Always Forever Holby City

Just give this to Hanssen. I'm going to go and say goodbye to Sacha

and then I'm going home to my daughter.

Take her as far from all of this as possible.

You are the most stubborn, insufferable, pig-headed woman

I have ever met.

Well, I love you too, Fletcher.

I will return, if you agree to train me.

I need you to stay strong, OK? Stay strong for the others.

Goodbye, my love.

-What about Cameron?

-We've been arguing all week.

Not every relationship is going to be like what you had with Arthur.

Back so soon? You're spoiling us.

Go on, then, seeing as it's Christmas.

We did everything we could.

Ground control to Dr Digby.

Ground control to Dr Digby.

Ground control to Dr Digby.

It smells in here, mate.

-Thank you, Donna.

-I'm just saying, if you're thinking of moving in

you might want to invest in some air freshener.

Sacha has called a departmental meeting. You've been summoned.

Sounds ominous.

Yeah, I guess it's not to discuss our Christmas bonuses, eh?

-SHE LAUGHS

-I'll see you later.

"His cheeks were like roses His nose like a cherry.

"His droll little mouth Was drawn up like a bow..."

-LAUGHTER

-Oh, for Pete's sake. She's not even listening to me.

Emma! Emma!

Emma, listen. Now I need you to be a good girl for Father Christmas

-or he's just not going to...

-COMPUTER BEEPS

-If you want my advice...

-I'll ask for it.

You could have given it a bit more welly.

So how did Jonny manage to get a bit of time off, then?

-He hasn't. She's with the nanny until this evening.

-Oh.

What are you doing?

Well, you know me. Not above a bit of portering.

I'm glad the dizzying heights of director of nursing haven't gone

to your head, but I can manage on my own and I'm not done here yet.

Look, I get it. I get it.

You don't want Emma to see Mummy's authoritative powers diminishing.

She'd be running rings round you.

No. I don't want Emma to see Mummy in pain.

No child should. Now leave me here, please.

I want you back on your feet ASAP cos we're getting slammed out there.

But Jac, you're not through the woods yet.

-Things can't be that bad.

-I'm going to be top and tailing them soon.

-God bless the NHS.

-I wish somebody would

cos it's going to be chaos out there today.

At roughly six o'clock this morning, the CEO of St James's spoke

to Mr Hanssen, informing him they've cancelled all elective operations

and are refusing any more admissions.

I'm afraid they've declared a black alert and are triaging in the ED.

-Every bloody year.

-That means we need additional ward rounds,

bed managers to do hourly bed status and potential discharges.

Every patient needs a discharge plan

and anyone who doesn't need to be here, can we kindly show them

the exit? Right, that's all, folks. I'll see you on the other side.

Guess that's Secret Santa out the window now, then.

-Morven...

-Yeah?

-Just the woman I want to see.

Oh, this sounds like something I don't want to hear.

As a CT1 I'd really appreciate it if you showed support to the F1s

-and the F2s today.

-Yeah. Bring it on.

Also, we've had to make some additional resources.

Mr Levy...

Dr Digby...

Where do you want me?

Hello, Essie.

Professor Gaskell. Sorry, I was miles away.

Less of the prof, makes me sound boring.

Is this your first day back?

Yeah, I saw the e-mail about the black alert.

Yeah, on Christmas Eve. Sod's Law at its finest.

That's this place. Always winter, never Christmas.

Is that right?

Even in a hospital, the Christmas spirit's there

if you know where to look for it.

You're going to Keller?

Eventually.

Just go away!

How's she doing today?

She made one of my nurses cry earlier.

-Getting better, then.

-Mm.

How's it going?

Well, between Ollie showing no signs of improvement,

not getting to see my daughter on Christmas Eve

and supreme leader Fletcher practically strip searching

every patient who comes through the door, really great!

Cor, it's good to see you.

So I hear you're making progress.

Mm. You just missed me doing cartwheels.

Who's stuck a rocket up his...

St James's have declared a black alert

so we're taking all their patients.

How are today's electives going to get done?

Those surgeries have been planned for weeks.

We'll manage. We always do.

And where's Hanssen? Holed up in his ivory tower?

