Pip senses a reprieve. David admits total liability. Matt annoys Brian.

Radio Times: Brian struggles to keep his cool, and David wants to take the blame.

Characters: Brian, David, Justin, Matt, Pip, Ruth

• David is wallowing in martyrdom; the IBR outbreak was all his fault. He should have checked paperwork more carefully, he must apologise to Adam, Brian, Tony and anyone else who will listen. A cautiously relieved Pip insists he has no need to apologise to her and anyway the yields are going up… aren’t they? Yes, but Home Farm and Bridge Farm lost stock, so I must tell them… and so David’s wailings go on.
• As Brian and Justin enjoy a round of golf, their day is spoilt by the appearance of Matt on the course. Brian has no wish to engage in conversation, but he has no choice as Matt enjoys taunting him about his land purchase, Kate’s yurt enterprise, her leaving her children in South Africa and much more. Brian comments that Matt is still the same poisonous lowlife that left Lilian in the lurch, whereupon Justin intervenes and hauls Brian off to the bar.
• As David continues to beat his breast, Ruth joins in. She made Clarrie cry, she had a row with Helen for which even chocolate would not compensate. David insists that he must confess to Brian and Tony, though Ruth thinks that since the damage is done he should not give them any more ammunition. The Brookfield gloomfest is interrupted by a shout from Pip. The transmission has gone on the tractor. It must be all her fault as she was driving. Cue more martyred wallowing all round. Repairs will be hugely expensive, hire of a replacement will be hugely expensive, if only David had had the cows tested, disasters always come in threes, it’s all my fault, no it’s all my fault. One can only wonder why on earth Matt Crawford has returned to such a guilt-ridden enclave.
• But maybe we know what lies behind Matt’s return; winding up Justin and Brian to whom he graciously sends a bottle of Champagne across to who can at least indulge in a little Matt-bashing as they see the label.