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00:00:08My name is Lainey Wilds. I live in Aurelia, Sector 9. I'm poorer than dirt. My father left
00:00:15when we were babies. My life is filled with manual labor and struggle.
00:00:21Work faster!
00:00:23But the one thing that keeps me alive is singing.
00:00:34Amazing grace!
00:00:36Hey, Lainey!
00:00:41What's up, Sector 9? Our blue-collar backbone. Star Surge Season 10 is coming.
00:00:46Do you have what it takes to be Aurelia's next star? The winner of fame and fortune. Audition now or
00:00:52forever hold your peace.
00:00:55You should audition. You're the best singer I know.
00:00:58The truth is, I taped one secretly two days ago. But I know I'll never submit it.
00:01:04Mom would never allow it. You know the rules.
00:01:08No music.
00:01:10Slacking off, girls!
00:01:12I'll be docking your pay.
00:01:17But that's so messed up!
00:01:20Don't talk back, Slumdog!
00:01:22Don't touch my sister!
00:01:23We'll take the dock pay.
00:01:25Just let us keep our jobs. It's our whole life. Please.
00:01:30You Sector 9 girls are just trash waiting to die.
00:01:34What is your life even worth?
00:01:37Do you have what it takes to be Aurelia's next star? Winner of fame and fortune?
00:01:42If I won Star Surge, I could get us out of here. I could save my sister. And most importantly,
00:01:48I could save our family.
00:01:49Lenny! Come quick! It's your mom!
00:01:56Mom!
00:01:57Are you okay? I told you you shouldn't be working with your condition.
00:02:01Don't say I told you so. It's unbecoming for a young lady.
00:02:07The cough is getting worse.
00:02:09I need water! Who has water?
00:02:11What the hell is this? A knitting club? Get back to work!
00:02:14But Mr. Foreman-
00:02:15Get back to work! Aurelia needs power!
00:02:25Audition now or forever hold your peace.
00:02:27We couldn't live like this. I decided right then and there.
00:02:35I was auditioning for Star Surge.
00:02:46Lainey! We need to do something! Mom is sick!
00:02:51There is something we can do. Or I can do, rather. I auditioned for Star Surge.
00:03:01You... you didn't. It's the only way, Mom. Rescind your audition. Take it back!
00:03:10We need money, Mom.
00:03:12Lainey!
00:03:14Please. Please trust me. You cannot go on Star Surge.
00:03:21Please. Promise me. Promise me you won't go!
00:03:25Aurelia Talent Authority, open up!
00:03:29Lainey Wilds, congratulations. You're going to be on Star Surge.
00:03:35Jasmine Hall in my house. And taking my daughter to her doom.
00:03:42Mom!
00:03:46Sector 9 hadn't had hospitals in years. Just makeshift underground clinics and abandoned train tunnels.
00:03:58What's going to happen? What's wrong with her?
00:04:01It's okay. They're going to help her.
00:04:14The sickness is accelerating. I've got to get her into our thermoshock bath to stop the shaking.
00:04:20What does she have?
00:04:22She needs treatment in Aurelia. Very expensive treatment.
00:04:27And how are we supposed to pay for that? We have no money! Don't you understand? This is...
00:04:35How much time...
00:04:38Doctor, how much time does she have left?
00:04:41Three weeks.
00:04:42Four at the most.
00:04:44Look, I need to get your mother into the shock bath.
00:04:46Doctor, please!
00:04:49There has to be something else we can do.
00:04:51There is something you can do, Lainey.
00:04:55And you know what it is.
00:04:59And if you win Star Surge, your mom can get the care she needs.
00:05:05Lainey, what about mom's warnings?
00:05:07I can't just sit here and wait for her to die, Alyssa.
00:05:10I need to do this. For mom.
00:05:13But I need you too. How am I supposed to handle this by myself?
00:05:17You said yourself that I should audition. Now is our chance.
00:05:20That was before mom was dying!
00:05:23Exactly! So now I have to do this, Alyssa!
00:05:27What other option do we have?
00:05:30Lainey, the qualifier starts tonight.
00:05:33Are you in or not?
00:05:40I'm sorry, Alyssa. I asked you.
00:05:43No! Please don't leave me!
00:05:46Lainey, Lainey, Lainey!
00:05:49I'm in.
00:05:52I can't do this by myself.
00:05:55Please don't make this harder than it is, Alyssa.
00:05:58We need to go.
00:06:08It's time.
00:06:11Don't do this.
00:06:12What if...
00:06:13What if...
00:06:14What if mom's warnings are right?
00:06:17I have to.
00:06:23Lainey! Lainey!
00:06:27Lainey!
00:06:28Lainey!
00:06:29He will.
00:06:38He will.
00:06:39I have to.
00:06:46I have to.
00:06:47Let me.
00:07:05Please win, Lainey.
00:07:07Please, please, win.
00:07:28I had never seen the capital city.
00:07:31I could never have dreamed it would be this grand.
00:07:50They were all so posh, so beautiful.
