EPISODE NINE
[haunting music playing]
[knocking at door]
Vic... are you there?
[knocking]
Hey!
Vic?
Vic...
Bang!
[chuckling]
[Maslo] What are you...
You're a wimp, Maslovsky.
Sit down.
That wasn't funny.
She came here to kill me today.
But this thing worked.
- Arisa? - Mm-hmm.
The blocker worked?
How did she respond to the signal?
That bitch wanted to kill me,
and all you want to know is her response to the signal!
- Where is she now? - In your lab. I hope.
Are you shitting your pants?
I guess she must have short-circuited...
or something.
Anyway, your job is...
to make sure she's ready for the tender tomorrow morning.
After that, I'll get rid of her.
What?
She spilled the beans to Safronov about the murders.
And she has a recording of them in her head.
And now this.
She's becoming dangerous.
[Maslo] Vic...
If you destroy the prototype, what are we going to manufacture?
I have it under control.
Your job is to patch up the bot.
[laughs]
Now get back to work.
Why was she trying to kill you?
Maybe because I was threatening her family and Safronov.
- So she didn't hurt the Safronovs? - No.
But I...
definitely will.
You're nuts, Vic. Did anyone ever tell you that?
Bang!
[minimalist piano music playing]
[deep booming]
[electronic bleeping]
[music intensifies]
[dramatic piano chords]
[music continues to build]
[gunshot]
[footsteps]
[sighs]
[menu bleeping]
[ringtone]
- Who is it? - [female voice] Gleb is here to see you.
Let him in.
- [footsteps] - [door closes]
What happened?
We have a problem.
Safronov has been talking to Detective Varlamov
for the past two days.
Does the name ring a bell?
[whistles]
You mean the Safronovs not only found out our little secret
but are sharing it with the CCD?
You know what to do.
- Are you sure? - I am.
It's time to take drastic measures.
[male announcer] The Bot Show is an open bid Social Security tender.
[female announcer] Two prototype bots will do battle
for the chance to be mass-produced,
and become a part of the government's Early Retirement Program.
[soft footsteps]
[Gleb] Get up.
Quickly.
Come on.
Don't move.
Hands! What's in your pocket? Give it to me.
[click]
Get dressed.
That was a mistake. Come with us.
It won't work.
Arisa's face is all over the city. My software is going crazy.
[sighs]
Keep going. We need to find her.
I'm violating dozens of orders just by using this program.
I know. And I appreciate it.
OK.
I'll try the Oktyabrsky district.
[bleeping]
Your phone beeped.
Shit. It's Safronov.
Let's go.
- Call Zhanna. - [dial tone]
[dial tone stops]
[tense music playing]
- Get in the car. - Wait. Where are you going?
[Georgy] Cronos? Where are you taking them?
Get in the car.
Get in!
[engines start]
[door slams]
[footsteps outside]
[Bars] Well, my friends, everyone has betrayed us.
Stryga, V.S.
And on the show tomorrow they'll try to convince people to betray themselves,
to become brainless appendages to the bots.
I won't let that happen.
We won't let it happen.
You are my brothers.
We are the Liquidators.
Seems we're the only ones who still remember what it means to be alive.
It means remembering your human nature
and never accepting the bots.
They take away our jobs.
They deprive people of normal relationships.
They stink of plastic.
Their eyes are dead. They are dead machines.
Bots are the enemies of society.
Our enemies.
If society doesn't want to understand this...
we won't ask for its permission.
If you truly are Liquidators...
prove it tomorrow, when we strike.
[Zhanna] Strike what?
Her. She's our primary target.
We'll go right into their den and kill her. That's it.
What the hell are you talking about?
Death to the bots, life to the living.
[all] Death to the bots, life to the living!
- Death to the bots, life to the living. - Death to the bots, life to the living!
[shouts] Death to the bots, life to the living!
[all shout] Death to the bots, life to the living!
[chanting continues]
[animalistic yelling]
[eerie music playing]
Don't move.
Are you alone?
Why did you beat him up? He has to be on TV tomorrow.
