In the Long Run (2018) s01e03 Episode Script

Episode 3

1 Dear Walter, I hope this letter finds you well.
I was happy to hear from Valentine, but he wrote only of football and music, and said nothing of work.
(BURPS) Since the pound is still strong, whatever little he can send home would be appreciated.
(DOORBELL) That's the boys.
TV: Rioting on Broadwater Farm estate in Tottenham continued Come and sit down, man.
My dear, look who's here.
- Mm.
- Let's play some music.
- (MUTES SOUND) - Hey, I was watching that, man! No, man, you were watching your eyelids! It's a disgrace.
They're showing a disrespect for our reputation.
When they stir up trouble, it makes life harder for the rest of us.
Hold on.
The boys didn't start the riots.
No, Kwame, they reacted.
When we came here, didn't we learn to keep our heads down, work hard, behave.
These boys loiter in the streets with their denim trousers, asking for trouble! Hold on! I don't loiter in the streets, but I've been stopped by the coppers twice because they didn't believe that a black man could afford to drive that car.
But you were drawing attention to yourself with your loud music, no? When did that become a crime? Well, some of the music you play is shit, man! It's the truth! If you have done nothing wrong, why should the police stop you? Oh, the new boy! Listen! For some, a black face equals trouble.
If it happens to you, adapt yourself, play the game.
Oh, forget it! Listen.
Brother Walter, show him.
No sudden movements.
If they see you doing that, they will think that you are carrying a weapon.
Then turn your music down slow.
If you'd done that in the first place, you'd not have been stopped.
Let me show you.
A quick demonstration.
(WALTER HUMS CONTENTEDLY) Excuse me, sunshine.
Where did you steal this car from? - Oh, please, Guvnor - No, no, no.
You would say "Officer".
- Yes, you're right.
- "How do you do?" And then you say something like about the weather or the royals.
- The English love their royalty.
- OK.
Oh.
Oh, Officer.
What a fine day it is.
Cor blimey! Oh, you know what? I love the mother of the Queen.
Shut up.
You're arrested.
Oh.
At this point, offer no resistance, OK? Stay calm, OK? Smile, they love to see your teeth.
And they will release you.
Hey, you boys.
All you do is complain, complain, complain.
Why don't you get up and do something about it? Oh, listen to Winnie Mandela over there! Ah! Thank you! So you are saying if I am polite to the police, then everything will be fine? Exactly.
- Till the next time you're stopped.
- Listen.
Like Akie said, just play the game and everything will be well, well, well.
Unless, of course, you are Jamaican! (LAUGHTER) Oh, have I told you? Bagpipes is taking me away.
Aw! I'm thinking Paris.
Get the old magic back! Do you think Bagpipes would go to France? He might, petrol's cheap! Hey, look at all that milk.
That is Ernie Jenkins' flat.
- He's on my rounds.
- He buys make-up? For his wife, Irene.
Oh! Maybe she's making a load of rice pudding! Mr Jenkins? Mr Jenkins! Something must have happened.
- I think we should call the police.
- They'll take ages.
Let me have a go.
(YELLS) Mr Jenkins! Kirsty Shh! Well, come on, then! Mr Jenkins? Ernie? Ernie? Oh! He's dead! Chelmsford.
I'm gonna take Kirsty away.
I'm thinking Chelmsford, rent a static caravan.
Get the magic back.
- In a caravan?! - No, static caravan, mate.
It doesn't move.
It's totally different.
I know what static means.
Thing is, these things aren't cheap to hire.
Hm.
I've been on to Rajesh for some overtime.
He says there's nothing doing, but I know there is, cos his mate Bikram got six hours last week.
Look, could you do me a favour? - Could you lean on Rajesh? - Oh He listens to you.
Look, I can have a word, but there's less and less overtime these days.
All the more reason to spread the love.
Why should Bikram get it all? If you ask me, it's a union matter.
You want me to call the union so you can go on holiday in your caravan? No, no.
Static caravan, mate.
Static.
It's totally different.
- It doesn't move.
- Doesn't move.
The police are coming.
I thought I'd give him a bit of dignity.
Kirsty, look at this.
Why has his wife not used any of this make-up? I've got a good idea why.
Mm? "My beloved Irene.
" She died two years ago? He always kept me talking at the door.
And the whole time, I didn't know he was alone.
Yeah.
We must contact his family and let them know what has happened.
That's odd.
There are no names in here.
Oh, there's something.
"Brown Lion.
Wednesday, 8:00pm.
That could be any Wednesday.
Let us ask his neighbours.
Go door-to-door and investigate like Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wroted.
- Murder, She Wrote! - Yes, Murder, She Wroted.
Ooh-hoo! Look at this! Look at what I've bought! Ooh, go back in! Maradona's boots! Hey! Snazzy! Leyton Orient are having open trials.
Ha! You're not going up for 'em, are you? Why not? I played football for my country.
Hey! Yeah, but it won't be the same as here, will it? What do you mean? Well, the standard will be different.
I mean, we invented football.
Hey! Football was invented in Africa! Bollocks! Frank, where was football invented? - Jamaica.
- Ah Shit off.
Frank, naughty bastard.
You know, I scored a goal in the qualifying game for the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.
Yeah, but that was seven years ago.
I mean, you're old.
You're unfit.
Hey, I am very fit! Did they mention if they want any coaching staff? I've got a great footballing brain.
We'll play the game in our head! Hey.
I know about football and I know about fitness.
Really? I've done three fun runs.
Yeah, to a Wimpy and back as a Morris dancer! Which we invented.
Oh, Bagpipes! Rise up this morning Smiled with the rising sun Three little birds Pitched on my doorstep And they were singing a melody pure and true Saying, this is my message To you Oh, baby, don't worry About a thing Cos every little thing is gonna be alright - Hello, Mr Hten.
- Hello, Agnes.
I'm sorry to tell you, but Mr Jenkins has died.
- Who? - Next door.
The old bloke in his seventies.
- I thought next door was empty.
- Ah! He's lived there for 30 years! Oh.
Oh, that is terrible news! The poor, poor man.
- You knew him? - (DOG BARKS) Excuse me.
Shut up, Trixie! No.
I've absolutely no idea who you're talking about.
Yeah, I know Ernie.
One of your lot, wasn't he? A coloured chap.
Lost his leg, diabetes.
- No.
- Bloody did! He showed it to me! - What's happened? - Ernie's dead.
- What, that big fat black chap? - Yeah! BOTH: No.
Oh, what a bloody shame! MUSIC: The Specials: Rat Race I knocked on every door on this estate.
And nobody knew a thing about Ernie.
Why are they still talking about Live Aid? Live Aid, Live Aid, Live Aid.
Bloody hell.
Can you imagine? If your father died alone and there was no-one there to celebrate his life.
There's more to Africa than flies and famine and Bob Geldof! - What?! - What? - Are you listening to me? - No.
- Are you listening to me? - Yes.
You're blaming Bob Geldof for everything, as usual.
And I am talking about the death of an old man.
Walter, our community is failing its elders.
Agnes, this is not Africa.
This is England.
In England, they don't look after their elders.
That is why they have an association for everything.
Association for the bloody cat.
The dog.
You know what? - You should call Bob Geldof and - Walter! We need to speak to, um - What do you call it? The Residents' - Association.
- Please? - Why don't you do it? - Me? - Mm-hm.
You know I don't like speaking in front of a crowd.
Ah, what happened to the sweet girl that moved from Ghana to say hello and to become Sophia Loren? Ah.
She moved to London to make your dinner.
Oh, well.
Chop-chop, eh? - Chop-chop.
- I want fish and chips.
I don't want that.
- I've made your okra now! - I'm in England.
I eat fish and chips! MUSIC: Ebo Taylor: Heaven Come on.
I'll be your pace man.
Bagpipe, I don't need you to train me.
Come on, try and keep up.
This baby's got ten gears! Hey, Baggie! Bagpipes! - What kind of training is this? - (BAGPIPES CHUCKLES) My chest is exploding! Bagpipe! (PANTS HEAVILY) Uh-oh! You're in a bit of a rush, aren't you son? Hey.
Good afternoon, sir! How are you doing today, Officer? What fine English weather we are having! Are you from round here? No! I'm from Sierra Leone.
You're a bloody long way from home, then! What were you chasing that man for? My name is Valentine.
I'm just minding my business.
I wasn't chasing him! I'm just exercising! Hey, hey! Hands against the wall, please, sir.
- Spread your legs! - Why? I've done nothing wrong! - Empty your pockets.
- OK, OK! I am moving slow-ly because I have no weapon.
Did I say how much I love the Queen? - Don't take the piss! - What's going on? - This fellow was after your bike, sir.
- No, he wasn't! Maybe he was chasing me because I'd nicked his bike! You don't look the type, sir.
What do you mean by that? Hey, Bagpipe.
Stay calm and talk about the royal family.
No.
I want to know why he doesn't think I look like a criminal.
On your bike, son.
Let us do our job.
Can I apologise for that? Come here! MUSIC: Miriam Makeba: Pata Pata So, any suspicion of squatters, please report them to me.
Any other items on the agenda? Yes.
Here.
Hello.
I am Mrs Agnes Easmon, a resident.
A man on this estate died recently and was not found for days.
To prevent this happening again, I propose we recruit a group of volunteers - to visit vulnerable - I'm gonna have to stop you there.
Two things.
Number one, what you're describing is something that the council should be doing.
And two, the item is not on the agenda.
But I can put it on next month's agenda.
Mr Padgett, I don't think it can wait a month.
All I am asking is that a few of us spend time with our elders.
- You know, in Sierra Leone - Ma'am, I'm gonna have to stop you again.
You're not in Sierra Leone.
You are in Leyton.
Yes.
Leyton.
A place where a man can lie dead for days.
Finished? No! I am not finished.
Mr Padgett, I hope that when you are old, you are treated with respect and kindness and not left to the mercy of someone like yourself! Now I am finished.
Twat! You were bloody brilliant.
He's a wicked, wicked, wicked man.
He doesn't care.
Nobody does.
