A thriller about a religious cult, Save Me.
(All organizations, locations, religions, and characters...)
(in this drama are fictitious.)
I saw Sang Mi.
(Episode 8)
I think she's in big trouble.
I ran into her after three years,
and she asked me...
to save her.
She asked me,
not anyone else.
I know...
that I hurt...
you and her.
This time,
I won't run away.
I want to save her...
before it's too late.
Sang Mi.
Do you know how startled I was earlier?
How dare you touch Spiritual Father?
What are you going to do if you get into trouble?
What about me?
Do you even care about the fact that I got hurt too?
Of course, I do. I'm worried about you too.
- But Sang Mi... - He has abilities, doesn't he?
You said he can touch fire and cure diseases as a savior.
What's the problem then?
He only shed a drop of blood.
What's the big deal about it?
I'm just worried that Almighty might punish you.
- Dad. - Yes?
I remember you...
as a loving and caring dad.
I hope those memories won't disappear.
Mom has been sick, but I was able to withstand it...
only because I still remember you at that time.
But...
whenever I see you changing like this,
I'm scared that those memories will disappear.
So please.
For my sake,
stop pushing me into something strange, okay?
Please.
I beg you to stop.
Sang Mi.
I'm doing this because I love you, and I worry about you.
If you...
can be saved by becoming Spiritual Mother,
I will do anything.
Dad.
Mom, can you hear me?
It's your son, Sang Hwan.
I got into a college in Seoul.
If you had seen me, you would've said you're proud of me.
It must've been boring for you to keep listening to the same thing.
Mom.
There is a girl that I used to like.
She moved here from Seoul when we were in high school.
I fell in love with her at first sight.
But...
when she asked me to help her,
do you know what I did?
I ran away.
Well...
I don't know...
what she's doing now,
or...
why she asked me to save her.
I don't know that,
but I can't...
stop worrying about her.
Gosh, Joon Gu.
It's been a long time.
How is your work going?
This is a small town. It's the same.
- What is it? Is it broken? - No.
What is it then?
Can you let someone work here?
Who?
Who else? It's me.
Gosh, why would you work at a place like this?
What's the problem? Is it because I'm an ex-convict?
No, that's not what I meant.
Oh, hello.
Hey. You're Man Hee, right? Gosh, look at you.
You've put on so much weight.
- Don't say that. - It's good to see you.
The thing is, the pay is low. It's a tough job.
I just need enough to sustain myself. What shall I start with?
Do you go to church?
What? Oh, this.
No, I don't.
There's something I heard from a pastor while I was in jail.
"Only those who have never sinned can hurl stones at me."
Let's say that someone who has sinned threw a stone at me.
Then I'll teach that person a lesson regardless of who he is.
What do you think?
- It has a great meaning. - Yes.
Bring me some work clothes.
(Drivable Distance 346km)
Gosh, it's acting up again.
I should scrap this clunker and get a new car.
Friend.
I must bring luck wherever I go.
I see that we're already getting so many customers.
Joon Gu.
Go inside.
Did you guys bring thugs from other areas just to kill me?
What are you waiting for?
- Whack him! - Go, guys!
Sergeant Woo, there's a fight going on here.
A bunch of thugs are vandalizing my store.
Please get here as soon as possible. Thank you.
Hey, you guys...
You guys aren't punks.
You're in the family. Don't embarrass other thugs.
You little... Come here.
Gosh, I shouldn't have come this way.
Detective Kim, come to the auto shop with a few guys.
There's a big fight going on here.
My goodness.
It looks like even those who beat up people and walk all over others...
go to church these days to be redeemed.
Why is that?
Do you feel like someone will save you if you come here?
Don't just wish for good luck and fortune.
You guys should repent your sins.
Hey.
Did Lee Jin Seok tell you to whack me?
Lee Jin Seok?
There are guys who get in the way of everything...
the governor is trying to do.
He is Mr. Cheon's henchman.
His name is Lee Jin Seok.
Answer me.
Gosh, you jerk. You never even visited me in jail,
and you're trying to stab me now.
Please forgive me this once. I just did what I was told to do.
Right.
I know.
Today...
I won't tell your boss.
I heard that you're hung up there...
to pay for others' sins, not for what you did.
Stop being so stupid.
Come down already.
Can't you thugs fight elsewhere?
