Letting Go Doctors

Hmmm. That looks yummy.

I heard the first blackbird this morning.

Spring's nearly here.

I'm glad you're feeling better about things.

I haven't changed my mind.

Dad, look. You've got so much better...

Please can we not talk about this now?

Why do you still want to do this? You're happy. You said it yourself.

I'm happy because I know there's a way out.

In the meantime, every moment spent with you two is precious.

Anyway, I've decided to start a bucket list.

You know, things to do, places to go. You can help me.

I'm going to work.

Chris? Chris!

Your blood pressure's fine, Mr Harcourt.

See? You are well enough to be questioned.

Doc, are you busy? I could do with some help.

-What with?

-Nailing our friend Mr Harcourt once and for all.

Can't you see what you're doing to Chris?

You have no right...

..and you are not going to get him to accept it by rubbing his face in it.

I don't want to hurt either of you.

Well, you are.

If you were terminally ill, then we could cope with that.

We could try and make things easier for you,

make the most of the time we have together.

But you're not.

You are choosing to leave us.

How are we supposed to be happy about that?

I just don't want to live my life like this.

If I could make it easier for both of you, I would.

-I have to go.

-Em!

I love you.

I always have.

And I think I've given you a lot.

More than I've given you.

I'm just asking you...

to do this...

for me.

Please.

This is the sixth time we've questioned Harcourt about a rape.

Every time, he's got away with it.

His latest victim's terrified. She's on the point of dropping it.

We've got 12 hours. Then we have to charge him or release him. And he knows it.

I don't see how I can help.

Well, I've had an interesting tip-off. Bloke called Stuart Tansley.

He says that Harcourt raped his sister ten years ago.

She wouldn't go to the police,

but she gave Stuart the clothes she'd been wearing

and he's still got them.

Physical evidence of another rape is exactly what we need.

-But?

-Stuart's a hoarder.

His whole house is full of junk

and he gets very nervous if people start moving it.

So to get this evidence, I need someone to hold his hand,

-reassure him.

-I reckon it'll take more than me.

Please, I'm desperate or I wouldn't ask.

OK. I'll talk to him. But I can't promise anything.

Cheers. You're a star.

I'm asking you to consider this, not only from a financial standpoint,

-but from a personal one...

-First sign of madness, talking to yourself.

Have you got a minute?

-For what?

-I've got a presentation at the meeting.

-I'd like to see how it works.

-Oh, go on then.

It's on PowerPoint.

It was working earlier.

Get Kevin. He's gadget boy.

I'll get him.

BEEPING

Stuart. This is Dr Jimmi Clay. He's the police surgeon.

And Dr Clay, this is Stuart Tansley.

Are you absolutely sure the bag we're looking for is in this room?

One carrier bag in all this... It's a bit of a needle in a haystack.

Don't worry. I know exactly where it is.

I even know what it looks like.

Um, sorry, can I get you something to drink? Some biscuits maybe?

I don't really get visitors.

Let's make a start.

You said you'd do a bit of clearing.

I have. Kind of. It's...

difficult.

Let's crack on. I reckon we can chuck out most of this.

Or recycle it.

No, hang on. I didn't say I was going to throw anything away.

This is worthless. Old supermarket magazines.

But that's not really the point.

Bin or bonfire, what do you reckon?

Wait. Put it back. Please, put it back. You can't just...

I'm doing you a favour.

No. No, please! I've changed my mind. Please. Please. Please!

Stu. Stu, it's OK. Calm down. Calm down.

Deep breaths for me. OK. Good. You're doing really well.

Look, we're not going to do anything

that makes you feel uncomfortable, OK?

Can you get a water for him?

I don't like things being moved.

Of course. But if we go slowly...

Bin or bonfire, that's what she said.

Look, Stuart, I'm sorry. Here. Have this.

Do you know what? This...

This isn't working. I've changed my mind.

-I should never have got in touch.

-No, Stuart, please. Give us a minute.

I need you to go, OK? This is my property

and I need you to leave, all right? Thank you.

Nice one, boss.

It keeps freezing. I don't know why.

-Have you tried turning it off and on again?

-Have you had this problem before?

-No. It's brand new.

-It shouldn't.

-Excuse me.

Howard, why do you need to make a PowerPoint presentation?

You have to. Everybody does. Nobody takes you seriously if you just talk.

What were you trying to do? Give him a nervous breakdown?

I've tried the softly, softly approach. It didn't work. I'm running out of time.

So you thought bullying would work better?

It's not bullying, it's just giving him a kick up the backside.

