Grey Matters Doctors

-"A preview"...?

-Entitled Work In Progress.

But that doesn't really make sense. "A preview of a work in progress".

Why don't you just wait till you've finished your exams and do it properly?

Dad! This is a project that we are working on!

He's winding you up, love.

-We're coming, we're looking forward to it AND we're getting dressed up.

-Oh, yeah. Where is my tux?

Don't you dare!

I need to borrow the car.

-"Morning, everyone"(!)

-Morning, everyone!

-I need to borrow the car.

-No chance.

-Mum!

No! I'm driving to work and then I'm taking your Dad to...

To Immie's thing, I know. Good luck with that. I won't be there.

We wouldn't expect you to be cos it's way over your head.

Did I mention I'm going to a festival this weekend? Did I?

-And that the Foals might be playing a secret gig? Did I?(!)

-What, like, only a million times, you loser!

-It's a shame you can't come.

-I wouldn't want to.

Enough! I've told you,

YOU are not going to Manchester until you've finished your...

-essay. Good lad.

-Thanks(!)

-Thing is, it needs to be in by nine and I'm already running late.

-Get the bus!

-Mind your own!

-You've got plenty of time.

-Mum!

I have to get a train later and you know I hate taking buses.

And you are the best mum in the world. Pretty, please.

-Please...

-("Pretty please").

-IF I lend you the car, this is the very last time.

-Of course it is.

-Fine.

-Yes!

But I want driving to work and I want that car back by lunchtime.

-Deal?

-Deal.

-Deal!

-Thank you.

-Want some breakfast? I bet you want some muesli.

Oh, we're out. Toast? It'll have to be toast. Toast?

Yup. Are you OK? How long have you been up?

I don't know. Most of the night, probably.

-Why didn't you wake me up?

-Don't be silly. You've got to go to work. First day back.

Look, I... I don't have to. I could take another day.

-In fact, why don't I do that?

-Don't be ridiculous. I'm fine.

Anyway, apparently he's a night baby, which means he's going to sleep most the day.

And look. I intend to feed and wipe at the appropriate times

-and then relax on my own.

-Not entirely alone. You've got Marina's health visit.

Do I look like I need help?

-No.

-Then why do I need Marina poking her way round the house, like I'm some flaky mum?

I should've realised... you'd be fine.

Of course I will. Women have been doing this for several millennia. How hard can it be?

Oh, no.

I'm not asleep, Julia!

I know you're not, Grace. Nice to see you again, so early.

I'm NOT surly! In the slightest!

-I'm waiting.

-Right. You do know we're not open for another half an hour. What time's your appointment?

Haven't got one! That's the problem.

I'm staging a sit-in!

-A sit-in.

-I am NOT moving till I get an appointment.

Right. Well, would you like to sit in in the warm?

-What?

-Do you want to come in?!

If you insist.

Of course I haven't finished it! No worries. Dr Sylva's a pushover.

She's already given me two extensions. I'll meet you in the cafe.

She's ill. You've got me! Keep up!

-Is that it?

-No! Yeah... No.

-Hmm.

I'm enjoying the process. It's just once you get into it, there's such a lot. And I feel...

I feel if I handed it in now, I wouldn't be doing it justice. You know?

I had discussed the possibility with Dr Sylva of...

-of another extension to...fully explore the possibilities.

-What are you doing?

-I'm trying to explain.

-I mean, are you free? Now?

-Oh, yeah.

-You couldn't do me a favour, could you? I'd really appreciate it.

-Sure.

-Excellent!

Follow me.

STUDENTS ALL CHATTER

Don't worry, they're first years. They don't bite.

Right! Shut up!

Shut up! OK.

So, you'll be wondering who this is and what he's doing here,

which is probably something he's wondering himself.

This is Jack Hollins, a somewhat promising third-year law student.

As such, I thought he would be the ideal person

to impart some pearls of wisdom. How does that sound?

Fine...I think.

Good! Right, feel free to ask him anything you like, but first...

let's show our appreciation. Jack Hollins, everyone!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

WOLF WHISTLES

I've tried talking to her. I swear, she's got worse.

-She can't have.

-She has.

-I don't know what she wants. It's like getting blood from a stone.

-Let me have a go.

HELLO!

Hello, Karen! How's the hunky copper?

He's fine, thanks. How you doing?

What?

How are you do...? WHY ARE YOU HERE?

That's right! I can't hear, love!

No, Grace. WHY...ARE YOU HERE?

