.svg){kind=logo}
 (3).jpg)
Transcript: The Vote Aoife Press
[School bell ringing, upbeat music plays, banging, laughing, slide whistle, whistle blaring]
A drawing features Midvale school posters taped to double doors. In live-action, Aoife throws the doors open. She stands in a school hallway lined with lockers on each side. Aoife has her long blonde hair in pigtails and wears a blue basketball jersey with the Midvale Vipers logo on the front. Text reads, “Phew.” In a drawing of a gymnasium filled with people on the bleachers, live-action Zara points at her watch while Nyla throws a basketball to Aoife. Zara has her long black hair in a ponytail, and Nyla’s brown hair is in two braids. Both wear their Vipers jerseys. Aoife catches the basketball and spins it on her finger. In an animation, a water balloon hits Aoife, and text reads, “Sploosh!” In the bleachers, Conor, who has short brown hair, holds a water balloon. Clanger sits beside him and points. He has short, dark brown hair. The head teacher, Mr. Holt, arrives and text reads, “Woah.” Mr. Holt has short blond hair and a moustache. Charlotte points a hair dryer at Aoife, and her pigtails fly up in the air. Charlotte wears her brown hair in a bun. Text reads, “Wooosh!” Aoife dribbles the ball and trips. Text reads, “Epic Fail.”
Singers sing, DOOT, DOOT, DOO, DOO, DOOT, DOOT, DOO, DOOT.
Title: “High Hoops.”
B.B.C. Created by Sinéad Fagan. Written by Daniel Peak. Director Tim Hopewell.
[Upbeat music plays]
In Midvale school, Aoife wears her hair in a bun with a string of pearls around her hairline. She wears a blue rosette ribbon that reads, “Vote Aoife.” Mr. Holt stands behind her, eating a donut.
Aoife says, WAKE UP, PEOPLE! YOU'RE BEING LIED TO!
With his mouth full, Mr. Holt says, THANK YOU, AOIFE. THAT'S ENOUGH FROM YOU.
Aoife says, THEY'RE TRYING TO SILENCE ME!
Conor wears a purple rosette ribbon that reads, “Vote Clang.” Charlotte, Nyla, and Zara look at each other. They all wear “Vote Aoife” rosette ribbons, and Nyla wears sunglasses.
Conor says, WE ALL WANT TO SILENCE YOU. YOU'RE VERY NOISY.
[Students booing]
Aoife tells us, THIS IS ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED AT TRAINING. YOU SEE—
Conor gestures to someone, and two boys grab Aoife’s arms and pull her backwards between Conor and Clanger. Mr. Holt looks away and eats.
Aoife says, OYE! I'M BEING CANCELLED! LET GO! GET OFF ME!
Producer, Dominique Molloy. In association with A.P.C. Kids. With Robert Webb as Mr. Holt.
Aoife tells us, SO, HERE'S THE REWIND.
[Tape rewinding, the music stops, basketball thumping, sneakers squeaking]
In the gym, Jim bounces a basketball to Aoife.
Jim says, SHOOT!
Aoife holds the ball and stares up towards the hoop.
Aoife says, TOTAL CONCENTRATION. ENTER THE ZONE. THREE, TWO.
[Smacking, upbeat music plays]
A shuttlecock hits the side of Aoife’s head.
Aoife counts, THREE, TWO.
[Smacking]
Another shuttlecock hits Aoife and bounces off one of her hair buns.
Aoife counts, THREE.
[Smacking]
Another shuttlecock hits Aoife. Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stand nearby with their hands on their hips.
Zara asks, JIM, WHAT'S GOING ON?
Jim replies, I'M NO EXPERT, BUT I'M GONNA SAY-- BADMINTON.
Zara says, YEAH, BUT WHY?
Jim says, WELL, THE-- SHUFFLECOCKS.
Charlotte says, SHUTTLECOCKS.
Jim says, THAT'S WHAT I SAID.
Zara says, WHY? WHY ARE PEOPLE PLAYING BADMINTON IN OUR GYM, JIM?
Mr. Holt enters the gym.
Mr. Holt says, ECONOMY. YOU ONLY NEED HALF THE GYM, SO I'VE RENTED THE OTHER HALF TO THE LOCAL OVER-SEVENTIES BADMINTON CLUB, THE SILVER SHUTTLERS.
[Smacking, the music stops]
A shuttlecock hits Mr. Holt near his eye.
Mr. Holt says, NICE BACKHAND, MAUREEN.
Nyla says, IT'S A CRUCIAL POINT IN THE SEASON. TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Mr. Holt says, YOU CAN SAY THE SAME FOR THEM.
[Mr. Holt snickering, sneakers squeaking, background chattering]
Mr. Holt says, NO, BUT IT WAS THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT'S IDEA TO RAISE SOME MUCH-NEEDED SCHOOL FUNDS.
Jim asks, IS THAT HOW WE PAID FOR THE MASSAGE CHAIR IN THE STAFF ROOM?
Mr. Holt replies, INDEED, IT IS.
[Buzzing, Jim chuckling]
Jim and Mr. Holt pretend to sit on massage chairs.
Mr. Holt and Jim say, ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ!
Aoife says, SORRY? JUNIOR PRESIDENT? WHO'S THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT?
[Upbeat music plays]
Zara asks, YOU DON'T KNOW?
A desk nameplate reads, “Junior President.”
[The music ends]
At a desk, Jessica turns her chair towards Aoife.
Jessica says, AOIFE.
Aoife says, JESSICA! YOU'RE THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT?
[Chiming]
Jessica points at a campaign poster featuring her holding a cat.
Jessica says, SURELY, YOU REMEMBER THE ELECTION? THE "YES FOR JESS" CAMPAIGN. I WON BY A LANDSLIDE.
Aoife says, I GUESS IT MUST HAVE BEEN BEFORE I CAME TO THIS SCHOOL.
Jessica says, BUT IT MUST HAVE BEEN ON THE NEWS THOUGH, RIGHT?
[Whirring]
Text reads, “What Evs.”
Aoife says, ANYWAY! IT'S ABOUT THE GYM. THE VIPERS NEED THE SPACE BACK, SO THAT WE CAN--
Jessica says, LET ME STOP YOU THERE, AOIFE.
Aoife says, OKAY.
Jessica looks down at the paper and writes.
Jessica says, YOU SEE, I DON'T CARE.
Aoife says, WHAT?
Jessica says, SADLY, IT'S MY LAST WEEK AS PRESIDENT, SO I'VE MAINLY BEEN FOCUSED ON USING UP ALL OF MY LETTERHEAD NOTE PAPER.
[Door clicking]
Jamie enters Jessica’s office carrying banker's boxes.
Jessica says, JAMIE HAS BEEN HELPING ME MOVE OUT.
[Door squeaking, boxes thumping]
Aoife smiles as Jamie walks past behind her. He puts the boxes on a ledge by a window. Aoife flips one of her pigtails over her shoulder. Jamie picks up a binder and glances at Jessica.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife asks, SO, WHO'S GOING TO BE THE NEW PRESIDENT?
Jessica says, WHOEVER WINS THE ELECTION. COULD BE ANYONE.
Aoife asks, YOU MEAN IT COULD BE ME?
Jessica says, STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. CAN'T THINK OF ANY SPECIFIC ONES, BUT THEY MUST HAVE.
Aoife smiles at Jamie.
Aoife says, I DON'T KNOW. SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY.
Jamie says, IT'S A SHAME. I THINK YOU'D BE GOOD AT IT.
[Background chattering]
Jessica lowers her eyebrows. Aoife smiles. In a school hallway, Aoife passes out flyers.
Aoife says, I HEREBY ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? ANYONE?
Students pass Aoife without taking a flyer.
Aoife says, TAKE YOUR TIME. HAVE A LITTLE THINK. ANYONE?
[Background student chattering, sneakers squeaking]
Conor approaches. He notices Aoife, looks away, and walks faster. She swings around a staircase pole and blocks his path.
Aoife says, YOU'LL VOTE FOR ME, WON'T YOU, CONOR?
Conor asks, WHAT'S IT FOR? DUMBEST SIBLING CONTEST?
Aoife says, NO, YOU'VE WON THAT ONE FOR LIFE. IT'S FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. THERE'S ONLY ONE OTHER CANDIDATE. BARRY FROM THE GAMERS CLUB. HE'S GOT 12,000 SUPPORTERS, BUT THEY'RE THUNDER GOBLINS, WHICH DOESN'T COUNT. I CHECKED.
[Poster rustling, light music plays]
Conor looks at a poster that reads, “Nominations Open,” and takes it down from the wall. Aoife watches him walk away. She shakes her head, smiles, and lifts the flyers. Elsewhere, Conor runs around a corner and approaches Clanger.
Conor says, CLANGER! HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY INTEREST IN ENTERING POLITICS?
Clanger says, NO, WHY WOULD I DO THAT? IT'S BORING.
Conor says, YOU GET TO HAVE A SAY IN HOW THE SCHOOL IS RUN?
Clanger says, BORING.
Conor says, YOU GET TO BRING NEW IDEAS TO THE TABLE?
Clanger says, BORING.
Conor reads, "CANDIDATES WILL BE EXCUSED FROM LESSONS FOR THE DURATION OF THE CAMPAIGN."
Clanger stops walking and puts his hand over his heart.
Clanger says, I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO SERVE MY FELLOW PUPILS!
Conor says, I KNEW YOU'D LIKE IT.
Clanger says, BUT HANG ON. WHY DON'T YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?
Conor says, I'LL BE THE BRAINS BEHIND THE OPERATION AND YOU BE—
Clanger says, THE BRAINS IN THE FRONT OF THE OPERATIONS!
Conor says, EXACTLY! I'LL DO THE WORK AND YOU TAKE THE CREDIT.
[Upbeat music plays]
Conor holds up his hand to high-five Clanger.
Clanger says, DON'T SALUTE ME, CONOR. I HAVEN'T WON YET.
Clanger shoves Conor, and they walk together.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
A purple and pink star appears and spins.
[Students chattering]
Outside, Zara sits down at a picnic bench beside Charlotte. Aoife stands facing them.
Zara says, SO, YOUR PLAN TO GET THE WHOLE GYM BACK IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.
[Chiming]
Checkmarks appear beside text that reads, “Leadership. Organisational Skillz. Attention to Detail.”
Aoife says, I'D BE GOOD AT IT! I'VE GOT STRONG LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS. PLUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
[Background chattering]
Aoife smiles at us.
Zara says, YOU KNOW YOU BUTTONED YOUR JUMPER UP WRONG.
Aoife says, HA! YEAH, I DID KNOW THAT.
Charlotte says, WE'LL DEFINITELY VOTE FOR YOU. WON'T WE, ZARA?
Zara asks, WHO ELSE IS RUNNING?
[Footsteps running]
Nyla arrives and stands beside Aoife.
Nyla says, BREAKING NEWS! CLANGER IS STANDING! CONOR IS RUNNING HIS CAMPAIGN.
[Exploding, popping]
In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Aoife’s head. Exploding head emojis float around her.
Aoife says, CONOR RUNNING A CAMPAIGN?
Nyla nods.
Aoife says, HE CAN'T EVEN RUN A BATH.
[Zara giggling]
Zara and Charlotte glance at each other.
Aoife tells us, BELIEVE ME. HE'S MY BROTHER, I WOULD KNOW. I'VE NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN HIM RUN A BATH. NOT ONCE.
Aoife tells us, EW! YUCK!
[Aoife breathing deeply]
Aoife says, ANYWAY, I'M GUARANTEED TO WIN. 110 PERCENT!
Zara says, YOU CAN'T GET 110 PERCENT.
Aoife says, 120 PERCENT THEN. BECAUSE I'VE GOT A SECRET WEAPON.
Zara says, WELL, IT'S NOT MATHS.
Aoife says, IT'S MY CAMPAIGN TEAM.
Charlotte asks, WHO ARE THEY?
Aoife says, YOU'RE LOOKING AT THEM! WELL, YOU'RE LOOKING AT ME LOOKING AT THEM. IT'S YOU! ZARA, CAMPAIGN MANAGER.
Zara says, I SUPPOSE SOMEONE HAS TO KEEP YOU ORGANIZED.
Aoife says, CHARLOTTE, STYLIST!
Aoife tosses a pigtail over her shoulder.
Charlotte says, GO ME!
[Hands slapping, fingers snapping]
Charlotte and Zara slap the backs of their hands together and then snap their fingers.
Aoife says, AND NYLA. SECURITY.
[Upbeat music plays]
Nyla asks excitedly, WILL IT INVOLVE PHYSICAL DANGER AND RESISTING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE?
