

A Winning Hand
Season 4 Episode 2 | 48m 42sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions
A murder takes Oskar and Max’s investigation into a world of underground gambling.
A murder takes Oskar and Max’s investigation into a world of underground gambling. Oskar’s life continues to be complicated by his feelings for Therese. Max questions if he and Clara are meant to be together.
See all videos with Audio DescriptionADFunding for Vienna Blood is provided by Viking.

A Winning Hand
Season 4 Episode 2 | 48m 42sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions
A murder takes Oskar and Max’s investigation into a world of underground gambling. Oskar’s life continues to be complicated by his feelings for Therese. Max questions if he and Clara are meant to be together.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipI need to see Strasser.
Tell him I know where to find Mephisto.
The Empire is under threat, Reinhardt.
Mephisto's our deadliest enemy.
It would need to be someone at the centre of political power.
Strasser was chasing him.
[Gunshot] Oskar: : I remember every detail.
A bomb was planted by Lazar Kiss.
Why was your father still obsessed by it?
Someone is giving away our secrets.
I have accepted the appointment as the new director of security.
Lisa: Two different types.
Seems like our killer has someone helping him.
Therese, what are you doing here?
You remember my husband Mensler.
He had a friend he spoke about.
Someone who sometimes visited-- Senor Carrillo.
[Singing opera] Someone close to Burgstaller told us you were involved in an enterprise together.
Haussmann: No wallet, no possessions, just this.
Seems like Mephisto has a network, and Rieger's Palace is the rendezvous.
We need an undercover operation.
Welcome to the case, Doctor.
♪ [Crystal jingles] [Ticking] ♪ [Bell tolling] ♪ ♪ Oskar.
♪ Therese?
May I-- May I come in for a moment?
♪ Therese: When I bumped into you, I thought-- We never spoke about, uh-- I never had the chance to tell you.
My husband Rinsler-- I-- I should have told you that I was married.
I should have explained everything.
I had to step away.
I didn't want to intrude.
I'd like to understand if you'd let me.
He was in prison for years.
Well, I never thought that he'd return to us... and then he came back that day you turned up on my doorstep.
If I'd known he was coming, I-- I would never-- I see.
Hannah was pleased to see him back, of course.
Although she didn't know him, she'd heard stories.
Hmm.
What was his crime?
He's a thief, a petty criminal.
He's planning something, a robbery.
I've heard him talking.
He brings people to the house, bad people.
I don't feel safe there.
[Sighs] I don't know what to do, but I have to stop him for Hannah's sake.
Will you help?
Has he committed a crime yet?
No.
If he hasn't committed a crime, I'm powerless.
I can't arrest a man for what goes on in his mind.
Perhaps I shouldn't have come here.
♪ [Sighs] ♪ Forgive me.
♪ It's good to see you again.
♪ No, it's not.
♪ We can at least be honest.
♪ Mendel: Yes!
That looks good on you.
I haven't worn it for years.
Aha!
Ha ha ha!
Leah: Max, is this suitable?
What are you dressed up for, Leah?
[Chuckles] If you think you're going to Rieger's without me, you can think again.
We're going there for work.
You're not invited.
Oh, I hear everyone says it's absolute heaven.
I'm not missing this opportunity to make my friends insanely jealous.
Not a chance.
You take me with you, Max, or I swear, you'll never hear the last of it.
What is it you're up to?
Ah, gambling.
A casino.
Oh.
Is that quite proper?
No.
It's not forbidden in the Talmud.
Your Uncle Harry was a gambler, lost everything.
Never heard of Uncle Harry.
No.
Well, we don't speak about him.
Why are you dressed like that?
I'm pretending to be an English Lord.
Well, the Talmud forbids lying.
It's not lying, Mama.
It's dressing up.
Now, Leah-- I'm serious, Max.
You're not going without me.
[Doorbell rings] Oh, who's that?
Oh, I mentioned it to a friend.
I asked if she wanted to come along.
Yes, fine.
