List of Heartbeat episodes
Heartbeat is a British period drama television series which was first broadcast on ITV between 1992 and 2010. Set in the fictional town of Ashfordly and the village of Aidensfield in the North Riding of Yorkshire during the 1960s, the programme is based on the "Constable" series of novels written by ex-policeman Peter N. Walker, under the pseudonym Nicholas Rhea. During the course of the programme, 372 episodes of Heartbeat aired, including nine specials over eighteen series.
Series overview[]
| Series | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | ||||
| 1 | 10 | 10 April 1992 | 12 June 1992 | ||
| 2 | 10 | 18 April 1993 | 20 June 1993 | ||
| 3 | 10 | 3 October 1993 | 5 December 1993 | ||
| 4 | 16 | 4 September 1994 | 25 December 1994 | ||
| 5 | 15 | 3 September 1995 | 10 December 1995 | ||
| 6 | 17 | 1 September 1996 | 25 December 1996 | ||
| 7 | 24 | 31 August 1997 | 22 February 1998 | ||
| 8 | 24 | 6 September 1998 | 28 February 1999 | ||
| 9 | 24 | 26 September 1999 | 5 March 2000 | ||
| 10 | 24 | 22 October 2000 | 8 April 2001 | ||
| 11 | 24 | 28 October 2001 | 14 April 2002 | ||
| 12 | 25 | 6 October 2002 | 18 May 2003 | ||
| 13 | 25 | 7 September 2003 | 6 June 2004 | ||
| 14 | 26 | 5 September 2004 | 5 June 2005 | ||
| 15 | 26 | 11 September 2005 | 2 July 2006 | ||
| 16 | 24 | 29 October 2006 | 5 August 2007 | ||
| 17 | 24 | 11 November 2007 | 28 September 2008 | ||
| 18 | 24 | 12 October 2008 | 12 September 2010 | ||
Episodes[]
Series 1 (1992)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Changing Places" | Roger Cheveley | Johnny Byrne | 10 April 1992 | |
| Police constable Nick Rowan and his wife Kate, a doctor, move up from London to begin a new life in Aidensfield. After meeting his new colleagues Phil Bellamy and Alf Ventress, Nick finds himself dealing with new police sergeant, Oscar Blaketon, who intends to arrest local trouble-maker Claude Greengrass for any crime he possibly commits, while dealing with biker gangs, one of whom is led by Alan Maskall. Meanwhile, Kate tries to find work with the local village doctor, Alex Ferrenby, and soon becomes involved in the affairs of Alan's family when his pregnant mother enters premature labour without warning. Nick and Kate soon find life enjoyable, especially when the locals are pleased to have them around. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Fruits of the Earth" | Tim Dowd | Johnny Byrne | 17 April 1992 | |
| Nick has his hands full with drunken hikers, a missing man, and assisting Sgt. Blaketon in preparing Ashfordly police station for an upcoming inspection by locating a missing police bike. When a severely disabled farmer is mistakenly reported for exposing himself, he soon finds solutions for his current problems. Meanwhile, Kate continues to provide assistance to the Maskell family, dealing with the ignorant head of the family who is unaware his wife needs contraception pills for the sake of her health, following her recent labour. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Rumours" | Ken Horn | David Lane | 24 April 1992 | |
| A local shopkeeper in Aidensield becomes the subject of a rumour campaign about him being improper with a group of young lads he spends time with above his shop. However, Nick discovers that there is more to the case than meets the eye when the shop is broken into and ransacked, leading the shopkeeper to decide to take his own life. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to offer his services to two elderly women, but soon regrets it when they manage to con him. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Playing with Fire" | Eric Wendell | Rob Gittins | 1 May 1992 | |
| Nick has his hands full keeping an eye on a horse whose owner is struggling to keep under control, and is soon forced to take action when it causes an accident. At the same time, he also has to investigate a fire that broke out in a barn, in which Nick soon finds evidence that it may be linked to the assault of a teenage girl. Meanwhile, Kate faces trouble when she intervenes in a teenaged girls problems, much against Dr. Ferrenby's liking, and Greengrass decides to stop salmon poachers operating on his turf. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Nowt but a Prank" | James Ormerod | Barry Woodward | 8 May 1992 | |
| Nick finds himself dealing with dispute between farmer Dick Radcliffe and his neighbour Matthew Chapman over the right of way across Radcliffe's farm. At the same time, he also has to deal with three young boys who cause unwelcome mischief in Aidensfield. However, things soon get out of hand when the boys pull a prank on the Radcliffe, escalating a tense situation into a dangerous siege that Nick, Sgt. Blaketon and Kate must defuse. Meanwhile, Phil pulls a prank on Ventress, who looks for a way to get his own back. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Old, New, Borrowed and Blue" | Tim Dowd | Alan Whiting | 15 May 1992 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves dealing with a silver burglar who has a habit of tidying up his victim's homes. While investigating with his colleagues, Nick becomes suspicious of a church organist, who regularly helps elderly people. He soon learns she is conducting a clever scheme involving their valuable antique sets, and is intent on exposing it. Meanwhile, Kate contemplates a job offer from Dr. Ferrenby, and an upcoming wedding for Alan goes off well, only for two troublemakers to spoil the reception. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Face Value" | Terry Iland | David Lane | 22 May 1992 | |
| A planned peaceful demonstration at an early warning site brings trouble for Ashfordly police, when it transpires that an American ambassador is due to visit the site. During this time, Nick finds himself accused of assault by the demonstrators' leader, a charismatic politician. However, his attention is soon focused on finding two wannabe robbers that target the demonstrators, and then beat up Greengrass for taking advantage of them. Meanwhile, Kate begins her first day of surgery, despite Nick fearing she may join the demonstration and nearly wrecking their relationship. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Outsiders" | Tim Dowd | Peter Barwood | 29 May 1992 | |
| A former circus man arrives in Aidensfield with his family to see his birthplace before his eventual death. His eldest son soon sparks a friendship with the local vicar's daughter, much to the chagrin of her father and her future fiancée, but becomes accused of causing trouble. Nick and Kate risk their reputations to help out the family when they face bigotry from the villagers, but the matter is complicated when the village church is broken into and money stolen. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Primal Instinct" | Ken Horn | Brian Finch | 5 June 1992 | |
| An ex-police detective is found murdered by his wife and mother-in-law, prompting a Scotland Yard team to investigate in the wake of increased press attention. Nick finds himself assigned to help them, but struggles with one of the detectives when they flirt with Kate. Despite this, Nick soon realises who the killer is from the alibis of the woman, and discovers a painful truth behind the crime. Meanwhile, Greengrass is forced to help the newly-wed Alan, after he inadvertently causes him to handle stolen cars for two dubious men. | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Keep on Running" | Gavan Theoditis | Johnny Byrne | 12 June 1992 | |
| Nick receives a job offer in London and decides to go for an interview, despite Kate not wishing to leave Aidensfield. At the same time, he also agrees to look for Alan, after he disappears from home, unaware his wife was pregnant and suffered a miscarriage in his absence. However, in searching for the young man, Nick witnesses corruption in a drug squad officer which soon makes him decide on what is important. Meanwhile, Greengrass finds himself in court when he is accused by a sheep farmer of rustling his stock, but his protest of innocence soon prove true when the farmer is found to have a personal grudge with him. | ||||||
Series 2 (1993)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Secrets" | Bob Mahoney | Adele Rose | 18 April 1993 | |
| Nick receives a late night call that leads him to discover that a market stall dealer was robbed of his van and goods, including his own clothes. He quickly begins to suspect the involvement of Lord Ashfordly's erratic son Robert in the crime, until the father of a teenage girl who is pregnant provides a clue that leads to someone else at Ashfordly Hall. Meanwhile, Kate finds herself rushed off her feet by Aidensfield's mothers after their children pick up chickenpox. | ||||||
| 12 | 2 | "End of the Line" | Bob Mahoney | David Martin | 25 April 1993 | |
| An elderly visitor from London arrives in Aidensfield, intent on punishing Nick for his involvement in arresting his granddaughter, who committed suicide a month after his wife died. However, Kate is soon targeted by him and put in great danger, risking both her life and a young child who is seriously ill. Meanwhile, Greengrass discovers an old car with Nick's help during a barn clearance, but regrets selling it to him when it turns out to be valuable. | ||||||
| 13 | 3 | "Manhunt" | Ken Horn | David Lane | 2 May 1993 | |
| Armed robbers imprison Nick in the cellar of the Aidensfield Arms, alongside Greengrass and the landlord George. The following day, Nick discovers two important leads to the robbery, one of which involved Greengrass's dog Alfred recognizing one of the robbers. Both he and Phil soon find themselves on the hunt for a known criminal with a heart condition, until they discover his wife and daughters are intent on misleading them. | ||||||
| 14 | 4 | "Bitter Harvest" | Ken Horn | Jane Hollowood | 9 May 1993 | |
| A local cattle farmer, Reg Manston, finds his livelihood in ruins when ministry experts confirm he has an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on his farm. Kate soon discovers it originated from a neighbouring sheep farm, whose owner, Sam Carver, tries in vain to conceal it from Ashfordly police. Nick soon learns from Greengrass how the infection likely spread between the farms because of an affair between Manston's wife and Carver, which soon has unforeseen tragic consequences. Meanwhile, George makes preparations for the arrival of his niece Gina, who plans to help him run the Aidensfield Arms. | ||||||
| 15 | 5 | "Over the Hill" | Tim Dowd | Johnny Byrne | 16 May 1993 | |
| Two break-ins around the area lead Nick to discovering that the suspect is Ken Marston, a black soldier who recently went missing after an accident with his sergeant who he had recently reported for bullying him. At the same time, Kate finds herself concerned for the well-being of a widowed mother Helen Sanford, whose son is failing to cope with the loss of their father. Both matters are soon resolved when Ken turns out to be a friend of the Helen's dead husband, helping her with her troubles and receiving her support for his own. | ||||||
| 16 | 6 | "Bang to Rights" | Tim Dowd | Brian Finch | 23 May 1993 | |
| When a woman attempts to commit suicide, Nick's intervention leads him to investigating her claim that her husband, a well-known robber, was framed for a crime he did not commit. In attempting to investigate the matter, Nick finds him questioning his predecessor who retired after the case's conclusion, leading to them eventually being forced to confess the truth about why the arrest was made. Meanwhile, Bellamy makes plans to engage with a new girlfriend, until her old boyfriend exposes the flaws in their relationship. | ||||||
| 17 | 7 | "A Talent for Deception" | Terry Marcel | Jonathan Critchely | 30 May 1993 | |
| Nick is assigned to investigate a recent arrival to Aidensfield, only to discover they are a renowned crime writer that Sgt. Blaketon admires. With their help, Nick ensures that Bellamy can assist in organising a talent contest for a local football club, and in the process manages to catch a suspect who disappeared after a hit-and-run accident. Meanwhile, Kate is forced to protect her marriage when a former lover arrives in the area, and Greengrass purchases land that soon proves valuable when needed by the Ministry of Defence. | ||||||
| 18 | 8 | "Baby Blues" | Catherine Morshead | Veronica Henry | 6 June 1993 | |
| A group of hippies bring problems that Nick has to deal with, especially when it disrupts life for a new mother of a family-run toystore. When her infant child is later abducted, the matter exposes the stress she has been under to her husband and mother-in-law, while revealing that a woman desperate for children has acted irrationally in the process. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to train up a racehorse, but causes trouble in Aidensfield much to Sgt. Blaketon's annoyance. | ||||||
| 19 | 9 | "Wall of Silence" | Terry Marcel | Jane Hollowood | 13 June 1993 | |
| Nick finds himself dealing with a number of break-ins around Aidensfield, along with one at Ashfordly Hall, resulting in the loss of money, gin, and pheasants. At the same time, Kate has to save the daughter of Lord Ashfordly's former gamekeeper, after she is rushed to hospital following an illegal abortion. However, a wall of silence impedes efforts to understand what happened in each case. When a young man is wrongfully accused of theft, Kate discovers the gamekeeper's daughter was responsible and had good reason to do so. | ||||||
| 20 | 10 | "Missing" | Terry Marcel | Adele Rose | 20 June 1993 | |
| A stolen painting turns up in Aidensfield, which Dr. Ferrenby hands over to Nick after having suspicions on its providence. Sgt. Blaketon swiftly demands answers, leading Nick to determine how it originally came into the hands of two men helping with the village's annual funfair, and discovers a local to be an unlikely suspect. Meanwhile, Kate finds herself concerned for the well-being of an elderly mother who has made frequent visits to the surgery. She soon discovers the cause to be her son, who lost his wife and son a few years ago, and whose grief has led to them behaving erratically when a young boy goes missing. | ||||||
Series 3 (1993)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Speed Kills" | Terry Marcel | David Martin | 3 October 1993 | |
| A break-in at Aidensfield surgery results in drugs being stolen and Dr. Ferrenby being critically injured by the culprits, who also happen to steal Greengrass's new car. Concerned of the danger to the public, Sgt. Blaketon assigns Nick and Bellamy to find the culprits, especially when a friend of Gina's collapses after using drugs she had gotten from two local boys. Meanwhile, Kate becomes concerned for the well-being of a pregnant woman who suffered miscarriages in the past, and soon discovers her in possession of medication that had since been withdrawn from use. | ||||||
| 22 | 2 | "Riders of the Storm" | Tim Dowd | Brian Finch | 10 October 1993 | |
| Heavy snow causes problems around Aidensfield, and soon derails a passenger train near the village, leaving several people badly injured, including Gina's cousin and Dr. Ferrenby. The villagers soon come to the rescue, though as they tend to the wounded, Nick discovers that a recently released armed robber, Stevie Walsh, had been aboard and was returning to the area for unknown reasons. At the same time, Kate finds herself assisting the Walsh's former wife, as she finds herself going into labour with the child she is having with another man. | ||||||
| 23 | 3 | "Dead Ringer" | Tim Dowd | Johnny Byrne | 17 October 1993 | |
| Bellamy finds himself in trouble when a rental storage linked to his address is found to be in possession of items stolen during a burglary. When Nick learns Bellamy had been seeing a woman when he should have been on duty, he swiftly discovers that the woman's lover sought to frame him out of spite. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to conduct a greyhound-racing scam with the unwitting help of a former trainer's grandson, but soon learns to regret it when the trainer finds out. | ||||||
| 24 | 4 | "Going Home" | Bob Mahoney | Johnny Byrne | 24 October 1993 | |
| A local landowner, Martin Lessor, is nearly shot at by a visiting German, Victor Kellerman. Nick is soon sent to collect Kellerman later that evening after he is caught by police in Liverpool trying to leave the country. Along the return journey, he discovers a dark secret from the Second World War that links the two men together, something that Lessor is not keen to have exposed. Meanwhile, Kate and the whole of Aidensfield are shocked when Dr. Ferrenby dies; he became disorientated while fishing, fell in and drowned. It is later discovered that Ferrenby was suffering from a slow brain haemorrhage, possibly caused by the head injury he sustained during the surgery break-in (Series 3's opening episode "Speed Kills"). Meanwhile, Greengrass provides help to Irish gypsies in organising a bare-first fight under Sgt. Blaketon's watchful gaze. | ||||||
| 25 | 5 | "A Chilly Reception" | Catherine Morshead | Eric Wendell | 31 October 1993 | |
| Nick finds himself investigating a spate of incidents that seem intent on disrupting the wedding of Susan Siddons, and discovers that her ex-boyfriend was responsible for most of these after returning to the area when his grandmother recently died. At the same time, he also discovers Greengrass had supplied a load of fishfood to her father, unaware it was stolen by a friend whom Ashfordly police link to several robberies. Meanwhile, Kate receives a visit from her aunt Eileen about an inheritance from her uncle, but is reluctant to divulge why she won't accept it. | ||||||
| 26 | 6 | "The Frighteners" | Alan Grint | Brian Finch | 7 November 1993 | |
| The elderly Jane Thompson becomes a victim of harassment when she receives frightening phone calls, before someone vandalizes her property and forces her to move into a nursing home. Nick initially has suspicions it was a local landowner, Raymond Walker, who wished to buy her cottage, but both he and Kate soon discover a member of Thompson's family sought to get her out to profit from Walker's upcoming development. Meanwhile, Ventress brings a kitten back to the police station, much to Sgt. Blaketon's dislike. | ||||||
| 27 | 7 | "Father's Day" | Terry Marcel | Brian Finch | 14 November 1993 | |
| Following a disco at a village hall, the DJ who ran it is assaulted by three young men. Nick finds himself investigating, until he discovers that one of the culprits is Sgt. Blaketon's estranged son Graham, putting his father in a difficult position. However, the matter is complicated when Kate reveals that Karen Fletcher, a young girl who witnessed the crime, had been found to be taking drugs acquired during events run by the DJ. Meanwhile, local pig farmer Betty Such and her son discover that her late husband left them some money, but get into trouble when they work to recover and spend it. | ||||||
| 28 | 8 | "Endangered Species" | Tim Dowd | Michael Russell | 21 November 1993 | |
| When local lad David Stockwell hears noises in the woods, his mother follows after him and becomes a victim of a hit-and-run accident. Her refusal to reveal what happened prompts Nick to investigate, whereupon David comes across the bodies of several badgers, one of which is barely alive. Sgt. Blaketon soon suspects an illegal badger-digging ring is operating in the area, which David offers to help bring down when he learns a friend of his mother's is involved. Meanwhile, Greengrass attempts to sell shares in a racehorse, only to accidentally short-sell many of these around Aidensfield. | ||||||
| 29 | 9 | "An American in Aidensfield" | Catherine Morshead | Peter Palliser | 28 November 1993 | |
| An American motorcyclist, Charlie Dameron, visits Aidensfield and begins a relationship with Gina, but finds himself unwanted when a Korean war veteran, Fred Manchester, suspects him to be a draft dodger. Despite being ill, Nick is forced to step in when the matter worsens between the two men. Meanwhile, Kate is forced to use the Aidensfield police house as a temporary surgery, after Ferrenby's home and surgery is sold off by his family, while Greengrass cheats a farmer out of two vintage motorbikes in his possession. | ||||||
| 30 | 10 | "Bringing It All Back Home" | Bob Mahoney | Michael Russell | 5 December 1993 | |
| A police inspection by Inspector Crossley brings about changes, leading to Kate having to discontinue using Aidensfield police house for her surgery. With no choice, she and Nick must decide if she is to accept a job offer that will take her to Whitby. Meanwhile, Greengrass finds himself in trouble with Inland Revenue, Gina decides to pursue a singing career during a trip to Whitby, and Sgt. Blaketon seeks to bond with his son Graham during his free time. | ||||||
Series 4 (1994)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 1 | "Wild Thing" | Ken Horn | Michael Russell | 4 September 1994 | |
| A spate of attacks on local sheep is initially blamed by Crossley on a possible escaped animal, until Greengrass dog is found wondering freely during the night. When Alfred is believed to be responsible and set to be destroyed, Nick finds evidence to clear his name when his next night shift uncovers the real culprits behind the attacks. Meanwhile, Kate takes up a new job at a surgery in Whitby, but faces problems with a receptionist who refuses to let her handle her fair share of patients. | ||||||
| 32 | 2 | "Witch Hunt" | Catherine Morshead | Brian Finch | 11 September 1994 | |
| Marjorie Salter and her husband Harry are renovating the home of her great aunt, who recently died, when they suddenly succumb to arsenic poisoning. When Ashfordly police investigate, Crossley swiftly suspects they were poisoned by the housekeeper Nancy Bellow, who worked for Marjorie's great aunt and resented not inheriting the property as promised. When the Salters succumb to further poisoning when they return home after treatment, Nick and Kate soon find evidence to where the arsenic came from. Although Bellow is cleared of suspicion, Crossley finds himself in trouble when his harassment of the housekeeper leads her to attempt suicide. | ||||||
| 33 | 3 | "Mid Day Sun" | Baz Taylor | Jonathan Critchely | 18 September 1994 | |
| The local garage owner in Aidensfield is rushed to hospital, whereupon he is found to have succumbed to rabies. While Kate works to do what she can for him, Nick and Sgt. Blaketon have their hands full containing a possible outbreak in the area. They soon discover the disease came from an infected dog brought in from abroad by a family that had not properly quarantined it. The matter soon becomes serious when the family's only son is found to be still searching for the animal, unaware of the danger he is in. | ||||||
| 34 | 4 | "Turn of the Tide" | Tim Dowd | Johnny Byrne | 25 September 1994 | |
| Nick and Ventress find themselves going undercover to investigate a possible smuggling operation being run out of Whitby. The pair soon discover a local shipping company is being used to smuggle in counterfeit notes, leading them to instigate a plan to coerce the owner to help entrap the smugglers. Meanwhile, Kate finds herself assisting a teenage girl when she tries to get rid of her unborn child, and Greengrass decides to supply meat around Aidensfield despite Sgt. Blaketon operating in the area in Nick's absence. | ||||||
| 35 | 5 | "Love Child" | Ken Horn | Brian Finch | 2 October 1994 | |
| Sandie Sanderson breaks into local council offices in a quest to find the child she gave up for adoption. Nick soon becomes involved in tracking Sandie down, especially when she believes she has found her child, unaware they died a few months after adoption and that she has taken the foster parents' own child by mistake. Meanwhile, Greengrass is accused of harming peregrine falcons when he seeks to stop them harming pigeons, until fresh evidence proves a local gamekeeper is to blame. | ||||||
| 36 | 6 | "Nice Girls Don't" | Baz Taylor | Jane Hollowood | 9 October 1994 | |
| Following a night out to celebrate with the local rugby team, Gina finds herself followed by a car and attacked by its male driver. However, her call for help leads her doubting to whether action will be taken when a female police inspector suggests Gina is to blame, forcing her to withdraw her complaint when a local man's family accuse her of lying. However, Nick soon discovers a fellow police officer is to blame when a friend of Gina's is soon attacked by them the following night. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to capture a piglet to sell, unaware it was reported missing from a farm. | ||||||
| 37 | 7 | "Trouble in Mind" | Tim Dowd | Johnny Byrne | 16 October 1994 | |
| A man mysteriously turns up in Aidensfield and collapses in the pub, whereupon Nick and Kate discover his name is Dennis Parker, but that he has no memory of the past seven years. When it turns out Parker was wanted for inquiries into a crime, the pair work to discover what happened to him after it occurred. They soon discover evidence that clears him of involvement, as well as revealing where Parker had been and what led to his return. Meanwhile, Greengrass is bothered by a man obsessed with one of Alfred Hitchcock's films fan, especially as he suggests that they should burn down each other's property for the insurance. | ||||||
| 38 | 8 | "Fair Game" | Matthew Evans | Veronica Henry | 23 October 1994 | |
| When a businessman, Jack Temple-Richards, dies during a fox hunt, what seems like a tragic accident soon becomes a murder investigation when a post-mortem discovers he was given whiskey laced with sleeping pills. Nick soon discovers that Jack's wife Susannah was quite adulterous and was more likely responsible for her husband's death, especially when it transpires her lover knew of what she was doing. Meanwhile, Greengrass gets his hands on some prize winning fighting cockerels that belonged to a recently deceased owner, unaware of how much the owner's rivals seek them for illegal cock-fighting matches. | ||||||
| 39 | 9 | "Red Herring" | Ken Horn | Michael Russell | 30 October 1994 | |
| Russian sailor Vladimir Ivanov goes missing from his trawler in Whitby, turning up in Aidensfield in hopes of seeking political asylum. However, local British intelligence raises concerns he has details on sensitive information, which soon lead the sailor to go missing. Nick and Kate soon discover he lied about what he knew when he seeks help from a local Russian priest. Both soon concoct a plan to help Vladimir return to his ship, right under the watch of intelligence officers searching for him. | ||||||
| 40 | 10 | "Arms and the Man" | Tim Dowd | Jonathan Critchely | 6 November 1994 | |
| A veteran of the Second World War, Ron Cooper, has a shooting accident on his farm, though Sgt. Blaketon is unhappy to learn he used an unlicensed army rifle. Ashfordly police are forced to make enquiries about where it was obtained, and soon discover that Cooper had been hoarding munitions that his farmhand came across. However, local lads find the hoard and plan to detonate some of the explosives amongst it, unaware of the danger they are putting themselves in. Meanwhile, Greengrass manages to steal all of Lord Ashfordly's trout under Blaketon's watch, and Nick and Kate's marriage comes under strain following a heated argument between the pair. | ||||||
| 41 | 11 | "Treading Carefully" | Catherine Morshead | Lizzie Mickery | 13 November 1994 | |
| Lead is stolen around Aidensfield, prompting Ashfordly police to track down the culprits. Although a chimney sweep seems the likely suspect, Nick soon discovers a group of army lads, taking time off from active duty, are behind the thefts when one of them has a nasty fall from a church during a job, and is promptly abandoned by his mates. Meanwhile, Sgt. Blaketon advises Nick to patch things up with his wife Kate, who soon surprises her husband with news that she is pregnant. | ||||||
| 42 | 12 | "Bad Blood" | Matthew Evans | Steve Trafford | 20 November 1994 | |
| A break-in at a farm leads Nick and Kate to discovering an ongoing feud between the farmer, Arthur Jacobs, and his brother Darcy, over their late father's will. When the farmer's wife Emily, who is pregnant, runs away out of fear of Darcy, the events that follow soon reveal the circumstances surrounding the feud between the two Jacob brothers . Meanwhile, Gina receives a visit from an old friend that George soon dislikes having in the Aidensfield Arms. | ||||||
| 43 | 13 | "Assault and Battery" | Tim Dowd | Freda Kelsall | 27 November 1994 | |
