Modern Struggle

Modern Struggle is a fans script from Brandon

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Only Fools and Horses – Modern Struggle – 8 Years After Sleepless In Peckham

Plot Synopsis: Del Is no longer in a relationship with Raquel and Rodney is no longer in a relationship with Cassandra. Raquel and Cassandra have moved away to Cassandra’s Mom and Dad’s house. Del is struggling to make money with his stock down in the market, It’s really a tough time for Rodney and Del.

INT – NAGS HEAD – MID DAY.

It fades in from the the opening titles and a young sort is at the bar. The camera pans over to Denzil and Trigger sat at a table. Trigger is in the process of telling a story to Denzi. Denzil has a newspaper and un-interested in what Trigger is saying.

TRIGGER: ….So there I was stood on the beach watching a bird flying above the sea..

DENZIL: Fascinating Trig…

TRIGGER: And as I was watching the bird it went in to the Lighthouse ahead and I saw it drop into the sea..

DENZIL: A bird went into a lighthouse? (Laughs)

TRIGGER: (Confused) Yeah, you shouldn’t laugh.

Del comes into the pub and Denzil is calling him over. Rodney can be seen behind on a table depressed playing with a empty glass.

DENZIL: Del-Boy. Come over here!

DEL: Oh, alright.

Del walks over to the table.

DEL: Denzil, Trigger.

DENZIL: Hey Del. Ere Trigger has a very interesting story (Sarcastic)

DEL: Oh yeah. Tell us then Trig.

TRIGGER: Well..

DEL: (To the bar) ERE! Sweetheart can you get us a few drinks round here love? The usual. (Over to Rodney) Do you want one Rodders?

RODNEY: No!

DEL: Oh alright. Carry on Trig.

TRIGGER: Well as I was walking down the beach right

DEL: When you went to skegness the other week?

TRIGGER: Yeah…well I was watching this bird fly above the sea right..

DEL: Uhm…

TRIGGER: Well as I was watching it went into the Lighthouse ahead..

DEL: Well that was interesting Trig, why was you watching a Bird?

TRIGGER: I don’t know.

Del shakes his head and walks over to the bar to collect the drinks, Trig follows and goes to talk to the bar-maid.

Del collects the drinks and goes back to the table.

TRIGGER: Ere love.

The Bar-Maids name is Emma.

Emma: Yes?

TRIGGER: Well when I was in skegness..

Emma: Please don’t carry on I don’t need to hear that story again..

TRIGGER: I haven’t even told you yet..

Emma: Trigger, you’ve told half of the Pub…It’s bound to get around Isn’t it..

Trigger walks over to other Locals at the bar to tell them the story.

Del goes over to the other table to talk to Rodney.

DEL: Alright Bruv?

RODNEY: Does it look like it?

DEL: Don’t get the oomph with me, just trying to start a conversation, what’s the point of sitting on you’re own depressing that’s not going to cheer you up. Just phone Cassandra up and Apologise. I mean it won’t work for me I’ve had too many chances from Raquel but It’ll work for you.

RODNEY: I don’t feel like it.

DEL: Then stay like this depressing then, Rodney. There is no point trying to talk to you.

Rodney storms out of his chair and out of the Nags Head.

TRIGGER: What’s up with Dave, Del?

DEL: I don’t know Trig, he won’t talk to me. I think It’s because of him and Cass breaking up. Anyway I’m getting off home, see ya both later.

TRIGGER AND DENZIL: Seeya Del.

FADES OUT.

FADES IN.

INT – TROTTERS FLAT, NELSON MANDELLA HOUSE – MID-DAY.

The flat hasn’t changed much It still looks the same as usual with stock around the flat. Rodney is sat at the table with his head in his hands. Del comes on and notices he is still Depressed.

He goes to sit at the table with him.

DEL: Sorry about what I said earlier Rodders.

RODNEY: It’s alright Del, I’ve decided to take your advice and I’m going to phone her.

DEL: It’ll be the best thing Rodney. Can you ask how Raquel is for me, I’m missing her and Damien.

RODNEY: No, you can talk to her yourself after I’ve talked to Cassie.

Del goes off into the Kitchen, and Rodney can be seen going for the phone at the other side of the room and dialing a number.

RODNEY (On Phone): Ah, hey Alan, is Cassie there?

Alan (Can be heard from Rodney’s phone): Yeah, just a moment.

