British Comedy Guide
Never Better. Image shows from L to R: Keith Merchant (Stephen Mangan), Anita Merchant (Kate Ashfield). Copyright: World Productions
Never Better

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.

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Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 6 - Dad

Keith and his father don't get on, so Anita is far from hopeful when the warring pair take the children kite flying in the park. Despite her warnings to stay calm, Keith has hardly got through the park gates before he's picking holes in a story his dad is telling. At his AA meetings, things are going from bad to worse, with Keith's recollections of drunken antics on the night bus causing great offence.

Further details

At his AA meeting, Keith is disrupting the group and is berated by Doug, who asks him if he has any recollections to share. Keith relates a trivial story of being drunk on a night bus, much to the group's disgust.

At home, Anita warns Keith not to argue with his dad as he sets out for an outing with him and the kids. In the park, where they plan to fly a model plane, but Keith can't help but correct his dad over an incorrect story. Unseen by the adults, Tom breaks the wing of the plane in frustration - will anyone notice the changes in him?

While Keith, his family and father are getting into the car outside their house, Keith and his dad argue. Meanwhile, a group of lads who have been hanging around jeer at Anita and Keith ignores them.

At the next meeting, Keith is dismayed to hear that Arturo and his dad have been arrested for robbery. Later, Keith and the kids fly the plane they'd fixed, but it crashes. When they return home, the group of lads are still hanging around. Keith sends Tom and Poppy inside and confronts the lads... but with terrible consequences.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 14th February 2008
Time
10pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
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
Guest cast
Joanna David Janice
Matthew Ashforde Arturo
John Woodvine Keith's Dad
Jack Dingley Angry Youth
Annie Farr Nurse
Writing team
Fintan Ryan Writer
Production team
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

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