OCTOPUS
EPlSODE THREE
No judge was waiting in Palermo,
you two-bit womaniser.
That's enough now.
Enough.
Are you in the rejection phase?
Are you upset with me?
I didn't rape you.
Of course you didn't rape me!
You think I'll count you as a trophy.
Go ahead, I couldn't care less.
Over here.
Quick, he's injured badly. He needs blood.
- It's ready. - Put him in.
- Is he alive? - Put him in.
Notify the hospital.
This one won't make it to the hospital.
Come on, hurry.
You're one of the few to survive such an ambush.
See if this gun is linked to Leo De Maria's death.
- Over here, lnspector. - lnspector...
Mr Cattani... over here, please.
I'd like to see you smile
but you avoid looking at me.
Are you embarrassed? Well, I'm embarrassed too.
- One? - Thanks.
Next time, you'll see...
There won't be a next time.
Can I make a call?
You've dialled your home number.
How stupid of me.
I could wake my daughter and the maid.
I wanted to see if my husband's home.
- You're edgy. - Very.
Our mutual friend, the head of Cabinet,
tells me you'd like that key position
that would place you right at the top.
You know what I mean.
A man like you shouldn't be kept
in the shadows for too long.
Look at these names. They're all in the organisation.
Honest men, for honest causes.
I see they're all prominent in public life.
Politicians,
people in the military, in finance, in the media...
Here's one I met when I was at university.
In short, they're the creme de la creme.
Wouldn't you like your name with theirs?
We'll all back your appointment.
Inspector Cattani from Sicily.
Did you say I was in? Please excuse me.
Hello... Good evening, Corrado.
I was in an ambush an hour ago.
An ambush an hour ago? Yes, I want to hear about it.
I have the Forensic report.
The gun used against me
is the gun that killed Leo De Maria.
The person responsible
is called Sante Cirinna, a local petty crim.
We've arrested him
and something will happen
because Cirinna is like an uprooted tree
with roots that are so long
that they may lead to the Marineo case.
Yes, but take care. Keep a low profile.
- Don't worry. - And the Marineo case?
As I said, things are developing and something should happen.
I'll keep you informed.
I must congratulate you. You deserve a medal.
- Thank you, sir. - Again, well done. Bye.
So you have important people in every Department.
How does our mutual friend see my appointment?
- He'll be totally in favour. - As he too belongs to...
Suffice to say he'd be pleased if you accepted.
With your talent and knowledge of men and things...
Knowledge which is priceless.
I see.
So shall we say
that the financial possibilities...
That your group's resources are virtually limitless.
Precisely my point.
Altero, come in.
As a policeman,
what you've done is even more serious.
But if I look at the human aspect,
I can find some justification.
Shall I go on or will you help me?
Very well, I'll continue.
I'll start from the beginning.
It's evening. You're in your office.
You get a call from a woman.
It's Titti Pecci Scialoia in tears, who asks for help.
You rush there and find two bodies.
Eleonora, Titti's mother,
and lnspector Marineo.
I heard them talking and then arguing.
Marineo had been transferred and was leaving with his family.
He was abandoning my mother.
She couldn't accept being betrayed
and cast aside like that.
There was a scene with insults and threats.
Then she shot him.
Then all of a sudden,
she turned the gun on herself and committed suicide.
Did he come in his car?
I don't know.
Yes, his car is there.
All right. Try to stay calm now.
I'll find a solution. I'll find one.
You took Marineo's body to the outskirts of town,
returned to the office
and waited for someone to raise the alarm.
And when it happened, you raced there to do your duty.
You were faced with the classic scene you'd staged.
An inspector gunned down in a criminal ambush.
No more film crews. That's enough.
Off you go!
Call headquarters to send Forensics.
The set up had worked.
Now tell me why you did all that.
Marineo was a superior man.
And you didn't want it known
he had a torrid affair with a woman.
I didn't want him remembered as someone killed by a lunatic.
- Who then killed herself. - It wasn't a fitting end.
I had to save his reputation.
You owed Marineo a lot. You lived in his shadow.
I admired him. That's all.
Marineo saved your life in '72 during a shootout.
I read that in your file.
Gratitude came second.
Firstly there was respect
for a man who didn't deserve to be branded forever
because of a seedy end.
Now I'm ready to face all my responsibilities.
Altero...
Sit down.
You saw it as a private murder,
but you wanted it to look like a Mafia killing.
You staged a deception
that happens to correspond to reality.
- I don't follow you. - It isn't a private murder.
- What is it? - A Mafia killing.
Now you've really lost me.
