- 3 months ago
Max Headroom S2E5 - Whackets
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00:00This is Edison Carter coming to you very much live and direct on Network 23.
00:05Carter's the best-known reporter we have on the air.
00:08He's satellite's global.
00:10Where's all this stuff come from, Bryce?
00:12The components of Carter's mind.
00:15Oh, my Max, my Max.
00:17People translate it as data.
00:19It's computer-generated, whatever it is.
00:21It looks like Edison.
00:22Max. Max Headroom.
00:24Max?
00:26He's a computer-generated person based on you.
00:28Two lines but with one single number.
00:58Sector 7 is densely populated.
01:16Metro evac 10D at Sector.
01:19Control, camera check, please.
01:20Coming up.
01:23Camera feed optimal.
01:24I can see smoke.
01:25We're almost there.
01:28Live in 60 seconds.
01:30Watch out for many vac choppers at the scene.
01:32There's a lot of activity.
01:33That cam's online.
01:34Getting picture.
01:35The whole building's come down.
01:37What's the official word on this?
01:39Central housing claims it was overcrowded.
01:41Number 23, switch to tactile.
01:43Over.
01:46That's too bad.
01:48Let's get down there.
01:49The police requests a fugitive crowd scan on power and vector 7.
01:54Repeat.
01:54Metro police requests a fugitive crowd scan on power and vector 7.
02:05Ambulance chaser 21.
02:06We have three DOAs in pickup all john does.
02:11Repeat.
02:12Ambulance chaser 21.
02:13We have three DOAs in pickup all john does.
02:16This is Edison Carter, live and direct from Sector 34, where a building has just collapsed.
02:36Injured survivors are wandering dazed, while rescuers dig frantically beneath the debris.
02:46I'm getting something specific.
02:49Okay, go straight ahead through the break in the wall about 100 yards.
02:52Now into the next wing about 50 yards.
02:55Straight ahead.
02:57We have a rescue effort underway.
02:59You're there.
03:00The group directly in front.
03:06I hear something.
03:10Who's down there?
03:11We think a little one.
03:13Old.
03:14I hear it most.
03:16It's hers.
03:17He's coming out.
03:20It's a television set.
03:24Control, I don't believe what I'm seeing here.
03:27Yeah, well stay with it.
03:28It's incredible.
03:29What's wrong with those people?
03:41Look at this.
03:43I bothered a safe television set.
03:46They're given to the needy.
03:49Yeah, but look what's on them.
03:52I don't believe it.
03:54Every set is tuned to the same channel.
03:56No.
03:59Lieutenant, let me give you a hand.
04:08No, no, no.
04:09Stay with the coverage.
04:13You have looters at 3 o'clock.
04:17Repeat, you have looters at 3 o'clock.
04:19No one can or should get used to events like this.
04:28Shock and devastation can often cause victims to react in unpredictable ways.
04:35In this case, we've seen behavior that makes me question our dependence on television.
04:43Survivors risking their lives to rescue TV sets.
04:47People crawling from the rubble...
04:49No field reporter covers a real-time disaster by Carter.
04:52Then why are local ratings falling?
04:53Who's taking our local viewers?
04:56Big-time television?
04:58I want to see what they're transmitting.
05:00Are we ever seeing this trash in Carter's telecast and then switching to it?
05:08This is no coincidence.
05:10The trend is devastating.
05:11How does this affect the global ratings?
05:12Global viewers can't receive the signal, thank goodness.
05:14But if they were able to, the results would be disastrous.
05:17If our advertisers extrapolate this trend, it could cause a negative run to other networks.
05:20Murray, cut Carter off the air.
05:26Go to studio coverage.
05:27Sir, he's first on the scene.
05:29We have the exclusive on this.
05:31Go to studio, Murray.
05:32That's an executive order.
05:34Yes, sir.
05:40Ah, it's not the reason why.
05:42Can you stand by Anchorman?
05:43On my mark.
05:44And go.
05:46Well, let's get some comment on this.
05:48Such a twit.
05:49You won't do any real coverage.
05:52Let's go over to the affected sector.
05:54A little wordplay there.
05:56And see if we can get a hold of our local scumballers.
05:58Shameful.
05:59Edison's going to...
06:00Control, I'm offline.
06:02We're going with studio coverage.
06:04On whose order?
06:05I'm Chevy.
06:07Now, look, I want you to stay off air, but on the story.
06:10I'm going to find out what's going on.
