Ed faces problems on all fronts and Susan finally receives her invitation.

Radio Times: Susan finds she is becoming desperate and Ed is feeling bad.

Characters: Adam, Ed, Jennifer, Neil, Pat, Susan, Tony

• Neil sensibly suggests that Susan contact Jennifer about the missing invitation. That is too direct for Susan who concocts a scheme whereby she will drop in casually to admire Jennifer’s dishwasher.
• Ed and his in-laws discuss Emma’s 30th birthday but Ed has to confess he has no money for any type of celebration. Neil offers to pay for a night out although Susan is less than enthusiastic. Ed gratefully accepts the offer.
• Pat muses that they have not heard from Rich about the birthday card and money they sent. Tony isn’t much interested in discussing Rich or the exhibit on the proposed road; only Otto the bull has Tony’s full attention lately.
• Neil joins Tony at a meeting of the Otto Admiration Society. Tony complains about intensive farming methods and asks Neil if it is true that Susan supports the new road through Ambridge. Pat shows up to say Rich called to thank his grandparents for the card and money. Pat reports that he sounded very grown-up but that his GCSEs had probably not gone well. The big news, though, is that Rich has decided to adopt the name of his father. He now is known as John or, as his mates insist, Johnny.
• Going through the guided tour of Jennifer’s kitchen, Susan muses that it doesn’t really look much different. Susan tries to bring up the issue of the party invitation but Jennifer keeps talking over her. Jennifer finally asks about Susan’s RSVP. The case of the missing invite is finally solved – it is Ed’s fault. Jennifer also refers to Ed’s combine disaster but Susan covers up her lack of information. Well, will she come to the party, Jennifer asks? Susan will check her diary.
• Ed begs Adam for more work. Adam has to tell him that Charlie is the boss and there is no way he’ll have Ed back on the payroll.