00:07:55Listen to me carefully, Lainey.
00:07:57No one needs to know why you're here.
00:07:59What?
00:07:59Your mother, her illness, your desperation.
00:08:03People here weaponize weakness.
00:08:05Be strategic.
00:08:08What kind of person would weaponize weakness?
00:08:13Look at the country bumpkin.
00:08:15Sector 9 worker, right?
00:08:19You're the ones who fuel my curling ire.
00:08:21But what are you doing here in Aurora?
00:08:24Are you lost?
00:08:27I knew girls like this, mean girls, rich girls, but I was here for a reason, and I would not
00:08:33let her get to me.
00:08:35I'm not lost.
00:08:37I'm here to win.
00:08:40Good luck, sewer rat.
00:08:41But I look forward to sending you back where you belong.
00:08:46Lainey Wilds.
00:08:52Val Valentine, the show's MC.
00:08:57You, you know me?
00:08:59Of course.
00:09:00You scored a 9, didn't you?
00:09:02Was my score really that impressive?
00:09:04Look, my little superstar.
00:09:06I want you to know you can tell me anything.
00:09:10Any fears.
00:09:12Any insecurities.
00:09:14I am your friend.
00:09:15What?
00:09:16Something in my gut told me not to trust that.
00:09:23Now, ready for your screen test.
00:09:28Screen test?
00:09:31My voice was ranked with high potential, but now they needed to make sure I looked good
00:09:36on screen, but I've never performed on a stage before.
00:09:56That's President Danes, Aurelia's top commander.
00:10:01Come on, don't be shy.
00:10:04Sing.
00:10:05Are you mute, Sector 9?
00:10:07Let's hear it.
00:10:10Sing.
00:10:18Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
00:10:50Results will be posted shortly, Sector 9.
00:11:00I miss you.
00:11:05You're Lainey Wiles, right?
00:11:07My name is Carson, and I'm also from Sector 9.
00:11:11Oh, cool.
00:11:13How many Sector 9s are got picked?
00:11:15Just us two, I think.
00:11:18The difference here is huge, right?
00:11:20You're telling me I asked for water from a girl in Sector 1 today, and she laughed at me.
00:11:26Said they don't drink water there because they have rehydrating tech.
00:11:29Why would anyone share water with Section 9-er?
00:11:37I mean, what's it like breathing carbon dioxide all day?
00:11:42Do your brains even function better than yours?
00:11:48Oh, honey.
00:11:49When are you going to get it through your thick skull?
00:11:52You don't belong here.
00:11:55Not one.
00:11:57transparency.
00:11:58Audition number 15, Lainey Wilde, Sector 9.
00:12:01High score.
00:12:11Lainey, your voice is incredible.
00:12:14Uncle, they just need diversity hires. Don't get comfortable.
00:12:22When would she see I would never be comfortable here?
00:12:26I'm only here for one reason and one reason only.
00:12:37There you are, Uncle.
00:12:39You have to promise me that Sector 9 won't make top 20.
00:12:44What's wrong with her, Tiffany?
00:12:46You saw her, didn't you, Uncle? That Sector 9 freak?
00:12:49With the pink highlights, I won't have Slum Crash outshine me.
00:12:53This is supposed to be my year.
00:12:56Please, just do something.
00:12:58She's in there.
00:13:01I want her gone.
00:13:15I've called this emergency meeting on a matter of top importance.
00:13:19I need contestant number 15 eliminated.
00:13:22Who is it?
00:13:27I understand she's from Sector 9.
00:13:29I know it's good to have diversity in all abilities.
00:13:32She scored the highest we've ever seen in Star Surge, Ken.
00:13:41She.
00:13:43She did.
00:13:45She could be it.
00:13:47The one we've been searching for.
00:13:50Where is she then?
00:14:11You must be Lainey.
00:14:13I need to speak with you.
00:14:18President Danis.
00:14:20Am I in trouble?
00:14:22Trouble, no.
00:14:24I like to acquaint myself with promising candidates.
00:14:27You do?
00:14:28Indeed.
00:14:29Of course.
00:14:30No decisions have been made just yet.
00:14:33We make sure the ones we select are cooperative.
00:14:40Cooperative?
00:14:40Cooperative?
00:14:42Tell me, Lainey.
00:14:44Do you enjoy attention?
00:14:46People watching you?
00:14:48Admiring you?
00:14:49I never really thought about it.
00:14:51Lainey, if you made it into the top 20, people would notice you.
00:14:55Some would adore you.
00:14:56Some would envy you.
00:14:58And some would want what you have.
00:15:00And maybe, if you let them, they might just take you.
00:15:05Sir, the stars have been decided.
00:15:10Production crew is preparing.
00:15:14Good luck, Lainey.
00:15:16I'll certainly be watching.
00:15:21Be careful.
00:15:22Mom was right.
00:15:24What if this was a mistake?
00:15:26A terrible, horrible...
00:15:32Come on.
00:15:33We better get going.
00:15:36Uh, were you just standing there that entire conversation?
