The Archers

Writer: Shaun McKenna Director: Pip Swallow and David Payne Editor: Jeremy Howe

David Archer…. Timothy Bentinck Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas Henry Archer…. Blayke Darby Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davis Ruth Archer…. Felicity Finch Tom Archer…. William Troughton Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman Chris Carter…. Wilf Scolding Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass Alan Franks…. John Telfer George Grundy…. Angus Stobie Esme Mulligan…. Ellie Pawsey Carly…. Louise Brealey Driver…. Django Bevan

Alice calls on Chris to retrieve a forgotten scarf of Martha’s. Chris apologises again for last night’s firework incident, but Alice assures him all’s well and not to give it another thought. Martha had a lovely time and can’t stop talking about it – and she likes Chris’s friend too. They chat briefly about the upcoming trip to Scotland before Chris tells Alice the friend is Carly. Last night was a completely casual thing, she just dropped in. He then admits Carly stayed the night. Alice takes this in, insisting it’s not her business who Chris sees and he doesn’t need to explain. When he continues to over-share Alice asks him not to go on about it. She’s sure Carly’s a nice person. Chris assures Alice he won’t see Carly while Alice is in Scotland; it’ll be all about Martha.

It's the day of Esme’s dad’s funeral and she’s pleasantly surprised at the turnout. She thought people might have forgotten him; he was a bit of a recluse in his later years. Alan assures her they will give him a good send off. Ruth and David offer to stay with Esme as the hearse arrives, but Esme thinks she’s okay. However, as she’s delivering her eulogy the church door bangs open. It’s a bread delivery for the shop. David and Ruth deal with the errant van driver, who didn’t clock there was a funeral taking place. Appalled Esme thinks the day will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. It’s been ruined, and she’s let her dad down.

Tom and Helen wonder if Mick will help out with cover at Bridge Farm. After some initial hesitation, and having established he doesn’t need farming expertise, Mick says he’ll give it a try. What are neighbours for? Once in the packhouse Mick finds it all a bit daunting. It’s draughty, and there’s a lot of veg boxes to shift. However, he does a good job and Tom gives Helen a glowing report. When Tom offers Mick the cash for today, Mick refuses. He’s sorry but this work isn’t for him. Having assured him there are no hard feelings Tom gives Helen the bad news. They’re back to square one.

Carly finishes work early, and Chris invites her over to watch fireworks in the garden with Martha. Carly arrives with a gift for Martha. They’re both happy their friendship isn’t proving awkward – they agree what they had was a long time ago. There’s a moment, and Chris apologises for flirting. Carly’s cool with it. They’re enjoying the fireworks with Martha when the wind catches the homemade firework stand and it topples, sending firework sparks shooting in their direction. Carly jumps in front of Martha and no-one is harmed. Afterwards they have a debrief, Chris having taken Martha back to Alice. Chris feels a fool and like a rotten dad, but Carly assures him he’s the opposite. There’s enough to fret about in life without worrying about something that didn’t happen. They share some wine and Chris thanks her for her quick thinking. The time is right for a kiss.

Tom and Helen worry over whether to employ George. Alice interrupts them with a question about the Scotland trip. Chris has agreed to have Martha, so Alice is now looking forward to joining the party. She confirms with Tom his offer to drive one of the vehicles. Alice detects their quiet mood and knows something’s up. Helen tells her they’re struggling to find cover on the farm, and Tom admits they’re considering George. Alice reassures them – she honestly doesn’t mind, if they think George is the best person for the job. Helen’s relieved; they don’t want Alice upset. Alice assures them she’s fine, though others might not be quite so sanguine about it. Helen’s not convinced, telling Tom they’ll have to think again. Tom spots Mick and has an idea.

Apprehensive George turns up for his first day at the shop, admitting how nervous he is. Susan tells Alan she’s shaking like a leaf, though he reassures her it doesn’t show. George prepares to serve his first customer, Mick. However, Mick refuses to buy from him. Susan urges him to treat George with the same respect as the other volunteers, but Mick declares he doesn’t respect George, and he leaves. George doesn’t want the shop to lose customers on his account. Susan asserts he’ll be a valuable addition to the team, offering him some shifts. George is grateful to Susan for sticking up for him. Susan assures him it wasn’t special treatment. Alan praises Susan’s handling of the situation. Susan just hopes George will forgive them.

