12x05 - Episode 5

[bunniefuu]

WOLF-WHISTLE

NICKY SIGHS

What have we got here?

You going on your
holibobs, Nick?

Better not be thinking of
doing a moonlight flit.

That's my laundry!

What, you into women's
underwear, are you?

Mm, depends who's wearing it.

Look, I told you. You'll have the
cash back in a couple of days.

Didn't she say
that last time? Mm.

Kind of feels like you're
fobbing us off, Nick.

What are we meant
to say to our boss?

Tell him... Tell him
I'm working on it.

If it helps, I can get you a good
chunk by the end of today, right?

Don't know if I believe you. Yeah,
do we look like we're playing?

No. You look like a pair
of Poundshop Kray twins.

I'll have something for you later.
Now, jog on. Move, out of the way.

This Waterloo Road?

Well, that's what
it says, isn't it?

What if I can't read?

What if I'm partially sighted?

Yeah, well, you're not,
though, are you? Hey!

Never judge a man
by his first round.

Thought you weren't
going to show!

I promised Miss Campbell I'd
talk at this knife crime thing

this morning. Got to go in
and meet Mike first thing.

He's my chaperone, apparently.

As if everyone's not
already staring at me.

Get over yourself.

No-one cares about you.

Mm!

Oh, yeah? What's all this?

Hey! They're for the meeting!

Of course, yeah, it's today.

The library's blocked
out all morning.

No-one bothers Kim unless
the building's burning down,

which, you know, might happen.

These are a bit special,
though, aren't they? Yes.

Well, there is a reason
that I decided to host

the Knife Crime Initiative,

and I just really want people to
see that I'm not burying my head.

Oh, also, you need to know,

we've got Lenny Sampson
coming in today.

He's an ex-offender, but now
he does loads of mentoring work

with young people
who are at risk.

Andrew recommended him, so
I thought I'd give him a go.

He'll need a lanyard. Yep.

He'll also need permission
to move around the building.

And Danny?

Yeah, Danny. Er, he is going
to have a chaperone with him

to appease the governors. Val
just said he's really retreating

in on himself now.

I'm hoping that talking
about it today might...

What do you think you're doing?

Well, we're lucky to get,
like, a couple of dry muffins

at the SMT meetings,
so I'm having this.

Lindon.

Not even that good.

Well, I should... PHONE RINGS

..probably, you know, just
see what they taste like.

Dry muffins? They're never dry.
Hello, Miss Campbell's office?

Oh, my God. Yes, sure.

They are amazing.
Yeah, hold the line.

I'll just put you through.

Ooh! Who is it?

Ofsted.

OK.

JOE CASEY: Guten morgen.
Watch out. LAUGHTER

Oi, look! Oi, that
is so cringe, sir!

Guys, shut up! I love Casey!

Hey, sir, show us
your skill, then!

Woo!

Yeah, laugh it up, Gen Z.

Right, this guy used to be
able to pull a 100m wheelie.

Look at that.

Yeah, you do you, sir.

Zero shame, isn't it?

Hope that's a compliment.

PHONE PINGS Oh.

Oh, you're not going
to believe this.

How can she not know that?

Well, just give her a break.

It's her first morning
bringing them in.

Oh, come on, I reminded her
when we dropped them off.

I said this sleepover was way
too soon, and look at that.

And we both agreed we'd
be positive for the boys.

I've got to go and meet Danny
Lewis. Just be nice, yeah?

Right.

I knew this was a bad idea.

Even though this has been
sprung on us spectacularly,

I know that we can pull this
out of the bag, all right?

We have got a lot
to be proud of.

OK, I'll let you go.

Thank you very much.

Oh, Amy.

Be prepared, Ofsted may
want to speak to you.

Me? Why? Because you're
one of our newest members.

They're going to want to test
whether you are well informed

of our expectations and it is
nothing to worry about, OK?

It is more on us than you.

OK. OK. OK, don't worry.

Joe. Joe, I mean,
come on, this is...

I know, it's a
long story. Sorry.

Right, what's going on?

Ofsted.

Oh, you...

All right, OK. Well,
how long we got?

We've got precisely nothing.

They're going to be here
in ten minutes. What?

Are you...? Oh, come on,
not even a day's notice?

The good news is, it's not a deep
dive. It's a monitoring visit.

They want to check the
school's making improvements.

Yeah, I've got
Donte doing a recce,

making sure no-one's vaping
by the main entrance.

It's just, like, why today?

I'm supposed to be hosting
the knife crime meeting.

I'm going to have to
cancel the first one.

No, Kim, you can't cancel.

That's exactly the kind of thing
that we want to be showing off.

Me and Lindon can show
the inspectors round.

Yeah.

OK.

OK, we cannot risk going
into special measures.

No pressure. JOE SIGHS

Joe? Hmm, yeah?

Have you seen Danny? He's a
bag of nerves this morning.

I know he'd really
appreciate your support.