And I'm supposed to pick up the pieces when it fails?

I'm trying to help him. He needs help.

You haven't seen the rest of the house. Half the rooms are like that.

He can't get into some of them. How can anyone live like that?

You think I can give him some sort of instant therapy?

-Well, I was hoping.

-It doesn't work like that. Hoarders spend their entire lives

accumulating junk. It makes them feel safe, like a comfort blanket.

Some comfort blanket.

There's no quick fix. It could take years.

I haven't got years, Doc. I've got today.

12 hours.

11, now. What can you do in a day?

How do you even know he's telling the truth, that he's got evidence?

What if he's just trying to get attention?

No. I believe him. He's genuine. He knows things about the rape

that were never made public.

I believe him. I think his sister was raped.

-Where is she then? Why aren't we talking to her?

-She's dead.

OK.

Right. First, we need to apologise. YOU need to apologise.

-Julia wants out?

-That's basically what her letter said.

-It's a big change.

-It's logical. She's not involved in the practice any more.

-End of an era.

-Who's going to take over her stake?

-Well...

-Well, we could ask Jimmi. He's got the experience

-and the wherewithal.

-He'd be ideal. Zara would be happy with him too.

-I don't think he'd be interested. May I suggest...

-After what happened last year though.

Well, who? Kevin?

I don't think he's experienced enough.

-Al? He's older.

-Al definitely wouldn't be interested.

-I've enough trouble with him doing his own paperwork. However...

-What about Emma?

Ssh. What you need is somebody who genuinely wants the responsibility.

-None of your doctors do.

-What? You're not talking nurses?

-I didn't mean them.

-Mrs Tembe?

Me. I meant me.

I'd like to take over Julia's share.

I asked you to go away.

Stuart, I'm sorry. I didn't understand.

I know this stuff is important to you

and I shouldn't have asked you to throw it away.

Could we talk? Can we sort out a way of doing this?

-I don't want you coming inside.

-OK. Well, could we talk out here?

Stuart, I shouldn't have pressurised you.

Tell us what would work for you.

If you just give me enough time to go through everything,

I'll find it eventually.

How long would that take?

OK. I've got a suggestion. It's a compromise.

We need to go through everything out of that room and move it to get to the evidence bag.

What if we were to move everything, store it somewhere safe?

Then at the end, if you wanted to, you could throw it away

or, if you wanted, we could put it all put back for you. How does that sound?

Where would you put my stuff?

-Outside. There's no room in the house.

-What if it rains?

I don't want things getting damaged or damp or lost.

We could cover it for you with a tarp.

Or an evidence tent. Even better.

Have we got a deal? Yeah?

How big's the evidence tent?

I believe I can bring the following to my role as a partner.

One. Absolute commitment.

I've worked hard to make this practice the best that it can be.

Two. Finance. I have the money to invest

and I like to believe that I'm fiscally prudent.

Three. My established and valuable links with local healthcare professionals.

I have a presentation...

-I don't think we need to hear any more.

-No, I'm convinced.

But all I've given you is an overview, this will really flesh out the details.

Howard. If you want to be partner, we're more than happy.

You represent continuity, stability. That's what we need.

Don't you want to see my PowerPoint?

-No, thank you.

-Congratulations. You're in.

Right. Thank you. Excellent.

Well done. KNOCK AT DOOR

I thought you might want to celebrate, so I bought some eclairs.

Karen, your timing is impeccable.

No, I was listening at the door. So you're in?

Yes, I am.

See? You don't need a fancy presentation.

I'll make some coffee.

Mmm! >

Please be careful with them.

Everything OK?

Yeah, fine. I'm...

Let me help.

-You all right?

-Yeah.

Do you want me to do something with a paper bag?

I'm fine. It's...

I just...find that environment really difficult, you know.

Look, I've got to be honest with you.

-I have OCD. Obsessive-compulsive...

-I know what it is.

And I'm claustrophobic. So that place...

I had heard rumours. You hide it really well.

-Is that why you asked me to come here?

-I thought you might understand him.

I don't understand, I can't understand.

I like clean and tidy and organised.

That's just dust and grime and dirt and...

So you panic if you go in the house

and Stuart panics if we try and take anything out.

Great(!) I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked you to come.

If you want to go, we can manage fine now the lads are here.

No, I'm staying.

I know you had a bit of an upset back there.

So I thought I'd make you some tea.

Thank you, that's really kind of you. Thanks.

-The cup that cheers.

-Yeah.

Here you are. I'm going to go out after work.

