02x01 - Episode #2.1

[bunniefuu]

(Gulls cry)

(Punch bag thudding)

(Dogs barking)

(Talk radio playing)

Another scorcher
here in Barco.

All your favourite hits.

But first here's the news
and sport.

PRESENTER: Temperatures hit
41 degrees again yesterday.

Forecasters are warning of
record-breaking temperatures.

(Children squeal and laugh)

(Train's hooter blares
in distance)

(In Malayalam):

(Engine fails to start)

Just one more day.

That's all I'm asking for.

Please?

(Engine splutters into life)

Acute dehydration, he'll need
another bag or two of saline.

That's assuming we get
the delivery, of course.

Mr Sharma, I have told you
to stop scratching.

I know it's uncomfortable but
you're making it worse.

You're early. Worms to catch?

I couldn't sleep.
I thought I'd get a head start.

Snap. Great minds et cetera.

Although maybe
it's a female thing.

Thank you. Oh, yeah.

Incipient heat stroke.

We'll have to re-check her renal
functions later this morning.

If it's OK, she walks.
We need every bed we can get.

- Sure.
- How's your new place?

Great.

Although my landlady is very
keen that I marry her nephew.

Consider it. Long engagement.

Could save on rent.

What happened to him?

Tourist.
Got too close to a ceiling fan.

Of course, what he really needs
is a brain transplant

but there are some things beyond
even my considerable talents.

- Why aren't you writing this?
- It's up here. Steel trap.

Then how about a new challenge?
Your first solo night shift.

Unless, of course,
you have other plans?

No, tragically,
I'm all yours tonight.

Good.
Then consider yourself on trial.

Right, time for
morning briefing.

The stragglers
should have arrived by now.

Ready for action, Dr Walker?

Now, this damn heat wave is
still causing us problems.

We've treated 16 cases of heat
stroke already this week.

It's utterly oppressive. I've
never known anything like this.

Heat is simply a state of mind.

The human body is perfectly
adapted to deal with it.

If you wish to be cool, you
simply have to believe.

Clearly my faith is lacking.

So, Dr Varma aside,
we shall all have to cope.

Although we're low on IV fluids,
I think?

Sister?

Sorry. New supplies
were ordered yesterday.

- I can chase them this morning.
- Please do.

Finally, Dr Walker will complete
our outstanding home visit.

There's been a request
from the Mathew farms,

about 20 miles up in the hills.

Do you think that's prudent?
I mean, sending her alone.

Murali Mathew can be difficult.

She needs to be able to handle
our most challenging patients.

Unless, of course,
you don't feel you're up to it?

I'm sure I can handle him.

(Bell ringing)

Come this way. Make way
for the wheelchair, thank you.

Not now. Female ward.
What is this?

Wait!

- Do you have enough gauze?
- Yep.

Murali Mathew is
a tricky customer.

Maybe you should take
your boxing gloves.

DELIVERY MAN: Dr Walker?

Dr Ruby Walker?

- See you later.
- Ruby Walker?

This way.

- You need to sign here.
- Oh, yeah.

What?

I decided to upgrade.

Capable off road, more range,
higher top speed.

Oh, and so much more stylish.

Looks aren't everything.

I prefer something
I can rely on.

Call me when it breaks down
in the middle of nowhere.

It won't.
So I don't need rescuing.

I'm not rescuing you.

I just want to be the first to
know when it happens.

OK.

(Engine revs)

(Horn toots)

LYDIA: Your mother has been
severely affected by the heat.

She's critically dehydrated

and I suspect
her kidneys are already failing.

- How old is she?
- 99 years, Doctor.

We'll help her as best we can.

But in circumstances like these,
there's not much we can do.

Oh, please, Dr Fonseca.

We've travelled many miles
in this heat for your help.

Only you can save her.

I understand. But sometimes
a dignified death in your bed...

My mother has seen such things
in her life, Doctor.

Do you know she touched
Mahatma Ghandi's dhoti?

Ask her, she'll tell you.

Still everything is clear
like yesterday.

And these are her wishes too,
are they?

Of course.

She wants to live.

On this, she's very clear.

So am I.

MARI: People should listen
to reason.

Suddenly every patient and their
wife thinks they're a doctor.

I blame Google.

Sometimes it takes a little
while for reality to sink in.

Well, let's hope it doesn't take
too long, for everyone's sake.

Is everything all right?

Of course. Why?

It's usually me getting
irritated by the patients.

(Mari sniffs)

My apologies, Dr Fonseca.

It must be the heat
beginning to get to me.