-Myself and Professor Gaskell have got it covered.

-Ah.

The anointed one hasn't been put off yet, then.

He saved your life. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Because I don't know what I would have done if we'd lost you as well.

PAGER BEEPS

Right. Duty calls. I'll leave you in Fletch's capable hands.

Couldn't stay home watching Love Actually knowing what you lot

-were up against.

-Love Actually?

-Yeah. I'm an old romantic at heart.

This is Ken Davies, 42,

found unconscious in the street this morning.

Nasty-looking gash to his forehead, and he's been complaining

-of chest pains.

-HE HICCUPS

-And he's a little bit inebriated.

-Let me guess, work do gone wrong?

Yeah, let's go with that.

Why else would a grown man be dressed as an elf?

Unless you're like Santa's little helper.

I didn't get the Santa gig. They said I wasn't jolly enough.

Happy? My self-esteem's rock-bottom as it is.

Don't you mean ELF esteem?

All right. We've got no time for small talk or bad jokes.

Dr McKendrick, what scans does he need?

ABCs, U&Es, electrolytes, group and save and a head and chest CT.

Give the girl a coconut. We'll make a doctor of you yet.

-Can you get them booked in for me, please?

-Oh, yeah, and can you make it quick?

Cos I've already been in the ED for two hours.

Well, I've been here for nearly 24, so I win. Yeah? Dr Dunn?

Thank you.

Has she really been here 24 hours?

Camped out in the on-call room. Talk about setting an example.

Chase up the pharmacy, tell them that you're not leaving

until they give you Mr Ashan's meds, OK? Great.

What?

-I'm allowed to smile, aren't I?

-Don't. It's creepy.

If I give you 20 quid, what are the chances you can keep that bed empty

-a bit longer.

-Are you kidding?

-Physio says I need my rest.

You'll be resting in the corridor if you keep on.

You don't know that it's going to be that busy.

-Fail to prepare, or prepare to fail.

-Don't treat anyone in my office.

You should take it easy.

I think I've got something of yours.

Didn't have you down as the office-romance type.

What can I say? I'm an enigma.

Plus it happened a while ago and I haven't seen him since.

Since you dumped me over the phone. Don't worry, I'm not bitter.

OK, guys, I need you everywhere at once today, OK?

Cam, can you set up a triage area in the isolation room, please?

-Yes, ma'am.

-And Nicky,

can you fetch some nitrous oxide canisters from the store room?

-That sounds like a job for a porter.

-Not today, it isn't. All right?

-Were you always such a slave driver?

-I'm just doing my job.

Guess I got an easy ride. Was that one of my perks?

Cam!

No, this is the new me.

Dr Digby, 2.0.

-What was wrong with the original?

-This one has added backbone.

-Anyway, you'd better start getting used to it.

-If only.

It's a flying visit, I'm afraid.

As of next year, I'm starting a foreign placement in Jamaica.

Deanery gave me final approval last week.

-Oh. Sounds really exciting.

-Yeah.

Turns out Mum was a bigger influence on me than I thought.

Ah. The one that got away?

Cute. Now am I going to get this scan any time today?

Is it true?

That you're leaving?

I wrote this before.

Why did he have it? Why did you give it to him?

I asked him to pass it on to Hanssen for me.

I only worked with your husband briefly.

-I wish our paths had crossed...

-Don't. You don't have to.

You must have been one of the last people to speak to him.

I'm sorry.

It's fine.

He saved his last words for me.

You had a lot of people worried about you.

Hanssen, Gaskell, Sacha...

I hope you make the right decision.

SHE VOMITS Oh...OK. Right.

-I'm so sorry.

-Don't worry.

-That's absolutely fine.

-I'm really sorry.

-No, it's fine.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Um... I'm having a meeting, actually.

In a cupboard? Morven, are you hiding from me?

Get over yourself, Cam.

If this is going to be awkward for you

I can always ask to be transferred to another ward.

Who... Who said this was awkward?

Morven, I'm talking to a door.

-CRASH, GAS FLOWS

-Morven?

Morven?

Morven?

Morven!

I couldn't get it to stop leaking. I was just coming to find someone.

Go and get Mr Levy.

Everything's going to be fine.

