Rifts and Gifts Doctors

The restaurant's right on the river, they do the most fantastic food.

I was so lucky to get us a booking for Christmas Day.

Right.

It's got a Michelin star. Anyway, what about afterwards?

Erm, I don't know.

We could fit a walk in, then...

unwrapping by an open fire?

That sounds good.

Help yourself.

Thanks... You've buttered it.

Sorry.

Now, are you free on the 30th?

Er... Possibly.

I've got a couple of tickets for the panto.

Aladdin, at the Rep. I was involved in a production a few years ago,

with the Services Support Agency. It's surprisingly good fun.

Sorry, it's really not my thing.

However, I've got an invite to the Apsleys' drinks do that evening.

Do you know them? He's an architect.

Oh, look at the time! I've got a ton to do.

-I'll pencil that in, then, yeah?

-Right.

Great. Our Christmas and New Year diaries synced.

I'm training again in the park later. You should come down.

I'll have to see what work's like.

Do you good. Fight off the festive flab in advance.

See you later.

Snow. No snow. Can't ever make their minds up.

-Same every year.

-You don't need it to have Christmas.

-You do. Best ones are always white.

-It's not the weather that makes it.

So you'd be happy sitting on a sunny beach,

eating your turkey and trimmings, would you?

Didn't think so. Queen's speech and a warm glass of Scotch.

Can't beat it.

Er... I'll get the tree later, on the way back from the quack. Oh...

Brandy butter. Get a big tub.

We ran out last year.

We want a proper, big turkey. The whole bird.

-Just for the two of us?

-See us through the week cold, won't it?

We should've ordered it, like I said.

Actually, I thought we might try something different this year.

What? Goose?

No. Australia.

Morning.

These are a bit...

-Karen made them.

-What's this?

-Secret Santa.

-Sexy!

So, you're a fully paid-up member of the sad singletons' club,

just in time for Christmas, eh?

We should do something, instead of sitting home alone, moping.

Together?

-Where's this leading?

-Where all roads lead. The pub.

I know the perfect pub crawl route.

It finishes opposite the Star of Punjab, which serves

-the finest Chicken Tikka Masala known to mankind.

-I'm a bit tied up.

-Me too. I'm training.

-You're pathetic, both of you!

Still, if you can't rise to a challenge...

How exactly is going out for a curry and a beer with you a challenge?

Ooh, fresh meat.

So, doctors, are we on, or are we on?

-Come on, Jimmi, please.

-OK, OK. But not the curry.

-I'm not going to knock my training that far off course.

-Good man.

Heston, you're in! We leave for the Washbrook Arms after work.

No excuses. Spread the Christmas cheer. The more, the merrier.

The plane tickets really weren't that bad.

Plus, they chucked in free travel insurance.

-They'd better be returnable.

-Bob, this is our first grandchild.

Don't you want to be there to hold the baby?

For crying out loud, Mary! John had a choice.

Our family, or his career. He made his choice. I made mine.

But it's the two of us for Christmas. I thought...

You can think again! He's the one who upped sticks

-and went off to the other side of the world.

-Wouldn't it be lovely,

all the family together, a new baby?

If John really wants us to be a family again,

he can flippin' well come over here

-for Christmas, can't he?!

-Sarah's about to give birth, Bob!

She wouldn't get on a plane, even if they let her!

He's told you they want to come back, has he?

He's actually said that? Right, there you go.

I'm not chasing after him. I'm not discussing this, Mary.

-We're going nowhere.

-I am.

-What are you talking about?

-I'll leave your ticket there,

-in case you change your mind.

-What? Where are you going?

I'm going to take my stuff to my sister's.

I can book a cab from there.

Please, Bob. I really want to go.

Fine! Off you go, then! Walk out on our family too. Go on!

-You'll be spending Christmas on your own.

-Perfect!

Here's a man with a festive spring in his step.

-Santa has good taste.

