The Meldrews go on holiday to Portugal with Mrs Warboys, who is hoping for romance with her penpal Alfonso. Photographer Martin Trout follows them there, believing they have a roll of film that belongs to him.

A meeting of Victor's conjuring group ends in chaos when one of the tricks goes horribly wrong.

Victor is summoned for jury service and ends up as the man on trial.

The Meldrews are back from holiday and find that Patrick and Pippa are trying to sell up to a man who's very interested in diving goggles. Margaret can take no more of their erratic existence and decides to embark on a reckless adventure that could change both her own and Victor's life for ever. 

A day out on the river leads to epic complications for the Meldrews, Mrs Warboys and Nick Swainey when they find themselves marooned in the middle of Norfolk's answer to the Sargasso Sea. 

Roger, Victor's cousin, accidentally invites the couple to his 60th birthday. Margaret collapses with exhaustion and Victor's attempts at nursing her back to health only make things worse. But Margaret's spirits pick up when Andrea Temple, the little girl who used to live next door, comes back to visit her old neighbours with her new baby. Victor is less enthusiastic. 

Patrick's cherry tree launches an attack on Victor's junipers, which prompts Victor to seek professional help. Victor's interest in tropical fish arouses the interest of the local Greenpeace branch.