Tension rises as the panto performances loom and the cast fall sick.

Radio Times: Lynda copes with an ailing cast.

Characters: Brenda, David, Fallon, Kathy, Kenton, Lynda, Ruth

• Lynda dreads another sick cast member so delivers some well-intentioned medication to Brookfield, but it is clear that David will not be at the rehearsal; he is not even working on the farm and he is feeling guilty about that.
• Brenda and Fallon are early at the rehearsal, taking the opportunity to practise their lines. Kenton decides to visit his sick brother instead.
• It seems there is a move afoot to get David involved with the Union, perhaps giving up the Parish Council. Kenton announces his arrival by knocking on the window and shouting, much as David did to him – payback time! He insists on ministering to David and extracts an admission that he had not been malingering, though he concedes that David is worse than he was.
• The rehearsal with Fallon and Brenda goes well and Lynda is impressed – but she wants it without the script and that’s not so good. Kathy decides she needs help front of house and Hannah is suggested, but she shrinks from telling Lynda yet.