00:15:41Does it matter?
00:15:42Come on, let's go.
00:15:44I don't even know your name.
00:15:50Best of luck, Sector 9.
00:15:52Lainey!
00:15:52Oh my God, you're here!
00:15:54I heard they were kicking you out.
00:15:55What?
00:15:56But then President Danis saw your score and changed his mind.
00:15:59Crazy, right?
00:16:04Welcome to the 20th Annual Star Surge for 1,000 of your audition.
00:16:09Tonight, only 20 will be selected, and we're announcing them right now.
00:16:17Now, please help me in welcoming our first contestant, Carson Vega.
00:16:23I hope you make it, too.
00:16:25Promise me we'll look out for one another.
00:16:27If I even get in.
00:16:29She's our youngest contestant this season.
00:16:32At least one of us from Sector 9 had a chance.
00:16:35Next up, Caleb Hart.
00:16:38My mystery guy made the cut.
00:16:40Not many slots left now.
00:16:42Tiffany Danes.
00:16:47Tiffany's name got called second to last.
00:16:49Last, I wanted to help my mom, but I felt like I'd already failed her.
00:16:53Last, but certainly not least.
00:16:57For the first time in Star Surge history, Sector 9 has produced two top 20 contestants.
00:17:04Lady Wilds!
00:17:06Me?
00:17:07Me?
00:17:19That's right, Aurelia.
00:17:21Over the next six weeks, these 20 rising stars will battle for the title of Star Surge Champion!
00:17:30Every week, contestants will be eliminated until only two remain.
00:17:34And then we'll discover who truly has star power.
00:17:37I'm your host, Val Valentine, and this is Star Surge.
00:17:43That's a wrap, everyone.
00:17:45Contestants, follow me.
00:17:47I did it, Mom.
00:17:48Mom, I know I disobeyed you, but I'm in.
00:17:53I could win.
00:17:54I could get you the treatment you need.
00:17:56Lainey.
00:17:57A word?
00:18:00Is everything okay?
00:18:02Lainey.
00:18:04There's something you need to know.
00:18:06Your mother has progressed much faster than expected, and she went into a coma this morning.
00:18:12No.
00:18:12I need to get back to Sector 9.
00:18:22That won't work, Lainey.
00:18:38Why won't this door open?
00:18:41Once selected, all contestants must remain here until elimination.
00:18:47My mother is dying.
00:18:49You need to let me leave.
00:18:50I'm sorry, Lainey.
00:18:51I can't.
00:18:58This is all my fault.
00:19:00She never wanted me here.
00:19:02She told me not to do this.
00:19:05Each contestant gets one call home in the course of their time here.
00:19:08If you want to use yours now, that's your choice.
00:19:11But it will be your only call.
00:19:21Alyssa, Alyssa, what's happening with mom?
00:19:24She woke up from the coma.
00:19:26But it's bad, Lainey.
00:19:27They predict she'll keep falling in and out of unconsciousness.
00:19:30I told you not to go.
00:19:31Alyssa, I'm trying to do what's best for us.
00:19:35For our family.
00:19:37Then stop talking to me and win already.
00:19:41Call limit reached.
00:19:49I'm sorry, Mom.
00:19:51I should have been there.
00:19:54My sister never wanted me to go.
00:19:58Contestants want me out.
00:19:59They look down me for being poor.
00:20:02For being a Sector 9.
00:20:04That was the moment I decided.
00:20:07If Star Surge wouldn't let me out, I'd stay.
00:20:11Until I won.
00:20:12For my family.
00:20:15I've been drilling though this night.
00:20:19Every scar.
00:20:20Every fall.
00:20:24Over the next three weeks, I went along with the show.
00:20:28I observed everything and tried my best to stay under the radar.
00:20:38I quickly learned that to Star Surge, us stars were just products.
00:20:44See, what you all need to realize is that stars aren't born.
00:20:49They're made.
00:20:51Which is why we have teams here to help you look your best.
00:21:00Early on in my image consultation, my team decided my pink highlights made me too edgy.
00:21:05So they dyed the pieces brown.
00:21:08And any outfit I wore on stage had to be pre-selected.
00:21:12That ensured every shirt was compatible with their harness technology.
00:21:24This harness monitors your vitals while you're at stage.
00:21:27Simple contestant safety protocol.
00:21:29The first time I performed at the Aurelia Coliseum, I felt on top of the world.
00:21:51I even put up with Tiffany's bullying.
00:21:57I couldn't let her get to me.
00:21:59I was here for one reason.
00:22:08But something weird happened during the week three performance.
00:22:13I felt weird when I came off stage.
00:22:38Lainey, something's wrong.
00:22:39I don't feel good.
00:22:41Week four, Carson felt it too.
00:22:44But we didn't know what they were doing to us.
00:22:47Not yet.
00:23:02You asked to see me, President Danis.
00:23:05With all due respect, I think we're pushing them too hard too early.
00:23:10Are you about to give me a safety lecture, Val?
00:23:13We've been over this.
00:23:14I handle the logistics.