[Gleb] He has an attitude problem.
Hey, wakey-wakey!
[gasping]
Why did you have to mess with me?
Everything was going so well.
So well?
You let a bot into my house that could have killed my family.
I'll kill you!
Where are my wife and daughter?
They're fine.
Whether they stay that way is up to you.
If you help me win the tender, I'll let you all go.
The tender?
Arisa ran away.
Anyway, there's no way she'll listen to me now.
Arisa is here, at Cronos. As for her obedience, I persuaded her.
I told her I'd kill you if she doesn't obey.
We'll find your parents.
No need to look. They're at Cronos.
You think I would attack Cronos?
You're scared of Toropov.
[Egor] Alright.
I'll find them myself.
You either go to your grandfather's or stay at the precinct. Got it?
Grandpa, then.
[Bars] They're disposable. Take 20 packs.
- [man] And a gun? - What?
- A gun. - Get out of here! A gun! You're crazy.
Tea?
How are you doing?
We're fine. Thanks for taking us in.
I received the down-payment. When will you transfer the rest?
As soon as we get it.
- You remember the rules? - Yes.
The main gate is off limits. Don't touch anything in the shop.
Most importantly, you've never met me. OK?
Sure. We'll leave as soon as we find another place.
[Zhanna] Sit down.
- You realize they're looking for us? - Yeah.
You realize you're injured?
- So why do we have to act now? - Don't sweat it.
"Don't sweat it"? I'm your family. Don't do this.
You hear me?
Remember how long V.S. spent preparing?
Are you kidding? Don't mention that bastard.
- I'll help. - I've got it.
- [Zhanna] How will you get inside? - Katya will get us passes.
[Katya] I already got them. You'll be on the catering team.
Will you tell him?
Bars, just be careful, OK?
Thanks a lot!
- Can't you see he's hurt? - [Bars] Calm down.
Nothing is accomplished without risk. Katya works at Cronos for us.
Zhanna, Bars is a big boy. He knows what he's doing.
Got it?
Got it.
[Bars] Come on!
Come on...
Anyway, the boss said they would bring Arisa in a casket.
It will be kept...
in one of the rooms until the show starts.
OK.
You'll need to find her, knock out the guards,
and burn Arisa's power unit.
- Got it. - That's all.
Good.
Thanks.
- Can I go now? - Go.
Go.
[eerie music playing]
[door closes]
Mom...
I want to go home.
Me, too.
We'll go soon.
- Meanwhile, try to get some sleep. - I'm not tired.
Do you want me to sing you a song? Come on, lie down.
Sleep, my joy, go to sleep
The lights are off at home
The birds have gone to sleep...
[door opens]
Hi.
Who are you, kid?
I'm Borya. Where is my mommy?
I don't know.
My mommy sings that song, too.
Can I listen?
Of course.
[Stas] What are you waiting for? Let's go.
- Where are you going? - I'll walk you to your grandfather's.
He had a stroke recently.
He doesn't need to know Sonya and my parents were kidnapped.
OK, go ahead. Don't worry.
If Varlamov says your parents will be fine, then they will.
- Sure. Bye. - Bye.
[pulsing music playing]
[door opens]
[heart monitor beeping]
[heart monitor speeds up]
[alarm ringing]
[gunshot]
[heart monitor emits steady tone]
[musical alarm over speakers]
[motorized blinds whirring]
[ping]
[bots speak in unison] Honey, time to wake up.
[ambient music playing]
Mrs. Svetlana, time to wake up.
Madam.
Good morning.
Your breakfast will be ready in 15 minutes.
[pulsing drum beat playing]
[bustle and clatter]
- [man 1] Don't scratch my siding! - [man 2] OK.
- [Bars] Where are you going? - To the show.
Get out. It's not safe.
That's why I'm coming.
[Borya] You found me!
[Sonya laughs]
Sonya?
Let go!
[Alla] Stay away from her.
- [Borya] Why? - Because I say so.
Mommy, we're just playing. He won't hurt me.