Are you going to be there for Dad?

Yes.

What are you looking up?

Just some shopping.

A party website?

It's for your dad. He wants a party. He wants to celebrate.

You're going along with it? I thought you were on my side.

It's not about taking sides.

You know how stubborn he is.

Once he's made his mind up about something, that is it.

And he has made his mind up about this.

And you're just going to go along with it?

Do you think this is what I wanted?

It's bad enough that we're losing him.

I can't bear it if it means us arguing and fighting him.

So you're just going to give in.

No, but he has made a choice.

I'm trying to support him.

He can't stand living like this, being totally dependent.

It's not about what we want.

It's about what he wants and I am going to help him.

He has always given me more than I have given him.

But this is my chance.

And...if I really love him,

I can do this.

Help him kill himself.

Help him end his life with dignity.

Your father has never asked for a thing.

But he is asking for this.

And I think we owe him.

Please, Chris, think about it.

We're getting there.

Oh, wow.

I'd actually forgotten that was there.

Is that really you?

Yeah.

That's me. And that's...

That's Annie. My sister.

I know you've talked to the DCI about this.

But if it'd help you to...

What's there to say? He raped my sister. It destroyed her.

Harcourt had this company... He still does.

I know because I've followed him over the years,

kept an eye on what he's been up to.

He employs about 100 people, donates to charity.

Pillar of the community. Chamber of Commerce love him.

Yeah, well. Annie was temping there,

she'd just graduated. He asked her out.

Wined and dined her.

Behaved like a gentleman, then...

Annie didn't want to go to the police,

she didn't think people would believe her.

She'd been on a date with him, after all.

Doesn't mean it's not rape.

Of course not. But as it turns out, she was right.

No-one did believe her. No-one except me.

Even Mum and Dad. They...they blamed Annie.

Sadly, that's not uncommon. Families don't want to believe it.

It was awful, Annie was in a terrible state.

Mum said to her, "You always have worn too much make-up,"

like it was her fault, like she'd asked for it somehow.

I didn't know what to say.

I didn't know how to deal with it.

She was my sister, I should've protected her.

And I couldn't.

What happened?

Annie had a breakdown.

She tried to kill herself.

She was drinking heavily.

I tried to help, I really did, but what can you do?

You can't watch someone 24/7, you just can't.

In the end, I had her sectioned.

She wouldn't forgive me for that. So we fell out, too.

How did she die?

I don't know exactly...we lost contact. Completely.

So I just assumed...

You're ASSUMING she's dead - you don't know?

She must be. She left Letherbridge, wouldn't even tell me where she was going.

The last time we spoke, she said she was going to kill herself. I never heard from her again.

That doesn't mean she's dead.

Er...well, no, I guess not.

-I could find out. Would you like me to try?

-Er...

What's her date of birth?

-May 27th, 1980.

-Leave it with me.

What's the point anyway?

Harcourt will get away with it again, he always does.

I think there is a point, that's why I'm here. Same with the DCI.

What must you think...this house? All this stuff.

I don't know how it got so bad.

I think you've built a prison for yourself.

But I don't think you're the one who should be in prison.

I have another matter I'd like to discuss.

I have a patient who wants to go to the Clemence Clinic

in Switzerland and end his life.

Is he terminally ill?

No. He's a paraplegic and he's had a stroke.

-I wouldn't want to kill myself, in those circumstances.

-Neither would I.

We're not in those circumstances, are we?

So how can we possibly judge? It's up to him.

There's an added complication. The patient is Sam.

Emma's husband, Chris's dad.

I had no idea things were that bad.

Well, they're not going to broadcast it, are they?

They're very private about it. It's a private matter.

Not if two staff members are involved.

It could have a negative impact on the practice. Publicity wise...

If it comes to that, I'll handle it.

I'm just worried it'll have a negative effect on them.

Yes, of course, it must be terrible.

To be honest, I wish I'd never agreed to be Sam's GP.

I don't really understand suicide.

Well, I do intellectually, of course.

So how have you handled it?

I had a talk with him, he's not clinically depressed.

There's nothing more I can do. I wish there was.

We all wish that.

Stick around, Doc, I might need you. Stuart...I've got some news.

Do you want to sit down?

What is it, what's happened?

You've had to release him, haven't you?

No, it's your sister. She's alive. Alive and well.

Er...how did you find her?

-It's easy. She's on the system.

-She has a criminal record?

Minor offences. Drunk and disorderly, breach of the peace.

But these days, it seems she's sober.

I've just talked to her.