Aoife says, MIGHT DO!
Nyla says, I'M IN!
They all put their hands together and lift them. Text reads, “Vipers.”
They all shout, VIPERS!
[The music stops, wheels rattling, marker cap clicking, door closing]
Polka dots move on the screen. In the school, Conor and Clanger enter the shop classroom. Conor pulls a whiteboard to him and uncaps a marker.
Conor says, CLANGER H.Q.! WHERE WE LAUNCH YOUR CAMPAIGN. WITH THE SLOGAN, "CLANGER. RING THE CHANGES."
[Marker scraping]
Clanger writes “Yes we Clang” on the whiteboard.
Clanger says, WHAT? I DON'T GET IT. HOW ABOUT-- "YES, WE CLANG!"
[Lively music plays]
Conor says, THAT IS COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS.
Clanger says, YEAH, I LIKE IT TOO!
Conor says, FINE. OKAY. NEXT QUESTION. WHAT ARE YOU STANDING FOR?
Clanger says, WELL, BECAUSE THERE'S NO CHAIRS.
Conor says, THIS IS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE.
[Light music plays, door squeaking, Zara gasping]
Polka dots move across the screen. In a hallway, Nyla wears sunglasses, looks around, and nods. Nyla enters a classroom with a “Vote Aoife” poster on the back of the door. Zara writes “Policies” on a whiteboard beneath the heading “Team Aoife.” She turns and notices Nyla.
Zara says, LET'S DRAW UP A LIST OF POLICIES FOR AOIFE. THINGS SHE PASSIONATELY BELIEVES IN.
[Nyla imitating static, background chattering]
Nyla speaks into her wrist.
Nyla says, AOIFE'S NOT HERE.
Zara says, I'VE SENT HER FOR SNACKS. IT'S MUCH EASIER WITHOUT HER.
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, ROGER.
Zara asks, WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO YOUR WRIST?
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, I'M SECURITY. THIS IS WHAT WE DO. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN AN INTRUDER MIGHT—
[Charlotte screaming]
Charlotte enters the room holding an armful of clothes, and Nyla grabs her.
Zara says, EASY, TIGER!
Nyla says, SORRY, CHARLOTTE. I CAN'T SEE YOU WITH THESE ON.
Charlotte says, THEY'RE ACTUALLY QUITE STYLISH.
Charlotte tries on the sunglasses, and Zara points at her. Nyla takes the sunglasses off Charlotte’s face and puts them on.
Nyla says, THANK YOU.
[Rustling]
Charlotte puts clothes on a table.
Charlotte says, EXCUSE ME. I'VE PRIMED A NEW LOOK FOR AOIFE. I'M PUTTING HER IN A BRAND-NEW WARDROBE.
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, GOOD IDEA. SHE'LL BE NICE AND SAFE IN A WARDROBE.
Charlotte shakes her head.
Zara says, STYLE, SUBSTANCE, AND SECURITY. I THINK WE'RE READY TO LAUNCH OUR CANDIDATE.
[Nyla imitating static, energetic music plays]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, COPY THAT.
[Camera shutters snapping]
In slow motion, Aoife turns a corner in a hallway. She wears the strand of pearls around her hairline and a school necktie tied around the waist of her school uniform. Nyla walks beside her, and Zara and Charlotte walk behind her.
An excited girl asks, CAN I TAKE A SELFIE?
Charlotte says, WHOA! ONE SEC!
Charlotte brushes blush on Aoife’s face, and Nyla pats down the student.
Someone says, THEY'RE HARD.
Nyla asks, WHAT'S IN THE BAG?
The girl says, NORMAL STUFF?
[Popping]
Charlotte applies lipstick to Aoife’s lips, and Aoife smacks them together.
Nyla says, GUYS, I'M CLEAR.
Charlotte says, YEP. GOOD.
Zara says, OKAY, GOOD TO GO.
[Camera shutters snapping, the girl giggling]
Aoife leans down beside the girl and purses her lips. Zara gives Aoife flyers.
Zara whispers to Aoife, RIGHT, EVERYBODY, "VOTE FOR AOIFE."
Aoife passes out flyers as she walks down the hallway.
Aoife says, VOTE FOR AOIFE! VOTE FOR ME. VOTE FOR ME!
Charlotte says, VOTE AOIFE!
[Hearts bubbling]
Aoife gives Jamie a flyer, and he smiles. Hearts float around Aoife.
Aoife says, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME. HAVE ANOTHER ONE. THANK YOU!
Jamie says, YOU LOOK GOOD.
[Hearts bubbling, ticking]
Hearts with spinning clock hands float around Aoife. Behind Jamie, Zara points at her wrist. Aoife smiles at Jamie.
Aoife says, THANKS.
[Alarm clock ringing]
Zara grabs Aoife’s arm and pulls her away from Jamie.
[Whistle blaring, thudding, whooshing]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball bounces across the title and knocks down the letters.
[Background chattering]
Later, Zara, Aoife, and Nyla stand by a water cooler as Charlotte fills a water bottle.
Zara says, YOU'RE DOING GREAT, AOIFE. MEETING NEW PEOPLE, GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT. AND I HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN CLANGER.
[Water bottle lid clanking]
Charlotte puts the lid on the water bottle.
Zara says, SO—
[Phones ringing, buzzing, dramatic music plays]
Students pick up their phones and look at the screen. By vending machines, Jim looks at a television screen playing Clanger’s advertisement.
Conor narrates, ARE YOU TIRED OF BAD THINGS? THE STATISTICS DO NOT LIE!
Unlabelled line charts and pie charts flash on the screen.
Conor narrates, WHOM WILL SAVE US?
[Thunder booming, light banging]
Photographs show graffiti on a wall and door, a thunderstorm, and a garbage dump. In front of the Midvale school crest, Clanger’s silhouette appears in profile. He turns and flinches as a light shines on him.
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, I'M CLANGER AND I'M FIGHTING FOR YOU. I'LL FIGHT FOR YOU.
Rows of donuts appear.
Conor narrates, VOTE CLANGER AND ALL PUPILS WILL GET FREE DONUTS! FREE DONUTS!
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, ALSO, PREJUDICE IS BAD, BUT THE ENVIRONMENT IS GOOD.
[Tapping]
Clanger gives a thumbs up and imitates patting a polar bear on a screen behind him.
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, I'M CLANGER AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE.
Clanger points at the camera. Text on the screen reads, “Free donuts for all? Yes We Clang!” The advertisement ends.
[The music ends]
Aoife asks uncertainly, NOBODY'S ACTUALLY GOING TO BELIEVE THIS, RIGHT?
Jim asks, DO YOU THINK THE FREE DOUGHNUT THING APPLIES TO STAFF AS WELL?
Someone watches Zara through the branches of a plant.
Zara says, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? OF COURSE, THEY'LL BELIEVE IT. THE VOTERS ARE IDIOTS. THEY'RE ALLERGIC TO THE PEANUTS THAT ARE THEIR OWN BRAINS.
[Light music plays]
Conor stands up from behind the plants.
Conor says, HEY, LOSERS!
[Aoife rolls her eyes]
Conor says, THERE'S STILL TIME FOR YOU TO PULL OUT OF THE RACE.
Aoife says, NO WAY! WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS. WE'LL MAKE OUR OWN VIDEO.
Aoife, Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara walk away. Conor smiles down at his smartphone.
Conor says, MAYBE YOU ALREADY HAVE.
[Buzzing]
Title: “High Hoops.”
The first letter 'O' in 'hoops' inflates.
Zara, Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla walk into the shadowy gym. Aoife carries a basketball.
Zara says, OKAY, IDEAS FOR THE CAMPAIGN VIDEO.
Aoife asks, HOW ABOUT I PLAY BASKETBALL AND YOU TWO DO CHEERLEADING?
Charlotte holds her arms over her head and creates an A with her body.
Charlotte cheers, GIVE ME AN A! A. GIVE ME AN E! OR IS IT I NEXT?
Nyla says, I THINK IT'S O THEN I. IT'S MOSTLY VOWELS.
Charlotte says, SORRY. HOW DO YOU SPELL "AOIFE"?
[Rock music plays]
Aoife opens her mouth and closes it. The Vipers run up the bleachers and look at the other half of the gym. A spotlight shines on Conor and another student.
Conor announces, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR NEXT STUDENT PRESIDENT OF MIDVALE HIGH!
[Rustling]
A banner unfurls from the basketball hoop. It reads, “Yes We Clang.”
Conor says, CLANGER!
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger high-fives a line of students. Charlotte claps, and Aoife pushes her hands down.
Clanger says, STUDENTS OF MIDVALE! I WILL MAKE ANY EMPTY PROMISES! I'LL GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU LIKE!
A student shouts, FREE PIZZA VENDING MACHINE!
Clanger says, A FREE PIZZA VENDING MACHINE FOR EVERY PUPIL!
[Students cheering, applause]
Zara says, EXCUSE ME! WE BOOKED THIS GYM.
Clanger says, SEE? EVEN MY OPPONENT WANTS TO CLOSE US DOWN. SHE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU!
Aoife says, YES, I DO! I CARE! LOOK AT ME CARING.
Aoife pets Charlotte.
Conor says, THAT'S NOT WHAT YOUR CAMPAIGN MANAGER SAID EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON.
[Phones dinging, buzzing]
The students answer their phones and see a video of Zara filmed from behind the plant. Aoife holds the basketball and watches Charlotte’s screen. The video also plays on a television screen beside Connor.
In the video, Zara says, THE VOTERS ARE IDIOTS! THEY'RE ALLERGIC TO THE PEANUTS THAT ARE THEIR OWN BRAINS.
The video ends.
[Students booing, light music plays]
Aoife says, NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!
Clanger says, SHE THINKS YOU'RE TOO STUPID TO UNDERSTAND.
Aoife says, I DON'T THINK THAT! I'M NICE! LOOK! I'M SPORTY!
[Thumping]
Aoife throws the basketball, and it hits the back of Jamie’s head.
Jamie says, OW!
Aoife says, SORRY.
Jamie smiles at Aoife.
Charlotte cheers, GIVE ME AN A!
Charlotte makes an A, and Aoife moves her arm down.
Aoife says, NOT NOW. THE VIPERS ARE NICE!
Aoife puts her arms around Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla.
Clanger says, THE VIPERS? DO YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR A VIPER?
The students shout, NO!
Clanger says, THEN VOTE FOR ME AND I'LL DRIVE THESE VIPERS OUT OF OUR GYM AND CONVERT IT INTO A FULL LASER TAG CENTRE!
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger says, COME ON!
Zara says, WE NEED OUTSIDE HELP.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Background chattering, knocking]
At school, Zara peers through a window in a door. A sign reads, “D and D Club. Roll Initiative.”
Inside, a student wearing a Viking helmet says, ENTER AT YOUR PERIL!
[Door squeaking]
Zara enters the room, and the student with the helmet stands and walks to her. Five students sit at tables with lanterns and candles.
The student with the helmet says, GREETINGS, MORTAL FEMALE!
[Door closes]
Zara says, WOW! YOU LOOK REALLY BUSY RUNNING THIS D AND D CLUB.
The student with the helmet says, INDEED, I AM.
Zara says, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU TO DO THIS AND RUN FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. MAYBE YOU SHOULD PULL OUT AND SUPPORT SOMEONE ELSE.
The student with the helmet, Barry, says, YOU'RE QUITE RIGHT.
Zara says, OH! OKAY. THAT WAS EASY.
Barry says, WE'RE SUPPORTING CLANGER.
[Exploding, popping, upbeat music plays]
In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Zara’s head. The exploding head emojis and question marks float around her.
Zara says, CLANGER? WHY?
[Angelic music notes play, rustling, upbeat music plays]
Zara notices a box of donuts on the table. Barry moves in front of the box. Zara pushes Barry to the side and picks up the donuts.
Zara asks, WHERE DID YOU GET THESE FROM?
Barry replies, A GIFT FROM A WELL-WISHER.
Zara says, CLANGER!
Zara gives Barry the box of donuts.
Zara says, OH, HE GOT HERE FIRST.
A boy wearing a Tiefling mask says, IF HE WINS, WE GET A SLUSHY MACHINE TOO.
[Zara gasping, rustling, door creaking]
Zara throws her hands up. She turns and leaves the room.
Barry says, THE DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS SOCIETY IS HEREBY RENAMED THE DUNGEONS AND DONUTS SOCIETY!
The members say, YEAH!