He's stupid. He's no fun to play with.
I'm not stupid.
- [door opens] - [man] Morning.
Here. Breakfast.
Why are you so quiet?
- Where are we? - On a compulsory spa break.
- Enjoy yourself. - How long will we be here?
Not long. You're leaving soon.
But how you leave depends on your bot's performance.
What do you mean?
Have some candy.
Relax.
- Mom! - Go on.
[upbeat music on TV]
I'm sorry.
You are?
Then do something.
You know what's going on.
Sadly, it's not up to me.
[guard] Come on. You're riding in the back.
Here. From Victor Pavlovich.
[door alert beeping]
[mournful music playing]
[engine starts]
Thank you.
- Pavel, how are you? Are you OK? - I'm fine. You didn't have to come.
I could get to the CCD by myself. Give me a hand.
What do you mean, CCD? You need to rest.
I'll have time for that later.
Can you explain what happened?
What's wrong? Let me do it.
Why are you so moody? Are you sick?
[knock at door]
Sveta, are you ready? Great.
We need to approve the outfits from our sponsors.
Aren't they awesome? You'll look great.
Another one.
[woman] That's enough. Svetlana likes them all.
Fingerprint, please.
[bleep]
[woman] What do you want?
It's OK.
I'll get some coffee. Shall I grab one for you?
Yes. Almond milk.
Is something wrong?
Vic took Borya away.
What for?
Maslo?
- What are you doing here? - I came to wish her good luck.
Are you done? Off you go.
Igor, give us some privacy.
How are you, dear desolate mother?
Are you going to behave?
If you try anything at all,
I'll have your little doll crushed.
He's not a doll.
We'll see about that.
[eerie music playing]
Do we have proof that this hitman was working for Toropov?
No, but Toropov is the only one with a motive.
According to Safronov, who has also gone AWOL.
He's not AWOL. He was kidnapped by Toropov.
If you get me a warrant to impound Arisa, I'll give you proof.
And if you don't?
You realize what a hornets' nest we'd be stirring up?
I don't understand you, Anatoly. Do you want to jail a criminal?
Or are you scared of hornets?
I want my officers to keep me informed, as opposed to going vigilante
and putting their lives and the department's reputation at risk.
Didn't I try? You wouldn't believe me.
Not about Safronov and not about the arson.
What if I told you about a killer robot?
OK, fine.
You'll have your warrant.
I take it that means I'm not suspended anymore?
Obviously.
OK, call the strike team.
I'll try to find a judge prepared to sign the warrant.
Not everyone wants to be involved in a scandal.
[female announcer] Two special bots will do battle
for the chance to be mass-produced,
and become part of the government's Early Retirement Program...
JUPITER GROUP RX-420
[pulsing music playing]
Check it out! He looks like you.
Be quiet.
Skull, Viking, find out where they're holding Arisa.
Noob, Elk, come with me to set up a base.
Beard, you guard the minivan.
- Wait. Isn't it just a cover? - Don't push me.
[bleep]
[dramatic piano chords playing]
[alarm ringing]
[bleep]
[alarm stops]
[pulsing music continues]
[door slams]
[panting]
- You? - What are you doing here?
- Where have you been? - Egor, I'll explain later.
Explain now.
- What are you doing here? - Relax.
I came to get my family. Toropov kidnapped them.
Where are they?
I don't know about Mom and Sonya. Dad and Arisa are here.
Great. Elk, get him to the van. The rest, follow me.
- I have to save my dad. - Don't worry. He'll be fine.
I need to do it myself.
You need to do what you're told.
Take his bracelet.
You can't do it alone. We can't take you with us.
You'll give us away and your dad won't be saved.
Take him away.
Wait.
Your ear.
Your ear!
Follow me.
- Stop. What's that? - Lunch for the cameramen.
I can't let you in.
[tasers crackling]
- [door opens] - [commotion]
[grunting]
[taser crackling]
[yells excitedly]
What's going on?
- I know you. - I know you, too.
We're Egor's friends. You can go.
No. First you have to open the crate.
