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Transcript: The Parsley Clover Close Out
[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 and written by Sinéad Fagan. Director: Tim Hopewell. Producer: Dominique Molloy. In Association with A.P.C. Kids. With Robert Webb as Mr. Holt.
[Tense music plays, panting]
Brid and Aoife pedal a tandem bicycle on a trail beside a river.
Aoife says, FASTER. I'M GOING TO MISS IT!
Brid says, FIVE YEARS OF BOXFIT FOR WHAT?
[Panting, bicycle rattling]
They ride on a dirt path through a forest.
Aoife says, COME ON!
Aoife tells us, YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY I'M COVERED IN MUD WHEN I SHOULD BE PLAYING IN MY LEAGUE FINAL!
[Grunting]
Brid says, COME ON, BRID. PUMP IT!
Aoife tells us, HERE'S THE REWIND.
[Tape rewinding, basketball thumping]
In a Midvale School hallway, Aoife moves a basketball around her back as she walks.
Aoife tells us, SO I WAS JUST PRACTICING MY ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL LAYUP.
[Basketball thumping]
The basketball rolls out of her hand.
Aoife tells us, ALMOST, BUT LIFE IS STILL LAAA, AMAZING.
[Chiming]
Text reads, “Amazing.”
Aoife tells us, WHY? A, I THINK JAMIE'S GOING TO ASK ME TO KISS ANY SECOND NOW.
[Emojis bubbling]
Aoife stops at her locker, and kissing face emojis float around her. Jamie walks down the hallway. He smiles and picks up the basketball.
Jamie says, HEY, AOIFE.
[Thumping]
Jamie throws the ball to Aoife as he walks past. She smiles at him.
Aoife says, HEY.
Aoife tells us, WELL, NOT RIGHT NOW, 'CAUSE WE'RE IN SCHOOLS, OBVS. AND B, IT'S FINAL WEEK!
[Charlotte and Nyla clapping]
Zara, Charlotte and Nyla run to Aoife. Zara holds posters.
Zara says, IT'S FINAL WEEK, AND GIRLS IN SPORT WEEK. THE LOCAL COUNCIL HAS SELECTED US AS AMBASSADORS.
[Paper rustling]
Zara gives Aoife a “Girls in Sport Week” poster that features a photograph of the Vipers.
Aoife asks, DO ANY OF US GET ANY EXTRA PERKS?
Zara replies, NO, JUST EXTRA DEMAND ON OUR TIME. ALSO, WE ARE TRAINING EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
Aoife tells us, LET'S SWEAR OUR COMMITMENT. MAKE SURE WE ATTEND ALL TRAINING, NO DISTRACTIONS. PINKY SWEAR?
They gather in a circle and shake each other’s pinkie fingers.
Aoife says, AND EVERYONE KNOWS DOUBLE PINKSIES MEANS NO BACKSIES.
[Whistle blaring, upbeat music plays, thumping, students chattering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball bounces across the title and knocks down the letters. In a school hallway, Jessica stands beside an elevator.
A girl with a bun says, GOOD LUCK AT THE FINAL, JESS.
[Camera shutter snapping]
Jessica poses for a photograph with the girl.
A blond-haired boy says, JESS, YOU'RE AMAZING.
[Camera shutter snapping]
The boy takes a photograph with Jessica and leaves. Aoife arrives with the basketball under her arm.
Aoife says, UH, NEWS FLASH, YOU HAVEN'T WON ANYTHING YET. YOU THINK YOU'RE JUST GOING TO WALK IT?
Jessica says, YES, BUT THAT'S NOT WHY I'M CELEBRATING. I'VE BEEN INVITED TO TRY OUT FOR THE COUNTY SQUAD.
[Jessica chuckling]
Jessica walks away.
Aoife tells us, COUNTY SQUAD? WHO CARES? I MEAN, IF THEY ASKED ME, I WOULD NEVER.
Mr. Holt says, AOIFE, THEY WANT YOU TO TRY OUT FOR COUNTY SQUAD.
Aoife says, WAIT, SERIOUSLY. THEY WANT ME?
Mr. Holt says, WELL, I'M ASSUMING IT'S YOU. IT SAYS, "TALL GIRL, BIT GANGLY."
Aoife grabs Mr. Holt’s arms and shakes him.
Aoife says, THAT IS ME. THANK YOU!
Mr. Holt says, I MEAN, IF THIS WAS FOOTBALL, THEN I'D SAY, "WELL DONE," BUT AS I'VE NOT REAL INTEREST IN BASKETBALL I'LL JUST ASK YOU TO UNHAND ME!
[Upbeat music plays]
Mr. Holt walks away. Aoife looks at the letter.
Aoife reads, "SELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ALL THIS WEEK. FIRST SESSION IS TOMORROW."
Aoife tells us, DURING VIPERS TRAINING. I'LL CHAT THROUGH WITH THE GIRLS. I MEAN, EVERYONE KNOWS PINKY SWEARS CAN TOTALLY HAVE BACKSIES.
[Bell ringing, whooshing, the music stops]
Polka dots move across the screen. Clanger stands at a hallway intersection in front of posters featuring four-leaf clovers.
Clanger says, CLOVER, CLOVER. GET YOUR LUCKY CLOVER.
A blonde-haired girl stops beside Conor.
Conor says, HEY, YOU'RE IN LUCK IF YOU BUY THIS CLOVER.
The blonde-haired girl sniffs the clover.
She says, IT SMELLS LIKE SOUP.
Zara says, THAT'S BECAUSE IT'S PARSLEY.
[Background chattering]
Zara rolls her eyes as the girl walks away. Zara tapes a poster to a wall with Charlotte and Nyla standing beside her.
Conor says, YOU JUST COST US A SALE.
Clanger says, WHAT IS THIS ANYWAY? GIRLS IN SPORT?
Zara says, YUP. WE'VE GOT OUR V.I.P. BREAKFAST, PHOTOSHOOT, AND GENERAL GLORY INCOMING, ALL ENDING WITH OUR BIG FINAL AGAINST JESS' COMETS.
Conor says, SOUNDS LIKE YOU'LL BE NEEDING SOME SPECIAL, LUCKY PARSLEY CLOVER THEN.
Conor holds out parsley, and Charlotte pushes it away.
Charlotte says, OH, WE'RE OKAY FOR LUCK. I PETTED A BLACK CAT THIS MORNING.
Nyla says, YOU DO THAT EVERY DAY.
[Charlotte chuckling]
Zara says, ANYWAY, I'M INSULTED YOU THINK WE'D FALL FOR ONE OF YOUR SILLY SCAMS. SURELY YOU CAN DO BETTER.
[Light music notes play]
Zara walks away, followed by Charlotte and Nyla. Charlotte imitates an explosion with her fingers. In animation, two small explosions rise from her hands.
Charlotte says, BOOM!
[Conor laughing]
Nyla bumps Clanger’s shoulder as she walks past him.
[Whooshing]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, Zara holds a paper as she walks in a hallway with Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla.
Zara says, SO, THIS IS YOUR SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK.
Aoife says, DOESN'T LOOK TOO BAD.
Aoife tells us, DEFINITELY ENOUGH ROOM FOR A FULL WEEK OF COUNTY TRIALS.
[Paper rustling]
Zara unrolls the paper, and it reaches the floor. Aoife’s mouth drops open.
Zara says, THIS IS DRAFT SEVEN. NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING ELSE. SO, DON'T ASK.
Aoife stops walking.
Aoife tells us, I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE I WAS GOING TO MAKE THE TRIALS ANYWAY. SO, NO POINT IN GOING.
[Footsteps pattering, upbeat music plays]
Jessica wears shiny new boots. She stops beside Aoife and plays with the tip of her braid.
Jessica says, NEW BOOTS. SPECIALLY FOR TRIALS. THEY HAVE TALENT SCOUTS THERE, TOO.
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Jessica says, SOME GIRLS EVEN GET A SCHOLARSHIP.
Aoife says, SO?
Jessica says, OH, SORRY. I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT.
[Steam whooshing]
Jessica looks Aoife up and down, then walks away. In animation, steam blows out of Aoife’s ears.
Aoife tells us, RIGHT, THAT'S IT. I'M GOING.
[Whooshing, hands slapping]
A basketball flies across the screen. Later, in the gym, Aoife high-fives Nyla, Zara, and Charlotte.
Aoife says, GREAT JOB, EVERYONE.
[Everyone panting]
Aoife tells us, PLAN, WAIT UNTIL AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SESSION TO BRING UP THE NEWS.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife says, SO, I KNOW THAT TOMORROW'S, LIKE, A SUPER IMPORTANT TRAINING SESSION AND EVERYTHING.
Zara says, EVERY SESSION THIS WEEK IS. THAT'S WHY I'M SKIPPING DEBATE CLUB.
Charlotte says, I'M MISSING FASHION ACADEMY, AND IT'S FUN WITH BEADING WEEK.
Charlotte leans against Zara’s arm. Aoife looks at us.
Nyla says, I'M MISSING TAEKWONDO. WE WERE GOING TO LEARN AXE KICK.
[Grunting, shrieking, smacking]
Nyla kicks the air near Aoife’s face, and Aoife leans backwards. Text reads, “Kerpow.”
Aoife says, OKAY.
Nyla asks, WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO SAY ANYWAY?
Aoife replies, JUST THAT I'LL BE MISSING LOADS OF REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF, TOO.
Aoife tells us, NEW PLAN. DO BOTH, SAY NOTHING.
[Whooshing, the music stops, background chattering]
Aoife smiles at us. Polka dots move across the screen. In a hallway, Zara walks to a watercooler with her arms crossed. Nyla stands beside her with her arms crossed, and Charlotte stands with a basketball with the number 66 under her arm.
Zara asks, DOES AOIFE SEEM A BIT WEIRD TO YOU?
Nyla says, ALWAYS.
Nearby, Conor taps Clanger’s arm.
Zara says, I MEAN, MORE THAN USUAL.
Nyla says, AOIFE IS CHAOS. THINGS ARE FINALLY GOING WELL. I MEAN, JAMIE, THE FINAL.
Clanger asks, WHAT'S GOING ON?
Conor says, JUST BACK ME UP.
Nyla says, MAYBE IT'S UPSETTING THE BALANCE.
[Eerie music plays, whooshing]
In animation, planets and a math equation float over Charlotte’s head.
Charlotte says, OOH, LIKE SOME KIND OF RIFT IN THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM.
Conor asks, HAVE YOU JUST PLAYED WITH THAT BALL?
Nyla says, YEAH.
Conor says, CAN'T BE. I'D HEARD THE STORIES, BUT...
Charlotte asks, WHAT'S WRONG?
Conor says, IT USED TO BELONG TO A STUDENT AT MIDVALE.
[Upbeat music plays]
Clanger says, HIS NAME WAS SHELDON. SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL.
Zara says, SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL? NEVER HEARD OF HIM.
Conor says, THAT'S BECAUSE HE DISAPPEARED.
Nyla says, WHAT, UP HIS OWN BUTCHNICKEL?
[Nyla and Zara chuckling]
Clanger says, THEY SAY HE WAS PRACTICING WITH THAT BALL ON THE SIDE OF A CLIFF FACE AND HE WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN.
Charlotte stares wide-eyed.
Conor says, BUT THE BALL REMAINED, CURSED, AND BAD LUCK HAS COME UPON ANYONE WHO'S PLAYED WITH IT SINCE.
Zara says, SPOOKY.
[Zara and Nyla laughing]
Zara and Nyla walk away, and Charlotte follows behind them. Clanger puts his arm around Conor’s shoulder, and they both smile.
Conor says, THE GAME IS AFOOT.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
The Midvale School crest spins over students as they walk down the stairs.
[Camera shutter snapping, people chattering]
Mr. Holt stands beside a smiling blonde-haired woman holding a trophy. He smiles and points at the trophy. Aoife stands alone at a table with pastries.
Aoife tells us, COUNTDOWN TO COUNTY TRIALS. HANDS ARE SHAKING, BUT AT LEAST I'VE GOT THE DISTRACTION OF THESE FANCY PASTRIES.
Nyla asks, WHO'S THAT THEN?
Zara says, THE MAYOR. HOLT'S GETTING AN AWARD.
Aoife asks, FOR WHAT?
On a stage, Mr. Holt holds the trophy.
Mr. Holt says, I AM THRILLED TO BE ACCEPTING THIS AWARD FOR PROMOTING GIRLS IN SPORT.
[Applause, slide whistle]
Thinking face emojis float around Aoife.
Aoife says, UH, LIKE, SERIOUSLY?
Mr. Holt says, ESPECIALLY FROM A METRO MAYOR, THAT'S AN ACTUAL MAYOR, AND SHE HAS REAL POWER.
[Slide whistle]
An arrow points to the blonde-haired woman, and text reads, “Actual Mayor Tracy Brabin.’
Mayor Brabin says, AS A REAL MAYOR, I CAN CONFIRM THIS.
Mr. Holt says, EH. ANYWAY, AS YOU ALL KNOW, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABSOLUTELY DEVOTED TO GIRLS' BASKETBALL, AND I'VE ENCOURAGED ALL THE PLAYERS HERE.
