James' ex-wife Helen arrives, saying that she has left her current husband and intends to move back in with the family. However, Helen's husband Frank, a member of the mafia, comes looking for her.
The Shepherds are in for a shock when teenage Kate's 35-year-old boyfriend comes for dinner.
Robbie enrols his father in a computer dating scheme.
Various interested parties try to involve James in fixing a horse race.
James' veterinarian duties involve a farting dog, then when he gets home, Helen's ancient father introduces his considerably younger singer/songwriter girlfriend.
James tears Kate off a strip for staying out late at a party; the rather predictable result is Kate attempts to leave home.
James and Helen's inefficient lawyer believes their divorce may not have been finalised.
Kate's boyfriend has an unusual excuse for standing her up.
Frank calls from Sicily to tell Helen that's he's found someone else.
James takes the children to a farm and meets attractive Vicky.
James goes on a date with three women — one of whom is Helen.
James invites Vicky to dinner — but they are joined by Helen.
Vicky's Council leader creates problems for her at the farm.
James's trainee Graham starts; Robbie's unwillingness to dissect a frog causes problems at school.
An overheard phone call from Vicky to James about an unplanned pregnancy leads to a predictable but amusing misunderstanding.
James rashly promises to buy Kate a new car if she passes her driving test on the first go.
As Rose announces she's leaving for work in Australia, Helen announces she's emigrating to Sicily to reunite with Frank and wants the children to go with her. Kate and Robbie overhear Vicky receiving a proposal from a gentleman.
A storm means all the women staying the night at the Shepherds'.
Various family members plan to use the house for their own romantic assignations when James and Vicky leave for the weekend.
