1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,240 This programme contains some strong language 2 00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:44,120 KEYS CLATTER 3 00:01:38,240 --> 00:01:40,440 HE PANTS 4 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:51,760 HE GASPS 5 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:02,120 BREATHES OUT HEAVILY 6 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:04,520 ENTRYPHONE BUZZES 7 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:08,480 ENTRYPHONE BUZZES 8 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:18,960 ON PHONE: - Hello? 9 00:02:18,960 --> 00:02:20,840 Mr McGuire? 10 00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:22,080 Can you hear me? 11 00:02:23,480 --> 00:02:25,760 Just wanted to say I saw what happened 12 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:27,400 and it wasn't your fault. 13 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:30,760 If you want me to go to the police, 14 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:32,400 I'd be happy to make a statement. 15 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:36,760 Maybe I should just do that. 16 00:02:38,600 --> 00:02:40,800 - Hello? 17 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:42,680 Sorry, who is this? 18 00:02:42,680 --> 00:02:45,000 - My name is Simon. 19 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:47,440 I saw the incident tonight outside of your club. 20 00:02:48,880 --> 00:02:50,480 Well, I filmed the whole thing. 21 00:02:54,200 --> 00:02:55,920 - You'd better come up. 22 00:02:55,920 --> 00:02:56,960 DOOR BUZZER 23 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:03,960 ON VIDEO: - Let me take a photo of you! - Read my lips... 24 00:03:03,960 --> 00:03:05,960 - Hey, I don't get why you're being so... 25 00:03:05,960 --> 00:03:07,600 I don't care! - Get off right now! 26 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:08,760 STRUGGLING 27 00:03:08,760 --> 00:03:10,880 - You can see, he's the one that touches you first, 28 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:13,960 and all you did was push him back. - Exactly. It was an accident. 29 00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:15,000 - Oh, definitely. 30 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:17,080 - He just came up to me and started yelling. 31 00:03:18,240 --> 00:03:20,080 - Did you recognise him? - No. 32 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:21,720 Never seen him before in my life. 33 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:24,920 - You have actually met him a dozen times at various conventions. 34 00:03:24,920 --> 00:03:27,240 His name's Gavin. - Ah. 35 00:03:27,240 --> 00:03:29,720 Well, he could've had a knife, or anything. - Oh, yes. 36 00:03:29,720 --> 00:03:31,960 And that's why you had to smash his head on the cobbles. 37 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:34,280 - I didn't do that! - I know. 38 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:36,160 Like you said, it was... an accident. 39 00:03:36,160 --> 00:03:39,560 Is that the National Television Award that we won for season three? 40 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:41,800 - "We"? 41 00:03:41,800 --> 00:03:44,640 - Well...voted for by the fans. 42 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:46,040 Can I touch it? 43 00:03:47,400 --> 00:03:48,800 They're heavy, aren't they? 44 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:50,880 Smash someone's brains in with this! 45 00:03:50,880 --> 00:03:52,880 - Mm. 46 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:54,880 Listen, Simon, 47 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:57,200 I'm thinking it might be best to get rid of this. 48 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,880 Better not to have it on record. You see what I'm saying? 49 00:03:59,880 --> 00:04:01,880 - Oh, but it proves that you're innocent. 50 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:04,320 - Even so... I think I should delete it. 51 00:04:04,320 --> 00:04:05,960 - Oh, no, I... 52 00:04:05,960 --> 00:04:07,000 - PHONE BEEPS 53 00:04:08,040 --> 00:04:09,520 - Oh, well. 54 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:13,120 - So, do you think he'll want to press charges? - Who? 55 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:14,640 - This Gavin chap. 56 00:04:14,640 --> 00:04:17,080 - I shouldn't think so. He's dead. 57 00:04:17,080 --> 00:04:18,880 - What? 58 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:20,880 - Yeah, I checked on him after you'd ran off, 59 00:04:20,880 --> 00:04:23,120 and he wasn't breathing. 60 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:25,120 - Oh, God! 61 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:27,560 GAGS 62 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:28,680 VOMITING 63 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:32,560 - Don't worry. 64 00:04:32,560 --> 00:04:34,280 I sorted it for you. 65 00:04:34,280 --> 00:04:36,480 No-one will ever know you even touched him. 66 00:04:41,040 --> 00:04:43,120 I have to say, though, he did have a point. 67 00:04:43,120 --> 00:04:44,480 - What do you mean? 68 00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:47,520 - Well, what he was saying about season seven. 69 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:48,560 - Not this again. 70 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:50,680 - Well, some people did think the ending was... 71 00:04:50,680 --> 00:04:53,360 - We always knew the ending was going to be deliberately low-key. 72 00:04:53,360 --> 00:04:55,520 - Or boring. - It wasn't boring! 73 00:04:55,520 --> 00:04:57,440 It was diminuendo. 74 00:04:57,440 --> 00:04:59,640 Ninth Circle was always a very cerebral show. 75 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:01,000 Very dialogue-led. 76 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:04,680 Anyway, now's not the time to be debating this! 77 00:05:04,680 --> 00:05:07,080 What did you mean when you said you've "sorted it"? 