I'm waiting for an appointment with the consultant, love. Two weeks, he promised me!

I'm not leaving till I get my appointment!

Right! At least we're over that little hurdle!

-What little turtle?!

-Now I need to find out who promised the appointment.

That's him! Nice, young, easy on the eye.

Rubbish!

As a lawyer, I'll be able to help those in need on a daily basis.

Maybe even changing the course of some of their lives.

That's justice. The money helps as well.

-And you get to wear nice suits!

-And you get to wear nice suits.

-So, you'll specialise in criminal law?

-Yeah.

-Why?

Corporate law didn't do it for you? Social? Family?

Insolvency? Accident? Civil? Why did you hone in on criminal law?

There was no conscious decision. It was always criminal law. It just...was.

-Very single-minded. Did you manage to catch any of the guest seminars we had?

-No.

Shame. There were some marvellous speakers. Doctor Sylva did a quite brilliant Q&A

with Michael Mansford on Defending The Indefensible.

Anybody else get to that?

Would you look at that.

Lots of wannabe criminal lawyers out there.

You'd better watch your back, Jack.

Right. Any final questions?

-Ah, just the man. Can I have a quick word?

-It'll have to be quick.

-Social services meeting?

-Yeah, I've got to be there by 11. I'm cutting it fine as it is.

OK, did you see Grace Barberry two weeks ago?

You're joking, aren't you?! She's here more than I am! Why, what's up?

It appears she's waiting for a referral YOU were supposed to book but I can't find it anywhere.

-Oh, really? Strange.

-I'm just checking if there are any problems or a glitch in the system.

Probably forgot, more like. Sorry. Great, they've brought the meeting forward(!) I'm late now. We done?

We're done!

Buck up! Discussion under pressure is what the law is all about, isn't it?

I guess so. Can I go?

Do you really believe all that text-book twaddle you spouted?

"Social injustice", "defending the innocent"? It's a bit black and white, isn't it?

-I don't understand...

-You don't get it, do you?

The law's about passion, focus. It's not about being flighty.

Half of those first years already know where they're doing their conversion,

and you're third year. Your essay. Another extension.

-I've been busy...

-Really?

You've asked for...

..13 extensions on nine of your last 12 essays.

you must've been pretty busy. What've you been doing?

Broadening my horizons.

Your problem is...you don't care.

-I do.

-Do you? I tell you what you DO care about.

Having a good time, huh?

A good time with your tutors?

One married one, in particular.

Listen, this is a wake-up call.

Screw the essay on Justice. I know you can do it, you know you can do it.

What I want to know is, why you don't care enough to do it?

Think about that.

Then write an essay on why you want to be criminal lawyer.

Get it to me by the end of the day.

Convince me you care.

Cos if you can't...

Lights out when you leave.

# I shall not I shall not be moved... #

I know, but it would be really helpful if you could just fit her in for today.

# I shall not be moved! #

-No, I know there's a system. I just...

-# I shall not be moved! #

They hung up.

You know I would LOVE to stay and help but I've got an art exhibition.

-That's not this afternoon, is it?

-Afraid so.

-Oh, no...

-Oh, before I forget, message from Mr Hart.

-Mr Hart?

His appointment with the foot specialist hasn't come through. He needs a referral ASAP.

-Wouldn't be a referral from Kevin, by any chance?

-How did you know?

-Lucky guess.

# I shall not be moved! #

And I found another one. With Grace and Mr Hart,

that's 11 referrals that have gone astray.

-There's a patient in here waiting for a brain scan.

-Really?

What is Kevin playing at?

Grace has got every right to be out there.

-Tea?

-Thanks.

I know it's not as important, but it does reflect on us.

Makes us look stupid and there's the money - we're losing money.

-It's annoying.

-It's more - it's dangerous!

It could be the Choose and Book system.

Well, how come everybody else manages?

Maybe he needs more steering or even re-training?

It's not my fault! I taught him properly. A child can do it!

People have to take responsibility!

Please, please, please.

Please, please just have a little bit!

Please. Please!

SHE SIGHS

Little man, this cannot go on.

We are going to have to find ourselves some middle ground.

We need a story, huh?

That's what we need, a lovely story for us both.

Oh, oh, all right?

So... Ah, look! One of Mummy's favourites. Here we go.

BABY CRIES

"The capacious bathroom is furnished with a Roman-style marble bath

"and a double washstand designed by Rose

"using reclaimed sinks and marble.