[Upbeat music plays, whooshing, cheering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball hoop hangs beneath the first letter 'O' in 'hoops’, and a basketball falls into it. In a hairdresser-training classroom resembling a salon, Zara stands in front of a whiteboard covered with bar charts and notes. Nyla stands beside her. Charlotte and Aoife sit on salon chairs.
Zara says, IT'S CRISIS TIME. OUR KEY MESSAGES AREN'T LANDING WITH THE CORE TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS.
Aoife asks, YOU WHAT?
Nyla says, YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE.
Charlotte asks, WHAT ABOUT THE SWING VOTERS?
Zara says, THEY REFUSE TO GET OFF THE SWINGS.
[Aoife sighing]
Aoife asks, DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY GOOD NEWS?
Charlotte says, OH! I DID A POLL WHERE EVERYONE SAID THEY'D VOTE FOR YOU.
Aoife says, REALLY? HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU ASK?
Charlotte says, IT WAS JUST US FOUR.
Nyla says, AND ACTUALLY, I'M A "DON'T KNOW."
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Zara says, LET'S TRY A NEW APPROACH.
[Rattling, creaking]
Zara flips over the whiteboard to a blank side.
[Buzzing]
Zara writes a letter Q.
Zara says, Q-Q.
Aoife says, QUICKLY—
Zara writes the letter U.
Aoife says, UTILIZE—
Zara writes the letter I.
Charlotte says, I. I?
Aoife says, IMPORTANT.
Zara writes the letter T.
Charlotte says, T?
Aoife says, TACTICS!
[Hands clapping, chiming, upbeat music plays]
Aoife smiles and claps her hands once. The word “Quit” glows on the whiteboard.
Zara says, NO, IT SAYS QUIT, AS IN, GIVE UP. TELL CONOR YOU'LL PULL OUT IF HE AGREES TO GIVE US THE GYM BACK, WHICH IS ALL WE WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Aoife says, OH, YEAH! EVERYBODY WINS!
Charlotte glances at Aoife.
Aoife says, OR CLANGER DOES. BUT AT LEAST WE DON'T LOSE!
Zara says, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BE NICE TO YOUR BROTHER.
Aoife stops smiling.
[Background chatter, the music stops]
In a school hallway, Conor covers one of Aoife’s campaign posters with Clanger’s poster as Charlotte and Aoife approach him.
Charlotte says, YOU CAN DO THIS. BIG SMILES!
Conor tapes a Clanger poster to Aoife’s forehead.
Conor says, WHOOPS! MY MISTAKE!
[Rustling]
Conor pulls the poster off Aoife’s face, and she glares at him with narrowed eyes. She glances at Charlotte and then smiles at Conor.
Aoife says, I'M HERE TO MAKE YOU AN OFFER. I'M ONLY GOING TO SAY IT ONCE. YOU GIVE US THE GYM BACK-- AND I'LL QUIT THE RACE.
Conor says, NO, THANKS.
Aoife says, WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO? I'M MAKING YOU AN OFFER HERE.
Conor says, YOU SAID YOU WERE ONLY GOING TO SAY IT ONCE.
Charlotte says, SHE DID SAY THAT. YOU DID SAY THAT.
Aoife says, BUT IT'S AN INCREDIBLE OFFER!
Conor says, AND I DON'T WANT IT. CLANGER NEEDS AN ENEMY TO FIGHT. BY ATTACKING YOU, HIS SUPPORT HAS GONE THROUGH THE ROOF!
[Rustling]
Conor offers Aoife a donut.
Conor says, HERE. HAVE A DOUGHNUT.
[Whooshing]
Aoife knocks the donut to the floor.
Aoife says, I DON'T WANT YOUR DOUGHNUT! I WANT MY GYM TIME BACK!
Conor says, SORRY, ONCE CLANGER WINS, THOSE HOOPS ARE GONE, SISTER. WE'RE PUTTING IN STROBE LIGHTS.
Aoife says, YOU WOULDN'T.
Conor says, YES, WE WOULD!
[Light music plays]
Conor dances and then walks away.
Aoife says, THAT'S IT! YOU WANTED A FIGHT, YOU'VE GOT ONE, BROTHER!
Charlotte asks, SO--HOW WOULD YOU SAY THAT WENT?
Aoife shakes her head and leans against a wall.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Clanger snoring, door opening, closing]
In the shop classroom, Clanger naps in an armchair with a sleep mask over his eyes. Boxes of donuts are stacked on a table beside him. Conor enters the room.
Conor says, CLANGER, WAKE UP!
Clanger sleepily says, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR PRESIDENT!
Conor says, CLANGER! SLIGHT PROBLEM! I THINK I PUSHED MY SISTER TOO FAR.
[Upbeat music plays]
In a hallway, Aoife says, I'M BACK IN THE RACE AND MY GLOVES ARE NOW OFF.
Charlotte asks, WHAT GLOVES?
Aoife says, THIS CAMPAIGN JUST GOT DIRTY!
Charlotte says, THEN WE SHOULD KEEP THE GLOVES ON.
Aoife says, TIME FOR SOME COVERT SURVEILLANCE.
Aoife eavesdrops outside by the shop classroom door.
Inside, Conor says, IF AOIFE CHALLENGES YOU, YOU HAVE NOTHING! YOU CAN'T AFFORD DONUTS FOR ALL THE PUPILS. THESE BOXES ARE AS EMPTY AS OUR PROMISES.
[Box rustling]
Conor continues, AND LOOK AT OUR CAMPAIGN FILE. IT'S ALL JUST EMPTY PAGES AND RUDE DRAWINGS OF MR. HOLT!
[Chiming]
In animation, exclamation marks appear around Aoife’s head. She and Charlotte smile.
Conor continues, IF PEOPLE SAW THIS, WE WOULD BE FINISHED.
[Thumping]
Conor puts the binder on a table. Aoife and Charlotte walk away from the door.
Aoife says, I THINK I KNOW HOW TO WIN THIS ELECTION.
[Whooshing, light music plays]
Charlotte silently claps. The Midvale crest spins.
In a student lounge, Mr. Holt says, THIS IS THE FINAL HUSTINGS, SO LET'S HUST.
[Rustling, wind blowing, background coughing]
In animation, a tumbleweed rolls past Zara, Nyla, and Charlotte. Students stare at Mr. Holt.
Mr. Holt says, FIRST UP…
Mr. Holt consults his binder.
Mr. Holt reads, “MR. CLANGER OF THE FREE DONUTS, SAVE THE POLAR BEARS, AND DID WE MENTION THE FREE DONUTS PARTY.”
[Electronic music plays, students clapping, cheering]
Clanger carries a stack of donut boxes to the front of the room.
Clanger says, COME ON, MIDVALE! COME ON! COME ON!
Aoife and Charlotte arrive.
Zara says, THERE YOU ARE. DID YOUR BROTHER TAKE THE DEAL?
Aoife says, FORGET THE DEAL. I'VE GOT A BETTER IDEA.
Clanger says, VOTE FOR ME AND I PROMISE TO END ALL EXAMS. THE ABOLITION OF HOMEWORK AND AN EXTRA WEEK OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PER MONTH.
[Students clapping, someone cheering]
Mr. Holt glances at Clanger.
Aoife says, STUDENTS OF MIDVALE. YOU'RE BEING LIED TO.
Mr. Holt says, WAIT YOUR TURN, PLEASE, AOIFE.
Aoife says, CLANGER PROMISED YOU A PIZZA VENDING MACHINE PER PERSON. WHAT'S REALLY IN THE CAMPAIGN FILE? WE DEMAND TO KNOW. WHAT DOES IT SAY?
[Binder thumping, Mr. Holt sighing]
Aoife raises her eyebrows at us and smiles. Conor gives Mr. Holt the binder, and he opens it.
Mr. Holt says, IT'S A SURPRISINGLY THOROUGH COSTING PLAN FOR VENDING MACHINES.
Aoife says, WHAT?
Mr. Holt says, YEAH, THEY'LL BE PURCHASED SECOND-HAND, STUDENTS WILL FIX THEM AS PART OF D.T. LESSONS. SELL HALF ON AT A PROFIT AND RETAIN OTHERS FOR USE WITHIN THE SCHOOL.
[Paper rustling]
Mr. Holt turns the page in the binder. Nyla lowers her sunglasses.
Aoife says, WELL, OKAY. BUT WHAT ABOUT WHAT HE JUST SAID ABOUT BANNING HOMEWORK?
Mr. Holt says, UH, THERE SEEMS TO BE AN OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH INTO THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.
[Students clapping, cheering, hand slapping]
Mr. Holt nods at Conor, Clanger, and Aoife. Zara hits her palm against her forehead.
Aoife says, BUT. BUT WHAT'S REALLY IN THOSE SO-CALLED DOUGHNUT BOXES?
[Thumping, tense music plays]
Mr. Holt closes the binder, and Conor picks up a donut box.
Aoife says, THEY'RE FULL OF DONUTS, AREN'T THEY?
[Exploding, popping, upbeat music plays]
Conor smiles and opens the box of donuts. In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Aoife’s head. The exploding head emojis float around her. Mr. Holt eats a chocolate donut.
Mr. Holt says, DELICIOUS!
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Aoife shouts, WAKE UP, PEOPLE! YOU'RE BEING LIED TO!
With his mouth full, Mr. Holt says, THANK YOU, AOIFE. THAT'S ENOUGH FROM YOU.
Aoife shouts, THEY'RE TRYING TO SILENCE ME!
Conor says, WE ALL WANT TO SILENCE YOU. YOU'RE VERY NOISY.
[Students booing, students chanting]
Aoife says, THIS IS ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED AT TRAINING. YOU SEE—
The two students grab Aoife’s arms and pull her backwards.
Aoife says, OYE! I'M BEING CANCELLED.
Aoife tells us, THIS IS WHERE WE CAME IN. REMEMBER?
Conor says, SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO OUTWIT CONOR AND CLANGER? YOU'VE JUST BEEN CLUNG!
[Bell ringing]
In animation, a bell appears in Conor’s hand, and Clanger drops a microphone.
Clanger says, BOOM.
Aoife says, THAT'S NOT YOUR PHRASE!
Conor says, IT IS NOW, SISTER! IT IS NOW!
[Whistle blaring, thudding, cheering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
The letters in the title fall.
[School bell ringing, door clicking, background chattering]
At the shop classroom, Clanger holds his arms up and skips inside. Conor follows him.
Conor says, THAT WAS AMAZING! YOU ARE SO GOING TO WIN!
Clanger says, AND THEN, WE ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THIS PLACE TO CLANGER HIGH WITH A PICTURE OF ME INSTEAD OF THAT DUDE WITH THE HAT.
Conor says, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE KING.
[Whooshing, chiming]
In animation, a sceptre appears in Clanger’s hand, and a crown appears on his head.
Clanger says, WHATEVER. THE DAY WILL START WITH A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO ME.
Conor says, IT SOUNDS A BIT LIKE YOU WANT TO BE A SUPREME DICTATOR.
[Clanging, slide whistle]
In animation, the sceptre falls, and the crown disappears.
Clanger says, YEAH, I WAS WORRIED THAT IT WASN'T COMING ACROSS.
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut.
Conor says, NO, IT IS, BUT REMEMBER, THE PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO CHOOSE YOU. THEN YOU'LL BE—
Clanger says, THE CHOSEN ONE!
Conor says, AGAIN, PROBABLY NOT A PHRASE YOU SHOULD USE UNTIL WE'VE WON.
Clanger says, I SEE. PLAY ALONG NOW. STRIKE THEM WITH AN IRON FIST LATER.
[Popping, slide whistle, munching]
Conor furrows his eyebrows and stares at Clanger’s back. Sad emojis float around Conor. A donut spins with Clanger’s smiling face over the hole. The donut disappears in bites. In the hairdresser-training classroom, Aoife paces.
Aoife says, THE ELECTION'S TOMORROW. I NEED TO BE POPULAR QUICK! I'LL DO ANYTHING!
Charlotte says, ON THAT T.V. SHOW, PEOPLE WIN VOTES BY EATING INSECTS.
Aoife says, NYLA, GIVE ME A SNAIL STAT!
[Hands clapping, squeaking, thumping, zooming]
Aoife claps her hands together. In animation, a snail slides past Nyla as she steps forward. Zara puts her arm out and blocks her. The snail speeds away.
Zara says, YOU WANT TO BE POPULAR?
[Rustling]
Zara unrolls a “Yes for Jess” poster.
Zara says, THERE'S ONLY ONE PERSON TO ASK.
Aoife says, NO WAY!
Zara says, THIS CAMPAIGN WAS ABOUT DOING WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE TEAM, NOT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL EGO.
