Episode 19 Waterloo Road

CAMERA CLICKS What you doing?

It's demeaning, you cannot do this. It's degrading.

These images are poison.

GIRLS: OUT, OUT, OUT!

Early signs are positive. He should make a full recovery.

Look, I told you, no violence. Put that down!

SHE SCREAMS Simon, do something!

Maggie, I'm afraid I'm going to have to suspend you as of now.

I want to see you first thing on Monday morning

and we can review the situation.

Nothing wrong, I hope?

Nothing to worry about.

'Large vodka, no ice.'

PHONE RINGS

You need to get up.

Wake up.

Can I have a quick word?

I'm so sorry to bother you, but Mrs Mulgrew hasn't turned up.

She's not answering her mobile neither

and I've got a social worker waiting for her.

That's unlike her.

I hope she hasn't forgotten that we've got a meeting with

-the Education Board.

-I'll take the briefing,

-you better deal with the social worker.

-Why me?

Because you're a people person and I'm not.

Sorry for the delay in starting, everyone.

It was my fault, I had forgotten that Mrs Mulgrew said that she

wasn't coming in this morning.

She's not unwell, is she?

No, she's fine. Just otherwise engaged.

What about my meeting with her?

Will I be able to start teaching again or not?

Er...yeah. Knock yourself out.

If you could keep the pupils off the roof this time, maybe.

No more riots, please.

Apart from that, it's business as usual.

Other than a visit from the Board of Education.

They're coming in to discuss

the possibility of Resilience Education being rolled out across

the authority, which would obviously be an enormous coup for us.

Keys... Keys...

Stop. Just stop.

Why don't we make a rule. Always to the left?

Or we could go continental, and always to the right.

Do what you want.

How long are you going to keep this up?

I know that this is a game to you, but I have screwed up,

and seeing your grinning face every day isn't helping.

-I'm not going anywhere.

-Don't I know it?

I'll just stand still.

Look, don't beat yourself up.

I'm not sure I would have put up much of a fight either,

him knocking on my door.

Yeah, but I should have.

Biggest mistake of my life. Well, one of them.

Come on, put your back into it.

Need to leave on time today. Plane lands at three.

I can't wait to have our Kacey home. The family back together.

It's not the whole family, though, is it, eh?

What a mess to come back to, eh?

We've got to concentrate on Kacey. Keep her focused on her career.

Kacey's tough, Mum. She'll understand.

We just need to be honest with her tonight.

There's a time and a place for honesty,

and it is not the minute she walks through that door.

You think we can keep this a secret?

Let's just let her get settled in before we tell her about Barry.

What about Barry?

I got on an earlier flight. Thought I'd surprise you.

Babe!

-Oh, I've missed you so much.

-You OK? I've missed you too.

PHONE RINGS

I knew you'd be devastated, love.

That's why I didn't tell you over the phone.

I know he's family and we're supposed to stick together,

but there's just some things you can't ignore, Kace.

We're not talking about a bit of knock-off here.

He was people trafficking.

Young girls.

He's on remand, no bail.

Please say something. I don't want you to hate me, Kace.

Of course I don't hate you. And you shouldn't hate yourself either.

You did the right thing.

We thought you'd be more upset.

Yeah, well, Coach Matthews says you should only

worry about the things you can control.

Everything else is just a distraction.

Has Coach Matthews got any tips on nausea,

cos Mum's got something else to tell you.

She's got a boyfriend.

Well, that's great, isn't it?

Yeah, well, glad you think so, love. Right let's get cracking.

His name's George.

Classy. Like the royal baby?

Exactly like the royal baby.

They're name's Windsor too, isn't it, Mum?

You have got to be kidding me.

Morning, Mr Windsor.

Charming(!)

Sorry. Miles away.

Somewhere nice I hope?

Rome, Carthage, Knossos and Athens, actually.

-In that order.

-What?

Mother, it seems, was planning a tour of the Ancient Mediterranean.

I just got a call from the travel agent

confirming two first class tickets.

Well, no-one could accuse the old girl of not knowing how to live, could they?

Two tickets. You reckon she had a fella on the go?

The thought had occurred to me.

But I managed to dismiss it,

before it activated my sensitive gag reflex.

There's nothing wrong with a bit of silver sex, George,

as long as the old ticker doesn't give way.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah, well, anyway, it's all paid for...

so I'll have to try and get a refund.

Or you could use them.

I can't think of anything worse.

Having to get dressed up to the nines every evening for dinner

and vying for a place at the Captain's table.

Yeah, sounds awful.

And anyway, who goes on a cruise on their own?

Not even my elderly mother by the sounds of it!

What if you weren't to go on your own?

That's really sweet of you, but I'm sure it's not your kind of thing.

-Oh, really, and why's that?

-You'd be bored rigid.

There's no bingo or knobbly knees contests.

Knobbly knees?

So that knot would actually hold all your weight

if you fell from a mountain?

It would get tighter the more weight you put on it.

So you've climbed in the Alps?

What's the highest you've ever climbed?

-There was...

-Kacey! When did you get back?!

This morning. I wanted to surprise my mum.

-Couldn't wait to see you all.

-Was it totally amazing?

Don't you mean -

AMERICAN ACCENT: Was it totally awesome?

Get rid of one Barry and another one crawls from under her rock.

Kacey's sound.

Come on, you can help me set up in the lecture hall.

So can you knock people out with one punch now?

See if you can, start with him.

Watch out girls, creeper alert!

He's been taking proper dodgy photos again.

He shouldn't even be allowed back at school!

Have you got a hold of Lula?

Oh, no, I've tried to get through, but, so far, no luck.

I'll keep trying.

Harley is desperate to make sure she's OK.

Well, she's in Kinshasa, we know that, but that's about it.

Poor kid.

I know, it must be such a cultural shock.

She'd been here such a long time.

If Mrs Mulgrew can't even be bothered to show up,

why are you listening to anything she says?

Mrs Mulgrew raised some very serious concerns, Darren,

and our own home visit confirmed them.

So what?

What, you're just going to put me into care?

We have to consider every option.

However, Mrs Mulgrew did mentioned that the school might be able

to help Darren stay in the family home.

I wonder if you have any idea what she had in mind.

Well, it's difficult to say without having spoken to her.

What?! This is a joke! He doesn't even know what's going on?!

I must agree.

There does seem to be something of a communication

breakdown between yourself and Mrs Mulgrew.

Where is she?

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

KIDS LAUGH

Hurry up and get to your lessons!

Imogen, I'm sure you've got a class to go to too.

I'll be back in touch in a day or two

-once I've completed my assessment.

-If you can just hang on

a bit longer, I'm sure Mrs Mulgrew will be along soon.

I'm so sorry I'm late!

It's Georgina, isn't it? My apologies.

It's Darren that I think you should be apologising to.

I'll be in contact shortly to rearrange.

I'm here now. I need to talk to you about some ideas

I've got for supporting Darren. If you'd like to go back inside...

Unfortunately, I have another appointment

and I'm in danger of being late myself.

It will take a few minutes.

If you'd sent them in writing over the weekend like you promised...

You really should have been here.

This isn't the only case I'm dealing with this morning.

Well, I'm sorry if we've taken up your precious time.

-I beg your pardon?

-Darren isn't a case,

he's a boy who needs our understanding and support.

You'd do well to remember that!

And you'd do well to turn up to meetings on time.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

I can't believe you've done this.

Do you know I'm going to be put into care cos of you?

No decisions have been made yet.

I'm not leaving my mum.

I'll just keep running away, I'm telling you.

I couldn't do nothing!

Darren, go to class. I'll come and find you later.

What did she say?

That our communication is a shambles.

Why didn't you send her the info?

I needed to speak to her face to face.

I needed to put Darren's case before I gave her all the details.

What details? What haven't you told her?

She doesn't know about the photos on Darren's phone.

What?

Be quiet!

I'm not sitting there. He's a pervert.

I can assure you that the school is dealing with any wrongdoing

that Darren may be guilty of.

But, miss, if he really has been perving again,

shouldn't he be excluded or something?

-Don't worry, I wouldn't bother taking pictures of you.

-You what?

I'll go.

What is going on in here?

Some of the pupils have been complaining about Darren

being in the class after the letters their parents have received.

Well, the last time I checked, decisions about who should

or shouldn't be in class were made by me, not the pupils.

So I don't want to hear any further comment.

-Do I make myself clear?

-(What's happened to her? Looking rough.)

Settle down.

I don't need you sticking up for me.

I'm sorry?

You heard. I don't want any favours from you.

Darren Hughes, you will mind your tone.

You think you're better than everyone else.

-She can't even put her shoes on properly.

-LAUGHTER

Did you get dressed in the dark or something, miss?

No way! Her shoes don't match.

Perhaps we should continue this conversation outside, Mrs Mulgrew?

Do you have any idea how hard I'm trying to help you?

Mrs Mulgrew...

If you don't apologise this minute, you can go straight to the cooler.

Looks like I'm going cooler, don't it?!

-Wahey!

-Wahey!

Perhaps we all need to calm down!

Excuse me?

I didn't mean...

I am the Head Teacher of this school, not some errant pupil.

I will not be told to calm down and I will be treated with respect.

PHONE RINGS

RINGING CONTINUES

You OK, Christine?

I heard you finally lost patience with er...Saint Audrey.

It's just all this stuff with Darren Hughes.

I think I have made a right mess of it.

Simon said that you weren't feeling too good.

I'd be fine if everyone would mind their own business.

I'm not prying, I'm just worried. As is Simon.

Worried I won't perform to the Board of Education, more like.

He just wants to blow his Resilience Education trumpet, doesn't he?

Look, Christine, I hope you'll take this in the spirit in which it's intended, but...

you need to go home.

-No, I don't.

-Yes, you do.

You need to go home now.

Don't be ridiculous,

I can't take a day off every time I feel a bit under the weather.

And he'd love that, wouldn't he?

A chance to do the presentation all on his own.

-A chance to shine.

-I'm not saying don't go to the meeting.

I'm just saying, before you do, you need to go home...

and take a shower.

I beg your pardon?

You need to have a shower and brush your teeth, Christine.

You reek of alcohol. Do you understand what I'm saying?

And we should call you a cab.

I was getting so used to being a different person out there.

An athlete.

You are an athlete.

Yeah, but I'm a Barry too.

Everyone around here knows what that means. We're wasters.

My dad's doing a stretch

and my brother is well on his way to joining him.

Yeah, and you and Dynasty are well on your way

to making something of your lives.

It's not just the men in your family

who define what being a Barry really means.

Is it wrong that I'm more freaked out that Mum's got a boyfriend?

Considering who it is, probably not, no.

The scary thing is, she actually seems to like him.

You must be Kacey. I've heard a lot about you.

-I'm Mr Reid, the new PE teacher.

-Hi.

I was just showing Miss my stuff from Miami.

Do you mind if I have a look?

It's a leaving present.

It's got all my photos, certificates,

and training programme on.

-These are brilliant.

-SCHOOL BELL RINGS

You know what would be great?

If you came in and spoke to my sixth form students about this.

I think they'd find it really inspiring.

I don't know.

I'm not very good at speaking in front of people.

-I'd be dead nervous.

-You should, Kacey.

Everyone needs to see what you've achieved.

Will you be there, miss?

No...I've got classes, but Mr Reid will take care of you.

Period three in the lecture theatre?

OK. I'll see you then.

I'd better get to class. See you later, miss.

All right. See you.

-What?

-Do not use the students to try and worm your way

-back into my good books.

-As if I'd do that.

COMPUTER BEEPS

-Hello?

-Hello!

-Can you hear me?

-Yes, I can hear you.

Oh, you look so great, miss.

Oh, Lula!

I've been trying to call for days.

Well, how are you, Lula? We've been so worried about you.

Courtney, Courtney, get Harley Taylor now! Tell him it's Lula.

Oh, come on. It'll do you good.

Kacey's home, you want to see her, don't you?

But school?

Everyone's desperate to see you. They all miss you.

I can't, I still need that.

I thought you were braver than that.

You were the first one to tell me to go in with my head held high.

When all that stuff with Barry happened.

Maybe next week.

I'll ask the therapist. I'm sure we can sort something, yeah?

I've been spending a lot of time with my dad.

So it's been great. I didn't realise how much I'd missed him.

What's it like there?

It's a total mess. Nothing really works.

And the school, it's just falling to pieces.

Sometimes we have to miss classes,

there's just not enough teachers here.

Where are you living, Lula?

With relatives. Just near my school, so it's not far to walk.

I'm planning to help teach the young children.

Well, that's admirable, but what about YOUR education?

I'll be OK.

We all miss you very much here.

Me too.

We must try and stay in touch and...

Where's she gone? Come on, get her back.

What a remarkable young woman she is.

At least we know she's safe.

PARTY MUSIC PLAYS

PEOPLE CHATTER

Hey! Here she is.

What are this lot doing here?

Carrying on the party, babe. Round two. Ding-ding!

I need you to leave.

No, no, no, what you need is the hair of the dog.

Put that lovely wee smile back on your face. Here you go.

You know, you were much more fun when you had a drink in you!

Right, you lot - out!

Come on, babe! Don't be like that.

Listen, I thought we had a connection, me and you?

Are you kidding? I can't even remember your name.

Well er...let me remind you, Christine, eh?

Talk about blowing hot and cold.

Please just leave.

You're all very prim and proper now aren't you,

Headmistress?

That's right.

You weren't exactly shy in coming forwards on Saturday night.

I wonder if the kids know what a goer you are.

Get your hands off me.

-Now she's angry.

-You've got five minutes to get your mates

and yourself out of my house before I call the police.

Is that angry enough for you?

And risk the parents finding out how you spend your weekends?

When the police come,

who do you think they'll cart off to a cell to sober up,

me or you?

Don't often see you in here, Carol.

I was just looking up a recipe.

A recipe?

Yeah, that's right.

A recipe for what?

Souffle.

You might as well show me what you're looking at

-cos I'll only check the computer history when you're gone.

-You can do that?

Yes. And so can every kid in this school,

so I hope you haven't been looking at things you shouldn't be.

SHE BURSTS OUT LAUGHING

Sorry! "How to pull a posh bloke and keep him!"

I'm guessing the posh bloke you've got in mind is George?

I just wanted to give him a little treat, that's all.

"Make self-improvements to become the kind of woman

"he can be proud of..."

You know, he's not exactly Benedict Cumberbatch himself!

I hardly think you're in a position to be giving me relationship advice.

At least I'm putting up a fight to save mine.

Look, you're not going to impress him

by learning some upper-class etiquette on a stupid website.

You need to show him you're interested in the things he is.

Like red wine and Newsnight?

I've tried them both and I can't be doing with either.

No. Like the theatre.

Are you taking the mick?

Audrey.

Can I help you, Mrs Mulgrew?

I want to apologise for the way I spoke to you earlier.

In front of the pupils, Christine.

I know. It was unforgivable.

I've just been so stressed out over this whole Darren Hughes thing.

I let it all get on top of me.

Well, I suppose it can happen to the best of us.

We'll not mention it again.

I knew you'd be understanding, Audrey. And, well...a good friend.

Thank you, Christine.

We managed to get through to Lula.

-She's well.

-Oh, that's a relief.

Well, perhaps things are looking up.

Rita's not stupid, Carol.

She's a daft bat from Liverpool, who's trying to better herself. I've seen the film.

No, she's actually really bright.

Being uneducated and being stupid aren't the same thing, Carol,

and don't let the likes of George convince you otherwise.

What?

You're a smooth talker in a tight corner, Miss Boston.

-I can see why our Kacey thinks the world of you.

-Does she?

Yeah. Never stops going on about you.

I'm just glad she's got someone who never lets her down,

cos God knows I've done that enough.

Bless her, she's got this presentation this afternoon in Mr Reid's class.

You should have seen how chuffed she was to be asked.

I like that Mr Reid, I think he's one of the good guys too.

Doesn't it feel good to be back?

Yeah, I suppose.

Come on. They're your mates. They've done nothing but ask about you

since it happened.

Hey, cover it up.

It's all right, I fixed it. No-one saw.

I want to go home now.

The cab's gone now, let's go inside.

I promise you, Kev - it's going to be OK.

That's a bit more like it.

I think I'm over the worst.

Right. You don't need to do that, you know?

Do what?

Pretend. It's me you're talking to.

I don't judge, because I'm not exactly without flaws,

and I don't gossip because I have no friends.

So, the perfect confidante.

Thank you, George.

You can pay me back by keeping Lowsley on a short leash

when it comes to the Board of Education.

No more new initiatives, please.

I'll see what I can do.

Oh, and Christine?

The occasional defeat doesn't mean you're losing the war, you know that?

There you are, Mrs Mulgrew!

I've got a couple of police officers in here looking for you.

Something to do with your car.

I'm afraid it's been found abandoned having been involved in an accident.

Really?

When was the last time you saw the vehicle, madam?

I assumed it was there this morning when I left the house.

One of my colleagues picked me up. Miss McFall, we do a car share.

You know, now I think about it,

I don't remember actually seeing it, so maybe it wasn't there.

Are you thinking it was stolen?

It would seem the most likely possibility.

Well, I am shocked. It's usually such a quiet neighbourhood.

So - what happens now?

Luckily, there's CCTV on the street where it was found,

so we're just waiting to get the footage.

-Then we'll know exactly who was driving.

-CCTV?

Yes. Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be one of your students!

That was in Colorado last summer.

Is that close to Miami, where Kacey were?

Gabriella, would you mind if we postponed your presentation?

Kacey is back from the States. She's going to be talking today.

Give me your tablet.

Mr Reid, it's all set up.

It would be great for everyone to hear about her time there.

Coach Matthews took that one.

-Look who's come to visit.

-Kev! You're back. That's amazing.

-Hi, Rhiannon.

-Why didn't you tell me you were coming in?

-She didn't...

Great, isn't it? He's really on the mend.

This is turning out to be a day of returning heroes!

You ready for the Board?

Absolutely.

I hope they can see what can be achieved with all this.

I think the results at Waterloo Road speak for themselves.

We've had a few hiccups, admittedly, but it's a learning curve.

We just need to focus on how efficiently it could be

-rolled out elsewhere.

-Got it.

Demonstrate that the blueprint for Resilience Education already

exists, and that it's just a matter of implementation

-and they'll be onto a winner.

-I said, I've got it.

I'm just making sure we're on the same page.

Well, I don't need coaching.

-I was here when we did this, remember?

-Of course.

You go ahead, I'll be over in a minute.

Christine, if you're not feeling well,

it might be better to postpone, we need to get the pitch right.

-I'm fine.

-Because if you're not feeling up to it...

Simon, I'll be right there. Just give me a second. OK?

OK. Good.

And that's the last one.

APPLAUSE AND CHEERS

When I first got offered the place,

I didn't think I was good enough.

Then Miss Boston said that I WAS good enough,

and she told me to believe in myself, and I'm glad she got through to me.

My Miami coach, Coach Matthews, said she did a great job.

Because Coach says it's all about the top two inches.

-The what?

-What you've got up here. Between your ears.

Mind over body.

Coach Matthews says if you want your body to do something

that badly, then it will do it.

It just might take some time to get used to the idea.

So never give up.

Mind over body, Kevin.

Getting your body used to the idea of being battered seems

-pretty mindless to me.

-Boxing isn't about getting battered.

It's about using your speed and agility to avoid that.

Can you give us a demo, Kacey?

Yeah, sure.

Do we have a volunteer?

How about Kevin?!

How about you, Gabriella?

Well, getting punched is preferable to hearing more about Coach Matthews.

You see, basically, boxing is more than just fighting.

It's about wrong-footing your opponent.

It's about being patience.

Knowing when to attack.

And when to drop back.

You need to find their weaknesses.

All the time trying not to give yours away.

So, by the time you that finally make contact, they're unbalanced.

CLASS LAUGHS

And they go down like a sack of spuds!

That's what Coach Matthews says anyway.

What we've seen is an increase in the conduct

we associate with good citizenship.

Behaving responsibly, treating others with respect...

And with that, a reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Both unauthorised absences and exclusions are down.

Well, it's very impressive, I must say, Mr Lowsley.

An excellent initiative introduced by a very innovative young teacher.

But, unfortunately, we have some other issues on the agenda

which are not a cause for celebration.

Ah - excellent timing, Ms Wilkes,

we were just about to move to the next item on the agenda.

I didn't know there were any other items on the agenda.

Nor did I, Mrs Mulgrew, until this morning

when I was inundated with calls from irate parents.

The ones who received letters from you, informing them

that their daughters had been photographed inappropriately.

-An issue I am dealing with.

-Ah!

I may well have been inclined to believe you had it in hand,

had I not also had a call from Social Services

expressing some concerns about an issue of child protection.

I was extremely alarmed to discover from Mr Bain

that Darren had been taking photographs of a sexual nature,

something you had omitted to mention at our meeting.

That's probably my fault...

Then again, had you attended the meeting in its entirety, perhaps it would have been covered.

You were too busy to give this case the time of day.

Isn't strange you suddenly have a window in your schedule?

We're not talking about a case,

we're talking about a child, Mrs Mulgrew.

Fine.

Maybe I should have informed Social Services about the photographs

and the Board about Darren's situation,

but I have been responding to events as they happen.

Parents aren't confident in your handling of the situation,

neither are Social Services and, frankly, neither am I.

I'm not sure that's fair, Mr Bain.

-Well, I think it is, Mr Lowsley.

-Mr Lowsley! Mr Bain!

Is that what you call each other at Sunday lunch?

I'm not sure what you're trying to insinuate, Christine,

but perhaps we can try and focus if you can.

This is a potential PR disaster.

I might have known THAT would bother you.

Well, someone's got to care about the school's reputation!

This is entirely typical of an LA that offers no support,

a bare minimum of funding,

but yet is first in line to criticise our every mistake.

Simply not the case, Christine.

Your selective memory is unbelievable.

What, and yours isn't?

I seem to recall you being a little less than supportive

of Simon's Resilience Education initiative.

In fact, as far as I understand it,

you've threatened to cancel the whole thing

-on more than one occasion.

-Robert, I'm not sure that...

Oh!

Robert, Simon, so now I really DO know

what's discussed over Sunday lunch.

Thank you for your loyalty, Simon.

-Christine!

-No, I'm going to leave you two

to your mutual appreciation society.

Some of us have a school to run!

What the hell was that about?

Oh, that felt good.

You can't possibly think you've done us any favours at all in there!

Us?

There's isn't really an "us" in your world, is there, Simon?

Your initiatives, your promotion, your career.

It must be so tedious when the children and the school

come between you and your five-year plan.

That is not fair.

I've done everything I can to stand by you.

Yeah, it's no secret that I want to be a head teacher,

but that doesn't mean to say I want your job.

Is that what you tell yourself?

Is that what you tell yourself so you can sleep at night?

You get back in there and you explain to them

that you haven't been well and apologise.

Everyone has an off day, Christine, they'll understand.

This isn't an off day, Simon. This is an on day.

This is the first time in ages

I have had anything resembling clarity.

So there will be no apology.

I'm not playing the game any more.

It's yours.

The job, the big office, you are welcome to it.

-I am done.

-No, you don't mean that.

-Don't I?

-No.

Simon, we'd like to talk to you.

Yeah, run along, Simon.

You may be determined to ruin your own career,

but I will not let you drag him down with you.

Oh, don't worry - after today,

Golden Boy can do what he likes with this place.

I quit!

Christine!

Let her go.

SHE SIGHS

I think Kacey got a lot from that presentation.

If I didn't know you better, Nikki,

I'd think that was an apology.

Well, it's a good job you know me better, then, isn't it?

I got this one for winning a pull-up competition.

I beat all the boys and everything.

And I heard for a while you WERE a boy!

I heard for a while you were an idiot.

Oh, wait there, you still are!

Carry on, Kace.

This was for my work on the punchbags.

-That's brilliant.

-Completely unaccredited certificates.

-How amazing(!)

-It's not really about the certificates,

it's about what they represent.

Don't expect her to understand.

If she can't stick it on Daddy's credit card,

it's not worth having.

Well, if your boyfriend likes certificates so much,

maybe they'll give him one for learning how to pee on his own.

That's right, everyone.

Kevin pees in a bag now. I can smell it from here.

You're sick, you know that?

-HECTOR:

-Hey, stop that now! That's enough! Gabriella, cooler.

She's not worth it, Kacey.

CRUNCHING

Sorry, Kace.

I don't see why I'm the one getting in trouble.

-She attacked me.

-You're starting to become a very unpleasant young woman,

-do you know that?

-Gabriella?

Go along to the cooler, please.

Mr Reid will be with you in a minute.

-That was a bit harsh, don't you think?

-Uh, no, I don't think.

She just humiliated Kevin Chalk in front of everyone

and all because I postponed her poxy little presentation.

Well, I suppose that shows how much it means to her.

You're taking her side?

I just hope that the way you're treating her

has nothing to do with her outing you and Nikki.

Thanks, mate, for assuming the absolute worst of me.

Hector!

Just do one, Simon!

HE SIGHS

How did the big presentation go?

Shake hands.

Now - you that way, and you that way.

Victoria, I've ordered ahead.

Oh!

I don't know about you, but I am absolutely starving.

She's not worth it, Vix.

I know, she's really sorry.

-When did she give you that?

-Simon gave it to me.

You're not seriously thinking about giving her another chance?

She'll only hurt you again. You deserve better.

Yes, I do.

ENGINE STARTS

You can't just leave, not because of that stupid cow.

No-one cares about her anyway.

What did you say to me this morning?

What are you talking about?

You promised. Everybody's laughing at me.

No-one's laughing at you, Kev.

They want you to get better.

Well, I'll get better in the hospital!

OK.

I heard about the meeting.

Things needed to be said, so I said them.

So what now, this is you leaving?

I no longer think my position here is tenable.

This isn't you speaking.

Well, my lips are moving, George, so it must be.

Christine, you're drunk. You need to go home and sleep it off.

Deal with the fallout tomorrow when your head is straight.

I don't want this.

And I don't think you should have any more of it either.

When did you become so sensible?

We didn't go a week without a lock-in down the Blacksmith's.

-HE SIGHS

-That was then.

I used to worry about you, George. Can you believe that?

I used to worry that YOU liked to drink a bit too much.

I DID like to drink a bit too much.

Here but for the grace of God go you, eh, George?

Quite possibly.

You know, I'm not sure I like you when you're being sensible, George.

I think I prefer you when you're behaving badly.

Oh, for goodness' sake!

Oh, sorry. "My bad!", as my son would say.

I forgot, you've got lovely Carol to think about, haven't you?

But George, really?

Carol Barry?

SHE LAUGHS

-I should go.

-Yeah, go on.

Everybody does.

The kids are saying that Christine came into work drunk this morning.

They're calling her "Two-Shoe Mulgrew".

Apparently she had an odd pair on or something.

I haven't heard anything. I've been in this job long enough

to take what I DO hear with a pinch of salt.

So the shoe thing with Darren Hughes in your class didn't happen?

Darren Hughes is a troubled young man under the spotlight.

What's Christine's excuse?

Audrey's right.

We're not doing Christine any favours, are we,

spreading stories about her?

Yeah, but there's a difference between gossiping

and being concerned.

Yes, but the two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

-SHE SIGHS

-Right...

Perhaps you think you're being loyal or discreet or whatever, Audrey.

But what you're actually doing is sticking your head in the sand.

Because if you know something and you're covering for her, you're not helping Christine

and you're certainly not helping the kids.

Hey, have you lot heard about...

IN SCOTTISH ACCENT: .."Two-Shoe Mulgrew"?

HE CHUCKLES

Christine, are you OK?

Couldn't be better, Sonya.

Um, I'm going to go and get a few boxes

and then I'm going come back and clear my desk,

which is something I should have done months ago!

Right...

ECHOING LAUGHTER

Mrs Mulgrew, are you OK?

If one more person asks me that today, I will scream!

Where are you going?

SHE SIGHS

To the canteen, Imogen, not that it's any of your business.

Maybe I could get you something and bring it back to your office.

And why would you do that?

-Have I suddenly lost the power of my legs or something?

-I just...

-I was just trying to help.

-With what?

What exactly were you trying to help with?

Nothing.

Do you need me to call Connor?

If you care about him,

don't call him.

He can't have me disrupt his life again.

I just...don't know what to do.

I'll go back to my office

and I will sort myself out. Just promise you won't phone Connor.

Imogen?

OK.

I promise.

-HE SLAMS DOOR

-Christine is clearing her desk.

And?

So she is actually leaving?

I don't know what you want me to do about that, George.

I want you to try and talk her out of it!

She's made her decision, and based on what I've seen,

it's for the best.

Have you any idea how difficult it must be

to fight an addiction, Simon?

-I can only guess, but we have a responsibility...

-One day.

The one day she slips up, you're prepared to sell her down the river?

You can give the likes of Gabriella Wark chance after chance.

Shame you can't show the same compassion for Christine.

Christine is a grown woman. Gabriella Wark's a child!

Yes, well, only you know if that's the real reason, Simon.

And what's that supposed to mean?

The other big difference is that

Gabriella Wark is not blocking the next rung on your career ladder.

Now, let's wake you all up a bit with a quickfire round.

Causes of the French Revolution? Anyone? Hands up.

-Sorry, miss.

-Take a seat.

Come on, we only did this last week.

-Nicole...?

-People were starving.

-The crops failed.

-Well done.

Kev's not talking to me.

Why, what did you do?

I forced him to come in today. He said he wasn't ready.

-Anyone else? Max?

-High taxes.

-Very good.

-He can't blame you for what Gabi did.

-I rushed him.

He's embarrassed, looking for somebody to lash out at.

I'm his girlfriend, I should have listened.

You did what you thought was right.

Better to do something than do nothing.

Why, what's happened?

Now, I want you to turn to chapter four in your workbooks, please,

and read the first paragraph...

I've got a surprise for you!

I don't really have time for surprises today.

Sorry. A surprise sounds lovely. What is it?

Two tickets for the theatre, for tonight!

It doesn't sound like your kind of thing.

Mmm, not just a pretty face.

Here, did you hear about Christine this morning?

Apparently, she was pickled as a newt.

Who told you that?

Do you want the full list? Apparently, she had odd shoes on.

Any of the kids notice?

Have a look at their feet, George!

You've got to see the funny side.

It isn't a joke, Carol. Christine's career is on the line.

And she happens to be a friend of mine, which makes it my problem too.

OK, I want everyone in their right shoes, right now.

And I'd like to know this minute who was behind this little stunt.

That'll be me, sir.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Mrs Mulgrew...

-What is it, Sonya?

Er, the, um...

the police are here again to see you.

Shall I tell them you're busy?

Do I look busy to you, Sonya?

No, but... No.

-Well, send them in.

-What? Now?

-Yes, Sonya, now.

Don't you think you should put that away first?

Er, come through.

Thank you, Sonya.

Did you go to this school?

Erm, yes. Back when it was Havelock.

And you?

I didn't grow up around here.

My uncle was a police officer.

Not the sharpest tool in the box, but I don't suppose you have to be

for issuing tickets and cracking heads.

We've come to update you on the CCTV.

I think I'm ahead of you there.

I'm afraid the camera was broken.

We don't have footage of the person who stole your car.

SHE LAUGHS BITTERLY

-Are you OK, madam?

-I am. It's just...

It's sod's law, isn't it?

We'll dust for prints, but I doubt we'll have much joy.

Well, thanks for your time.

If there's anything I can do, just let me know.

Mrs Mulgrew deserves better, quite frankly, from you especially.

You think so?

Is there something about the cooler

that particularly attracts you, Darren?

You do seem intent on spending as much time in there as possible.

Well, it keeps me off the streets, sir.

It means the female population are safe from your attentions, at least.

Hello, Darren.

On first name terms, I can't help noticing.

Why does that not surprise me?

-What have you been up to?

-Nowt.

Nothing that he needs arresting for, anyway.

Unless pointing out that the head teacher's wearing odd shoes is a crime.

-You should have seen the state of her.

-That's enough.

What do you get for being drunk in charge of a school?

So to recap, the country's debt,

high taxation, famine...

Mrs Mulgrew's right. Connor is going to come running if you call him.

It's his mother.

But he's doing really great down there. Maybe this is just a one-off.

She was right out of it. If she's really started drinking again...

he'll never forgive me if I don't call.

Now, what I want you all to do...

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Miss McFall?

-Yes.

-Could we have a word, please?

Certainly. Keep the noise down in here, please.

What would the bizzies want with Miss McFall?

-Lift share?

-Yes, how often do you drive her into work?

Oh, that's right. No, I did drive Christine in this morning.

I hope I didn't jump a red light or anything!

No, nothing like that. Just a routine enquiry.

Mrs Mulgrew had her car stolen this morning.

Yes, dreadful business. She told me when I picked her up.

Well, that's odd, because she told us she didn't know it was missing

until we informed her.

Well, it must have been some other time she mentioned it.

Miss McFall, I hope you realise

that perverting the course of justice is a crime.

It isn't something that should be done on a whim

-to cover for a friend.

-I'm well aware of that, thank you.

Her car was in an accident. The driver abandoned the vehicle.

Maybe we should take you down to the station.

Make an official statement.

Oh, she's a good woman, officer, please.

Surely we can all make mistakes.

They'll be here any minute.

Doubt Audrey's ever told a lie in her life.

I should never have put her in that position.

I can get you home, buy you a bit of time to sober up.

Get your story straight.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Officers. Still here?

-We'd like to ask you a few more questions

about your movements this morning.

You'd better come in. George, we can finish this another time.

-I should probably stay.

-No, you have a class to go to.

We have a little problem, Mrs Mulgrew.

Miss McFall doesn't corroborate your story

about having come to work with her this morning.

I said Audrey, but what I meant was my daughter-in-law, Imogen.

We don't often share, but we did this morning.

I wonder if maybe you drove your car this morning, Mrs Mulgrew.

Had a little prang and decided to abandon it?

Are you calling me a liar?

Perhaps you left the car because you were worried you might be breathalysed?

-I want you to leave.

-Had you been drinking?

At 8:30 in the morning?

Have you been drinking since, Mrs Mulgrew?

I want you to leave right now!

Get off me!

I swear I'll have your jobs for this!

Get to your lessons.

Get to your lessons. Now!

Connor...you need to come home. Something awful's happened.

Look, I know how you feel about Christine at the moment,

but I'm going down to the police station to try and get her out.

You can go running after Christine if you want, George, but leave me out of it.

Great. Let me guess, you've got a new nameplate to order.

I'll probably stay at George's tonight.

Yeah, all right, we get the picture.

There's some flapjacks and waffles in the cupboard for your breakfast.

I'll see you tomorrow.

-Hiya.

-What a day!

I thought I'd get ready at yours.

Mmm? Oh, the theatre.

The snag is...Christine.

It'll keep your mind off things... and I've packed my toothbrush.

-I'm sorry.

-George.

A night in a cell'll probably do her good.

You can see her in the morning.

I've got to do something.

I toast a mean waffle, Mum.

SQUEALS AND LAUGHTER

Right - to the new acting head of Waterloo Road!

How good does that sound?

I don't think you'll be just acting the part for too long either!

There won't be any way back for her after today.

I'm not sure this is right, you know. Christine's a good teacher.

Yeah, she made a big mistake, but...champagne?

Simon, get over yourself. Always thinking of other people.

Do what's right for me and you for once.

-It's not a good day for the school.

-Agreed, but the only way is up after this.

She's a good friend of mine, Christine Mulgrew?

-That's right.

-I was hoping I might be able to see her.

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

Do you have any idea when you're going to release her?

When she's been interviewed.

And when might that be?

When she's sobered up.

Why don't you go home? Save yourself a long wait.

We're going nowhere, sunshine.

Take a pew, George.

Right. What have you charged her with?

You have charged her?

You can't just keep her banged up for no reason. She's got rights.

Now, wind your neck in and go and find somebody who knows what's what.

And I'll have a cup of tea if you're making one.

If she's your problem, she's my problem.

Oh, and by the way, that play.

It didn't have a very happy ending.

The wall is a thank you from me to you for all your hard work

and to celebrate everyone's achievements.

KNOCKING ON DOOR

Mum?

If they stop her from teaching, she's got nothing.

It's not your job to save her.

-Stop it!

-Gabriella's claiming that Nikki hit her.

I walked in on them and I think that...

-What? That she did it?

-Are you saying that I'm lying?

-I don't know.

-I wouldn't.

I didn't touch her, so I am going back to my class

and you can get Gabriella to tell you the truth!

SHE SCREAMS