00:23:17You handle the performance.
00:23:19If it's not something that hurts our ratings, it's not your concern.
00:23:23But sir...
00:23:27You know what I see when I look out there?
00:23:30Auroria to a second city.
00:23:33Enough energy to power an entirely new civilization.
00:23:36Sir, certain contestants may not have the physical capacity to withstand.
00:23:40That's quite enough, Val.
00:23:43Increase collection by another 15%.
00:23:45That's an order.
00:24:08Carson, are you okay?
00:24:13Yeah, I'm fine.
00:24:15My dad taught me how to be tough.
00:24:19You're lucky.
00:24:20I never met my dad.
00:24:22I think I'm getting cut tonight.
00:24:23What?
00:24:24Why?
00:24:25It's just a weird feeling.
00:24:26The girl from Sector 6 who got cut last week said she felt something similar.
00:24:31Could I tell her the truth?
00:24:32That I felt the strange energy within me too.
00:24:36I felt weird too.
00:24:37After I go on stage, I thought it was the lights.
00:24:41Or the audience.
00:24:42What if it's something else?
00:24:44Like another competitor?
00:24:46Sabotaging us?
00:24:48Like who?
00:24:48Tiffany?
00:24:49Could she actually be that diabolical?
00:24:51I don't know.
00:24:52I'm scared, Lainey.
00:24:56You're gonna be okay.
00:24:57I won't let anything happen to you.
00:25:00The doctors are gonna help her, Alyssa.
00:25:03Don't worry.
00:25:04That's the thing about telling someone it'll be okay.
00:25:08Usually, you're trying to convince yourself.
00:25:11Attention, contestists.
00:25:13The Week 4 Elimination event begins in 30 minutes.
00:25:17Make your way to the designated backstage loading zone.
00:25:23Come on.
00:25:24Let's get to Elimination.
00:25:26There's no way they're cutting you.
00:25:30Why is Caleb talking to Val?
00:25:37This way.
00:25:39The second we got backstage, I felt it.
00:25:43The same feeling I got when I almost got sent home my first day here.
00:25:48Something bad was coming.
00:25:50Carson, we're just gonna get your harness fastened over on the other side of the stage,
00:25:53and then you'll enter from stage right, okay?
00:25:56Good luck.
00:26:03Don't fasten it.
00:26:04What?
00:26:05The harness.
00:26:06Keep it loose as possible.
00:26:09What are you doing?
00:26:10It's for contestant safety.
00:26:11No, it isn't.
00:26:13Where's Carson?
00:26:14She needs to remove it, too.
00:26:15It's something else.
00:26:16It's like another competitor sabotage.
00:26:21This whole time, I'd been worried about Tiffany's antics.
00:26:24Was it possible the one sabotaging Carson and I was Caleb?
00:26:30Contestants, take the stage in five.
00:26:34Stay away from me.
00:26:48Was he trying to sabotage me, or was he trying to help?
00:26:54Three.
00:26:58Two.
00:27:04One.
00:27:05One.
00:27:07One.
00:27:14Two.
00:27:21One.
00:27:23One.
00:27:25One.
00:27:37And now for the moment you've all been waiting for
00:27:40Where we find out who makes it past week four
00:27:44Are you sure about this, President?
00:27:49Don't make me fire you, Val
00:27:54Sir
00:27:55The energy levels are quite high right now
00:27:58Now, Clem
00:28:03And the first contestant
00:28:05Advancing tonight
00:28:07Is
00:28:08I said now
00:28:19Carson Vega
00:28:44Carson!
00:28:52Carson!
00:28:56Sir, this isn't state authorized
00:28:59I am the state
00:29:01Keep rolling
00:29:02Push in on Carson
00:29:04We need this
00:29:05Gets the audience feeling
00:29:09What an emotion moment
00:29:10She's so excited
00:29:11She can't stand
00:29:12Let's continue then
00:29:13Our next contestant advancing
00:29:14Lainey Wilds
00:29:18Carson!
00:29:19Carson!
00:29:38Looks like we've got some drama, folks!
00:29:40We'll be right back
00:29:41But first, a commercial break
00:29:48God damn it!
00:29:51Stay with me
00:29:53Please, Carson
00:29:54Please tell me you're okay
00:29:56Lainey is
00:29:57We were right
00:29:59Something is really, really wrong
00:30:11Carson, give her space
00:30:13Give her space
00:30:17She needs a thermoshock bath to stop the shaking
00:30:25I'd seen this before
00:30:35And deep down
00:30:36I knew
00:30:37As desperately as I didn't want it to be true
00:30:40Carson wasn't coming back
00:30:44When I woke up the next morning
00:30:46I wondered if it was all a bad dream
00:30:54Morning, Lainey
00:30:56Where's Carson?
00:30:58Lainey
00:30:58She started seizing the second she got selected
00:31:01The official statement is that Carson suffered a terminal cardiac event
00:31:05From all the stress
00:31:06A stress-induced cardiac event
00:31:09She was fine until she got on that stage
00:31:11I'm not saying it's fair
00:31:13Fair?
