Second Thoughts

- Season 5

(1994)

Liza is bored with her job as the editor of 'Vista' magazine and decides to step down. Duncan, the owner of the magazine, then suggests that Bill replace her, initially on a temporary basis but with a permanent contract if he does well. A delighted Bill jumps at the chance and suggests that Faith, previously free-lance, becomes the full-time art editor - though her insecurities give him some cause for doubt.

When Joe gets arrested for swearing at a football match and is completely unrepentant about it and Hannah continues to bring a succession of boyfriends into the house Faith has had enough. If they will not abide by her rules there is only answer. She will move out of the house and let them fend for themselves.

Faith has now got a job working on a magazine which specializes in health and fitness and she comes to realize that she and the family have been living a far from healthy life-style. As a result she insists on preparing only 'healthy' meals which everybody hates, as well as cajoling them all into taking more exercise. This is bound to end in mutiny.

The magazine's annual dinner is coming up but Faith goes down with the flu and has to take her to bed. With time running out Bill needs another escort and it is not going to be Liza. Hannah agrees to step into the breach and accompany him but is keen to get a suitably glamorous dress to wear - and then hope that nobody will turn up in an identical one.

Joe starts his first day at college and is appalled that Faith has prepared a packed lunch for him rather than let him eat at the canteen. Bill meanwhile reluctantly takes up golf as he has been persuaded by the editorial board that it will introduce him to influential people - though it does not. Richard organizes a week of charity events at the wine bar and a television crew comes in to aid its publicity. Needless to say Liza is there aiming to be the centre of attention.

Faith's god-daughter is getting married and the Grayshotts and Bill are invited to the wedding. So is Faith's ex-husband John, who is coming from America for the celebrations. The kids think it only natural that he should stay in his old home with them. Faith is less certain as to how John and Bill will get on with each other.

On Friday the thirteenth superstitious Faith is convinced that something will go wrong, either for Bill, who is waiting on the board's decision to make him a permanent editor of 'Vista' or for Joe, who is taking his driving test though in the events things go swimmingly for them both. The real horror is reserved for Faith herself when she encounters Liza, who has gone into labour and needs help in delivering the baby.