All the King's Men Doctors

Don't hate me.

You OK, Dad?

Listen.

If you ever want to, I don't know, talk about things.

Things?

You know what I mean.

Like talking ever solved anything.

I've got an interview, shoe shop in town.

-What's the point? You'll never get it anyway?

-I'm trying my best.

I don't know why you left nursing college. You could have had a career.

-Not this again.

-I mean, your mate stuck it out, why couldn't you?

Thanks for the support, Dad.

Gemma, love, I didn't mean...

I still can't believe we pulled it off.

A few days ago, we didn't even have a show.

Yes. Admittedly it was a bit rough around the edges,

but it came together rather well.

I think we should be very proud.

I never thought I'd get that cockney accent.

In a way, I think it's brought the staff closer together.

Joe absolutely loved it, it has done wonders for his confidence.

After you, Mrs Cratchit.

Don't mind if I do, Mr Cratchit.

I lost count of the amount of people who came up to me afterwards.

What did they say? "Darling, you were marvellous."

The real star of the show was Lena.

How she managed all those quick costume changes...

Yeah, hang on, Lena did OK.

You're just jealous cos you want to be star of the show.

Well, they're your words.

All right, you were very good.

Was it difficult playing a cynical, belligerent misanthrope?

Oh, very funny.

RICK VOMITS

Are you ill again?

What are you doing back?

Forgot my purse.

I know you don't want to, but I think we should call a doctor.

Stop fussing.

Vodka.

-Dad.

-Don't start!

No wonder you've been foul recently. I should have guessed.

-You promised.

-Leave me alone.

You said after Mum died, you'd never go back to it.

Just go, will you!

-'Hello.'

-Hiya, it's me.

'I know.'

Guess what, my meeting's been cancelled,

so stay exactly where you are and keep the bed warm.

'All right.'

Oh, don't sound so chuffed.

-'Sorry, just a bit knackered after the night shift.'

-Eesh.

'Only just closed my eyes.'

Listen, I've got to go, I'll see you in a bit.

Hi.

Adam! Are you ready yet?

Sorry, I could not decide what to wear.

So how do I look?

Great!

Sorry, Gem, I'm just off home.

It's not really medical, it's about my dad.

He's started drinking again.

-Really?

-You should have seen the way he was when I left.

It's like we've gone back in time.

I know that feeling.

That's why I thought of you.

Do you think you can have a word with him?

Shouldn't it come from you?

When he's on the booze, I can barely get anything out of him.

Look, Gem, I don't really want to get involved.

Whatever happened to besties coming first?

Besties? We're not 15 any more.

I just thought you'd understand.

I do, but...

Well, I don't know, can't you scare him

with some horror stories or something?

After everything you've been through with your mum, and you've seen how bad he can get.

And you're the only mate of mine he's got any time for,

so he might just listen.

OK, but I can't be too long.

Thank you. But you'll have to go on your own, I'm late for an interview.

-What?

-Look, I'm sorry, I really can't miss it.

Well, should we just talk to him together later?

The longer we leave it, the worse he'll be.

Oh, come on, Eesh. All the times I've been there for you when Bren's kicked off.

-Ten years ago, maybe.

-Just call me later, yeah?

Let me know how you get on.

CAR APPROACHES

Hello, Rick.

Been a while.

I suppose Gemma sent you.

She's very worried about you.

How's your mum? Still causing havoc on the Churchill?

Something like that.

See you're back to your old ways then?

What's it to you?

You know, I still remember what you used to be like,

usually lying in a pool of your own vomit round the back

of the Traders Arms.

I don't remember.

No, cos you were too out of it,

no idea that Gemma was usually round ours bawling her eyes out.

Have you quite finished?

Rick, you've come a long way since then.

Nice house, lovely daughter, your own business.

Well, that's on its knees.

Is that why you started drinking again?

You know, Gemma said you were in a right state,

but you seem sober to me.

So?

The seal isn't broken. You have started again, haven't you?

Why don't you mind your own business?

All right, just a question.

What does it matter whether I'm back on the booze or not?

Oh, Rick, stop it.

-You OK?

-Of course. Finally a new hip for Mother.

The old one was, well, starting to pong.

-Really?

-Of course not.

The infection was on the inside,

that's why the operation was delayed, silly.

Listen, I think you look amazing.

But don't you think it's a bit much for hospital?

Of course it is.

It'll brighten the other patients' day up, or failing that,

give them something to talk about.

You know as well as I do this isn't the answer.

Are you all right?

Me?

Never better.

In fact...

..I'm on top of the world!

Rick!

Yes?

Who the hell are you?

Who the hell are you?

You're lucky you didn't break your neck.

You know, out of all of Gemma's mates,

you're the one I remember the most.

Should I take that as a compliment?

You're taller than most blokes and you've got the biggest mouth

on the estate.