Aoife says, WHAT ABOUT MY SELF-RESPECT?
Nyla asks, WHAT SELF-RESPECT IS THAT?
[Tape rewinding, upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, I'VE BEEN PELTED BY SHUTTLECOCKS.
In a flashback, shuttlecocks hit Aoife in the gym.
Aoife tells us, BECOME A HATE FIGURE FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL.
[Popping]
In another flashback, the two students pull Aoife backwards.
Aoife tells us, SHOWED MYSELF UP IN FRONT OF JAMIE.
In a flashback, Aoife shouts, LOOK! I'M SPORTY!
Aoife throws the basketball and hits the back of Jamie’s head.
Jamie says, OW!
[Students gasping, heart shattering]
Jamie holds his head, and a heart breaks beside him. Text reads, “Lost the gym.”
Aoife tells us, PRACTICALLY LOST THE GYM.
[Laser beams zapping]
Text reads, “Out of our gym.”
In a flashback, Clanger announces, AND I'LL DRIVE THESE VIPERS OUT OF OUR GYM AND CONVERT IT INTO A FULL LASER TAG CENTRE.
Aoife tells us, AND OFFERED TO EAT SNAILS.
Text reads, “Eat snails.”
In a flashback, Aoife says, NYLA! GIVE ME A SNAIL STAT!
[Slide whistle]
Zara puts her hand out and blocks Nyla. In animation, snails slide past Nyla and Zara.
Aoife tells us, FOR VOTES.
Zara holds the “Yes for Jess” poster.
In the present, Aoife says, FAIR ENOUGH. LET'S GO AND SEE JESSICA.
Aoife grimaces at us.
[Whooshing]
A purple and pink star appears and spins.
[Pen clicking]
In her office, Jessica sits at her desk and clicks a pen.
Jessica says, I WONDERED HOW LONG THIS WOULD TAKE. YOU'RE DESPERATE FOR MY HELP.
Aoife says, I WOULDN'T SAY DESPERATE.
Zara says, I WOULD.
Aoife says, YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR ME.
Zara says, BECAUSE IF I DID, YOU WOULDN'T BE IN THIS MESS.
[Pen clicking]
Zara says, SHE'LL HELP YOU WIN. I'M TELLING YOU NOW.
Aoife says, I DON'T NEED HER TO HELP ME WIN, I'VE GOT MYSELF.
Zara says, I KNOW, BUT IF SHE DOESN'T HELP YOU WIN, YOU'RE GONNA LOSE AND THEN YOU'RE GONNA LOOK SILLY.
Aoife says, I'M NOT GONNA LOSE AND I'M NOT GONNA LOOK SILLY.
Nyla says, SHUT UP!
Zara says, CLANGER'S GONNA BEAT YOU.
[Pen stops clicking]
Jessica says, I CAN SEE WHY YOUR CAMPAIGN IS GOING BADLY. BUT WHY SHOULD I HELP YOU?
Zara says, JUNIOR PRESIDENT ORGANIZES THE END OF YEAR DISCO AND I HAPPEN TO KNOW THAT CLANGER'S CHOSEN THEME IS "EGGY SMELLS."
[Whooshing, popping, rhythmic music plays]
In animation, green vapour rises by Zara and Aoife. Jessica stands.
Jessica says, THAT CANNOT HAPPEN.
Aoife says, THEN HELP US! PLEASE!
Jessica smiles.
Jessica says, SINCE YOU BEGGED LIKE A DOG, YES, I WILL.
Nyla says, HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT WORKING FOR CLANGER?
Jessica says, HE BRIBES PEOPLE WITH DONUTS. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SUGAR THOSE THINGS CONTAIN? I HAVEN'T EATEN A DOUGHNUT SINCE LOCKDOWN.
Aoife tells us, I BELIEVE HER.
Text reads, “Welcome to the team.”
Zara says, WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
[Paper rustling]
Text on a large paper reads, “3 secrets to being popular.” Jessica flips the paper. Text reads, “How to be popular. One: Don’t be needy.”
Jessica says, THERE ARE THREE SECRETS TO BEING POPULAR. ONE. DON'T BE NEEDY.
[Paper rustling]
Jessica flips the paper. Text reads, “How to be popular. Two: Always hold something back.”
Jessica says, AND TWO. ALWAYS HOLD SOMETHING BACK.
Charlotte says, YOU SAID THREE SECRETS.
Aoife says, YEAH, WHAT'S THE THIRD?
[Jessica chuckling, door opening, upbeat music plays]
Jessica smiles and raises her eyebrows as she leaves the room.
Nyla shouts, WHAT'S THE THIRD SECRET? TELL US!
Aoife says, OH!
Zara says, THE THIRD SECRET IS TO ALWAYS LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE.
Aoife says, IT IS.
[Whooshing, squeaking]
The Midvale school crest appears and spins over students as they walk in the hallway. Jessica watches with a group of students.
In a hallway, Aoife says, I AM HEREBY RELAUNCHING MY CAMPAIGN WITH THREE PROMISES. ONE. I WILL LISTEN TO EVERYONE. TWO. I WILL SPEAK UP FOR EVERYONE. THANK YOU.
A blond-haired boy says, BUT THAT WAS ONLY TWO.
A girl with a bun asks, WHAT'S THE THIRD PROMISE?
Jessica says, WE'LL HAVE TO VOTE FOR HER TO FIND OUT. I KNOW I WILL.
[Slide whistle, upbeat music plays]
Jessica flips a braid over her shoulder. In an equation, a photograph of Jessica appears beside a plus sign and the word “Mystery.” After an equal sign, votes fall into a ballot box. At the end of the hallway, Charlotte and Nyla high-five Zara. In the school library, Aoife gives out flyers.
Aoife says, VOTE FOR ME.
[Chattering]
In a hallway, students look at posters. Someone marks a ballot. The Vipers hand out flyers.
Charlotte says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Jessica gives a student a flyer.
Jessica says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Aoife says, VOTE AOIFE!
At the voting station, Clanger holds out a box of donuts, and Jim takes it.
Jim says, WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! NO BRIBING WITH DONUTS.
Jim eats a donut. In a hallway, Zara and Chalotte walk in front of Aoife, handing out flyers.
Charlotte says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Zara says, VOTE FOR AOIFE.
[Upbeat music continues, rustling, students chattering]
Aoife gives Jamie a flyer, and Zara and Charlotte exchange a glance. Aoife smiles at Jamie and walks to Charlotte and Zara. A student votes. Later, in the student lounge, Mr. Holt stands in front of Jamie. Conor and Clanger stand to his right, and Zara and Aoife stand to his left.
Mr. Holt says, ALL VOTES HAVE BEEN COUNTED AND VERIFIED. TIME FOR ME TO ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.
Jamie gives Mr. Holt the results.
Clanger says, THIS IS IT, CONOR!
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut.
Clanger says, I CAN TASTE THE POWER!
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut, and Aoife rolls her eyes.
Conor says, IT IS ONLY FOR ONE TERM, REMEMBER?
Clanger says, OH, NO! ONCE I'M IN, I CAN CHANGE THE RULES. I'M GOING TO BE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE!
[Students muttering]
A student exclaims, WHAT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!
Conor says, HA, YOU, YOU, YOU CAN'T DO THAT.
[Students chattering, pages rustling]
Clanger nods. Conor picks up a book and flips the pages.
Conor says, RIGHT?
Conor takes the book to Zara and Aoife.
Conor quietly says, HE WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE.
Aoife says, FOR LIFE? THAT'S NOT ALLOWED, IS IT?
Zara asks, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Conor quietly says, WHAT CAN I DO? I'M SUPPOSED TO BE ON HIS TEAM.
[Rustling]
Conor gives the book to Aoife.
Conor quietly says, YOU DO SOMETHING.
Conor walks back to Clanger.
Mr. Holt says, THE RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS.
Aoife tells us, I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO DO THIS.
[Thumping]
Aoife closes the book.
Aoife says, WAIT! THE PRESIDENT CAN CHANGE THE RULES, AND THE PRESIDENT CAN ALSO CANCEL FUTURE ELECTIONS.
Clanger says, AND THERE'S NOTHING ANY OF YOU SUCKERS CAN DO ABOUT IT!
Aoife says, RIGHT? BUT UNTIL THIS ELECTION IS OVER, JESSICA IS STILL PRESIDENT, WHICH MEANS SHE CAN DECIDE TO CANCEL THIS ELECTION.
Jessica files her nails.
Jessica says, WHAT?
Jessica smiles and stands.
Jessica says, OH, WELL, I DON'T KNOW. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO STAY ON AS PRESIDENT?
[Students cheering, applause]
A red-haired student cheers, YESSICA FOR THE JESSICA!
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
In animation, a crown appears on Jessica’s head, and a sceptre appears in her hand. Text reads, “Junior President for Life.”
Mr. Holt says, I HEREBY DECLARE JESSICA JUNIOR PRESIDENT FOR LIFE BY POPULAR ACCLAMATIONS.
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger says, NO! WHAT! THIS IS A FIX! NO!
Mr. Holt says, TAKE THE VOTES AWAY AND BURN THEM!
Jamie picks up the ballot box and walks away. Jessica files her nails.
Mr. Holt says, DEMOCRACY IS A WONDERFUL THING.
Mr. Holt drops the results and walks away.
Jessica smiles and says, THANKS, AOIFE. I GUESS I OWE YOU ONE.
Aoife asks, SO, DOES THIS MEAN WE CAN HAVE THE WHOLE GYM BACK?
Jessica says, NO.
[Slide whistle, banging]
In an animation, a hand hits a drawing of Aoife. A donut appears, and bites disappear from the edges.
In the shop classroom, Clanger and Conor pack their campaign material in boxes. Clanger stops and bites into a donut.
With his mouth full, Clanger says, I WAS ROBBED, CONOR. LET'S RAISE THEM UP AND STORM THE STAFF ROOM.
[Thunking]
Conor puts two picture frames down.
Conor says, LET IT GO, MATE. THE IMPORTANT THING IS WE GOT THREE DAYS OFF LESSONS.
[Door clicking, background students chattering]
Mr. Holt opens the door and looks into the room.
Mr. Holt says, QUICK REMINDER, BOYS. I'LL BE EXPECTING YOUR 1,000-WORD HANDWRITTEN REPORTS ON THE CAMPAIGN EXPERIENCE FIRST THING TOMORROW.
Mr. Holt smiles and walks away.
Conor says, WHAT? IT DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT ON THE POSTER.
[Thumping, upbeat music plays]
Clanger gives Conor a notepad.
Clanger says, REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID. CAMPAIGN MANAGER DOES ALL OF THE WORK.
Clanger smiles and runs away with the box of donuts.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Footsteps thumping, upbeat music continues]
In the school, the Vipers walk up a staircase.
Zara says, THAT WAS A WASTE OF TIME. WE STILL LOST HALF OUR GYM.
Aoife says, AT LEAST WE STOPPED CLANGER FROM TAKING OVER THE WHOLE SCHOOL.
Charlotte says, AND YOU NEVER KNOW. MAYBE AOIFE GOT LESS VOTES.
Jamie stands at his locker, and the Vipers walk past him.
Nyla says, JAMIE COUNTED THEM. HE MUST KNOW.
Aoife says, JAMIE, DID I WIN?
Jamie stares at Aoife, and she stops smiling.
Jamie says, BUT I VOTED FOR YOU, AOIFE!
[Whistling, fireworks exploding]
Aoife smiles and lifts her arm victoriously. In animation, fireworks explode around her.
[Upbeat music plays, thumping]
Singers sing, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO.
In an animation, a basketball bounces off a net. The ball lands in the basket. A second ball bounces off the rim of the net. A basketball falls into the net.
End credits. Cast in order of appearance: Aoife, Darci Hull. Conor, Arthur Kay. Clanger, Dylan Lakhanpaul. Zara, Isha Kaur Athwal. Charlotte, Ella Bernstein. Nyla, Frankie-Jae Simmonds. Jim, Nigel Boyle. Jessica, Bea Ward. Jamie, Joseph Nicholas. Barry, Jax Ho. Special thanks Calderdale College. Executive Producer for B.B.C., Anita Burgess, Melissa Hardinge. Executive Producer, Rebecca Papworth. Logos: Can Can Productions Limited for B.B.C. Copyright Can Can Productions 2024. Filmed in West Yorkshire. Logo: A.P.C. Kids.