Well, if it isn't my favourite blonde.

-I thought Chris Hemsworth was your favourite blond.

-Yeah.

I don't think you've met. Dr Chowdhury, this is Essie.

I've heard a lot about you. Good things, I mean.

Only good things? Well, they haven't been telling you the full story, then.

Right, I'm going to get onto the local community hospitals

-and see if they can take any of the overflow.

-OK.

Well, before you do all of that, shall I make us a cup of tea?

You haven't made me a cup of tea in three years.

That is categorically untrue.

I know what you're doing. And I appreciate it.

But I am fine. Honestly.

You sure?

Hundred percent. And besides, I know when my boys need me.

Could you chase up his CT results, please, and get him an ECG?

Do you mind hopping on to the bed, please, sir?

I just want to warn you, though, it could be a bit of a wait.

Are you going to ring my governor and let him know

I won't be back in the workshop till late?

I'm pretty sure Santa's a lenient boss.

Bit of a wait, eh? State of this country. I...

-..pay my taxes.

-Me too.

So I kind of pay my own wages,

so bear that in mind before you stick the boot in, eh?

I'll be making a complaint.

Well, thank you. All feedback's welcome.

Of all the people to put me next to, you choose a 40-year-old elf?

Merry Christmas.

-Put me in the physio room. I'll be out your way.

-No can do.

The more practice I get in, the quicker I can get out of here.

Come on, before the great unwashed fully descend.

Not unsupervised, no. Get to know each other.

See who can complain the quietest.

Name's Ken.

As in Barbie and Ken.

-Post-divorce.

-Nice to meet you, mine's Not Interested.

Suit yourself.

You've got to be kidding me.

-I did say sorry.

-It was an accident, Jason.

I can get you a new one.

It will take me 378 days to save up for a phone of that model.

68 if I use my birthday money.

It's not just the phone...

Auntie Serena says smartphones are a scourge on our society.

Look, maybe we can speak to the phone company and see

if they've stored the voicemail somewhere.

Voicemails are saved to the server. You'll be able to get it back.

There we go. Problem solved.

It's fine, really. I've listened to his message enough.

Right, come on, let's try and free up some beds.

But there was something else I had to tell you...

SHE LAUGHS

Ah, she's back in the room.

There was a leak in there...

I am really sorry, Dr Digby. I was just coming to find someone.

-No harm done. These things happen.

-MORVEN LAUGHS WEARILY

-So how are you feeling?

-Very floaty.

Good. Well, that's the side effects. They should be wearing off soon.

-Actually, I'm going to get up. I need to do some work.

-No, no, no, stay here, OK?

We've got things covered.

I'll get you a tea. Something sugary, perk you up a bit.

-It really was an accident.

-MORVEN LAUGHS

I'll check on you in a minute, all right? Yeah?

MAN CLEARS THROAT

Excuse me...

Do you work here?

A long time ago.

Merry Christmas, Morven.

See? He's getting seen before us.

-Do you even know what a cardiac tamponade is?

-Nope.

But I guess you're about to tell me.

The only thing I'm about to tell you is that alcohol is strictly

prohibited on these premises.

-Sorry, who died and made you the boss?

-Nobody. Yet.

I'm the clinical lead of cardiothoracic surgery.

Oh...

You're one of the ones that got shot, eh?

What's that like? You know, taking a bullet?

Fetch me a gun and I'll show you.

I'm only messing.

Bet you hate this.

Left on the scrapheap.

It's not my problem any more. Urgh, just go away.

One...two...three...

Good news is, you're going to be fine.

-Dr Digby, are you all right?

-Have...

Have you seen a man in a white coat?

Afraid not. Morven, I really think you should sit back down.

Dr McKendrick?

Hey.

Didn't know you were coming in today.

-I would have driven you in.

-No, I'm OK.

Well, you know where I am.

I know. You've been amazing.

Hell of a first day back.

Yeah.

Barely time to stop and think.

That's sort of the point.

OK, I'm going to get back.

-I'll see you on the other side.

-See you there.

Actually, I rather like that no-one's fixed it.

So this is it? I've officially lost the plot.

Come on. You're cleverer than that.

Think about it.

