Never Better
- TV sitcom
- BBC Two
- 2008
- 6 episodes (1 series)
A dark comedy from the writer of Party Animals about a recovering alcoholic and his troubles with society. Stars Stephen Mangan, Kate Ashfield, Christopher Fairbank, Tom Goodman-Hill, Michele Austin and more.
Episode menu
Series 1, Episode 5 - First Week Euphoria
Further details
Anita and Keith are out with the kids discussing what they need to buy and that they need to visit the grandparents. Keith, however, doesn't want to go and uses the fact he has to go to an AA meeting as an excuse.
At the group, Keith is bored listening to Arturo's testimony and thinks Marianne is also bored. He pretends to yawn, but upsets the group when Marianne explains that she was actually praying. Charlie, a new member, is ecstatic about starting the first steps of recovery and, as he introduces himself to the group, he can't help cheering. Linda, Keith's sponsor, tells Keith that Charlie has first week euphoria from not drinking, and that the novelty will soon wear off. She tells him that she thinks it's time Keith gave a testimony, but will he be able to talk to the group?
Prompted by Richard, Keith tells the group about using AA to get away from his family, but they are appalled. Everyone starts arguing and eventually Charlie gets them all to say a prayer. However, Keith's phone rings and ruins the moment, as he is informed he has missed Tom's football match.
Concerned he is letting everyone down, Keith tells Linda he does want to help other alcoholics, and she tells him someone needs to be with Charlie. Keith reluctantly agrees and takes Charlie for a coffee. But he is uncomfortable with Charlie's enthusiasm and reacts with sarcasm. At first, Charlie finds it funny, but something Keith says causes offence - with devastating consequences for Charlie.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 7th February 2008
- Time
- 10pm
- Channel
- BBC Two
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
Stephen Mangan | Keith Merchant |
Kate Ashfield | Anita Merchant |
Christopher Fairbank | Doug |
Tom Goodman-Hill | Richard |
Michele Austin (as Michelle Austin) | Linda |
Mya O'Connor | Poppy Merchant |
Charlie George | Tom Merchant |
Susan Earl | Marianne |
Federico Zanni | Cafe Manager |
Matthew Ashforde | Arturo |
Nicholas Burns | Charlie |
Wunmi Mosaku | Female Server |
Laurence Mitchell | Charlie's Brother |
Fintan Ryan | Writer |
Martin Dennis | Director |
Helen Gregory | Producer |
Simon Wilson | Executive Producer |
Letitia Knight | Line Producer |
Marco Van Welzen | Editor |
Patrick Bill | Production Designer |
Di Carling | Casting Director |
Caroline Pitcher | Costume Designer |
Andy Hollis | Director of Photography |
Nichola Bellamy | Make-up Designer |
Willie Dowling | Composer |
Adam Byfield | 1st Assistant Director |