1 February 2017

I'm back... and it's about time.  Sorry for the lengthy delay!

Ffion is nervous about the interview for deputy head of the new school in Cwmderi.  Gaynor seems to be indicating that Ffion is her preferred candidate for the job, but when Ffion walks into the interview, she discovers that Gary Monk is taking his place on the interview panel, crutches and all.

Things don’t seem to start well, as Gary begins to ask searching questions which dig into Ffion’s private life.  Gaynor intervenes and stops him, but this doesn’t prevent him from asking business and administration questions, which Ffion seems to take in her stride.  As Gaynor shows Ffion out, she reassures her that it was a strong interview, and despite Ffion knowing that Gary does not want her to get the job, Gaynor says she will not allow Gary to scupper her chances.

Ed and Sioned return from being pampered.  Ed has a new haircut, and appears to have been on a sunbed.  They put on nice clothes, and get ready for a photographer to come and take a ‘family portrait’.  Sioned is being very nice.

Jason is still trying to win back Sara, after his disastrous kiss with Nicky Jones.  He arranges what he thinks is a romantic gesture; a car playing loud music, and he proclaiming his love with a loud hailer and a sign, but Sara is unimpressed, and goes back indoors.

Later, Jason is having a drink the pub, lamenting his lack of success.  Cadno comes in, and tries to talk some sense into him, but he is feeling a little sorry for himself.  Cadno encourages him to abandon booze, and go home.

In the café, Kelly and Tyler are talking about Ed and Sioned in the flat upstairs.  She is convinced that Sioned pressured Ed into competing in the ‘Mr & Mrs’ competition the previous week.  Tyler is not convinced that Kelly is seeing things right, and hints that Kelly actually fancies Ed for herself, before apologising and leaving.  Kelly thinks about going upstairs to eavesdrop, but when Sara walks into the café, she things better of it.  She and Sara talk, and in her customary blunt manner, she tells Sara to divorce Jason and move on.

In the flat over the café, a handsome photographer snaps Ed and Sioned, and this time Kelly goes up to watch the end of the session.  The happy atmosphere is just a veneer however, and it is broken when Jason texts Ed to ask him out for a pint.  Ed starts to decline, but Sioned’s smile has already started to drop, and she tells him to go for the drink with Jason, there will be other times.  Ed’s unhappiness is evident after Sioned has walked away.

At Penrhewl, Sara pays Jason a visit.  She tells him that he went way over the top with his gesture.  She does accept that it was only one kiss, but that a kiss leads to an affair, and she can no longer trust him.  She says that their marriage is over and walks out, deaf to his protests.

Back at the school, the interview panel is just finishing an interview with a Mr Derwyn Parry.  Whilst Gaynor’s face seems to suggest that she did not find him a good candidate, when she, Garry Monk and the other interviewer start talking, Gaynor says that Mr Parry is the stronger one.  His references from his previous employers are excellent.  This is quite a stab in the back for Ffion.  She dresses it up as needing ‘new blood’, but it seems more like revenge or sour grapes.

Later in Y Deri, Ed is waiting for Jason, who is late.  Kelly joins Ed and tries a character assassination on Sioned, but Ed defends her.  Ed invites Sioned to come over to Y Deri for a drink and a meal later.  Kelly quickly leaves.

Back in the school, the panel are giving Ffion feedback on why she was unsuccessful in her application.  She is convinced that Gary is responsible, but after the other interviewer and Gaynor leave, Gary said that Gaynor was determined not to give Ffion the job.

6 October 2011

It's the day of Brandon's funeral.  Garry and Iolo are getting ready.  Iolo says that Sion is going to stay with Brandon, which Garry is okay with, but when Iolo says that Sion thinks the children should be at the funeral, Garry disagrees, saying that he wants them to remember Brandon laughing and joking.  Garry tells Huw that he can't go the funeral, because he wants them to look after the children.  He then barks at Iolo, telling him to  wear a black tie.  He doesn't have one, so Garry orders him to go and buy one, accusing Iolo of not showing respect.

Macs, Gethin and Dani are talking.  Macs is very smart in a dark suit with a black tie.  When he finds out that Dani can't go because Garry has forbidden it, he is surprised, and says that she, of all people, should be there.  Dani says she doesn't have the strength to fight Garry any longer.

Anita brings Colin and Denil a stiff drink.  They are going to be pall bearers, along with some friends of Garry's from Newcastle.  They reflect on the fragility of life and mortality, then Jinx appears, he is going to be a bearer too.  He admits he is not much help on occasions like this, he is too emotional.

At Sion's house, the mourners are gathering.  Macs jokes gently to Iolo that this is the second time this week his suit has been given an airing, and this is a record.  Macs wonders where Huw is, Iolo says that Huw will be looking after the children.  But before Macs can give his views, Iolo says it might not be wise to argue with Garry today.  The hearse arrives.

At the hospital, Sion is reading a copy of the funeral service to Britt, who remains in a coma.  "In moving memory of Brandon, dear brother of Garry and Britt, and father of the late Chris.  A devoted uncle to Chester, Catrin, Aaron and Gwern."  Sion says that he suggested it should mention being a partner to Dani to, but Garry refused.  Sion adds that he suggested the verse at the bottom, "Blessed are those of a gentle spirit".  This describes Brandon pretty accurately.

