Original subtitles

[ Birds squawking ]

♪♪

♪♪

These things still give me the creeps.

Long as she does her job, we'll be good for another year.

Go on.

You do your stuff.

We could use a bit of luck.

Hold it still, girl!

I always thought you'd be the death of me.

[ Indistinct singing ]

♪♪

♪♪

Right, come on, missus.

Come on, girl.

Come on, that's right. Good girl.

Oh, move aside. You don't even know how to feed a calf.

♪♪

♪♪

[ Thud in distance ]

I'll go.

That's it.

[ Stella screams ]

♪♪

Stella!

Stella.

Stella, what...?

♪♪

♪♪

[ Bellowhead's "Just as the Tide Was Flowing" plays ]

♪ One morning in the month of June ♪

♪ Down by a rolling river ♪

♪ There a weary traveller chanced to stray ♪

♪ And he beheld his lover ♪

♪ Her cheeks were red, her eyes were brown ♪

♪ Her hair in ringlets hanging down ♪

♪ She'd a lovely face without a frown ♪

♪ Just as the tide was flowing ♪

♪♪

Books, pencil case, and calculator.

Anything else?

Mum always put in a bar of chocolate

-and a note with a smiley face. -Bar of chocolate?

A big one, for energy, and to help me concentrate.

Humphrey said it would be okay.

We'll see.

I'll do your packed lunch in the morning.

Bedtime.

Ooh.

Thank you.

'Night.

So should I give her the chocolate or not?

[ Chuckles ]

You decide, Mottie.

Oh.

Right, I'm off to my art class.

Tonight we're doing Picasso,

and how he challenged convention with the use of Cubism.

-Ooh. -Don't wait up.

-[ Door opens ] -[ Sighs ]

[ Cow moos in distance ]

[ Sighing ]

♪♪

[ Indistinct conversations ]

♪♪

Oh, sir, we can't get a SOCO team out until the morning,

so I'm just taping it off for now.

Thank you, Kelby.

Ah, boots.

You remembered boots. Well done.

♪♪

♪♪

[ Cow moos ]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Who's your friend?

Not sure. We've just met.

Stella's been checked by the paramedics,

but nothing major.

She said she remembered being pushed from behind

and thinks she banged her head as she fell.

Mm-hmm.

♪♪

♪♪

Stella: It's a corn doll.

They're made from the last harvest,

then hung to bring luck until the next one.

George: 40 years we've been hanging that doll.

Never lost one yet.

Legend is, if the doll falls, the Cornman comes to visit.

Bringing bad luck with him.

The Cornman?

City boy, are you?

Maybe if you just tell us what you saw.

Well, me and Dad were feeding the cattle up in the big barn

when we heard a noise.

I went out to take a look.

Went into the milkshed, and milk was just pouring out the tank.

What time was this?

-Er, just after 7:00? -Mm.

Stella: I was about to turn the valve off

when I felt, like, a hard shove in my back, and I fell forward.

Must've banged my head.

Dad came in, and that's when we saw it.

It?

Well, we couldn't see it properly.

It was dark.

It was only in the doorway for a second,

but it had a mask on.

It looked like it was made of corn.

Huh.

And this, er, thing, Mr Ellis -- you saw it, too?

Plain as day.

Very interesting.

Ow.

Er, the valve on the milk tank --

could it be faulty?

Stella: Been working fine up to now.

I put that doll up myself. No reason for it to fall.

Are you suggesting someone took the doll down on purpose?

There are them that would like to see us have bad luck, yes.

-Anyone in particular? -I've got a good idea.

-Friend of yours, isn't she? -Stella: Dad, don't.

Er, I think he's talking about Michaela Robson.

She lives on the neighbouring farm.

I see. And is there some kind of a dispute between you?

We've been opposing their application for wind turbines

-in the back field. -George: Hulking great things.

There's been cows in those fields for 1,000 years.

Now they want to put up hulking gurt whirligigs.

And you think what happened tonight

could be connected to your opposition to a windfarm?

Whoever did this knew what they were doing.

Losing that milk will halve our income.

Hm.

So how do you know this Michaela, um...?

-Esther: Robson? -Humphrey: Mm.

Er, we went to school together,

then we went to Young Farmers, back in the day.

You were a young farmer?

Well, I was more of an honorary member,

mostly there for the cheap beer and hunky blokes.

Of course.

So there's conflict between the two families.

There is.

But I don't think it's about wind turbines.

Oh?

Stella and Michaela were in a relationship...

at least until Stella's dad found out.

And he had a problem with that?

What do you think?

He made Stella's life a misery.

Threatened to disown her, leave her with nothing,

then when that didn't work, he used emotional blackmail.

