Genius Doctors

As my life slips away, remember you have failed.

Only your cruelty remains.

The sterility of your wasted hatred intact.

My pain is fading...

..but the burden I give you is rising...

My timeless death.

The eternal entity will rear its contorted screams

in the hell-mares of the dark,

obliterating your sleep and gnawing at your dreams.

My life is slipping away.

But you will remember...

..remember me.

Oh, thanks for coming.

Don't be daft, thanks for inviting me.

I thought...very powerful.

-Two white wines, please.

-Oh!

Thanks.

So are you coming to my birthday bash?

Ah, yeah.

After last time, I'm going to drink you under the table.

-In your dreams, cos you are the lightweight.

-Yeah!

-You are!

Alex.

-Hey!

-Hiya.

-Hey.

-Hiya.

I thought you were brilliant.

Thanks, thanks.

Listen, Matt, I've really got to get going. Sorry.

Ten minutes won't hurt, you haven't been out for weeks.

You know I can't, I shouldn't even be here.

It's for charity.

I've only got a few days left. I'm behind as it is!

OK, OK.

I've been commissioned to write a new one-man play.

That's great.

It's for the World Shakespeare Festival.

Which is incredible!

Anyway, I'll see you back at the house.

Good seeing you again, Freya, sorry.

I... Bye, love.

Sorry.

No, he's obviously very busy.

-No, I mean about the state of him.

-What d'you mean?

I can't even get him to take a bath. The play's all that matters.

Come on!

Some inspiration you are!

Shhh.

(It's you! Is he still going to be up?)

(Oh, yeah, yeah, he'll still be working.)

(I should go.)

(No, no, no. Just need to keep our voices down!)

(I'll get some glasses.)

(OK.)

Matt?

Matt!

Matt!

-No!

-Alex, it's OK.

-No, no.

-Can you hear me, love?

You need to call an ambulance. Call an ambulance!

Is the birthday girl in yet?

No. What's going on for her party?

It's a mystery, she won't tell.

My bet's on a stripper.

Ooh, I hope so! Some hunk with muscles on his muscles.

It's Freya, more likely to be some bootylicious babe.

Oh, yeah.

-Karen, you're looking positively radiant this morning.

-Am I?

-You are.

-You been drinking?

-Of course not, I've just had some very good news.

Well, don't keep me in suspenders.

-Curtis Brown is going to make a full recovery.

-Fantastic!

So I can draw a line under the whole ghastly affair!

What the hell were you thinking?

Well?

I'm sorry.

I thought self-harming was something you did as a kid. When did you start again?

It's not like that. It was a one off, I swear.

A one off?

I know it seems a bit drastic, but...

I needed something to shake myself up a bit.

You know, help me concentrate.

Unbelievable.

I needed to focus on my work.

By slicing through a vein?!

I didn't mean it!

I'm rubbish at everything, aren't I?

-This isn't a joke.

-I know.

I thought I'd lost you.

-Promise you'll never do anything like that again, OK?

-I won't.

Someone looks like they've been celebrating already!

I need caffeine, fast.

Dr Carter, about Stratford-upon-Avon -

will you be needing cover tomorrow?

No, I'll just leave a little earlier, that's all.

-What play is it?

-One of Shakespeare's finest - King Lear. Julia's given me two tickets.

-Oh, lucky you. Who are you taking?

-Well, I was hoping one of you ladies would do me the honour.

ALL: I will!

I said it first.

I do not think so.

-Well...

-You're going to have to make a decision.

-Under the circumstances...

-They're waiting.

-I think you should both go away, have a think

and then come and tell me why you should go.

And thus the king will decide.

I thought you might like some lunch.

Oh, I nearly had it!

I'm sorry, it's just that you haven't eaten.

I was so close. Aren't you supposed to knock when I'm working?

Yeah, I know, but...

No buts!

I...need...quiet.

How many MORE times?!

-Matt?

-I can't take any more!

Matt!

Matt. Matt, I'm sorry.

What, again?!

I overreacted, I shouldn't have snapped.

I know you're under pressure, all right,

but you can't treat me like this.

I've been so patient with you.

I know and I've been taking you for granted.

Come back inside, let's have some lunch together.

I can't. I'm meeting Freya for her birthday.

Why don't you come along?

Come on, you need a break, you know you do.

OK.

Get your coat.

Yeah.

Cherry.

Heston, I don't want to beat about the bush.

I know that Mrs Tembe knows a lot more about Shakespeare than I do,

-but I think I'd get a lot out of it.

-Right.

I've never been to Stratford. I've never even seen the RSC.

And let's face it, Jimmi's not going to go with me. And to be honest,

I would rather go with somebody more knowledgeable, more highly cultured, like yourself.

Well, I can see your point.

You know I've always admired what a great teacher and mentor you are.

All the younger members of staff look up to you.

Do they really?

Absolutely, you've always had such a guiding influence on us all. You must know that?