| A local poultry farmer is found dead by his workers, having been shot with his own shotgun. In investigating the matter, Nick discovers the situation was an accident, but that a spate of vandalism of the farmer's property and a series of poison pen letters, accusing him of inhumane treatment of chickens, may have been done by someone closer to home. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to sell surplus eggs as free-range, until his customers come back angry over the poor quality of his products. | ||||||
| 44 | 14 | "Lost and Found" | Ken Horn | Johnny Byrnes | 6 December 1994 | |
| A widower, Howard Franklin, arrives in Aidensfield to carry out his late wife's wish for her remains, only to find he and another train passenger got their luggage mixed up. Both Nick and Kate offer to help, and soon work to investigate why the dead woman's elderly mother, Hannah Stockdale, is unwilling to let her daughter be buried in the family plot. Meanwhile, Ashfordly's annual country fete brings trouble when a pair of thieves try to steal firearms, and Greengrass decides to nobble a rival's dog due to take part in a race. | ||||||
| 45 | 15 | "A Bird in the Hand" | Matthew Evans | Jonathan Critchely | 13 December 1994 | |
| Kate becomes concerned over how some local children have caught brucellosis, while Nick investigates who broke down a boundary wall that allowed an elderly sheep farmer's stock to become loose. Their investigation soon uncovers evidence that a rival farmer sent out infected milk and is intent on getting control of his neighbour's land. However, when the sheep farmer falls ill, an investigation into the cause reveals an illegal side business his farmhand was working on. Meanwhile, Greengrass turns private detective and recruits Gina to help him trace a missing relative, though his efforts only end up being wasted. | ||||||
| 46 | 16 | "A Winter's Tale" | Tim Dowd | Brian Finch | 25 December 1994 | |
| Two young children seeking to raise money at Christmas, so their sick brother can receive treatment oversea, decide to steal pine trees from the estate of Lady Janet Whitly, borrowing Greengrass' truck in the process. Nick soon finds out what they are doing when the pair are caught by their father, but his concern for the family leads to him trying to convince Whitly into being lenient and providing help to the sick boy's family. | ||||||
Series 5 (1995)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 1 | "Wishing Well" | Alister Halum | Johnny Byrne | 3 September 1995 | |
| Following an incident involving a biker gang from Whitby, Nick and Sgt. Blaketon are shocked to find a stolen gold bar in Greengrass' possession, which was part of a hoard stolen years ago. They soon discover the dead husband of elderly widow Netty Pickard came across the stolen gold while metal-detecting, hiding most of it somewhere on their property. The police soon discover another is searching for it, when Netty's home is ransacked. Meanwhile, Kate receives help from nurse Maggie Bolton with aiding her surgery patients, while secretly having blood tests done regarding a possible condition she might have. | ||||||
| 48 | 2 | "Expectations" | Tim Dowd | Lizzie Mickery | 10 September 1995 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating the theft of clothing taken from washing lines, although Nick is more concerned with the mischief being caused by a group of boys led by Joe Norton. Matters soon get worse when Norton turns his attention against a visiting gypsy woman who had been offering lucky heather to people, and promptly gets himself into trouble when he burns down her caravan. During this time, Kate finally gives birth to a baby girl, but the joyous occasion is overshadowed for Nick with news that his wife is dying from acute leukaemia. | ||||||
| 49 | 3 | "Thief in the Night" | Tim Dowd | Jane Hollowood | 17 September 1995 | |
| Nick spends what time he has left with his dying wife while taking care of their daughter, though Maggie becomes concerned on how he will cope. At the same time, someone has begun stealing petrol from cars, diverting Nick's attention. Greengrass soon discovers that David is doing the deed, unaware his visiting friend has coerced him to do so. Kate eventually passes away, leading to Nick's family, friends and colleagues paying their respects at her funeral. However, his emotions soon get the better of him when he catches David trying to steal more petrol. As Greengrass steps in to save David from further trouble, Nick is left considering his future with Kate's daughter. | ||||||
| 50 | 4 | "Domestic" | Allister Halum | Brian Finch | 24 September 1995 | |
| Six weeks after Kate's funeral, Nick struggles to maintain his police duties and looking after his infant daughter Katie. The matter is especially problematic when a dispute between neighbours gets out of hand. Thankfully, the arrival of his mother Ruby soon helps, allowing Nick to restore peace between the neighbours. Meanwhile, Greengrass agrees to hold a darts match for his nephew Norman in hopes of winning a bet against his opponent, unaware that Norman plans to throw the match on purpose. | ||||||
| 51 | 5 | "Vacant Possession" | Tom Cotter | John Stevenson | 1 October 1995 | |
| A cottage promised by Martin Shepherd to his daughter Sue and her boyfriend Eddie King, is put up for sale much to the boyfriend's anger, leading to a series of heated moments between the two men. Matters then get worse when someone throws a stone into the cottage after its sale to a couple that moved to the area. Nick to investigates the situation, and discovers Martin thoroughly dislikes Eddie's relationship with his daughter. Meanwhile, Sgt. Blaketon finds himself dating with Ruby, but is slow to enter a relationship with her, leading to her deciding to return to London, but not before bringing in Kate's aunt Eileen to help Nick out in her place. | ||||||
| 52 | 6 | "We're All Allies Really" | Ngozi Unwurah | Peter Tinniswood | 8 October 1995 | |
| German visitor, Dieter Lotschmeyer, reignites old hatreds when he's found to be the son of a German bomber pilot who died during a raid in the Second World War, but shortly after he dropped a bomb that killed the parents of local troublemaker. When Dieter offers to help in a search for a missing person, he soon gets into trouble that requires old grievances to be put aside in order to save his life. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers to help an elderly man fulfil a dream of driving a locomotive after falling out with his wife over their hiking holidays, but the pair soon end up in trouble when they steal one for this purpose. | ||||||
| 53 | 7 | "Sophie's Choice" | David Innes Edwards | Rob Gittins | 15 October 1995 | |
| Nick and Maggie become concerned for the mental health of a teacher's wife, after she causes a traffic accident and shoplifts. When she is later killed in her house after a fire breaks out, Nick discovers the tragic circumstances that led to her death. Gina and Eileen become worried for a young girl, who they fear was kidnapped against her will by her father. Their concern is soon justified when the father is found to be an escaped criminal, but when he is captured with his daughter, he soon provides answers behind his actions. Meanwhile, Greengrass and George compete against each other with some pigeon racing. | ||||||
| 54 | 8 | "Gone Tomorrow" | Graeme Harper | Freda Kelsall | 22 October 1995 | |
| Parish councillor Bernard Conway and his wife engage in a dispute with a neighbouring farmer, especially due to the relationship between their daughter and the farmer's son. When the councillor disappears following a row in the Aidensfield Arms, Nick discovers Bernard to be in an extramarital affair with a local woman, whom Eileen had been doing charity work with to raise money. Meanwhile, Ventress fears for his future after he claims to have seen a UFO during a stormy night. | ||||||
| 55 | 9 | "Toss Up" | David Innes Edward | James Robson | 29 October 1995 | |
| Nick finds himself dealing with a spate of burglaries in the area, all by someone using a disguise that includes a cloth bag on their head. After Maggie is targeted by them, he soon discovers the thief comes from a family where they had been the subject of abuse from their father. Ashfordly police deal with the aftermath of a road accident involving two girls, one of whom is killed in the crash. When it turns out both had been under the influence of drugs, Sgt. Blaketon tasks his men into tracking down a travelling musician who they identify as a small-time drug dealer. | ||||||
| 56 | 10 | "It's All in the Game" | Tom Cotter | Ron Rose | 5 November 1995 | |
| Nick is reunited with an old friend, Sgt. Jill Criddle from London, who agrees to help him when CID request assistance in investigating Frank Armstrong, a known crime boss who runs several gambling dens in the north of the country. Visiting his latest establishment in Scarborough, the pair soon find evidence Frank has plans to fix an important race during an annual horse-racing event. With help from his colleagues, Nick works to prevent Frank's gang nobbling the favourite in the race with a horse whisperer who recently arrived in the area, though Jill is put at risk when her identity is discovered by one of Frank's men. | ||||||
| 57 | 11 | "Vigilante" | Graeme Harper | Brian Finch | 12 November 1995 | |
| Miriam Wakefield is heartbroken when her husband dies from a heart attack, after trying to apprehend a robber in their home. Although the robber is identified as Terry Tinniswood, a local troublemaker within Aidensfield, his family obstructs her chances for justice. In her efforts to hound him to demonstrate the pain she suffers, Miriam's actions inadvertently push Terry to the brink of suicide. Meanwhile, an overzealous special constable faces embarrassment when his wife reveals her true feelings regarding his prized hobby. | ||||||
| 58 | 12 | "Unfinished Business" | Tom Cotter | Jane Hollowood | 19 November 1995 | |
| Greengrass and David unearth an unexploded bomb following an accident, while working on the foundations for a new house for Ventress. As the army arrives to defuse it, Ashfordly police are charged with evacuating the residents of Aidensfield to safety. However, the matter is complicated when a single mother's son is unaccounted for, and the search for the boy by Nick and Sgt. Blaketon unexpectedly turns up a dead man's body in the home of the local station master. As Blaketon questions the circumstances of the man's death, Nick continues the search for the missing child, and is nearly killed when the bomb eventually detonates while being defused. | ||||||
| 59 | 13 | "Saint Columba's Treasure" | Gerry Mill | Jonathan Critchely | 26 November 1995 | |
| Following a scholar's accidental death, Greengrass takes an interest on a rumour that he had hidden away a treasure he found in the tunnels of an old abbey. When he goes hunting for them, Sgt. Blaketon follows after him to learn what he is up to. A cave-in soon traps both men and leads to Blaketon being badly injured, forcing Greengrass to keep him alive. As Nick and Maggie work to find them when their absence is noticed, they soon receive help from the scholar's former assistant, who was seeking to find a missing Anglo-Saxon book. Meanwhile, Ashfordly police receive a clue from Bernie Scripps, Aidensfield's local garage owner and undertaker, that helps solve a series of thefts. | ||||||
| 60 | 14 | "Sitting off the Dock of the Bay" | John Darnell | Rob Gittins | 3 December 1995 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves focused on putting a stop to a pirate radio ship that is broadcasting across the district. However, Nick is more concerned that someone is supplying LSDs to local kids, after Joe Norton, who recently returned from a spell in borstal, falls to his death from the top of a church tower while under the influence of the drugs. When a DJ from the pirate radio ship comes forward with evidence that his employer is working with drug runners, Nick goes undercover as a DJ as part of a plan to capture the group. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to make his own whiskey, but runs into problems doing so that nearly see him being arrested for his illegal still. | ||||||
| 61 | 15 | "Blood Sports" | Gerry Mill | Brian Finch | 10 December 1995 | |
| Maggie becomes concerned for the well-being of a young boy, Simon Carter, whose father Charles is keen to protect him after they recently arrived in the area. Nick soon learns that the mother, Michelle Blanchard, is hunting for Simon, following a bad divorce with Charles. When their son is rushed to hospital for treatment against polio, the mother soon regrets using their child against her ex-husband when it becomes clear he may be infected as well. Meanwhile, a rugby player has a moral dilemma when Sgt. Blaketon and Greengrass decide to use him for their own plans, and Nick strikes up a friendship with Aidensfield's new school teacher Jo Weston. | ||||||
Series 6 (1996)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 1 | "Kids" | Tim Dowd | Brian Finch | 1 September 1996 | |
| Derek Ramsey, the boyfriend of single mother Dorothy McGowan, gets into trouble after assaulting Nick, Ventress and Bellamy in the Aidensfield Arms. However, he suddenly escapes from custody following his trial, shortly before Dorothy is attacked in her home. Although Derek seems to be the suspect, Ashfordly police soon learn that Dorothy was married to a loan shark whom she left, but not before taking money from him that he seeks to reclaim. Meanwhile, Greengrass gets work as the village's local lollipop man, but soon finds himself accused of stealing from the school, George finds that the pub's rent has been increased by Lord Ashfordly, and Nick develops a fondness for Jo. | ||||||
| 63 | 2 | "Old Colonials" | Ken Horn | Ron Rose | 8 September 1996 | |
| Greengrass is unhappy to see his nephew Norman again, but agrees to do business with his friend Jeb C Faulkner, an American soldier. At the same time, Ashfordly police find themselves dealing with a spate of burglaries, which soon lead to the arrest of a livery stable owner, Bill Ruane, following a break-in at Ashfordly Hall. Although the initial targets are later found to have been robbed by Faulkner, Nick suspects the Hall job may have been done by one of Lord Ashfordly's staff, who recently received their notice and sought revenge on Ruane for refusing his offer to buy his stables. Meanwhile, Jo decides to enter a relationship with Nick after bonding with his daughter. | ||||||
| 64 | 3 | "Forget Me Not" | James Hazeldine | Jane Hollowood | 15 September 1996 | |
| Alan Davies, a tailor shop employee living in Aidensfield, suddenly begins receiving disturbing phone calls, photos and messages, and late night visits. Sgt. Blaketon assumes it is possibly connected to an affair Davies was engaged in and swiftly dismisses the matter. However, Nick soon discovers the campaign of harassment was meant for his new neighbour, Adrian Shaw, who happened to be a doctor that recently served a prison sentence for causing the death of a young girl under his care and whose life has fallen apart as a result. When Davies goes missing, Nick and Blaketon soon find that the young girl's father is seeking justice against Shaw, unaware the men he employed to find the doctor have got the wrong man. | ||||||
| 65 | 4 | "A Long Shot" | Tim Dowd | David Lane | 22 September 1996 | |
| Jo becomes concerned that a mischievous pupil, Len Schofield, has been abused by his father Harry, especially as he desires his son to become a professional cricketeer. Maggie soon discovers that bruises found on Len's body may have been accidental when she finds his eyesight has deteriorated recently. But when the boy runs away, after mistakenly believing he let his father down, Nick works with his colleagues to find Len before he gets into trouble. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to borrow one of Lord Ashfordly's horses for his latest moneymaking scheme, and Ventress gets into some difficulty after he spends an evening gambling. | ||||||
| 66 | 5 | "Something of Value" | Gwennan Sage | Johnny Byrne | 29 September 1996 | |
| Ashfordly police investigate a robbery at a warehouse in which valuable wine and port was stolen. At the same time, Nick becomes concerned about why Ventress is needing a considerable sum of money. However, he soon learns that Ventress is in debt to the haulier owner Charlie Wallace, who he suspects to be behind the robbery of rare wine and port around the area. Knowing Ventress is in serious trouble, Nick decides to help him escape his debt and at the same time bring down Wallace for his crimes. When Greengrass is found to have located the stolen wine on Lord Ashfordly's estate while doing a job for him, Ventress sees the perfect opportunity for a trap. | ||||||
| 67 | 6 | "Frail Mortality" | Michael Cocker | Keith Temple | 6 October 1996 | |
| Maggie finds herself the prime suspect in a road traffic accident, which leaves the victim, Susan Watkins, in a coma. Sgt. Blaketon believes she is guilty, but although Nick is not convinced, Maggie faces gossip on the matter that leaves her concerned for her reputation. Evidence soon emerges that proves Maggie's innocence, and reveals the culprit may have been either an elderly father or his son, both of whom were in love with Susan. Meanwhile, Greengrass gets more than he bargains for when he pays for a Russian tea urn in hopes of selling it, and tries to offer a taxidermy service to a local woman with Bernie's help. | ||||||
| 68 | 7 | "Snapped" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 13 October 1996 | |
| Nick has his hands full when hotel worker Brian Rogers is accused by his boss, Ralph Webster, for causing a fire in a storeroom, despite evidence pointing to faulty wiring. When Webster fires Rogers for not completing a job, despite being pulled from it to tend to the fire damage, it soon leads to a tense situation when he gets drunk and brandishes a gun. Nick soon finds himself working overtime to assist, especially when both Webster and Gina are robbed by a visiting fashion photographer and his models, but not without putting pressure on his relationship with Jo, who assumes he does not love her. | ||||||
| 69 | 8 | "Catch Us If You Can" | Tim Dowd | Brian Finch | 20 October 1996 | |
| Nick investigates an unprovoked attack on a café by two thugs, after it recently took ownership of a new jukebox. At the same time, Greengrass joins up with local businessman Reggie Rawlins, who is hoping to supply the area with jukeboxes. When one of these is vandalized by the thugs after it was installed in the Aidensfield Arms, Nick suspects the thugs work for a jukebox supplier in Whitby that is seeking to eliminate any competition in the district, especially when Rawlins and Greengrass face increasing attacks. Meanwhile, Ventress is tasked with arranging a family wedding, but soon finds himself ashamed to have been conned by a fraudster in the process, leaving Nick to make things right by setting up a trap for the culprit. | ||||||
| 70 | 9 | "Giving the Game Away" | Ken Horn | Guy Meredith | 27 October 1996 | |
| Errol Jones, a black friend of Nick's, arrives in Aidensfield and comes under suspicion for robbing a farm after he is found in possession of vast sum of money. Nick clears his name when he learns the farmer owed money to a patient of Maggie's that was in possession of banned pesticides. However, he still questions Errol's reason for visiting, as his friend joins the local cricket team for a match. Nick soon learns that Errol stole the money from a night club owner he worked for, who, while currently under police investigation, is seeking him out. Meanwhile, Ruby makes a surprise visit on her son, and soon helps to get Nick and Jo back together after learning of their relationship from Eileen. | ||||||
| 71 | 10 | "The Championship" | Gerry Mill | Jane Hollowood | 3 November 1996 | |
| Following a quoits match against Aidensfield, the captain of a rival team becomes distracted at the wheel of their coach, causing it to crash on the moors. Nick is forced to cut short an evening meal with Jo's parents in order to assist, when news reaches both him and the villagers. As they offer help before the emergency services arrive to tend the wounded, one of the passengers dies, leaving Nick to bring the news to his wife along with his dying words. | ||||||
| 72 | 11 | "Who Needs Enemies?" | Graham Moore | Brian Finch | 10 November 1996 | |
| Sgt. Blaketon worries about his job security as a shakeup is made of the district police force. At the same time, Nick investigates the assault of a young boy on the edge of a golf club, and has suspicions he witnessed two of its members conducting an illicit arrangement. Blaketon, who is friends with one of the members, refuses to accept Nick's theory on the crime, until he learns how corrupt his friend is willing to be. Meanwhile, Greengrass is forced to go to hospital before he can put down a bet for some associates, and does anything he can to avoid seeing them as a result. | ||||||
| 73 | 12 | "Thanks to Alfred" | Graham Wetherell | Rob Gittins | 17 November 1996 | |
| The body of Sylvia Philips, an estranged wife and mother, is found dead on the moors, and a post mortem reveals it had been dumped after she was killed somewhere else. Nick assists in the investigation as her estranged husband Jim and Sylvia's lover, pub landlord Mike Scott, are questioned on the matter. When Jim confesses to the crime, Nick is unconvinced and looks in to why he and his wife became estranged in the first place. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers his services to a wrestler's agent and tries to provide a solution when his wrestler is bit by Alfred. But when the wrestler resents the fact he is to be permanently replaced as a result, he soon gets his own back against his agent. | ||||||
| 74 | 13 | "Obsessions" | Tom Cotter | Peter Gibbs | 1 December 1996 | |
| Sandra Croft, a young woman living in Aidensfield, is rescued by Nick from a house fire, who quickly falls in love with him. However, Nick discovers her to be a nuisance with possible mental problems after making inquiries with a former boyfriend of Sandra's. When he swiftly refuses her affections, Sandra soon turns her love into hate and attempts to ruin his career and his relationship with Jo, which soon goes too far. Meanwhile, Greengrass launches a tourism business, but his first customers, an outdoors couple, soon bring problems which nearly wreck their marriage. | ||||||
| 75 | 14 | "The Best Laid Plans" | Gwennan Sage | Freda Kelsall | 8 December 1996 | |
| Susannah Temple-Richards returns to Aidensfield to restart her life with a clean slate, but is shocked when her former cellmate, Maureen Bristow, in prison turns up at her new home. She soon finds herself in serious danger when she learns Maureen escaped from prison, and makes attempts to call for Nick's help. When Eileen gives him a cryptic message that Susannah sent, Nick swiftly works to find her, especially when it turns out that Maureen is working alongside a suspected robber who recently hit a post office. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to buy a deceased veteran's bureau in hopes of finding a fortune, which soon does not end well. | ||||||
| 76 | 15 | "Bygones Be Bygones" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 15 December 1996 | |
| A series of poison pen letters are sent around the district detailing secrets that put their recipients on edge. Nick and Bellamy find themselves tracking down where they came from, and discover they were written by the recently deceased husband of Joyce Jowett, who made them in frustration when his political dreams were shattered and who asked their solicitor to pass them out after his death. Meanwhile, Jo becomes concerned for her father when Nick is suspicious of a businessman who turns up in Aidensfield seeking investments from several people. His suspicions are justified when the businessman turns out to be a con artist who is desperately seeking to pay off his loan sharks with whatever money he can acquire. | ||||||
| 77 | 16 | "Old Friends" | Ken Horn | Ron Rose | 22 December 1996 | |
| Nick and Bellamy find themselves assisting in a major operation to track down Ronnie Savage, an escaped prisoner, and are assigned to keep surveillance on a known associate who runs a fishery in Whitby. When Bellamy goes missing, Nick suspects his colleague may have noticed signs the convict was due to arrive. When Savage does, he finds himself doing whatever he can to prevent them departing. Meanwhile, Eileen is surprised to reunite with Antonin Clarion, a French pilot she met during the Second World War, who wishes to marry her. After a talk with Maggie, she decides to commit to her responsibility to her family for the time being, but is delighted that Antonin is willing to wait for her. | ||||||
| 78 | 17 | "Charity Begins at Home" | Tom Cotter | Jane Hollowood | 25 December 1996 | |
| Heavy snow causes problems around Aidensfield and the moors on the night of Christmas Eve, though Nick and Jo are shocked to witness a plane crashing near to Jo's cottage. When they investigate, they find a heavily pregnant woman onboard and that the pilot has disappeared. As Nick and Jo help the woman find shelter, especially when she suddenly goes into premature labour, Greengrass comes across the missing pilot on his property, who is desperate to leave the area. After being insulted by him, Greengrass brings him to the police house, whereupon Nick discovers him to be the woman's husband and that he is wanted by police. | ||||||
Series 7 (1997–1998)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 1 | "Bad Apple" | Ken Horn | Peter Gibbs | 31 August 1997 | |
| Keith Megson, a known thief, is arrested for a break-in at a bus station, only for his lawyer to arrange for Greengrass to stand bail for him, much to Sgt. Blaketon's anger. Megson, who seeks to marry his sweetheart, soon becomes the suspect in several more break-ins despite his claims of innocence. Although Greengrass vows to keep his eye on him to provide him an alibi, Nick discovers that a colleague of the lawyer who represented Megson is framing him for the crimes they committed. Meanwhile, Jo announces her engagement to Nick, but while her father Graham approves, her mother Fiona is keen to show her firm dislike of the arrangement. | ||||||
| 80 | 2 | "Pig in the Middle" | Tom Cotter | Brian Finch | 7 September 1997 | |
| Special constable Hector Cowley suddenly disappears from his home in Aidensfield, whereupon his uniform turns up in the pig sty of a neighbouring farm. Sgt. Blaketon and Nick find themselves investigating what happened to him, and initially suspect the pig farmer, Betty Such, was behind his disappearance due to a dispute between her and Cowley. However, they soon discover Cowley had a row with his wife, who dumped his uniform after he left for a vacation that he failed to disclose to Blaketon. Meanwhile, Greengrass regrets offering a room to an old lady friend, Jo is forced to vacate her cottage and so moves in with Maggie, and Gina is left handling the Aidensfield Arms while her uncle is away suffering from an illness. | ||||||
| 81 | 3 | "Small Beer" | Gerry Mill | Bill Lyons | 14 September 1997 | |
| Nick and Jo becomes concerned for the well-being of her absentee pupil, Dennis Cross, when he disappears shortly after his mother is found dead in their home. When Maggie discovers that Greengrass is hiding him, he quickly conveys his belief that Dennis' mother had a daughter who could look after the boy. After Dennis flees from Greengrass's home, Nick chases after the boy upon learning he plans to run away to London, unaware that Maggie and Jo have found letters from the daughter that expose the truth behind Dennis' birth. Meanwhile, Ashfordly police investigate a break-in at a factory that turns out to have been staged, but not without exposing a worker's past to his employer. | ||||||
| 82 | 4 | "Closing Ranks" | Tom Cotter | Jane Hollowood | 21 September 1997 | |
| Bellamy is horrified when his gran is the victim of two muggers working in Ashfordly, and plants evidence on the pair when they are arrested. Knowing they had been searched by him, Nick faces a moral dilemma regarding what to do, but his failure to tell the truth gets him into trouble when Sgt. Blaketon discovers what Bellamy did. As the officers face uncertainty on their future, Ventress and Blaketon are left to convince another victim of the muggers to help bring the pair to justice. Meanwhile, two greedy women seek help from Greengrass to recover a hidden fortune their late father hid, and Jo falls out with Fiona despite learning her mother's health has declined. | ||||||