00:31:13Carson did everything they asked
00:31:16She sang
00:31:17She cried
00:31:18And this show killed her
00:31:20I don't make the rules, Lainey
00:31:23But I'm smart enough to know they don't benefit the average person
00:31:30We came here thinking this was a singing competition
00:31:35I'm starting to think it's something way different
00:31:50What did you know?
00:31:51Why didn't you warn her?
00:31:54I tried, Lainey
00:31:56So it's the harness
00:31:57Is that what's making us all sick?
00:32:00Contestants disappear more often than the public realizes
00:32:03Star Surge contestants rarely return to their sectors
00:32:06What?
00:32:07No
00:32:07We see them all the time
00:32:09The show does reunion specials
00:32:11That's the thing
00:32:12It's never actually them
00:32:15This show
00:32:16Uses contestants to harvest audience emotion
00:32:20Energy
00:32:21It's like currency to them
00:32:23It's how they keep Arolia operating
00:32:26And when a contestant is all used up
00:32:29When the capital has extracted all they can
00:32:33They discard them
00:32:34What do you mean?
00:32:36They tell us the harnesses are a safety protocol
00:32:38Meanwhile, they're taking our biometrics
00:32:41Our energy
00:32:41Our DNA
00:32:42Everything needed to clone a person
00:32:45If it's necessary
00:32:47If someone ever returns to their sector
00:32:49It's not them
00:32:50It's a copy
00:32:52Something designed to keep people from asking questions
00:32:55How do you know that?
00:32:57Caleb, how do you know?
00:33:01I can show you
00:33:17Where are we going?
00:33:27Somewhere the cameras can't see
00:33:38Caleb, that's like at least a 300 foot drop will fall
00:33:42It's safe, trust me
00:33:52Anything you want
00:33:53Come on
00:33:53Go with me
00:33:53Go with me
00:33:54Go with me
00:33:55Go with me
00:33:56Go with me
00:34:04Go with me
00:34:08Go
00:34:20How?
00:34:24Perks of being a rebel, Lainey.
00:34:26Could I trust him?
00:34:38What is this place?
00:34:49Caleb, wait.
00:34:51I can't see anything.
00:34:54That might be a good thing.
00:35:01Oh my god.
00:35:09Oh my god.
00:35:20Oh my god.
00:35:27JD.
00:35:30Your jaw is amazing.
00:35:36Not as good as you.
00:35:39No.
00:35:42No!
00:35:43But they said she went back to Sector 4!
00:35:46I know.
00:35:49We have to get back and warn people.
00:35:52Lainey, you can't.
00:35:54If we run, the state finds us.
00:35:56If we disappear now, nobody learns the truth.
00:35:59Carson dies for nothing.
00:36:01Jadah dies for nothing.
00:36:02Everybody down here, for nothing.
00:36:05Then what do we do?
00:36:06What I've been trying to do since I got here.
00:36:09Expose them from the inside.
00:36:20Someone's coming.
00:36:33You told me she wouldn't die.
00:36:37Accidents happen, Val.
00:36:39She was 13 years old.
00:36:41Now she's dead.
00:36:42And if you hadn't cut to that stupid commercial break, she could have died on stage.
00:36:47Think of the spectacle you cost us, you idiot.
00:36:49Millions of watts.
00:36:51Gone.
00:36:52My mom was right about this place.
00:36:54President Danes was a puppet master.
00:36:57To him, Carson wasn't a person.
00:36:59She was a battery.
00:37:00You're not worried people are going to blame us for her death.
00:37:04Think of the allegations.
00:37:05That's why we have a public relations department.
00:37:08For Christ's sake, Val.
00:37:09I didn't hire you to give me ethical lectures.
00:37:11And now that I think about it, perhaps Star Surge needs a new face.
00:37:16President Danes, consider the risk.
00:37:17People know me.
00:37:18People trust me.
00:37:19They come to see me.
00:37:20You can't replace me.
00:37:22We'll see about that.
00:37:30Who's there?
00:37:33If there were ever a moment to panic, it's this one.
00:37:41Stay here.
00:37:42I'm going to find our intruders.
00:37:51Initiate lock systems, tunnel C.
00:37:57Intruder detected.
00:37:59Intruder detected.
00:38:01Stay right where you are.
00:38:03We're screwed.
00:38:40Baby, don't you know I'm strong?
00:38:43Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, baby.
00:38:46Can you hear me?
00:38:47I'm alone.
00:38:48I don't know.
00:39:18I don't know.
00:39:47Anti-gravity is off.
00:39:50How the hell are we going to get back up to the library?
00:39:55Climb.
00:40:38How the hell are we going to get back up to the library?
00:40:56I took one step after another, willing myself not to look down.
00:41:01My mom was right, my sister was right, I should never have come here.
00:41:09But now that I knew the truth, I had a duty to do.
00:41:15I didn't want to win Star Surge anymore, I wanted to burn it down.
