Brian surprises Debbie and Adam with a good deal for the future of the farm.

Radio Times: Brian’s negotiating skills are put to the test.

Characters: Adam, Brian, Debbie, Jennifer

• The much-heralded meeting at Home Farm is about to begin. Debbie and Adam swap notes beforehand; neither is expecting much and Adam confides that he might not stay in Ambridge – Debbie is thinking on similar lines. So into the meeting …
• … beginning with some critical comments about Brian’s recent proposals. He acknowledges their anger and their importance to him, and not just to the farm. He proposes a division of responsibilities, not unlike it is now, but instead of just taking salaries they will be unit directors, rather than managers working to him. They will have autonomy and take a substantial share of the profits – 60%. As for the inheritance, there is no compromise on the three way split but Adam and Debbie will have a much larger share now. What do they think?
• While Brian and Jennifer retire to make the coffee, Debbie and Adam discuss the rabbit Brian has pulled out of his hat. It sounds good. This way they might even be able to build up enough capital to buy Ruairidh out when the time comes. They are suspicious about why he is suddenly willing to give so much away. Where is the catch?
• In the kitchen, Brian gets Jennifer’s view. She is still sceptical about the inheritance but she does realise how important that is to Brian. And she is grateful that he has made a point of how much he values her children.
• Meanwhile her offspring are considering the implications. It could be a minefield. So they have some questions to put but they are interested. Brian assures them that the digester will be unchanged and their salaries will come before profits. Although they have not discussed the percentage that Brian proposed, Debbie shoots the line that 60% is not enough – they want 75%! They agree on 66%; subject to the details, he has got himself a deal.
• In the lambing shed, Debbie and Adam rejoice. Adam admits that he was amazed by the original 60% – and getting Brian off their backs. Indoors Jennifer also assures him that she is happy. He has given up a lot but it’s worth it, to stay together. He suggests dinner out tonight – a taste of things to come.