| 83 | 5 | "Leaving Home" | Ken Horn | David Lane | 28 September 1997 | |
| Ex-soldier and artist Clive Thompson spends a holiday at a local farm in the area that he stayed at during the Second World War. Having lost his wife, Clive fears losing their daughter Cathy, and resents the attention she receives from the farmer's stepson Steve Walker, causing Nick to act as peacekeeper when tempers flare. However, Clive soon lets his emotions get the better of him when Stephen and Cathy spend more time, only to be shocked when he discover who Steve's birth parents are following an accident. Meanwhile, Greengrass seeks help from Sgt. Blaketon when an old criminal friend co-erces him to help ship stolen cigarettes to a fence, and Jo and Graham are shocked when Fiona dies in hospital from a cerebral haemorrhage. | ||||||
| 84 | 6 | "Fool for Love" | Tim Dowd | James Stevenson | 5 October 1997 | |
| Susan Williamson, a well-dressed woman who recently arrived to the area, is accused by local businessman Derek Lightfoot of being obsessed with him, after his wife Jean finds her in possession of her scarves. Although Nick learns that Susan was treated for manic depression several years ago, he is not convinced she is a danger after Jean's car is vandalized, especially when he learns that Derek had been entrusted to look after a large inheritance for Susan during her treatment. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers help to an Australian couple in seeking out antiques but soon regrets it, and Jo provides support to Graham as he struggles with the grief from the death of Fiona. | ||||||
| 85 | 7 | "The Family Way" | Ken Horn | Brian Finch | 12 October 1997 | |
| An accident on a country road leaves a young boy in hospital, with his grandfather wanting justice against Charlie Fenton, the driver that caused the trouble. When he hounds Charlie into causing another incident, Sgt. Blaketon urges Nick to warn him off and drop the matter. After another incident occurs, Nick soon learns from Blaketon why Charlie cannot be prosecuted. Meanwhile, Greengrass receives a visit from his brother Cyril who happens to be having an affair behind his wife's back, Gina receives help in the Aidensfield Arms from a new boyfriend, and Jo's father Graham wonders how he will cope following the funeral of his wife. | ||||||
| 86 | 8 | "Friendly Fire" | Tom Cotter | Peter Gibbs | 19 October 1997 | |
| In trying to help farmers put an end to a stray dog that had been a nuisance to them, lay preacher Richard Ealham is shot. Nick becomes convinced he was shot deliberately, but faces difficulty proving his theory. However, the matter becomes complicated when it transpires that Ealham had an affair with a farmer's wife, whose husband recently discovered a letter she wrote to them. Meanwhile, Greengrass gets caught up in a dispute between two brothers who own a bakery that each want their father's secret bun recipe, and Gina learns her uncle will not be returning due to his illness. | ||||||
| 87 | 9 | "Sons and Lovers" | Gerry Mill | Susan Wilkins | 26 October 1997 | |
| Nick finds himself dealing with Lord Ashfordly's sister Patricia, when she causes problems with her frequent drinking. He soon learns she has been dealing with a rocky marriage and desperately seeks support in a dark hour of her life. Then things get worse when a former lover rejects her need for company, leading her to attempt suicide. Meanwhile, Greengrass helps an associate arrange an illegal shooting party on Lord Ashfordly's land, unaware a visiting vicar seeks to prevent him doing so for personal reasons. | ||||||
| 88 | 10 | "Playing with Trains" | Gerry Poulson | James Stevenson | 2 November 1997 | |
| While investigating the theft of materials from a fur coat company, Ashfordly police discover from female employee Molly Ainsworth that her husband Terry, recently released from prison, is planning a job. They soon learn that he intends to hit a train with associates and steal goods from the company that it will be transporting. Although the robbery is thwarted, Terry goes into hiding. Nick soon discovers where he is hiding, after learning that Terry used his only son to help plan the robbery. Meanwhile, Greengrass goes treasure hunting in a couple's garden, after using Bernie's new metal detector to find a missing item and unearthing an ancient coin. | ||||||
| 89 | 11 | "What the Butler Saw" | Tim Dowd | Garry Lyons | 9 November 1997 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating an attempted murder on Sammy Maxton, who was shot on the moors. At the same time, Eileen becomes concerned for Alice Jessop, a frail elderly woman in Aidensfield, after she takes on a new butler to help her. When Nick finds out that Maxton worked for an estate which is missing antiques, he soon discovers they had dealings with Jessop's butler, who soon is found to have a criminal record. Meanwhile, Greengrass sets up a pool competition which not only goes wrong, but ends Gina's relationship with her boyfriend after she takes over the Aidensfield Arm's licence, and Maggie is shocked to find her estranged husband, Dr. Neil Bolton, has recently moved to Ashfordly. | ||||||
| 90 | 12 | "Affairs of the Heart" | John Anderson | Jane Hollowood | 16 November 1997 | |
| Nick and Jo's wedding day has finally arrived, but it soon faces problems. While taking a drive to prepare himself for his big day, Nick becomes stranded on the moor after coming across a married man who was accidentally run over by his lover. As he does what he can to save the man, Ventress and Bellamy rush to find him before he is due in church, including recovering his car from the distraught woman. Meanwhile, Sgt. Blaketon finds he may have to retire soon after his superiors have doubts he can remain at his post because of his age, and Greengrass decides to sell some jellied eels at the wedding that Nick's grandfather had brought for the event. | ||||||
| 91 | 13 | "Peace and Quiet" | Tim Dowd | Peter Barwood | 23 November 1997 | |
| PC Mike Bradley is transferred to Aidensfield to stand-in for Nick whilst he is away. At the same time, Gina and Greengrass run a catering service for pipeline construction workers. All three find themselves in danger when a pair of armed robbers use the catering service to help them pull off a wages job on the pipeline's site office. While Mike is left to tend to a wounded manager at the office, Sgt. Blaketon works alongside Bellamy to find the culprits, unaware Greengrass and Gina seek to pursue them as well. However, Blaketon soon puts his health at great risk when his efforts to apprehend the robbers after an accident, lead to him suffering a serious heart attack. | ||||||
| 92 | 14 | "Substitute" | Gerry Mill | Ron Rose | 30 November 1997 | |
| Ventress is shocked when the Deighton family, a group of Irish criminals who beat up a colleague of his a few years ago, return to the area. At the same time, Greengrass allows a group of girl guides to camp on his land, while looking after a horse he purchased for an associate. Ventress soon discovers the Deightons plan to switch a prized racehorse for Greengrass' own, but is caught spying on them before he can report his findings. While Ventress works to free himself in order to thwart their plans, Mike and Bellamy are forced to rescue some of girl guides with Greengrass' help, after the Deightons lead them into trouble. Meanwhile, Sgt. Blaketon faces compulsory retirement after his heart attack, and Maggie discovers Neil's reason for his appearance in the area. | ||||||
| 93 | 15 | "In on the Act" | Gerry Mill | Veronica Henry | 7 December 1997 | |
| Nick returns from his honeymoon with Jo, only to find that he has become Ashfordly's new police sergeant following Blaketon's retirement, who has since taken ownership of the village post office. As Nick attends to his new duties, Jo becomes concerned for Sid Knight, a coal merchantman, who is struggling to cope with his wife's death and resents his eldest daughter Tracey spending time with two young stunt drivers from a travelling fair. When one of the drivers is critically injured in a deliberate accident, Nick is forced to determine if Sid was involved. Meanwhile, a disliked man is subjected to trouble that Mike is forced to investigate, and Eileen moves out of the police house in preparation for her move to France. | ||||||
| 94 | 16 | "The Queen's Message" | John Anderson | Peter Gibbs | 21 December 1997 | |
| Christmas brings bad luck for Rex Hawkins, a TV rental and repairman, after he is found attacked outside the Aidensfield Arms following choir practice for a concert. Ashfordly police soon learn Rex unwittingly took possession of several stolen and defective TV sets from a criminal, who has been demanding money for them and is now intent on stealing from one of Rex's wealthy customers. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to avoid paying for damage done to a figurine Gina buys from him, until Blaketon discovers what he is up to. | ||||||
| 95 | 17 | "Brainstorm" | Garth Tucker | Peter Barwood | 4 January 1998 | |
| Former race driver Russell Palmer and his cousin Keith Hibbert are arrested following a drunken brawl and kept overnight under Mike's watch. When Russell dies in custody, Keith swiftly accuses him of police negligence, leading Nick to suspend him from duty while he and DI Shiner investigate the allegations. However, when Palmer's post mortem showed he died of malaria, Nick and Shiner question why Hibbert failed to disclose his condition to them. Meanwhile, Blaketon catches Greengrass intercepting police broadcasts while setting up a taxi business in Bernie's garage, and Eileen leaves Aidensfield to reunite with her French lover. | ||||||
| 96 | 18 | "Bad Penny" | Garth Tucker | Peter Barwood | 11 January 1998 | |
| Nick discovers from DI Shiner that Mike was transferred to Aidensfield for his protection, after he helped in an undercover operation to bring down two London gangsters who have since disappeared after their charges were overturned. During this time, Mike is surprised when a former girlfriend, whom he met during the operation, turns up and claims he is the father of infant child. However, he soon is put in danger when the child's father turns out to be one of the gangsters, and that the girlfriend has betrayed him to them after they manage to evade police surveillance. Meanwhile, Greengrass meets an aristocratic lady poacher and soon loses his heart to her when he finds they have a lot in common. | ||||||
| 97 | 19 | "Appearances" | Brian Farnham | Carolyn Sally Jones | 18 January 1998 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating a spate of burglaries in which specific items are targeted. After John Upton and his family become the latest victims, his daughter Ruth is assaulted by the burglars when she returns to collect more items. Blaketon soon provides a lead for Mike and Bellamy, which lead to the culprits eventually being caught, while revealing the latest targets were arranged by an unlikely accomplice whohated Upton. Meanwhile, Greengrass and Bernie meet with an artist who inspires them into trying to make modern art, and Nick contemplates moving abroad with his family. | ||||||
| 98 | 20 | "Local Knowledge" | Gerry Mill | Brian Finch | 25 January 1998 | |
| As Nick prepares to move to Canada with Jo and Katie, Blaketon comes to him with news that Jimmy Turpin, a felon he brought down in the past, has returned to the area and may be planning something. His concerns are soon justified when two robbers hit the Aidensfield post office. Nick and Mike investigate the incident, and soon discover the robbers are directly linked to Turpin and that he arranged the robbery to get revenge on Blaketon. Meanwhile, Greengrass and a farmer sabotage each other when trying to prove their homes are haunted, and Neil makes plans to set up a new surgery in the village, much to Maggie's surprise. | ||||||
| 99 | 21 | "The Enemy Within" | Garth Tucker | Susan Wilkins | 1 February 1998 | |
| Blaketon is surprised to reunite with Jim Ryan, his former army sergeant, but becomes concerned with his behaviour upon his arrival, especially after Mike has to intervene when he goes into a rage against some local girls. Asked to help, Neil soon theorizes Ryan is suffering mental problems following his wife's death, and soon fears that he poses a danger when his behaviour worsens. Mike quickly finds himself in danger when Neil suspects that Ryan has regressed to his experience as a Japanese POW and perceives him as the enemy. Meanwhile, Greengrass is conned into buying stolen sheep, and soon seeks revenge on the crooks when they refuse to refund his money. | ||||||
| 100 | 22 | "Unconsidered Trifles" | Gerry Mill | Jonathan Critchley | 8 February 1998 | |
| Blaketon finds himself in trouble when he lies about where he was the night his car was stolen and later involved in a hit-and-run accident. When an inspection of the vehicle turns up drugs, Ventress is forced to get his former sergeant to confess to where he was, while Mike sees to tracking down the culprits when they found to be selling drugs in the district. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to make money from resembling some motorcycles in a widow's barn, only to find one of them is unsuitable for use and the other is stolen. | ||||||
| 101 | 23 | "Heroes and Villains" | Brian Farnham | Peter Gibbs | 15 February 1998 | |
| After attempting to make money from stolen golf balls, Trevor and Stuart Chivers break into the home of Gerard Sefton, an elderly First World War hero, after he is taken to hospital following an accident. However, Stuart becomes fascinated with the owner's life and spends time visiting him to learning more about his past. When the break-in is eventually discovered, Sefton is surprised to find some of his effects have been put on display, and soon offers undue sympathy to Stuart in return when he and Trevor's actions are uncovered. Meanwhile Maggie reconciles with Neil following a home birth, after discovering that she still retains feelings for her husband. | ||||||
| 102 | 24 | "Love Me Do" | Sue Dunderdale | Jane Hollowood | 22 February 1998 | |
| New police sergeant Raymond Craddock arrives to take charge of Ashfordly police, at the same time that Mike handles discos for the teenagers around Aidensfield with David's help. When a teenage girl goes missing after reporting that someone seemed to be following her, Mike and Craddock find she may have been taken by someone staying illegally on the Ashfordly Estate. But when she is found, her disappearance soon exposes an unwelcome truth for her mother, concerning how her father treats his daughter. | ||||||
Series 8 (1998–1999)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 1 | "Snake in the Grass" | Gerry Mill | Jane Hollowood | 6 September 1998 | |
| Mike finds himself working as a mediator to keep the peace between a farming couple and their new neighbours, but the matter is soon complicated when both sides suddenly come down with a mysterious case of food poisoning after eating sandwiches. In investigating the ingredients used, Neil and Mike soon discover that a toxic plant had been mistakenly used in the meals. Meanwhile, Gina returns to Aidensfield following the funeral of her uncle, after he dies from his illness, and receives much needed help running the Aidensfield Arms from her aunt Mary, and Greengrass finds himself stuck owning a python when attempting to recover a debt. | ||||||
| 104 | 2 | "Fall Out" | Gerry Poulson | Brian Finch | 13 September 1998 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves on the urgent hunt for a stolen car, after its owner, a researcher from Leeds, admits he was transporting a dangerous radioactive isotope in the boot. Mike and Bellamy soon find the car in the possession of scrap merchants after the thieves crashed it, only to learn the isotope is missing from the boot. A tip-off soon leads Mike to discovering that Stuart Chivers found it and is now preparing to blow it up, unaware of the danger he is putting others in. Meanwhile, Greengrass finds himself being used by his brother for a fraudulent scheme when he offers him a greyhound that he claims to be a champion racer. | ||||||
| 105 | 3 | "For Better or Worse" | Brian Farnham | Peter Gibbs | 20 September 1998 | |
| Following an accident by a young driver, Mike suspects he was sold a dodgy car by local car salesman Ken Marsden, especially when the vehicle is torched before it can be fully inspected. At the same time, Marsden's wife Ann is caught shoplifting, only for Ashfordly police to find evidence she is being bullied by Ken. Realizing her husband is being unfaithful to her, Mike convinces Ann to help expose Ken's crimes, with Sgt. Craddock forced to help in resolving the matter. Meanwhile, Maggie and Neil decide to maintain their commitment to each other, and Greengrass attempts to offer racing pigeons to Bernie and Mary which soon goes wrong. | ||||||
| 106 | 4 | "Past Crimes" | Brian Farnham | James Stevenson | 27 September 1998 | |
| Mike and Sgt. Craddock investigate a spate of bizarre incidents that have occurred around bank employee Tim McDonald, including a break-in that led to his clocks being put back two hours. They soon suspect the incidents are being orchestrated by Carl Southall, a former friend, who soon coerces Tim into helping with a robbery at his bank. When Mike and Craddock confront him over his involvement, they soon discover the motive behind Carl's actions are connected to the accidental death of a young boy several years ago. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to profit from a golf tournament before opting to join a club set to receive a windfall from developers, and Bellamy moves into the Aidensfield police house after his recent time with his gran. | ||||||
| 107 | 5 | "Spellbound" | John Reardon | Phil Ford | 4 October 1998 | |
| Local widower Derek Harper becomes concerned over the recent behaviour of his son Simon, and is shocked to find a skull in the family's garage which had recently been stolen from church graveyard. When Derek is later taken to hospital after a serious car accident, Mike and Sgt. Craddock discover the incident may be linked to a cult Simon was involved with, who he thinks is using witchcraft to curse his family and poison the mind of his sister Sally. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to make money from selling local mud as a beauty product, only to be undone when his first customer has a nasty reaction to it. | ||||||
| 108 | 6 | "Baby Love" | Gerry Mill | Anthony Read | 11 October 1998 | |
| An Aidensfield couple, Allan and Hazel Mansfield, struggling with difficulties after adopting an infant child, only to be horrified when someone kidnaps the baby while Hazel is visiting the village post office. After a false alarm concerning the infant's birth mother, Mike soon suspects the Mansfield's cleaner may have taken the child for personal reasons. Meanwhile, Greengrass turns to a visitor to the area for help in concreting a drive, unaware they recently escaped borstal in hopes of finding their girlfriend at a local lodge and stop them giving away the pair's baby. | ||||||
| 109 | 7 | "Give a Dog a Bad Name" | Brian Farnham | Peter Gibbs | 18 October 1998 | |
| Local vet Josh Roberts faces difficulties, when the death of his wife leads him to drinking heavily and putting his career at risk. When the matter gets out of hand and farmers complain about Josh's lack of assistance, Ventress steps in to help, especially when Lord Ashfordly needs help when one of his horses is about to foal. Meanwhile, Greengrass runs a bric-a-brac stall near his home only for trouble to soon emerge, when Neil discovers some of his customers have been sold flea-infested sheep rugs, and Ashfordly police's new civilian assistant, Sue Driscoll, attracts Bellamy's attention. | ||||||
| 110 | 8 | "Hello, Goodbye" | Garth Tucker | Michael Jenner | 25 October 1998 | |
| Mike finds himself attempting to determine who attacked Indian Dr. Deepak Rall and his family, after they recently arrived in the area and sought to find work. He soon discovers Dr. Rall was forced to enter the country illegally after getting into trouble in Kenya, only to face blackmail from two men who are now hunting him down. Meanwhile, Neil and Maggie become concerned for farmer's wife Nora Leddon, after she falls ill during her pregnancy. They soon learn her husband was involved in illegal badger-digging and storing infected badgers on the Leddon's farm, which soon causes his wife to miscarry. Elsewhere, Greengrass decides to run a mobile shop to make a fortune, but faces problems soon afterwards. | ||||||
| 111 | 9 | "Pat-a-Cake" | John Reardon | Helen Slavin | 1 November 1998 | |
| Bakery worker Mel Drinkwater disappears after leaving home one night, intending to elope with her boyfriend Terry Matthews. Ashfordly police initially suspect her former boyfriend Michael Davies, who is already suspected of stealing drugs from the Aidensfield surgery, Mel turns out to have been kidnapped by her colleague Barry Hadfield, who is deeply obsessed with her. Mike soon discovers Barry's actions when Sue makes a chance remark concerning an engagement ring he recently bought. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers to help David look after a local woman's cat, but gets more than he bargains for. | ||||||
| 112 | 10 | "Easy Rider" | Garth Tucker | Peter Barwood | 8 November 1998 | |
| Italian cyclist Paolo Ermini is found dead on the moors having been killed by a heart attack, though Sgt. Craddock questions where he died after their are signs his body was dumped. The investigation brings up information he was disliked by another member of his cycling club, and was quite a womanizer despite being married. However, Mike soon finds out from Sue that Paolo was having an affair with a close friend, who can explain how he died. Meanwhile, Ventress decides to uncover the truth behind a spate of UFO sightings, and Greengrass tries to find a way to profit from Chinese communist figurines that he accidentally bought. | ||||||
| 113 | 11 | "Hot Rocks" | Gerry Mill | Susan Wilkins | 15 November 1998 | |
| Lord Ashfordly's sister Patricia returns to Aidensfield following treatment for her alcoholism, with news she has become engaged to Ronnie Harper. However, their arrival soon preludes a series of burglaries in which Ashfordly police suspect Ronnie of being involved, prompting Patricia to question her commitment to her fiancée. However, Mike soon becomes suspicious of Ronnie's valet, especially when he finds they have a criminal record and have been aided by his two grandsons who are doing DIY work for the villagers. Meanwhile, Bellamy is forced to move out of the Aidensfield police house, when Sgt. Craddock discovers him staying there against police regulations, before learning that Sue is leaving her post for a new job. | ||||||
| 114 | 12 | "Shadows and Substances" | Terence Daw | Brian Finch | 22 November 1998 | |
| When Stuart Chivers runs away after being accused of damaging his teacher's car, his brother Trevor soon finds him seriously ill by a local stream after drinking its water. Neil confides in Mike that the stream was likely contaminated with industrial pesticides, raising the question of its source. At the same time, Bellamy is unhappy when his gran is determined to stop lorries moving in and out of an old factory. However, Mike soon finds a link between the two matters, when he discovers that the factory's new owner is illegally disposing industrial waste in mine shafts under the site. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to cash in on fears of nuclear annihilation, but is not too happy when Blaketon spoils his plans. | ||||||
| 115 | 13 | "Forbidden Fruit" | Gerry Poulson | Neil McKay | 29 November 1998 | |
| Mike and Bellamy discover Marianne Fuller woman seriously injured in her home after her sister, Rachel Palmer, asks for their help. When Marianne dies from her injuries, Ashfordly police suspect her husband David murdered her to cover up a theft of items. As CID investigate the matter, Mike foolishly allows Rachel to be romantically involved with him but soon regrets it, forcing him to take time away from Aidensfield. When David confesses to having slept with his sister-in-law before his marriage and noting how obsessed Rachel was with his fidelity, it soon becomes clear how Marianne met her demise, especially to Mike when her sister manages to track him down. | ||||||
| 116 | 14 | "Where There's a Will" | Gerry Poulson | Peter Gibbs | 6 December 1998 | |
| After a farmer and his wife die in a car accident, the farmer's sister Peggy Tatton refuses to vacate his home after it becomes the legal possession of his step-son John Fraser. While seeking aid from new solicitor Jackie Lambert, Tatton begins taking actions to prevent the farm being sold, which soon become more drastic. Mike soon has to act to stop her causing more trouble, but soon questions the legality of John's inheritance when his father turns up under a false name to claim some of his son's inheritance, providing Jackie a legal clause that can resolve Tatton's troubles. Meanwhile, Bellamy regrets letting Greengrass help him to find a new flat, when it brings him trouble from debt collectors seeking money from a flat's previous tenant. | ||||||
| 117 | 15 | "Taking Sides" | Michael Jenner | Garth Tucker | 13 December 1998 | |
| Neil finds himself accused of indecent conduct by an elderly patient who he recently began treating, causing Maggie to question her marriage with him. Mike soon becomes convinced the accusation was false when he learns that the patient's husband was a surgeon who was responsible for a young girl's death, and whom Neil was forced to give evidence against. Meanwhile, Greengrass organises a Civil War battle re-enactment that soon goes wrong, and Ashfordly police deal with a trouble-maker messing with local signs and vandalizing police vehicles that attend to the incidents. | ||||||
| 118 | 16 | "Echoes of the Past" | Brian Farnham | Neil McKay | 24 December 1998 | |
| Jane Hayes, a pregnant woman, fears for her baby's safety at Christmas, after a series of events lead her to believe that her manor house is haunted. Mike and Maggie work together to investigate the troubles in order to determine if her concerns are genuine. They soon discover that Jane's long-lost son was behind the incidents in hopes of punishing her for refusing to see him, unaware her husband intervened to keep him away without her knowledge. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers help to find a trophy for a dance competition arranged by Sgt. Craddock's wife, and Mike and Jackie slowly develop a relationship with each other. | ||||||
| 119 | 17 | "Twist of Fate" | Paul Walker | Eric Wendell | 10 January 1999 | |
| Maggie finds herself accused of medical negligence by the relatives of the elderly Mildred Crosby, who died following breathing difficulties. Mike investigates when Maggie stands to inherit money and a valuable painting from Mildred's estate, and soon learns that the woman's son-in-law sought to discredit her in order to claim everything to pay off his debts. Meanwhile, Ventress solves a spate of recent burglaries while Bellamy discovers who was taking a horse from a local livery stable without permission, and Greengrass offers shelter to an Irish traveller who can predict horse race results in his sleep. | ||||||
| 120 | 18 | "The Angry Brigade" | Gerry Poulson | Peter Gibbs | 17 January 1999 | |
| Lord Ashfordly decides to close off a footpath that crosses his land, leading to two new arrivals who sought to use it to stir up the villagers of Aidensfield into protesting against this. At the same time, a released criminal arrives in the village to work at the garage, hounded by a close friend. Mike soon discovers there is more to both events when he learns that both groups are connected to a robbery, and are seeking money that was stolen and later hidden on Ashfordly's land. Meanwhile, Greengrass decides to become a chimney sweep, but soon makes a mess of things. | ||||||
| 121 | 19 | "Fire and Ashes" | Gerry Mill | Rob Heyland | 24 January 1999 | |
| Aidensfield finds itself plagued by a series of fires caused by arson, prompting Mike to investigate. When another fire breaks out at a local family's home, Neil dies trying to find a missing infant child that was thought to be still inside. While the villagers are in shock, Mike discovers the family's eldest son had a hand in most of the fires, but that someone who knew of his involvement tried to make use of that knowledge to pull off a more serious crime. At the same time, Maggie takes a short vacation with Gina to contemplate becoming a parent after discovering she is pregnant, but her joy is soon dashed when she returns home to the news of her husband's death. | ||||||
