04x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

Hello?

I wanted a chance to explain... myself and...

Mason out. Mason out.

- Mason out. Mason out.
- No, please, if you'll just...

- Mason out! Mason out! Mason out!
- No, wait a minute, please. Give me a chance...

- Mason out! Mason out! Mason out!
- If you'd just give me a chance to...

- (Shouting) Mason out! Mason out! Mason out!
- Listen to me for a minute.

- Mason out! Mason out! Mason out!
- Can't you give me a chance?

Will you just? Shut up!

No sign of infection.
Good, I think we're getting there.

So, when can I go back to work?

With these kind of injuries,
time really is the greatest healer.

- You should consider further skin grafts.
- No, I've said no.

It's the only way to repair the damage.

Rachel, there really is no reason
why you should have to live with it.

- Well, I don't have the time. I've got to get back.
- You're not physically ready to go back to work.

Or mentally ready, in my opinion.

Well, with the greatest respect,
it's not your opinion that matters right now.

- Morning, Grantly.
- Miss Mason.

- Looking well.
- Thank you.

- Are you raring to go?
- Once more unto the breach.

What's wrong with this picture?

Welcome back.

It's all yours.

Not that I will be spending much time
sitting down this year.

I've had far too much time to sit and think
over the last few weeks.

You were recovering from massive injuries.

Yeah, whatever.

No, I just want to get going.

I made a lot of promises when I came here
and I haven't kept any of them.

That's not true...
In fairness, you did have a few distractions.

Yes, well, this year, I'm going to put that right,

because I don't want this school
to be associated with fire and scandal.

I want it to be a place where people can come
and change their lives for the better.

You have to look after yourself, Rachel.

I'm fine.

I'll be even better
when we see the people we're here for.

- It's assembly. Let's go. Yeah?
- Yeah.

You look good.

Thanks.

- OK, that's enough. Thank you.

- All right, that's enough.

- That's enough. Thank you. Thank you...

Thank you very much, all of you.

Right. Thank you, Mr Lawson,
because I'm sure that you're behind all this fuss.

Well, here we are.

A new year, huh? Some new pupils.

New staff. And, in some places, a new school.

I hope you like what's been done to
the old place. What do you think about it?

(Cheering)
- Yeah? Good!

Good, I'm glad, because
I want you all to go home this afternoon

and tell your mums, your dads,
your grandparents, whoever.

We want them all here,
because we're opening the doors this year.

- Hey, have you seen Grantly?
- No.

I can't wait to hear what he has to say
about all this touchy-feely crap.

And the message that I'm trying to get across
is: If they're in need of something,

the first place we want them to look
is Waterloo Road.

Yeah.

- The state of him. He's absolutely minging.
- I told you to open the window. Give him here.

It's OK, darling. We're here now.
- Wherever here is.

- Looks like another dump to me.
GIRL: We've only been here ten seconds.

- Yeah, twice as long as the last place.
- Kids, don't start...

Yeah, well, we're not flaming moving again,
all right. I don't care what this place is like.

- I don't think anyone's got a problem with that.
- I'm just saying.

- Well, don't. Give us a hand with these bags.
- Oi, I'll take that one.

You too, Denzil. Come on.

Look at you, you've only got one.
- I've got two now, haven't I?

Lt's your bag.
- No, it's not. It's your bag.

Stop moaning.
- Will you pick that up, down there?

Here, get another one.

You carry it. It's your bag.

- Quite a speech she gave, wasn't it?
- Yeah.

I don't know about you,
I'm overcome with emotion.

You, mister, are overcome by a hangover.

I had a big night.

You've been having a big night every night
since you and Colin split.

Hi, I just wanted to say hello. I'm Rob.

- Let me guess, new Head of PE?
- What gave it away, mate?

- I'm Tom. Welcome aboard.
- Tom, nice to meet you.

- For God's sake, Jasmine, put your tongue in.
- What?

I bet the only dribbling that Mr Muscle is into
is on the football field.

- A sports joke? Very good.
- I've been practising.

Well, I'm not interested.

Yeah, I can see that.

Look, I don't date my colleagues.
It's unprofessional.

If I was gonna go out with someone from
the staff room, it wouldn't be a PE teacher.

- Jasmine...
- I'm serious.

Imagine going out with someone who comes
to work with their tracksuit and plimsolls.

I just wanted to say hello. I'm Rob.

- Matt. Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.

- Jasmine.
- Jasmine.

- Yeah, hi.
- I'll leave you to it.

Well, he is fit.
Which, of course, he needs to be, to do his job.

Tell me he didn't hear all of that.

He didn't hear all of that.

Just most of it.

I'm charging you 50 quid,
cos you've got sick on the seats.

I told you, I don't have 50 quid.

Look, you can see
we had to leave in a bit of a hurry.

- It's not my problem. I've got to earn my living.
- I know.

But I don't know what to do for the best.

- I've got some birthday money left, Mum.
- No, it's all right, sweetheart.

- No. Just take it.
- Well, I'll pay you back.

Sorry. It's all we've got.

- No, you're right. It don't matter.
- No, no, you should take it.

No, you obviously need it more than I do.

Earl, it's OK, I've got this, all right?
- No.

I'm not having some poxy cabbie thinking
we're some sort of charity case.

All right.

Where are you going? I'm not done with you.
Who do you think you are? Apologise now.

What the hell do you think you're doing?
Get off him.

- Earl! Earl!
- I will not say that again!

- Now what's going on here?
- And who are you?

I'm the head of this school.
Who the hell are you?

- Your worst nightmare.
- Earl!

I'm sorry about this. We just had a little...

I'm here to enrol the kids in school.

Enrol? Erm... I don't...

That's made your day, hasn't it, love?

- I just need to know...
- Don't worry.

I want to be at your poxy school
about as much as you want me here.

Is there a problem?
Yeah. Five of them.

I should have known when they asked me
to bring them here. Typical Waterloo Road.

- They should have let it burn to the ground.
- Shut up. Get this vehicle off school property.