The nitrous oxide in your brain inhibits the NMDA receptors

whilst simultaneously encouraging

the stimulation of your parasympathetic GABA receptors...

..promoting the release of endogenous opioid neurotransmitters...

..which when combined with the diazepam prescribed for your back...

..not to mention the caffeine pills I've been taking...

..has manifested in quite the psychological response. Hi.

Prove I'm not dreaming. Tell me something only you would know.

I died holding your hand.

You told me I was loved.

And that I always kept a part of me back for you.

Turns out you've still kept it.

So that's my replacement?

He's handsome in an obvious kind of way.

Green is really not your colour, Arthur.

I'm the jealous one? I saw you when he told you he wasn't staying.

Why would that bother me?

-My home is here.

-You bet it is.

Come on, patients won't treat themselves.

You're fine now, good to go. Might want to get changed first.

We'll get you somewhere more private soon as we can.

I'm very sorry about this, sir.

Nice chap out there.

Lives through a war and this is how we treat him in 2017.

Call the CCG, it's their job to find space.

With which pair of hands?

Since when did moaning about something change anything?

You.

You sober enough to walk?

That depends on the carrot you're dangling in front of me, darling.

If you take me to my office I'll diagnose you myself.

Chances are you're fine and you could be treated as an outpatient.

-What did your last slave die of?

-Not taking me to my office..

-I thought this wasn't your problem.

-It is now.

This patient has been transferred from St James's

and, according to his notes, every time he leans forward

cerebrospinal fluid leaks out of his nose.

It's not the nicest party trick. Well, that's a definite fracture.

And pneumocephalus.

I'll get him booked in for a cranialisation of the frontal sinus.

Hang on. He drove himself to hospital with that kind of injury

and there's no complaint of any pain in his head.

That's curious. Good spot. I'll get a theatre team prepped.

You OK to scrub in?

I haven't been into theatre since...

I can assure you nothing's changed.

I am in need of a surgically trained nurse.

Some might call that fate. See you in ten.

I can't let you loose on any patients

until I'm 100% convinced you're OK.

Just get me a hoop and I'll jump through it. OK?

-You're not seeing things any more?

-Nope. Mm-mm.

All right. You're good to go.

As long as you stick with Dr Dunn, OK?

Cameron, nothing hands-on,

but if she says she's OK then just ignore it, all right?

This isn't at all embarrassing.

The apprentice has become the master.

That's not even the right Star Wars quote.

We'll get you to radiology as soon as we can, all right? Up that way.

-Oh, thank God I haven't killed you.

-Don't worry about it, no harm done.

People make mistakes.

They do. But on days like today, they really shouldn't.

Just stay focused, yeah?

She feels really bad, you know.

Good. She won't do it again, then, will she?

What do you want me to do, give her a balloon or something?

-Wow. You've changed.

-Nothing wrong with being assertive.

Lou, can we get an adrenaline-soaked nasal tampon here, please?

Look, things really haven't been easy here of late.

-I thought about calling you.

-But he didn't.

I figured you'd be soldiering on.

You know me. Resilience is my middle name and all that.

Yeah, that's not quite how I remember you.

I'll chase that nasal pack.

I would have called.

Is he right, though?

Have I changed?

You've grown up. Realism over idealism.

We can't all be swanning off to Jamaica.

You're exactly where you're supposed to be.

Dysphagia may be causing pulmonary aspiration.

What? You really are a doctor, then?

Not right now, she's not. What are you doing?

Training for the Olympic pole vault, what does it look like?

My best guess is a pharyngeal pouch.

-You should get him a contrast swallow.

-You're off duty - ie, not fit for working,

so I can't have you doing this.

I've diagnosed a patient and freed up a bed for you.

I'll stay in here.

Efficient.

You should be more like her.

Back to your bed, please.

And I've found you a private bed.

-You're having me transferred?

-Yeah. Good, innit?

It's on maternity, though, so I do hope that all the screaming babies

don't give you a headache.

-How's your mum?

-Good, actually.

It's nice seeing her and Ms Campbell happy.

Got to be honest, Serena and Bernie... Did not see that coming.

They're really missed round here.

My mother, never could lay down roots for long.