Let's invite everyone.
Ah!
Get in.
Mendel: Ah...
Right.
♪ Apparently, you're taking me out somewhere nice, Max.
♪ [Klaxon honks] It's here.
Everyone get ready.
Leah: Oh, I'll get my coat.
Ho ho!
I say.
How splendid.
What's the point in earning money if you're not going to spend it?
Have a good evening.
Oh, look.
Leah: Oh, Max!
Max: Yes.
Remember, we're going there to work.
Leah: Oh, don't worry.
I'll behave myself.
♪ Max: Feel like everyone's looking at us.
That's the point.
We're supposed to look dazzling.
As you do.
Tell me something.
How do rich people think?
Just complain a lot.
Oskar: These boots are purgatory.
I can barely walk.
Man: Ladies and gentlemen, we are so happy to entertain you.
My name is Karner.
Anything you need, just ask.
I am the casino manager.
Man: Your coat, sir, madam.
Thank you.
May I enquire as to your names for our register?
Man: Coat, please.
Yes.
Uh, I am Lord Sadler from England, and this is-- Lady Sadler and Duchess Gertrude, wife and mother-- sister.
♪ Max: And this is-- Um... Count Von Trauttmanns... ...dorff.
♪ Mm... Max: Thank you.
♪ Oskar: Max, look, just like the one Carrillo had in his pocket.
♪ He may still have something stored here.
We need to look.
This way.
♪ Karner: Welcome to Rieger's.
The house is packed tonight.
♪ People come from all over Europe.
We have pontoon.
Dice is a house favourite.
We have card games, including chemin de fer... ♪ or you can take a seat by the roulette wheel.
14 red.
Karner: Our croupiers are the very best.
Dealer: Last call.
Karner: Champagne for my guests.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, dear, Lady Sadler.
Look.
Not as luxurious as the Danieli.
I apologise.
This evening's entertainment has been cancelled.
Well, I suppose we'll just have to manage.
♪ This place is amazing, Max.
I've never seen anything quite like it.
It's alright.
We've got a job to do-- find out what Carrillo was up to.
Keep your eyes open.
Dealer: Place your bets, please, ladies and gentlemen.
Don't get too drunk.
Why are you looking at me when you say that?
Dealer: No more bets.
So what do we do first?
They need to see that I'm legitimate, a high roller, one big, ostentatious gamble.
Dealer: 17 black.
I'm going to have a look at that cloakroom, Max.
Come on.
Let's find a table.
Mm-hmm.
Dealer: Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
Place your bets.
♪ Chips, please, 500.
♪ Max: How does this work?
Don't be so diffident.
Try to act like you own the place.
Dealer: My Lord, your chips.
You're Lord Sadler, after all.
You own 5,000 acres.
Who said my estate was that big?
I did, just now.
Make more of a fuss over me.
Pet me.
What?
Stroke me like I'm a possession.
That really necessary?
That's how powerful men behave.
Leah said I was your wife.
Yes.
That was her idea, not mine.
All part of the deception.
Man: Madame?
Could you get us more drinks, please?
Uh, waiter, champagne for the ladies, please.
And for you, sir?
A Gin Rickey.
I'm sorry, sir.
What is that?
I don't know it.
Oh, it doesn't matter.
Never mind.
Actually, I suggest you find out before I have you fired.
Sir.
Better.
Dealer: Any more bets?
Right.
Thank you.
Any more bets?
♪ My friend left something-- Senor Carrillo.
He asked me to get it for him.
Sir, do you have a ticket?
Sorry.
I forgot it.
Then I'm afraid I can't help you.
♪ You were asking for Carrillo?
Why?
I...um... What was your name again?
Count-- You are no count.
Dealer: All bets down.
♪ 36 red.
[Gasps and exclamations] Oh, my gosh.
Max: This doesn't seem to be as difficult as people make out.
Oh, good.
Something else he excels at.
Dealer: Congratulations, sir.
Thank you.
Place your bets.
Are you sure you want to risk that much?
