Helen calls home and invites a visit from her parents.

Radio Times: Pat and Tony make progress, and David steps up.

Characters: Adam, David, Kirsty, Pat, Ruth, Tony, Ursula

• Tony is in trouble: he was surprised to receive a call from Helen and, rather that keep her hanging on while he chased round the farmyard after Pat, he spoke to his daughter himself. She was subdued, shattered by the decision about Henry but otherwise claiming to be fine. She wants her parents to visit. Not a word to Ursula when she brings Henry.
• David has been roped in to play cricket for Ambridge. The opposing captain offers his commiserations over the loss of Rob – single wicket champion, youth coach and all-round good egg, so is he generally perceived. David takes a knock on his hand but wants to go back in. Ruth, less than fully absorbed by the match, has been thinking about Open Farm Sunday: they should use it to promote their beef.
• Kirsty is gladdened by the news of Helen; it’s the first positive thing Helen has done since the fateful evening. The prosecution have sent their evidence and barrister Anna is busy reading through it. Further conversation is inhibited by Ursula’s return, back already to collect Henry. She is not best pleased to find that Henry is out with Tony, kingfisher-watching. In the meantime she reminds Pat that the Archers should be paying Rob sick pay; after all, he gave up a well-paid job to help them with the new shop venture. Kirsty’s protest at this version of events is stifled by Pat, who calmly agrees that she will arrange payment. Backdated and asap demands Ursula; though improving, Rob will never be the same man again. “We should be so lucky” mutters Kirsty under her breath.