Star Crossed Lovers Holby City

Damn. Surgicel. Suction.

Digby, concentrate, I can't see a bloody thing.

If someone were to try and ask me out again...

they might be surprised by the outcome.

Pleasantly surprised?

Do you like sea food?

Insert a lumber drain before Professor Hope leaves theatre.

Pity we couldn't get that last bit of tumour.

Pity?

I'm in. But I have terms.

Excellent, they'll all be addressed.

You have to tell him, OK?

Right, I'm now closing the atrial appendage

which of course reduces the risk of stroke.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I just say it's so good to be back?

Cut.

Do you see what I mean?!

Yes, I do.

So how many do you think you need?

Wish list - four nurses.

At a push I can manage with a couple.

I'll see what I can do but you know...

Yeah, I know. No promises, right?

Look, I can promise I'll find you at least one extra nurse.

Thanks, Colette.

Promoting you was a logical decision.

In my view managing your own ward is the natural next step

in your career progression.

However, on the personal side...

this penchant you have for older women...

Put a lid on it.

No more work place liaisons.

Emotional involvement with nurses - off the agenda.

Till you're through the probationary period anyway.

-From now on I have no personal life.

-Excellent.

Dwelling on the past is a waste of time.

Our focus at Holby should always be on the future.

And my immediate future is checking in with the DNS.

Colette does know that this is happening right?

Colette is...

It's an upper managerial issue.

I just need you to hit the ground running.

-But this is going to be hard enough...

-Fletch, please.

Don't make me think I've made the wrong choice already.

Thank you.

Phone?

Phone. Car.

Well done, everyone. Good, excellent work.

Could you close up, please?

Lovely, thank you very much.

OK, let's see what's up next.

Morning.

Morning.

Listen, I've got one of those internet deals.

It's like a free bottle of house red at Rodolfo's.

Could I tempt you?

Oh, Mrs Jakiel.

Now, have you done something to your hair?

Midnight Nutmeg. Your mother said I should cover up the grey.

Makes me look ten years younger, don't you think?

15 at least. All set for today?

Of course. Don't let me interrupt you.

Rodolfo's. When?

Tonight. It's the last night of the deal.

-I can't.

-That's OK.

-LIFT DINGS

Don't worry about it. It was just on the off-chance.

-LIFT:

-Doors opening.

Sorry.

But he's not back until tomorrow.

I should be in charge for one more day. Today is my last day...

Soz. Looks like you've got to put your crown back in its box early.

Hey, I'm just as happy as you are that Elliot's back.

Ah, I knew I should've brought it in.

-What?

-I made a banner.

Of course. A banner.

Hello.

Hey! Look at you! You look the bomb, professor!

Adele and Mo.

Should I have called? Should I have told you?

I should have called. I'm so sorry...

Yeah! You so should have called. I made a banner. It's at home now!

I wasn't expecting you back until tomorrow.

You sure you really want to take this much on

-a day before schedule?

-No other way.

It's bike riding. I'm fine. Better than fine.

Ready to be a proper bomb.

Yay, Professor! You hit those pedals.

Sacha Levy, General Surgical Registrar -

what's not to be proud of?

Newly appointed Acting Consultant actually.

That's good? That's very good, is it?

Oh, yes.

So, Vera Henry.

You stripped her left leg in April.

Do you remember her? Redhead. A widow.

Her husband was a Parisian piano tuner.

-FRENCH ACCENT:

-Ah, oui, oui, oui! I remember Madam 'Enry.

Dr Digby, would you like to talk us through this procedure, please?

Yes. So your avulsions will be performed

under general anaesthetic.

Is that what Vera had?

You know we can't discuss another patient's treatment.

She would have done. Trollop. She has no scars.

Many people can attest to that fact, if you take my meaning.

Well, recovery times depend on many factors, so...

Well, Vera was done in the morning and home by tea.

Yes, but in your case,

because we're going to be tackling the veins on both your legs,

you're going to be with us overnight.

Oh, well, as long as I'm going home with no scars.

(May I have a word with my consultant in private?)

Of course.

It is a procedure with an excellent success rate.

I know. Vera wearing sheer 20-denier stockings.

That young nurse in the lift, I saw the dork she came in with.

Now, what's the story there?

Stella, I'm not about to start discussing my relationships.

Oh, so you have a relationship?

Yes, well, we're kind of...

We're, erm, sort of, dating.

I knew it. I have a sixth sense.

Now you know I talk to your mother?

That girl, all kissy kissy and out tonight with another man?

Black underwear?

Is that the kind of woman you want?

Are you having a laugh?

