'The Trainee, Part One'

Throughout the episode we see scenes from a month in the future. Daniel and Ruth are answering questions about trainee doctor Michael, during some kind of disciplinary. We then go back to present day…

The partners all go to a PCT drinks event and although Daniel is warned off smug consultant Peter Crossland, he strikes up a conversation. During the conversation, Michael, one of Crossland's protégés who wants to follow in his footsteps as a surgeon, comes over. The next morning, Daniel receives a call from Crossland asking if he could give Michael a couple of days experience at The Mill. He's fallen behind and needs all the help he can get. Aware of the influence Crossland has with the PCT, Daniel readily agrees.

Michael arrives and immediately gets on with Ruth. Daniel sets up a camcorder in the consulting room and tells Michael he'll lead the consultation, and Daniel will watch and write any prescriptions needed. Michael is nervous but his first patient goes well, even if he does take a little too long. Later, though, Michael rushes off, looking unwell. In the toilets, he phones Crossland, insisting everything is going fine but accuses him of "holding things up".

Michael and Ruth go to lunch and Michael explains how being a surgeon is his last chance - he went off the rails a bit when he was young. Ruth is impressed but gives little away about herself. Just then, Michael has to rush off again, looking very pale.

Back at the Campus surgery, Michael treats Anne who is struggling to sleep and aching all over. Michael suggests she has fibromyalgia and suggests ibuprofen. Daniel agrees with the diagnosis but prescribes anti-depressants instead, which Michael objects to. Just then, Daniel is called away and Michael tells Anne ibuprofen will be fine, but it's their secret and she leaves.

When Daniel returns, he is furious that Michael contradicted him - Anne has a history of ulcers so ibuprofen could kill her. Michael pales and runs off, promising Daniel he'll see him at the Icon later. Michael catches up with Anne in time, covering that the anti-depressants would be best. Later, Michael calls Daniel at the Icon saying he's too tired to go out, but he'll see him tomorrow. We see Michael alone, taking a pill trying to pull himself together.

Meanwhile, Charlie can't stop drooling over Elaine and offers to share his consulting room with her. Elaine chats happily to Heston, but when Charlie starts ridiculing Heston, she steps in and asks him if he's being a little harsh. Charlie pays no attention and continues to stalk her, but by the end of the day, Elaine's eccentric behaviour convinces Charlie she is mad as a hatter and he tells Heston she's all his!