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Season 7 Episode 31
Episode 323 Sky One Transmission Date: Directed by David Bartlett
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Karim Abi Ryan, Curtis Marcel’s parents Pilar |
GS: Mustafa Karim (Daniel Lundh) Robert Sabatier (Arturo Venegas) Anissa Sabatier (Valerie Sarruf) Stuart lets Pilar know he's realised what happened and tells her she will stay and they are going to sort this together. They visit Karim and Stuart says they have no interest in going public as it would end both he and Pilar's careers, so they've instead set in place an insurance package - detailing everything and sent to their solicitors, to be revealed in the event of any tragedy befalling Stuart or Pilar. Karim has little alternative but to agree that the matter can now be considered closed. Pilar and Dean take Curtis into Stuart’s old office where they offer him the manager’s job for the final two games of the season. At training, Viv calls Marcel a drug taking cheat to which Abi breaks down and pleads with the team to believe in Marcel’s innocence. Abi later tries to speak with Marcel’s parents when Pilar brings them to The Grange, but Pilar whisks them away. Robert Sabatier says that perhaps Abi is right and an autopsy would clear Marcel's name. Anissa asks Pilar what she thinks, and desperate for the matter to drop says that if Marcel was taking steroids an autopsy would put a seal on his disgrace. Anissa now thinks they should leave Marcel in peace. Curtis tells Ryan he wants to build the team around him, and for Ryan to play in centre-midfield taking over Marcel's place. During their team dinner, the boys remember Marcel for how he would make them laugh, but as Ryan does his best Marcel-voice, Pilar brings Marcel's parents into the room and there is an uncomfortable atmosphere. The team travel to Molineux to face Wolves, and Abi watches as Sky Sports News discuss the shock of Marcel and steroid abuse. Abi has flashbacks to Stuart's behaviour on the night he stayed at the house and accuses him of killing Marcel. Half time arrives, and when Ryan overhears a random drugs test is imminent he tries to get Curtis to take him off. When he refuses at this crucial stage, Ryan is forced to admit he has been taking Nandrolone since his return from the clinic. Curtis makes the final decision that Ryan must play, for if they win they are home and dry, but if they lose they still have to play Man U next week with an already weakened side. Pilar arrives at the police station and takes Abi aside, explaining that Stuart isn't the killer and how he was supposed to be the victim. She persuades Abi not to tell the police, as if Harchester lose they will be finished and Marcel's death would have been for nothing - they have still lost the man they both loved. In the second half, Ryan’s game is affected and Harchester are suddenly 3-3 down. He is taken off and manages to avoid being tested. Harchester lose and Curtis berates Ryan, telling him he sounds like his dad when Ryan claims he did it for the team. Pilar stands with Marcel's parents as they view his body and her conscience looks to have gotten the better of her. At Marcel’s memorial Pilar confesses the truth about what happened in front of the stunned team and press. Notes: Final appearance of Marcel Sabatier (Dhaffer L’Abidine). This is also the last episode Series Producer Ellen Taylor writes for, having written 27 episodes since 5.12 (#240) It’s My Party. See also next episode. The Best: A broken Sandra bringing the contents of Marcel's locker into Pilar. Dean's surprise for the boys - a Champions League styled European dinner to which, following Marcel, they are far from in the mood for. Pilar’s confession. After a season of ill-thought-out decisions and downright deceitfulness, she finally made the right decision and did the right thing by telling the truth, despite the fact it meant the end for her (and Stuart). Quotes: Stuart (taunting Pilar): "I can just see you now, comforting my son, telling him how sorry you are!" Continuity: Curtis says he knew Marcel for five years (from when Curtis joined PSG in 1999). Additional Info: The screen at the memorial reads Marcel Sabatier 1975-2004 over a picture of a younger bearded Dhaffer L’Abidine. What Was The Score?: What started so well ended so disastrously with Wolves winning 4–3 following various slip ups from Ryan and a penalty given away by Sully. Soundtrack: Faithless: "Not Enuff Love" and "Take The Long Way Home", Franz Ferdinand: "Take Me Out", Freestylers: "Breaker Beats", Massive Attack: "Angel", The Strokes: "Reptilia" |