-Not that I'm aware of. No.

-I've just come from HR.

-Oh, yeah.

-Where I'm asking for an agency nurse for AAU,

only to be told there's already an extra nurse on AAU.

A new Ward Manager.

As Director of Nursing, you didn't think to ask for my input?

Er, not especially, no.

Have you finished?

Well, looks like I must have, if you say so.

-You are the puppet master after all.

-Oh, please.

You want to be careful with all those strings, Guy -

mine, Elliot's, Jac's.

It could all end up in one hell of a tangle.

Just a tad over dramatic?

What about the welfare of the patients?

You've lost sight of what you came here to do.

Is that right?

You don't want me involved in decision-making any longer,

that's fine.

I'm going to go back to wards to do some real nursing.

What are you on about?

Maybe I need to consider whether I even have a future here.

Colette, please, sit down.

This new Ward Manager - she better be good.

So we're going to make one hell of a team.

Wheels well-oiled and running smoothly. Anything you need, ask me.

Any concerns, any hint of rust, come find me.

Well, go on. That's enough standing around looking gorgeous!

Chop chop!

Remember, you need me, you find me. I'll be right here.

I may need a little more convincing.

Excuse me?

I've known Tess Bateman for many years.

Well, I've nothing but respect for Tess.

And I'm here to do a good job.

As I say, I'll wait to be convinced.

Good to have you on board.

Cheers.

Elliot's back. A day early. Skinny latte.

Marvellous, thank you.

Adele reckons the barista fancies me.

So what's up with you?

-It's Essie.

-And what's up with Essie?

I think she might be seeing Derwood Thompson.

No, she's not. He's hitched his wagon to this girl called Nicky.

We treated her nympho-nan for the clap last Christmas.

I doubt he's a two timer.

So how come Elliot's back a day early?

Because he feels fantastic and he's back at the helm. Big time.

Great.

Sorry.

Don't be. It's Elliot, you know?

Everybody wants him back, I want him back.

Oh, don't look now.

So you and Colette...

is that anything that will affect AAU?

Absolutely not.

Good. It's all I need to know. PAGER BEEPS

Mr Yardley? Any more chest pain?

"Pain" is an exaggeration.

He thinks if he thinks he's fit and keeps telling himself

there's nothing wrong with him, everything is fine.

And that'll be why you decided to drive yourself here, is it?

-It's not wise.

-"Not wise?"

Surely that's an understatement.

-Joan.

-What if there is something wrong with your heart again?

Again?

He had a thing, they fixed it with a graft.

June, 2011.

"He" is perfectly capable of speaking for himself.

OK, then. Well, we're going to need as much information as we can.

And do you know what? I don't really mind who gives it to us.

But once we get that information we'll send your husband...

He's not my husband.

25 years she was my PA.

I deem it as an act of charity to keep the old girl occupied

now we're retired.

Well, we're going to send you up to Darwin,

which is our cardiothoracic ward.

I'll call for a car. We'll go back to Burford Grange.

I'm not going to two hospitals in one day.

Look, this name's not going to mean anything to you,

but our Professor Hope's back.

-Is that good?

-Good? Today's your lucky day.

He's like a cardio maestro.

There's nobody better. Not in the NHS, not private, not anywhere.

So you sit tight, Mr Yardley, and I'll go and get us a porter.

You always have to know best, don't you?

Fletch, prepare yourself for a MAJAX.

Three lorries, a coach, seven cars and a bike.

Multiple injuries - feeding through soon.

-Right, OK. I just need to sort out a transfer.

-Chop chop!

GUY: Well, if you can't hack it on AAU, Colette,

stop playing and do what you're paid to do.

I don't get it, Guy. Why did you bring him here?

I always have your back.

-Sorry, I should have told you about Fletch.

-Yes. You should.

Are you a dancer?

Not so you'd notice.

You haven't put down a next of kin.

Estelle.

But people call you Essie?

Some people do. Estelle and Stella.

A pair of stars. Twinkle, twinkle.

Next of kin?

I'm not expecting to die.

Have I done something to offend you?

I don't know... Have you?

There's really not a number we should have?

Give it to me.

This is Xavier's number.

-MOCKINGLY:

-Xavier?

He wishes to ask me out,

but like many men he is unnecessarily unsure of himself

and he suffers because there is something in his way.

What's that?

A tart called Vera Henry.

Now that's a bit strong.

What else do you call a woman who dances with one man on Tuesdays

and goes to the pictures with another on Fridays?

Maybe the men are just her friends?

Men and women can't be friends.

So I am guessing that one of her companions is Xavier?

You should talk to him.