Yeah, I'll catch up with
him properly when I can.

Moving in with third year students
is the worst mistake I've ever made.

2am, tunes blazing.

I was literally climbing
over bodies this morning. Mm.

I've had about three
hours' kip! Mm.

Maybe consider moving out.

Yeah, I'm trying, but all my money
has gone on deposit and rent.

How am I going to get
through this today?

Come on, Neil.

I need you to drop some
next-level wisdom on me, yeah?

I am freaking out!

Well...

You see all this?

Well, the whole thing is really
all just a song and dance.

Smoke and mirrors.
It's a farce.

It's a thankless, pointless,

bureaucratic exercise
of the highest degree.

The key is, care less.

Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!
It's my fault.

The boys wanted to stay up,
see the end of the film.

It was dead good.

Zombies, and this
guy's head exploded.

Right. Sounds appropriate.

Still, guess the boys should
know how to set their own alarms.

Have you eaten? They said
they do breakfast club.

Breakfast club is finished now.

I'm not even hungry
anyway, so it's fine.

Well, you will be mid-morning

when you're struggling
to concentrate.

Come on, inside, now, both
of you. See you soon, boys.

Come here. Come.

OK, yeah. See you.

All right, bye. Come on.

Bye.

Look, if you need to step out
of this meeting at any point,

take a breather, just let
me know, yeah? I will.

You both look like you've
slept in those uniforms.

Have you had a wash?

I'll have a shower
tonight. Right.

Well, have you had a
good time, did you?

Had fun?

Yeah, but I missed home.

Right, you two, get
yourselves off to class, yeah?

Come on, quick, move it.

Danny, you OK? Yeah, I'm fine.

Yeah, right, listen,
I'll chat to you later.

I've just got to have
a quick word. Cool, OK.

She was wearing slippers, Mike.

Slippers.

OK, I think we can hold off on the
judgment for a pair of slippers.

They haven't had any
breakfast, right?

Did you see Dwayne's face?

He didn't exactly
look happy, did he?

Something just
feels... I don't know.

Joe, just give her time.

Give her time.

What was it like, then?

Was it weird stopping over?

Are you coming? Just
got to go to my locker.

Tell me later, then.

No way! Your leg's free!

Yeah, tell me about it.

I hated that thing.

You need help with
your bag or something?

This is my first
day without my boot.

I don't need some kid
following me around.

Sorry.

Ex-headmistress.

Down south. I'm
thinking traditional.

Mm, yeah.

You OK?

What? Yeah. No,
yeah, fine, honestly.

Here we go.

Morning.

Mrs Doubleday? Mr Cribbins?

Kim Campbell, head.

And this is...

Oh, yes, Joe Casey,
deputy. Pleasure.

And my other deputy, Mr King,
will be joining us shortly.

He's just doing a handover
in the science lab,

but I do actually have
to start with an apology.

I've actually got a
meeting this morning,

the school's knife
crime initiative...

Not to worry. The purpose
of a monitoring visit

is to find you
exactly as you are.

Excellent.

OK, well, I will leave you
in the very capable hands

of my deputies and I look forward
to catching up with you both later.

OK.

Thanks, Kim. While
we wait for Mr King,

perhaps I could talk you through
the initiative over a cafe?

I'm afraid we need to begin our
observation straight away, Mr Casey.

We'll have a senior management
meeting this afternoon.

Just a map and a lesson
schedule will do.

OK, great. Yeah,
well, Miss Whitwell's

kindly drawn up an itinerary.

No need. I prefer
to go off-plan.

Well, I wouldn't say no to
a quick brew and a bickie.

Yeah, well, Miss Whitwell is
actually head of biscuits,

so if you just want to head
through to the office there,

she'll sort you out.

And Mr King will
be right with you.

I can help you get to the department
that you need to be at if that...?

No need.

Ah, Norullah. Miss
Doubleday, this is Norullah,

one of our year nine students.

Assalamu alaykum.
Wa-alaikum-salaam, Mr Casey.

Mrs Doubleday.

JOE AND NORULLAH SPEAK PASHTO

Yeah, yeah.

JOE REPLIES HALTINGLY

Yeah...

Yeah, go.

Marvellous to be able to communicate
in the child's own language.

Oh, yeah, completely agree.

I'm still brushing
up on my Pashto,

but all in a day's work
of a languages teacher.

Get a move on, Dwayne.

Oh, that's Dwayne,
my foster son there.

Are you going to let me go now?

Can I catch you up?
Is that OK? Yeah.

Er, Dwayne, could I
borrow you for a second?

Thank you, just in here.

Keep going, turn right.

Brilliant. Right, that
was an Ofsted inspector.

I'm going to need you on
your best behaviour. Come on.

All right, whatever.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on.

Is everything all
right? Yeah, why?

I'm just a bit worried
that things are moving

a little bit too
fast with your mum,

so I just want to make
sure that you and Zayne...

I've got to go.
You've got to...

No, Dwayne, come on. Just
give me a second. No!

Whoa!

Whoa! Hey, calm down, mate.

What's going on
here? Nothing, right?

You all right, sir?

Yes, I'm fine. Are you sure?

Just stop, lads, all right?

We're not going to
make this into a thing.

I wouldn't be all right if that were
me. Wet paper towel, that was...

Guys, get to where
you need to be.

Can you keep your voices
down in the corridor?

Now I'm shouting
now. I'm sorry, sir.

I'm so grateful that
we've all managed to find

time in our diaries to come
together as a group of people

who all care passionately
about the same thing.

You know, there's so much
knowledge around this table,

and I am here to
listen and to learn.

Shall we make some
introductions?

Lenny Sampson, Wythenshawe boy,

11 years total at Her
Majesty's pleasure.

I've spent the last decade
of my life devoting my time

to giving talks and workshops
with the most at-risk kids.

I've worked with Tyreece and
Ange at different points,

and I'm well known in the community
and the youth centres of Manchester.

This is Danny Lewis.

He is an ex-pupil of Waterloo
Road, now attending PRU.

He has agreed to
share his experiences

as someone who's been
involved in knife crime

who is now looking to
reflect and move forward.

Now, listen, we've already
had one late mark today

which resulted in a sanction.

So let that be a warning.

Today, we dress
smart, we act smart.

Who knows, we might even
be a little smart, hmm?

Savage. We shall also be
researching in silence

in order to complete our chronology
worksheets in front of us.

Sorry to interrupt, Mr Guthrie.

This is Mr Cribbins from Ofsted.

Did you say you taught history?

Oh, it was a passion of mine.
I never taught it, but...

I'm afraid I have a class, but
we can pick up again next period.

Anything else you need, Miss
Whitwell will see to it.

Thank you, Mr King.

Would you like a seat somewhere?

Neil? It's Harry.

Harry Cribbins!

I didn't recognise you!

How long's it been?

25 years since you were bright-eyed,
bushy-tailed, newly qualified.

Still at it, I see,

so we didn't completely
wring out your enthusiasm.

Oh, no, I always say
my first teaching job

was the best job I ever had.

You came ready-made.

Wish half the teachers I see had
the same subject knowledge. Hmm.

Oh, hang about.

Is this a conflict of interest?

I don't think you
can observe me.

Oh, can you be bothered?

They'll have to draft
someone else in.

Bureaucratic nightmare.

Tell you what, I'll slip out
quietly and we'll keep schtum.

I'm already assured
that you're a safe bet.

Well, it would save me
putting on a show today.

Catch you for some lunch? Yes!

DOOR BANGS

We've established what the
purpose of these soliloquies are -

to let the reader know
how he is feeling.

And, of course, Hamlet
is miserable by now.

He outlines a long
list of the miseries

of the human experience -

heartbreak, hard work,
political oppression.

He asks, "Who
would choose this?"

He answers himself
again by saying...

"To die, to sleep.

"To sleep, perchance to dream.

"Ay, there's the rub, for
in that sleep of death,

"what dreams may come?"

And what does he
mean by that, Myles?

It means his life has
become so unbearable

that he dreams of death,

but what if death is one
long, nightmarish dream?

Ooh!

That's sad vibes, that, Miss.

Excellent, Myles.

Thank you.

You can all open your books, we will
be exploring this in today's lesson.

Now, sir, Noel said that
Dwayne pushed you before.

Is that true?

Excuse me! No, I
don't think that is...

It was. Right, you, stand
up, stand up. Noel, sit down!

All right, Noel, settle down.

Not today, thank you. Sit
down. Did nothing, sir.

Just stood there...
Noel, sit down! Quiet!

Let's start
annotating our texts.

We're looking at concurrent themes
between Hamlet and Twelfth Night.

The fact is that youthies,
community centres,

are being closed down, and
they have been for years.

Now, the kids that we see...

..they're the ones that
believe that nobody wants them.

So they're excluded from school

and now they're
excluded from society.

I bet that's how Danny feels.

For me, I was excluded in year
eight for having weed on me.

But then, by year nine,
I was in youth offenders.

Now, the kids being excluded,

they are the ones on
free school meals.

These are kids, not adults.

Children.

And for most of 'em, coming
to school is the only time

they will see a normal adult,
not one who's off their cake.

But it's not Miss
Campbell's fault.

She did everything she could.

Honestly, I don't think she
could have done anything more.

I hear you, Danny.

I do.

And sometimes there is
nothing that can be done.

There's too much
going on out there.

But there is a
window of opportunity

between boyhood and manhood, and
most of that time is spent here.

This school was the
light in the dark, yeah?

This school was safe.

I loved it.

Miss Campbell, she brought
me back to do my resits.

I were even going to play
guitar in the end of term show.

I had everything here,

but I was the one that blew it.

Me.

I think that we can agree

that school is a big
piece of the puzzle

and it is our duty to
do whatever we can...

