Alistair and Sid come to the rescue where snakes are concerned. Ruth must go it alone where surgery’s concerned,

Radio Times: Lynda shows her charming side.

Characters: Alistair, David, Jill, Jolene, Lynda, Ruth, Sid

• Grumpy Sid moans about the fag ends and the new anti-smoking laws. He and Jolene agree that a temporary smokers’ shelter is what’s needed. Jolene’s more worried about staffing problems. Freda is too upset over her cat’s demise to come into work, Fallon’s off out with Ed, so they’ll have to try Clarrie, even though she’s off to Aberdeen on Friday.
• Ruth broaches the subject of reconstructive surgery with David, who is remarkably unresponsive. He won’t come with Ruth to see the doctor for a preliminary discussion, saying it’s ‘Up to her.’
• Jill and Lynda enjoy the sunshine in Jill’s garden over a slice of banana cake and discuss the church open day. Jill can supply old photos of the churchyard, to Lynda’s delight. But then Jill catches sight of the snake. The two strong women morph into trembling girlies, standing on chairs and shrieking. Eventually Lynda makes a run for the Bull and help in the shape of Alistair and Sid.
• Alistair’s veterinary skills enable him to identify the snake as a boa constrictor, so it couldn’t have been responsible for death of the Lone Ranger. The snake is becoming such an attraction that Lynda thinks it will need protection rather than being hunted down.