If you want him, don't wait for him.

Most men in my experience are rubbish.

Little star...

men like Xavier and Sacha are not rubbish. But you?

You need to stop behaving like Vera.

That's Professor Hope, the man you want.

I call him The Bomb!

Thanks, Adele. Off you pop.

Hello, I'm Miss Effanga, part of Professor Hope's cardiac team.

Professor Hope? We've been told that you're the very best person

-to take care of Fredrick.

-I'm flattered.

Mr Yardley, hello, I'm Professor Hope.

You have presented with what is termed non-specific symptoms.

AAU have identified five possible causes,

but all we have here is an ECG that looks normal.

But there is cause for concern?

-Mr Yardley's history.

-And chest pains this morning.

Yes. Mr Yardley, would you indulge me?

Waiting for a stress echo seems a bit senseless.

I'd just like to listen to your heart.

-It's cold.

-Very sorry.

Is that better?

Right.

Would you pick that up for me?

HE SIGHS

Ridiculous.

Now, may I...?

OK, thank you. You can do up that.

There's no difference in rhythm.

You're saying he's fine?

Sadly not.

In light of today's episode and Mr Yardley's previous surgery,

I'd like to order a chest CT, FBC and an echocardiogram.

On it.

OK, thank you both very much.

Head CT is clear, GCS is normal.

OK. Triage two, bed one.

Well, far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth but...?

Yes, I'm back on the floor for the foreseeable this time.

It's kind of refreshing.

Right, well, would you mind taking over from Nurse Fletcher?

No, of course. That's fine.

So would you like me to...?

Put some pressure on? Yeah, why not?

Argh! I'm not a practice dummy!

Can you be careful, please?

-Have you got it?

-Yep.

-No, you haven't.

Of course I have.

The patient and I would like to think that one of you has.

-Nice to meet your acquaintance, Mr Stone.

-Stoner.

Real head, real agony, do you get that?

She does. Thank you, Nurse Sheward.

-I'll leave you with Nurse Sheward.

-Oh, great(!)

That's nasty.

You don't say.

So have you been drinking?

What's it to you?

Alcohol, medication - it's my job to check.

I've already blown into the bag for cops -

I'd be in handcuffs by now if I'd been drinking.

The crash wasn't my fault.

It's all right, no-one was saying that.

Speaking of smells, though - what's that you're wearing?

It's perfume.

Get away. There I thought the health service

was stuffing cherry blossom into the pillows.

It's gorgeous.

You smelling flowers? Promise me one thing...

if you start seeing bright lights at the end of corridors,

don't walk towards them, OK?

-Not this time.

-OK.

Bikers don't often bounce. You've been lucky.

Argh! Have I?

I think you'll find that luck is a subjective concept.

Stay on it. Admit, allocate and re-allocate.

Now, I've been told that you know the MAJAX drill,

but I've yet to see whether you can remain...

sufficiently focused, Nurse Fletcher.

-Yeah, yeah. I mean I can and I will.

-Then do it.

Hey. You're somebody's favourite.

-Am I?

-Absolutely. Mrs Vintage Kimono?

Your friend from the lift - she is a total fan.

Should I be jealous?

I really wouldn't know.

Updated theatre list.

Thanks.

You might want to look at the shunts?

Mm.

Yep.

Thank you.

-We're clear for theatre, yeah?

-Flail chest. Priority. Go.

Right, I need you to do me a favour,

I need you to discharge Mr Feltham in bed six.

Make sure his meds are up-to-date

and he gets his outpatient's follow up.

Then check the lines in bed two and four for me, OK?

Right, OK. You.

First things first, we need to stabilise the foreign body,

so let's get her into triage three, please.

Thing's are hotting up in here, aren't they?

Well, there's been at least two fatalities.

You can go off a person, you know.

Why? What have I done?

You just tried to survivor guilt-trip me.

BUZZING

Right, I'll be back in a bit.

-Press that if you need anything, OK?

-All right.

There's loads of people who would have snuffed it

if it wasn't for Professor Hope.

Yes, we've been told he's excellent.

He's been away?

Yeah. He wasn't due back until tomorrow.

How lucky's that for you?

It's unusual to start back early after a holiday. He must be keen.

Holiday? No, he wasn't on holiday.

He had a brain tumour.

He's all right now, though.

The chief of the hospital's a brain surgeon.

Hello.

-Ah, speak of the devil. I'll see you in a bit.

-Thank you.

Right...

..your test results are unequivocal I'm afraid.

Which means?

What they showed is certain.

I know what unequivocal means. I'm not a moron.

No, of course not.