A drawing features Midvale school posters taped to double doors. In live-action, Aoife throws the doors open. She stands in a school hallway lined with lockers on each side. Aoife has her long blonde hair in pigtails and wears a blue basketball jersey with the Midvale Vipers logo on the front. Text reads, “Phew.” In a drawing of a gymnasium filled with people on the bleachers, live-action Zara points at her watch while Nyla throws a basketball to Aoife. Zara has her long black hair in a ponytail, and Nyla’s brown hair is in two braids. Both wear their Vipers jerseys. Aoife catches the basketball and spins it on her finger. In an animation, a water balloon hits Aoife, and text reads, “Sploosh!” In the bleachers, Conor, who has short brown hair, holds a water balloon. Clanger sits beside him and points. He has short, dark brown hair. The head teacher, Mr. Holt, arrives and text reads, “Woah.” Mr. Holt has short blond hair and a moustache. Charlotte points a hair dryer at Aoife, and her pigtails fly up in the air. Charlotte wears her brown hair in a bun. Text reads, “Wooosh!” Aoife dribbles the ball and trips. Text reads, “Epic Fail.”
Singers sing, DOOT, DOOT, DOO, DOO, DOOT, DOOT, DOO, DOOT.
Title: “High Hoops.”
B.B.C. Created by Sinéad Fagan. Written by Daniel Peak. Director Tim Hopewell.
[Upbeat music plays]
In Midvale school, Aoife wears her hair in a bun with a string of pearls around her hairline. She wears a blue rosette ribbon that reads, “Vote Aoife.” Mr. Holt stands behind her, eating a donut.
Aoife says, WAKE UP, PEOPLE! YOU'RE BEING LIED TO!
With his mouth full, Mr. Holt says, THANK YOU, AOIFE. THAT'S ENOUGH FROM YOU.
Aoife says, THEY'RE TRYING TO SILENCE ME!
Conor wears a purple rosette ribbon that reads, “Vote Clang.” Charlotte, Nyla, and Zara look at each other. They all wear “Vote Aoife” rosette ribbons, and Nyla wears sunglasses.
Conor says, WE ALL WANT TO SILENCE YOU. YOU'RE VERY NOISY.
[Students booing]
Aoife tells us, THIS IS ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED AT TRAINING. YOU SEE—
Conor gestures to someone, and two boys grab Aoife’s arms and pull her backwards between Conor and Clanger. Mr. Holt looks away and eats.
Aoife says, OYE! I'M BEING CANCELLED! LET GO! GET OFF ME!
Producer, Dominique Molloy. In association with A.P.C. Kids. With Robert Webb as Mr. Holt.
Aoife tells us, SO, HERE'S THE REWIND.
[Tape rewinding, the music stops, basketball thumping, sneakers squeaking]
In the gym, Jim bounces a basketball to Aoife.
Jim says, SHOOT!
Aoife holds the ball and stares up towards the hoop.
Aoife says, TOTAL CONCENTRATION. ENTER THE ZONE. THREE, TWO.
[Smacking, upbeat music plays]
A shuttlecock hits the side of Aoife’s head.
Aoife counts, THREE, TWO.
[Smacking]
Another shuttlecock hits Aoife and bounces off one of her hair buns.
Aoife counts, THREE.
[Smacking]
Another shuttlecock hits Aoife. Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stand nearby with their hands on their hips.
Zara asks, JIM, WHAT'S GOING ON?
Jim replies, I'M NO EXPERT, BUT I'M GONNA SAY-- BADMINTON.
Zara says, YEAH, BUT WHY?
Jim says, WELL, THE-- SHUFFLECOCKS.
Charlotte says, SHUTTLECOCKS.
Jim says, THAT'S WHAT I SAID.
Zara says, WHY? WHY ARE PEOPLE PLAYING BADMINTON IN OUR GYM, JIM?
Mr. Holt enters the gym.
Mr. Holt says, ECONOMY. YOU ONLY NEED HALF THE GYM, SO I'VE RENTED THE OTHER HALF TO THE LOCAL OVER-SEVENTIES BADMINTON CLUB, THE SILVER SHUTTLERS.
[Smacking, the music stops]
A shuttlecock hits Mr. Holt near his eye.
Mr. Holt says, NICE BACKHAND, MAUREEN.
Nyla says, IT'S A CRUCIAL POINT IN THE SEASON. TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Mr. Holt says, YOU CAN SAY THE SAME FOR THEM.
[Mr. Holt snickering, sneakers squeaking, background chattering]
Mr. Holt says, NO, BUT IT WAS THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT'S IDEA TO RAISE SOME MUCH-NEEDED SCHOOL FUNDS.
Jim asks, IS THAT HOW WE PAID FOR THE MASSAGE CHAIR IN THE STAFF ROOM?
Mr. Holt replies, INDEED, IT IS.
[Buzzing, Jim chuckling]
Jim and Mr. Holt pretend to sit on massage chairs.
Mr. Holt and Jim say, ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ!
Aoife says, SORRY? JUNIOR PRESIDENT? WHO'S THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT?
[Upbeat music plays]
Zara asks, YOU DON'T KNOW?
A desk nameplate reads, “Junior President.”
[The music ends]
At a desk, Jessica turns her chair towards Aoife.
Jessica says, AOIFE.
Aoife says, JESSICA! YOU'RE THE JUNIOR PRESIDENT?
[Chiming]
Jessica points at a campaign poster featuring her holding a cat.
Jessica says, SURELY, YOU REMEMBER THE ELECTION? THE "YES FOR JESS" CAMPAIGN. I WON BY A LANDSLIDE.
Aoife says, I GUESS IT MUST HAVE BEEN BEFORE I CAME TO THIS SCHOOL.
Jessica says, BUT IT MUST HAVE BEEN ON THE NEWS THOUGH, RIGHT?
[Whirring]
Text reads, “What Evs.”
Aoife says, ANYWAY! IT'S ABOUT THE GYM. THE VIPERS NEED THE SPACE BACK, SO THAT WE CAN--
Jessica says, LET ME STOP YOU THERE, AOIFE.
Aoife says, OKAY.
Jessica looks down at the paper and writes.
Jessica says, YOU SEE, I DON'T CARE.
Aoife says, WHAT?
Jessica says, SADLY, IT'S MY LAST WEEK AS PRESIDENT, SO I'VE MAINLY BEEN FOCUSED ON USING UP ALL OF MY LETTERHEAD NOTE PAPER.
[Door clicking]
Jamie enters Jessica’s office carrying banker's boxes.
Jessica says, JAMIE HAS BEEN HELPING ME MOVE OUT.
[Door squeaking, boxes thumping]
Aoife smiles as Jamie walks past behind her. He puts the boxes on a ledge by a window. Aoife flips one of her pigtails over her shoulder. Jamie picks up a binder and glances at Jessica.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife asks, SO, WHO'S GOING TO BE THE NEW PRESIDENT?
Jessica says, WHOEVER WINS THE ELECTION. COULD BE ANYONE.
Aoife asks, YOU MEAN IT COULD BE ME?
Jessica says, STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. CAN'T THINK OF ANY SPECIFIC ONES, BUT THEY MUST HAVE.
Aoife smiles at Jamie.
Aoife says, I DON'T KNOW. SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY.
Jamie says, IT'S A SHAME. I THINK YOU'D BE GOOD AT IT.
[Background chattering]
Jessica lowers her eyebrows. Aoife smiles. In a school hallway, Aoife passes out flyers.
Aoife says, I HEREBY ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? ANYONE?
Students pass Aoife without taking a flyer.
Aoife says, TAKE YOUR TIME. HAVE A LITTLE THINK. ANYONE?
[Background student chattering, sneakers squeaking]
Conor approaches. He notices Aoife, looks away, and walks faster. She swings around a staircase pole and blocks his path.
Aoife says, YOU'LL VOTE FOR ME, WON'T YOU, CONOR?
Conor asks, WHAT'S IT FOR? DUMBEST SIBLING CONTEST?
Aoife says, NO, YOU'VE WON THAT ONE FOR LIFE. IT'S FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. THERE'S ONLY ONE OTHER CANDIDATE. BARRY FROM THE GAMERS CLUB. HE'S GOT 12,000 SUPPORTERS, BUT THEY'RE THUNDER GOBLINS, WHICH DOESN'T COUNT. I CHECKED.
[Poster rustling, light music plays]
Conor looks at a poster that reads, “Nominations Open,” and takes it down from the wall. Aoife watches him walk away. She shakes her head, smiles, and lifts the flyers. Elsewhere, Conor runs around a corner and approaches Clanger.
Conor says, CLANGER! HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY INTEREST IN ENTERING POLITICS?
Clanger says, NO, WHY WOULD I DO THAT? IT'S BORING.
Conor says, YOU GET TO HAVE A SAY IN HOW THE SCHOOL IS RUN?
Clanger says, BORING.
Conor says, YOU GET TO BRING NEW IDEAS TO THE TABLE?
Clanger says, BORING.
Conor reads, "CANDIDATES WILL BE EXCUSED FROM LESSONS FOR THE DURATION OF THE CAMPAIGN."
Clanger stops walking and puts his hand over his heart.
Clanger says, I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO SERVE MY FELLOW PUPILS!
Conor says, I KNEW YOU'D LIKE IT.
Clanger says, BUT HANG ON. WHY DON'T YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?
Conor says, I'LL BE THE BRAINS BEHIND THE OPERATION AND YOU BE—
Clanger says, THE BRAINS IN THE FRONT OF THE OPERATIONS!
Conor says, EXACTLY! I'LL DO THE WORK AND YOU TAKE THE CREDIT.
[Upbeat music plays]
Conor holds up his hand to high-five Clanger.
Clanger says, DON'T SALUTE ME, CONOR. I HAVEN'T WON YET.
Clanger shoves Conor, and they walk together.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
A purple and pink star appears and spins.
[Students chattering]
Outside, Zara sits down at a picnic bench beside Charlotte. Aoife stands facing them.
Zara says, SO, YOUR PLAN TO GET THE WHOLE GYM BACK IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.
[Chiming]
Checkmarks appear beside text that reads, “Leadership. Organisational Skillz. Attention to Detail.”
Aoife says, I'D BE GOOD AT IT! I'VE GOT STRONG LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS. PLUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
[Background chattering]
Aoife smiles at us.
Zara says, YOU KNOW YOU BUTTONED YOUR JUMPER UP WRONG.
Aoife says, HA! YEAH, I DID KNOW THAT.
Charlotte says, WE'LL DEFINITELY VOTE FOR YOU. WON'T WE, ZARA?
Zara asks, WHO ELSE IS RUNNING?
[Footsteps running]
Nyla arrives and stands beside Aoife.
Nyla says, BREAKING NEWS! CLANGER IS STANDING! CONOR IS RUNNING HIS CAMPAIGN.
[Exploding, popping]
In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Aoife’s head. Exploding head emojis float around her.
Aoife says, CONOR RUNNING A CAMPAIGN?
Nyla nods.
Aoife says, HE CAN'T EVEN RUN A BATH.
[Zara giggling]
Zara and Charlotte glance at each other.
Aoife tells us, BELIEVE ME. HE'S MY BROTHER, I WOULD KNOW. I'VE NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN HIM RUN A BATH. NOT ONCE.
Aoife tells us, EW! YUCK!
[Aoife breathing deeply]
Aoife says, ANYWAY, I'M GUARANTEED TO WIN. 110 PERCENT!
Zara says, YOU CAN'T GET 110 PERCENT.
Aoife says, 120 PERCENT THEN. BECAUSE I'VE GOT A SECRET WEAPON.
Zara says, WELL, IT'S NOT MATHS.
Aoife says, IT'S MY CAMPAIGN TEAM.
Charlotte asks, WHO ARE THEY?
Aoife says, YOU'RE LOOKING AT THEM! WELL, YOU'RE LOOKING AT ME LOOKING AT THEM. IT'S YOU! ZARA, CAMPAIGN MANAGER.
Zara says, I SUPPOSE SOMEONE HAS TO KEEP YOU ORGANIZED.
Aoife says, CHARLOTTE, STYLIST!
Aoife tosses a pigtail over her shoulder.
Charlotte says, GO ME!
[Hands slapping, fingers snapping]
Charlotte and Zara slap the backs of their hands together and then snap their fingers.
Aoife says, AND NYLA. SECURITY.
[Upbeat music plays]
Nyla asks excitedly, WILL IT INVOLVE PHYSICAL DANGER AND RESISTING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE?
Aoife says, MIGHT DO!
Nyla says, I'M IN!
They all put their hands together and lift them. Text reads, “Vipers.”
They all shout, VIPERS!
[The music stops, wheels rattling, marker cap clicking, door closing]
Polka dots move on the screen. In the school, Conor and Clanger enter the shop classroom. Conor pulls a whiteboard to him and uncaps a marker.
