Rob’s news about the birth hasn’t gone down well; Helen is deeply disturbed; Johnny is thrilled by his success.

Radio Times: As the Bridge Farm Archers remember John, Tom offers brotherly love.

Characters: Helen, Johnny, Pat, Rob, Tom, Tony

• While waiting for Keith, his assessor, Johnny recounts his experiences with Adam’s loader to his grandfather. He’s very enthusiastic. Pat drops in on the way to the shop, to wish him luck. Just then, Johnny spots Keith’s car. It’s the moment of truth.
• Pat meets Tom at the shop. Rob isn’t in, yet another disturbed night with Henry. Pat is somewhat concerned. Kirsty phoned Helen in the week leaving a message with Ursula, but she hasn’t replied. Just then, Rob appears. Helen will try to be at the party tonight but she’s under a lot of stress. She even shouted at Henry! Tom’s news that Clarrie is cooking samples of traditional scotch eggs goes down like a lead weight with Rob. He was hoping to ditch the whole range.
• Johnny has passed his level two assessment. Both he and Tony jump for joy. Next stop, level three. There are loads of options for him to consider for his course. He’s so happy. He really does believe that he can make a career in farming, just like his grandparents and father. Tony assures him that he will always have their support. He rushes off to phone his mother with the good news.
• Pat and Helen are preparing the meal. Pat’s news that Kirsty phoned confuses Helen. She just didn’t know; her memory is in such a state. Rob turns up with scan photographs. Of course, Helen forgot to bring them. He then drops his “bombshell”, Helen has decided on a home birth after all. Helen (along with Ursula) feels that “home is best.” Pat is utterly horrified given her daughters history. Helen sounds as though she’s auditioning for The Stepford Wives, the poor thing.
• At the end of a wonderful meal, a toast is drunk to Tom for his birthday and Johnny for his assessment success. In addition, Johnny proposes a toast to John. He would have been 40 by now. Helen dissolves into tears and runs out of the room. Rob makes to follow her, but Tom insists that he should stay put. He will deal with the situation.
• Helen is so heart-achingly distressed. She says that she misses John so much; she could talk to him about anything. Tom asks how things are at home. Helen replies that Henry’s been acting up and she’s just not coping well. Tom sounds unconvinced. He tells her that she can always unburden herself to him, about anything. He’s now clearly suspicious that something’s wrong in his sister’s life.