Professor Hope suspected that you had

an infection at the site of the previous graft.

He was right.

Your white blood cell count, which backs up the CT.

As I said - unequivocal.

Tell me what's wrong.

Then tell me if you are capable of fixing it,

or if we need to go back to Burford Grange.

I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to offend you.

There are two options. Ms Effanga, would you explain?

There's an infection in the artery that you had replaced,

but we can clear that up.

Will it be difficult?

We can put you on bypass and perform a standard procedure,

or take the axillary route.

I suggest we take the axillary route as that will lessen the risk

of major surgery and buy us some more time to fix the graft.

You sound like you know what you're talking about.

Of course with any surgery there are risks.

But in my opinion this procedure is necessary.

It's also relatively straightforward.

We'll book the theatre and re-graft the artery.

Good, right.

Acute compartment syndrome.

The ultrasound indicated internal bleeding,

so the MAJAX chest injury took priority.

OK, acute compartment syndrome means, watch my lips,

if he doesn't get to theatre soon he's going to lose that leg.

Excuse me. So what do we do?

He's prepped and ready to go. Why would you mess with that?

Because the chest injury ranked higher.

His rib cage was detached from the chest wall.

Did you even schedule his obs?

Look, it was a judgment call.

To delay an emergency fasciotomy? Genius(!)

I'm going to try and divert the flail chest patient into ITU.

They should be able to stabilise him there.

-Do you think you can do that?

-Have you met me?

Mr Griffin should have been performing

that emergency fasciotomy already...

How many more times do you want me to say I'm sorry?

Sorry and thank you?

You know what? It's just good to know that you've got my back.

Let's get one thing straight -

I don't have your back, I have his.

Oh, right, well, now I understand.

Excuse me for playing with a full hand of stupid.

Thanks, Colette, on behalf of patients everywhere.

What is it with you two?

We need to get the theatre cleared.

That doesn't answer my question.

We had a parting of the ways - a long time ago.

Nobody's fault. We'll get over it.

Whatever happened then, today you work together or not at all.

We do not do collateral damage here.

Capisce?

Mo, your sister has summoned me to my own office.

Any ideas why?

The smart money would be on balloons, glitter and probably cake.

Right, join me there.

Two ticks.

Doctor, Fredrick would like to have another word with you

about his operation.

OK, I'll just go and get Professor Hope for you.

No, Fredrick wants to talk to you.

Sure.

Mr Yardley, you have questions?

He's had brain surgery, he's only back today.

Someone told you?

We heard.

Are you 100% sure your Professor is back at the top of his game?

Absolutely.

Are you? Are you sure you're not just hoping that he is?

He's already been in theatre today.

You're not worried he might be overdoing it?

Professor Hope is back because he's ready to be, he's fit for anything.

But do you think he's at the top of his game?

See? That's what I thought.

We were wondering if you all might be trying to prove a point.

You could be putting him under too much pressure.

We'd both be less worried

if you did Fredrick's operation, dear.

If I did it?

You're capable of doing it, aren't you?

-Well, of course but...

-That's what I like to hear.

-So you're my surgeon now.

-OK.

Voila!

The fruit basket is because, well, flowers are just boring

and it's just healthier, isn't it?

And water because if you drink loads of water

it'll stop you from getting headaches.

I don't get headaches.

And you should be eating plenty of fish. Fish is brain food.

-I couldn't get any fish, though.

-Brain food, yes.

I don't recall Mr Self promoted the eating of seafood at all.

Remiss of him.

-Do you think I should pull him up on that?

-You so should.

Ah, Mo, I'm being rehydrated, would you care for a sip?

What's up, doc?

I'm really sorry, Professor Hope...

Fredrick Yardley doesn't want you to operate.

I've been trying to figure it out.

Do what now?

You were riding a motorbike on a motorway with no crash helmet?

Seriously?

Maybe I was afraid of messing up my hair(!)

So what is it? An adrenaline junkie?

Adrenaline junkie? What are you Dr Freud now?

All I want is to make sure we get you the right kind of help.

I don't need help.

Now, if you don't mind, I prefer the nurse that smells like flowers.

Fasciotomy's on target.

Thanks.

Your little friend thinks that I'm a headcase.

He'll be getting me a counsellor next.

Well, is it true you weren't wearing a helmet?

Then maybe he should.

Do you ever see Brando wear one?

Yeah. All right, Nicky. Nicky, sorry, I can't tonight.

Tomorrow?

All right, OK... Bye-bye.

I managed to rub him up the wrong way. From the start.

All that unequivocal nonsense. I made him anxious.

