Episode 1 Doctor Foster

He chose it himself. It fits perfectly. No sizing needed.

That's a sign, right?

-Ros.

-Hm?

Thank you.

Hey, did you download the app yet?

You should!

-She hit the ball!

-Shut up!

At last!

CAR HORN BEEPS

It's Mum.

What's that?

An invitation.

To what?

Tom...

-..who's it from?

-Dad.

They're coming back.

Why didn't they tell us?

It's OK.

It'll be OK.

TEXT ALERT

Who is it?

It's Max and Issie. Don't worry, no-one's grooming me.

Except Max, cos he wants me to do his physics homework.

Done.

It could be good, Dad being closer.

How?

So you could spend more time with him.

I'm not going.

Max's parents are away next weekend. I think I'd rather go there.

Thank you.

Sleep well.

PHONE BUZZES

PHONE BUZZES

RADIO: # Threw my bad fortune

# Off the top of a tall building

# I'd rather have done it with you... #

SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC

SHE SCOFFS

Are you surprised that we could buy here?

Wondering if I kept money from you in the divorce? I didn't.

I promise I was completely honest.

This is simply a change of circumstance.

You didn't need to come here in person.

You know what The Acres is like.

You didn't need to get out, walk around...

walk in.

Must've been another reason why you came.

-How are you?

-Good.

-Good.

-You seem well.

-Yeah, I am.

-Do you think about me?

-What?

You can't end 15 years of marriage and just switch it off, can you?

I even dream about you sometimes.

Just being honest. What you always asked for.

I thought you were doing all right in London.

Doing all right financially, but Tom's here

and I know you've not seen us together since it happened,

but whatever he goes back and tells you, we get on quite well.

-He makes an effort.

-Yeah, well, I'd like to see more of him

and Kate's friends are here, her family.

It's clearly the best thing to do.

No, the difficult thing was leaving in the first place.

But that was the right thing at the time, wasn't it, for you?

-You decided to go.

-Yes, we did, to give you space.

But hopefully two years is enough.

Yorkshire Tea.

Like we used to get.

Milk, one sugar?

Yeah.

It's odd knowing someone so well, isn't it, that you never see?

Maybe not so well any more.

Got the tea right.

Is Tom coming to the party?

Gemma, you're very quiet. We haven't spoken to each other

in a long time and you've hardly opened your mouth.

-Tom has another party at the weekend.

-He...

Gemma, he's 15 and he's what, too busy? I'm his dad.

It's up to him.

Is that a new top?

What? No.

No. It's our wedding, our house-warming.

Sure, he's under your roof, but he's part of our family too.

Actually, I did encourage him,

but he felt very strongly that it would be awful.

-Tell him he has to.

-He's not a child.

He is and, like you, used to say, family first.

That depends on how you define "family".

Are you with anyone at the moment? Is there anyone new?

-I might leave the tea.

-I hear not.

Bad taste.

Because it's odd that you're here.

I send you that text out of courtesy

and within 24 hours I find you poking around.

That's strange.

And forgive me but I've seen some of our friends

while I've been sorting this place out and they say you just work,

go home, work again, only see your little group. Nothing's changed.

-I need to go...

-Your same life but without me.

..before you get any more aggressive.

I'm not being aggressive at all.

The last time we were in a room together,

you knocked me unconscious.

Yes, and I've got a criminal record.

I did community service.

Everyone I know, when they found out about what I'd done,

took a step back.

I've invited friends to the party. It'll be a miracle if,

with my reputation, anybody turns up,

but at least I'm trying to move on.

I think that's what you need to do.

Not being patronising, but leave me behind.

Of course we think about each other sometimes,

but turning up at my house? Come on.

You even look the same. The car.

And you're right, that top, how old is that top? You had it when we...

OK.

Tell Tom he should be there.

-Hey.

-Cutting it fine.

Sorry?

Well, it's nearly time. Oh, do you want a hand?

Thanks. I'm fine.