Conor says, CLANGER H.Q.! WHERE WE LAUNCH YOUR CAMPAIGN. WITH THE SLOGAN, "CLANGER. RING THE CHANGES."
[Marker scraping]
Clanger writes “Yes we Clang” on the whiteboard.
Clanger says, WHAT? I DON'T GET IT. HOW ABOUT-- "YES, WE CLANG!"
[Lively music plays]
Conor says, THAT IS COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS.
Clanger says, YEAH, I LIKE IT TOO!
Conor says, FINE. OKAY. NEXT QUESTION. WHAT ARE YOU STANDING FOR?
Clanger says, WELL, BECAUSE THERE'S NO CHAIRS.
Conor says, THIS IS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE.
[Light music plays, door squeaking, Zara gasping]
Polka dots move across the screen. In a hallway, Nyla wears sunglasses, looks around, and nods. Nyla enters a classroom with a “Vote Aoife” poster on the back of the door. Zara writes “Policies” on a whiteboard beneath the heading “Team Aoife.” She turns and notices Nyla.
Zara says, LET'S DRAW UP A LIST OF POLICIES FOR AOIFE. THINGS SHE PASSIONATELY BELIEVES IN.
[Nyla imitating static, background chattering]
Nyla speaks into her wrist.
Nyla says, AOIFE'S NOT HERE.
Zara says, I'VE SENT HER FOR SNACKS. IT'S MUCH EASIER WITHOUT HER.
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, ROGER.
Zara asks, WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO YOUR WRIST?
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, I'M SECURITY. THIS IS WHAT WE DO. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN AN INTRUDER MIGHT—
[Charlotte screaming]
Charlotte enters the room holding an armful of clothes, and Nyla grabs her.
Zara says, EASY, TIGER!
Nyla says, SORRY, CHARLOTTE. I CAN'T SEE YOU WITH THESE ON.
Charlotte says, THEY'RE ACTUALLY QUITE STYLISH.
Charlotte tries on the sunglasses, and Zara points at her. Nyla takes the sunglasses off Charlotte’s face and puts them on.
Nyla says, THANK YOU.
[Rustling]
Charlotte puts clothes on a table.
Charlotte says, EXCUSE ME. I'VE PRIMED A NEW LOOK FOR AOIFE. I'M PUTTING HER IN A BRAND-NEW WARDROBE.
[Nyla imitating static]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, GOOD IDEA. SHE'LL BE NICE AND SAFE IN A WARDROBE.
Charlotte shakes her head.
Zara says, STYLE, SUBSTANCE, AND SECURITY. I THINK WE'RE READY TO LAUNCH OUR CANDIDATE.
[Nyla imitating static, energetic music plays]
Speaking into her wrist, Nyla says, COPY THAT.
[Camera shutters snapping]
In slow motion, Aoife turns a corner in a hallway. She wears the strand of pearls around her hairline and a school necktie tied around the waist of her school uniform. Nyla walks beside her, and Zara and Charlotte walk behind her.
An excited girl asks, CAN I TAKE A SELFIE?
Charlotte says, WHOA! ONE SEC!
Charlotte brushes blush on Aoife’s face, and Nyla pats down the student.
Someone says, THEY'RE HARD.
Nyla asks, WHAT'S IN THE BAG?
The girl says, NORMAL STUFF?
[Popping]
Charlotte applies lipstick to Aoife’s lips, and Aoife smacks them together.
Nyla says, GUYS, I'M CLEAR.
Charlotte says, YEP. GOOD.
Zara says, OKAY, GOOD TO GO.
[Camera shutters snapping, the girl giggling]
Aoife leans down beside the girl and purses her lips. Zara gives Aoife flyers.
Zara whispers to Aoife, RIGHT, EVERYBODY, "VOTE FOR AOIFE."
Aoife passes out flyers as she walks down the hallway.
Aoife says, VOTE FOR AOIFE! VOTE FOR ME. VOTE FOR ME!
Charlotte says, VOTE AOIFE!
[Hearts bubbling]
Aoife gives Jamie a flyer, and he smiles. Hearts float around Aoife.
Aoife says, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME. HAVE ANOTHER ONE. THANK YOU!
Jamie says, YOU LOOK GOOD.
[Hearts bubbling, ticking]
Hearts with spinning clock hands float around Aoife. Behind Jamie, Zara points at her wrist. Aoife smiles at Jamie.
Aoife says, THANKS.
[Alarm clock ringing]
Zara grabs Aoife’s arm and pulls her away from Jamie.
[Whistle blaring, thudding, whooshing]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball bounces across the title and knocks down the letters.
[Background chattering]
Later, Zara, Aoife, and Nyla stand by a water cooler as Charlotte fills a water bottle.
Zara says, YOU'RE DOING GREAT, AOIFE. MEETING NEW PEOPLE, GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT. AND I HAVEN'T EVEN SEEN CLANGER.
[Water bottle lid clanking]
Charlotte puts the lid on the water bottle.
Zara says, SO—
[Phones ringing, buzzing, dramatic music plays]
Students pick up their phones and look at the screen. By vending machines, Jim looks at a television screen playing Clanger’s advertisement.
Conor narrates, ARE YOU TIRED OF BAD THINGS? THE STATISTICS DO NOT LIE!
Unlabelled line charts and pie charts flash on the screen.
Conor narrates, WHOM WILL SAVE US?
[Thunder booming, light banging]
Photographs show graffiti on a wall and door, a thunderstorm, and a garbage dump. In front of the Midvale school crest, Clanger’s silhouette appears in profile. He turns and flinches as a light shines on him.
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, I'M CLANGER AND I'M FIGHTING FOR YOU. I'LL FIGHT FOR YOU.
Rows of donuts appear.
Conor narrates, VOTE CLANGER AND ALL PUPILS WILL GET FREE DONUTS! FREE DONUTS!
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, ALSO, PREJUDICE IS BAD, BUT THE ENVIRONMENT IS GOOD.
[Tapping]
Clanger gives a thumbs up and imitates patting a polar bear on a screen behind him.
With his voice echoing, Clanger says, I'M CLANGER AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE.
Clanger points at the camera. Text on the screen reads, “Free donuts for all? Yes We Clang!” The advertisement ends.
[The music ends]
Aoife asks uncertainly, NOBODY'S ACTUALLY GOING TO BELIEVE THIS, RIGHT?
Jim asks, DO YOU THINK THE FREE DOUGHNUT THING APPLIES TO STAFF AS WELL?
Someone watches Zara through the branches of a plant.
Zara says, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? OF COURSE, THEY'LL BELIEVE IT. THE VOTERS ARE IDIOTS. THEY'RE ALLERGIC TO THE PEANUTS THAT ARE THEIR OWN BRAINS.
[Light music plays]
Conor stands up from behind the plants.
Conor says, HEY, LOSERS!
[Aoife rolls her eyes]
Conor says, THERE'S STILL TIME FOR YOU TO PULL OUT OF THE RACE.
Aoife says, NO WAY! WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS. WE'LL MAKE OUR OWN VIDEO.
Aoife, Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara walk away. Conor smiles down at his smartphone.
Conor says, MAYBE YOU ALREADY HAVE.
[Buzzing]
Title: “High Hoops.”
The first letter 'O' in 'hoops' inflates.
Zara, Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla walk into the shadowy gym. Aoife carries a basketball.
Zara says, OKAY, IDEAS FOR THE CAMPAIGN VIDEO.
Aoife asks, HOW ABOUT I PLAY BASKETBALL AND YOU TWO DO CHEERLEADING?
Charlotte holds her arms over her head and creates an A with her body.
Charlotte cheers, GIVE ME AN A! A. GIVE ME AN E! OR IS IT I NEXT?
Nyla says, I THINK IT'S O THEN I. IT'S MOSTLY VOWELS.
Charlotte says, SORRY. HOW DO YOU SPELL "AOIFE"?
[Rock music plays]
Aoife opens her mouth and closes it. The Vipers run up the bleachers and look at the other half of the gym. A spotlight shines on Conor and another student.
Conor announces, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR NEXT STUDENT PRESIDENT OF MIDVALE HIGH!
[Rustling]
A banner unfurls from the basketball hoop. It reads, “Yes We Clang.”
Conor says, CLANGER!
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger high-fives a line of students. Charlotte claps, and Aoife pushes her hands down.
Clanger says, STUDENTS OF MIDVALE! I WILL MAKE ANY EMPTY PROMISES! I'LL GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU LIKE!
A student shouts, FREE PIZZA VENDING MACHINE!
Clanger says, A FREE PIZZA VENDING MACHINE FOR EVERY PUPIL!
[Students cheering, applause]
Zara says, EXCUSE ME! WE BOOKED THIS GYM.
Clanger says, SEE? EVEN MY OPPONENT WANTS TO CLOSE US DOWN. SHE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU!
Aoife says, YES, I DO! I CARE! LOOK AT ME CARING.
Aoife pets Charlotte.
Conor says, THAT'S NOT WHAT YOUR CAMPAIGN MANAGER SAID EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON.
[Phones dinging, buzzing]
The students answer their phones and see a video of Zara filmed from behind the plant. Aoife holds the basketball and watches Charlotte’s screen. The video also plays on a television screen beside Connor.
In the video, Zara says, THE VOTERS ARE IDIOTS! THEY'RE ALLERGIC TO THE PEANUTS THAT ARE THEIR OWN BRAINS.
The video ends.
[Students booing, light music plays]
Aoife says, NO, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!
Clanger says, SHE THINKS YOU'RE TOO STUPID TO UNDERSTAND.
Aoife says, I DON'T THINK THAT! I'M NICE! LOOK! I'M SPORTY!
[Thumping]
Aoife throws the basketball, and it hits the back of Jamie’s head.
Jamie says, OW!
Aoife says, SORRY.
Jamie smiles at Aoife.
Charlotte cheers, GIVE ME AN A!
Charlotte makes an A, and Aoife moves her arm down.
Aoife says, NOT NOW. THE VIPERS ARE NICE!
Aoife puts her arms around Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla.
Clanger says, THE VIPERS? DO YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR A VIPER?
The students shout, NO!
Clanger says, THEN VOTE FOR ME AND I'LL DRIVE THESE VIPERS OUT OF OUR GYM AND CONVERT IT INTO A FULL LASER TAG CENTRE!
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger says, COME ON!
Zara says, WE NEED OUTSIDE HELP.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Background chattering, knocking]
At school, Zara peers through a window in a door. A sign reads, “D and D Club. Roll Initiative.”
Inside, a student wearing a Viking helmet says, ENTER AT YOUR PERIL!
[Door squeaking]
Zara enters the room, and the student with the helmet stands and walks to her. Five students sit at tables with lanterns and candles.
The student with the helmet says, GREETINGS, MORTAL FEMALE!
[Door closes]
Zara says, WOW! YOU LOOK REALLY BUSY RUNNING THIS D AND D CLUB.
The student with the helmet says, INDEED, I AM.
Zara says, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU TO DO THIS AND RUN FOR JUNIOR PRESIDENT. MAYBE YOU SHOULD PULL OUT AND SUPPORT SOMEONE ELSE.
The student with the helmet, Barry, says, YOU'RE QUITE RIGHT.
Zara says, OH! OKAY. THAT WAS EASY.
Barry says, WE'RE SUPPORTING CLANGER.
[Exploding, popping, upbeat music plays]
In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Zara’s head. The exploding head emojis and question marks float around her.
Zara says, CLANGER? WHY?
[Angelic music notes play, rustling, upbeat music plays]
Zara notices a box of donuts on the table. Barry moves in front of the box. Zara pushes Barry to the side and picks up the donuts.
Zara asks, WHERE DID YOU GET THESE FROM?
Barry replies, A GIFT FROM A WELL-WISHER.
Zara says, CLANGER!
Zara gives Barry the box of donuts.
Zara says, OH, HE GOT HERE FIRST.
A boy wearing a Tiefling mask says, IF HE WINS, WE GET A SLUSHY MACHINE TOO.
[Zara gasping, rustling, door creaking]
Zara throws her hands up. She turns and leaves the room.
Barry says, THE DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS SOCIETY IS HEREBY RENAMED THE DUNGEONS AND DONUTS SOCIETY!
The members say, YEAH!
[Upbeat music plays, whooshing, cheering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball hoop hangs beneath the first letter 'O' in 'hoops’, and a basketball falls into it. In a hairdresser-training classroom resembling a salon, Zara stands in front of a whiteboard covered with bar charts and notes. Nyla stands beside her. Charlotte and Aoife sit on salon chairs.
