Season 8 Episode 7

Episode 331

 

Sky One Transmission Date:

Sunday 28th November 2004

 

Directed by

Murilo Pasta

Clyde, Tommy

 

 

Clyde, Ryan

 

 

Holly

 

 

Chelsea

 

 

Clyde

GS: Dr. Newton (Christopher Ravenscroft)  Clyde Stunt Double (Gary Connery)

 

After a deeply depressed Clyde is late for training he is fined two weeks wages by Barker, who sends Holly to the house to bring Clyde to the club. When he arrives, Don punishes the rest of the team for Clyde’s lateness and they blame him for having to do extra training. Struggling to sleep at night, Clyde goes to Holly but she tells him she isn't authorized to give tablets out. During shooting practice Clyde misses the goal by miles, and the team laugh whilst Tommy is noticing that Clyde may have a serious problem. When the coast is clear, Clyde sneaks into the physio room and slips away with the sleeping pills.

 

Viv asks a reluctant Chelsea to join him in his session with Dr. Newton, during which Chelsea is vocal about her dissatisfaction with Viv. When Curtis and Tommy discuss their concerns about Clyde, Ryan is unsympathetic, annoyed that Clyde is missing training when he himself can't go. Clyde has another restless night and has the same recurring nightmare of the team crowded around him whilst Don yells. Tommy voices his concerns to Don, who is less concerned and suggests Tommy take Clyde out for a drink. At Studs Clyde takes speed and follows Holly into the ladies where he forcibly tries to kiss her. Chelsea walks in and orders Clyde out, and when Clyde calls her a miserable old bitch which Ryan punches him, and the whole room minus Viv realises what's going on. The team discuss what they should do about Ryan, and decide it best not to say anything as they have an important game with PSG tomorrow.

 

Tommy returns to his room and finds Clyde openly crying. He sobs that he is scared all the time and Tommy tells him that maybe he should see a specialist, or talk to the lads as when they have a pop at him they don't mean it. Ryan tells Chelsea that the boys won't say anything and she asks how long will that last for, saying she is going to have to leave. Ryan tells her he cannot lose her and says he will give up everything and go with her. Clyde takes Tommy's advice and goes to see Ryan, who has spent the night with Chelsea. He apologises for what happened last night and assures Ryan that they are still friends. Ryan throws it back in his face however and says he is not Clyde's mate and that he is nothing, destroying Clyde's self-esteem. Clyde tells Tommy not to worry about last night as he was just down and Tommy says he had him worried. Tommy again tries to tell Don that he thinks Clyde needs professional help but Don is only interested in the game.

 

Having packed her things, Chelsea goes down to the tunnel where she wishes Viv luck but is really saying goodbye to him. As the team head out to kick off, Holly finds a letter from Clyde in her bag in which he tells her he is ashamed of what he did and hopes she can forgive him. He tells her of the fear Barker has over him and thanks her for being a friend. At the airport Ryan and Chelsea are heading to the Maldives where Chelsea's parents have a house. Ryan watches the game with a group of fans and Chelsea sees how disappointed he is knowing he won't be playing again. Chelsea decides she can’t take Ryan with her, and slips away taking his boarding pass with her. After playing the game of his life, Clyde is substituted and Holly goes to the dressing room but Clyde is not there. He has climbed the stairs to the roof and gone on to the gantry. He stands at the edge and takes a deep breath before gliding forward.

 

Notes:

 

Temporary departure of Chelsea Wright (Karen Ferrari) until 8.16 (#340) Gambler’s Ruin.

 

Best Known For: Gary Connery has more than 150 credits as a stunt-double, coordinator, and performer, having worked on blockbuster films such as "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001), "Batman Begins" (2005), "St. Trinian's" (2007), "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (2009) and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

 

The Best: Tim Smith, who has given a superb performance throughout this story. Clyde’s final scene and the choice of “Knockin' On Heaven's Door” by Bob Dylan.

 

Quotes: Don (to Ryan who is on the phone to Chelsea): "Now means now. If you're phoning some tart on that, I'm fining you a week's wages!"

 

Additional Info: Clyde’s depression has continued over a couple of months since the previous episode, from Chelsea’s Sky Text reading 15th September to Clyde’s clock showing 29th November. Plus we see Frank now having a hairline. Viv mentions to Lee how he and Chelsea have been married for seven years.

 

What Was The Score?: Two goals from Curtis and Clyde leaves it Harchester United 2-0 PSG.

 

Soundtrack: Bent: "As You Fall",  Bob Dylan: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door",  Goldfrapp: "Hairy Trees",  Massive Attack: "Angel",  Radiohead: "Pyramid Song",  The Hives: "Walk Idiot Walk",  Zero 7: "End theme”

 

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