78 00:05:07,080 --> 00:05:09,120 - I moved him. - Why? 79 00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:11,200 - Well, so he wouldn't be found outside your club. 80 00:05:11,200 --> 00:05:13,080 All the fan community know that you go there, 81 00:05:13,080 --> 00:05:14,760 especially after award ceremonies. 82 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:17,040 I'm sorry you didn't win, by the way, but that was hardly 83 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:20,160 a surprise, was it? I don't think they should've booed you, though. 84 00:05:20,160 --> 00:05:22,920 - You moved the body? - Yeah. 85 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:25,400 I dragged him down to Embankment and threw him in the Thames. 86 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:27,800 So, now he'll just be another drunk that fell off the bridge 87 00:05:27,800 --> 00:05:30,200 in the middle of the night. - Why would you do that, Simon? 88 00:05:30,200 --> 00:05:32,040 You've tampered with a crime scene! 89 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:33,840 - You ran off! 90 00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:35,240 I did it for you, Mr McGuire. 91 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:37,480 Nobody saw me. I was only trying to help. 92 00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:40,680 - What were you doing skulking in the shadows videoing me, anyway? 93 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:42,920 - I have a podcast. 94 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:45,600 - 'Course you fucking do. - It's called Circum Venting. 95 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:48,160 I was hoping to catch you and ask you a few questions maybe. 96 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:50,240 I mean, sometimes, after you've had a few drinks, 97 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:51,880 you do actually talk to the fans. 98 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:53,920 Obviously, you weren't in the mood tonight - 99 00:05:53,920 --> 00:05:56,760 as poor Gavin can testify. - He was the one who attacked me! 100 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:04,440 - Well...I can see you've got a bit of clearing up to do. 101 00:06:05,920 --> 00:06:08,000 Maybe I should be on my way. 102 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:09,640 Can I have my phone back, please? 103 00:06:15,840 --> 00:06:18,400 - Let me give you some money for a black cab. 104 00:06:18,400 --> 00:06:19,840 It's the least I can do. 105 00:06:20,840 --> 00:06:23,400 Where do you have to get to? - Sunderland. 106 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:25,000 Not sure it'll take me that far. 107 00:06:25,000 --> 00:06:28,880 I'll make me way to King's Cross, and I'll sleep on a bench. 108 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:30,920 I hope the police don't question me. 109 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:32,920 I'm not very good under pressure. 110 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:35,240 It's lovely to meet you, anyway. 111 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:37,240 - Listen, Simon. 112 00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:40,440 All things considered, it might be best if you stay here tonight 113 00:06:40,440 --> 00:06:43,000 and leave first thing in the morning. 114 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:44,600 You can sleep in the guest room. 115 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:49,160 - Is that where you keep the severed head of Thaxos from season two? 116 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:52,400 - It is, yes. - Oh, my God. 117 00:06:52,400 --> 00:06:54,000 I can't believe it. 118 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:55,880 Thank you, Mr McGuire. 119 00:06:55,880 --> 00:06:57,640 The fans are going to be so jealous. 120 00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:15,440 - FAINT CLATTERING 121 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:26,280 - Morning. 122 00:07:26,280 --> 00:07:28,120 Did you sleep well? 123 00:07:28,120 --> 00:07:30,840 - Not really. How about you? 124 00:07:30,840 --> 00:07:33,200 - No. I was too excited. 125 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:35,200 - Well, maybe you should be making a move. 126 00:07:35,200 --> 00:07:38,120 - I made you a coffee, by the way. Black with two sugars, isn't it? 127 00:07:38,120 --> 00:07:39,920 - Yes. Thank you. 128 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:41,720 - I looked for a grapefruit, 129 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:44,400 cos I read in Empire that's part of your breakfast routine, 130 00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:46,080 but I couldn't find any. 131 00:07:46,080 --> 00:07:48,440 - I only do that when I'm writing. 132 00:07:48,440 --> 00:07:49,760 - I know. 133 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:52,960 That's why I wanted it. 134 00:07:55,280 --> 00:07:58,800 When you were approached by Gavin, he was brandishing this notebook. 135 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:01,120 Do you remember? - Vaguely. 136 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:04,200 - Well, last night, I shoved it in my bag and I forgot all about it, 137 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:06,080 but I took it out and I started to read. 138 00:08:07,680 --> 00:08:11,560 He's written a whole alternative finale for Ninth Circle. 139 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:13,760 And Spencer... 140 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:15,280 Can I call you Spencer? 141 00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:17,960 ..it is brilliant. 142 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:19,320 - Fanfiction? 143 00:08:19,320 --> 00:08:21,680 - Well, no, it's more sophisticated than that. 144 00:08:21,680 --> 00:08:23,080 He clearly knows his stuff. 145 00:08:23,080 --> 00:08:26,200 For example, we actually get to see who lights the Flame of Aurora. 