(Engine revs)

(Horn toots)

(Children clamouring
and laughing)

OK, hello.

Oi! Hey, give that back!

(Clamouring)

Give me that!

- (Horn beeps)
- Don't touch that.

(Speaks Malayalam)
Jasprit Mathew?

You. You strong?

Show me your muscles. OK.
100 rupees, yeah?

Get all these kids off my bike

and you'll get another 100
when I'm back.

Good work.

Let me know where it hurts.

OK.

How's that?

You need to let me know
where it hurts.

Is it hurting?

Just a little.
It's really not too bad.

See? The boy's fine.

Your son's heart is racing
and he has a temperature.

Then treat him and let him
get back to his work.

The crops must come in today.
They're dying in this heat.

Your son has appendicitis.
It could already be ruptured.

I need to get him to hospital
as soon as possible.

Enough of this now.

You've seen the doctor, now stop
the nonsense and get up!

Don't touch him.
He's sick. He's sick!

Look, I need to treat your son.

He needs antibiotics into his
veins, maybe even surgery,

so he needs to get
to hospital fast!

What are you?

A girl of 15 or 16?

How dare you defy me!

Now get out of my house
or you'll get a taste of this!

Papa.

I'm not going anywhere.

I need an ambulance to the
Mathew Farm immediately.

I've got a septic patient
with acute appendicitis.

Well, where the hell is AJ?

Not again?

Speeding? Third offence?
For God's sake, AJ.

Dad, she hates me, OK?

I dated her once.

She just wants a bribe.
Then we can forget about it.

Huh?

Officer.

- My son apologises.
- Uh-huh?

I will drive him home.
You can keep the licence.

Just give me the keys.

Thank you.

Get out. Get out!

Even I expected it to last
more than a morning.

Hurry up and help.

Patient. Stretcher, come.

Acute abdominal pain.
Clearly inflamed appendix.

One, two, three. Go.

- Careful.
- Easy.

OK.

One, two, three. Lift.

No.

- But, Dad!
- Give me the ambulance keys!

- OK, but... Fine.
- Thank you.

Ranjit! Please come.

Why call Ranjit?
He's nothing to do with this.

You'll soon come to know.
Ranjit, congratulations.

You are our new
ambulance driver.

AJ: Ridiculous!
What am I supposed to do now?

My, what are you supposed to do?
I'll tell you what.

You are supposed to do this.

You're gonna make me an orderly?

That's right.
Report to Sister Mari.

When she says, "Jump,"
you'll ask how bloody high.

OK. Fine. Dr Fonseca,
Come on, please.

Sorry, this is out of my hands.

But I have to say it does seem
an excellent idea.

In fact, I'm rather ashamed
I didn't think of it myself.

Fine.

The pain seems better.

He's had morphine
and a litre of saline.

And his belly is soft.

It's probably just
mesenteric adenitis.

Your son has
a mild viral infection.

It has affected the lymph nodes
in his belly.

But er...he should make
a full recovery.

Finally,
a real doctor has seen him.

I don't agree.

When I examined him, he had
all the signs of appendicitis -

- fever, pain...
- Quiet!

The doctor has seen him now.

Er...Dr Walker?

- You asked me for my opinion.
- No, I asked for help.

From an experienced colleague.
If you wish to ignore me...

It could still be an appendix.

The morphine I gave
could mask the pain.

- Highly unlikely.
- But possible.

- If you're wrong, he could die.
- I know.

That is the kind of decision
a surgeon makes every day.

Now, if you don't feel you can
handle that kind of pressure...

What?

OK, let's ask Lydia.

I agree with Dr Varma.

It's probably
just mesenteric adenitis.

But we can't take any chances.

Not when you live 20 miles
past the back of beyond.

The appendix comes out today.

In fact, it's a perfect teaching
case for Dr Walker.

It's about time you tried
your hand at surgery.

And I'm sure
you'll be delighted to assist.

It's just a consent form to say
that you agree to us operating.

If you like,
I can read it out for you?

Well...

Thank you for the offer,
but I can read.

I just like to know what it is
that I'm signing.

I'm sorry. Of course.

I think you are blushing.

Or maybe it is just the heat?

Definitely blushing.
Of course you can read.

This is your first operation?

Not only can I read and write,
but I've fully-functional ears.

I'm going to be
fully supervised.

Dr Varma is
an excellent surgeon.

Then I'm in two pairs
of safe hands.

(Monitor beeping)

GABRIEL: Are we ready?

Kn*fe, please, Sister. No.

Dr Walker is our surgeon today.

Bolder.

There's no room for doubt.