Over-bright Henry teases Helen and Tom mercilessly about their fragile state. As they gingerly drink their coffee, Helen wonders what they were thinking – though they do agree it was a good night. They turn their attention to arranging cover for when they’re on the big family holiday. With Will and others busy, Tom acknowledges ruefully that it’s causing a lot of upheaval. Helen wonders again whether the boys could possibly come on the trip but they soon discount it as not an option. Helen can’t lie to their schools. Henry confirms later that he really doesn’t want to go. It will give them all a bit of space; he and Jack will have a good time being spoiled by Pat and Tony. He also suggests George might be an option for covering the work at Bridge Farm.

There’s an awkward encounter between George and Susan at the church shop. Susan sighs as George quietly buys his goods and leaves. To Susan’s surprise he returns minutes later on the pretext of having forgotten something. He wonders whether the shop still needs volunteers; he’d like to be considered. He’s going mad at home and thinks villagers seeing him out and about might help him be accepted again. It works for Susan and she promises to run it past the committee. Later she reports to Neil that they have a majority in favour. Neil cautions Susan to be careful; is she sure this isn’t George manipulating her again? Susan thinks George is being brave. She isn’t asking for Neil’s permission – this is happening.

Chris and Carly recognise each other from the past. Both now single and with their own children, they sit down for a drink together to catch up. Carly’s surprised to find out that Alice is Chris’s ex and Martha’s mum. They laugh over shared memories involving drunken behaviour, and Carly invites Chris to the Grey Gables fireworks event. Chris demurs; he plans to have Bonfire Night at home in the garden with Martha. When Jolene comments they seem to be getting on well, Carly admits she used to think Chris was the cutest boy she’d ever seen. And he’s improving with age. Jolene recommends seizing the day; Chris is a catch.

Tom’s trying to get reluctant Henry to watch a film. Helen wonders why Henry’s grumpy. Henry admits he wanted to go to Scotland but it’s been booked in term time so he can’t. He gets why, but he was looking forward to it. Helen offers, not for the first time, to stay in Ambridge. They can all do things together. But Henry doesn’t want his mum to miss out. He and Jack will be fine. Exasperated with Tom’s bonding efforts, Henry wonders flippantly whether Helen can take him out on her date with Dane. Remarkably Helen takes Henry at his word, and she and Tom return later the worse for wear, having sampled some good brandy with Dane. Henry plays parent, fending off over-effusive hugs and advising glasses of water and an early night. As the pair giggle and follow his orders, Henry laughs too in spite of himself.

At Lower Loxley, Chelsea’s wrestling with the right formula for her chocolate cauldron. Vince isn’t happy when people seem to be cutting corners by finding nine hats instead of the requisite ten. Chelsea asserts it’s not important – the point is to make happy memories for the kids so the parents will come back again. Vince persists with his argument, sending families back for the last hat. Freddie lets them know one hat’s gone missing, and agrees with Chelsea that it’s all just a bit of fun. He heads off to sort out disgruntled children. Vince reckons all this makes managing the abattoir seem like a walk in the park. It’s been mayhem. He’s impressed with the smart way Chelsea’s handled her side of it.

Esme’s been looking forward to the Lower Loxley Halloween event; it’s a break from poring over her dad’s finances. They linger in the nursery as Rosie falls prey to the missing witch hat issue. As Pip and Esme chat Freddie informs them Rosie’s donated her hat, so they’re back on track with the trail. Pip points out it wasn’t Rosie’s to give away, but Esme’s delighted for her hat to have such an important role in Lower Loxley’s proceedings. However Freddie has a foot in mouth moment when he gives away that Pip’s been complaining about a needy woman at Meadow Farm. There’s embarrassment all round as Esme reveals herself as the ‘needy woman’. Pip tries to explain, but Esme concedes she needs to face reality. She can’t keep Meadow Farm going like this forever.

Having seen the size of the Brookfield herd yesterday, it’s dawned on Esme that she’s asking too much of the family. It’s clear Ruth can’t be at Meadow Farm every day. Esme promises that after her dad’s funeral she’ll sort it out. She admits to feeling hopelessly underskilled to deal with the urgent problem of the livestock. Pip counters that the way Esme pitched in to help with the errant heifer was impressive. Clocking Pip’s predicament over a lack of a witch costume for Rosie, Esme offers to lend her one. She has all her old dressing up stuff in the attic at Meadow Farm. There’s a poignant moment as Esme reflects on her childhood with her dad. Later she furnishes Pip with the perfect outfit for Rosie. Pip asks Esme if she’s considered staying on and continuing the farm. Esme’s not sure she loves it enough. Pip invites her along to the Lower Loxley Halloween event.