Sion reveals that when Sion and Britt first met, Garry tried to break them up, but eventually he accepted that Sion was a good influence, and welcomed him into the family, so to speak.

Gethin says that it's time to go to Y Deri, to check on arrangements for the wake.  Dani is surprised that Gethin would suggest this, saying that Diane is sorting this, but Gethin suggests that Dani would surely want to check that everything was perfect for Brandon.  Dani admits that she's scared, but Gethin says that she'll be fine.

As they walk outside, the see the funeral cortege, and Dani puts a hand to her mouth.  The hearse is flanked by the bearers.  It draws to a halt outside Y Deri, watched by many from Cwmderi, including the lady detective.

Dani and Gethin go into Y Deri, eyed by Garry.  Anita says that she could always go up to the crematorium afterwards, and spend some time in the memorial garden.  She says that Garry doesn't want her at the funeral.  Mark suggests kindly that she shouldn't take any notice of what Garry says, and that she doesn't need an invitation to go to her own partner's funeral.  Diane offers Dani a drink from a tray but Dani refuses, saying that she doesn't want anything that Garry has paid for.  Anita tries to be sympathetic, and Diane says that Brandon would have wanted Dani walking behind his coffin on his "final journey".  Dani agrees, and seems to find some courage.  Gethin runs after her.

Dani and Gethin appear at the church, as the coffin is being unloaded from the hearse.  Garry storms over, and tells Gethin to make "her" leave.  Sheryl tells Garry that he should be ashamed of himself, and that Brandon would never have wanted this hostility.  Garry walks away, saying nothing, and the coffin is carried into the church, with Dani and Gethin bringing up the rear.

Garry stands up to say a few words.  He says that most brothers go their own way, but he and Brandon were different, almost the the same person (this is utter self-delusion, they could barely have been more different).  Garry quickly starts to lose his cool and it's clear he's going to cry.  Dani stands up, and tells Garry softly to sit down, because Brandon wouldn't want to see him like this.

Dani starts to speak.  She says that a lot of people were shocked when she and Brandon started going out, and this hurt him.  She says that he was hard on the outside, but soft on the inside like a baby.  He says he was a partner, family, a best friend, and that everyone is going to miss him because of how kind he was.  "He's gone now, and I'll never forget him."

The coffin descends, and everyone leaves.  Dani looks at the flowers outside, including a bunch of lillies from Garry, saying, "nobody could have had a better brother."  Gethin gently counsels that they leave to prevent Gary causing trouble, but Dani, also gently, says that if he wants to stoop to this level, then that's his problem.  Garry's mind is elsewhere however, and he tells Gwyneth that he wants to be on his own for a while.

In Y Deri, people are telling nice stories of things they remember to do with Brandon.  Anita relates a tale of how Brandon helped to take a garden wall down, only to discover that they were at the wrong house.  Kevin says it's important to tell people what you think of them whilst they are alive.  Diane adds that often people don't realise what they have until it's gone.

Dani and Gethin walk in, and there is a bit of an awkward silence, people don't know what to say for the best.  Anita sits her down, Mark asks if she is glad she went.  She says yes, and that everyone has been very supportive.  Anita adds that Dai phoned earlier, he's very sorry that he couldn't be there, he and Brandon were close.  Colin, Denzil and Jinx all come over to offer their comfort, followed by Gwyneth.  Dani tells Gwyneth that she didn't deliver the eulogy to get one over on Garry, more that it was something she just had to do.

Garry goes to the garage for some peace and quiet.  He pours himself a drink, and looking vaguely upwards, he says sorry to Brandon for everything that he has done.  Neither the drink nor the solitude are any comfort to him however, and he breaks down in tears.

Back in Y Deri, whilst others are swapping stories, Jinx goes over to Dani again and gives her his order of service for the funeral, on the back of which is a simple but elegant pencil drawing of Brandon, based on the large photograph of Brandon placed in the church.  Dani is touched, and says that she'll treasure it.  Whilst everyone is laughing at tales of Brandon's well-meaning ineptitude on the rugby pitch, Garry walks in, still holding his glass.  This clearly spells trouble.

To a silent crowd, Garry says that Dani phoned the solicitor before the funeral, to find out how much she was going to get from Brandon's will.  This isn't true, and she says so.  Anita tries to shut him up, but he calls Dani a slut, very loudly, and says that she is just looking for money.  Dani is upset but controls herself, saying that money won't bring Brandon back.  Anita again intervenes, and Garry says he's already leaving, but not before he spits on Dani.  The stunned silence continues.  Garry walks out.

Dani keeps her cool, and stands up to make a speech.  She thanks everyone for coming, and says that Brandon would have been touched to learn he had so many friends.  She asks people to try and enjoy themselves during the rest of the afternoon, because it's what Brandon would have wanted.  Her cool is rapidly deserting her, and she asks Ows to put the music back on.  Sheryl solemnly leads a toast to Brandon.

