The Animals of Farthing Wood (1993) s01e09 Episode Script
Whistler's Quarry
I did my best to lead the farthing wood animals on their journey to White Deer Park, when Fox
was swept down the river. Had we known it, Fox was even then working his way back to us
with his new friend, Vixen. What's happened? The Saints divided. Perhaps they split into two groups.
They wouldn't do that. But a terrible danger threatened. The hunt.
Oh no! Bravely Fox headed the hounds away from Vixen, but she was near her end. When suddenly,
he had a save the day.
Oh, I'm so happy!
Oh, Molly, if only your tears weren't salty, none of us would ever be thirsty again.
Ah, told you we'd all make it to White Deer Park, didn't I, mate?
Not quite all, too. I saw what happened to the mice. I'm sorry.
But where's Adda? I'd like to thank her for saving me.
Adda's hiding. Why? She's ashamed.
Ruinedern arse de reputation. Adda, come out, come out wherever you are.
If you hadn't struck out at the horse, it would have trampled on you, Adda.
As long as you realise, I was only saving my own skin.
Lucky for me. Next time, you may not be so lucky.
You clever Vixen.
I found your water as you asked. In a quarry. It's not far.
Quarry, did you say quarry, mate?
With a wire fence rounded. I knew it! Ha ha! There are ducks, warbirds and I don't know what else.
It's a treat of a place. Oh, we'll be quite safe there, mate.
He's off again. See, the leaves are falling. Soon be autumn.
Sometimes I wondered if I did right, leaving the bulls and the mice behind.
But you see, we simply couldn't wait till those babies grew big enough to travel with us.
No time. Quite right, Bagger. Nothing else you could do.
Nearly there, mate.
So, jump up. I could ride on you, Fox. Like the old days.
And me, I'll take my turn carrying the smaller animals.
You, Vixen. I thought we'll, uh, towed here will need to go into hibernation before long.
And he's our only guide. We rely on him. Can't have him falling asleep on us.
Got to get to white deer park first. Did I do right, Fox? Fox?
Oh, sorry, Bagger. I wasn't listening.
Ha ha ha! He's in love! Our leaders in love!
I'll thank you to speak of Fox with more respect, Weasel.
We're nearly at the quarry, mate. I can feel it! Ha ha! Is that wonderful?
My instincts pull him at a white deer park now instead of home to far than wood.
I'm over the employee, am I? Ha ha! I'll not have any trouble getting us to white deer park now!
Riii! Riii! Fatogi!
Tens! Getting about himself.
Hmm. And if love is blind as they say it is, it's a fine state for our leader to get himself into.
You help save him.
You help save his mate.
I was saving myself.
Says who?
Oh dear.
It's all right, Bagger. We can all up through.
Oh, see what you mean. I'd forgotten how big you all were.
Right, sir.
What do you tell if I tunneled underneath?
Moli, what would we do without you?
Dive first, I should think. Turn round, Moli. You're digging in the wrong direction!
Oh, sorry.
Nice taste, steady on, Moli.
Damn panic, my husband is being buried.
Don't you dare say a word.
Yes, rabbit. I think we have had enough of your panicking, don't you?
Yes, folks. Sorry, folks.
Then we'll say no more about it. Keep going, Moli. You're doing fine.
I'm only.
Here, what's that?
A fine display of flying technique, don't you think, Al?
Needs oiling if you ask me.
I'm out, I'm out.
Wait a minute, I've got to widen the tunnel for fox and fix and wait your turn.
Now try it. You go first.
Over here. Well done, Mole. Thanks, Mole, old son.
That's all right.
Come on, my eat! War is cool and sweet.
Help! Help! You're not thankfully me here, are you?
Perhaps this will teach you not to complain. Yes, and if you hadn't complained, nobody would have noticed us.
And fox wouldn't have remembered what happened at the river.
Is poor Daddy being punished, Mummy.
All right, leave me here then. I know when I'm not wanted.
Very well. Come, baby.
Come back, I didn't mean it.
Some creatures just never learn, do they?
This is the life I may ease.
It's so peaceful, like a different world.
No humans.
Not all of them hunt. Some run nature reserves, like this white deer park of yours.
True. And some of them go home from hunting us to pet their dogs and their horses.
Still, we're safe here, with friends.
Look at Owl and Kestrel. At first I thought Owl was the leader.
And look at their hairs with squirrel.
This place is just perfect. I feel so safe.
Couldn't we stay? No trees!
Hears don't need trees.
Excuse me. But Toad says white deer park's not far now.
That's true. And look what happened to the field mice when they thought they'd found a home.
Yeah, we must stick together. And look at Mo.
Oh, he's so greedy.
Toads almost as bad.
Good evening.
May I introduce myself?
Oh, how do you do?
Oh, all the better for seeing you.
I hope we aren't intruding.
Oh, no, guests are always welcome.
Thank you, Heron.
Call me Whistler. Everyone does.
I hope you won't mind me asking, but the Whistler.
Someone mistook me for a fessant. Took a potshot, winged me.
Air goes straight through it when I'm flying. It's a whistling noise.
Everyone always knows when I'm coming. Wouldn't do for me. I hunt by stealth.
Do you now? Yes, I do.
Well, fish don't hear me. In the water, you see.
Tell you what. I'll catch you some for breakfast. Watch this.
What an exhibition. Surely you're not impressed, are you fox?
Of course. A wise leader is never influenced by mere show-offs.
I wouldn't be. But then of course, my wisdom is legendary.
What do you think, Adda?
Adda?
See!
Your wife seems to like swimming.
She's frightened of the Heron, you see. Always rolls up when she's frightened. We both do.
It's all right here. He's a friend.
There you are!
I want somebody ought to tell that Heron about the oath.
Scaredy snake, scaredy snake!
Oh, oh!
I'm coming, my e!
I could swim perfectly while on my own, thank you.
Only trying to help, may he? That Heron threatened me how to do.
Have her all dried out again in no time, may he?
Or then again, maybe you won't, may he?
Oh dear, it's starting to rain.
Doesn't seem to bother Whistler. Or toad.
I may ease. I can do what Whistler can. Watch me.
What I mean is a nice company seat to watch this.
Hi there Whistler! Let's see if I can catch a fish too.
I want to learn how to fish like you. Toads don't catch fish.
Well I do. I'll show you. I'll do it if it kills me.
Now we have two exhibitionists.
Toad needs little or no encouragement at the best of times.
He needs teaching a lesson.
Toad true, Adda. Pride comes before a fall. Or so they say.
Whistler, you're spoiling us.
You have us as fat as Toad and Mole.
He hasn't come up yet.
Who's that Mole?
Toad. He hasn't come up.
Perhaps he's so full of worms. He's sunk.
Look what I got.
Look, there he is. He's caught a fish.
Told you I could, eh?
Oh no. Something's happened to him.
Oh no. I say.
That old carp's got him.
He's too fat to swallow.
Just as well, Adda. Toads the only one who knows the way to white deer park.
Serves fox right. But trusting a Toad.
See what he has. You mustn't see this.
But I want to see. I want to.
Whistler, can you do anything to help?
Hmm. I pleasure. I've been after that carp for years.
Soad. Oh no.
What did he do?
Make way. Make way.
No, jump on him, weasel. You'll squash him.
Are you alright, Toad?
Thank you. Oh, pleasure was mine.
Poor thing. You think you could throw it back?
I beg your pardon?
He's out of his senses.
No, I'm not.
Just can't bear it. See, it gasping like that.
Stupid Toad.
It was trying to swallow you.
Please, Whistler. One last favour.
Well, if you'll put it like that.
What a sacrifice.
You realise he's been trying to catch that fish for years.
I'm sorry, matey. What a way to reward you for saving me, eh?
Make your throw your fish back.
That seemed a bit odd.
The Oath's changed, Whistler.
Before we started out on this journey to Whitefield Park,
with none of us think for a moment about throwing back a fish like that.
But now, live and let live. That's our motto.
Well, it makes change, I must say.
You know, I do find you animals rather intriguing.
We'll be asking if he can come with us next.
Hmm, not a bad idea, that.
What a nice here.
True, but it gets a bit lonely, you know.
Lots of ducks and fish, of course, but
Already herons at Whitefield Park?
Now you can't mention it. I did see one or two.
Female herons?
Now there you got me, matey.
Can't tell the difference, see?
And he's guiding us.
Ridiculous.
Well, Whistler, you might be lucky and find a mate.
I was.
If we ever get there, ha! Toads of the accident prone!
Yes, from now on, Toad, you'd better stick close.
No going off on your own, right?
You see, Toad, you really are too important to lose.
We must take care of you.
I'm important.
Yes.
Oh, ho, ho, ho, I'm important.
I'm important.
Was that wise, Fox?
It was kind, now.
Of course. Owl is right.
We should have asked her advice on how best to take care of Toad.
If you say so, dear.
And now Whistler wants to join us.
You have to take the oath.
Oath?
The oath of mutual protection.
So shall you, my dear.
Fox's mate cannot be exempt.
I say.
I shall be glad to take the oath.
All right then.
Say after me, I, Vixen, or Whistler, whichever you are.
You know better than me.
I am.
I was.
To solemnly swear, not to swallow.
Otherwise, you can.
And anybody.
Anybody.
And anybody.
And anyone.
To turn.
White in the air.
I am exhausted.
Can't we stop?
We're safer moving.
S safer, he says.
That whistler.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
It's so weird.
You're so much safer.
The Faith is saying.
That whistler is sure give away.
Might as well shout it for the treetops.
The animals are far things.
What are coming?
Do you think they're right?
If we do meet any humans, they'll be staring up at Whistler so hard.
We'll be able to pass right under their noses without being seen.
I pitched wine.
All boring I've had to put up with it.
Get some mine, herbs.
I like it.
Just knowing whistlers about makes me feel safe.
Hey!
Hey!
You've walked right into the middle of a fesynchute!
Hey!
Hey!
Take care!
Quick everyone.
Keep together.
Air?
Keep an eye on those rabbits.
Oh those dogs.
It reminds me.
Shh!
With any luck they'll be so busy with the birds.
They won't pick up our center tall.
Don't panic.
Don't panic!
Come here son.
Oh dear.
I can't help thinking of our poor fesynchute and his wife.
Shh!
Damn panic.
Can't still he'll be back.
Be quiet.
You don't want a matching hole in your other wing do you?
That would be unfortunate.
But deserved.
What did you say?
Shh.
I don't want to be taken for a fesynch.
Don't panic.
Oh you.
Go boy.
It's my fault.
I'm his mother.
I was supposed to protect him.
You're a good mother.
You did your best.
So did you.
I think I'll saved him from the snare for this.
He may not have died in vain, Bachel.
They're going away.
We need to be sure of that before we go on.
I think we'd better rest for a while.
Getting dark.
We'll move at first light.
Will, Whistler, and how are you enjoying the journey?
Eh, what?
I was just wondering how you were enjoying the journey.
Hmm.
Well, I'm beginning to see why you all stick together, Owl.
The sooner we reach White Deer Park, the better.
Ah, Kestrel.
I thought you'd be asleep.
I'm anxious about tomorrow.
Only he who is without hope is without anxiety.
But he who is without anxiety is at peace.
Oh, sh-shut up!
was swept down the river. Had we known it, Fox was even then working his way back to us
with his new friend, Vixen. What's happened? The Saints divided. Perhaps they split into two groups.
They wouldn't do that. But a terrible danger threatened. The hunt.
Oh no! Bravely Fox headed the hounds away from Vixen, but she was near her end. When suddenly,
he had a save the day.
Oh, I'm so happy!
Oh, Molly, if only your tears weren't salty, none of us would ever be thirsty again.
Ah, told you we'd all make it to White Deer Park, didn't I, mate?
Not quite all, too. I saw what happened to the mice. I'm sorry.
But where's Adda? I'd like to thank her for saving me.
Adda's hiding. Why? She's ashamed.
Ruinedern arse de reputation. Adda, come out, come out wherever you are.
If you hadn't struck out at the horse, it would have trampled on you, Adda.
As long as you realise, I was only saving my own skin.
Lucky for me. Next time, you may not be so lucky.
You clever Vixen.
I found your water as you asked. In a quarry. It's not far.
Quarry, did you say quarry, mate?
With a wire fence rounded. I knew it! Ha ha! There are ducks, warbirds and I don't know what else.
It's a treat of a place. Oh, we'll be quite safe there, mate.
He's off again. See, the leaves are falling. Soon be autumn.
Sometimes I wondered if I did right, leaving the bulls and the mice behind.
But you see, we simply couldn't wait till those babies grew big enough to travel with us.
No time. Quite right, Bagger. Nothing else you could do.
Nearly there, mate.
So, jump up. I could ride on you, Fox. Like the old days.
And me, I'll take my turn carrying the smaller animals.
You, Vixen. I thought we'll, uh, towed here will need to go into hibernation before long.
And he's our only guide. We rely on him. Can't have him falling asleep on us.
Got to get to white deer park first. Did I do right, Fox? Fox?
Oh, sorry, Bagger. I wasn't listening.
Ha ha ha! He's in love! Our leaders in love!
I'll thank you to speak of Fox with more respect, Weasel.
We're nearly at the quarry, mate. I can feel it! Ha ha! Is that wonderful?
My instincts pull him at a white deer park now instead of home to far than wood.