Even governmental authorities leave religious facilities alone.
Look at me. I was waiting for you at the door.
You rats.
My gosh, Chief Lee. What brings you here?
How did you hear about the fight?
The owner of the auto shop called us.
I'll take this guy to the station. There's another one inside.
Hang on. This happened within our jurisdiction.
We should take them to the substation first...
Oh, this guy is...
Why? Do you know him?
- Officer Choi. - Yes.
Escort him to Muji Police Station.
Well... Sure.
He got released from jail recently.
He's on our list of ex-offenders to keep an eye on.
Which family does he belong to?
He doesn't even belong anywhere. He's on his own.
I heard he's very weird.
You should be careful.
Don't you know who I am?
I'm Lee Kang Su.
Oh, right.
I heard about your achievements back in your prime.
You're notorious among those who work at the bars and lounges.
Thugs tried to whack him as soon as he got released.
You should be my dog.
Bark, you jerk. Bark all you want.
Look at you.
- Sir. - Yes.
Chief Lee Kang Su would like to meet with you.
He's doing a good job with what I asked him to do, right?
He wants to move back to Seoul, you know.
He'll figure out what's important.
Don't trust him too much though.
Those who betrayed you once will always betray you again.
I'll meet up with him for a meal soon.
Got it, sir. Oh, Senator Park called too.
He must want to talk to me about relocating the terminal.
It was one of his promises,
yet he dumped it on Mr. Cheon.
And now what? Does he want me to clean up his mess?
It was one of Senator Park's promises,
but you can turn it into your achievement, sir.
But for me to deal with that sly old man,
I'll need insurance, don't you think?
Yes, I'll let Chief Lee know.
All right.
- Sir. - Yes?
You left this yesterday.
Ji Hee.
Do you know how precious that watch is to me?
My father, who couldn't even graduate from elementary school,
got that watch when he became a village foreman.
He must've been so proud of it.
He never took it off until he passed away.
He said this one thing...
as he was giving it to me in his final moments.
"You must become successful."
Those were his last words.
You should become the next provincial governor.
Ji Hee.
It looks like you're completely my person now.
You've been here for a while. You should go back to Seoul...
and get ready for the law school.
He's right, Sang Hwan. If you study hard, it'd make your mom happy.
Do you think you're my mom now?
Of course not.
- I respect your mother very much. - Respect?
Are you kidding me right now?
Han Sang Hwan. Why are you being so rude to Ms. Lee?
Dad. Do you know how lonely Mom is right now?
Of course, I do.
Are you going to keep breaking my heart?
Sang Hwan. I think you misunderstood us.
I'm just helping him as his assistant...
Look.
Do you still see me as a kid?
If you touch my mom with those filthy hands again,
I won't just let it slide.
Detective.
You scratched that car.
We know you did.
- You two beat him up, right? - That's not what happened.
Let me explain.
- Chief. - What's the conclusion?
It was a self-defense.
Those thugs hit him first.
The owner of the auto repair shop says the same thing,
and the security camera recorded it.
What about the thing I asked you about?
Oh, as soon as he was released, he went to see the nightclub owner,
Lee Jin Seok of Bull Gang.
They had a big fight, and Lee Jin Seok was crushed by him.
Did something happen between them?
Lee Jin Seok was under the charge of attempted murder nine years ago.
That guy said he did it, and he went to jail instead of Jin Seok.
It looks like Jin Seok abandoned him and betrayed him...
after that.
I got it. Go out and deal with the ones we arrested.
Yes, sir.
You want to destroy Lee Jin Seok, right?
You see, I'm a detective.
What do detectives do?
You had something unfair happen to you,
and I can make it right. That's what detectives do, right?
My gosh.
What kind of nonsense are you trying to tell me?
You need strength for sure,
but you need to use your brain from time to time.
I'm saying I will be your brain.
Even if you keep doing this,
Lee Jin Seok won't go down.
Why? He has a powerful boss who is watching his back.
You know this, don't you?
What are you saying?
Are you saying you will back me up?
Would I be enough for you?
Do you know who the boss of everyone in Muji-gun is?
Wisely choose whom you'll work for,
so both of us...
can survive.
Let's eat something. Do you like tough beef soup?
Everyone in Muji-gun...
likes tough beef soup.
Gosh, that's good.
