Coupling. Image shows from L to R: Jane (Gina Bellman), Susan (Sarah Alexander), Jeff (Richard Coyle), Steve (Jack Davenport), Sally (Kate Isitt), Patrick (Ben Miles). Copyright: Hartswood Films Ltd
Coupling

Coupling

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two / BBC Three
  • 2000 - 2004
  • 28 episodes (4 series)

The trials and tribulations of six thirtysomethings struggling with life in general, but above all, relationships. Stars Jack Davenport, Gina Bellman, Sarah Alexander, Kate Isitt, Ben Miles and more.

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Series 2, Episode 4 - The Melty Man Cometh

After last week's failure for Junior Patrick, things between he and Sally are particularly tense. After quite some to-ing and fro-ing, the pair come to a conclusion: the only way to resolve the issue is to have sex.

Further details

We find out what was really going on in the previous episode...

Sally can't resist the idea of Patrick the human tripod any longer. She suggests that they finally get it together. Bizarrely, and for the first time in his life, Patrick finds himself unable to perform. Sally is convinced that she has become repellent to men, and confronts Patrick in a desperate attempt to reclaim her self-respect. Either he admits that she is hideous, or he admits that he is impotent. Patrick suggests a third way: they should just have sex.

Both have terrible second thoughts. Sally worries that she is putting Patrick through agonies just to boost her self-esteem. Meanwhile, Patrick struggles with 'The Melty Man' - the embodiment of impotence. Both of them realise the unthinkable: the real problem is that they actually care about each other. Patrick is triumphantly standing to attention, but Sally has slipped out of the flat without saying goodbye.

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 24th September 2001
Time
10pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Tuesday 29th July 2014 11:30pm London Live
Wednesday 30th July 2014 9:30pm London Live
Thursday 2nd October 2014 11:30pm London Live
Friday 3rd October 2014 10:30pm London Live
Saturday 11th October 2014 10:30pm London Live
Sunday 12th October 2014 9:30pm London Live
Saturday 29th November 2014 10:30pm London Live
Friday 5th December 2014 10:30pm London Live
Saturday 6th December 2014 12:30am London Live
Saturday 6th December 2014 10:30pm London Live
Sunday 7th December 2014 9:30pm London Live
Saturday 6th February 2016 9:30pm London Live
Sunday 7th February 2016 2:55am London Live
Saturday 23rd July 2022 10:40pm Gold
Sunday 24th July 2022 2:20am Gold
Monday 20th February 2023 12:20am Gold

Cast & crew

Cast
Jack Davenport Steve
Gina Bellman Jane
Sarah Alexander Susan
Kate Isitt Sally
Ben Miles Patrick
Richard Coyle Jeff
Guest cast
Gresby Nash Mark
Eddie Allen Patrick's Friend
Writing team
Steven Moffat Writer
Production team
Martin Dennis Director
Sue Vertue Producer
Geoffrey Perkins Executive Producer
Beryl Vertue Executive Producer
Mykola Pawluk Editor
Andrew Howe-Davies Production Designer
Simon Brint Composer

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