Maybe it's just me but I hate rushing so I always get here early,

order a coffee from the van on the corner. Have you tried their coffee?

-It's been there years.

-It's a lovely man that runs it.

-Tony.

-Toni, I think.

-That's what I said.

Yeah, he's Italian. It's Toni with an "i"?

I had to sort my son out this morning.

Oh, even more important to be organised with family around.

Thanks, I'll remember that.

-All right?

-Yes I'm fine.

No, actually.

Simon's moved back to Parminster.

He's invited Tom to a house-warming party.

-You don't seem surprised.

-Well, it's only a matter of time.

He hates London, always said it.

It doesn't need to affect you, though.

-Have you tried that app yet?

-I don't think it's my thing.

That's because you haven't tried it. It worked for me. Gemma, come on.

Do you really think you're going to bump into somebody at random?

Never happens.

Deep breath.

Thanks.

Erm, tell me if any of this hurts.

Do you exercise regularly?

Squash, tennis, a bit of football.

-Right, so this could be a strain.

-That's what I thought. Aah!

-There it is. Found it.

-There?

-No, no... Aah!

That... That's worse. Wow.

-You don't take prisoners.

-Sorry.

That's no problem.

You must be in the gym quite a bit.

-Sorry?

-Exercise.

To stay in shape like that when you're in here all day.

Not the gym.

This and that. I manage.

This and that?

Erm...

..this looks like you've just strained a muscle.

It should get better in a couple of weeks and in the meantime...

-ease off the exercise.

-Thanks.

-You probably don't get much time for lunch.

-20 minutes.

Could you do 45?

I work a couple of streets away.

OK, I don't do this often.

Actually, never before. Not like this.

How do you ask someone out? I've no idea.

I suspect you just ask them.

OK.

Do you want to get some lunch?

You can say no.

That's kind, but...

Oh, patient, doctor - frowned upon?

I'm just not looking for that kind of thing.

No problem. Are you with someone or...?

I'm just not looking for a relationship at the moment.

Sure.

So, full disclosure. He sent me an invitation.

Simon.

-You?

-To his wedding party.

It's OK, I'm not going. I've texted him already.

I'm surprised that he invited me, but I'm sorry I didn't tell you.

-I didn't want to upset you.

-What is he doing?

-What do you mean?

-Well, who else has he invited?

He's organising a party and he's lived here most of his life,

so I imagine quite a lot of people.

How can he afford to live in The Acres?

He nearly bankrupted us and what was left went to me.

What, two years later he's in a million-pound house?

-What's going on?

-It's not your problem.

No.

OK.

I got this!

You can go if you want.

You look amazing. Good choice, I think.

-You should wear a suit more often.

-No, thanks.

DOORBELL RINGS

That's Neil.

-IN DISTANCE:

-Hey, are guys ready to go?

-IN DISTANCE:

-Absolutely.

And he looks very smart.

What's this?

-Was it you? A Windsor knot?

-It's a wedding.

But he's 15. He looks like he's going to the Tory Party conference.

Come here, Tom.

Everything all right?

Yeah, let me just... Oh, yes, everything's marvellous.

-Yeah, how's that tie going?

-Thanks for dropping him off.

It's a great suit. You've chosen well.

-We liked it, didn't we?

-Yeah.

-You don't have to be there long. It's the right thing.

-I know.

See? Better.

Made a man of him.

When you want to come back, give me a call, I'll pick you up.

I'm so happy for you. Brilliant idea. Just take your mind off it.

-Shall we?

-Yeah.

Don't drink. There'll be lots of booze there, I'm sure, but...

-I'm 15.

-That's what I'm worried about.

Could you, erm...

give this to Kate?

-Is it a bomb?

-Don't be ridiculous.

Honestly, you look incredible.

Objectively speaking, not flirting.

-Promise.

-Understood.

Have a great time.

Enjoy it!

-Hi.

-Hello.

So glad you called.

-How did you get my number? From the system, I suppose.