Zara says, IT'S CRISIS TIME. OUR KEY MESSAGES AREN'T LANDING WITH THE CORE TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS.
Aoife asks, YOU WHAT?
Nyla says, YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE.
Charlotte asks, WHAT ABOUT THE SWING VOTERS?
Zara says, THEY REFUSE TO GET OFF THE SWINGS.
[Aoife sighing]
Aoife asks, DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY GOOD NEWS?
Charlotte says, OH! I DID A POLL WHERE EVERYONE SAID THEY'D VOTE FOR YOU.
Aoife says, REALLY? HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU ASK?
Charlotte says, IT WAS JUST US FOUR.
Nyla says, AND ACTUALLY, I'M A "DON'T KNOW."
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Zara says, LET'S TRY A NEW APPROACH.
[Rattling, creaking]
Zara flips over the whiteboard to a blank side.
[Buzzing]
Zara writes a letter Q.
Zara says, Q-Q.
Aoife says, QUICKLY—
Zara writes the letter U.
Aoife says, UTILIZE—
Zara writes the letter I.
Charlotte says, I. I?
Aoife says, IMPORTANT.
Zara writes the letter T.
Charlotte says, T?
Aoife says, TACTICS!
[Hands clapping, chiming, upbeat music plays]
Aoife smiles and claps her hands once. The word “Quit” glows on the whiteboard.
Zara says, NO, IT SAYS QUIT, AS IN, GIVE UP. TELL CONOR YOU'LL PULL OUT IF HE AGREES TO GIVE US THE GYM BACK, WHICH IS ALL WE WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Aoife says, OH, YEAH! EVERYBODY WINS!
Charlotte glances at Aoife.
Aoife says, OR CLANGER DOES. BUT AT LEAST WE DON'T LOSE!
Zara says, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BE NICE TO YOUR BROTHER.
Aoife stops smiling.
[Background chatter, the music stops]
In a school hallway, Conor covers one of Aoife’s campaign posters with Clanger’s poster as Charlotte and Aoife approach him.
Charlotte says, YOU CAN DO THIS. BIG SMILES!
Conor tapes a Clanger poster to Aoife’s forehead.
Conor says, WHOOPS! MY MISTAKE!
[Rustling]
Conor pulls the poster off Aoife’s face, and she glares at him with narrowed eyes. She glances at Charlotte and then smiles at Conor.
Aoife says, I'M HERE TO MAKE YOU AN OFFER. I'M ONLY GOING TO SAY IT ONCE. YOU GIVE US THE GYM BACK-- AND I'LL QUIT THE RACE.
Conor says, NO, THANKS.
Aoife says, WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO? I'M MAKING YOU AN OFFER HERE.
Conor says, YOU SAID YOU WERE ONLY GOING TO SAY IT ONCE.
Charlotte says, SHE DID SAY THAT. YOU DID SAY THAT.
Aoife says, BUT IT'S AN INCREDIBLE OFFER!
Conor says, AND I DON'T WANT IT. CLANGER NEEDS AN ENEMY TO FIGHT. BY ATTACKING YOU, HIS SUPPORT HAS GONE THROUGH THE ROOF!
[Rustling]
Conor offers Aoife a donut.
Conor says, HERE. HAVE A DOUGHNUT.
[Whooshing]
Aoife knocks the donut to the floor.
Aoife says, I DON'T WANT YOUR DOUGHNUT! I WANT MY GYM TIME BACK!
Conor says, SORRY, ONCE CLANGER WINS, THOSE HOOPS ARE GONE, SISTER. WE'RE PUTTING IN STROBE LIGHTS.
Aoife says, YOU WOULDN'T.
Conor says, YES, WE WOULD!
[Light music plays]
Conor dances and then walks away.
Aoife says, THAT'S IT! YOU WANTED A FIGHT, YOU'VE GOT ONE, BROTHER!
Charlotte asks, SO--HOW WOULD YOU SAY THAT WENT?
Aoife shakes her head and leans against a wall.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Clanger snoring, door opening, closing]
In the shop classroom, Clanger naps in an armchair with a sleep mask over his eyes. Boxes of donuts are stacked on a table beside him. Conor enters the room.
Conor says, CLANGER, WAKE UP!
Clanger sleepily says, KNEEL BEFORE YOUR PRESIDENT!
Conor says, CLANGER! SLIGHT PROBLEM! I THINK I PUSHED MY SISTER TOO FAR.
[Upbeat music plays]
In a hallway, Aoife says, I'M BACK IN THE RACE AND MY GLOVES ARE NOW OFF.
Charlotte asks, WHAT GLOVES?
Aoife says, THIS CAMPAIGN JUST GOT DIRTY!
Charlotte says, THEN WE SHOULD KEEP THE GLOVES ON.
Aoife says, TIME FOR SOME COVERT SURVEILLANCE.
Aoife eavesdrops outside by the shop classroom door.
Inside, Conor says, IF AOIFE CHALLENGES YOU, YOU HAVE NOTHING! YOU CAN'T AFFORD DONUTS FOR ALL THE PUPILS. THESE BOXES ARE AS EMPTY AS OUR PROMISES.
[Box rustling]
Conor continues, AND LOOK AT OUR CAMPAIGN FILE. IT'S ALL JUST EMPTY PAGES AND RUDE DRAWINGS OF MR. HOLT!
[Chiming]
In animation, exclamation marks appear around Aoife’s head. She and Charlotte smile.
Conor continues, IF PEOPLE SAW THIS, WE WOULD BE FINISHED.
[Thumping]
Conor puts the binder on a table. Aoife and Charlotte walk away from the door.
Aoife says, I THINK I KNOW HOW TO WIN THIS ELECTION.
[Whooshing, light music plays]
Charlotte silently claps. The Midvale crest spins.
In a student lounge, Mr. Holt says, THIS IS THE FINAL HUSTINGS, SO LET'S HUST.
[Rustling, wind blowing, background coughing]
In animation, a tumbleweed rolls past Zara, Nyla, and Charlotte. Students stare at Mr. Holt.
Mr. Holt says, FIRST UP…
Mr. Holt consults his binder.
Mr. Holt reads, “MR. CLANGER OF THE FREE DONUTS, SAVE THE POLAR BEARS, AND DID WE MENTION THE FREE DONUTS PARTY.”
[Electronic music plays, students clapping, cheering]
Clanger carries a stack of donut boxes to the front of the room.
Clanger says, COME ON, MIDVALE! COME ON! COME ON!
Aoife and Charlotte arrive.
Zara says, THERE YOU ARE. DID YOUR BROTHER TAKE THE DEAL?
Aoife says, FORGET THE DEAL. I'VE GOT A BETTER IDEA.
Clanger says, VOTE FOR ME AND I PROMISE TO END ALL EXAMS. THE ABOLITION OF HOMEWORK AND AN EXTRA WEEK OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PER MONTH.
[Students clapping, someone cheering]
Mr. Holt glances at Clanger.
Aoife says, STUDENTS OF MIDVALE. YOU'RE BEING LIED TO.
Mr. Holt says, WAIT YOUR TURN, PLEASE, AOIFE.
Aoife says, CLANGER PROMISED YOU A PIZZA VENDING MACHINE PER PERSON. WHAT'S REALLY IN THE CAMPAIGN FILE? WE DEMAND TO KNOW. WHAT DOES IT SAY?
[Binder thumping, Mr. Holt sighing]
Aoife raises her eyebrows at us and smiles. Conor gives Mr. Holt the binder, and he opens it.
Mr. Holt says, IT'S A SURPRISINGLY THOROUGH COSTING PLAN FOR VENDING MACHINES.
Aoife says, WHAT?
Mr. Holt says, YEAH, THEY'LL BE PURCHASED SECOND-HAND, STUDENTS WILL FIX THEM AS PART OF D.T. LESSONS. SELL HALF ON AT A PROFIT AND RETAIN OTHERS FOR USE WITHIN THE SCHOOL.
[Paper rustling]
Mr. Holt turns the page in the binder. Nyla lowers her sunglasses.
Aoife says, WELL, OKAY. BUT WHAT ABOUT WHAT HE JUST SAID ABOUT BANNING HOMEWORK?
Mr. Holt says, UH, THERE SEEMS TO BE AN OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH INTO THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.
[Students clapping, cheering, hand slapping]
Mr. Holt nods at Conor, Clanger, and Aoife. Zara hits her palm against her forehead.
Aoife says, BUT. BUT WHAT'S REALLY IN THOSE SO-CALLED DOUGHNUT BOXES?
[Thumping, tense music plays]
Mr. Holt closes the binder, and Conor picks up a donut box.
Aoife says, THEY'RE FULL OF DONUTS, AREN'T THEY?
[Exploding, popping, upbeat music plays]
Conor smiles and opens the box of donuts. In animation, orange and white clouds rise from the top of Aoife’s head. The exploding head emojis float around her. Mr. Holt eats a chocolate donut.
Mr. Holt says, DELICIOUS!
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Aoife shouts, WAKE UP, PEOPLE! YOU'RE BEING LIED TO!
With his mouth full, Mr. Holt says, THANK YOU, AOIFE. THAT'S ENOUGH FROM YOU.
Aoife shouts, THEY'RE TRYING TO SILENCE ME!
Conor says, WE ALL WANT TO SILENCE YOU. YOU'RE VERY NOISY.
[Students booing, students chanting]
Aoife says, THIS IS ALL BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED AT TRAINING. YOU SEE—
The two students grab Aoife’s arms and pull her backwards.
Aoife says, OYE! I'M BEING CANCELLED.
Aoife tells us, THIS IS WHERE WE CAME IN. REMEMBER?
Conor says, SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO OUTWIT CONOR AND CLANGER? YOU'VE JUST BEEN CLUNG!
[Bell ringing]
In animation, a bell appears in Conor’s hand, and Clanger drops a microphone.
Clanger says, BOOM.
Aoife says, THAT'S NOT YOUR PHRASE!
Conor says, IT IS NOW, SISTER! IT IS NOW!
[Whistle blaring, thudding, cheering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
The letters in the title fall.
[School bell ringing, door clicking, background chattering]
At the shop classroom, Clanger holds his arms up and skips inside. Conor follows him.
Conor says, THAT WAS AMAZING! YOU ARE SO GOING TO WIN!
Clanger says, AND THEN, WE ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THIS PLACE TO CLANGER HIGH WITH A PICTURE OF ME INSTEAD OF THAT DUDE WITH THE HAT.
Conor says, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE KING.
[Whooshing, chiming]
In animation, a sceptre appears in Clanger’s hand, and a crown appears on his head.
Clanger says, WHATEVER. THE DAY WILL START WITH A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO ME.
Conor says, IT SOUNDS A BIT LIKE YOU WANT TO BE A SUPREME DICTATOR.
[Clanging, slide whistle]
In animation, the sceptre falls, and the crown disappears.
Clanger says, YEAH, I WAS WORRIED THAT IT WASN'T COMING ACROSS.
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut.
Conor says, NO, IT IS, BUT REMEMBER, THE PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO CHOOSE YOU. THEN YOU'LL BE—
Clanger says, THE CHOSEN ONE!
Conor says, AGAIN, PROBABLY NOT A PHRASE YOU SHOULD USE UNTIL WE'VE WON.
Clanger says, I SEE. PLAY ALONG NOW. STRIKE THEM WITH AN IRON FIST LATER.
[Popping, slide whistle, munching]
Conor furrows his eyebrows and stares at Clanger’s back. Sad emojis float around Conor. A donut spins with Clanger’s smiling face over the hole. The donut disappears in bites. In the hairdresser-training classroom, Aoife paces.
Aoife says, THE ELECTION'S TOMORROW. I NEED TO BE POPULAR QUICK! I'LL DO ANYTHING!
Charlotte says, ON THAT T.V. SHOW, PEOPLE WIN VOTES BY EATING INSECTS.
Aoife says, NYLA, GIVE ME A SNAIL STAT!
[Hands clapping, squeaking, thumping, zooming]
Aoife claps her hands together. In animation, a snail slides past Nyla as she steps forward. Zara puts her arm out and blocks her. The snail speeds away.
Zara says, YOU WANT TO BE POPULAR?
[Rustling]
Zara unrolls a “Yes for Jess” poster.
Zara says, THERE'S ONLY ONE PERSON TO ASK.
Aoife says, NO WAY!
Zara says, THIS CAMPAIGN WAS ABOUT DOING WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE TEAM, NOT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL EGO.
Aoife says, WHAT ABOUT MY SELF-RESPECT?
Nyla asks, WHAT SELF-RESPECT IS THAT?
[Tape rewinding, upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, I'VE BEEN PELTED BY SHUTTLECOCKS.
