Debbie convinces Brian to give Adam free rein.

Radio Times: Kenton is keen to shake things up, and Adam is put on the spot.

Characters: Brian, Debbie, Jennifer, Jim, Kenton

• Jennifer is loading up Debbie for her journey home including fruitcake. Jennifer is sad that all the family hasn’t stayed around to see her off – she has no idea why Kate has gone off to see a business studies student.
• Jim is feeling lonely without Christine as his crossword partner. So sitting in The Bull garden is his refuge. But mostly he is feeling down about the Community Shop. If Susan’s ideas hold sway the shop will lose a lot of its character. Kenton recommends his architect and dashes off to show Jim the plans.
• Brian tells Debbie he is thinking of bringing someone in over Adam’s head. Brian doesn’t see a problem – Adam will still have his current job. Debbie says he won’t because Adam will walk as soon as Brian mentions it. She is also shocked to hear he has been talking about Adam to Charlie. She continues to stress that it is Adam’s time. He can reserve the right to take back control if things go wrong. Brian reluctantly agrees that Adam has earned the right to fail. Brian has to admit that he is in a minority of one. David and Debbie agree and Charlie thinks Adam is God’s gift. Debbie insists he tells Adam before she leaves.
• Kenton’s plans are thinking big – new entrances and exits, a portico (which happens to be the answer to one of Jim’s clues) and new picture windows. Kenton has decided they need to cut free and do a new thing. The new windows are looking at his and Jolene’s future.
• Adam drives Debbie to the airport. He is very grateful to her for her persuading Brian. Brian says he wants to review it in a few months and Adam is fine with that. Adam is very interested to hear that Charlie was very supportive of him. Debbie quizzes him about his relationship with Charlie. Adam pretends it is just business but Debbie thought she’d noticed something else. Adam insists nothing is going on. He and Ian are in a good place and they’ll sort out the date for the wedding soon. Debbie is glad to hear it. She hates seeing people get hurt for a casual fling.