Titti lied to you. She couldn't tell you the truth.
There was a fight that night, but not what you think.
Titti was asleep.
Then she heard distant voices through the wall
and witnessed a sudden tragedy.
Marineo and Eleonora found out that Cirinna got Titti onto drugs
and threatened him.
Cirinna's brutal reply was murder.
He then forced Titti to call you with a fake version of events.
And Titti called you.
You believed her. You had no reason not to.
Case closed.
The story changes, but it's still a private crime of passion.
No, Altero. You know when Cirinna fired?
When Marineo said he'd expose everything.
Everything?
Their business dealings.
Marineo had no business with Cirinna
or anyone like him.
You searched Marineo's flat after his death.
Were you scared there was proof of his liaison?
Letters, items of clothing? Tell me.
I too, searched that flat.
I found this cheque book in the fake name of Fiordaliso.
- So what? - Blank butts.
Marineo wasn't afraid of cheques bouncing.
I'm sure that is investigation material.
One of these butts has been cancelled.
Here. "Cancelled".
When you make a mistake, you cancel the cheque.
Come here and take a look.
We got a handwriting expert.
This is Marineo's writing, without a doubt.
This cheque book was his.
Stop living in fantasyland.
If you'd known him you wouldn't think that.
- He was corrupt. - Not true. Stop it!
- Accept it. - No!
There must be another explanation. I'll find it.
There...
In that folder. Go and check it.
There's the evidence.
I was wounded inside a burning car.
He got me out. Would you have been so brave?
Maybe not, but it doesn't make him clean.
All it takes is to accept a dangerous game.
You do it once and then...
There's a lot of work to do here.
If you want to help me...
No, I must face up to my responsibilities.
Later on.
I still need you now.
Why didn't you arrest Cirinna
using Titti's evidence against him?
As an addict she has no credibility
and I don't want someone to kill her.
That's why I set that trap for Cirinna.
- You ran a big risk. - But I was the hunter, not him.
Now we must find Leo De Maria's killer
and get him to confess that Cirinna gave him the gun.
It's almost daybreak.
The bar down here will be open. How about a coffee?
Sir...
- lnspector! Do come in. - Thank you.
When I arrived in this town, you told me to look for a gun.
Here you are. I found it.
Cirinna fired at me with this gun
and it was used to kill Leo De Maria.
Thank you for interrupting my breakfast.
This is very good news.
- What about the Marineo case? - We're on the right track.
But I need time to see things clearly.
She's going through withdrawals.
Titti...
Cirinna won't torment you again.
He won't torment you again.
It's over.
Understand?
You'll never see him again.
Now try to stay calm, my dear.
Stay calm.
There.
The radio just gave news of the shooting.
Some big fish will have a rude awakening today.
Four cars are ready for the arrests.
We've sent the others to the suburbs as a decoy
so no one will know where we really are, as you wanted.
That's the list of arrests to be made.
All right.
No, wait. This gentleman gets taken off.
- That man is a dealer! - Yes, but he's a banker.
Do bankers have immunity like politicians?
Today we'll arrest Cirinna's group of dealers.
Those down at the port, the station...
For the moment, the banks can sleep tight.
We must make the top brass think
we're after publicity and going after the little fish.
We mustn't touch the banks.
When you do, you need serious evidence
because they've marked you.
- And they'll blow you up. - Absolutely.
Your wife's here, sir.
Else!
What brings you here?
Come in.
Madam...
Why are you here?
I waited for you all night.
Then this morning I heard on the radio what had happened.
- You didn't call me. - Sorry, darling.
I was about to. Anyway, all's well, as you can see.
- Thanks for coming. - We must talk.
Sir, I'll go and give the orders.
- Well? - I have to talk to you.
So you said. I must go, they're waiting for me.
It isn't easy.
Why isn't it easy? Did something happen to Paola?
No, she's fine.
It's something about me.
When you told me you'd be out all night
you know what I thought?
That you had one of your appointments with that girl.
What?
I thought...
"He's with her"
"and I'm all alone."
I didn't want to be alone.
I went to see Santamaria.
Sorry, sir, but you said 9.30 on the dot.
I'll be right there.
We'd better talk at home.
You're coming home?
Of course.
Cars 7 and 9 with the sergeant. 3 and 4 with Soriano...
Inspector!
They've found something.
Inspector, they found something.
Yes, I'll bring it tonight...
Bastards! You bastards. I'll show you!
Hi.
Sorry, this isn't the time to talk.
- I've waited for 2 days. - I haven't slept for 2 nights.
What's to discuss? You made your choice.
