Waterloo Road (2006) s05e10 Episode Script

I think it's time, Mark.
You asked for my assessment and I think there are problems.
As far as I'm concerned, there's only one thing we can do.
We need to make a change and it needs to happen soon.
Look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Thanks, Mark.
- Good morning.
- Good morning, Miss Mason.
Good morning.
- You look cheery.
- Last day of term.
(Chatter) I don't get it.
One minute you're obsessed with getting the act perfect, and the next you don't even care.
It's just a talent show.
It's not a big deal.
Right.
So that's why you nearly had a panic attack when you found out about it? - That was then, right? - So is the act ready? Soon find out, won't we? Look, Philip, if there is something wrong, you should just tell me.
There's nothing wrong, OK? Ros, I like your new hairstyle.
I'm not sure about that headband, though.
- The style suits you, though.
- Thanks.
I'm glad somebody noticed.
- All right, Grantly? Looking sharp.
- I thought I'd make an effort.
Upcoming celebrations.
Morning, children.
- What's that all about? - I haven't the foggiest.
Have you seen it out there? It's like Rochdale Mardi Gras.
- No.
Sorry, I've been busy this morning.
- Busy? Rachel, nobody should be busy on the last day of term.
- Ooh, is that a fact? - Traditionally, this is the day for slacking off, - dressing down - Bringing in games.
I've got KerPlunk in the car, if you fancy? No, Max and I, we've got a meeting with the governors first thing this morning.
- A check on the merger? - They want to know where we stand.
- Anything I can do? - Actually, yeah.
- I need grade projections, if you can get them.
- Give me half an hour.
- Brilliant.
- Morning! Yep.
Suppose it is.
- Why's he so full of the joys? - Got KerPlunk in the car.
You look terrible.
Are you OK? Yeah.
I'm fine.
Just I had a bit of a late one last night, that's all.
Anyway, so? - Are you ready for your meeting? - Oh, I hope so, yeah.
I think we've made some good progress, despite the difficult circumstances.
Right, and when you say difficult circumstances, I take it you mean Max.
No, I don't.
Yes, I do.
Actually, I know I'm as much to blame as him.
I do realise that.
Hang on, let me get this straight.
Is this Rachel Mason admitting she's wrong? She's admitting she and Max have spent too much time fighting, instead of focusing on what's important.
- Which is? - Which is serving this school and its pupils.
Working together to move it forward.
We can't do that when we're at each other's throats.
That certainly sounds like a new leaf to me.
Yeah.
And in the spirit of fresh starts, Kim, I want to erm I want to apologise.
For what? My attitude to you seeing Max, it's not been fair.
If you're happy, as a friend, I should be happy too.
It really means a lot to me to have your blessing.
Thank you.
- You did what? - I volunteered us to sing at the show.
Why would you do that? Because no-one else would.
Tyler was moaning about there being no staff performances, so we have stepped in to save the day.
Since when do we care about saving Tyler's day? I care about making our lives as easy as possible, and I care about keeping my job.
- (Groans) - He's not loving the fact we're still here, so a few Brownie points can't hurt.
But we haven't rehearsed, Steph.
We don't even have a song.
Da-dah! Every one a classic.
I know them all, so the choice is yours.
But just remember I'm a little bit Country.
- I'm so not doing this.
- We'll be fabulous.
No, we won't, because I'm not singing.
Fine.
I'll leave it up to you to tell Tyler, shall I? Oh, and by the way, we're called Class Act.
That was my idea.
The point is, she's willing to call a truce.
Well, if she really wants to become a team player, that's great news.
- And are you willing to meet her halfway? - Of course.
- Then we can finally get this school working.
- Finally peace has broken out.
- You look tired.
- That's sweet of you to notice.
Thank God it's the end of term, eh? Grantly? Looking good! Smartest line of the conversation, Killer track of the compilation, Left, right, left: the combination, Huh! Ali - the greatest! OK, Bolton, no rapping in my class unless it's in French.
Miss, he's not rapping.
It's his words for the show.
It's about my hero.
(Chants) Ali! Ali! Ali! That's enough, Bolton.
Shut up! - Tell me what's wrong.
- Nothing's wrong.
Well, you're lying, cos something's bugging you.
Right.
Do you want to know what's bugging me? You.
OK? Always going on, interfering with my life.