BELL RINGS ..to
change the narrative.

Ooh! What's this?
Jumble sale? Oh!

Don't sneak.

It's break!

Yes, I know. I've got
to get back to work.

What are you doing?

Oh, it's that app you
can sell your clothes on.

Need to get rid of
this stuff, and fast.

What, with that background
and this lighting?

Hand it over to
the professionals.

I'll worry about this.
You go back in there.

You sure? Yeah.

Right, well, thank you so much.

This is the stuff I've
already listed... Yep.

..and just do whatever
you can with that.

Got it. Yeah? OK, cool.

Thank you, you're a star.

Thank you. Hmm.

Oh, very vintage.

And the playground, obviously.

Yeah, we like to encourage
the students to take part

in all aspects of the school.

I'm actually doing a fundraiser
for our Wishing Tree charity.

They're doing a fun run.

You might've saw the
Wishing Tree, actually.

It's just in the foyer. How
many supervisors on duty?

Er, three to four, usually.

We do like to practise
a relaxed vigilance.

It sort of builds a culture of
trust with us and them and it's...

Myles, is it? It is, yeah.

I thought you remembered
Hamlet beautifully.

Mm. Well, believe it or not,
I'm familiar with tragedy.

Yes, Myles had a
unfortunate accident.

Mr Casey's foster son, Dwayne.

He snapped my leg
playing footie.

I'm no sure if I'll
ever play again.

We're supporting Myles through
his recovery, obviously.

Very promising footballer, Myles.
I'm really sorry to interrupt,

but if you'd excuse
me, it takes me a while

for me to get to my next lesson.

Your foster son?

Mm, it was an
innocuous challenge.

Dwayne didn't mean to
go in on him, it was...

He was here, he was here, and
they just sort of clashed...

Mr Casey, the students seemed
to be under the impression

that Dwayne pushed you.

No, no, no. Dwayne's
a lovely boy.

The students like to
participate in banter...

But you're the deputy.

Mm, yeah.

Ooh. Sorry, sir!

Whoa!

JOE'S TROUSERS TEAR

He's ripped his trousers!
Oh, sir, you haven't?

No, no, no. It's fine,
that. It's fine, it's OK.

Don't worry. Tonya, would you mind
watching Mrs Doubleday while I...?

Yes, you. I need
to sort myself out.

One second. Doubling
it like a champ, sir.

Thank you.

That's still there.

You good, yeah? Keeping warm?

Good, good, good, good, good.

OK.

OK.

Well, Mrs Doubleday
wanted blood.

Evidence of rewards, sanctions,
all my SEN EAL pupils.

Sounds like you got off light
with getting Mr Cribbins.

Oh, I don't know about that.

I think maybe he just
chimed with my style.

No surprises there.

Peas in a pod, you two.

What does that mean?

Oh, nothing, I'm just
feeling a bit deflated.

He was just a traditionalist.

An old grump, you mean?

Hey, he's a lot older than me.

He came into my
class for 15 minutes,

scowled at me, then just
left without saying a word.

Why do they have to
make it so demoralising?

AMY WHISPERS: Hey, Neil.

What am I going to do if
even they're finding it hard?

Oh, for goodness' sake,
Amy, you'll be fine!

Just do what you always
do, give it beans.

You're a performer, aren't you?

Perform! BELL RINGS

♪ You a million
dollar mess, honey

♪ I'm out here smiling
with no pants on me

♪ You got a pocket full
of cash money, dad's money

♪ Still you stuck in no sunny

♪ Working hard to block
me out for good... ♪

Excuse me!

You're supposed to be
helping me shift this lot,

not have your own
personal fashion show.

Er, rude!

I've listed everything and
sold four things already.

You're kidding? Mm-hm, look.

Oh, Kai, you are an
actual life-saver.

You have no idea.

£30 for that dress? Mm-hm.

That's amazing!

Oh, I just hope it all goes.

It definitely will. I mean, some
of these things still have tags on.

This! This is going
to get you a fortune.

Go on, take it.

I can't. Oh, behave.

It's clearly made for
you. You can't not.

Take it as a thank you.

Just do me a favour. Don't tell
our Preston about all this.

You know what he's like. He'll
only start worrying. Mm-hm.

How is that son of mine, anyway?

How do you mean?

Well, blood from a
stone springs to mind,

and he's made it very clear

he doesn't want me sticking
my nose in with you two.

But it'd be nice to know.

He's happy?

I think so. I'm happy.

Er, right, not quite sure
what's going on here,

but Kai, it is a study period.

That means study.

So, go on, vamanos.

Ciao.

Oh, you've got to be joking.
What are you looking for?

Do not make a big
thing of this, right?

Look at that. NICKY LAUGHS

No. No, Nicky. Right,
it's not funny.

Ofsted are in and I need your
help. Come on, please. Help.

Here you are. Try
this on, babes.

You...

I'm here, right. I am
here. Honestly. Please.

