Part 6 of 6, and the concluding episode to Dennis Potter's acclaimed 1986 drama. Dr Gibbon finally makes progress as all the guilt and repression that Philip has carried about with him come to the fore. He confesses how he blamed another boy, Mark Binney (son of his mother's lover), for a misdeed at school that led to him being punished and what became of him. He also recalls his guilt over the death of his mother, which has affected his trust in relationships with women ever since. And as Philip bids to finally rid himself of the demons in his past and present, fact and fantasy build up to make a spectacular climax...
Starring Michael Gambon, Patrick Malahide, Alison Steadman, Jim Carter, Janet Suzman, Bill Paterson, Joanna Whalley, Imelda Staunton, David Ryall, Gerard Horan, Leslie French, Ron Cook, George Rossi, Lyndon Davies, Janet Henfrey, Sharon D Clarke, Wally Thomas and Geff Francis. This was the pinnacle of Dennis Potter's career in terms of critical accolades by the critics, and if there's any gripe with this series it's the slightly overblown finale, where Philip's fever of guilt builds to pressure point. There's also Potter's diverting "detective novel" within the series that never really concludes, but other than that it is a superb series led by a BAFTA winning performance by Michael Gambon. And I have to say, I loved the humour between the double act of patients Mr Hall and Reginald (played by David Ryall and Gerard Horan), who just add to the series' charm. Oh, and just a warning that like with most of the episodes, this contains swearing, violence, sex scenes and nudity.