| 122 | 20 | "All in the Mind" | Brian Farnham | Johnny Byrne | 31 January 1999 | |
| Mike is not willing to listen to the suspicions of the eccentric Mrs. Challis, until she fears her neighbour Mr. Arlott is keeping his pregnant daughter Julia prison in his home. His intervention in the matter soon help Julia when she goes into labour, but not without her father and her hippy boyfriend being blamed for what she went through. Meanwhile, Ventress finds himself accused of police hostility against people who report incidents to Ashfordly police, and soon suspects someone is framing him in regards to a former colleague he tried to stop drinking on the job. Elsewhere, Greengrass is coerced into helping an old friend race his prized ferret but is unaware Blaketon plans to nobble the animal, and Maggie is forced to admit she is struggling with Neil's death. | ||||||
| 123 | 21 | "Friends Like You" | Frank M. Smith | Brian Finch | 7 February 1999 | |
| Gina attempts to rekindle her singing career at a local nightclub in Whitby with the help of a new manager. When police raid the club, Whitby CID find drugs in her purse and accuse her of owning them. Mike and Jackie intervene to help her out and soon have to stop her going after man she accuses of planting the drugs, when Whitby CID reveal them to be a police informant suspected of working against them to cover up drug racketeering. In the process, it also leads Mike to discovering who really set her up. Meanwhile, Greengrass turns to Blaketon for help when David is conned into buying poor quality second-hand clothing, and Ventress gets into trouble when he makes a small mistake that soon lands him into trouble. | ||||||
| 124 | 22 | "Old Ties" | Gerry Poulson | Chris Thompson | 14 February 1999 | |
| A new restaurant in Ashfordly finds itself the target of sabotage, causing grief for its two owners. At the same time, Gina is delighted to reunite with her friend Debbie, but is confused over her behaviour when she tries takes her for a night out. Mike soon discovers Debbie has connections to the two restaurant owners when he learns she had false coupons printed for disrupting the restaurant's opening night, leading to a revelation concerning the relationship of all three people. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to unearth a fortune in Anglo-Saxon relics from a local man's land, and Maggie begins to accept the idea of raising Neil's child when it is born. | ||||||
| 125 | 23 | "David Stockwell's Ghost" | John Reardon | Jane Hollowood | 21 February 1999 | |
| Wealthy couple Diane and Cecil Palmer, recently returned from Africa with their son Peter, attempt to settle down in Aidensfield. However, things soon prove problematic, as their son struggles to adjust to his new life, while his parents face embarrassment and issues that place strain on their marriage. When Diane goes missing following a row with her husband that led to her going out for a drink at the Aidensfield Arms, Mike question David's sighting of her car when he recalls it driving slowly with no driver. Ventress soon determines the car was being driven by Peter, and learns that he was behind several of the events his parents suffered, having become deeply frightened that his efforts to bring his mother home might have made things worse. | ||||||
| 126 | 24 | "Testament" | Gerry Mill | Susan Wilkins | 28 February 1999 | |
| Jackie's uncle and boss Henry Tomkinson becomes the suspect in a hit-and-run accident on a young boy in Aidensfield, and does everything to cover up his actions. Mike swiftly suspects he is guilty, though this puts him at odds with Jackie, who is willing to question harshly the eyewitness testimony of David, who saw the accident. However, Jackie soon begins having doubts and is horrified to learn how cowardly Henry is to admitting the truth. Meanwhile, Greengrass is commissioned to help with sorting out land acquired by the church for a new graveyard, and tries to make money on the side as a result. | ||||||
Series 9 (1999–2000)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 127 | 1 | "Manoeuvres in the Dark" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 26 September 1999 | |
| Retired colonel, Hal Clifford, is banned from driving at night following an accident with a young boy, after a driving test reveals he is blind when it gets dark. At the same time, Gina offers help to an army friend, Terry Noble, after he deserted following a fight with another soldier. When the soldier dies, Noble is hunted down by Ashfordly police, forcing him to take Clifford hostage as he works to make his escape from the country. Meanwhile, Greengrass attempts to organise a dinner party that goes disastrously wrong, and Oscar uses a recent inheritance to buy ownership of the Aidensfield Arms, much to Gina and Mary's surprise. | ||||||
| 128 | 2 | "Tricks of the Trade" | Gerry Poulson | Johnny Byrne | 3 October 1999 | |
| Greengrass is appalled when the home of an old friend who recently died, is broken into in a brazen manner. However, fearing Ashfordly police are going after the wrong person, Greengrass reluctantly offers to help catch the real culprits. Maggie question whether to return to her nursing duties after recently giving birth to a baby boy, but soon finds herself dealing with a flu epidemic around Aidensfield that swiftly overtakes her temporary stand-in. Blaketon makes increasing demands on Gina and Mary over the running of the Aidensfield Arms, leading them to challenge him to run the pub in the way he sees fit, which he soon regrets. | ||||||
| 129 | 3 | "Intuition" | Frank W. Smith | Eric Deacon | 10 October 1999 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating a suspicious death, when the wife of Tommy Bayne is found dead in a locked room, shortly after her sister suspected something was wrong when she tried to visit them. Although the matter seems to be murder, especially when two crooked handymen admitted to finding the body before her husband's return, Mike discover Tommy's marriage was not happy and that his efforts to end it led to her death. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to con people into letting him clean their guttering but gets caught out, and Mary decides to leave Aidensfield to accept an offer from a friend, placing Blaketon in charge of looking after Gina and the Aidensfield Arms. | ||||||
| 130 | 4 | "Puppet on a String" | Roger Bamford | Colin Shinder | 17 October 1999 | |
| Ventress becomes acting police sergeant whilst Sgt. Craddock is away, and decides to investigate haulier business owner Tom Lowson on suspicion that he is conducting black market business, after he and Mike are forced off the road by one of his lorries. Maggie become concerned that Lowson's teenage daughter Sandra is trying to steal money for an illegal abortion, unaware her friend Alison Hartley is looking to get one on belief she is pregnant. Greengrass decides to help an old lady friend who is dying, by fulfilling her wish to stay at the hotel she and her late husband visited in their honeymoon, but struggles to find the money needed for the trip. | ||||||
| 131 | 5 | "Honour Among Thieves" | John Reardon | Peter Gibbs | 24 October 1999 | |
| Mike finds himself coming to the aid of a visiting writer Honor Gale, who is seeking inspiration for a new book, but is greatly angered when she uses him for publicity stunts much to his embarrassment. When Gale later calls for his help when she genuinely gets into trouble, Mike ignores it, until he learns that an extremely dangerous prisoner within a borstal group doing community service has gone missing, quickly placing Jackie in danger. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers help to a candidate in a local council election in order to gain planning permission for a new scheme, but faces problems from Blaketon who is eager to prevent this, even if it means delving into his opponent's past for hidden secrets. | ||||||
| 132 | 6 | "Shotgun Wedding" | Frank W. Smith | Peter Barwood | 31 October 1999 | |
| Mike and Jackie find their preparations for a marriage overshadowed by a night-time train robbery that leaves a signalman seriously injured by a shotgun. As Ashfordly police work alongside CID to track down the culprits, Maggie quickly learns of Jackie's plans, leading to her and the others in Aidensfield looking to make the marriage more enjoyable. But then Mike is put in danger when he comes across one of the robbers following a tip-off from David, that risks him missing the ceremony. Meanwhile, Greengrass is surprised when his sister turns up in the area, eager to find something to do after her famous cricketer husband passes away. | ||||||
| 133 | 7 | "Always a Copper" | Paul Walker | Michael Jenner | 7 November 1999 | |
| Blaketon organises a committee to tackle crime following a spate of break-ins, but some of its members go too far when a brewery is robbed and a former resident who recently returned, Les Gulliver, is found beaten up. While the brewery robbery is easily solved after Ventress discovers workers were running an illicit business with stolen beer kegs, Mike discover that Blaketon's new committee was being used by someone who had co-erced Les into committing the break-ins. Meanwhile, Greengrass entertains Norwegian history students with tours of the area, until his plans to make some caves an attraction are undone by David. | ||||||
| 134 | 8 | "Negative Vibes" | Roger Bamford | John Flangan and And McCulloch | 14 November 1999 | |
| When Jackie offers an alibi to Sean Banks, a disreputable photographer, in connection to an ongoing investigation by Ashfordly police, Mike becomes suspicious. After confronting her over some provocative photos he found in her possession, she is forced to admit that photos' subject is her sister Elizabeth. Discovering that Jackie had been seeing Sean to stop him blackmailing Elizabeth with the negatives, Mike makes amends by helping her out of her situation. Meanwhile, Greengrass is saddened when his old friend Silas dies from a heart attack, and offers to help his widow have a funeral despite the body being donated to medical science. In his efforts to doing so, he is soon forced to confess a truth about Silas' death when Ventress asks questions about damage to Silas' car. | ||||||
| 135 | 9 | "Kindness of Strangers" | Gerry Poulson | James Stevenson | 21 November 1999 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating the disappearance of a silver bowl from Ernest Dewhurst, especially when he later is found unconscious the day afterwards and his home ransacked. Suspicion swiftly falls on a young couple staying on his land nearby, who were caught shoplifting a few days earlier, until Mike discovers that Ernest's closest family are attempting to divert suspicions onto them to cover up a more troubling situation at home. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers to take over as organiser for an annual car rally, especially when one of the competitors offers him money to help them cheat, but his clues soon cause problems for the others, though not without letting Gina and Andy become closer in their relationship. | ||||||
| 136 | 10 | "Hollywood or Bust" | Frank W. Smith | Brian Finch | 28 November 1999 | |
| Lord Ashfordly and Sgt. Craddock become star-struck when film director Denzil Arcourt and his team arrive in the area, intending to film scenes at Ashfordly Hall. However, Mike becomes suspicious of Arcourt when he resents Gina taking a photograph of him during the evening with a new camera Andy bought her, which soon disappears later that night. His investigation soon leads him to discovering that Arcourt's team are in reality criminals about to rob Ashfordly, after local boys find the camera and reveal what happened to it. Meanwhile, Greengrass attempts to get even with a local farmer who conned David into buying chickens that are in poor health. | ||||||
| 137 | 11 | "Flesh and Blood" | Paul Walker | Gillian Richmond | 5 December 1999 | |
| The family of local butcher Don Lomax are shocked when they find a baby's skeleton in the attic, shortly after his wife's funeral. Ashfordly police become involved investigating the matter, and discover the skeleton is connected to Don's eldest daughter Vera, who had been in an institution for several years. When she later turns up at the family home after absconding, Mike swiftly discovers a dark secret about her father that places his young granddaughter in serious danger. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to turn wild rabbits into a fictional rare breed to sell at pet stores, until his scheme is washed out literally by a careful shopkeeper. | ||||||
| 138 | 12 | "No Surrender" | Gerry Poulson | Neil McKay | 12 December 1999 | |
| Farmer Malcolm Colbourne, who everyone considers a coward for not fighting in the Second World War, suffers problems at his farm, culminating in a new tractor he bought from dealer John Bennett being set alight. As Ashfordly police investigate, Colbourne soon discovers his wife had been having an affair with Bennett, who deliberately caused the fire. When Mike and Sgt. Craddock find out that Colbourne intends to kill him, it soon leads to a secret in his past coming to light, which proves he was not a coward as people thought him to be. Meanwhile, Greengrass and David become involved in helping a local woman move furniture out of her old home, unaware it actually belongs to her ex-husband who she is in dispute with. | ||||||
| 139 | 13 | "Stag at Bay" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 19 December 1999 | |
| Christmas sees Ashfordly police investigating the serious slaughter of game on the Ashfordly Estate. At the same time, Jackie is helping headmistress Julia Kendall to divorce her husband Frank, especially when he harasses her during their separation. Mike soon finds a connection between the two events, when he discovers that Frank is extremely jealous of any man Julia meets, not caring that she is currently in a friendship with Lord Ashfordly. Meanwhile, Maggie takes charge of organising a concert, and swiftly convinces Julia's daughter to sing after she befriends David during her parents' troubles. | ||||||
| 140 | 14 | "Full Circle" | Diana Patrick | Jonny Bryne | 26 December 1999 | |
| Stella Redford, terminally ill, returns to Aidensfield in hopes of finding the child she was forced to give up for adoption twenty years ago. At the same time, the child's father Billy Trotter returns late to his mother's funeral, who wrecked the pair's life. When both are victims of thieves targeting those staying at hotels and inns in the area, Mike, Jackie and Maggie are able to help the couple after discovering one of the culprits is married to them. Meanwhile, Greengrass helps an old friend conduct an illegal lurcher competition, but while he is able to mislead Ashfordly police and Blaketon with false clues, he faces problems from a member of Inland Revenue seeking to make his life a misery. | ||||||
| 141 | 15 | "The Seven Year Itch" | Paul Walker | Peter Gibbs | 2 January 2000 | |
| Ex-convict Ray Nixon returns to Aidensfield following a seven-year sentence that Blaketon gave him, despite offering co-operation with the crime he committed. Shortly after his return, undesirable things begin to happen at the Aidensfield Arms, which Blaketon suspects to be Ray's handiwork. Sgt. Craddock's stand-in, Sgt. Jennifer Nokes, is not convinced, but Mike soon feels Ray is seeking revenge on Blaketon for being unable to attend to his sick mother during prison. Meanwhile, Greengrass is offered four maps from Anthony Mottram that belonged to his father, behind his mother's back. When she later discovers what he is doing, Greengrass is forced to assist her in punishing Anthony for the trouble it soon causes. | ||||||
| 142 | 16 | "Weight of Evidence" | Gerry Poulson | Peter Barwood | 9 January 2000 | |
| Sian Horrocks is raped after running out of petrol in an isolated area, to which Sgt. Noakes is convinced that local boy Ben Ealham is the prime suspect. However, pressing charges against him proves extremely difficult when Jackie is tasked to defend him in court, and discovers Ealham was arrested without proper police procedure. Mike becomes unhappy that he will escape justice, especially when he finds evidence that proves Ealham guilty, until Jackie decides to make amends when Ealham's mother is unwilling to let him go unpunished. Meanwhile, Greengrass purchases a sheep with potential for racing, but his hopes of using it in racing are dashed when someone reveals he was conned into buying a stolen animal. | ||||||
| 143 | 17 | "For Art's Sake" | Roger Bamford | Andrew McCulloch | 16 January 2000 | |
| Artist Joe Vaughan moves to Aidensfield from Liverpool to find peace to continue his work, but faces troubles soon after he arrives. Following an expedition organised by his benefactor, Anthony Mottram, Vaughan is nearly killed when someone sets his home on fire. Sgt. Craddock and Mike initially suspect the people who troubled him, including two men from Liverpool seeking him out, until they realises that Mottram set the fire for financial gains out of Vaughan's work. Meanwhile, Greengrass tries to con the council out of a grant for running a hostelery but is soon conned himself by an old friend, and Gina is shocked when Blaketon discovers Andy to be married and secretly concealing this from her. | ||||||
| 144 | 18 | "A Shot in the Dark" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 23 January 2000 | |
| Lord Ashfordly is placed in a difficult position when his estate manager is accused of shooting Gary Tyler, a local troublemaker with a suspended sentence, who was trespassing on Ashfordly Estate. Mike is forced to investigate, and discovers he is unwilling to let his girlfriend Lyn, a maid at Ashfordly Hall, reveal that he was visiting her at the time of the incident, putting pressure on Ashfordly police to determine how to proceed on the matter. Meanwhile, Greengrass offers help to a reporter from the local reporter who runs out of petrol, and soon regrets the hassle it causes when he is offered a chance to write a weekly column in the local newspaper. | ||||||
| 145 | 19 | "The Good Doctor" | Paul Walker | Jane Hollowood | 30 January 2000 | |
| A hit-and-run accident lead Ashfordly police to investigate who was responsible, when Jackie and her friend Sue are the victims. After being treated by Aidensfield's new locum, Dr. Ian Peters, the situation is made worse when Sue's health deteriorates and she dies of a brain haemorrhage. While the hit-and-run driver is eventually uncovered, Mike and Maggie soon discover that Ian is not a qualified doctor, and he soon attempts suicide when he realises he has caused someone's death. Meanwhile, Greengrass attempts to rent out worn-out bikes he took from the Ashfordly Estate, and Andy attempts to make amends with Gina despite being married. | ||||||
| 146 | 20 | "Against the Odds" | Gerry Poulson | Johnny Byrne | 6 February 2000 | |
| A man dies one week after changing the beneficiary of his will from his nephew to his boarders, incensing the former and surprising the latter. A council planning officer drums up support for an industrial estate near Aidensfield, but Blaketon is uncertain. | ||||||
| 147 | 21 | "Desperate Measures" | Roger Bamford | Neil McKay | 13 February 2000 | |
| Lord Ashfordly has a horse stolen, and suspicion falls on a man who received a suspended sentence for horse theft earlier that day. Greengrass learns that Bernie used to work as a psychic, and persuades him to use this skill to locate a widow's share certificates. | ||||||
| 148 | 22 | "With this Ring" | Paul Walker | Gillian Richmond | 20 February 2000 | |
| Police investigate the disappearance of the Ashfordly estate workers' payroll. A woman confronts her husband about his gambling, which escalates catastrophically. Greengrass employs a creative interpretation of maritime law. | ||||||
| 149 | 23 | "Wise Guys" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 27 February 2000 | |
| Bernie persuades Greengrass to go into the mobile fish and chips business, but Greengrass comes up against stiff competition. A widow reports being repeatedly burgled and robbed, and while Ventress is sympathetic Blaketon suspects dishonesty. | ||||||
| 150 | 24 | "The Son-In-Law" | Gerry Mill | Peter Barwood | 5 March 2000 | |
| Jackie's parents disapprove of her marriage and tempt her to move to South Africa. A car stolen from the Amsterdam ferry is driven into the river. Andy realises that he and Gina are not meant for each other and leaves Aidensfield. A singer called Michael (portrayed by Gary Barlow) arrives and helps Greengrass grow orchids, unaware of what they really are.[further explanation needed] | ||||||
Series 10 (2000–2001)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 1 | "Chalk and Cheese" | Paul Walker | Peter Gibbs | 22 October 2000 | N/A | |
| New resident Celia Hanson has trouble with her car and her neighbour. Greengrass tries the rubbish disposal business, but is nearly killed.[further explanation needed] | |||||||
| 152 | 2 | "Smile for the Camera" | Gerry Mill | Jane Holllowood | 29 October 2000 | N/A | |
| Grieving his father's death, Anthony Smythe is comforted by Jackie but then Jackie and Mike receive suspicious calls and are visited by a prowler with a camera. The Smythe family engage Bernie and Greengrass for the funeral. | |||||||
| 153 | 3 | "Dog Collar" | Noreen Kershaw | Neil McKay | 5 November 2000 | N/A | |
| Greengrass is hired to enter a poodle in a dog show, but it escapes from David Stockwell so Greengrass enters Alfred in its place. Items disappear from several churches, and Ventress is knocked out while running a church errand. The reverend and his wife disapprove of their daughter's love for the handyman. | |||||||
| 154 | 4 | "Gabriel's Last Stand" | Gerry Poulson | Gil Braley | 12 November 2000 | N/A | |
| An aristocrat dismisses a man and upsets the village by organising a private party on the same date as the annual village bonfire, and barring the public right of way across his land to the heath. His house and car are subsequently vandalised. Greengrass tries selling firecrackers. Bellamy and Gina grow closer. | |||||||
| 155 | 5 | "War Stories" | Diana Peacock | Peter Barwood | 19 November 2000 | N/A | |
| A veterans' reunion draws noise complaints, and to everyone's surprise Ventress was a commando in their unit during the war. Greengrass organises their shooting party on the Ashfordly estate, but they find a man shot dead. Bradley had earlier found evidence suggesting the man was involved in fraud, but finds it suspicious. Greengrass's views help Maggie decide how to handle the conflicting wishes of Graham Rysinski and his dying mother. Accused of colluding with Gina, Bellamy is taught the meaning of the word by her. | |||||||
| 156 | 6 | "The Fool on the Hill" | Paul Walker | Helen Blizard | 26 November 2000 | N/A | |
| Sgt. Craddock's mother Enid visits for his birthday. She witnesses an assault but he is reluctant to take the report due to her making up stories, though the victim later collapses and is hospitalised. Greengrass places a bet for Enid which wins, but he loses the betting slip and spends the night in the cells with Stockwell trying to find it. | |||||||
| 157 | 7 | "The Traveller" | Geoff Wonfor | John Milne | 3 December 2000 | N/A | |
| After a failed robbery, one bumbling robber shoots the other in the foot then hitches a ride with Johnny "The Traveller" Lee. He is soon apprehended by police, and Johnny is unamused when the other robber break into the Aidensfield Arms. Claude Greengrass helps organise an illegal trap-racing meeting in the streets of Aidensfield. | |||||||
| 158 | 8 | "Child's Play" | Steve Goldie | Michael Hall | 10 December 2000 | 13.80 | |
| Activity is reported at an unoccupied house and the police find nothing though Maggie later discovers a young boy intruding. Mike finds a jacket from a boarding school, and a housemaster is hunting the child. Bernie meets an old friend who claims to run tours to meet celebrities. The arrival of Bellamy's former flame, Sue Driscoll, complicates his romance with Gina. A romance begins between Maggie and Graham Rysinski. | |||||||
| 159 | 9 | "Fallen Heroes" | Paul Walker | Johnny Byrne | 17 December 2000 | 12.04 | |
| Danny Reese is released from hospital following a car accident, and a suitcase of money is missing from his possessions at the police station. It seems someone is playing Robin Hood as anonymous envelopes appear with money and detailed notes for its use: to pay fines, for restitution to avoid jail, or to visit a war grave. Blaketon becomes suspicious about the money when he realizes Danny works at a casino, and David Stockwell is led into a trap. Bellamy faces a different trap while romancing Gina. | |||||||
| 160 | 10 | "Cold Turkey" | Noreen Kershaw | Peter Gibbs | 24 December 2000 | 11.16 | |
| New bank manager Gordon Stringer is unpopular for cutting employee benefits and using harsh methods to recover overdue loans. He also refuses to pay Greengrass for a paving job, claiming poor workmanship. When Stringer's son disappears, the police investigate David Stockwell but it is an opportunistic criminal who makes the ransom demand. Bellamy plays Father Christmas at the pub raffle. | |||||||
| 161 | 11 | "Sylvia's Mother" | Diana Patrick | Gillian Richmond | 7 January 2001 | 13.70 | |
| A fish-and-chips shop is burned down, and suspicion initially falls on the fiancé of the owner's sister. But an interesting story emerges from investigation of the electricity bills. An old flame makes advances toward Lord Ashfordly, inviting him into her consortium. Blaketon distrusts the woman's motives but is too late to save Ashfordly. A surprise going-away party is held for Maggie, who accepts a job at a hospital. | |||||||
| 162 | 12 | "Safe House" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 14 January 2001 | 13.71 | |
| Greengrass departs suddenly to be with his sister, leaving behind ownership of his property, truck and Alfred in David's hands. He soon finds himself in financial problems, until Bernie's stepbrother, Vernon Scripps, arrives after a 15-year absence and offers him assistance. Meanwhile, Jackie finds that Mike is providing a safe house for a mentally ill witness, who is wanted dead by men seeking to stop him making an appearance in court. | |||||||
| 163 | 13 | "Blind Justice" | Paul Walker | Neil McKay | 21 January 2001 | 13.82 | |
| Irresponsible young driver Richard Finlay runs Lord Ashfordly off the road, but after he is let off by Sgt. Craddock, he swiftly causes trouble by conducting a hit-and-run collision with a bicycle. When the judge presiding over his trial lets off, Ashfordly police question the reasoning behind such a decision. Meanwhile, Bernie goes absent from the garage, causing Vernon to take over the repairs for Lord Ashfordly's car. | |||||||
| 164 | 14 | "Home Truths" | Diana Patrick | Gil Braley | 28 January 2001 | 13.06 | |
| A collapse at a quarry puts a worker in hospital, who raises complaints regarding unpaid wages and compensation. When the worker becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the quarry foreman's wife, Jackie agrees to represent him despite the disapproval of her client's mother. Meanwhile, Vernon's attempt to enter the catering business causes a power blackout, while Phil's relationship with Gina is given problems when he learns that a police officer is not permitted to marry a pub licensee. | |||||||
| 165 | 15 | "Not So Special" | Noreen Kershaw | Michael Hall | 4 February 2001 | 13.54 | |
| An elderly widow is having trouble maintaining her farm and complains of a prowler, while her daughter wants her to sell and move into an old people's home. David Stockwell crashes while driving her horse to the auctions, mystifying police. A special constable's actions cause him to be viewed as a loose cannon. Ventress sees Gina leave the hospital's maternity ward, birthing a widespread rumour that she's pregnant. Vernon becomes involved in an illegal hot rod race. | |||||||
| 166 | 16 | "The Long Weekend" | Roger Bamford | Jane Hollowood | 11 February 2001 | 13.69 | |
| Vernon becomes a bodyguard, hired by Ashfordly to protect a Russian guest, Prince Nikolas. Mike hosts his niece Anne and her friend Louise, both teenage hippies. Alcohol and drugs are consumed, leading to Louise almost dying, but she is saved by Dr. Summerbee who has taken over Neil's old practice. Bellamy resigns from the police and plans a grand romantic proposal to Gina, but is impeded by a series of mix-ups. | |||||||