06:12I'm sorry.
06:13It's a no-choice option.
06:18Lieutenant!
06:19Could you spare a comment?
06:23Please.
06:25Strictly off the record.
06:26It's damn weird.
06:28How come you're not live and direct?
06:30I got a hold of here.
06:32Executive override.
06:34Anything like that ever happen to you before, Edison?
06:37Lieutenant, when you get conversational, I get chills.
06:42What's up?
06:43I've seen the look on these faces before.
06:46Don't tell me you haven't noticed.
06:47Don't stop now.
06:48Confession's good for the soul.
06:50You know about those souls.
06:53Even old lieutenants have them.
06:54So, come on, Rico.
06:58You owe me.
07:00For nothing else than not shooting your bad side.
07:03It's not to say you have a good side.
07:04All right.
07:09Strictly off the record.
07:12There was a lawsuit about two years ago.
07:15Some kid went nuts watching a network promo.
07:17I'll check it out and let you know if it means anything.
07:19Inferior product in every respect.
07:26So bad I can't take my eyes off it.
07:30Dead rolling analysis.
07:31Isolate the appeal factor.
07:32I want a network 23 version of that show ready in one hour.
07:36Go, baby.
07:45Go, baby.
07:46Go.
07:46We're going to pass PBS.
07:48Keep your voice down.
07:49I'm enjoying myself, Biller.
07:51It's only a local test.
07:53The ratings may not extrapolate big enough to sell it.
07:55That was Wackets, the show that goes over nobody's head.
08:04We keep getting calls for it, so we'll play it again.
08:08For the 11th time straight.
08:13Well, I'd say that this proves that we can make them watch any show.
08:19Even Wackets.
08:20You proved that at Network 52 and it damn near sent you to jail.
08:23Yeah, but this time we're going to do it right.
08:26We prove the system works, we sell out, and we blow.
08:29And let the buyer beware.
08:40It does seem to be trending up fast.
08:42But it's only risen to 15.04% of a very localized market.
08:47Nevertheless, it is phenomenal.
08:50Extrapolate those figures globally and it would be a ratings landslide.
08:54Yes.
08:54Chubb, you've got to keep your eye on the big picture.
08:58Every drop in the bucket.
09:00Stitches in time.
09:01You know, an apple of...
09:02Well, it's a terrible show.
09:05Appalling.
09:06Precisely.
09:06That is why it's all so fascinating.
09:09Why is it getting these ratings?
09:17Business affairs and acquisitions.
09:18Chief negotiator.
09:20Oh, yes.
09:21Mr. Grossberg.
09:24Locate big-time television.
09:27Investigate.
09:29With a view toward acquiring its Wackets program?
09:32Yes, sir.
09:33No, no, I'm right outside the Hall of Records building.
09:39Case files.
09:40This can ID confirmed access.
09:42Show me case 144-905.
09:47Warzak, Donald, video delinquency.
09:49Parents attempted to sue Network 52, claiming child became so entranced with one of the commercials...
09:54Copy this report into my unit.
09:55...TV sets.
09:56Case dismissed under creative immunity granted, broadcasters.
09:59No, you don't have a story.
10:01Come on, Murray, wake up!
10:04They were all watching it.
10:07I'm into something.
10:09Can't you smell it?
10:10I can sense it.
10:12I can't smell it.
10:14Well, I accessed the rolling census figures, and people have been pouring into the area all morning.
10:19They even increased after the building collapsed.
10:22You know, some of the survivors actually sat down in the middle of it all and watched Wackets.
10:26There you go.
10:27What more do you want?
10:28There's a nice irony in that.
10:31In the crisis, they watch a game show.
10:33Television before life.
10:35And what about my life?
10:37I know it.
10:38I was dumped for some pre-pre-pre-recorded minnie trying to win a trash-trash compact-p-p-pactor.
10:46Come here.
10:47Message from Lieutenant Ziskin.
10:48He wants you to meet him at the producer's clearinghouse right now.
10:54Ziskin calls you.
10:58Now I smell it.
10:59Go.
10:59Haskell and Biller?
11:08Yeah.
11:09But you don't get in here without a warrant.
11:11I'm comfortable right here.
11:13You used to be in sales at Network 52.
11:16Want to tell me why you got fired?
11:18No, not really.
11:20You produced one hell of a good commercial.
11:22Maybe too good.
11:24People who watched it got a little strained.
11:26There were some funny people around.