-That's this place, though, isn't it? People come and go.

-Not you, though.

What about you? When are you off?

Not until the New Year.

It's not something you'd consider? Practising abroad.

-No, I'm needed here.

-Sure are.

There is more to medicine than this hospital, Morven.

I know what you're thinking.

Glad somebody does.

-All families are different. Just because your mum...

-..didn't want me.

-You're not thinking about going with him, are you?

-Course not.

This is where I'm supposed to be.

That was the ED. You're not going to like this.

Thanks for the heads-up.

More bad news?

That was Iain. The ED have ambulances backed up six deep

-and now they've been called to an RTC.

-Still manageable.

-It's a four-vehicle pile-up.

-OK, you're screwed.

Yeah. Well, your carriage awaits.

-I'm not going.

-Jac, have you got any idea how hard it was for me

-to source this bed for you?

-Give the bed to someone who needs it.

-Jac, you're a patient...

-A patient, so you keep telling me.

But I'm a patient who can help you.

Call me your personal assistant if it makes you feel better.

You're on. OK, I've got it.

Get me a list of GPs. I'll start calling round,

get them to help triage in the ED.

They'll need all the help they can get.

-Slowly.

-Argh...

All right?

-Oh!

-Brakes.

Yes, I have driven one of these before, thank you.

Scalpel, please, Nurse Harrison.

It's a bit far removed from stem cells and test tubes.

I've no problem getting my hands dirty.

Must have been some first day for you.

Not one I will forget in a hurry.

That's a hell of a tribute people have left for your husband.

I haven't seen it. It's probably all going to be swept away soon.

You can take away flowers and candles.

Nobody can take away the legacy.

So he didn't feel it? His fractured skull?

It would appear not.

That's not normal?

Not in the slightest. Congenital analgesia.

A rare genetic disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system's

ability to transmit pain impulses.

Bet that makes life easier.

I read about a young boy with the condition.

He was eating a toffee,

chewed off half his tongue before his parents stopped him.

Pain is a useful tool in our arsenal. It's corrective.

An important survival trait.

Get them to check again every 15 minutes.

The slightest sign someone's on the up, we ship them out.

MESSAGE ALERT

Mikey...

What, he's done a finger painting he wants to show you?

-Focus, Fletcher.

-He's 12.

And no, just wants to know when I'm coming home.

Do they all become this needy? Do I have this to look forward to?

Can you blame him?

His Uncle Raf went to work and never came back.

Kids are resilient. He'll be fine.

First their mum, and now this.

I just don't want them getting used to tragedy.

You're a good dad, Fletch.

Probably militantly overbearing, but good all the same.

So what do I do?

Make sure you make it home. They'll thank you for it.

See, why can't you be like this just a bit more often?

Lab's overrun. We'll have to start outsourcing tests.

What?

Go on, admit it. You love all this, don't you?

Good work, Dr Dunn.

I'll call Darwin, tell them to make room.

Forgot we made a good team.

Even though I've changed?

I think I just about recognise you.

How about a drink after work?

Sounds like you could do with something stiff.

I mean the drink, that is.

It's fine, I don't mind playing gooseberry.

Sorry, it's Christmas Eve. I bet you've got plans.

Why don't you ask me at the end of the day, yeah?

See if we make it through.

-Drinks? Don't you think you have other priorities?

-Such as?

What happened didn't just affect you, you know.

-Ollie isn't even awake yet.

-I wasn't talking about Ollie.

Oh, I was right. Your scan has shown you have a pharyngeal pouch -

a small lump that's formed at the top of your oesophagus.

-You will need surgery, but it's not urgent.

-Great.

Come on, then, let's have it - the tragic backstory.

Started drinking when your marriage broke down?

That's not it.

Kids lived with their mum,

but you still got to see them on the weekends.

But when the drinking accelerated, your access was reduced.

You make a good detective. Ever thought of a change of career?

I just don't like hospitals at Christmas, OK?

I'm not sure anyone does.

You seem to get a certain amount of glee out of them.

December 22nd, 2014.

I lost my little boy.

He was knocked down on the way home from the school nativity by...

..drink-driver.

Ironic, really.

Is Jac around?