And I'm sick of it.
Quiet, please.
School's not over yet.
In case you didn't know, I've already got a mum.
I don't need another one.
Philip.
Hey, where do you think you're going? - Oi! - (Door slams) - (Bell rings) - Impressive.
Should be able to give the board a complete overview.
We can sit down and discuss it, make sure we're on the same page.
- I can't do that, I'm afraid.
- Look, Max.
Thank you.
I know we haven't been seeing eye to eye, but I am more than willing to try and work with you.
I'm delighted to hear that.
So why can't we sit down and work out a strategy for this meeting? Because Marion James is waiting for you in the foyer.
She's here to talk about Lindsay and Emily.
- She's asked for you.
- Sorry, I didn't realise That's OK.
It will take us a while to get into our new stride.
- See you at the meeting, Rachel.
- Yes, see you there.
(Low conversation) - Reckon their routine could be a laugh.
- How do you work that out? Be funny if they muck it up, won't it? Maybe we should make sure they do.
- Ah, no.
They're not for me? - All right.
They're beautiful.
Hang on.
- Look, get yourself a drink.
- Thank you.
Thanks very much.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Look what I've got.
Morning, Ryan.
How's things? Everything OK? - Yes, sir.
- Yes? Or do I have to worry about you, Ryan? - No, sir.
- Excellent.
I hate to worry.
Mark.
Thanks for coming in.
Max.
I get the feeling there's lots to discuss this morning.
Only one real item on the agenda.
I thought a fresh might be best, but she's set her heart on staying.
It's amazing, isn't it? The way kids can find something positive, even in a nightmare like this.
How's Lindsay coping? She's better, now that the truth's out.
I'm glad.
You OK? I'm fine.
I just - I really wanted to explain what - Rachel, we're ready to start.
OK, Max, I'll be in in a minute.
- Sure.
Take your time.
- Thank you.
Shall we go to my office? Come on.
Lights, please.
Well, are you sure you weren't imagining it? - I saw it with my own eyes.
- Grantly gave someone a tip? Yes, and a fiver by the look of it.
- (Chuckles) - Lights, please! Smiling, dressing up giving people tips.
Something big's afoot.
And I'm supposed to know what it is.
- Well, it's not his birthday, is it? - No.
He celebrates that by calling in sick.
- Wedding anniversary? - No.
Last month.
Took Fleur to Newmarket Races.
When you're quite ready! All right.
Keep your hair on.
and I don't know what any of them do.
- Oh, my God.
I don't believe it.
- All right, slight exaggeration.
Here.
How did you know which? Voilà! (Humming cheerfully) Hey, look.
Fleur sent them.
Hm? - 25.
One for every year in the job.
- Mm-hm.
- They're beautiful.
Do you know, I turned up for a week's cover.
Ended up staying 25 years.
Grantly, I forgot.
I'm not joking.
I actually forgot.
What? You mean nobody knows? I'm sorry, no.
Oh.
So there's no party? No.
No staff presentation.
- No oversized card.
- Nothing.
- I'm really sorry.
- But I told you - Friday, in the pub.
- You said - I know what I said.
That we'd pull out all the stops and celebrate.
Huh! Posh lunch at the Castle Hotel you promised.
It just went clean out my head.
Listen, I'll make it up to you.
I'll get everyone to go down to the pub tonight.
Nah.
Don't bother.
No point now.
I'm so sorry.
You can't keep blaming yourself.
Why not? Because that is not what Lindsay and Emily need right now.
You know when you were inside, they stayed so strong.
- I know, but - It's your turn to do that for them now.
Come on.
Don't let them down.
What if I'm not up for this? Look, if I can anything at all to help you ring me - whenever you need to.
Thank you.
Come on.
Bottom line: this merger has not been as successful as it should have been.
Merging John Foster's and Waterloo Road was always going to take time.
I disagree.
- If we'd had the right management in place - Are you saying Rachel is not right for this role? I'm saying I think we could find someone better equipped to unite the school.
You're talking about removing a very popular head teacher.
I agree.
Rachel is well liked.
- She's very close to the pupils.
- And is that such a bad thing? When you get too involved in their personal lives, it is.
Surely we should be helping these kids to cope with their problems? Of course, but that's not Rachel's remit.
This school has excellent pastoral care.
