#19990707

All my sympathy goes to Robert in this episode. All he wants to do is go to school but he’s being essentially forced to stay home and work the bloody land with Andy (basically free labor for Jack too 😡). To top it off, it’s obvious Jack hasn’t told Sarah what he’s doing with the boys because he knows she wouldn’t approve as their education is important to her. Also, I’ve included all four scenes in the clip (the 2nd scene has been snipped at the start).

Scene 1: Jack is feeding the boys at breakfast (you gotta make sure they have full bellies to work the bloody land 😒). Robert is a bit blah but Jack’s all ‘you’ll be alright once you get out in the fresh air.’ He’d rather go to school but oh no, he needs them there helping him 😒. He’ll handle the school (yeah, lie your arse off 😒).

Robert: I’d rather go to school.

Andy: I wouldn’t.

Scene 2: Jack is on the phone with Sarah assuring her the boys are fine and even asking to confirm she is coming back (‘well what am I supposed to think, Sarah?’). When the boys return (knackered), he lies that there’s someone at the door and finishes the call. The boys ask when she’s coming home and he tells them a couple of days.

Robert: Well does she know we’re off school?

Jack: Look, what’s with all these questions. Why don’t you do something useful. Get the biscuits out. (yeah, totally deflects Robert’s question 😒).

Scene 3: Robert is laying around on the haystacks until he hears Jack coming. Jack questions him about where Andy is and then pretty much says he’s disappointed in both how Robert has been with pulling his weight and especially his attitude when Robert only wants to go school. Well he used to love helping out on the farm. But that was when he ‘was a little kid.’ Well when Jack was his age, he was ‘doing a man’s work.’ But the farm is Robert’s future (‘it’s not much of one is it?’). Robert has had enough and just walks off (‘Okay, okay. Sorry I spoke.’).

Jack: You have been pulling your weight today, haven’t you Robert?

Robert: Of course I have.

Jack: Well I’m glad to hear it. Because quite honestly I’ve not been too impressed with your attitude.

Scene 4: It’s tea time and Andy suggests a game of footie but Robert’s knackered and wants a bath/get ready for school the next day. Once again, Jack tells him he’s staying home to help him, no arguments from him either, he’ll do as he’s told! Sarah wouldn’t like it. Well she ain’t there. Robert walks off in a huff rightly so.

Robert: I’m knackered. I’m gonna have a bath and get my stuff ready for school tomorrow.

Jack: Yeah, well there’s no need. You won’t be going to school.

Andy: Oh great!

Robert: Dad!

Jack: I need you here with me, both of you, all week.

Robert: It’s not fair (I’m sorry but 😂 but also 😡).