This is why I like Muji-gun.
It's full of love and passion.
Let's go.
Hey, I said no. I'll get into trouble if I get caught.
Come on, we're friends. Don't be petty.
It's something I can't do. We're not even that close.
My gosh. Hey.
He has ordered food from your restaurant countless times.
Is this how you treat your VVIP customer?
If you keep doing this, I will make a campaign about...
the hair we found in your food the other day.
It's a complaint, not a campaign.
- Complaint. - Complaint.
Sang Hwan, what are you up to?
We need to hide someone and run away.
You're not trying to kidnap someone, are you?
Hey, what are you talking about?
You're right. It's kidnapping.
- What? - What?
We're not the kidnappers.
We're trying to save someone who has been kidnapped.
That's right.
Listen. Please help us out this once. Come on.
What are you all saying?
How will I deliver food then?
There.
Take your pick. We have a white one and a black one.
(Kim Bo Eun)
- Our wishes will be fulfilled. - Excuse me.
Have you seen my mom who is staying in this room?
- Ms. Kim Bo Eun? - Yes.
She told the nurses that she'd like to go and pray.
I see. Thank you.
Wait.
I heard a rumor that you will become Spiritual Mother.
Is it true?
Do you even know what Spiritual Mother is?
She's the mother of all spirits,
isn't she?
Why did you come here?
Because I want to be saved and go to the paradise, of course.
Leave while you can.
- I'm sorry? - If you can't leave, run away.
If you stay here, both your body and soul will die.
Why aren't you leaving then?
Our wishes will be fulfilled.
Soo Ri. What are you doing here?
She asked me where the patient is.
Didn't you hear what Apostle Kang said?
You can't casually talk to Sang Mi from now on.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
If you're done here,
go to Room 303, and help the patients bathe.
- Room 304? Okay. - It's Room 303.
She doesn't know anything because she's from Seoul.
Sang Mi.
You still have soft hair like a baby.
- Help me! - They scream...
from time to time.
Almighty.
Help me.
- I love you, Almighty. - Almighty.
Please be here with me.
(Grapevine)
Mom.
My daughter, it's you.
What brings you here, Sang Mi?
What on earth are you trying to do now?
Be respectful, will you?
You know that I'm an apostle.
Apostle Jo Wan Tae.
If you...
laid a finger on my mom,
I'll be sure to kill you.
How scary.
Your eyes look so spiteful right now.
Sang Mi, I've seen many people with those eyes.
They didn't even have a chance to make eye contact with me though.
Do you know why?
Because I killed them first.
Do you think I'm lying right now?
Do you?
Earlier today,
Apostle Jo told me about playing soccer with Sang Jin.
It was such a funny story.
You should've heard it too.
It's true, right?
Sang Jin really scored a goal, right?
Mom, Sang Jin is...
Of course.
He's so good at soccer.
He's so skilled.
What are you doing now?
Three years have passed,
yet you still have downy hair like a baby.
Right.
You'll become Spiritual Father's new bride.
I should keep you safe.
Aren't I right, Ms. Kim?
Yes.
Please take good care of Sang Jin and Sang Mi.
Gosh, have you forgotten who I am?
I'm the manager of Guseonwon and an apostle.
Have a good time with your mother.
Sang Mi, what's the matter? Are you feeling sick?
Are you?
Mom.
Let's get you out of here.
Sang Jin also wants you...
to stay at a sanitarium instead of here.
Did he really say that?
Yes.
Then I should go.
Both of my twins don't want me to stay here,
so I should leave.
Right, Sang Mi?
Yes.
Let's go.
Okay.
(Almighty is our savior. Almighty, please bless us.)
"I am..."
"showing this as proof to be redeemed from my sins."
"My faith allowed me to become a new person..."
"and meet Almighty."
"This is paradise and Almighty's revelation."
Almighty, please don't abandon me.
Please don't desert me...
Please forgive and save me.
Please look over me.
Gosh, when will they leave? I hope it's soon.
Are you sure they'll come out? What if we're wasting our time?
Just wait. They go to pray at the break of dawn.
Did you see that?
Yes, I can see too.
- Let's go. - Let's go.
My gosh, what is this place? It looks like a castle.
Sang Hwan, we can't sneak in by climbing over that fence.
I'm out.
Well, I'm sure there's another entrance.