00:41:41I'm sorry, but now you know everything.
00:41:47Thank you for everything.
00:41:53Caleb!
00:41:59What the fuck are you doing with a Section 9?
00:42:02Piss off, Tiffany.
00:42:04I'm not your boyfriend anymore.
00:42:07They dated?
00:42:09Whatever, production is looking for you anyways.
00:42:18Not so fast.
00:42:20Don't you want the information for your little friend's funeral?
00:42:25Carson deserved justice.
00:42:27Instead she got a PR campaign.
00:42:31Today we celebrate the life of contestant Carson Vega.
00:42:36This was all just more press for the show, more energy, more...
00:42:40And who better to speak than the contestant closest to Carson herself?
00:42:48Lainey Wilde!
00:42:50Wait...
00:42:51I will?
00:43:01Carson wasn't supposed to be here.
00:43:05She was supposed to be with her brothers.
00:43:08She wanted to save them.
00:43:10She wanted...
00:43:16She was 13.
00:43:20I wanted to tell them right then.
00:43:22What I'd seen in the catacombs.
00:43:24The corpses of Star Surge passed.
00:43:28The ones who would never get their deaths acknowledged.
00:43:32Looks like Sector Niner is all choked up.
00:43:35Isn't that sweet?
00:43:44We have to get you off this stage.
00:43:47Follow my lead.
00:43:49Come on, Lainey.
00:43:50Be strong.
00:43:51For Carson.
00:43:52Did I have what Carson had?
00:43:54Was I about to die too?
00:43:58For Carson.
00:44:04Looks like we've got a little shift in the wind here.
00:44:06Lainey has left the stage.
00:44:10Some of us just aren't made for the spotlight.
00:44:19Play back Lainey's speech.
00:44:21Check the energy recordings.
00:44:24She was 13.
00:44:29Now that's gold.
00:44:31Actually, sir.
00:44:31Numbers are showing that this moment performed even better.
00:44:34Crowd went wild.
00:44:35Audience response increased 31%.
00:44:36Highest spike of the season.
00:44:38Interesting.
00:44:39It appears we've been betting on the wrong horse.
00:44:42Look at them.
00:44:43Fear.
00:44:44Trust.
00:44:45Dependency.
00:44:46Hope.
00:44:47The audience is eating it alive.
00:44:48We can work with this.
00:44:50Clem.
00:44:51I think I found our tongue too.
00:44:57There's no way I'm letting Sector 9 scum beat me.
00:45:07Let's see what makes you so special, Lainey.
00:45:13Hmm.
00:45:16Pathetic.
00:45:21What?
00:45:24Who's your mom and dad, Lainey?
00:45:29Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice, Uncle.
00:45:33What's the problem now, Tiffany?
00:45:35Well, I was thinking about Star Surge Week 5, and I was thinking the audience knows how we sing.
00:45:41But they can't feel who we are.
00:45:43Not unless we make this week's theme family.
00:45:48We bring in the people contestants are fighting for.
00:45:52Imagine the emotion.
00:45:55Contestants, congratulations.
00:45:58You've made it farther than hundreds of other hopeful stars.
00:46:02But talent alone won't get you through the next round.
00:46:05This week's theme is family.
00:46:11Family.
00:46:13Yes.
00:46:15Is that a problem, Sector 9?
00:46:21Weaponizing weakness.
00:46:22No.
00:46:24Of course not.
00:46:26Family reveals our why.
00:46:29The people we love tell the audience who we really are.
00:46:33Each of you will invite a family member or loved one to Auraria.
00:46:38So, choose wisely.
00:46:42The next day, our family members arrived.
00:46:49Where are your folks?
00:46:52My parents are government officials.
00:46:54They can't be bothered.
00:46:55I invited my mentor instead.
00:46:57There he is.
00:46:59Miles Burke.
00:47:01Aurelia royalty.
00:47:03President of the arts?
00:47:05That was Caleb's mentor?
00:47:07Miles, this is Lainey.
00:47:10He felt so familiar.
00:47:12I had no idea why.
00:47:14Quite the voice you have, Lainey.
00:47:16Well, seems our family members are here.
00:47:20Where's yours, Lainey?
00:47:21They won't be making it.
00:47:23What?
00:47:24Do you not have family?
00:47:30Of course I do.
00:47:31I just...
00:47:32Then where are they, Lainey?
00:47:34Are you embarrassed by them?
00:47:37Of course not, I...
00:47:38Lainey?
00:47:43Mom?
00:47:59Oh, my God.
00:48:02After all these years, it was him.
00:48:08Myles!
00:48:14Is that your mom, Sector 9?
00:48:17She looks so...
00:48:18Fragile.
00:48:30Mom!
00:48:31Wait!
00:48:33This was a mistake.
00:48:34I shouldn't be here.
00:48:36You shouldn't be here.
00:48:38You don't get it, Lainey.
00:48:40Star Surge is dangerous.
00:48:42No, I do get it, Mom.
00:48:43You were right.
00:48:44All along.
00:48:47About Star Surge.