Waterloo Road needs a head teacher, not a social worker.
(Bell rings) I don't know what the girls would have done without this place.
Well, like I said, it's great to have Emily back, and you know Lindsay's welcome too when this is all over.
- Thank you, Rachel.
- Thank you.
Take care.
With Rachel Mason placing so much focus on pastoral issues, academic achievement has been taking a back seat.
Now, if you want your children to fulfil their academic potential, we need to start thinking strategically.
Forming strategy.
Isn't that where you're supposed to come in, Max? Yes, that's where I've tried to come in.
Here's a record of the initiatives and schemes I've been trying to implement this year.
All aimed at increasing attainment and all rejected by Rachel.
I've also included a report on Rachel's continuing campaign to obstruct and undermine my decisions.
Really? I'd like to see that report.
Glad you could join us.
Rachel, Max has been expressing his concerns about the running of the school.
Right.
Er OK, well, maybe he'd like to express them to me directly.
- It's nice.
It's well glam.
- What does Philip think of it? I ain't shown him it yet.
It was meant to be a surprise, but He'll love it.
It's a proper stage shirt.
He'll feel like a big-time comedian.
Yeah, you're too good for him, you know.
Philip.
Look what Ros got you.
You know what? Forget about it.
I'm pulling out the stupid show, I'm not doing it.
Philip! Stupid cow! This is It's a mixed ability school.
And as such, we have a duty to make the curriculum relevant to all pupils.
You mean we have to appeal to the lowest common denominator? I mean we have to cater for those who struggle academically as well as those who excel.
In the process, they all become mediocre.
- The pupils at this school are not mediocre.
- Really? Well, these grade projections say exactly that.
Once again, this school is set to achieve some very poor results.
Measuring success of the merger by exam results - it's unfair.
And it's unfair to everybody.
Come on, Rachel.
Even you can see it's not working.
Max, if this isn't working, it's only because you're not allowing it to.
If anyone's tried to disrupt this process, it's you.
You have undermined everything we're trying to achieve here.
You've countermanded decisions, you've ignored anything that I might As Executive Head, I have the right to intervene.
Yes, but you don't have a right to fire two members of my staff without consulting me.
Someone around here has to make the difficult decisions.
- That someone is me.
- Perhaps we should wrap this up.
And reconvene at another time when our heads are a little cooler.
(Tunelessly) We're heading for something Are you OK? Yeah.
Fine.
Why? (Backing track continues) Nothing.
It's fine.
- What the hell were you playing at in there? - Giving them an honest assessment.
Honest? That was an ambush.
You didn't even have the decency to warn me.
I told you I wanted you out.
How much warning do you need? You're a long way from getting me fired.
I will fight this! I'm prepared for that.
Maybe I won't get rid of you this time, but it will happen.
What is it that I do that offends you so much? You're dangerous.
You indulge these kids.
You pander to them, interfere in their lives.
It's not about indulging them, it's about helping them, about being a good head.
- It's about you, Rachel.
- Oh! Every kid you think you save, every family you think you heal, it's just another boost for your ego.
Ego? I don't think you're in a position to talk about ego.
And while you swan around thinking you're a saint you miss what these kids really need.
- And what's that? - Order.
Structure.
- Authority.
- They need you.
Is that it? They don't need you, that's for sure.
So if you want to do something that will really help them for once Oh, you don't really think I'm going to make it that easy for you, do you? Yes.
Because I won't stop.
I will force you out, whatever I have to do to make it happen.
If you really care about this school, Rachel, you'll sign that.
Today.
You Come on, everyone inside.
If you take your seats as quickly as possible, please.
That's it, girls.
Should be quite a show.
Ruby's done a brilliant job.
Real end-of-the-pier stuff.
Singing, dancing, magic acts - the lot.
How did the meeting go? Early days.
Let's just say it all went to plan.
Next term we'll have our school back.
- Lauren, hold still a minute, will you? - The costumes are really good, Mrs Kelly.
She's dead clever.
Aren't you, Mum? - Only talent backstage, please.
- Fry said we can help out, actually.
- Yeah? You can start by emptying them bins.
- What did I say? Enough.
Get on with it.
I thought you pulled out.
- Yeah, I changed my mind.
- She said you would.
- That looks great.
- Yeah, it does.
OK.
Thank you, everyone.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Right.