If you can't trust
your own judgment,

how can you ask
the patient to trust you?

Swab, please.

GABRIEL: Retractors.

Now lift the peritoneum.

Make the incision with
the Metzenbaum scissors.

I'm through. Now what?

Identify the inevitably
normal appendix

at the base of the caecum,
then deliver it into the wound.

And you're sure
it's going to be normal?

- Absolutely.
- Because you're always right?

Because I trust my own judgment.
Deeper.

Feel for the bowel wall.

LYDIA: Clearly I'm just in time
for the main event.

Carry on, Dr Walker.

(Vacuum pump hisses)

Acutely inflamed. In fact,
on the verge of perforation.

So I'd say Dr Walker
has won this little battle.

When you're finished,
send it to the lab.

- I'll prescribe antibiotics.
- No problem.

Dr Nair could use a hand
in the incontinence clinic?

Dr Walker seems to have
everything under control here.

(Laughter)

MARI: AJ?

AJ?

AJ.

AJ!

Someone has vomited in
Outpatients. Twice.

Poor Dr Varma.

I simply assumed
he'd been sucking lemons again.

He'll get over it.

Regular humiliation does him
the world of good.

Yeah.

Erm...can I ask you a question,
Lydia?

Yeah. Of course.

Much as I value
your friendship...

- No!
- (Chuckles)

It is for Mala!

I think it's beautiful.
As is she.

- Do you think she'll accept?
- Only one way to find out.

Gonna ask her tonight?

Tonight?
Do you think I should?

There's only one cure
for cold feet.

Hold them to the fire.

Hey. Thanks for helping me.

It was...fun,
if that's the right word?

You're on call tonight, yes?

First night in charge
on your own.

Mm. For my sins.

I have some patients
you need to review.

Sure. No problem.

Got plans?

Actually...I have a date.

LYDIA: The only thing a doctor
likes better than being right

is proving
another doctor wrong.

I don't think Dr Varma
sees it that way.

Sometimes it's hard being
a man in a woman's world.

The truth is, being born with
a penis is a huge disadvantage.

There she is,
the oldest woman in India.

Probably.

Her daughter won't let her go.

- What do you want me to do?
- Her kidneys are failing.

So more fluids if her pressure
drops, nothing more.

If the good Lord wants her,
we shouldn't stand in her way.

Right. I better go home and see
what devastation awaits.

Apparently, my supper's on
the table. Something special.

Have fun.

I'll try, but expect
I'll have to have sex first.

A woman's work.
Call me if you need me.

Of course.

My ship is in your hands
tonight.

Keep her from the rocks, please.

(Motorcycle engine revs)

Hey. How are you feeling?

Better. Thank you.

Very neat.
Not bad for a first effort.

David Copperfield?

Yeah. Have you read it?

Honestly, Dickens pretty much
passed me by.

I'm mostly medical books.

My appendix
is grateful for that.

- You like to read?
- Always.

To be honest,
I'm not much of a farmer.

That was always
my father's life.

He seems very angry.

Only when he is awake.

He is a good person, really.

He just likes to have
his own way.

If I'd listened to him,
we might not be talking.

He will want us
to leave tomorrow.

You're my patient, which means
you leave when I say so.

Nothing intimidates you,
does it?

It's an act.

Don't tell anyone.

So does it have a happy ending?

When I finish,
I will let you know.

Gin and tonic?

Believe it or not, it's not the
first time I've co-habited.

Do I want to hear this?

Picture a one-bedroom flat
in Stourbridge.

I was 19.

Wendy worked at the brewery.

Free samples.

Very adventurous girl.

Truly, I was living the dream.

I really don't want
to hear this.

It all started with
a single pink toothbrush.

One day it just appeared in the
half-pint pot by the wash basin.

I raised the issue and was told
it was merely convenience.

But it didn't stop there.

Next came spare underwear...

a bathrobe.

Then one day I opened
the wardrobe and it hit me.

What?

Seven pairs of shoes, a foot spa

and the fact that I was
in a serious relationship.

(Laughs) What did you do?

I did what any 19-year-old
would do in that situation.

I treated her appallingly
until she left me.

Forgive me for not being
surprised.

I was young and foolish.

Good thing you've changed then,
eh?

I mean, look.

It's perfect.

Enough to make
anyone fall in love.

There's a lot of it about.

An engagement ring's burning a
hole in Ram's pocket as I speak.

Is that a hint?

What? God, no!

- Were you being serious?
- Of course not.

Here, I'll get your dessert.

Thank you.