Almighty's message of salvation...
completely gets rid of our spiritual thirst...
because his grace quenches us from within.
- We believe it! - We believe it!
Our wishes will be fulfilled!
Come to me, and I'll relieve your thirst!
- We believe it! - We believe it!
Those who believe me will be saved and be eternally free from thirst.
- We believe it! - We believe it!
What are you doing now?
You have to pray.
What do I have to pray for?
Pray so that you can get rid of that bad attitude!
They're coming out. Over there.
This must be it.
It looks like this place is their home ground.
What's that on their faces?
Everyone.
Almighty's blessings are with you.
- We believe it! - We believe it!
It's obviously a cult.
Let's wait a few more minutes.
Let's pray once more.
- We believe it! - We believe it!
- Let's get closer. - All right.
Oh, hold on a second.
Will you do a live broadcast again?
I should record inside of the building and the leader's face.
My gosh, do you see him?
That man with blond hair. I bet he's the leader of this cult.
He totally looks like a con artist.
Hey, it's her. It's that girl.
Darn it.
Hey.
How's your hand?
Is your scar gone?
It's not a big deal. More importantly,
you are our holy spirit.
I'm so sorry for what she did to you.
All scars will heal with time.
That's equal to patience.
Sang Mi, you and your father...
have been patiently waiting for a long time now.
What do you think all of that was for?
It was obviously for...
your mother and brother.
My wish is to...
help you receive salvation.
Yes.
If you start to obey our Almighty like this,
he shall exist inside you...
with an undying happiness.
Our wishes will be fulfilled. I believe it.
You did the exact same thing back then.
You...
put your hand on me and my brother's shoulders.
Then you pretentiously acted as if you were a true pastor.
Sang Mi.
I'm not a fake pastor.
The fake pastors are the ones who dwell in the world of evil.
I'm not going to give up no matter how much you threaten me.
I'm going to...
reveal how dirty and disgusting this place is...
to the world no matter what.
Okay.
I too shall never give up on you...
regardless of how hard the devil tries to...
take you away from our Almighty.
Our wishes will be fulfilled.
My gosh, that scared me.
Did you see the look in his eyes? My gosh.
I knew that would happen because of your live show.
I'm sorry.
Do you think he saw us?
I don't think so. We were quite far away.
Hey, isn't he the cult leader?
- Yes, it's him. He has yellow hair. - Let's get in.
Let's go. Come on. Hurry.
What are you doing? Let's go.
Sang Hwan, don't go. Stop it. Sang Hwan.
You guys are...
the young men who once got into an accident...
with my apostles, right?
Are you the leader of this cult?
"The leader of this cult"?
I'm just a pastor.
What's your purpose?
My gosh, that was a bit too straightforward.
What purpose?
I'm asking what your purpose is.
I'm going to go to paradise...
with everyone who's seeking to receive salvation.
So you're saying that...
you're going to go all the way, right?
You're a foolish young man who only sees what you wish to see.
This is a sacred place.
When dirty souls try to enter, they will be doomed.
So stop what you're doing, go back to your world...
and live your lives.
Do you understand?
If you're going to go all the way,
so will we.
Do you understand?
If you decide to go that far,
that place...
shall be the valley of death...
and a fiery pit.
- Eat up. - Thank you.
- Thank you. - Tell me if you need more.
It's okay.
I'm going to...
drink this from now on.
Ma'am.
Do you feel sick?
By the way,
I heard you're going to become the Spiritual Mother.
If you really do become the Spiritual Mother,
please take me with you on the Boat of Salvation.
I'm sure Jeong Gu's waiting for me...
to come see him.
Okay?
Ma'am.
Jeong Gu...
didn't die because of an accident.
You need to go to the police and ask for a reinvestigation.
Jeong Gu is with our Almighty in paradise. What are you saying?
You're hurting me.
Jeong Gu is in paradise. He's in paradise.
- He's in paradise! - Ma'am.
It hurts. Please let go of my hand.
- Ma'am. - He's in paradise!
Let me go! Mom, help me!
That's why I need to go to paradise too!
I need to meet Jeong Gu.
Please take me with you when you become the Spiritual Mother.
Ma'am.
What are you doing right now?
My gosh.
What in the world did I do?
Sang Mi is a very precious person for us in Guseonwon.
My goodness, what should I do?