There was me thinking you'd popped up here for a cuddle.

-You big softie.

-Get off!

-PAGER BEEPS

He looks older. Look at all those grey hairs.

-So how are you getting on down there?

-We're managing.

Well, Jac's in there.

But heads up, she's put her teeth back in.

Hi.

I... I wanted to check in on you.

Say hello.

So you're in here for Christmas, then?

-Looks that way.

-That's annoying.

Fletch said the physio is going well, though.

Patience was never my strength.

Talk to her. Would Jasmine give up that easily?

So...

..I thought that maybe you could do with some company.

First Christmas without her. Jasmine, I mean.

You must really miss her.

-I barely knew her.

-She's covering.

Well, then you missed out. She was amazing.

I knew we should have bought grapes. You should always bring a gift.

On the day of the shooting...

..Oliver thought that you were leaving. Are you?

What is it with everyone giving me career advice today?

But you've been here forever. Made your career here.

A lot's happened since then.

I've been thinking of leaving, as well, actually.

What's stopping you?

Hi!

Memories, I suppose.

You're young, Morven,

and from what I hear you're a good doctor who cares about her patients.

But your career doesn't have to start and end in this hospital.

You were kind to her.

Jasmine, I mean.

I'd like to think so.

-I'm glad someone was. It's appreciated.

-Wow.

The ice queen melteth.

Whatever you do, make sure it's what's best for you.

Nobody else.

Do you know why people give flowers when someone dies?

No, I don't.

It's because before embalming became common practice, bodies would smell.

They used them to hide the odour.

That's really...

-..interesting.

-I tried to tell you this morning.

I found this.

I think it may be sentimental.

How did you get this?

I tried to give it back to you earlier.

That one's from Auntie Serena and Auntie Bernie.

Would you like to read it?

You know, I don't think I would.

But it's just a card.

Auntie Serena said I don't have a neurotypical response to grief.

I didn't cry when Elinor died.

There's no shame in not crying.

I'm not crying.

I think you are.

It's how most people show their emotions. But I'm not most people.

But that doesn't mean I wasn't sad.

I do miss her.

Like I miss my mum.

Do you miss Mr Di Lucca?

Would you like a jelly baby?

-HE COUGHS VIOLENTLY

-Do you need a cough sweet?

Ken?!

BUZZER

-You all right?

-He's choking. He needs an emergency cricothyrotomy.

-Well, there's no room in theatre.

-You'll have to do it here.

-Eh?

Get an Ambu bag and a scalpel. Shut the curtains.

Right, you need to feel for the cricothyroid cartilage.

-We shouldn't be doing this in here.

-If you don't, he'll choke.

Make an incision in the cricothyroid membrane.

No more than half an inch.

Do it, Fletch!

Well, obviously Jac isn't going to suggest you stay

because she doesn't want any young whippersnappers

biting at her ankles, threatening her dominance.

-I'm hardly a threat to Jac Naylor, Arthur.

-Are you kidding?

You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Doesn't feel like it today.

Everyone has bad days.

Bad days? I'm having a bad life, thanks very much.

Well, what about the part you spent with me?

That was happy, wasn't it?

The happiest I've ever been.

Then I rest my case.

How are you making this all about you?

I'm a manifestation of your subconscious. You tell me.

You're really thinking about leaving, aren't you?

Would it really be such a bad idea?

This is your home. These people are your family.

They WERE my family.

Serena, Bernie, Jasmine, now Raf.

They've all gone. Who have I got left?

-Then what are you so afraid of leaving behind?

-You, Arthur!

We couldn't just be a normal couple, could we?

You had to go and get cancer.

-That's a bit unfair.

-Life's unfair!

But do you know what? That's the card I've been dealt

and I'm playing it the best I can.

I'd be playing it a lot better if I didn't have you popping up

every five minutes telling me how good I've got things.

He's in theatre. They're doing a tracheotomy now.

Good. We'll make a surgeon of you yet.

It's starting to die down out there.

Think we're through the worst of it, thanks to you.

I wasn't exactly much help.

Paying you compliments kind of makes me shiver inside,

but you really were.

Couldn't have done it without you.