[Slide whistles]
Question marks appear over Charlotte, Nyla, Zara, and Aoife’s heads.
Mr. Holt continues, A FINE EXAMPLE BEING AOIFE—
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, UH-OH.
Mr. Holt continues, WHO, THANKS TO THE CAREFUL NURTURING OF THIS SCHOOL, HAS RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED FOR—
Aoife says, PASTRIES! SO, AS SIR WAS SAYING, I'VE RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED TO DISH OUT THESE PASTRIES.
Aoife carries two plates with pastries to the stage.
Aoife says, HERE WE ARE. THIS ONE'S CUSTARDY, SIR. AND, MAYOR, MAY YOUR MAYORING BE AS GLORIOUS AS THIS RASPBERRY DANISH. SO, THANKS FOR THE NURTURING, EVERYONE.
[Chewing]
Mr. Holt eats his pastry.
Mr. Holt says, SHE'S RIGHT, IT'S CUSTARD.
The mayor says, MM.
[The music stops, footsteps pattering, background chattering]
Polka dots move on the screen. In a hallway, Clanger and Conor hide beneath a staircase as Charlotte, Zara, and Nyla walk down.
Charlotte asks, WHAT IF IT IS SHELDON'S BALL?
Nyla says, DON'T BE DAFT-ER
Charlotte says, YOU SAW HER! MAYBE THERE IS A RIFT IN THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM. MAYBE THIS ISN'T AOIFE, MAYBE IT'S A DARK DOUBLE.
Zara says, I ENJOY EINSTEIN'S THEORIES AS MUCH AS THE NEXT PERSON, BUT REALLY?
Nyla says, IT WAS PROBABLY JUST A RANDOM BASKETBALL FROM THE EQUIPMENT ROOM. WE'LL NEVER SEE IT AGAIN.
[Tense music plays, Charlotte screaming, hands slapping]
Charlotte opens her locker and finds Basketball 66 inside. Nearby, Clanger and Conor high-five.
Nyla says, GIVE IT HERE.
[Smacking, shouting, girls gasping, upbeat music plays]
Nyla takes the ball and throws it. It hits Jim’s face as he walks out of a classroom. Text reads, “Owww!”
Jim says, THAT WAS ME GOOD NOSTRIL! I WON'T MAKE TRAINING.
[Locker door slamming]
Jim walks away, and Charlotte closes her locker.
Charlotte says, YOU SEE?!
[Whirring, ball thumping, sneakers squeaking, lively music plays, banging]
A basketball spins. In a large gymnasium, teenage girls play basketball. Text reads, “County Trials Basketball.” A girl sinks a basket. Aoife and Brid enter a hallway.
Brid says, RIGHT, GO EASY. NO PRESSURE TO BE THE BOAT OR ANYTHING.
Aoife says, MUM, IT'S THE GOAT.
Brid says, GOAT, BOAT, WHATEVER. GOOD LUCK.
[Rustling]
Brid hugs Aoife and leaves. Aoife smiles broadly. Jessica passes Brid and enters the gym.
Aoife tells us, RIGHT. NOW TO GET THIS DONE AND MAKE IT BACK IN TIME FOR TRAINING.
Jessica asks, UH, YOU LOST OR SOMETHING? THIS IS AN INVITE-ONLY TRIAL.
[Door squeaking]
Aoife says, JUST AS WELL I WAS INVITED THEN.
Jessica says, YOU? OH, MAOIFE. YOU ARE WAY OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE.
Aoife follows Jessica through a doorway into the gym.
Aoife says, YEAH, WHATEVER. I AM—
[Ball thumping, shouting, lively music plays]
Aoife tells us, WAY OUT OF MY LEAGUE.
[Dripping, Aoife exhaling]
An anxious, sweating emoji appears beside Aoife. In animation, sweat drips on Aoife’s face. A basketball bounces across the screen. Later, Aoife walks into a parking lot and waves to Brid.
Aoife tells us, GOOD NEWS. I DID PLAY LIKE THE BOAT GOAT. BAD NEWS, I'M NOW OFFICIALLY LATE FOR TRAINING.
[Phone ringing, background chattering, beeping]
In the schoolyard at Midvale School, Conor sits at a picnic table and lifts a mini éclair towards his mouth. He stops and picks up his smartphone.
Aoife says, HEY, THE MOST WONDERFUL BROTHER IN THE WORLD.
Conor asks, WHAT DO YOU WANT?
[Ball thumping, sneakers squeaking]
In the school gym, Zara types on her phone. Nyla stands with her arms crossed as Charlotte throws the basketball towards the basket.
Zara asks, WHERE IS SHE? HANG ON. SHE'S TYPING.
[Polka dots move on the screen]
In a bathroom, the Vipers walk to a stall.
Zara asks, AOIFE, YOU ALRIGHT?
[Conor groaning, upbeat music plays]
Inside the stall, Conor sits on the toilet with a pair of Aoife’s sneakers on the ground in front of him.
Charlotte and Nyla say, EW.
Nyla says, DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT.
Charlotte says, WHAT HAVE YOU EATEN?
[Conor groaning, flatulence tooting, plopping]
Nyla leans down and quickly straightens, plugging her nose. Charlotte covers her mouth. Conor drops something in the toilet.
Zara says, WE'LL TAKE COVER OUTSIDE.
[Conor groaning, Vipers whimpering, the music stops]
Zara says, HOPE SHE'S BETTER BEFORE THE FINAL.
Charlotte says, IT IS SHELDON'S BALL.
Nyla says, MORE LIKE A DODGY KEBAB. SHE'LL BE FINE.
[Upbeat music plays]
Behind them, Aoife leans against a wall.
Nyla asks, HOW'D YOU GET THERE?
Aoife says, JUST SLIPPED PAST. DIDN'T YOU SEE ME?
Zara says, YOU'RE SWEATING. YOU SURE YOU'RE GOOD? I HAVE AN INFRARED THERMOMETER.
Aoife says, I'M FINE. LET'S TRAIN. WE HAVE A FINAL, REMEMBER?
[Door clicking]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla walk away. Conor leaves the bathroom, and Aoife turns to him.
Aoife says, I CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS. I CAN'T KEEP LYING TO MY TEAMIES.
Conor says, SO, JUST AVOID THEM ALL WEEK.
Aoife says, CONOR, THAT IS ABSOLUTE...GENIUS!
Conor says, YOU OWE ME A CREAM BUN, AND I'M TAKING BACK FULL RIGHTS TO THE BIG COMFY CHAIR.
[Rustling, whooshing, background chattering]
Conor gives Aoife her sneakers. Polka dots move across the screen. Later, in the school cafeteria, Zara opens her lunch bag.
Zara says, AOIFE, HEY!
Aoife says, I'M JUST GOING TO GO SIT OVER THERE.
Zara asks, DID SHE JUST RUN AWAY?
Zara looks at Nyla and Charlotte.
Nyla says, NORMALLY, I'D SAY THAT'S THE EFFECT YOU HAVE, BUT SHE'S BEEN DOING IT TO ME ALL MORNING.
Charlotte asks, IF SHE REALLY IS AOIFE?
Conor and Clanger walk past the Vipers’ table.
Charlotte asks, CONOR, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES AOIFE IS STUCK IN AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION?
Clanger takes parsley out of his pocket.
Conor says, MM, QUITE HIGH, I'D SAY. SHE'S BEEN ACTING VERY STRANGELY.
Charlotte says, WE NEED SOME PARSLEY CLOVER.
[Rustling]
Clanger throws the parsley onto Charlotte’s lunch bag, and she smiles.
Clanger says, I DO WORRY THAT THIS WON'T BE ENOUGH NOW THAT YOU'VE PLAYED WITH SHELDON'S BALL, THOUGH.
Charlotte asks, WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
[Upbeat music plays]
Clanger says, WELL, I'VE READ ABOUT THIS CLEARING RITUAL THAT WE CAN DO.
Clanger nudges Conor.
Conor says, MM, IT MAY BE WISE.
Charlotte says, YES, YES, WE'LL TAKE ONE.
Conor says, THERE WILL BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
[Paper rustling]
Conor writes in a notebook and gives it to Zara.
Zara asks, HOW MUCH?
Zara passes the notebook to Nyla.
Nyla says, GET LOST.
[Rustling]
Charlotte grabs the book and smiles.
Conor says, IT'S A BIG INVESTMENT. CHAT ABOUT IT. WE'LL CIRCLE 'ROUND LATER.
[Beeping, banging, students chattering]
Jessica gets a drink from a vending machine and stops beside Aoife’s table.
Jessica says, I MEAN, REALLY. YOU? AT THE COUNTY TRIALS? MUST BE SOME MISTAKE.
Aoife asks, CAN YOU PLEASE KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN?
Jessica says, AH, YOU HAVEN'T TOLD YOUR TEAMIES YET.
Jessica smiles and sits across from Aoife.
Jessica says, DON'T WORRY, IT'LL BE OUR LITTLE SECRET. I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'LL BE PICKED ANYWAY.
Jessica stands up and walks away.
Aoife tells us, YES, I WILL, AND I'LL PERFECT MY ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL LAYUP BY GOING TO THE COURTS FIRST THING WHEN NOBODY ELSE—
[Ball thumping, dramatic music notes play]
Aoife arrives at an outdoor court and finds Jessica dribbling a basketball.
Aoife continues, IS THERE.
Jessica says, EXTRA PRACTICE? AWW, SO CUTE. YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE.
Aoife says, YEAH, WELL, I DISAGREE WITH THAT, ACTUALLY, BECAUSE—
[Aoife sighing]
Aoife says, I'M KIND OF TOO TIRED FOR TRASH TALK.
Jessica says, YEAH. ME, TOO.
[Phone pinging, upbeat music plays]
Aoife puts her water bottle, backpack, and basketball by a bench. She picks up a smartphone and gives it to Jessica.
Jessica says, AH, IT'S MY MUM. SHE ALWAYS SENDS ME A MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE. "IF YOU'RE NOT WINNING, YOU'RE LOSING."
Aoife says, HOW LOVELY.
[Slide whistle]
Cringe emojis float around Aoife.
Aoife tells us, EEK.
Jessica says, SHE WANTS ME TO BE THE BEST AT EVERYTHING.
[Jessica sighing]
She says, IT'S EXHAUSTING.
[Phone clunking, whooshing, ball thumping]
Aoife glances at us. Jessica puts her phone back on the bench. Jessica throws the ball at the hoop, and her shot falls short. Aoife winces.
Aoife says, OKAY, THIS MAY SOUND NUTS, BUT WHAT IF WE HELP EACH OTHER OUT?
Jessica picks up the ball and glances at Aoife.
Jessica asks, WHY?
[Thumping]
Jessica throws the ball up and down.
Aoife replies, I'LL HELP YOU FIX YOUR FREE THROW IN EXCHANGE FOR SOME FINGER ROLL TIPS.
Behind Jessica, Aoife opens her arms wide.
Jessica says, DEPENDS. IT'S NOT GOING TO GET HUGGY, IS IT?
As Jessica turns, Aoife spins and crosses her arms.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO WAY. IT'S JUST, WE'RE BOTH GOING FOR COUNTY. SO WE CAN WORK TOGETHER?
[Upbeat music plays, slide whistle, basketball thumping]
Aoife extends her hand, and Jessica shakes it. They smile at each other. Aoife looks at us and raises her eyebrows. The star-struck emoji floats around her. They practice on the court together.
Aoife says, I'M GOING TO GET YA. SHOOT.
[Chains rattling]
On the court, Aoife scores into a basketball net made of wooden rings and metal chains.
Jessica cheers, YOU GOT IT IN!
They dance on the court. Aoife stands beside Jessica and demonstrates her free-throw technique.
Aoife says, FLICK YOUR FINGERS AT THE TOP, BEND YOUR KNEES, AND PUSH.
Jessica says, LIKE THIS?
[Speaking indistinctly]
Jessica gives Aoife her water bottle. Jessica shows Aoife her phone screen.
Jessica asks, DO YOU KNOW OUR CODE? ANNIE'S JUST SENT US THIS VIDEO TO SHOW US THE ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL. BRINGS IT UP WITH THE SAME HAND.
Charlotte arrives and stares open-mouthed at Jessica and Aoife. She narrows her eyes and hurries away. A basketball rolls across the screen.
A singer sings, THE REST OF MY LIFE.
Later, in a school hallway, Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stand by lockers. Jessica gives Zara a water bottle as she walks past.
Jessica says, GIVE THIS TO MAOIFE. SHE LEFT IT ON THE COURTS. OH, AND TELL HER TO WATCH THAT CAITLIN CLARK VIDEO I SENT.
Zara wipes the side of the bottle with a tissue.
Nyla says, EH? DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT? AOIFE, JESSICA, FRIENDS?
Charlotte asks, NOW DO YOU BELIEVE ME?
Zara says, WE NEED TO BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS.
[Tense music plays]
Zara gives the tissue to Charlotte. She pulls out her smartphone and types.
[Phone pinging]
Elsewhere, Conor and Clanger sit on a staircase.
Conor says, CLEANING CEREMONY. THEY WANT IT.
[Upbeat music plays]
Conor reads, "ORDINARILY I WOULDN'T APPROVE, BUT, GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE'LL PAY WHATEVER IT COSTS."
