The premiere episode of Season 1 of "Changing Ends" unfolds in Northampton, 1986, where a youthful Alan calls out for his friend, Charlie Hudson. However, Charlie's mother informs him that Charlie isn't in, promptly slamming the door in his face. Inside, a dejected Charlie waves silently at Alan through the closed door's glass pane.
The scene shifts to a football game where Graham Carr, Alan's father and the team's manager, is less than thrilled with his players' less-than-stellar performance. Meanwhile, Alan and his younger brother Gary indulge in birdwatching. Peeking through the window, Alan spots Charlie and his mother arriving home. Filled with excitement, Alan dashes out to greet Charlie, but Mrs. Hudson discourages his company, citing Alan's effeminate behavior as the reason. She confides in Mrs. Carr (Christine) about her reservations. Mr. Hudson's head then pops out of the window mistakenly believing Alan had been peeping on him while he showered.
Upon Graham's return, his wife relates Mrs. Hudson's sentiments. Meanwhile, Alan catches another glimpse of Charlie and runs after him as his friend flees. Catching up, Charlie reveals he's playing football and doesn't want Alan to join.
Back at their home, Alan's parents deliberate over their son. Christine urges her husband to take Alan for a football game. Graham doubts Alan's interest, but at that very moment, Alan enters, announcing his desire to play football.
The narrative shifts to the field where Alan attempts to score past his father. The young boy's skills leave much to be desired. Graham tries to impart wisdom about stamina, but Alan remains unengaged in the conversation.
Back at their house, Nancy holds a stash of tickets for her husband's impending football game, eagerly phoning around to various acquaintances of Alan's, hoping to secure companionship for him at the event. Yet, to her disappointment, not a single taker emerges.
Meanwhile, Alan finds himself at the sports shop with his father, who has set his heart on gifting him a pair of football boots. While browsing, Alan's eyes light up upon spotting Charlie, and he engages in a lively conversation with him. Unbeknownst to Alan, Charlie's father confidentially informs Graham that he caught Alan peeping on him while he was showering. Seeing Alan with Charlie later, Charlie's dad immediately jumps to the conclusion that Alan is up to his old spying tricks, this time on his son.
That very night, Alan, troubled, seeks reassurance from his mother about his normality. She gently assures him that he is perfectly fine, but his curiosity persists, probing why Mrs. Hudson spoke ill of him. With a soothing voice, she reinforces that he is just the way he should be.
The following day, Graham marshals his team for their latest football match with military precision. Outside the stadium, Alan and his mother patiently wait for the team to slowly move in. Alan's spirits lift as he catches sight of Charlie waving enthusiastically at him from afar.
In the bustling changing rooms, Graham encounters Joey, who was slated to guide the team onto the verdant field with pride. However, disaster strikes as Joey stumbles and sustains an injury. Just then, Alan steps in, volunteering to take Joey's place. Graham hesitates but ultimately nods in agreement, albeit with a stern warning: keep a safe distance from the ball.
As the team marches onto the sun-drenched pitch, Alan takes the lead, his chest puffed out with a mix of nerves and excitement. His mother and other spectators urge them on with heartfelt cheers. But once on the field, the players' focus shifts from the game to ribbing Alan, their amusement overshadowing their athletic ambition. In this lighthearted chaos, Alan finds an unexpected chance to unleash a strike at the net. Unfortunately, his kick falls short, instead sending the ball flying straight into Charlie's dad's head.
In the distance, an older Alan Carr chuckles, his voice carrying a whimsical twist of irony, "If you can't score a goal, aim for a bigot's noggin instead!"
