List of Heartbeat episodes

Heartbeat is a British police 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 18 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
Nick Rowan the village's new police constable (PC), arrives in Aidensfield with his wife Dr. Kate Rowan and immediately runs into trouble with the local bikers. Greengrass's dog causes a poor first impression between Sgt. Blaketon and PC Rowan when it is suspected of killing a bird, Sergeant Blaketon who it's established has a unhealthy obsession with trying to continually put Greengrass behind bars, and charges him with the death of the bird. Dr. Rowan tries to look for work helping the local doctor.
2	2	"Fruits of the Earth"	Tim Dowd	Johnny Byrne	17 April 1992
When a man exposes himself on a bus, Nick is sent to investigate. It turns out that the man is severely disabled, PC Nick Rowan samples some fortified blackcurrant juice and instantly regrets doing so once he's back on his motorbike.
3	3	"Rumours"	Ken Horn	David Lane	24 April 1992
Ugly rumours about one of Aidensfield's shopkeepers lead to numerous problems. Kate tries to help a family though the village doctor is morally opposed.
4	4	"Playing with Fire"	Eric Wendell	Rob Gittins	1 May 1992
Nick is kept busy by a lady who cannot control her horse. The other police are occupied with teenagers and salmon poachers. Kate faces trouble after meeting with a teenaged girl, and Claude provides costly help to a couple. Greengrass considers helping the police.
5	5	"Nowt but a Prank"	James Ormerod	Barry Woodward	8 May 1992
Three young boys cause unwelcome mischief, which mistakenly adds to a neighbourly dispute. (This episode begins with a short behind-the-scenes introduction.) PC Bellamy decides to play a prank on PC Alf Ventress, who proceeds to get his own back in spectacular fashion.
6	6	"Old, New, Borrowed and Blue"	Tim Dowd	Alan Whiting	15 May 1992
A tidy burglar does his rounds in the village. A caregiver has a sideline borrowing things from patients. Kate finds a job.
7	7	"Face Value"	Terry Iland	David Lane	22 May 1992
The anti-bomb movement provokes fighting amongst residents. Greengrass causes trouble by combining local events. First appearance of John Duttine as Paul Melthorn MP.
8	8	"Outsiders"	Tim Dowd	Peter Barwood	29 May 1992
When some Gypsies arrive in Aidensfield, the vicar has a quarrel with his daughter.
9	9	"Primal Instinct"	Ken Horn	Brian Finch	5 June 1992
The shooting of a former policeman provokes criticism in the police force.
10	10	"Keep on Running"	Gavan Theoditis	Johnny Byrne	12 June 1992
Sheep rustling leads to courtroom perjury. Nick goes to London in search of a new job but finds corruption.

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
A van is stolen at gunpoint and Nick suspects the involvement of Lord Ashfordly's erratic son Rupert, who uses his position to impede the investigation. Kate befriends a pregnant teenage girl and discovers that Rupert is the baby's father.
12	2	"End of the Line"	Bob Mahoney	David Martin	25 April 1993
Kate is targeted in an act of revenge for Nick's involvement in a death. Greengrass discovers car parts while demolishing an old barn, but is unhappy after selling them below market price.
13	3	"Manhunt"	Ken Horn	David Lane	2 May 1993
Armed robbers catch Nick, Greengrass and George at the Aidensfield Arms pub, holding them in the cellar. Nick suspects Greengrass's involvement, as one of the robbers knows him. Blaketon and Kate work together to investigate the robbers.
14	4	"Bitter Harvest"	Ken Horn	Jane Hollowood	9 May 1993
The team work quickly to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. George's wayward niece Gina arrives to help at the pub; she becomes popular with the male patrons.
15	5	"Over the Hill"	Tim Dowd	Johnny Byrne	16 May 1993
An army sergeant accidentally kills himself while trying to murder a soldier who reported him for racism. The soldier hides in Aidensfield but finds he can not run from his troubles. Meanwhile, Kate tries to keep a family together when social services decide that a widowed mother is unfit to care for her son.
16	6	"Bang to Rights"	Tim Dowd	Brian Finch	23 May 1993
Following a woman's suicide attempt, Nick looks into a possible wrongful conviction involving his predecessor, who had retired following the case. Meanwhile, PC Bellamy is assaulted on his stag night.
17	7	"A Talent for Deception"	Terry Marcel	Jonathan Critchely	30 May 1993
Nick questions Kate's feelings when she defends a former boyfriend who is suspected in a hit-and-run accident. Nick's attention is called to a string of bank robberies and a crime writer. Greengrass decides to buy a flashy car, and Bellamy organises a talent contest for the local football club.
18	8	"Baby Blues"	Catherine Morshead	Veronica Henry	6 June 1993
Suspects in a baby abduction include a disapproving family member, a gang of hippies, and Kate's missing patient who cannot have children. Greengrass begins training a racehorse, but incurs the wrath of Blaketon when the horse runs wild through the village.
19	9	"Wall of Silence"	Terry Marcel	Jane Hollowood	13 June 1993
A spree of break-ins reaches the Ashfordly estate, where the chief constable is staying, to Blaketon's dismay. Nick is caught in a feud between Lord Ashfordly and his former gamekeeper. Kate tries to convince a desperate woman of the dangers of an illegal abortion.
20	10	"Missing"	Terry Marcel	Adele Rose	20 June 1993
A fairground is used to exchange stolen paintings; Greengrass obtains one but his potential buyer forces him to tell Nick, and they join forces to stop the smugglers. One of Kate's patients suspects that her son is involved in the disappearance of two boys.

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 surge in recreational drug use leads to an overdose and the robbery of a surgery which leaves Dr. Ferrenby critically injured. Greengrass's car is stolen by the robbers, and the case reunites Blaketon with his estranged son Graham. Kate is concerned when a woman who has suffered miscarriages announces she is pregnant.
22	2	"Riders of the Storm"	Tim Dowd	Brian Finch	10 October 1993
Many passengers are injured in a train crash, including recently released armed robber Stevie Walsh. He discovers his wife is pregnant by another man and seeks revenge. When the woman goes into labour, Kate becomes trapped in a violent confrontation.
23	3	"Dead Ringer"	Tim Dowd	Johnny Byrne	17 October 1993
Items stolen while PC Bellamy neglected his duty are found in a rental storage under his name, and Nick works to prove his innocence. Greengrass becomes involved in a greyhound-racing scam with a ruthless businessman.
24	4	"Going Home"	Bob Mahoney	Johnny Byrne	24 October 1993
Nick intervenes in a feud between a visiting German and a local landowner, and discovers horrifying secrets from both men's involvement in the Second World War. Dr. Ferrenby dies, turning Kate's world upside down. Greengrass helps gypsies organise a bare-first fight.
25	5	"A Chilly Reception"	Catherine Morshead	Eric Wendell	31 October 1993
The police learn that a wedding is to be disrupted, and suspect an ex-boyfriend. The church is sabotaged on the wedding day, threatening everyone inside. Kate hides her reasons for refusing an inheritance from her uncle. Greengrass sells stolen seafood which gives the villagers food poisoning.
26	6	"The Frighteners"	Alan Grint	Brian Finch	7 November 1993
An elderly woman is harassed; Nick suspects the landowner is trying to force her out, while Blaketon suspects her son-in-law. When she is placed in a nursing home and her cottage sold, Nick becomes personally involved. Greengrass seeks justice when he is nearly killed by a farmer while dog walking on the moors. PC Ventress hides a kitten at the police station.
27	7	"Father's Day"	Terry Marcel	Brian Finch	14 November 1993
A witness claims that Graham assaulted a DJ at the village hall dance, but Graham says he was preventing the sale of drugs. Nick tries to flush out the drug dealers, while Blaketon confronts his past mistakes. Greengrass works with a widow and her son to retrieve money from a dead man's grave.
28	8	"Endangered Species"	Tim Dowd	Michael Russell	21 November 1993
David Stockwell reports an illegal badger-digging ring in the woods. Afterwards, his mother is struck in a hit-and-run though she insists that she fell. Blaketon allows David to work with the team to uncover the wrongdoings. Greengrass sells shares of a racehorse to George, causing trouble with the other shareholders. Ventress gets out of work while preparing for the sergeant's exam.
29	9	"An American in Aidensfield"	Catherine Morshead	Peter Palliser	28 November 1993
An American motorcyclist called Charlie causes friction when he moves to the village and stars a relationship with Gina. A Korean war veteran wants Charlie to leave, and Blaketon and Bellamy must put a stop to the personal vendetta. Gina considers life away from the village. Greengrass buys a couple vintage English motor bikes to make a quick deal with Charlie's contacts.
30	10	"Bringing It All Back Home"	Bob Mahoney	Michael Russell	5 December 1993
Inspector Crossley arrives and demands that Kate close the surgery in the police house. Kate receives a job offer in Whitby, but Nick does not want to move. Other villagers accompany Gina to Whitby to pursue her singing career. Nick comes to the aid of a young girl on the beach, setting off a tragic chain of events. Greengrass is in trouble with Inland Revenue, and Kate worries for his health.

