The English Game (2020) s01e05 Episode Script

No infections. Swelling is down.
He must be getting excellent care.
The very best, sir.
[Jimmy] And as far
as playing is concerned?
You're doing well to be breathing,
never mind playing.
Our priority is to make sure
you have a leg to stand on.
- But surely I can just
- [doctor] Mr. Love.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings,
but you'll never play football again.
[somber music playing]
[gasps]
I'll see you out, doctor.
[door closes]
This is all my fault.
Fergie, don't.
I chose to play for Blackburn.
This isn't on you,
and it's not for you to fix.
They're making us out
to be little more than thugs.
The newspapers are calling
the northern teams complete savages.
As though the OId Etonians
have never had a punch-up.
There's a punch-up
and then there's a full scale riot.
But the real question is,
what's to be done about it?
An apology might be a start.
An apology?
From Darwen?
This whole thing stems from you stealing
our best players.
- And your lad nobbling one of 'em.
- [Cartwright] Please.
This is getting us nowhere.
Can I remind you that
the Etonians, the Harrovians,
the Carthusians, they may be rivals,
but when the game is done,
they're on the same team.
This is serious.
I can guarantee the FA
will take a very dim view.
There's going to be repercussions,
and you need to stand together
when they come.
Marindin will not let this go.
Old Etonians
[all pounding on table]
versus
Notts County.
[applause]
Well played, Alfred.
So, that only leaves
Old Carthusians
versus
Blackburn.
Arthur, it really is wonderful
to have you back on the field.
We've missed you.
I don't know how many times I have to say
I'm sorry for missing the game at Preston.
Mea culpa. I won't let you down again.
As long as you don't.
Oh, don't worry.
I'm fully recovered from my illness
and I'm fighting fit.
Don't talk about "fighting" fit.
- Did you hear what happened at Blackburn?
- I gather there was a ruckus.
You can't make light of it, Arthur.
It was a display of absolute savagery.
Over a football match!
I suspect it was about more
than just football, Francis.
I suspect it was about money,
like everything else up there.
I'm not sure I get your point.
Fergus Suter was bought
from Partick by Darwen,
now he's been bought from Darwen
by Blackburn.
And if we have players changing sides
whenever it suits,
it's no surprise these people
start causing trouble.
You've spoken to these people about it,
I imagine?
I have, and I've seen
the conditions they live in.
I don't need to.
Come now, Arthur.
Can't you see what this is doing
to our game?
The honor's going out of it.
[Marindin] We have to stamp this out
now.
Perhaps we should, uh,
focus on training, gentlemen.
After all, we
have a semi-final in two days' time.
Quite right, Alfred.
I imagine Notts County
aren't standing around, arguing politics.
Very well.
But I promise you,
we will be taking this further.
We have to.
Cheer up, Mr. Suter.
Look around you.
The beauty of the moors,
fresh air in your lungs,
and the FA Cup within our grasp.
Lads!
Gather round, please.
[player coughs]
It goes without saying
that we'll all be feeling pretty
downbeat regarding recent events,
and Jimmy Love, in particular.
- [player 1] Aye.
- [player 2] Aye.
But we have to rise above that.
This semi-final is the biggest match
in the county's history.
And the best remedy for our community,
and I daresay Mr. Love,
would be to bring that Cup
back to Lancashire
and show those toffs
what working men are made of.
[players murmur quietly]
- Aye.
- Aye.
I recognize that victory alone
isn't going to pay Love's doctor's bills.
So, I want you all to know
that a proportion of Sunday's gate
will go directly to him.
[players applauding]
[Cartwright] Blackburn is a club
that looks after its own.
That's all.
- Mr. Suter.
- Sir.
You wouldn't mind
passing on the news to Love?
Of course, sir. It'd be my pleasure.
And if I may ask
have you seen anything of Miss Almond?
- Miss Almond, sir?
- Yes.
She used to work
at the Cotton Masters' Club.
Did she find another job, do you know?
Not yet, but she will.
And the little girl?
