Fur Elise Doctors

It's going to be amazing. What are you wearing?

No! How much was that?!

I was just going to wear my green dress with the black lace.

Calm down! It's not that bad!

I'll just sew it up, then.

SHE CHUCKLES

Hey, listen, anyway I'd better go.

Right, I'll catch you later. Bye.

Wardrobe malfunction?

Nope.

Maybe it's time you splashed out on something new.

Maybe it's time you retired the green dress with the black lace!

Have you ever heard of Diane's on Porter Street?

It's very expensive, and she's a miserable old bat,

but you cannot fault her taste.

She buys her stock straight from the fashion houses in Milan.

Oh, does she now?

But good news and bad news. She's closing down.

How's that good news?

Closing down sale.

You really are a loyal customer.

Thanks for coming, doctor.

-I'm tearing my hair out.

-How is she?

She's not sleeping, she's hardly ate. She won't speak to me.

Sorry.

They said that we could look after him,

everybody agreed,

-so why are the social workers trying to ruin everything?

-I don't know.

We've done everything we can,

and it's still not enough, is it?

-Where is she?

-HE SIGHS

Sorry, had to finish off an important call.

Now, I haven't written down an agenda as such,

but... Sorry, sorry.

But I have jotted down a few notes.

The first of which of course is welcome, Mrs Tembe.

We are SO glad to have you back.

-Definitely.

-Thank you.

Yeah.

So...there have been some misguided decisions made thanks to Anthony,

but we are sorting that out now, so...

We should have done something earlier.

Much earlier.

Yeah, OK, yeah. Right. I should have seen through him sooner.

We all should.

Agreed.

So, as I see it, this is a time to consolidate.

-Yeah, get back to normal.

-Hear, hear.

Yeah, and the next thing on the agenda is the campus surgery.

Ah, is anyone going to take minutes?

As you wish.

Thank you.

OK. I've had a look at the proposed rent increase,

and it's going to hit the budget pretty badly.

Rhiannon, I'm so sorry.

Here.

I don't want anything.

You've got to eat, Rhee.

Think of the baby.

-Er, WHAT?

-He didn't mean...

All I've thought about is this baby!

Every minute, every second, but what is the point?

Cos it's not my baby, is it? That is what they keep saying.

-It can never be my baby!

-Rhiannon, listen to me.

It isn't over yet.

You've got to try and stay calm. All right?

Even our solicitor has given up.

Hand over the baby, she says, my baby.

Like somehow that proves how much we want it!

-Really?

-I just don't understand anything any more.

Look...I know it sounds mad, right,

but she just wants us to agree on a line of action.

You keep saying 'line of action', Paul.

All that means is us losing our son!

Yeah, but there's no decision been made yet, not legally.

And until we've got that, then we say that they can take the baby,

show them that we're putting him first, do whatever it takes, yeah?

Come on.

All I want is to be a good mum.

No-one'll let me.

Yeah, 20 minutes max, is that OK?

Thanks, Mr Powell.

See you shortly. Bye.

Morning, are you OK?

Are you looking for something in particular?

I am, actually. It's for The May Ball at the university.

Those balls are so much fun! How exciting!

-I know!

-How did you get a ticket?

-My mate got me one.

-Oh!

Well, are you thinking long, midi?

Erm, I'm not sure, really.

OK, well, you're quite tall, so we want something sleek and elegant,

sexy but not showy?

Exactly. And something I can wear for other occasions as well.

And, well...just not too expensive.

We all need that one dream item,

that one dress that makes you feel like the most beautiful girl in the room.

I mean, everybody needs that, don't they?

Yeah. Suppose we do.

We definitely do! So, how about one of these?

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

So I set up a meeting with the university,

-and I'll fight them to keep rents down.

-Let's hope they see sense.

And when is this meeting, may I ask?

Er... it's Monday or Tuesday, I think.

Right. When you have all the details I think I will need to attend, too.

OK. If that's everything?

Er, before you go.

Here is today's formal agenda.

I suggest that you get yourselves a cup of tea,

there are some complex discussions to have.

Is this the original price or the sale price?