You haven't changed.

Thanks.

All right, that should do it.

Have you even thought about what this is doing to Gemma?

Listen, just because we used to be neighbours

doesn't mean you can come round here and stick your nose in.

I promised Gemma I'd help.

Can't you just let her know what's going on in your head?

In my head.

Would it help if you spoke to someone?

-A debt counsellor maybe?

-Oh, give it a rest.

You know, I've got better things to be doing than this.

Well, clear off then and get on with them, see if I care.

Fine. I will, then.

Rick, just...

# Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

# All the King's horses and all the King's men

# Couldn't put Humpty together again. #

Look at you.

I never know what to expect from one day to the next.

I'm just me.

Hello, Mrs Hollins.

Hello, Jackie.

I hope he's been behaving himself for you?

He's been absolutely no bother.

You knew I was coming so you could have put a bit of lipstick on.

The walking corpse look is so last year.

Come here, darling.

What are you doing?

That is a really bad idea.

You know, I've never been over 70.

I've always wanted to do a ton, but I've never had the nerve.

So why now? Rick, you're in no fit state.

You know what? You're really starting to get on my nerves.

No, I'm sorry, I can't let you do it.

Fine.

Now you're just being stupid!

Rick, please. Gemma will never forgive me

if I let you drive away in that van.

Rick, open the door!

Think about what you're doing.

Can't believe she didn't tell me she had a new fella.

Right, well, I need to get some sleep so if you could hurry up.

Sorry.

Wouldn't have normally asked,

but I needed something to warm me up.

So, how did you two meet?

Friend of a friend.

I take it you haven't got a job, then,

kipping in the daytime.

I'm a police officer.

SHE SCOFFS

You know, I'm not buying you've popped round to see your daughter

over Christmas.

What's the real reason?

Ruddy 'ell.

You really are a copper, aren't you?

Talk about interrogation.

Well?

The thing is...

I've got myself into a bit of bother about money,

and I was going to ask Eesh for a small loan.

You know what, I knew it.

It's about time you left.

I've got nothing on today.

Might as well wait for her.

It's all right, I know Emma really well. I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

Yeah?

She's the one that told me about you.

We've had our differences.

I offered to buy her a new rug.

What?

Never mind.

Anyway, she'll let me stay.

So like I say, I'll wait a bit longer.

Pop the kettle back on, will you, love?

Oh, no.

Rick, can you hear me?

Ambulance, please.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Hey, sorry for your wait.

It's all right, it's not like I booked an appointment or anything.

So how have you been?

Not great. I just needed a bit of a chat with someone.

I'm just sick of all the comments and jeering.

I can't believe how many people know.

Are you sleeping OK?

No. I was hoping you could give me some tablets.

I really don't think that's the answer, Rosie.

I know you're against it,

but have you considered making a complaint?

I've told you, I'm not going down that route.

OK. But if you need to talk to someone in the holidays,

don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks.

Have you considered talking to your family?

What, and ruining their Christmas?

No way.

I don't think you should do this alone.

I know everyone on campus already thinks I'm some sort of...

skank.

I'd die if my mum and dad found out.

Eesh, how is he?

He almost choked on his tongue and he sustained some minor bruising.

But he's going to be all right?

I think so. They need to carry out some further tests to make sure

there are no internal injuries.

I don't believe this.

The police need to talk to him as well about the drink-driving.

All I did was ask you to have a word with him.

Gem, this isn't my fault.

I did my best.

Well, maybe if you hadn't passed the problem on to me.

Eesh, wait. I'm sorry.

I didn't mean... I just...

I didn't get the job.

I thought you were upset about your dad.

You don't understand.

I thought if I started earning some money,

he'd stop worrying about his debts and lay off the drink.

You need to go in there and talk to him.

He needs you, not me.

I'll give you a call later, yeah. Good luck, OK.

What happened to you?

No worries. OK. Bye.

Bye!

That was Ayesha on the phone. She's caught up at work.

She's going to be hours so no point in you hanging around.

Did you tell her I was here?

I didn't have time, she had to go.

Oh, well, looks like I'll be staying longer than I thought, then.

Didn't you hear what I said? She's going to be hours.

It's OK.

Are you eating that or what?

Look, I've got to go to bed.

-You can't stay here so...

-I don't need baby-sitting.

You don't get it - this is Emma's house.

If Emma hasn't okayed it, then you can't stay.

What you're really saying is that you don't trust me.

No. I'm saying that I want you to leave.

-Now!

-If you lay a finger on me, I'll have you for police brutality.

Trust me, I don't want to touch you.

I dunno what Eesh sees in you.

You know what, you've had a nice sleep, a lovely cup of tea

and now it's time to leave,

so if you don't mind shutting the door on your way out.

Typical copper.

Nasty pig.

