Harrison is determined to make Ambridge a winning cricket team, Jennifer encourages Adam to be positive about Ian’s surrogacy plan and Kate is determined throw out mementos of her past.

Radio Times: Kate focuses on joy, and Harrison feels the pressure

Characters: Adam, Brian, Harrison, Jennifer, Kate, Rex

• Jennifer and Brian discuss a surprise for Kate’s birthday since she doesn’t seem very happy about her 40th. Kate is on the lawn practicing spiritual hygiene or simplifying one’s life by practicing de-cluttering. Kate has one simple rule: only keep the things that bring you joy. Jennifer’s confusion turns to consternation when Kate decides that Jennifer’s handmade doll dresses and Kate’s pony club rosettes do NOT bring her joy and are for the toss. Kate advises Jennifer that useless, unjoyful stuff is holding her back. Jennifer is also distressed to find Kate has thrown out the Glastonbury wrist band from the day of Phoebe’s birth. That is part of Phoebe’s past, as well. Ah, Phoebe, muses Kate.
• Jennifer next chats with Adam. She shows him her print outs about the adoption process. Adam reveals that things have changed. Ian now wants to pursue the surrogacy option; Ian would be the biological father. Jennifer is positive and thinks of a baby as a wonderful addition to their family although Adam is very sceptical. He had become used to thinking of a child as the solution. Adam seems to feel that Ian would have a special bond with the baby which would exclude Adam. Jennifer asserts she knows Adam and Adam would love that baby just as much as Ian would. It is a lifetime commitment with all the joys and sorrows attached. Adam admits if he backed out now, Ian would never forgive him.
• Harrison solicits suggestions from Adam and Rex as to how to beat Darrington. Rex has only bad news as he shows both men derogatory cartoons circulating about the Ambridge players. Harrison runs through secret notes about the weaknesses of individual Darrington players with Rex but Rex receives a business call from Josh.
• Jennifer discusses the surrogacy plan with Brian but he is negative about the outcome. Kate runs up and is angry because Jennifer rescued the doll’s dress and the pony club rosettes from the rubbish pile. Jennifer explains that she used Kate’s process and these things brought her joy; she will find storage space for them. Once Kate huffs off, Jennifer admonishes Brian not to mention the surrogacy to Kate and to be more positive. Brian refers to the issues last time and compares a surrogate to a cow being separated from its calf. (Charming!) Jennifer impatiently retorts that all is organised and carefully planned. If you say so, says Brian.
• Rex returns to Harrison and they resume the ‘test’ before the four practices this week. Rex is incredulous about so many practices. But Harrison defends his side and declares Ambridge will show Darrington what they are made of.