I hope she's not suffering
if her mother's out of work.
Miss Almond would never let
her daughter suffer, sir.
Good.
Thank you, Mr. Suter.
You needn't bother asking.
- As usual, I didn't get the job.
- Did they give a reason?
They didn't need to.
"Tell us about your family."
"Who'll care for your daughter
whilst you're working?"
Has she ever not been cared for
for one day in her life?
Martha.
There's someone here.
I didn't know what to do.
Hello, love.
[Mrs. Cartwright] She looks just like him.
Like who?
She does.
Something about the eyes.
- You won't believe me, but I'm sorry.
- Don't.
Please.
I've not come here for that.
Then why have you come?
It must be very hard for you,
without a job and money.
We manage.
- What if
- I don't need any help, Mrs. Cartwright.
What if we took her?
I'm afraid that's out of the question.
If that's why you've come,
I think you should leave.
- I only wanted
- Please!
I need you to leave.
- Everything all right?
- Mrs. Cartwright was just going.
Yes.
Thank you.
[door opens]
Parker told me you were back.
[Arthur] I said I would be.
Yes, but you were supposed to be back
a week ago.
Have you sent for me
to have an argument, Papa?
I want to see my son.
This bank is not just another
of your many interests, Arthur.
- I'm well aware of that.
- Are you?
All I'm saying is,
that there comes a time
in every man's life
where he must decide if he's going to
grow up and become a serious individual.
I assume you'll be
at the McAndrews meeting tomorrow?
Of course.
You've got mud in your beard.
[knocking]
[Jimmy] Just a minute.
Tommy.
[whispers] Christ, Jimmy.
[Doris] Jimmy, what d'you think
you're doing?
[hurried footsteps]
I didn't think you were coming.
Tommy, what do you want?
I came to say I'm sorry.
- I am. I never meant
- [Doris] You're sorry?
- You've got some cheek.
- Doris, please.
Let him come in.
Right.
Well, give him a hand, then.
Can't stand here all day.
[Tommy] Is there a lot of pain?
Bit less than there was.
Jimmy, if I could take it back
I know, but you can't.
So, we'd better move on, I suppose.
[door opens]
[door closes]
- Tommy.
- [Jimmy] It's fine, Fergie.
No.
It's not.
I've no excuse, Fergus.
It was an hard game
and I was trying to put one on him, but
nothing like this.
Sounds like an excuse to me.
Fergie, I know he didn't mean it.
[Jimmy] Let's try and forget
what happened.
What about the FA Cup?
Now all you've got to do is win it for me.
Then at least I can say
I played for a Cup-winning side.
[Fergus] We'll win it,
if I have to die in the attempt.
But be honest, Jimmy.
We're gonna struggle without you.
They've not found a replacement?
Well, they're trying this bloke and that,
but nothing special so far.
But listen,
I've got news from Cartwright.
[Fergus] They're gonna cover
all you need to get well.
My eye, that's kind.
Thank him for me, will you?
[water splashing]
You can imagine Jimmy's relief
when I told him.
Good ol' Mr. Cartwright.
He asked after you.
Did he now?
What did he say?
[Fergus] Not much.
Had you found another job,
that sort of thing.
He asked about Jenie.
He wanted to know she was all right.
He He talked about Jenie?
Just said he hoped she wasn't suffering
because you weren't earning.
I would never let her suffer.
- How dare he say such a thing.
- He didn't mean it badly.
- Martha, he was being kind.
- Oh, I'm sure he was.
What what have I said?
What's the matter?
Why shouldn't he ask about Jenie?
[scoffs] He's asking after her
because he's her father.
What?
He's her father.
And today
his wife came here
and tried to take her away from me.
And now I'm frightened
I'm going to lose her.
- [chuckles] I don't understand.
- What don't you understand?
How a man like him could have a child
with a woman like me?
But how did it happen?
I worked in his mill,
and I fell in love with him.
Do I really have to explain the rest?
- You loved him?
- Yes!
I'll tell you something else.
He was in love with me.
He was.
Then why is he not looking after you now?
