A stranger walks into the Aidensfield Arms and collapses. George Ward recognizes him as Dennis Parker, who left Aidensfield and his wife and daughter seven years earlier. Parker claims he has no recollection of what has happened since he went away. He only hopes to find his family. But that may not be as easy as he thinks, because Parker is wanted for embezzling his former employer of 800£ on the day he went missing. Inspired by Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" Harold Jackson approaches Greengrass and wants him to set fire to his work shop. In return the Jackson will set fire to Greengrass' barn and they both can claim the insurance money. Greengrass wants nothing to do with it, but a few nights later his barn is on fire.

Ellen Richards has a miscarriage, but both she and her son Anthony show signs of being beaten by her husband Ray. Ron Wiley has died and Bernie Scripps is in charge of the funeral arrangements. His brother Vernon gets the idea that they can do the catering as well together with his new partner Gloria Gray at the expense of Gina, who usually caters for special occasions. Not surprisingly he and the others suddenly find themselves banned from the Aidensfield Arms.. But Vernon may get more than he bargained for when Gloria's daughter Millicent turns up at his doorstep. Mike Bradley and Tricia Summerbee are very much in love with each other, but he is afraid to commit because of his failed marriage with Jackie.