You pushed me.
You're not a puppet, Else. You did what you wanted to do.
And you with that girl? Try and deny it.
Nothing happened.
I don't like betrayals so nothing happened.
I would have told you in advance...
unlike what you do.
Sorry, I have to sleep now.
Cheating isn't just going to bed.
You probably cheated on me more with your thoughts.
Actions count.
Great! So you can treat me like a whore.
I never used that word.
Nor did it enter my head.
You didn't consider what my life has been.
Living in different homes, alone like a piece of furniture.
And if someone took me away you wouldn't even notice.
Can't you see that I went with Santamaria
out of desperation?
I make mistakes
because I don't know how to act.
Help me, please. Don't just be picky.
Calm down.
We'll talk later.
- Any good? - Not bad.
- Hello. - It's lnspector Cattani.
Oh, lnspector, good morning. Congratulations.
I'd like to interview you. Rome and Palermo want one...
And I'd like to interview you here at the station.
Is it an invitation or a summons?
- Tomorrow afternoon okay? - Certainly. I'll be there.
Goodbye.
Yes?
Hi, it's Nanni.
Hi.
- Is Mum there? - I'll see.
- Who is it? - It's for you.
- Who is it? - It's Nanni.
- Did you tell your husband? - Yes. Why?
Great! He's summoned me to his office tomorrow.
At least I know where I stand. Bye.
Put a foot wrong, Nanni?
Put on a record and shut up.
What do you want from Santamaria?
It's work related.
You may not know, but he has lots of shady friends.
It's best not to talk in front of the child.
She's wiser than the two of us put together.
So she may as well know everything
as she's suffering without knowing why.
You look uneasy.
Well, after all, this is a police station.
But you have nothing to hide.
Would you interview me about the Cirinna case?
Yes. It'll be an honour.
Here's a list of questions. And I'd like...
- Yes? - I'd like a full studio.
Full of people that count.
Ravanusa the banker, Terrasini the lawyer,
and the others.
I'd like to have a debate and ask them questions.
Can I count on you?
Yes... I think so.
I can send out the invitations for Sunday afternoon.
You will have your triumph, sir.
Good.
I'm sure you'll organise it admirably.
You're very talented even though you're vile.
- Pardon? - I said "vile".
You've stopped smiling?
We'll discuss this later. Go and prepare your broadcast.
Which tie should I wear? Light or dark?
The striped one.
It's more refined. It's for the afternoon.
I know I'll be bored to death. What a pain in the arse.
Giuseppe, which stupid shoes did you give me?
Yesterday you said they're comfortable.
Can't you see the colour? You must be an idiot!
My Sunday is already ruined
and all I need is this halfwit!
You're a halfwit!
Ten minutes to go.
Be patient, sir. They'll all turn up.
I've just remembered there's a Bellini concert somewhere.
Let's go to air.
- What, like this? - That's right.
- You don't like it? - There's better.
Welcome to our "Opinions Unplugged".
Our guest today is lnspector Corrado Cattani,
our town's Chief lnspector.
So, it's over to him.
Thank you.
Once, talking to an assistant of mine,
I compared our job to that of a fisherman,
who slowly pulls in his net
without knowing which fish he'll catch.
I also said that the danger of this type of fishing
is that once the fish spot the net
they might flee before being caught
and alert each other to the danger.
Yes, he told me that too.
I then met a priest
who told me about a new kind of rosary...
I'd be scared to go on TV,
but he's clever and brave, isn't he?
Because it criminally links
so many different levels of our society.
And finally, when l arrived in this town,
a high official
told me to look for a gun.
We did find it
and it's the same gun
that killed deputy lnspector Leo De Maria.
We also caught the killer,
but one question remains...
Why was Leo De Maria killed?
I've decided to follow a thread...
Perhaps it's imperfect and incomplete,
but I believe it crosses our entire town
with its venom.
And it's behind the link
that ties people and businesses, both legal and illegal,
from murderers to officials...
money.
That thread will perhaps allow us to find out
why Leo De Maria was killed.
And that's the thread the police will follow.
I had invited the town's notables
to ask for their help, but none of them turned up.
They've offended the State and will receive an apt response.
Very forceful.
Wait on, colleagues!
What I'd like to achieve,
is what is generally not achievable.
That is, close co-operation between all three corps.
Briefly, the idea is to exchange information
about people who suddenly become millionaires
and the names of their banks.
Have you told the Prosecutor?
We'll do that when we need leave to proceed.
So you want an inquiry into people and circles?
Yes and making sure there are no leaks.
Of course. What happens once we have the information?