He got me a job,
and I let him do that,
but I wouldn't take money from him.
Why should I?
I knew he would never leave his wife,
or tell her about Jenie.
Except now, apparently, he has.
Is that why they let you go?
The manager found out.
But it was right for me to leave.
[sighs]
I couldn't be around him anymore.
It's long over.
- What? Where are you going?
- I'll kill him.
- You will not!
- Then what do you want me to do?
Nothing! I don't want you to do anything!
Why did you tell me?
I just wanted to tell someone
I thought would give a damn.
I do.
I do give a damn.
[Jenie crying]
You'd better go up.
[crying continues]
Can I say, Alfred and Laura,
how grateful we are
for your generosity to the foundation.
[Lyttelton] Brockshall Refuge
is a good cause, Arthur.
We are honored to support you,
in both spirit and pocket.
You're a complete darling, Alfred.
- Isn't he just?
- But has Arthur talked you into this,
because it's our responsibility,
Ada's and mine.
I didn't talk him into anything.
[Lyttelton] Don't worry, I'm
a sentient adult. I know what I'm doing.
- Don't believe a word of it.
- [Alma laughs]
I hope he knows what he's doing
on Saturday.
Notts County forwards
are supposed to be rather handy.
That's an idea.
Let's drink to an Old Etonian victory
against the wretched Notts County, eh?
[Lyttelton] Damn them.
I want to hear more about Arthur
rescuing you from the wicked woman.
What's this?
Oh, it was it was nothing.
I'm sure we've talked
enough about all that.
[Laura] When we were in the north,
some horrid woman made off with the baby
of a friend of Alma's,
and she went after it.
And just when she was about
to be knocked out cold,
Arthur rode to the rescue
and brought them all away safely.
When was this?
- I think it was Sat
- [Arthur] I forget.
I think it was when we were up there.
I was worried about Alma
and I went after her.
I think Laura's making more of it
than it was.
No, I was quite frightened.
Oh, I wish I could have seen you,
cheeks flushed, hair a mess,
baby clasped to your bosom.
[Alma and Laura chuckle]
So
tell me more about your heroics
at this, uh
orphanage.
Oh, there's nothing to tell.
[Lyttelton] Wasn't it hard for you
if you were laid up with illness,
to go chasing over moors like Heathcliff?
You know the boys wouldn't
have accepted my missing the game
if I told them the truth.
I was worried about Alma.
[Hornby] Quite right, too.
That was a very good pudding tonight,
Arthur.
- Can we ask for the receipt?
- [Lyttelton] So you weren't unwell.
Fine.
- There was no need to lie to me.
- Wasn't there?
- Would you have let me off?
- Well, I might have had a few questions.
By all means.
Why was it so urgent?
There was no guarantee
the child would last the night.
[billiard balls clacking]
Alfred, please, I don't want
to fall out over this.
I was just trying to do what was right.
Then perhaps you shouldn't have lied
to me,
to your teammates,
to your friends, Arthur.
I'm not quite sure
what team you're on these days.
In fact, maybe you shouldn't even play
in the semi-final.
You didn't get us there.
I say, Alfred, that's a bit steep.
If that's what you think,
then you should, um
you should take it up with the others.
[billiard balls clattering]
This past year has been so awful,
but now I really feel that Arthur and I
are back on track.
Good.
[door opens]
Laura, we'd, uh, better be going.
Already?
We were settling in
for an hour more of gossip, at least.
See you at the Oval.
[Alma] Can't wait.
[door closes]
Did something happen at the club?
Well, it was my fault, really.
Alfred didn't know why
I missed the quarter-final.
I'd said I was ill.
- Why do you do these things?
- I don't know.
Well, actually, I do.
Because I'm an idiot.
I should've just been honest.
- Let's go to bed, hmm?
- [Alma murmurs]
I'm, uh, meeting Papa in the morning,
and I need to be at the top of my game.
[Arthur] See if I can persuade him
to support the refuge.
We are to take on
a fallen women's refuge in the north
and support it?