146 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:28,000 - Nobody lights the Flame of Aurora. 147 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:29,640 It's extinguished in the flood. 148 00:08:29,640 --> 00:08:32,160 - I know, literally a damp squib. Anyway, Gavin's fixed that. 149 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:34,280 And we finally get a proper ending for the whole 150 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:35,800 Dante/Carter relationship. 151 00:08:35,800 --> 00:08:38,120 - What relationship? They don't have a relationship! 152 00:08:38,120 --> 00:08:40,480 - Oh, that's not fair. You were baiting us in that direction 153 00:08:40,480 --> 00:08:42,440 since the Pantheon episode. - No, I wasn't! 154 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:44,560 - The scene in the desert where he's sucking his arm. 155 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:47,560 - That was to get the snake venom out! It's one of the seven trials! 156 00:08:47,560 --> 00:08:49,560 - Well, anyway, they finally get together, 157 00:08:49,560 --> 00:08:51,000 and it's really satisfying. 158 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,880 - They're two heterosexual men. 159 00:08:53,880 --> 00:08:56,440 Besides which, Carter died in the series six finale. 160 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,040 - Yeah, and that was another mistake. 161 00:08:58,040 --> 00:09:00,080 Gavin's brought him back. Just read it, please. 162 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:01,120 - I can't read it. 163 00:09:01,120 --> 00:09:03,320 My agent would never allow it. 164 00:09:03,320 --> 00:09:05,680 - Well...it's funny you should say that, 165 00:09:05,680 --> 00:09:08,360 cos she's actually on her way over to have a meeting about it. 166 00:09:08,360 --> 00:09:10,960 And, contrary to what you might think, she sounded really keen. 167 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:12,960 - What do you mean, she's on her way over?! 168 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:15,760 - Please don't be mad, but I used your phone when you were in the shower. 169 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:18,000 - What?! - Just thought it was worth putting in a call 170 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:19,400 and sounding her out about it. 171 00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:22,240 She loves the idea, and she's delighted you've relented. 172 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:26,480 - I haven't relented! This is just a fantasy world, Simon. 173 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:28,920 I think you should go! - Well, I...I can't go. 174 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:31,120 I said I'd stay here and take notes at the meeting. 175 00:09:31,120 --> 00:09:32,840 - There isn't going to be a meeting. 176 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:34,560 - But what about my podcast? 177 00:09:34,560 --> 00:09:37,200 - I'm not going to do your stupid fucking podcast. 178 00:09:37,200 --> 00:09:40,440 Do you know how many times a week I get asked to do podcasts? - No. 179 00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:42,440 - Well, let me tell you, it's a lot! 180 00:09:42,440 --> 00:09:44,400 And it gives me great pleasure to say "no" 181 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:46,240 to every single one of them. 182 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:55,120 - Oh, well, I'm sorry. 183 00:09:55,120 --> 00:09:58,840 At least I've got some video footage of you from last night. 184 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:00,760 Maybe I could put that up instead. 185 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:04,200 - ENTRYPHONE BUZZES 186 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:10,120 - Come up. 187 00:10:10,120 --> 00:10:11,920 - DOOR BUZZER 188 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:16,040 Was that a threat? 189 00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:17,640 Are you threatening me? 190 00:10:19,720 --> 00:10:21,480 I deleted that footage, remember? 191 00:10:23,200 --> 00:10:25,560 - From the phone. 192 00:10:25,560 --> 00:10:27,200 It's still in the Cloud. 193 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:32,200 Don't look at me like that, Spencer. 194 00:10:32,200 --> 00:10:33,960 I'm on your side, remember? 195 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:38,960 - DOORBELL RINGS 196 00:10:43,400 --> 00:10:45,200 - Hello. Loretta Lamb. 197 00:10:45,200 --> 00:10:47,080 You must be Simon. - That's right, yes. 198 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:48,440 Lovely to meet you at last. 199 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:52,040 - I've been telling Spencer for ages to get himself a PA. 200 00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:54,440 Hello, darling! Mwah! Mwah! 201 00:10:54,440 --> 00:10:56,080 What a lovely surprise! 202 00:10:57,080 --> 00:10:59,320 Sorry about the awards last night. 203 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:01,640 It's all meaningless, as you know. 204 00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:03,400 Except when one of my clients wins - 205 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:06,280 in which case, it's absolutely the right decision. 206 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:07,560 Did you have a late night? 207 00:11:07,560 --> 00:11:09,720 - Er, no, no, I-I just came straight back home. 208 00:11:09,720 --> 00:11:11,440 - Eddie said he saw you at your club. 209 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:13,560 - Well, I had a swift one, obviously, but... 210 00:11:13,560 --> 00:11:15,680 - He wanted to be fresh for today's meeting. 211 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:19,440 It's exciting, isn't it? - Yes. 212 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:21,840 I have to say, I'm very shocked. 