11:28Most of them now watching a show called Whackets.
11:32Mean anything to you, Askell?
11:34No, it doesn't.
11:34What is it?
11:35You know damn well.
11:37Let me refresh your memory.
11:38Oh, well, I'm not going to be able to see it on that little thing.
11:41Why don't you come in here?
11:42We'll put it up here on the monitor.
11:44Come on.
11:45He's zonked.
12:02We've got him.
12:09Come on, just be calm, Biller.
12:11I've got a way to keep him quiet for good.
12:15Don't do anything illegal.
12:16Oh, sure.
12:30Check to see if Ziskin's left Metro yet.
12:32I already did.
12:33He should be there by now.
12:35All right, key up his police medical file code.
12:38They monitor the officer's medical condition with implanted transmitters.
12:41We'll be able to pinpoint him, home in on his signal.
12:43Well, I can't teach this old dog any new tricks.
12:47You left of the old puppy.
12:50Okay, Edison, I've got Ziskin's status online.
12:53I'm tracing his location now.
12:57Accessing building now.
12:59He's there.
13:00I'm tracing him.
13:04Edison, his heart.
13:06Everything just stopped.
13:07All his life signs are gone.
13:09We'll find him.
13:11Get me to him.
13:12He may still be alive.
13:16Come on, Control.
13:18Get me to Ziskin.
13:19Facing his location now, Edison.
13:21I don't think he's going to be of much use to you.
13:24He's in the basement freight elevator shaft.
13:26Use the stairwell to your right.
13:28The signal's breaking up.
13:29Keep on it.
13:35Edison, watch yourself.
13:37Infrared shows two people heading toward you.
13:39It's okay, they're metros.
13:40Come on, let's go.
13:44Down the heating tunnel and through the fire door.
13:46We have no sign of life, Edison.
13:48How could it happen?
13:49Ziskin was too sharp.
13:53You're there.
13:54Bottom of the elevator shaft.
13:55Oh, no.
14:04Looks like we're too late.
14:05Yeah, that 15 story's too late.
14:07Yeah, all the answers get dead at the scene.
14:09Right.
14:10This is big time television.
14:12And I say it's time for some vintage Sex Pistols music video, eh?
14:15No!
14:19All right.
14:21But first, the show that makes winners, losers,
14:24whackets, again.
14:33Dom, have you taken a look at this?
14:36I don't get it.
14:38I don't know why anybody watches it.
14:41I'm sure that is what this test is all about.
14:43It's called market research, Reg.
14:45Oh, Lord, the man from 66 is here.
14:55Could you look less untidy?
14:58Dom, I don't like the idea of them knowing where we are.
15:01Oh, we executives have to meet in order to do business.
15:06Executives?
15:07Suits looking for jobs.
15:08Look at you.
15:10Blimey.
15:11Visual aids are standard tools in sales meetings.
15:14Just so he doesn't get confused about what you're selling.
15:23How do you do?
15:24I'm from network 66.
15:26Of course you are.
15:28Please.
15:30Come in.
15:31Ready to roll control.
15:37You are live and direct.
15:39This is Edison Carter, live and direct on network 23.
15:42This is the body of Lieutenant Rico Ziskin, an experienced petro cop.
15:47What I want to know is...
15:49Well, look, we don't want to insult you by bargaining over such a small show.
15:53So, here's the bottom line.
15:56Network 66 will buy wagons from big time in exchange for a single payment equal to 1.2% of the adjusted ad revenue net gross,
16:05after taxes, surtaxes, and excise taxes, in installments over 36 months,
16:10and amortized against all future network losses in perpetuity.
16:13Yes.
16:17But will it be enough to make me happy?
16:21I wouldn't have thought it would take much.
16:23Ow!
16:24Ziskin was a seasoned metric cop.
16:34A short while before he died, he asked me to meet him here.
16:37He had something to tell me about the extraordinary events that took place in this morning's apartment collapse tragedy,
16:43where people ignored victims and watched television.
16:48Whatever he knew...
16:50Ziskin is now silent.
16:52Ziskin was a silent.
16:54Ziskin was a silent.
16:54Ziskin was a silent.
16:59This is Edison Carter, live...
17:04I'm sorry, Control.
17:09I don't know what happened.
17:14Oh, I'm sorry.
17:16I'm sorry.
17:19I'm sorry.
17:20Oh, forget it, Control.
17:22The one I want to know, Sean.
17:23Now will you pull the show off big time?