I must have become insane.
- Apostle Im. - Yes?
Apostle Kang, please.
I'm so sorry for what I did.
Take Sang Mi home.
- I still have some more work... - Right now!
Okay.
This person wants her son to pass the test.
He passed.
"Jung Mi Young".
My gosh, shouldn't she get tired of doing this now?
She's always asking us to help her son get married.
If she wants him to get married, she should send him to a matchmaker.
What's the use of sending this here? My goodness.
Let's see. Come in.
Hello, sir.
Did you eat?
Is Spiritual Father not here?
No, he's not.
I see.
Please make sure to give this to...
Spiritual Father.
I guess you're here to make a special contribution.
I sold my cows for this.
Please give this to...
Spiritual Father.
Our wishes will be fulfilled.
You're filled with our Almighty's blessings.
If you keep up your faith, you'll definitely get a first class seat.
My gosh, that's too much.
I still have a long way to go before...
I get accepted into the Boat of Salvation.
Plus, I need to take my children with me too.
Don't you worry.
I'll ask Spiritual Father to...
pray for you.
I hope you keep believing.
- Our wishes will be fulfilled. - Our wishes will be fulfilled.
I'll be off then.
My gosh.
Hello, Spiritual Father.
I just came in to say hello to Apostle Jo.
You're leaving already?
You should drink tea since you're here.
No, it's okay. I need to go and clean my cows' wastes.
- Goodbye. - Bye.
Spiritual Father, I'll go now.
- Okay. Have a safe trip home. - Okay.
- Goodbye. - Bye.
My gosh.
My gosh, the peach is very ripe.
You're helping me out a lot.
No, it's nothing.
I'm not doing this for myself.
I'm doing this for our Almighty.
If we make a bigger church and build a hospital,
it'll benefit our believers.
You're right.
That will be our Almighty's grace and blessing.
Our Almighty shall bless the land of Muji.
But I have a question.
Why are you insisting on making Sang Mi the Spiritual Mother?
She seems to have quite a bad temper.
The world we're living in is full of evil.
In order for all of us to get on the Boat of Salvation...
on the day of judgement,
we need to take in a pure scapegoat.
To me, Sang Mi is the pure scapegoat...
that will allow all of us to receive salvation.
Do you now understand why...
I am trying to make Sang Mi the Spiritual Mother...
by getting married to her?
I have to say,
you really are and always have been peculiar.
She asked me...
to save her.
(Lightning Quick Delivery Service)
My gosh.
Look at how they're looking at him.
I think they've all been brainwashed. It's weird.
Don't you think this is going to be dangerous?
You guys, let's do this.
The devils must be causing trouble because they're jealous that...
you're going to become the Spiritual Mother.
At times like this,
you need to focus on praying more.
Do you really not understand what they're trying to do to me?
Dad, you're...
practically selling me off to them.
Sang Mi, just like what Spiritual Father said,
I'm never going to give up on you either.
Dad!
(You know me, right?)
(Han Sang Hwan)
(You need to be clear in order for me to help you.)
(Are you locked up right now?)
(Did you mean it when you asked me to save you?)
(Just wait. I'll come and save you.)
(Dong Cheol)
Is she...
really in trouble?
I think...
she's being locked up by some weird cult believers.
I also saw a cult believer in prison.
He started believing in some weird religion,
and he killed his child saying that his child was possessed.
Sang Hwan.
Are you really...
not going to run away this time?
This time,
I'm never going to run away.
Hey, Dong Cheol.
You...
This guy looks good in anything. Right? Don't you agree?
Hey, do you know how much I missed you?
Come here, Dong Cheol.
Move.
Have you been doing well?
I know you suffered a lot.
Hey, come on. It's been three years since we've all gathered together.
Let's drink.
(Muji Arabian Night Club)
Then should we sneak into her house in the middle of the night...
and bring her out secretly?
Are you crazy? That's not going to be easy.
And what if she ends up saying that she never asked us for help?
That won't happen.
The look in her eyes...
was the same as what I saw three years ago.
She seemed really desperate.
Dong Cheol, aren't you going to work?
Boss will be upset if he finds out you were here during working hours.
I'm getting up.
- When do you plan on going? - Early this morning.
When they head for service will be the perfect chance.
All right. Then I'll see you at dawn.
All right. Keep up the good work.