213 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,560 Why the U-turn? 214 00:11:23,560 --> 00:11:26,560 You said you'd rather cut your own dick off and sit in vinegar 215 00:11:26,560 --> 00:11:28,360 than go back to Ninth Circle. 216 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:29,960 - Did you really say that? 217 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:32,600 - Well, I've been working on this show for 12 years. 218 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:35,400 - Which is why I'm so surprised you wanted to bring it back! 219 00:11:35,400 --> 00:11:37,520 I thought you wanted to have a crack at something 220 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:39,000 a bit more Jimmy McGovern-y. 221 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:41,520 You know, all that yearning and Universal Credit. 222 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:44,280 Something to dampen the gussets of the awards panels. 223 00:11:44,280 --> 00:11:45,960 - Oh, sounds a bit grim. 224 00:11:45,960 --> 00:11:48,960 I think doing a proper ending for Ninth Circle is much more appealing, 225 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:50,320 wouldn't you say, Spence? 226 00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:52,520 - Well, I certainly don't want to rush into anything. 227 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:54,480 I just want to know what my options are. 228 00:11:54,480 --> 00:11:58,280 - Well, the good news is, I put in a quick call to Mitch at AMC, 229 00:11:58,280 --> 00:11:59,920 and he's thrilled with the idea. 230 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:02,120 - And the fans would be very excited, I'm sure. 231 00:12:02,120 --> 00:12:03,880 - I wouldn't be doing it for the fans. 232 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:06,240 I'd be doing it for my own personal reasons. 233 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:09,360 - Which is exactly as it should be. 234 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:12,520 So, can I tell them any details? Is there an outline? 235 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:13,800 What stage are we at? 236 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:15,240 - We have an outline. 237 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:17,240 Some very exciting plot developments. 238 00:12:17,240 --> 00:12:20,680 Characters doing things they should've done in the first place. 239 00:12:20,680 --> 00:12:22,080 - Just so I've got this right, 240 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:23,480 would this be a replacement 241 00:12:23,480 --> 00:12:25,800 for the controversial series seven finale? 242 00:12:25,800 --> 00:12:27,200 - No. - Yes. 243 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:29,120 Well... - Yes and no. 244 00:12:29,120 --> 00:12:31,120 I haven't really thought it through yet. 245 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:32,920 - 'Course you have! Don't be so modest. 246 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:34,560 To give you an example, Loretta, 247 00:12:34,560 --> 00:12:37,440 erm, guess who lights the Flame of Aurora? 248 00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:40,280 - Oh, I've no idea, darling. I haven't seen it. 249 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:42,760 All that Dungeons & Dragons stuff leaves me cold. 250 00:12:42,760 --> 00:12:45,720 - It's not Dungeons & Dragons! - Well, you know what I mean. 251 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:48,520 - Well, anyway, it's Calculus. 252 00:12:48,520 --> 00:12:50,200 - Calculus?! - Yeah. 253 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:51,600 - Calculus is a baby! 254 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:54,000 - Yeah, he crawls towards it and takes it in his little fist. 255 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:55,640 The whole thing is inadvertent. 256 00:12:55,640 --> 00:12:57,400 - The whole thing is fucking stupid. 257 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:01,000 QUIETLY: - It's not stupid. It's the way it should be. 258 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:04,320 The previous ending was all Dante's dream. 259 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:07,120 That's how we're squaring it. - Oh! Like Dallas. 260 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:08,520 - I'll get you some biscuits. 261 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:16,040 - Well, I'm so pleased you've changed your mind, Spencer. 262 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:19,560 I didn't want to say anything at the time, but the original script 263 00:13:19,560 --> 00:13:21,680 was hated by pretty much everyone. 264 00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:23,640 - Everyone? - Mm. 265 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:26,480 The actors hated it, the execs hated it. 266 00:13:26,480 --> 00:13:28,240 Even the caterers hated it - 267 00:13:28,240 --> 00:13:30,600 and half of them can't even read. 268 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:33,200 - Well, that's nice to hear, coming from my own agent. 269 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:37,200 - Oh, come on. You know it's my job to shield you from anything harmful. 270 00:13:37,200 --> 00:13:39,080 - And that's my job, too. 271 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:42,400 So, Loretta, when do you think we should get the announcement out? 272 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:44,720 - Wait, wait! This is all moving too fast. 273 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:47,640 - It's just that I know someone that runs one of the fan sites, 274 00:13:47,640 --> 00:13:49,800 and I'm sure he would be willing to help out. 275 00:13:49,800 --> 00:13:51,760 Maybe we could announce it on his podcast? 276 00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:54,640 - Oh, let's not dredge that up again. - Why, Spencer? 277 00:13:54,640 --> 00:13:56,280 What would you rather dredge up? 278 00:13:58,240 --> 00:14:01,280 - I just mean, isn't it a bit cart before horse? 