| 167 | 17 | "Who's Who?" | Diana Patrick | Perter Gibbs | 18 February 2001 | 13.15 | |
| Lord Ashfordly hosts high sheriff Andrew Parkin and his wife Sonia for dinner, but Andrew makes an unwelcome advance on a young servant who retaliates with a knee strike. Afterwards, a farmer is struck by a car. It appears that Sonia was driving illegally without insurance and Andrew was visibly drunk. The servant is asked to be a witness but Blaketon, hired as a private investigator, learns that she was dismissed. Vernon tries the matchmaking business again, with unwelcome results. Bellamy proposes to Gina, who is silent. | |||||||
| 168 | 18 | "Gin a Body, Meet a Body" | Paul Walker | Peter Finch | 25 February 2001 | 12.67 | |
| David has a telephone installed, but new neighbour Edith Fairley is constantly engaging the two-party line, much to the chagrin of Vernon. When her ex-husband comes looking for her, Vernon offers to help if it means he can get calls for his new taxi business. Local criminal Harry North arrives with a friend and their girlfriend, who soon cause trouble, leading Mike to be creative in their capture. Gina rejects Phil's marriage proposal, leading him to rethink his priorities. | |||||||
| 169 | 19 | "Killing Me Softly" | Roger Bamford | Helen Blizard | 4 March 2001 | 12.78 | |
| Counterfeit money appears with no apparent pattern. A former casino barman strikes a deal with police to trap the casino owner and his ring of counterfeiters before they can expand their operation. Blaketon investigates an illicit affair. He purchases a sports car from Vernon, but detectives from Middlesbrough come to investigate the "red hot" vehicle. | |||||||
| 170 | 20 | "Unchained Melody" | Gerry Mill | Susan Wilkins | 11 March 2001 | 12.89 | |
| Patricia Brewster and her unwelcome "partner" Hal Tadcaster are staying at Ashfordly estate. The police suspect Hal of drug trafficking, but can not obtain a phone tapping permit. The Royal Mail strikes, prompting Vernon to become a courier, though he is hired to transport live animals and Hal wants him to deliver a package to London. Jackie's friend Caroline visits and leaves Jackie and Mike with her infant child which disappears, launching a search. The disappearance is solved after Patricia collapses. | |||||||
| 171 | 21 | "Truth Games" | Paul Walker | Jane Hollowood | 18 March 2001 | 12.84 | |
| Businessman Adrian Miller is accused of rape and bail conditions prevent him from returning to London, causing him displeasure with his assigned solicitor, Jackie. Mike discovers several similar cases, and a demand for hush money is made by serial extortionists. While ploughing a field, David Stockwell discovers what he believes to be a hidden body; it is actually a statue, which leads Vernon to discover insurance fraud. After he is exonerated, Adrian shows a romantic interest in Jackie. | |||||||
| 172 | 22 | "Consequences" | Gerry Poulson | Johnny Byrne | 25 March 2001 | 13.04 | |
| The victims of two explosions had received warning notes and silent phone calls, leading police to believe that they were murder attempts. Forensics determine that the PE4 explosive devices used were stolen from a nearby army base. Lord Ashfordly hires Vernon and David to remove material from a disused church. Learning of a valuable font which Greengrass had earlier removed, David and Greengrass return it with expectations of a reward. Rev. Ronald Meeks's trustworthiness is questioned. Blaketon receives silent calls and Gina a warning letter before realising her connection to the other victims. Jackie has been working on a divorce case for the assumed perpetrator. | |||||||
| 173 | 23 | "The Buxton Defence" | Noreen Kershaw | Brian Finch | 1 April 2001 | 12.19 | |
| Lord Ashfordly requests a police presence while hosting a Russian chess champion. Despite Ventress and Bellamy being on watch, antique chess sets go missing from the estate during a thick fog. A ransom note for the valuables leads Mike to record Ashfordly's incoming telephone calls, which allow him to prevent an attempted kidnapping. When Claude Greengrass attempts to sell Vernon's residence, the latter spreads rumours of ghosts, dry rot, and odor from a neighbouring pig farm to dissuade potential purchasers. Mike becomes concerned when he has trouble contacting his wife Jackie. | |||||||
| 174 | 24 | "Still Water" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 8 April 2001 | 13.25 | |
| A local auctioneer is suspected of rigging their livestock market in favour of four dominant buyers. Mike finds himself in trouble when CID are called in to investigate allegations that he is taking bribes, and is further shocked when Jackie admits their marriage has no future when she reveals the truth about her recent absence. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to sell bottled water from a spring on a visiting friend's property, but encounters numerous obstacles. | |||||||
Series 11 (2001–2002)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 | 1 | "Sweet Sixteen" | Paul Walker | Jane Hollowood | 28 October 2001 | 12.03 | |
| PC Bradley finds himself investigating a series of attacks on police property, which Sgt. Craddock wants dealt with before an upcoming inspection of Ashfordly police station. He soon learns that the attacks are connected to the recent outcome of a trial concerning a police officer. Dr Summerbee finds herself deemed a pariah when she is confronted by angry parents over her decision to prescribes contraceptive pills to their 16-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, Vernon and David quarrel with each other following strange events in their cottage, until they discover they have an unexpected house guest. | |||||||
| 176 | 2 | "She's Leaving Home" | Noreen Kershaw | Johnny Byrne | 4 November 2001 | 11.67 | |
| The young man who attacked Ashfordly police escapes custody shortly after being sentenced. At the same time, the daughter of over-protective parents, who happens to be his girlfriend and had caused Dr. Summerbee to marked as a pariah in the village, runs away to be with him, but soon puts herself in danger that forces her boyfriend to consider what is important. Meanwhile, PC Bradley deals with an unscrupulous journalist who inadvertently causes trouble for Summerbee when drugs are stolen from her surgery, while Vernon decides to run a business with slot machines, unaware someone is prepared to do anything to own them. | |||||||
| 177 | 3 | "Russian Roulette" | Jonas Grimas | Brian Finch | 11 November 2001 | 11.61 | |
| An MI5 agent whom PC Bradley had worked with in the past, arrives in the area with a need for Ashfordly police's assistance. They soon find themselves conducting surveillance on Vernon, who happens to be doing business with a Russian sailor he worked with, unaware they seek revenge for a past grievance. However, Bradley suspects that the investigation will soon turn out to be a wild goose chase. Meanwhile, Dr. Summerbee finds herself dealing with a manic depressive with a habit of walking onto railway lines. | |||||||
| 178 | 4 | "Legacies" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 18 November 2001 | 11.79 | |
| Tom Nicholson, a probationary constable transferred to Ashfordly police station after an embarrassing incident, helps in an investigation into stolen African artifacts belonging to Lord Ashfordly. However, the matter soon turns out to be complicated, when it transpires the thefts coincide with an African chieftain's visit seeking to reclaim something taken from his tribe by Ashfordly's ancestor. Meanwhile, David struggles with the taxi service, leading Vernon to take over and discover how tough it can be himself. | |||||||
| 179 | 5 | "Home Sweet Home" | Gerry Poulson | John Flanagan | 25 November 2001 | 12.16 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating a series of odd thefts, which PC Bradley feels is connected to a local nursing home. At the same time, Oscar questions whether the home's owner is conning her residents into signing new wills. However, matters become complicated when the autopsy of a resident, who died in natural circumstances, uncovers that they were given medication that wasn't prescribed to them. Meanwhile, David takes up work for a local clearance business, but accidentally removes property from a man whom the police usually have difficulties with. | |||||||
| 180 | 6 | "Old Masters" | Noreen Kershaw | Douglas Watkinson | 2 December 2001 | 11.85 | |
| Lord Ashfordly opens up his hall to tourists, with Vernon allowed to work as a tour guide. An 80 year-old thief takes advantage of the situation and manages to steal a set of valuable art sketches, but is soon the victim of foul play when someone breaks into his home searching for his loot. After the thief suffers a fatal attack when being interrogated and the sketches turn out not to have been stolen by the person who broke in, Ashfordly police question whether their suspect had an accomplice at the hall. | |||||||
| 181 | 7 | "The Rivals" | Paul Walker | Jane McNulty | 9 December 2001 | 12.05 | |
| A carpet factory finds himself in trouble when an industrial accident leads him to decide to sell up, much to the anger of his workers. However, matters become complicated when he is later found badly injured, shortly after someone is seen running away, raising questions on his midnight activities behind his wife's back. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to set up a beauty pageant in Aidensfield with the local Women's Institutes, but faces trouble from Jowett, who is determined to halt the event. | |||||||
| 182 | 8 | "Home to Roost" | Diana Patrick | Jayne Hollison | 16 December 2001 | 11.07 | |
| A short-tempered landlord attempts to evict a group of hippies who are squatting in derelict cottages he intends to renovate. However, when a group of men try to violently remove them, PC Bradley discovers a journalist amongst the group who is willing to do anything to make a front-page story. Meanwhile, Dr. Summerbee does her best to help one of the hippies who is pregnant, while Vernon opts to create a pottery enterprise which does not go as well as planned. | |||||||
| 183 | 9 | "Uninvited Guests" | Paul Walker | Douglas Watkinson | 23 December 2001 | 10.64 | |
| A female building society manager and her son are taken hostage by criminals looking to rob her workplace. PC Ventress soon uncovers the situation when she manages to send a cry for help to him, leading to Ashfordly police conducting surveillance to determine how best to save the hostages and capture the culprits. Meanwhile, Dr. Summerbee struggles with tracking down the source of a salmonella outbreak, leading to her pharmacist friend Jenny joining her practice, while Vernon decides to run a pet funeral service. | |||||||
| 184 | 10 | "No Hiding Place" | Jonas Grimas | Brian Finch | 30 December 2001 | 11.00 | |
| PC Bradley has his hands full at Christmas trying to find a dog that had been taken from a blind woman, and soon discovers the culprit is emotionally attached to the animal. Dr. Summerbee is delighted to meet an old friend, but soon calls on Bradley's help when she suspects her friend is in serious trouble. Meanwhile, Vernon promises to supply a tree for the villagers, but things don't go according to plan when David has a mishap with the Christmas lights for them. | |||||||
| 185 | 11 | "A Gentlemen's Sport" | Noreen Kershaw | Paul Quiney | 6 January 2002 | 8.94 | |
| PC Bradley investigates an armed robbery by two men, after one of them is arrested following an accident. At the same time, Oscar is starstruck when a cricketing legend checks in at the Aidensfield Arms. However, Bradley soon discovers that both incidents are connected, when the captured robber attempts to find their partner, revealing the cricketing star's past. Meanwhile, David inadvertently creates a petrol crisis for the area, when he takes ownership of a barrel of diesel that Bernie discovers was stolen. | |||||||
| 186 | 12 | "Closing the Book" | Diana Patrick | Johnny Byrne | 13 January 2002 | 9.18 | |
| Sgt. Craddock contemplates his future when his estranged wife returns to the area. At the same time, Ashfordly police discover plans on a series of unsolved crimes in the possession of a recently deceased man. Craddock soon discovers the man was making plans for an armed raid for a gang, who are set on carrying it out regardless. Meanwhile, Vernon launches his latest tourism venture involving gypsy caravans, but soon has regrets with the horses he uses for them. | |||||||
| 187 | 13 | "The Leopard's Spots" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 20 January 2002 | 10.28 | |
| Sgt. Dennis Merton arrives under disrepute following his demotion from CID, as DI Shiner calls on Ashfordly police to help with a stakeout operation on a known criminal. However, it soon causes problems for PC Ventress, when his arrest of the criminal's son leads to his past involvement with them coming to light. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to become the manager to a naïve trainee boxer, but seeking to make him a decent fighter leads him to taking action that he soon regrets. | |||||||
| 188 | 14 | "From Ancient Grudge" | Noreen Kershaw | Andrew McCulloch | 27 January 2002 | 10.62 | |
| A romance between octogenarian lovebirds is jeopardized when an old feud between their families over a contested plot of land is reignited by a spate of incidents against each side. Ashfordly police try to maintain the peace until the matter turns violent, whereupon PC Bradley discovers a third-party may be the culprit and is after the land for themselves. Meanwhile, Vernon opens a mobile cinema business, but struggles to ensure it will show acceptable films to Jowett's liking. | |||||||
| 189 | 15 | "The Great Ming Mystery" | Paul Walker | Jane Hollowood | 3 February 2002 | 11.15 | |
| Sgt. Merton refuses to allow an investigation into a couple who recently arrived in the area, after PC Bradley suspects they may be involved in the disappearance of a Ming vase At the same time, Oscar has suspicions on a new guest at the Aidensfield Arms, who also arrived at the same time and is working with the couple. However, it soon transpires that the couple are part of an extremist group seeking to abduct an important VIP, unaware that their friend is an undercover Special Branch officer seeking to arrest them. | |||||||
| 190 | 16 | "Second Chances" | Diana Patrick | Douglas Watkinson | 10 February 2002 | 10.62 | |
| PC Ventress is shocked when the suspect in a break-in turns out to be the son of a man who was presumed dead 20 years ago, after becoming the prime suspect in a theft. However, when his father is brought back to the area for questioning, Sgt. Merton becomes suspicious of a former CID detective who investigated the theft at the time. Meanwhile, PC Bradley and Dr. Summerbee become romantically involved after getting lost during a treasure hunt, and Vernon opts to start a vineyard business. | |||||||
| 191 | 17 | "Sympathy for the Devil" | Roger Bamford | Jeff Dodds | 17 February 2002 | 9.92 | |
| PC Bradley befriends a woman whose daughter resents being dragged away with her, straining his relationship with Dr. Summerbee. However, he soon learns that the woman is being hounded by a ruthless reporter, who is intent on exposing her dark past, forcing her to make a decision that will break her daughter's heart. Meanwhile, Vernon and David decide to raise goats for their milk, but Bernie is forced to ask Oscar for help when they cause trouble around Aidensfield. | |||||||
| 192 | 18 | "Coming of Age" | Gerry Mill | Andrew McCulloch | 24 February 2002 | 10.93 | |
| PC Nicholson looks forward to his 21st birthday, unaware his friends and colleagues are planning a surprise party for him. However, he soon finds himself placed in an impossible situation when he and PC Bellamy come across two criminals hiding on the Ashfordly Estate, wanted for an armed robbery. When Bellamy is shot, Nicholson offers to take his place, setting in motion a chain of events that end in tragedy. Meanwhile, Vernon becomes the agent for a local brass band, which Lord Ashfordly regrets when he asks them to perform for a group of American war veterans. | |||||||
| 193 | 19 | "Love Hurts" | Bren Simson | John Flanagan | 3 March 2002 | 10.32 | |
| Sgt. Merton is shocked when his new girlfriend comes into Ashfordly police station to accuse him of theft. Not willing to lose another officer, PC Bradley risks suspension to investigate the matter, and with Oscar's help, discovers that Merton is being targeted by a criminal with deep grudge against him. Meanwhile, Vernon becomes concerned over Bernie's changing mood and frequent visits to the surgery, until he discovers what is causing them. | |||||||
| 194 | 20 | "Windows of Opportunity" | Paul Walker | Douglas Watkinson | 10 March 2002 | 9.05 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves investigating a string of burglaries in the area, in which the burglar only steals objects of sentimental value from people's homes. While PC Ventress has to prevent the latest victim taking action, it becomes clear that the link between the targets is a local window cleaner, who soon seeks help when he learns of how much trouble he is in. Meanwhile, Oscar recruits aid from David as he runs against Jowett in the local parish election, and Dr. Summerbee tries to organise a fitness class that soon leads her to reveal to PC Bradley about an underlying health condition she has. | |||||||
| 195 | 21 | "The Shoot" | Noreen Kershaw | Brian Finch | 17 March 2002 | 9.40 | |
| A businessman comes to Ashfordly Hall with his wife to set up a shooting party, but swiftly gains the wrath of a local man who seeks revenge for having his dog shot by him. Ashfordly police soon have to investigate when the businessman is later shot, and discover that he is deeply unfaithful to his wife. Meanwhile, Vernon is forced to go to hospital and reluctantly leaves his latest tourist enterprise in David's hand, which soon ends in disaster. | |||||||
| 196 | 22 | "Class Act" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 31 March 2002 | 9.95 | |
| An over-protective father who struggles to keep his daughter happy, becomes a suspect in a robbery at the butcher shop he works at. However, his daughter soon causes problems when she develops a crush on her schoolteacher that creates an out-of-control situation. Meanwhile, Vernon is driven mad by David, when he inherits a ventriloquist's dummy and decides to complete a dead man's list of bookings. | |||||||
| 197 | 23 | "Caught in the Headlights" | Jonas Grimas | Peter Gibbs | 7 April 2002 | 11.89 | |
| Following her attendance of a dinner party at Ashfordly Hall with a visiting businessman, Gina becomes the prime suspect in a hit-and-run accident that causes the death of a visiting surveyor. Oscar is unconvinced she is guilty, especially when a blood test reveals someone gave her a spiked drink that knocked her out. PC Bradley soon comes to the same conclusion when he learns that the surveyor and businessman knew each other and had been insider knowledge about an upcoming road project. Meanwhile, Vernon offers to chauffeur and bodyguard two teenage girls for their overprotective father, but soon regrets making it when he has to deal with the constant loud noise he has to endure. | |||||||
| 198 | 24 | "Love's Sweet Dream" | Gerry Mill | Jane Hollowood | 14 April 2002 | 10.40 | |
| PC Bradley contemplates his future with Dr. Summerbee, as both become concerned in a case of a wife who recently lost a child. They soon discover her husband is abusive, but in seeking to get her to safety, Summerbee finds herself put in danger. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to take over catering for future funerals, but while he enjoys going into business with a charming woman who can help, her troublesome daughter soon puts a spanner in his plans. | |||||||
Series 12 (2002–2003)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 199 | 1 | "Skeletons and Cupboards" | Noreen Kershaw | John Flanagan | 6 October 2002 | 10.73 | |
| Oscar is shocked when a criminal he knew turns up alive in the area, 15 years after he was certified dead by PC Ventress and a CID detective. At the same time, Ashfordly police deal with a spate of vandalism on a housing estate, and the murder of a man who recently arrived, and soon discover all three matters are connected. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to get a regular job at a department storeafter his many entrepreneurial setbacks, unaware of how short-lived it will be. | |||||||
| 200 | 2 | "A Girl's Best Friend" | Albert Barber | Gillian Richmond | 13 October 2002 | 10.48 | |
| PC Bradley discovers that a wealthy woman has an unhappy marriage with her abusive husband, while investigating the circumstances behind the theft of a necklace they own. However, when she leaves him without her medication, it soon sets off a series of events that lead to violence. Meanwhile, Vernon dabbles with hypnotism but gets more than he bargains for when he unwittingly hypnotises David, and Sgt. Merton becomes infatuated with Jenny. | |||||||
| 201 | 3 | "A Dog's Life" | Gerry Mill | Susan Wilkins | 20 October 2002 | 10.51 | |
| As Ashfordly Hall prepares to hold the annual county sheepdog trials, PC Bradley and Sgt. Merton find their hands full when the rivalry between two of the contestants causes unexpected trouble. Meanwhile, Vernon tries to impress Lord Ashfordly during the event by helping to organises its toilet facilities, but finds that his plans do not go as smoothly as he hopes for. | |||||||
| 202 | 4 | "Where There's Muck" | Judith Dine | Douglas Watkins | 3 November 2002 | 9.85 | |
| A bankrupt farmer becomes the centre of attention for Ashfordly police, who worry about what he will do as his farm, livestock and equipment are auctioned off by the bank. However, the matter is complicated when a guest staying at the Aidensfield Arms transpires to be a known criminal and is targeting the auction. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to market the horseradish sauce of David's aunt in his latest get-rich-quick scheme, but finds it has an unexpected side effect for himself. | |||||||
| 203 | 5 | "Harmony" | Noreen Kershaw | Peter Gibbs | 10 November 2002 | 11.80 | |
| Sgt. Merton's singer-songwriter cousin aims to settle down in Aidensfieldr, until her aspiring daughter turns up and reveals she is pregnant. The matter becomes tense when her father and manager turns up, moments before an escape armed robber turns up and takes them hostage. Meanwhile, David finds himself helping out a grieving daughter with the running of her family's greengrocer store, after her father dies in his taxi, but swiftly finds her overbearing. | |||||||
| 204 | 6 | "No Man's Land" | Paul Walker | Peter Gibbs | 17 November 2002 | 12.10 | |
| The owner of a local ramblers shop causes problems for a belligerent landowner who wants him to stop sending people crossing over his land. PC Bradley tries to calm things down, but soon discovers that the landowner's mental health is severely being compromised by the situation. Meanwhile, Vernon undergoes a personality change after a freak accident, but while many enjoy him becoming a pillar of the community, Davi and Bernie worry he could become bankrupt with his charitable nature. | |||||||
| 205 | 7 | "Dirty Len" | Albert Barber | Jane Hollowood | 24 November 2002 | 11.21 | |
| Sgt. Merton and PC Bradley discover that a farm labourer and a number of animals died from strychnine, and begin a hunt to track down the source of the poison. At the same time, a young mother organising a pensioner's day trip to Whitby decides to allow David to assist, despite her father being reluctant to join her. When one of her daughter succumbs to the poison under Gina's care, her father is forced to confess to Oscar about the truth concerning the poisonings. | |||||||
| 206 | 8 | "Growing Apart" | Jonas Grimas | Candy Denman | 1 December 2002 | 11.38 | |
| PC Bradley and Sgt. Merton suspect a local farmer of being involved in a spate of tractor thefts for an insurance dealer, as part of an elaborate insurance scheme. However, when his actions are found out by his wife, whose health has been poorly, their already difficult marriage turns into a volatile domestic situation that soon endangers both herself and Dr. Summerbee. Meanwhile, Vernon starts a landscape gardening business, but resents allowing David to help source the materials for their first job. | |||||||
| 207 | 9 | "Many Splendoured Thing" | Roger Bamford | Susan Watkins | 8 December 2002 | 11.75 | |
| Lord Ashfordly returns home from a cruise with a charming new wife, and decides to throw a spectacular Christmas party to celebrate. However, when the couple are targeted by criminals, it becomes clear that Ashfordly's new wife is hiding something from her husband. Meanwhile, Bernie faces trouble when Jowett threatens to boycott his funeral parlour when she needs a service arranged for her recently departed sister, and David has problems running Vernon's Christmas tree delivery service. | |||||||
| 208 | 10 | "Horses for Courses" | Noreen Kershaw | John Flanagan | 15 December 2002 | 10.80 | |
| PC Bradley with Scotland Yard detectives who suspect a valuable horse is to be stolen from a local horse trainer. The situation soon puts a strain on Bradley's relationship with Dr. Summerbee, but matters soon become tragic when becomes caught up in events. Meanwhile, Vernon finds himself reunited with his long-lost sister Georgina, who soon catches the interests of Lord Ashfordly, and causes problems for her brother in the process. | |||||||
| 209 | 11 | "Sins of the Father" | Terry Dydden-Jones | Brian Finch | 22 December 2002 | 11.58 | |
| PC Bradley, mourning the loss of Dr. Summerbee, finds himself dealing with a young offender who recently arrived from London. He soon becomes suspicious of a local magistrate, after the offender, having caused trouble, is deliberately hit by a car after trying to see them. Meanwhile, Vernon helps an old flame sell an engagement ring, until their husband turns up and reveals its stolen, and Jenny is surpised when Summerbee's replacement, Dr. Alway, arrives a day early to take over the village practice. | |||||||
| 210 | 12 | "Bread and Circuses" | Jonas Grimas | Niel McKay | 29 December 2002 | 9.86 | |
| Ashfordly police find they have a thief in Aidensfield, who was involved in a crime spree in Whitby. In investigating the matter, they discover a link between the latest targets and a new arrival to the village. Meanwhile, Vernon offers to help a travelling circus find somewhere to set up a winter camp, but Lord Ashfordly soon regrets agreeing to his request when Vernon tries to capitalise on the situation. | |||||||
| 211 | 13 | "For Whom the Bell Tolls" | Noreen Kershaw | Peter Gibbs | 5 January 2003 | 11.77 | |
| Blaketon returns from his eventful holiday in Spain, only to find himself hired by Lord Ashfordly to investigate a local quarry. When Blaketon is nearly killed in an explosion, Ashfordly police discover there are explosive missing and find themselves hunting for them before an upcoming visit by a national politician. Meanwhile, Dr Alway offers help to a local church by recruiting Vernon, David and Bernie to become bell ringers, but they soon face problems from a local man who is trying to sell his cottage. | |||||||
| 212 | 14 | "Out of the Blue" | Paul Walker | Jane Hollowood | 12 January 2003 | 12.84 | |
| Aidensfield villagers face a health crisis when the water supply becomes polluted. Although the cause initially seems to be a stolen tanker that crashed – which Vernon and David had been driving – the source of the pollution is traced back to a local waterworks. PC Bradley is uncertain that the foreman is responsible, and has suspicious on a former worker. At the same time, Sgt. Merton is forced to get Vernon to confess to where the tanker came from, after a man threatens him for payment over its cargo. | |||||||
| 213 | 15 | "The High Life" | Bob Tomson | Susan Watkins | 9 March 2003 | 10.87 | |
|
Jenny is delighted when her younger brother Steve visits, and offers to help him secure a job. She soon finds her excitement turn to despair when a local vicar that employs him turns out to be growing something unwelcome in his greenhouse, threatening her relationship with Sgt. Merton. Meanwhile, David finds himself being recruited by a gang of mods who have begun causing trouble in Aidensfield. Note: This episode has not been repeated since it first premiered, for unknown reasons. | |||||||
| 214 | 16 | "Hung for a Sheep" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan | 16 March 2003 | 11.36 | |