Erm, I'll check whilst you're trying them on.

Feel the fabric, isn't it fabulous?

Yeah, it's gorgeous!

They're one-offs from Italy,

so they're bound to be snapped up before we close down tonight.

CHANTING OUTSIDE

Oh, no!

You need to leave!

Get off me!

I'm calling the police!

Don't forget to tell them that you murder innocent animals.

-Police, please.

-Where is it? Come on!

Where's the fur?

I've got an intruder in my shop.

And we are all agreed on this?

Of course.

Good.

I have reviewed the travel clinic, the HGV medicals,

and the mental health initiative at the campus surgery.

I think we should retain them.

They are providing a much-needed service.

Mr Harker was right.

I suppose so.

But...

we are going to spread the work across all of the GPs.

Unlike Mr Harker, I believe over-specialisation

can de-skill people.

Certainly can.

We'll look at the rotas, mix them up a bit.

Oh, no, no, no, I will do that, but thank you.

Now that the first phase of our paperless regime

is making steady progress...

..I would like to suggest that Mrs Hollins and Miss Pitman

come in on Saturday to complete the stage.

I presume a one-off overtime payment is agreeable?

Sure. So, if that's everything...

And before you go...

..I would like to trial some new software systems.

I know they're here.

Where are the mink coats?

And the rabbit and the fox furs? Come on!

We haven't got any.

I don't know how you sleep at night.

Honestly, we don't sell it!

The police'll be here any minute.

I'll be gone by then.

Tell me! Now!

She just said they don't sell it.

Our source witnessed a delivery.

Open this, now!

I haven't got the key.

Is this where they are?

How should I know?

Are you a nurse?

You're spending your wages here.

That's NHS money, public money,

and you're giving it to these sadistic torturers!

You do realise you're going to get done for criminal damage?

Cos this mask is rubbish, and there's CCTV everywhere around here.

It'll be worth it.

It's closing down today, look at the signs.

They all say that.

What have those poor, innocent animals done to you?

This disgusting trade has to stop.

-Are you students at the university?

-None of your business.

Why bother getting a degree

if you're not going to be able to get a job after?

No-one's going to employ you with a criminal record.

SIRENS WAIL

Just go.

Now!

Oh, thank goodness! That was awful. I'm so sorry!

Are you OK?

What are you doing?

Oh, my aunt says that sometimes they put razor blades in the pockets,

or mice or other disgusting things.

Has this happened before?

Oh, no, never.

Here, try this.

Oh...I don't have time. I'm late, I'm sorry.

But it's made for you, the colour, the fabric...

I'll set one aside for you!

DOOR CLOSES

Online appointment bookings and text reminders.

Patient feedback software. These things aren't cheap, Mrs Tembe.

Haven't we got enough bells and whistles?

Many surgeries run these systems very effectively.

I would like to test them here over the next few weeks.

Lot of hassle, though, isn't it?

Dr Clay, I would really appreciate your support.

All of your support.

No, it's too expensive.

Thank you for looking into it, Mrs Tembe,

but the budget is tight enough.

No, actually, it will cost us nothing.

I will negotiate the software on a free trial basis,

then I will present a full cost/benefit analysis.

Then we can decide what works and what does not work for us.

It's fine by me.

OK.

Good. I have one more request.

I would really like to repaint this office.

-Can you do mine at the same time?

-Mine too!

Now, next time I will ask Miss Pitman

or Mrs Hollins to take notes.

I am currently reviewing their administrative roles.

Shall we?

What colour are you going to go for?

I have really not decided.

Why does she need to paint it?

Who cares? The woman is brilliant.

I know it's hard to trust the system but....

I did trust them, before they took Chloe.

I truly believed I'd get to see her again.

And I struggled so hard, and I got things under control, didn't I?

But where is she now, Paul? Hm? Why isn't she here? Tell me!

Look... he doesn't understand anything!

Rhiannon, you're not going to like what I'm about to say.

I think that Paul and your solicitor are right.

What?!

Look, I know it feels wrong, and like it's complete madness...

..but the only way you're going to get any control in this situation is

if you stop fighting the system...