279 00:14:01,280 --> 00:14:03,520 - I don't think so. And I don't know if Spencer mentioned 280 00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:05,320 about a co-writing credit? 281 00:14:05,320 --> 00:14:07,440 - No, news to me. 282 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:08,880 Spencer? 283 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:12,320 - Yes. 284 00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:14,680 Simon's going to help me out with this project. 285 00:14:15,720 --> 00:14:19,600 As a fan, he understands the Ninth Circle better than I do. 286 00:14:19,600 --> 00:14:20,760 - Yeah. 287 00:14:20,760 --> 00:14:23,000 I know where all the bodies are buried. 288 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:24,800 - THEY CHUCKLE 289 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:31,360 - So, welcome back to this incredible episode of Circum Venting, 290 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:33,000 with me, Simon Smethurst, 291 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:36,320 and my very, very special guest, Spencer McGuire! 292 00:14:36,320 --> 00:14:39,040 So, Spence, I have been digging through 293 00:14:39,040 --> 00:14:43,000 some of the old message boards from the series finale last year. 294 00:14:43,000 --> 00:14:46,040 Palehorse92 said, "They ruined my show." 295 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:49,640 Er, "The writing was terrible from season four onwards." 296 00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:51,320 That's from Bruiserfan. 297 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:53,520 "I normally like McGuire's scripts, 298 00:14:53,520 --> 00:14:56,480 "but this really was a piece of ship." 299 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:58,800 What do you think he means by that? 300 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:01,240 - I think he means "a piece of shit". 301 00:15:01,240 --> 00:15:02,800 - Oh, yeah. 302 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:04,840 Yeah, that would make more sense. 303 00:15:04,840 --> 00:15:08,760 Er, how does it feel, Spencer, when you hear comments like that? 304 00:15:08,760 --> 00:15:11,880 Because presumably, you didn't set out to write a terrible ending? 305 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:13,800 - No, I certainly didn't. 306 00:15:13,800 --> 00:15:16,360 We planned for a long time for the denouement, 307 00:15:16,360 --> 00:15:19,520 and aimed for something that would be true to the show's ethos, 308 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:20,920 but would also be surprising. 309 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:24,000 - But you do accept now that you failed to do that? - Not necessarily. 310 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:25,640 I always trust my own instincts - 311 00:15:25,640 --> 00:15:28,080 cos, without those, as a writer, where would I be? 312 00:15:28,080 --> 00:15:30,920 - Well, maybe higher than a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 313 00:15:30,920 --> 00:15:33,600 - I don't write for the people who vote in online polls. 314 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:35,200 - Oh, so who do you write for? 315 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:36,720 - For myself, primarily. 316 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:39,200 - Right, so you were pleased with the last episode? 317 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:42,120 - Yes. And we got a five-star review in the Sydney Morning Herald, 318 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:43,360 so I wasn't the only one. 319 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:46,200 - So, you listen to the good reviews, just not the bad ones? 320 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,160 - No, I...try to keep an open mind. 321 00:15:49,160 --> 00:15:51,760 - Right, well, where I think you've been very, very brave is 322 00:15:51,760 --> 00:15:54,160 you haven't just shut yourself off and said you know best. 323 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:56,960 You've listened to the fans and you've taken on board our opinions. 324 00:15:56,960 --> 00:15:59,160 Because I know, with this new episode, you want it to be 325 00:15:59,160 --> 00:16:01,760 a collaboration with the fandom, don't you? 326 00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:04,080 - Yes. The show started out as an authored work, 327 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:07,880 a singular vision that I created after many years of experience 328 00:16:07,880 --> 00:16:09,160 in the industry. 329 00:16:09,160 --> 00:16:12,600 And, now, it's become a property that everyone is invested in, 330 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:15,400 and it exists purely to be pulled in whatever direction 331 00:16:15,400 --> 00:16:17,280 the viewers decide. - Correct! 332 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:20,160 Speaking of which, here's a question that just popped into my head. 333 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:23,120 Would you ever consider running a competition to give a fan 334 00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:24,960 a part in the new episode? 335 00:16:24,960 --> 00:16:26,760 - Are you fucking serious? 336 00:16:26,760 --> 00:16:28,640 - Oh, we're going to have to bleep that. Sorry. 337 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:31,280 - Of course not! - But why? 338 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:34,080 - Well, because...they'd have to be able to act, for a start. 339 00:16:34,080 --> 00:16:35,560 - Well, that's not hard, is it? 340 00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:37,920 - GRUFFLY: - "My family have been wronged, Dante. 341 00:16:37,920 --> 00:16:39,520 "Is this nothing? 342 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:41,240 "You call this nothing?! 343 00:16:41,240 --> 00:16:44,160 "For three winters now, our fields have remained fallow. 