Edward finds life financially grim with no apparent respite; Rob becomes a little more controlling.

Radio Times: Emma and Helen have fun, and Eddie helps out Ed.

Characters: Ed, Eddie, Emma, George, Helen, Henry, Rob

• Ed and Eddie are digging out a new main; Edward takes the opportunity to reflect on how the world never does him any favours. If David and Ruth’s plans come to fruition, even work at Brookfield will vanish. At least Eddie sees extra work becoming available covering for Ruth while she is away looking after her mother.
• Helen and Henry are preparing the cottage for a Halloween party with Emma and her children. Rob appears, with plans to work at home. Why the Grundy children and worse, why has Helen bought into the American view of Halloween? He is disappointed in her.
• The offer of helping his father with his planned turkey days doesn’t seem to lift Edward’s spirits. However, when Eddie bursts into a version of La Bamba, Ed joins in, amidst much laughter.
• Helen and Emma tidy up after the party while talking about the forthcoming Hunt Ball. Apparently Emma and Susan saw Charlie Thomas whizzing around in his car with his gorgeous and expensive looking girlfriend. Helen must find out the detail on the night and report back. Emma mentions how concerned Peggy is about Jenny’s séance. Helen suggests a walk out with the children. While out, they run across eleven road kill pheasants, which they help move to the side of the road.
• At home, Emma tells Edward that a party customer, Delia, has offered £80-100 to tidy her garden. He is not best pleased. It confirms his own view that his future comprises nothing more than being the village odd job man.
• Rob inspects Helen’s tidying up and it meets with his approval until he discovers his dinner jacket for the Hunt Ball, with its pockets stuffed full of cakes and crisps. Helen apologises profusely and offers to have it cleaned, no matter what, tomorrow. Rob eventually agrees but leaves her under no illusions that Emma and her children should not be invited again.