John Potter phones Val and tells her that he's going to kill himself. Steve tells Elsie to organise a traditional Christmas with all the family. Ena teaches the men tug-of-war tactics. Mrs Potter discovers John is at a garage. Ken realises he only wants to be a mechanic. Lucille introduces her hippie friend Robert Croft to Dennis and Elsie. Dennis is horrified to discover he and his friends are coming to the party. Ken makes the Potters see that if they push John academically he'll never succeed. They agree to him staying at the garage. Steve tells Elsie he's been posted back to America.