344 00:16:44,160 --> 00:16:48,840 "And so I ask you - nay, I demand - where is your justice now?" 345 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:51,440 And the first person to tweet me what episode that's from 346 00:16:51,440 --> 00:16:53,760 will get a Circum Venting badge and a wordsearch. 347 00:16:53,760 --> 00:16:57,280 - No. I don't think it's right to be auctioning off parts for fans. 348 00:16:57,280 --> 00:17:00,640 - And, yet, there is a role, in the new episode, of the Baron, 349 00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,120 who turns against his brother, kills him and, straight away, 350 00:17:03,120 --> 00:17:05,920 seduces his brother's wife - without giving away too many spoilers. 351 00:17:05,920 --> 00:17:07,560 - Oh, of course, you wouldn't want to do that. 352 00:17:07,560 --> 00:17:10,520 - And, when I read it, you know who I immediately visualised in that part? 353 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:12,280 - Who? - Me. 354 00:17:12,280 --> 00:17:13,760 - Are you joking? 355 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:15,840 - No. The way he manipulates the situation 356 00:17:15,840 --> 00:17:17,520 to get whatever he wants... 357 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:20,040 You don't think that's something I'd be good at? 358 00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:22,200 - We only use professional actors. 359 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:23,720 - Well, let's ask the Circlers. 360 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:25,600 Write in, let me know in the comments, 361 00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:27,080 and I'm going to set up a poll! 362 00:17:27,080 --> 00:17:30,560 Should Simon be allowed to star in the new episode, 363 00:17:30,560 --> 00:17:32,160 as well as co-writing it? 364 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:34,880 Get voting, guys. It's our show now! 365 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:55,800 I just think you've let yourself down in these last few pages. 366 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:57,200 - OK, fuck it! Get rid of it... 367 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:01,040 "...my family, Carter. Things will change on my return. 368 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:02,640 "Carter stands in his tent..." 369 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:05,200 - And the results are in, guys. 370 00:18:05,200 --> 00:18:06,600 And you will not believe it. 371 00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:09,640 87% of you said "yes", they want to see me audition 372 00:18:09,640 --> 00:18:10,920 for the part of the Baron! 373 00:18:10,920 --> 00:18:14,000 I'm so pleased, and thank you so much for all of your thoughts. 374 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:16,040 I am going to be absolutely brilliant in the part, 375 00:18:16,040 --> 00:18:17,920 and I'm sure Spencer's going to be... 376 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:19,920 - MUSIC DROWNS OUT SPEECH 377 00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:31,760 HE SIGHS 378 00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:36,480 ENTRYPHONE BUZZES 379 00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:41,200 IMITATES SIMON: "Hi, Spencer, I forgot my key." 380 00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:45,800 - Is this Mr McGuire? 381 00:18:47,200 --> 00:18:48,240 - Yes. 382 00:18:48,240 --> 00:18:50,680 - Sorry to disturb you. We met on the awards night? 383 00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:52,200 My name's Gavin. 384 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:56,640 - DOOR BUZZER 385 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:01,560 - Thing is, Mr McGuire, it was all Simon's idea. 386 00:19:01,560 --> 00:19:03,520 He can be very persuasive. 387 00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:05,720 I just wanted you to read my stories, but he just said 388 00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:07,600 you'd throw them away and never look at 'em. 389 00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:08,760 - That's probably true. 390 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:11,000 - Had some fake blood left over from when we did 391 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:12,520 The Walking Dead at Comic-Con. 392 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:14,360 Can't believe you didn't see me breathing. 393 00:19:14,360 --> 00:19:15,840 You must've been very drunk. 394 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:19,240 - QUIETLY: - Sorry. I'm so nervous. 395 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:21,240 I'm such a big fan. 396 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:23,680 I've brought some things for you to sign, if you don't mind? 397 00:19:23,680 --> 00:19:26,160 - Yes, of course. I just need to make one phone call. 398 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:33,360 - I've got a nice big silver pen for this, if you don't mind. 399 00:19:33,360 --> 00:19:35,160 - Can I speak to Loretta, please? 400 00:19:36,760 --> 00:19:39,440 - I can't believe you're going to be making my episode! 401 00:19:39,440 --> 00:19:41,720 - It's Spencer McGuire. 402 00:19:41,720 --> 00:19:43,160 Yes, I'll hold. 403 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:45,600 - You know, something I always wanted to ask you, Mr McGuire, 404 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:48,320 if you don't mind? You know when Carter emerges from the swamp 405 00:19:48,320 --> 00:19:51,560 in season one episode four, and he looks up at the fruit - 406 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:52,920 what was he thinking then? 407 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:56,040 - I don't fucking know. It was ten years ago. 408 00:19:56,040 --> 00:19:58,440 DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES 409 00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:04,440 - What's going on? 410 00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:06,840 - Simon! This is Gavin. 