Not entirely. We mean to raise funds.
Others will help.
Ada and Monkey are already involved,
and we'll bank the money here.
And I am to approve this?
Why wouldn't you?
Because the foundation
has functioned perfectly well
for many years along said lines
with which I have no desire to interfere.
So I am to wait until I am chairman
before I can introduce new ideas?
Why must you meddle with everything?
First you tell me to be an adult
and to take an interest,
and now you criticize me when I do!
It is for a good cause, Papa.
And we cannot be at war
on every front.
Well
I can agree with that.
Mr. Stokes's shirt business
is doing very well.
Relative to what, Arthur?
I surrender.
You may save your refuge.
You may take your meager profits
for your shirts.
Is that it? Is our business done?
Not quite.
I wanted to talk about
our discussion yesterday.
I thought I made myself perfectly clear.
You did
but I'm not sure I did.
Is it so impossible
that my outside interests
might serve the work we do here?
- I am starting to live in the real world
- What does that mean?
That I believe I am beginning
to understand the people
who represent the future of this country.
And you understand them
more clearly than I do?
The point is, Papa, if I am to work here,
you must take me as I am.
Is that a threat?
It is a statement of fact.
Loving and loyal fact.
Now I must finish my preparations
for the McAndrews meeting.
I'll see you then.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[woman sobbing]
[Martha] She's beautiful, Betsy.
[Betsy] Isn't she?
[baby crying in background]
[Martha] Is Mrs. Cartwright in today?
- She was just
- [Mrs. Cartwright] I'm here.
Miss Almond.
[Jenie laughing]
[Martha] Would you mind
watching Jenie for me?
Mrs. Cartwright and I have to discuss
something in private.
[Martha] I'm sorry about yesterday,
Mrs. Cartwright
and how I reacted.
I didn't think you knew,
and I didn't think
you'd want to see her if you did.
I understand.
But I could never let you take her away.
Can you understand that?
I can't say I'm sorry because
that would be like saying that I'm sorry
that my daughter was born.
I think I would feel the same
if I had a child.
[Martha] I can't be sorry that she exists,
but I am sorry for what I did to you.
You are the only person
I have ever truly wronged,
and I carry that with me every day.
Believe me.
[light knocking on door]
[children playing outside]
[Jimmy] What do you want?
I've come to cheer you up.
How long you got?
As long as it takes.
There must be something
I can do for you, Jimmy.
A drink would be nice.
'Course.
I'll get some water.
Don't be daft, Fergus.
I suppose this counts as training.
You've put on weight.
I thought you were at death's door.
I've not been out of bed in a week.
- [loud thud]
- Ah! [groans]
You all right? You want to head back?
Absolutely not!
Keep going. Quicker the better.
Chop chop!
You'll get through this, Jimmy.
The truth is, I'm a cripple.
And there's nothing and no one
that can make a difference.
Come on. This isn't like you.
It's me when it's just the two of us,
all right?
Aye.
But just think a while, Jimmy.
Your old life may be over,
but what about Doris?
I suppose.
And what about you, Fergie?
How's your new life?
You've a semi-final this Sunday
and a girl who seems smitten,
and you've a face like a slapped arse.
It's not as simple as that.
But what if it is?
You have to treasure
what you have, Fergie.
[voice breaking] You never know
when you might lose it.
- [Tommy] Rosie.
- [Rosie] All right?
[Hindle] Jimmy.
I didn't think we'd be seeing you
for a while.
Getting better every day. [chuckles]
I'm surprised you're not resting, Fergus.
Big match, haven't you?
I was just about to head off, actually.
[Tommy] Stay for one, Fergus.
Won't hurt.
Thanks, Tommy,
but there's somewhere I need to be.
I'm afraid the figures don't add up.
The return simply won't cover
the interest on the loan.
You're absolutely certain, Parker?
[Lord Kinnaird] The McAndrews account
is extremely valuable.
That building will not turn a profit.
It can't.
[Arthur] Mr. Parker?
Mr. Kinnaird?