Did he say I'd made him anxious?

He didn't say much.

-Well, if he's happy with you...

-Seems so.

-And you don't mind taking over...?

-That's what I'm here for.

A clash of personalities, that's all. Home alone too long.

I'll have to brush up on my interpersonal skills.

On the plus side there is some unexpected downtime.

That's got to be a good thing, first day back?

No, it's not a good thing...

particularly on my first day back.

Here we go.

Hello, Mrs Stone.

Quick question.

When was the last time you saw any sort of doctor?

Couple of years.

Couple? How about six?

The last date on your GP's notes is 2008.

Well, I've haven't really got time to go hanging around

in some quack's office.

I want the other nurse.

-Nurse! Nurse!

-BUZZING

Some of your family history's obvious.

You're not allowed.

-Nurse!

-The more you tell us the more we can do to help.

-That's all we want to do, mate...

-Nurse!

Your pulse is elevated, and your blood pressure is low.

-Apart from your head, does it hurt anywhere else?

-I'm fine.

Come on, you need to tell us.

-The gut's not brilliant.

-OK, let's get an ultrasound -

there could be some internal bleeding.

Can you get me a doctor, please?

-Just leave me be.

-No, we can't do that.

-Yeah, you can.

-No, we really can't.

I'm never having chemo.

OK, he's clammy and cold and he's got a weak radial pulse.

That's evidence of peripheral shutdown.

We need to get some fluids into him. Stat!

Right, can you get me a Sengstaken tube as quick as possible, like now?

I know what's wrong. Just don't waste your time.

We don't know what it is, but we're going to find out, all right?

Let's get him on to his side. This way.

Right. Over you go. Right. OK.

You done this before?

Um, yeah. Twice.

Now this is going to feel uncomfortable

but I need you to... No.

Try and relax and breathe through your nose.

That's it, there we go, that's better.

Almost there. Almost there.

Right, I need to inflate the tube and get some fluid resuscitation.

-Has he been cross-matched?

-Yep, O-positive.

What's happening?

Possible oesophageal varices.

We needed to act or he would have exsanguinated.

Colette? Did you OK this?

-She didn't have to.

-It's OK, it's working.

-Are you ready to take him into theatre?

-Yeah.

-Come on. Let's go.

-Wait till he's clear of the bed.

-OK, good.

-Right, go.

-Damn.

-Is something wrong, Mr Levy?

Everything's wrong.

Essie's dating a duplicitous gynae, I've got my mother's chief crazy

in to rub my nose in it, and I can't even sign a discharge form.

Ah, right, OK. Sharing.

Good.

I mean, who am I trying to kid.

I never really stood a chance, did I?

She's way out my league.

Is she?

You and I, Arthur, we're the same -

we're the nice guys they just want to be friends with.

But when push comes to shove, it's the bad boys they roll over for.

-What bad boys?

-Derwood Thompson.

Whoa. Mr T?!

Yeah, I know. I know but he's the other guy.

He's the one who's supposedly two-timing her.

Right, OK.

That is terrible, clearly, but what are you going to do?

Me?

If it was Maria who was being debased by another man,

I wouldn't just stand by, you know, I'd do what I could to protect her.

You know, it's not about who's dating who.

It's about honour, it's about chivalry.

Well, Arthur,

you really were born about 50 years too late, weren't you?

Mmmm, yes. Yeah, well, you know, just do the right thing.

By Essie so...

There's a lot of serosanguineous fluid.

Ah - there's the culprit.

It's a ruptured cyst.

I'll marsupialise it by taking all of the wall

and leave the base intact so it doesn't recollect.

You know he came off his motorbike not wearing a crash helmet

and only got a few stitches.

Well, some people are just stupid.

Maybe he needs a psych referral?

Bovie, please.

I think he's convinced himself that he's got cancer.

Well, we'll cut it off...

drain it, and wash it out.

Then close him up.

So, there's no cancer?

There's no cancer.

Stupid, but lucky.

It must be a very difficult day for you.

Yes, it is.

Please don't worry. Ms Effanga is an exceptional surgeon.

It was nothing personal, Professor, he sets his mind on something.

Fredrick only has one heart.

-I'm sure all will be well.

-Thank you.

I know this must be a very difficult time for you too.

You're so very lucky.

Pardon me?

As long as you don't overdo things.

You'll know better than most - one's health is really all that matters.

Right.

So few people have someone caring for them.

Those who do are extremely fortunate.

Fredrick is...and so are you.

Stella? Where are you going?

Is there a salon on the premises?

No, this is a general surgical ward, there are no hairdressers.

I feel better when my hair is good.