Told her trying to run the farm on his own would kill him.

So she ended it,

and I don't think Michaela ever forgave her, or him.

So the families fell out long before

this whole windfarm thing?

This was over a year ago now.

Maybe the windfarm has stirred it all up again,

and it's not helped by the fact that Michaela's mum Lotty

is just as stubborn as George.

Mm.

A family feud.

How exciting.

♪♪

♪♪

-Esther, hi. -Mickie.

God, I haven't seen you in ages. How are you?

-How's Zoe? -Both good.

Er, this is Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman.

Hello.

Is everything alright?

Oh, we're really sorry for coming over this time of night,

Mickie, but can we ask you and Lotty

a few questions about something that happened

at Ellis' farm earlier?

-You're working? -Yeah.

Right. Is everything okay?

-Is anyone hurt? -No.

And, er, we won't keep you long.

Come in. Mum's just getting logs.

I'll give her a shout.

Mum? Mum?

[ Indistinct talking on TV ]

Mm.

-AGA. -[ Sighs ]

[ Grunts ]

-Aw, come on. -She's coming.

[ Metal clatters ]

Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee?

No, thanks. Ow.

Michaela: Gosh, how long's it been?

-Oh, too long. -[ Water running ]

I thought I might see you at my birthday party.

Oh yeah. Sorry. Me and Zoe were away.

Did you get anything nice?

Lots. Mum got me this.

Ooh. Oh, it's lovely.

[ Water shuts off ]

-Sorry. -No, it's completely fine.

Esther. What's all this about, then?

Lotty, this is DI Goodman.

Very pleased to meet you.

Your boss, is it?

Yes, he is.

He nice to you?

Very.

Mrs Robson, there was a break-in at Buckford Farm this evening,

some damage done to a milk tank in one of the sheds.

What's that got to do with the price of chips?

Well, just, um,

Mr Ellis told us about your disagreement

over the wind turbines.

No disagreement.

He's just got his head stuck in the past, is all.

We got solar panels last year.

It's the way things are going.

The reason he don't like them is because they're new...

and different.

So what happened, exactly?

Er, their milk tank was emptied.

They saw a masked figure.

Is he saying it was us?

Oh, not exactly. [ Sighs ]

He thinks someone took down his corn doll to bring him bad luck.

Oh, gurt noodle.

Is he still hanging up them things?

Oh, he takes it very seriously.

He's got flaming bats in his belfry.

We'd been at Kitty Jay's.

We had dinner there after Mum picked me up from surfing.

-We haven't been home long. -I'm not one for sneaking about.

If I had a problem with George Ellis,

I would knock on his front door and tell him so.

To his face.

Yeah, well...

-she's a character. -Yeah, tough as old boots

but a heart of gold when you get to know her.

Like a walnut whip.

Let's check their alibi anyway.

Let's see if SOCO comes up with any physical evidence

in the morning.

Michaela: Esther, there's a fire at the Ellises'.

It's quicker over the fields.

Mum, are you coming?

-This way? -Up here.

♪♪

We saw it from the window.

It's their hayfield.

I sent Kelby to the Ellises' to check they're okay.

Buckford Farm. Quick as you can, please.

Thank you. Stay back, everyone. Fire brigade's on their way.

Esther, look.

♪♪

♪♪

You wait for the fire brigade. I'll go.

♪♪

Good grief.

Kelby. Stop him.

Oy. Stay there. Don't move.

[ Cows mooing ]

-Where'd he go? -I -- I-I lost him.

[ Mooing continues ]

Sorry, sir, we lost him.

You did this. Look at it. Look what you've done.

Oh, shut up, you silly old fool.

Don't you talk to him like that.

Well, he is.

You took the corn doll down. I know you did.

Now look what you've done.

I never touched your stupid corn doll.

You brought bad luck.

We're the ones that raised the alarm, you gurt lump.

Alright, everyone, just calm down.

The fire engine's here. Let's get the fire put out.

[ Siren wailing ]

♪♪

♪♪

They had this jerry can

but must have dropped it when they saw us.

I'm sorry, sir. I -- I let them go.

There were these cows, you see, and...

and I-I-I'm not good with cows.

They always chase me,

and I can tell when they're gonna do it

by the way they look at me... a bit sideways.

Yes, well, there's nothing more we can do tonight,

so you get yourself home.

Thank you, sir.

Michaela and Lotty were with us when the fire started.

If it wasn't the Robsons, who was it?

And what did we see?

No idea, but whatever it is, it's still out there.

♪♪

Martha: We're here.

Right, yes. Here we are.

First day.

You'll make lots of new friends, I promise.