Freddie updates Vince on the costume he’ll be wearing for the event. He agrees to help solve a problem with the chocolate cauldron for Elizabeth. He broaches the subject of George with Vince, but Vince is reluctant to give George any hours at the abattoir. Since Rochelle’s involvement in the siege he’s felt less trusting of those needing a second chance. Freddie breaks the news to downcast George, while Amber and Will do their best to raise his spirits. George overhears Will thanking Freddie for helping him, and declares he’s not a charity case. Freddie needn’t bother putting himself out again.

Freddie chats to a disgruntled Pip, whose plans have again been disrupted due to the ongoing needs of Meadow Farm. She hasn’t yet met Esme but admits she’s certainly making her life difficult. Freddie suggests a night at the Lower Loxley Halloween witch hat hunt might be just the break Pip needs. Pip assures him she already has her tickets. Josh reports a cow with mastitis at Meadow Farm, and Pip reckons Esme’s going to have to face the fact the cows need to be sold. Josh offers to take Rosie to choose a Halloween outfit to ease the pressure on stressed Pip. However he has to cut the trip short when Pip alerts him there’s a rogue heifer in with their cows. As they try to wrangle the heifer, Esme arrives and offers to help. Between them they soon have the heifer sorted and Josh returns her to her rightful farm. Pip thanks Esme, who had been coming in peace with wine by way of apology for her demands on Brookfield. Pip acknowledges it’s nice to finally meet her.

Freddie calls in on George suggesting they go for a drink, outside the village. George accepts, and Will quietly thanks Freddie before announcing it will be his treat. Slightly embarrassed George thanks his dad. Freddie and George exchange views on prison life. Freddie offers George encouragement; his crime won’t always define him. Later Freddie calls with an offer to try and get George work at the abattoir. Amber’s delighted for George, and together they race happily down Lakey Hill.

George is helping with a tree surgery job at the rewilding. Emma’s enjoying the chance for a chat with her son. She suggests she’d like to expose Lilian’s bad attitude to the press. George points out that won’t help his cause, which Emma accepts. Will arrives with refreshments, buoying up George with praise for his efforts. George reckons until he can drive again and get proper work he’s not going to feel great – though he does admit he feels much better being outdoors. However Justin takes a dim view – he wants George off the job. Emma’s irate but George agrees to leave. Will tries to reassure him. People will forgive in time. George is starting to hate the expression ‘give it time’. He’s struggling to re-establish himself and feels Amber must be sick of having a useless fiancé that no-one likes.

Miranda wants to clarify things with Lilian regarding her offer on the house at Home Farm. Justin speculates on her motives. He observes wryly she’s probably using the proceeds from their divorce. Lilian reminds him that if anyone has a right to be upset about Miranda’s potential purchase, it’s her. Over lunch Miranda assures Lilian the house will be a good investment and a beautiful home – no ulterior motive. She understands the complicated feelings it’s thrown up however. Lilian appreciates Miranda talking to her about it. She reports Miranda’s warmth back to Justin, who sneers. Brian needs to be on his guard. Irritated Lilian retorts she wishes Justin would show her a fraction of the compassion Miranda’s displayed today.

Pip’s downhearted to learn she’s on her own with the milking again, with Ruth at Meadow Farm. Pip’s trying to juggle this busier working pattern with Rosie’s half term. With Josh doing what he can with his own business to run, and suddenly finding themselves managing two farms, it’s a tricky ask. Pip wants Rosie to feel like she’s the most important thing in her life. Josh promises to talk to their parents. Pip’s grateful; Esme has to realise this can’t go on.

There’s an awkward moment for Tracy at the Bull as Kenton’s eager to see their award trophy. She offers to display it on a high shelf out of harm’s way. Kenton would like a better look at it, but Tracy’s adamant it’s in the perfect place.

Eddie’s on a mission to sell his turkeys. He persuades Joy to order one before approaching the Bull with his flyers. Tracy wonders if people will want to buy from a Grundy. Kenton points out that George’s imprisonment didn’t affect sales last year, but Tracy reckons it could be different now George is out and visible again.

