Desperately Seeking Susan Doctors

-Morning.

-Good morning.

Oh, remember you're picking up Joe this morning.

I know.

Valerie, I've got a mound of paperwork to get through today,

so absolutely no interruptions, do you hear?

Wouldn't dream of it.

Oh, was there a meeting while I was at the campus yesterday?

I wouldn't call it a meeting exactly...

Anything I should know?

No, no... Nothing important.

I'm just kidding!

Karen told me everything!

I feel a bit left out, to be honest.

Maybe you could relive the big moment?

How do you mean?

I mean come out again, just to me.

What, like right now?

Oh, I'd be ever so grateful!

Trust me, once was sufficient.

Poor little Joe's face

when we turned up too late for his craft show.

Harsh!

OK, so should I be seated or standing?

You actually want me to do this?

No-one's ever come out to me before.

This is going to be a first.

OK.

I think it went a little something like this...

I'm usually always thinking of myself as quite a private person,

so when a colleague asks me what I'm doing on the weekend,

I'm neutral, I give nothing away,

because it's like I have something to hide,

you know, I've got this guilty secret,

-and I don't.

-You don't.

You know, I'm proud of who I am,

and a big part of that is...that I'm gay.

-SHE GASPS

-Ooh, bravo!

Oh...

Oh, oh...

Sorry, it's just....

It's just it's so sad.

A gorgeous man like you...

What a waste.

Hang on!

This is my name on here, and he's using the Mill as a contact.

What?

"Desperately Seeking Susan"...

Isn't that a film?

Michael Williams.

He's been putting ads in the paper the last couple of weeks,

looking for his wife's estranged sister...

Ah...

..and now he's put my name on it.

Oh, the irony.

You're always saying, "Never get too involved."

They are long-time patients of mine.

There needs to be boundaries.

Thank you.

Thank you for that pearl of wisdom.

But now that it's here in black and white,

I'm involved whether I like it or not!

You didn't text me about your check-up appointment.

Given recent events, my heart is in a surprisingly good condition.

I still want you to take a few days off.

Don't worry, I intend to.

Good. I'll see you later.

Hmm...

That's nice.

Do you remember when we first met,

marching against the war in Iraq?

You weren't stroking my brow.

You were flat on your face, as I recall.

Tripped over my own placard.

It was a little unwieldy.

Do you know, there were more people on that demonstration

than any time in British history?

And you found me.

I wish you'd done it sooner.

KNOCK AT DOOR

For heaven's sake, you two, get a room.

Zara...

How are you doing, Jan?

I've not had this many drugs since the '70s.

She was a wayward woman before she met me.

Darling?

Let her sleep.

Can we talk outside for a moment?

So, how is she really?

The doctors came yesterday

and deactivated the thing that shocks her heart if it stops.

Her ICD.

It felt like they were giving up on her.

With her heart being so weak, they probably felt it was no longer kind.

What about her children?

Well, they're on their way over from Australia,

but the way she is, I'm not sure they'll make it...

I hate to bring this up under the circumstances,

but I really wished you'd asked me about using my name in that advert.

It's just I'm here so much of the time, with my phone off.

Plus, the thought of Susan turning up suddenly out of the blue,

the shock for Jan...

Look, it's fine. I understand.

Well, to be honest, I doubt she'll show up in time.

Have you had any responses so far?

Well, last week, a couple of people contacted me

after seeing the post on social media.

It turned out they hadn't seen Susan in years.

Did you tell Jan?

She doesn't know about any of it.

I didn't want to raise her hopes,

but she has been mentioning her sister a lot recently.

Something's clearly on her conscience.

How's it going?

LOUD MUSIC PLAYS THROUGH HEADPHONES

Look, I know I can be a little bit overbearing at times,

and I am only your stepdad,

but you do know that if there's anything that you want to

talk to me about, and I mean anything,

you can always...always do that, OK?

Actually, Heston, there is something.

Yeah?

Could you lend me 20 quid?

Valerie, are there any messages?

Yes, there was one.

I know it's here somewhere.

Good news - the heating engineer came while you were out,

so your room is back to normal temperature.

Something you could fix at least.

I'm sorry about yesterday, you missing Joe's school...

We are in the 21st century, you know?

It's someone responding to a newspaper ad.

DOOR CREAKS

Oh, erm, yeah, I'm sorry to trouble you.

I'm looking for a postal depot place.

It's somewhere around here.

I'm...

Yeah, I know, I shouldn't have looked it up on the interweb thingy.

I was, erm...

Anyway, look, you guys carry on.

I don't want to trouble you. I'll...

I'll look somewhere else. Yeah.

Thanks. Bye.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

I saw the advert again this morning.

That's me in the picture,

although it's hard to tell, it's so grainy and old and...

You said "again"?

I'd seen the previous ones.

So why did you wait until now?

I was in two minds about coming in.

It's been so long since Jan and me...