411 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:08,880 I believe you two know each other? 412 00:20:08,880 --> 00:20:11,840 - Er... - Like Carter, he seems to have come back from the dead. 413 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:16,000 - What are you doing here, Gavin? You've ruined everything. 414 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:17,480 Couldn't help yourself, could you? 415 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:20,440 - You said I'd be able to have access to him. - I said "eventually"! 416 00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:21,800 - I want some time with Mr McGuire. 417 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:24,560 It's not fair, you having him all to yourself - that wasn't the plan. 418 00:20:24,560 --> 00:20:26,400 - Of course it was! You're supposed to be dead! 419 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:29,160 - Ah, Loretta, can you give me a call back as soon as possible, please? 420 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:31,000 Something urgent I have to discuss with you. 421 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:32,680 - I was waiting for him to sign a contract 422 00:20:32,680 --> 00:20:34,280 so he couldn't back out of it, dummy! 423 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:36,760 - Yeah, all the while living with him and doing podcasts with him! 424 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:38,640 Set yourself up as the queen bee of the fandom! 425 00:20:38,640 --> 00:20:41,560 - I've got an actual relationship with him, not some sort of fantasy world 426 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:44,480 that's all made up! I'm his equal. He respects me. Don't you, Spencer? 427 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:47,280 - He doesn't know you! Did you tell him you have Photoshopped pictures 428 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,640 of him with no clothes on? - They were DMed to you in private. 429 00:20:49,640 --> 00:20:53,200 It was not for a public forum! - All right, that's enough. 430 00:20:53,200 --> 00:20:55,080 Now, I don't want to press charges, 431 00:20:55,080 --> 00:20:58,880 but, unless you leave my property now, I will go to the police. 432 00:20:58,880 --> 00:21:00,840 - Spencer...the project. 433 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:01,880 - SPENCER SCOFFS 434 00:21:01,880 --> 00:21:04,280 What, did you really think I'd revisit my own work 435 00:21:04,280 --> 00:21:06,120 and overwrite it with this dogshit? 436 00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:11,120 - I thought you liked it. 437 00:21:11,120 --> 00:21:13,640 - Well, I had to say that, didn't I? 438 00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:16,040 But you've got nothing over me now. 439 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:20,080 I'm not writing any more Ninth Circle. Why would I? 440 00:21:20,080 --> 00:21:23,160 - Because, for some people, it's more than just a TV show. 441 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:25,040 We only want to celebrate what you do. 442 00:21:25,040 --> 00:21:27,040 - Oh, get out! 443 00:21:27,040 --> 00:21:29,560 - You should be flattered that we care so much. 444 00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:32,600 Think you would've had seven seasons without a big fanbase? 445 00:21:32,600 --> 00:21:35,520 - Oh, so suddenly you're the reason for my success, are you? 446 00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:37,240 - Well, in part, yes. 447 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:41,520 We're the ones who spend all our money on DVDs and merchandise. 448 00:21:41,520 --> 00:21:44,320 We're the ones who go to the conventions and pay, what, 60 quid 449 00:21:44,320 --> 00:21:45,760 for a selfie with Michael Maloney, 450 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:47,760 because he was an advocate in season one. 451 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:49,720 We do it because we care. 452 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,920 We're a community of loyal friends that love each other very much. 453 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:55,440 And if you can't see that, Mr McGuire, then... 454 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:56,480 ..I pity you. 455 00:21:58,040 --> 00:21:59,400 Come on, Simon. 456 00:22:12,240 --> 00:22:14,120 - GAVIN CRIES OUT 457 00:22:14,120 --> 00:22:15,160 HE GROANS 458 00:22:18,840 --> 00:22:20,680 - How dare you! 459 00:22:20,680 --> 00:22:22,320 You call yourself a fan? 460 00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:27,600 What gives you the right to question this great man's integrity?! 461 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:30,560 To think that this beautiful thing that he has created 462 00:22:30,560 --> 00:22:33,560 has become the sickening glue, 463 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:39,160 the catnip, the flame that has drawn you insects together! 464 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:41,160 Like a nest of wasps in an attic, 465 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:44,080 it's given you a misplaced sense of agency. 466 00:22:44,080 --> 00:22:46,080 There may be a lot of you, 467 00:22:46,080 --> 00:22:48,080 but you don't have a voice. 468 00:22:48,080 --> 00:22:49,600 You don't! 469 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:51,080 You're just pests. 470 00:22:53,120 --> 00:22:55,400 You're pests who need fumigating! 471 00:22:55,400 --> 00:22:56,440 - BLOW LANDS 472 00:22:56,440 --> 00:22:57,760 GAVIN CRIES OUT 473 00:23:09,800 --> 00:23:12,600 Simon... 474 00:23:12,600 --> 00:23:14,120 ..what have you done? 475 00:23:15,680 --> 00:23:17,800 - You said yourself - I had nothing over you. 476 00:23:19,640 --> 00:23:21,800 Well, now I have. 477 00:23:21,800 --> 00:23:23,200 - Wh-What are you talking about? 