In a flashback, shuttlecocks hit Aoife in the gym.
Aoife tells us, BECOME A HATE FIGURE FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL.
[Popping]
In another flashback, the two students pull Aoife backwards.
Aoife tells us, SHOWED MYSELF UP IN FRONT OF JAMIE.
In a flashback, Aoife shouts, LOOK! I'M SPORTY!
Aoife throws the basketball and hits the back of Jamie’s head.
Jamie says, OW!
[Students gasping, heart shattering]
Jamie holds his head, and a heart breaks beside him. Text reads, “Lost the gym.”
Aoife tells us, PRACTICALLY LOST THE GYM.
[Laser beams zapping]
Text reads, “Out of our gym.”
In a flashback, Clanger announces, AND I'LL DRIVE THESE VIPERS OUT OF OUR GYM AND CONVERT IT INTO A FULL LASER TAG CENTRE.
Aoife tells us, AND OFFERED TO EAT SNAILS.
Text reads, “Eat snails.”
In a flashback, Aoife says, NYLA! GIVE ME A SNAIL STAT!
[Slide whistle]
Zara puts her hand out and blocks Nyla. In animation, snails slide past Nyla and Zara.
Aoife tells us, FOR VOTES.
Zara holds the “Yes for Jess” poster.
In the present, Aoife says, FAIR ENOUGH. LET'S GO AND SEE JESSICA.
Aoife grimaces at us.
[Whooshing]
A purple and pink star appears and spins.
[Pen clicking]
In her office, Jessica sits at her desk and clicks a pen.
Jessica says, I WONDERED HOW LONG THIS WOULD TAKE. YOU'RE DESPERATE FOR MY HELP.
Aoife says, I WOULDN'T SAY DESPERATE.
Zara says, I WOULD.
Aoife says, YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR ME.
Zara says, BECAUSE IF I DID, YOU WOULDN'T BE IN THIS MESS.
[Pen clicking]
Zara says, SHE'LL HELP YOU WIN. I'M TELLING YOU NOW.
Aoife says, I DON'T NEED HER TO HELP ME WIN, I'VE GOT MYSELF.
Zara says, I KNOW, BUT IF SHE DOESN'T HELP YOU WIN, YOU'RE GONNA LOSE AND THEN YOU'RE GONNA LOOK SILLY.
Aoife says, I'M NOT GONNA LOSE AND I'M NOT GONNA LOOK SILLY.
Nyla says, SHUT UP!
Zara says, CLANGER'S GONNA BEAT YOU.
[Pen stops clicking]
Jessica says, I CAN SEE WHY YOUR CAMPAIGN IS GOING BADLY. BUT WHY SHOULD I HELP YOU?
Zara says, JUNIOR PRESIDENT ORGANIZES THE END OF YEAR DISCO AND I HAPPEN TO KNOW THAT CLANGER'S CHOSEN THEME IS "EGGY SMELLS."
[Whooshing, popping, rhythmic music plays]
In animation, green vapour rises by Zara and Aoife. Jessica stands.
Jessica says, THAT CANNOT HAPPEN.
Aoife says, THEN HELP US! PLEASE!
Jessica smiles.
Jessica says, SINCE YOU BEGGED LIKE A DOG, YES, I WILL.
Nyla says, HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT WORKING FOR CLANGER?
Jessica says, HE BRIBES PEOPLE WITH DONUTS. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SUGAR THOSE THINGS CONTAIN? I HAVEN'T EATEN A DOUGHNUT SINCE LOCKDOWN.
Aoife tells us, I BELIEVE HER.
Text reads, “Welcome to the team.”
Zara says, WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
[Paper rustling]
Text on a large paper reads, “3 secrets to being popular.” Jessica flips the paper. Text reads, “How to be popular. One: Don’t be needy.”
Jessica says, THERE ARE THREE SECRETS TO BEING POPULAR. ONE. DON'T BE NEEDY.
[Paper rustling]
Jessica flips the paper. Text reads, “How to be popular. Two: Always hold something back.”
Jessica says, AND TWO. ALWAYS HOLD SOMETHING BACK.
Charlotte says, YOU SAID THREE SECRETS.
Aoife says, YEAH, WHAT'S THE THIRD?
[Jessica chuckling, door opening, upbeat music plays]
Jessica smiles and raises her eyebrows as she leaves the room.
Nyla shouts, WHAT'S THE THIRD SECRET? TELL US!
Aoife says, OH!
Zara says, THE THIRD SECRET IS TO ALWAYS LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE.
Aoife says, IT IS.
[Whooshing, squeaking]
The Midvale school crest appears and spins over students as they walk in the hallway. Jessica watches with a group of students.
In a hallway, Aoife says, I AM HEREBY RELAUNCHING MY CAMPAIGN WITH THREE PROMISES. ONE. I WILL LISTEN TO EVERYONE. TWO. I WILL SPEAK UP FOR EVERYONE. THANK YOU.
A blond-haired boy says, BUT THAT WAS ONLY TWO.
A girl with a bun asks, WHAT'S THE THIRD PROMISE?
Jessica says, WE'LL HAVE TO VOTE FOR HER TO FIND OUT. I KNOW I WILL.
[Slide whistle, upbeat music plays]
Jessica flips a braid over her shoulder. In an equation, a photograph of Jessica appears beside a plus sign and the word “Mystery.” After an equal sign, votes fall into a ballot box. At the end of the hallway, Charlotte and Nyla high-five Zara. In the school library, Aoife gives out flyers.
Aoife says, VOTE FOR ME.
[Chattering]
In a hallway, students look at posters. Someone marks a ballot. The Vipers hand out flyers.
Charlotte says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Jessica gives a student a flyer.
Jessica says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Aoife says, VOTE AOIFE!
At the voting station, Clanger holds out a box of donuts, and Jim takes it.
Jim says, WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! NO BRIBING WITH DONUTS.
Jim eats a donut. In a hallway, Zara and Chalotte walk in front of Aoife, handing out flyers.
Charlotte says, VOTE FOR AOIFE!
Zara says, VOTE FOR AOIFE.
[Upbeat music continues, rustling, students chattering]
Aoife gives Jamie a flyer, and Zara and Charlotte exchange a glance. Aoife smiles at Jamie and walks to Charlotte and Zara. A student votes. Later, in the student lounge, Mr. Holt stands in front of Jamie. Conor and Clanger stand to his right, and Zara and Aoife stand to his left.
Mr. Holt says, ALL VOTES HAVE BEEN COUNTED AND VERIFIED. TIME FOR ME TO ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS.
Jamie gives Mr. Holt the results.
Clanger says, THIS IS IT, CONOR!
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut.
Clanger says, I CAN TASTE THE POWER!
[Munching]
Clanger eats a donut, and Aoife rolls her eyes.
Conor says, IT IS ONLY FOR ONE TERM, REMEMBER?
Clanger says, OH, NO! ONCE I'M IN, I CAN CHANGE THE RULES. I'M GOING TO BE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE!
[Students muttering]
A student exclaims, WHAT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!
Conor says, HA, YOU, YOU, YOU CAN'T DO THAT.
[Students chattering, pages rustling]
Clanger nods. Conor picks up a book and flips the pages.
Conor says, RIGHT?
Conor takes the book to Zara and Aoife.
Conor quietly says, HE WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT FOR LIFE.
Aoife says, FOR LIFE? THAT'S NOT ALLOWED, IS IT?
Zara asks, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Conor quietly says, WHAT CAN I DO? I'M SUPPOSED TO BE ON HIS TEAM.
[Rustling]
Conor gives the book to Aoife.
Conor quietly says, YOU DO SOMETHING.
Conor walks back to Clanger.
Mr. Holt says, THE RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS.
Aoife tells us, I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO DO THIS.
[Thumping]
Aoife closes the book.
Aoife says, WAIT! THE PRESIDENT CAN CHANGE THE RULES, AND THE PRESIDENT CAN ALSO CANCEL FUTURE ELECTIONS.
Clanger says, AND THERE'S NOTHING ANY OF YOU SUCKERS CAN DO ABOUT IT!
Aoife says, RIGHT? BUT UNTIL THIS ELECTION IS OVER, JESSICA IS STILL PRESIDENT, WHICH MEANS SHE CAN DECIDE TO CANCEL THIS ELECTION.
Jessica files her nails.
Jessica says, WHAT?
Jessica smiles and stands.
Jessica says, OH, WELL, I DON'T KNOW. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO STAY ON AS PRESIDENT?
[Students cheering, applause]
A red-haired student cheers, YESSICA FOR THE JESSICA!
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
In animation, a crown appears on Jessica’s head, and a sceptre appears in her hand. Text reads, “Junior President for Life.”
Mr. Holt says, I HEREBY DECLARE JESSICA JUNIOR PRESIDENT FOR LIFE BY POPULAR ACCLAMATIONS.
[Students cheering, applause]
Clanger says, NO! WHAT! THIS IS A FIX! NO!
Mr. Holt says, TAKE THE VOTES AWAY AND BURN THEM!
Jamie picks up the ballot box and walks away. Jessica files her nails.
Mr. Holt says, DEMOCRACY IS A WONDERFUL THING.
Mr. Holt drops the results and walks away.
Jessica smiles and says, THANKS, AOIFE. I GUESS I OWE YOU ONE.
Aoife asks, SO, DOES THIS MEAN WE CAN HAVE THE WHOLE GYM BACK?
Jessica says, NO.
[Slide whistle, banging]
In an animation, a hand hits a drawing of Aoife. A donut appears, and bites disappear from the edges.
In the shop classroom, Clanger and Conor pack their campaign material in boxes. Clanger stops and bites into a donut.
With his mouth full, Clanger says, I WAS ROBBED, CONOR. LET'S RAISE THEM UP AND STORM THE STAFF ROOM.
[Thunking]
Conor puts two picture frames down.
Conor says, LET IT GO, MATE. THE IMPORTANT THING IS WE GOT THREE DAYS OFF LESSONS.
[Door clicking, background students chattering]
Mr. Holt opens the door and looks into the room.
Mr. Holt says, QUICK REMINDER, BOYS. I'LL BE EXPECTING YOUR 1,000-WORD HANDWRITTEN REPORTS ON THE CAMPAIGN EXPERIENCE FIRST THING TOMORROW.
Mr. Holt smiles and walks away.
Conor says, WHAT? IT DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT ON THE POSTER.
[Thumping, upbeat music plays]
Clanger gives Conor a notepad.
Clanger says, REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID. CAMPAIGN MANAGER DOES ALL OF THE WORK.
Clanger smiles and runs away with the box of donuts.
[Whooshing, munching]
In animation, a donut appears and bites disappear.
[Footsteps thumping, upbeat music continues]
In the school, the Vipers walk up a staircase.
Zara says, THAT WAS A WASTE OF TIME. WE STILL LOST HALF OUR GYM.
Aoife says, AT LEAST WE STOPPED CLANGER FROM TAKING OVER THE WHOLE SCHOOL.
Charlotte says, AND YOU NEVER KNOW. MAYBE AOIFE GOT LESS VOTES.
Jamie stands at his locker, and the Vipers walk past him.
Nyla says, JAMIE COUNTED THEM. HE MUST KNOW.
Aoife says, JAMIE, DID I WIN?
Jamie stares at Aoife, and she stops smiling.
Jamie says, BUT I VOTED FOR YOU, AOIFE!
[Whistling, fireworks exploding]
Aoife smiles and lifts her arm victoriously. In animation, fireworks explode around her.
[Upbeat music plays, thumping]
Singers sing, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO, DOO.
In an animation, a basketball bounces off a net. The ball lands in the basket. A second ball bounces off the rim of the net. A basketball falls into the net.
End credits. Cast in order of appearance: Aoife, Darci Hull. Conor, Arthur Kay. Clanger, Dylan Lakhanpaul. Zara, Isha Kaur Athwal. Charlotte, Ella Bernstein. Nyla, Frankie-Jae Simmonds. Jim, Nigel Boyle. Jessica, Bea Ward. Jamie, Joseph Nicholas. Barry, Jax Ho. Special thanks Calderdale College. Executive Producer for B.B.C., Anita Burgess, Melissa Hardinge. Executive Producer, Rebecca Papworth. Logos: Can Can Productions Limited for B.B.C. Copyright Can Can Productions 2024. Filmed in West Yorkshire. Logo: A.P.C. Kids.
You are now leaving TVOKids.com
TVOKids doesn't have control over the new place you're about to visit, so please make sure you get your Parent or Guardian's permission first!
Do you have permission from your Parents / Guardian to go to other websites?