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
Inspector Crossley thinks that an escaped animal from a faraway zoo has attacked the local sheep; the joke is they blame a harmless dog. Kate finds a new job but runs into a problem with the receptionist.
32	2	"Witch Hunt"	Catherine Morshead	Brian Finch	11 September 1994
Kate solves a case that Inspector Crossley had misjudged.
33	3	"Mid Day Sun"	Baz Taylor	Jonathan Critchely	18 September 1994
A dog is not brought through the proper quarantine after arriving from Germany, causing a Rabies outbreak to be declared in Aidensfield.
34	4	"Turn of the Tide"	Tim Dowd	Johnny Byrne	25 September 1994
Nick goes undercover to catch smugglers, leaving Blaketon to closely watch Greengrass for nefarious activity. Kate tries to help a teenage girl.
35	5	"Love Child"	Ken Horn	Brian Finch	2 October 1994
A mother who gave up her child for adoption runs into problems.
36	6	"Nice Girls Don't"	Baz Taylor	Jane Hollowood	9 October 1994
Gina is followed by a car late at night and is attacked, and when she reports it the female police inspector suggests it's her fault.
37	7	"Trouble in Mind"	Tim Dowd	Johnny Byrne	16 October 1994
A man who lost his memory for eight years arrives in town. Greengrass is bothered by someone obsessed with the plot of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
38	8	"Fair Game"	Matthew Evans	Veronica Henry	23 October 1994
An adulterous wife runs into trouble for killing her husband, and Greengrass tries to obtain some prize winning fighting cockerels that belonged a recently deceased man.
39	9	"Red Herring"	Ken Horn	Michael Russell	30 October 1994
A Soviet sailor seeks political asylum but when he escapes whilst being transferred from Asfordly Police Station to a Home Office Immigration Centre in York, he causes a security scare. It's suspected that his trawler is a Soviet Spy ship, and with RAF Fylingdales Early Warning Station nearby the Home Office is very concerned. Two children from a school outing think they are being dutiful by stalking him.
40	10	"Arms and the Man"	Tim Dowd	Jonathan Critchely	6 November 1994
Second World War veteran Ron Cooper(David McCallum) has a shed of old munitions to make the show go off with a bang, but not before some children have a bit of fun. Greengrass tries fishing with a hand grenade to raise some quick money, and Lord Ashfordly is displeased at his fast-depleted stock of trout.
41	11	"Treading Carefully"	Catherine Morshead	Lizzie Mickery	13 November 1994
Roof lead is disappearing from around the village, and Claude Greengrass becomes the prime suspect in its disappearance. Oscar visits Nick at the Police House and persuades him to patch things up with his wife before it's too late, Kate tells Nick that she is pregnant.
42	12	"Bad Blood"	Matthew Evans	Steve Trafford	20 November 1994
A man's wife runs away because of his constant fighting with his brother who thinks that their farm should belong to him, it emerges that it's all to do with inheritance and one brother murdering their father to get his hands on the farm. Gina is visited by an old friend.
43	13	"Assault and Battery"	Tim Dowd	Freda Kelsall	27 November 1994
The night-time painter with a hatred of factory poultry farming goes on the rampage at Rongar Farm. Greengrass gets egg on his face when his latest moneymaking scheme goes wrong.
44	14	"Lost and Found"	Ken Horn	Johnny Byrnes	11 December 1994
A man arrives with the wrong luggage, which reveals a family secret. Greengrass trains Alfred for dog racing at the fair, but it does not go to plan.
45	15	"A Bird in the Hand"	Matthew Evans	Jonathan Critchely	18 December 1994
Greengrass fancies himself as a Private Investigator and sets out to trace a relative with Gina's help. A elderly farmer's sheep are let loose by a rival farmer who wants the land and won't take no for an answer. A 10-year-old girl has an illness that Kate suspects is brucellosis.
46	16	"A Winter's Tale"	Tim Dowd	Brian Finch	25 December 1994
A sick boy would benefit from overseas treatment, so his brother and sister steal Christmas Trees from Lady Whitly's estate using Greengrass's truck, to try to raise the money.

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
It is silly season for the bikies. Nurse Maggie Bolton appears and seems to be well known. The case of most of the missing gold bars is solved.
48	2	"Expectations"	Tim Dowd	Lizzie Mickery	10 September 1995
Three boys get up to mischief. A Gypsy woman comes to town and puts a hex on Greengrass. Kate delivers her baby daughter, then provides bad news.
49	3	"Thief in the Night"	Tim Dowd	Jane Hollowood	17 September 1995
Petrol is stolen from cars. Nick attends to his dying wife after their daughter's birth.
50	4	"Domestic"	Allister Halum	Brian Finch	24 September 1995
Six weeks have passed since Kate's death, and Nick's mother Ruby has been helping. Nick provides two neighbours with a peace plan. Greengrass loses some money due to his nephew.
51	5	"Vacant Possession"	Tom Cotter	John Stevenson	1 October 1995
A house that had been promised to someone is put up for sale. Ruby tries to light up Sgt Blaketon, but he is slow to rush in. Kate's aunt Eileen returns.
52	6	"We're All Allies Really"	Ngozi Unwurah	Peter Tinniswood	8 October 1995
A visiting German ignites hatred. A couple make their 50th visit for their wedding anniversary, but the husband is tired of the repetitiveness.
53	7	"Sophie's Choice"	David Innes Edwards	Rob Gittins	15 October 1995
A wife takes the car out on a joyride but her problems are far worse than that. Gina tries pigeon racing. A father and daughter staying at the Aidensfield Arms make another worry.
54	8	"Gone Tomorrow"	Graeme Harper	Freda Kelsall	22 October 1995
An electrical storm passes the town and Ventress sees a UFO that raises concerns among the police.
55	9	"Toss Up"	David Innes Edward	James Robson	29 October 1995
A strange person with a bag over their head causes havoc in the town. A road accident causes an unneeded problem.
56	10	"It's All in the Game"	Tom Cotter	Ron Rose	5 November 1995
The horse-fixing game is what is on someone's mind. Nick is visited by a past friend.
57	11	"Vigilante"	Graeme Harper	Brian Finch	12 November 1995
Soon after a house is robbed, the husband has a heart attack.
58	12	"Unfinished Business"	Tom Cotter	Jane Hollowood	19 November 1995
As Greengrass and David are digging the foundations for Ventress's new home, a bomb is discovered.
59	13	"Saint Columba's Treasure"	Gerry Mill	Jonathan Critchely	26 November 1995
Sergeant Blaketon follows Greengrass into a cave, where Greengrass claims to be exploring for lost history. They survive a cave-in, but then Blaketon has the bed next to Greengrass in hospital.
60	14	"Sitting off the Dock of the Bay"	John Darnell	Rob Gittins	3 December 1995
Nick becomes a DJ with the local pirate radio station. Greengrass runs into problems making his own whiskey.
61	15	"Blood Sport"	Gerry Mill	Brian Finch	10 December 1995
Sergeant Blaketon becomes preoccupied with the activities of the football club for which he is president. A boy is admitted to hospital; his father should have listened to Nurse Maggie Bolton.