Ah, don't be such a bore.
Just starting to enjoy myself.
You're meant to be pretending, not actually getting sucked in.
Oh... ♪ Dealer: My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, place your bets.
Aren't we supposed to be here for a reason?
♪ I can't accept that bet, sir.
Sorry?
I can't accept it at this table.
This chip is meant for a special game.
W-w-which game is that?
I am not at liberty to say, sir.
♪ Max: Very well.
Welcome to Rieger's.
♪ I don't think we've met.
Helena Rieger-- proprietress.
Ah.
Can I beg a moment alone with you, my lord?
Of course.
♪ Dealer: No more bets.
♪ 15 black.
Magnificent establishment you've got here.
Mm.
My father bequeathed it to me.
I've been the proprietress for 7 years now.
Not a person comes through that door that I don't see.
I know gamblers.
I know their foibles.
I see every little quirk of nature, rather like a neurologist making a diagnosis.
♪ For example, that woman you came in with.
My wife?
Yes.
I could tell at once she's nothing of the kind.
The way she looks at you, the way she reacts, she's playing a part quite skillfully, but I could spot it.
You think she's not in love with me?
Ah, no.
I didn't say that.
♪ Still, quite plainly you're in love with her, though.
Am I right?
♪ Perhaps you don't like to admit it, but everyone's secrets can be uncovered if you know the signals.
♪ Anything else?
Well, now you mention it, you're not a lord at all.
Oh.
The nobility have a kind of certainty in their manner.
They're comfortable giving orders without seeming embarrassed about doing so.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
So that begs a question.
Why the pretence... ♪ and what were you doing with that gaming chip, hmm?
♪ Apparently, it's used for a special game.
♪ Would you care to tell me which one?
Would you care to tell me how you got a hold of it, first?
I know who you are.
I knew the moment you arrived.
♪ So, the famous Dr. Liebermann, and that must make you Inspector Rheinhardt.
What are you doing here?
These people are helping me with an investigation.
Into what, exactly?
Do you recognise this man?
Naturally.
I read the news.
♪ Has he ever been here?
♪ I've never met him.
Plainly, you're badly informed, Inspector.
♪ How about this one?
♪ Senor Carrillo was a regular visitor here.
Sometimes he performed.
He was due to sing here tonight.
I heard about his death, Inspector.
Tragic.
♪ That gaming chip, it was found in Carrillo's apartment.
♪ What does it signify?
It's reserved for a particular game where only the high rollers play.
Oskar: And Carrillo was a part of it?
♪ Wonder what's taking him so long.
♪ Sounds to me like you're jealous.
What?
I know there's something going on.
Max bought us all presents from New York.
He hasn't given them out, but I peeked inside the bag.
There's one with your name on.
Dealer: Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.
That's kind of him.
Bigger than the others, more expensive, said, "Marquand," on the label, jewellery.
Dealer: No more bets.
What's the psychology behind that, I wonder.
Stop it, Leah.
I know he wrote to you.
Mama was talking about it.
♪ Oh, come on.
Tell me.
Is there something going on?
Nothing except your imagination running wild.
He's in love with you.
He never stopped.
You really are incorrigible.
Tell me I'm wrong.
♪ You can't.
[Chuckles] ♪ Max: You need to get us access.
Helena: It's a secret room.
The players insist on privacy.
Oskar: This is a murder investigation, fraulein.
Would you rather we closed you down?
Don't try to threaten me, Inspector.
You'd have to convince half the government to shut me down.
I know too many powerful people.
Every one is a client of mine.
♪ What if we could raise the stake... What?
join the game?
No one need know who we are, and I'm actually on quite a roll.
♪ The basic stake is 1,000 kronen.
You can join the table tomorrow night.
♪ What's the game?
Chemin de fer.
♪ [Automobile engine running] What's the matter?
Nothing... Mm.
just something someone said tonight.
They were observing us, and they said that... you were playacting, Hmm.
that you clearly weren't my wife.
♪ Well, I'm not, am I?