Hey, Han Sang Hwan.
Do you know how Dong Cheol makes a living?
He makes deliveries during the day and works here at night.
What are you trying to say?
He's trying to settle down and make a living. Don't get him in trouble.
If you get in trouble, you have your father to rely on.
He has no one. You should know that.
Don't think you know everything based on what you see.
Whatever you say won't change things.
You two clearly come from different backgrounds.
Face it. It's fate.
Sang Hwan. Don't bother.
Let's go. Let's not make a fuss here.
He's right, Sang Hwan.
Go ahead and hit me.
After all, you have your father...
to protect you, don't you?
Background? Fate?
I'm going to change all that.
Let's go. Come on.
Go ahead and drink up.
Hello, senator.
I must be late.
No, not at all. I know how busy you must be. Have a seat here.
You should sit on this cushion.
Why, thank you, Mr. Kim.
It's been a long time, Governor Han.
You look younger. It must be because you have such a young assistant.
Director Ji, you're looking good yourself...
considering all you've been through because of Chairman Kim's scandal.
Goodness.
Hello.
What are you waiting for? You should exchange handshakes.
The former and current governors should join hands.
That way, the local community will be able to develop greatly.
It's been a long time, Governor Han.
It has been a long time, Governor Lee.
Dong Cheol.
I know it's none of my business, but don't do anything stupid.
Don't let them take advantage of you again.
You and I come from different backgrounds. They're different.
I can take care of myself.
You may have been friends in school, but you can't rely on them now.
I'll see you later then.
Hey, guys. Wake up.
I'm up. What is it? Where are they?
Why isn't Dong Cheol here yet?
Could that guy possibly have...
changed Dong Cheol's mind?
Don't say that.
Dong Cheol wouldn't let us down.
I know Dong Cheol...
will show up.
- Our wishes will be fulfilled. - Our wishes will be fulfilled.
The early morning air sure is nice.
Yes, the morning air is full of Almighty's blessings.
It's summer, but the early morning air still seems a bit cool.
You'll catch a cold. Why don't you hurry on into the car?
(If possible, don't go anywhere. Try to stay home.)
Wait a minute.
Do you mind if I stay home and get some rest today?
- Why? - I'm not feeling well.
I think I have a cold.
I'd like to skip early morning service today.
Then why don't you rest at Guseonwon?
Our future Spiritual Mother has been in a spiritually clean place.
You're sick because you're in a dirty environment.
I get headaches just by leaving Guseonwon.
She's right. Go have a glass of warm life-giving water and get some rest.
We'll be late and miss the words of blessings. We should go.
She's right.
Sang Hwan.
Are you going to keep waiting for Dong Cheol?
Let's just go.
You'll be able to be with your mother again, so don't feel anxious.
Excuse me?
Apostle Im must not have told you yet.
Spiritual Father wants you to return to Guseonwon starting from today.
It's good news. Spiritual Father has made an exception for you.
Dad. What are you talking about?
What do you mean we're moving back? What about our belongings?
Don't you worry. Our brethren will be bringing everything for you.
Sang Mi, what's that look on your face?
Isn't this what you've been wanting?
Apostle Jo.
Yes?
Once she arrives at Guseonwon,
she'll be starting her training to become our Spiritual Mother.
You shouldn't refer to her as Sang Mi from now on.
Forgive me.
I'm so used to calling her Sang Mi. I don't know what I was thinking.
Dong Cheol, where are you?
They've packed all their belongings.
- What? - They're taking away everything.
Sang Hwan, you have to stop that van no matter what.
All right. Don't worry.
I'll make sure I stop the van.
They found out what we're up to. Hold on tight.
Gosh.
- Are you guys ready? - I'm the son of a cop.
I'm on a wrestling team.
Let's go.
They're the evil spirits.
They're here to dare take away what belongs to Almighty.
Do you know what the most effective miracle drug is for evil spirits is?
It's this right here.
They need a beating until near death to know who they're dealing with.
Shall we?
I'll save you.
(Save Me)
Evidence?
Do you think they're fools to leave behind evidence?
Even if we do find something,
it'll be useless.
What are you talking about?
If you're rich and have strong connections,
you can make an innocent person guilty.
That's what happened back then,
isn't that right?
That won't happen again.
Trust me.
This will be an uphill battle.