What for?
Take a guess.
I can't do that.
If you kill Arisa,
Toropov will kill my wife and daughter.
[chuckling]
- Are you crazy? - Yes.
What's so funny?
The funny thing is, this happens to all bot-lovers sooner or later.
Open it.
- I wouldn't. - Do it.
- I mean it. - So do I.
[crackling]
[lock turning]
[more locks turning]
I warned you.
Guys.
[valves hissing]
- [groans] - [bone cracks]
Georgy. Should I let him destroy me?
- No way. - Bars!
- [Georgy] Don't move. - Let go!
Stop! Stop!
I know where they're keeping them.
- What? - I know where your family are.
They almost killed me there, too.
I need the address and some means of communication.
- Zhanna, give him a bracelet. - Here it is. Let him go.
Come on!
Please let him go.
Arisa, let him go.
Take it easy.
[man] Bars, the guards!
Shit. Let's go. Come on, go.
I know you're Egor's girlfriend.
I need you to find Detective Varlamov and tell him where my family is.
[slam]
Thank you, Arisa.
[man] Bars, what's going on?
So we didn't get Arisa?
There are other bots around. We have to take action.
We need to help Safronov.
Yeah? Why's that?
- He could have turned us in. - Great! So we turn ourselves in instead?
How do you think this CCD detective will react if we call him?
Bars, tell her.
We're not calling anyone.
We'll rescue Safronov's family.
Follow me.
[Sveta] "Two prototypes, two special bots..."
[man] I'll finish early.
[Sveta] "...will do battle for the chance..."
[man] I love you, baby.
[Sveta] "...the government's Early Retirement Program."
Thank you. "Early Retirement..."
Simulation ready.
[male voice] Ladies and gentlemen, we are live in ten, nine, eight, seven,
six, five, four, three...
[tone]
Cue titles.
[man] Well, let's see it.
[music over speakers]
Well?
Shall we kick these losers' asses?
Hey, hey, hey! Welcome to TheBot Show.
[Sveta] We are Maxim Kuskov...
[Max] ...and Svetlana Toropova.
You're in for an amazing evening.
The show you're about to see is about to change our society forever.
[Sonya] Mom?
Mom, look!
[Max] ...for the Social Security Ministry.
[Sveta] Two prototypes, two special bots
will do battle for the chance to be mass-produced,
and become a part of the government's Early Retirement Program.
Cool, right?
Wow! I can't wait to get old.
What's more, we'll be giving you a unique opportunity
to pick an outfit for the host.
Just select an avatar.
- [bleep] - [ping]
That is awesome.
[Sveta] You'll decide the winner through the usual online voting system.
We're waiting for you and all your likes and shares.
Come on!
You'll have some help from our experts, including...
[Max] The Minister for Labor and Social Security Andrey Dnestrov.
[quiet applause]
[woman] This is unacceptable. Arisa should be in the studio.
She has skipped the orientation already.
[Security Chief] I told you, the show is canceled.
What? But we're on air.
And if the Liquidators are here should we hold you responsible?
I'm calling Toropov.
Don't. They left. Everything's fine.
- Are you sure? - Positive.
They could come back.
- [bleep] - Call Toropov.
- Whatever. You'll be held responsible. - Why me?
Who let this happen?
Not to mention what's about to happen next.
Mass evacuation, sabotaged tender, lost money...
I'm sure Toropov will find a way to thank you for this.
OK, guys.
Team up and search the building.
Report back every three minutes. Got it?
Yes, sir.
So, the show goes on?
Yes.
We have to go.
[hissing]
[epic theme tune for The Bot Show]
[Max] Sveta, do you know what our bots are about to face?
- [Sveta] How do I put it? - Be ready to go in ten seconds.
[Sveta] The contestants will be faced with a very difficult task.
They will have to interact with children.
[Max] That's right.
- Kids? Whose idea was this? - Mine.
[Max]...can be trusted with social work.
That's not what we trained Arisa for.
Does Safronov know about the new tasks?
She'll have to improvise.