00:48:48About Aurelia.
00:48:49About all of it.
00:48:50Caleb and I know what's really happening,
00:48:51and he's gonna help me expose it all.
00:48:53We're gonna show people the truth.
00:48:55We're gonna spark the revolution.
00:48:56Caleb, as in that boy standing next to Miles Burke.
00:49:02Aurelia's prized pop star.
00:49:07Miles isn't like that.
00:49:09He...
00:49:09You don't know Miles, Lainey.
00:49:11I'd never heard her so angry.
00:49:13What do you have against him?
00:49:16She can never know.
00:49:18We need to leave.
00:49:20Tonight.
00:49:21But Miles just told me I have an amazing voice.
00:49:24One that could win.
00:49:25Why don't you believe in me?
00:49:31She has no idea.
00:49:33Miles is her father.
00:49:40I was only 22 when I appeared on Star Surge.
00:49:44The love of my life.
00:49:46The love of my life.
00:49:47Miles Burke.
00:49:49They took our energy back then too.
00:49:52But...
00:49:53I was pregnant.
00:49:55He wanted me to keep performing.
00:49:57But I knew...
00:49:59Something was wrong.
00:50:01The decision was made for me in the end.
00:50:04We were shipped to Sector 9.
00:50:06Away from my family.
00:50:08Never to see them again.
00:50:10I didn't get to say goodbye to Miles.
00:50:14And I never even got to tell him I was pregnant with another daughter.
00:50:19And Lainey never got to say goodbye to her father.
00:50:25A father...
00:50:26She never remembered.
00:50:35We will survive this.
00:50:38And I will always protect you both.
00:50:42I promise.
00:50:57But I didn't protect her.
00:50:59I failed.
00:51:03I'm leaving.
00:51:05You can come or not.
00:51:09But I won't watch you throw your life away.
00:51:13Mom!
00:51:14Mom!
00:51:15Please!
00:51:26She called her mom.
00:51:28She called Eileen mom.
00:51:31Could it be?
00:51:37What's up?
00:51:41You look like you've seen a ghost.
00:51:43Not a ghost.
00:51:47But I think Lainey is my daughter.
00:52:01How sweet.
00:52:03A family reunion.
00:52:12I have some good gossip.
00:52:15And you know the best gossip brings...
00:52:19The best ratings.
00:52:21She is so stubborn.
00:52:25Just like her father.
00:52:31But how could I leave without her?
00:52:33I had to get her out.
00:52:35I had to save her.
00:52:38I had to see my plan with Caleb through.
00:52:41Our plan to overthrow the competition.
00:52:44And the evil forces behind it.
00:52:47Nervous?
00:52:56Welcome back to Star Search.
00:53:01Tonight, there's been a little change of plans.
00:53:10Our first performer will be joined by a very special family member.
00:53:20Someone I'm sure none of you were expecting
00:53:23Ladies and gentlemen
00:53:25Please help me in welcoming to the stage
00:53:28For the first time in 20 years
00:53:38Eileen Wilds
00:53:43Was my mom in Star Search?
00:54:09I'll explain later
00:54:10Where's Alyssa?
00:54:24And then I saw it
00:54:25My sister
00:54:27Thousands of feet above us
00:54:29Dangling from a rope
00:54:32Afraid
00:54:32Don't react, we react
00:54:34They drop her
00:54:39But mom
00:54:41You're so weak
00:54:42How can you do this?
00:54:44Just sing, sweetheart
00:54:45It's in your blood
00:55:10Increase extraction
00:55:13The mother is weak
00:55:14She might not sustain a whole performance
00:55:16That's the point
00:55:18Increase extraction
00:55:19Now
00:55:20Or I will
00:55:21Sir
00:55:22I could feel it happening
00:55:36Mom was getting weaker by the second
00:55:40I have to stay strong
00:55:42For Alyssa
00:55:46I'm sorry Jasmine
00:55:48I can't watch Eileen suffer like this
00:55:59This is exactly what President Dane has wanted
00:56:02Another rescue
00:56:04Another tragedy to harvest
00:56:09If we can keep the audience watching just a little longer
00:56:12If we can keep the audience watching just a little longer
00:56:12We could get everyone to listen
00:56:13Get Alyssa
00:56:15Before they drop her
00:56:17I will
00:56:20I need you to stay with me
00:56:22On stage
00:56:23Can you do it, mom?
00:56:29One more song
00:56:30One more
00:56:31For everything and everyone
00:56:39The first song that came to my head was a church song
00:56:43One my mom taught me
00:56:45So long ago
00:56:47Amazing grace
00:56:53How sweet the sound
00:57:04Let's save the rest
00:57:09Let me
00:57:13I once was lost
00:57:19But now I'm found
00:57:26Come on, Caleb
00:57:30Energy levels are strong
00:57:32Extract more
00:57:34The President Dane
00:57:35No one will miss Sector 9 trash like that
00:57:38Sir
00:57:38I cannot extract more energy from a dying woman
00:57:42Then I will
00:57:45No, you won't
00:57:48Smile, Mr. President
00:58:06Did he do it?