17:27Carter's got nothing.
17:28Carter has got the best track record in the business.
17:30If he follows up on big time's test transmission,
17:33the trail will lead him right here.
17:35The big time people don't know anything.
17:36They don't know what's on that wackett's tape.
17:38So they won't hide anything.
17:42All right, let's get that tape back and fast.
17:45Where the hell are they?
17:49Hi, I'm Sam Biddy.
17:51Here comes Edith.
17:53I don't know what to say.
18:12You know, I was covering a chemical spill at a factory once.
18:15A solvent literally dissolves some poor guy.
18:23They got to me.
18:26So I'm on the air.
18:28All of a sudden, this extra large pair of rubber overalls bobs to the surface.
18:35Tension broke.
18:35I laughed so hard they had to pull me off the air.
18:39Maria, I was intense.
18:42That's the weird part.
18:43I felt good.
18:45I felt...
18:47You fool, Rick.
18:51Ann, I made a fool of myself.
18:52Don't worry, Edison.
18:53I felt like laughing, too.
18:55I've never known you laugh at something that wasn't funny.
18:58It wasn't.
18:59I just couldn't help it.
19:02I felt myself smiling.
19:03It seemed involuntary.
19:05Involuntary.
19:09Maybe they all had no choice.
19:10I must be able to trace them.
19:17I have no special instinct.
19:18Keep trying.
19:19Yes, sir.
19:19Call me.
19:22You'd better not be pulling something.
19:26Edison!
19:27Unless you have an irrational desire to be bisected at the waist, you'll alter course.
19:33A simple 5-watt argon laser fed back onto itself into infinity.
19:38Could be used as a multidimensional information gathering probe.
19:41Yeah, just a theory.
19:42Right.
19:44I need your help.
19:46And I need it now.
19:49In a minute, Edison.
19:56Okay.
20:04Edison!
20:05Theora, run the footage of my report.
20:12And no audio, okay?
20:14Down by.
20:15Oh, and Theora, don't look at it.
20:17Please don't argue.
20:18Just don't look at it, okay?
20:22Right.
20:26Not a pretty sight.
20:27I'm going to keep your eyes on it.
20:38How are you feeling?
20:40Excellent.
20:41You?
20:44Okay.
20:45I think there's something in the picture that makes people feel good.
20:51Can you find it?
20:54Sure.
20:56So, aside from the bandage, he has nothing to show, Mr. Grusberg.
21:00Big-time television has assaulted our situation ethics negotiator.
21:04I take that to be their peasant equivalent of a refusal to sell.
21:08Disgraceful.
21:09And short-sighted.
21:11However, one hit does not a network make.
21:13Too bad.
21:14I was really beginning to enjoy the silly thing.
21:17More to the point.
21:18The viewers enjoyed it.
21:20I want that show.
21:22I will have that show.
21:26Book a table for two at the Top Table restaurant.
21:29I think I'll take care of this person.
21:37Okay.
21:37Now, we'll be looking for some kind of, uh, submerged signal or image.
21:41However, the mayor reverses that submerged signal and should render it ineffective.
21:46But why would my pictures affect me like that?
21:51And Theora, too.
21:53And the cops, they weren't affected at all.
21:55Uh, well, that's because they weren't watching your pictures.
22:02Well, that's too small to see what's on it.
22:05Not really.
22:06I can, uh, cut up picture and draw up close.
22:10Ta-da!
22:12Ta-da what?
22:13That is an optically active hexadecimal display generated in depth.
22:17It's very fascinating.
22:19It's a trigger of sorts.
22:20When it moves along the optic nerve, it tells the brain to release endorphins,
22:24a series of natural drugs produced for countering pain or experiencing intense pleasure.
22:29What's wrong?
22:30Uh, very.
22:32This one looks like it could be addictive in intensive doses.
22:35Well, could the Mountain Ziscan's wrist unit have been effective?
22:38Yeah.
22:39Uh, and remember the look on his face.
22:42You're up.
22:52Run the footage I shot this morning.
22:54Can I open my eyes now?
22:55No, it's dark in here.
22:57Hmm.
23:01Look at these faces.
23:03I'm just like Ziscan's.
23:06You're a run-the-live feed of the Wacket Show.
23:09Look at that.
23:14Are you hidden in that?
23:17Most definitely.
23:19What is it?
23:20I've got this from highly placed sources.
23:28It's a government search and seizure program.
23:30It's designed to locate illegal video substances.
