Brian convinces Jennifer to back the land purchase, Alan attempts to help Rob focus on the important issues in his life and Helen is determined to get rid of Rob.

Radio Times: Brian sets out his vision, and Alan has cause for concern.

Characters: Alan, Brian, Helen, Jennifer, Jolene, Lilian, Pat, Rob

• Brian catches up with Lilian and asks about Jenny’s birthday present. She keeps saying it is obvious but Brian is clueless. Can Lilian do a bit of discreet digging? Lilian tells Brian that Jenny is concerned about the stresses in the family over the land purchase and she wants peace for her birthday gift.
• Brian brings Jennifer to a corner of the land and asks her to imagine the land in the summer. This was one of the key things which sold Brian on the land. He knows that Jenny would love it as well. They could clear some trees from the stream which would let the sun in. They could plant 3 or 4 acres with hardwoods. Think, Jenny, what this would be like after we are gone, exclaims Brian. He really does want to pass all this on to the next generation. Jenny seems to thaw as Brian appeals to her interests.
• Jolene talks to Alan about the banning of Rob from the shop. Jenny and Lilian agree that Rob seems to be having some sort of public breakdown. On change of subject, Lilian is astonished that Jenny seems to be coming round to Brian’s way of thinking.
• Helen is back from meeting the divorce solicitor and tells Pat that Rob is contesting the divorce. Helen is facing a long hard battle on the finances; Rob is also likely to make a claim on the farm. The battle will cost a great deal although Rob is destined to fail in his demands. Helen is willing to pay whatever is necessary to get rid of Rob.
• Alan goes to Rob’s and is surprised to find him at home. Rob claims he is coming down with a virus. Alan wishes to discuss the banning from the village shop. Rob dismisses the importance but admits that things are pretty ghastly. Christmas day without his sons was unbearable. He hasn’t seen Jack in a month; how can he build a relationship on that basis? Alan asks Rob why he has abused others when Jack should be his priority. Rob should pick his battles instead of pouring invective on others in public. Rob can only pity himself as a victim. Alan suggests that Rob seems stuck and is putting himself beyond help.
• Jenny agrees to support Brian in his pursuit of the land deal. She only wishes him to win round the rest of the family.