| PC Steve Crane is brought in to replace PC Bradley, after they transfer into CID, and finds himself investigating a series of break-ins. He soon learns that the farmers who were targeted are unwilling for help, and that they have a secret they don't want exposed. Meanwhile, Dr. Liz Merrick arrives in Aidensfield to take over from Dr. Alway, after he quits the village surgery, and recruits Vernon and David to help her get word out of her arrival. | |||||||
| 215 | 17 | "The Third Man" | Noreen Kershaw | Candy Denman | 23 March 2003 | 10.74 | |
| An informant tips off DC Bradley to hijacking of a gold bullion shipment by a known crime boss. However, DI Shiner's plan to ambush the suspects goes awry when the shipment is hijacked at another location, forcing Bradley to investigate what exactly happened. Meanwhile, Gina's wayward niece arrives in Aidensfield but is horrified to learn she is infatuated with an escaped criminal, and Vernon and David offer to help redecorate the village surgery. | |||||||
| 216 | 18 | "Missing in Action" | Jonas Grimas | Peter Gibbs | 30 March 2003 | 11.04 | |
| A bride-to-be postpones her wedding after a meeting with a funfair clairvoyant, until she and her finance can locate the remains of a pilot who went missing in action during the Second World War. When PC Crane offers help, he soon causes problems when he incurs the wrath of the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, DC Bradley and PC Bellamy become concerned when a bogus police officer surfaces out of nowhere, causing problems for many despite his good intentions. | |||||||
| 217 | 19 | "Caped Crusaders" | Terry Dyddgen-Jones | Brian Finch | 6 April 2003 | 11.29 | |
| Dr. Merrick finds herself being targeted by an unknown person who has been sending her late night phone calls, forcing PC Crane and Sgt. Merton to discover the matter may be linked to her past in London. Meanwhile, DC Bradley finds himself on the hunt for a pair of counterfeiters and gains an unlikely lead from two young boys who received forged notes from them, and Vernon is delighted when he stands to inherit a house, but soon suffers a string of bad luck. | |||||||
| 218 | 20 | "Moving Target" | Bob Tomson | Susan Wilkins | 13 April 2003 | 10.99 | |
| Aidensfield is terrorised by a sniper, who murders Liz's ex-boyfriend, a married doctor with whom she'd had an affair. While Liz attempts to comfort the widow, Bellamy is shot. Merton and Shiner fear the police are targets as the assailant is using an Army-issue weapon. Mike receives a job offer that will change his career. Meanwhile, a newcomer in a Bentley limousine impresses Gina and David, for different reasons. | |||||||
| 219 | 21 | "Lily of the Valley" | Judith Dine | Peter Gibbs | 20 April 2003 | 9.24 | |
| When an attempt to remedy vandalism and petty theft at a farm is seen as interference, Gina sends Susie to match the old farmer's feisty spirit. The activity escalates to arson, and Steve suspects a deeper motive behind the crimes. Meanwhile, David is arrested while protesting of the high number of lorries passing through the village to Jim Pinder's quarry, while Vernon is viewed as a traitor for chauffeuring Pinder. | |||||||
| 220 | 22 | "House Rules" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan | 27 April 2003 | 10.06 | |
| Steve Crane's eccentric mother Babs arrives, having separated from her screenwriter boyfriend and grown tired of the London arts scene. She becomes a big hit with the locals, especially Blaketon and Vernon, the latter having a change of fortune after purchasing one of her paintings. However, she causes chaos when burglaries provide her with the opportunity to practice her self-defence skills, leaving Merton both exasperated and impressed. Meanwhile, Gina begins dating another guest at the pub who immediately gets on the wrong side of an overprotective and suspicious Blaketon. | |||||||
| 221 | 23 | "Mackerel Sky" | Jonas Grimas | Niel McKay | 4 May 2003 | 9.31 | |
| A dying ex-con kidnaps Jenny to extort Merton into revealing the informant responsible for his eight-year prison sentence, but the informant has already died, worsening the criminal's state of mind and the danger to Jenny. Steve and the rest of the team investigate sports car thefts. Meanwhile, Vernon is enjoying his new-found wealth and invites himself to join Blaketon at a fundraiser for an old people's home. After befriending the host, he offers to organise a charity antique sale, but the event does not go as planned. Gina and Bellamy rekindle their relationship. | |||||||
| 222 | 24 | "Absent Friends" | Bob Tomson | Jane Hollowood | 11 May 2003 | 9.86 | |
| Merton organises a search of the moors after a farming couple are reported missing, leaving Jenny and Liz to look after their bemused children, whilst Gina and Bellamy take over at the farm. Meanwhile, Vernon decides to treat his nearest and dearest following his windfall, and takes a reluctant Bernie to a posh country hotel. | |||||||
| 223 | 25 | "Music of the Spheres" | Noreen Kershaw | Susan Wilkins | 18 May 2003 | 9.65 | |
| Lord Ashfordly's sister Patricia returns with a renowned Polish musician, to stage a concert at the village hall. While investigating the theft of an expensive violin, Steve falls in love with the musician's daughter, to her father's disapproval. Meanwhile, Vernon and Bernie's shady Liverpudlian cousins, Big and Little Jim, ask him to make a large investment. Gina discovers their scheme, but has difficulty convincing Vernon of their treachery. Jenny accepts Merton's marriage proposal. | |||||||
Series 13 (2003–2004)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 224 | 1 | "Speed" | Paul Walker | John Flanagan | 7 September 2003 | 10.45 | |
| Merton is under pressure to prevent a youth gang from entering the drug trade. While visiting Jenny at the surgery, he checks the patient lists to determine who supplied them with amphetamines, and Jenny calls off their wedding. Steve tries to gain the trust of a young biker and his girlfriend in order to arrest the bullying ringleader. Meanwhile, David and Bernie lose patience with Vernon's affected manner, especially when he employs a distinguished chauffeur who used to do menial tasks for royalty. Vernon searches for a suitable residence, and becomes a suspect when bronze figures are stolen immediately after he views a mansion. Bellamy treats Gina to a holiday in the Highlands. | |||||||
| 225 | 2 | "Dog Days" | Jonas Grimas | Brian Finch | 14 September 2003 | 7.91 | |
| Steve investigates a fire at a textile warehouse and learns that the owner's wife is a convicted fraudster, leading Merton to suspect the blaze was the outcome of a marital feud. Meanwhile, Vernon moves into his mansion, but David is not too keen on joining him. Trying to impress his neighbours, Vernon partners with a silver-tongued housewife to provide horse-drawn hearses. However, he finds himself forced to choose between his new friend and surrogate son David. Elsewhere, tension boils over between Jenny and Merton following their cancelled wedding. | |||||||
| 226 | 3 | "Mother's Little Helpers" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 21 September 2003 | 10.54 | |
| One of Liz's patients develops a heavy drinking problem whilst her husband is abroad, leaving her with two mischievous boys. Liz's attempts to help lead to trouble with Steve when she is caught drink driving. Meanwhile, a gambling addict kidnaps David and demands a ransom from Vernon. Bellamy and Gina return from their holiday with news that they're having a baby. | |||||||
| 227 | 4 | "Fool for Love" | Paul Walker | Susan Wilkins | 5 October 2003 | 9.54 | |
| It is Merton and Jenny's big day, although the event does not go according to plan when a former CID colleague of Merton's asks the team to track down an ageing bank robber known as "Ronnie the dog man". Jenny's disgraced brother Steve returns, claiming to be a changed man and desperate to make amends. Meanwhile, Vernon promises Jenny that he will catch a wild salmon for the wedding, only for Bernie to be more successful than him. Bellamy turns to Blaketon for help when Gina becomes convinced that he only wants to marry her because of the pregnancy. | |||||||
| 228 | 5 | "A Family Affair" | Frank W.Smith | Candy Denman | 12 October 2003 | 10.17 | |
| With Merton on honeymoon, acting sergeant Ventress searches for a bogus waterboard official who has been robbing the elderly, but his attention turns to a suspicious death linked to one of the burglary victims. Meanwhile, Blaketon restages a pre-war darts tournament with a rival pub, the White Lion, to reclaim a silver trophy that the Aidensfield Arms had originally won. David is upset when Blaketon rejects him as a team-member and joins the White Lion darts team instead. Gina faces a few obstacles in her impending marriage to Bellamy. | |||||||
| 229 | 6 | "The Holiday's Over" | Jonas Grimas | Neil McKay | 19 October 2003 | 10.76 | |
| Merton and Jenny's honeymoon is cut short when Jenny becomes ill. Merton finds Ventress has let standards slip in his absence, incurring the wrath of an inspector whose car is stolen. The team hurry to recover the vehicle and the station's reputation, when a crooked travel agent takes advantage of absent holiday-makers. Vernon is financially ruined when he invests all his money in the ill-fated Torrey Canyon, whilst organising a Bentley rally at Ashfordly Hall. Gina is displeased at forfeiting the pub licence to marry Bellamy. | |||||||
| 230 | 7 | "Waifs and Strays" | Andrew Morgan | Richard Monks | 26 October 2003 | 10.84 | |
| Steve and Liz help a young woman fight a custody battle for her orphaned siblings following their father's death. It affects Blaketon who was a good friend of the father, and reminds Steve of his own childhood. One of the parentless children become linked to a series of break-ins. Meanwhile, Vernon bounces back after losing his fortune by opening up a caravan park, but the campers are unimpressed when David arranges entertainments. | |||||||
| 231 | 8 | "Brought to Book" | Noreen Kershaw | John Flanagan | 2 November 2003 | 10.73 | |
| Blaketon asks Steve to accompany a group of delinquents on an outdoor adventure course on the moors, but a pair of cousins join the trip with an ulterior motive. Meanwhile, Vernon's tries to broker the rental of Ashfordly Hall to a religious sect for a meditation convention. Elsewhere, Steve's mother Babs returns and gains employment as assistant librarian to Jowett. | |||||||
| 232 | 9 | "State of Mind" | Judith Dine | Candy Denman | 9 November 2003 | 10.53 | |
| An elderly man reports an unusual break-in, in which a mysterious statue was left on his kitchen table. A series of unexplained events follow, as a police phone box arrives and then disappears from his garden, cement is delivered to his house for no apparent reason and a fire is started in his garage. Though discouraged by Acting Sergeant Jennifer Nokes, Steve's curiosity causes him to further investigate. Meanwhile, Vernon is called for jury service. Gina returns to Liverpool while considering her wedding dilemma. | |||||||
| 233 | 10 | "Down to Earth" | Jonas Grimas | Jane Hollowood | 22 February 2004 | 11.12 | |
| Vernon is left fighting for his life when he buys a batch of soil for his new compost-producing venture. Liz finds herself under increasing pressure due to deaths in the village, whilst Steve is preoccupied when Sgt. Nokes tries to seduce him. Meanwhile, Gina's absence has a profound effect on Bellamy. | |||||||
| 234 | 11 | "Mountains and Molehills" | Adrian Bean | Susan Wilkins | 29 February 2004 | 10.63 | |
| A dysfuctional family causes personal troubles for the police officers when Bellamy accidentally runs down a local boy whilst chasing joyriders. His father demands compensation and his sister, a maid at Ashfordly Hall, falls pregnant, claiming Steve is the father. Meanwhile, David is hired by Lord Ashfordly to rid his estate of moles. | |||||||
| 235 | 12 | "The Dear Departed" | Andrew Morgan | Brian Finch | 7 March 2004 | 10.50 | |
| An ex-convict is killed after returning to Aidensfield, having claimed that he was wrongfully convicted of the murder of a local factory owner, and Blaketon is one of the many suspects. Meanwhile, a widow wants to bury her late husband in the family grave, but the dead man's brother refuses to co-operate because of a feud. Vernon and David attempt to broker peace and find themselves held at gunpoint as a shocking case of fraud comes to light. | |||||||
| 236 | 13 | "Dangerous Whispers" | Judith Dine | John Flanagan | 14 March 2004 | 10.25 | |
| Gina returns and Bellamy's delight causes him to neglect a key informant, who disappears before he can provide a tip about an imminent armed robbery, tarnishing Bellamy's career. Meanwhile, Lord Ashfordly hires land manager Ben Norton, who faces opposition protests when he prepares to demolish the cottages tied to the estate. Liz joins the protest alongside Jenny, causing sparks to fly between her and the newcomer, whilst Vernon buys a miniature railway from Lord Elisby's bankrupt estate in his latest scheme to impress the local aristocrats. | |||||||
| 237 | 14 | "Scent of a Kill" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 21 March 2004 | 9.98 | |
| Merton is reluctant to start a police investigation when one of Liz's patients becomes convinces that her husband is trying to kill her, until she is nearly killed by a runaway tractor. Meanwhile, Vernon's pest control solution jeopardises Aidensfield's chances of winning the "Best Kept Village" award, provoking Blaketon's wrath. Steve becomes attracted to Gina's cousin Diana, while Bellamy neglects his police work to plan the wedding and faces a dilemma regarding the choice of best man. | |||||||
| 238 | 15 | "Daniel" | Adrian Bean | Jane Hollowood | 28 March 2004 | 10.70 | |
| Gina goes into premature labour after breaking up a brawl in the pub. Merton is delighted when his team bring a major LSD dealer to justice, but one officer develops a personal grudge and crosses a line. | |||||||
| 239 | 16 | "One Thing Leads to Another" | Andrew Morgan | Candy Denman | 4 April 2004 | 10.33 | |
| Jenny falls victim to an elaborate savings and loan racket devised by a con man. Meanwhile, Vernon, Bernie and David become over-competitive when they enter a poetry contest. Blaketon fears Gina and Bellamy's grief is pushing them apart. | |||||||
| 240 | 17 | "No Hard Feelings" | Judith Dine | Susan Wilkins | 11 April 2004 | 8.87 | |
| Bellamy's temper boils over against a snobbish nobility and a charmer targeting Gina. The team pursue a sniper who has been improving his skills at clay-pigeon shoots. Meanwhile, Vernon opens a bed-and-breakfast, but his cooking skills are lacking. | |||||||
| 241 | 18 | "Difficult Times" | Gerry Mill | Neil McKay | 18 April 2004 | 10.42 | |
| Merton's police work has consequences for his marriage when he is forced to investigate Liz due to a Formula One driver's insulin overdose. Meanwhile, Vernon meets his match in a charismatic wheeler-dealer, and the pair embarks on a mission to make Aidensfield sparkle with a new brand of cleaning products. | |||||||
| 242 | 19 | "Nowhere Man" | Matt Bloom | Peter Mills | 25 April 2004 | 9.30 | |
| Steve and Liz help an amnesiac piece together his identity, but it leads to a shocking case of domestic violence. Meanwhile, Bernie and David have to pick up the pieces when Vernon becomes morbid and sets out to make an everlasting impact on the world. Jenny informs Merton of a few unpleasant truths about their marriage. | |||||||
| 243 | 20 | "Swan Song" | Declan O'Dwyer | Susan Wilkins | 2 May 2004 | 9.09 | |
| In his final case before retirement, a downbeat Ventress mounts a large-scale surveillance operation against the son of the biggest rug manufacturer in Yorkshire who begins de-fleecing sheep in Aidensfield. Meanwhile, Bernie finds himself in trouble when an Australian arrives to bury his estranged father, who had already been buried by the undertaker. Blaketon fends off the advances of a local widow. | |||||||
| 244 | 21 | "Strangers on a Train" | Pip Short | Susan Wilkins | 9 May 2004 | 10.21 | |
| David witnesses a man thrown from a moving train, which leads to Steve foiling an armed robbery at Ashfordly Hall and an escaped convict loose in Aidensfield. As the team pursue the fugitive, retired Ventress feels lost and is delighted when Merton offers a solution. Meanwhile, Vernon is stalked by a donkey and tries to open a donkey sanctuary, failing to realize that the village already has one. | |||||||
| 245 | 22 | "A Call to Arms" | Judith Dine | Jane Hollowood | 16 May 2004 | 8.83 | |
| The police are puzzled when a retired colleague of Ventress and Blaketon's seems to become the unlikely victim of vandalism. Suspicions arise over his sudden return to the village and his connection to a prominent judge staying at Ashfordly Hall. Meanwhile, Vernon encounters dangerous wildlife as he stashes his capital in Ashfordly woods following a visit from the Inland Revenue, but decides to turn the incident into another money-making scheme, leading him into further peril. | |||||||
| 246 | 23 | "Muck and Brass" | Noreen Kershaw | Duncan Ghould | 23 May 2004 | 7.72 | |
| Merton is not happy at the prospects of dozens of dangerous drivers when Aidensfield hosts a prestigious automotive hill-climb. The villagers are not happy either, and the team race to prevent disaster when a saboteur begins causing chaos. Meanwhile, Bernie finds an old car in a cowshed and renovates it, giving Vernon a chance to scoop the winnings in the hill-climb event. | |||||||
| 247 | 24 | "Double Trouble" | Gerry Mill | Johnny Byrne | 30 May 2004 | 6.97 | |
| A burglary enquiry takes an unexpected turn when the victim is found to be leading a double life and the break-in may have been part of an insurance fraud. Meanwhile, Blaketon falls for the charms of a lady solicitor and joins Ventress to help her find the beneficiaries of an unusual bequest, but the ageing detectives struggle to work in a partnership. David is recruited as their driver, and finds himself acting as peacemaker. | |||||||
| 248 | 25 | "Little Angel" | Jonas Grimas | Jane Hollowood | 6 June 2004 | 9.16 | |
| A little girl is missing, and Merton is convinced that her errant father has snatched her. Blaketon lends his expertise to the case, and is consequently fighting for his life. Steve and Bellamy risk their lives to rescue the youngster. Meanwhile, Vernon offers his pest control services when the pub suffers a rat infestation. | |||||||
Series 14 (2004–2005)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 249 | 1 | "Money, Money, Money" | Roger Bamford | John Flanagan | 5 September 2004 | 8.76 | |
| The villagers are horrified when Steve's replacement is Rob Walker, the son of a notorious gangster. As he deals with an arson case on his first day, Rob must tackle the repercussions of his father's past, in particular from Blaketon who harbours a grudge against Rob. Meanwhile, Vernon and David are asked to decorate the house of an old man obsessed with Shakespeare. Liz and Ben's fundraising efforts brings out the charitable side of the most miserly residents, whilst Jenny and Merton try to put the past behind them. | |||||||
| 250 | 2 | "Secrets and Lies" | Jonas Grimas | Johnny Byrne | 12 September 2004 | 7.84 | |
| Merton is unimpressed by Rob's methods of dealing with a blackmailer who begins terrorising the owner of a refuge, one of Liz's patients, and the goddaughter of Ventress's wife.[clarification needed] Meanwhile, Vernon, Bernie and David enter the publishing world with a famous publisher in desperate need of capital. | |||||||
| 251 | 3 | "Fakers and Frauds" | Adrian Beans | Richard Monks | 19 September 2004 | 8.50 | |
| The police station's reputation comes under scrutiny when evidence suggests that someone from within the force is responsible for a string of burglaries. Meanwhile, Vernon hosts an exclusive painting weekend at Ashfordly Hall but is put in a compromising position by the absence of his life model. A businesswoman attempts to seduce David. | |||||||
| 252 | 4 | "The Happiest Day" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 26 September 2004 | 9.01 | |
| A desperate family man trying to pay for his daughter's wedding is extorted by a loan shark into engineering a robbery at his workplace. Fearful for his life, he confides in Blaketon who must choose between ruining the family or protecting the man's life. Meanwhile, David causes trouble when he takes up photography and catches the villagers in compromising positions. | |||||||
| 253 | 5 | "Hunter's Moon" | Jonas Grimas | Candy Denman | 3 October 2004 | 9.21 | |
| Merton works alongside CID to investigate the death of a fox hunter, but Rob thinks it is a straightforward case when he finds evidence implicating a local poacher. Meanwhile, David neglects to convey a taxi licensing official, and Vernon attempts to win her favour by recreating her favourite dance at the village fête. In Bernie's absence, Vernon asserts his authority by employing a young girl at the garage who creates an impression. | |||||||
| 254 | 6 | "Wrecked" | Roger Bamford | Neil McKay | 10 October 2004 | 8.74 | |
| After he begins a new romance with a lonely single mother, Bellamy is targeted in a series of attacks which confront him with painful memories. Rob begins to suspect an ex-convict whom Bellamy had put behind bars is responsible. Lord Ashfordly demands answers from Merton when his greenhouse is stolen, and his day worsens with the arrival of two irritating Australians who claim to be distant relatives. Bernie receives a shock when he returns to find Rosie working at the garage, but is soon won over by her talents and bubbly personality. | |||||||
| 255 | 7 | "Say it with Flowers" | Adrian Bean | Brian Finch | 17 October 2004 | 9.68 | |
| Rob and Merton investigate a security van raid and are convinced that there is a link to a recent robbery at a local airfield, but a visiting senior officer dismisses their theory. Meanwhile, Vernon takes a sudden interest in the flower show when he discovers David might be the owner of a rare, potentially prize-winning fuchsia, and turns to Blaketon and Ventress for help when the plant suddenly disappears. | |||||||
| 256 | 8 | "Precious Stones" | Andrew Morgan | John Flanagan | 31 October 2004 | 8.92 | |
| David becomes a local hero for intervening in an armed robbery at a dinner party, and his newfound celebrity status affects his work. Bellamy and Shiner find the stolen items in a crashed car, concluding that the robbers were amateurs. However, they soon reconsider when the police station is subsequently raided for the stolen jewels. Meanwhile, Ben Norton asks Liz to marry him and move to Kenya. Jenny is aghast at the thought of losing her best friend, leaving the village doctor with a difficult choice. | |||||||
| 257 | 9 | "Buried Secrets" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 7 November 2004 | 9.32 | |
| The team investigate the murder of an ex-army recluse and archaeological enthusiast which may involve a building dispute. His estranged wife and her lover arrive looking for money. Meanwhile, Vernon attempts to enliven his young relative Gareth by matchmaking him with Rosie, disastrously. Vernon sets Gareth's sights elsewhere but leaves David convinced that he has a chance with Rosie, resulting in a rivalry of suitors. Jenny's erratic behaviour leaves Merton worried. | |||||||
| 258 | 10 | "Stormy Weather" | Judith Dine | Susan Wilkins | 14 November 2004 | 9.54 | |
| As a thunderstorm strikes Aidensfield, Merton and Bellamy investigate the murder of a retired policeman who was about to flee to Spain with his sister-in-law. Jenny behaves oddly after experiencing the strain of being a policeman's spouse. Meanwhile, Vernon believes he has a talent for poker but loses Greengrass's old truck when he challenges Rosie's uncle, who is a professional hustler. When a rematch places the garage in jeopardy, Rosie recruits an eccentric relative to teach her uncle a lesson. | |||||||
| 259 | 11 | "Who's Sorry Now?" | Gerry Mill | Candy Denman | 21 November 2004 | 9.87 | |
| New doctor Helen Trent arrives with her wealthy husband Matt, whilst Liz plans her wedding to Ben and their departure for Kenya. The changes have Jenny's thoughts spiralling out of control. Merton is desperate to help, but finds himself under suspicion of spousal abuse. Helen finds it difficult to adjust to the slow pace of Yorkshire, and problems in her marriage are revealed. | |||||||
| 260 | 12 | "In Sickness and in Health" | Roger Bamford | John Flanagan | 28 November 2004 | 10.24 | |
| Vernon's efforts to create an impressive celebration for Liz and Ben's wedding results in chaos when Ben assists the police during the kidnapping of a banker's wife. When the extent of Jenny's mental issues becomes clear, Merton must choose between his wife and his career. Helen's dreams of a fresh start for her marriage look set to be shattered, and Bellamy is happily promoted to acting sergeant in Merton's absence. | |||||||
| 261 | 13 | "In the Bleak Midwinter" | Gerry Mill | Johnny Byrne | 26 December 2004 | 5.95 | |
| An ageing jazz band travel to Aidensfield to perform at a Christmas concert, and find themselves left with a newborn baby after giving a ride to a teenage hitchhiker. Rob must bring two estranged families together for Christmas. Meanwhile, Gina takes centre stage at the concert with her rendition of "Winter Wonderland", whilst a mix-up leaves both Blaketon and David taking on the role of Father Christmas. | |||||||
| 262 | 14 | "Blast from the Past" | Noreen Kershaw | Jane Hollowood | 13 March 2005 | 8.41 | |
| Rob undertakes an investigation into a series of violent burglaries against elderly residents, delving into the lives of his father's associates. Rob finds evidence that could convict a major underworld figure but would also implicate his father. Meanwhile, David falls for Matt's mistress and becomes a messenger in their sordid affair, leaving Gina, Bernie and Rosie suspicious of his behaviour. New constable Geoff Younger arrives, to the delight of man-eating Sgt. Nokes. | |||||||
| 263 | 15 | "Icon" | Judith Dine | Tracy Brabin | 20 March 2005 | 8.52 | |
| Ventress goes undercover when Bellamy and Rob hunt for stolen Russian icons smuggled with a fishing boat, and suspect an assault victim with criminal connections might be involved. Meanwhile, Vernon embarks on a scheme for Alfred to find truffles. Helen is puzzled by a young girl's baffling medical history, leading to a case of child abuse. | |||||||
| 264 | 16 | "Golf Papa One Zero" | Gerry Mill | Candy Denman | 27 March 2005 | 8.21 | |
| Blaketon rallies a protest against new Ashfordly Sgt. George Miller, who closes the police house in Aidensfield and introduces a state-of-the-art Ford Zephyr police car that fails to perform. Rob is left in serious danger when apprehending robbers without backup. Meanwhile, David gets into trouble when he promises to throw a birthday party for a lonely old lady whose 100th birthday goes unremarked, and nurse Clare Owen takes a shine to hospitalised Rob. | |||||||
| 265 | 17 | "The Long View" | Dominic Clemence | John Flanagan | 3 April 2005 | 9.01 | |
| Miller is unimpressed by Rob's rebellious streak when he spectacularly bends the rules whilst trying to prevent a highly professional robbery. Meanwhile, Bernie's odd behaviour leaves his nearest and dearest fearing the worst. Gina gives Rosie a makeover ahead of her date, and receives a shock when Rosie's mystery man is revealed as Bellamy. | |||||||
| 266 | 18 | "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" | Noreen Kershaw | Peter Gibbs | 10 April 2005 | 9.03 | |
| Bellamy tries to impress Miller by single-handedly investigating a marketeer suspected of using sheep to conceal criminal activities. The arrival of a tax inspector throws residents into a panic. Vernon bears the brunt of the taxman's wrath when countless dodgy deals come back to haunt him, and resorts to drastic measures to deal with his debts. Elsewhere, Gina loses patience with Blaketon when he interferes in another of her romances. | |||||||
| 267 | 19 | "Friends and Relations" | Noreen Kershaw | Susan Wilkins | 17 April 2005 | 9.57 | |
| Rob's girlfriend Clare falls under suspicion when there is a drug-related death at a wild party, and Miller's opinion of Rob falls further when he learns that Rob was at the event. David is taken advantage of by his Aunt Peggy, who moves in and sets up a vodka still. Familiar with Peggy, Ventress informs Blaketon and Gina of her dubious past. | |||||||
| 268 | 20 | "Off the Rails" | Roger Bamford | Richard Monks | 24 April 2005 | 9.32 | |