23:33Yes, sir-ee.
23:43It's definitely in there.
23:45Viewers can't see it the way we can, but it is quite strong.
23:48Out of sight, but not out of mind.
23:50Off, off.
23:51I caught you watching the competition.
23:54Competition.
23:56Naughty-naughty.
23:59Max, it's a lot more than competition, okay?
24:02What's that junk all over it?
24:05I want to see the show.
24:07Hey, hey, I love feel-feel-feel-feel-good programming.
24:15This is a great show.
24:17Long may it run.
24:20Yes, yes, yes.
24:22Yes, look at that hostess stroke-stroke-stroking the prizes.
24:26She's a fantastic actor, that girl.
24:30How can he be affected?
24:31He hasn't got endorphins.
24:32Max is videoactive.
24:34An electromorph.
24:35It affects him directly.
24:37Bryce, what is going on?
24:45What's he doing?
24:47No idea.
24:49Oh, no, no, no.
24:51Put it back on.
24:52Come on.
24:53I want to know who won the shoe-shoe-shoe horn.
24:57How can I concentrate on anything else
24:58when I don't know who wound up with the shoe horn?
25:01I want to see which guy that girl ended up with.
25:03She said she didn't like water or hairy men.
25:06And I know, I just not know she's going to pick bachelor number three.
25:10The one with the beard who's got his own.
25:11Bow, bow, bow.
25:12Put it back on.
25:14We may have a problem.
25:16Max seems to become hexadecimal dependent.
25:18That fast?
25:19Well, the pure form will be instantaneously addictive.
25:21Hidden in the show, it'll take a little longer, depending on one's mental vitality or lack of it.
25:25Bryce, people have been watching wackets all day and still are.
25:31Theura, what's the source of that show?
25:33Edison, it's big-time television.
25:35They've been repeating it all day.
25:37Reggie and Dominique.
25:40Theura, locate them.
25:42Gotta stop them.
25:49Network 23 hosts the Scumball quarterfinals live tonight.
25:54Higher!
25:54Higher!
25:55Higher!
25:55Higher!
25:56Spin the wheel!
25:57No, no, no, no.
26:00Pick him.
26:01Pick number two, too.
26:03No, no, no, no.
26:05No, no, no.
26:06Go on.
26:07It's pistachio she likes.
26:09No, no.
26:10There were ten commandments, you bu-bu-bu-bull.
26:14Max, what are you doing?
26:16Make-make-making my very own copy.
26:18Fucking watch it anytime I want.
26:21Not on my equipment, you're not.
26:23Oh, come on.
26:27It's a classic.
26:28The only show in the world that gets better, the more it's re-re-run.
26:32Well, I'm not going to try it.
26:34And if you were a friend, you wouldn't force me.
26:36What a grouch.
26:38Hey, I'd be a winner on that show.
26:40Ask me a question.
26:41Go on, go on, go on.
26:42Any category.
26:43Sorry, Max.
26:44I need this screen.
26:47And, and, I'm sorry.
26:48We're out of time.
26:49Bye.
26:50You're a locate big time for me.
26:52Hey, I've got to get over there right away.
26:53They're still transmitting.
26:55You haven't watched it, have you?
26:56No, I haven't, but Max keeps trying to make me.
26:58There's nothing we can do for him right now.
27:00This thing has to be stopped.
27:01Fast.
27:02If it gets beyond big time, it could spread uncontrollably.
27:05Adults, kids, everyone addicted to their screens.
27:08The priority now is to get to Reg.
27:10I can't believe he knows what this is.
27:12I'm just worried about Max and what he might do.
27:18What do you mean big time television has disappeared?
27:22No.
27:28I'll get back to you.
27:32Those two-faced, double-dealing rats.
27:35Well, that's it.
27:36I told you.
27:37It's over.
27:39Years of work.
27:40Gone.
27:43No.
27:44No.
27:45We can still sell it, Biller.
27:47Look, big time did its job.
27:50The readings prove the system works.
27:52Now we all got to sell the system by the numbers.
27:55I mean, all big time's got its wackas.
27:57They don't even know what's on it.
27:59Forget the show.
28:00The show is nothing.
28:02Sell the system.
28:03Fast.
28:04I don't want much.
28:16I just want to appear on the Wack, Wack, Wacket Show.
28:20I want to win a honeymoon for one in Nebraska.
28:24Nebraska, please.
28:25I love the Wacket Show.
