Ed is forced to face facts. David is forced to face what may be facts

Radio Times: Emma adjusts to a new routine, and Ed gets a talking to.

Characters: Clarrie, David, Ed, Emma, Neil, Ruth

• Concerned that Emma is so tired after working a shift at the chicken factory, Clarrie lets her lie in, and offers a cooked breakfast, which is refused. Emma is appreciative of her mother-in-law’s help and concern, but her mood changes when Ed comes in and implies that Emma is neglecting the children. Emma is angry when she hears that Alice has sent Emma a message which Emma sees as patronising. A squabble begins, which takes all Clarrie’s diplomacy to quieten. In private, Clarrie tells her son that he should not have spoken to Emma as he did. If he refuses to do it, Clarrie will support Emma.
• Emma’s weariness evaporates as she watches the children on their new trampoline. Ed appears and apologises for his outburst. He can’t bear to think of Emma in the chicken factory. Emma tells him that she appreciates all he does for her and the children; this is just the missing butter and jam. Emma reveals that George likes the trampoline more than Will’s presents, which seems to cheer both parties.
• Neil calls by to see how Emma got on, and reminds her that he and Susan are always there if she needs help. He is proud of his daughter, and tells her so, relieved to hear that her disagreement with Ed is sorted out. He is amused to hear that Harrison is planning a major rapprochement with the older female would-be cricketers.
• While Emma, Ed and co are feeling happier, Archers are still swathed in gloom at Brookfield as David discovers that repairs and hiring another tractor will cost around £18000. It’s all his fault, he should have checked the oil. Ruth reminds him that Pip uses the tractor as much as David, but he will not countenance apportioning blame there. Poor Pip is upset enough about the IBR which was all his fault… she must not be upset further. it seems that pride as well as cash is at stake; he dreads Tony or Tom finding out. That would prove that David is not half the farmer his father was