gonna be down here dancing a cumbia on the end of my bed.

Chill out.

No.

Because I've heard it all before.

No, I can't do this any more, Richard.

Just leave me alone, OK?

Sorry.

Don't be.

Well, other people's rows...

Oh, they're great, they're very entertaining.

Especially ones where there's shouting in the street.

Well, we're done with the shouting.

Is that why you're here?

Yeah. I left him.

Poor guy.

He messed up.

Stupid guy.

Well, I like to think of myself as the easygoing type but...

Well, there are some things that can never be forgiven.

Tell me about it.

My name's John, by the way.

I'm Rose.

Take her all my money, tell her buy some pretty clothes.

That's a song.

Don't forget to give my love to Rose.

Be nice if somebody would.

Would you like another drink?

So, where are you heading?

Patagonia.

Travelling light.

Well, you don't need much stuff out there, do you?

Just a change of clothes and a bottle of whisky.

I don't have any whisky, actually.

Oh, no?

Well, then, you lured me here

Under false pretences.

Just a lie to get you into my room.

Cunning.

But unnecessary.

Sorry.

I might need this to replace the pretty clothes you ripped off me last night.

You work for them.

Good luck.

So what now, John?

How do you see this playing now?

You tell me.

Well, not such an elaborate routine next time you run away.

Why did you this time?

I'm always curious as far as you're concerned.

You said you wanted to go back to prison.

Yeah.

I'll take my chances.

They're not good, to be honest.

And, of course, that kind of decision has an effect on others.

You and your sister.

You were separated when your parents died, weren't you?

You entered the chaos of the care system and Jess went to live with aunt and uncle.

Who raped her repeatedly and had neighbours hold the camcorders.

Incredible what goes on behind the net curtains in this nation of ours.

Robert and Abby, they seem contented little kids.

I'm sure they'd rather be together, being looked after by your sister.

Is he fast?

Cos I'd put money on me ripping out your windpipe before he can take a couple of steps.

I would, too.

That's partly the reason you're here, isn't it?

You're a class act, aren't you?

No, I'm a necessity.

Destroy the lives of innocent people just to keep me your slave.

Stop being so melodramatic.

You may learn to love me first.

Well...what do you want?

I want you to watch the undercover cop I mentioned to you.

His name is Iain Risdale.

I think he betrayed Operation Merlin and was involved in his commanding officer's death.

The man smells of corruption.

Things will work out just fine, John.

One simple rule worth remembering.

I call the shots.

Oh, yes!

What I wasn't gonna tell ya!

Si, oh, si!

TV: "Police have arrested two Albanian men in connection with the murder of British businessman Jacob Gould.

Gould had stepped down from the daytoday running of his shipping and cargo businesses

after being continually linked with the illegal arms trade.

Police confirmed Mr Gould was being investigated by undercover officers as part of Operation Merlin's

attempt to target illegal gunrunning networks in Britain.

The killing could be linked to an attempt by Albanian mafia to control the gunrunning business in London."

Where are you from again?

Hampshire CID.

I'm part of the external review of Operation Merlin.

We allowed Jacob Gould to stay in business, then we go after him.

Now, what's that about?

Well, us allowing Gould some leeway for certain strategic reasons is information you might want to lose from your hard drive.

You're joking.

Knowledge is power in this game.

Well, I must admit, talking to yourself and others, it seems your boss had something of an ego.

Putting Gould away became an obsession for him.

It did seem that way to me at the time.

Must have thought his name was Kevin Costner not Simmonds.

Have you seen that film?

What film?

The Untouchables.

Great film.

It's a great film.

You should watch it. Sean Connery.

They put one of ours in a hospital, we put one of theirs in a morgue.

- Right
- Iain...

A green light's on in the car like a little green exclamation mark.

Probably needs a service.

It's brand new.

Thanks for your time. Nice house.

Do you want a hand buttoning up?

One of the few men I can trust not to grab my arse.

So what's the deal with the Merlin undercover?

Risdale? He unfortunately reminded me that knowledge is power.

Pack him off to Magaluf.

He can sell dodgy pills from his bar with the rest of the bent coppers.

Maybe.