Clanger sings, CHA-CHING!
[Hands slapping]
Conor and Clanger high-five and wiggle their fingers at each other.
The next day, Aoife tells us, SO, THIS WEEK'S BEEN ALL GO. HARDLY KNOW WHERE I AM, BUT I'M PRETTY SURE THIS IS MY LAST COUNTY TRIAL SESSION.
[Gym door opening]
Aoife announces, THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TRY OUT.
Nyla says, EH, THAT WAS MONTHS AGO, REMEMBER? AND YOU GOT THE JOB.
Aoife tells us, OR WAS IT COUNTY TRIALS YESTERDAY, WHICH MAKES THIS...
[Hands clapping]
Aoife claps her hands.
Aoife says, YES, THE LAST VIPERS TRAINING SESSION BEFORE THE FINAL!
[Thumping, banging]
Zara throws a basketball to Aoife, and Aoife shoots a basket.
Aoife says, YEAH, LET'S GO!
[Upbeat music plays, tapping]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, Aoife crawls onto a bleacher and lies down. In animation, sweat drips from her, and a puff of smoke leaves her mouth.
Aoife says, THAT'S IT. IF ANYBODY ASKS, I LITERALLY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ELSE.
A shadow falls over her.
Jamie says, HEY, AOIFE. WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO OUT WITH ME TONIGHT?
[Thumping]
Aoife sits up and slides over to Jamie. Jamie smiles at Aoife, and Aoife smiles at us.
Aoife says, YES!
[Upbeat music plays]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, in a café, Jamie and Aoife sit across from each other.
Jamie says, I KNOW WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, BUT THIS TIME I THINK WE SHOULD KISS.
Jamie and Aoife lean towards each other.
Aoife says, RIGHT, JUST TURN OFF THE LIGHT.
[Splatting, Jamie sighing]
Aoife falls forward onto a piece of cake. Jamie sits back down. Polka dots move across the screen.
[Birds chirping, footsteps rustling, upbeat music plays]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stop walking by a park bench. Clanger waits by a cracked stone wall, wearing a purple bathrobe. Conor stands beside him wearing a pink bathrobe with white stars.
Conor says, WELCOME TO OUR CHAMBERS.
Zara asks, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?
Clanger says, THESE ARE OUR CEREMONIAL ROBES.
Nyla says, YOU MEAN YOUR MUMS' DRESSING GOWNS?
Conor says, THESE ARE SACRED GARMENTS.
Charlotte says, CAN WE JUST GET THIS DONE, PLEASE?
[Conor clearing his throat]
Conor says, THIS WAY.
[The music stops]
Charlotte passes Clanger as she quickly follows Conor. Nyla and Zara exchange a glance and follow behind. Polka dots move across the screen. In a small wooden building, Conor, Nyla, Zara, Charlotte, and Clanger sit around a table, holding hands. Nyla rolls her eyes.
Conor says, WE'RE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO APPEASE THE GHOST OF SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL. IF YOU'RE HERE, GIVE US A SIGN.
[Buzzing, Charlotte gasping, upbeat music plays]
Beneath the table, Clanger pulls on a cable and the overhead light flickers.
Clanger says, UH, SHELDON. WE HAVE AN OFFERING OF THIS PAMPHLET ON CLIFF SAFETY.
Conor puts a tall white candle on the table beside smaller candles arranged around Basketball 66.
Conor says, AND, BY LIGHTING THIS SPECIAL CANDLE...
[Flame flickering]
Conor says, WE APPEASE THEE, ASKING THE BAD LUCK CURSE TO BE REMOVED FOR GOOD.
[Banging, Charlotte screaming, ball thumping]
Clanger pulls a cord and knocks over items by the wall. Charlotte stands, knocking over a can of grey paint. Clanger rolls the ball across the table, and it lands in the paint.
Clanger says, SEEMS LIKE SHELDON'S NOT HAPPY.
[Crying, footsteps running]
Charlotte says, WHAT HAVE I DONE?! I WANT MY MUMMY.
Charlotte runs out of the room.
[Clanger laughing]
Conor watches Charlotte leave with wide eyes.
Nyla shouts, YOU DONUTS!
[Clanger laughing]
Nyla and Zara follow Charlotte.
Conor says, IT WASN'T PLANNED.
[Clanger laughing]
Clanger hits Conor’s arm.
[Upbeat music plays, Brid speaking in the background]
At Aoife’s house, she paces in the kitchen.
Aoife tells us, SO, MUM'S TALKING TO THE COUNTY SELECTOR, MAKING ANNOYING SMALL TALK. IT'S FINE. I DON'T CARE IF I MAKE THE TEAM OR NOT, IT'S THE TALKING PART THAT—
Brid says, YOU MADE IT!
Aoife cheers, YES!
[Lively music plays]
In animation, confetti falls around Brid and Aoife as they jump joyfully.
Brid sings, YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT!
Aoife says, I BETTER TELL JESSICA!
The confetti disappears.
Brid says, AH, ABOUT THAT. BEST NOT.
Aoife says, WAIT, ARE YOU SAYING JESSICA—
Later, Jessica stands at Aoife’s door.
Jessica says, DIDN'T GET PICKED.
[The music stops]
Aoife says, WHAT? NO WAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.
[Birds chirping]
Jessica says, IT'S NOT LIKE THEY'VE CHOSEN A GREAT SQUAD ANYWAY. I MEAN, YOU STILL CAN'T EVEN DO A PROPER FINGER ROLL.
Aoife says, UH, YEAH, I CAN.
Aoife tells us, PRACTICALLY.
Aoife says, I'LL UNVEIL IT IN THE FINAL.
Jessica says, YOU WON'T BE PLAYING AT THE FINAL.
Aoife says, UH, YEAH, I WILL.
Jessica says, THE FIRST COUNTY TRAINING CAMP IS ON AT THE SAME TIME.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO, WHAT WILL I DO?
[Jessica scoffing]
Jessica says, DUMP THE VIPERS, OF COURSE.
[Upbeat music plays, whooshing, footsteps, birds chirping]
Aoife looks at us. Polka dots move across the screen. On the park bench, Charlotte sits hunched over with her face in her hands, and Zara rubs her back. Conor walks to them with Clanger following behind.
Conor says, OKAY. WE'RE SORRY. IT WAS A JOKE.
[Upbeat music plays quietly]
Nyla sits on the other side of Zara.
Charlotte says, IT DOESN'T MATTER. WE HAVE BAD LUCK ANYWAY.
Conor says, UH, LOOK. HERE'S YOUR MONEY. THAT'S A LUCKY THING, ISN'T IT?
Conor offers Charlotte money.
Charlotte stands and says, NAH. IT'S TAINTED.
Charlotte walks away, crossing her arms.
Clanger says, I'LL HAVE IT.
Conor says, ZARA, TALK TO HER.
Zara asks, WHAT IF SHE'S RIGHT? AOIFE'S OFF AND THE COMETS ARE SO STRONG.
Nyla says, MAYBE GETTING TO THE FINAL WAS DUMB LUCK ANYWAY.
Conor says, FINE, THAT'S IT.
Conor walks away.
Nyla says, WHAT'S YOU DOING?
[Popping, air hissing, squeaking, popping, rustling, thumping]
Conor squeezes air out of Basketball 66. He throws it into a trash bin.
Conor says, THERE. THE CURSE HATH BEEN BROKEN.
Charlotte says, PHEW.
Zara says, GREAT. NOW, WE CAN FOCUS ON THE FINAL AND FORGET ABOUT BAD LUCK, WHICH ACTUALLY HAS NO EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT IT.
Jessica asks, I SUPPOSE YOU'VE HEARD THE BAD NEWS THEN?
[Door creaking]
Aoife opens her front door, and Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara stand on the doorstep.
Nyla asks, YOU MADE THE COUNTY SQUAD?
Charlotte says, AND YOU'LL MISS THE FINAL?
Aoife tells us, JESSICA.
Zara asks, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?
Charlotte says, 'CAUSE SHE'S EVIL.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO. I JUST DIDN'T THINK I'D GET PICKED.
Nyla says, THEN WHY EVEN TRY OUT?
[Aoife sighing, upbeat music plays]
Aoife says, I CAN DO BOTH. I MEAN, IF WE JUST DELAY THE FINAL A TINY BIT?
Zara asks, WHAT'S A “TINY BIT?”
Aoife says, FOUR HOURS?
Zara says, JUST FORGET IT, AOIFE. WE'LL PLAY THE FINAL ON OUR OWN.
[Footsteps thumping]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla walk away.
Aoife says, BUT—
Aoife tells us, THAT WENT BETTER IN MY HEAD.
[Whooshing]
In animation, basketballs fall around Aoife.
[Upbeat music plays]
The next morning, Aoife and Jamie walk through town.
Jamie says, SO, YOU'VE BEEN DOING BOTH ALL WEEK? NO WONDER YOU FELL ASLEEP ON OUR DATE.
Aoife says, SORRY. HOPEFULLY THERE WAS NO SLEEP DROOL.
Jamie says, A BIT, BUT IT'S FINE. SAVE YOUR APOLOGY FOR THE TEAM.
Aoife says, THEY WON'T LISTEN!
Jamie says, THEY WILL. THEY'RE YOUR BEST FRIENDS. THEY'RE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE YOUR BACK LIKE YOU HAVE THEIRS.
Aoife says, YEAH. YOU'RE RIGHT.
Jamie closes his eyes, puckers his lips, and leans towards Aoife.
Aoife says, THANKS. GOTTA GO!
[Footsteps running, bell jangling, people chattering]
Jamie opens his eyes and watches Aoife run down the sidewalk. She enters Mamil Café Bar. On a couch in the corner, Zara and Charlotte sit together.
Zara says, SORRY. WE HAVE A BIG FINAL LATER. IT'S PLAYERS ONLY.
Aoife says, I AM A PLAYER.
In an armchair, Nyla says, YEAH, FOR THE COUNTY TEAM.
Aoife leans against the back of a second armchair.
Aoife says, I'M NOT GOING TO JOIN THE SQUAD.
Nyla says, COME AGAIN?
Aoife says, LOOK, I'M SORRY I DIDN'T TELL YOU. IT'S JUST EVERYTHING GOT A BIT CRAZY, AND I JUST WANT TO PLAY WITH MY BEST FRIENDS.
Charlotte says, YOU'RE REALLY GIVING UP COUNTY?
Aoife says, I'VE ALREADY MADE MY MIND UP.
Zara and Charlotte exchange a glance.
Aoife asks, SO, CAN I BE A VIPER AGAIN?
Aoife sits in the second armchair.
Zara says, VIPERS, LET'S HUDDLE.
[Rhythmic music plays]
Nyla, Zara, and Charlotte put their arms around each other and huddle.
Aoife tells us, THIS ISN'T TENSE AT ALL.
They break apart, and Nyla sits down. Zara smiles.
Zara says, WE WANT YOU TO PLAY FOR COUNTY.
Aoife says, HM?
Charlotte says, WE THINK IT'S A GOOD WAY TO RESTORE THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM.
Nyla smiles at Aoife.
Zara says, YOU'VE WORKED REALLY HARD FOR THIS TEAM AND THIS IS YOUR BIG CHANCE.
Aoife says, YOU'D REALLY DO THAT, FOR ME?
Charlotte says, WE'LL FIND A SUB FROM SOMEWHERE.
Nyla says, AS LONG AS IT'S NOT CONOR WEARING YOUR OLD TRAINERS.
[Engine rumbling]
Aoife grimaces. Later, Jessica walks up to Brid’s van as Brid and Aoife wait at the end of the driveway.
Jessica says, ENJOY CAMP. DON'T WORRY, I'LL LOOK AFTER THE VIPERS FOR YOU.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brid asks, DOES HER MUM NEVER HUG HER OR SOMETHING?
Aoife rolls her eyes and shakes her head. A basketball appears on the screen. In the hallway at the county training building, Brid faces Aoife.
Brid says, RIGHT, DEEP CLEANSING BREATH.
[Aoife and Brid inhaling]
Brid says, ALIGNING THE CHAKRAS, AND...
[Both exhaling]
Brid asks, READY?
Aoife says, YEAH. NO. SLIGHTLY TERRIFIED. I WISH THE GIRLS WERE HERE.
[Rustling]
Aoife pulls a note out of her pocket, with parsley tucked inside. She reads it and smiles.
Zara narrates, AOIFE, HERE'S SOME LUCKY PARSLEY CLOVER TO HELP YOU PLAY WELL.
Charlotte narrates, AND LOOK FIERCE.
Nyla narrates, EVEN IF IT DOES MAKE YOU SMELL A BIT LIKE SOUP.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife smiles and tucks the parsley back into the note.
Aoife tells us, SO, A FEW MONTHS BACK, I WAS LIKE, "HERE I AM IN MIDVALE."
In a flashback, Conor and Aoife look at Midvale School. Text reads, “New School.”
Aoife says, IT ACTUALLY LOOKS QUITE NICE.
In another flashback, Aoife walks up a staircase. Text reads, “Tall, pasty, no mates.” The flashback ends.
In the present, Aoife tells us, BUT THEN I MET THESE FEW GIRLS.