It's showtime.
So good luck to everybody.
And try your very best.
OK.
Right.
My break dancers.
Where are my break dancers? Thank you.
And Philip.
Philip.
Where's Philip? Right.
Oh, my God.
Philip.
Oh, er it's nothing, miss.
What on earth's happened? Erm football practice.
Right.
Let's er Let's give them a show they won't forget.
Mm-hm.
(Cheering) Ladies and gents, boys and girls, welcome to our very own end of term show; Waterloo Road Has Talent.
(Cheering) Now I know you're all very eager to see the acts, but I just want to say a few words first.
I know this year has been a challenge for all of us.
Uniting John Foster's and Waterloo Road was always going to be a challenge.
But I truly believe we are on the verge of making real progress.
And as of next term, I think you'll find there'll be a marked difference, where united as one we will take this school from strength to strength, achieving results beyond your expectations.
So I want you now to sit back and enjoy this and look forward to next term.
(Applause) (Pounding dance beat) (Whooping) Whoo! What a great start.
And thank you to the Waterloo Road Crew.
(Cheering) And now for a very funny young man - Mr Philip Ryan! (Cheering) Thank you, yes.
Everybody OK? I was in the playground and this little kid tries to sell me his maths book.
I didn't buy it.
I've got enough problems.
- (Laughter) - Yeah.
- 20? - I'm not doing it, miss.
OK, would you like me to tell your friends about the poem "you" wrote me and left in my class? It was quite sweet, really.
A little schoolboy crush.
I didn't write you a poem, miss.
I think your friends in your "massif" would believe anything I tell them.
I'm blackmailing you, Bolton.
Keep up.
Rep in tatters or? What are you doing? The show's started.
You could have warned me, Kim.
- Sorry? - You must have known he was going to do this.
- I I don't know what you're talking about.
- Max trying to get me fired.
He set me up.
He had it all planned.
I don't know what you're going on about, but you can't keep blaming Max for every Yes, I can keep blaming Max when I get backstabbed like I just did in that meeting.
- I'd like to say hello to the ex-John Foster's kids.
- (Booing and whistling) They can be a bit snobby, but it can't be easy coming here.
Have you tasted the canteen's caviar? It's minging.
But they've brought some great things to this school.
And we've had a fantastic time stealing them.
Is it me or has he suddenly got fit? It must be the lights.
They did give us Tyler, though.
I know we should have kept the receipt, but what can you do? He's very dependable is our Mr Tyler.
Can always rely on him to ruin your day.
And now he's trying to ruin the school.
Getting rid of all the best things about it, all the best people.
Better watch my step here, eh, Max? Don't want to get you angry.
Cos we both know what happens you get angry.
Don't we, Max? Coming to join me, are we, Max? We could do a double act, if you want.
We could do the sketch we did in your office last week.
That was funny.
Cooler.
Now.
Get the next act ready.
And thank you, Philip.
(Clears throat) And now it is Sarah Thompson and her euphonium.
(Smattering of applause) - So much for working together! - I know how you feel about him.
- But he is not the man you that think he is.
- Rachel, please.
Just stop.
No, I can't do this.
I can't do this.
Not today.
- You can't do this today - You need to come quick.
It's Philip.
There was me thinking we had an arrangement, an understanding.
And you go and pull a stunt like that.
That's what you get for not keeping your side of the bargain.
I heard you with Rachel.
You're just trying to get her out.
It won't work.
You won't win.
She's not going anywhere.
Oh, I'm afraid she is.
The wheels are already in motion.
Yeah, well, they'll soon stop once I report you for assault.
You do what you have to.
Probably just make things worse for her.
Philip Ryan's an emotional and easily-influenced boy.
Very protective of his aunt, do anything for her.
Including making spurious and damaging allegations against me.
And when pressed on the subject, Philip admitted that Rachel had persuaded him to lie.
Using a pupil in such a way proves that Rachel Mason is unfit for this and any other teaching post.
No-one's going to believe that.
Yeah.
My word against yours.
Hm.
I'm the one with ten years' exemplary service.
I'm the one the LEA listens to.
You You're just a sad, Ionely little boy who tries to be funny just so that people will like him.
Philip.
Everything all right? Everything's fine.
Grantly, I've said I'm sorry and I'm trying to make it up to you.
Hm.
By making me sit and watch a bunch of kids deluding themselves they've got talent.
You never know, one of them might surprise you.
Huh.
Be the first time in 25 years if they did! Will you stop moaning and get in? I'm sorry, Philip, but I don't believe you.
Now, come on, tell me what this is all about.
I just got carried away.
I took the joke too far.
Ros said that you said some really serious things about Mr Tyler, about him getting angry with you.
I just tried to get a laugh.
Yeah, but I don't believe that you'd do that sort of thing for fun.
- What's on your mind? - Look, will you drop it? I messed up and I'm sorry, OK? If there is something you want to tell me about Mr Tyler - There's nothing.
- Don't feel afraid.
- Rachel.
- What? Just let him go.
- Come on, Philip, off you go.
- Well, look Why did you just do that? Because I was trying to talk to him.
Because he has got nothing else to say.
He just took things too far.
There's something going on with him and Max.
No, there's something going on between you and Max.
Oh God, this is never going to end, is it? The longer you and Max are here, the longer everybody has to suffer.
- I am not causing that.
- It doesn't matter.
This school cannot take another term of you and Max going at each other all the time.
What are you trying to say? That something has to give.
You think I should go.
Do you know what? I don't know.
I just want what is best for this school.
And this it can't carry on.
(Applause) (Laughter) At least wait till after the break.
Take some time to think it through.
No.
No, it's got to happen today.
The last thing this school needs is uncertainty.
And you resigning will put everyone on an even keel? They'll have the break to think it through, then next term they can start making this merger work.
I'm not sure that's going to happen without you.
Won't happen with me.
Look, Chris, Max and I cannot work together.
And the atmosphere we create, it rubs off on the kids.
How do you work that out? The biggest turf war in this school wasn't fought on the playground.
It was fought in here.
It was between me and him.
You should stay and fight this.
Sorry, I can't.
Because I can't ruin this place just to get one over on Max Tyler.
I need to call the LEA.
They need to find a new head.
Ruby, how's it going? So far, so good, I think, really.
Philip's act is proving a bit hard to follow.
Yeah, I heard he took things too far.
A bit far? Kim, he was outrageous.
Poor Max having to sit through that.
I'm sure Max'll survive.
I knew something was wrong before he went on because he was in a foul mood.
- That doesn't sound like Philip.
- Well, I know.
Should have seen his reaction when I mentioned his bruise.
Bolton, you're on.
What bruise? (Cheering) This poem's called Grantly The Greatest.
He's more than a man He's my inspiration Smartest line of the conversation Killer track of the compilation Brightest star in the constellation Left, right, left, the combination Huh, Grantly, the greatest More than a fighter He's an educator Man of wisdom, an illuminator Man of the people, a communicator Man of action, a motivator Get in his way and he'd annihilate you Huh, Grantly, the greatest King of the ring, moves outstanding Watching him box, my mind expanding Amazed at every blow that he's planting Loving every punch that he's landing Out of my seat and I start chanting Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Come on AUDIENCE: Grantly, boom-ah-yay! - Grantly, boom-ah-yay! - That's it.
Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! ALL: Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! - Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! - Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! Grantly, boom-ah-yay! (Chant continues) Look at this.
(Chant continues) What's the matter? Rachel's going.
(Chant continues) KIM: Mrs Fry wasjust concerned.
I told her it was nothing.
Fine.
Just wanted to check.
So how's the football training going, then? Good.
Hm? What position is it that you play? Um I haven't decided yet.
I'm still trying a few out.
Oh, right.
Mr Clarkson reckons the team's got a good chance this year.
- Do you think you might be picked regularly? - Miss, don't.
I know what you're doing.
- I'm just asking about the football team.
- You know I don't do football.
Let's just stop messing about.
OK.
Let's stop messing about.
So are you going to tell me how you really hurt your back? I can't say.
Why not? Miss, I just can't say.
Don't ask me again, OK? No, Phil, it's not OK.
You are a pupil of this school.
But not only that, you're my friend's nephew.
So if someone's hurt you, then I want to know about it.
So you can take as long as you like.
But I am not leaving here until you tell me.
And now for a street dance routine from Sambuca Kelly and Lauren Andrews.
(Cheering) Oi, muppets! (Laughter) (Cheering and applause) - Come on, Sam, let's get off.