It's a funny thing to sell your soul for...

..a new beamer.

Yeah. Cars have never really done it for me.

Well, what has?

Apart from your work, of course.

My work's enough.

And now you have a new toy.

One you gave the full VIP treatment to, I'm told.

You gave me the impression he was very important.

We could have hauled him in at the hotel.

I know that.

Do you mind if I ask why?

Poor man had been in prison for five years.

That's very charitable of you.

And aren't you always telling me that the stick is a weapon for the short term?

I'm glad somebody listens to me.

We'd best hope he doesn't fall for you.

He's more likely to try and kill me.

And why should you care?

Glittering in a place where a heart should be.

Go and make a drink.

Why are we watching this geezer?

Because Lenny hasn't decided what to do with him yet.

Neighbours used to have loads of them in the garden.

With fishing rods.

Little ones.

Sitting on mushrooms.

Mum said it lowered the tone.

Gnomes.

I don't like gnomes.

Also I don't like fireeaters.

And I don't like dried fruit of any kind.

And I don't like those big mental dogs that come running at you in parks.

I mean, you wouldn't let a lion or crocodile run loose in Regent's Park, would you?

- Say some things you don't like.
- Shut up, Calum.

I'm bored.

Look, surveillance is boring.

There's a pair of jays in that tree, if you look.

Big thrill

You know who really loves the countryside?

Nonces.

It makes it easier to grab the kids.

You always hear about weird shit like that happening in places like this.

That's more like it.

That's the undercover's wife.

Caroline Risdale.

Ticking my boxes.

I'd go under the covers with her.

But there's only one thing that comes before a lady.

My dinner. I'm starving.

I'd eat those two jays in a sesame seed bun.

???I'll get us something to eat, then we'll start working in shifts.

Why?

Because if we don't, I'm gonna start garroting you myself.

Don't be like that, John.

Come on, mate.

What kind of bag?

I dunno.

A bag bag.

Was it a suitcase or an overnight bag?

Yeah, that's it. An overnight bag.

He goes out for a jog, like you said, and then...

..he comes back out with a bag.

What was I supposed to do?

Did anything happen to spook him?

Did he see you?

Of course not.

What?

If we mess this up, they will find you dead of an overdose

and I'll be back in prison waiting for someone to stab me in the showers

Better hope he hasn't gone far, Calum.

Iain?

What do you mean a runner?

Just took off all of a sudden.

Find him for me.

And then what?

Operation Merlin's all but dead and buried.

"I want him dealt with, John.

And this time no guns."

John, I finally cracked it.

It's churros.

What are you talking about?

Those Spanish doughnut things you dip in hot chocolate after you've been out all night.

????????

????So again last night, the wife got a call around 10:30.

It's the husband calling to say good night.

Exactly.

He's always calling.

They must like each other.

So we need to get in, get the number without her knowing about it.

How?

We need a woman.

Like Mr Ray Charles says...

..we've got a woman.

You must be joking if you think

John, how many other birds do you know?

We meet again.

Thanks again for everything you did to help me.

Oh, don't just thank me.

How else would I know which hotel you'd be in?

Which amoeba, scratching his crutch, not a million miles away,

might know that you kept your private stuff hidden behind a map of the world?

And tell Lenny when you were leaving?

What is it you do for them again, Calum,

you miserable little snitch?

I got used to having your big, cheery smile around.

Didn't want to see you leave.

And what do they have on you?

I'm guessing that sex with strangers in hotels wasn't really top of your career list.

It wasn't.

Advance warning.

I'm getting ready to do a runner as well.

Well, as long as it's not in my direction, Calum.

I was once a police officer.

I bet you looked lovely in that uniform, PC Rose.

Was Lenny your guv?

Undercover, actually.

So do you think you can get us into the house?

Yeah, I think I might just be up to it.

Sweet.

Oh, that's the front door.

Darling, I'll speak to you tomorrow.

OK?

I'm awfully sorry to disturb you.

That's all right.

It's just that I've broken down just down the road and,

well, wouldn't you know it, the bloody mobile.

Would you mind if I borrowed your phone to call the AA?

Erm...you'll have to tell me where I am.

