Episode 233

A small note from your translator:

Translating these last two episodes was hard. I first watched these last Friday, so I had a few days to let it all sink in. But having to watch everything over and over again for the translation made me feel rather strange and sad again because now I was able to pinpoint that this is the last time we see this and that is the last time we hear so-and-so.

So, you’ll have to suffer through me saying goodbye throughout the translation. I hope it’s not too bothersome for you. Especially since you will have to do without the funny editorial comments this time as the boss is away.

 

 

Previously on Hand aufs Herz

 

Bea: Then tell him he should call me. I’m going to the airport.

KarinFrau Vogel!

Bea: Yes?

KarinAbout Ben…

Bea: What about him?

Karin:He isn’t in Australia. He was kidnapped.

 

Intro

 

 

[Bergmann villa]

 

Bea: He w…he was what?

Karin: Herr Bergmann is handing over the money just now.

Bea: But I don’t understand. Who would kidnap Ben? (yes, it’s not as if his father is a wealthy banker, or anything)

Karin: We don’t know that. But don’t worry, Herr Bergmann is going to make this right. (That’s some strong belief in your employer, Karin. Did I mention that I really would have liked to see them get together? I know I did. I’ll say it again. As a bonus, Michael would have lost another of his ex-girlfriends to a Bergmann. That’s some nice symmetry right there.)

Stefan: Is Ben back already?

Bea: How long ago was he kidnapped?

Stefan: She knows about this? Was it so hard to understand that nobody can know about this situation? Nobody!

Bea: But if Ben isn’t in Australia then…he didn’t write this SMS. It was you!

Stefan: I had no choice.

Bea: Yes, you did. But that doesn’t matter now anyway. Where is Ben?! (Might I suggest looking up the word kidnapping, Bea? I’m sure Stefan didn’t hand over the money just to be polite, while knowing where Ben is held captive)

Stefan: I’ve just come from the ransom handover. That’s why I hoped he might have already been let go.

Bea: But the…the kidnappers…the police…

Stefan: The police don’t know anything about it. The kidnappers said they would kill Ben if I contacted the police.

Bea: So nobody knows except for us?

Stefan: Exactly. And that’s why we have to stay calm and wait. It’s best if you go now. I’ll call you.

 

 

[Outsidethe kidnappers’ den]

 

They inspect the suitcase with the money.

Kidnapper: Looking good. Everything’s here. Not numbered.

Sophie inconspicuous sneaks up on them. (Well, she’s wearing an alarm red shirt and walks through knee-high grass without any coverand then hunkers down about what? 20, 30 meters away from them)

Ronnie: A nice sum for so little work, isn’t it?

The kidnapper (I’ve forgotten his name again) gives Ronnie a bag with his shareof the loot.

Ronnie: Cool. I’d say we’re even, right? So why don’t you cover the tracks here a little and then I’ll let Bergmann senior know in 2-3 hours where he can collect Ben from.

Kidnapper: Not so fast. There’s a lot more where this money came from. Senior does have his own bank after all. (to his buddies)Should we repeat this number?

Kidnapper2: Cool deal.

Ronnie: You never intended to let Ben go, did you? – But he will get out of this alive, won’t he? – Okay, that’s it. I’m out. (little Ronnie is about to pee his pants)

Kidnapper: You were never in.

Ronnie: Alright.

Sophie was able to hear everything from her place inpractically the next county and she manages to sneak away without being seen by Kidnapper1 who is looking in her direction at the end. Sophie, I’m sure the BND has a job for someone with your talents.

 

 

[Raumzeit Records]

 

They are drinking their champagne.

Frank: So Caro, now tell me, why are you in a bad mood? Is it because of the broken heel?

Caro: But promise me you won’t laugh.

He makes a gesture.

Caro: Well, Johnny was completely taken with my dancing. Well and then I thought I…It’s not important…I started flirting with him and…he completely blew me off.

Frank starts to laugh.

Caro: What? What’s so funny about that? How was I supposed to know that he is utterly gay. And furthermore, you promis…

Frank: Caro! Sorry but…that you were blown off, I’m sure wasn’t due to a lack of attractiveness

Caro: I think I’m attractive?

Frank: Caro, I think you really cut a fine figure in the video. Do you want to see the recordings?

Caro: Sure.

Frank: Yeah? Come. Let’s go.

 

 

[Pestalozzi]

 

Helena: Michael, wait up!

Michael: Yes, what is it?

Helena: Math, eighth grade. Did Bea Vogel ask you to substitute for her?

Michael: Äh…

Helena: It’s nice that you don’t want her to get into trouble, even thought it’s not your department.

Michael: No, Bea didn’t ask me to sub for her, Frau Jäger did. There was no math teacher available and all that was needed was someone to supervise a test.

Helena: Oh. So you didn’t talk to Bea then? That’s unfortunate. I thought maybe you would know something about her disappearance.

Michael: What disappearance? I thought she called in sick.

Helena: She simply let us know that we wouldn’t be able to count on her for the time being due to some emergency. Fortunately, she told Frau Jäger that she was well before hanging up. But it is pretty strange…I mean, first Ben Bergmann disappears, now my vice-principal takes some unauthorized down-time for herself.And you don’t know anything about it?

Michael: No. No! Is there anything else?

Helena: Yes, I’d like to talk to you in my office before you leave.

Michael: What for?

Helena: It’s about the new school building. There is a lot to do and, since my vice-principal seems to prioritize her private life at the moment, I could use some support.

Michael: Yes, okay.

 

(You notice how possessive Helena is getting? MY vice-principal.)

 

 

[Sophie’s apartment]

 

Ronnie is admiring his newly gotten cash.

Ronnie: Abnormal. (I really have to start integrating this word into my vocabulary for cool things.)

Sophie comes in without Ronnie noticingand sees what he is doing. She goes back out and comes in with more noise this time.

Ronnie: Baby!

Sophie: What are you doing?

Ronnie: There you are baby. I’ve missed you. Everything alright with you?

Sophie: Sure.

Ronnie: Cool. I got you something.

Sophie: What?

Ronnie: Your favourites.

He holds up a packet of dope.Sophie doesn’t look too impressed. (Did she kick the habit while we weren’t there to see it?)

Ronnie: What’s up? Aren’t you happy?

Sophie: I am, sure. So how was spending time with your pals?

Ronnie: No big deal.

Sophie: Was anyone there who I know?

Ronnie: No, nobody you know. What’s with the third degree?

Sophie: I am allowed to ask after your day, am I not?

She writes down a note with her back to Ronnie(it’s all very inconspicuous).

Ronnie: So how about it…are we going to party a little, or what?

Sophie: I have to leave again for a while.

Ronnie: Where are you going?

Sophie: Shopping.

 

 

[Bea’s home]

 

Bea’s crying and then makes a call.

Stefan: Bergmann.

Bea: Bea Vogel speaking. Are there any news?

Stefan: I’m sorry. I understand your worry. I’m feeling the same way but…You didn’t tell anyone about Ben, did you?

A wadded up pieceof paper comes flying into the room. (Now you know why our German streets are supposed to be so clean. People here just throw their trash into the next open window, instead.) Bea doesn’t realize she’s now the proud owner of some more trash because her eyes are closed.

Stefan: Frau Vogel, it’s of the utmost importance that we don’t do anything wrong now. I’m sure Ben will be back with us soon. They have the money so they will let him go.

Bea: And what if they don’t?

Stefan: You mustn’t even think that. All will be well. And I promise I’ll call you immediately.

Bea: Okay. Thank you.

Stefan: I’m sorry but I have to free up the line now.

 

 

[Raumzeit Records]

 

They’re still drinking.

Frank: Hm, well Caro, you really saved my ass.

Caro: But I had to keep myself back, since I had to play a role: Luzi, the dancing stork.

Frank: Hm, isn’t this a little mean?

Caro: I didn’t say that she can’t sing…but her body and the moves…

Caro changes the music from Luzi to Lil Wayne, If I die today, and sashays back to Frank.

Caro: Well, if I had been dancing as the real Caro, the number would have been quite different.

She pulls Frank out of his chair and they start to dance. And as we know from Footloose and, more importantly, episode 225: dancing leads to sex.

 

 

[Pestalozzi, principal’s office]

 

Michael: Helena, I…

He sees the building plans on her desk.

Michael: That has to be a joke.

Helena: Excuse me, did you say something?

Michael: I..ähm..I’m looking at your school for the 21^stcentury…well, the real plans and not the sugar-coated ones you showed me.

Helena: Well, you know how it is. Everyone wants to have a say and then the controllers of the audit court make their cuts, and bam! we have to cut back some.

Michael: Cut back some? Listen. That’s no school, it’s a laying battery.

Helena: You’re exaggerating.

Michael: That’s fraud, Helena! I don’t see any synergistic effects, I don’t see an elite campus, I don’t see anything here.

Helena: Michael…

Michael: You let yourself be used by Stefan Bergmann so he can line his pockets. I thought you would be smarter.

Helena: Who says that Stefan Bergmann is the big winner? Maybe someone else was smarter than him.

Michael: You are unbelievable.

Helena: That’s what you said way back when…when you proposed to me. Michael, you wanted to spend your life with me. And for me, that’s still the case. And there’s much…so much I could share with you. (Our fascination with Bea, for example)

Helena: Michael, where are you going?

 

 

[Bea’s home]

 

Flashback

Ben: I love you and promise you that won’t ever change.

/Flashback

 

Bea steps on the trash paper.

Bea: What is that??

She smoothes it out. It reads: Ben is in danger. Barracks on the A 70. Beware! (I’ve watched this a dozen times, I’ve watched it frame by frame and I made my brother watch it too. It does say A70, which doesn’t make sense as the A70 is in Northern Bavaria. What am I missing here?)

Bearuns to the window: Hello!? Hello, is anybody there?

(So, Super-Sophie strikes again. She can hear what people are saying from 30 meters away, can sneak up on anyone in plain sight without being seen, can write secret notes while the bad guy is watching her back, knows even about the super-secret love affair between Bea and Ben (why else give Bea this info?), can talk to guinea pigs, and is pretty good at throwing things into other people’s homes. And she has a fantastic voice.)

 

 

[Raumzeit Records]

 

Frank and Caro are getting dressed again.

Frank: Wait. Let me help you. Here you go.

Caro: Merci.

Frank: Ähm Caro…

Caro: Yes?

Frank: This just now, that was…that was really fantastic.

Caro: That’s just how I am. I can’t be anything else.

Frank: Yes, but you know…I would like to clear something up all the same. It’s like this. I’m your boss and you are my employee and that’s why…

Caro: I believe I have to clear something up now. You are really nice and charming, too, and this whole thing was fun, but the job is more important to me. So let’s just forget about this.

Frank: Sure?

Caro: It was a wild day and wild things happened. But we shouldn’t talk about it anymore.

The phone rings.

Caro: Raumzeit Records, Caro Eichkamp, hello? Yes, I’ll get it for you…I’ll just forward you to my desk. Yes, talk to you in a bit. Bye.

The show must go on.

Frank: Yes well, you are just…

Caro: I know!

(That was a completely unnecessary interlude and the time could have been better used to tie up some loose ends in existing storylines. But I’ve come to love Caro and her dedication to the ‘music business’. That scene was typically Caro and made me laugh, so it’s all good)

 

 

[Bergmann villa]

 

Karinon the phone: He’s waking up? Then go to him. He needs you now. Yes, my darling, we’ll see each other at home later. I love you. Bye.

Stefan: Frau Beschenko, if you…if you want to go be with your daughter, then you can do that.

Karin: No. She’ll manage. And there’s no way I’m leaving you alone right now. You won’t get rid of me as long as Ben isn’t back yet.

Stefan: He should have been back by now. They said they would let him go as soon as they got the money. That was hours ago.

Karin: I’m sure it’s as they said. They probably just want to get away to safety first.

Stefan: If they won’t call…if they just leave Ben somewhere…if he…

Karin: Maybe we should go to the police. They have better ways of finding Ben.

Stefan: Hm. If he is even still alive.

Karin: He’s alive. You hear me? Ben is alive.

 

 

[Pestalozzi, principal’s office]

 

Helena: That was fast. It’s great that the decision came so easy for you.

Michael: I didn’t have to decide anything. Did you really believe for one minute that I would let myself be used for this project? Do you really know so little about me?

Helena: On the contrary, Michael. I know you better than you know yourself. This whole pretence of ethics is only an acute case of Bea Vogel/bird flu. Or haven’t you realized yet that she left you for a student, your oh so moral Bea Vogel. She made you small but you aren’t. (That’s much more than I ever wanted to know about Michael). The two of us, we can now finally have the life we always dreamt about.

Michael: The life you always dreamt about. You have no idea how I tick. You didn’t even realize when our marriage was at its end.

Helena: Michael…this between us never stopped. Or do you honestly want to claim that you are indifferent to me?

Michael: No, I’m not indifferent to you. I despise you. And you listen to me. I don’t know how but I will do everything in my power to make sure those plans of yours won’t be realized. That I swear to you.

Michael leaves and in her anger Helena throws something in the direction of the now closed door. A loose-leaf collection, I believe.

(My librarian heart bleeds. I’m sure Frau Jäger spent many hours keeping it up to date. Helena how could you? On this our last big scene together? You are truly evil. God, I’ll miss you. Without you the Ben-Bea-Michael thing would have been unbearable. And you’re pretty hot after you’ve spent the night in a boiler room thinking about Bea.)

 

 

[Outside the kidnappers’ den]

 

Bea has managed to find the buildingthanks to Sophie’s precise instructions and is listening.

 

Kidnapper: If you want to get out of this alive, just recite the text.

Ben laughs.

Ben: My father has already sicced the police on you. You better run to safety.

He gets hitand does as he is told.

Ben: Dad, the first handover of the money was only a test. The kidnappers want the same amount again, then they’ll let me go. Or else…they will kill me.

The kidnappers are finished and go outside.

By the way, the room seems to be a garage. With heating!Sophie calls it a barrack, I call that luxury.

 

Kidnapper1: I think we’ll get the car and then we’ll sink the trash in the Rhine with a few stones. And then, we’ll get the money from the old man, okay?

Kidnapper2+3: Alright.

Bea heard everything.

 

 

[Pestalozzi, staircase]

 

Frau Krawcyk: I don’t like small talk, either.

Michael: I’m sorry. I just had a few frustrating realizations, just now.

Frau Krawcyk: That’s daily life with the students. You can’t live with them but you also can’t live without them.

Michael: No, this time it wasn’t about the students for once but about our beloved principal.

Frau Krawcyk: Oh.

Michael: Yes. This alleged new deluxe school is just one big fraud. The students get a rotten barrack and Helena is lining her pockets. That’s the deal.

Frau Krawcyk: Well, that’s how I always believed it would be.

Michael: I didn’t. Obviously I was a little too naïve.

Frau Krawcyk: And now?

Michael: Now I know more, but I can’t do anything. If I had only listened to Bea. But now she’s gone. Probably because she got no support when she tried to fight against Helena’s plan.

Frau Krawcyk: Or because there’s something else that’s worrying her.

Michael: What do you mean?

Frau Krawcyk: I don’t know. I only know that she isn’t the kind of person who just gives up.

 

 

[The room]

 

Bea obviously knows how to break into garages.

Bea: Ben. My god, Ben. Are you okay? Oh god. This is going to hurt a little. Careful.

She pulls off the tape over his mouth.

Ben: How…how…?

Bea: Doesn’t matter, I…I received a hint but we have to get out of here. They are coming back and they want to take you away. Can you…?

Ben: No.

Bea: Something. There has to be some…

Ben: Shards…there have to be shards lying around here somewhere.

Bea tries to cut Ben loose.

Bea: Shit. Do you hear something?

Ben: That’s them. You have to get out of here.

Bea: No way. I won’t leave you alone. They are going to kill you.

Ben: They mustn’t get you too. Go! Now!

Bea: Forget it!