Matt confronts his past. Pip confronts the opposition.

Radio Times: Matt enters alien territory.

Characters: Lilian, Louise, Matt, Pat, Pip, Susan

• Pat finds it difficult to get a word in edgeways when Susan starts her rant about the IOUs, but eventually she manages to explain to Susan that Robert and Lynda will produce TEAs which should be difficult to forge. Members of the Swap Club will pay £2 to join and receive a starter supply of TEAs. Susan is doubtful.
• A very nervous Matt arrives at the home in Walthamstow where his mother lives. With Lilian at his side, they are shown into Louise’s room. She looks for a likeness to his father, but can’t see one. She explains that his father, Patrick, was a soldier on National Service who abandoned her as soon as she found she was pregnant. Her own parents insisted on the adoption. She soon married Frankie, and had 3 children, who keep in touch. Matt tries to express concern, but it’s clear Louise has long got over the pain of giving Matt up for adoption. She’s more concerned with the realities of life in the home.
• Pip calls in at the shop for some candles to decorate David’s birthday cake. When Pat drops some information about the TEA scheme off, and asks Susan to explain the new system at the meeting, Susan gives Pat a Stop the Digester poster. Pip erupts in anger, calling Susan smug and complacent, and delivers a fine lecture on how David and the others are working for the good of the planet. She flounces out of the shop, leaving Susan and Pat open-mouthed.
• While Lilian goes out for a cigarette, Matt tries to broach the subject of future visits, but his mother doesn’t seem interested. She’d like a Christmas card, but no more. She hopes Matt doesn’t hold things against her, but feels there’s no point in dragging up the past.
• On the way home, Lilian tries to console Matt, who puts a brave face on it, but is clearly upset. Maybe it’s best if I leave it, he says.