In a flashback on the staircase, Aoife looks down at Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla.
Zara says, WE'RE NOT GOING TO BEG. YOU IN OR OUT?
Nyla and Zara say, PLEASE!
[Slide whistle]
A picture of Charlotte appears.
Aoife tells us, CRAZY.
In a flashback, Charlotte says, SLAY!
[Whooshing]
A photograph of Zara appears.
Aoife tells us, GEEKY.
Text reads, “110 percent.” A red line strikes through the number.
In a flashback, Zara says, CAN'T DO 110 PERCENT.
A photograph of Nyla appears.
In a flashback, Nyla holds up her hand with a dislocated thumb.
Nyla says, SCARY.
[Fire whooshing]
In another flashback, an animation shows flames swirling around Nyla and Aoife.
In a flashback, Nyla asks, WILL IT’LL INVOLVE PHYSICAL DANGER AND RESISTING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE?
Aoife says, MIGHT DO!
The flashback ends.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THEY KIND OF GREW ON ME.
The Vipers cheer, VIPERS!
[Basketball thumping, sneakers squeaking, whooshing]
Charlotte dribbles a ball and Aoife scores a basket.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THERE WERE A FEW TIGHT MATCHES.
[Cheering]
In a flashback, Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla jump excitedly.
In the present, Aoife tells us, ARMY STUFF.
[Laser beams zapping]
Zara, Nyla, Charlotte, and Aoife pose in their camouflage paintball gear.
[Screaming]
In a flashback, Aoife dives towards the ground.
In the present, Aoife tells us, SHAKESPEARE.
In a flashback, Aoife stands on a table on a set. In an animation, a basketball flies towards a basketball net beside a sketch of Juliet on a balcony.
Aoife says, OH, ROMEO, ROMEO.
Dressed in a tree costume, Aoife says, YES!
In the present, Aoife tells us, PIRATES.
[Thunking]
In a flashback, Zara and Conor use empty paper towel tubes like swords. In a hallway, Aoife wears a pirate hat and has an eyepatch lifted over her eye.
Aoife says, ARGH!
In the present, Aoife tells us, AND SO, THAT'S WHY I'M ABOUT TO DO THIS.
Aoife says, WE HAVE TO GO.
Brid smiles at Aoife.
Aoife says, I HAVE A FINAL TO PLAY.
Brid shouts, COME ON!
In slow motion, Brid and Aoife run down a hallway.
[Background chattering, upbeat music plays]
In the Midvale gym, Jessica stands in the middle of the court with her arms crossed, staring at the Vipers. Nyla, Charlotte, Zara, and a girl with long, brown hair stand with their arms crossed.
Jim says, ALRIGHT, GIRLS. I JUST WANT YOU TO DO YOUR BEST, RELAX, AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE WHOLE SCHOOL'S DEPENDING ON YOU. OKAY?
[Slide whistle, sweat dripping]
Sweating emojis appear around the Vipers.
[The music stops, engine whirring]
Brid drives on a country road.
Aoife asks, CAN YOU DRIVE ANY FASTER?
Brid says, RELAX, WE'RE MAKING GOOD TIME.
[Popping]
Aoife asks, WHAT WAS THAT?!
[Footsteps crunching, birds singing, insects buzzing, Aoife groaning]
Aoife walks around the parked van and discovers a flat tire.
Aoife says, WE'LL NEVER MAKE IT.
[Brid sighing, upbeat music plays]
Brid notices handlebars with a helmet on the other side of a fence.
Brid says, JUST TAKE IT AND GO. I'LL LOOK FOR THE OWNER.
Aoife asks, BUT HOW WILL YOU GET THERE?
Brid leans over the fence and smiles at the two seats on the tandem bicycle. She and Aoife smile at each other. Later, they ride beside the river.
Aoife says, OWNER'S PERMISSION, CHECK. NOW PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN, MUM.
[Students chattering]
In the school gym, students walk to the bleachers as the Vipers stretch.
[Brid grunting, both panting, bicycle rattling, upbeat music continues]
Aoife and Brid ride on the dirt path through the forest.
Brid says, COME ON, BRID!
[Students chattering]
In the gym, both teams stretch.
[Both panting, wheel scraping]
Brid and Aoife stop by the school. Small branches protrude from their helmets, and dirt is smeared on their arms. Aoife runs towards the school.
Brid says, GO, AOIFE!
[Panting, Brid grunting, door banging]
Brid leans over the handlebars, exhausted. In the school, Aoife opens the gym door and runs inside.
Aoife says, STOP! STOP THE GAME! I'M HERE AND I'M READY TO PLAY!
Jessica mouths, WHAT?
[Background chattering]
Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara smile.
Jim says, WE'RE JUST WARMING UP. THE GAME DOESN'T START FOR ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES.
Aoife says, OH.
Zara puts her hands on her hips.
Zara asks, DID YOU EVEN CHECK YOUR SCHEDULE?
[Charlotte giggling, footsteps running]
Aoife spreads her arms, and the Vipers run to her. They stop at the last second.
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla say, EW.
Aoife says, OH, NO.
[Hands slapping, Brid grunting]
Aoife lowers her arms. Nyla holds up her hand, and Aoife high-fives her, Zara, and Charlotte. She high-fives the brown-haired girl. In the bleachers, Brid sits beside Conor, holding a handful of leaves. Jamie watches from the bleachers. Later, Zara, Charlotte, Jim, Aoife, and Nyla gather by their bench. Aoife is in uniform, and the brown-haired girl is gone.
Charlotte says, IT'S GREAT THAT YOU'RE BACK, BUT IT'S COMETS.
Across the court, Jessica plays with the tip of her braid and looks the Vipers up and down.
Charlotte says, WE STILL NEED LUCK.
Aoife waves the parsley.
Aoife says, WELL, I STILL HAVE THIS.
Charlotte says, PHEW. IT'S A MIRACLE.
Aoife says, I KNOW, AND THANKS. IT'S REALLY SWEET AND ALL, BUT—
[Whooshing]
Aoife throws the parsley over her shoulder.
Charlotte asks, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Aoife says, WE DON'T NEED IT. I GAVE UP COUNTY BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THE VIPERS AND I BELIEVE WE CAN WIN, AND NOT JUST BECAUSE OF LUCK AND EVERYTHING. WE'VE GOT HERE THROUGH HARD SLOG, TEAMWORK, AND BRILLIANT SPEECHES LIKE THE ONE I'M CURRENTLY GIVING. SO, LET'S GO OUT THERE AND DO THIS.
Zara says, RIGHT. LAST TIME THIS SEASON.
Jim and the Vipers put their hands together. Text reads, “Vipers.”
They shout, VIPERS!
[Crowd cheering]
Aoife tells us, CUE A SLOW-MO WALK TO DRAMATIC MUSIC.
[Dramatic music plays, crowd cheering, camera shutters snapping]
The Vipers walk to the centre court. In animation, flames flicker around each of them. They take their starting positions across from the Comet players.
[Aoife exhaling, chuckling, whistle blowing, crowd cheering, ball thumping, banging, scoreboard clicking, exciting music plays]
A referee bounces the ball onto the court. Aoife grabs it and passes it to Zara, who scores. The Vipers take the lead with one point with nine minutes and 30 seconds left.
Jim cheers, YES!
[Crowd cheering, banging, scoreboard clicking]
Jessica scores and ties the game. A Comet with long hair in a ponytail scores, and the Comets take the lead with nine minutes left.
[Crowd cheering, clicking, ball thumping, banging]
The score on the board increases to “Vipers, 4. Comets, 6” with 7 minutes left in the game. Brid puts her hands beside her head and looks down. On the court, Aoife steals a pass between Comet players and scores a basket.
Jim says, YEAH!
[Clicking, crowd cheering, clicking, banging, exciting music continues]
The score increases to “Vipers, 5. Comets, 7” with six minutes and 20 seconds left. The score rises to “Vipers, 9. Comets, 11” with four minutes left. The long-haired Comet player scores. The Comet lead increases to 13 with three and a half minutes left.
Someone says, COME ON.
[Hands slapping, whooshing, ball thumping, sneakers squeaking, banging, clicking]
Jessica smiles and high-fives the long-haired Comet player. Zara throws the ball into the court, and Aoife catches it. She passes it to Nyla, and Nyla scores. The score increases to “Vipers, 14. Comets, 16” with one minute and 51 seconds left.
[Players speaking indistinctly, banging, clicking, exciting music continues, shouting, banging, shrieking]
Jessica passes the basketball to a red-haired Comet player who scores. The score reads, “Vipers, 17. Comets, 18” with 44 seconds left on the clock. Aoife scores, and Charlotte hugs her. They both hug Zara. The score ties with 29 seconds left.
[Ball thumping, cheering]
At centre court, Aoife and Jessica bounce the ball between them. With ten seconds left, Aoife dribbles towards the basket.
Jessica says, YOU'RE OUT OF TIME, AOIFE.
Aoife smiles at us and lifts her eyebrows. With six seconds left, she moves the ball behind her back.
[Jessica gasping, whooshing, banging, Vipers screaming, clicking buzzer blaring, crowd cheering]
Aoife scores with her round-the-ways finger roll layup move as Jessica watches open-mouthed. The final score changes to “Vipers, 19. Comets, 18.” Text reads, “Vipers win.” In animation, confetti falls. In the bleachers, the Vipers fans jump to their feet. On the court, the Vipers and Jim hug and jump excitedly. The crowd runs to them. Brid approaches Jessica and hugs her. A basketball moves across the screen.
[Background chattering, the music ends]
The gym empties, and small groups of people remain scattered across the room. Clanger and Conor approach the Vipers.
Conor says, GO ON THE VIPERS. GREAT GAME.
Conor offers Zara a four-leaf clover.
Zara says, A REAL FOUR-LEAF CLOVER? THESE ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND.
Conor says, WELL, IT ONLY TOOK SEVEN HOURS.
Zara smiles at Conor.
Conor says, WE'D ALSO LIKE TO FORMALLY APOLOGIZE, AGAIN, FOR SLIGHTLY PUTTING THE MATCH AT RISK.
Clanger says, YEAH, WE'RE GLAD CONOR'S PRANK—
Conor says, OUR PRANK.
Clanger says, WE'RE GLAD CONOR'S TAKE ON OUR PRANK DIDN'T COST YOU THE GAME.
[Eerie music plays]
Jim arrives carrying a basketball. Dripping red text on the ball reads, “Clanger, Conor.”
Jim says, JUST FOUND THIS OVER THERE. HAD YOUR NAMES ON IT.
Conor glances wide-eyed at Clanger, who stares at the ball.
[Vipers giggling, Clanger whimpering, hands slapping, light music plays, Clanger whimpering, door clicking]
Clanger runs away, and Conor follows him. Zara, Nyla, and Charlotte giggle together. They high-five each other and high-five Jim. Clanger runs outside with Conor following him.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, SO, NAIL-BITING MATCH, CHECK.
[Cheering, gasping]
In a flashback, Aoife scores with her round-the-ways finger roll layup move. Jessica watches open-mouthed.
In the present, Aoife tells us, MANAGED TO DO AN AWESOME FINGER ROLL RIGHT IN FRONT OF JESSICA'S FACE. CHECK.
[Shrieking]
In a flashback, flames outline each of the Vipers as they walk across the court.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THE VIPERS TOP OFF AN AMAZING SEASON AND CRUSH JESSICA'S COMETS. CHECK. OVERBEARING MUM.
Aoife gestures at Brid, and an arrow points at her. Brid talks to other adults.
Brid says, YES, WELL, IT WAS ME WHO SUGGESTED BASKETBALL WHEN SHE WAS JUST 10.
Aoife nods at us.
Aoife tells us, CHECK. THE ONLY THING THAT COULD MAKE MY LIFE ANY BETTER IS—
[Slide whistle]
Jamie walks to Aoife and leans towards her. She dodges his kiss and hugs him, patting his shoulder. Kissing emojis float around them.
Aoife tells us, I'LL BE SAVING THAT FOR LATER.
Jamie smiles and backs towards the door.
Jamie says, WELL PLAYED. SEE YOU OUTSIDE?
Aoife nods. Behind Aoife, Brid looks at her smartphone.
Aoife tells us, ME AND JAMIE, SWANNING OFF INTO THE SUNSET. CHASING—
Brid says, AOIFE! IT'S FROM A TALENT SCOUT.
Aoife reads, "WE ADMIRE AOIFE'S COMMITMENT AND WE'D LIKE TO OFFER HER A SCHOLARSHIP, TO CALIFORNIA!?"
Aoife tells us, YES!
[Fireworks exploding]
Aoife smiles broadly and pumps her fists. 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. Brid, Isy Suttie. Jamie, Joseph Nicholas. Zara, Isha Kaur Athwal. Charlotte, Ella Bernstein. Nyla, Frankie-Jae Simmonds. Jessica, Bea Ward. Conor, Arthur Kay. Clanger, Dylan Lakhanpaul. Jim, Nigel Boyle. The Mayor, Mayor Tracy Brabin. 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 and written by Sinéad Fagan. Director: Tim Hopewell. Producer: Dominique Molloy. In Association with A.P.C. Kids. With Robert Webb as Mr. Holt.