00:58:08Did he make it?
00:58:12No one will miss Sector 9 trash like that
00:58:26For years
00:58:28Star Surge has harvested your emotions
00:58:34Building energy reservoirs
00:58:36Storage for the lives it claims
00:58:39But together we can stop the energy harvesting
00:58:42We can
00:58:43You little shit
00:58:45Lies
00:58:47He's screwing lies
00:58:49Oh no
00:58:52Caleb
00:58:53What have I done?
00:59:01Caleb?
00:59:03Caleb?
00:59:06Laney
00:59:07We have to move
00:59:09Now
00:59:10Wait
00:59:12What Val said about being on this stage 20 years ago
00:59:18Mom
00:59:20Were you in Star Surge?
00:59:23Yeah
00:59:24I should have told you
00:59:26But
00:59:33Let's go, Mom
00:59:34I need to get you safe
00:59:53This way
00:59:59You
01:00:00You did this to me
01:00:03Please, Laney
01:00:04I only tried to protect you
01:00:06I couldn't tell you everything
01:00:08They would have executed me
01:00:15Eileen
01:00:15I
01:00:16You can make up for taking my daughter
01:00:18To this hellhole
01:00:20By getting us out of here
01:00:38If Miles had rescued Alyssa
01:00:40Where would they have gone?
01:00:46How do we get to the roof?
01:01:08Thought you could escape
01:01:14I don't think so
01:01:26Do you know what your problem is, Laney?
01:01:29You think people want freedom
01:01:32But they don't
01:01:33They want direction
01:01:36They want to be told what to think and feel
01:01:40No
01:01:41You wanted that
01:01:43We didn't consent to having our energy stolen
01:01:46It's sweet, really
01:01:48How you think this rebel act intimidates me
01:01:51You really think you can overthrow me, Laney
01:01:53With a little video from your boyfriend
01:01:55And a silly little song about Amazing Grace?
01:02:00Step aside
01:02:01Or I kill you both
01:02:03Leave him alone, you arrogant prick
01:02:05Ah, the boyfriend reappears
01:02:08Too bad he's leaving so soon
01:02:13Caleb
01:02:17Goodbye, Sector 9
01:02:33Mom
01:02:36Mom
01:02:37Mom, stay awake
01:02:37I'm so sorry
01:02:38I'm so, so sorry
01:02:40I disobeyed you
01:02:41I love you, Laney
01:02:43No, Mom
01:02:44Stay with me, please
01:03:05Laney
01:03:12Alyssa
01:03:13I think Mom's
01:03:17We're going to save her
01:03:19This is revolutionary treatment for grid sickness
01:03:22They give it to the elite members of Auraria
01:03:26Like me
01:03:29Will it work?
01:03:30Only one way to find out
01:03:54Mom, are you alright?
01:03:56Just peachy
01:03:59This man saved you, Mom
01:04:02What was his name again?
01:04:04His name is Miles Burke
01:04:08And he's your father
01:04:16How is that possible?
01:04:22You performed together
01:04:27So why did you leave her?
01:04:29Leave us?
01:04:31I didn't
01:04:32She left
01:04:34And never said goodbye
01:04:36Now I know it's because she found out the truth
01:04:38Before everyone else
01:04:41And wanted to protect you both
01:04:45But I never stopped thinking about you
01:04:47Never
01:04:49I never stopped hoping you'd find me
01:04:58My daughters
01:05:03My daughters
01:05:05Now that she's stable
01:05:07I need to get Mom to the Aurelia Hospital
01:05:11I'll go with you
01:05:14I love you both
01:05:18My beautiful
01:05:20Strong
01:05:20Talented
01:05:21Girls
01:05:35Quite a show
01:05:38I couldn't have done it without you
01:05:44I hate to interrupt
01:05:46But I'm getting a call from Aurelia's media network
01:05:50They want to speak to you
01:06:03Is it true?
01:06:05Was the entire city's energy being harvested?
01:06:08Yes
01:06:09It's all true
01:06:11My mother was the first victim of Star Surge
01:06:14She's been living with the repercussions since then
01:06:17She is now receiving treatment here in Aurelia
01:06:21But
01:06:23This season
01:06:24One innocent girl had to die
01:06:26Carson Vaga
01:06:28To her family watching
01:06:34I am so sorry
01:06:35We couldn't save her in time
01:06:42We believe there is more to find
01:06:45There is more evil here
01:06:47In Aurelia
01:06:49And we are going to uncover the truth
01:06:52Thank you
01:07:00So
01:07:02You're really leaving?
01:07:04Just for a little
01:07:05To free the prisoner Star Surge
01:07:07Hidden Sector 1
01:07:09Someone has to bring them home
01:07:14Be safe
01:07:17You know
01:07:18I think I fell in love with you
01:07:20The day we met Lainey
01:07:25Really?
01:07:32This isn't the end
01:07:33No
01:07:34It's not
01:07:36See you soon
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