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 1 - Bully
Further details
Keith's attendance at the AA meetings creates tension and chaos as he misreads a situation. Trying to win back the group he shares a difficult experience from his past, but his pitiful tale is insulting compared to fellow member Shaun telling of his abused past.
While Keith is dropping his son, Tom, off at school, he is aggravated by a 4x4 driver and explodes into a fit of road rage. While in this rage, he doesn't hear Tom trying to explain he is scared of his classmate, Milo, who is sitting in the 4x4. With his inadequate car and horn, Keith can only see red.
Determined to regain his masculinity, Keith buys a 4x4 from Shaun, but Keith's wife, Anita, is less than impressed and demands he returns it. Shaun reluctantly takes the car back, but Keith gives him some bad advice, with devastating consequences for Shaun.
Later, Kyle, Tom's overweight friend, is being bullied and Kyle's dad thinks Tom is the culprit. After encouraging Tom to stand up for himself, Keith ends up with a cut on his face, giving Kyle's father the wrong impression.
Tensions escalate on a family outing when Kyle's dad sees Keith and Tom blowing out their cheeks and thinks they are trying to be funny.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 10th January 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 |
Neil Fitzmaurice | Shaun |
Billy Hood | Milo |
Taylor Lowe | Kyle |
Gerry McCann | Kyle's Dad |
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 |
Video
Episode 1
A clip from the first episode.
Featuring: Christopher Fairbank (Doug), Stephen Mangan (Keith Merchant) & Neil Fitzmaurice (Shaun).