Of course. Come inside.

Thank you.

You're an absolute angel.

Last number to call the house and last number dialled.

How was she?

What's that mean?

Did she seem suspicious or anything?

???A bit trusting.

I wouldn't let anybody into my house, whatever their sob story.

That's cos you're a hardfaced bitch.

Sorry.

While you steal credit cards from lonely and vulnerable women.

Just a moment of madness?

No, that was just a cheap whore in a bar.

Well, don't be too hard on yourself.

It had been a while, hadn't it?

Which showed.

Sorry, guys.

I'd advise you two to get a room, but it seems you already have.

Shut up, Calum.

Now sit nice and try not to lick the windows.

Hello? Is that the Long Bay Hotel?

Can you put me through to Iain Risdale, please?

- Yeah. Yeah, that's him.
- Hey, John, check the words to this.

Yo! And I ain't chatting no black talk, mate.

Yo means I in Spanish.

- Very impressive.
- There's more.

Yo no soy marinero.

I ain't no sailor.

Soy capitan. I'm captain.

I've found Risdale.

To dance La Bamba, what do you need?

Una poca de gracia

Shut up!

For once in your stupid and pointless life, shut up.

I'm in love, mate.

Do you know what it feels like to be in love? Have you ever been in love?

Seriously, John, that ain't a trick question.

Have you ever loved anybody?

Anybody whose name isn't Mercer?

We're going to the seaside.

Pack a bag.

Mi amor, Calum.

Mi gusto los churros a los chico.

You forget about the sea sometimes.

Yeah.

It reminds me of biscuits.

Really? Why's that?

When we were just little kids, my dad used to take us to the seaside.

Me and my sister would sit in the back eating digestive biscuits.

John, listen...

I've never done what you do.

I know.

Just ask him for the time.

Or a light, or whatever.

You can do that.

I'll do the rest.

Do you want some fudge?

I've eaten tonnes.

I'd better save some for Manuela.

You OK?

I feel a bit...

Yeah. Yeah.

Can you...stop the car.

Stop the car.

"It's done."

Are either of the kid's fathers gonna turn up to this dance of theirs?

Abby's dad sends money in a card each birthday.

Rob's dad, nothing at all.

I could come if you want.

To the dance.

They'd love that.

They think you're great, you know?

Rob said you were cool.

Got some catching up to do.

Like you said, you're not going anywhere, right?

They're good kids, Jess.

You've done a brilliant job with them.

I can't find my shoe anywhere.

I'll need it for the beach.

'This is freedom, isn't it?

One simple rule worth remembering.

I call the shots.

Not watching porn or playing one of your computer games, Calum?

Couldn't sleep.

Yeah. Me, neither.

When we was in the car, my breathing went all funny.

Couldn't get air into my lungs.

That's panic.

Know the best way of controlling that?

Singing.

If you sing to yourself, it controls stuff inside, takes your mind off stuff.

Sing what?

Dunno.

Not sure the lyrics make much difference overall, Calum.

You're Beautiful by James Blunt, maybe.

That's an underrated song, John.

Much darker than you think.

Like, he freely admits he was high.

And once the beautiful angel he was after spotted that...

..the curtains closed for them.

Got to sort the ladies out first, Blunty.

Everybody knows that.

That, or La Bamba.

Remember what you need to dance the Bamba, Calum.

Feet.

Do you want a bacon sandwich?

Yeah, all right.

I'll stick the grill on, you nip down the shop and get the bacon.

What? That's fair.

And if them hoodies on the corner start getting fierce,

just dance La Bamba in front of them.

There is one thing that is totally and utterly certain in this life.

And that is you will never see me dance.

I'll put money on it.

One day, you'll dance.

Who's that out there?

Jude Cassidy.

Don't think I care for you.

I just need you alive.

What do you mean, he's gone?

Argument about the M25 got out of hand.

An argument with the M25?

You can't leave me here on my own.

I don't know who to go to, Rose.

No sign of him leaving Mercer's flat.

I'll have to tell Lenny.

You'll sign Calum's death warrant.

Somebody's lying to me.

What's given can be taken away.

Calum, let's discuss Jude's
disappearance again, shall we?