[Tense music plays, panting]
Brid and Aoife pedal a tandem bicycle on a trail beside a river.
Aoife says, FASTER. I'M GOING TO MISS IT!
Brid says, FIVE YEARS OF BOXFIT FOR WHAT?
[Panting, bicycle rattling]
They ride on a dirt path through a forest.
Aoife says, COME ON!
Aoife tells us, YOU MAY BE WONDERING WHY I'M COVERED IN MUD WHEN I SHOULD BE PLAYING IN MY LEAGUE FINAL!
[Grunting]
Brid says, COME ON, BRID. PUMP IT!
Aoife tells us, HERE'S THE REWIND.
[Tape rewinding, basketball thumping]
In a Midvale School hallway, Aoife moves a basketball around her back as she walks.
Aoife tells us, SO I WAS JUST PRACTICING MY ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL LAYUP.
[Basketball thumping]
The basketball rolls out of her hand.
Aoife tells us, ALMOST, BUT LIFE IS STILL LAAA, AMAZING.
[Chiming]
Text reads, “Amazing.”
Aoife tells us, WHY? A, I THINK JAMIE'S GOING TO ASK ME TO KISS ANY SECOND NOW.
[Emojis bubbling]
Aoife stops at her locker, and kissing face emojis float around her. Jamie walks down the hallway. He smiles and picks up the basketball.
Jamie says, HEY, AOIFE.
[Thumping]
Jamie throws the ball to Aoife as he walks past. She smiles at him.
Aoife says, HEY.
Aoife tells us, WELL, NOT RIGHT NOW, 'CAUSE WE'RE IN SCHOOLS, OBVS. AND B, IT'S FINAL WEEK!
[Charlotte and Nyla clapping]
Zara, Charlotte and Nyla run to Aoife. Zara holds posters.
Zara says, IT'S FINAL WEEK, AND GIRLS IN SPORT WEEK. THE LOCAL COUNCIL HAS SELECTED US AS AMBASSADORS.
[Paper rustling]
Zara gives Aoife a “Girls in Sport Week” poster that features a photograph of the Vipers.
Aoife asks, DO ANY OF US GET ANY EXTRA PERKS?
Zara replies, NO, JUST EXTRA DEMAND ON OUR TIME. ALSO, WE ARE TRAINING EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.
Aoife tells us, LET'S SWEAR OUR COMMITMENT. MAKE SURE WE ATTEND ALL TRAINING, NO DISTRACTIONS. PINKY SWEAR?
They gather in a circle and shake each other’s pinkie fingers.
Aoife says, AND EVERYONE KNOWS DOUBLE PINKSIES MEANS NO BACKSIES.
[Whistle blaring, upbeat music plays, thumping, students chattering]
Title: “High Hoops.”
A basketball bounces across the title and knocks down the letters. In a school hallway, Jessica stands beside an elevator.
A girl with a bun says, GOOD LUCK AT THE FINAL, JESS.
[Camera shutter snapping]
Jessica poses for a photograph with the girl.
A blond-haired boy says, JESS, YOU'RE AMAZING.
[Camera shutter snapping]
The boy takes a photograph with Jessica and leaves. Aoife arrives with the basketball under her arm.
Aoife says, UH, NEWS FLASH, YOU HAVEN'T WON ANYTHING YET. YOU THINK YOU'RE JUST GOING TO WALK IT?
Jessica says, YES, BUT THAT'S NOT WHY I'M CELEBRATING. I'VE BEEN INVITED TO TRY OUT FOR THE COUNTY SQUAD.
[Jessica chuckling]
Jessica walks away.
Aoife tells us, COUNTY SQUAD? WHO CARES? I MEAN, IF THEY ASKED ME, I WOULD NEVER.
Mr. Holt says, AOIFE, THEY WANT YOU TO TRY OUT FOR COUNTY SQUAD.
Aoife says, WAIT, SERIOUSLY. THEY WANT ME?
Mr. Holt says, WELL, I'M ASSUMING IT'S YOU. IT SAYS, "TALL GIRL, BIT GANGLY."
Aoife grabs Mr. Holt’s arms and shakes him.
Aoife says, THAT IS ME. THANK YOU!
Mr. Holt says, I MEAN, IF THIS WAS FOOTBALL, THEN I'D SAY, "WELL DONE," BUT AS I'VE NOT REAL INTEREST IN BASKETBALL I'LL JUST ASK YOU TO UNHAND ME!
[Upbeat music plays]
Mr. Holt walks away. Aoife looks at the letter.
Aoife reads, "SELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ALL THIS WEEK. FIRST SESSION IS TOMORROW."
Aoife tells us, DURING VIPERS TRAINING. I'LL CHAT THROUGH WITH THE GIRLS. I MEAN, EVERYONE KNOWS PINKY SWEARS CAN TOTALLY HAVE BACKSIES.
[Bell ringing, whooshing, the music stops]
Polka dots move across the screen. Clanger stands at a hallway intersection in front of posters featuring four-leaf clovers.
Clanger says, CLOVER, CLOVER. GET YOUR LUCKY CLOVER.
A blonde-haired girl stops beside Conor.
Conor says, HEY, YOU'RE IN LUCK IF YOU BUY THIS CLOVER.
The blonde-haired girl sniffs the clover.
She says, IT SMELLS LIKE SOUP.
Zara says, THAT'S BECAUSE IT'S PARSLEY.
[Background chattering]
Zara rolls her eyes as the girl walks away. Zara tapes a poster to a wall with Charlotte and Nyla standing beside her.
Conor says, YOU JUST COST US A SALE.
Clanger says, WHAT IS THIS ANYWAY? GIRLS IN SPORT?
Zara says, YUP. WE'VE GOT OUR V.I.P. BREAKFAST, PHOTOSHOOT, AND GENERAL GLORY INCOMING, ALL ENDING WITH OUR BIG FINAL AGAINST JESS' COMETS.
Conor says, SOUNDS LIKE YOU'LL BE NEEDING SOME SPECIAL, LUCKY PARSLEY CLOVER THEN.
Conor holds out parsley, and Charlotte pushes it away.
Charlotte says, OH, WE'RE OKAY FOR LUCK. I PETTED A BLACK CAT THIS MORNING.
Nyla says, YOU DO THAT EVERY DAY.
[Charlotte chuckling]
Zara says, ANYWAY, I'M INSULTED YOU THINK WE'D FALL FOR ONE OF YOUR SILLY SCAMS. SURELY YOU CAN DO BETTER.
[Light music notes play]
Zara walks away, followed by Charlotte and Nyla. Charlotte imitates an explosion with her fingers. In animation, two small explosions rise from her hands.
Charlotte says, BOOM!
[Conor laughing]
Nyla bumps Clanger’s shoulder as she walks past him.
[Whooshing]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, Zara holds a paper as she walks in a hallway with Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla.
Zara says, SO, THIS IS YOUR SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK.
Aoife says, DOESN'T LOOK TOO BAD.
Aoife tells us, DEFINITELY ENOUGH ROOM FOR A FULL WEEK OF COUNTY TRIALS.
[Paper rustling]
Zara unrolls the paper, and it reaches the floor. Aoife’s mouth drops open.
Zara says, THIS IS DRAFT SEVEN. NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING ELSE. SO, DON'T ASK.
Aoife stops walking.
Aoife tells us, I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE I WAS GOING TO MAKE THE TRIALS ANYWAY. SO, NO POINT IN GOING.
[Footsteps pattering, upbeat music plays]
Jessica wears shiny new boots. She stops beside Aoife and plays with the tip of her braid.
Jessica says, NEW BOOTS. SPECIALLY FOR TRIALS. THEY HAVE TALENT SCOUTS THERE, TOO.
Aoife rolls her eyes.
Jessica says, SOME GIRLS EVEN GET A SCHOLARSHIP.
Aoife says, SO?
Jessica says, OH, SORRY. I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT.
[Steam whooshing]
Jessica looks Aoife up and down, then walks away. In animation, steam blows out of Aoife’s ears.
Aoife tells us, RIGHT, THAT'S IT. I'M GOING.
[Whooshing, hands slapping]
A basketball flies across the screen. Later, in the gym, Aoife high-fives Nyla, Zara, and Charlotte.
Aoife says, GREAT JOB, EVERYONE.
[Everyone panting]
Aoife tells us, PLAN, WAIT UNTIL AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SESSION TO BRING UP THE NEWS.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife says, SO, I KNOW THAT TOMORROW'S, LIKE, A SUPER IMPORTANT TRAINING SESSION AND EVERYTHING.
Zara says, EVERY SESSION THIS WEEK IS. THAT'S WHY I'M SKIPPING DEBATE CLUB.
Charlotte says, I'M MISSING FASHION ACADEMY, AND IT'S FUN WITH BEADING WEEK.
Charlotte leans against Zara’s arm. Aoife looks at us.
Nyla says, I'M MISSING TAEKWONDO. WE WERE GOING TO LEARN AXE KICK.
[Grunting, shrieking, smacking]
Nyla kicks the air near Aoife’s face, and Aoife leans backwards. Text reads, “Kerpow.”
Aoife says, OKAY.
Nyla asks, WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO SAY ANYWAY?
Aoife replies, JUST THAT I'LL BE MISSING LOADS OF REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF, TOO.
Aoife tells us, NEW PLAN. DO BOTH, SAY NOTHING.
[Whooshing, the music stops, background chattering]
Aoife smiles at us. Polka dots move across the screen. In a hallway, Zara walks to a watercooler with her arms crossed. Nyla stands beside her with her arms crossed, and Charlotte stands with a basketball with the number 66 under her arm.
Zara asks, DOES AOIFE SEEM A BIT WEIRD TO YOU?
Nyla says, ALWAYS.
Nearby, Conor taps Clanger’s arm.
Zara says, I MEAN, MORE THAN USUAL.
Nyla says, AOIFE IS CHAOS. THINGS ARE FINALLY GOING WELL. I MEAN, JAMIE, THE FINAL.
Clanger asks, WHAT'S GOING ON?
Conor says, JUST BACK ME UP.
Nyla says, MAYBE IT'S UPSETTING THE BALANCE.
[Eerie music plays, whooshing]
In animation, planets and a math equation float over Charlotte’s head.
Charlotte says, OOH, LIKE SOME KIND OF RIFT IN THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM.
Conor asks, HAVE YOU JUST PLAYED WITH THAT BALL?
Nyla says, YEAH.
Conor says, CAN'T BE. I'D HEARD THE STORIES, BUT...
Charlotte asks, WHAT'S WRONG?
Conor says, IT USED TO BELONG TO A STUDENT AT MIDVALE.
[Upbeat music plays]
Clanger says, HIS NAME WAS SHELDON. SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL.
Zara says, SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL? NEVER HEARD OF HIM.
Conor says, THAT'S BECAUSE HE DISAPPEARED.
Nyla says, WHAT, UP HIS OWN BUTCHNICKEL?
[Nyla and Zara chuckling]
Clanger says, THEY SAY HE WAS PRACTICING WITH THAT BALL ON THE SIDE OF A CLIFF FACE AND HE WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN.
Charlotte stares wide-eyed.
Conor says, BUT THE BALL REMAINED, CURSED, AND BAD LUCK HAS COME UPON ANYONE WHO'S PLAYED WITH IT SINCE.
Zara says, SPOOKY.
[Zara and Nyla laughing]
Zara and Nyla walk away, and Charlotte follows behind them. Clanger puts his arm around Conor’s shoulder, and they both smile.
Conor says, THE GAME IS AFOOT.
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
The Midvale School crest spins over students as they walk down the stairs.
[Camera shutter snapping, people chattering]
Mr. Holt stands beside a smiling blonde-haired woman holding a trophy. He smiles and points at the trophy. Aoife stands alone at a table with pastries.
Aoife tells us, COUNTDOWN TO COUNTY TRIALS. HANDS ARE SHAKING, BUT AT LEAST I'VE GOT THE DISTRACTION OF THESE FANCY PASTRIES.
Nyla asks, WHO'S THAT THEN?
Zara says, THE MAYOR. HOLT'S GETTING AN AWARD.
Aoife asks, FOR WHAT?
On a stage, Mr. Holt holds the trophy.
Mr. Holt says, I AM THRILLED TO BE ACCEPTING THIS AWARD FOR PROMOTING GIRLS IN SPORT.
[Applause, slide whistle]
Thinking face emojis float around Aoife.
Aoife says, UH, LIKE, SERIOUSLY?
Mr. Holt says, ESPECIALLY FROM A METRO MAYOR, THAT'S AN ACTUAL MAYOR, AND SHE HAS REAL POWER.
[Slide whistle]
An arrow points to the blonde-haired woman, and text reads, “Actual Mayor Tracy Brabin.’
Mayor Brabin says, AS A REAL MAYOR, I CAN CONFIRM THIS.
Mr. Holt says, EH. ANYWAY, AS YOU ALL KNOW, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABSOLUTELY DEVOTED TO GIRLS' BASKETBALL, AND I'VE ENCOURAGED ALL THE PLAYERS HERE.
[Slide whistles]
Question marks appear over Charlotte, Nyla, Zara, and Aoife’s heads.
Mr. Holt continues, A FINE EXAMPLE BEING AOIFE—
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, UH-OH.