5 October 2011

Dani is at Garry's house, begging him to tell her the arrangements for Brandon's funeral.  But he won't be moved.  All he is prepared to say is that the pall-bearers will meet at the house before going to the crematorium, but as she already knows, she will not be welcome.  Garry says that she has been 'allowed' to arrange the 'celebration' of Brandon's life, and that she should be happy with this.  He urges her that they should put their differences aside, but he replies, "never."

Norman pops into Y Deri to find Eileen, but instead he finds Mark, saying that she's sleeping off all the drink they had the previous night.  Norman leaves for Y Felin, and Mark quickly leaves too.

Debbie and Kevin are talking in the cafe.  He says she is burning the candle at both ends, but she's clearly not much of a worker.  He says that he happened to notice burgers in the back of her car, of the same variety that he buys at the cash and carry.  Is he suggesting that she's pinched them?  She says that she recognises quality when she sees it.  Dani comes in for a coffee, but she is not interested in Debbie's platitudes, and asks pretty forcefully to be left alone in peace.

Mark appears at Y Felin, like a bad rash, holding a basket of things that Eileen left at the school the previous night.  He congratulates Cadno, and they talk about how parenthood changes you, the responsibility, and so on.  Norman appears shortly afterwards (Mark groans when he arrives), and asks Eileen to come to a club in Swansea with him later, as he'll be performing as his alter ego, Norma Jean.  She doesn't take much convincing to come along.

Garry is at Gwyneth's place, saying that he has to meet the vicar shortly to talk through the service, but he can't face it.  He says Brandon's death is really hitting him hard now.  Gwyneth suggests it's difficult doing it on his own.  Garry says Sion is helping when he can, but he's spending much of his time at the hospital, visiting Britt, who remains in a coma.  He says he misses her and her valuable counsel.  Gwyneth volunteers to come with him, and he accepts gratefully.

Dani talks to Gethin.  She is very upset to be excluded from the funeral.  Gethin says that the basic problem is that she isn't dealing with a normal person (Garry), and he volunteers to have a word with him.  Dani says there is no point, as Garry doesn't want to have anything to do with her, so by extension Gethin will get nowhere.  What is upsetting her especially is knowing that Brandon did not want to be cremated, but buried instead alongside Chris.  Gethin suggests that Dani talks to Brandon's solicitor, to see whether there were any instructions left in Brandon's will.  Dani says she can't, as Garry will hate her even more, but that doesn't seem possible.  Gethin says the last thing she wants is any regrets, that Brandon's wishes were ignored.

Cadno tells Kevin that she is pregnant.  Kevin is very happy for her, but Debbie's good wishes are patently false, as she tells Cadno to be careful because of her previous miscarriage, and that she should give up work.  She's obviously saying it because she wants to take over Cadno's shifts.  Cadno cannot afford to give up work.  Kevin is far from impressed, especially when Debbie suggests that Kevin gets rid of Cadno before he is liable to pay maternity pay.  Mark and Ricky don't get much of a welcome when they come into the cafe, as Debbie kicks them out, telling them to go and cook pies and pasta - more money making exercises.

Garry returns home with Gwyneth and Gwern, after seeing the vicar.  Dani tries to talk to him again, about the flowers in the back of the car.  But Garry remains implacable, saying that the funeral will be family flowers only - family.  She asks Gwyneth to talk to her, but whilst she's sympathetic in a lukewarm way, she is on Garry's side, saying that he's hurting too.

Mark and Ricky's attempts at cooking pies don't get very far, the oven is up too high, the pies burn, the smoke alarm goes off, and Debbie walks back in to chaos.  She kicks them out of the kitchen.

Gwyneth says that she has arranged a babysitter for tomorrow, as she doesn't think it's appropriate for Gwern to be at the funeral.  Garry is content with this, he says it's hard enough looking after himself without thinking about Gwern too.  His mobile rings, it is Robin, the handsome solicitor.  He says he's had a call from Dani, Brandon's partner.  Garry makes unpleasant comments about her being a slapper girlfriend.  Robin says that he's arranged to see Dani, and that Garry had better come along too.  Garry thinks that Dani is just after Brandon's money.

Cadno is not happy that Debbie is again parked outside the fish and chip shop selling food.  Kevin isn't either but he says he can't stop her and has no right to do so, even if he disapproves.  Cadno asks if she's been using his cash and carry card, but he has no proof.

Mark busies himself talking to Ricky whilst he puts on body spray.  All Ricky is concerned about is who is going to look after him.  He doesn't really like Lisa, who is coming in to babysit, he says she is boring and is only interested in playing cards.

Robin, the solicitor, arrives to see Dani.  Gethin answers the door.  Robin says that Dani meant a great deal to Brandon, he knew Brandon as a friend as well as professionally.  Dani wants to know if Brandon would have approved of the funeral arrangements, but Robin won't be drawn until Garry arrives.

Talking of which, Garry is busy making a nuisance of himself.  He tells Debbie that she has a nerve, muscling in on Britt's business whilst she's in hospital in a coma.  Debbie claims that as soon as Britt is better and the fish and chip shop has re-opened, she'll move on.  Garry says that she'll live to regret this, but Debbie isn't in the mood to be threatened.