(Insects trilling)

(Greg hums to himself)

(Rumble of thunder)

(Cutlery clattering in kitchen)

AJ: Is he OK?

He has a fever.
His pulse is too high.

I need you to go
and get more fluids.

Mari said we're
down to the last three bags.

Which my patient needs. Now.

OK.

So, Doctor, now that you've
cured him, can he leave?

Your son has just had
a major operation

and the infection
spread to his belly.

- He needs antibiotics and time.
- Maybe some other doctor?

- I'm not...
- If he's not well...

Tonight I am the senior doctor
in this hospital.

Which means
my decision is final.

(Woman sobbing)

Mari?

(Mari sobs)

I'm so sorry, Doctor.
This is totally unprofessional.

Sorry.

Are you OK?

I thought it was just
a squabble.

And then this morning
I got this.

Apparently er...
he's found someone else...

..who can provide what I can't.

I'm sorry. Really.

- Thank you.
- I'm sorry.

No, no.

It's me who should apologise.

This is totally irresponsible to
bring personal problems to work.

I will not do it again.

- Mere self-indulgence. No.
- Mari, wait.

I don't mind talking. Wait.

(Electricity fizzes,
machinery powers down)

MARI: We need to start
the backup generator.

(Thunder rumbles)

You know how to use this?

Of course, Doctor. This is not
the first time. Hold this.

- Fuel connected?
- Yes. Glow plugs...

(Generator powers up)

(Generator powers down)

That's not good.

AJ's checking to see
if the street lights are out.

It could be down across
the whole state.

It's totally dead.

If there's no power,
nothing will work.

Even the mobiles need power
to the masts.

What do you want to do?

(Match strikes)

OK, let's get as many patients
as possible to the female ward.

That way we can
keep an eye on them.

More torches, more candles,
whatever you can find.

- And then send AJ for help.
- In this?

We don't have a choice.

Yes, Doctor.

Ruby, I need you now. Come on.

(Agitated chatter)

We can't get a blood pressure.

- How long has he been in pain?
- An hour, maybe more.

MARI: His pulse is weaker.

He's tachycardic and
his temperature is up.

What do you want to do?

What's wrong, Doctor? I thought
the procedure went well.

I thought so.

Maybe I didn't close him up
properly.

If I made a mistake, he could be
bleeding at the operation site.

But Dr Varma was there with you.

We need to take him back
to theatre.

We can't without power.

If he's bleeding, it won't stop.

- I have to go in and check.
- Dr Walker, that is impossible!

We either operate now
or we watch him die.

(Thunder rumbles)

(Manual vacuum pump)

- Doctor?
- OK.

OK, turn it on.

MARI: Are you ready?

Ruby?

- Yeah. Let's get on with it.
- OK.

(Thunder crashes)

(Rain patters)

AJ: It's going down.

RUBY: sh*t.

MARI: Doctor, what's wrong?

Ruby?

Nothing.

Nothing's wrong.

No bleeding, no leak.

LYDIA:
What the hell are you doing?

I didn't believe them
when they said you were in here.

Step away, Dr Walker.

We need to wash out
and close up immediately.

Yes, Doctor.

LYDIA: I just want to know why.

I thought it was
the right decision.

To try and operate
during a blackout?

It could have been
a failed anastomosis.

He could have been bleeding out.

And was he?

No.

There's a fine line between
confidence and arrogance.

Let's hope this boy
doesn't pay the price.

Ah, perfect timing.

I need you to take over here.

Check for possible septic shock
post repeat surgery.

She brought him back here alone
so I've created a monster.

Carry on with manual ventilation
till the power comes back on.

Of course.

Doctor?

(Thunder rumbles)

Your son's very sick.

We're doing everything we can
to help him.

Every day he works.

Hours and hours.

He's all I have...

..the only thing in my life
that is worth anything.

I need to talk to him.

The boy's a dreamer, you know?

Head always in the clouds,
or in one of his damn books.

He needed discipline.

I love my son.

I must make sure he knows that.

Follow me.

(Ruby clears her throat)

My patient.

Lydia asked me to take charge.

I know.

I'm afraid it won't be
much longer now.

The time, please?
What is the time?

Almost 4am.

It's too soon. We must continue.
Please, Doctor.

I'm so sorry. There's really
not much more we can do.

(Speaks in Malayalam)

She hears me.

She understands.

(Pump hisses)

Your own father
must be very proud of you.

A doctor so young.

My father left
when I was a baby.

He must have been weak.

Or perhaps...mentally deficient.

(Ruby chuckles)

I think Mum just thought he was
a selfish, self-centred bastard.

