Series 1 Plot
Banana was commissioned in 2013 as a sister show to Davies' long-developed project Cucumber, along with the online documentary series Tofu. The three series refer to a urological scale of erection hardness, which consists of tofu, peeled banana, banana, and cucumber. Unlike Cucumber, which focuses primarily on middle-aged gay men, Banana focuses on LGBT youth in Manchester that are on the periphery of the Cucumber narrative. The two series are primarily linked through the crossover character of Dean Monroe (Fisayo Akinade), who appears as a major character in both series, and are contrasted by social acceptance of the characters; whereas Akinade's character is more "open and confident" about his sexuality, the characters of Cucumber are former activists whose sexuality had to be less open.
Banana Series 1 aired on January 22nd, 2015.
Series 1 Episodes
1. Dean
Dean’s 19, with a job, a flat and all the sex he wants. But no matter how fast he runs, his problems are catching up with him.
2. Scotty
Scotty sees Yvonne and believes it is love at first sight, however it soon becomes an obsession and her life begins to spiral out of control.
3. Sian & Violet
Two lives collide when uptight Sian meets wild-at-heart Violet. Opposites might attract for a while, but how long can this couple last?
4. Helen
Helen attempts to take a tough line with her former boyfriend Eddie but her birthday ends in disaster after he takes revenge.
5. Josh & Sophie
Josh leaves Freddie's bed to return home for Sophie's wedding. Now Josh is out, gay and happy, has he outgrown his best friend?
6. Kay
Amy's got a date with Kay, but in order to find happiness, she must defeat her greatest enemy - her own imagination!
7. Aiden & Frank
After a hot, wild night, Aiden and Frank find themselves walking across Manchester. Can a one night stand become something more?
8. Vanessa & Zara
As the door closes for the last time on the Calico flats, Vanessa finds her world collapsing when Zara makes a shocking confession.