Eddie’s festive enthusiasm has got Joy wondering about Christmas, and what special village event there might be in the absence of a Lynda Snell production this year. Josh is inspired when she says it needs to be something simple, that she can organise herself. He offers to share an idea he’s heard about via Young Farmers.

With George in bed most of the day, Emma worries to Will about his state of mind. They agree he needs a purpose – low mood is common after leaving prison. Will remarks that Amber perks him up, though George is unhappy she’s paying for everything. Emma thinks being barred from the Bull hasn’t helped. She heads off to appeal to Lilian as one mother to another, but finds little sympathy there. Lilian maintains that George has been rude and unpleasant. Emma accuses her of being a hypocrite, taking pleasure in making George an outcast. Lilian insists the Bull isn’t responsible for George’s rehabilitation. Tracy tries to soothe upset Emma, stating Lilian’s only trying to protect Alice. But Emma remains worried about George’s future. She begs Tracy to try and persuade Lilian to think again, but Tracy insists she can’t. Emma snaps that she thought family meant as much to Tracy as it does to her. Emma reports back to Will. Will reckons if George’s support worker can’t be of more help, they need to do it themselves. He suggests George might help with the tree surgery, and broaches it with him. George reluctantly agrees; what choice does he have?

Lilian and Tracy enjoy the ceremony as they collect their award for South Borsetshire Best Local Pub. Lilian’s impressed with Tracy’s speech, and in return gives her a masterclass in schmoozing. They return home worse for wear, and accidentally damage the trophy. Struggling to repair it, Lilian thinks their only option is to confess they broke the Bull’s prize prize!

While Josh is milking the cows at Meadow Farm he tells Ruth he’s spotted another case of mastitis, so they really need Alistair. Later, Ruth confirms Alistair’s coming and Josh offers to wait for him there – he reckons that Esme might need some company. They talk about music for the funeral and Josh helps Esme decide what might be best. Then Esme suggests inviting the Archers to be guests of honour there and wonders whether the song “Bring Me Sunshine” should be played at the end. This inspires the thought that her dad’s computer password might be Eric Morecambe – and it works! Esme quickly finds the Will, acknowledging she’ll have to start making decisions now. Brian finds unhappy Alice at the Stables. She berates Brian for screwing things up over Home Farm. Brian chastises himself for ruining Alice’s birthday, asking her to celebrate Adam and Ruairi taking over. Brian’s excuse is that no-one had actually committed to running the farm, though Alice reckons Brian should have known it’s what Adam has always wanted, especially after he gave up working at Bridge Farm. Alice then tells him that she’s fine with the idea of Brian and Miranda moving into Home Farm together. Ruairi calls and they both tell him it’s a “no” to the holiday in three weeks’ time. When Ruairi turns up for supper later though he informs them he’s gone ahead and booked the holiday anyway, even though some people won’t be able to go. Brian’s unhappy and Alice explodes at Ruairi for being unbelievably selfish.

Tracy badgers Oliver into meeting her for lunch at The Bull. But when he gets there Oliver finds that Carly, one of his foster children, is joining him instead. Carly praises Oliver and Caroline for turning her life around, before filling Oliver in on her life since they last met. She mentions two other foster children, before spilling the beans about the original plan for a party. Carly apologises to Tracy, but Oliver thinks his birthday surprise has worked out perfectly.

Adam and Ruairi give Brian a cool reception when he walks into the Eco Office, back from his holiday. Adam is particularly scathing about Ruairi’s lack of experience regarding the management succession issue, while his own impressive qualities have been overlooked. Ruairi objects to this, while Brian claims he was simply trying to cover all bases and make the best decision over who will end up in charge at Home Farm. Adam points out he gave up his job to rescue Brian when he was in crisis, before adding bitterly that he’s never been Brian’s kind of farmer. Ruairi switches subject to the holiday – he needs a decision from Brian by tomorrow. Adam is still against it and says Alice is too. At which point Brian decides he needs to call Alice, but doesn’t get an answer. Later, Brian tells Ruairi that Miranda’s put in an offer for the house at Home Farm. The plan is that he’d move in with her and Ruairi, if that’s what Ruairi wants. But honestly, Ruairi can’t answer that right now.