28:44Mr. Grosberg's table, please.
29:08Hello.
29:09Mr. Grosberg?
29:10Yes, Dominique, at last we meet.
29:15Pleasure and a privilege.
29:18And congratulations on big time television's current popularity.
29:21Well, we do things right.
29:24Sometimes.
29:26Yes.
29:27Indeed you do.
29:30Perhaps Network 66 should consider using units such as yours in our ancillary markets.
29:36I would value your opinion.
29:38You'd have to be nuts.
29:39I'd kill to get out of the 500-watt ghetto.
29:44Yes, I need to speak to Mr. Grosberg, please.
29:48Look.
29:49Look.
29:50I don't care what time it is.
29:52I need you to trace him.
29:53This is urgent.
29:54We are running out of time, Haskell.
29:57Well, Dominique.
30:01This, um...
30:02This profoundly innovative concept of yours, Wacket's, is a stunning piece of programming chic.
30:13Well, I suppose I really should watch it a few times, but it works.
30:20That's all I care about.
30:21Exactly.
30:22I don't keep up with every program myself.
30:27Business affairs has suggested we offer you greater distribution through our satellites.
30:34Does this appeal?
30:35I thought you wanted to buy the thing.
30:38It's the fastest rising show in town.
30:41We could risk outright purchase.
30:44But these things take time.
30:47Mr. Grosberg.
30:49Television topography reported that your salary breaks down to almost 8,000 creds an hour.
30:56Really, I rarely calculate my salary.
31:01I find it quite crude.
31:04But time is money, as they say.
31:08Yes, they do.
31:11And your meter's running every second.
31:13So, you want to talk business or not?
31:17Compliments don't match currency.
31:19I don't know what you see in it, old pal.
31:27It's way below your taste.
31:31Go on, blimey.
31:32I just want to be careful.
31:33He'll have you crashing in like that.
31:35You're in trouble, Reg.
31:36Well, when wasn't I?
31:37How?
31:38You've been caught.
31:39The Wacket's is a video narcotic.
31:46Dominique, I've made my first, best job.
31:49And last offer.
31:50Take it, or walk away.
31:56My God.
31:58Are these little things potatoes?
32:01At these prices.
32:03What is the problem?
32:05The problem is, small potatoes.
32:08I've got to put more on the plate than a fancy dinner, Mr. Grosberg.
32:12Once I give you the only hit show I've got, I'm out of business.
32:16Well, what do you expect?
32:18A seat on the board?
32:23All I want for Xmas is to get my hands on Ascal and Billa.
32:26One mitt on each ought to do it.
32:28Reg, why aren't you hooked?
32:30I'm immune to all such things, my friend.
32:32As a youth, a certain amount of head-banging and metal madness, let my sin acts as so callous.
32:43No mind altering substance as it shall.
32:46Shut it down, Reg.
32:48Done.
32:49Hey, where's Wacket?
32:54Donnie, where's Wacket?
32:56Hey!
32:57The show!
32:58Very well, Dominique.
33:07You've made your point, and exactly as I myself would have done.
33:11And beautifully timed, I might add.
33:14Well, it has been a delightful dinner.
33:19But Judy calls.
33:21You know how it is.
33:22You are an admirably astute lady, and a charming and effective adversary.
33:30Are you going to sell me Wackets?
33:47Don't worry, Matt.
33:49I'll talk to Ascal and...
33:52What's his name and get back to you?
33:54My limousine is hurrying outside, and I offer you a lift.
33:57Oh, we might be seen.
34:00Better to keep this meeting out of the trains.
34:03Good idea.
34:05Well then, goodbye, or shall I say, au revoir.
34:12Tata.
34:16Get a side door, Charlie.
34:21Recorded the whole dinner, sir.
34:23Looks like she took you for a free meal.
34:26Nonsense.
34:27That ridiculous woman gave me exactly what I needed.
34:31Roll that last bit for me again.
34:35Are you going to sell me Wackets, then?
34:39Ah, don't worry, Ned.
34:41I'll talk to Haskell and...
34:43What's his name and get back to you.
34:46Of course.
34:48Wackets actually belongs to a man named Haskell.
34:52He'll be an independent.
34:53Find him.
34:57Reg, what have you done?
35:01Oh, hello, Edison.
35:03Reg, where's the show?
35:05I told him to shut it down, Dom.
35:08You told Reg.
35:11I run big-time television.
35:13I make the decisions around here.