-Oh, I thought the glow in your cheek

was the love of a good woman, not reflected gold.

Yes, well, it's early days.

The first buds of love on Christmas Eve.

Well, I must say that Gina has been a breath of fresh air.

-We've got a lot planned.

-Really? Have you set a date?

No! I meant Christmas. Yes, every day is packed.

Poor you. I'm looking forward

to a large glass of wine in front of the fire,

and a week of peace and calm.

That is way over budget. Someone has splashed out on you.

-Yes.

-I couldn't help noticing that Daniel's present is sitting

rather forlornly in the staff room.

Don't you think someone should drop it off?

-That's very kind of you, Heston. Thank you.

-I wasn't volunteering.

Aw, thank you! We haven't seen you for ages.

Last time was our housewarming.

-That's right. Rob had a jar too many.

-Yeah.

Don't remind me. Your blood pressure is absolutely fine.

-You all settled in now, then?

-Yeah, I really love the house,

but the neighbours... We haven't had a single invitation

-since we've been there.

-Shame.

-Snobs.

Not like it was with you and Mary.

The kids have never forgotten Christmas round yours.

You used to make it so special.

Biggest Christmas tree in the street, lovely presents.

Do you want me to book you in for your usual appointment?

You should pop round.

Jack and Immie will be home soon. They'd love to see you.

Sorry! You've probably got loads of plans.

Of course you have! Sarah's due soon, isn't she?

You're so lucky! Your first grandchild at Christmas.

Are you going to try and fly out?

-Are you all right?

-Fine.

-Not feeling faint or dizzy?

-Are we done?

-Sorry?

I've just got a lot on, you know?

Yes. We're done... Ooh, hang on.

I've got a Christmas card for you.

I was going to drop it round, have a catch-up with Mary.

Here we go...

KNOCK ON DOOR

Don't say I never do anything for you.

Christmas has come early.

Conductive gloves, for using touch screens in winter.

-SHE SNIGGERS

-I'm glad someone's having a laugh.

-Wasn't me, I swear!

-My money is on Jimmi.

So, apart from having warmer hands, how are you doing?

Well, it's been one hell of a long week, but I'm feeling OK.

-OK's good.

-Yeah. It is.

In fact, I'd say I'm feeling better than I've felt in flippin' ages.

-Why's that?

-I had the procedure.

-Good.

-Apart from achy arms, it was a piece of cake, really.

-You should be proud of yourself.

-I can't take all the credit, can I?

-Karen made them.

-Ugh...

HE SINGS ALONG TO RECORD

# I'm dreaming of

# A white Christmas

# Just like the... # Biggest in the street.

Help yourself.

No, it's all right, I'll save mine for later.

Ooh, lovely! Smellies.

At last!

Oh! They are lovely!

Oh, very nice.

Somebody put a lot of thought into those.

Somebody ignored the budget.

Right, well, must dash!

Come on, why aren't you working?

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, it's you. Come through.

Looks nice.

I popped by with this.

I sense disappointment.

I hoped it might be Zara.

-I thought I'd made some progress with her the other day.

-Good.

It didn't go anywhere. Dead end.

Well, you met, you talked. It's a step forward.

Feels like another slap in the face. Don't know why I let you convince me

-it would help.

-Daniel...

-The problem was having any expectations at all.

She's going to do anything to protect Joe from me.

You still have a right to see your son.

RINGS DOORBELL

Hello! Bob? Mary?

RECORD PLAYS

# ..In every Christmas card I write... #

Oh!

Oh, for...!

I'm so sorry! I've been ringing the bell.

I was shouting.

Oh, dear! Is it broken?

I used to love this thing. You had it by the fire, didn't you?

On the mantelpiece. Immie used to love it.

Remember her staring at it, going round and round?

Mary asked you to come, did she?

No. I popped over to give you this.

You left so suddenly,

I was wondering if there was anything wrong?

Hang on.