- No, I'm still doing it.
What? Get to the cooler now! Sir, if this is about that poem, I didn't plan to do it that way.
It was kind of like a spur of the moment thing.
Thank you, Smilie.
Sir, I can't breathe.
Carry on, lad.
Um right, you're nearly on.
No, Ruby, I can't.
Steph's not here.
You'll just have to muddle through by yourself.
Come on.
- No, no, no.
- Come on, come on, come on.
- I don't want to.
- Off you go.
(Cheering) - Really good, wasn't it? - Really good? Bloody brilliant! And now, everybody, for our finale.
Could you put your hands together and welcome Miss Jo Lipsett? (Cheering) (Clears throat) Back door, eh? Not your style, Rachel.
I'm sorry, Steph, but I just really feel like I need to leave now, so Do you know what I thought of you when you first came here? No.
But I can guess.
I thought you were a stuck-up, prissy, cold-hearted cow.
- And now? - Nothing.
That's pretty much it.
(Laughs) - I am going to miss you, you know? - But you're a bloody good head, Rachel.
Best I've ever had.
And I don't know how but you manage to make this place work.
Thanks.
So I can't understand why you're prepared to hand things over to that maniac.
- Max isn't a maniac.
- Yes, he is! I've seen him at work, up close and personal.
- And I bet you have too.
- So what do you think I should do? Do you think I should stand up and announce I'm being bullied by Max? Yes.
That would be a start.
And who is going to believe me? We would.
(Cheering) Did you hear that applause? Yeah.
They sound relieved.
Well, that's the end of the show.
I'm sure you'll agree it was very eventful.
All that remains for me to say is have a very good holiday.
We'll see you all next term.
(Applause) Get everyone in the staff room in five minutes.
Philip, you should have come to me as soon as this happened.
I didn't want to make things worse.
I do appreciate that you were trying to protect me.
Come on.
Why don't you go and get changed? I'll come and see you later.
Thanks, miss.
- I just I don't know what to say.
- You couldn't have known about that.
Well, no, but you've been trying to warn me about Max for ages and I've just not wanted to hear it.
Look, if it's any consolation, even I didn't think he was capable of this.
So what happens now? Now Max and I are going to have this out.
Rachel, I needed to believe him.
It's OK.
Today.
I just really needed to believe him.
I know I don't have to tell you how difficult the last few months have been.
We've all been under a lot of pressure.
Unfortunately, it's proved too much for Rachel.
I'm as sad as you are, but I respect her decision.
I know she'd want us to carry on as normal, so I will be taking over her duties for now.
But I won't lie to you.
Next term things, will be different.
I wouldn't start ringing in the changes just yet.
- Rachel, I thought you'd gone.
- Yeah.
I nearly had gone.
And then Philip informed me of a few facts.
Like how you threw him against a filing cabinet last week.
OK.
Thank you, everyone, and have a great break.
And then blackmailed him into keeping quiet by threatening to fire me.
Shall we do this in private? That's fine by me.
- What are you doing here? - Rachel called to tell me she was resigning.
So I came over to try and talk her out of it.
But it seems things have taken a more serious turn.
This is an internal matter, Jennifer.
No need for the LEA to get involved.
Sorry, Max, but we already are.
So where do you want to do this? We'll talk in my office.
- Do you have a union rep? - I won't need one.
I wouldn't bet on that.
Can you believe it? Suspended me.
Immediate effect.
How could you do it? He's just a kid.
Oh, come on.
I expected more from you, Kim.
This is ridiculous.
- Ridiculous? - It was one time.
A rush of blood.
- You know what I'm talking about.
- No, I don't know what you're talking about.
God, I don't know what's worse, the fact you've done it or the fact you're not even sorry about it.
Of course I'm sorry.
Look, this is stupid.
We've got a future, you and me.
Let's focus on that, eh? No.
No, let's focus on Philip and how you've just hurt him.
OK, maybe I was a bit forceful with him, but I've been under a lot of pressure lately.
- Pressure? - You know that.
What with things at home, the divorce No, let me tell you about pressure, Max.
Katy Ward, year 11, she looks after her mum with MS.
Now, that is pressure.
Lindsay James, sexually abused by her dad.
Kept it a secret until finally she cracked.
Everybody in this school is under some kind of pressure.