I don't even know
if he's dead or alive.

So this is why you came here?

To look for your father?

No.

I came here to...

I don't know why I came here.

I wasn't happy in England,
I know that.

Only a fool wants to be happy.

And you are nobody's fool...
I think.

Oh, finally.
We'll put him on the machine.

(Monitor bleeps)

Hold this.

(Bell tinkles)

GABRIEL: Coffee?

Thanks.

(Gabriel exhales)

How is he?

Yeah, better.

Good.

(Birdsong)

What would you have done?

I don't know.

I'm sorry.

The time of death,
Doctor, please?

Your mother passed away
at 6:10 this morning.

(Sighs)

You will record this?

That's the procedure, yes.

This is fine. She's done it.

Can I get the spanner?

- Ten mil.
- Yes. Yes.

Here.

So this means you are speaking
to your father again?

I think I just did.

You did well last night.

Even Mari said so.

And she's a harsh mistress.

(Sighs)

The piston's completely
seized up.

- It's no good.
- (Clattering)

For God's sake,
say something, AJ.

When do you plan on asking her?

When the time is right.

You know these things, they...
they need the right moment.

You've got to grow up, AJ.

But your father needs to...
let you.

This is the first step
for you and for me.

Well?

Congratulations.

- My boy!
- Ooh!

Can I have my old job back?

Not a chance.

- Good morning.
- How are you feeling?

The boy has the strength
of youth.

One minute they are at death's
door, the next, ready for work.

Well, I think a period of
recuperation is necessary.

Give someone a taste of an idle
life, you've lost them forever.

OK. One day.

Not a minute more!

Mr Matthews, can I just...

I gave you what you asked for,
a chance to speak to him.

Well, I'm quite grateful
for that.

So tell him what you told me.

What?

I am old.
I keep forgetting things.

Tell him that you love him.

Every father loves
their children.

Nobody needs to shout it
from the rooftops.

You will find him one day and
he will tell you this himself.

Can I help you?

It's OK, Doctor.
This is Mr Shafeez.

He's my accountant.

Which doesn't explain why he's
looking at my hospital notes.

This is Shweta,
my granddaughter.

She wishes to go to university.

Ten years ago, my mother placed
a wager with Mr Shafeez,

that she would live
until she was 100 years old.

The odds were high enough

to give her great-granddaughter
an education.

My mother was born at 6:03
on this day, in 1918.

Can you confirm
the exact time of death?

I can.

Thank you for all you've done
for my family.

Ah, Dr Walker! There's
a reporter here to see you.

Someone told them about your
torchlight heroics last night

and they want an interview.

I shouldn't have taken him back.
You know that.

Never let the truth get in
the way of a good story.

Especially if the publicity
helps us get a new generator.

He's outside. Flirt a little.
I have a house call to make.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Go on, smile.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Go on, smile.

I hope they got your good side.

It wasn't my idea.
Lydia insisted.

Of course.

One of her core skills.

So...you finally lost
your virginity.

Your first solo operation.

That makes you a real surgeon.

An unnecessary one
that almost k*lled my patient.

You were alone and you made
the call. That's what matters.

Maybe.

Definitely.

Also, you were right
and I was wrong.

Wow.

Can I have that in writing?

(Gabriel chuckles)

(Engine fails to start)

Can I have a jump start?

- I can't hear you.
- Can I have a jump start?

- I'm sorry, I can't hear you!
- Wait!

LYDIA: Hi.

Can I see some ID, please?

Thank you for dinner last night.

- Shame you missed dessert.
- I'm not an easy person.

I know.

It's a significant part
of your charm.

You could do better.

Well...not better, obviously.

Simpler.

I know that too.

I don't want to be a pink
toothbrush in a half-pint pot.

Christ, what do you have to do
to get a bloody pint round here?

Well, well, well!

You need your wallet
for a start!

- How are you?
- I'm all right.

Pint of Sadlers?

(Laughs) Paul!

- Dr Fonseca.
- Hello, Paul.

GREG: What are you doing here?

PAUL: Love what you've done
with the place.

MARI: I'm really not sure
about this.

Just give it a go, OK?

Good? Good. All right.

OK?

Just start steady, yeah?

Left. Then right, OK?

Good. Harder.

That's his stupid face
right there, yeah?

Get it.

Come on.

A bit more. Harder.

That's it. That's it.
Stupid bloody face.

That's better.

(Sobs)

- Good?
- Thank you.

Do you want to stop?

No.

All right.

(Birdsong)

(Bicycle bell tings)

Your tea, sir.

Thank you.