Debbie talks to Mark in Y Deri, who is trying to enjoy a quiet pint.  Debbie is happy because the takings from her 'business' are up each night.  She makes barbed comments about Norman's catering, saying that it's just bangers and mash with a fancy name and a hefty price tag.  Debbie accuses Eileen of chasing after Mark, and as Eileen and Norman leave, Eileen tells Mark loudly that he deserves a medal for sharing a house with Debbie.

Garry's next stop is to see Dani and Robin.  Garry tries to get Gethin thrown out, but the solicitor stops him, saying that Gethin is welcome to stay.  Robin says that whilst Brandon left no instructions about his funeral, he did change his will recently.  Garry clearly knew nothing of this.  Dani didn't either, although Garry doesn't believe this.  It transpires Brandon wanted Dani to have his share of ABD, the life insurance money and whatever he had left in the bank.  Garry is furious, and suggests that Brandon was talked into it.  Robin counsels caution.  After Robin leaves, Garry threatens Dani and says she had better not try and turn up to the funeral.

4 October 2011

Macs is getting ready to journey to Court for his ABH trial.  Mark makes a serious of insensitive comments, which Sioned does not appreciate.  Macs stays silent.  Macs gives Iolo the car keys, saying Iolo should get used to driving the car (because Macs believes he will receive a prison sentence).

Ffion and Anita have a meal.  Anita suggests that Ffion goes back to work, Ffion admits that she can't, because Gaynor has suspended her.  Anita tries to suggest that Ffion looks at houses, because it will be better to buy than rent, but Ffion thinks that Anita is trying to get rid of her.  They bicker a little, and Ffion apologises.  But as soon as Anita is out of the room, Ffion retrieves a half litre bottle of vodka from her bag. Later, Ffion is sitting at the table, holding the still unopened bottle, and Anita walks in.  Ffion says that if she'd been alone, she would have drunk it.  Ffion is tearful and feels isolated, and that Anita is her only friend at the moment.

The lovely Eifion and Cadno are leaving the farm for the afternoon, supposedly to "go shopping", but it quickly becomes obvious that it's a midwife appointment.  Eileen has found the card, and she hugs them both, wishing them congratulations, although she knew ages ago that Cadno was pregnant.

Macs arrives at Court, to find Denzil and Marian, wishing him luck.  Macs jibes that Iolo should have organised a bus for Macs's supporters.  The Court is running late.  Macs's solicitor gets him to sit down, and Iolo says this is an ideal time for him to tell his solicitor the whole story, but Macs says he would rather go to prison than tell the truth about being raped.

Eifion and Cadno go for their first baby scan.  Cadno reveals that this is not her first baby, she was pregnant last year but she lost the baby.  The scan looks good, the baby is fine, and they clearly see the head and the spine.  Eifion says that twins run in Denzil's side of the family.  Eifon is extremely happy to see the baby on the scan screen.

Mark gives Eileen a hand carrying things ahead of her evening cookery class into the school classroom.  Mark is trying to ingratiate himself on Eileen, and it's not especially subtle, but she manages to deflect him with only a hint of embarrassment.

In Court, Macs is given permission to address the Court.  He gives a heartfelt apology, talks about how he lost his mother, the closeness of the family, and about how he deeply regrets the embarrassment and heartache that he has caused.  He says nothing like this will ever happen again.  The judges say that they will have to retire to consider.

When the hearing resumes, Macs stands and makes an emotional admission - that a few months ago, his drink was spiked, and that he was raped.  He says this in front of his family and friends.  Marian makes some fatuous comment, asking Denzil if this is possible - not the time or place, woman.  Macs says that since then he's been through hell.  He says he blames himself, and that unfortunately, the man he attacked called Macs 'a poof', and that he just snapped, and lost control.  He breaks down in tears, and Sioned stands up, and tells the Court that Macs is telling the truth.

Ffion continues talking Anita about her drinking.  She clearly has a problem and she accepts this.  She says that the temptation is so strong to start drinking in the morning, she doesn't know how to combat it.  She says she doesn't want to be a failure but this is what she is, and that Gaynor is probably right.  Anita opens the bottle and hands it to her, but Ffion pushes it away and replaces the cap.  She says that there must be a better life to live than this.  She says that she has no choice but to return to rehab.

Macs leaves the Court hurriedly.  He receives a sentence of four months, suspended for a year.  Iolo is clearly pleased that Macs didn't go to prison, but Macs is stressed and upset, saying that he has lost credibility and the respect of his colleagues.  Marian makes a very unkind comment that he hopes he's learnt his lesson and that she didn't want to know what happened to him.  Denzil is sympathetic, and says his heart goes out to Macs.

Back in Eileen's evening class, a man that Eileen went on a date with turns up.  Mark starts acting quite protectively towards Eileen, who clearly doesn't want to be in the ex-date's company again.  When he calls Eileen over, he hasn't started cooking, and he tells Eileen that he wants to see her again.  Mark rides to the rescue and says that Eileen is his girlfriend.  After the class, Eileen gives Mark a plate of food, and they both have a mug of wine.

Eifion and Cadno return from the scan, just as Ffion is about to get into the taxi, helped by Anita.  Eifion and Cadno tell the others that Cadno is pregnant.  They ask if Ffion is coming to join the celebrations, but she says that she's going back to rehab, and that she is an alcholic.  It's a brave move.

