Matt finds that full disclosure of the case against him is much as he expected.

Radio Times: The pressure takes its toll on Matt.

Characters: Jennifer, Lilian, Matt, Russell, Susan

• Today is the day Matt gets full disclosure of the case against him, so he is with his solicitor. Lilian and Jennifer are going to take mum to see another home, in case The Laurels doesn’t come up with a vacancy any time soon. Jennifer needs a few things from the shop but confesses that she doesn’t want to see Susan after Sunday’s exchange.
• Matt expected a stitch up and is not disappointed: Chalkie is claiming that it was Matt’s idea to deceive the bank. Russell is more relaxed because the evidence does not support Chalkie’s story; pleading innocence will make things worse for him.
• Lilian’s visit to the shop is brilliantly executed: by explaining what they are doing today and the pressure that Peggy is under, she makes the hapless Susan feel very, very small. As Susan later reports to Neil, she wishes she had not approached Peggy. The Post Office could be set up elsewhere – Neil suggests The Bull – but it wouldn’t provide enough income on its own. Susan feels she ought to look for another job.
• Matt is so clearly stressed that Russell suggests he talk to a counsellor; Matt takes umbridge and retires to Ambridge. By the time Lilian gets back he is in a first class strop, unsuccessfully wresting with a recalcitrant cork. When the inevitable happens, Lilian clears up the mess and suggests that Russell’s idea might not be such a bad one. It’s not in his head, Matt insists; it’s real and it seems he must face it alone.