-Yeah.

You're not supposed to, but I thought you might be worth it.

Well, thanks. So I've already ordered wine, as you can see.

Took a guess at what you'd like. Hope it's all right.

It's perfect.

So tell me about you.

-What do you want to know?

-I want to know everything.

Well, single. Had a previous long-term relationship with a woman

that I met at university but that ended.

Moving on. Didn't ask my sexual history!

Erm, my favourite colour is green, I like Mexican food,

I've travelled quite a bit, though not for a while.

Children?

Good question. No. None. Yet. That I know of.

Bad joke.

What else? I have no major medical issues except for this strain,

-which, by the way, is feeling much better.

-Good.

-What do you do?

-I'm a frustrated centre forward.

What?

And not a bad poker player as well, so watch out.

But in real life I'm a teacher.

I'm sorry.

My son's at a party and I just...

I need to check on him.

-How old is he?

-15.

-You trust him?

-Absolutely.

I'm sure he'll be all right.

He didn't want to go, actually. He was worried.

-Do you do much of this?

-Dating?

No.

PHONE BUZZES Sorry.

I'm aware I might be coming across as a bit boring.

I promise you I'm not.

I'm actually pretty much up for anything.

How about you? Used to dates?

No. I don't need a partner. I never did.

Fine on my own.

-OK, that's good to know.

-No, I didn't mean...

-This isn't working.

-We only just started.

No, I'm distracted and I shouldn't be here.

I'm sorry to waste your time.

-You're going home?

-Home? No.

Where, then?

Why? Do you want to come with me?

DOORBELL RINGS

Yeah, yeah, leave it to Grandad.

Honestly, a lifetime of experience and you put me on door duty.

Thanks!

Right.

Hey!

Hi. Sorry we're late. Tom's already here.

-Yeah, he is. Are you...?

-This is James.

-He's really good at poker.

-Hi. Good to meet you.

-He's my plus one.

-Does Simon know you're coming?

Yeah.

Are you going to invite us in?

Thanks.

It's a big house. I hope you're not bankrolling him again.

I haven't given him anything.

Please, Gemma, don't make a scene.

Gemma!

-Let's get a drink.

-Sure.

When you said your son was at a party,

I was thinking cheap cider and hip-hop.

You know these people?

-There's something I need to explain.

-Yeah, I'm getting that impression.

-Hi.

-I didn't think you were...

This is James. James, Ros, Connor.

-Hello.

-Her fiance. He's a builder.

-I like Connor a lot.

-Gemma...

-So glad you're having a good time.

..does Simon know you're here?

Well, he invited Tom so that's close.

You mean he doesn't?

We'll see you in a bit. I promised James some dessert.

So Simon is...?

-Simon's my ex-husband.

-OK.

-And this is his wedding party.

See? Fun!

And here he comes.

Simon, this is James. James, Simon.

-Hi.

-Excuse me.

-What do you want?

-Some dessert would be excellent.

I mean from me. I sent you the picture to reassure you.

A picture showing our 15-year-old getting drunk?

One glass. This isn't to do with him.

You wouldn't turn up unless you were after something yourself.

Out of the whole world, you chose to come back and live less than a mile from my front door.

-You invite my son, most of my friends.

-My friends originally.

-You want me to go home?

-Of course I want you to go home.

-And if I refuse?

-You'll be an embarrassment.

-To you and your wife?

-To Tom.

And yourself.

Go.

You've got a bit of fluff. Something on your shoulder.

There. That's better.

And, yes, I refuse.

-That's your ex-husband?

-Could you tell?

He seemed upset.

That's sort of the point.

What are you doing?

Dad sent me a picture. I wanted to see if you were OK.

People are looking. You can't just turn up.

-Hi, Tom.

-Mr Mohan?

That's who you went on date with? My teacher?!

-I didn't know.

-Jesus.

-How many of those have you had?

-How many have you had?

-Hi, Doctor F, you all right?

-Hey.

Sir, I didn't know that you...

No way!

Mum, honestly, I'll just call Anna later as planned

so, erm, you can leave, yeah?

Shall we go outside?

Maybe he's right. You should just let him get on with it.

Yeah, I probably should.

But I won't.

Why not?

Because I'm supposed to sit dutifully at home

and pretend it's fine that my friends are celebrating

the man who ruined my life.

That's what I'm supposed to do.

But I don't think there's any harm in reminding them what happened.

To make sure that even if they all forgive, they don't forget.

If you think I'm mad, you don't have to stay.

Thanks.

GLASS CLINKS

Hello!

Erm, so, while I can, erm...

Accustomed as I am to public speaking,

I'm simply going to say thank you so much for coming

and, on this occasion, stand aside and introduce...

my wife!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Erm...

Do you know what? I'm... I'm just going to make it up.

Erm...

never let it be said that we do things the easy way.

You all know how we got together

and you all know why we moved away.

It's been difficult for us for a long time.

But it's so good to be back home, with so many familiar faces

and it's wonderful that you can all come here and forgive us

and put the past in the past.

We promise not to let you down again.

All we want now is the quiet life.

Yes?

Actually, I also would like to thank Gemma...

..for coming here tonight.

It has to be said you weren't entirely invited.

Well, not invited at all, but you're here...

with...

I'm sorry, we haven't met.

-James.

-James.

You're here with James and I hope that means you want the best for us.

That you're willing to forgive everything that's happened

and move on for Amelie and for Tom.

I assume that's why you've come here.

Do you wish us well?

Of course. I hope you'll be very happy.

Phew! That was like The X Factor results.

Erm, good. Well, we wish you and James the very best too.

Erm, and hopefully it will be peace and quiet from now on.

Now, I have a long list of people to thank.

If you're not one of them, it's not that you're less important,

it's that you'll get less annoyed if you're off, so brace yourselves.

Here we go. Mum and Dad.

Oh, you don't have to thank us, sweetheart.

Yes, she bloody well does!

LAUGHTER

Excuse me.

..on behalf of me, Simon and Amelie for always being there for us.

I personally don't know what we would do without you.

Love you, guys.

Come here.

Look at you. You want to make a speech.

Go on, off you go.

All right, all right!

Well, now, before we reflect on the happy couple,

I want to start with some early memories of my wonderful daughter

to give you some idea of what she was really like...

VIBRATOR BUZZES

FOOTSTEPS

-What are you doing?

-Your face is red.

-How's your blood pressure these days?

-Why are you here?

-In this room or in your house?

-Both.

Because in all honesty, Simon, I need to feel like there's been

some ill-effect from the things that you've done to me and Tom.

Looking at everyone down there, this huge house,

your clothes, the car outside

and the little expensive vibrator in the drawer.

I don't think you've suffered at all.

-Are you going to have another one?

-What?

Child.

You're drunk.

-There's one thing that you don't have.

-Gemma.

-Me.

-I had a real shock tonight.

-You need to come downstairs...

I dressed like this for James' benefit, actually.

I loosened it up a bit before I got here, but I didn't expect

when I was standing close to you, just after I arrived,

and I picked that bit of fluff off your shoulder,

I didn't expect to feel your cock...

..getting bigger.

Poking into my thigh, despite everything.

I have a feeling that doesn't happen so much with Kate any more.

-Were you always like this?

-I think you know I absolutely was.

Admit how you feel about me.

And then I'll know you're suffering.

Admit you still find me attractive, then I'll go.

I told you, of course I still think about you.

Admit that you're starting to get a hard-on just looking at me.

-Honestly?

-Honestly.

Then I'll go.

-Yes, I find you very attractive.

-I'm your type.

We were married for a long time, very successfully,

-and that would seem to suggest...

-It wasn't about me.

-The reason you looked elsewhere.

-I never said it was.

So your feelings for me are...

Still there to some extent, of course.

-Does Kate know this?

-She's not stupid.