Look at Humphrey.

When he moved here, he didn't know anyone, either,

and now he's got lots of friends.

It's true.

You'll be fine.

Ah.

You know what, Rosie?

Whenever I get a little bit scared of new situations,

I always think of the advice my Nanny Bird gave me

when she dropped me off for my first term at St. Agnes.

She said, "Humpy, what you need to do is stand up tall,

back straight, head held up high,

and put your best foot forward."

If that doesn't work, try bribery.

The most popular girl on my first day at school

-had a bag of sweets. -Humphrey: Ah.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[ Cellphone vibrates ]

Michaela: Oh, I've seen that look before.

You had the same look on your face

after snogging Max Dale at Young Farmers.

Bloody hell. That's a blast from the past.

Well, you should text him.

He's still holding a candle for you since you dumped him.

Ah, he was getting a bit clingy.

-So are you seeing someone now? -No.

You want me to message Max?

-No, thank you. -[ Chuckles ]

Any news on the fire last night?

Not yet. Let's see what today brings.

I never thought I'd feel sorry for George Ellis.

Anyway, let me know if you change your mind.

About Max.

What's this?

Oh, I'm trying to work out

where our bloke was running last night,

and if we know where he was heading,

might give us a clue.

That's an excellent theory, Kelby.

-Well done. -Thank you, sir.

Oh, and I found this on the Internet.

The Cornman.

Ah. Thank you, Kelby. [ Chuckles ]

"When the Cornman comes, lock crop and cattle away.

When the Cornman comes, bad luck is coming your way."

Huh.

I-It was -- It was on the website.

Um, see, I just saw a shadow running across the field,

but Esther said that you saw him properly.

Yes. Yes, we did.

Weren't you frightened?

Um...not frightened, Kelby.

More, um...curious.

To be honest, I was more intrigued

that a man supposedly made or corn

felt comfortable setting a fire. [ Chuckles ]

-Morning. -Morning.

Do you know about this Cornman, Margo?

It's what we used to scare each other with as kids,

playing out in the fields and someone would shout,

"Seen the Cornman," and we'd all start running.

-[ Margo and Humphrey chuckle ] -Did you ever see him for real?

Well, couple of times we thought we had,

but it turned out to be a scarecrow or summat.

Um, anything back from the lab, Margo?

Oh, not yet.

-Morning. -Morning.

How was your night?

Working.

We had a late call-out.

Ah.

Make up for it tonight, though, can't you?

Doo! [ Giggles ]

Humphrey: Right, let's take a look at what we know.

Last night, Stella Ellis was assaulted at Buckford Farm

by a masked figure who broke in,

it seems, with the intention to sabotage the Ellises' business.

Now, we think she disturbed her attacker

as he was opening the valve to the milk tank.

It was a right mess.

Just like George Ellis to be crying over spilt milk.

That man has always had a habit of rubbing people

up the wrong way.

That poor girl of his.

Stuck his nose in there, didn't he?

Alright, Margo.

After the first incident,

our perpetrator then returned later the same night

to set fire to the Ellises' hay.

Now, what is important here

is that the milk and the hay were both ready to go to buyers

and provide much-needed cash to the Ellises.

Which suggests this was targeted,

designed to cause the maximum damage to the farm.

Yes. So who has a motive?

Well, we know the Ellises have been campaigning against

the Robsons next door erecting wind turbines on their land.

That Lotty Robson ain't much better.

Thank you, Margo.

Now, they claim they were at Kitty Jay's last night

when the incident took place, so we should check that first.

-Will do, sir. -The events have to be linked,

with this Cornman having appeared at both.

As Esther and I were with Lotty and Michaela Robson

when the fire was started, it's unlikely

that they were involved in the emptying of the milk tank.

Then there is this.

A corn doll, which fell from the rafters of George Ellis' barn.

Legend has it, if it falls, bad luck will follow.

"When the Cornman comes, lock crop and cattle away.

When the Cornman comes, bad luck will come your way."

Yes, thank you, Kelby.

But the point is,

are the things that happened last night

simply bad luck delivered in person

by a mythical being known as the Cornman?

-No. -Or acts carried out by someone

who was trying to put the Ellises out of business?

So who has a grudge or a score to settle with the Ellises?

I heard George Ellis sacked his farmhand a while back.

Bloke called Rhys Tomlinson.

Then we should talk to him.

If they've got a grievance, they might have a motive.

Good. Kelby, when you're finished at Kitty Jay's,

find this farmhand, see what he has to say for himself.

-Sir. -It could be someone

who wanted to stop him blocking the wind turbines.

Also a good point.