478 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:25,040 - Think about it. 479 00:23:25,040 --> 00:23:28,280 You've just delivered a draft script that you've stolen from a fan. 480 00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:30,760 The fan finds out about it, comes to confront you... 481 00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:33,440 ..and you've killed him to shut him up. - No... 482 00:23:33,440 --> 00:23:36,320 No, I'm going to call the police. I'm going to tell them the truth. 483 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:38,160 - You make up stories for a living. 484 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:42,600 I've got the video footage of you fighting with Gavin 485 00:23:42,600 --> 00:23:43,720 and pushing him down. 486 00:23:43,720 --> 00:23:45,840 I've got the notebook in his handwriting. 487 00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:47,720 His fingerprints all over the place. 488 00:23:48,920 --> 00:23:50,680 It doesn't look good, does it? 489 00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:54,400 Come on, Spencer. 490 00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:56,040 You've already killed him once. 491 00:23:58,040 --> 00:24:00,080 This just makes it more believable. 492 00:24:03,200 --> 00:24:06,440 I really don't want to send you to prison. 493 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:07,840 But I would. 494 00:24:10,920 --> 00:24:12,920 I just want us to be together. 495 00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:23,000 You know it's the only option, Spencer. 496 00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:27,440 Some things just feel right. 497 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:46,800 You make yourself comfortable. 498 00:25:04,080 --> 00:25:06,240 Don't want him looking at us, do we? 499 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:23,400 You see... 500 00:25:23,400 --> 00:25:25,080 ...together, we're stronger. 501 00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:29,720 We can rule this kingdom forever... 502 00:25:29,720 --> 00:25:31,480 ..and ever... 503 00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:32,880 ..and ever. 504 00:25:38,760 --> 00:25:41,000 - MUFFLED CRIES 505 00:26:53,200 --> 00:26:54,680 TAP RUNS 506 00:27:01,200 --> 00:27:03,000 TAP TURNS OFF 507 00:27:05,880 --> 00:27:08,200 - Sorry about the mess. 508 00:27:08,200 --> 00:27:09,720 I hope it doesn't stain. 509 00:27:10,800 --> 00:27:13,760 - So, how did he get on? - Did he get it? 510 00:27:13,760 --> 00:27:15,040 - Get what? 511 00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:18,200 - The audition! 512 00:27:18,200 --> 00:27:20,640 Killing me, seducing you... 513 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:22,280 It's the Baron's story arc. 514 00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:26,000 He said you didn't think he was right for the part, 515 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:27,480 so he wanted to persuade you. 516 00:27:27,480 --> 00:27:29,360 I'm sorry for lying. 517 00:27:29,360 --> 00:27:30,840 - Oh, God! 518 00:27:30,840 --> 00:27:33,720 - Did you like the big speech about the insects? 519 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:35,280 I wrote that. 520 00:27:35,280 --> 00:27:38,400 - Yes, it was very convincing. 521 00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:41,640 - Before he comes back, can I get you to sign those things now? 522 00:27:41,640 --> 00:27:45,720 Oh...I'm so excited to be working with you, Mr McGuire. 523 00:27:45,720 --> 00:27:47,800 I think we're going to make a great partnership. 524 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:49,280 Your stories are fantastic, 525 00:27:49,280 --> 00:27:51,600 but I always felt your dialogue was a bit weak. 526 00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:54,160 That's...that's... 527 00:27:54,160 --> 00:27:56,440 - MUSIC DROWNS OUT SPEECH 528 00:27:56,440 --> 00:27:58,040 - Can you make this one out to...? 529 00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:02,840 - THUD 530 00:28:02,840 --> 00:28:05,400 LORETTA: - Five-star reviews across the board. 531 00:28:05,400 --> 00:28:10,000 The Guardian says, "This has rejuvenated McGuire's career." 532 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:13,400 Variety say, "Finally, we get the ending we deserved." 533 00:28:13,400 --> 00:28:15,680 It's a triumph, darling. - Good! 534 00:28:15,680 --> 00:28:17,760 - Now, I spoke to Mitch last night, 535 00:28:17,760 --> 00:28:20,680 and he doesn't want to give you another series. 536 00:28:20,680 --> 00:28:21,920 - Really? - No. 537 00:28:21,920 --> 00:28:23,800 He wants to give you two more series! 538 00:28:23,800 --> 00:28:26,000 That takes us on to season nine. 539 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:28,040 I hope you've got plenty of ideas. 540 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:30,720 - Oh, I'm sure I'll be able to think of something. 541 00:28:30,720 --> 00:28:31,920 - Jolly good. 542 00:28:31,920 --> 00:28:33,280 And If you want any help, 543 00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:36,320 there's plenty of young writers out there who'd be happy being paid 544 00:28:36,320 --> 00:28:37,760 peanuts just to work with you. 545 00:28:37,760 --> 00:28:39,680 - Well, why pay them at all? 546 00:28:39,680 --> 00:28:41,200 I can always steal their ideas 547 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:43,400 and then dump them in the Thames. 548 00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:45,480 SHE CHUCKLES 549 00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:45,480 - You are funny! 550 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:47,920 Well, I'll let you get on and enjoy your morning. 551 00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:49,920 Oh, and one last thing. 552 00:28:49,920 --> 00:28:52,600 Did you have a short quote to give me for the press release? 553 00:28:52,600 --> 00:28:54,000 One line will do. 554 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:55,480 - Just say, "I did it... 555 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:00,000 "I did it for the fans."