Well, since you ask me what happened in Episode 1, Scene 7

I believe I do have a timeline of events that you might find revelatory.

  1. 2001 – Hastings

    On his way out for the evening, Russ is quibbling with his mum, Deborah, about the time he needs to be home. Russ tries to argue for midnight, then 11pm, but Deborah insists on 10pm, after invoking the threat of 9pm.

    Then, on his way out the door, Russ comes out to Deborah with a forced casualness, saying: “Not a big deal or anything, but, as it goes, I’m gay.”

    Deborah stops him from leaving so that she can express her support for him. She also insists that she is totally surprised by the news.

    Russ sees through her fake surprise, since his mum specialises in reading people. Deborah admits that she already knew and Russ tells her that he already knew she already knew.

    Russ then attempts to change his curfew to 11pm again, but is told that being gay does not get him an extra hour.