RECORD STOPS

You need a plan... to get you through Christmas.

-I don't give a damn about Christmas.

-How's this going to look to Zara?

-Like she gives a damn!

-Or Joe?

My ex-wife left just before Christmas with my son. It was hell.

But you work through it. Life goes on.

I feel like I'm being slowly crushed.

I don't want to leave the house, but the last place I want to be is here.

Exactly. You need a plan, or you'll go crazy.

How about volunteering?

SHE SIGHS

Eugh!

-Whoa!

-Sorry, chasing my tail a bit.

-Thought you had Christmas all planned!

-This is work.

Listen, I wanted to say thank you,

for the earrings.

It was you, wasn't it?

They're beautiful. I love them.

They really suit you.

And, er, thank you for this.

Right, well, I'd better...

-How are you doing?

-Sorry?

Christmas...preparations.

-Oh, all done. Just got some panto tickets to collect.

-Really?

Yeah. I go every year with a girlfriend and her kids.

-I love it.

-Me too.

Are you all right?

Sorry. Yeah, I'm fine.

-I've just realised I've got something to sort out.

-Right.

So is Mary out Christmas shopping?

At her sister's.

Oh! Are you going to be flying out in time for Christmas?

I'm not, Mary is.

Why not?

Christmas happens here. At home.

Surely, you want to be with Mary and the family?

And Sarah can't fly now, can she?

-They made their choice.

-To move out there?

He didn't have to take that job.

I'm sure it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Busting to go, he was. Never seen him so excited.

-Wouldn't you be?

-I'd have put my family first. Not my career.

John's your son. I'm sure he cares about you more than any job.

-When did you last speak to him?

-The day he left.

Oh, Bob! I know what it's like when your kids leave home.

I miss Immie and Jack every day, but you've got to let them go.

Let them get out there and live their lives.

Easy for you! Your kids aren't on the other side of the world!

PHONE RINGS

It's selfish. Just cutting me out of his life.

It doesn't have to be like that, does it?

You know what the last thing I said to him was?

"You go now and you won't come back."

And I was right.

Let me know if you have second thoughts.

Daniel, you have to help yourself out of this.

If Zara gives you a second chance to open up,

-you have to be prepared, mentally and emotionally.

-I am!

-Really?

You've bought a tree, have you got a present for Joe?

When you're stuck in a rut,

the easiest thing is to go round and round in the same old circle.

I'll see myself out.

Right, well, thanks for the tea.

Bob! I've been ringing. Karen!

Mary! I just dropped round with a card.

Sorry. John's just phoned me.

The baby was born this morning. A boy. 9 lbs 12!

Isn't that fantastic?

Dylan Robert Stannard. You're a granddad!

Congratulations, Mary. Both of you.

I'm so excited, honestly, I can't tell you!

Didn't you hear the phone?

Never mind about that now.

-Come on, let's get you packed!

-No.

But you must want to see the baby?

Bob, look at me! Bob!

I'll be heading off.

Merry Christmas to you too, Bob.

Bob!

-What?

-It may not be perfect,

John living on the other side of the world,

but unless you take this opportunity now,

you could lose all the family you've got.

Oh...

-Hi!

-Hi.

Gina, I wanted to...

Er, we need to talk.

Listen, I've been thinking,

and I've come to the realisation that...

I apologise if this is direct,

-but I thought you'd appreciate it that way.

-Go on.

I feel it's best that we stop seeing each other.

-I see.

-I apologise if it's rather abrupt.

I didn't want to waste your time. I know how valuable that is to you.

Thank you for being so honest.

Sorry for interrupting. I'll let you get on.

Well, good luck.

Thank you. Goodbye, Gina.

I hope you find the right person.

You too.

"WHITE CHRISTMAS" PLAYS

And not a bit of mistletoe in sight!

-What are you doing?

-Isn't it obvious?

-But...

-I know you're married. I can be the other man.