No, I know she's not stupid.

What is it with you and intellectually superior women?

-Actually, we're both quite...

-She's nothing like you.

Does she know you still have feelings for me?

She'd be shocked to hear it.

I'm recording this conversation by the way. Now, on my phone.

It's had it going all night just in case I needed it.

Jesus. Fine. I won't be blackmailed. Do what you want.

I didn't really record it.

-OK.

-Actually, I did.

This is exactly the kind of game that you enjoy.

And now Kate's no longer a secret. She's become boring.

You like the intrigue.

I'm all about games.

Stop.

We've moved, we're here.

It doesn't matter what you do or what you say, it's too late.

Which is why you didn't tell me till it was all done.

So that you were just a fact I had to deal with.

You can always find somewhere else yourself.

Yes, that's what you want, isn't it?

You want to get rid of me.

Then what's the plan?

Wait and see.

Again.

You just can't help yourself, can you?

Do you want to?

Do you?

I'd rather slit my own throat.

What's going on? Where's Simon?

We were in your bedroom.

-What do you want from us really?

-My son.

And then a taxi.

Here, something for later.

Don't show Simon.

# Run away

# I've got to get away

# From the pain you drive into the heart of me

# The love we share

# Seems to go nowhere

# And I've lost my light

# For I toss and turn I can't sleep at night

# Once I ran to you

# Now I'll run from you

# This tainted love you've given

# I give you all a boy could give you

# Take my tears and that's not nearly all

-# Tainted love

-Oh-ooh

# Tainted love

# Now I know I've got to

# Run away

# I've got to get away

# You don't really want any more from me

# To make things right

# You need someone to hold you tight

# And you think love is to pray

# But I'm sorry, I don't pray that way... #

-VOICE MAIL:

-Hi, it's Tom. Leave a message.

Tom?

Tom?

Tom!

Tom?

Tom, where have you been?

I don't want any arguments. We're going home now.

Good.

You need a lift?

Thanks.

-Sorry.

-No problem.

Sorry about tonight.

I was worried about Tom, but it's embarrassing for you, I know.

Can I call you?

Seriously?

Yeah.

Yeah, you can.

Your dad has no idea. No sense of responsibility.

-You're not going there again.

-Mum!

What? You don't want to anyway, do you?

-Everyone at school's going to know.

-What about?

Oh.

Well, OK. I had no idea he was your teacher

-and if I'd have realised, I would have...

-So desperate.

OK.

Sorry.

You're not desperate.

It's fine.

Are you OK, mister?

Hey.

Night, Mum.

Night.

It's good.

-How have you found the last few months?

-Oh, very good.

-The work isn't too much? You don't find it stressful?

-No.

You must be the only GP in the country to say that.

Well, it's all about planning.

Efficiency of time, efficiency of language in the consultation room

and making sure you provide excellent care,

both personally and medically.

Right.

If you're finding it difficult,

I could always show you how I organise my time.

-How do you feel you've been getting on with everyone? OK?

-Yes.

I only ask because sometimes we can be abrasive without realising it.

I think I would know if someone was finding me abrasive.

-You would?

-I would.

-You'd know if you were having a conversation

with someone and they were finding you irritating?

Yes, I think that would be very clear.

For me, Gemma, whatever someone's personal feelings,

I think it's always important to act professionally,

no matter what challenges I face.

All right.

And no matter what's going on in my personal life.

All right.

It's good to see you.

Oh, doctor...

Sorry, Gordon, one minute.

These came for you.

-What? When?

-This morning.

Can you take them? We don't have the facilities.

-You just need to put them in a vase.

-We don't have a vase.

-VOICE MAIL:

-Hi, it's James. Leave a message.

VOICE MAIL BEEPS

Hi, James. It's Gemma. I just got your...

Your... Sorry.

-Gordon, how are you?

-Well, I'm don't know where to start.

My hair doesn't feel right in the mornings

and the headaches are still...

Doctor, are you all right?