- Are you OK?
- Yeah, I'm fine.

OK, let's get inside and sort this mess out,
yeah?

And I mean all of you. Come on.

(Low chatter and sniggering)

What's he looking at?

I spoke to the woman at the council.
I sent through all the paperwork, I'm sure of it.

Why else would I be here?

- Sorry, maybe you could try again tomorrow.
- No.

I need you to...

- Look. I'm trying to do the right thing here.
- Yeah, I realise that.

I can't win. When I kept 'em out of school,
you threatened to put me inside,

now the first thing I do
when I get here is bring 'em to school.

OK. Why don't we go to my office?
Let's see what we can do.

Thank you.

Come on, you lot.

Can you give us a hand with the little one?

- Are you sure you can manage all that?
- It's heavier than it looks.

Are you OK, mate?

Yeah, it's just everyone's staring at us,
like we're some sort of freaks.

They're just trying to work out
who the fit new lads are.

You mean the fit new lad
and his scrotey brother.

Come on. Let's get this over with, all right?
We'll be fine.

We're Kellys. This is what we do.

And then some.

Things are gonna be different here, mate.

Right, no dramas.
All you've got to do is keep your head down.

Mouth shut, nose clean, "please", "thank you",
and don't get us chucked out. I know the drill.

This isn't just about you.

You know, there's a chance for all of us here.

I'm just saying
maybe you should just take it easy here, yeah?

Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Dad.

We don't know anything about 'em, except
she's hell bent on dumping her kids on us.

This is the best place for them.

Rachel...

Why don't you get onto their school?
See what you can find out about them?

- Cute baby, Miss.
- Looks just like you, sir.

- Oi, cheeky!
- (Giggles) Right, check him out!

- Who was he staring at?
- I hope it were me.

Really?

Yeah, he's well fit. Ain't he, Chlo?

I wasn't even looking.

What, cos you've only got eyes for Donte?
Don't make me puke.

You're engaged, not dead.

I still don't see how you can be engaged
to someone who you're already married to.

Cos we're gonna do it properly, this time,
with everyone there.

- Yeah, everyone except Celine.
- Yeah, everyone except her.

- Hi, girls. Glad to be back?
- Not really.

No, me neither.

Me neither. Whatever.

- See what I mean about her?
- She'll hear you.

- She needs bringing down a peg or two.
- Leesh!

I don't even know why she got to be head girl.

It's Mr Lawson, trying to keep her daddy happy.

- You're jealous cos she's pretty.
- Pretty? Pretty boring.

Can you really see her
coming up with ideas for the school?

Me, I've got loads of ideas for this place. Heaps.

Aleesha?

You know, if you do have any ideas, you can
always bring them to me. I'd love to hear 'em.

Cheers, I will.

Great. See you later.

God, you're such a cow.

Shut up.

Grantly, what are you doing skulking about
in here? Why weren't you at assembly?

Well, I had no desire to welcome back
our resident lady of the night

and I have more important matters.

Listen, before the rest of the hoi polloi get here,
I need an honest opinion.

About what?

Well?

It is custom-made.

I wanted a good fit.

Of course, because you wouldn't want
to look ridiculous, would you?

Exactly.

Now, I know I'm no matinee idol,

but I think it adds
a certain... je ne sais quoi, as you would say.

- Do you like it?
- Do you know, Grantly, erm...

I don't think it matters what I think.

Do you like it?

Do you know... I think I do.

Good!

Then I would go out there
with my head held high and face the world.

- Do you think so?
- Absolutely.

It just seems a bit hardcore.

We're struggling to teach the kids as it is
without taking their families on too.

To be honest with you,
I don't think we've got much of a say about it.

- I mean, she seems pretty...
...obsessed?

- He isn't going to teach like that, is he?
- Apparently.

- But the kids'll crucify him!
JASMINE: Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

'Ere, sir, I think you've got summat
on top of your head.

- Does it have a name?
- Sir, what do you feed it?

Vanity, thy name is Budgen.

Bums on seats, fingers on lips.

What is that?

Yes, all right. All right. That's enough.

Nice pet, sir. What do you call it?

- Someone's already done that one.

At least try and be original.
I said that was enough.

Come on. Come on. Let's all calm down now.

Thank you.

Right, let's get on, shall we?

I don't understand.
We all know he doesn't have any hair.

Is he just pretending it's grown all of a sudden?
Cos it's not a good lie.

Karla!

Lt looks very real. Just like hair.

The next person to so much as smile
will find themselves in detention for two weeks.

- Do you understand?
- All right, keep your hair on.

- Two weeks!
- Totally worth it.

It was, wasn't it?

Lt can't be done. It's a wreck.

Hey, this is mine and Chlo's future.

I really wish you hadn't said that.

Come on, Tom.
You've just got to have a bit of vision.

This, my friend, is a win-win situation.

And how do you work that out?

Well, while I'm working on this,
I'm also working towards my NVQ, sir.

- Then, when I get it on the road...
- If you get it on the road.

Yeah, when that happens,
me and Chlo can start earning.

Well, I certainly won't argue with that.

Are you all right, mate?
How's your first day going?

Lt's like a first day. You got a little project going?

Little? He reckons he can convert
this bag of bolts into a going concern.

Yeah, a mobile hairdressers. Chlo's Cutz.

I'm going to fit it with cupboards
for all her hair stuff, and that.

- It's gonna be...
- Automatic?

- No, I meant...
- Systematic?

- Hydromatic.
BOTH: Why it's greased lightening.

- Yeah, you're not funny.
ROB: No, no, sorry. If you need any help...

Help? They don't do a can of WD-40
big enough to get this thing on the road.

Right, that's it. Do one.

Let's have date of births,
previous and current address...

- How much longer is this going to take?
- Earl, please.

- It's not like you've got anywhere better to be.
- I could be back home.

No, you couldn't and we both know why. Sorry.

It's just we have a problem
with the current address.

Right?

