Episode 4 of Season 1 of "Changing Ends" unfolds in a bustling car park, where Graham and Ron eagerly anticipate the arrival of their football club, the Cobblers', latest recruit. In the car's rear seat, Alan, engrossed in his birdwatching, forms an unlikely contrast to their anticipation. Shortly thereafter, Adam, their new player, enters the scene, his demeanor a rough mosaic of exhaustion and neglect. Alan's sharp observation doesn't mince words: "He reeks of cigarettes and alcohol."
The following day, Mrs. Hudson visits Christine, bearing a proposition to use her living room as the venue for a book club session, where they are delving into Jackie Collins' "The Bitch." Christine acknowledges a vague familiarity with the title, her comment possibly tinged with a hint of irony directed at Mrs. Hudson.
The narrative shifts to the football club, where Graham, having been told by Ron about his son's promising football prowess, is urged to reach out to the school and push for Alan's inclusion in the football team. At school, Alan is met with astonishment when he spots his name listed on the interschool football team roster. Initially, he assumes it's a prank, but reality soon dispels his hopes. Football is a recurring theme; at the club, Graham watches his team play alongside Adam, who stands out as a talent amidst a lesser lineup.
Later, Alan shares the news of his team selection with his mother, followed by his father, who fake surprises at the revelation. They decide to celebrate in grand fashion at the Carvery pub. However, Graham's jubilant mood is swiftly deflated upon witnessing Adam's intoxicated state.
The following day, the bullies loomed over Alan with the ominous promise of an "initiation ritual," leaving us in suspense as the scene shifts abruptly to the book club gathering. Mrs. Hudson, addressing the assembled literary enthusiasts, inquired whether they desired a more graphic depiction in The Bitch. However, their attention wandered as Adam, a temporary resident at the house, stumbled into the room, barely clad.
Our narrative then reverts to the school grounds, where Alan finds himself amidst a football game with his teammates, clueless about his actions. Meanwhile, across town at Christine's abode, Mrs. Hudson ponders if Christine has succumbed to Adam's charm.
Alan's plight is evident during the football match. His shoes are caked in mud, and he becomes a target of rough tackles. Graham then arrives with Adam, who intends to demonstrate a few football tricks to the team. The bullying brigade disapproves, but Adam silences one of them by showcasing his prowess.
That evening, Adam arrives at the house in a sorry state, inebriated. Graham, worried about the upcoming game, fears that Adam might not be in sufficient condition to play.
Alan engages in a conversation with Adam about the impending match, during which Adam confesses his saturation with football. He harbors a deep-seated dislike for the sport, a sentiment he tries to drown in alcohol, seeking a fleeting escape from his realities. Alan, though resonating with Adam's feelings, abstains from drinking and hasn't endured the tumultuous childhood that Adam has.
The following day, Graham arrives at the football club, but Adam is conspicuously absent. In his stead, Graham discovers a letter, informing him of Adam's decision to forgo joining the team. Meanwhile, at school, Alan demonstrates an unexpected kinship with Adam by bolting from the team as they crowd into the minibus, mirroring Adam's own retreat.
As the episode draws to a close, Alan and his father, Graham, find solace on a park bench. Graham shares the reason behind his football fervor: the camaraderie that stands by your side when you're part of a team. He earnestly wishes for Alan to experience the same unwavering support.
As twilight descends, the pair bids the park farewell. Upon their exit, they encounter Mrs. Hudson and her husband, who have ventured to the park for an unconventional pastime known as 'dogging'—a term that, when googled, reveals it to be far from a reference to canine strolls.