RODNEY(On Phone): Thanks…Hey Cass, I just wanted to apologise to you and I want you to come back home.

CASSANDRA (Can be heard from the phone): Why aren’t you calling from our flat Rodney?

RODNEY(On Phone): Well why aren’t you at our Flat, you should be, at home with me and so should Joanie I miss you both. Will you please come home? I’m sorry about what I said that night, I shouldn’t of got drunk.

CASSANDRA (Can be heard from the phone): It’s alright, I’m going to come home later on with Joanie, I miss you too.

RODNEY(On Phone): Is Raquel there, Del want’s to speak to her.

CASSANDRA (Can be heard from the phone): No she’s not.

RODNEY(On Phone): Oh okay, I’ll be looking forward to seeing you later on, Bye.

Rodney puts the phone down and goes into the Kitchen to talk to Del.

RODNEY: Del?

DEL: Alright Bruv, did you sort everything out with Cassandra?

RODNEY: I think so, Raquel wasn’t there Del.

DEL: Oh, It’s alright Bruv, why don’t you get off home and wait for Cassandra. There’s no point in you staying here with me.

RODNEY: Sure you are alright Del?

DEL: Yeah, I’m fine Bruv.

RODNEY: I’ll come and see you later on with Cass alright?

DEL: Yeah sure, whatever Bruv.

We see Del’s face, as Rodney leaves. He really is upset but doesn’t want to admit it to anyone. Del goes into the room and sits in the armchair he looks at the chair aside of him and we see him smile as he remembers Grandad and Albert we hear sound clips of Grandad and Albert.

We hear the door open and close, and Raquel walks in with Damien.

DEL: Raquel!

Del goes over to her and they hug.

RAQUEL: I’ve really missed you Del

DEL: So have I, are you alright Damien.

DAMIEN: Yeah thanks Dad, where’s Rodney?

DEL: He’s gone home.

RAQUEL: How are you doing at the market?

DEL: Not so well, them HD Ready TV’s are not doing very well.

RAQUEL: Maybe It’s because the channels on it are a different language and you cannot change it.

DEL: Well what do you expect for £200?

RAQUEL: So all you got is returns then? No money made.

DEL: Yes.

RAQUEL: You need to get some better stock, Del. Why don’t you sell a TV to Trig.

DEL: Trig, won’t even buy one!

FADES OUT.

FADES IN.

INT – MARKET – NEXT MORNING.

We can see Del trying to sell the televisions, pretending that they’re are all in working order. Rodney is stood at the side helping Del out as he has got a day off from Alan’s printing firm.

DEL: Come and buy these HD Televisions don’t waste your money in stores paying a lot, buy one right now for £250 they work perfect as tested.

RODNEY (Whispering): Oi, I thought they were £200?

DEL: Shut up, you tart.

DEL: Come on get your wallets and purses out It’s a great deal.

People can be seen walking away until there is not one person left.

Del sighs as he packs the stock away.

RODNEY: Told you they wouldn’t sell Del.

DEL: You don’t give them a chance Rodders.

RODNEY: It’s probably you fault for increasing the prices.

DEL: Shut it, Rodney…You coming to the nags head for a few Drinkie poops?

RODNEY: Sure.

FADES OUT.

FADES IN.

INT – NAG’S HEAD – MORNING.

Sid is at the bar and Denzil and Trigger can be seen at the bar. Del and Rodney walk in.

DENZIL: Alright Del and Rodney?

DEL: Yeah thanks, we’ve both sorted stuff out with the women.

DENZIL: Good to hear, ere I’m off to Boycie’s house out in the Countryside wondered if you and Rodders wanted to come with me and Trigger, we are going to see him.

DEL: Sure I’d love to come, you want to come Rodders?

RODNEY: Ermm..yeah, I’ll have to ask Cassie though…Can I use your phone Sid?

SID: Yeah sure Rodney.

FADES OUT.

FADES IN.

EXT – DENZIL’S VAN – MID-DAY.

The van is Different make to the one we saw last time and it says ‘Transworld Express.’

INT – DENZIL’S VAN – MID-DAY

Del is sat next to Trigger and Denzil at the front and Rodney can be seen at the back of the van. Behind the seats behind them.

RODNEY: Why do I have to sit in the back.

DEL: Stop complaining Rodney.

RODNEY: Why don’t you come and sit in the back and see how you like it then?