35:15Get it back on.
35:16No, Dom.
35:17Listen, Dominique, please.
35:18Edison, you have no...
35:19Listen, just listen, please.
35:22The reason people are still watching that drivel is because it's addictive.
35:26Mr. Carter...
35:27Video drugged.
35:28We've been had, Dom.
35:30I'm sorry, Oka.
35:32Oh, my God.
35:33Well, is there no way to fix it?
35:35To clean it up?
35:37I have got a buyer.
35:39We could be on our way to being number one.
35:42You can't broadcast it, Dom.
35:45Deal or no deal.
35:46They won't be franchised any.
35:51Max, where's the show?
35:53Blank.
35:53Help us.
35:54I want my wife to be.
35:55You're a strong translator.
35:56You've got to do something.
35:57I need that show.
35:59It's all I've got.
36:04Reggie.
36:04Hi, Reg.
36:06Oh, hello, Fiora.
36:08Look, is Edison with you?
36:08It's Wackets.
36:15Wackets has been pulled.
36:17Everything's under control.
36:18No, it hasn't, Edison.
36:21Look, I just got home.
36:23Wackets is still on the air.
36:25What?
36:26Who's broadcasting it?
36:28We are.
36:30Network 23.
36:39They sold it.
36:42They sold my show.
36:44What?
36:49Network 23.
36:51This is perfect.
36:52Don't you see?
36:53I see that Big Time has made the mega-cred sale that you have been talking about.
36:57Pillar, pillar.
36:58What they've done is open up the markets for us.
37:01All we have to do is take this to 23's competition, and they'll have to buy it just to stay in business.
37:06We can name our own price, son.
37:08Network 66.
37:11They would kill to be 23.
37:15Well, shall you make the call, or shall I?
37:20Oh, let's do it together.
37:38Chevy, what is it?
37:48Good grief.
37:50What's that doing on Network 23?
37:52I'm sorry to trouble you, sir, but Mac's headroom is out of control.
37:56He's so hooked on that show that he's programming it from a copy he's made.
38:00He stole it?
38:01We're broadcasting unlicensed programming?
38:04Sponsored by ZigZack.
38:05Get it off.
38:06Well, we can't.
38:07To do that, we'd have to get Max off, and that's impossible.
38:11Plus, he's locked wackets into every market we have, and the ratings are rocketing up.
38:16Well, at least it's a hit.
38:18All right.
38:21We'll have to buy out big-time television.
38:24Thank you, Murray.
38:24I'll handle this now.
38:25Um, sir, there's more.
38:27Oh, please.
38:28It spiked with an addictive substance, which is why viewers crave it.
38:33Carter's closing in on the story right now.
38:35The World Broadcast Governing Body will yank our license within an hour unless we do something fast.
38:40I'll be right there.
38:42And, Murray.
38:43Yes, sir.
38:44Be ready to cease all broadcasting.
38:47We can't get it off the air.
38:56Mr. Grosberg, you have a call from a Mr. Haskell and a Mr. Biller at the Producers Clearinghouse.
39:02Such a small world tonight.
39:05Gentlemen, let us not squander time.
39:11I understand you've been seeking me, and coincidentally enough, I, you.
39:15If you are indeed the owners of the wackets show...
39:18Oh, yes, sir, we are.
39:21But, uh, wackets apparently has been sold to network 23.
39:25The ratings have already surged dramatically, Mr. Grosberg.
39:35Gentlemen, contracts were made to be broken.
39:41I have a legion of attorneys that can extricate you from this deal, and I will triple whatever 23 paid you.
39:48I want wackets.
39:49I will have it.
39:51The show is nothing, sir.
39:54We are the inventors of something in wackets.
39:57Something that would fit on any program on 66.
40:00You'll be able to compete on every show you have.
40:08Talk to me.
40:11Well, Bryce is working on an antidote to the drug.
40:14But Max is the real problem.
40:16He won't talk to anyone but you.
40:17And what else is new?
40:18Hey, I've been thinking.
40:22I could announce the prizes.
40:24Huh?
40:25Huh?
40:25Huh?
40:25Huh?
40:25Huh?
40:25Huh?
40:25That's an important, important job.
40:28Max, what prizes do we have on our show tonight?
40:31Well, Bob, tonight one of our wacky contestants is...
40:35Max, take wackets off the air.
40:36Solid steel snooze and boil.
40:37Right now.
40:38Why?
40:39It's just TV with a twist.
