The doctor and Louisa make plans for their wedding, but the big day runs far from smoothly, as a drunken vicar leaves Martin with a dilemma. Meanwhile, the restaurant where the reception is to be held is flooded and Isobel goes into labour.

News of Martin and Louisa's engagement spreads rapidly through the village, and Aunt Joan is annoyed to hear about it from Dave rather than her nephew. Al steps in to help as Bert struggles to keep the restaurant afloat, while the doctor is puzzled when he learns Beth's knee replacement wound is failing to respond to the medication he prescribed.

The irascible medic and Louisa embark on what seems to be a perfect first date at a classical music performance in the grounds of a country house, but an inappropriate remark from the doctor kills off any chance of romance. Elsewhere, Al worries that Pauline's gambling is getting out of hand when he finds out that her moped has been repossessed.

Louisa faces off with love rival Carrie in a battle for Martin's affections, and romance is in the air for Aunt Joan, who gains an admirer in the form of Edward. Elsewhere, Al makes a surprise reappearance and PC Penhale celebrates his birthday.

New neighbours look set to disturb the tranquillity of Portwenn, upsetting the locals with their unconventional lifestyle and even managing to gatecrash an intimate dinner between Martin and Louisa. Meanwhile, a car vandal strikes the village - but agoraphobic village copper PC Penhale is too scared to leave the station and investigate.

Bert comes to the conclusion that a new challenge will help him move on from Al's departure and decides to open a restaurant, but a spate of food-poisoning cases coincide with his first day of business. Martin meets Poppy, the surgery's new receptionist, and Pauline returns from her course.

Pauline grows increasingly frustrated with her role at the surgery and starts to interfere with Martin's work, much to the GP's annoyance. The former surgeon talks to Bert, who is feeling down after his son Al's decision to go travelling, before coming face to face with the village's new police officer.