You are going to get better. You know you are.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

You could have chosen a better cliche.

It think we're all a little bit broken at the minute.

Doesn't hurt to admit it.

Doesn't hurt to ask for help, either.

Well, I suppose I am going to need your help

-if I'm going to be back to work by next week.

-Next week?!

If I can't spend Christmas with Emma

I am certainly not missing her birthday.

Well, we...better crack on, then.

You'll be glad to know that St James's have reopened their doors.

Is something on your mind, Dr Digby?

Arthur.

Well, that is understandable at this time of year.

You'd think I'd be used to it by now, wouldn't you?

All this death.

You're leaving us, aren't you?

I thought this place was my home.

I thought I'd be here forever.

Well, you could certainly have a very prosperous career here,

Dr Digby. But what do you think's more unkind?

Putting a bird in a cage...

..or putting one in a cage so expansive

the bird is under the illusion that it's free?

Nobody is going to judge you for spreading your wings.

I'll give you a moment.

Mr Hanssen?

He was lucky to have you in his life.

HE SHIVERS

Merry Christmas, Dr Digby.

I know you're here.

I'm always here.

We'll be keeping you on fluids for a while

and building you up to solid foods.

Great. Beer and tequila?

Um, I was thinking more like water or weak tea.

Your suit's ruined.

I don't think I'll be needing it any time soon.

Guessing elf work's pretty seasonal.

Yeah.

The truth is, the governor sacked me this morning.

It turns out they like their Santas jolly

and their elves...more on the level.

Well, if it's any consolation, I think I've found you a new job.

You've not got one of these elf fetishes or something, do you?

Made your decision?

-Yeah, I think so.

-And it's what you want?

Of course it's not what I want.

I don't want to do this all again.

You were supposed to be my happy ever after.

You were supposed to be my forever.

Well, if it's any consolation,

my happy ever after will always be with you.

Big wide world out there. You can go anywhere.

-That tour of European battlefields.

-Or UK theme parks.

Ah!

I bet the Caribbean's nice this time of year.

Who am I to stand in your way?

Dr Digby, medical explorer extraordinaire.

I think it's time to leave Dr Digby behind.

It's time to be Dr Shreve again.

Do I have to stop seeing you?

Unless you want them carting you off in a strait jacket

then, probably, yeah.

-I don't want to say goodbye again.

-You don't have to.

Come on. Famous last words.

Do you want poignant, enigmatic or nerdy as hell?

Nerdy as hell, obvs.

In that case...

..Dr Shreve, the force will be with you.

Always.

HE STIRS BEVERAGE

Hey.

He's gone.

He's gone, and I won't see him ever again.

I don't know what to do.

And I thought last Christmas couldn't get any worse.

Stuck at home, on my own, drunk, eating an After Eight sandwich.

How does that even work?

It doesn't.

Well, I guess there are going to be good days and bad days.

And we're going to be there for both. Aren't we, Dom?

I don't know how to do this.

I don't know where to start.

You start with us.

We've got you.

Leaving? As in today?

Yep.

Blimey.

Was it something I said?

Don't be ridiculous. You're all great.

All of you.

I just feel bad for dropping you in it.

It's all right. We'll manage. If anyone deserves a break, it's you.

-Just one condition.

-Go on.

You let me buy the first round in Albie's.

-Deal?

-Deal.

Right. I'll rally the troops.

No, no, Donna, I don't want you making a big thing of it.

If there's one thing I'm good at, it's herding people into a bar.

Give me ten, I'm going to pull some favours.

Tell me it's not like that every day.

Now, I'm not going to lie to you, Nicky....

Well, at least we're through the worst of it.

Congratulations, Dr McKendrick,

you have survived your first black alert.

And almost killed my mentor.

Game of two halves, though, eh?

So we haven't put you off?

Not a bit. Bring it on.

Any parting words of wisdom?

Yeah.

Enjoy every second.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

I've been thinking, I would like to organise a memorial service

-for everyone we've lost.

-Now, that's an excellent idea.

We should all be able to grieve together. Everyone. As a family.

Yeah, well, anything you need, you only have to ask.

That includes you.

OK, so I'll get some plans together and then send them to you

-after Christmas.

-I look forward to it.

Great.

Good night.

Good night, Nurse Harrison.

Actually...

..it's Nurse Di Lucca.

So you got my message, then?

Well, couldn't let my favourite junior doctor slip away

without saying goodbye.

Morven will be so pleased to see you.

Come on, they're in the bar already.

-Why am I not surprised?

-That all you lot do, is it?

Let innocent people die, then go and get drunk after.

Jeremy, what are you doing here?

-You blocked my number. I had no choice.

-I should go.

Shovelling drinks down your neck like there's no tomorrow.

-Don't you have any respect?

-Come on, Donna. Let's go.

You can't run away from this, Mr Griffin.

The truth will come out.

-I think you should calm...

-Don't touch me.

It's no wonder a man pulled a gun on you lot.

I think you should calm...

Just a shame he didn't take more of you down with you.

Ric! Ric!

Get off me. Get off!

Assaulting AND intimidating a witness.

Merry Christmas, Mr Griffin.

Thank you so much for being here.

I wanted to wish you well.

I feel really bad, leaving at a time like this.

You're doing this for you.

You're incredibly brave.

Arthur would be really proud of you.

He is.

-There you go.

-Nothing I can do to convince you to stay?

-Not a thing.

-I think it's very exciting.

Hopefully.

-I promised him I'd look out for you.

-I know you did.

-So are you scared?

-Yes, Lofty. I'm terrified, thanks.

It's good. It means you're doing the right thing.

-Cameron not going to join us, then?

-No. Doesn't look like it.

That's a shame.

Think he still has a thing for you.

-Ooh!

-Oh, get off me.

-To Morven.

-To Morven.

-To Morven.

Thanks, guys.

You're still here. Thank goodness.

I hear it's quite the crowd over there.

Hey, I thought we had a date in Albie's.

I have missed you, you know.

I don't blame you. I'm a missable gal.

So you're actually doing it, then. The great unknown.

-I guess so.

-I thought this place was your home.

It is. But it's not going anywhere, is it?

You know, if you got hold of the deanery,

I'm sure they'd consider you for a foreign excursion.

Would you think I'm a bunny boiler if I said that I already had?

Not at all. I mean, I like efficiency and I hate bunnies.

Ooh...

-Oh...

-Mm.

Well, it would be rude to break with tradition.

Wouldn't it just.

Shall we head to Albie's?

It's the leaver who buys the drinks, right?

Nah. I've said enough goodbyes already.

They'll be fine without me.

Plus we've got new memories to make.

Sorry about that. It was just Zosia.

Wanted to have an update on Ollie.

-Are you missing her?

-Yeah.

We promised each other we would always toast Diggers at Christmas.

Well, seeing as there's only me now...

Sorry. Getting all maudlin.

I wouldn't have you any other way.

He's right, though. It's not going to do me any favours.

You were provoked. I can tell them that.

I'll tell them everything.

Yeah. I know you will.

-Don't worry.

-Mr Griffin. I'm arresting you

-on suspicion of assault.

-Excuse me. What the hell is going on?

He's done nothing wrong. Jeremy is the one.

-He came here to provoke him.

-This is a huge mistake.

He's been here so many times, causing trouble every time.

-No, I can tell them!

-Donna!

It'll be fine.

Ric?

Sacha.

It'll be fine. Really.

And Mummy has a very big surprise for you.

-It's Father Christmas!

-CHILD LAUGHS

And he wants you to tell him all about the presents you want him

-to bring for you tomorrow.

-Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho...

This one's definitely on the good list.

I never would have had you two down as being friends

by the end of the day. Wonders never cease.

Then you'd better brace yourself. I called Petrenko.

She's coming back after Christmas.

Better the devil you know.

..a carrot for Rudolph?

Right, shall we finish that story, then? OK, where were we?

Don't touch me.

"He spoke not a word But went straight to his work

"And filled all the stockings Then turned with a jerk

"And laying his finger Aside of his nose

"And giving a nod Up the chimney he rose.

"He sprang to his sleigh To his team gave a whistle

"And away they all flew Like the down of a thistle

"But I heard him exclaim Here he drove out of sight..."

"Merry Christmas to all And to all a good night."