Alice and Adam argue over Brexit, Pat helps Ian with his Christmas menu decisions and Brian tells Jennifer of his worries the Matt scandal will grow.

Radio Times: Brian has a reputation to protect, and Ian’s feeling fancifully festive

Characters: Adam, Alice, Brian, Ian, Jennifer, Johnny, Pat

• Alice is distressed; Susan extracted a promise that Alice and Chris will spend Christmas with Susan and Neil. It is their turn, after all, and Brian reminds Alice that family life is based on compromise. Adam notes that Jennifer won’t like this at all. Alice next turns on Adam because Brian has told her Adam is regretting his yes vote for Brexit. As Adam protests, Brian ducks out with a call from Peggy. Johnny enters as the argument heats up about the effects of Brexit on the farming world. Alice accuses Adam of pessimism and she simply won’t accept any arguments against the good news that is Brexit.
• Ian and Pat discuss options for Christmas pudding as Pat is cooking her offering. Ian asks about the planning permission for building on the land they sold Justin. Pat is too nervous and will read the results online. The conversation goes back to Christmas menus. Ian’s menu is very adventurous and he wants to compete with the Duxford sisters. Pat hesitantly suggests that people in Borsetshire like something more familiar especially for the holidays. Whenever exotic items are offered in the shop, they never sell.
• When they are alone, Johnny asks Adam whether he means the arguments against Brexit. It becomes clear Johnny is worried he has chosen the wrong career. What about being replaced by machines? Adam points out good people will always be needed to run and repair the machines. If Johnny wants it, he is perfectly placed for a future in farming.
• After mulling it over, Ian admits to Pat that she is right about the old favourites. Pat notes that when popular dishes are done really well or are given a twist, they are bound to please. Ian takes up the concept of quality and simplicity. He needs to look up as many traditional recipes as possible, especially with a Borsetshire connection. He runs out the door without finishing his cheese in his excitement to begin his research.
• Alice discusses missing Christmas dinner with her mother and neither can see a way out of the commitment to Susan. Adam comes in for a flask of coffee and Jennifer asks him what news on the search for a surrogate. Adam expresses optimism. Brian wanders in and complains that BL has been mentioned in a few articles on the Matt and Hugo Melling scandal. This will have to be addressed and stopped very quickly. Brian tells Jennifer Peggy rang and wants to visit with her accountant tomorrow. Brian and Jennifer note Lilian and Justin have both disappeared and cannot be reached. Brian announces they must make sure this whole mess doesn’t get worse than it already is.