An artistic dispute with the Meldrews threatens to scupper Patrick's plans for a quiet birthday. Meanwhile, Pippa has an affair and Victor gets some worrying medical test results.

Victor is alarmed when a routine medical test turns out to have sinister implications. He also has problems with the builders and Cousin Wilf's voice synthesiser.

Victor begins to regret hiring a cleaner to help around the house. Meanwhile, Mrs Warboys gets the wrong end of the stick when Victor helps the owner of a chip shop.

Plunged into darkness after a power cut on a sweltering summer night, Victor and Margaret reflect on their lives, hopes and fears.

Victor's hobby of fishing leads to an encounter with humanity at its most primitive. Patrick's gay brother, Nigel, comes to visit and Victor is asked to give a speech to the WI.

After Victor dies in a road accident, Margaret faces up to life without him and vows to take revenge on the hit-and-run driver who killed him.