Adam and Ruairi discuss Brian’s imminent return, before Ruairi breaks off with news about the castle he sourced for Peggy’s legacy holiday: there’s a huge discount if they bring forward their booking to three-and-a-half weeks’ time. Adam’s clear, he’s not taking Xander out of school and he’s pretty sure others will feel the same way. Kate though is all for it when she phones Alice, only for Alice to rebuff her as Adam predicted. Kate then reminds Alice she’s coming to dinner tonight, with Adam and Ruairi. At dinner Ruairi’s bullish about the holiday going ahead, before bringing up Brian’s promises to him and Alice. Kate assumed Adam and Ruairi were in charge now, with Alice admitting her disappointment about that. Adam regards Ruairi as just an apprentice, while Kate wants to be considered for a management role too, believing Brian should talk to all of them. Join the back of the queue, Adam suggests.

Esme tells David she still hasn’t cracked her dad’s computer, and without a Will she’s struggling to make progress. David thinks one of the cows needs a vet, suggesting Alistair could do it as a favour. At least Esme’s cleaned the kitchen and organised her father’s papers, though. To David’s surprise Esme praises Josh for being nice the other day, when she was upset. She then suggests solving her financial problems by selling the cows to David, but he lets her down gently. Esme still doesn’t know how she’ll pay for the funeral, suggesting bleakly that it feels like she’s on a boat that’s sinking.

Lying in bed with Amber, George complains that she’s always on her phone. Amber defends herself, that’s how influencing works, but suggests taking George for a drink in Felpersham. George doesn’t want her driving him everywhere though, paying for everything. He thinks they should move away from Ambridge and start afresh. Amber isn’t keen, pointing out that living rent-free with George’s dad is a big reason to stay, comparing Will favourably to her own father. George is luckier than he thinks he is. But when George sees Tracy later he reckons being barred from The Bull is cruel and unnecessary. Tracy corrects him: what he did to Alice was cruel and unnecessary.

At the Stables Alice is distracted, still thinking about the conversation yesterday with Ruairi and Adam. Lilian’s surprised to hear she’s interested in managing Home Farm. She’d expected Alice to take over at the Stables one day. However, Alice is more concerned about Brian’s promises which don’t mean anything. Oliver turns up for a ride, explaining his reason for the last-minute trip to see his daughter. He was inspired by Tracy’s suggestion to celebrate his birthday. Estranged from his two other children Oliver envies how close Brian is to his offspring, especially Alice. Alice suggests wryly that after all the mistakes Brian’s made he’s lucky his children still talk to him.

Later, at The Bull, Lilian suggests to Alice that Brian’s duplicity should come as no surprise and Alice has to agree. Lilian continues that Brian will always do what serves him best.

At Home Farm Adam and Ruairi are confident everything’s going well in Brian’s absence, when Adam gets a call from Xander’s school saying he may have broken his wrist. Then Ruairi calls Alice in a panic, telling her his tractor’s on fire. Unimpressed Alice heads to Home Farm and has a dig at him over his lack of farming experience. Confident Ruairi is undaunted, claiming he will be ready to take over as manager within a couple of years. Alice reckons he’s mad to think Adam will just retire gracefully when it suits Ruairi, who then reveals Brian has promised him the running of the farm one day. Alice counters that she’s been promised the same thing. Back at the Office Alice and Ruairi tell Adam about the promises Brian has made. Adam’s put out, maintaining he’s best qualified to run Home Farm but hasn’t been promised anything. What the hell is Brian playing at? Tracy tells Jolene that Brad and Zainab have tracked down three of Oliver’s foster children to invite to his surprise birthday buffet. She’ll check with Oliver that he hasn’t made any other arrangements. Talk turns to George and Tracy offers to deal with Emma if she complains about him being barred. Later Oliver returns Tracy’s call saying he can’t face doing anything for his birthday, but Tracy quickly informs him that he’s coming to The Bull on Saturday for a whisky with her. Later though, Oliver rings back to cancel that plan – he’s booked a flight to New York to see his daughter instead.

Ruth brings Josh to Meadow Farm and introduces him to Esme. Josh then asks Ruth how long they’re going to be helping out, before Ruth gets a call and rushes back to Brookfield, leaving Josh to do the milking on his own. After he’s finished, Josh chats to Esme over tea and biscuits, listening sympathetically to her distracted ramblings about the mess her dad’s left behind and having to organise his funeral. However, Esme doesn’t know the password for his computer to find his will and is running out of ideas, before she breaks down in tears, realising she’s never going to see her dad again.