I'm over the employee, am I? Ha ha! I'll not have any trouble getting us to white deer park now!
Riii! Riii! Fatogi!
Tens! Getting about himself.
Hmm. And if love is blind as they say it is, it's a fine state for our leader to get himself into.
You help save him.
You help save his mate.
I was saving myself.
Says who?
Oh dear.
It's all right, Bagger. We can all up through.
Oh, see what you mean. I'd forgotten how big you all were.
Right, sir.
What do you tell if I tunneled underneath?
Moli, what would we do without you?
Dive first, I should think. Turn round, Moli. You're digging in the wrong direction!
Oh, sorry.
Nice taste, steady on, Moli.
Damn panic, my husband is being buried.
Don't you dare say a word.
Yes, rabbit. I think we have had enough of your panicking, don't you?
Yes, folks. Sorry, folks.
Then we'll say no more about it. Keep going, Moli. You're doing fine.
I'm only.
Here, what's that?
A fine display of flying technique, don't you think, Al?
Needs oiling if you ask me.
I'm out, I'm out.
Wait a minute, I've got to widen the tunnel for fox and fix and wait your turn.
Now try it. You go first.
Over here. Well done, Mole. Thanks, Mole, old son.
That's all right.
Come on, my eat! War is cool and sweet.
Help! Help! You're not thankfully me here, are you?
Perhaps this will teach you not to complain. Yes, and if you hadn't complained, nobody would have noticed us.
And fox wouldn't have remembered what happened at the river.
Is poor Daddy being punished, Mummy.
All right, leave me here then. I know when I'm not wanted.
Very well. Come, baby.
Come back, I didn't mean it.
Some creatures just never learn, do they?
This is the life I may ease.
It's so peaceful, like a different world.
No humans.
Not all of them hunt. Some run nature reserves, like this white deer park of yours.
True. And some of them go home from hunting us to pet their dogs and their horses.
Still, we're safe here, with friends.
Look at Owl and Kestrel. At first I thought Owl was the leader.
And look at their hairs with squirrel.
This place is just perfect. I feel so safe.
Couldn't we stay? No trees!
Hears don't need trees.
Excuse me. But Toad says white deer park's not far now.
That's true. And look what happened to the field mice when they thought they'd found a home.
Yeah, we must stick together. And look at Mo.
Oh, he's so greedy.
Toads almost as bad.
Good evening.
May I introduce myself?
Oh, how do you do?
Oh, all the better for seeing you.
I hope we aren't intruding.
Oh, no, guests are always welcome.
Thank you, Heron.
Call me Whistler. Everyone does.
I hope you won't mind me asking, but the Whistler.
Someone mistook me for a fessant. Took a potshot, winged me.
Air goes straight through it when I'm flying. It's a whistling noise.
Everyone always knows when I'm coming. Wouldn't do for me. I hunt by stealth.
Do you now? Yes, I do.
Well, fish don't hear me. In the water, you see.
Tell you what. I'll catch you some for breakfast. Watch this.
What an exhibition. Surely you're not impressed, are you fox?
Of course. A wise leader is never influenced by mere show-offs.
I wouldn't be. But then of course, my wisdom is legendary.
What do you think, Adda?
Adda?
See!
Your wife seems to like swimming.
She's frightened of the Heron, you see. Always rolls up when she's frightened. We both do.
It's all right here. He's a friend.
There you are!
I want somebody ought to tell that Heron about the oath.
Scaredy snake, scaredy snake!
Oh, oh!
I'm coming, my e!
I could swim perfectly while on my own, thank you.
Only trying to help, may he? That Heron threatened me how to do.
Have her all dried out again in no time, may he?
Or then again, maybe you won't, may he?
Oh dear, it's starting to rain.
Doesn't seem to bother Whistler. Or toad.
I may ease. I can do what Whistler can. Watch me.
What I mean is a nice company seat to watch this.
Hi there Whistler! Let's see if I can catch a fish too.
I want to learn how to fish like you. Toads don't catch fish.
Well I do. I'll show you. I'll do it if it kills me.
Now we have two exhibitionists.
Toad needs little or no encouragement at the best of times.
He needs teaching a lesson.
Toad true, Adda. Pride comes before a fall. Or so they say.
Whistler, you're spoiling us.
You have us as fat as Toad and Mole.
He hasn't come up yet.
Who's that Mole?
Toad. He hasn't come up.
Perhaps he's so full of worms. He's sunk.
Look what I got.
Look, there he is. He's caught a fish.
Told you I could, eh?
Oh no. Something's happened to him.
Oh no. I say.
That old carp's got him.
He's too fat to swallow.
Just as well, Adda. Toads the only one who knows the way to white deer park.
Serves fox right. But trusting a Toad.
See what he has. You mustn't see this.
But I want to see. I want to.
Whistler, can you do anything to help?
Hmm. I pleasure. I've been after that carp for years.
Soad. Oh no.
What did he do?
Make way. Make way.
No, jump on him, weasel. You'll squash him.
Are you alright, Toad?
Thank you. Oh, pleasure was mine.
Poor thing. You think you could throw it back?
I beg your pardon?
He's out of his senses.
No, I'm not.
Just can't bear it. See, it gasping like that.
Stupid Toad.
It was trying to swallow you.
Please, Whistler. One last favour.
Well, if you'll put it like that.
What a sacrifice.
You realise he's been trying to catch that fish for years.
I'm sorry, matey. What a way to reward you for saving me, eh?
Make your throw your fish back.
That seemed a bit odd.
The Oath's changed, Whistler.
Before we started out on this journey to Whitefield Park,
with none of us think for a moment about throwing back a fish like that.
But now, live and let live. That's our motto.
Well, it makes change, I must say.
You know, I do find you animals rather intriguing.
We'll be asking if he can come with us next.
Hmm, not a bad idea, that.
What a nice here.
True, but it gets a bit lonely, you know.
Lots of ducks and fish, of course, but
Already herons at Whitefield Park?
Now you can't mention it. I did see one or two.
Female herons?
Now there you got me, matey.
Can't tell the difference, see?
And he's guiding us.
Ridiculous.
Well, Whistler, you might be lucky and find a mate.
I was.
If we ever get there, ha! Toads of the accident prone!
Yes, from now on, Toad, you'd better stick close.
No going off on your own, right?
You see, Toad, you really are too important to lose.
We must take care of you.
I'm important.
Yes.
Oh, ho, ho, ho, I'm important.
I'm important.
Was that wise, Fox?
It was kind, now.
Of course. Owl is right.
We should have asked her advice on how best to take care of Toad.
If you say so, dear.
And now Whistler wants to join us.
You have to take the oath.
Oath?
The oath of mutual protection.
So shall you, my dear.
Fox's mate cannot be exempt.
I say.
I shall be glad to take the oath.
All right then.
Say after me, I, Vixen, or Whistler, whichever you are.
You know better than me.
I am.
I was.
To solemnly swear, not to swallow.
Otherwise, you can.
And anybody.
Anybody.
And anybody.
And anyone.
To turn.
White in the air.
I am exhausted.
Can't we stop?
We're safer moving.
S safer, he says.
That whistler.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
It's so weird.
You're so much safer.
The Faith is saying.
That whistler is sure give away.
Might as well shout it for the treetops.
The animals are far things.
What are coming?
Do you think they're right?
If we do meet any humans, they'll be staring up at Whistler so hard.
We'll be able to pass right under their noses without being seen.
I pitched wine.
All boring I've had to put up with it.
Get some mine, herbs.
I like it.
Just knowing whistlers about makes me feel safe.
Hey!
Hey!
You've walked right into the middle of a fesynchute!
Hey!
Hey!
Take care!
Quick everyone.
Keep together.
Air?
Keep an eye on those rabbits.
Oh those dogs.
It reminds me.
Shh!
With any luck they'll be so busy with the birds.
They won't pick up our center tall.
Don't panic.
Don't panic!
Come here son.
Oh dear.
I can't help thinking of our poor fesynchute and his wife.
Shh!
Damn panic.
Can't still he'll be back.
Be quiet.
You don't want a matching hole in your other wing do you?
That would be unfortunate.
But deserved.
What did you say?
Shh.
I don't want to be taken for a fesynch.
Don't panic.
Oh you.
Go boy.
It's my fault.
I'm his mother.
I was supposed to protect him.
You're a good mother.
You did your best.
So did you.
I think I'll saved him from the snare for this.
He may not have died in vain, Bachel.
They're going away.
We need to be sure of that before we go on.
I think we'd better rest for a while.
Getting dark.
We'll move at first light.
Will, Whistler, and how are you enjoying the journey?
Eh, what?
I was just wondering how you were enjoying the journey.
Hmm.
Well, I'm beginning to see why you all stick together, Owl.
The sooner we reach White Deer Park, the better.
Ah, Kestrel.
I thought you'd be asleep.
I'm anxious about tomorrow.
Only he who is without hope is without anxiety.
But he who is without anxiety is at peace.
Oh, sh-shut up!