..and do what they ask.

I think that's what they're trying to tell you.

At the end of the day, what choice have we got?

HE SIGHS DEEPLY

Ooh, is Mr Powell playing up?

No, just had a weird morning, that's all.

Why weird?

Well, my mate's got tickets for the May Ball tonight.

Oh, I've always wanted to go to that. It's so glamorous!

How is the May Ball weird?

Well, I need a new dress.

Did you try Diane's?

Yeah.

Oh, I just happened to be passing.

Anyway she's got the most beautiful dress in the sale.

Bit...Grecian.

Grecian. Weird.

Then these students barged their way in,

like, protesting, trying to find fur coats to spray paint on.

No way, that's amazing!

Good on her.

Yeah, I had to stop her damaging stuff.

Who wears fur nowadays?

I've got a beautiful fox fur collar that was my mum's.

-That is disgusting!

-It's vintage!

What they do to our four-legged friends is disgusting,

and in the name of what?

Fashion?

Fashion! Pff!

How fur farms are still a thing is beyond me.

"Pff!" They don't have them in this country.

And I can't tell you how disappointed I am with Denmark.

There is something rotten in that state,

where they have such fantastic detective fiction

but they also have mink farms.

It's just business to them, I suppose.

Exactly!

But if consumers were to withhold their custom from them,

they would soon change their business practices.

I think the designer shops are going to be quite all right without your money.

I think this an opportunity for you, Ayesha. You can make a stand.

You can show them your principles.

Except they don't sell fur at Diane's, so it's irrelevant.

The students got it wrong.

Let me see your phone.

So what's this dress like? Did you try it on?

No, I didn't get chance. But I really liked it.

Million dollar question, literally.

How much?

-Nearly a month's wages.

-AGHAST GASP

But I've got to get something, otherwise I can't go!

That is what they do to animals.

-That!

-Eww.

I'm going to crack on cos I'm going out with Rob this afternoon.

I can't believe you're so unmoved.

-Unmoved?

-It's like you don't care.

Well, I've just never really thought about it.

You've never really thought about it?!

Where is the fire in the belly of your generation!

Where's your outrage?

Where's your passion for a cause?

OK, Haskey, that's enough.

Show me your wallet.

That's not a problem,

because my wallet is fabric, and my shoes are plastic.

OK, what about your car seats?

Leather!

You, sir, are a hypocrite.

Leather doesn't count because it's a by-product.

Says you.

That's it, I need something like this.

Yuck!

Yes, no problem, I'll hold.

Miss Pitman, you really should be having your lunch in the staffroom.

I'm just sorting out this paperwork.

Oh, right, let me see.

-Oh, no, I don't mind working through my lunch hour.

-Please.

Oh, you are getting crumbs all over them!

Sorry, but if they're going to be shredded anyway...

We have to be absolutely methodical.

These are confidential documents.

-Look, I will do it.

-I'll go and have my lunch, then.

KNOCKING

I'm going to nip off before Mrs Tembe finds me.

Did you try that dress on?

Oh, the May Ball's once in a lifetime!

I was dreaming.

When was the last time you treated yourself?

It's just so much money, Karen.

Hey, listen.

Nip back, try it on, text me a photo.

You deserve it, you work really hard.

Hmm. Maybe.

Did you help them out this morning?

Well, maybe you should... ask for a discount.

-Do you reckon?

-Uh-huh-huh.

Worth a try.

SHE LAUGHS

Thanks, dear.

Afternoon!

Hi!

The vultures are out, then.

Don't pander to any time-wasters, OK?

And no size 16s.

I don't want the fatties wrecking this stock.

We've had students in here this afternoon, Auntie Di.

Spray paint and everything.

Little beggars!

I hope you told them to get a job.

One pushed past but I managed to get rid of her.

Stupid kids. Have you checked all the pockets?

They're fine, thank goodness.

Well done, you kept your head.

Now just wait for the death threats.

-What?

-Oh, I've had a few of them.

One lot burnt an effigy of me.

By the way, you've booked the electricians for next week,

have you? We want the refurb to run smooth.