-It doesn't matter.

-It does matter!

-I can't do this.

-It's OK. I've just split with Gina.

Emma, I know you want to be with me.

You do, don't you? Admit it!

-It's not that simple.

-Why?

-Emma.

-I'm sorry.

-Emma.

-I'm sorry.

I'll send you some photos.

-Bye!

-Bye.

Wait! Mary!

I thought you'd gone!

I've looked everywhere. Do you know where my passport is?

SHE LAUGHS

Come through.

-I wasn't expecting to see you.

-It's Christmas.

Joe should see his father.

Thank you.

Hey, hello.

What have we got here?

Look.

What do you think of this?

Look.

We'll stay for a little while, if it's a good time?

No, no. This is great, this is fantastic.

Look! Ooh-ooh!

Hey, what else have we got? We can play with a boat,

or an ambulance.

# Da da, da da! #

LAUGHTER

-Don't do anything I wouldn't, boys!

-Thanks, Mum!

-We'll be in before cocoa.

-We'd invite you along, but...

-You have a life!

-Merry Christmas!

ALL: Merry Christmas!

-Flying visit. Literally.

-We're on our way to the airport.

Just stopped in to say thanks.

-What for?

-The card.

-I don't know what you said to him, but thank you.

-Oh!

-We'd better dash.

-Oh, well, have a lovely time.

-Both of you.

-You too.

-Happy Christmas, Karen.

-Oh!

-For you, and the kids.

-Thank you very much.

-Give the baby a kiss from me!

-Bye!

You know they called him Dylan? What a name to lumber a kid with!

Come on, Bob, hurry up! We can still go without you!

Aw!

Here we go, the train pulls into the station,

but it has to stop. Look! For the bus to go.

Brum...

Then the train can go. Open these up, look.

One, two...

Is the tree more interesting?

Choo, choo, choo...

APPLAUSE

All right, shot time.

-Ooh!

-Ah...

OK, try this one. The longest name of a town is...

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrn...

-Yay!

-How do you smell it?

Spell it! How do you spell it?

-Gogogock.

-That's easy. I-T spells "it".

Bing! Five extra man points for the chap in the bow tie.

-I don't get it.

-It. Can you spell It? I-T. Oh...

Here comes the boss man!

-Yay!

-Another flagon of your finest ale!

Couldn't let the side down.

-You've got some catching up to do.

-There is, of course, a penalty

-for late-comers. We've already signed you up.

-Not a chance.

-Drink up.

-You're going to need it!

-Doctors, to sad singletons!

Bye-bye, sweetheart.

# Each time, I remember...

# And the way

# How I would listen

# To the things you had to say

# I just break down

# As I look around

# And the only thing I see

# Is emptiness and loneliness

# And an unlit Christmas tree

# It'll be lonely this Christmas... #

Oh, yes.

# ..Without you to hold It'll be lonely this Christmas

# Lonely and cold

# It'll be cold, so cold

# Without you to hold

# This Christmas... #

'Do you remember last year, when you and I were together?

'We never thought there'd be an end. And I remember looking at you,

'and then I remember thinking...

'that Christmas must have been made for us. Cos, darling,

'this is the time of year that you really need love.

'When it means so very, very much. So it'll be'

lonely this Christmas,

without you to hold. It'll be so very lonely this Christmas,

lonely and cold.

# It'll be lonely this Christmas

# Without you to hold

# It'll be lonely this Christmas

# Lonely and cold

# It'll be cold, so cold

# Without you to hold

# This Christmas. #

Hi.

-'Merry Christmas, darling, wherever you are.'

-Hi.

I can see you. Open the door.

Buongiorno. Sayonara. Arrivederci. Ta-ta!

Sorry, sir, this is an official police call. Who is this, please?

Tell whoever put you up to this to get lost, OK?

I'd have decked the halls, if I knew you were coming.

We need to talk about something.

From now on, things between us stay purely professional.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd