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 4 - Good Samaritan

Anita and Keith host a surprise birthday party for Anita's dad. They've got him a state-of-the-art plasma TV, and when Keith and Rob, Anita's brother, start throwing a ball around indoors, disaster is inevitable. At AA, Keith has found a new ally, Carl, in his running battle with group leader Doug. When Carl hears about the broken TV, he offers to get Keith a deal on a new one - cash upfront, obviously...

Further details

At Keith's AA meeting, Keith tries to help Janice, but Doug tells him off for having a one-to-one conversation. Carl, a new member, introduces himself and thanks Doug for spotting his signs of alcoholism.

Anita and Keith host a surprise birthday party for Anita's dad. They have bought him a plasma TV but Rob, Anita's brother, has yet to pay his share. Keith and Rob start throwing a football in the house and Rob winds Keith up. As Keith's annoyance grows he fails to catch the ball and it breaks the new TV.

Later, Keith bumps into Carl and asks why he hasn't been coming to the meetings. Carl agrees to give it another go. Keith is delighted when Carl returns and takes his side against Doug. Carl and Keith then do a deal on a new TV and Keith pays him £600. At the next meeting, there's no sign of Carl and Janice reveals she has also given him money for electrical goods, as have other members. Will anyone ever see their electrical goods or their money again?

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 31st 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
Mya O'Connor Poppy Merchant
Charlie George Tom Merchant
Guest cast
Joanna David Janice
Dallas Campbell Rob
Philip Wright Carl
Malcolm Rennie Peter
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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