Yeah, it's all sorted.

Oh, you're a good girl.

I couldn't trust just anyone with this place.

I think you'll do as the next me!

SHE CHUCKLES

Hi, John?

I meant to call you about the rewiring of Diane's?

Mm-hm.

FRONT DOOR OPENS KAREN: Only me!

I'm just going to change then I'll be ready.

Am I smart or casual?

Hey, are you not changing?

I thought we'd go for a bit of a hike.

-Eh?

-Well, a walk in the park.

Oh, what about the cinema? Or for a meal? Or both?

Fresh air, bit of exercise,

nice long chat.

What's going on?

I saw that in the recycling.

I'm so pleased you came back.

I didn't want to sell it to anyone else, it's perfect for you.

Would you mind taking a photo once I've finished getting it on?

-Of course.

-Yeah, my friend's going to help me decide.

-Just give me a shout when you're ready.

-Thanks.

Hello?

You look sensational.

Shall I?

No-one will be able to take their eyes off you.

Oh, great.

MESSAGE SENDS

That fur that's in the other room...

Oh, it's faux, don't worry.

As I said, we don't sell real fur here.

Good. Because I've seen some horrific images of animals skinned online.

-PHONE RINGS

-Oh.

Hiya.

You, lady, are knockout!

You like it, then?

Rob's still scraping his jaw off the floor.

I take it that's a good thing?

Yeah!

So you wanted my advice? Go for it!

Cool, thanks, Karen.

Bye!

Can she afford it?

Oh, a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do.

Oh, well, that's...fair enough.

Sort of how I feel about this really,

as a person, rather than a woman.

SHE CHUCKLES

Rob, this fostering thing.

It's...It's another of my mad ideas.

But you were all for it!

Yeah, but the information evening makes you realise, blimey,

this is going to take over your life! Our life!

And it's OK, because I knew you'd be like this.

-Like what?

-Well, that you'd get cold feet.

I'm so pleased, it was obviously made for you.

-Thank you so much, your Ladyship. See you again soon.

-Thanks.

You'll outshine everyone.

What time does it start?

-Excuse me.

-I would so love to go.

That stole, is it real?

-The mink?

-It's very lifelike...

The mink, yes.

Of course. It's from the US, that one.

Excuse me.

I'm so sorry.

Please let me explain.

She's a absolute nightmare to work for, she's such a bully.

I don't even know how many tribunals she's been to.

So you DO sell fur.

Anybody who argues against it gets the sack,

and then she writes them a terrible reference

so they can't get another job.

We're the ones that have to face the protesters, never her.

It's frightening. You saw it.

You can't make out that you don't sell fur if you do, though.

SHE SIGHS Look, today's the last day,

and I need this month's wages or I'll lose my flat.

This is perfect for you, please don't let this ruin it.

I'll talk to Diane.

I'll tell her how you helped us earlier,

and I'll get her to drop the price.

We know a bit about wayward kids.

I mean, ours weren't perfect, were they?

Which means we've got some experience.

We'd get way too attached to a foster child,

cos that's what we're like.

We'd be setting ourselves up for years of heartache.

No, we'd be setting ourselves up for years of helping kids

who really need it.

You know, when you first mentioned fostering,

I thought you'd gone a bit mad.

But no, your instincts were spot on.

We can do this.

Won't be a minute.

That was the decorators asking when we want them for the refurb.

-I thought you'd told them?

-Oh.

-Well, don't worry. I'll ring them again.

-Refurb?

I thought you were closing down?

I'm retiring, well, taking a back seat.

My niece here is taking over as manageress.

She's your niece!

Sorry, these things take ages to connect sometimes.

-Good of you to recommend us to your private patients.

-Sorry?

Auntie Di, I'm just going to finish with my lady,

then I'll come to the back and explain it all to you, OK?

So when you reopen, will you still be selling fur?

We'd be finished if we didn't.

It's the only thing bringing in a profit.

Bad PR can ruin a business, too. Can we talk about this later?

I've got no secrets from my customers.

MACHINE BEEPS Finally! Ready when you are.