[Max] ...play with them, feed them, teach them, comfort them...
Georgy, this wasn't in the original challenges.
What do I do?
Act the way you act with Sonya. Be loving and caring. Got it?
- We're going in. - Break a leg.
[tense music playing]
[kids shrieking and yelling]
Hi. My name is Arisa.
[room falls quiet]
- Can I play with you? - No.
Why not?
These are our toys.
[Max] Looks like Arisa is facing her first hurdle.
[Sveta] Let's see how RX-420 is doing.
- Hello, kids. How are you? - [kids shrieking]
You broke my toy!
[Sveta] They got off on the wrong foot!
[Max] Looks like our robots are nervous.
What if your toys wanted to play with me?
[whirring]
[Max] That is a smart move!
Svetlana, do you think she's controlling them through Wi-Fi?
Well? Will you let me play with you?
[kids] Yes! Yes!
[Sveta] Here's how the viewers rated the robots' performance so far.
[Max] Don't forget you can vote on our website...
[moody pop music on car stereo]
Hey.
- Egor. - Yes?
I'm sorry.
What for? You're right. I'd only give you away.
And if my dad is a hostage...
You were too hasty. Nobody will harm your dad while Arisa is around.
Besides, it was dangerous.
- For me, but not for you? - Yeah. You're not like us.
That's why I love you.
You love me?
Yes.
Relax.
OK?
Bars, why are we going to rescue this bot-lover's family?
I'm not going to rescue his family.
[Max] This is a close competition.
As you can see, Arisa is in the lead, but not by much.
[Sveta] Friends, you still have...
I don't understand.
Arisa is obviously better, but the figures are almost equal.
- Most of the viewers are women. - So?
Not many mothers would trust a robot with their child.
Especially a robot that might be better than them.
Besides, no woman would want such a hottie in her house.
- [mimics lion's roar] - [kids scream]
[Max] That was smart!
I could never have come up with that.
This wild animal has attracted a lot of kids.
Hands up. Bend forward and reach the floor with your fingers.
[Sveta] I never liked exercise, either. Like they say, it's not for everyone.
[Max] I believe this has been the hardest challenge so far.
Kids hate porridge. Yuck!
[Sveta] Look at that!
Arisa brought all the kids to the table.
Let's see if she can feed them breakfast.
A spoonful for Mommy...
[Max] This one-on-one approach might take a little too long.
Obviously, our RX-420 didn't eat his porridge when he was a kid.
What are you doing?
I'm drawing.
Porridge is for eating, not for drawing.
You eat it, then.
[Arisa] I'd love to,
but it is not recommended for bots to consume food.
I don't even know what it tastes like.
Can you tell me?
It's bitter.
- What are these things? - Raisins.
What do they taste like?
- [boy] They're bitter too. - Why don't you try the other side?
Wow! She's a natural. Did you teach her that?
You must be a good dad.
[Max] Looks like living with a family has had an effect on Arisa.
[Sveta] The Safronov family did a good job.
- Mom, did Arisa win? - I don't know.
[Sveta] Who is in the lead now? Let's find out.
[menacing music playing]
[screeching tires]
Petrenko, we have a warrant to impound Arisa.
[Max] Our show is nearly over.
- Will you record it for me? - [Max] This is your last chance to vote.
- [Sveta] Max, why are you whispering? - Shh!
Our prototypes are working on their last challenge.
Putting the kids to bed.
Well done! You did a good job. Now it's time to have some rest.
- [ethereal music] - [sings] Sleep my joy, sleep
The lights are off in the house
- Kids, it's bed time. - I don't want to!
The bees are quiet in the garden
Fish sleep in the pond
Didn't I tell you? Arisa is a real find.
I agree.
But when that amount of money is at stake, a tender...
- Looks more convincing? - Exactly.
[Arisa] The moon shines in the sky
Close your eyes
[Over TV] Sleep, my joy
[alarm siren]
[Zhanna] Please, help me!
Please! Is anybody there? Can anyone see me?
Open the door! Please.
What do you want?
I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I was hitchhiking from the village.