Well, if I'm honest...

Which is why it would be a real honour to go with you.

We haven't done this in ages.

No.

It's just what I needed.

Yeah, that and a bath.

I thought you liked the grungy look?

Grungy? More like gungy!

Those clothes could stand up on their own.

Freya shouldn't be too long.

Shh, shh-shh, shhh!

With dying despair...

..and sweet return.

I...

Whoa, whoa! You stupid idiot!

Look what she's done!

I don't believe you sometimes! Look, just go home.

What?

Just go!

Hi, Alex.

Is he all right?

No.

What, have you two had a row?

I don't know what I'm doing with him sometimes.

-You don't mean that.

-Since he got that commission, it's like living with a different person.

-What did they say at the hospital?

-He wouldn't listen.

Said the self-harming was a one off.

That damn play has taken over his life.

He does look pretty stressed.

He hardly sleeps or eats.

I'm really worried.

He's exhausted.

OK, I'll pop round later.

Oh!

Some birthday lunch this is!

It's fine!

Happy birthday!

Thank you.

Aw!

'To thine own self be true.'

Dr Carter, there you are.

Someone's eaten all the ginger nuts.

-Now about Stratford-upon-Avon...

-Fire away.

As you know, I had to cancel Twelfth Night, I was most disappointed.

-I do so adore Shakespeare.

-So you've seen a lot of his plays?

Oh, yes. I am a big fan of the RSC.

I have been to see them on many occasions.

Lucky you. Cherry hasn't seen any of them, she's been deprived of that great pleasure.

Yes, that is a pity.

Yeah, but...King Lear is a difficult play for a novice.

It is one of his more complicated comedies.

Tragedies.

Well, yes. Yes, of course.

But some would say tragi-comedy.

Ah, you're thinking of the 1681 version?

Well... Yes.

Yes, anyway, you need a theatre companion

who can appreciate the complexities and intricacies of Shakespeare.

You need someone who is compatible.

Someone who can provide you with cultural nourishment.

After everything you have been through...

You deserve it.

Yes. Yes, I do.

-To thine own self...

-'..Be true!'

You!

'The wheel has come full circle, I am here.

'Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.'

I am ambitious, it's just...

It's just I've run out of time.

There's no way I'll finish the play.

'Excusing of a fault doth make the fault the worse by the excuse.'

I know.

But...

What if I haven't got it in me?

What if I'm just not good enough?

Ever since the first play,

I'm supposed to be this rising star, the next big thing.

But now I'm not so sure.

Maybe I'm a fake.

Someone who's just struck it lucky and...

And now it's all going to fall apart.

'We know what we are, but know not what we may be.

'Go to your bosom - knock there and ask your heart what it doth know.

'Be not afraid of greatness!'

I'm starving!

Oh, I was just telling Imogen about King Lear.

Oh, right! Are you studying it?

No, but we've done a few of old Shaky's plays.

Another candidate for the golden ticket. She was saying how much she'd like to go.

-Really?

-Yeah, it'd be cool.

-Cool?

-Well, I've haven't seen Lear, so if you've got a spare seat going?

OK.

Em... You know that she was named after the heroine in Cymbeline?

I did that for my CSE English.

Is that right? Any other reason for wanting to accompany me?

-Like what?

-Well, "Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again!"

Well, I think that it would be a really good experience.

Right, I'll certainly give it some thought.

I've got to dash, I've booked a table.

What?

Be not afraid of greatness...

Sorry, I was going to take a shower.

I won't be long.

About earlier, I...

Listen, I don't want to argue any more. I'm tired of it.

Yeah, me too.

Freya's popping round later if you want to join us for a cuppa?

Maybe.

I was beginning to think you were allergic to water.

Want me to join you?

Environmental Health wouldn't allow it.

I can always scrub your back, if you want?

Thanks.

But I need to focus.

OK.

I'll leave you to it.

With dying sorrow and sweet concern.

No.

With...

sweet goodbye and dying sadness.

With departing sorrow and fond farewell.

Cliched crap!

'Words, words, mere words.'

But without words I don't have a play.

'But words without thoughts never to heaven go.'

Look, I'm trying to believe in myself but...it's just not working.

Please, I need your help.

I can't do this on my own.

Please.

'Sir, I am your humble servant.'

HE CHUCKLES

-I think you could have tried a bit harder with Heston.

-I'm not a brown-noser.

No, but you still could have made a bit more of an effort.

What, like sing a song or tell a few jokes?

No! How do you make a king leer?

Go on.

Put the queen in a bikini!

Oh, you're such a philistine!

Anyway, Heston - in the bag.

-How come?

-He was going to take me to Florence, he'll take me to Stratford.

KNOCKING AT DOOR Come in.

Freya - perfect timing.

Why's that, then?

I've finished the play. It's all done.

I thought you were struggling?

I've rewritten it from scratch.

A bolt of inspiration.

I can't believe it.