The Metropolitan Railway extension
will pass through this area
in the next few years.
Of course.
It's in the proposal.
Which is why I've suggested putting
a station within the development.
[Arthur] Here is what the City of London
would be willing to invest.
Don't fret, Mr. Parker.
The chief engineer plays for Wanderers.
Terrible halfback,
but, uh, his figures are sound.
This would work.
Excellent.
So we can extend the loan?
Would you like to write to Mr. McAndrews,
Papa, or shall I?
Fergus.
Martha, I'm sorry.
[stammers] I was just
How did she take it?
Has she forgiven you?
Not exactly.
But at least she knows the truth now.
I'm not living a lie.
I'm glad.
But I can't play for the bastard, not now.
You bloody will.
Look at me.
You're not playing for him.
You're playing for me.
And for every working man and woman
in Lancashire.
And for Jimmy Love.
Jimmy would be made up
if we brought the Cup home.
So
don't you want that for him?
- Can I kiss you?
- Yes, please.
[Walsh] There's a rumor the FA
are planning to punish us
because of the riot.
The Lancashire FA need to handle this,
or Marindin will bring the full force
of London headquarters down on our neck.
If I believed for one second that
you cared about the Lancashire FA
If Blackburn get past the Carthusians
in this semi-final,
there's a chance a Lancashire club,
a club of working men,
could win the contest.
And if we win, it changes everything,
for all of us.
We need to stick together now.
Notts County don't have a chance
against the Old Etonians.
They're too soft in the middle.
Well, they'll look smart when they lose.
I sold them brand new kits
'specially for the semi.
- Sounds like your round, then.
- [Jimmy chuckles]
Fair enough. Who's having one?
[Smalley] Yeah. Go on, then.
[Jimmy] I don't want to go home yet.
All I do is lie down.
I'll give him a hand.
- [barmaid] Same again, is it, Ted?
- Aye, a round for the table, love.
I'm glad it's going so well for you, Ted.
So far, Doris. So far.
You're never out of the woods, you know.
Even so, you must be taking on staff.
Are you after work?
Ah, I was thinking of Jimmy.
Jimmy?
But what would he do?
I don't know, do I?
Something where
he could sit down, ideally.
He's always worked and worked hard,
and he's very good with his hands.
[door opens]
Thank you.
How'd it go with Father?
[door closes]
He's agreed to support the refuge.
Well done. [laughs]
[chuckles]
I can't spend my life trying
to please him.
I am who I am, and he must get used to it.
You told him that?
From now on,
I have to be honest with everyone.
Even my teammates.
Especially them.
I am so proud of you.
I'm proud of you.
[machinery clacking]
[Walsh] Come in, Fergus.
Is it right that Blackburn
are still short of a man?
We have some candidates,
but no one who shines.
Then here's my idea.
I think you should take Tommy Marshall.
You're joking, aren't you?
Suter and Jimmy Love might be able
to switch sides at the drop of a hat,
but this club means something to me.
This is my town.
I've lived here all my life.
Settle down, Tommy, and let me talk.
Should I tell you why
the Old Etonians are so strong?
Or the Harrovians or the Carthusians?
It's because, at the end of the day,
they're all on the same side.
They control the game
because they work together.
And we need to do the same.
- So, we switch sides whenever it suits?
- Tommy.
This semi-final, this Cup, is a chance
for us to show what we are made of.
And the fact is,
Blackburn and Darwen
have got far more in common
than with any of the teams down south.
I can't play for Blackburn.
They wouldn't have me, anyway.
They would.
You can and you will.
[Walsh] There's more at stake here.
Now, we made a holy show the other week
and it's about time we regain some pride.
So I'm to be a turncoat
to get our pride back?
Oh, give it a rest.
Blame me. Tell 'em I forced you.
[laughs] No one'll believe me.
They will.
Or they will because it's the truth.
I am forcing you to go.
You won't like it, but I'm sending
Marshall to play for Blackburn.
You can't. Surely, he's got a say in this.
- I've agreed.
- Oh, Christ, Tommy!