It's not far, you must know it. Tolmachevo. My grandma lives there.
I was mugged and...
- [taser crackles] - [thump]
Tie him up.
[Arisa] Sleep
Sleep
The house has long been quiet
In the cellar and kitchen It's all dark
[Egor] Mom?
- Egor? - [Sonya] Egor!
- [Egor] It's OK. These are my friends. - Really?
- This is Zhanna. - Hi.
Hi.
- [Zhanna] Time to go. - She's right. Come on.
- [Sonya] Mom, can we take the bot kid? - No!
[Arisa] Someone sighed behind the wall
But it shouldn't worry us, my darling...
[blade slicing]
What's she doing?
[silence on screen]
[whirring]
What's going on?
Svetlana, what do you think is going on?
Just like in China.
[man] What's going on?
Send Drone 5 after her.
[buzzing]
[pulsing music playing]
Stop!
- Where do you think you're going? - Call Georgy Safronov.
- Leave the kid. - [Georgy] Arisa?
- Georgy! - Central block.
[Georgy] Arisa!
- [guard] We have a problem. - Stop.
Give me the kid.
- We need to stop the broadcast. - Why? I thought you were enjoying it.
Shut up, both of you.
[inaudible]
[Sveta] Why would a prototype do this?
Our team is as perplexed as you are, dear viewers.
[Georgy] Somebody call an ambulance, now!
Go to commercial.
Doctor, I'm Anton's father. Thank you so much.
Don't worry about your son.
He'll be fine. We got here in time.
Yes. But if not for you and Arisa... Thank you so much. Thank you.
Good work. That form of hepatitis isn't easily diagnosed.
Bitter taste in the mouth, slight fever,
the color of his face and eyes...
You know it all.
I read your medical encyclopedia.
OK. Georgy, Arisa, I'm sorry but we need to finish the show.
[woman] Arisa.
You should go back, too.
[Sveta] Sensational!
Arisa broke the rules in order to save a life.
[Max] She truly is a next-generation robot.
Even the most fervent fans of the RX-420 have given in.
They gave their votes to Arisa.
[Sveta] The polls close in a few seconds.
But I'm sure nobody is in any doubt that Cronos has won.
[Georgy] Turn it off. Call Toropov.
[guard] Dream on.
- Call Toropov... - [slam]
[lock turning]
[ringtone]
- Yes? - [Alla] It's me.
- Alla? - Yes. Don't worry. We've been rescued.
By Varlamov?
No. Egor and his friends.
- Egor? - One of them wants to talk to you.
- I'm listening. - [Bars] Hello again. Remember me?
I do. Thank you... for rescuing Sonya and Alla.
I don't know how to thank you.
You'll think of something. I'll text you where to meet.
Meanwhile, get out of there.
[lock turns]
[guard] Hey! You can't do that!
Arisa, Sonya and Alla are safe. It's time to leave.
[crunch]
[cracking bone]
[gun hits floor]
[thud]
When she took that kid I thought to myself,
"This must be... the rise of the machines!"
But look how it turned out.
To our savior. To your Arisa.
- Yes, that was intense. - You don't say.
By the way,
thanks for not letting them stop the broadcast.
After all that, it looks like Cronos has victory in the bag.
It will only be in the bag once you start mass production.
We will.
Anyone can buy a bot.
Try manufacturing one.
Fair enough.
By the way, I meant to ask you.
Where did you get that beauty?
I haven't seen her at any of the trade shows.
No idea. It was all Victor's doing.
This is all the information we have about the government's open bid tender
and Cronos's involvement in that.
Feel free to contact my PA with any further questions. Thank you.
[Varlamov] Mr. Toropov.
Major Varlamov, Cyber Crime Department.
We have reason to believe
that the robot presented by Cronos at the tender
is a suspect in a murder case.
Nonsense. That's ridiculous.
[Varlamov] You are legally obliged to hand over all equipment
required by the investigation.
Namely, the prototype bot Arisa.
Immediately.
[tense music playing]
[tense music continues]