Come on, I'll walk back with you.

-Your hair's lovely.

-Is it?

I may have led Sacha to believe you're a little bit trollop.

What? Why?

We talked about your kissy-kissy friend.

-"Kissy-kissy friend"?

-I saw it.

I am a friend of his mother's.

Er, hang on. Who am I supposed to have kissed?

Oh. This morning. Stella!

Well, what's the worst thing that can happen?

Mr Kissy-Kissy gets a little slap.

You're joking.

You're not joking.

Making yourself at home?

Just waiting for Essie.

Oh, don't worry about me, by the way.

I've brought my own.

Good.

I'm trying to kick the old caffeine, sticking to herbal infusions.

Mind you, you know what it's like.

You make a commitment to peppermint but before long,

you find yourself wanting to dunk your Digestive

into a steaming cup of Tetley's.

So you have no sense of loyalty then or commitment?

To tea?

Well, they're not terrifically modern concepts, are they?

Loyalty? Fidelity?

I hereby swear allegiance to peppermint,

foregoing all other teas.

I renounce you, loose leaf! Be gone, oolong!

So you think you're being clever?

Sipping from more than one cup?

Excuse me?

I know what your game is.

What game?

-You're seeing two women, aren't you?

-I'm not seeing any women.

What about the kinky corset?

Sacha! What's going on?

Ask him about Nicky.

-You told him about Nicky?

-No.

Why would I? That's your business.

Well, she didn't have to tell me about Nicky

-because I found out about Nicky.

-Oh, Sacha, stop it.

I don't know what I've done wrong!

I'm watching you.

What was all that about?

Stella.

He's in the thrall of some batty old lady named Stella.

Stellaaaaaaa!

-Are you all right?

-Yeah.

Left-sided thoracotomy, sixth intercostal space.

Here we go.

How are you doing?

Tricky, but we're getting there.

It's a good job I'm not too tired and stressed to step in

if you were to need me.

Why did you tell them about my neurosurgery?

I didn't.

Then how is it that my personal circumstances are the talk

of the patients?

I don't know.

You should have been upfront with me, Mo.

-If you wanted to take the lead...

-I didn't ask for it.

I didn't want you to find out that they thought you weren't ready.

How can I counter concerns about my fitness if I don't know about them?

You should have told me.

Elliot, this is a mess.

The tissue from the lung has become attached to the infection site.

You know what you're doing.

Suction, please.

It would be much easier to stay annoyed with you

if you didn't make me so proud.

They're nearly finished. Everything's going really well.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

No problem.

Fredrick was my boss.

There was never anything, you know, like that.

I've looked after him for almost 30 years.

Wow. Well, everything's fine, so you can look after him some more.

I do wish we hadn't jumped the gun with your professor.

Do you think he was very offended?

He's got broad shoulders. He'll be over it.

-He was never going to take any risks, was he?

-No.

He would never go into theatre

unless he was absolutely sure that he was fine.

Fredrick and I were just anxious.

He's such a kind man.

Can I get you anything? Cup of tea?

Me? No, dear. I'm fine.

-Are you sure? It's no trouble.

-I'll just wait for Fredrick.

I'll get you a cup anyway, you don't have to drink it.

Will you tell Professor Hope that I'm truly sorry?

No, because listen, when he comes to see you,

it'll be to tell you that Fredrick's fine and on his way back.

-It won't be to hear you say that you're sorry.

-I am, though.

OK, well, you can tell him yourself.

Everything's fine, OK?

As long as you're sure.

SHE SIGHS

-Mo.

-Professor.

I honestly didn't mean to be sneaky

and I really didn't say anything to them about your op.

I think I know who did, mind.

As you will be sending a healthy-hearted ex-boss

back to the devoted Joan, I suggest we agree to forget it.

Yeah, I'm up for that.

I realise I failed to think about your feelings.

-You never have to worry about me.

-Oh, I do. Well, you know, sometimes.

I know I am only just back but I am back.

I refuse to let this tumour define me.

I really am sorry.

I don't want anyone thinking that I'm past it.

I'm going to have to prove that, prove it rather big time.

-Elliot to the max?

-To the max.

Which means expanding the Assisted Devices department

and pushing forward to new challenges, if you're interested?

I'm so glad you're back.

You are the bomb.

The contract has been drawn up. All it needs now is your signature.

If you're serious about heading the department,

get over here by seven and sign it.

No games. This is a one-off, now-or-never deal.

I suggest you allow for traffic.

I took your advice.

Oh, good. How did she take it?

She?

Essie. Yeah, you told her about Mr Thompson's other dalliance?