Jolene tells George he won’t be working at The Bull - and he’s barred from the pub as well. Angry George reckons he’s done his time, said sorry and risked his life saving Fallon - plus helped put Markie back in prison. What was the point of doing all that? Lilian intervenes, offering to take George on in a fight, if he wants. When George accidentally smashes a glass, Lilian threatens to call the police before he agrees to leave. Later, Lilian comes across George on the Green, explaining it wasn’t Jolene who wanted to bar him, it was her. George isn’t surprised but says he’s done his time. When George asks when he’ll be forgiven, Lilian retorts when he understands what he’s done. George then takes a cheap shot at Alice for being an alcoholic. Lilian responds by spelling out just how close he came to destroying both Alice and Martha. She really can’t forgive him for that!

Zainab tells Brad that shadowing Oliver was unbelievably boring. Brad admits that shadowing Mick went a bit wrong after he was accused of stalking Paul. When Zainab then talks about organising something for Oliver’s birthday Brad’s keen to hear more. Back at Number 6 The Green they’re joined by Tracy, as Zainab explains her idea of contacting Oliver and Caroline’s foster children to organise a reunion. Tracy suggests starting with Carly, who was one of them; she knows they stayed close. She’ll ask Susan if she knows how to get in touch with Carly.

Joy and Tracy are mystified at being called in for a staff meeting. Tracy’s more bothered than Tracy about Lilian’s subterfuge over the Awards ceremony, before Lilian admits her guilt. After Fallon joins them Jolene tells everyone she’s consulted Kenton about getting in a temporary replacement: George Grundy. Lilian walks straight out and it quickly becomes clear that no-one else wants George there either. Jolene agrees to tell him it’s a no, but first finds Lilian, who’s incensed the idea was even considered in the first place, given what he did to Fallon and put Alice through. Jolene feels they have to look forward and find a way of living together with George, in the village. Lilian then accuses George of blackmail, after helping them find Markie. Jolene still thinks he deserves a chance, but Lilian’s defiant and wants Jolene to bar George from The Bull. And if Jolene doesn’t agree then Lilian will take her money out of the pub, leaving Jolene on her own.

George tells Jolene he’s trying to get his life back together, but knows he has to earn people’s trust. He offers to help out at The Bull while Kenton’s away. George then plays the sympathy card, mentioning how he put himself in danger helping them locate Markie. Jolene can’t promise anything but says she’ll think about it.

Leonard’s concerned about Ruth taking on extra duties while David helps at Meadow Farm. Ruth knows David feels really shaken by Mulligan’s death. But she agrees they can’t stand by and watch cows being neglected. So, for now they’ll keep going like this. When Esme turns up at Brookfield she apologises for putting David and Ruth out. She still hasn’t found her Dad’s will or accessed his accounts, but gives Ruth a bottle of whisky for David. Esme then becomes emotional and Ruth invites her in. Over tea and biscuits Esme confesses to Ruth and Leonard that her passions are website design and marketing, not farming. Her Dad turned increasingly inward in the last year, refusing to get help and hardly talking when she visited. She stopped coming so often, but now wishes she’d made more effort, blaming herself for not being on top of things. Ruth offers help with the feed supply, while David and Akram can carry on milking and Leonard will keep making tea. After Esme’s gone Ruth admits she likes her, despite Ruth’s misgivings about being stretched too thin. Besides, Esme’s need is greater than theirs - at least for now.

Akram continues helping David with the milking at Meadow Farm. David admits the whole farm is a shambles and they still haven’t managed to get in touch with Mulligan’s daughter. He wishes he’d checked in on Mulligan more often, instead of assuming everything was okay. Akram asks about Brookfield and David admits how big a challenge it is keeping the farm going. Then Mulligan’s daughter, Esme, arrives, expecting to see her dad. Awkward David and Akram tell her that he’s died. Over a cup of tea Esme explains that she missed her last couple of regular visits and is shocked by the state everything’s in. Not being a farmer herself she’s incredibly grateful for everything that’s been done just to keep the farm going. David assures her they’re happy to help out in any way they can.