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
The police arrest a lout who beat three officers at the pub. He manages to escape, and becomes a suspect when his girlfriend is attacked in their home. Meanwhile, Greengrass angers a man with powerful friends, and Nick has a growing admiration for local schoolteacher Jo.
63	2	"Old Colonials"	Ken Horn	Ron Rose	8 September 1996
The police are faced with a spree of burglaries. Nick has difficulty finding time to be with Jo. Greengrass's nephew arrives with an American associate and a chance to make money, which soon goes wrong.
64	3	"Forget Me Not"	James Hazeldine	Jane Hollowood	15 September 1996
A taciturn, brooding stranger moves into the village. His neighbour becomes the victim of a campaign of harassment that rapidly escalates.
65	4	"A Long Shot"	Tim Dowd	David Lane	22 September 1996
Schoolteacher Jo suspects child abuse when a pupil misbehaves and has bruises. Greengrass's latest moneymaking scheme involves "borrowing" a stud horse without permission. Ventress is short of money after a gambling losing streak.
66	5	"Something of Value"	Gwennan Sage	Johnny Byrne	29 September 1996
Ventress's gambling debts land him in serious trouble, when one of his associates is the prime suspect in a wine robbery. Lord Ashfordly catches Greengrass with a sack full of poached game.
67	6	"Frail Mortality"	Michael Cocker	Keith Temple	6 October 1996
A love triangle leads to tragic consequences for the young lady caught in the middle.
68	7	"Snapped"	Gerry Mill	Peter Gibbs	13 October 1996
A fashion photographer brings a touch of glamour to Aidensfield, while the police officers have to deal with a hostage situation. Nick and Jo face obstacles to a relationship.
69	8	"Catch Us If You Can"	Tim Dowd	Brian Finch	20 October 1996
Two thugs terrorize district pubs and cafes in a string of vicious attacks. Nick suspects rivalries among jukebox providers, and the Aidensfield Arms suffers vandalism shortly after leasing a new jukebox.
70	9	"Giving the Game Away"	Ken Horn	Guy Meredith	27 October 1996
A black man arrives in Aidensfield and is immediately suspected when a farmer is assaulted and robbed. Greengrass finds himself involved in the illegal sale of banned pesticides. Ruby determines to know why Nick and Jo stopped dating.
71	10	"The Championship"	Gerry Mill	Jane Hollowood	3 November 1996
Nick meets Jo's parents, but their evening is interrupted when Nick is called out in an emergency.
72	11	"Who Needs Enemies?"	Graham Moore	Brian Finch	10 November 1996
Nick's investigation into a boy's assault comes into conflict with some influential people. Blaketon worries of his job security due to a shakeup in the district police force. Meanwhile, Greengrass has a very bad day.
73	12	"Thanks to Alfred"	Graham Wetherell	Rob Gittins	17 November 1996
The police investigate when an estranged wife and mother is found dead. Greengrass lends his services to a boxing promoter.
74	13	"Obsessions"	Tom Cotter	Peter Gibbs	1 December 1996
Nick saves an attractive young woman from a fire, and she develops an unhealthy obsession for him. Greengrass launches a tourism business which fails to proceed according to plan.
75	14	"The Best Laid Plans"	Gwennan Sage	Freda Kelsall	8 December 1996
An ex-convict returns to Aidensfield to reform, but she is soon visited by an unwelcome part of her prison past. Greengrass tries to make some money from the estate of a deceased veteran. Nick and Jo's relationship progresses, but she worries that Eileen disapproves.
76	15	"Bygones Be Bygones"	Gerry Mill	Peter Gibbs	15 December 1996
A suave businessman tries to convince several Ashfordly residents to invest with him, but Nick is suspicious. Several people receive anonymous letters revealing embarrassing secrets from their past.
77	16	"Old Friends"	Ken Horn	Ron Rose	22 December 1996
Nick and Bellamy go undercover to catch an escaped prisoner. An old friend of Eileen arrives to cheer her up. Greengrass has problems with his fish suppliers.
78	17	"Charity Begins at Home"	Tom Cotter	Jane Hollowood	25 December 1996
Heavy snow threatens Ventress's debut as Father Christmas. Nick and Jo witness a plane crash; they investigate but do not find the pilot.

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
Nick and Jo announce their engagement. Greengrass enrages Blaketon by standing bail for a notorious burglar.
80	2	"Pig in the Middle"	Tom Cotter	Brian Finch	7 September 1997
Macabre rumours circulate around Aidensfield when a constable disappears after a row with a pig farmer.
81	3	"Small Beer"	Gerry Mill	Bill Lyons	14 September 1997
Jo's concern about an absentee schoolboy leads to a shocking discovery.
82	4	"Closing Ranks"	Tom Cotter	Jane Hollowood	21 September 1997
A series of violent muggings frustrates the force and poses an ethical dilemma for Nick.
83	5	"Leaving Home"	Ken Horn	David Lane	28 September 1997
Wartime memories are stirred when an ex-soldier comes to the area for a holiday.
84	6	"Fool for Love"	Tim Dowd	James Stevenson	5 October 1997
Nick discovers the complicated history behind a well-dressed woman and her romance with a member of the community. Greengrass tries to help an Australian couple.
85	7	"The Family Way"	Ken Horn	Brian Finch	12 October 1997
The repercussions of a car accident leave Nick struggling to keep the peace.
86	8	"Friendly Fire"	Tom Cotter	Peter Gibbs	19 October 1997
Nick suspects foul play when a lay preacher is injured in a shooting posse.
87	9	"Sons and Lovers"	Gerry Mill	Susan Wilkins	26 October 1997
Nick is plagued by an alcoholic aristocrat and Greengrass has plans for Ashfordly Hall.
88	10	"Playing with Trains"	Gerry Poulson	James Stevenson	2 November 1997
The police investigate thefts from a fur factory. Trespassers on a railway line.
89	11	"What the Butler Saw"	Tim Dowd	Garry Lyons	9 November 1997
A schoolgirl witness a shooting on the moor. Greengrass sets up a pool competition.
90	12	"Affairs of the Heart"	John Anderson	Jane Hollowood	16 November 1997
Nick and Jo's wedding day arrives, but the groom is stranded on the moors. Sergeant Blaketon's retirement approaches, but he applies for a year's extension of service.
91	13	"Peace and Quiet"	Tim Dowd	Peter Barwood	23 November 1997
PC Mike Bradley arrives. Greengrass and Gina are caught in an armed raid. Blaketon struggles with his impending retirement, awaiting the results of hospital tests. Mike, Bellamy and Ventress are called to a robbery. Blaketon later intercepts the armed robbers whose car crashes and catches fire. Greengrass is moments behind and aids Blaketon when he collapses and is rushed to hospital.
92	14	"Substitute"	Gerry Mill	Ron Rose	30 November 1997
Ventress confronts some old enemies. Blaketon is recovering in hospital when Dr. Bolton informs him that his policing career is finished due to the risk of heart attack.
93	15	"In on the Act"	Gerry Mill	Veronica Henry	7 December 1997
A motorbike stunt rider is sabotaged. Greengrass vows revenge when his dog Alfred is poisoned.
94	16	"The Queen's Message"	John Anderson	Peter Gibbs	21 December 1997
When a TV repairman is attacked, Nick finds numerous suspects.
95	17	"Brainstorm"	Garth Tucker	Peter Barwood	4 January 1998
A death in custody puts Mike's career in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Greengrass and mechanic Bernie move into the taxi business.
96	18	"Bad Penny"	Garth Tucker	Peter Barwood	11 January 1998
An old flame of Mike's arrives in Aidensfield, and Greengrass loses his heart to an aristocratic lady poacher.
97	19	"Appearances"	Brian Farnham	Carolyn Sally Jones	18 January 1998
A spate of burglaries results in a young woman being hospitalised. Meanwhile, Greengrass and Bernie try their hand at modern art.
98	20	"Local Knowledge"	Gerry Mill	Brian Finch	25 January 1998
The return of a notorious felon has Blaketon longing for his old job. Nick, Jo and Katie leave Aidensfield and move to Canada.
99	21	"The Enemy Within"	Garth Tucker	Susan Wilkins	1 February 1998
An old army friend of Blaketon causes havoc in the village. Greengrass gets into trouble when he innocently buys some stolen sheep.
100	22	"Unconsidered Trifles"	Gerry Mill	Jonathan Critchley	8 February 1998
Blaketon finds himself at the wrong end of the law. Greengrass tries to make money from scrap motorcycles.
101	23	"Heroes and Villains"	Brian Farnham	Peter Gibbs	15 February 1998
A dog taking balls from a golf course for two boys leads to worse things. A home birth leads Maggie and Neil Bolton to reconcile.
102	24	"Love Me Do"	Sue Dunderdale	Jane Hollowood	22 February 1998
A teenage girl goes missing after the local village dance.

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
Gina returns to Aidensfield after her Uncle George's funeral. Mike investigates a mysterious case of food poisoning after a neighbourly dispute. Greengrass recovers a debt and finds himself the owner of a python. Gina's Aunt Mary arrives, as George's last wish was for Gina to not run the pub alone.
104	2	"Fall Out"	TBA	TBA	13 September 1998
Mike has to make a dramatic rescue after a dangerous radioactive isotope goes missing. Greengrass becomes a babysitter for a champion greyhound.
105	3	"For Better or Worse"	TBA	TBA	20 September 1998
The Aidensfield police investigate a car accident that is not as simple as it seems. Neil and Maggie make a commitment.
106	4	"Past Crimes"	TBA	TBA	27 September 1998
A bank manager finds the clocks in his home have been set two hours back, part of a campaign of harassment that escalates into a bank robbery and an astonishing admission. Greengrass joins the local golf club after a battle of wills over its standards, but immediately regrets his membership.
107	5	"Spellbound"	TBA	TBA	4 October 1998
The Aidensfield police investigate a series of mysterious events that appear to be a result of witchcraft.
108	6	"Baby Love"	TBA	TBA	11 October 1998
Emotions run high as the police investigate the kidnapping of a baby. Greengrass turns to inexperienced hands to help him concrete a drive.
109	7	"Give a Dog a Bad Name"	TBA	TBA	18 October 1998
A new addition to the police station leaves Bellamy feeling lovesick.
110	8	"Hello, Goodbye"	TBA	TBA	25 October 1998
Mike uncovers a complex blackmail case.
111	9	"Pat-a-Cake"	TBA	TBA	1 November 1998
The police investigate the kidnapping of a teenage girl and learn of a secret obsession which has an unexpected result.
112	10	"Easy Rider"	TBA	TBA	8 November 1998
The mysterious death of a cyclist on the moors appears to be linked to UFO sightings.
113	11	"Hot Rocks"	TBA	TBA	15 November 1998
A series of jewellery robberies coincide with the return of Lord Ashfordly's sister and her new fiancé.
114	12	"Shadows and Substances"	TBA	TBA	22 November 1998
Greengrass hatches a plan to save the village from nuclear annihilation.
115	13	"Forbidden Fruit"	TBA	TBA	29 November 1998
Mike finds himself compromised by a romantic liaison.
116	14	"Where There's a Will"	TBA	TBA	6 December 1998
Mike meets his match in feisty new solicitor Jackie Lambert, and Greengrass becomes a landlord.
117	15	"Taking Sides"	TBA	TBA	13 December 1998
Maggie questions her marriage when Neil is accused of indecent conduct. Meanwhile, Greengrass organises a Civil War battle re-enactment.
118	16	"Echoes of the Past"	TBA	TBA	24 December 1998
A pregnant woman fears for her baby after a series of events lead her to believe that her house is haunted.
119	17	"Twist of Fate"	TBA	TBA	10 January 1999
Accusations are made as Maggie is revealed to be the main beneficiary of a patient's will. Greengrass has a talented visitor who can predict horse race results in his sleep.
120	18	"The Angry Brigade"	TBA	TBA	17 January 1999
Lord Ashfordly underestimates the strength of local feeling regarding access to a footpath across his land.
121	19	"Fire and Ashes"	TBA	TBA	24 January 1999
Tragedy strikes Aidensfield following a series of arson attacks. Meanwhile, Greengrass goes into the leisure business. Gina and Maggie take a short vacation, and Maggie receives a devastating shock when she returns.
122	20	"All in the Mind"	TBA	TBA	31 January 1999
An eccentric old woman reports an abduction. Greengrass meets an old friend with an unusual proposal.
123	21	"Friends Like You"	TBA	TBA	7 February 1999
Gina is accused of taking drugs while she attempts to rekindle her singing career.
124	22	"Old Ties"	TBA	TBA	14 February 1999
A new restaurant is the target of sabotage. An old friend of Gina's comes to stay. Meanwhile, Greengrass believes that he has unearthed his fortune.
125	23	"David Stockwell's Ghost"	TBA	TBA	21 February 1999
A snobbish couple recently returned from Africa find it difficult to settle in the village. David sees a car that appears to be driving by itself with no one at the wheel.
126	24	"Testament"	TBA	TBA	28 February 1999
Mike and Jackie's future looks uncertain when Jackie's uncle becomes a suspect in a hit-and-run accident.

Series 9 (1999–2000)

No. overall	No. in series	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
127	1	"Manoeuvres in the Dark"	TBA	TBA	26 September 1999
An army deserter takes a hostage in Aidensfield. Claude organises a dinner party which goes disastrously wrong. Oscar buys the Aidensfield Arms.
128	2	"Tricks of the Trade"	TBA	TBA	3 October 1999
A flu epidemic causes havoc in Aidensfield, and Maggie has to make a difficult decision when her baby Sam is put at risk.
129	3	"Intuition"	TBA	TBA	10 October 1999
A mysterious house becomes the setting for a murder enquiry when an old woman is found dead. Mary decides to leave Aidensfield to become a hotel manager in Sidmouth.
130	4	"Puppet on a String"	TBA	TBA	17 October 1999
Maggie worries that a girl is about to have an illegal abortion. Greengrass makes a promise to a dying friend.
131	5	"Honour Among Thieves"	TBA	TBA	24 October 1999
Tom Drabble and Oscar Blaketon face off in a council election. Oscar has a grudge against Tom, who is a friend of Greengrass. Honor Gale arrives to write a book, but she has her sights set on Mike. A group of criminals are on community service to clean the river, but one of them repeatedly slips away.
132	6	"Shotgun Wedding"	TBA	TBA	31 October 1999
Mike and Jackie are married, but the ceremony is almost ruined by a train robber. Greengrass's sister visits unexpectedly after her famous cricketer husband passes away.
133	7	"Always a Copper"	TBA	TBA	7 November 1999
Greengrass rewrites local history in a bid to attract tourists to Aidensfield.
134	8	"Negative Vibes"	TBA	TBA	14 November 1999
Greengrass arranges an unusual funeral. A revelation about Jackie forces Mike to question his marriage.
135	9	"Kindness of Strangers"	TBA	TBA	21 November 1999
A lonely old man is visited by a couple who have recently moved to Aidensfield in a caravan.
136	10	"Hollywood or Bust"	TBA	TBA	28 November 1999
A famous film director visits, wishing to make a film at Ashfordly Hall and stay at the Aidensfield Arms. A local farmer defends his territory with a shotgun.
137	11	"Flesh and Blood"	TBA	TBA	5 December 1999
A local butcher's wife dies. Shortly after, a baby's skeleton is found in the attic.
138	12	"No Surrender"	TBA	TBA	12 December 1999
Two farmers are targets of vandalism. Gloria asks Claude and David to move some of her belongings.
139	13	"Stag at Bay"	TBA	TBA	19 December 1999
A motive is unclear in the slaughter of game from the Ashfordly estate, as there does not seem to be venison on the black market. It turns out to have a sinister motive. A recently divorced headmistress receives harassing (silent) telephone calls.
140	14	"Full Circle"	TBA	TBA	26 December 1999
A mother wants to find the daughter she put up for adoption. Claude deliberately drops a note in the Aidensfield Arms to misdirect the police.
141	15	"The Seven Year Itch"	TBA	TBA	2 January 2000
Ex-convict Ray Nixon returns to Aidensfield. Blaketon apologises for the seven-year sentence Ray received despite his cooperation with the prosecution. Undesirable things then begin to happen at the Aidensfield Arms. Sgt. Jennifer Nokes temporarily takes over at the police station.
142	16	"Weight of Evidence"	TBA	TBA	9 January 2000
Sian Horrocks is raped after running out of petrol in an isolated area. Ben Ealham is the main suspect but the police have difficulty pressing charges. Greengrass wins in a sheep-racing contest, but finds he's been swindled.
143	17	"For Art's Sake"	TBA	TBA	16 January 2000
Artist Joe Vaughan moves to Aidensfield, but is threatened by various hoodlums including some who followed him from Liverpool. When his house is burned down, the Liverpudlians retort that he needs to learn how to use his barbecue. Blaketon discovers the truth behind Andy Ryan.
144	18	"A Shot in the Dark"	TBA	TBA	23 January 2000
Lyn is a maid at Ashfordly Hall. She is secretly visited by her boyfriend Gary who has a suspended sentence. As he leaves the estate manager tries to stop him with shouts, and soon with gunshots, too.
145	19	"The Good Doctor"	TBA	TBA	30 January 2000
Dr. Ian Peters checks on a hit-and-run victim. Maggie Bolton gets fooled, but Andy Ryan knows the real truth behind the doctor. Greengrass tries to rent "borrowed" bikes during a local race. David Stockwell appears at the police station to report an anonymous tip. This episode guest-starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Lord Ashfordly's nephew Charles, in one of his earliest roles.
146	20	"Against the Odds"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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.

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"	TBA	TBA	22 October 2000
New resident Celia Hanson has trouble with her car and her neighbour. Greengrass tries the rubbish disposal business, but is nearly killed.
152	2	"Smile for the Camera"	TBA	TBA	29 October 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	5 November 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	12 November 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	19 November 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	26 November 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	3 December 2000
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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	14 January 2001	13.71
Jackie explains to David that Greengrass has gone to be with his sister, and has left Alfred, his property and his truck to David. Mike provides a safe house for a mentally ill witness, while men seek to murder him before his court appearance. Bernie's stepbrother Vernon Scripps arrives after a 15-year absence.
163	13	"Blind Justice"	TBA	TBA	21 January 2001	13.82
Irresponsible young driver Richard Finlay runs Lord Ashfordly off the road. Richard is caught for speeding but Craddock is attracted to Richard's mother and releases him. When Richard has a hit-and-run collision with a bicycle, the police bring him before the court but the judge finds him not guilty, and there's more to the judge than meets the eye. Lord Ashfordly manages to drive to Scripps Garage, but Bernie is absent and he needs the Bentley repaired for an engagement in two days.
164	14	"Home Truths"	TBA	TBA	28 January 2001	13.06
A collapse at a quarry puts a worker in hospital and raises complaints regarding unpaid wages and compensation. The mine boss's wife is subsequently found bludgeoned to death. Jackie agrees to represent the miner, to the disapproval of her mother, who was a friend of the deceased. Vernon's attempt to enter the catering business causes a power blackout. Bellamy's relationship with Gina raises eyebrows, and he is warned that a police officer is not permitted to marry a pub licensee.
165	15	"Not So Special"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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?"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	25 February 2001	12.67
David Stockwell has a telephone installed, but new neighbour Edith Fairley is constantly engaging the two-party line, leaving David and Vernon unable to take bookings for their taxi business. Edith's ex-husband comes looking for her, and Vernon deals with him by use of a body from his brother's funeral business. Local criminal Harry North and his friend and girlfriend cause trouble, including an attempted armed robbery. Mike is creative in his pursuit of them. Gina rejected Bellamy's proposal, so he rejoins the police force and is immediately accused of assaulting Harry.
169	19	"Killing Me Softly"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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"	TBA	TBA	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
Vernon decides to sell bottled water from a spring on a visiting friend's property, but encounters numerous obstacles. The local auctioneer is accused of rigging the livestock market in favour of the four dominant buyers. Mike investigates, but is accused as accepting a bribe which results in Criminal Investigation Department (CID) involvement. Jackie supports Mike in front of his superiors but abandons their relationship, revealing that she has been seeing Adrian Miller and felt suffocated in Aidensfield.

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
The police station is targeted by a series of violent attacks ahead of an inspection, putting one of the officer's lives at risk and causing a panicked Craddock to take matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Dr. Tricia Summerbee is confronted by angry parents after she prescribes a contraceptive pill to a 16-year-old girl. Vernon and David quarrel when strange events occur at the cottage, until they discover they have a new house guest. Bellamy stays with a depressed Mike following Jackie's departure.
176	2	"She's Leaving Home"	Noreen Kershaw	Johnny Byrne	4 November 2001	11.67
Tricia turns to Mike for support as she faces disciplinary action for supplying contraceptives to teenage girls, and further trouble from an investigative reporter. Carl Lomax is charged for the attack on the police station, but escapes with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Vernon purchases some slot machines, which prove successful in the Aidensfield Arms.
177	3	"Russian Roulette"	Jonas Grimas	Brian Finch	11 November 2001	11.61
An MI5 agent shows an interest in the activities of Vernon and his new business partner, a shady Russian businessman with a past grievance with the entrepreneur. Meanwhile, Tricia treats a manic depressive with a habit of walking onto railway lines. Mike decides to take his sergeants exam after meeting an old friend whose career has been much more successful.
178	4	"Legacies"	Gerry Mill	Peter Gibbs	18 November 2001	11.79
Probationary constable Tom Nicholson is transferred to Ashfordly station after an embarrassing incident. Lord Ashfordly's priceless African artefacts are stolen shortly before an African chieftain arrives to claim their rightful possession. Meanwhile, David takes charge of the taxi service whilst Vernon is pre-occupied with another disastrous scheme, and deals with sick children, snakes, and elderly shoplifters.
179	5	"Home Sweet Home"	Gerry Poulson	John Flanagan	25 November 2001	12.16
A series of crimes lead to a local nursing home, where a number of residents have died after naming the owner the beneficiary of their wills. Blaketon is asked to investigate by the son of a former patient. Meanwhile, David gets a job clearing the houses of deceased people, but a mix-leads him to empty the wrong house. Elsewhere, Tom causes a traffic jam when Craddock allows him to prove himself, whilst Tricia makes a confession to Gina about her feelings for Mike, and Ventress's sanity is tested when he is forced to spend time with his wife's aunt on her birthday.
180	6	"Old Masters"	Noreen Kershaw	Douglas Watkinson	2 December 2001	11.85
Ashfordly Hall opens its doors to the public as Vernon takes charge of a touring business, but an 80-year-old art thief takes the opportunity for one last job. However, he's not the only one seeking Lord Ashfordly's Constable sketches, which lands both him and a police officer in danger. Meanwhile, Ventress tries to salvage his reputation after the Ashfordly Gazette prints a photo of him sleeping on the job.
181	7	"The Rivals"	Paul Walker	Jane McNulty	9 December 2001	12.05
Ventress and Tom investigate a series of industrial accidents at a carpet factory, when a prodigal son returns to claim his inheritance and the vengeful former manager refuses to be dismissed without a fight. Meanwhile, Vernon spots a way to make money by organising a beauty pageant with the local Women's Institutes, but councillor Joyce Jowett determines to halt the event.
182	8	"Home to Roost"	Diana Patrick	Jayne Hollison	16 December 2001	11.07
A hippy colony forms in a row of derelict cottages, and the short-tempered landlord reacts violently, hospitalizing a man and injuring his pregnant girlfriend. Tom's intervention causes trouble resulting in Tricia turning against the police. A desperate undercover journalist takes advantage of the chaotic events. Meanwhile, Vernon's pottery enterprise faces trouble, leaving a reluctant David to get to grips with a potter's wheel.
183	9	"Uninvited Guests"	Paul Walker	Douglas Watkinson	23 December 2001	10.64
While Christmas approaches, a salmonella outbreak and a hostage situation occur, putting pressure on the local hospital and the police. The hostages are the manager of a building society and her son. Tricia finds evidence suggesting the outbreak originated at the Aidensfield Arms, worrying Blaketon and Gina. Vernon expands Bernie's funeral empire by creating a pet cemetery, and finds a big demand.
184	10	"No Hiding Place"	Jonas Grimas	Brian Finch	30 December 2001	11.00
It's Christmas, and Mike tries to reunite a blind woman with her lost dog. Tricia receives a visit from an old friend, a beautiful actress trying to evade the paparazzi. Meanwhile, Vernon's promise to provide a Christmas tree for the villagers does not go according to plan when David has a mishap with the Christmas lights.
185	11	"A Gentlemen's Sport"	Noreen Kershaw	Paul Quiney	6 January 2002	8.94
Blaketon is starstruck when a cricketing legend checks in at the pub, but looks set to have his illusions shattered when Mike investigates an armed robber who becomes the victim of a hit-and-run accident. David inadvertently prompts a petrol crisis whilst in charge of Bernie's garage.
186	12	"Closing the Book"	Diana Patrick	Johnny Byrne	13 January 2002	9.18
Amongst a dead man's possessions are plans for a series of unsolved crimes and crimes yet to be committed. The team try to stop the biggest of them, an armed raid on the bank. With an opportunity for promotion, Craddock is uncertain if he wishes to leave his team. He receives another dilemma when his estranged wife visits. Meanwhile, Vernon launches his latest tourism venture, involving gypsy caravans and erratic horses.
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. Shiner, the CID boss, asks for the team's assistance in a stakeout operation. Ventress's shady past haunts him when he arrests a reformed criminal's son for driving without a licence. Meanwhile, Vernon becomes manager of a naive trainee boxer and Tricia encourages David to join the gym.
188	14	"From Ancient Grudge"	Noreen Kershaw	Andrew McCulloch	27 January 2002	10.62
Mike and Ventress are convinced of ulterior motives when an old farming feud reignites in a series of violent crimes, with both sides reluctant to involve the police. Meanwhile, Jowett poses a threat to Vernon's scheme to open a cinema.
189	15	"The Great Ming Mystery"	Paul Walker	Jane Hollowood	3 February 2002	11.15
Blaketon is hired to find a valuable stolen Ming vase belonging to a senile Colonel. Tricia suspects the Colonel's money-driven son who is intent on taking over the family estate. Merton and the team are pre-occupied with the arrival of a mysterious VIP. When Blaketon becomes wary of a guest at the pub, Gina tries to investigate.
190	16	"Second Chances"	Diana Patrick	Douglas Watkinson	10 February 2002	10.62
Merton clashes with an old adversary who reveals information about the circumstances of his demotion from CID. A man who had been presumed dead for 20 years returns to Aidensfield and seems to have not aged. Meanwhile, Vernon and David attempt to start a vineyard when they befriend a young Frenchman who thinks their cottage is the perfect place for wine-making. Elsewhere, Blaketon organises a treasure hunt to raise money for a local playground and inadvertently acts as cupid for Mike and Tricia.
191	17	"Sympathy for the Devil"	Roger Bamford	Jeff Dodds	17 February 2002	9.92
Mike befriends a desperate women called Sue, whose unruly daughter causes mischief. A ruthless reporter makes life difficult for the woman, who seems to be fleeing, and Mike looks into her dark past with heartbreaking consequences. Meanwhile, Vernon pushes Bernie too far when he decides there's money to be made from goat's milk.
192	18	"Coming of Age"	Gerry Mill	Andrew McCulloch	24 February 2002	10.93
The villagers plan a surprise party for Tom's 21st birthday, which is delayed as the team pursue two dangerous criminals. Tom saves Bellamy's life but places his own at risk. With one officer in a critical condition and another trapped in a hostage stand-off, Merton takes a risk, setting in motion a heartbreaking chain of events. Meanwhile, Vernon becomes the agent of a brass band and hires them out to Lord Ashfordly to play for a group of American war veterans.
193	19	"Love Hurts"	Bren Simson	John Flanagan	3 March 2002	10.32
The officers mourn Tom's loss, and Merton is suspended when accused of theft by his new girlfriend. As Ventress finds his bearings as acting sergeant, Mike risks being suspended by aiding Blaketon's private investigation to clear Merton's name. Meanwhile, Vernon is concerned by Bernie's frequent visits to the surgery, until he discovers his brother has fallen in love with Pharmacist Jenny.
194	20	"Windows of Opportunity"	Paul Walker	Douglas Watkinson	10 March 2002	9.05
Blaketon and Jowett become rivals in the election for parish councillor, doing their utmost to outdo and discredit each other. David becomes caught in their middle when they each ask him to help raise support. Meanwhile, the officers are on the trail of a burglar who only steals objects of sentimental value from people's homes, and Tricia's health takes a turn for the worst when she and Jenny organise a fitness class for the local women.
195	21	"The Shoot"	Noreen Kershaw	Brian Finch	17 March 2002	9.40
Trouble brews with the locals when a shady businessman with a wandering eye and his antagonistic wife join Lord Ashfordly for a shooting party at Ashfordly estate. Meanwhile, Vernon's latest tourist enterprise looks set to end in disaster when David takes Gina and Jenny for a ride in a US Army halftrack.
196	22	"Class Act"	Roger Bamford	Peter Gibbs	31 March 2002	9.95
The police deal with a protective father who turns to crime to make his young daughter happy, and who puts a schoolteacher in serious danger when a schoolgirl's crush escalates out of control. Meanwhile, Vernon is driven mad when David inherits a ventriloquist's dummy along with a list of show bookings. Elsewhere, Gina becomes attracted to a charismatic guest at the pub.
197	23	"Caught in the Headlights"	Jonas Grimas	Peter Gibbs	7 April 2002	11.89
After attending one of Lord Ashfordly's dinner parties with a handsome businessman, Gina awakes the next morning in her car in the grounds of Ashfordly Hall to find that she is the prime suspect in a hit-and-run accident. Meanwhile, Vernon is asked by a protective father to chauffeur two wayward teenage girls. However, he soon tires of hanging around discos, and makes a grave error in asking David to take over.
198	24	"Love's Sweet Dream"	Gerry Mill	Jane Hollowood	14 April 2002	10.40
As Mike contemplates a future with her, Tricia puts her life in danger when she intercedes in a case of domestic abuse. Meanwhile, Vernon teams up with an old flame to cater funerals, which brings him into competition with Gina and Blaketon. Vernon also learns that he may have a long-lost daughter. Elsewhere, Merton's latest crime-prevention initiative is poorly received by Bellamy and Ventress.

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
The prime suspect of a murder at a quarry is a major criminal whom Ventress certified as dead 15 years previously, raising questions about his murky past. Meanwhile, Vernon gets a regular job at a department store after Blaketon points out a few unpleasant facts about his lifestyle. However, when the store is threatened with closure, Vernon's entrepreneurial side re-awakens. Tricia returns to work following her heart attack, but Mike's constant fussing makes it difficult for her to regain her confidence.
200	2	"A Girl's Best Friend"	Albert Barber	Gillian Richmond	13 October 2002	10.48
Mike and Bellamy uncover domestic abuse and family tragedy when they investigate unusual burglaries, and learn that money can not buy a person happiness. Meanwhile, Vernon experiments with hypnotism to try to end Gina's arachnophobia, but it has a strange after-effect on David. Merton and Jenny discover a mutual love of jazz.
201	3	"A Dog's Life"	Gerry Mill	Susan Wilkins	20 October 2002	10.51
Merton predicts a quiet few days when the County Sheepdog Trials take place at Ashfordly estate, but one candidate tries to eliminate his rivals. Meanwhile, Vernon tries to impress Lord Ashfordly by organising the event's toilet facilities, but finds the requirements exceed his plans.
202	4	"Where There's Muck"	Judith Dine	Douglas Watkins	3 November 2002	9.85
A bankrupt farmer abandoned by the community airs his grievances in a memorable way, and Merton and Mike are left to pick up the pieces. Meanwhile, David's Auntie Beth's horseradish sauce becomes the subject of Vernon's latest get-rich-quick scheme. Gina ignores Blaketon's warnings when she begins a whirlwind romance with a dangerous criminal.
203	5	"Harmony"	Noreen Kershaw	Peter Gibbs	10 November 2002	11.80
Merton's singer-songwriter cousin aims to settle down in Aidensfield after an eventful career, but her aspiring daughter disrupts her retirement when she becomes pregnant. Meanwhile, Bellamy single-handedly captures an armed robber, and pursues him again when he escapes during transfer. David finds himself fending off the advances of a grieving daughter when an old man dies in his taxi.
204	6	"No Man's Land"	Paul Walker	Peter Gibbs	17 November 2002	12.10
Mike ignores the complaints of a belligerent landowner, who then takes his own measures against a group of ramblers who assume his land is a tourist spot. Meanwhile, Vernon undergoes a personality change after being hit on the head in an accident in Ventress's car, turning him from a money-driven incompetent into a pillar of the community. Whilst his creditors are delighted by this change, David is left pining for the Vernon he knows.
205	7	"Dirty Len"	Albert Barber	Jane Hollowood	24 November 2002	11.21
When labourer "Dirty Len" dies of strychnine poisoning, the police suspect murder. Ventress establishes a connection to a suspicious death on the same farm years previously, setting off a tragic chain of events. Meanwhile, David provides transport for a pensioner's day trip to Whitby and is led on a circuitous route by Alfred. A local vet becomes caught in the middle of Jenny and Merton's rocky relationship.
206	8	"Growing Apart"	Jonas Grimas	Candy Denman	1 December 2002	11.38
Tractor thefts have Mike and Bellamy running in circles, while Merton suspects an elaborate insurance fraud. When the robbers take a valuable piece of equipment from Steve Calthrop's farm, stress is added to a volatile domestic dispute which places Tricia in danger. Meanwhile, Vernon starts a landscape gardening business; David does all the work and tries to impress with the thrifty purchase of a Greek statue.
207	9	"Many Splendoured Thing"	Roger Bamford	Susan Watkins	8 December 2002	11.75
Lord Ashfordly returns with a charming new wife and throws a spectacular Christmas party. However, a series of violent hijackings leaves the newlyweds shaken. Mike acts as a bodyguard and becomes suspicious of the bride's odd behaviour. Meanwhile, David crashes the van for Vernon's Christmas tree delivery service, and the Bernie's garage is jeopardised when Jowett requires their funeral service for her sister.
208	10	"Horses for Courses"	Noreen Kershaw	John Flanagan	15 December 2002	10.80
Mike works with Scotland Yard to stop the theft of a valuable horse from local trainer Kieron Doyle. When Tricia becomes linked with Kieron, Mike pursues his quarry to the detriment of their relationship, leading to a tragic outcome with repercussions for everyone in Aidensfield. Meanwhile, Vernon's long-lost sister Georgina arrives and sets hearts racing, including Lord Ashfordly's. Vernon's attempt to take advantage of her expensive lifestyle causes trouble due to Georgina's incomplete honesty regarding her divorce.
209	11	"Sins of the Father"	Terry Dydden-Jones	Brian Finch	22 December 2002	11.58
As the villagers mourn Tricia, a grief-stricken Mike loses his temper with an underage drinker and is assaulted. The hooligan walks free due to favour from a local magistrate, and a blackmail plot is uncovered. Meanwhile, Vernon is visited by an old flame pays who wants him to sell her engagement ring, but she is followed by her menacing husband. Jenny is surprised by the rapid changeover when elderly Dr. James Alway arrives a day early.
210	12	"Bread and Circuses"	Jonas Grimas	Niel McKay	29 December 2002	9.86
Bellamy falls in love with a mugging victim, and they become the talk of the village over a series of dates, but he soon finds that she is leading a double life. Merton and the team search for porcelain figures stolen from a Whitby crime spree. Meanwhile, Vernon persuades Lord Ashfordly to open a wildlife park on his estate, but the circus which arrives is bigger than expected and animals escape into Aidensfield.
211	13	"For Whom the Bell Tolls"	Noreen Kershaw	Peter Gibbs	5 January 2003	11.77
Blaketon returns and Lord Ashfordly calls on his services to investigate the disappearance of explosives from the local quarry ahead of a Defence Minister's official visit. Tensions rise and Blaketon vies with a deadly foe. Meanwhile, Vernon, Bernie, David and Dr Alway become bell ringers at the local church, but their practice upsets 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
Vernon and David are involved in a serious road accident whilst driving a tanker, polluting the local reservoir with a mysterious substance that leaves everyone in Aidesnfield ill. The staff of nearby St Aidan Royal Free Hospital are on hand to offer assistance, but Vernon apparently suffers from amnesia leaving the nature of the threat unknown. Tensions rise, and David receives a threatening phone call that puts his and Vernon's lives in danger. (This episode introduces the spin-off series The Royal.)
213	15	"The High Life"	Bob Tomson	Susan Watkins	9 March 2003	10.87
Jenny is delighted when her younger brother Steve visits and secures him a job, but her excitement soon turns to despair when she notices what the local vicar is growing in his greenhouse. Although she agrees to keep quiet, Steve seeks to exploit the situation for his own gain, threatening Jenny's relationship with Merton. Meanwhile, a gang of mods begin causing havoc in the village and gain an unlikely recruit in David.
214	16	"Hung for a Sheep"	Gerry Mill	John Flanagan	16 March 2003	11.36
Mike grows disillusioned with his first assignment as a CID officer, surveilling the girlfriend of an armed robber. His replacement, Steve Crane, investigates a series of farm break-ins, though Ventress believes he is too eager to prove himself. Meanwhile, Dr. Liz Merrick tries to prove herself to the villagers, and Vernon tries to impress Liz with his community spirit.
215	17	"The Third Man"	Noreen Kershaw	Candy Denman	23 March 2003	10.74
Mike learns of a plan to rob a shipment of gold bullion, but a CID ambush fails due to a mix-up with the location. Mike tries to regain Shiner's respect by investigating further. Steve is assigned to protect Gina's wayward niece Susie after her aggressive boyfriend stabs a guard and escapes a youth correctional facility. Elsewhere, Vernon and David redecorate Liz's waiting room, but she is displeased with the results. A local busybody takes a shine to Bernie, whilst Bellamy gains a new admirer.
216	18	"Missing in Action"	Jonas Grimas	Peter Gibbs	30 March 2003	11.04
A bride-to-be postpones her wedding after a funfair clairvoyant gives her information about the death of her father, who was missing in action in the 1940s. When she is found injured on the moors a few days later, the police investigate and incur the wrath of the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, a bogus police officer causes havoc; Mike sets a trap but is left with a dilemma when the troublemaker catches Bellamy helping at the pub after hours.
217	19	"Caped Crusaders"	Terry Dyddgen-Jones	Brian Finch	6 April 2003	11.29
The Ashfordly team receive a tip from two young boys dressed as Batman and Robin, who observed criminal activity on a derelict farm. Mike pursues a gang of counterfeiters. Meanwhile, Liz receives unsettling late night phone calls from a former patient with a personal vendetta. Vernon is delighted when he inherits a house.
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's 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. 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's 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. 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, 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, 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 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 doesn't 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 a 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
A criminal gang kidnaps Miller's daughter and extorts his cooperation, but his behaviour arouses the suspicion of Ventress and Joe. The rest of the team protect a suspected Nazi collaborator who is targeted in an assassination attempt. Meanwhile, Peggy becomes convinced that she has a mysterious and fatal illness, leaving David concerned and Carol exasperated. Gina finds motherhood to her liking, and Dawn becomes suspicious of a mysterious Frenchman who is staying at the pub.
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. Joe and Dawson desperately try to catch him. Meanwhile, Dawn teaches Younger ballroom dancing so that he can partner with Joyce Jowett at a charity event, oblivious of his feelings for her. Elsewhere, 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 tries to help a struggling single mother, though Joe things drastic measures are needed. Carol receives a shock when an old friend returns with a woman claiming to be her biological mother. Meanwhile, Wetherby and Younger ask Peggy's help to search for the chief constable's missing dog. Dawn and David begin a chimney sweeping business 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, Peggy and an unwilling David enter a rivalry with a competing firm, who they suspect have vandalised David's taxi.
353	5	"Guilty Secrets"	Gerry Mill	John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch	9 November 2008	5.70
Dawson is accused of stealing £400 during a raid until Joe's investigation unmasks the truth. 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 Miller discovers there is more to the conflict than a trophy. As they intervene, Joe and 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 stranger and announces that she is moving to Paris with him, leaving Peggy to broker peace between Dawn and Gina.
355	7	"Return Crossing"	Judith Dine	Peter Gibbs	19 April 2009	6.24
Carol asks Joe to help a smuggler's widow who has received death threats from an associate of her late husband. She has remained silent due to the revenue he provides her son-in-law, but matters escalate and the team urge her cooperation. 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
A boy becomes trapped in a well in the gardens of a derelict house. A media circus descends as firemen attempt a rescue, and Miller's team must quickly resolve matters when gunshots are fired from the house. 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
Dawson helps the Ashfordly team investigate an antiques dealer accused of selling stolen goods. Joe and Wetherby stake out the shop when he unexpectedly burns it down. Meanwhile, a notorious burglar dies, devastating his wife and driving his children to follow in his footsteps. Elsewhere, Jowett rallies the villagers when a group of Taoist monks become stranded en route to a monastery in Middlesbrough.
358	10	"Ups and Downs"	Tony Prescott	John Flanagan & Andrew McCulloch	10 May 2009	4.96
Joe, Dawson and Wetherby pursue a cat burglar who targets the district's wealthiest homes. A window cleaner comes under suspicion, followed by a major who begins a whirlwind romance with a smitten Carol. Meanwhile, Peggy attempts to marry David to an old friend of hers, a former circus performer, and David soon begins warming to the idea. Bernie worries when Rosie is missing in Australia and panics when her travelling companion returns alone.
359	11	"Thursday's Children"	Roger Bamford	Michael Eaton	17 May 2009	5.36
Joe and Dawson travel to Australia to search for Rosie, joining forces with a local police sergeant. Sheep-shearer Mick becomes a suspect when they uncover evidence of domestic violence in his relationship with her, but Joe thinks the locals are not telling him the whole truth. In Brisbane, Carol visits a monastery to learn more about her long-lost brother, but a mysterious caller leads her into a deadly trap.
360	12	"The Middle of Somewhere"	Roger Bamford	Michael Eaton	24 May 2009	4.81
In Australia, Joe and Dawson eliminate another suspect, then focus on a roadhouse close to where a missing woman's car was found, and find that the owner's son has a criminal record. In Brisbane, Carol delivers a baby and is overjoyed when her long-lost brother Danny arrives, but she then becomes one of a series of blonde women to be kidnapped. Joe discovers Rosie's fate and risks everything to stop the same thing happening to Carol. In Aidensfield, Bernie and Younger are heartbroken when the truth about Rosie's disappearance is revealed.
361	13	"School of Hard Knocks"	Piotr Szkopiak	Peter Gibbs	31 May 2009	4.90
A teacher uses his Territorial Army experience to impose strict discipline at Ashfordly School, but goes too far and puts a trouble-making schoolboy in hospital. The youngster steals the teacher's gun to take revenge, leaving Joe little time to avert a tragedy. Meanwhile, Blaketon, Ventress and Bernie organise a trip to London for the villagers, whilst Peggy and David are horrified when they find a dead tramp in their barn.
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. Joe and 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.
363	15	"Cashing In"	Gerry Mill	Shaun McKenna	14 June 2009	4.32
The team try to crack down on counterfeiters, and Dawson puts her life in peril when she seizes the opportunity to arrest the last two members of a notorious gang. Meanwhile, Miller is horrified when Younger arrests his wife for shoplifting and his marital troubles are exposed, 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 is found beaten to death in her kitchen after announcing her intention to marry a local businessman who is already married. Joe is reminded of his mother's tragic murder when her son is placed in his care, and he becomes obsessed with getting justice. 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
Joe and Miller call a meeting of farmers to end the harassment of a neighbour due to his unacceptable farming practices, but it worsens the situation. Meanwhile, Dawn falls for a charming new barman at the pub and tries to cure him of his sudden angry outbursts, leaving Gina and Blaketon concerned for her safety. 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
Joe works with Dawson on her final case at CID – she faces demotion due to an affair with a senior colleague – investigating a series of violent post office robberies. Their closeness on the case brings jealousy from Carol and from Dawson's superior. Meanwhile, Peggy and Blaketon work together to covertly return a kleptomaniac's spoils to their rightful owners. Dawn causes a stir when she finds a source for gossip on a girls' night out. Final appearance of Clare Wille as DS Rachel Dawson
367	19	"Deadlier Than the Male"	Dominic Leclerc	Peter Gibbs	8 August 2010	5.06
Blaketon and Joe play peacemaker in an abusive couple's violent divorce. Meanwhile, the daughter of an old friend tries to ruin Peggy's relationship with David by wooing him and taking her place at the cottage.
368	20	"Jobs for the Boys"	Roger Bamford	Jane Hollowood	15 August 2010	5.14
Blaketon's golfing friend asks him and Ventress to investigate the disappearance of his estranged son, who left home after a heated argument. They rely on David to track the youth at a nightclub, but his drink is spiked and chaos ensues. The Ashfordly police hunt for a modern-day Robin Hood the nightclub that same night, as does an angry Peggy.
369	21	"My One and Only"	Gerry Mill	Shaun McKenna	22 August 2010	5.29
A disgruntled client falls under suspicion when an insurance salesman is found murdered, but the victim's complicated private life gives Joe much to investigate. Meanwhile, Ventress overstays his welcome at the pub during his home repairs. Both Peggy and Miller attempt to stop a war hero on hard times from drinking himself to death, and Blaketon is suspicious of Gina and Wetherby's closeness.
370	22	"The Open Door"	Tim Dowd	Jonathan Critchley	29 August 2010	5.34
Sgt. Jennifer Nokes stands in for Miller when a lorry driver is savagely beaten and his consignment of condemned meat is stolen, causing a health alert in Aidensfield. Meanwhile, Carol fears that one of her senile patients is being targeted by a con-man posing as her dead son. Peggy house-sits a mansion and opens a bed-and-breakfast; one of her first guests is Ventress, but she and David are later arrested for handling stolen goods.
371	23	"Pass the Parcel"	Judith Dine	Mark Holloway	5 September 2010	6.06
Dawn's birthday party at the pub turns into a hostage situation when Joe thwarts a gang of safe robbers, who search for a bag of explosives that David accidentally switched with Dawn's birthday present. Meanwhile, Blaketon bets 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

1. "Weekly top 30 programmes". BARB.

External links

• Heartbeat at TV.com