They've got a public meeting about the turbines

at the community hall later.

I've got a leaflet through the door.

Yes, wouldn't hurt to pop in.

If someone has a grudge against the Ellises,

then they're likely to be there, too.

Poor Stella.

Her and Mickie were besotted with each other.

Now they're at each other's throats.

It's all the old man's fault, that is, miserable old git.

What do you mean?

Well, he threatened to disown her and give her nothing

if she stuck with Michaela, and it worked.

Okay. So, when did you stop working for George?

Well, he gave me the sack three weeks back.

There's no love lost there, I can tell you that much.

You can't tell that man anything.

I tried to help him turn more of a profit,

modernise a little bit, but it's his way or the highway.

Turned out to be the highway.

-Er, nice wheels. -Ah, she's a beauty.

Flies like muck of a shovel

and still has plenty of storage in the back.

Right, okay.

Nice.

You know they nearly sold up, don't you?

-The Ellises? -Yeah, couple of months back.

I don't know the ins and outs of it,

but I heard whoever it was said summat old George didn't like,

so he pulled the rug out.

I remember him and Stella

screaming at each other about it.

Sounds like he's got a bit of a habit of upsetting people.

You don't know the half of it, mate.

[ Engine sputtering ]

♪♪

Um, Rosie did this all by herself?

You cheeky madam.

Though I suppose after the second glass of wine

I did get a little bit more abstract.

[ Both laugh ]

That corporate catering job

we quoted on yesterday just came in.

All that hard work paid off.

Yes, creating more hard work.

Well, you've got to make hay while the sun shines, darling.

Talking of which, I've added a skydive to my bucket list.

-You go, girl. -Please tell me that's a joke.

I've already got 11 sponsors.

-Mum. -When's the catering job?

Er, next Friday. 11:00 till 4:00.

I can help.

You've got college.

I'll sort it.

Where are you going?

Things to do, darling, people to see.

Well, don't you think we should talk about this skydive?

I thought we already had.

Honestly, Mrs L., you're a legend.

Hear that, darling? I'm a legend.

♪ Make me pick up the brush and paint the picture ♪

♪ But your eyes are like no other ♪

♪ Can compare them to nothing ♪

Archie.

Humphrey, good afternoon.

-Esther. -Alright?

So, are you for or against?

Wind turbines.

Oh, no, no, no, I'm just delivering some wine.

-Ah. -For a function. Later.

Better get on. I think it's starting.

Er, yeah, me, too.

Right.

Now, make sure you add your name to the petition.

We're all working together. It's our countryside.

May be wind turbines today.

Who knows what it'll be tomorrow?

Man: Yeah, too right, George.

He's definitely getting people whipped up.

Might well wanna get a turbine in here,

the amount of hot air in here.

You got some nerve.

Thought it was a public meeting.

I wasn't talking to you.

Oh, I'm sorry, I was confused.

I thought he did all your talking for you.

[ People gasp ]

-Yeah, I'm fine. -Alright?

Sorry. Yeah, I'm fine.

-You see what you've done? -You're not welcome here.

I thought you lot might want to say something to my face,

instead of skulking about.

I know what you've been doing, and you won't shut me up.

I don't want to shut you up, George.

It's a fair enough argument.

We're all farmers.

We've all had to learn to move with the times.

Always been a debate about it.

Nothing wrong with that,

but you're making this personal, about my family.

Oh, shut up, woman.

Here we go. This is it, isn't it, George?

I'm a woman, and I should know my place.

There's a lot to be said for that.

You are a bitter, spiteful old man, George Ellis.

And this has nothing to do with wind turbines.

This is about you and your grudge against me and mine.

And everyone in here knows why.

What you did to these two girls was vile,

and like everything else that comes out of your mouth,

100 years out of date.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

And you lot.

You should be ashamed of yourselves for listening to him.

Come on, Mickie.

Let's get out of here.

Good riddance, to the pair of you.

♪♪

So much for the peace and quiet of the countryside.

♪♪

Blimey, they look angry.

-Yeah. -Yeah.

Oh, my mum wanted me to be a farmer.

Oh, so why didn't you?

Well, two reasons, really.

First off, the cow thing.

It's the way they look at you, like they know something.

It's a funny thing to be frightened of.

Well, there was an advert when I was little.

Something about, "The milk was so good, the cows want it back."

I think that's how it all started.

Oh, wait. You said two reasons.

What was the other one?

Oh, we didn't have a farm.

Ah.

Right.

[ Cellphone ringing, vibrating ]

Mm. I just need to take this.

-I'll meet you in there. -Jolly good.

-Hiya. -Hey.

-You okay? -I'm sorry about earlier.