40:43Artificially making viewers watch is immoral.
40:45You must see that, Max.
40:47Anderson, you won't convince him.
40:48He doesn't understand.
40:51He thinks the world is television.
40:52No, you don't understand.
40:54If he's part me, he knows better.
40:56No, if he's part you, he won't give up until he gets what he wants.
40:59What, you're suddenly an expert on me now?
41:02I try.
41:03Ten points for Theora.
41:07And it's time for Bam Bam Bamley Food!
41:13I'll just check to see what's happening on wackets.
41:15Anderson, you won't persuade him.
41:18I mean, he just won't play ball.
41:21Maybe he will play ball.
41:25I mean, that's exactly what he'll do.
41:27Sir, I urge the World Council of Broadcasters not to take action against our license.
41:38We are voluntarily preparing a total network shutdown because we can't...
41:42We don't tell them we can't even get the thing off our own boardroom screen.
41:46Just explain that we're taking control.
41:54I just realized something.
41:56Max, you and I must have a little talk.
42:15Will it take long?
42:16Look, you say you want to be on the Wacket Show, right?
42:20Well, you can.
42:21Bryce will use a program interface which puts programs into other programs.
42:26And he can put you live and direct on the Wacket Show.
42:29Me?
42:31How humble, modest, shy little me?
42:36On wack-wack-wackets?
42:37Look, you say the show's great, right?
42:41So you ought to be able to enjoy it without the hexadecimal.
42:45Bryce will put the antidote in as part of the program, right?
42:49Yeah, well, that is if Max is up to the challenge.
42:53I'll go for it.
42:56He's gonna go for it, everybody!
42:59Yay!
43:00Yay!
43:04We've reached a decision, then.
43:05The facts are clear.
43:08This network cannot continue to broadcast a harmful product.
43:12It's morally unacceptable than professional suicide.
43:18So, we must do what we must.
43:25Operating systems room?
43:26Yes, sir.
43:27Are you prepared to shut down?
43:30Cheviot, wait.
43:31Carter's on line six.
43:33I've made a deal with Max.
43:35He's going to appear on the Wacket Show.
43:37What?
43:38But why?
43:40To what purpose, Carter?
43:41Bryce has loaded an antidote equation into Max's program,
43:44and he's gonna be broadcasting that while he's on.
43:46We'd be broadcasting Wacket's Max and the antidote all at once.
43:50Rating meter will melt in confusion.
43:52We have no choice.
43:54And no time.
43:56Try it.
43:58Do it.
43:58Hey, Wacket's is bad.
44:03He's not done.
44:04No, he's not done enough.
44:07I bet he misses the cushions.
44:09Who cares?
44:11Hi, it's me, me, me.
44:15Oh, come on, Siora.
44:17I need Wack, Wack, Wacket.
44:19Max, let's test the mile.
44:24Wacket!
44:27Ratings are dropping.
44:28I'll uncover the screen.
44:30Carter was right.
44:32It worked.
44:33Two-way sampler shows us falling off in all markets.
44:36I never thought the day would come when I'd be glad to see our ratings drop.
44:43Max, I don't know how to tell you this, but the audience hates Wacket's.
44:53Nobody's watching it.
44:55Nobody?
44:58Nobody watching?
45:03Get me off.
45:09What's the matter?
45:10Didn't you enjoy being a ninny trying to win a trash compactor?
45:14Yeah, it was the thrill of a lifetime.
45:17Why?
45:18With the hexadecimal inoperative, the show's unwatchable, Max.
45:21Exactly, exactly, exactly.
45:23As I suspected all along, nothing special about it at all.
45:28Uh, deliver my prizes to my summer house, will you?
45:32And deliver my audience to me.
45:35Oh, I feel a broad, broad, broadcast coming on.
45:39Ha, ha, TV, my world, my empire, my voice.
45:47Your pleasure.
45:48Today, the term addicted to TV took on a new and sinister meaning
45:59as the prospect of global video addiction became a frightening reality.
46:04For the past several hours, unsuspecting viewers here and around the globe
46:10were victims of a pair of ex-network programmers
46:13who attempted to market an addictive video drug
46:16hidden in a game show called Wacket's.
46:19Police are arresting Haskell and Biller at this moment.
46:22As for the public exposed to the drug,
46:24all harmful effects have been negated
46:26thanks to a Network 23 antidote.
46:29And we'll see you then.
46:37We'll see you next time.
46:38See you then.
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