Brenda learns of Tom’s radical idea. Tom learns what Brenda thinks of his attitude.

Radio Times: Brenda is the last to know. Meanwhile Helen is pleased to talk.

Characters: Brenda, Emma, Helen, Pat, Tony

• After Tom’s bombshell, Tony can’t sleep; he is contemplating life without cows and he doesn’t think he can bear it. Tom has his own agenda and he treats his parents like idiots. They are the ones with the experience; he should listen to them.
• Helen is finding Henry a bit of a handful and Emma soothes the situation. She is so relieved that Chris is on the mend; her thoughts about the horror of losing a brother are voiced before she remembers that Helen lost her brother, John.
• You’re joking! That’s Brenda’s reaction when Pat tells her about Tom’s latest idea. Cows are fundamental to the farm. Tom has not said a word about getting rid of them; he is in his own little world. Brenda, having worked late last night, has been given the morning off by Matt; a text from Lilian, asking where the hell she is, indicates another communication issue.
• When Tom gets home he gets both barrels from Brenda! Why does he keep doing this to his parents? Show some respect. Why didn’t he use her as a sounding board? He does manage to point out her dislike of talking shop. Brenda herself has had a bad day: Lilian was furious with Matt but took it out on her. Tom tries to explain his point of view; is he the only one who is trying to secure the future?