KIM: Really useful...
Miss Campbell?

Sorry, excuse me.

Good news is, no major
incidents so far.

I think Mrs Doubleday is
heading to the canteen soon...

All right, OK,
I'll head up there.

How was this?

Do you know what? It was really
good. It was really good.

Lenny just really brought
the discussion to life.

In fact, let me introduce you.

Lenny, Mr Sampson, this
is Mr King, my deputy.

I'll leave you to say
hello to each other.

I heard this was very useful.

We got stuck in, didn't we?

I wish more schools
did stuff like this.

Most places are like
an iron fortress.

No substitute for real
experience and understanding.

Danny remembers me as the one
that was always on at him.

I say it's the people
that give you a hard time

that have really got your back.

I bet it took a lot
to be here today.

I really respect the
positive steps you're taking.

BELL RINGS I know it's not easy.

KNOCKING

That's what I like to
see. Proper book learning.

There's no need for
bells and whistles.

I didn't see you.

You up for lunch? Indeed.

You know, I really
do miss the old days.

There were silent
corridors, silent lessons.

You'll remember what a
passion that was of mine.

Well, hopefully, you'll
have an enjoyable afternoon.

Not likely.

I've been putting off drama.

I'll have to do it eventually.

Even the thought of it's
giving me a headache.

Miss Spratt.

You know, she's got
bags of enthusiasm.

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of.

And ECT, too. So no
doubt it'll be jazz hands

of intolerable proportions.

I might just pop
an ibuprofen now.

They all get "requires
vast improvement" from me.

Come on, let's eat.

Lenny, thank you
again for today.

It's really beneficial
having your voice.

Do you need to leave now?

You asking me out to lunch?

Well, no, I was wondering
if you were open

to spending some
more time with Danny?

I could make the library
available for you both,

get another teacher to sit in.

I'm sure I could arrange
it with your PRU.

You fancy getting
some dinner here?

Whatever.

Job's a good'un.

KNOCKING

Come in.

I heard you've been flashing
students, you filthy animal.

Er, yep.

And now I'm wearing Nicky
Walters' cast-off sweat ants.

Well, let me see.

Oh!

Don't, Mike. Wow!

No, Mike, don't, please.
I'm not in the mood.

What's wrong?

I really think something's
wrong with Dwayne.

I tried to speak to him earlier
and, the way he reacted, I just...

I just think something
went on, like...

Like what? Like, what
if she was drinking?

No, what if we've let
them be around that?

I think you're jumping
to conclusions.

Am I? You didn't see
how he was with me.

Like, maybe that's why
they were up so late.

And the slippers.

I mean, come on, does that seem like
a functional human being to you?

I just came to ask for some money
to top up our lunch accounts.

Dwayne, can we...? Can we...?
You just don't give up, do you?

You only want to think
the worst for her, yeah?

Well, you tell me. Why
are you being so off?

Because of you. Me?

I mean, yeah, you act all weird

whenever someone
mentions her name

and you've got nothing
good to say about her.

I don't think that's
true. Come on, come on.

I can be a little
overprotective.

Oh, we don't need
your protection!

Social services wouldn't have let
us see her if she weren't all right.

Look, we'll just save this for
home. I can be a little wary.

She's been gone a long
time. She had problems!

Well, we've all got problems,

we don't just forget
that we have children!

He doesn't mean that.

I'm sorry, right?

All we've tried to do is
give you love and stability.

That's why we're adopting you.

Oh, that's all you care about.

You just want her out
the way, don't you?

No, that is not what I'm
saying. You don't get it!

I don't want your
stupid adoption!

Urgh!

I'll go.

Dwayne.

Did you get the money?

Dwayne!

What's going on?

Don't worry, it's OK.

Dwayne.

Zayne, come here.

Is this something
that you both want?

What?

The adoption?

Dwayne says he doesn't want it.
Is that how you feel as well?

I don't know, why?

Sorry, I shouldn't
have said anything.

Just wait here. I need to go
and sort your lunch money out.

I don't get it. I
do not get this.

It's just for today.

We need to show off
our healthy menu.

Yeah, OK, Miss, but you
can't do this to me.

Look, I'm begging you, yeah?

Miss Walters' calzone,
pure perfection.

All right, Noel.

I'm sure some greens won't k*ll
you. Oh, it's not even that.

Yes! Go on, sir.

LAUGHTER

Was that a choice, sir?

All right, shut up!

What, is this all just
a joke to you, is it?

You think you can just do
whatever the hell you want

and because I have a laugh with
you, you can just get away with it?

Am I just a joke? Eh?

Right, well, today actually
means something to the teachers

who put the hours in,
who fight your corner

despite all the crap
that you throw at us.

And all we ask is
that you treat us

with a shred of
dignity and respect.

That you treat us like
bloody human beings!

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

What was that about?

Right!

You will sit in silence
for the remainder of lunch,

unless Mrs Doubleday
wishes to speak to you.