No. I told Derwood Thompson to watch his step.

I gave it to him straight. That's what you meant, wasn't it?

Yes. Sort of.

I don't know, Essie seemed to know what he was up to already so...

Right. But, if she knew what he was up to then doesn't that mean

she wasn't being two-timed?

Technically? You know, in a manner of speaking?

I'll just...

I'll see you in theatre, I think.

Hey.

Hi.

Listen, you might feel grim for a bit

but you're going to live to ride again.

Your throat a bit sore?

It's not too bad actually, thanks.

Thanks for everything you keep doing for me but you need to listen.

HE GROANS IN PAIN

This needs to stop.

I'm not having chemo.

Do you want to tell him?

You had a cyst on your liver.

And the cyst ruptured.

-What?

-They cleared out all the mess.

So all you've got to do is rest and recuperate.

And what's not to love about a little bit of R'n'R?

-Not cancer?

-No.

And you would have known that if you'd been to see a doctor.

I knew what they were going to say.

Well, obviously, you didn't.

What were you thinking? Were you just waiting to die?

When my dad died, I just sold up. I just went, I just vanished.

I have been on a monumental bender for years.

I bought the bike with the last of my... I mean I'm out of dosh.

I could only afford to third-party insure it.

So, you did a runner?

I just had to get away. I couldn't face anyone, anything.

My sisters are going to kill me.

Don't tell me you never tried to take an easy way out.

Oh, no. Believe me, I have.

Well, what I thought was easy anyway.

So, I'm not going to die?

Nope.

Do I not have the big C?

Nurse. Do me a favour.

Go and get some of that perfume on and then come back

and fluff my pillows up, will you?

Behave.

It's better to be broke than dead.

CHUCKLING TURNS TO GROANING

I shouldn't laugh, I've got stitches.

I'm a sick man.

Nicely done.

Now we've done the ligation, we can concentrate on the smaller veins.

OK. Making a stab incision.

Keep the cut vertical to avoid hitting a vein.

So, Stella's a friend of Ma Levy's?

Yes, yes.

There are various strange women who maintain an orbit around my mother.

Seemingly it gives them carte blanche to comment on me,

my life and, if I'm very lucky, my relationships.

Right, well, there are a lot more avulsions

than I thought there'd be.

She's going to have lots of tiny scars on her legs,

but I'm afraid this was the best option.

I think we're going to have our work cut out to convince her

all this tissue damage will fade as well.

Oh, I don't know, is it worth it?

Well, I don't mind talking her through it,

there is an online time-lapse video I can show her.

No, I meant is it worth the agitation?

Clips, please. Thank you.

I don't mind if you express an opinion.

In fact, I'm asking for your opinion.

Can I ever have a relationship with Essie?

I can't. Can I?

What was I thinking?

I imagine you were thinking how much you liked her

and she was thinking how much she liked you.

If it was only that simple.

This certainly isn't going to be as neat as I'd hoped.

But we're not going to give up, are we?

Dr Digby, are you drawing an analogy between my romantic life

and varicose vein surgery?

I generally try and give people the benefit of the doubt

and sometimes that leads to them getting the credit they deserve.

In the end, I have to say I'm impressed.

I just hope I did my job.

You handled that Sengstaken like it was second nature.

Mr Stupid owes you his life.

I had done it before.

Don't sell yourself short. As I say, I'm impressed.

Thanks a lot, Mr Griffin, it means a lot.

Now, all you have to do is keep it up.

So, do AAU nurses hit Albie's after work for a swifty or what?

Yeah, I'll buy you a large one

on the back of your Sengstaken performance if nothing else.

It's the talk of the ward, everyone's well impressed.

Really? Great. Well, Albie's later then.

Excellent.

Stella, when the bandages come off,

there is going to be a substantial amount of bruising.

But that will fade.

Yes, but there'll also be quite a lot of scarring.

But no more than Vera.

Well, there are a lot more than we initially envisaged

and it will be quite visible to begin with.

I will have legs like Russian sausages.

Xavier won't want a piece of that?

I know what Xavier wants.

It won't be me.

I feel like my heart will break.

I just wanted to dance with him.

Mr Levy, can we talk?

Excuse us.

Go, go. I'm better by myself.

Not you.

We do need to talk because there's something I want to say.

Is there?

I'm so sorry.

What for?

For the way I behaved.

For you know, the tea and Mr Thompson

and all that Nicky nonsense.

I'm so ashamed.

(And I'm really sorry.)

Good.

I accept your apology.

HE SIGHS

I was...jealous.

What for?

Well, you hug him, you know, and I'd seen your corset.

