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Secrets and Words

Colin McKeown

Pauline Harris

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Sarah Smart

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Secrets and Words: Episode 3: A Study in Time

Drama

Episode 3

Episode 3: A Study in Time

A Study in Time

BBC One - Secrets and Words, A Study in Time

Tragedy strikes when a prospective teacher loses the ability to read or write.

Series of dramas on the theme of adult literacy. Tragedy strikes for prospective teacher Sam when he bangs his head and loses the ability to read or write.

Sam Russell is preparing for the most important interview of his life. A plasterer, who struggled at school and feels he never proved himself, Sam's been at night school for years to realise his dream of becoming a teacher. Things haven't been going well recently with his primary school teacher girlfriend, Naomi, and he needs this. At the interview, Sam gives an impassioned speech about his background and desire to give inner city kids the educational chances they need. Sam thinks he's blown it but is thrilled to get the job. Elated, Sam goes out drinking with his friend Eddie, but tragedy strikes when he slips and bangs his head. 

After a long wait at his hospital bedside, his family's prayers are answered and Sam awakes, seemingly without a scratch on him. However he soon realises that his brain injury has left him without the ability to read and write. The neurologist can't tell when he'll be back to normal, and Sam is devastated at the thought of losing his dream job. Frustrated by medical advice to be patient, Sam decides he will teach himself to read, with Naomi's help, in time to start his new job. 

Sam is determined that no-one else should know about his literacy problems, and his obsession with rehabilitation makes him impossible to live with. Relearning his skills is painfully slow, and Sam longs to be 'normal' again, to lose himself in a good book. With his frustrations bubbling over, Sam snaps at his young nephew Adam when he unintentionally discovers Sam's problem. Sam and Naomi's relationship finally hits breaking point when Sam lashes out at Naomi's teacher friend Jack. Naomi tells Sam that his obsession with secrecy and impossible demands on himself for instant results mean that he's making it too hard for himself. Until he can face up to his condition, Naomi doesn't want to be with him any more.

Sunday lunch at his mum and dad's brings up some home truths, and finally an apology to little Adam. With a welcome party at his new school looming and Naomi staying with friends, will Sam finally be able to be honest about his condition?

BBC One

Stand-alone dramas on the theme of adult literacy.

Stand-alone dramas on the theme of adult literacy, which affects millions of adults across the UK.

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