I don't know what it is yet.

Well, what are we gonna do at home time?

- We don't know where to go, do we?
- For God's sake, Sam, I'll pick you up!

Marley...

Mum, just text us the address.
We'll find our own way back.

Don't be stupid. What's the problem?

By three o'clock you'll be pissed, won't you?

That's not funny. Don't make stupid jokes.

Kids, I'm doing my best here.

- Can you not make it harder?
- I'm not staying and listening to this.

Why don't we all calm down?

Neither of you are going anywhere, OK?
Let's get this sorted out now. Sit down.

I managed to speak to someone
at your old school. A Mrs Fox.

Oh, look,
Earl's really sorry about what happened.

It was just a nasty accident, wasn't it, love?

Sorry? What sort of accident?

The sort where a chair flies across the room.

Things just got a bit out of hand...

Look, we've had our ups and downs, yeah.

But we're trying to make a fresh start.

I've got us a new house
so that we can be a proper family.

And Marley and Earl can get
their exams this year and...

OK. OK. You can stay.

But you need to know that when it comes
to violence, this school has zero tolerance.

So no more flying chairs.

No more picking fights, Earl.

- Earl, I am talking to you.
MUM: And he's listening.

Oh, I'll be a good little boy, I promise.

Good.

Is that it, then?

Sorry. I'll be back for 'em at three.

Three.

OK, these are the timetables for today.

We can fine-tune them,
once we get to know their abilities, I guess.

- Or lack, thereof.
- Come on.

- There isn't one for Marley.
- No, I want to have a one-to-one with him.

Not quite the first day you expected, eh?

Not exactly, no.

Should have known better
than to expect an easy ride.

You'll be needing a drink by the end of play.

I'll even buy it you.

Yeah, maybe. We'll see how it goes, yeah?

Miss Koreshi, Denzil Kelly.

There you go. That'll start you off.

Take a seat over there.

Right, pay attention, everyone.

Mr Wilding, Sambuca Kelly.

(Ripples of laughter)

There we go. And this is... Prince Kelly.
There we are.

How are you doing, mate?

Me wanna play with that.

Marley,
I wonder if you can clear something up for me.

I'll try.

Well, the GCSEs you're resitting...

Your predicted grades,
they were all A's and B's,

- but when it came to the real thing...
- Yeah.

I kind of fell to pieces. Nerves and...

Is that why you didn't turn up to some exams?
Your mum must have been disappointed.

So do you think
that you're over the exam-phobia thing now?

Yeah, I hope so.

Good, because I think you're capable of doing
the resits and the AS levels at the same time.

I don't want to keep you back a year.

- Do you think you can manage that?
- Yeah, definitely.

Good. And you mustn't let anything,
not your nerves or anything else, distract you.

- I know that can be hard.
- No, I want to do this, Miss.

Good. That's good enough for me.

Just wait a minute.
There's somebody I want you to meet. Hang on.

Felicity, can I just introduce you to someone?

Marley, this is Felicity. She's our new head girl.

Flick. My friends call me Flick.

Sorry, Flick. Flick is going to help you settle in.

- I don't need a babysitter, Miss.
- I don't intend to be one.

OK. Timetable and I'll leave you to it. Good luck.

This way.

Ralph? Hello. I thought the Board of Governors'
meeting was at the end of the week.

That's right but, as Chair,
I thought I should welcome you back.

I heard about the vote of no confidence.

Well, I heard about it,
once I'd regained consciousness.

What did you expect?
You'd left this school in ruins, literally.

You'd lied to us about your identity,
there were exam irregularities...

- There had to be a response from the board.
- Yeah, I appreciate that.

And I appreciate
the second chance I've been given.

Last chance.

And you wouldn't have got that
if it had been up to me.

However, certain members of your staff
put up a spirited defence.

- Mr Lawson, I was just telling Miss Mason...
- Yeah, I heard.

There's a phone call for you in the office.

Thank you, Eddie.

Shouldn't be her taking that call.
Shouldn't be her school any more.

That job was yours for the taking.

No, it's Rachel's.

And it always will be,
till she decides otherwise.

Question is, when that happens,
will you still be in the frame?

What if you've blown
your best chance to run this place?

I'll still be able to live with myself.

Not sure I'd have been able to say that
if I'd helped you kick her while she was down.

OK, make a start on your worksheets.

Thanks.

Can I borrow a pen?

Ta.

And a ruler?

Pencil?

- What?
- Pencil.

For God's sake,
I thought you didn't need a baby-sitter.

(Whispering)
- Just listen to the piece quietly.

It's a right doss this, innit?

Don't you ever have any proper music lessons?

- You know, singing and that?

I was gonna join t'choir in my last school,
but we had to move.

- Do you have owt like that?

Can't you take a hint?

- I don't talk to skags.
- I'm not a skag.

You smell like one. Don't they have toothpaste
where you come from?

- Shut up!
- Sambuca Kelly.

You've only been here five minutes and you're
already causing trouble. What is the problem?

You're the problem.

- Am I now?
- If you wanted us to shut up and be quiet,

you should have put on summat better.

We're only listening to this
cos you can't be arsed doing a proper lesson.

Pick up your chair and go over there.
Sit facing the wall for the rest of the lesson.

Maybe you'll be able to keep quiet
with only yourself to talk to.

Haikus are very short poems.
For example: "You rice-field maidens!

The only things not muddy
Are the songs you sing."

Strong images. Don't you think, Denzil?

Perhaps you'd like to read us the next one?

No, thanks.

- Go on, that one there.
- I don't want to.

It's only three lines. Get on with it.

A mo... A mo...

- A mountain...

Right, look that's enough. I'll take it all this noise
means you're eager to get on with some work.

"When that mine eye is famished for a look,

Or heart in love with sighs
himself doth smother."

Excellent. Very well read. Right, who's next?

Well, come on.
It'd be nice to hear from the boys, for a change.

What about our new arrival?

Do I have to, sir?

Yeah, come on. Show 'em how it's done.

