RUSH focuses on the lives of six students at a mainstream college – on their relationships and their ambitions, and on their struggle to make sense of their lives.

RUSH is written and directed by Ray Harrison Graham and produced by Hilary Durman, who together with Cilla Ware created the award-winning dramas Strong Language (Japan Prize, Prix Jeunesse) and Dream On (BAFTA and Royal Television Society).

Episode 1

Episode 1 is our chance to catch up with all the main RUSH characters.

Nicky is out of prison and free, but in trouble again. When the episode begins, he's being threatened by three men because he's sold them fake drugs. He makes a run for it.

There are preparations for a party at Annie's home. Adam, Troy, Nicky, Maya, Kelly and Mel have left college now, and the party is college lecturer Annie's farewell to them. Her colleague Michael notices that Annie has started drinking early – she admits she's feeling vulnerable because her husband has left her.

Meanwhile, Mel is seeing her doctor for a check-up after coming out of hospital. She says has been experiencing memory loss since she was beaten up by her boyfriend. The doctor gently suggests that perhaps she is blocking this traumatic experience, but Mel rejects this and the offer of counselling.

Nicky and his friend Wayne talk about their drugs scam. To get the people they cheated off their backs, they need to give them their money back – or the real gear. The problem is, they've spent the money. Wayne suggests they try to raise money by selling more fake drugs.

Kelly is looking round her new flat with her mother. Leaving home is a big step, she admits, but Alan, her mother's ex-boyfriend, who abused her, is now in prison and Kelly is ready to put the past behind her.

At Annie's party, Maya confides to Kelly that she still has feelings for Troy, while Kelly is a bit upset that Adam seems to be ignoring her. The whole atmosphere is strained. Finally Annie makes a slightly drunken speech about how much she will miss them all. At this point, Nicky arrives with Wayne and Kelly recognises Wayne as a former boyfriend from school. Adam is clearly upset about this. As soon as they can, the group decides to move on to a club, leaving Annie alone.

The club is run by Troy's uncle, Errol. Adam hasn't been there long when he receives an urgent text from his sister, and he leaves. As Troy follows him out, a woman appears, badly beaten, demanding to speak to Errol.

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