In Y Deri, Macs is about the only one not interested in celebrating.  Eifion tells everyone that he's going to be a father.  Macs excuses himself and leaves.  Sioned follows him.  Meanwhile, Eileen's naff ex date is trying to chat up Anita.  Anita drafts in Denzil to serve for half an hour.

Back at Macs's flat, he talks about the stresses of the day.  Sioned goes to leave to give him some space, but Macs calls her back, and says that he wants to fall asleep with her in his arms - but no more, not yet.  She says that's enough for her, and they kiss.

3 October 2011

Yvonne is being interviewed by the Police, still.  She and the detective are both exhausted.  Yvonne says that they cannot keep her any longer, but the detective says that a Magistrate has granted an extension.  The interview resumes.

Yvonne asks whether the forensics people haven't been negligent, not testing her for traces of petrol.  The detective says that too much time has gone past.  Yvonne says that the Police are clearly determined to get a conviction even if the person is innocent.

The detective outlines a scenario, that Yvonne wanted revenge on Garry Monk because he told Gwyneth all her secrets, once it came out that Yvonne was the one who put Garry in prison.  She says she wasn't even in Cwmderi in the first place, she was on her own in a bar in Swansea.  Then they want to know why she was planning to fly off to Switzerland.

Gaynor reluctantly has to let Macs go, because of the court case.  Macs says it's because the reputation of the school is such that they can't afford to have someone on staff who is up on a charge of ABH.  Macs is very understanding, Gaynor is as kind as she can possibly be, and they part cordially.

Gaynor calls on Ffion at Y Deri, the door is answered by Anita, still in her dressing gown and on the phone.  Gaynor makes an attempt at small talk but Anita isn't especially interested.  Ffion appears.  Gaynor tries to enlist her help with solving an assessment problem, but Ffion isn't interested, she says she has a right to be ill (really?), and it will have to wait.  After Ffion storms out, Gaynor asks Anita if Ffion is drinking again, and that she has a right to know.  Anita says she hasn't noticed anything.  It's not clear if she's being truthful or telling a white lie for Ffion's benefit.

Sioned bickers with Kevin in the cafe over a half-eaten bacon sandwich.  She apologises and says that she is on edge because Macs is in court tomorrow.  She is worried that he'll be sent to prison.  Kevin says that prison can change people for the better.

Garry is trying to get into the boarded up flat.  Jinx comes along, and counsels him to give it time.  Garry says he is having nightmares, and he wants to be in the flat so that he can somehow be close to his memories of Brandon.  Jinx is getting nowhere and Garry gets fractious, even when he offers to take Garry to the pub, or to come into the flat with him.  Jinx leaves Garry to it.

Later, Yvonne is released, though she remains a suspect, and is requested to stay away from Garry Monk as well as surrendering her passport.  Yvonne says she intends to go nowhere until her name is cleared.  She leaves.  The detective says that Yvonne is much too confident.

Colin talks to Kevin in the cafe, he has received a letter from Meic, offering him his old job back.  Colin is surprised that Meic has gone to Anglesey, he thought that Meic and Anita were giving it another go.  Kevin's response is cool, he says that Meic doesn't know what he is saying, because Colin shattered his life for him.  Back at his table, Colin tells Jinx that maybe Meic is trying to make him feel guilty.  Jinx suggests he could be telling Colin to "go ahead" (with the relationship with Anita, though this broke off weeks ago).

Sioned and Macs are talking in Y Deri.  Macs longs for a better solicitor, but it's the money.  Garry is being a twat as usual, and tells Macs to pull himself together.  The conversation drifts to Brandon, but Garry's behaviour is enough to make Sioned and Macs leave.  Ffion, who has overheard most of this, attempts to be the bigger person, and says to Garry that she is sorry to hear about Brandon.  Garry is full of scorn for what he calls her false sympathy.

Garry wants to know why Ffion confessed to arson.  She says she was drunk, she didn't know what she was doing.  By now however she has raised her voice, and Gaynor walks in during the middle of things.  Gaynor's look says it all, she is not at all happy!  They have a confrontation in the flat above Y Deri.  Gaynor wants to know when Ffion is coming back to work.  Ffion says she'll be back when she recovers from the bug, but Gaynor firmly believes that it's drink, not a bug which is absenting her from work.

Jinx opens the door to Yvonne.  Yvonne tries to convince Jinx to talk to Gwyneth, saying that she is lost without her.  But Jinx is in no mood to be sympathetic.  He says he is on Gwyneth's side, and neither of them want to have anything to do with her.  Whilst Jinx is getting her to leave, Garry comes back, and he is true to form.  Yvonne tries to get Garry to see that she didn't have anything to do with the fire, and that his hatred of her will bring him no comfort, but he is in no mood to listen.

So, we are two suspects down... first Ffion, now Yvonne.  Who else might be in the frame?

Colin sees Yvonne, and the two of them bicker.  He offers her some advice, delivered unpleasantly, that she should try leaving things alone for a while.  She bites back and says that this is rich coming from him, after all he's been one of the causes of Meic and Anita divorcing.