DEL: Shut up Rodney. It’s not even a long Drive…right Denzil

DENZIL: Err…No not really..just an hour or two.

DEL: See Rodney…It’s not long..WAIT an hour or two?

DENZIL: Yeah, I’ve visited him before.

RODNEY: Great so I have to sit in this uncomfortable position for Two hours.

DEL: You’re quiet Trig.

DENZIL: Maybe because He’s asleep Del.

RODNEY: Asleep? Throw him into the back then and let me sit in the front.

FADES OUT.

FADES IN.

EXT – BESIDE DENZIL’S VAN, OUTSIDE BOYCIE’S HOUSE – LATER IN THE DAY.

DEL: You sure this is the right house, Denzil?

DENZIL: Yeah.

TRIGGER: It’s not very nice is it.

DENZIL: What you talking about Trig, It’s a great house.

Del goes to wake Rodney up who fell asleep in the Van.

DEL: Rodney you dipstick, we are here.

RODNEY: Where?

DEL: Boycie’s…

RODNEY: Oh yeah, right.

Del shakes his head and him and Rodney walk over to the others who are about to knock on the door. Tyler answers the door.

DEL: You sure we are at the right house, Denzil?

DENZIL: Yeah this is Tyler.

DEL: Oh right, nice to meet you.

TYLER: You have met me before Del..

Tyler shouts Boycie.

TYLER: Dad! Denzil is here…with friends.

BOYCIE: Friends…what friends…Ooo Hello Del, Rodders..Trigger.

ALL: Alright Boyce?

BOYCIE: Yes I’m fine thanks..please do come on in. Take a seat in the living room…and PLEASE take your shoes off.

DEL: Shoes off? What’s all this about.

BOYCIE: Well I don’t want your muddy feet treading all over my floor.

Boycie shuts the door.

As they walk into the living room, Marlene can be seen sat down watching TV.

DEL: Hello, sweetheart!

MARLENE: Oh hello Del, It’s nice to see you..have missed you all, how are you all?

ALL: Fine.

BOYCIE: Would you all like a Drink?

TRIGGER, RODNEY AND DENZIL: Yeah, just do us a beer.

Del has to be different and have a fancy drink.

DEL: Ooo…yeah Boyce do us a USA Caribbean Deluxe.

BOYCIE: And that has?

DEL: Champagne, Tizer and Whiskey.

BOYCIE: Sounds great..but we don’t have no Tizer.

DEL: Oh alright. Just do it without Tizer then.

RODNEY: Del, why do you have to have things what are expensive.

DEL: Well I’m getting it free why not?

A dog comes in, it looks fierce and angry, It doesn’t like visitors.

DEL: Er…Boyice you never told me you had this…lovely dog.

MARLENE: He won’t bite, unless you get close to him.

DEL: Don’t worry I’ll keep my distance.

MARLENE: Come here…little doggsy wagsy, come to mummy.

ALL: Eurgh.

BOYCIE: Here are your Drinks…I do hope you are not planning on staying long me and Marlene need to go somewhere later on.

DENZIL: No, were not. Just thought we’d pay a visit.

DEL: What yer watching this for Marlene.

MARLENE: I like it.

DEL: It’s a load of crap.

TRIGGER: What is it?

DEL: Homes under the hammer…Switch it over.

BOYCIE: Do you mind Del-Boy, my wife is watching it…you said you wasn’t staying long anyway.

Del looks at the Dog as it looking at him Fearfully.

MARLENE: Here liitle doggsy wagsy going say hello to your Uncle Del.

DEL: It’s alright Marlene, he can stay over there.

BOYCIE: If you wouldn’t mind going after your drinks. That would be great..

DENZIL: Why you trynna get rid of us Boyce?

BOYCIE: I’m not, don’t be silly..NOW HURRY.

2 Hours later.

They’re finally going.

DEL: Can’t believe that we come and say hello and he tells us to leave.

As they are leaving Del notices a wad of Cash on the table.

DEL: Ey Rodders..

RODNEY: Don’t think about it Del..

Del takes the money. As they go outside to the Van he shows Rodney.

BOYCIE: Don’t slam my door!

The door slams.

EXT – BESIDE DENZIL’S VAN, OUTSIDE BOYCIES – MID-DAY.

DEL: Rodders…

RODNEY: Why did you take that Del?

DEL: Pay back for being rude.

The others hear and laugh, it stops on Del laughing.

CLOSING CREDITS.