With storm clouds gathering, the islanders realise they can no longer ignore the rumblings of war, just as it looks as though the Durrells - particularly Louisa and Spiros - may have found their happy ending. Larry marks his return by throwing an audacious play for the locals, but there are surprises for every member of the family.

Corfu is excited about the arrival of their beloved monarch and Theo has an unofficial role in the preparations. As the King's route takes him past the Durrell's villa, he suggests they ‘do their bit'. Gerry suggests his animals, whilst Leslie, in his new role as a Scout Leader, will put on a scout display and Louisa will bake some delicious food, with Spiros' help.

With his marriage deteriorating, Spiros finds himself spending more time at the ‘bawdy house' helping to build Gerry's zoo, whilst Leslie, having clocked the frisson between Basil and Dimitra sets about creating a honey trap with the intention of freeing up Spiros for Louisa. This seems to work when Basil keeps disappearing for mystery visits and finally admits to having a ‘lady friend' but won't say who it is.

Louisa meets Spiros' wife for the first time, and invites her to join the family on a trip to visit Larry in Kalami. However, the journey ends badly when their picnic is eaten by hungry animals, and Larry turns out to have left the island for Paris. As tensions rise, they seek the help of a local bar owner, who has a special gift for Gerry. Meanwhile, Margo brings a touch of the continent to Prue and Geoffrey's Dorset home.

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.

As the new series begins, Louisa has opened the doors of the villa as a boarding house and Basil and two Australian dancers have become official guests. To save money, the girls instantly move into Larry's room - much to his delight - but it's soon clear that Basil has become the most pernickety guest ever.