But you are the only one who is using it as an excuse to hit kids.
You're angry.
I get it.
But let's not kid ourselves.
You can't walk away from what we have.
Do you know what? I loved you.
That was before I had any idea who you are.
Kim, come back! You've got to be kidding.
It's school policy, I'm afraid, Max.
You were totally brilliant, Philip.
- I mean, everyone was laughing.
- Yeah, it surprised me, actually.
How do you think all that stuff up? It must be dead hard.
Not really.
I work with Ros.
She helps build up the ideas.
Yeah, she can sort of shape an act.
I'm all gags.
But she knows how to connect things.
It's weird actually.
We sort of know what makes each other laugh, so we riff on that.
What are you two smiling at? Are you stupid? Wait any longer and you're going to miss your chance.
I'm relying on you to keep up the John Foster's standards, Ruby.
How dare you talk to me? Shame on you, Max! (Cheering) Bye! So you're the one.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm the one.
Well, at least I was until this afternoon, anyway.
Yeah, that came as a shock to me too.
The thing about Max, he's great when everything's going his way.
And when it goes wrong, so does he.
Um I'm really sorry if I've caused you any pain.
Hi.
I've spoken to your Chair and called the office.
Everyone's in agreement.
Max is suspended and the case referred to the GTC.
It's unlikely he'll ever teach again.
I see.
Well, it was good to see you again.
Are you OK? Yeah.
Yes.
I am.
We're all just going to head down the pub.
- Really need a drink.
Do you fancy - No.
No, I don't think so.
I I just need to be on my own.
- If you change your mind - Mm.
OK.
Well, all in all, I'd say that was quite a term.
I expect at least one drink from each and every one of you.
Miss! I've been thinking about that money.
You are not getting another penny out of me, mate.
OK.
I'm confused.
My words, innit? It touched him.
And me, Bolton.
See you later, miss.
I'm sorry, about before.
I was out of order.
Why didn't you just tell me what was happening? Dunno.
I couldn't.
I didn't want you to think I was weak.
That's daft.
And I spent every night with you for two weeks and I didn't even try and kiss you.
I gave you enough chances.
When? Like Tuesday when we were making toast in the kitchen.
You see, I thought there was something there.
But I just never know when's the right time.
Now? What? Now's the right time.
When you have been in the job as long as me, it's easy to become a source of inspiration.
Like a muse? Exactly, Tom.
Yeah, kids look around for someone that they can admire and, well, a man they can learn from.
And when they can't find him, they settle for you.
(Laughter) Oh, Grantly, here's to another 25 years.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Right, that's me.
I'm off.
Karaoke hasn't even started yet.
I'll murder Rhinestone Cowboy some other time.
I've got Josh tomorrow.
- I'll see you later.
OTHERS: See you.
TTFN.
So how does it feel to have your school back? Oh, it's fantastic.
But we have got a lot to do to make that merger work.
- What? What's so funny? - You think maybe you could relax for one night? This is me relaxed! Hope I'm not interrupting.
I dropped by to have a drink with my colleagues.
I really think you should go, Max.
When did you start thinking, Christopher? Was it about the time you started going soft on her? No, I can't see the attraction myself.
- But then I never was into used goods.
- Right.
Oh, Chris, you know what? Just leave it.
Yeah, yeah, leave it, Christopher.
Be the good little lapdog that you are.
Out of interest, how much does she charge a member of staff? Not bad for a science teacher.
Go home, Max.
Where've you been? Been waiting ages.
We were supposed to see each other tomorrow.
Is that Chinese? Well, yeah.
Good.
I'm starving.
- What's all this about? - What's it look like? I'm moving in.
Grab my case, eh, Dad? I can't believe that I didn't suss Max out earlier.
Oh, he's not all bad.
You know, in his own way, he really did care about the kids.
Funny way of showing it.
It's the right ethos, wrong methods.
(Groans in sympathy) How is that? It's freezing, actually.
Do you normally jump in like that for damsels in distress? Only when I fancy the damsel.
Ooh.
Sorry, I think I've had a bit too much to drink.
I think we both have.
Just out of curiosity, how drunk would you say you were? Um think I'm sober enough to know that it wouldn't be a good idea.
Yeah.
No.
- Your place? - Yours is closer.
Banford Road, please.
(Sighs) Come on.
You can do this.