I was just in work mode

and didn't quite know how to handle that.

Well, we could always tell people.

It would make life a lot easier.

What happened to just living in the moment

instead of trying to put a label on things?

I'm all for living in the moment,

but I'm not sure we should have to hide while we do it.

-We're not 12 years old. -It's not that simple.

Why not?

I haven't told Zoe yet.

Great, then start with her.

We'll do it together.

Oh, sorry, I've got the DI trying to get through.

Can we do this later?

Yeah, just as long as we do.

'Course.

Bye.

♪ And we're ready to go ♪

Right.

Margo.

Thank you.

Oh, er, sir, I, er, checked at Kitty Jay's

and they confirmed that Lotty and Michaela Robson were there.

They can't say exactly when they left,

but it was definitely after half six.

As we expected.

Bad news.

There were no prints found on the milk tank,

and despite the fire investigation confirming

an accelerant was used,

there were no prints from the jerry can either.

None at all?

Well, apart from the exclusions.

George and Stella's prints were on both,

but they would be.

They both use the milk tank,

and the jerry can was taken from the farm.

And, er, any good news?

-Yeah. -Excellent.

I won £25 at bingo last night.

-Ah. -[ Chuckles ]

-Great. -Yeah.

Good.

[ Sighs ]

[ Sighs ]

♪♪

Esther: Anything from the farmhand sacked by the Ellises?

Kelby: He likes Stella, hates George,

and swears he hasn't been back

to their farm since he was fired.

He has got a cast-iron alibi for last night, though.

He was working behind the bar at the Crooked Billet in Polmarron.

One thing he did say

is that the Ellises had someone interested

in buying their farm a few months back.

He said there were a couple of viewings,

but the buyer pulled out when George Ellis insulted him.

Oh, he's such a charmer.

Have you spoken to the buyer?

From what the agent said,

he moved on and bought another parcel of land,

so they doubt he was still interested in the Ellises'.

So, we have something of a dichotomy.

We know, because of the things targeted --

the milk and then the hay --

that our culprit knows the Ellises well enough

to know what would hurt them the most.

So it has to be someone close to them.

But if it's not the Robsons,

nor our disgruntled farmhand, then who is our Cornman?

-Sir. -Mm?

You asked me to remind you when it was quarter past.

[ Gasps ] Yes. Of course.

Call me if anything else comes through.

♪♪

♪♪

-Ah, you made it. -Just.

Thank heavens for Esther.

Can you see her?

Er...there she is.

-Bye. -Bye, girls.

Hey.

Is she your daughter?

Er...she's, er, Rosie.

Looks like they've made friends.

-This is Libby. -Hi.

-Say bye. -Bye-bye, Rosie.

-Bye, Libby. -Humphrey: Ah.

Well, looks like someone's popular.

-So how was it? -Okay.

Ah, calls for some celebratory ice cream, I think.

Come on, then.

So what was the best bit?

Nice teachers?

Martha: So tell us about your first day at school.

Rosie: My teacher's nice.

They gave us homework already.

Well, that was quick. What do you have to do?

We have to write a story

about what my parents and I do after school.

Teacher said I could write about something else,

but I want to write about you two.

I was also going to write about Mrs L. living on the boat.

And should I include Selwyn the duck, too?

Most definitely.

And seeing as it's someone's birthday next week,

we could do a party, if you wanted,

with your new friends from school.

Looks like we've got some organising to do.

Rosie: Thank you.

♪♪

♪♪

[ Cellphone dings ]

♪♪

-Bad news? -Er, no, just work.

Do you want anything?

A beer, some chocolate from my stash?

Alright, who have you killed, and where did you bury him?

It's not that bad.

That's not as comforting as you think it is.

[ Sighs ] Okay, so, you know

how you've brought me up to be a strong,

independent woman who makes her own decisions?

What is it that you always say?

Be the driver, not the passenger.

I've never said that.

No, but you say stuff like that, about being in control,

not letting anyone else make decisions for you.

[ Sighs ] Is this gonna take long?

I've got work in the morning.

I don't want you to be mad with me.

I won't.

You promise?

Are you pregnant, had another tattoo or pierced anything?

-No. -Then I promise.

I left college. You promised not to get mad.

I love the work that I do at the Ten Mile Kitchen,

and it's really good, and Martha's teaching me way more

than what I'm learning at college.

I'm 18 now, and it was getting so complicated having to keep

changing my days around so that I can do my job properly.

-Yes, but -- -And what's the point

of going to college in the first place?

To get a job, right?

I've already got one, a good one,

that I'm really good at but I can't do properly

because I keep having to take days off to go to college.

Okay.

What?

