Ted returns with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family. Due to work and money pressures, Julie and Dave are snapping at each other and Julie seeks respite in light conversation with Hamish, one of her friends from mothers' group. Meanwhile, to the consternation of his flatmates, Carbo is totally besotted by the irrepressible Retta and valiantly trying to go along with her no-sex rule.