Nice to meet you, too.

How could you be such an idiot?

You could have died.

I'm not sure I can go through this again.

Ever since I was a kid I've stuck up for you,

got into fights if anyone made fun or said anything.

I never asked you to.

I did it because I believed you'd get clean one day.

But looking at you now...

I really thought you'd changed.

Leave me alone, Gemma.

Is that all you've got to say?

I don't know why I even bother.

Well, maybe you shouldn't.

Maybe Ayesha should have left me to choke.

Do you know how pathetic you sound?

If Mum was alive, she'd be so ashamed of you.

This isn't about her or you.

It's about me.

Me!

It always is.

MACHINE BEEPS

Not long to go now.

Stop fretting.

It's a straightforward procedure.

You know, I never thought this day would come.

Twice they cancelled it because of infection.

You poor thing.

Oh, plenty of people worse off than me.

Will you stop looking at that clock?

I had a neighbour who had a new hip last year, and she was back

walking again in ten days.

Really? So you could be home for Christmas?

It's possible.

All the King's horses and all the King's men,

couldn't put Humpty together again.

Gem.

I'm leaving. He doesn't want me here any more.

Is he back home?

No. I really thought it would be different this time.

The hospital called me. They've been trying to contact you.

My phone's been off since the interview. Are they discharging him?

No, he went AWOL before they could carry out any further tests.

Are you joking?

They said his behaviour had got really erratic, almost violent.

That's not like him. He can be really moody on the booze,

but he's never violent.

When exactly did you realise he'd started drinking again?

He started throwing up and snapping at me a few days ago.

But you didn't actually see him take a drink?

BOTTLES CLANK

Dad?

Dad.

What's going on?

Why did you walk out of the hospital?

It's pointless staying.

You know, I was going to leave but I can stay if you like,

if you want me to.

No.

No, it's better that you go.

Go on.

No, stay.

I know you're worried about the business, but whatever happens

we'll get through it, we always have.

It's not about the damn business.

What, then?

So what's started you drinking again, Rick?

What's so bad that you had to get so wasted?

If the nausea and the behaviour are because of something else,

we can get to the bottom of it.

If you go back to the hospital, there are tests...

I already know!

Know what?

Tell me.

Please, go.

Not until you explain.

-Gemma...

-Just tell me!

All right.

It's the same as my dad.

Tumours?

In the brain?

Happy now?

It was horrible, what he went through.

Rick, what's that?

-Dad!

-Stay back!

I thought they'd have put a red carpet down for you.

After all, you're the star of the show.

Wrong type of theatre.

Give me a kiss, darling.

Good luck.

-Love you, Mum.

-Love you too.

Where did you get it?

It's Dad's old one.

King's Regiment.

Rick, just stop and think for a moment.

There are all sorts of treatments.

Yeah.

Dad had them all.

They even cracked open his skull so they could operate.

Real life Humpty Dumpty he called himself.

But the tumours just kept coming back.

That doesn't mean it'll be the same for you.

I don't want to go through that hell.

-Dad, please.

-Rick, look at the state of Gemma. She loves you.

I don't want you to see me like that.

Wasting away.

Till there's nothing left.

Please, Ayesha, take her out, drive her away.

No, you're not thinking clearly.

I realise it's hard, but it's better if I end it like this for you.

Have you even talked to her about it?

Gemma.

Dad, listen...

Please, Ayesha, take her away.

Just hear what she's got to say.

If you end it now...

..I don't know what I'd do.

It's for the best.

I wouldn't cope.

Without you, I've got no-one.

But either way, I'm going to die.

Maybe,

but not like this.

Let me help you, Dad.

There's nothing you can do.

Rick, she's stronger than you think.

When Mum died,

I felt like ending it too.

But I didn't because I had to hold you together.

That's why I left nursing college - you needed me.

And I'm not going anywhere now.

You don't have to go through this on your own.

I'm so scared.

I know you are, Dad.

So let me help you.

If you really want what's best for Gemma...

Please.

Put the gun down, for me.

Dad.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It's all right, Dad.

I'm going to be with you every step.

Are you still here?

Told you, I'm waiting for Eesh.

It's a free country, I can go where I like.

What you doing?

I was bursting, and since you kicked me out...

Unbelievable, man.

Wait there.

Here.

40 quid? What do I have to do for that?

Don't.

Take this, make yourself scarce, don't come back.

Up yours.

Right.

I'll pay you the same again in January.

Just don't show your face over Christmas.

That's blackmail.

It's bribery. Are you going to take it or what?

Do we have a deal?

Oh, no. Is that today?

Tell you what, just put a big drum of honey roasted peanuts

in front of me and I'll be sorted till New Year.

Oh, come on, Dr Haskey.

Let us help you. Sit down.

Go to hell.

Pigs.

You're all liars!