And tomorrow is Ernie's funeral and we still haven't found anyone who knows him.
We can go to the pub.
Is getting drunk your answer for everything? Usually, but no, not tonight.
We can go to that Brown Lion in his address book.
Remember? Worth a go.
And when we get there and no-one knows him, then what? Then we raise a glass to Ernest Jenkins.
And then we get drunk! (LAUGHTER) (MATCH OF THE DAY THEME) Go on, son! Mark him.
Man up! Looking! Another try.
Goal! Come on! Magic! Come on! Hey, Bagpipe, did you see me? - Mover! - Lovely work.
Hello? Excuse me! Excuse me! Valentine.
Hey, man.
Well played.
Thank you.
So, what did you think? I can play deeper, if you like.
How old are you, Valentine? 24.
Er 30.
Er, 34.
But a young 34, yeah? I played for Sierra Leone.
I don't doubt it, but we don't offer new contracts to players of your age.
Most of these kids are still in their teens.
Yes, but I have the experience, eh? Hey? I'm sorry.
I mean, you're pretty handy, but I think that ship has sailed.
- So? - Good news! - They want me! - Hooray! Terrific! - OK.
- So, did he mention me? Of course! I'm working on it.
- Shall we go to the pub? - Yeah, come on, mate.
That's great, mate! You're gonna be the next Luther Blissett, mate! I'm still standin' by the railroad track Waitin' for the freight train to come back Freight train came back and never made no stop Sorry to interrupt.
We're looking for anyone who knows Ernie Jenkins.
No.
Sorry.
Hang on! You mean Tex? I can't believe it.
He played washboard with us for years.
How's his wife? Poor thing must be in bits.
We are trying to find people to come to his funeral.
It would be so great if you all could come.
- Course we can! - Oh, great! (BLUE GRASS INSTRUMENTAL) We know his name wasn't Tex, for starters.
Oh, my God.
He pressed the button and the whole lot disappeared! Oh, no! This is not true! Come on, girls! (ORGAN PLAYS QUIETLY) Whose funeral is this? - Ernie.
- Ernie? If I'm honest, I didn't know Ernie very well.
I used to make deliveries to his home.
And we would talk and he would ask about my son.
Since he died, I have learned he loved his music.
And I know he loved his wife, Irene, who was always with him.
And now, he is with her.
Ernie's passing has taught me .
.
that we all need to spend a little more time with one another.
We are a community, hm? We are a family.
(DOG BARKS OUTSIDE) WOMAN: Excuse me.
Trixie! Shut your mouth! (INDISTINCT SHOUTING) Good night, Irene I'll see you in my dreams Last night as I lay I thought your Your speech was uh I thought you were - Are you trying to say you're proud of me? - Yes.
Yes, I Irene, good night, Irene Irene, good night Any news on that overtime? Only now, I've got a small police fine to pay.
Oh, here he is! Ha-ha! Leyton Orient's answer to Cyrille Regis! Did you speak to the coach about us? - Of course! They offered me a contract.
- Yeah? Hey! - But I, uh, turned them down.
- What? Are you soft in the head? I mean, Leyton Orient is no Sheffield Wednesday, but Listen.
Why don't you get me a drink? - You've got a full pint! - Oh, I'm so thirsty.
All right.
Man, talk to me.
It's been an interesting week.
Maybe you are right.
As a 34-year-old African man, I'm going to have to learn to adapt.
Vallie, welcome to London! I didn't think it would be easy coming here, but some of these challenges have not been what I expected.
- Like the weather! - Hm.
- And the warm beer.
- And the food.
And the riots and this Cockney language.
"Cor blimey, Guvnor!" My brother, remind me.
Why did we come here? Well, listen.
We all have to adapt, man, even if it's just a little bit.
But it goes both ways.
Hm? Try not to be so hard on yourself.
OK? I mean, look at Agnes.
Making people change their ways.
All right? So have a drink, enjoy yourself.
We are supposed to be celebrating.
To my big bro.
(AGNES TAPS GLASS) Thank you all for coming today.
I really, really appreciate it.
Now, I am looking for people who would like to come and pop in and chat to our older residents.
(SILENCE) Hey! I'm just asking for one hour a week.
I can spare an hour.
God bless you, sister.
Anybody else? Yes.
Thank you, Frank.
Now.
Who would like to spend some time with Vic and Sheila? - Oh, Bagpipes.
- Yeah? - Do you still want that overtime? - Yeah.
What? Dear Mama, Please, don't worry about Vallie.
He's learning from the best teacher you could wish for.
I have 15 volunteers and a full roster.
Stick that on your agenda! Agnes has reminded me this week that our elders are more precious than gold and have so much to teach us.
- When we first moved in here - As a cabbie, you see all sorts - .
.
this was considered the lap of luxury - .
.
couldn't tell the missus.
- She don't know nothing.
- Didn't even have an inside toilet.
- I met this Page 3 girl.
- We had to share the shitter with seven families.
- With the boobies! - And they were always shitting.
We couldn't get in! - Would you like some more cake, love? - No, thanks.
Bollocks you don't.
You'd love some more cake.
I can tell!
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