What an Unseasonal Delight

*Story by :*
Armando Iannucci

'**What an Unseasonal Delight**' is the second episode of Avenue 5's second season.

## Synopsis

With the ship facing a fiery threat, Billie hatches a plan that could just save some of the passengers… and the eels. Meanwhile, Iris makes a risky bid on Earth, Ryan finds himself in the middle of a three-way couples’ quarrel, and Mia shares some shocking news with Doug.

## Plot Summary

The crew brainstorm ideas to survive Avenue 5 flying near the sun. Spike suggests a reverse thrust, but that idea is axed down after Rav points out it would add years to the ETA. Ryan brings up the idea of using big magnets to repel excessive heat from the ship, but this is quickly struck down by Billie for having no basis in science. Billie devises a plan to move everyone to the starboard side of the ship since it is the cooler side. That, plus the fact that the ship is insulated, is their best option for survival.

Ryan heads to Elena and Charles' cabin, explaining that he has set aside a cool corner in the casino for the family to shelter in. Elena and Charles bicker while trying to pack necessities for themselves and the children. Ryan expresses his confusion about the state of their relationship, to which they explain they are "very much separate" and there's just "a low level of constant resentment" between them. In an attempt to dispel Ryan's worries, Charles jokes that there is more chemistry between him and Ryan and inadvertently flirts with the Captain.

Matt helps Judd get over his fear of death by comparing death to "a long, beautiful nap."

On his way back to the starboard side of the ship, Ryan passes a man playing guitar who is clearly unfazed by the news. Ryan grows irritated at the man's refusal to evacuate to a cool area, and Matt watches the scene. Ryan successfully gets the man to move by threatening to spray a fire extinguisher at him. Ryan learns that the fire extinguisher doesn't actually work which Matt brands, "an oversight."

Doug and Mia descend the stairs and Mia is visibly pregnant. When asked how far along she is, Mia responds five months while Doug simultaneously says four. He reminds her that they've only been back together for four months, and that five months ago she was still dating Mads.

Judd and his team begin unpacking his stuff in Mads' room, who has offered his cabin as a place for Judd to stay.

Billie continues brainstorming ways to survive the trip past the Sun when she remembers they've forgotten about the eels, the ship's primary food source. The crew hurries to pack eels into buckets so they can be moved to the cooler side of the ship.

Karen and Frank welcome guests into their cabin, and Frank offers them a yogurt pot popsicle made using a toothbrush. Some of the guests are fans of Frank's Kitchen and mention they call themselves the "Frankfurters". Karen is overly excited to be socializing with people after being alone for five months and Frank tries to calm her.

Iris has returned as a guest on Dawn's webshow to plead for viewers to pray and petition the government for a rescue plan. Another guest appears, and it is Sarah's twin sister, Zarah. Zarah describes Sarah and Iris's relationship as very close, mentioning they would talk about boys and do pranks together. Zarah calls Iris, "Eyeball", and explains that was the nickname Sarah had for her. Iris is soon removed from the show as it is clear Zarah is far more appealing to the fans. Frustrated with her inability to gain awareness for Avenue 5, Iris purchases the Avenue 5 television show that dramatizes the events on the real ship.

Billie is excited to share a new plan with the crew, a chunnel the laundry crew uses that is 12 degrees cooler than the rest of the ship. The problem is it has a max capacity of 300 people, plus the eels have to fit. Judd jumps at the opportunity to save himself while Ryan explains that children, sick, and the elderly should be given priority. Rav is the first to awkwardly bring up the idea of being included in those who will go into the chunnel. Everyone is visibly uncomfortable with giving themselves priority over others, and Ryan claims they've hit rock bottom.

As Ryan begins to explain the cool tunnel to the passengers, a stampede is formed as people scramble to save themselves. Frank and Karen's guests leave to join the running crowd. Just as Judd is about to cross the threshold into the tunnel, he explains to Mads that he is not allowed to join him. Due to Frank's popularity from his show, he is allowed into the tunnel while Karen is not. Seconds before the doors close, Elena, Charles and the children arrive and Elena pleads with Ryan to take the kids. He accidentally grabs a bag that Charles is holding and pulls him into the tunnel, with Elena shouting "I love you both!" as the doors close.

Doug and Mia shout over the tunnel of people, attempting to clarify the secret Mia revealed to Doug minutes before: Doug may not be the father of her child. After a few tense moments, the ship and it's passengers survive the Sun fly-by. Mads and Judd make up. Iris arrives on the Avenue 5 set with Zara, who is playing her deceased sister, Sarah.

## Quotes

"I will die in a fizzy bath surrounded by hookers on the day of my choice." - Judd

"Take off your polo neck, dingus!" - Matt

"Go get me an externally wet soda." - Judd

"Hear that? His accent's gone, that means he's losing his shit, man!" - Matt

"I can do hospital corners, my mom was a very strict psychiatric nurse." - Mads

"You may frighten vampires, but you don't scare me, Sun." - Judd