Just for my own peace of mind,

would you mind telling me a little about yourself?

What can I say?

We went to Hollyvale School.

Jan was the popular one.

I seemed to attract bullies.

I'm not sure whether the big NHS glasses and bunches helped.

Anyway, every so often, Jan would rock up

and give some kid hell on my behalf.

That sounds just like her.

I'm guessing from your involvement, Jan's ill?

I can't go into the details.

You can tell me if I'm prying,

but why haven't you spoken for so many years?

I'd like to see my sister first.

She's in a hospice.

Look, all of this can wait.

Why don't I drive you over there right now?

There's no need for that.

I can call a taxi.

No, no, I insist.

Do try to prepare yourself.

We can call Jan's husband on the way over.

HORN HONKS

CAMERA CLICKS

CAMERA CLICKS

Got him.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Susan? Susan, is that you?

You look so different.

Your hair...

I finally fancied a change -

chopped it off about ten years ago.

Jan, try to slow your breathing right down.

This wasn't a good idea.

Maybe you should wait outside.

Stay!

All right, boys. Lovely. Come on, let's go.

Let's get a move on.

Lots to do today.

Do me a favour and let me know when that van's ready, yeah?

DOG BARKS

Is she OK?

Come closer. Sit.

I barely recognise you.

You feel like a stranger.

20 years is a long time.

I looked for you in the months after you'd gone,

just like you'd disappeared off the face of the earth...

Or didn't want to be found.

What is it? What's wrong with her?

Your sister's heart isn't pumping blood around her body

the way that it should.

Well, can't something be done?

To ease things, yes, but she's at such a late stage...

I should have come sooner.

I mean, what could be so bad that we've lost all these years?

Whatever it is, don't waste the time you have left.

It's OK.

I should be the one to explain.

DOGS BARKING

Come on, boys, let's get it done.

RATTLING

BOX THUMPS

Be careful with that, all right?

It's very delicate!

Be very careful with the boxes.

Another sister, Cathy...

You never told me?

Drink together...

The three of us?

Just you two... Closer.

I understood.

Cathy always too much, didn't know when to stop...

I remember.

One night...a fire.

Cathy too comatose.

She died?

You were with her...smoking.

You blamed Susan for the fire?

Big row, walked out...

And we haven't seen or spoken to each other since.

And were you responsible?

Later, found out...portable heater.

Forgive me...

Die in peace.

I can't do this.

Susan?

I need some air.

Rob, I'm outside the warehouse now.

I know what you told me, but I've got evidence.

-I've seen him smoking the stuff.

-Move!

Oi!

-It's where they store it.

-Move, you idiot!

-Move, you idiot!

-He's not happy! He's not happy!

-Do you hear that?

-Get out the way, folks. Move, move!

Well, he's getting back in the van.

Move!

I think he's moving the van.

ENGINE RUMBLES

Can you hurry up, please?

It must all be quite a shock,

finding out that Jan is so ill, the fire...

Fire?

Oh.

I've spent so many years trying to shut it out.

In my experience, that only works for so long.

What does?

Shutting things out. It's important to talk to somebody...

Did I ask your advice?

Like you have a clue what's going on in my mind right now!

I'm sorry.

It's just a lot to process...

Maybe it would help to focus on happier times,

put things into perspective.

You think?

How close were you and Jan growing up?

You've already asked me that.

Have I? I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached.

Ha.

What about your mother?

Jan talks a lot about her, the influence she had.

She was a pretty amazing woman -

always put us first, of course.

How did Eileen react to the fire?

What?

Eileen, your mum.

I've no idea. I'd left, like Jan said.

I've known Jan a pretty long time,

and her mother was called Peggy.

My head's a mess right now.

So, who are you?

What?

What did you do? Drag up enough information from social media

to think you'd convince us?

I don't know what you're talking about.

What kind of a person does that?

What kind of a parasite feeds on another family's grief,

and tries to take advantage of a dying woman?!

-SIRENS WAIL

-Don't be a hero! Come on, move!

What are you going to achieve?

What's going on?

Ah...

I don't understand.

Why would you do this to us?

Do you want to tell us your real name, at least?

Gillian Harding.

What do I say to Jan?

I'd never have come if I'd known she was dying.

I have to go.

I think that's for the best.

No. No, you're going to carry on with it, this charade!

-Michael...

-I have to go.

Listen, now, you started this.

You're not just going to walk away.

You're going to go back in that room and forgive Jan.

Think about what you're saying.

I'm sorry!

Please, she may not last the hour.

There might not be another chance.

To do what? To lie to a dying woman?

What choice do I have?

Look, if we tell her the truth now,

it'll break what little bit of heart she has left.

All right, OK. Thanks.

We've just been issued with a warrant to search your premises.

For what? What am I supposed to have done?

I think you know the answer to that, Liam.

I'm a legitimate businessman, all right?

And this man has been harassing me - some old has-been with a grudge.