Mr. Holt continues, WHO, THANKS TO THE CAREFUL NURTURING OF THIS SCHOOL, HAS RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED FOR—
Aoife says, PASTRIES! SO, AS SIR WAS SAYING, I'VE RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED TO DISH OUT THESE PASTRIES.
Aoife carries two plates with pastries to the stage.
Aoife says, HERE WE ARE. THIS ONE'S CUSTARDY, SIR. AND, MAYOR, MAY YOUR MAYORING BE AS GLORIOUS AS THIS RASPBERRY DANISH. SO, THANKS FOR THE NURTURING, EVERYONE.
[Chewing]
Mr. Holt eats his pastry.
Mr. Holt says, SHE'S RIGHT, IT'S CUSTARD.
The mayor says, MM.
[The music stops, footsteps pattering, background chattering]
Polka dots move on the screen. In a hallway, Clanger and Conor hide beneath a staircase as Charlotte, Zara, and Nyla walk down.
Charlotte asks, WHAT IF IT IS SHELDON'S BALL?
Nyla says, DON'T BE DAFT-ER
Charlotte says, YOU SAW HER! MAYBE THERE IS A RIFT IN THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM. MAYBE THIS ISN'T AOIFE, MAYBE IT'S A DARK DOUBLE.
Zara says, I ENJOY EINSTEIN'S THEORIES AS MUCH AS THE NEXT PERSON, BUT REALLY?
Nyla says, IT WAS PROBABLY JUST A RANDOM BASKETBALL FROM THE EQUIPMENT ROOM. WE'LL NEVER SEE IT AGAIN.
[Tense music plays, Charlotte screaming, hands slapping]
Charlotte opens her locker and finds Basketball 66 inside. Nearby, Clanger and Conor high-five.
Nyla says, GIVE IT HERE.
[Smacking, shouting, girls gasping, upbeat music plays]
Nyla takes the ball and throws it. It hits Jim’s face as he walks out of a classroom. Text reads, “Owww!”
Jim says, THAT WAS ME GOOD NOSTRIL! I WON'T MAKE TRAINING.
[Locker door slamming]
Jim walks away, and Charlotte closes her locker.
Charlotte says, YOU SEE?!
[Whirring, ball thumping, sneakers squeaking, lively music plays, banging]
A basketball spins. In a large gymnasium, teenage girls play basketball. Text reads, “County Trials Basketball.” A girl sinks a basket. Aoife and Brid enter a hallway.
Brid says, RIGHT, GO EASY. NO PRESSURE TO BE THE BOAT OR ANYTHING.
Aoife says, MUM, IT'S THE GOAT.
Brid says, GOAT, BOAT, WHATEVER. GOOD LUCK.
[Rustling]
Brid hugs Aoife and leaves. Aoife smiles broadly. Jessica passes Brid and enters the gym.
Aoife tells us, RIGHT. NOW TO GET THIS DONE AND MAKE IT BACK IN TIME FOR TRAINING.
Jessica asks, UH, YOU LOST OR SOMETHING? THIS IS AN INVITE-ONLY TRIAL.
[Door squeaking]
Aoife says, JUST AS WELL I WAS INVITED THEN.
Jessica says, YOU? OH, MAOIFE. YOU ARE WAY OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE.
Aoife follows Jessica through a doorway into the gym.
Aoife says, YEAH, WHATEVER. I AM—
[Ball thumping, shouting, lively music plays]
Aoife tells us, WAY OUT OF MY LEAGUE.
[Dripping, Aoife exhaling]
An anxious, sweating emoji appears beside Aoife. In animation, sweat drips on Aoife’s face. A basketball bounces across the screen. Later, Aoife walks into a parking lot and waves to Brid.
Aoife tells us, GOOD NEWS. I DID PLAY LIKE THE BOAT GOAT. BAD NEWS, I'M NOW OFFICIALLY LATE FOR TRAINING.
[Phone ringing, background chattering, beeping]
In the schoolyard at Midvale School, Conor sits at a picnic table and lifts a mini éclair towards his mouth. He stops and picks up his smartphone.
Aoife says, HEY, THE MOST WONDERFUL BROTHER IN THE WORLD.
Conor asks, WHAT DO YOU WANT?
[Ball thumping, sneakers squeaking]
In the school gym, Zara types on her phone. Nyla stands with her arms crossed as Charlotte throws the basketball towards the basket.
Zara asks, WHERE IS SHE? HANG ON. SHE'S TYPING.
[Polka dots move on the screen]
In a bathroom, the Vipers walk to a stall.
Zara asks, AOIFE, YOU ALRIGHT?
[Conor groaning, upbeat music plays]
Inside the stall, Conor sits on the toilet with a pair of Aoife’s sneakers on the ground in front of him.
Charlotte and Nyla say, EW.
Nyla says, DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT.
Charlotte says, WHAT HAVE YOU EATEN?
[Conor groaning, flatulence tooting, plopping]
Nyla leans down and quickly straightens, plugging her nose. Charlotte covers her mouth. Conor drops something in the toilet.
Zara says, WE'LL TAKE COVER OUTSIDE.
[Conor groaning, Vipers whimpering, the music stops]
Zara says, HOPE SHE'S BETTER BEFORE THE FINAL.
Charlotte says, IT IS SHELDON'S BALL.
Nyla says, MORE LIKE A DODGY KEBAB. SHE'LL BE FINE.
[Upbeat music plays]
Behind them, Aoife leans against a wall.
Nyla asks, HOW'D YOU GET THERE?
Aoife says, JUST SLIPPED PAST. DIDN'T YOU SEE ME?
Zara says, YOU'RE SWEATING. YOU SURE YOU'RE GOOD? I HAVE AN INFRARED THERMOMETER.
Aoife says, I'M FINE. LET'S TRAIN. WE HAVE A FINAL, REMEMBER?
[Door clicking]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla walk away. Conor leaves the bathroom, and Aoife turns to him.
Aoife says, I CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS. I CAN'T KEEP LYING TO MY TEAMIES.
Conor says, SO, JUST AVOID THEM ALL WEEK.
Aoife says, CONOR, THAT IS ABSOLUTE...GENIUS!
Conor says, YOU OWE ME A CREAM BUN, AND I'M TAKING BACK FULL RIGHTS TO THE BIG COMFY CHAIR.
[Rustling, whooshing, background chattering]
Conor gives Aoife her sneakers. Polka dots move across the screen. Later, in the school cafeteria, Zara opens her lunch bag.
Zara says, AOIFE, HEY!
Aoife says, I'M JUST GOING TO GO SIT OVER THERE.
Zara asks, DID SHE JUST RUN AWAY?
Zara looks at Nyla and Charlotte.
Nyla says, NORMALLY, I'D SAY THAT'S THE EFFECT YOU HAVE, BUT SHE'S BEEN DOING IT TO ME ALL MORNING.
Charlotte asks, IF SHE REALLY IS AOIFE?
Conor and Clanger walk past the Vipers’ table.
Charlotte asks, CONOR, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES AOIFE IS STUCK IN AN ALTERNATE DIMENSION?
Clanger takes parsley out of his pocket.
Conor says, MM, QUITE HIGH, I'D SAY. SHE'S BEEN ACTING VERY STRANGELY.
Charlotte says, WE NEED SOME PARSLEY CLOVER.
[Rustling]
Clanger throws the parsley onto Charlotte’s lunch bag, and she smiles.
Clanger says, I DO WORRY THAT THIS WON'T BE ENOUGH NOW THAT YOU'VE PLAYED WITH SHELDON'S BALL, THOUGH.
Charlotte asks, WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
[Upbeat music plays]
Clanger says, WELL, I'VE READ ABOUT THIS CLEARING RITUAL THAT WE CAN DO.
Clanger nudges Conor.
Conor says, MM, IT MAY BE WISE.
Charlotte says, YES, YES, WE'LL TAKE ONE.
Conor says, THERE WILL BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
[Paper rustling]
Conor writes in a notebook and gives it to Zara.
Zara asks, HOW MUCH?
Zara passes the notebook to Nyla.
Nyla says, GET LOST.
[Rustling]
Charlotte grabs the book and smiles.
Conor says, IT'S A BIG INVESTMENT. CHAT ABOUT IT. WE'LL CIRCLE 'ROUND LATER.
[Beeping, banging, students chattering]
Jessica gets a drink from a vending machine and stops beside Aoife’s table.
Jessica says, I MEAN, REALLY. YOU? AT THE COUNTY TRIALS? MUST BE SOME MISTAKE.
Aoife asks, CAN YOU PLEASE KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN?
Jessica says, AH, YOU HAVEN'T TOLD YOUR TEAMIES YET.
Jessica smiles and sits across from Aoife.
Jessica says, DON'T WORRY, IT'LL BE OUR LITTLE SECRET. I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'LL BE PICKED ANYWAY.
Jessica stands up and walks away.
Aoife tells us, YES, I WILL, AND I'LL PERFECT MY ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL LAYUP BY GOING TO THE COURTS FIRST THING WHEN NOBODY ELSE—
[Ball thumping, dramatic music notes play]
Aoife arrives at an outdoor court and finds Jessica dribbling a basketball.
Aoife continues, IS THERE.
Jessica says, EXTRA PRACTICE? AWW, SO CUTE. YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE.
Aoife says, YEAH, WELL, I DISAGREE WITH THAT, ACTUALLY, BECAUSE—
[Aoife sighing]
Aoife says, I'M KIND OF TOO TIRED FOR TRASH TALK.
Jessica says, YEAH. ME, TOO.
[Phone pinging, upbeat music plays]
Aoife puts her water bottle, backpack, and basketball by a bench. She picks up a smartphone and gives it to Jessica.
Jessica says, AH, IT'S MY MUM. SHE ALWAYS SENDS ME A MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE. "IF YOU'RE NOT WINNING, YOU'RE LOSING."
Aoife says, HOW LOVELY.
[Slide whistle]
Cringe emojis float around Aoife.
Aoife tells us, EEK.
Jessica says, SHE WANTS ME TO BE THE BEST AT EVERYTHING.
[Jessica sighing]
She says, IT'S EXHAUSTING.
[Phone clunking, whooshing, ball thumping]
Aoife glances at us. Jessica puts her phone back on the bench. Jessica throws the ball at the hoop, and her shot falls short. Aoife winces.
Aoife says, OKAY, THIS MAY SOUND NUTS, BUT WHAT IF WE HELP EACH OTHER OUT?
Jessica picks up the ball and glances at Aoife.
Jessica asks, WHY?
[Thumping]
Jessica throws the ball up and down.
Aoife replies, I'LL HELP YOU FIX YOUR FREE THROW IN EXCHANGE FOR SOME FINGER ROLL TIPS.
Behind Jessica, Aoife opens her arms wide.
Jessica says, DEPENDS. IT'S NOT GOING TO GET HUGGY, IS IT?
As Jessica turns, Aoife spins and crosses her arms.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO WAY. IT'S JUST, WE'RE BOTH GOING FOR COUNTY. SO WE CAN WORK TOGETHER?
[Upbeat music plays, slide whistle, basketball thumping]
Aoife extends her hand, and Jessica shakes it. They smile at each other. Aoife looks at us and raises her eyebrows. The star-struck emoji floats around her. They practice on the court together.
Aoife says, I'M GOING TO GET YA. SHOOT.
[Chains rattling]
On the court, Aoife scores into a basketball net made of wooden rings and metal chains.
Jessica cheers, YOU GOT IT IN!
They dance on the court. Aoife stands beside Jessica and demonstrates her free-throw technique.
Aoife says, FLICK YOUR FINGERS AT THE TOP, BEND YOUR KNEES, AND PUSH.
Jessica says, LIKE THIS?
[Speaking indistinctly]
Jessica gives Aoife her water bottle. Jessica shows Aoife her phone screen.
Jessica asks, DO YOU KNOW OUR CODE? ANNIE'S JUST SENT US THIS VIDEO TO SHOW US THE ROUND-THE-WAYS FINGER ROLL. BRINGS IT UP WITH THE SAME HAND.
Charlotte arrives and stares open-mouthed at Jessica and Aoife. She narrows her eyes and hurries away. A basketball rolls across the screen.
A singer sings, THE REST OF MY LIFE.
Later, in a school hallway, Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stand by lockers. Jessica gives Zara a water bottle as she walks past.
Jessica says, GIVE THIS TO MAOIFE. SHE LEFT IT ON THE COURTS. OH, AND TELL HER TO WATCH THAT CAITLIN CLARK VIDEO I SENT.
Zara wipes the side of the bottle with a tissue.
Nyla says, EH? DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT? AOIFE, JESSICA, FRIENDS?
Charlotte asks, NOW DO YOU BELIEVE ME?
Zara says, WE NEED TO BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS.
[Tense music plays]
Zara gives the tissue to Charlotte. She pulls out her smartphone and types.
[Phone pinging]
Elsewhere, Conor and Clanger sit on a staircase.
Conor says, CLEANING CEREMONY. THEY WANT IT.
[Upbeat music plays]
Conor reads, "ORDINARILY I WOULDN'T APPROVE, BUT, GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE'LL PAY WHATEVER IT COSTS."
Clanger sings, CHA-CHING!