I'm just a little under the weather. It's nothing to worry about.

Do you want to come and sit down? When did it start?

Sorry, Gordon, could you just give me a minute?

Doctor?

VOICE MAIL: Hi, it's Tom. Leave a message.

Hey, it's me.

I just wanted to make sure that you were all right after last night.

I've...

I've found today quite difficult, actually.

Erm...

..your dad...

..I don't think he's being very fair.

Anyway, you call me back when you can.

Love you.

-What do you want?

-Is Simon here?

-He's working.

-From home?

-Do you see his car?

He sent me flowers with this.

I don't think so.

-Do you know what he's doing to me?

-Doing to you?

-Playing with me. Texting me.

-He texted you our address,

if that's what you mean, out of courtesy

so you know what's going on.

-Do you know what he said to me at the party?

-What did he say?

That he...

That he still finds me attractive.

That's sweet...

but unlikely.

He didn't invite you to our party.

He didn't tell you to do any of the crazy things that you've done.

Gemma, it's not that we hate you, it's not that anybody hates you,

it's just none of us really think about you at all.

But I'll make it easy.

If you come here again, I'm calling the police.

-Did you look at my present?

-No.

-You should.

Tom!

Tom, sorry I'm late. I hope you made your way to the kitchen.

I'll find...

-He's not back yet.

-Get out.

-We should talk.

-How did you...?

-I've got a key.

-I changed the locks.

-I changed my key.

This is my house.

I copied it from Tom's a few weeks ago.

You pushed your way into my house. Calm down.

-Why did you send me these?

-I don't know what you mean.

Why would I send you flowers? What made you think it was me?

Because the message called me a bitch.

Oh, those flowers.

Yeah, that was me. Last night. Got drunk. Went online.

Just stop! This isn't a game.

You ruined my life, you hit me, you hurt our son forever.

-Not just me, both of us.

-But it's so much easier for you, isn't it?

You were never cheated on. No-one's ever betrayed your trust.

You had a pretty good go. You told me that you'd killed our son.

I made you feel the horror of it.

I think you've forgotten that you lied to me for two years.

All the time you were sleeping with another woman,

cheated me out of money, lied to our son,

betrayed every promise that you ever made.

A few months after we split, once everything was settled,

clearly, as you say, you moved on, because you could.

But I can't.

As far as I'm concerned, it could happen again.

Anyone could be lying to me and I wouldn't know.

Well, sorry.

Maybe you should see someone about that.

Please stop. Just go away.

You want sympathy? Help? More money? Grow up.

You must have guessed how I'd react when you came back.

Like I said, I know you really well.

You want me to move?

You hope that I'm going to sell this place and take Tom

-and go somewhere far away.

-No, not with Tom.

Walking back in here, it's like you've been frozen.

You need to get over what happened,

and the only way you can is by moving away. Everyone knows it.

What do you mean, "everyone"?

Approaching 40 and in denial? So much happier.

You could be so much more if you just move on.

It's been two years.

Two years is nothing.

OK, well, I was born here, I grew up here,

my friends are here, my work is here.

There's only one way I'm leaving now and that's in a coffin.

That's good to know.

Hey.

Your dad came round to talk through a few things.

I just need to get my bag.

Bag for what?

Tom?

What does he mean, his bag?

In the end, you will leave.

You can find a new job, new house.

In a few years you'll look back and realise I was doing you a favour.

A bag for what?

Hey, love, what's that?

-Tom, answer me.

-Can you stop talking to me?

-If there's a problem...

-Yes, there's a problem.

-Are we going?

-Going where?

-Dad's.

-To stay?

-Yeah.

-Is this about last night? Look, I know...

-Shut up.

I know you found that embarrassing...

-It's not about that.

-Tom.

He's not going anywhere.

Tom!

Tom, please!

What's this about?

You know what he's like.

Come on, mate, get in.

You stay here!

Mum!

Tom.

Tom!

Was that Simon?

Gemma, talk to me.