If I was furious and asked you to go back to college

immediately or else, would you?

I suppose so.

And you'd be miserable, right?

Yeah.

And who wants a miserable child?

So you don't mind?

Oh, I mind very much. I think it's a mistake.

I think you'd do better

to get some qualifications under your belt.

But you're right.

I have always told you to be in control of your own life,

so go ahead and prove me wrong.

You're amazing.

Yes, I am.

So I'll, um, have that beer and chocolate now, please.

♪♪

[ Sighs ]

♪♪

♪♪

Yes.

I've hit my fundraising target for the skydive.

Oh, people are so generous.

Well, it's for a good cause.

I just wish it was for a sponsored walk

rather than jumping out of a plane.

Who dares wins, darling.

Well, I think I'll go and, um, send messages, thank people...

Bye.

-Hello. -Hi.

Ho-ho-ho! Someone's in a party mood.

Sorry.

What's -- What's going on here?

Martha: I'm just seeing what I've got for the party.

-Pirates. Good choice. -It was Rosie's idea.

Do you think we should get an entertainer?

What, Blackbeard juggling cannon balls,

or Long John Silver on a unicycle?

I just don't want to do the wrong thing.

It's a birthday party. How could it be wrong?

Oh, I don't know. Is it -- Is this too much?

You know, if she was ours, I would know what was right,

but what about when she goes home?

What if her mum can't afford to do things like this,

or she prefers to celebrate her birthday in a different way?

And what -- what are we gonna do about presents?

Stop. Stop.

You're overthinking this. It's a child's birthday party.

-[ Sighs ] -Okay?

All that we can do while she is with us

is what we think is right.

That's what Hannah said, wasn't it?

Be ourselves.

So if you want Rosie to have a birthday party

with a dancing band or a performing elephant...

[ Chuckles ]

...then that's what she should have.

We have no way of knowing what the future holds...

...or if things will change or when or how.

So let's just do now.

I don't want things to change.

There's nothing to say they will.

We should enjoy it, not get ourselves in a state about it.

-Okay? -Okay.

But should we get an entertainer or not?

Maybe there's some middle ground.

-Like what? -I could do some of my magic.

I'll see if I can get a pirate-themed disco.

That's harsh.

[ Birds squawking ]

♪♪

-Mrs L.? -Mrs L.?

Rosie's got a little something for you.

Oh, golly.

What's this?

Ooh.

[ Chuckling ] Oh.

[ Breathing heavily ]

Don't you like it?

Oh, it's -- it's perfect.

It really is.

I -- I -- I just -- just...

Mum?

I-I'm fine. Just last-minute jitters, I think.

I mean, the nearer it gets, the more real,

the more I start thinking

I haven't thought this through properly.

Well, don't do it, then.

Don't be silly. I have to do it.

I can't let all those people down,

all that money they've promised.

-They'll understand. -[ Scoffs ]

I'll do it with you if you're scared.

-[ Chuckles ] -Oh, bless you.

I think you might be a little too young.

Alright, then. Humphrey will do it,

and I'll put it in my story,

and I'll definitely have the best in the class.

Well, um... [ Chuckling ] I...

Um, yeah, sure.

Sure.

♪♪

[ Groans ]

♪♪

Where is that footpath?

♪♪

♪♪

So, do we have to sponsor you and all?

Or does what we gave to Anne still count?

Whatever you think is best, Margo.

-Good. -Though it is for a good cause.

-Yeah. -I've done a bit more.

-It'll be worth every penny. -[ Telephone rings ]

Thank you, Esther. And I have to say, I was somewhat...

-Shipton Abbott Police. -...railroaded into it,

but I do think it's quite exciting.

Ellises' farm. Yeah, okay.

We'll get someone to you as soon as we can.

Alright?

[ Sighs ]

Someone's let all the Ellises' cattle out onto the A386.

Coincidences.

-[ Cow moos ] -Esther: Are they all back?

Stella: Well, that's not really the point.

Some of them have been injured,

we'll have vets' bills to worry about.

I found this tucked behind the bolt to the gate.

Corn.

I'm done. That's it for me.

I can't take a year of this.

You can't think like that, Dad. Things could pick up.

How? The milk's lost, the hay's gone up in flames,

there's nothing coming in, there's plenty going out.

Got to get the cattle back in, pay the vets.

There's no end to it. [ Sniffles ]

I've had enough.

You were right. We should've sold up.

-Sorry. -No.

No, not at all. It's perfectly understandable.

This, er, offer you had for the farm --

Rhys Tomlinson mentioned it.

-What happened? -Truth?

I don't think Dad was serious about selling.

He'll never leave this place, unless he had no other choice.

Carry him out in a box.

[ Cows mooing ]

[ Cellphone rings ]

Hi, Margo.

Okay, thanks.

Lotty and Michaela Robson were both in Torquay visiting family,

so it can't have been them.

Right.

Kelby: Police.

Coming through.

Go to your right.

Er, step aside.

Thank you. Yeah.

Move.

That's it. Step aside, please. Thank you.

What are you looking at?

I'm not scared of you.

♪♪

Well done, Kelby. I'm proud of you.

-Mind over matter. -Hm

Er, are they still looking at me?

No, you're fine.

[ Sighs ] I need to show you something.

Come with me.

This is an old gamekeeper's cottage,

right on the boundary of the Ellis and Robson farms.

It's on the Robson side,

but the Ellis farm is just over that hedge.

♪♪

♪♪

Yeah, see, it's supposed to be empty.

Humphrey: Ah.

Right.

It certainly looks like someone's been here recently.

Kelby: And, er, there's a picture up there.

This must be where Michaela and Stella used to meet.

Look.

Kelby: And that's not all.

I think you need to see in here.

♪♪

♪♪

Humphrey: Ah.

♪♪

Our mysterious Cornman.

Margo: Yeah, alright. Thanks.

[ Hangs up receiver ] Okay.

The only fingerprints found at the gamekeeper's cottage

were Michaela Robson, Stella Ellis, and Kelby's.

Sorry, I -- I think I put my gloves on too late.

Well, it's where Stella and Michaela used to meet,

so we'd expect theirs to be there.

So unless Kelby's the Cornman, doesn't help us.

What about our farmhand?

Well, er, so I spoke to the manager of the Crooked Billet.

Er, Rhys Tomlinson worked a 6:00-to-11:00 shift that night.

Two other members of staff confirmed he never left the pub

until his shift finished.

-So he's not our man. -Kelby: Doesn't look like it.

[ Sighs ] But then that leaves us with nowhere to go.

We know it can't be the Robsons.

I mean, we were with them, actually with them,

for the fire, and they were out of town

when the cattle were let out of the field.

So we're back to where we started.

Kelby: I mean, I -- I could stake out the cottage,

see if he comes back for his costume.

Esther: You could do that,

but do you think someone's gonna come back now?

I think it would be a waste of time, Kelbs.

-Mum got me this. -Ooh. Oh, it's lovely.

-Sorry. -No, it's completely fine.

Esther...

when we first went to see Michaela Robson,

she said you'd missed her birthday party.

-Yeah. -When was it?

Er, last month, when me and Zoe were away.

The 18th, I think.

Humphrey: And, if I recall correctly,

she showed you a bracelet, a birthday gift from her mum.

That's right.

Humphrey: Then how can she be wearing

the bracelet given to her

as a birthday present by her mother

less than a month ago in this photograph

of her and Stella Ellis,

seemingly happy and in love a year ago?

She can't.

-Unless... -It was taken more recently.

Of course.

It's the only thing that makes sense.

What is?

I don't know why it didn't ring an alarm bell before.

It's not just about the motive.

It's also about the opportunity.

The Robsons have cast-iron alibis for all three events

at the Ellises' farm, so it couldn't have been them.

Agreed.

So who else had the opportunity?

The Ellises themselves.

Or, more accurately, Stella Ellis,

because that's what this has been about all this time.

I think this photograph proves that,

despite everything we've heard to the contrary,

Stella and Michaela are still very much together.

I think they manufactured their break-up

to appease Stella's father,

but the truth is, they never stopped seeing each other.

"You've got some nerve coming in here."

"I thought it was a public meeting."

[ Chuckles ]

-That changes everything. -Humphrey: Yes, it does.

Because rather than being at each other's throats,

now they actually had a common purpose.

And we know Stella was keen to sell the farm.

You were right. We should have sold up.

[ Cow moos ]

So that was her plan all along?

To force the old man to sell the farm?

To exploit his superstitions and put him under

as much financial pressure as they could.

Stella couldn't just walk away, not once her father had told her

that running the farm alone would probably kill him.

So I think she convinced him to sell,

but he changed his mind and put a stop to it.

And so Stella was trapped again.

He'll never sell it now.

Yes, he will.

We'll make him.

So, they knew the only way they could be together,

really together,

is if they could get George to sell the farm.

Stella would get her share

and end up on a beach somewhere with Michaela,

and she wouldn't feel bad about leaving her dad.

He'd be retired with his half of the money to live off.

Crafty cows.

Next, they had to convince George

that his bad luck was only just beginning.

Do your stuff.

We could use a bit of luck.

George: Hold it steady, girl.