| A crime wave hits Ashfordly railway station where a number of freight wagons mysteriously disappear. Miller and his men find a vital clue in an unlikely place.[further explanation needed] Meanwhile, Peggy plays dirty when Bernie competes in the local bowls tournament. A new romance begins when Helen and Gina run into Bellamy and Rob on a night out. | |||||||
| 269 | 21 | "Rustlers and Hustlers" | Anna Rose | Brian Finch | 1 May 2005 | 8.07 | |
| Rob investigates a series of animal thefts when he is called to the scene of a horseriding accident. Peggy takes advantage of Blaketon's absence for a golf trip by hosting a poker tournament at the pub, but he returns early and bars her and David. Jowett irritates the officers by complaining about bad smells and noisy lorries. There is awkwardness between Helen and Rob following their night of passion. | |||||||
| 270 | 22 | "Duty of Care" | Ian Bevitt | Ming Ho | 8 May 2005 | 8.73 | |
| With Rob on holiday, Bellamy investigates the shooting of a young boy at Ashfordly Hall and accuses the new estate manager of employing child labour. He later uncovers a complicated situation, and is reminded of his past as he tries to help a desperate father conceal a devastating secret from his son. Meanwhile, Peggy's guided tour venture is cut short by a terrifying encounter. | |||||||
| 271 | 23 | "Shadows from the Past" | Gerry Mills | Peter Gibbs | 15 May 2005 | 8.68 | |
| The Ashfordly team reopen an eleven-year-old unsolved case when a compulsive liar with mental health issues confesses to the murder of a young girl. However, a search for the victim's body uncovers a male skeleton. Rob and Helen try to protect the suspect and his mother from a campaign of abuse. Meanwhile, Peggy sets her sight on a boorish widower, providing amusement for Gina but not for a close friend of the man. | |||||||
| 272 | 24 | "Every Dog His Day" | Andrew Morgan | Susan Wilkins | 22 May 2005 | 8.38 | |
| Lord Ashfordly hosts a group of young offenders as part of a rehabilitation programme led by an old army friend, but a series of disturbances suggest they are not committed to reforming. Meanwhile, Blaketon and Ventress search for a lonely old woman's beloved dog, and Peggy tries to pass off a lookalike for a reward. Bellamy brings a little happiness into a troubled boy's life. | |||||||
| 273 | 25 | "Services Rendered" | Stuart Davids | Johnny Byrne | 29 May 2005 | 7.81 | |
| The team have a host of vengeful suspects when a widowed father trying to rebuild his shattered life becomes the target of a hit-and-run accident. Meanwhile, Peggy's illegal cigarettes cause trouble for Younger due to an unexpected ingredient. When the real owners show up,[clarification needed] Ventress devises a plan to save them both. | |||||||
| 274 | 26 | "Bin Man" | Judith Dine | Jane Hollowood | 5 June 2005 | 8.72 | |
| Gina finds a severed hand in her dustbin, and the team search for other body parts and find evidence implicating a close ally of Lord Ashfordly for murder. Meanwhile, Peggy invests in a freezer to sell rabbits and pheasants, and is caught in a murder enquiry. Elsewhere, Blaketon befriends a private investigator hired to obtain compromising information on Helen for use in her divorce. Bernie is unnerved when things disappear at the garage. | |||||||
Series 15 (2005–2006)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | 1 | "A Fresh Start" | Roger Bamford | John Flanagan | 11 September 2005 | 6.93 | |
| A reformed London gangster rescues Rob from a beating by a gang of car thieves and subsequently finds himself under Miller's scrutiny. Younger makes a grave error that could have far-reaching consequences,[specify] Peggy's chicken-feed scheme causes a salmonella outbreak, while Helen and Rob begin a full-blown affair and Ventress is concerned for his wife's health. | |||||||
| 276 | 2 | "The Devil You Know" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 2 October 2005 | 8.42 | |
| Ventress goes undercover to investigate a dangerous driver who accused Rob of using excessive force, but the operation casts doubt on Miller's integrity. Lord Ashfordly asks Gina to help him select a new housekeeper, with Peggy applying for the job. Elsewhere, one of David's elderly customers gives him her late husband's model railway set. Bellamy is appointed Police Federation Rep. and addresses Younger's complaint of being treated like an odd-job man. Peggy surprises in a clay pigeon shooting competition. | |||||||
| 277 | 3 | "Miller's Tale" | Judith Dine | Richard Monks | 9 October 2005 | 8.05 | |
| Miller chases a gang of night poachers on Ashfordly estate and accidentally knocks down an elderly tramp, who later dies in hospital, jeopardising Miller's career. Meanwhile, Peggy is knocked down a hole during the poaching chase and schemes to sue for imagined injuries. Elsewhere, Gina becomes attracted to art college teacher Jack Hollins. Blaketon is tempted to sell the pub to the brewery. | |||||||
| 278 | 4 | "Mastermind" | Jonas Grimas | Brian Finch | 16 October 2005 | 8.69 | |
| A gang of ageing villains attempt a glorious crime spree when the villagers leave Aidensfield en masse to support Rob in a charity football match. David is nervous when summoned for jury service; the accused is an old acquaintance of Peggy's, providing her with an opportunity to make money and leaving David paranoid that Miller wants him arrested. | |||||||
| 279 | 5 | "Family Ties" | Jonas Grimas | Candy Denman | 23 October 2005 | 8.12 | |
| Helen is suspected of euthanasia when one of her patients suddenly dies, and Rob's desperate need to clear her name nearly exposes their affair. Meanwhile, Peggy and David start a strawberry scam involving Rosie's two brothers, providing Younger with his first independent investigation. | |||||||
| 280 | 6 | "The End of the Road" | Roger Bamford | Jane Hollowood | 30 October 2005 | 8.94 | |
| An escaped killer causes a public outcry when he commits a series of violent attacks in Aidensfield; the targets include his parents. When Helen is kidnapped, Rob's feelings jeopardise the capture of the fugitive. Meanwhile, David faces a heartbreaking time when Alfred passes away; Peggy, Bernie and Rosie try to bring light back into his life. | |||||||
| 281 | 7 | "Picture This" | Andrew Morgan | Susan Wilkins | 6 November 2005 | 9.08 | |
| Miller demands answers from Lord Ashfordly when a priceless Manet painting is stolen from the home of a retired German art dealer, who suffers critical injuries in a car accident. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to convince a pair of visiting bird-watchers that Aidensfield's wildlife includes a rare bird of prey, and David poses as an ornithological expert. | |||||||
| 282 | 8 | "The Good Samaritan" | Judith Dine | Collin MacDonald | 13 November 2005 | 8.58 | |
| Residents raise money for a devout couple whose baby requires a live-saving operation in America, whilst Rob intervenes when greed and a brotherly feud results in a series of assaults and a fatal car crash. Meanwhile, Peggy frightens some holiday-makers when a rumour circulates that a local tourist spot is haunted, and Jack and Gina come across a dead body in the woods. | |||||||
| 283 | 9 | "Blood Brothers" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 20 November 2005 | 9.22 | |
| David helps a friend escape the return of a troublesome father, but inadvertently leaves the young boy with a paedophile. Meanwhile, Jack recruits Bernie in an ill-advised attempt to encourage Gina's creative ambitions when the pub hosts an art exhibition. Lord Ashfordly hires Peggy as a dog trainer after his hound bites a window cleaner, who demands the police have the animal put to sleep. | |||||||
| 284 | 10 | "Burden of Proof" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 27 November 2005 | 9.22 | |
| A woman hires Blaketon to spy on her adulterous husband, who is subsequently found dead. The woman claims that Blaketon is her lover, making him the prime suspect, and Rob works to clear the detective's name. Meanwhile, Bellamy falls in love with Debbie Black, a young widow with three children, when he attends to a burglary at her house. Peggy buys a racing greyhound that refuses to run. | |||||||
| 285 | 11 | "O Guilty Man!" | Judith Dine | Jane Hollowood | 4 December 2005 | 8.87 | |
| A truck Bernie recently repaired careens into a garden, causing his sanity to be questioned by an opportunistic journalist. David fears the worst when Bernie disappears, and Blaketon and Ventress initiate a search. Meanwhile, Helen's estranged husband Matthew returns, with a plot that could have Rob transferred away. Helen plays her husband at his own games. | |||||||
| 286 | 12 | "Auld Acquaintance" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 18 December 2005 | 8.70 | |
| Lord Ashfordly and his staff take a Christmas vacation, leaving Ashfordly Hall under the watch of an old army pal. He harbours a young hooligan who attempts to steal valuables, and the man tries to impart a valuable life lesson in a violent way. Meanwhile, Blaketon and Peggy create competing Santa's Grottos. Ventress is upset when his wife falls ill, and Gina, Helen, David and Bellamy draw lots on who gets to host him for Christmas dinner. | |||||||
| 287 | 13 | "Living with the Past" | Jonas Grimas | John Flanagan | 1 January 2006 | 7.94 | |
| The villagers are furious at the release of ex-convict Henry Stoddard, who is immediately suspected when the pub is attacked and Ventress is nearly killed in a hit-and-run. Stoddard claims innocence in this and the 15-year-old murder for which he was convicted. Rob reopens the case and tarnishes Blaketon's integrity when evidence suggests another member of the Stoddard family was responsible. Meanwhile, Peggy learns that she may be a distant relative of Lord Ashfordly's and makes herself at home at Ashfordly Hall. Bellamy leaves the villagers stunned when he arrives at the pub with his new wife, Debbie. | |||||||
| 288 | 14 | "Risky Business" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 8 January 2006 | 8.49 | |
| A young arsonist's rehabilitation is threatened when he is accused of a series of arson attacks, complicated by his clandestine relationship with a former employer's daughter. Rob is reminded of his own troublesome childhood and tries to prove the youngster's innocence, but all evidence points to the contrary. Meanwhile, Blaketon and Jack join in opposition of Peggy's advertisement venture, ending up in a police cell. | |||||||
| 289 | 15 | "Hostage to Fortune" | Andrew Morgan | John Flanagan | 15 January 2006 | 9.02 | |
| The Ashfordly team pursue Aidensfield's version of armed robbers Bonnie and Clyde. When the runaway heiress is injured on the run, her ruthless boyfriend kidnaps Helen, who provokes the pair by advising her patient to end the partnership. Meanwhile, Peggy is incensed when Rosie manages the garage in Bernie's absence, and instructs David to organize a funeral in a madcap scheme to have Bernie leave the garage to David in his will. | |||||||
| 290 | 16 | "Judgement Day" | Roger Bamford | Brian Finch | 22 January 2006 | 9.66 | |
| Rob and the team are called when a local judge is targeted in a series of attacks and subsequently blackmailed over his sordid personal life. The case takes a sinister twist when the prime suspect is shot dead on his doorstep. Meanwhile, Peggy and David buy a police radio and sell information to the Ashfordly Gazette, teaching a pompous old enemy a lesson in the process. Miller soon discovers their scheme and delights at the opportunity to charge Peggy. | |||||||
| 291 | 17 | "Get Back" | Adrian Bean | Mark Holloway | 23 April 2006 | 9.12 | |
| A man claims to be a local farmer who had suffered amnesia during a London air raid in the 1940s and was presumed dead. He tries to resume his life, though his wife has married an ill and abusive man, who seems to know more about the circumstances of his rival's disappearance. Meanwhile, Lord Ashfordly's displays strange behaviour after consuming Peggy's peculiar batch of mushrooms. Younger asks Rosie for driving lessons to prepare for an official police course, and she is horrified when rumours spread of their presumed romance. | |||||||
| 292 | 18 | "Runners and Riders" | Adrian Bean | Sarah Begs-haw | 30 April 2006 | 8.53 | |
| Lord Ashfordly's niece arrives following the collapse of her marriage, and her prize racehorse is stolen for ransom. A biker gang arrives in town, bringing romance for Rosie. Bernie risks alienating Gina when he blames the bikers for a robbery at the church. Gina and Bellamy race to save Debbie's daughter Jane from a seedy photographer. | |||||||
| 293 | 19 | "Great Expectations" | Gerry Mill | Jane Hollowood | 7 May 2006 | 9.35 | |
| A local has to put the family farm up for auction, and is shocked when his estranged brother arrives, desperate to get his hands on a box of old junk. Blaketon and Jack are at risk when they stand in his way of getting it back. Debbie confronts an old flame and gets into trouble for drink-driving. David is left stranded with a pompous couple when Peggy buys a horse and carriage for her sightseeing enterprise. | |||||||
| 294 | 20 | "Kith and Kin" | Andrew Morgan | Susan Wilkins | 14 May 2006 | 8.37 | |
| Bernie is subjected to a series of violent attacks, leaving Rosie concerned when he refuses to involve the Police. Rob is provoked by a violent farmer who causes a brawl during his granddaughter's birth. Helen's estranged father tries to make amends before he dies of cancer. Peggy enters David into a fishing competition without his approval. | |||||||
| 295 | 21 | "Wine and Roses" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan | 21 May 2006 | 8.64 | |
| Bellamy is distraught when Debbie goes on a late-night drinking spree by the river, and she becomes implicated in the murder of a bank manager. Meanwhile, Jowett takes action when Peggy and David allow a colony of hippies to stay on their land, and Younger finds himself caught between two strong-minded women who come to blows. Helen and Rob patch things up after their break-up. | |||||||
| 296 | 22 | "This Happy Breed" | Jonas Grimas | John Flanagan | 28 May 2006 | 8.06 | |
| Miller's old army captain offers him a business proposition, which he declines without regret. However, a series of car thefts suggest that the old friend has other business in Aidensfield. Meanwhile, Bellamy struggles to care for Debbie's children whilst she is in rehab; Peggy takes his two stepdaughters on a day out and they are arrested for poaching. Jack encourages Gina to pose nude for a painting. | |||||||
| 297 | 23 | "Keeping Secrets" | Roger Bamford | Jane Hollowood | 4 June 2006 | 8.11 | |
| Despite Rob's efforts to keep his wedding secret, his enigmatic sisters and Gina enlist the help of the residents to organise a big surprise party. The day is upset when Helen's mother voices disapproval and a noise complaint turns deadly when a mentally ill woman takes matters into her own hands. Meanwhile, Debbie returns from rehab a changed woman, Younger's dancing is found lacking, Peggy uses old Christmas decorations for the wedding reception, and Miller gains an admirer. Gina discovers that Jack has sold the nude painting of her to a London gallery and wants them to move away. | |||||||
| 298 | 24 | "The Dying of the Light" | Adrian Bean | Jonathan Critchely | 18 June 2006 | 6.82 | |
| Rob suspects a connection when a car is found crashed in a ditch and a farm suffers a series of sheep rustling incidents. Helen must settle affairs when a woman suffering from dementia is found dead in the river. Meanwhile, Peggy is intrigued by an eco-warrior couple's slurry-fuelled generator. Blaketon grows concerned for Gina when she becomes withdrawn after breaking-up with Jack. | |||||||
| 299 | 25 | "Bad Company" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 2 July 2006 | 7.32 | |
| A hit-and-run following a local dance leads to the son of the councillor on the police committee, who is known for his reckless driving. The case puts Younger in a compromising position. Meanwhile, an exasperated David leaves Peggy to run the taxi business whilst he becomes a window cleaner's assistant. | |||||||
| 300 | 26 | "Accidents Happen" | Jonas Grimas | John Flanagan | 2 July 2006 | 6.84 | |
| A prisoner is broken out of the Ashfordly station cells to pilot a helicopter for an armed robbery. Bellamy faces heartbreak when Debbie begins acting strangely as a familiar face returns to the village. Helen moves into the police house with Rob, but their happiness is brief as a disturbed boy takes revenge for the death of his dog. Meanwhile, a dentist shows romantic interest in Peggy, but she discovers his ulterior motive and recruits a struggling journalist to exact revenge. | |||||||
Series 16 (2006–2007)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | 1 | "C'est La Vie" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 29 October 2006 | 8.68 | |
| Rob returns from mourning his wife and saves a con-man whose car crashes into the river, prompting him to confess to a life of crime. Blaketon is excited as a Frenchwoman arrives for preparations to 'twin' Aidensfield with her hometown, but becomes jealous when Lord Ashfordly takes a shine to her. Left to the tender mercies of Peggy and David, she finds herself behind bars. Bellamy recuperates from his wife's departure, whilst new district nurse Carol Cassidy struggles to treat a woman with an over-protective husband. | |||||||
| 302 | 2 | "Old Scores" | Jonas Grimas | Peter Gibbs | 5 November 2006 | 9.30 | |
| A convicted rapist is targeted by a hate campaign when he returns to Aidensfield, as his victim committed suicide. When a serious allegation is made, Rob's investigation reunites him with CID Detective Sergeant Rachel Dawson, an old flame. Dawson and Younger recapture an escaped convict. Meanwhile, Peggy, David and Carol try to help a talented singer overcome alcoholism. | |||||||
| 303 | 3 | "Intelligent Matters" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan | 12 November 2006 | 9.63 | |
| The Ashfordly team joins forces with Dawson and a shady MI5 agent in the hunt for a suspected Soviet spy, but Carol soon discovers the agent has secrets of his own after witnessing a stand-off at a railway station. Meanwhile, Peggy fancies herself as the next Miss Marple when an old note among a dead friend's belonging raises questions about her cheating husband's disappearance. Miller suffers from a toothache. | |||||||
| 304 | 4 | "Please, Please Me" | Andrew Morgan | Jane Hollowood | 19 November 2006 | 9.42 | |
| Rosie is troubled by an ex-boyfriend whose attentions escalate to stalking. Rob and Carol learn the man has a history of violence against his ex-girlfriends, and Younger shows a darker side when he protects his friend. A series of car thefts and dog disappearances – including Peggy's car with David's dog – leaves Miller and his men baffled. Gina encourages Bellamy to talk about his feelings, and the full extent of his heartache spills out when she suggests they give their relationship another chance. | |||||||
| 305 | 5 | "Memoirs of a Fighting Man" | Roger Bamford | John Martin Johnson | 26 November 2006 | 9.44 | |
| Rob clashes with Blaketon while deciding whether to charge an ex-army major who fatally shot a young burglar. Meanwhile, a struggling father asks for Carol's help dealing with his pregnant teenage daughter who has withdrawn from the world. Peggy, Rosie and David try to save the garage with a modern makeover, incurring Bernie's wrath. | |||||||
| 306 | 6 | "Pretty Woman" | Jonas Grimas | Mark Holloway | 3 December 2006 | 8.76 | |
| Rob and Rosie try to protect a Miss Yorkshire beauty contestant who is targeted by mysterious attacks. Large numbers of female protestors picket the event, but Rob learns that the threat is closer to home. Miller is unimpressed when Younger's bicycle is stolen and orders him to make more arrests. With advice from Ventress, Younger finds a novel way of raising the village crime rate. Bellamy gets closer to Gina when she is injured in an explosion. Peggy places a wager for a friend who dies before he can collect his winnings. | |||||||
| 307 | 7 | "Stumped" | Roger Bamford | Adrian Bean | 10 December 2006 | 8.15 | |
| A failed sting operation leaves three armed robbers on the run, one in a cell and an informant fearing for his life. Rob is taken hostage, leaving Miller, Dawson and Bellamy against a tough deadline. Meanwhile, Blaketon is determined to win the annual cricket match against Scarsdale, but assembling a team proves hectic when Ventress calls off and Bernie struggles to grasp the sport. Rosie is incensed when Blaketon refuses to allow her on to the team, despite her talent, whilst David becomes the team's secret weapon and a target of sabotage. | |||||||
| 308 | 8 | "Little White Lies" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 17 December 2006 | 8.39 | |
| The team search for a young boy who disappears after discovering his mother is having an affair with a family friend, who is later seriously injured in a road accident. Meanwhile, Younger fills in for the lollipop lady and starts a friendship with a bullied boy. Gina and Bellamy arrange for Rob to date a hairdresser, but he realizes he still is not over the loss of Helen. Miller is outraged when a nits[further explanation needed] infestation grips the Ashfordly station. Carol is delighted when her fiancé visits her on leave from the Navy, whilst Peggy and David experience a slight cashflow problem. | |||||||
| 309 | 9 | "Hearts and Flowers" | Andrew Morgan | Susan Wilkins | 24 December 2006 | 6.32 | |
| Chaos reigns when a sniper kills Jowett's sister as she leaves the pub. Dawson and Rob's enquiries reveal the gunman may have missed his intended target, which Blaketon realises may be Jowett or himself – and the two are brought closer together. Meanwhile, Peggy buys an ice-cream van to take advantage of the hot weather and leaves David in charge of the venture whilst she attends a Redcoat reunion, but his home recipes have interesting results. | |||||||
| 310 | 10 | "Give Peace a Chance" | Jonas Grimas | Jane Hollowood | 31 December 2006 | 5.68 | |
| While called to subdue anti-war protestors at an airfield, Rob is accused of police brutality. Miller finds the complainant is the boyfriend of his estranged daughter Jo, who he has to arrest. Meanwhile, Younger is devastated when Rosie begins a romance with new vet Fergus, who causes chaos at the garage when a snake escapes from his car. Irritated that nobody takes her snake-catching suggestions seriously, Peggy leaves with David and inadvertently heads into danger. | |||||||
| 311 | 11 | "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" | Judith Dine | Brian Finch | 31 December 2006 | 6.03 | |
| Three young joyriders steal Carol's car, taking some of the drugs in her medical bag and selling the rest. One of the joyrider's parents so happens to be a solicitor and she tries to wreck Carol's reputation to protect her son. Meanwhile, David agrees to store a coffin for a Swedish sailor, but he and Peggy suspect it may contain something other than a body. Elsewhere, Rosie and Fergus suffer a series of interruptions on their dates, while Bellamy wonders whether rekindling his relationship with Gina is a good idea. | |||||||
| 312 | 12 | "Vendetta" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 7 January 2007 | 8.60 | |
| Blaketon offers to help a woman find her missing son, but becomes targeted by a mysterious assailant on a boundless vendetta. Meanwhile, David's plan to throw Peggy a birthday party are rejected so that she can date an old flame who reappears after 20 years. Younger finally gets his drivers licence. Gina asks Rob to look into Bellamy's behaviour, leading to a shocking admission. Bellamy collapses whilst making an arrest. | |||||||
| 313 | 13 | "Sleeping Dogs" | Jonas Grimas | John Flanagan | 6 May 2007 | 7.89 | |
| Bernie inherits a fortune from his sister, which draws out his half brother Vernon – who had faked his suicide two years earlier to avoid a taxman. Peggy panics when Vernon asks David to accompany him to Spain. However, both Bernie and Vernon are detained on suspicion of murder. Meanwhile, Rob and Carol deal with a religious man who reacts harshly to his 16-year-old daughter's pregnancy. Bellamy who collapsed whilst making an arrest, and has been admitted to Ashfordly General fears his family's history of heart failure has caught up to him. Though he does not want Gina to know, she finds out and spontaneously declares her feelings for him. | |||||||
| 314 | 14 | "Another Little Piece of My Heart" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 13 May 2007 | 8.53 | |
| Rosie, Carol, Rob and Lord Ashfordly make a stand against an arrogant farmer who shoots a dog and is suspected of abusing his wife, who has an infant child. Meanwhile, Younger is led on a wild goose chase by a group of wayward children who release livestock from the local farms. Blaketon is exasperated when Gina and Bellamy announce their second engagement. Whenever this episode is broadcast it is preceded by a viewer discretion warning due to the depiction of domestic violence. | |||||||
| 315 | 15 | "Seeds of Destruction" | Judith Dine | Jonathan Critchely | 20 May 2007 | 8.10 | |
| A retired major dies in police custody after Younger gives him painkillers for back trouble, and Carol learns that a freelance herbalist is treating some of her patients. Meanwhile, a BBC documentarian arrives to record village life and is driven mad by the excited residents, especially Peggy, who tries to provide "the full Yorkshire experience". Gina proves she is serious about marrying Bellamy by signing over the licence of the pub to Blaketon. | |||||||
| 316 | 16 | "No Laughing Matter" | Adrian Bean | John Flanagan | 27 May 2007 | 8.05 | |
| Suspicion falls on Gina's new cellarman when a valuable pendant is stolen from a guest. A search into the barman's past reveals a history of crime, but Emily appears more disturbed by the presence of a pub comedian. Meanwhile, Younger seeks to buy a car but soon regrets asking Peggy to help him purchase a cheap vehicle. Love blossoms for Gina and Bellamy as they plan their honeymoon. | |||||||
| 317 | 17 | "Out of Africa" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 3 June 2007 | 7.07 | |
| Rob is called out to investigate a series of vandalisms against Lord Ashfordly's new estate manager who angered the tenants with hard-line methods learned in South Africa. Meanwhile, Peggy believes she has found the explanation for David's recent behaviour when she uncovers his strange new addiction. | |||||||
| 318 | 18 | "The Dreams That You Dream" | Roger Bamford | Jane Hollowood | 24 June 2007 | 7.84 | |
| Gina and Bellamy finish the preparations for their wedding and are loaned the use of Ashfordly Hall. The groom's uneventful stag night stirs pre-wedding nerves, especially when Gina's old flame Jack returns. Rob and Peggy prepare an extravagant surprise for the soon-to-be-married couple. The rest of Ashfordly station look into the disappearance of an elderly resident who had put his cottage up for sale. | |||||||
| 319 | 19 | "Mind Games" | Gerry Mill | Andrew McCulloch | 1 July 2007 | 5.63 | |
| Rosie is viciously attacked while attending a broken-down vehicle on the moors, with the murdered driver discovered nearby. Rob and Dawson learn that the driver was a retired cop turned private detective, and their investigation leads to a religious cult. Meanwhile, Peggy buys a flock of turkeys from an old friend, but David grows attached. Carol is not happy when Rob cancels their first date. | |||||||
| 320 | 20 | "The Medium is the Message" | Adrian Bean | Mark Holloway | 8 July 2007 | 7.28 | |
| When a reverend's wife is murdered a psychic convention in Ashfordly seems to hold the key to solving the case, whilst Dawson becomes suspicious of the reverend's alibi. Bellamy arrests a drunken tramp who is revealed to be Younger's father. Meanwhile, Peggy plans to sell trout to a hotel in Scarborough but lands David and herself in trouble with Miller when it is discovered how she acquired them. | |||||||
| 321 | 21 | "One Small Step" | Gerry Mill | Shaun McKenna | 15 July 2007 | 7.34 | |
| Bellamy, Miller and Younger's lives are at risk when the Ashfordly Police Station is attacked by a professional gang set on freeing two of their members. At the Aidensfield Arms, Rob, Dawson and Ventress gather with others to watch the moon landing, but Blaketon and Peggy get into a debate when Peggy becomes convinced that the whole event has been faked and sets out to prove it. One guest at the pub gives Gina and Bernie cause for concern when she appears unusually agitated by the historic event. | |||||||
| 322 | 22 | "Troubled Waters" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 22 July 2007 | 6.99 | |
