04x02 - Fire and Brimstone

[bunniefuu]

[theme music]

Well, this is it.

Good, good.

This is just what I wanted.

Is it?

Yes, yes.

Well, I don't want luxury, Mr. Rigsby, just to work,

live simply. - Yes.

Yes, yes.

You can't study surrounded by luxury.

It weakens you. Yes, yes.

You know with a carpet with a thick pile,

you tire yourself out crossing the room, yeah.

Yeah, same with the bed-- you don't want to spring interior,

bad for the posture.

Yes yes.

Was it theology you said you were studying?

- That's right, yes, theology. - Yes.

Well, they are not of the same, that spring interiors.

No, no.

They never got out their pits in the morning.

No.

If it's simplicity you're looking for,

you've come to the right place. - Good, good.

Yes. How simple did you want it?

I could get rid of these chairs if you like.

No, no. No, no.

This will be fine.

Well, that'll be two weeks rent--

four weeks' rent in advance.

Yes.

Can I see the college from here?

Mr. Rigsby.

Yes, of course, yes.

There you are.

Now, you see that dignified gray building

there with the arched windows and the light glinting

on the colored glass, giving off a sort of myriad of light?

Is that the college?

No, that's the abattoir.

No.

The college is just behind there,

just a stone's throw, yes.

Yes, yes.

If you hear the occasional bang, don't worry.

That's the humane k*ller.

Beg your pardon.

It's all right.

It's the abattoir, not the college.

Oh, yes.

Man, just some of us think it should be the other way around.

You'll have to watch your step down there.

And never off the cannabis.

Ah, artificial stimulants.

- What? - Yes.

What we need to do, you know, Mr. Rigsby,

is a fresh moral attitude.

Oh, my very words.

I was only saying the other day in the bookies, what we

need is a fresh moral attitude.

Yes, four weeks' rent, I think I said in advance, wasn't it?

The good book.

Yes.

Yes, well, you can't go far wrong with that, yes--

my constant companion during the w*r.

That's on a deck of cards, yes.

I can see that.

I've come to the right house, Mr. Rigsby.

- Yes. - Yes.

There are some people, you know, who would have

derided me for carrying them.

But I look upon it as a challenge, a chance

to work with young minds, to grow with them, to find

the path of truth together.

You're Welsh, aren't you?

Does it show?

Just a touch, yes.

Not a lot of people would have spotted it,

but I was in the forces, you see.

You get an ear for dialect. - Yes, it does.

Yes.

The minute you walk through that front door,

that, uh, that is Welsh.

Then I thought, no, I'll take a chance because, I mean,

you're not all like Clive Jenkins, are you, now?

- I know. - No.

Well, I suppose you'll miss it, eh,

Taffy, the male voice choir, The Welcome in the Hillside,

The Slag Heap, say.

The name is Gwyn, Gwyn Williams.

Right, Glyn. Right.

No, Gwyn.

Yes, that's what I said, yes.

Yes, yes.

I suppose I shall miss it, you know.

I hadn't actually thought about it.

Well, never mind.

If you get homesick, they've got a Welsh collie down number 12.

Perhaps they'll let you take it for a walk.

Are there any rules, Mr. Rigsby?

Just the one, four weeks' rent in advance.

It's the only thing I insist of--

Not for the rules, worry me, you understand.

I belong to the primitive church of First-Day Witness.

We're very strict, you know.

We do not tolerate drinking, gambling, smoking,

bawdiness, or fornication.

Are there many of you?

No.

No, no.

Surprised.

You're a bit old for university, aren't you?

Well, we're a very small congregation, Mr. Rigsby.

It took an awful long time to collect the money, yes.

Even now, they're disappointed, you know.

They wanted to send me further.

Some wanted to send me abroad.

They said distance was no object.

Yes, yes.

Well, I can see we're going to get on very well, as long as you

respect Ms. Jones, of course.

- Ms. Jones? - Yes.

She has the floor below--

woman of refinement.

Very close, personal friend of mine, but I'm not rushing it.

All right with you?

I think I can say with my hand on my heart, Mr. Rigsby,

that I've always had the greatest of respect for woman.

Good.

Let me have the rent.

I'll be off then, yes.

Oh, yes, it's in the other--

Yes, right, right.

In the pocket.

Ah.

What's this other bed here for, Mr. Rigsby?

Which, which bed?

Oh, that bed, yes.

That bed, that's the-- that's the bed for the-- for the--

that's the-- that's the bed for your roommate, yes.

I didn't know I'd have to share.

Oh, yes, you've got to share, yes.

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Rigsby, as I shall

have to find somewhere else.

Don't be silly. Come on.

Don't be hasty.

You like him.

He's a son of a chief.

Chief?

Royalty.

You mean like the Prince of Wales?

Eh, yeah, sort of, yes.

I think I've got a very good reason for wanting you to stay.

I'm very worried about him.

He's been on the slide, has been for some time.

You mean he's lost faith?

Yeah, I don't think he ever had it.

I'm really-- well, you see, he's never had your advantages.

Not his fault. You know, he needs someone like you to look

up to, a man of principles.

You could be the making of him.

Yes.

I think I shall look upon this as a challenge.

You're quite sure now that he needs saving.

Oh, degenerate.

He's really plumbed the depths, yes, rare little Dorian Gray.

Oh, yes.

Well-- well, Dorian Black [mumbles]

I suppose I should never turn my back

on someone who needs help.

You wouldn't turn your back on him at all.

Now, I think he's been lonely up here on his own.

You see, I'm very, very worried about him.

I pray for him constantly, but I don't think I'm getting through.

I, I didn't know that you were a religious man.

Oh, yes, yes.

Yes.

I try as often as I can.

I don't get down to the church as often as I would like,

but that's because of the leg, you see, old w*r wound.

I can't get into the pews, you see.

I see.

But I never miss thought for the day.

Mr. Rigsby, I shall stay.

Ah, goody.

Let me have the four weeks' rent, I'll be off, yes

- Oh, no, Rigsby. - Ah, hello.

Now I can explain. Now--

You said that when Alan left, I could have the room to myself.

Don't be silly. You'll like him.

This is Gwyn.

Now be careful, because he's very fussy about his name.

- The name is Gwyn. - See what I mean?

Straight away.

Come on, Philip, shake hands.

- I'm not shaking hands. - Just shake his hands.

No. You try this once too often.

The room is too small.

I was just getting used to a supply of oxygen.

He's going to come along and use up all the air.

Of course, he isn't. He's not a heavy breather.

Look at him. You can tell.

Looks like a heavy breather to me.

He looks as if he snores.

Of course, you don't snore, do you, Gwyn?

- No. - No, he doesn't snore.

There you are.

What is this, a Bible?

That's the last straw.

[WHISPERING] He won't like it.

He won't like it?

What about me? I won't stand for it.

- Now, look-- - I'm going to complain.

I'll go to the town hall.

Now you--

Mr. Rigsby.

Mr. Rigs--

Yes, what, Philip?

Do you think perhaps I ought to leave.

No, he likes you. He likes you.

Yes, but I didn't--

I didn't know that he was--

Didn't know he was what?

- Black. - Black.

Black, of course, he is Black.

He comes from Africa.

Well, can't expect him to be sky blue.

This alters things.

Oh dear.

It's just as well the missionaries

didn't take that point of view.

They didn't say, oh blimey, the Black,

let's get next boat back home, did they?

You know, they stayed, even when they were in danger of having

their head stuck on a pole. - No, no, no.

You don't understand.

I don't want him to feel that I've been patronizing him.

Besides, he might not even want to be saved.

Of course, he wants to be saved.

It'll be a good practice for you, Glenn.

- Gwyn. - Gwen.

Gwyn.

Well, I think perhaps, maybe, I'd better stay.

Now that's better.

I must not be faint-hearted.

That's it. Yes.

You've got the gleam back in your eye again.

Oh, yes.

You look just like Billy Graham, as you said.

That's right.



That can do for now.

Oh, there's only one thing, Gwyn.

What's that?

If he starts playing his bongos, watch out.

[knock on the door]

Here? Ah, Ms. Jones, there you are.

Ms. Jones, I was wondering if you

care to come down for a spot of something to eat this evening.

It's Wednesday.

You're usually a bit boracic.

I thought I'd send out for some cod and a bag of chips.

What do you say?

Well.

Perhaps wash it down with a glass of chilled white wine.

On a Wednesday, Mr. Rigsby.

This is a luxury.

Well, I've had a bit of a windfall, Ms. Jones.

I thought I'd cast my bread upon the waters.

Don't you mean cod, Mr. Rigsby?

Beg your pardon-- oh, there you go.

You are in sparkling form this evening,

the ideal dinner companion.

Well, I must confess the cupboard is rather bare,

Mr. Rigsby.

I thought of applying a blow lamp to these fish fingers.

But in view of your kind offer--

Hurray.

Place them in their pack, Ms. Jones.

Well, enjoy the real thing.

It's a privilege.

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

then my living has not been in vain.

Oh, should we ask Philip, Mr. Rigsby?

No, no.

No, I don't think he's-- no, I don't think he's a fish-eater.

Well, certainly not cod, anyway, no, no, perhaps the odd piranha.

No.

I think he's more used to fish with two sets of teeth.

Yes, I think he'd find cod a bit boring.

But what about the new tenant, Mr. Rigsby, although he does

seem a little strange?

Really?

I heard him singing hymns in the bathroom.

I know.

That's because the bolt's gone on the door again.

That's all right.

No, he's-- he's a very nice man.

Oh, now, you'll really like him, yes.

He's very clean living, studying theology.

Oh.

You'll really like him.

Perhaps, we should ask him then.

No, I don't think so.

I think he prefers to spend his first evening here

in quiet meditation.

Yes.

They, they like to live simply these monkish types.

They don't go in for fish stomps.

- Rigsby? - Yes?

Have you done anything about that mad Welshman?

Not again.

What's the matter with you, Phil?

He's put this religious fanatic in my room.

Religious?

Just because he-- just because he reads the Bible?

He's not-- doesn't make him a religious fanatic.

He's been singing hymns.

Well, what about it?

It'll do you good.

He's an example to us all.

He doesn't drink, smoke, swear, or indulge in carnal practices.

I don't know why, we've got nothing in common.

Well, they do say opposites attract.

Thank you, Ms. Jo--

Oh, really, Ms.--

You like him?

You share with him.

Well, that's-- now, if you'll excuse me,

Ms. Jones and I are going to partake

of a fish supper this evening.

I better get the wine in the fridge.

GWYN [UPSTAIRS]: [SINGING] What a friend we have in

- Hey, you better get up there. - Why?

It's time for evensong.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Did you drop something?

No.

Now, you're not going to do that every night, are you?

Why not?

I mean, surely, you don't mind my praying.

Can't you do it in bed?

It's not the same in bed.

But somebody is going to see you.

Look, I want them to see me.

I mean, what is the point in bearing

witness if no one notices?

I hope you're not doing it for me.

And you can keep away with that Bible.

I'm not doing any missionary work around here.

Don't you like the missionaries then?

On the contrary, I always found them delicious.

You see, you're wasting your time with me.

Yes, I know.

What?

Well, Rigsby told me.

Look, he's very worried about you, Philip.

He feels that you've, you've fallen by the wayside.

But never mind--

Me, fallen?

Look, you've got it all wrong.

Look, sit down, sit down.

Look, he's the one who needs help.

He's too proud to ask.

You see, it's brother Rigsby who's fallen by the wayside.

Do you think so?

What you've been listening to is a cry for help.

He's transgressed.

Yes, yes.

I must say, he did have a bit of a wild look around the eyes.

A soul in torment, racked by conscience.

Are you sure?

Do you know what he's up to at this moment?

No.

Trying to seduce Ms. Jones over fish and cheap white wine.

And when she's under the influence--

You mean she's in moral danger?

With any luck. yes.

Even now, it may be too late.

I mean, what can we do?

I can't do anything.

He won't listen to me.

But you, he may listen to you.

Yeah.

Yes, he might.

Perhaps you've been sent here.

Perhaps you're the one to save him from himself.

Do you hear the call, brother?

Yeah.

Yes, I think I do.

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, brother!

Hallelujah.

Have another glass of wine, Ms. Jones.

- Do you think I should? - Yes.

It'll remove the flavor of the salt and vinegar.

I must say, that was really delicious, Mr. Rigsby.

Yes, yes.

You have to know it to go to get a piece of cod

like that, Ms. Jones.

Oh, yes, yes.

It's a very high-class establishment.

And did you notice they always give

you those little wooden forks?

Oh, yes, very hygienic, too.

I mean, look what happened when they found

that glass eye in the batter.

Glass eye?

Yes.

I mean, they didn't try to blur the issue

by making out to belong to a k*ller whale, did they?

No, no, no.

They drained the vats and gave everybody their money back.

Oh.

You all right, Ms. Jones?

You have gone a little pale.

I don't think I will have any more wine.

Thank you, Mr. Rigsby.

Oh, come along, Ms. Jones.

There's plenty more where that came from, as they say.

Shall we wash up, Mr. Rigsby?

No, no, no, no.

We'll stack, Ms. Jones.

I'm not having those beautiful hands plunged

into detergent, Ms. Jones.

It would be a crime.

I must say, Mr. Rigsby, we have

a silver tongue this evening.

Now, you inspired me.

Ms. Jones.

Would you like to dispose of yourself over here, please.

Yes.

Would you bring your glasses, Ms. Jones?

- Oh, yes. - Yes.

We let Vienna take the rough off the plates.

She's a little marvel at getting the tomato

sauce out of the cracks.

And if you have no objection, Ms. Jones, I will--

I will sit adjacent to you.

Yes, yes, yes.

Do you mind, Ms. Jones, if I smoke a cigar?

I always think it sets a seal on a meal.

Oh, yes, Mr. Rigsby.

I love a cigar.

I'm sorry, Ms. Jones.

I've only got the one.

No, no. I mean, I love the fragrance.

Oh, I see.

Good, good, good.

My word.

That's a big one.

Very high-class quality, this, Ms. Jones.

Hand-rolled.

And you say you enjoyed the dinner, Ms. Jones?

Oh, yes, Mr. Rigsby.

I don't think you could have got better fish anywhere.

I know you can get fish a lot better than that, Ms. Jones.

Oh, where?

Yarmouth.

Yarmouth?

Isn't that rather a long way to go?

Not for the weekend.

Mr. Rigsby, you're not suggesting--

You get my drift, Ms. Jones?

Do you mean a double room, Mr. Rigsby?

It would simplify the booking arrangements.

But you're a married man, Mr. Rigsby.

Oh, in name only, Ms. Jones.

But in the eyes of the church--

Forget the church, Ms. Jones.

Mr. Rigsby, how can you say that?

Didn't the vicar ask you to love, honor, and cherish?

It was all very well for him.

He didn't have to live with her, did he?

Come on, Ms. Jones, what do you say?

Come on, we're not getting any younger.

Let us gather our rosebuds while we may.

Rosebuds?

I don't think it's rosebuds you have in mind, Mr. Rigsby.

Oh, come on, Ms. Jones, let it all hang out.

What do you say?

Mr. Rigsby, you're talking wildly.

Stop looking at me like that.

Like what, Ms. Jones?

So, so passionately.

Well, it's how I feel, Ms. Jones.

Well, you shouldn't.

I must say, you can be very plausible sometimes,

very persuasive, Mr. Rigsby.

I don't know if it's the light, but you look strangely

fascinating this evening.

Have another glass of wine.

Yes, Mr. Rigsby. No, no, no.

I don't think I should.

Come on, Ms. Jones, just s drop.

It won't do anybody any harm.

- Mr. Rigsby? - What is it?

I'm getting wet.

I'm terribly sorry, awfully sorry, Ms. Jones.

Oh. Goodness me.

Dear, oh dear.

Oh, I'm sorry. - Oh, thank you!

I'll do that.

I'll get another bottle, Ms. Jones.

I'm wet enough, Mr. Rigsby

I didn't mean that. You stay there.

I'll be back in a jiffy.

Have a puff of my cigar if you feel like it.

Oh, God.

Rigsby!

Oh.

My name is Gwyn, Gwyn Williams.

I've only just arrived.

I thought perhaps I'd better introduce myself.

Yes.

I've heard so much about you.

Please come in.

I'm Ruth Jones.

How do you do?

Won't you sit down?

Thank you very much indeed, yes.

I hope I'm not intruding.

No, no, no.

Not at all.

Is there-- is there a strong smell of drink?

Yes.

I'm sorry I spilt some.

- The bottle is empty. - Yes.

And we've got another one coming.

Shall I get you a glass?

Not for me, Ms. Jones.

Look not upon the wine when it is

red, for it biteth like a serpent

and stingeth like an adder.

Well, it's white, actually.

The color is irrelevant, Ms. Jones.

Oh, I see.

I regard that as the devil's brew.

Oh, no, I don't think so.

Mr. Rigsby gets it from the supermarket.

I'm sure it's all right in moderation.

Is it, Ms. Jones, is it?

Yes.

I remember those words that I heard when I was a boy.

Yes.

"I stand outside the tavern door.

Dad's in there upon the floor.

Life would be grand, life would be sweet,

if he were here upon his feet."

It's catchy, isn't it?

That's the effect of strong drink, Ms. Jones.

It turns decent men and women into monsters.

OK.

The clear eye becomes bloodshot.

A harsh note creeps into the laughter.

The brain cells diminish.

And the liver--

I'm sorry. the liver?

--like the soul of an old boot, Ms. Jones.

Oh.

I have seen livers that look as though they've been

beaten to death with a stick.

Oh good heavens.

But we were only having a fish supper.

A fish supper now, but where is it going to lead?

Yarmouth.

Beg your pardon.

Well, he asked me to go to Yarmouth with him.

And, of course, you refused.

Well, not in so many words.

Ms. Jones, you cannot go to Yarmouth.

No?

It's not worth it, Ms. Jones.

No?

It's a downhill path.

Yes, you're right.

Tell me, do your eyes always shine like that

when you're being eloquent?

Ms. Jones.

- Please call me Ruth. - Ruth?

Yes.

Yes.

A beautiful name, Ruth.

Thank you.

A biblical name, you know?

Yes, indeed.

A handmaiden of the Lord who gathered

in the gleanings of the field.

Oh, God, that's beautiful.

You Welsh have such a way with words.

Of course, my name's Jones.

I often wonder if I have Welsh connections.

Look, you now.

Now, Ms. Jones [indistinct] the cork out of this one,

Ms. Jones. I'm sorry.

This is a private party, Gwyn.

I'm sorry, Mr. Rigsby, the party's over.

Beg you pardon, Ms. Jones.

And you can forget the wine.

What about Yarmouth, Ms. Jones?

You can forget Yarmouth, too.

But, Ms. Jones--

what have you been saying to her, eh?

She was all right when I left.

What are you doing to me?

I have persuaded her to see the light.

See the light?

I've saved her from a lifetime of regret.

I knew from that place of unceasing turmoil.

What you're talking about?

You've never even been to Yarmouth?

I am not talking about Yarmouth.

I am talking about the bottomless pit.

Oh.

You're not off on that, again.

Where the worm dieth not and the flame is not quenched.

And there is a wailing and gnashing of teeth in a lake

of fire and brimstone.

One day, Mr. Rigsby, you may hear the voice of the Lord.

[loud rumbling]

He has spoken.

It's not true, is it, about ATL?

Oh, yes.

And about the cursing and, and, and--

Yes.

--and the screaming and then the little Devil's poking

you with the fork? - Yes.

And the burning flesh.

But I've got nothing to worry about.

I mean, I've led a good life--

well, a fairly good.

Well, it's not been-- tube--

But I [mumbles].

Oh, God, no, no.

You're not a religious man, are you?

No.

But I have good news.

Yes yes.

There is still time.

Oh, good.

Shall we ask him?

- Do you mean G-O-D? - Yes.

- Now? - Yes.

- Pray? - Of course.

What about my leg, though?

Forget the leg.

Forget the leg.

Open up your heart.

Hope it doesn't disturb the shrapnel.

Hallelujah.

Yes, hallelujah, yes.

Lord.

Lord-- have we started? yes.

- Lord. - Lord--

This--

Should I close me eyes, or keep--

If it helps.

Lord, this is Rigsby.

Rigsby, Lord.

I know he's not much to look at.

Not very good-looking, Lord.

And he's been a miserable sinner.

Not very good at all, very, very bad.

He has gambled.

He used the wrong language, drunk to excess,

and lusted after the pleasures of the flesh.

If there is anything else?

It'll be coming home with, won't it?

Believe we are finishing from Woolworth's

till later, aren't we?

Lord.

Lord.

He asks for your forgiveness.

For your forgiveness, Lord.

He wants to begin again.

Begin again.

And with your help, make a fresh start.

Amen.

Amen!

Is that a yes? - Yes.

It wasn't too bad, was it? Ain't nothing to it.

How do you feel, Rigsby?

Yes, yes, I feel-- yes, thank you.

I feel like a new man.

Thank you for this.

[SINGING] What a friend we have in Jesus?

All our sins and griefs to share.

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

h*!

What a friend we have in Jesus--

Good morning, Philip.

Oh, oh, oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Will you stop clucking like an old hen, Rigsby?

Oh.

Umm.

It is Sunday fella.

I don't think the Lord wants serenading

with, uh, those jungle rhythms at the moment.

Thank you very much.

Shall I get you the morning service?

No, I'm reading.

Now, you shouldn't be reading that on a Sunday.

You should be reading religious matters.

I am doing.

Vicar and choir mistress found in Skegness.

That's enough of that.

Come on.

I'm not having any for you.

I'm canceling this paper.

You can make do with the w*r cry from now on.

Now, just because you've got religion,

it doesn't mean I have to behave like a monk.

I can't smoke.

I can't drink.

I can't read the Sunday papers.

It's all his fault. It's time he went.

He's a fanatic.

Just because he's a little religious,

he's just against all temptations

of the flesh, that's all.

He's against it rather a lot, if you ask me.

What do you mean?

What about all that time he spends with Ms. Jones?

The Bible reading.

Nothing wrong with that.

What about all that begatting?

Be what-ing?

Begatting.

There's a lot of begatting in the Bible, Rigsby.

Why?

You-- no, no, no, no, no.

I shall turn the other cheek.

No, no.

I shall forgive you for that remark, brother.

You don't believe me?

Not at all, no.

All right, come on.

I'll show you what sort of Bible reading they're doing.

Yes, it's all right.

What can I help you with today, Ruth?

Well, there is one passage I'd like to read to you.

Of course.

"I sat down under his shadow with great delight.

And his fruits were sweet to my taste."

I can explain that.

No, I haven't finished.

"He took me to the banqueting hall and his banner over me

was love.

Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples,

for I am sick of love."

Ruth, I--

"His left hand is under my head

and his right doth embrace me."

Ruth, I can explain this, you see.

Yes.

They're comparing physical love with spiritual love,

you see.

Solomon replies by saying, "thy lips

are like a thread of scarlet."

Yes.

"Thy speech is comely."

Oh, yes.

"And thy temples are like pomegranates."

Go on.

"Thy neck is like the Tower of David"

Yes.

"And thy, thy--

Yes, yes.

--thy breast--

Breast, yes.

--are like two young roes--

Oh.

--that are twins and feed upon the rushes."

Oh, Gwyn.

Ms. Jones, get off me.

You, you scarred woman!

Jezebel.

I cannot stay in this den of iniquity.

Get out.

Go, go, go, go.

I told you, didn't I?

It's all in there. - Yes.

Well, I-- Ms. Jones?

Yes.

Thy lips are like scarlet runners.

I-- Thy throat is like a pomegranate.

Oh, Ms. Jones, thy knockers are, like, jumping up.

[music playing]