Always thought you'd be the death of me.

♪♪

So Stella turned on the valve of the milk tank herself?

Yes.

[ Screams ]

We can place Michaela at Kitty Jay's until 6:30.

Giving her just enough time, not to sabotage the milk tank,

but to be our Cornman.

And all she had to do was to be seen before disappearing again.

And now the danger was...

that the Robsons would come under suspicion.

♪♪

So Stella gave them the perfect alibi.

Esther, there's a fire at the Ellises'.

It's quicker over the fields.

Mum, are you coming?

Thank you. Alright, stay back, everyone.

The fire brigade is on their way.

Esther, look.

♪♪

Having lost you and Kelby, Stella came back here, changed,

and then returned to the fire with her father

as a supposed victim.

But knowing that she'd virtually destroyed their business.

Exactly that, and by using the Cornman,

they were ensuring George saw nothing

but a long year of bad luck spreading out before him.

Causing him to sell up.

I'm done.

That's it for me.

I can't do a year of this.

And the cows?

[ Cows mooing ]

Knowing that Michaela and her mum were away

and therefore had a cast-iron alibi,

it was easy enough for her to open a gate.

[ Mooing continues ]

I can't believe Michaela would lie to my face like that,

or how Stella could do this to her own father.

Well, love is a very powerful thing.

It leads people to do lots of things

that they wouldn't usually contemplate.

We should bring them in.

[ Police radio chatter ]

♪♪

♪♪

[ Engine starts ]

[ Vehicle departs ]

Just watch your head, alright?

I thought we were friends.

We are.

He just didn't give us any other choice.

I don't believe that.

You're not me, so don't you tell me what's true and what isn't.

It was this or Stella staying with him,

putting up with all that venom.

Shall I tell you the things he said to her?

No.

Michaela: This was the only way we could see

of us ever being together, so we took it.

And we don't need your approval for that,

or anyone else's.

♪♪

♪♪

Can't have been easy.

[ Sighs ]

Maybe she's right.

Maybe he didn't give them any other choice.

You've always got a choice.

If you don't like where you are,

that's your fault, no one else's.

♪♪

♪♪

[ Inhales deeply ]

[ Indistinct conversations in distance ]

Hey.

Is everything okay?

Not really.

Look, I don't want to do this anymore.

Do what?

Us.

Well, can't we at least talk about it?

Wait, Es-- Es...

♪♪

Man: Welcome to Sky's the Limit skydiving centre.

We're getting ready to do a jump today.

-Please make sure... -[ Breathes deeply ]

Man: ...and that you check in with your instructor.

Okay, that's you both all set.

Come and join us by the aircraft when you're ready.

Thank you.

Alright, Anne?

If you don't feel you can do this, please just say the word.

Do you know what?

I've never run away from anything in my life.

I have no intention of starting now.

-Excellent. -[ Both chuckle ]

-Hi. -Good luck.

Thank you, darling.

-Feeling okay? -Fine.

Thank you for doing this with her.

Look, I know you're excited, but please be careful.

When you went paragliding,

you ejected yourself and landed in a tree.

Ah, yes, b-but I'll have Anne with me,

and I'll get the look if I'm doing something I shouldn't be.

What look?

-Oh, that one. -Exactly.

So what could possibly go wrong?

Please don't say that.

Come on, they're waving at us.

-[ Sighs ] -How you feeling, Mum?

Well, I could have chosen a slightly less drastic way

of celebrating the all-clear, but...

strangely excited, if a little nervous.

Excellent. Shall we?

[ Sighs ]

-Good luck. -Good luck.

Oh.

[ Exhales sharply ]

Nothing to worry about. [ Chuckles ]

Well, as long as it's not like my skiing trip in '83

when I came back with both my legs in plaster casts,

we'll be fine.

I'm sorry. Did you say you've broken both your legs?

You didn't put that on your form.

It said current medical conditions.

That was 40 years ago.

[ Sighs ]

What happened?

They told me I didn't qualify for the insurance

because I'd broken my legs 40 years ago.

Oh. Oh.

I feel terrible, letting all those people down.

-It's not your fault. -Oh.

Wait. What about Humphrey?

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

They should have been back 30 minutes ago.

[ Cellphone rings, vibrates ]

Oh, it's Humphrey.

Where are you?

Humphrey: Ah, well...slight issue.

Er, yes. I sort of leaned back, headbutted my instructor.

He's -- He's coming 'round now, though,

which -- which is good.

Um, but you -- you might need to come and fetch me.

Where from?

Er...

I think you might need a ladder.

[ Horns honking, siren wailing ]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

Martha, just, er -- Martha!