♪ It was all part of the deception.
Yes.
♪ It's just, it... made me realise-- Mm.
♪ Uh... What?
♪ [Klaxon honks] Leah: So 1,000 kronen on a game of chemin de fer?
Yes, and I'm not sure I can even remember how to play it.
Leah: It's ludicrously simple.
9 is a winning score.
You bet on which hand you think is closest to 9.
Subtract 10 if it's over, so 11 is the same as one.
Yes.
You can ask for a third card, but only if your opponent hasn't got an 8 or a 9.
Face cards are nothing, so this is a 4, the winner.
And it's just blind luck which of them is nearest?
Yes.
No skill, just nerve.
So how do we raise the money?
I did alright tonight.
You made a fortune.
Oskar: Did you?
Yes.
Well, surely that's enough.
More than enough.
Good.
Oskar and I will return tomorrow night.
Well, what about me and Clara?
It's too dangerous.
Carrillo's contact may turn up.
♪ Oskar: Alright, so you can try to get into the game, and I'll see what's in the cloakroom.
Fraulein.
Finally, I can change out of these boots.
Good night.
♪ Oh, all this playacting has done me in.
Think I might go to bed, too.
Good night.
♪ Well... Lord Sadler, this is where I slip out of character.
I think I'm done pretending for one evening.
You know, I wrote to you from New York because-- ♪ because I still have feelings for you.
♪ Do you really want to do all this again?
♪ Tell me you feel nothing for me, and I promise I won't bring it up again.
One word from you, and I'll be silent forever.
♪ Max, please.
♪ [Birds chirping] ♪ Oh... [Sniffles] Dear God.
Come in.
[Sniffles] I didn't know where else to go.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no, no.
I'm glad you came here.
Sit down.
Where's Hannah?
At school.
Thank you.
He did this?
Where is he now?
At home.
The key for this apartment.
You'll be safe.
Bring Hannah, too.
Where are you going?
To make sure you'll never have to see him again.
♪ [Typewriters clacking] [Indistinct conversations] ♪ [Pounding on door] Oskar: Thanhofer?
Thanhofer!
♪ What?
Listen to me.
I'm only going to say this once.
Get out of Vienna and don't come back.
I don't want you hanging round here.
Do you understand?
♪ [Both grunting] [Clattering] Who the hell are you to order me around?
I'm not going anywhere.
[Grunting] ♪ Look.
No.
You look.
If you ever lay a finger on her again, I'll kill you!
♪ [Thanhofer gasping] ♪ So are you ready to meet him?
Yes.
Of course.
Don't be nervous.
He's something of a legend, but he likes his reporters to be straight with him, so just be yourself.
Why do they call him The Baron?
It's from his time in England.
It's slang they use there.
Press baron means the proprietor.
♪ [Sniffs] So I wanted to meet you.
I've been reading your interviews.
You write well... ♪ a little flowery for my taste, but you have talent.
♪ You know what they say about me?
I know that most people fear you and that you have access to most of the politicians in Vienna.
Yes.
That's right.
So the situation in Europe is gradually becoming more strained.
We're looking to expand our political coverage.
We need someone to write a regular column reporting on the situation in the East.
Your name came up.
You have a common touch, and I thought you might appeal to women, expand our readership.
This country is a powder keg, and it's our responsibility to make sure that it doesn't go off.
War with Serbia must be averted.
♪ You want me to preach a doctrine of peace.
Is that going to be difficult?
No.
♪ Thank you.
♪ Good-looking.
And ambitious.
She could do very well for us.
You want to have dinner with me?
I'm meeting someone.
Another politician spilling his secrets?
♪ [Door opens and closes] ♪ [Telephone rings] ♪ [Ring] ♪ [Indistinct voices] ♪ [Birds chirping] [Doorbell rings] [Door opens and closes] Take me back.
What?
I'm a journalist, Max.
You really think I'm going to miss this opportunity?
Hmm.
Take me back to Rieger's.
So what is it about gamblers?