I can give you her number.

Er... Can I... I need to be alone for a minute, please.

D'you want anything?

Give him a minute, lads.

HE SOBS

Listen, we should celebrate Howard becoming a partner.

I could gather everybody up. Go to the Icon...

-Maybe another time.

-Thank you for the thought, Karen.

Howard, you said I could have the afternoon off. Sam's...

-Yes, of course.

-Thanks.

-See you tomorrow.

It's in here. I've wrapped it in several bags.

And some plastic.

Good thinking.

It's what Annie was wearing when...

I know you're supposed to keep the clothes.

Monica Lewinsky and all that. Forensic evidence.

And it's slashed up the back. He...

..he used a knife to cut it off of her.

Same MO as the others.

-Will it help?

-Yeah. It shows there's a pattern, going back years,

it shows he's a calculated, serial offender.

If we can get him into court on more than one charge,

it's harder for him to pretend it wasn't rape.

But there's no guarantee?

No. But I think your sister might be prepared to give a statement.

She's coming down to the station, anyway.

And thanks to you, we've got evidence. So you have helped her.

After all this time, isn't it too late?

It's never too late.

Right.

There's the party. The one that your Head of Department threw.

What was he famous for, his prize-winning garden?

And you had tequila slammers and you threw up in his rosebushes!

Look, the sexy dress.

Sexy dress, how could I forget that? It looks much better on you.

Chris! Come and look at the photos. Our misspent youth.

Your dad with platinum blonde hair.

What are you doing?

Reminiscing. Come and join us.

How do you feel now the room is cleared?

Bit strange. But good, I think.

OK, decision time.

What do you want to do with all the stuff we've cleared out?

Do you want to recycle it, do you want to keep it, bin it?

Why don't we put it back for now?

I know I need to have a proper clear out.

I'm just not quite ready yet.

OK. At least you've seen what the room is like when it's cleared.

I'm sure we can organise it better.

Be a shame to lose that window down the bottom.

Actually, wait.

I think we can throw this one away.

It's just dead light bulbs. A few broken umbrellas.

Excellent... Why don't you do the honours?

Sure.

I might keep the box, though.

Yeah.

Don't mind me. You two carry on.

Actually, there is something you can do for me.

-What?

-You're still in touch with your friends from school, aren't you?

Mates from uni? I'm having a party. I'd like you to invite them.

What sort of party?

Just beer and pizza. Nothing elaborate.

What do I tell them?

"My dad's having a do to celebrate topping himself, come along, bring a bottle"?

-Chris.

-I just want to have a celebration.

And it would be a chance to say goodbye.

Maybe they'd like to do the same.

Did you manage to check out that party website, Mum?

I hope you're getting a cake.

What greeting are you going to get? "Happy Suicide"?

Don't talk to your mother like that.

The pair of you can do what you want, but don't expect me to help.

Let him be. Give him chance to calm down.

You two seem to have really hit it off.

He's interesting.

Thank you for all your help.

He's agreed to give a witness statement.

And he's going to meet his sister.

Stuart's fine if I stay to put the rest of the stuff back.

On your own? The lads are off duty now.

I'll get on with it.

You never know, I might be able to persuade him to chuck another box out.

You'll be here till midnight!

Well, I'll crack on.

Actually, I've agreed to come back at the weekend and give him a hand

to sort through some of the stuff.

I might be able to get him to see a psychiatrist, get some help...

You great softie.

I thought this was a house of horrors for you?

Facing fears is good, isn't it?

Hey, Annie.

It's OK.

It's OK.

Your dad's having a nap.

I'm just about to start dinner. Want to give me a hand?

-I'm going out.

-Where?

-I'm going to the pub.

Do you really think that's a good idea?

Chris, you've got to stop this.

You can't keep raging at him, it won't do any good.

If you really cared about him...

Don't you dare try and guilt-trip me!

I hate this as much as you.

But I'm doing it for his sake.

So am I!

Can't you see, if I don't try and stop him,

change his mind...

I'm not giving up.

Please, stay.

Eat with us.

Spend some time with your dad,

while you still can.

OK.

PHONE RINGS

'Hello, this is Emma's voicemail, please leave a message.'

I will not play second fiddle to that strumpet!

I can't just leave her in the lurch.

It doesn't do to be seen with such a person.

And I didn't know he was married, at least, not until it was too late.

But you sold your story to the press?

I should have known better.

People are always saying at a wake,

"Old so-and-so would have loved this, shame they can't be here!"

Well, you can be!

Em, Em. Em!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd