Curmudgeonly Martin Ellingham's plans to resume his career as a consultant in London are put on hold with the birth of the son he fathered with his now estranged partner, Louisa Glasson.
New receptionist Morwenna Newcross gets off to a bad start after arriving late on her first day, and her hyperactive behaviour leads Martin to believe she is high on drugs.
Louisa's hippie mother Eleanor arrives in the village, immediately taking over Martin's kitchen to prepare a herbal tonic, which she later gives to the baby to stop his crying.
PC Penhale is shocked by the unexpected arrival of his ex-wife Maggie, who appears to have forgotten that they separated years ago and wants to know why he left her.
Maggie gets the all-clear from the doctor and decides she will return to Bude, forcing PC Penhale to take desperate measures to persuade her to stay in Portwenn.
Bert Large's restaurant business is in financial trouble. He can't even afford the food and drink for a charity event to raise money for Florence Dingle's cat sanctuary.