How do you mean?
Well, Freud must have some insights.
Are they just natural thrill seekers, people who want to live dangerously?
What's the attraction?
I don't see it.
Guilt.
What?
Freud would say all gamblers harbour some deep residual guilt about something... Really?
because deep down in the depths of their psyche, they know they're going to lose.
They're seeking punishment.
Interesting.
♪ And does that remind you of anyone?
♪ I think you've never quite got past what happened between us.
I think you keep obsessing about it.
You never answered my question, Clara.
[Doorbell rings] Time to go.
Hmm.
♪ Your ticket, sir.
♪ I need to go back to that cloakroom, find what Carrillo left there.
I'll come and find you.
Lord Sadler.
Dealer: No more bets.
32 red.
All bets in.
Lord Sadler.
This way, if you wish to join the private game.
Yes.
My apologies.
Better if you come alone.
♪ Uh-- ♪ Every gambler's always looking for the next big thrill.
You need to understand what you're getting into here.
♪ [Motor whirring] ♪ My father's trade was steel, built half the railroads in Austria, fashioned the bridges that span the Danube.
Gambling was his private passion.
See, he built the casino on the site of an old mine.
The ore that was used to make the steel came from inside these tunnels.
[Water dripping] ♪ All part of the ritual.
♪ Ladies and gentleman, a new gamer will be joining us tonight-- The Englishman.
The Soldier.
The Baron.
And this is The Actress.
♪ Please take your place.
♪ The usual stakes-- 1,000 minimum, and no upper limit.
♪ In this room, there is no restriction on what you can bet.
Enjoy your evening.
♪ So shall we begin?
♪ A whisky double.
Yes, sir.
♪ The Soldier: You seem reticent, friend.
There is no strategy here.
♪ The Actress: We are powerless in Fate's hands.
That's what makes it so delicious.
♪ The Baron: A simple choice, my friend.
Are you going to wager or not?
♪ [Chuckles] ♪ The Baron: Mm-hmm.
[Indistinct conversation] ♪ [Sniffs] ♪ [Click] ♪ Oh, my God.
♪ [Approaching footsteps] [Door opens] ♪ [Approaching footsteps] ♪ The Actress: Hmm.
♪ You're an actress.
Mm.
Would I have seen you on the stage?
We don't talk about our lives here unless we wish to gamble with them.
What do you mean?
[Chuckles] ♪ Hmm.
♪ The Actress: Well, well.
Another victory for the Englishman.
Baron: So, Englishman, what more would you care to wager?
Trying to goad me into putting down more money?
No.
I wasn't talking about money.
What, then?
The Baron: That woman you came with.
I saw her in the bar.
How much is she worth to you?
Would you care to wager her?
♪ You actually gamble with people?
People.
Possessions.
Secrets.
Anything of value.
The thrill is greater than you could imagine.
Why don't you try it?
Why?
Well, I sense that somewhere deep in your soul, you're truly tempted.
You feign disgust, but the idea is just a little thrilling.
The Actress: No excitement without risk, my friend.
Well?
♪ Helena: I think a break is needed.
Perhaps you would all care to refill your glasses.
Come with me.
The Baron: Whisky, please.
Waiter: Yes, sir.
♪ Max: Can't believe what I've just witnessed.
How can you allow it to go on?
I just feed an addiction.
I don't trade in morals.
You asked if you could meet with them.
I've kept my part of the bargain.
Where are you going?
I want my friend to leave, don't want her to become part of a wager.
Excuse me.
♪ [Water dripping] Oskar.
♪ [Click] ♪ Drop the weapon!
♪ [Gunshots] ♪ [Breathing shallowly] ♪ Dear God, you look awful.
Oskar, what's happened?
I'm lost, and I'm alone.
[Gasps] ♪ Worst thing I've ever faced.
♪ [Gunshot echoing] ♪ No.
♪ ♪
Video has Closed Captions
A murder takes Oskar and Max’s investigation into a world of underground gambling. (30s)
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