[Hands slapping]
Conor and Clanger high-five and wiggle their fingers at each other.
The next day, Aoife tells us, SO, THIS WEEK'S BEEN ALL GO. HARDLY KNOW WHERE I AM, BUT I'M PRETTY SURE THIS IS MY LAST COUNTY TRIAL SESSION.
[Gym door opening]
Aoife announces, THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TRY OUT.
Nyla says, EH, THAT WAS MONTHS AGO, REMEMBER? AND YOU GOT THE JOB.
Aoife tells us, OR WAS IT COUNTY TRIALS YESTERDAY, WHICH MAKES THIS...
[Hands clapping]
Aoife claps her hands.
Aoife says, YES, THE LAST VIPERS TRAINING SESSION BEFORE THE FINAL!
[Thumping, banging]
Zara throws a basketball to Aoife, and Aoife shoots a basket.
Aoife says, YEAH, LET'S GO!
[Upbeat music plays, tapping]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, Aoife crawls onto a bleacher and lies down. In animation, sweat drips from her, and a puff of smoke leaves her mouth.
Aoife says, THAT'S IT. IF ANYBODY ASKS, I LITERALLY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ELSE.
A shadow falls over her.
Jamie says, HEY, AOIFE. WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO OUT WITH ME TONIGHT?
[Thumping]
Aoife sits up and slides over to Jamie. Jamie smiles at Aoife, and Aoife smiles at us.
Aoife says, YES!
[Upbeat music plays]
Polka dots move across the screen. Later, in a café, Jamie and Aoife sit across from each other.
Jamie says, I KNOW WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE, BUT THIS TIME I THINK WE SHOULD KISS.
Jamie and Aoife lean towards each other.
Aoife says, RIGHT, JUST TURN OFF THE LIGHT.
[Splatting, Jamie sighing]
Aoife falls forward onto a piece of cake. Jamie sits back down. Polka dots move across the screen.
[Birds chirping, footsteps rustling, upbeat music plays]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla stop walking by a park bench. Clanger waits by a cracked stone wall, wearing a purple bathrobe. Conor stands beside him wearing a pink bathrobe with white stars.
Conor says, WELCOME TO OUR CHAMBERS.
Zara asks, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?
Clanger says, THESE ARE OUR CEREMONIAL ROBES.
Nyla says, YOU MEAN YOUR MUMS' DRESSING GOWNS?
Conor says, THESE ARE SACRED GARMENTS.
Charlotte says, CAN WE JUST GET THIS DONE, PLEASE?
[Conor clearing his throat]
Conor says, THIS WAY.
[The music stops]
Charlotte passes Clanger as she quickly follows Conor. Nyla and Zara exchange a glance and follow behind. Polka dots move across the screen. In a small wooden building, Conor, Nyla, Zara, Charlotte, and Clanger sit around a table, holding hands. Nyla rolls her eyes.
Conor says, WE'RE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO APPEASE THE GHOST OF SHELDON BUTCHNICKEL. IF YOU'RE HERE, GIVE US A SIGN.
[Buzzing, Charlotte gasping, upbeat music plays]
Beneath the table, Clanger pulls on a cable and the overhead light flickers.
Clanger says, UH, SHELDON. WE HAVE AN OFFERING OF THIS PAMPHLET ON CLIFF SAFETY.
Conor puts a tall white candle on the table beside smaller candles arranged around Basketball 66.
Conor says, AND, BY LIGHTING THIS SPECIAL CANDLE...
[Flame flickering]
Conor says, WE APPEASE THEE, ASKING THE BAD LUCK CURSE TO BE REMOVED FOR GOOD.
[Banging, Charlotte screaming, ball thumping]
Clanger pulls a cord and knocks over items by the wall. Charlotte stands, knocking over a can of grey paint. Clanger rolls the ball across the table, and it lands in the paint.
Clanger says, SEEMS LIKE SHELDON'S NOT HAPPY.
[Crying, footsteps running]
Charlotte says, WHAT HAVE I DONE?! I WANT MY MUMMY.
Charlotte runs out of the room.
[Clanger laughing]
Conor watches Charlotte leave with wide eyes.
Nyla shouts, YOU DONUTS!
[Clanger laughing]
Nyla and Zara follow Charlotte.
Conor says, IT WASN'T PLANNED.
[Clanger laughing]
Clanger hits Conor’s arm.
[Upbeat music plays, Brid speaking in the background]
At Aoife’s house, she paces in the kitchen.
Aoife tells us, SO, MUM'S TALKING TO THE COUNTY SELECTOR, MAKING ANNOYING SMALL TALK. IT'S FINE. I DON'T CARE IF I MAKE THE TEAM OR NOT, IT'S THE TALKING PART THAT—
Brid says, YOU MADE IT!
Aoife cheers, YES!
[Lively music plays]
In animation, confetti falls around Brid and Aoife as they jump joyfully.
Brid sings, YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT! YOU MADE IT!
Aoife says, I BETTER TELL JESSICA!
The confetti disappears.
Brid says, AH, ABOUT THAT. BEST NOT.
Aoife says, WAIT, ARE YOU SAYING JESSICA—
Later, Jessica stands at Aoife’s door.
Jessica says, DIDN'T GET PICKED.
[The music stops]
Aoife says, WHAT? NO WAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.
[Birds chirping]
Jessica says, IT'S NOT LIKE THEY'VE CHOSEN A GREAT SQUAD ANYWAY. I MEAN, YOU STILL CAN'T EVEN DO A PROPER FINGER ROLL.
Aoife says, UH, YEAH, I CAN.
Aoife tells us, PRACTICALLY.
Aoife says, I'LL UNVEIL IT IN THE FINAL.
Jessica says, YOU WON'T BE PLAYING AT THE FINAL.
Aoife says, UH, YEAH, I WILL.
Jessica says, THE FIRST COUNTY TRAINING CAMP IS ON AT THE SAME TIME.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO, WHAT WILL I DO?
[Jessica scoffing]
Jessica says, DUMP THE VIPERS, OF COURSE.
[Upbeat music plays, whooshing, footsteps, birds chirping]
Aoife looks at us. Polka dots move across the screen. On the park bench, Charlotte sits hunched over with her face in her hands, and Zara rubs her back. Conor walks to them with Clanger following behind.
Conor says, OKAY. WE'RE SORRY. IT WAS A JOKE.
[Upbeat music plays quietly]
Nyla sits on the other side of Zara.
Charlotte says, IT DOESN'T MATTER. WE HAVE BAD LUCK ANYWAY.
Conor says, UH, LOOK. HERE'S YOUR MONEY. THAT'S A LUCKY THING, ISN'T IT?
Conor offers Charlotte money.
Charlotte stands and says, NAH. IT'S TAINTED.
Charlotte walks away, crossing her arms.
Clanger says, I'LL HAVE IT.
Conor says, ZARA, TALK TO HER.
Zara asks, WHAT IF SHE'S RIGHT? AOIFE'S OFF AND THE COMETS ARE SO STRONG.
Nyla says, MAYBE GETTING TO THE FINAL WAS DUMB LUCK ANYWAY.
Conor says, FINE, THAT'S IT.
Conor walks away.
Nyla says, WHAT'S YOU DOING?
[Popping, air hissing, squeaking, popping, rustling, thumping]
Conor squeezes air out of Basketball 66. He throws it into a trash bin.
Conor says, THERE. THE CURSE HATH BEEN BROKEN.
Charlotte says, PHEW.
Zara says, GREAT. NOW, WE CAN FOCUS ON THE FINAL AND FORGET ABOUT BAD LUCK, WHICH ACTUALLY HAS NO EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT IT.
Jessica asks, I SUPPOSE YOU'VE HEARD THE BAD NEWS THEN?
[Door creaking]
Aoife opens her front door, and Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara stand on the doorstep.
Nyla asks, YOU MADE THE COUNTY SQUAD?
Charlotte says, AND YOU'LL MISS THE FINAL?
Aoife tells us, JESSICA.
Zara asks, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?
Charlotte says, 'CAUSE SHE'S EVIL.
Aoife says, WHAT? NO. I JUST DIDN'T THINK I'D GET PICKED.
Nyla says, THEN WHY EVEN TRY OUT?
[Aoife sighing, upbeat music plays]
Aoife says, I CAN DO BOTH. I MEAN, IF WE JUST DELAY THE FINAL A TINY BIT?
Zara asks, WHAT'S A “TINY BIT?”
Aoife says, FOUR HOURS?
Zara says, JUST FORGET IT, AOIFE. WE'LL PLAY THE FINAL ON OUR OWN.
[Footsteps thumping]
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla walk away.
Aoife says, BUT—
Aoife tells us, THAT WENT BETTER IN MY HEAD.
[Whooshing]
In animation, basketballs fall around Aoife.
[Upbeat music plays]
The next morning, Aoife and Jamie walk through town.
Jamie says, SO, YOU'VE BEEN DOING BOTH ALL WEEK? NO WONDER YOU FELL ASLEEP ON OUR DATE.
Aoife says, SORRY. HOPEFULLY THERE WAS NO SLEEP DROOL.
Jamie says, A BIT, BUT IT'S FINE. SAVE YOUR APOLOGY FOR THE TEAM.
Aoife says, THEY WON'T LISTEN!
Jamie says, THEY WILL. THEY'RE YOUR BEST FRIENDS. THEY'RE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE YOUR BACK LIKE YOU HAVE THEIRS.
Aoife says, YEAH. YOU'RE RIGHT.
Jamie closes his eyes, puckers his lips, and leans towards Aoife.
Aoife says, THANKS. GOTTA GO!
[Footsteps running, bell jangling, people chattering]
Jamie opens his eyes and watches Aoife run down the sidewalk. She enters Mamil Café Bar. On a couch in the corner, Zara and Charlotte sit together.
Zara says, SORRY. WE HAVE A BIG FINAL LATER. IT'S PLAYERS ONLY.
Aoife says, I AM A PLAYER.
In an armchair, Nyla says, YEAH, FOR THE COUNTY TEAM.
Aoife leans against the back of a second armchair.
Aoife says, I'M NOT GOING TO JOIN THE SQUAD.
Nyla says, COME AGAIN?
Aoife says, LOOK, I'M SORRY I DIDN'T TELL YOU. IT'S JUST EVERYTHING GOT A BIT CRAZY, AND I JUST WANT TO PLAY WITH MY BEST FRIENDS.
Charlotte says, YOU'RE REALLY GIVING UP COUNTY?
Aoife says, I'VE ALREADY MADE MY MIND UP.
Zara and Charlotte exchange a glance.
Aoife asks, SO, CAN I BE A VIPER AGAIN?
Aoife sits in the second armchair.
Zara says, VIPERS, LET'S HUDDLE.
[Rhythmic music plays]
Nyla, Zara, and Charlotte put their arms around each other and huddle.
Aoife tells us, THIS ISN'T TENSE AT ALL.
They break apart, and Nyla sits down. Zara smiles.
Zara says, WE WANT YOU TO PLAY FOR COUNTY.
Aoife says, HM?
Charlotte says, WE THINK IT'S A GOOD WAY TO RESTORE THE SPACETIME CONTINUUM.
Nyla smiles at Aoife.
Zara says, YOU'VE WORKED REALLY HARD FOR THIS TEAM AND THIS IS YOUR BIG CHANCE.
Aoife says, YOU'D REALLY DO THAT, FOR ME?
Charlotte says, WE'LL FIND A SUB FROM SOMEWHERE.
Nyla says, AS LONG AS IT'S NOT CONOR WEARING YOUR OLD TRAINERS.
[Engine rumbling]
Aoife grimaces. Later, Jessica walks up to Brid’s van as Brid and Aoife wait at the end of the driveway.
Jessica says, ENJOY CAMP. DON'T WORRY, I'LL LOOK AFTER THE VIPERS FOR YOU.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brid asks, DOES HER MUM NEVER HUG HER OR SOMETHING?
Aoife rolls her eyes and shakes her head. A basketball appears on the screen. In the hallway at the county training building, Brid faces Aoife.
Brid says, RIGHT, DEEP CLEANSING BREATH.
[Aoife and Brid inhaling]
Brid says, ALIGNING THE CHAKRAS, AND...
[Both exhaling]
Brid asks, READY?
Aoife says, YEAH. NO. SLIGHTLY TERRIFIED. I WISH THE GIRLS WERE HERE.
[Rustling]
Aoife pulls a note out of her pocket, with parsley tucked inside. She reads it and smiles.
Zara narrates, AOIFE, HERE'S SOME LUCKY PARSLEY CLOVER TO HELP YOU PLAY WELL.
Charlotte narrates, AND LOOK FIERCE.
Nyla narrates, EVEN IF IT DOES MAKE YOU SMELL A BIT LIKE SOUP.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife smiles and tucks the parsley back into the note.
Aoife tells us, SO, A FEW MONTHS BACK, I WAS LIKE, "HERE I AM IN MIDVALE."
In a flashback, Conor and Aoife look at Midvale School. Text reads, “New School.”
Aoife says, IT ACTUALLY LOOKS QUITE NICE.
In another flashback, Aoife walks up a staircase. Text reads, “Tall, pasty, no mates.” The flashback ends.
In the present, Aoife tells us, BUT THEN I MET THESE FEW GIRLS.