If you'd please excuse me.

Did you see his pants? It's a
joke. What was all that about?

Noel, shut up. It's
not even about that.

Obviously, something's
happened. Shut up!

Hey, sir, what's
going on? LAUGHTER

Excuse me.

Mr Casey.

OK, everybody inside! Go!

Mr Casey.

Joe.

I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.

It's OK.

Don't have to say anything.

We'll just calm down
here, all right?

You don't have to stay
here with me, you know?

You're joking, aren't you?

I love school dinners, me.

Hey, you reckon they'll
do us a jam roly-poly?

What was it like? Prison?

Wow!

Straight for the jugular, eh?

Prison's the boring stuff.

Ask me something better.

How did you turn it all around?

I broke into a house once,

then the man woke up.

He was in his seventies.

We're stood in his kitchen.

Even in my mask,
he recognises me.

"Leonard! Is that you?"

It turns out it's my old
geography teacher, Mr Richards.

And do you know
what he said to me?

"Are you OK, son?"

No-one had ever asked me that.

He sowed something in me deep.

It was still there, even
when I were locked up,

this spark of the
man I wanted to be.

What, a teacher? LENNY LAUGHS

No!

Divvy.

Someone who gives
people like me hope.

That's what people like
Mr King are doing for you.

He gets you.

He gets where
you're coming from.

He's looking out for
you in his own way.

Look, Danny.

I'm not going to sit here and tell
you everything's going to be OK.

You cannot escape your past.

But you can use it,
even the bad stuff.

Don't forget to eat. Oh.

Ta. How are you getting on?

Have you not had one in yet?

Uh, no, not yet. I'm
still bricking it.

I just don't want to let the
whole school down, you know?

It would just be
me, wouldn't it?

Well, maybe it's more about just
keeping it simple, you know?

Just read a script.

You don't need all the
bells and whistles.

Neil, you literally just
told me to do what I do best.

This is it!

Come on, you know Greek
tragedies are turgid and dry

unless you get
'em on their feet.

I have to bring
it alive for them.

No, no, Casey's the
most lit teacher.

Like, he never loses his
rag, he's just proper decent.

Like, he doesn't
usually shout, so...

He's actually the one who got
me out of the BU, so I like him.

Yeah, and he's been
really supportive

about my problems at
home. KIM: What happened?

I don't know. I've never
seen him react like that.

Lindon went after him.

He's not going to
get the sack, is he?

I just thought the boys
were happy, you know?

It feels so unfair.

You try to walk the line,

you try to treat people well...

..and where does it get you?

She just swoops in
and takes them away.

You know, I should
be more like you.

Like me?

Yeah.

You know, like...

..harder, tougher,
less of a pushover.

Oh, God.

Kim.

Completely messed
up with Ofsted.

It wasn't that bad.

Look, things don't always
work out the way we hope.

Look at me.

Living in a studio flat,
seeing the kids on a weekend.

Lindon, it was just the
way that he said it.

It was like nothing
that we've ever done...

It's like none of it mattered.

I know you've done
your best by them.

Built them up from
scared little kids.

It's what I see you do every
day with the kids here.

That's why they come to you.

They trust you.

And before you say it,
you're not leaving.

Because then they'll expect
me to be the empathetic,

understanding one, and you
know that's not going to work.

OK?

I just... Like, I just
wanted something for myself.

For once.

I wanted Lisa gone.

I know that sounds
awful, I... It's human.

You're hurt and angry,

but you can't let that stop
you from doing the right thing.

Dwayne's probably just
as confused as you are.

He needs you to step
up and be there.

Yeah. Even if it's not
exactly how you imagined.

How am I going to
walk back in there?

Well...

..we should probably start by doing
something about your trousers.

They are very yellow.

You OK?

Yeah. Yeah, all right.

Thank you. OK.

I'll see you inside. Yeah.

He's in your office.

I am so sorry to
keep you waiting.

I was just doing
the usual, you know?

Putting out fires.

Lonely at the top?

Yeah, yeah, something like that.

So, how was it? How did it go?

Oh, he's a good lad.

I recognise a lot
of myself in him.

He's obviously feeling
quite lost right now,

but he's really switched on.

Yeah, he is.

He really listened.

You can tell that he wants
to turn his life around.

Having the will is
half the battle.

I think he's going to be OK.

Yeah.

Yeah, I hope so.

He is the pea under
my pillow, that kid.

Well, I'll let you get back
to your business. Yeah.

Thank you.

Boo!

Oh, my...!

What do you think?

You look like an emu.

Why are you lying for?

You know I look good.

Uh, tss, tss.

Where's it from?

Well, they do say you
end up marrying your mum.

My mum's?

Why?

I helped her sell
some clothes online.

She gave me this as a thank you.

Mm, proper Mrs
Walters bonding time.

Now, you weren't talking
about me, were you?

KAI SIGHS

The world doesn't
revolve around you,

Preston Walters.