Your friend seemed very eager to do a runner,

so we'll see about that after we've taken a look around.

Be my guest, by all means.

Susan just needed a moment to gather her thoughts.

She has something to say...

That night, the argument,

there was a lot of emotion flying around.

It's time to put it behind us.

I forgive you for what you did.

I forgive you.

Nothing.

I told you, there's nothing here.

OK, fellas, let's start winding it up.

You can't just give up!

Looks like you're in the clear.

An apology would be nice.

Just wait a minute!

I don't want that damaged, all right?

Look, that's one of a kind.

You can't just tear...!

Very clever.

The two faces of Liam Slade.

I am so proud of you.

Mmm...

We have to go out and celebrate!

I thought you'd be buzzing.

BEN SIGHS

I'm sorry, I can't do this.

Well, I wasn't suggesting you bunk off right now.

You and me.

What?

Why are you saying this?

It wasn't the coming out.

I'm glad I finally plucked up the courage...

Then what is it?

We're just so different.

I like things calm and controlled.

With you, it's big, out there...

You turn everything into a party.

You know, if this is about tonight, we can just do something quiet.

I feel like I'm racing all the time, just to keep up with you.

I can't believe you're saying this right now,

after everything we've been through.

I mean, this whistle-blowing thing,

you know how much that's affected me.

I know the timing stinks.

And saying that I'm "out there."

I mean, I know...

I know sometimes I get carried away but I can't help who I am.

I know, and I'd hate for you to change that,

but I have to do this.

However much it kills me, it's the right thing for us both.

How's she doing?

Not good.

At least she can have some peace now.

And that exonerates you?

Well, no, but...

Have you thought about Michael?

His last moments with his wife are forever tainted with a lie.

I should never have come.

Oh, you're getting that now?

I don't have excuses.

I know there are things...

There's something wrong with me.

What I don't get is, why?

Why impose yourself on someone else's life?

What on earth could you hope to gain?

Being part of something, part of a family.

I was lonely!

I know it was wrong, but when I saw Michael's ads,

I was curious. I...

I looked Jan up and read about all the charities, the family,

children, the visits to Australia.

It's a life I can only imagine.

It's OK to want things to be different, but this isn't the way.

No.

Promise me that you'll seek some help.

Go and see your GP.

Michael?

Jan slipped into a coma a few minutes ago.

I'm so sorry.

They don't know if she'll ever wake up,

get to say goodbye to the kids...

I had to let her go peacefully.

I don't know.

Did I do the right thing?

Only you can answer that.

My last few moments with her felt sullied, you know.

Somehow I'm going to have to live with that.

I've just had a message from the super,

and she thinks that this could be the largest cache of viper

that we've ever found in our area,

and we have you to thank for that.

Just doing my civic duty.

You've wrecked everything for me, all over again.

Have you not once thought about the damaged you've inflicted?

Do you not have one shred of remorse?

DOGS BARKING

CAR DOOR CLOSES

Why would he do this to me?

I'm so sorry, mate.

Apparently I'm too "out there"? I mean, what does that even mean?

Yeah...

I wouldn't know.

Well, I think things are going to be pretty dull and boring without me.

Yeah, yeah, I'd imagine so.

-Actually, that reminds me why I came to see you.

-Yeah?

Erin's found this place - cheap rent, nearer to town,

it's good for a party now that I'm back on the market.

Are you moving out?

Yeah, at the weekend.

OK, well... OK, fine.

Look, I hope I haven't made you feel unwelcome in any way.

I've really enjoyed having you around.

Your OCD nightmare?

I just got used to the place being a tip, so...

Well, like, you know, we can still do lunch and stuff.

Oh, actually, I might need to raid your kitchen before I go,

just to set me up till payday.

I'm a bit short.

Don't worry, I'll leave you enough milk for a cup of tea, obviously.

Cheers, Jimmi.

Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without you.

Well, look, you know there's always a bed at mine, if you need it.

Busy morning?

Did you speak to Michael about the ad, give him hell?

He may already be there.

If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about this morning.

Come here.

JIMMI EXHALES

Help yourself.

ENGINE RUMBLES

And to think, I just came home to check if you had your feet up.

Sorry.

No, no, don't be.

I'm really proud of you.

I feel bad that I didn't support you,

but I didn't want you to get hurt.

I'm very lucky to have someone like you looking after me,

which is why I bought you a special present.

A Valentine card?

A bit late, I'm afraid.

SHE CHUCKLES

That is... That is really funny.

Mmm, it is.

Do you mean it?

That I love you?

The wedding reshoot.

Thank you.

And that you will never lie to me, ever again.

No, you mustn't bury yourself in displacement activity.

You must confront your trauma.

I happen to be promoting enlightenment.

Well, I'm trying to promote a peaceful surgery, so...

Then I suggest you close your mouth.

I beg your pardon!

I see you in a shimmering gown, garlanded with swirls and furls.

We wanted something a bit more traditional.

Traditional?