"The leather chairs are by the Danish designer Borg Morganson."

Bad day or an alcoholic?

Stand back, it's an alcoholic having a bad day!

HE LAUGHS

Bad day.

Let me guess - a student?

Ah, I thought so.

And drinking on your own in the afternoon.

-Tut, tut, tut.

-Pot. Kettle. Black.

-Touche.

But I'm having a good day, see? I'm celebrating.

What?

It's my son's birthday. Here, let me get you another drink. Cheer you up a bit.

-I'm driving.

-Suit yourself. I'll have another one, please. Merci.

So...what you studying? How not to smile?

-Law.

-Law!

Good for you. I always enjoyed law.

I went down the medical route myself. Became a nurse.

-A nurse?

-What?

I was great at it. I loved it.

Jacked it in, though. The hours didn't suit.

But as one door closes, another one opens, right?

So, what you doing now?

Ah, therein lies a story.

Yes? I was like a small child having a hissy fit.

I can only apologise.

Well, you were a bit petulant.

-I just get really annoyed when you spend hours training someone and he's fiddling with his phone.

-Kevin.

He's potentially a good doctor. He doesn't get it.

Especially Choose and Book. He thinks it's not important. It's just admin.

-I'll have a word.

-Oh, I have a present.

I called in a favour at St Phil's and Grace has a five o'clock

with an ENT specialist.

-You star! Thank you, Heston.

-A pleasure.

So, you were a builder, a quantity surveyor,

a youth worker, a landlord, a traveller

-and now, you're a lorry driver?

-Doing a course in stand up comedy.

-Why stand up? It seems a bit...

-A bit what? A bit late in the day for a career change?

-Maybe.

-I'm 42! What's stopping me? I can take an act to Edinburgh.

See how it goes.

At least I gave it a go, yeah?

I suppose.

My son - 15 today. If he was here, I'd be giving him the same advice.

-No doubt.

-Why are you here, not with your son?

It's complicated. We don't talk any more.

Doesn't stop me celebrating his birthday, though, does it?

I guess.

-I need to go.

-Oh, no, please. Stay, please. Have another drink.

Look, it's Thursday afternoon. Who cares about Thursday afternoons?

-I can't.

-You're a student! You should be out enjoying yourself.

-This is as good as it gets.

-Sorry.

-Look, I'm going to be down this way next month.

I've got a delivery of washing machines on the High Street.

-I might see you in here, yeah?

-Perhaps.

-Hey!

I was getting in the truck the other day, this fella stops me.

He says "Can you give me a lift, mate?"

I said "Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it."

HE LAUGHS

Do you get it? Give him a lift!

Jack, this is my third message. Nobody knows where you are.

Will you please give me a ring and let me know what's going on?

Ta-da! Five o'clock today, St Phil's.

Brilliant! I knew you'd do it.

-Actually, it was Heston.

-Who?

-Heston!

You see, the old ones are the best!

Though I won't hear a thing said against t'internet.

A modern marvel. Taught me all about direct action.

-And look!

-You know something, Grace?

As a political activist, I think you will go far.

Oh, don't be ridiculous, I'm too old to burn my bra!

SHE LAUGHS

And keep an eye on her.

I think the copper's dumped her.

Goodbye. Oh, I've had a lovely day.

# It's future rust and it's future dust

# Forget the horror here

# Forget the horror here

# Leave it all down here

# It's future rust and it's future dust... #

BABY CRIES

Please, Joe. Please. Please, Joe. Shhh.

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, God!

Jack, it's flipping raining. Open the door. Come on!

I thought something was up.

-Thank you for getting us.

-Is that who she was waiting for?

-Jack, I am not...!

-Yeah.

-Till the next time, ladies.

-Bye, Grace.

-Bye!

It doesn't matter. Whatever's happened, we can talk about it.

Jack!

Open the flipping door! This is not funny. Come on!

-Karen, do you want me to talk to him?

-I don't know. He's...

It might be best. You know, less people, bit of space.

-Yeah, come on, Karen.

-Oh, if you think so.

Terrible parking.

I've got HobNobs in my office, but you're going to have to get out.

-Better?

-What?

-Do you feel better?

-I shouldn't be here.

Where should you be?

I don't know. Not here.

I should...

-I should go.

-Where to?

Er, Manchester.

The festival. Foals.

-Foals?

-A band.

I've not heard of them. Are they any good?

Their second album is. It's inspired by Ray Kurzweil's Theory of Singularity,

about humans triggering the change that eventually wipes them out.