"With my love's picture, then my eye doth feast,

And to the painted banquet bids my heart.

Another time, mine eye is my heart's guest."

Very good. Right, any more volunteers?

OK, I hope you all enjoyed
and got something from that.

Not long to go... Thankfully.

You can spend the rest of the time talking about
what the music meant to you, OK?

Sam, you can go back with the others now.

No, I'm all right, sir. I'll stay here.

I was the new boy in the staff room last year.

It's not easy, is it?

You sort of get used to it
when you're always the new girl.

- Wakey-wakey!
- What the hell are you playing at?

I beg your pardon.

Sorry, Miss, I thought I was at home.

Well, evidently.

Well, I'll have another ten minutes.
You carry on, don't let me bother you.

Listen, matey, you can sleep in your own time.

Get your pen out and get some work done.

(Laughter)

All right, everyone, show over.

Don't forget your homework's due
in tomorrow. Leave the books on the desk.

Denzil, can you help me clear up the books,
please?

- Me?
- Yeah, please.

So, what was it like at your other school?

It must be a big change,
going from primary school to high school.

- I'm used to changing schools.
- I see.

Did any of your other schools
help you with any extra classes?

Do you mean like detention, and that?

No, I mean with your reading.

No, but I do try, Miss.

I know you do. It's just
I think you could do with some extra help.

I did too, when I was your age.

No you didn't. You're an English teacher.

I wouldn't be, if it wasn't for the extra classes.

It gave me a chance to catch up.

One on one, no-one else there to take the mick.

- Do you mean just you and me?
- Yeah.

You might even like it.

So what do you say?
Do you fancy giving it a go?

Yeah, all right.

Excellent.
Well, I'll get back to you with some times.

And thanks for your help.

- Sorry, mate.
- What the hell are you playing at?

- I said sorry. It was an accident.
- No, once is an accident.

- You done it deliberately, this time.
- What do you mean, this time?

- We don't even know who you are, man.
- Carry on like that and you soon will.

You should get to know who I am,
before you start sh**ting your mouth off.

Where do you think you're going?
Do you think this is finished?

- Get off him, man.
- Or what?

TOM: Or you'll have me to deal with. Now move!

Don't think this is finished.

Hey, go on.

What the hell was all that about?

Nothing.

Look, I know it's hard for you,
starting at a new school,

but you're not going to make it
any easier throwing your weight around.

I don't know what it was like at your last school,
but there's no need for it here. OK?

- Hey, I haven't finished yet.
- Get off me.

- Look, I'm doing you a favour.
- I said, get off me.

Where's it going to get you,
speaking to people like that?

I'm warning you. Don't mess with me.

Or what? Hey? Hey?

Trust me, you don't want to know.

Hey! Now I'm going to pretend that
you didn't just do that, cos it's your first day.

If ever you do that to any teacher, you'll be off
the premises before you know what's hit you.

Do you understand me?

- I've been looking for you.
- I've been looking for you. Have you seen...

That new Year 12 hotty?

- Oh my God, he is mega fit.
- I saw him first.

- So what? Just one problem.
- What?

Flick Mellor's already rolling out
the welcome wagon.

- They got a problem?
- Not with you.

- What is it?
- Just be glad that you're a boy.

Come on.

- So, where were you before?
- Dewsbury. Blackpool before that.

All over the place, really.

Marley. Marley, you're gonna have to stop her.

It didn't take her long, did it?

Mum.

It's not even 11 o'clock yet.

Don't tell me lies. I can tell the time.

I'm picking you up, like I said I would.

Where's Earl? I've not got all day, you know.

- Mum, I'll take you home.
- I don't want you. Where's Earl?

Mum, you said you weren't gonna do this again.

- Do what?
- Get pissed and show us up.

Show you up, is it?

- I'll show you up, you little...
- Mum, no, you're off your face.

Have you been down the Housing Association,
or did you go straight to the offy?

I've got the keys. It's a nice place.

Good. You need to go back there.
You need to sober up, OK.

- We'll be home later. Come on.
- I'm sorry, darling.

- You know I wouldn't...
- Yeah, I know.

Just go home.

Be... be good.

- Marley, are you all right?
- Yeah, I'm fine.

Earl!

Come here.

Are you all right, kid?

- He shot you?
- Yeah, but just with his fingers, obviously.

Have any of you had dealings with him?
Lt's not just me, is it?

- I thought he was a cheeky little sod.
- He's a bloody nutter.

That family's not had an easy time of it,
you know, Tom.

Well, the other brother seems OK.

They've been pushed from pillar to post
by the mother.

Exactly, I was going to have a word
with Rachel...

To ask what she was thinking when
she enrolled them in the first place, I hope.

We're always being told
that resources are overstretched.

Perhaps they'd be a bit more elastic if
we didn't take in every nut job and charity case,

let alone whole families of 'em.

Wow! Lt's just like Bob Geldofs in the room.

Or maybe even Bruce Forsyth.

Marley?

Marley, I just wanted to say...
I'm sorry about your mother.

Sorry?

I don't mean...
I just, I realise what you're going through now.

Do you?

- If there's anything I can do to help...
- There is.

Good.

You can shut up about it.

- Boxing?
- Girls' football?

They ever actually won anything?

- It's not all about the winning, you know.
- Yeah, that's what losers usually say.

Actually, that's what you say
when your back four leaks like a sieve.

Let's see if we can bring home
some silverware, this season.

Nice. I like to hear someone's actually
taking it seriously for a change.

Well, there's more to being a PE teacher
than coming to work in tracksuit and plimsolls.

You know, I've been thinking...
I really ought to do more exercise.

Apparently, you should do something every day
that gets you hot and sweaty for 20 minutes.

- Only 20?
- Well, 30 if you really want to feel the burn.

Oh, for God's sake.

Excuse me, guys,
while I go and have an adult conversation.

Miss Mason!

I've just had the new boy in my class -
Denzil Kelly.

He really seems to be struggling
with his reading and writing.

Well, that doesn't come as a surprise, really.

From what I gather, none of those kids
have ever really had a chance to settle.

I can't believe that none of his other teachers
has ever picked up on it, or even cared.

It's great you caught the problem early.
We can do something straightaway.

I've spoken to him about extra tuition,
and he seems up for it, so I've organised this...

- Sorry. I just hope you don't think I'm...
- It's fantastic that you've taken that initiative.

Some other staff members
could learn from you, I think. Well done.

Nice view? Steph, shouldn't you
be preparing for your interview?

Interview? For what?

- Mr Kelly. How's your first day going?
- Good.

Good, I'm glad to hear that.

Look, it's not easy starting somewhere new.

I know how intimidating it can be.

But I really think you can find a place here
if you give it a chance.

Yeah?

Yeah. I've seen people
in very similar situations as yours.

They've managed to turn things around
for themselves and make a go of it.

With a bit of effort, I think you can too.

Well, I'm gonna try.

Thanks, Miss.

Good. Lecture over.

Have you managed to make any mates yet?

I've talked to a couple of people.

Made sure they know who I am
and what I'm about.

I'm meeting 'em for lunch now, so...

OK. Well, the canteen's that way.

What did tough guy have to say for himself?

- I think it's all bravado.
- Yeah?

I think he's gonna be fine,
once he realises that doesn't work here.

All right, Earl? What you doing?

So... what do you think to this place, then?

- It's a dump.
- I think it's crap too.

It's worse than the last place.

I might go home, it's that crap.

Just walk out.

What do you think?

- Do what you like.
- You could come with us.

- Paul?
Do you wanna bunk off with me?

Are you coming, or what?

- What does it matter?
- You're the one making a big deal of it.

I just want to keep out of that new kid's way.
I think he's a bit of a...

- A bit of a what?
- Nowt.

- Look, I don't know what your problem is, man.
- I don't have a problem.

I just want to show you summat.

Go on, then.

Not here.

Come on, I think you'll like it.

No, it's all right. We've got stuff to do.

Do a lot of stuff together, do you, boys?

OK. If you want to be left alone
with your boyfriend, that's up to you.

All right. Better be worth it.

Bolton, no.

He was calling you g*y as well. Come on.

- What are you doing?
- Keep going. Keep going.

- Where are you taking me?
- Wait. Wait. Stop. Stop.

What?

Look!

At what?

The van, Chlo! I bought it.

What with?

I borrowed money off my dad.

I know it looks like a hunk of junk at the moment

but I promise you,
when it's kitted out, it's going to be mint.

What for, Donte?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Are you ready?

Bam!

You are gonna be a mobile hairdresser.

It'll be like having your own salon,
but on wheels.

What do you think?

I think you've just wasted a load of money
we didn't even have in the first place.

Brilliant.

Right, Eddie, what do you think?
Formal, at the table? Informal, on the sofa?

I'm sorry, what is it you're asking me exactly?

The Head of Extended Services interviews.

Formal? Informal?

- You know me, I'm an informal sort of guy.
- Yes, you are.

No, I'm gonna go formal.
We've got to put the pressure on.

We're looking for someone who's unflappable,
in control. We're looking for someone special.

Yeah, you're right.

It's difficult for any teacher to get adults fired up.
It's like you need magic powers.

But it's not just teachers who can work magic.
Maybe we should think outside the box.

- Maybe.
- OK, let's get the first one in.

- So what's the big deal, then? Ooh!
- What the hell have you got that for?

- Let me see this.
- Look with your eyes, not your hands.

- It's not even real, is it?
- Isn't it?

- Why have you even brought it to school?
- Why do you think?

What, protection?

Maybe there's actually
a reason for us moving to this dump, eh, Den?

Yeah.

Maybe you want us to think you're a bit gangsta
instead of the tosser you are.

- You what?
- Look, this is stupid. I'm off.

- Look...
- You're going nowhere.

...I won't say anything to anyone. I just...

What? What's wrong?

I just don't wanna be here, all right?

What's up? Are you scared?

- Just leave him alone, yeah.
- You are, aren't you?

Scared it might just go off in my hand.

No, I'm...

- Bang!
- That's not bloody funny.

- Just let me out.
- Just let him go.

What are you gonna do about it, if I don't?

So, how are you going to sell
Waterloo Road to adults?

Get them through the doors and eager to learn?
Make them part of the school community?

I've always thought
that education was its own reward.

Yes, right, but how are you
going to get that message out there?

You know, pass it on?

A couple of leaflets? Open evening.

That's what you're after, isn't it?

Grantly, do you actually believe
in opening the school to everyone?

Of course. While they're in here, they're not
out there nicking cars and robbing old ladies.

Unless you're going to offer a class in that
as well.

So what we're looking for
is someone who can identify what's needed.

Adult education classes, after-school clubs,
drop-in advice for teenage health issues.

Those are ideas that I've been kicking around,
but I'm sure you've got lots.

Ideas? Oh, absolutely, I'm full of them.

I believe that ballroom dancing is very popular.

Wine tasting? Jam making?

Speed dating?

Thought you were really funny, didn't you?
Bumping into me.

I told you, it was an accident.

- Not laughing now, are you?
- There's nothing to laugh at any more.

- Look, I'm really sorry.
- And?

And... it won't happen again, I promise.

- Just let me go, please.
- Not yet.

I mean, you say you're sorry,
but I'm just not feeling it.

Perhaps you should show me
how sorry you are.

What are you on about?

On your knees.

Just leave him alone, man. Paul, don't do it.

Don't listen to him.
He's got you in enough trouble.

Get down, now.

Just get down...

...say you're sorry and we'll call it quits.

I'm really sorry.

That wasn't hard, was it?

Your turn.

Thank you for coming.
- Where did you find him?

- I quite liked the last one.
- What?

He was the same as the rest. Mediocre, at best.

We're looking for someone
with a bit of vision and drive.

You make it sound like you're looking for
a cross between Rambo and Mother Theresa

with a bit of Jeremy Kyle thrown in.

Maybe I am. These interviews are not over
until the right person walks through that door.

Hi, I'm Melissa Ryan.

- Oh, I don't seem to have you on my list.
- No, no, no. I added her to the list.

She's a late entry.
Nice to meet you, Melissa. Take a seat.

You mean she missed the deadline?

Can we worry about the details later, Eddie?

What to do with you?

Any ideas, Den?

Didn't think so.

I know.

My trainers are a bit dirty...

You said if I say sorry...

Put a shine on 'em while you're down there,
will you?

You're going to be sorry you did this.

Am I? Am I really?

I reckon you could put a better shine on 'em.

- With your tongue.
- No way, mate. It's not going to happen.

Earl, he's getting away.

You better go after him.

Tell him to keep his mouth shut, yeah.

I'm sorry, I left you. I just couldn't...

- Shut up and keep walking, man.
EARL: Come on, Den.

- Do you reckon he'd use it? Do you reckon?
- Shush!

It happens in America. Some nutter taking out
all those who had pissed him off.

- We should tell someone.
- That's the last thing we're going to do.

- He'll know it was us, Paul.
- How?

Cos we're the only ones he's shown it to,
apart from his idiot brother.

Just keep it shut. If he even thinks we've talked
about grassing him up, he'll k*ll us. End of.

(Bell rings)
- Come on.

- Hey?
- What?

- Where is he?
- Who?

Santa Claus. Who do you think?
Den, what were going on back there?

- Dunno.
- Well, you were there.

Den, just stay away from him, all right.
He's only gonna get you in trouble again.

- Suppose.
- And the rest of us.

- I'd quite like to stay at this school.
- Me too. They're all right here.

This dead nice teacher's gonna help me
with my reading.

That's brilliant, Den.

Let's not let Earl mess this up, OK.

Here you are. Give it here.

It's down there, all right? Go on.

Thanks, Marley.

That's her, there. The one that called me a skag.

- What, her?
- Yeah.

Think you're smart, do you?
Picking on the new girl?

- I never said anything.
- What, so my sister's lying?

I was only joking.

So, you did say summat. Which one is it?

- I didn't mean it.
- Well, you're not funny!

I'm going to tell you this once.
You pick on my sister, you pick on me.

Do you understand me?

Good.

Cos if I find out you've even looked at her funny,
I'll be waiting for you after school.

And you might not make it home.
Do you understand?

You all right?

That's what extended services are all about.

I just love people. Getting in amongst them,
finding out what they need.

But it is important
to keep that professional distance.

Yeah, of course. I always keep something back.
You know, arms length.

Well, which is it? Are you in people's faces,
or do you keep them at arm's length?

Erm, well... I think you can do both, actually.

And let things go when you get home.

Looking at your CV,
you've got some good, relevant experience.

Yes, that was my work in the voluntary sector.
That was a real eye-opener.

Taught me a lot about myself,
what I'm capable of.

And you've undergone training there.

Big difference -
training and actually doing the job.

But I do have plenty of life experience.
That's what this job needs.

Someone who understands that people are
about more than bits of paper and qualifications.

Right. Well, thank you very much for coming.

Is that it? Thanks.
And thank you for putting me through my paces.

- Really nice to meet you.
- Bye, then.

- She was great.
- You obviously didn't need my input.

- Eddie, sometimes...
- Someone just shoved this under your door.

Oh, right, thank you.

- Bye.
- Speak soon.

What is it?

There's a g*n in the school.

Sorry, Miss. I should have gone at lunchtime.

I don't need the gory details. Just sit down.

Books out. I want you to copy your favourite
sonnet and tell me why it's your favourite.

Get on with it.

- Somebody's idea of a joke.
- Sick joke.

A g*n? Here, Eddie? On our first day back?

No, I'm not falling for that. It's ridiculous.
When I find out who's done that...

- Rachel, calm down.
- I won't calm down.

This is Rochdale, not Hackney or Moss Side.
This is not happening.

You have to evacuate the school.

- I'm not gonna put people through that again.
- The fire.

I do not want this school to be full of
panicked and traumatised kids.

It's supposed to be a place of safety,
for the kids.

Of course. Now, listen, we do this quietly.

Class by class.

We keep it calm, controlled.

We do it that way and nobody's gonna panic.
Nobody's gonna do anything stupid.

- OK. Right, nobody's gonna do anything stupid.
- Exactly.

Right. Thank you.

I'll call the police, OK,
and you evacuate the school.

Good.

Right.

Wake up, boy.

Larkin at his most evocative.

- Can I help you?
- Nah, mate, you're all right.

Are you supposed to be in this class?

I'm Earl. What's your name?

Hiya, I'm Janeece. This is Max.

Max.

Now we've got the introductions out...

Sssh, I'm trying to have a conversation here.

Psst! I was gonna go home, until I saw you.

I'm not interested, all right?

So there we are.

Not interested?
I haven't even made you an offer yet.

You've got a high opinion of yourself if you think
this is gonna get me to drop my knickers.

- OK, you're leaving.
- You think I've got a high opinion of myself?

Lt's not as bad as the low opinion
you've got of yourself.

If I wanted someone easy,
I'd be talking to your mate.

- You cheeky git!
- You don't even know me.

Yeah, I do.

- Right! To the cooler.
- Why me?

Why? Cos you're a slapper.

That's just one of the reasons.

Oi! Take that back.

- Just leave it, all right?
- No.

- Who's he think he is, talking to you like that?
- The teacher.

Look, I don't need you sticking up for me.

Especially when you created this problem
in the first place. Just back off, will you?

Later, babes.

Oh, and you... You're fooling no-one, mate.

Please, Janeece, do I look like I care?

- What are you doing?
- I've got to go.

- There's only five minutes left.
- A lot can happen in five minutes.

- Just leave it.
- Is it something to do with your brothers?

I said just leave it. Don't think you know me,
cos you don't. And you shut it and all.

Damn.

- I told you to keep your hands off.
- I did!

You saw what happened, Janeece.
I didn't ask him to come in here, did I?

- That's the first time you've spoken to him?
- Yeah.

- Well, I don't believe you.
- I won't tell you again...

Quiet!

Ah, Mr Lawson.

- I was just...
- Yes, OK.

Listen carefully,
I want you all to collect your things together.

Go with Mr Budgen to the school playground.
You will do this in absolute silence.

Do I make myself clear?

Look, I know they were a bit noisy,
but teaching a class outside is punishing me.

- It's nothing to do with that.
- What is it?

Just do it, Grantly.

I believe Mr Lawson said silence.

What do you think?
Where the hell are you going?

- Somewhere that's not here. Are you coming?
- No!

I thought we weren't doing this again.

- Doing what?
- This.

- You acting psycho.
- Don't say that.

Why not?

It's the truth, isn't it?

Why else do we keep having to move? You do
something mental and it comes back on us.

- Don't call me mental.
- Then stop acting mental.

You've been here five minutes
and already you're acting like a nutter.

I won't tell you again.

Don't say stuff like that about me. OK?

Nice one.

I'll see you later, bruv.

- Sorry, sir...
- Come with us, quietly.

Quietly, please.

Walk.

No talking.

What's going on?

I was just going to ask you the same thing.

I don't know. They told us to get our stuff,
go outside and be dead quiet.

Right. Come on, let's see what's happening.

Everybody have your bags open
ready to be checked.

Did you hear that?
Bags open, please, and ready.

It's not an excuse for talking.

- It's great this, innit?
- Yeah, great.

Come on, we'll get some target practice.

Lt's not just a fire drill.

What are they making everyone
tip their bags out for?

- They're searching.
- What for?

Someone's grassed me up.

No-one grasses me up.

Earl?

- Earl!
- What?

Come on.

Here's the note, Ralph.

I think you'll agree
we've done everything we could have done.

We've evacuated the school, checked for
stragglers, we're searching everyone's bags...

- But I take it that nothing has turned up.
- No, not yet.

We're taking a full register
to make sure no-one's missing.

We've taken control of the situation, Ralph.

As long as everyone's safe, eh?

- Have you seen Donte?
- No.

He'll probably messing around with
that stupid van.

Idiot.

I could k*ll him sometimes.

I don't want it! They'll catch me with it.

- It's better than 'em catching me with it.
- No.

You're a little kid.
They'll slap your wrist. It'll be a laugh.

How?

They'll slap the cuffs on you.
Take you down the station.

- Doesn't sound like a laugh to me.
- Yeah?

Well, no-one'll be calling you thick around here
any more, Denzil.

Denzil, mate, they wouldn't dare.

Cos then you'd be dangerous, just like me.

Go on, do it for me.

Cos if they catch me with it...

- What?
- You won't be seeing me for a while, anyway.

Then who's going to look after you
in this dump, eh?

- There's our Marley.
- And you think he cares about you, do you?

Cos then you're more stupid than you look.

I'm the only one that looks out for you
round here, Denzil.

And you know it.

Go on. Take it.

Nice one.

Anna Chaiten.
- Yeah.

- Shelley Haigh?
- Yeah.

Earl Kelly.

Earl Kelly?

Here, sir.

I wonder what they're looking for?

They haven't said anything yet.

Well, whatever it is, it's got 'em worried.

Yeah.

Only it's not them that needs to be worried, is it?
Lt's whoever's been sh**ting their mouth off.

Do you get it? sh**ting their mouth off?

But it could still happen, believe me.

Earl, where's Den?

How would I know?

- Oi, do you know what's going on?
- (g*nsh*t)

Get back! Move back! Everybody back!

Move away! Move away, everybody!

Move back!

- Stay calm!
Everybody try and stay calm.

Chlo, no! No! Come here! Stay here!

He's bleeding.

Have you been hit?
- I'm fine.

- You do know there's a kid in there with a g*n?
- Yeah, come on.

Rachel!

Hey, let go! Let go!

Denzil Kelly, this is the police.

We need you to come out with your hands up.

Just leave the weapon and come out.

Come out, Denzil.
Come out before this goes any further.

Just leave the weapon, Denzil, and come out.
It's the only option left to you now.

You can't win, Denzil.
The building is completely surrounded.

He's right, Denzil. It's OK. It's OK.
Nobody's going to hurt you.

You've got to listen to me, OK.

We can stop this without anybody getting hurt.

And all you have to do is put down that g*n, OK.

Put down that g*n and you come with me.

They're waiting for me.

The police.

That's OK, Denzil. They don't want to hurt you.

They're here to make sure nobody gets hurt,
including you.

But you've got to help 'em.

Put down that g*n.

Denzil?

Sir, it can't be him. You've got it wrong.

Sorry, I don't think we have.

Well, how would he have got a g*n?

I don't know.

Let's hope we get a chance to find out, eh?

Denzil, I'm only gonna give you another minute,
and then we are coming in.

Denzil, I know you're scared,
but I promise you that this is nearly over.

I'm going to take that g*n
and then it's not your problem any more.

It'll all be over.

Right.

We can tell the police your side.
We can tell them what's really going on here.

No!

All right, Denzil.

You can keep the g*n.

Come on. Just come with me, please.

Put the g*n down!

Put the g*n on the floor!

Marley!
- Put the g*n on the ground now.

- Get off me.
- Just do what they tell you.

- Do it now!
- Get off! Get off!

- Interlock your hands on the top of your head.
- Get off me!

Come on! Get off me!

Den, just do what they say! Mate, get off me!

- Get off me! That's my brother!
- Is it?

- Maybe we should find room in the van for you.
- He's just a kid.

- It's all right, mate.
- Move back, please.

- Dad!
- Sweetheart. Are you OK, love?

Yeah, I am.

I'm sorry, I've got to go.

Rachel... That was...

Going back in there...

Wasn't once enough? When are you going to
get it into your head you can't save everybody?

I can try.

- You can't say anything.
- It wasn't his g*n.

Yeah, but it was his psycho brother.
That's just bad luck for him, innit.

But, it's my fault.

Yeah, I know it is.

Thanks a bunch, Bolton.

Earl Kelly has just let his own brother get
smacked about by a load of coppers with g*ns.

What he threatened to do to us,
I think he meant it.

Sam, come on. This isn't gonna help Denzil.

Someone's got to say summat.
He wouldn't hurt anyone.

You need to say summat, Marley.
You need to help him.

- I only wish I could.
- Oh, for God's sake, Sam, stop crying.

- It's not like they're gonna put him away.
- And how do you know that?

- It's his first offence.
- You've thought it through?

- I'm just saying.
- Well, don't.

Don't.

- You've caused enough damage for one day.
- You what?

How's Denzil? Have you seen him?
Is he all right?

- Can he come home now?
- He's... He's been...

Denzil confessed to being in possession
of an ill*gal firearm.

I'm afraid he's been taken into custody.

- It's OK, Mum. It'll be all right.

- You were supposed to be looking after him!
- Mum...

It's been a long day.
We'll take you all home.

It's OK. We can manage.

- Don't be daft.
- It's OK.

We've caused you enough trouble already.
We're not your problem, all right.

Is that what you think?

Marley, like it or not,
you three are Waterloo Road pupils now.

So, yes, you are my problem
and you will be till I say otherwise. Right?

That means
we expect to see you in school in the morning.

On time.

So let's sort that lift out.

I can't believe we've gone from knives to g*ns.

What if Donte had...

I know, but at least everyone's all right
and the police have the g*n, so...

- What, and it's just one g*n?
- How many do you think are out there?

Tom, stop it.
You're gonna drive yourself mad.

- Come on, let's get a drink.
- Good idea.

He was a nice boy. Why did he think he needed
a g*n? Did he think it made him cool?

It's not as black and white as that.

- Then explain it to me, cos I don't understand it.
- You never will.

- Why not?
- Cos you're a girl.

- Really?
- Yeah, really.

You'll never understand how important it is
to never show weakness, to stand your ground,

to save face, to stand up for your mates...
It's all pressure and it's all the time.

Something has to give.

Sorry, I'm banging on.

No.

It's good to hear.

Oh, Eddie, I'm not really sure this is a good idea.

Just have a drink. Put their minds at rest.
They've had a tough day.

Me too. That's why I want to go home.

These are on me.

Oh, good. I'll have a double.

You know what? You all deserve it.

- You handled things brilliantly today.
- I'm glad you think so.

We might not be so lucky next time.

Well, I certainly hope there isn't a next time.

Sorry, but just hoping
isn't really good enough, is it?

We've all been talking and we'd like you
to put some security measures in place.

Or you could arm us and even up the odds.

Seriously, we don't want to hear
about budgets and school image.

No, it's OK. I agree with you. It's a good idea.

Right, I'll put the wheels in motion and by
the end of the week I'll have something in place.

- Is that a promise?
- Yes, it is.

But the kids
are going to have lots of questions

and we're going to need to give reassurance...

But that's tomorrow.
Can we have those drinks you promised?

- Yes. The drinks are on me. Doubles all round.
- (Mobile rings)

Excuse me.

Hi. Thanks for calling. No, I'm fine.

Yeah, it was rather frightening.

Look, can you come and pick me up?
Thank you.

So...

Are you gonna tell me?

Tell you what?

About the rug.

The new and improved Grantly Budgen.

I just wanted to take some pride in myself.

Rubbish.

It's a woman, isn't it, eh?

You're cheating on Fleur.

- No!
- Yes you are. You have got a bit on the side.

- No, I haven't.
- Yes, you have.

I haven't.

It's Fleur that's got a bit on the side.

Hey, where are you off to?

I've had enough, Eddie. I just wanna go.

If you've really had it, I'll drive you home.

I don't think anyone should be driving
here tonight, do you?

Then we'll get a taxi.

I just want to talk.

- Eddie...
- About us.

There is no us. I'm sorry.
There's nothing to talk about.

- Wait...
- Please, Eddie...

Look, I just don't understand it.

Before the fire...

That seems a very long time ago now.

I know, but there was... something.

I thought we were getting close.

Things have changed.

What? Because I know about your past?

That doesn't make any difference to me.
You should know that.

You're special, Rachel.
Nothing can change that.

Nothing? Are you sure about that?

Yeah, of course.

Well, let's see, shall we?

Rachel...

Just leave me, Eddie.

Your carriage awaits.

Just go.

- We're gonna make tracks. See you at school.
- Yeah.

See you.

Tough day?

Couldn't have been tougher.

You know, I was...

I was dying to get back,
and now I'm wondering if it's the right thing.

Are you sure you still want to take that job?

Too right. I can't wait to get stuck in.

- And it means I can look after you.
- For a change.

Hey, you forget that you're talking to
the new and improved Melissa.

I've told you,
I'm not your stupid little kid sister any more.

I know. I'm sorry.
I'm going to be really glad to have you around.

Me too.

Right.

See you.

Looks like
they finally managed to rent next door.

Mmm.

Shall we go and say hello
to our new neighbours?

No.

It would be the friendly thing to do.

Well, if you feel like being friendly...

What's their problem?

You know the rule. No public displays
of affection, cos it is "minging".

I beg to differ.

Get in the house!

- It's not ill*gal, you know.
It's not that, just...

Come on.

What's wrong?

Are you afraid the new neighbours
will think we're immoral?

- You're not gonna care what they think.
- What do you mean?

- What the hell?
ROSE: Hello?

Thought I'd treat you to some breakfast,
now our Denzil won't be wanting it.

Cos everyone likes sausages, don't they?

Mum, come on.
Let's get you home, get you into bed, yeah?

Sorry.

I think it's time for me to go home.

Please? Can I go home now?