It's obvious that our Letherbridge clientele can't afford

to shop here any more.

We need to build up loyalty. If you could just enter your PIN?

I have built loyalty,

with my rabbit fur jackets and mink coats and fox fur collars.

My customers come from miles,

and are prepared to spend thousands on a single, beautiful, unique piece

from my shop.

-So you WILL be stocking fur?

-Of course we will!

If you could just enter your PIN?

Have you listened to anything I've said?

This is a niche outlet!

No-body takes risks with my business.

Excuse me. Auntie Di!

Fine, I'll be upfront with your customers, even the students,

if you don't mind them trashing the place.

Auntie Di, I've worked hard for this.

No, you think you deserve it because you're family.

I need a rethink. A big one.

Now get back to your lady.

Just forget it.

I'll make it half price for the inconvenience.

If you want to sell fur, that's for your conscience.

But I don't want anything to do with it.

PROTESTERS PLOTTING

They don't want us... Oh, look, here we go.

Listen. It's none of my business,

but there are ways to protest without getting yourself in trouble.

What would you care?

I care about a lot, actually.

Anyway, my colleague showed me this website

where protesters take pictures of people

doing whatever it is that they do,

and they post them on social media.

So a name and shame? We'd get in trouble for that.

Depends how you do it, I guess.

What's it to you, anyway?

Turns out they DO sell fur.

I knew it! I knew it!

And it's not closing down, it's just being refurbished.

Right, OK. We can do something with this.

Karen did the first lot. I just copied her.

I showed you both how to do this.

PHONE RINGS

Mill Health Centre, good afternoon.

Mrs Tembe keeps getting involved unnecessarily.

She's micro-managing.

She needs to just crack on with the important stuff.

Well, if the basics are flawed, then the important stuff will fail.

Oh, come on, Daniel, she has all of the qualities,

and all the experience that we need. Have some faith.

Now, look. If you drop all these three...

You all right?

No, I was lied to repeatedly at Zara's stupid shop.

Oh. So they do sell fur. I hope you didn't buy anything?

No. But it just means I can't go tonight, now,

cos I've got nothing to wear.

Well, it's tough sticking to your principles,

but you did the right thing. Well done you.

Don't patronise me, Al.

I'm not up on politics like you are,

but I do actually care about animal welfare.

I'm sure you do!

It's just I've never been to anything remotely like this ball.

And I just thought for once in my life, I might feel...

Oh, you're not going to understand. Forget it.

Have you still got that thing that you wore for the calendar shoot,

the Beyonce outfit?

It's not posh enough.

Of course it is! You looked very...all right.

Just add a few bits and pieces to that and it'll do, won't it?

Some gubbins...

-Accessories!

-Yeah, accessorize.

You might be onto something there, actually, Al.

Oh! Thank you very much!

They say they're closing down,

we know they're not.

They claim they don't stock real fur, we know they do.

And they won't answer any of our questions, not one.

Draw your own conclusions,

and watch this space.

-CLEAR OFF!

-Quick! Run. Now!

GASPS

Wow!

Will I do?

You look all right.

You really, really do. You look incredible.

HORN PARPS

Ooh! Have a lovely time.

Thanks.

I SHALL go to the Ball.

Have we got any garlic?

Karen?

Sorry, have you read this about the Treehouse trials?

"It emerged that despite three visits to A&E,

"one vulnerable teenager was left prey to the paedophiles

"for a further 12 weeks before a foster family was found."

It's unforgivable.

I'm not looking forward to giving my evidence this week.

I know.

You know, we're not committing ourselves by filling out a form.

It's a long process.

We could start by offering emergency placements, or respite care.

There are loads of options.

And if we don't like what we hear,

then we back out,

straight away,

I promise.

OK?

OK.

Right.

Morning.

Not a good sign, showing up late on your first day.

You're right, and I apologise.

He was one of the greatest polymaths of the 18th century.

A physician, a poet, an inventor.

Never heard of him.

Oh, oww!

Contractions are about six minutes apart now. Are you all right, babe?

Oh, yeah, I'm all good.

All this is done without the surgery staff having to do anything.

It is very impressive.