Whoever wants to act will act
and whoever wants to look on, no hard feelings.
Deputy Inspector Leo De Maria
fallen in the line of duty
Come into my car, sir. I want a word.
I apologise for not attending
your program on television but I had a bad cold.
- You informed the Ministry. - Oh, yes...
Just to have an opinion, a reaction.
- They wanted to view the tape. - Naturally.
You must understand it isn't usual
for an official to make certain statements on TV.
But it went down well in Rome. They liked it.
After all, why not make use of these new methods?
They checked it out and approved.
Yes, they approved. You showed style.
And as old fashioned as I am, I admit that.
They've also told me
about this new initiative of yours.
Your investigation into sudden wealth.
What a wonderful term they've come up with...
"Sudden wealth"!
Terrific, but it's a pity you don't keep me informed.
I would have, but rumours travel so quickly here.
Deep down, you couldn't give two hoots
that I was told certain things.
Actually, you must be pleased.
Now you know who the gossips are!
But don't think there's a conspiracy against you.
Not at all. Conspiracy is too strong a word.
You see, sir, as I told you, I'm an old fashioned man
with a traditional legal education.
- Very positive, though. - Much obliged.
You see, sir, I'm vain enough to believe
I can read into your project.
An ambitious project.
You're not going to prosecute the crime when it happens,
as a Chief lnspector should.
But you want to flush it out with your laws,
adapt it to your personal views, as dictated by those views.
If I may say so.
You don't wait for the criminal,
you go looking for him, convinced that you'll find him
because you're moralistic.
But that's very dangerous.
You create criminals and crimes where there are none.
But pretending there is honesty where there is none
can be just as dangerous.
Let's say one should find a happy medium.
Goodbye, my friend.
Anna, come to my place.
Work does you good. You're not so pale.
I'm not crazy about healthy, burnt skin.
I like looking pale, and wilted.
And I have a strong dislike for healthy, dark people.
- You're snarly today. - You're a hypocrite and a pig.
Really?
You're not here for me, are you?
No doubt it's about your investigation. Isn't it?
Seeing you have to arrest the whole town, enlist me...
As an informant... You call them spies, don't you?
Stop looking at me like that,
Iike a doctor scrutinising his patient.
You're so tolerant and understanding!
You're certain you're a winner and I'm a loser.
You're talking a lot of nonsense.
- So ask your questions. - I have no questions.
- So what have you come for? - To see you.
- That's not true. - It is.
Come on, guys, there's a meeting.
Meeting.
- You can't sleep? - No.
Do you want to sit down?
- Tea? - No.
Will you be happy to hear I'm leaving?
Happy? Why should l be happy?
This has brought only humiliation to both of us.
I can no longer go on like this.
I'm not sending you away.
But I can't...
I can't get over what you did to me.
Family is something important. It isn't a game.
- But I won't send you away. - I don't want to be here.
I don't feel this is my home anymore.
I'll leave with Paola.
Being apart might help make things clearer...
to me and to you.
Good night, Corrado.
Good night.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Actually, I'll call you every day.
- Paola, you must go. - No, I won't go!
No, I won't get on that ship.
Is that clear? No!
Paola, please.
Please, you must go. Come here.
You must leave.
I won't go.
Please...
Paola, come here!
If you chase me I'll jump into the water.
Wait.
If Paola prefers it this way...
Try to be with her.
I'll get her to leave tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Goodbye.
My daughter will need your office till lunchtime.
Sure, that's fine.
Come in, you.
Come in, the office is all yours.
We need 5 minutes alone...
Certainly.
So...
Let's make a deal, shall we?
You leave and go to Mum.
Then from time to time, you can visit me for a few days.
Agreed?
I'm not going to leave.
I didn't like that scene at the port today.
- It wasn't a scene. - Civilised people talk!
Then you should have asked me where I wanted to go.
What about the pain you caused Mum?
I'm sorry.
- We'll discuss it at home. - I won't leave.
Look, Paola...
Great!
I'm lnspector Cattani's, daughter. Hello.
Hello, Miss.
"Dear Mum, sorry if I upset you"
"but it's for the best."
"Dad needs someone"
"to stay close by him..."
"I'll keep an eye on him."
Why did you take a row boat?
I thought I was still 20.
- Do you feel old, Dad? - No, not old...
But I used to be in better condition.
- Poor Dad. - No way!
And don't give me that look of pity.
Sometimes it feels like you're my big brother.
Me, your brother?
Wouldn't you like that?
Well, tell me...
What kind of sister would you be?
I'd always keep you close.