| Carol is consumed by guilt and regret when a newborn baby dies in her care, provoking the father to return to his criminal ways after a run-in with Rob and Blaketon at the pub. Meanwhile, Peggy hatches a plan to rescue Bernie when he becomes the object of a predatory widow's affections. | |||||||
| 323 | 23 | "Where There's Smoke" | Adrian Bean | Peter Gibbs | 29 July 2007 | 6.88 | |
| Undercover surveillance is conducted on an illegal gaming club, whose criminal operator has accumulated enemies that complicate his plans to sail away with his mistress. Rob awaits the results of his sergeant's exam, and finds himself caught in a love triangle with Carol and Dawson. Inspired by Hugh Hefner, David sets up a den and throws wild parties which incur Peggy's wrath but bring a new romance with one of Rosie's friends. | |||||||
| 324 | 24 | "Laying the Ghost" | Judith Dine | Jane Hollowood | 5 August 2007 | 7.23 | |
| A new resident becomes the object of rumours due to her unlikeable and secretive personality. Jowett snoops around and discovers the woman is harbouring a secret companion. Peggy is put in charge of the Jumble Sale for the upcoming village fête. Rob is offered a place on a course away from Aidensfield, but cannot make the decision about whether he should leave his colleagues and Carol. | |||||||
Series 17 (2007–2008)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 325 | 1 | "Stop Gap" | Roger Bamford | John Flanagan | 11 November 2007 | 8.41 | |
| New village bobby Joe Mason apprehends three armed hostage-takers at the church, and impresses Blaketon with his tactics against a local troublemaker. However, Joe alienates villagers and colleagues with his cocky attitude until put straight by Ventress and Carol. Dawson, Bellamy and Younger pursue a professional Manchester gang who are targeting country houses. Meanwhile, Peggy trespasses on Ashfordly estate, but neither she nor Lord Ashfordly are a match for Joe. | |||||||
| 326 | 2 | "Heirs Apparent" | Gerry Mill | Peter Gibbs | 18 November 2007 | 7.98 | |
| Joe finds there's more to his job when called to help deliver a baby. He arrests Lord Ashfordly on suspicion of attacking a teenage girl who claimed to be Ashfordly's illegitimate daughter, and Miller is unimpressed by Joe's handling of the sensitive case. Meanwhile, David decides to make a will, but a series of accidents raise paranoia that one of his beneficiaries may be trying to kill him. | |||||||
| 327 | 3 | "Night Mail" | Adrian Bean | Susan Wilkins | 25 November 2007 | 7.83 | |
| Armed robbers hold up a train, and Joe interferes with a CID investigation led by an old adversary. The constabulary are exasperated with him, but Joe finds an ally in Dawson who discovers trouble within the CID. Meanwhile, Peggy receives an inheritance from a distant relative of her late husband. | |||||||
| 328 | 4 | "Love Story" | Judith Dine | Jane Hollowood | 2 December 2007 | 7.84 | |
| Three Australian sheep-shearers are celebrated for helping a local farm, but upset a bully who frames one for theft. Joe and Carol try to protect the farmer's daughter, who is being terrorised by her brother. Rosie has to choose between the Australians and a past lover. Meanwhile, Peggy starts a laundry service with David doing the work. Bellamy is displeased when he discovers Gina has been taking contraceptives. Joe is saddened when Miller tells him that he is being replaced. | |||||||
| 329 | 5 | "Another Sleepy, Dusty, Delta Day" | Gerry Mill | Mark Holloway | 16 December 2007 | 8.10 | |
| The death of a young man and subsequent disappearance of his son is linked to the disappearance of a baby three years earlier, suggesting the baby's broken parents may be responsible. Following Rosie's departure, Bernie's spirits are lifted when he makes a large amount of money selling an inherited Rolls Royce. Miller's worst nightmare comes true when it becomes apparent that there are two Peggy Armstrongs. | |||||||
| 330 | 6 | "Touch and Go" | Roger Bamford | Shaun McKenna | 23 December 2007 | 7.60 | |
| With the arrival of Rob's permanent replacement, Don Wetherby, Joe seems to have no choice but to take his new post in London. Carol notices bruising on a boy's arm and suspects abuse by his stepfather, just as his biological father returns. A violent custody dispute catches Joe, Bellamy and Wetherby in the crossfire leading to Bellamy being shot dead. Meanwhile, Gina and Blaketon organise a charity quiz night on Lord Ashfordly's urging, but Peggy's competitive streak gets the better of her. | |||||||
| 331 | 7 | "Burying the Past" | Adrian Bean | Andrew McCulloch | 30 December 2007 | 6.93 | |
| The villagers prepare for Phil Bellamy's funeral. Gina struggles to cope and considers returning to Liverpool. The whole of Aidensfield say their farewells to the much-loved bobby, with Blaketon paying a tribute to his former PC. At Ashfordly station, Joe and Dawson investigate the suspected suicide of a local teacher. Don Wetherby is racked with guilt and decides to leave until Miller offers a proposition. Meanwhile, Carol fails to report an elderly motorist involved in a hit-and-run with a cyclist, who turns out to be Dr. Chris Oakley. David is worried when Peggy takes Bellamy's death particularly badly and vanishes. | |||||||
| 332 | 8 | "Only Make Believe" | Judith Dine | Peter Gibbs | 6 January 2008 | 8.51 | |
| Wetherby is followed to Aidensfield by a deranged stalker who ruined his marriage. He asks Joe for help when she makes a serious accusation against him. Meanwhile, Bernie's dating weekend with a widow coincides with Ventress and Blaketon's private investigation into a series of burglaries, when they all arrive at the same hotel. Gina resolves to return to work at the pub after a heart-to-heart with Peggy, and Carol finds herself attracted to Chris. | |||||||
| 333 | 9 | "The Devil Rides Out" | Roger Bamford | Susan Wilkins | 13 January 2008 | 7.97 | |
| A reverend believes an evil presence is at work when Satanic symbols are found painted on the church and gravestones, though Miller believes hooligans are responsible. An attack on Lord Ashfordly's godson leads Joe and the team into a dangerous world of drugs and rock music. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist attempts to help Gina overcome her grief, but she becomes more stressed upon discovering that she is pregnant. | |||||||
| 334 | 10 | "Changing Roles" | Gerry Mill | Andrew McCulloch | 23 March 2008 | 6.39 | |
| Miller immediately suspects a disgruntled drink driver of raiding the police station, stealing a patrol car and uniform. However, a new lead becomes apparent when Olive Winstanley jeopardises Dawson's witness protection operation, and Joe gets into trouble while distracted by an old flame. Meanwhile, Peggy becomes Lord Ashfordly's new gamekeeper and impresses with her clear-up rate, but her newfound power alienates David and she puts a poacher in hospital. | |||||||
| 335 | 11 | "A Brush with the Law" | Jonas Grimas | John Martin Johnson | 30 March 2008 | 7.15 | |
| An unpopular master hunter's den is targeted by arson, and suspects include Lord Ashfordly, a kennelman threatened with dismissal and a farmer whose land was severely damaged. Meanwhile, Blaketon decides to teach Peggy a lesson when she schemes to sue the locals for compensation. Joe is looking to purchase a new car and asks Bernie's advice. | |||||||
| 336 | 12 | "The Heart of a Man" | Mark McKillop | Collin MacDonald | 6 April 2008 | 7.13 | |
| Cash is stolen from a blind man's home, leading the team to a farmworker's revolt against an unpopular businessman and a shady practice of covering-up injuries and unsafe work practices. Carol finds reason to believe the businessman is abusing his teenage daughter. Meanwhile, David becomes the guardian angel for a suicidal naturist who jumps off a bridge, and Peggy tries to make some money from the strange man. | |||||||
| 337 | 13 | "Out of the Long, Dark Night" | Andrew Morgan | Stuart Morris | 18 May 2008 | 6.05 | |
| Joe and Carol become involved in a revenge plot against a suspected Nazi war criminal when a Jewish couple are plagued by a series of sabotage acts, which later puts Younger's life at risk. Meanwhile, a vintage steam traction engine breaks down outside Bernie's garage, causing chaos in Aidensfield and leaving Bernie and Jowett fuming. Further mayhem arises when David takes it for a test run. | |||||||
| 338 | 14 | "Take Three Girls" | Roger Bamford | Peter Gibbs | 25 May 2008 | 5.87 | |
| A teacher manipulates his vulnerable girlfriend into committing crimes to promote his activist views. When Joe and Wetherby determine his intentions, he reunites the woman with her estranged father in an elaborate scheme to evade prosecution. Meanwhile, David is unexcited about accompanying a farmer's large daughter to a disco, but becomes her knight in shining armour. Carol and Chris have an argument over how to advise a pregnant teenager. | |||||||
| 339 | 15 | "Hey Hey LBJ" | Andrew Morgan | John Flanagan | 1 June 2008 | 5.70 | |
| A 17-year-old girl disappears after an argument with her father, and Joe searches for her American boyfriend who is taking extreme measures to prolong his stay in Yorkshire to avoid being drafted into the American Army and sent to Vietnam. Meanwhile, David and Peggy's scheme to find treasure with an old metal detector puts them under suspicion when bronze statues are stolen from local estates. | |||||||
| 340 | 16 | "Danse Macabre" | Jonas Grimas | Shaun McKenna | 27 July 2008 | 5.38 | |
| An aspiring ballerina collapses and expresses a fear of being taken away, leading Joe and Carol to assume that her demanding elderly guardian is connected. Meanwhile, David is hired to write an advice column for the Ashfordly Gazette, displeasing Peggy who wanted the job. Younger struggles with his feelings for a local shopkeeper's daughter, due to embarrassing bouts of sneezing when he tries to speak to her. | |||||||
| 341 | 17 | "Missing Persons" | Adrian Bean | Jane Hollowood | 3 August 2008 | 6.23 | |
| Carol, Blaketon and Joe protect two young girls, whose mother has neglected them to revel with her criminal boyfriend. Joe's anger boils over when a social worker does not take the case seriously, leading to explosive consequences. Meanwhile, Gina is distracted from pregnancy anxieties when Bellamy's 18-year-old niece Dawn comes to stay after getting into trouble in her hometown. Gina's unexpected fury is unleashed on David when Dawn goes missing after he forgets to collect her. Miller is unimpressed when Younger fails to catch thieves who have been stealing lead from churches. | |||||||
| 342 | 18 | "Taking Stock" | Ian Bevitt | John Flanagan | 10 August 2008 | 6.25 | |
| A crashed car is found to have been used in a Liverpool robbery, suggesting a new group of criminals are loose in the area, and the only lead is a sketch. Blaketon joins Ventress in surveillance of the wife of an old friend, who is convinced that she is having an affair. Gina also goes away, leaving Bernie and Dawn in charge of the pub. Peggy tries to sell Angora goats. | |||||||
| 343 | 19 | "The Big Chill" | Jonas Grimas | Susan Wilkins | 17 August 2008 | 6.80 | |
| With her sexist superior trying to discredit her, Dawson turns to Joe, Wetherby and Younger for help to catch a drug smuggling gang. Gina starts a friendship with the ringleader's girlfriend at an antenatal class, and puts herself in peril when she tries to rescue the woman. Meanwhile, Bernie is pressured to give Jowett's uncle the finest funeral service, and his anxiety increases when Peggy offers a solution for his broken-down hearse. | |||||||
| 344 | 20 | "Bully Boys" | Andrew Morgan | Peter Gibbs | 24 August 2008 | 6.71 | |
| Younger fails to control a brawl at the bookmakers. On the advice of ex-con debt-collector Mick Revill, Younger joins the local gym and enters a boxing match against Wetherby. Meanwhile, Revill is accused of shady dealings by a local businessman and becomes the prime suspect when his wife's thieving ex-husband is run down. David is reluctant to attend a school reunion due to the return of a bully who has become a successful adult, though Peggy insists that he make business connections. | |||||||
| 345 | 21 | "It Came from Outer Space" | Adrian Beam | Phillip Palmer | 31 August 2008 | 7.17 | |
| Dawson links an explosion in the woods to armed criminals, and Joe goes undercover at a local quarry to infiltrate the gang. Joe tries to save a conflicted man from a life of crime but places himself in danger when his cover is blown. Meanwhile, Peggy exploits a rumour that the explosion was caused by a meteorite when she learns how valuable space debris is. | |||||||
| 346 | 22 | "You Never Can Tell" | Judith Dine | Mark Holloway | 14 September 2008 | 5.63 | |
| A music manager is found dead the day after holding his wedding reception at the Aidensfield Arms. Blaketon and Dawn uncover a plot involving his bride and her mother, a leukaemia diagnosis, and his memoirs. Meanwhile, Peggy is caught with stolen property, feigns amnesia and is hospitalised. Younger is tipped to a series of upcoming crimes by Wetherby's young son, who disappears. | |||||||
| 347 | 23 | "Mixed Messages" | Jonas Grimas | Jane Hollowood | 21 September 2008 | 5.49 | |
| Joe tries to help Carol when she is suspected in the death of a pensioner. Peggy takes action when a local magistrate's rubbish is dumped on her doorstep, leading Younger into an embarrassing encounter with the magistrate. Gina's anxiety over her unborn child intensifies when she has a health scare. | |||||||
| 348 | 24 | "Oscar's Birthday" | Andrew Morgan | Jane Hollywood | 28 September 2008 | 6.48 | |
| Joe becomes a pawn in an attractive gold-digger's scheme to escape her over-protective husband with his money. The villagers organise Blaketon's surprise party, and David asks Bernie to teach him how to play the piano before Peggy scraps it. A second celebration comes when Gina goes into labour at the party. Joe and Carol confront their feelings for one another. | |||||||
Series 18 (2008–2010)[]
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 349 | 1 | "Family Matters" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch | 12 October 2008 | 5.74 | |
| While Ashfordly police are tasked with protecting a suspected Nazi collaborator who is visiting the area, Sgt. Miller begins acting strangely, leading PC Joe to discover that he is being extorted for his cooperation in exchange for his daughter's safety. Meanwhile, Peggy becomes convinced she has a serious illness, which worries David, Gina settles into motherhood, and Dawn becomes interested with a mysterious Frenchman visiting the Aidensfield Arms. | |||||||
| 350 | 2 | "England Expects" | Jonas Grimas | Shaun McKenna | 19 October 2008 | 6.12 | |
| A seriously ill fugitive pursues a vendetta against the Ashfordly police by manipulating two young boys to do his dirty work, leading PC Joe and DS Dawson into finding and apprenhending him. Meanwhile, Dawn teaches PC Younger ballroom dancing so that he can partner with Joyce Jowett at a charity event, and David takes up pottery to aid Peggy's collaboration with a furniture retailer. | |||||||
| 351 | 3 | "Mother of Invention" | Roger Bamford | Mark Holloway | 26 October 2008 | 5.95 | |
| Carol finds herself struggling to help a single mother look after her child, unaware of her mental well-being, which is not helped when an old friend arrives with a woman she claims to be Carol's biological mother. Meanwhile, PC Wetherby recruits Peggy into helping him find the dog of the chief constable's wife, and Dawn convinces David to begin a chimney sweeping business with her, after Bernie receives the associated equipment as payment for a funeral. | |||||||
| 352 | 4 | "Living off the Land" | Andrew Morgan | Susan Wilkins | 2 November 2008 | 5.79 | |
| Joe and Carol visit a Travellers' camp to investigate a vicious attack on a hippie and a pregnant woman. One victim had recently clashed with Lord Ashfordly's latest gamekeeper, who is found murdered with his throat cut. Wetherby comes under suspicion, but is preoccupied when he discovers his wife is having an affair. Meanwhile, David finds himself in competition with a competing taxi firm, run by an old foe of Peggy's. | |||||||
| 353 | 5 | "Guilty Secrets" | Gerry Mill | John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch | 9 November 2008 | 5.70 | |
| DS Dawson is accused of stealing £400 from the wife of a suspected criminal, during a raid following a tip-off. PC Joe is not convinced of her guilt, despite the evidence, and swiftly works to unmask the truth, discovering someone intends to destroy her career. Meanwhile, Bernie is shocked when he discovers he has a daughter and asks Blaketon to find her, though it leads to a heartbreaking dilemma. | |||||||
| 354 | 6 | "Strike Up the Band" | Jonas Grimas | Shaun McKenna | 16 November 2008 | 5.08 | |
| A feud between two brass bands leads to a musician's death by apparent poisoning, but Sgt. Miller discovers there is more to the conflict than a trophy. As they intervene, PC Joe and DS Dawson succumb to their attraction for each other, only for Carol to catch them in the act. Meanwhile, Dawn is swept off her feet by a handsome young man, whom Blaketon has suspicions about. Things seem perfect for her, until Peggy finds her in the garage crying, after discovering the truth about their relationship. | |||||||
| 355 | 7 | "Return Crossing" | Judith Dine | Peter Gibbs | 19 April 2009 | 6.24 | |
| Carol asks PC Joe to help a smuggler's widow, after she discover she has received death threats from an associate of her late husband. When he does, he learns that her dead husband had a partnered who they aided in with a number of crimes. Realising he seeks to keep them going despite her reluctance, matters soon escalate, forcing Joe to find a way of making her stop the trouble. Meanwhile, Blaketon helps a Polish veteran find a woman he fell in love with during the war. | |||||||
| 356 | 8 | "Looking for Isabella" | Jonas Grimas | Jane Hollowood | 26 April 2009 | 5.95 | |
| When a boy becomes trapped in a well in the gardens of a seemingly deserted, derelict house, a media circus descends on the place as firemen attempt a rescue. However, matters become complicated when gunshots are fired from the house, endangering the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Peggy regrets renting out her spare room to a bothersome journalist who tries to exploit local gossip. | |||||||
| 357 | 9 | "The Hospital Job" | Andrew Morgan | Jonathan Critchley | 3 May 2009 | 4.67 | |
| DS Dawson requests assistance from Ashfordly police into investigating a list of stolen goods suspected of being in the possession of a shady antiques dealer. PC Joe soon discovers evidence that links the dealer to the items, when he discovers that a notorious burglar, who recently died, frequented the place with his children, unaware of the permanent harm he was doing to them and himself. Elsewhere, Jowett rallies the villagers when a group of Taoist monks become stranded en route to a monastery in Middlesbrough, but things soon change when the monks prove quite friendly to everyone. | |||||||
| 358 | 10 | "Ups and Downs" | Tony Prescott | John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch | 10 May 2009 | 4.96 | |
| A cat burglar begins targeting wealthy homes in the district, leading to DS Dawson recruiting help from PC Joe and Wetherby to investigating the matter. At the same time, Peggy is thrilled to be reunited with an old friend, a former circus performer, and convinces David to spend time with them. However, both find their paths crossing, when the performer is discovered to be the thief, working under a major whom Sgt. Miller has suspicions about. Meanwhile, Bernie worries about the whereabouts of Rosie, especially when the Australian she left with returns to the area with no idea where she is since they parted ways. | |||||||
| 359 | 11 | "Thursday's Children" | Roger Bamford | Michael Eaton | 17 May 2009 | 5.36 | |
| PC Joe and DS Dawson travel to the last place in Australia that Rosie was known to be in, in order to hunt her down. Aided by a local police sergeant, they struggle to find much evidence linking the Australian she travelled with to her disappearance, and decide to review whether she disappeared when she left for the western regions of the country. Meanwhile, Carol travels with them as far as Brisbane, to find out more about her long-lost brother, but reunites with them after a con artist tricks her and steals her money. | |||||||
| 360 | 12 | "The Middle of Somewhere" | Roger Bamford | Michael Eaton | 24 May 2009 | 4.81 | |
| PC Joe and DS Dawson continue their search for Rosie, and soon discover from police records that it may be linked to the disappearance of another woman a few years ago. With the local police's help, they investigate another disappearance beforean upcoming horse race, and discover the horrible truth to Rosie's fate - a truth that hits hard to those who knew her back in Aidensfield. Meanwhile, Carol finally reunites with her long-lost brother, and decides to catch up with him about his past, while a local bar owner tries to fix a race to ensure a favorite in the race does not make them lose a lot of money in their illicit betting operation. | |||||||
| 361 | 13 | "School of Hard Knocks" | Piotr Szkopiak | Peter Gibbs | 31 May 2009 | 4.90 | |
| A member of the Territorial Army working as a teacher for Ashfordly School raises concerns, when his tough acts of punishment put a trouble-making student in hospital. However, things go from bad to worse, when a female teacher reveals to Carol that he raped them, and Ashfordly police discover that he lost a gun he took from an armoury, which PC Joe suspects might have been stolen by the student he picked on. Meanwhile, Peggy is shocked to find the body of a local tramp, who was well known for stealing from those he worked for, leaving David to question if the village should set aside an upcoming trip to London to fund the tramp's funeral. | |||||||
| 362 | 14 | "The Runaways" | Judith Dine | John Milne | 7 June 2009 | 4.90 | |
| An accountant and his family crash into a tractor after being chased down a country lane by another car. PC Joe and Sgt. Miller are intrigued by the family's erratic behaviour and discover that they are fleeing from a gangster who will do anything to retrieve incriminating documents. Meanwhile, David comes into some money and buys an old Jeep with a surprising military history, one which surprises those who fought in the second world war. | |||||||
| 363 | 15 | "Cashing In" | Gerry Mill | Shaun McKenna | 14 June 2009 | 4.32 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves dealing with a series of counterfeit notes, which DS Dawson identifies as being made by a gang that had recently been arrested, except for the ringleader who managed to escape with their girlfriend. Suspecting they are seeking actual money to buy passage out of the country, the police work hard to apprehend them, unaware of the risks that the counterfeiter will take to escape. Meanwhile, Miller is horrified when his wife is arrested for shoplifting and exposes the martial troubles they have, and Bernie is excited when he becomes convinced his idol Judy Garland has secretly moved to Aidensfield. | |||||||
| 364 | 16 | "A Whiter Shade of Pale" | Andrew Morgan | Mark Holloway | 18 July 2010 | 6.25 | |
| A new resident to Aidensfield is found beaten to death in her kitchen, shortly after announcing her intentions to marry a local businessman, despite them being already married. Although PC Joe and DS Dawson have suspicions on two men, Carol has grave worries about the victim's son, especially when she finds evidence that suggest he may have been involved in his mother's death. Meanwhile, David is caught in the middle when Dawn and Peggy operate competing food trucks on the day of the Ashfordly Cup final. | |||||||
| 365 | 17 | "The War of the Roses" | Jonas Grimas | Susan Wilkins | 25 July 2010 | 5.07 | |
| PC Joe and Sgt. Miller attempt an intervention to stop the harassment of a local farmer by his neighbours. However, the situation worsens when the farmer is given further trouble that culminates in a fire on their property that nearly kills them. At the same time, Dawn falls for a charming new barman at the pub and tries to cure him of his sudden angry outbursts, unaware he has an ulterior motive for being the area. Meanwhile, David helps Peggy inventory an estate, but fears her shady dealings have upset the spirit of the deceased. | |||||||
| 366 | 18 | "Ties That Bind" | Judith Dine | John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch | 1 August 2010 | 4.71 | |
| Facing demotion for having an affair with a senior colleague, DS Dawson prepares to tackle her final case with CID, as they investigate a series of violent post office robberies. PC Joe swiftly assumes he is to blame, which places strain on his relationship with Carol, until he and Dawson are placed in danger when the robbers move onto a target CID did not anticipate being hit. Meanwhile, Blaketon is unhappy to find Peggy helping one of his friends with the cleaning while their wife is in a nursing home. However, when she reveals he is in possessions of items reported stolen due to kleptomania, he quickly has suspicions that his friend is holding back on something. | |||||||
| 367 | 19 | "Deadlier Than the Male" | Dominic Leclerc | Peter Gibbs | 8 August 2010 | 5.06 | |
| Blaketon and PC Joe play peacemaker in an abusive couple's relationship, despite the wife's new lawyer being eager to ensure they stay separate and divorce. Meanwhile, Peggy is delighted to be reunited with an old friend, but regrets letting them stay when their daughter tries to sour her relationship with David, and makes it clear she intends to woo him and kick Peggy out from the cottage. | |||||||
| 368 | 20 | "Jobs for the Boys" | Roger Bamford | Jane Hollowood | 15 August 2010 | 5.14 | |
| Ashfordly police find themselves dealing with a modern-day "Robin Hood", and discover a connection between their robberies and a series of envelopes to elderly residents carrying cash stolen during each robbery. At the same time, Blaketon and Ventress join forces to help investigate the disappearance of an estranged son, who left home after a heated argument with his father. Both find their cases colliding, when it transpires that the robberies are related to questionable business ethics over the construction of a new housing estate. | |||||||
| 369 | 21 | "My One and Only" | Gerry Mill | Shaun McKenna | 22 August 2010 | 5.29 | |
| An insurance salesman is shot dead outside his home, and a disgruntled customer of the victim is the initial suspect in the crime. As Ashfordly police handle the investigation, PC Joe discovers that not only did the victim sell fraudulent policies, but he also led a complicated double life, and soon discovers that the latter may have been found out by one of the wives he had. Meanwhile, Ventress is forced to stay at the Aidensfield Arms while his house is being repaired, causing problems for all, while Sgt. Miller and Peggy both attempt to stop a war hero from drinking himself to death while on hard times. | |||||||
| 370 | 22 | "The Open Door" | Tim Dowd | Jonathan Critchley | 29 August 2010 | 5.34 | |
| A lorry driver is savagely beaten by robbers, who steal the contents of his van before dumping it. When Ashfordly police trace where it comes from, they quickly discover that the robbers are unknowningly in possession of condemned meat, which could spark a health crisis in the district. PC Joe soon gets a lead on the suspects, when Carol discovers that a senile patient of hers is being visited by a man who claims to be her long-dead son. Meanwhile, Peggy agrees to house-sit a mansion, and secretly opens it as a bed-and-breakfast, but things don't go to plan. | |||||||
| 371 | 23 | "Pass the Parcel" | Judith Dine | Mark Holloway | 5 September 2010 | 6.06 | |
| Ashfordly police work to stop a gang of safe robbers, but are found with a complicated situation when one of them turns up dead, and the remaining robbers are forced to take everyone hostage at Dawn's birthday party to recover a lost bag of explosives. Meanwhile, Blaketon bets PC Younger and Ventress that he can uncover Wetherby's lunchtime activity, leading him into an embarrassing situation. | |||||||
| 372 | 24 | "Sweet Sorrow" | Roger Bamford | John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch | 12 September 2010 | 6.00 | |
| The arrival of a traumatised and wounded stranger in Aidensfield coincides with the discovery of a woman's body on the moors, and sets off a treacherous chain of events that leaves Blaketon's life hanging in the balance. | |||||||
References[]
External links[]
Categories:
- Lists of British period drama television series episodes
- Heartbeat (British TV series)