Cheery(!) I'm more into 10cc.

What happened?

Flighty.

I don't understand.

The head of the law department, he called me flighty.

He said I didn't care.

Do you?

Of course I do.

-I pick things up and put them down.

-Like what?

Relationships, causes.

Immie doesn't.

You're not Immie.

No, but she's passionate about what she does.

I'm not like that. I can't even write an essay.

I think you care.

You care a lot. Otherwise, why are you here?

I've never fought for anything.

Everything's always come so easy.

You're just having one of those days, Jack.

This tutor made you question yourself, that's all.

But he's right...

I don't commit.

I met a man today and he seemed happy, but he wasn't.

He was middle-aged, sad, lonely

and had no idea where he was going.

And I thought, "That's me."

Stop comparing yourself, you're nothing like that man. You care.

You're trying things out. You're young, it's what people do.

-Really?

-Really.

Jack, look what's happened to you!

A gunman attacked your family...

Harrison nearly killed you, your parents almost separated.

But you're still here.

Trust yourself.

It's all part of growing up.

Hey, it's cheery Kurzweil and the uncertain future.

How did you do you that?

Hypnosis! Don't give yourself a hard time. Come on.

How many babies, apart from Joe, have you had?

None.

And I've had hundreds, thousands, and I still get it wrong.

They don't come with a manual and a money-back guarantee, you know.

Everyone finds the first day alone with the baby really, really hard.

It's exhausting.

-I thought I'd be able to do it.

-You can.

I think women like you find it harder than anyone.

Like me?!

You're professional. Professional women.

I mean, they're used to control and order.

Babies just aren't predictable.

Thanks.

No worries.

Look, I'll finish up here. Why don't you go and have a shower?

You look a right state!

-Marina?

-Hmm?

Don't tell anyone about this, please.

There's nothing to tell.

You're a mum getting through the day and it's been a great success.

You're still standing, he's still breathing, job done.

No, I'm not going back in there, it was awful!

Hold on a minute.

You managed to get rid of groaning Grace, then? Good work!

The only way you're going to get me back in there is if you paid me!

OK, that's it. Excuse me.

-Hi.

-Hi.

Are you all right?

Good question. I think so.

Still need that lift?

Come on, then.

Why don't you come round to mine first?

Then we can have a grown-up discussion about where to go... Hey!

We need to talk, now.

-OK.

-You let us down today.

What?

-"Groaning Grace"?

-It's...!

It's not a laughing matter. She needed your help. You failed her.

That's not fair. I apologised, it was a genuine mistake.

-And what about the others?

-What others?

The other 10 patients that you failed to refer!

-Are you going to apologise to them as well?

-I didn't realise....

No, you didn't realise, did you, Kevin? That's your problem - you don't realise.

I don't doubt for one second that you care about your patients,

but caring isn't enough.

There's a system for a reason, Kevin.

Everybody else seems to manage just fine. So, do you need some more training?

-I can always get someone else in to...

-No.

Then you need to fix this.

I'm sorry. I will. I promise.

You make sure you do.

Hello.

I successfully repelled an attack on you both by Mrs T today.

-Sounds painful.

-It really was.

I had to eat an inordinate amount of chocolate!

She just wants to know that you were OK.

I said you were fine. Were you?

-Of course!

-Yeah.

So?

I didn't do it.

But you have an answer for me, I take it?

No.

-Go on.

-All I have are more questions.

But that's OK, because that's what the law's about, isn't it, questions?

Who? What? When? Why?

The pursuit of truth. The search for answers.

And I'd lost sight of that, so thank you.

So it was him that gave me the inspiration...

'And you were right - not everything can be condensed to textbook answers.

'Things are more complicated than that.

'You're lucky if you can have that passion from the start.

'To actually know what it is that you want.

'To go after it, and to grasp it with both hands.

'I don't know what I want yet, not fully.

'That doesn't mean I don't care, it means I'm searching,

'and that's OK, because things aren't black and white.

'Maybe that's the answer, the reason I want to be a criminal lawyer -

'because people are grey, imperfect,

'smudged at the edges, and grey matters.'

-Sounds like you and Mandy are really clicking.

-Yeah, it's nice.

That lovely stage where you can't get enough of each other.

I'm sorry I was so snappy with you this morning. I don't know how

-you put up with me.

-Because I'd be miserable without you.

-I'm Tom's wife.

-You know what I think? I think you still like her.

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