The neighbours Clive Harris and Stuart Parsons are not the best of friends to put it mildly. When Oscar Blaketon tries to mediate between their families Parsons' wife Frances and his son-in-law John Nixon are rushed to hospital with signs of food poisoning. Naturally Harris comes under suspicion, but when Gina gets ill with the same symptoms PC Bradley is sure there is another reason. While Gina is in hospital her aunt Mary comes to Aidensfield to visit her. Bernie sells a car to Laslo Riles for Claude Greengrass, but when Riles goes bankrupt before he can pay Greengrass makes him pay in kind. Thus the old scoundrel suddenly becomes the proud owner of a snake.

John Atkins is angry at Oscar Blaketon blaming him for losing his complaint against his neighbour Viv Chivers who wants to extend her house. Atkins even threatens Blaketon in public. And somebody really IS out to get Oscar Blaketon. First a photograph of him is destroyed and the matter escalates when somebody tries to sabotage his car. But it cannot be Atkins who has an alibi. Ellen Taylor comes to Aidensfield in search of her son Barry whose last sign of life was from the village six months ago, and she asks Oscar Blaketon for help. Its Aunt Peggy's birthday and David wants to surprise her with a dinner for two at the Aidensfield Arms. But his surprise is spoiled by her old flame Maurice whom she has not seen for 20 years and the old flames are still burning. Phil avoids the pub after breaking with Gina and she asks Oscar and Rob Walker to have a word with him.