Mrs Beardsmore is an old lady Martin has known since he was a boy and whom he visits at her retirement home. He brings her and seven other old ladies home for tea but is annoyed when, returning with ice creams for them, they have disappeared. In fact Paul has taken them to his salon for free hair-dos, further increasing Martin's feeling that Paul is trying to usurp him, especially when the old ladies disparage Martin's highlight of the afternoon - bingo. Mrs Beardsmore tells Ann that as a child Martin was once popular until another his friends gravitated towards a new boy so that history is now repeating itself. Written by don @ minifie-1

Martin's cricket team has a vital game that could lead to their promotion. Since Paul has played for Cambridge University at Lords everybody is anxious for him to join the side - except jealous Martin. When injury strikes Paul steps into the breach and partners Howard to a magnificent win. Everybody is congratulatory,even a begrudging Martin,though he thinks it unfair when the opposition captain accuses him of cheating by using a professional. Written by don @ minifie-1

The Bryces throw a dinner party, inviting Howard and Hilda and Paul with his girl-friend Harriet. Unfortunately after dinner the door-bell rings and Martin finds himself facing Sue, The wife from whom Paul is separated but not divorced. Martin shows an unusual amount of tact in informing Paul, who sends Harriet home whilst Ann has an illuminating chat with Sue, who has come to say she wants a divorce but also points out to Ann that Paul is not as perfect as he may seem. Written by don @ minifie-1

With Ann in hospital Martin is convinced that he can look after himself, turning down offers of help from Howard and Hilda and Paul. However with the phone constantly ringing and his organizational skills gone to the wall he manages to have problems with the photo- copier, the hoover, the fridge and the cooker - which is so damaged it needs replacing. Paul comes to the rescue, leading to a drunken moment of camaraderie where Martin actually expresses his gratitude. As Ann steps into the house Martin seems to have got away with it - almost. Written by don @ minifie-1

The pub 's snooker tournament has come round and Martin is playing against Paul in the first round. Knowing how paranoid her husband is regarding Paul's superior skills Ann asks Paul to throw the game and let Martin win. Indeed Martin wins and goes on to face Howard in the final. Having already failed a job interview that day Howard is not best pleased when the organizer implies that he will lose to Martin so he gets very drunk and absolutely thrashes Martin, totally white-washing him at the game. Written by don @ minifie-1

Martin comes home to find that Ann has been to Boulogne on a whim, because she is bored with her daily routine. Of course he fails to understand why and assumes she will be happy if she has hobbies, like Hilda. Paul offers her a receptionist's job but withdraws it when he believes that Ann is only taking it to spite her husband. Given Martin's dislike of Paul this spurs him on to supporting Ann's desire to find a job. Written by don @ minifie-1

Martin reluctantly accompanies Ann to Paul's drinks party where he is critical of everything and confides his criticisms to fellow guest psychiatrist Dave Wilson. Dave agrees with Ann that Martin's obsessions and neuroses mark him out as a suitable patient but Martin, who believes himself to be perfect, wrongly assumes that Dave agrees with him that it is Ann who needs treatment. He is not pleased when he discovers the truth. Written by don @ minifie-1

Already put out that Ann has gone to Paul's pre-Christmas party alone Martin is even more annoyed to wake up in bed with Paul, who has a houseload of party guests staying, whom Ann has volunteered can stay at the Bryces. Martin is appalled that his ordered world has been invaded by jolly people, including Hilda and Howard, thanking him profusely for being a great host. Paul tries the subtle approach to flatter him but the best time for Martin is when he and Ann slip away to the garden shed - which he has decorated - to wake up together on Christmas morning. Written by don @ minifie-1