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 3 - God

When Keith is invited to watch Anita's nephew perform in a concert, he tries to wriggle out of it, paranoid that the boy - who has Down's syndrome - has a crush on him. At AA, fellow member Marianne mistakenly imagines Keith fancies her. So when her beloved cat is diagnosed with cancer and Keith tries to help, a drunken Marianne thinks he's making a pass at her and begins to strip off.

Further details

At Keith's AA group, fellow member Marianne is discussing her strong beliefs in God. She also mentions the emotional intelligence of her cat, Chairman Meow, whom she says speaks to her. Keith notices Marianne is wearing a Cross, but she mistakenly believes he is looking down her top.

At home, Keith tries to get out of going to a concert in which Anita's nephew Paul, who has Down's syndrome, is playing. Later, he tells Richard he does not want to go because Paul always gropes him and he believes he fancies him.

Meanwhile, Chairman Meow is sick and Keith is prompted by fellow AA member, Linda, to help Marianne take him to the vet. The news is not good, however, as Chairman Meow might have cancer. Marianne is devastated.

Keith later finds Marianne's Cross in the car and sees it as a sign from God. He takes the Cross back to a very drunk Marianne who, in a spiral of destruction, offers to sleep with Keith and starts to undress. Can Keith stop her from doing something she would live to regret, and will Chairman Meow survive?

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 24th January 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
Guest cast
Susan Earl Marianne
Federico Zanni Cafe Manager
Russell Ramsey Paul
Janine Wood Helen
Vincent Franklin Josh
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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