Look, I was just telling her
how much I like you. I just...

I don't want you to slip
up and tell her my...

..business.

You know, that's
between us. Get off.

Sorry.

What do you think I am?

I would never tell.

Now, are you going to tell me
how fabulous I look or what?

Swear down, I'm not coming
near you in that thing.

You little... Don't you
dare! No, no, no, no, no!

I'm trying to work!

An appalling fate for
human eyes to witness.

An appalling sight, the
worst I've ever seen.

Oh, you poor man!

What madness came on you?

What eternal force
pounced on your life

and, springing further
than the longest leap,

brought you this awful doom?

Alas, alas, you unhappy man!

I cannot look on you!

Oh, guys, that was great!

Wow! Did you feel that? We were all
beginning to move and sound as one.

That's excellent.

Miss Spratt, you need to
take a call in the office.

What, Neil? I've got Ofsted in.

Just tell them I'll
call them back.

Yeah, no, it's very important.

You need to go. Now, go on.

But, Neil.

Just trust me.

I'll cover, it's fine.

Oh, all right, take these.

Er, I'll be quick.

You acting, sir?

No, no, no.

I'd be better placed to give you
some insight into Ancient Greece.

If you'd just sit for a moment.

All OK? Yeah, I'm covering.

I just...

I just wanted to say, Harry.

I don't think you should
be inspecting teachers

based on personal taste.

Sorry? Well, I don't want
to make this awkward.

Well, don't.

And might I remind
you, I'm an inspector.

Mm.

Might I remind you that you
failed to declare you knew me,

and you basically told me
you'd give me a good mark

and you've never even seen
me teach for 25 years.

Gosh.

You really got quite pious
in your old age, didn't you?

Well, I'm here to inspect drama,

and that's exactly
what I will do.

You'd better inspect me, then,

because I'm teaching this class.

And if you write an unfair
report on Miss Spratt,

well, I'll have no
choice but to be truthful

about what went on here today.

KNOCKING

How are you doing?

Yeah, yeah, I'm OK
now. Yeah, don't...

Don't worry about me, I'm fine.

Thank you for being so
calm with everything.

Is he here? OK.

Yeah.

Dwayne.

I'll give you two
some time alone, OK?

Right.

Excuse the delightful
sweatpants.

Look, I didn't want
this hanging over us.

You were right. You
were absolutely right.

I made this all about my feelings,
and that was completely wrong.

You are meant to
feel safe with us

and I need you to know
that, whatever you want...

..it's OK.

I don't want to hurt you.

I know how much
you've done for us.

You gave us a proper home,

and we've been dead happy.

It's just, that's my mum.

You know, she ain't perfect.

But I can't give up on
her when she's trying.

Yeah. And...

..then we will do whatever it
takes to support you seeing her.

Yeah.

Whatever you need.

This nameless visitor
I can't resist,

swept here by fair
and fatal wings!

Alas, for me, and yet again,

alas for me!

The agony of stabbing
brooches pierces me,

a memory of aching shame!

BELL RINGS Woohoo!
Sir smashed that!

I might have done
a bit of am-dram.

Oi, has he left?

There was no call at the office.

Really? Weird.

What's going on?

I don't know.

Maybe they meant Coral.

Bye, miss.

See you later,
miss. See you later.

Hey, big man, what are
you crying for, eh?

Just cos your old man
went off the deep end?

He's not my dad.

Adopted dad or whatever.
You know what I mean.

Not even that.

Why, what do you mean?

Oi!

I'm only messing with you, OK?

I do feel bad for
him, I really do.

I think everyone does.

Sorry, it's none of
my business, right?

Joe told me that Dwayne said he
doesn't want us to get adopted.

Don't you? Things have been
good since we were with them.

Yeah.

Dwayne hasn't even
asked you yet, has he?

No.

Oh, that is proper sly.

Look, I'm not being funny, but in
a few years he'll be done, gone,

and you'll be the one living in
the house with your alkie mum,

you understand?

So you've got to
stand up to him.

Don't let him ruin
your life too.

I've explained to Mrs Doubleday,
so please don't let me down.

Can you do me a pot of
tea, please? Three cups?

Do you want to...?

Mrs Doubleday, I...

I owe you an apology.

What you saw earlier
was unprofessional

and totally inappropriate.

I really hope that my actions
won't affect the school.

I've had some...

Sorry, I've had some personal
issues that have just spilled over.

I've explained myself
to Miss Campbell

and I'll do the same
to the students.

I will take whatever
steps are necessary.

It did overstep the
mark, Mr Casey... Mm.

..and will, of course, need
to be mentioned in my report.

Yeah. But, fortunately, there have
been plenty of positive sentiments

from the students.

I had to take some time
off work myself last year.

It does give you
a different view.

All done. Slacks back?

Thanks, Wendy.

Hey, are you going to tell
me what went on before?

And don't fob me off telling
me there's a call for Coral

or Val or anyone else,
because I checked.

I'm not sure what to tell you.

I was just passing on a message.

No-one passed you a message.

All right, look.

I knew that you were never
going to get a fair shot

from that inspector, OK?

How?

I just knew that he was
going to do an observation

that didn't accurately reflect what
an extremely capable ECT you are.

I can't see him being
in the job once longer,

once Ofsted find out
about his behaviour.

Oh.

So, you had my back?

Thanks.

What happened to caring less?

Ah! Maybe I was just being a
bit of a grouch this morning.

Well, it certainly looked
like you enjoyed it.

You were really going for it!

Give over! No, it's nice
to see you that way, Neil.

Just letting go and
having fun with it.

And the kids loved it.

Yeah, well, maybe I did get
a bit of a buzz out of it.

This might surprise you,

but I didn't always
used to be this stale.

I was a wide-eyed newly
qualified too, once.

Yeah? What happened?

Sorry.

Anyway, back to house lets.

You not seen anything?

No. God, they're all
stupidly expensive.

Mm.

Look, this probably won't work

and is a bad idea in
every way, shape and form,

and no doubt you don't want
a 50-year-old housemate

who goes to bed at
10pm every night

and really, really needs the toilet
roll hanging the correct way round,

but I've got a spare room.

We could trial it?

Beards are good,
mullets are bad.

That's how you know which way
round to hang the toilet paper.

The room's yours.
Are you serious?

I don't know. Maybe.
I... Oh, thank you!

Thank you, Neil!

Right, going to start packing
up all my teddies and shoes.

NEIL LAUGHS

Drama teacher for a housemate?

Oh, do let me know
how that goes!

And breathe. KIM SIGHS

The verdict?

Er, soul-destroying
and exhausting.

Don't know.

Do you know, it wasn't all bad.

They were impressed
with our pastoral care

and with the BU,

but there were obviously
very lengthy recommendations.

But do you know what, actually?

Considering the fact that
they just parachuted in,

I think that we did
really, really well.

Right, why don't you two get
yourselves off home and rest?

Are we not settling in
for a lengthy debrief?

No, I think we should just wait for
the actual report to come out, OK?

Go on home.

Thank you.

Hmm.

What happened to the joggers?

I burnt them. Shame.

Just your colour,
that banana yellow.

It'll be OK, you know,
whatever happens.

Sir, one sec.
Wait, wait, wait.

Wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait. Er, right, what?

Wait, wait, wait.

What are we doing?

Wait, wait, wait.

I'm ready.

Ahem, so, we are making a
peaceful protest for you

because we love you and we just
don't really want to see you go.

And there's no need to
be all dramatic with it

because, sir, I did
like them pants.

LAUGHTER

OK, I am not leaving.

Right? So we can all
get up off the ground.

It worked!

Yeah, stop ruining your
uniforms. Get up. Come on, then!

He weren't even
going, you muppet!

Sir, you can't leave anyway
before you see me finish,

cos I'm, like, your
pro-digy. Prodigy.

Protegee? I don't know.

I'm really happy
to see you stay.

Thank you.

See? Someone does like
you round here, then.

Er, don't start.

Thank you very much.

You all right, sausage? Yeah?

Right, well, today has
been a lot for everyone,

so I think we need to
go home, chill and,

when you're both ready, we can talk
about how we move things forward

with your mum.

Is that it? You're just
going to give us back?

What are you on about?

I'm sick of you
bossing me about.

I still want to get adopted.

I don't want to
go back to my mum.

You go, I'm staying
with Joe and Mike.

Zayne! Zayne!

It's all right, I'll
go, I'll go, I'll go.

What have you said to
him? I don't know, just...

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hi, Lenny, it's Kim Campbell.

Oh, hello again.

How can I help?

I've been thinking.

We should get you back in.

Hey. Hello.

I'm sorry I didn't get to see
you before I went back in.

I looked for you at lunch.

Well, I met this guy.

Have you got
something to tell me?

No.

Miss Campbell set it up.

He was a youth worker.

And we just ended
up talking for ages.

And when he was speaking,
you could tell, like,

that he wasn't fake.

Just got me thinking.

What?

That maybe I could do
something with my experiences.

So you want to be, like,
a youth worker now?

Nah. I were thinking something
more like criminology.

I know that I probably won't be
able to get a job with my record,

but I really like the
idea of doing research

into why people commit crimes,

so maybe I could go
back and understand.

So you'd be, like, a professor and
just do homework all your life?

Yeah, well, you know
that I like homework.

And why are you such a geek?

Honestly, though, it looks like
you've got your twinkle back.

I'm just sick of feeling sorry
for myself, moping about.

My past is behind me and
I can do whatever I want.

Get your washing done, babes?

Here.

This is all I could get.

Not for me.

Boss wants a word.

HE LAUGHS

Is that a joke?

That's not going to cut it.

Not by a long shot.

I need my money by
the end of the week.

All of it.