- What are they paying you?
- It's not about that.
It weren't for me,
Jimmy Love would be playing on Sunday.
This is good for all of us.
Our best player is going to go play
for our biggest rivals.
- How is that good for us?
- Because if Blackburn win this Cup,
then we all win.
There are people
who don't think that working men
should even be playing the game.
And the only way to show them
that they're wrong
is to beat 'em.
And this is his doing, is it?
No, it's my decision.
And the right one.
Mr. Suter?
Mr. Cartwright.
I wanted to thank you
for bringing Marshall here.
It's appreciated.
It was Mr. Walsh's idea, sir.
We're a good side.
Just needed the final piece.
And Suter
Get us to that final
and I'll make you captain.
- Are you sure?
- Of course.
And there'll be a sizable bonus
in it for you.
No. No, that's not necessary, sir.
I take care of my own.
Talent should be rewarded.
As long as you win.
- [crowd cheering]
- [steam hissing]
[cheering continues]
Good luck, Fergus.
I have all the luck I need right here.
[station attendant] All aboard!
[Mrs. Cartwright] Good luck, John.
[compartment door closes]
[whistle blows]
[train whistle blows]
[steam hissing]
[cheering continues]
[chuckles]
Miss Almond.
Mrs. Cartwright.
The women under our care at Brockshall
are in need of more than a roof
over their heads,
and I would like people there
who understand their situations.
Are you still looking for work?
Given the nature of the place,
you'd be welcome to bring your daughter
whenever you wish.
Why are you doing this for me?
I'm not doing it for you.
I'm doing it for my husband's only child.
His only living child.
You don't have to answer
right away, of course.
Well, I can answer whenever you like.
Good.
[Marindin] If we win today
and play Blackburn in the final,
how do we know their supporters
won't riot on the pitch again?
That's why we need to deal with this
before next season.
How do you mean?
Well we must take steps.
Professionalism must be stamped out.
[Lyttelton] I agree, Francis.
You know, I'm not convinced
either of you understands the situation.
I beg your pardon, Arthur.
[Marindin] So you're in favor
of paying players now, are you?
I'm not talking about football,
nor the fact that players
may or may not be being paid.
There's no "may or may not" about it.
Blackburn have five men taking a wage,
and they're not the only ones.
The football fans,
in the Midlands and the north,
for the most part, are good.
They're hard-working people.
No one's suggesting they aren't.
People trying to get by
on circumstances that are
extremely difficult, to say the least.
- And that's an excuse to riot, is it?
- No.
No, but their lives
are much harder than ours.
And if they want change things,
they have a right to be heard.
You're the one who's changed, Arthur.
You've gone soft.
Well, perhaps I have.
I'm sorry, Francis.
I don't want to fall out with you,
but I have to be honest.
Mmm.
In fact, I have a confession.
I did not miss the quarter-final
due to illness,
but because I chose to attend to
a family crisis in Blackburn.
I should have told you.
I will understand
if you want me to step down today.
I know Dunn here
will make a very able deputy.
[Arthur] Very well then.
Thank you.
[door opens]
[softly] Alfred, we have a problem.
Question is
what are we to do about it?
[train whistle blowing]
[men] You tyrants of England
Your race may soon be run ♪
You may be brought unto account
For what you've sorely done ♪
You tyrants of England
Your race may soon be run ♪
You may be brought unto account
For what you've sorely done ♪
[singing fades out]
[train whistle blowing]
Blackburn have won their semi-final.
Aren't you going to put their name up?
No. No. Not yet, no.
In fact, it's time we got to business,
gentlemen.
But Arthur isn't here.
Uh, he couldn't make it.
Come on, take your places.
- [stammers] No, perhaps if we wait
- [Marindin] Oh, shut up, Munro.
We have enough board members for a quorum,
and we have serious matters
we need to deal with urgently.
Now
the matter at hand today
is the events of the 12th of March
at Blackburn,
and the proposed expulsion
from the association
and its competitions
of the teams concerned:
Darwen Football Club
and Blackburn Football Club.