Macs is startled when Sioned comes into the kitchen.  He knocks a glass over onto the floor, and cuts his hand trying to pick up the shards.  Sioned goes to excuse herself, saying that she doesn't want to upset him, but Macs persuades her to stay.  Maybe they can rekindle their relationship?

Macs and Sioned talk about the court case.  Macs says that if he told the story of his rape in Court, everyone would feel sorry for him, and that the rape would follow him around and be a stigma for ever, which he doesn't want.  He then talks about how after his mother died, his uncle tried to do the right thing and offer help to the family, but it didn't in fact help.  He says he doesn't want Sioned to feel under an obligation to stick around.  She tries to make him see that seeing him hurt is hurting her too.

Colin comes into Y Deri, and makes a dreadful attempt at saying that he and Anita should get back together.  She is not at all happy, and says that she can live without any man, she doesn't need one.  Kevin comes in and sees the two of them talking.  Anita shouts to him that he should tell his father (Meic) that he won't make the divorce easy for him.

Gaynor and Ffion clash, when she sees Ffion putting a bottle into her handbag.  Gaynor says that it's clear Ffion hasn't recovered at all, and she says she'll suspend Ffion until after half-term.  Ffion says that Gaynor can't do this, but Gaynor says she can get the permission of the governors - and that if she doesn't sort herself out, Gaynor will start dismissal proceedings.

30 September 2011

Anita knocks on the door of the cafe, it's not yet open.  Kevin answers the door, and almost immediately breaks down, saying that Meic wants a divorce.  Kevin is astonished, saying he thought Meic was about to move back into Y Deri.  Anita says that's what she thought too.  She begs Kevin to talk to Meic, and try to make him "see sense".  In a daze, Kevin agrees, but says he doesn't believe there is much he can do if Meic is determined.

Diane is making food for Dai to take with him, to save money at the airport.  They spin Dani a story that Dai has been ordered to take a rest abroad, for the good of his health.  Dani is in no fit state to start disbelieving or arguing, and she wishes him well, saying that he should get better soon, she can't bear the thought of losing anyone else.  Dai and Diane say farewell to one another, and he leaves for the airport in a taxi.

Meic puts his bags into his car.  Kevin finds him, and says he can't believe he's leaving.  Meic says that he's going to Anglesey, where he would have gone ages ago if he hadn't listened to Kevin.  He says the relationship is empty, and that he (Kevin) should know better than almost anyone what that feels like.  The detective has been watching this scene, and makes a barbed comment about Meic having a guilty conscience, but Meic replies without any edge that he is not the guilty party.

Debbie has one of her usual ill-timed and thoughtless ideas: with the fish and chip shop closed because Britt is in hospital, it leaves Cwmderi without a takeaway.  Debbie suggests that Kevin diversifies.  Kevin is appalled that Debbie would think of something like this, and dismisses the idea.  But Probert has been listening intensely.  Perhaps he has fewer scruples.

Yvonne finds Colin, and tries to apologise, but he is having none of it.  He says that she lied to him and deceived him for months, so how is he meant to react?  He says that "you women are all the same."  Dani gives Yvonne a flyer for Brandon's memorial, but she is very honest and says that she doesn't know whether she'll still be around then.

Dani takes Diane to the cafe, and she tells her half the truth about their situation.  She admits that things are pretty dire, that they don't have the money to run the business, and the bills at home are mounting up.  She says this is why Dai had to go away (she doesn't mention that he's gone away for some work).

Denzil dashes into the cafe and calls Kevin outside, as Meic is about to leave.  Meic gives the house keys to Denzil, tells Kevin to keep an eye on the business, and they embrace.  He drives to the end of the road, looks at Y Deri, and with a brave heart, turns and drives out of Cwmderi.

Back in the cafe, the detective comes in and asks for a pot of tea and a cake.  Debbie is in no mood to be polite, having just been turned down for more shifts by Kevin, and makes a sarcastic comment about the Police having lots of free time.  Ricky then comes in, and talks to Debbie about going to France.  She grabs her handbag and walks out with him.  They dash home, and all is revealed; Debbie has bought a huge mountain of takeaway food, and says that they will make a fortune from selling takeaways.

Later, Debbie starts selling takeaways literally from the boot of her car.  Kevin is furious, but there doesn't seem to be much he can do, as the cafe is closed.  Probert watches with some amusement from a distance.

Anita knocks on Meic's door, but he's not answering - with good reason.  Denzil finds her, and tells her the truth, that Meic has gone, he's left for North Wales.  Anita goes into the cafe and has a go at Kevin, saying that he promised to stop him leaving.  Kevin says he tried his best.  She is inconsolable.  Anita takes Diane back to Y Deri, where Anita admits that Meic has gone for good, and he's never coming back.

Back home, Yvonne rings Gaynor, gets her answering machine, and leaves a message, saying that she has realised there is nothing keeping her in Cwmderi any longer.  She says she is going to Switzerland.  She thanks her for everything.  She buys some flowers, and a thank you card for Gaynor and Lois, picks up her rucksack, and walks out of the house.

The Police arrive, and it looks like they have come to stop Debbie from selling food from the boot of her car.  Indeed Dani comes along and remonstrates with Debbie, saying that she has no shame, making money selling things outside Britt's shop.  But interestingly, the Police then turn to Yvonne, and arrest her on suspicion of arson and murder!

29 September 2011 Episode 2

Garry is at Britt's bedside, reading get well cards that the young children have brought her.  He feels responsible for her being in hospital, in a coma, and he breaks down in tears.  A touch of humanity from Garry?

Huw is sitting outside at the cafe, Dani walks past and joins him.  She asks how Britt is doing, there is no change.  She tries to be reassuring and say that she'll get better, but Huw says this is what people said about his own mother.  Huw says he doesn't want Chester, Aaron and Catrin to grow up without a mother.  Dani says that they are lucky to have him as a big brother.  He tells Dani that she is welcome at Y Felin at any time, and that she is family, no matter what anyone (i.e., Garry) says.

Anita has just finished having her hair done by Sheryl.  Ffion walks in, and says that she'd like to retrieve her things from the flat.  They are all in the salon.  Sheryl says everyone was astonished that Ffion would confess to starting the fire, then it transpired she didn't start it.  They talk about her alcoholism for a few minutes, she says she is trying her best.

Sheryl helps Ffion carry her things to her car, and as she does, Dani comes over and hands them leaflets to Brandon's memorial party.

Anita finds Meic along the street, and they chat pleasantly for a few minutes, and he says he is off to gather his things.  It seems he is moving back into Y Deri.  Anita looks happy.

As Garry comes out of Britt's room, trying to compose himself, he finds the detective, who tells him, unofficially, that it appears Garry was the intended target of the fire.  Garry is far from pleased, he says he has known this for days, and he won't rest until "that slut" (Ffion) is behind bars.  She doesn't reveal that Ffion has a cast iron alibi placing her well away from the scene, but says that Police protection is being arranged for him.

In the cafe, Dani gives Debbie and Mark flyers for the Brandon memorial.  Macs is in the cafe, he pays for his drink, telling Debbie to keep the change.  Debbie says that teachers are obviously paid too much, but that she intends to get her money's worth out of Macs at the next parents' evening (because Macs teaches Ricky).  She has a list of Ricky's teachers, and says that she never bothered with Liam and Vicky's parents' evenings, but she wants to do things right with Ricky this time.

Dani tries to be the bigger person, and goes to Y Felin.  Garry is there.  She tentatively leaves a flyer for the Brandon memorial, but Garry is very cruel to her.  He says that nobody from the family will be there, that she has some nerve.  He screws up her flyers, and shakes her around physically.  Dani is very upset, this is all completely unnecessary.  But he continues to turn the knife, and says that it's Dani's fault that Brandon is dead.  His reasoning is unusual; he admits that he told Brandon that he (Garry) and she slept together in Newcastle once several months ago, and that Brandon was rushing home to talk to her.  Garry says he had no choice but to tell him, in order to try and stop him making the worst mistake of his life (marrying Dani).

The detective talks to Gethin, who says he was at home.  Macs ought to be able to back up his story but Gethin says that Macs was at Y Felin that night.  However she's clearly is happy with Gethin and doesn't ask him to back up his story.

Ffion spies the detective, and goes over to try and apologise, but she isn't interested.  She says Ffion ought to worry less about false confessions and more about how much alcohol she consumes.  If Ffion was looking for forgiveness and absolution, she is looking in the wrong place.

Ffion asks Anita if she can move into Y Deri, but Anita declines, saying that it looks like Meic is going to move back in any day now, and she doesn't want to complicate a fragile situation.  However, she does agree that Ffion can stay for a few nights, and that if Meic moves back in, she will pack her bags straightaway.

At the school evening, Debbie talks to Macs.  She tries to get information out of him about how Ricky is doing, but he's only been there for a couple of weeks, there is very little to tell her.  Macs does say carefully that Ricky would benefit from increased support at home, but Debbie doesn't really take this in, and leaves.

Upstairs in Y Deri, Ffion phones Gaynor, gets her answerphone, and says that she still has "this bug" (this hangover, presumably) so she won't be able to make it to the open evening.  Anita has overheard this, and clearly disapproves.  She offers Ffion some lasagne, and when Ffion accepts gratefully, she comments that Ffion is clearly not too ill to eat, and that hiding away will not help her to find a new place to stay.  Ffion promises to look for a place over the weekend.

Ffion distracts Anita, by talking about Meic, saying that there's no reason Meic wouldn't want to move back in.  Y Deri is his home, after all.  She also says that she will make herself scarce after they eat, so that Anita is free to entertain.

Debbie comes home from the school open evening, saying that whilst she didn't get much out of Macs, Ricky's French teacher was full of praise, calling him a model pupil.  As a present, Debbie has bought Ricky a posh calculator, with lots of buttons that Ricky doesn't understand.  Mark doesn't approve, saying that they can't afford expensive gadgets, when Debbie only has a few shifts in the cafe.

Meic comes into Y Deri, and he talks with Anita.  He says he needs a whisky, and says that the events of the week (the fire) have made him think profoundly about what matters in life, and how it is important to move on.  It's a nice moment.  But when she goes to embrace him, he turns away, and with a heavy heart, he pulls a letter from his jacket, saying it is from his solicitor.  He wants a divorce.  Anita has been completely wrong, thinking that Meic was about to move back in.