I'd nurse you when you're sick,
I'd talk to you and want to know your thoughts.
I've never talked to you much, have l?
I've never asked about your thoughts.
It doesn't matter.
So let's hear it...
What do you think?
About what?
About me.
No.
Why?
I'll tell you someday. Okay?
Okay, little sister.
I've got 60 names among those who got rich quick.
Well, well... You've got some very big fish.
Do you think we'll succeed?
I mean, people have been investigated before.
- But it all ended badly. - In bloodshed.
You should be more cautious.
Any news of Cirinna?
He's hiring a top defence team.
What about Anna Caruso's brother?
He's had the flu. The "fear virus"!
Did you tell the jail to watch him?
I remind the superintendent daily.
Tell me, how do you cope with this heat?
I have a fan in my office.
Show me your papers.
You were speeding.
What's your excuse? What's your answer?
- You should be at the Centre. - I told them clearly.
I'll stay only if it isn't a jail.
When I feel like going out and seeing someone, I do.
You haven't been around.
Don't you want to see me?
And don't tell me you can't spare the time.
I never said that.
You see, in my job, I have to plunge my hands
into so-called human filth.
So I have to resort to
subterfuge, lies and compromises.
Now I wouldn't like
to behave towards myself like that
particularly in my private life.
So one might end up alone.
I was told your wife has left.
Won't you tell me why?
Something...
happened.
And I didn't forgive her.
I see.
You...
You're afraid of despising yourself if you do what she did.
No, I don't want to abuse my position towards you...
your weakness and loneliness.
Oh, I get it. You're someone
who has to constantly put themselves on trial.
You always need to respect yourself.
If I think about it, it makes me laugh.
I've never been judgmental about myself.
I don't think I have any self esteem.
I think I belong to...
what you call human filth.
- Yes, I think I'm human filth. - I wasn't referring to you.
Yes, it's no big deal.
Take me as a brief fling.
- It wouldn't be a fling. - Who says?
I might tire of you in a couple of days.
Here we are talking about
trials, respect, human filth...
I want to be with you and you want to be with me.
Let's go to my place.
Today...
I didn't shoot up.
I went through a terrible patch...
I wanted to go out and get some stuff.
But I came looking for you instead.
Come.
Well?
- It was beautiful. - For me too.
Listen...
Careful, Grandpa's watching.
Among his many titles were Lord of the Cugno
and Baron of Quattronze, by the sea.
He gave half his estate to my mother and l
and spent the rest on women and gambling.
Reprehensible!
He was very elegant.
He got fabric for his suits from London
and his tailor from either Naples or Rome.
He lived the good life, didn't he?
One of my ancestors was a viceroy.
Then there are 2 cardinals, a bishop,
a condottiere and 3 generals.
That uncle died in an asylum.
- It's hereditary. - Come on!
That's my mother's dwarf aunt.
She never got off her horse.
She was too embarrassed.
She lived well from the 4 funeral parlours she owned.
Look, I was born in here
among monks and servants who said Mass daily
in the private chapel
on cloths sewn by the nuns of the S. Spirito convent.
The years went by without me realising it
and I grew up not bothering
to look outside the window.
Then came the boredom,
heroin, Cirinna...
my mother's death.
But now...
now I have you.
When we come to live here
I'll have the gilded carriage brought from the stables.
Forgive me, but I'm scared to live without you now.
You partly condemned yourself.
I hate you for that.
You have no right to save me
other than the love I have for you.
I should have died before meeting you.
Now I no longer want to.
- Why aren't you in bed? - I fell asleep here.
Bye.
Are you angry?
No, but I don't like you waiting up for me.
But call me if you'll be late or else I worry, okay?
Okay.
Mum rang from Milan.
How is she?
She was fairly calm.
Poor Mum, she gets her words wrong.
She means to say something nice but it comes out bad.
She's a bit confused.
But it's not her fault. She must be tired.
Dad...
Yes?
Are you very angry with Mum?
No...
But you know, she's a bit confused
and because I am too...
Maybe you are too. You mustn't torment yourself.
Here. Eat it in the morning.
You angry at me because I stayed?
I'd feel lost without you in this house.
Don't exaggerate, Dad.
Goodnight.
Did you see your girl again?
That beautiful girl?
Else, that girl isn't to blame and you know it.
What's she like now you know her better?
She's insecure and vulnerable.
- Is that why you love her? - Maybe.
- Did you see her tonight? - Yes, I saw her.
Did you make love?
Yes, we made love.
So are you happy?
Else... please.
I'm not crying.
I hate you... I hate you!