Having just found out about George’s visit yesterday Lilian takes Jolene to task for not telling her. Lilian then conducts the draw for the second ticket to the Awards do and Fallon’s the winner, although Lilian is suspiciously quick in disposing of the pieces of paper. Later, Tracy tells Lilian she knows she was cheating and shows her Fallon’s name on all the pieces of paper that were used in the draw. Unrepentant Lilian tries justifying her actions, but Jolene insists on another draw, only this time they’ll use a random generator app on her phone. When the draw is made excited Tracy is declared the winner. Lilian congratulates her grudgingly.

At Grey Gables Zainab is shadowing Oliver, who thinks it will be good for her to see the frustrating realities of his job. Zainab thanks Oliver for his support over her complaint about Lawrence and the golf club. Zainab gets on with one of Oliver’s more mundane tasks, before spotting on a personnel file he’s shared that his eightieth birthday is coming up. He’d rather forget all about it, but Zainab thinks Oliver should celebrate such a momentous event. Later, Zainab reports an error she’s spotted and how she corrected it. Oliver suggests she’d make a good manager, but Zainab is more interested in organising a party for Oliver’s birthday. Once again Oliver demurs.

Eddie, Clarrie and George arrive for lunch at The Bull, taking a table in the corner. Jolene assures them everything’s fine, but after some ill-advised comments by George the atmosphere becomes awkward. Clarrie apologises and Jolene reassures her there’ll be no trouble, so long as George doesn’t go looking for it. Fallon then tells Jolene she won’t hide and will be completely professional with them, before serving their meal. George makes a point of apologising for what happened to Fallon after the crash, while Fallon thanks him for helping Jolene and Kenton with Markie, then goes. Despite the awkwardness Clarrie and Eddie reassure George that it went well. But after they’ve gone Fallon confesses how hard it was seeing George again and Jolene reckons the Grundys are being optimistic if they think the village is ready to kiss and make up.

Akram has walked to Brookfield to collect a birthday cake that Leonard’s made for Khalil. When the rain starts David offers to drive Akram home, with a detour to drop off a machine part to a neighbouring farmer, Mulligan. But when they get to Meadow Farm they hear the distressed sound of unmilked cows and discover Mulligan lying dead in the milking parlour, before calling the emergency services. Later, David is grateful for Akram’s company while milking the cows. They discuss what happened when the paramedics got there, waxing philosophical about the meaning of life and death. David worries that he could have prevented Mulligan’s death if he’d called earlier, lamenting he doesn’t even know the name of Mulligan’s next of kin, his daughter, to let her know what’s happened. The least David can do is keep milking the cows, until another solution presents itself. Akram offers to help and both hope Mulligan’s at peace.

At the Maliks, Zainab and Khalil banter about his 'surprise' birthday party and presents. Zainab jokes that she’s bought him socks and underpants. Khalil is suitably unimpressed. Later, Khalil complains about being kept waiting for his cake before Zainab gives him her real present: tickets to a match in the Women’s T20 cricket World Cup. Delighted Khalil answers his phone and Akram explains what’s happened to Mulligan. He’s going to help David milk and settle the cows, which means he’ll be late back. Akram apologises for the delay, but Khalil is more concerned that the cows will be looked after.

After enjoying a Sunday roast with Clarrie and Eddie, George goes to help with the turkeys. George quickly shows he hasn’t lost his touch and Eddie’s delighted to have him back. But then one of the turkeys, Houdini, flies onto the Pole Barn roof and George climbs up to bring it back down. George and the bird come crashing down, but they manage to shut Houdini in with the others. In the process George splits his trousers, which they both find hilarious. But then George is downbeat about his reception back into the village, after his poorly attended party last week. Later, Clarrie promises to mend George’s trousers. George offers to take them out for lunch at The Bull on Tuesday, grateful that they took in Amber. Eddie admires George’s confidence, thinking he’ll be fine and things will get easier, but Clarrie’s not so sure.

At The Bull Lilian and Jolene look over the details of the upcoming Pub Awards event. Lilian thinks it’ll be a great opportunity for networking with important sponsors, but they’ve only been given two tickets. Jolene tells Lilian to take one of the other staff members. Jolene then approaches Tracy and Fallon, explaining there’s only one spare ticket and they think Fallon should have it. Fallon’s uncomfortable with the idea, while Tracy’s clearly disappointed not to go. They confront Lilian about the decision being unfair and Fallon says she won’t go under these circumstances. Lilian then suggests they draw a name from a hat instead.