In a flashback on the staircase, Aoife looks down at Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla.
Zara says, WE'RE NOT GOING TO BEG. YOU IN OR OUT?
Nyla and Zara say, PLEASE!
[Slide whistle]
A picture of Charlotte appears.
Aoife tells us, CRAZY.
In a flashback, Charlotte says, SLAY!
[Whooshing]
A photograph of Zara appears.
Aoife tells us, GEEKY.
Text reads, “110 percent.” A red line strikes through the number.
In a flashback, Zara says, CAN'T DO 110 PERCENT.
A photograph of Nyla appears.
In a flashback, Nyla holds up her hand with a dislocated thumb.
Nyla says, SCARY.
[Fire whooshing]
In another flashback, an animation shows flames swirling around Nyla and Aoife.
In a flashback, Nyla asks, WILL IT’LL INVOLVE PHYSICAL DANGER AND RESISTING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE?
Aoife says, MIGHT DO!
The flashback ends.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THEY KIND OF GREW ON ME.
The Vipers cheer, VIPERS!
[Basketball thumping, sneakers squeaking, whooshing]
Charlotte dribbles a ball and Aoife scores a basket.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THERE WERE A FEW TIGHT MATCHES.
[Cheering]
In a flashback, Charlotte, Aoife, and Nyla jump excitedly.
In the present, Aoife tells us, ARMY STUFF.
[Laser beams zapping]
Zara, Nyla, Charlotte, and Aoife pose in their camouflage paintball gear.
[Screaming]
In a flashback, Aoife dives towards the ground.
In the present, Aoife tells us, SHAKESPEARE.
In a flashback, Aoife stands on a table on a set. In an animation, a basketball flies towards a basketball net beside a sketch of Juliet on a balcony.
Aoife says, OH, ROMEO, ROMEO.
Dressed in a tree costume, Aoife says, YES!
In the present, Aoife tells us, PIRATES.
[Thunking]
In a flashback, Zara and Conor use empty paper towel tubes like swords. In a hallway, Aoife wears a pirate hat and has an eyepatch lifted over her eye.
Aoife says, ARGH!
In the present, Aoife tells us, AND SO, THAT'S WHY I'M ABOUT TO DO THIS.
Aoife says, WE HAVE TO GO.
Brid smiles at Aoife.
Aoife says, I HAVE A FINAL TO PLAY.
Brid shouts, COME ON!
In slow motion, Brid and Aoife run down a hallway.
[Background chattering, upbeat music plays]
In the Midvale gym, Jessica stands in the middle of the court with her arms crossed, staring at the Vipers. Nyla, Charlotte, Zara, and a girl with long, brown hair stand with their arms crossed.
Jim says, ALRIGHT, GIRLS. I JUST WANT YOU TO DO YOUR BEST, RELAX, AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE WHOLE SCHOOL'S DEPENDING ON YOU. OKAY?
[Slide whistle, sweat dripping]
Sweating emojis appear around the Vipers.
[The music stops, engine whirring]
Brid drives on a country road.
Aoife asks, CAN YOU DRIVE ANY FASTER?
Brid says, RELAX, WE'RE MAKING GOOD TIME.
[Popping]
Aoife asks, WHAT WAS THAT?!
[Footsteps crunching, birds singing, insects buzzing, Aoife groaning]
Aoife walks around the parked van and discovers a flat tire.
Aoife says, WE'LL NEVER MAKE IT.
[Brid sighing, upbeat music plays]
Brid notices handlebars with a helmet on the other side of a fence.
Brid says, JUST TAKE IT AND GO. I'LL LOOK FOR THE OWNER.
Aoife asks, BUT HOW WILL YOU GET THERE?
Brid leans over the fence and smiles at the two seats on the tandem bicycle. She and Aoife smile at each other. Later, they ride beside the river.
Aoife says, OWNER'S PERMISSION, CHECK. NOW PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN, MUM.
[Students chattering]
In the school gym, students walk to the bleachers as the Vipers stretch.
[Brid grunting, both panting, bicycle rattling, upbeat music continues]
Aoife and Brid ride on the dirt path through the forest.
Brid says, COME ON, BRID!
[Students chattering]
In the gym, both teams stretch.
[Both panting, wheel scraping]
Brid and Aoife stop by the school. Small branches protrude from their helmets, and dirt is smeared on their arms. Aoife runs towards the school.
Brid says, GO, AOIFE!
[Panting, Brid grunting, door banging]
Brid leans over the handlebars, exhausted. In the school, Aoife opens the gym door and runs inside.
Aoife says, STOP! STOP THE GAME! I'M HERE AND I'M READY TO PLAY!
Jessica mouths, WHAT?
[Background chattering]
Nyla, Charlotte, and Zara smile.
Jim says, WE'RE JUST WARMING UP. THE GAME DOESN'T START FOR ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES.
Aoife says, OH.
Zara puts her hands on her hips.
Zara asks, DID YOU EVEN CHECK YOUR SCHEDULE?
[Charlotte giggling, footsteps running]
Aoife spreads her arms, and the Vipers run to her. They stop at the last second.
Zara, Charlotte, and Nyla say, EW.
Aoife says, OH, NO.
[Hands slapping, Brid grunting]
Aoife lowers her arms. Nyla holds up her hand, and Aoife high-fives her, Zara, and Charlotte. She high-fives the brown-haired girl. In the bleachers, Brid sits beside Conor, holding a handful of leaves. Jamie watches from the bleachers. Later, Zara, Charlotte, Jim, Aoife, and Nyla gather by their bench. Aoife is in uniform, and the brown-haired girl is gone.
Charlotte says, IT'S GREAT THAT YOU'RE BACK, BUT IT'S COMETS.
Across the court, Jessica plays with the tip of her braid and looks the Vipers up and down.
Charlotte says, WE STILL NEED LUCK.
Aoife waves the parsley.
Aoife says, WELL, I STILL HAVE THIS.
Charlotte says, PHEW. IT'S A MIRACLE.
Aoife says, I KNOW, AND THANKS. IT'S REALLY SWEET AND ALL, BUT—
[Whooshing]
Aoife throws the parsley over her shoulder.
Charlotte asks, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Aoife says, WE DON'T NEED IT. I GAVE UP COUNTY BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THE VIPERS AND I BELIEVE WE CAN WIN, AND NOT JUST BECAUSE OF LUCK AND EVERYTHING. WE'VE GOT HERE THROUGH HARD SLOG, TEAMWORK, AND BRILLIANT SPEECHES LIKE THE ONE I'M CURRENTLY GIVING. SO, LET'S GO OUT THERE AND DO THIS.
Zara says, RIGHT. LAST TIME THIS SEASON.
Jim and the Vipers put their hands together. Text reads, “Vipers.”
They shout, VIPERS!
[Crowd cheering]
Aoife tells us, CUE A SLOW-MO WALK TO DRAMATIC MUSIC.
[Dramatic music plays, crowd cheering, camera shutters snapping]
The Vipers walk to the centre court. In animation, flames flicker around each of them. They take their starting positions across from the Comet players.
[Aoife exhaling, chuckling, whistle blowing, crowd cheering, ball thumping, banging, scoreboard clicking, exciting music plays]
A referee bounces the ball onto the court. Aoife grabs it and passes it to Zara, who scores. The Vipers take the lead with one point with nine minutes and 30 seconds left.
Jim cheers, YES!
[Crowd cheering, banging, scoreboard clicking]
Jessica scores and ties the game. A Comet with long hair in a ponytail scores, and the Comets take the lead with nine minutes left.
[Crowd cheering, clicking, ball thumping, banging]
The score on the board increases to “Vipers, 4. Comets, 6” with 7 minutes left in the game. Brid puts her hands beside her head and looks down. On the court, Aoife steals a pass between Comet players and scores a basket.
Jim says, YEAH!
[Clicking, crowd cheering, clicking, banging, exciting music continues]
The score increases to “Vipers, 5. Comets, 7” with six minutes and 20 seconds left. The score rises to “Vipers, 9. Comets, 11” with four minutes left. The long-haired Comet player scores. The Comet lead increases to 13 with three and a half minutes left.
Someone says, COME ON.
[Hands slapping, whooshing, ball thumping, sneakers squeaking, banging, clicking]
Jessica smiles and high-fives the long-haired Comet player. Zara throws the ball into the court, and Aoife catches it. She passes it to Nyla, and Nyla scores. The score increases to “Vipers, 14. Comets, 16” with one minute and 51 seconds left.
[Players speaking indistinctly, banging, clicking, exciting music continues, shouting, banging, shrieking]
Jessica passes the basketball to a red-haired Comet player who scores. The score reads, “Vipers, 17. Comets, 18” with 44 seconds left on the clock. Aoife scores, and Charlotte hugs her. They both hug Zara. The score ties with 29 seconds left.
[Ball thumping, cheering]
At centre court, Aoife and Jessica bounce the ball between them. With ten seconds left, Aoife dribbles towards the basket.
Jessica says, YOU'RE OUT OF TIME, AOIFE.
Aoife smiles at us and lifts her eyebrows. With six seconds left, she moves the ball behind her back.
[Jessica gasping, whooshing, banging, Vipers screaming, clicking buzzer blaring, crowd cheering]
Aoife scores with her round-the-ways finger roll layup move as Jessica watches open-mouthed. The final score changes to “Vipers, 19. Comets, 18.” Text reads, “Vipers win.” In animation, confetti falls. In the bleachers, the Vipers fans jump to their feet. On the court, the Vipers and Jim hug and jump excitedly. The crowd runs to them. Brid approaches Jessica and hugs her. A basketball moves across the screen.
[Background chattering, the music ends]
The gym empties, and small groups of people remain scattered across the room. Clanger and Conor approach the Vipers.
Conor says, GO ON THE VIPERS. GREAT GAME.
Conor offers Zara a four-leaf clover.
Zara says, A REAL FOUR-LEAF CLOVER? THESE ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND.
Conor says, WELL, IT ONLY TOOK SEVEN HOURS.
Zara smiles at Conor.
Conor says, WE'D ALSO LIKE TO FORMALLY APOLOGIZE, AGAIN, FOR SLIGHTLY PUTTING THE MATCH AT RISK.
Clanger says, YEAH, WE'RE GLAD CONOR'S PRANK—
Conor says, OUR PRANK.
Clanger says, WE'RE GLAD CONOR'S TAKE ON OUR PRANK DIDN'T COST YOU THE GAME.
[Eerie music plays]
Jim arrives carrying a basketball. Dripping red text on the ball reads, “Clanger, Conor.”
Jim says, JUST FOUND THIS OVER THERE. HAD YOUR NAMES ON IT.
Conor glances wide-eyed at Clanger, who stares at the ball.
[Vipers giggling, Clanger whimpering, hands slapping, light music plays, Clanger whimpering, door clicking]
Clanger runs away, and Conor follows him. Zara, Nyla, and Charlotte giggle together. They high-five each other and high-five Jim. Clanger runs outside with Conor following him.
[Upbeat music plays]
Aoife tells us, SO, NAIL-BITING MATCH, CHECK.
[Cheering, gasping]
In a flashback, Aoife scores with her round-the-ways finger roll layup move. Jessica watches open-mouthed.
In the present, Aoife tells us, MANAGED TO DO AN AWESOME FINGER ROLL RIGHT IN FRONT OF JESSICA'S FACE. CHECK.
[Shrieking]
In a flashback, flames outline each of the Vipers as they walk across the court.
In the present, Aoife tells us, THE VIPERS TOP OFF AN AMAZING SEASON AND CRUSH JESSICA'S COMETS. CHECK. OVERBEARING MUM.
Aoife gestures at Brid, and an arrow points at her. Brid talks to other adults.
Brid says, YES, WELL, IT WAS ME WHO SUGGESTED BASKETBALL WHEN SHE WAS JUST 10.
Aoife nods at us.
Aoife tells us, CHECK. THE ONLY THING THAT COULD MAKE MY LIFE ANY BETTER IS—
[Slide whistle]
Jamie walks to Aoife and leans towards her. She dodges his kiss and hugs him, patting his shoulder. Kissing emojis float around them.
Aoife tells us, I'LL BE SAVING THAT FOR LATER.
Jamie smiles and backs towards the door.
Jamie says, WELL PLAYED. SEE YOU OUTSIDE?
Aoife nods. Behind Aoife, Brid looks at her smartphone.
Aoife tells us, ME AND JAMIE, SWANNING OFF INTO THE SUNSET. CHASING—
Brid says, AOIFE! IT'S FROM A TALENT SCOUT.
Aoife reads, "WE ADMIRE AOIFE'S COMMITMENT AND WE'D LIKE TO OFFER HER A SCHOLARSHIP, TO CALIFORNIA!?"
Aoife tells us, YES!
[Fireworks exploding]
Aoife smiles broadly and pumps her fists. 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. Brid, Isy Suttie. Jamie, Joseph Nicholas. Zara, Isha Kaur Athwal. Charlotte, Ella Bernstein. Nyla, Frankie-Jae Simmonds. Jessica, Bea Ward. Conor, Arthur Kay. Clanger, Dylan Lakhanpaul. Jim, Nigel Boyle. The Mayor, Mayor Tracy Brabin. 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.
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