David, Ruth and Shula are in a reflective mood and Dan achieves Commissioned Officer status.

Radio Times: The Brookfield cows go out. Meanwhile, Shula and Alistair are proud of Daniel.

Characters: Alistair, Captain Sampson, Dan, David, Pip, Ruth, Shula

• Pip’s filming the cows going out to pasture for the first time. The barn dance preparations are coming together, with Pip having cleared out the shed and sorted out the lights. David’s ordered the heater and the music, food and bar are organised, so plenty to look forward to.
• Ruth’s concerned for her Heather after having waved her off this morning, despite David’s reassurances that Josh will settle her back in. The family muse on this time last year and the uncertainty of not knowing where they’d be living. They pledge a fresh start at Brookfield, and consider posting a film on the website of before and after the flood.
• Shula and Alistair are at the Sovereign Parade. Afterwards, Dan introduces them to Captain Sampson, his Platoon Commander, who reports positively on Dan’s determination, leadership qualities and progress to date. The parents have also been introduced to Dan’s girlfriend, Imogen, but Shula wonders how a relationship can be maintained once they split off to their separate regiments. She comments on how much Dan has changed over the last twelve months. Alistair feels Dan’s suited to his chosen career; in some respects, life in the military is more straightforward. They have to leave early tomorrow so Alistair can view the potential surgery premises. Alistair’s wondering if it’s time to bow out in favour of some locum work, or work for a larger practice. The temporary surgery and refurbishments are going to take a while and he’s not sure he has the energy for it.
• The Passing Out Parade culminates in a firework display. Shula, who has been overwhelmed by the whole day, is questioned by Dan, who recognises something’s not quite right. She’s evaluating her own life and what she’s done with it and what may have been. Now that he’s independent, Dan encourages his Mum to think about what she and Alistair may still do to realise their dreams, but for Shula, some ships have sailed…