I know it's been hell for you, but it's all over now.

Good.

Sit down, both of you.

I've still got to make a few changes, but...

it'd be great to hear what you think.

Our own private premiere!

"Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy,

"Let your indulgence set me free.

"Look, what I speak, my life shall prove it true,

"Methinks I am a prophet new inspired."

"When heaven doth weep, doth not the earth o'erflow?"

"If the winds rage, doth not the sea wax mad?"

"My body shall make good upon this earth,

"Or my divine soul answer it in heaven."

What's wrong?

Those last two lines were from Richard II.

What?

And there was a bit from, Titus Andronicus.

I only know cos I did it at school.

No.

It can't be.

Alex. You're not thinking straight.

You're wrong. Both of you.

I think you need to stop this.

You're mentally exhausted, sweetheart. You just need some help.

What? It's the pinnacle of my career!

I'm going to play Stratford, London, New York.

-Alex, it's not your work!

-Don't say that!

He wouldn't do that to me.

He wouldn't do that.

OK. Alex, love?

-Don't touch me!

-OK, OK.

You've never believed in me!

That's not true!

It's my work. MY WORK!

'We are such stuff as dreams are made on.

'What a piece of work is a man.

'Neither a borrower nor a lender be.

'The world's mine oyster. All that glisters is not gold.'

'Is this a dagger which I see before me?

'Beware the ides of March.

'Out, damn'd spot! Out! Now is the winter of our discontent.

'Oh what a rogue and peasant slave am I.

'Double, double, toil and trouble. Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!

'Rage! Blow!'

Ooh, ladies. For me?

Please, come in.

Just plonk them down on the desk.

Dr Carter, she is trying to bribe you with her French fancies!

What about you and your malted milks?

I was merely bringing Dr Carter some refreshments.

-Yeah, sucking up more like.

-How dare you!

Ladies, please.

Despite this undignified display of emotion,

I was very impressed with your personal pleas to go to Stratford.

Therefore, I will attempt to come up with a solution that is agreeable to you both.

'Where every something,

'being blent together turns to a wild of nothing.'

I don't understand. You were meant to help me.

What am I supposed to do now?

'I am not bound to please thee with my answer.

'What's done is done.'

Is that it?

Is that all you've got to say?!

I believed in you. And you let me down.

I don't need you! I'll write the play myself.

'An improbable fiction!'

Ah, Sir Ian, it's Heston. Heston Carter. Dr Heston Carter.

I was the surgeon who... That's the one.

I was wondering, could I ask you a personal favour?

Hi. Yeah, he's left the hospital again.

I'm really worried.

I think he might need to be sectioned.

Could you come over, see what you think?

Keep off the phone!

OK, love, I'll see you later.

Yes, yes, birthday gal! It going to be one sick night, feel me?

I've got sick patients to see, so I'll see you later.

< BE QUIET!

Well, goodbye, Mrs Williams.

Have you decided who you're taking yet?

-Ah, change of plan. I may have more tickets than first anticipated.

-Oh, how'd you manage that?

Well, as a highly regarded patron of the arts, I have the ear of many a theatre professional.

You pulled in a favour?

I may have indulged in a bit of nepotism.

Ooh, sounds kinky!

Imogen, get your backside over here. Heston's got more tickets!

HE MUTTERS

I can't hear myself think.

Shut it!

Shut it!

I can hear you muttering, stomping about.

Calm down. It's all in your head.

What?

You think I'm mad?!

No, no. You're just all...confused.

There's nothing wrong with me!

You know that's not true.

You're ill, Alex.

Seriously ill.

It's going to be all right, OK?

You just need to forget about the play.

You must think I'm an idiot.

You want me to fail, don't you?

-Alex, listen.

-All this time, trying to sabotage my work!

No.

With your noise, your noise, your NOISE!

Alex, please!

Aah!

'With dying despair and spent conceit

-'Tis time to forfeit...'

-'..Your empty retreat.'

'Cast off all sorrow and sad remorse

'Tis time for joy and merry discourse.'

For time is alive and he doth come near,

re-born in the wit of words,

the tears of a thought or the twist of a jest.

In fiction and history, laughter and tragedy,

the fabric of our lives he has woven.

He is here, he is there, he is everywhere.

Long live the Bard!

Alex!

Alex!

'A long farewell to all my greatness.'

-Hiya.

-Hello.

Is Mum about?

In the staff room, I think.

She mentioned that you might have some more tickets for Lear?

Yes, one more ticket.

I'll be able to take Cherry and Mrs Tembe.

Right.

Didn't think it was such a big deal to you.

It's not. Not really that bothered.

'Is there a drug that can make you fall in love?'

I love you, Karen Hollins.

I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.

Get you gone, you dwarf.

I love you.

Beautiful Elaine, will you be my woman?

Plenty of the Tylernator to go around.

How's about a little three-way action?

How dare you?

-Ow!

-Ow!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd