01x01 - Second Chance

[bunniefuu]

Ain't going to be no follower.

Watch me, I'll be blowing up.

♪ No-one out here
ever gets me... ♪

Excuse me.

Do you have
permission to be here?

I'm part of the student council.

It's my job to ensure the
rules aren't broken...

Holly.

I'm glad to see that you're
taking the job seriously.

Thanks, man.

No worries. See you later.

Do the board of governors
know about this, sir?

I think it's time we
tore up the rule book.

Right?

Welcome to a new term.

♪ Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha... ♪

♪ Wake up in the morning

♪ We rise when the
early bird calling

♪ Yeah, we rise when we
get up in our feelings

♪ Do what the Phoenix do
So, of course, we rise

♪ When we got to get to class

♪ We rise, when we're
stuck under the ash

♪ We rise, all my friends
gonna see this through

♪ Cos we just do
what the Phoenix do

♪ We rise! ♪

BASSY MUSIC PLAYS

RADIO: Good morning,
Coventry, rise and shine.

It's 7:20 and another
lovely day in the Cov.

Ri.

Ri, hurry up.

Yeah, I'm coming.

No make-up, no earrings...

Funny! Nervous?

No.

Huh! Tune!

Toast is fine.

SMOKE ALARM BLEEPS

Argh! I don't believe this.

You can't start a new
school without breakfast.

Is that one of their rules?

Dad's secret stash.

First day of the big school, Ri?

Yeah.

You look after your sister.

I will do.

All right, one last check. Pens?

PE kit?

Billy! What?

Where's YOUR kit?

Ah, you go on,
I'll catch you up.

Ri, quicker than that.

Can't run and text
- it's in the rules.

Come on.

Woo!

It's your first day, Summer.

What do I always say?

That people think we're sisters?

You never get a second chance
to make a first impression.

This might be your
last first chance.

You said you wouldn't
follow me about.

I'm just walking behind you.

That's literally
what following is.

You know where to go, don't you?

Why? Where are you going?

CAR ENGINE REVS

Oh, no!

All right, Khaled?

Are you lost?

Look at your gorgeous mum.

I'm all over Cov now.

Thank you. OK.

Perfect. Thanks.

Smile up. OK.

Is that your mum on the bus?

Airbrushed, but, yeah.

So cool.

They went out for a new life.

All we ask is that you mingle.

Mingle?

Do not be different.

Don't be too loud or too quiet.

Don't be the worst,
but don't be the best.

Or at least don't show
them you are the best.

Just try to fit in.

Fit in, OK.

How hard can it be?

Hey, be careful.

OK?

Oh, there's Leila. Remember
I told you we met in the park

in the holidays?

Oi, aren't you
Billy Hopkins? Yeah.

He knocked out some
bus driver in town.

Or was it a postman?

Rihanna, I mean it.

You can't trust everyone here.

Oi, watch out!

ALL: Oh! Mind yourself!

What you doing,
man? Watch the bike.

I'm fine.

It was an accident, mate,
chill. I ain't your mate.

Hey! She walked
out in front of me.

What could I do? Get off me!

What's she doing, man?
She's just little girl.

I'm looking for a loud,
annoying alpha male.

Either of you seen one?

Tuck your blouse in before
you get into school.

New term, new attitude.

Lots of smiling,
thank you very much.

Hey, you're late!

Sorry, miss.

BELL RINGS

Am I late?

Late, but not last.

Hey, Billy.

Rihanna's friend, Leila.

All right, Billy?
All right, mate?

Now that you're all here,
welcome to Phoenix Rise.

I know you weren't expecting to
start a new school this term,

but here we are.

You're all with us
for different reasons,

most of you from
different units.

But the main reason
is the same -

you all deserve a clean slate.

And this,

this is where that starts.

Now, don't worry about your
past - at Phoenix Rise,

we focus on the future.

But why is it called
Phoenix Rise, sir?

My mum still calls
it Manor Grove.

Because, just like you, this
school is all about rebirth.

A chance to shed all that
baggage from the past and

rise up from the ashes.

Is that because you're
under special measures?

I think we all deserve a
second chance, don't you?

Now you won't be
treated any differently,

just as long as you
stick to the rules.

Do you think you can do that?

No, don't nod - it
depends what they are.

I'm so glad you asked, Mr Trent.

Be on time, be kind, try hard,

say sorry, help each other.

Is that it?

I think that's more than enough
to be going on with, don't you?

BEEPING

Even if they say
we're unteachable?

HE CHUCKLES

One man's unteachable is
this man's work in progress.

BEEPING RESUMES

But if you want specifics...

..no weapons, no threats, no
violence, no bullying, no shaming,

no swearing, no phones, alcohol,
drugs, piercings or pets.

Sounds more like it.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in, Polly.

BEEPING RESUMES

BEEPING STOPS

Hi, guys, my name's... Polly?

Yeah! Erm, I'm your buddy.

Our what? She will
show you around,

answer any questions.

The six of you are about to
experience a unique adventure.

I'd like to suggest that you turn
to each other for the support

you can't get from anyone else.

OK.

BELL RINGS

Sir, your computer's overheated.

It might have something to
do with your steak bake.

♪ First period, long

♪ Second period, long

♪ Teacher said,
"Where's your homework?"

♪ I ain't done none

♪ Digging in my bag for
the effect like I have

♪ We all know the truth... ♪

It always feels so naughty

walking around the school when
everyone's in lessons, doesn't it?

Are you lost?

♪ Got my test back from maths

♪ I'll be surprised if I
passed I ain't tried or revised

♪ My excuse when I do bad but
I'm trying to do good, swear down

♪ That's what I told Mum I'm
trying my best, swear down

♪ That's what I told Dad. ♪

Oh, oops.

What is it?

I thought it was the
Haven of Happiness.

The what?

It's new - a safe space
where we can talk about

the things that bother us.

And what if the Haven of Happiness
is the thing that bothers us?

Oh, then, I...

That was a sort of joke.

Come on.

Here it is.

Obvs.

It looks like a rainbow
threw up in here.

We'll come back to this - I should
show you the canteen before break.

I'm sorry about before,
running your girlfriend over.

Say that again.

Jokes, mate. She's clearly
your little sister.

I meant it, I'm sorry.

Where were you before this?

Me and Billy, we were...
Yeah, I can talk for myself.

The referral unit in Earlsdon.

The one that just got shut down.

Why?

Why are you all
up in my business?

Because I'm just like you.

I've been thrown out every
school in the Midlands.

And look at me.

I get harassed by the police
every time I leave the house.

One more bad move and I am...

What do you think
about that Summer?

She seems all right.

Think you'll make a move?

I just want to
keep my head down.

No drama.

Mates before dates, yeah?

Concentrate, girls.

BEEP

Come on, quicker.

Your brother is so fit.

You should invite me round.

We're not allowed. Says who?

My dad. I thought you
said he's in France!

Yeah, he is - he's driving a
lorry, he'll be back in a few days.

But till then, you have the
whole place to yourself.

OK, guys, hold, take a breather.

Girls, what are you doing?

GIGGLING

Be back in a sec,
miss. What you doing?

Could you have picked a worse
time to start your period?

TEACHER: Everybody...

I saved you a seat.
Summer, sit with us.

So, what school were you
at before Phoenix Rise?

It wasn't. You were
home schooled? So jammy.

Good morning, you lot.

Sit down, please, Shannon.

All right. If you could all get your
copies of Jane Eyre out, please.

Ri, why didn't
you take the bike?

Has someone said something?

Don't tell me you know.

Know what?

Ri?

She had an accident in PE.

Is she hurt? Not exactly.

Well, what are you on about?

Speak to your mum, or maybe
people with girls' talk.

We just had PE.

Do I look like I care?

To be fair, you're lucky
I'm even talking to you.

Oh, cos Mummy said stay
away from big bad Bee?

Why do you hate her so much?

Because I'm a
terrible person, Lei.

That's why they split
us up, remember?

And why our lovely mummy sent
me to live with strangers.

Best stay away, yeah?

You don't want to
end up like me.

I was waiting for you.

Bit stalkerish.

No, I-I just, erm...

I just meant... we didn't
get a chance to speak before.

I'm Billy.

Yeah, I know.

Oi, Summer.

I see Bill beat me to it.

Beat you to what?

Later, yeah?

If you're not a stalker,
then what are you?

Erm, well, erm...

..you're a girl.

Yeah, I was last time I checked.

Something's happened to my little
sister in PE, some sort of accident.

Her mate said that I
should speak to my mum.

Oh, she's probably right.

Yeah, it's just...

..well...

..she died... two years ago.

Oh.

That's awful.

How old's your sister?

11, going on 60.

Well, then, maybe you just need to
accept she's not so little any more.

You can get these
from any supermarket.

And if she needs
someone to talk to,

she can come and
talk to me, right?

I wish I had a brother like you.

All right?

Finally, someone with taste.

I'm Sam. Writer, choreographer,
director - all-round triple threat.

Ah. My skills aren't just
limited to the stage.

If you need any make-up tips,
you should check out my channel.

Contouring's my speciality.

Really bring out
those cheekbones.

Although, looking at those brows,
maybe you need your own segment.

They're amazing.

They are? So shall I put
your name down, then?

An exclusive club, you know -
we don't just let anyone in.

Only the super, super desperate.

Could you be any more basic?

Why don't you go back to
shoplifting your nasty eyeliners?

He's my biggest customer.

Boo!

Well?

I have to meet a friend
for lunch. I'm sorry.

Rude.

Oi. Where do you play?

Centre mid.

Listen, yeah, about Summer...

It's cool.

I like to keep my options open.

I don't think she's into me.

Because she's got taste.

PHONE CHIMES

You're famous, Bill.

PHONE CHIMES

Who did this?

PHONES CHIME

CHATTER AND LAUGHTER

What, was it you?

Nice do, mate. Just leave it.

Get off me!

We'll find out who
did this, yeah?

I've got you back.

I need to know who sent this.

I don't do that stuff any more.

Please, Khaled.

We're mates, aren't we?

You never spoke to me.

Oh, I forgot. Once, you asked
if you could borrow a pen.

Mr Stewart said this was our
chance to wipe the slate clean,

but they're not going
to let us, are they?

I'll see what I can do.

We look so good in this.

I'll post it later.

I bet your mum gets invited
to all the best parties.

Does she know BTS?
Does she really? Wow.

Yeah! They always come to Coventry
when they're over from South Korea.

Seriously?

You know, she wet her
knickers in Year Seven

and had to get a spare
pair from lost property.

I've got to be somewhere.

Tell your mum Cassidy said hi.

She's so pretty.

Were you two friends
before you came here?

This is my first proper school.

I had some trouble
where I used to live.

The authorities decided I was
better off at a referral unit,

for my own... safety.

That's awful.

People are scared of what
they don't understand.

BELL RINGS

Summer?

I'm Miss Abel, deputy head.

I'm aware of your... special...

I've got your, erm, exemption card
here so you can excuse yourself

from class whenever
you need a time out,

and we have a behaviour
mentor joining us soon.

You'll be under her care.

Like a stray cat
with a poorly paw.

LAUGHTER

Ignore them, Ri.

They're just jealous because
they haven't started puberty yet.

One more word from you, it'll
be straight to isolation.

Was it your intention to look like
a spider's just died on your face?

LAUGHTER It's not my fault

you came in before I'd finished.

You've got a sister in Year
11, haven't you? Bee, Miss.

You say that like it's
something to be proud of.

Lashes off, please.

OK, open your books.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Bring it in, lads.

Gather round.

Ethan and...

Darcy.

..Darcy, start picking teams.

Get over here.

Prepare to lose. Ah.

Darcy, you pick first.

I've got to go with my boy Bill.

PHONE CHIMES

THEY CONTINUE TO PICK

What are the rules about phones?

It was you?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa. What's your problem?

You, running your mouth.
He's off his head, sir.

This is what happens when
you let kids in from...

Hopkins, inside. You need to
chill if you're going to survive

in this school. Hopkins,
I won't tell you again.

Not till he apologises.
You got a long wait, then.

I'm not the only one
with a secret. Yeah?

Difference is, I don't
care what people think.

Look at you getting
all worked up. OK.

It makes me wonder what
else you're hiding. Focus.

Ethan, pick.

Hey.

HE ROARS

CHATTER I take it
from all the noise

you've worked out the
answer to the equation.

Khaled knows the answer, sir.

It's 8.

And how did you get to that?

I subtracted the same
value from both sides.

Very good.

SOFT CHANT: Khaled. Khaled.

CHANTING GROWS LOUDER

And as for the rest of you,

contrary to popular belief,
even influencers need maths.

How else are you going
to count your likes?

PUPILS GROAN

KNOCK AT DOOR

Sorry to interrupt, Mr Kothari.
Got a latecomer for you.

I'll leave you to
get settled, Nathan.

Would you like to take
a seat next to Khaled?

I'll sort you out
with a textbook.

HEAVY BREATHING

HIGH-PTICHED RINGING

Look at those split ends.

She ever heard of CONDITIONER?

At least she's not
afraid to stand out.

You might have your fake
bags and ombre nails,

but they don't give
you a personality.

If you don't like it, go back
to home schooling, you freak.

I wasn't home schooled.
I was in hospital.

And you know why? Cos I
wanted to be just like you.

You can never be like us.

I just wish it hadn't taken me
this long to figure that out.

Afternoon, Year Ten.

Summer, where are you going?

I need a break, Miss.

If you check my records, you'll
find everything you need to know.

BELL RINGS

Watch yourself, loser.

MUSIC PLAYS ON EARPHONES

KNOCK AT DOOR

Are you going to
be long? Hurry up.

Your mate didn't last long.

Hi.

Funny, right?

I mean, how we all ended up here
and not the Haven of Happiness.

Just one person missing.

If he's here, I'm gone.

But that's exactly
what they want.

What are you talking about?

They don't like us
because we're different.

But maybe that's our strength.

How is that a strength?
Because we've got each other.

You know, like it or not,

there's a reason why we
all ended up here today.

Which is...? We're
all we've got.

So we either try and find
a way to make this work...

Or what?

You walk out and
never come back,

and maybe never get
another second chance.

So...

..what's it to be?

I'm in.

Billy?

DOOR SLAMS

CHATTER

Stay here, yeah?

I've got to go get something.

CHATTER

Don't worry.

Dad's here at the weekend.

Not any more.

Why? Has his lorry broken down?

He's got another job.

Big money, apparently, but he
won't get paid until he's done.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Thank you.

Billy. Yeah?

They're not going to try
and split us up, are they?

Of course not.

This is...

This is a fresh
start for us, yeah?

Leila up next, please.

Break a leg.

Nathan. Billy.

What's in that room I saw
you coming out of before?

Did you follow me?

They're MY nails,
you little rat! Run!

He's at Phoenix Rise. Nathan?

And it's started again.

♪ Wake up in the morning

♪ We rise when the
early bird calling

♪ Yeah, we rise when we
get up in our feelings

♪ Do what the Phoenix do
So, of course, we rise

♪ When we got to get to class

♪ We rise, when we're
stuck under the ash

♪ We rise, all my friends
gonna see this through

♪ Cos we just do
what the Phoenix do

♪ We rise! ♪