Spiros is besotted with a glamorous Italian family who've recently arrived on the island, leaving Louisa jealous of her new neighbours. Margo is entranced by their eldest daughter. Larry joins the fire service and Gerry falls in love.

Louisa throws a party for Gerry's thirteenth birthday but it is a staid affair and Gerry does not appreciate the children's games, railing at his mother before storming out. Spiros is also unhappy as his wife has left him and Dr Petrides is fed up with the guests demanding he diagnoses their ailments. Larry livens matters up with a conga and, despite a mosquito infestation, the evening ends on a reconciliatory note.

Wanting to avoid his depressingly empty house, Spiros spends most of his time at the Durrells' home. Louisa is not complaining, she just wants him to be happy and the two become closer. In the town, Larry meets Elena, a beautiful, exotic young woman who, along with her friend, the bearded woman, happen to be part of the travelling circus. Elena reveals she is a contortionist and after she performs some of her moves, Larry falls quickly in love. Keen to get involved, Louisa and Spiros help the circus drum up business whilst Margo starts to rehearse a very risky act and Gerry makes sure the animals are being treated well. With the magic of the circus rubbing off on the whole family, will it work its charm on Louisa and Spiros?

Louisa finds herself fending off unexpected romantic advances. Leslie's arranged hunt for new guest, Colonel Ribbindane, doesn't quite go to plan when his past revisits him. Theo acquires a surprising housemate.

With the house guests getting ever more rowdy, Louisa worries about the villa's reputation, but Spiros's increasing presence at the villa continues to delight her. Margo finds a surprising way to bond with Maud, while Gerry realizes he has feelings for Galini.

With storm clouds gathering, the island realises it can no longer ignore the rumblings of war just as it looks as though the Durrells may have found their happy ending.