You saw Derwood's corset in my bag this morning.

Hang on, hang on.

It's Mr Thompson's corset?

Yes.

Derwood and I are going to a sing-a-long

Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight

and he is playing Frank N Furter.

Well, that's amazing.

And he was dating Nicky.

He thought things were going really well

-and then she broke up with him.

-Oh, so there was a Nicky.

Oh, well done, you got one thing right.

I'm so sorry.

-Poor Mr T.

-Yeah.

He's miserable. I'm his friend so I'm just trying to cheer him up.

Oh, my...

That woman gets everything wrong.

I bet you a pound that that's...

Stella, who's that?

It's Xavier. Why is he here?

For you, I should imagine.

There, you see? What did I tell you?

And I thought you were a little bit stupid...but you're not.

Maybe you should think about this one?

As it happens, despite your meddling,

I am going out with your consultant.

Acting consultant actually but very good.

Sorry, do you mind?

-Look, you don't have to go.

-No, it's OK.

Thanks for that. Don't start, will you?

I won't, I promise.

If you get yourself a vodka, you can have one of these.

-Viper Spit?

-It energises you. It's my gift to AAU.

Well, one of many.

Do they know that you smuggle in your own mixers?

I thought you weren't starting.

That tastes like something Stoner would drink.

-To Stoner.

-To Stoner.

For the record, Collywobble,

I was in this hospital way before you were.

I know you were and don't call me that.

So, don't ruin it for me, all right?

Please, I need this.

And anyway, I'll be good on AAU, you know I will.

Di Lucca's impressed. Ric Griffin's impressed.

Not to mention Stoner.

What about you?

Well, the word on the ward is that you're pretty smokin' too so...

we could make a good team.

I'm sorry, I should've talked to you.

You think?

I had the dress on, Fletch. My hair all done.

Something borrowed, something blue. The whole works.

I would've liked to have seen that.

But when I looked in the mirror, I couldn't see me.

So you did a runner.

How brave.

So who'd you run to?

Nobody.

I just knew it was wrong to get married.

If I'd married you, you'd have hated me.

Well, I ain't that fond of you now.

I know.

But you don't hate me any more, do you?

Only enough to make you drink Viper Spit.

Can I get a double vodka, please?

Joan?

Sorry, I just need to...

Joan?

-You'll never guess.

-Probably not.

Essie and I are going on another date.

Well, there's no fixed plans yet but...

-Yeah, but she's...

-No, no, no.

No, no, Mr T is not two-timing anybody.

In fact, Mr T is well and truly single.

-Really?

-I know.

But he has a corset and he dresses up as Frank N Furter

and goes to Rocky Horror sing-songs.

-He dresses up as Frank N Furter?

-I know!

Man, I've always wanted to do that.

It's been such a strange day.

Right, well, my news is that

Elliot is restarting the Assisted Devices programme.

Oh, that's brilliant. With you as his right-hand woman?

-Going to try to be.

-That's great.

So, Mr T?

Is he really not seeing anyone?

Nobody. No, he has no romantic involvement whatsoever.

I wonder when he's going to be ready to do the time warp again.

# Just a jump to the left. #

Where is she now?

She's here, in the mortuary.

Are you going to find out why she died?

There'll be a postmortem. It's routine for an unexpected death.

We need to identify the cause.

You're looking at him.

All the fuss...

about you, about everything.

I was always making such a fuss.

Do you think she was frightened?

Do you think she was in any pain?

She looked peaceful.

I thought she'd fallen asleep.

I would have done anything for her.

She'd only have had to ask.

I think she knew that.

I loved Joan.

I expect she knew that too.

What's the point of me being alive...

..now she's dead?

KNOCK ON DOOR

I said by seven. You're one minute late.

Your watch is wrong.

-So, what have we learned today?

-Say what?

Say, oh, I don't know,

I will keep my big mouth shut in front of patients?

For the record, I'm rather fond of your big mouth, Adele.

But not when it gets in the way of patient care.

-Sorry, Professor.

-No matter.

It's all been somewhat overshadowed by Joan's death, hasn't it?

Yeah, I know. Who'd have thought? Just like that?

Well, if your number's up, your number's up.

People can and do die suddenly.

Yeah, but in hospital with all of us here.

And she wasn't even the one that came in sick.

Even this dream team can't perform miracles.

Did you eat all the grapes?

No, I did not.

Anyway, I'm so glad to be back

and so, so pleased to have my dream team all around me.

Good, carry on.

I'm assembling the new dream team.

You've told Elliot?

You haven't.

Second thoughts?

None.