The Meldrews find a man living in their shed; he turns out to be a drug-dealer. Victor takes a gardening job, working for Patrick's new boss and dealing with very effective herbicide.
A witch predicts an untimely end for Victor; Patrick and Pippa prepare to move far away from the Meldrews, but Patrick gets stuck with Victor while trying to escape his secretary's jealous boyfriend.
The Meldrews and Mrs. Warboys embark upon a hellish holiday to Portugal. After an entanglement with the police, they finally arrive at their unpleasant villa.
Margaret's annoyance at Victor's incessant grumbling lures her into considering an affair with Ben, a holiday acquaintance. She meets him for drinks and returns home to find another woman in her bed.