Anita's upset is tinged with anger, she thinks that Meic is trying to get back at her.  Although she doesn't see it yet, Meic is anything but angry.  He tried hard to let their relationship grow again, but the trust is gone.  It's clear he doesn't wish her any ill will, and whilst he accepts that Anita regrets the affair with Colin ("a member of staff!"), he is the one who can't move on.

Dani talks emotionally to Gethin about the unpleasant scene with Garry.  She can't believe how unpleasant he is being.  She says that she will never forgive Garry for telling Brandon that the two of them had a one night stand.

29 September 2011 Episode 1

Macs (whose hair is now as long as it was before he shaved it off) is looking after Britt's young children.  They seem to be coping with their mother being in hospital remarkably well, but that is probably because Sion is shielding them from the full seriousness of it.

Dai phones his younger brother Dick, and tells him that he and Diane are going through some financial hardship.  It's not clear if he realises Diane has sold her wedding ring to help ease their difficulties.  Dai is in a good mood when he gets off the phone though, and tells Diane that he has been offered three months' work in Cork.  Diane, surprisingly, is pleased, although she is a little taken aback when Dai reveals that Dick wants him in Ireland in two days' time.

Sioned is talking to the Police about her movements on the evening of the fire, she was in with Marian, watching a film.  Listening to this is Ffion, who orders a coffee to go and gets out of there as quickly as she can.  She almost runs straight into Macs and the children - a fact not lost on the Police detective.

Macs and Sioned talk a little awkwardly, Catrin shows her the baby tooth that just fell out.  Sioned volunteers to help Macs look after the children, as he is running out of ideas to keep them entertained.  Sioned goes into her shop, and whilst she's gone, Eifion chats with Macs, and passes on his condolences for Brandon's passing (they aren't technically related since Sion and Britt aren't married, but there is nevertheless a connection there).  Sioned returns with a frisbee and a water pistol.

Eileen gives Norman a lemon posset to try out, it's something she is thinking of teaching in her cookery evening class.  He's very impressed.  She's nervous though, saying that being able to cook is one thing, teaching it to others is something else.  But Norman is full of encouragement.

Diane and Dai realise that starting in Cork in two days time will mean that Dai will miss Brandon's funeral.  He isn't happy at this prospect but he needs the work, and doesn't want to find that all the best jobs have been taken by the time he arrives.

Macs and Sioned return from the park with the children, and it's obvious they've enjoyed looking after them. Macs asks Sioned if she will come to the hospital with him to visit Britt.  She agrees readily.  Ffion appears, and gives Macs her condolences, but she's watching the Police in the street talking to people, and it's clear she's nervous, practically running away when they come near.  Macs sees this and it strikes him as odd.  All is quickly revealed though, when Ffion arrives at the Police station, finds the detective, and says that she has a confession to make -- she started the fire.

Eileen is unloading her equipment at the school, Mark comes to help.  They chat about her experiences of online dating, and he reveals that he joined an online dating site some years ago but didn't get a single hit.  He jokes that he said he was tall, dark and handsome - not exactly an accurate description, since he's pale and ginger.  Eileen helps him to look on the bright side, as he's a governor, and a guardian to Ricky.

Ffion is being interviewed.  she admits that she wanted revenge on Garry Monk.  She says that they had a messy break-up some time ago, that she tried to rekindle it last week, without success, and that she has started drinking again.  She blames him for ruining her life, and says she had nothing to lose.  The detective disagrees, and says that her actions killed one person, another is in a coma, whilst her intended target is alive and well walking around, and she is facing a substantial prison sentence.

Ffion says that the argument in Y Deri, when Garry humiliated her, was the catalyst, there was no careful planning to the incident, it just happened very quickly.  He relates that Garry showed people the bottles in her bag, about how she once attempted suicide, and that now everybody knows, she feels humiliated and angry.

When she is asked how she started the fire, she says it was with petrol, and with a lighter.  This doesn't seem to add up, and she seems vague on details - as if her story is starting to unravel.  She can't account for purchasing the lighter, because by the time the argument took place, the shop was already closed.  She doesn't smoke so she wouldn't have already had the lighter - unless she had planned the fire at least the day before, pointing towards a premeditated crime.  The detective says that the reason she is light on details is that she was drunk, and implies that she was too drunk to have done it.  The interview is over.

At the hospital, Macs is talking to Britt, who is still in a coma.  Sioned is with him.  He talks about his day with the children, and says that Britt is needed back at home, to keep everybody in check, they are lost without her.  Outside the room, Macs admits he doesn't think talking to her is doing any good.  Sioned says it can't do any harm, and that she will remain supportive of him - including next week, when his course case for ABH is heard.  She volunteers to take his suit to the dry cleaners.

Mark helps Eileen load her car back up again, she is in good spirits after a good lesson, and they agree to meet for a drink later in Y Deri.

As Ffion is walking outside the station, she finds a receipt in her pocket for fuel.  She shows the detective the receipt, and realises that she must have been miles away when the fire started, she couldn't have been responsible, so she's in the clear.  Except, says the detective, for drink driving and wasting Police time!

So if Ffion didn't start the fire, who did?

Eifion and Cadno are in Y Deri, and Eifion keeps nearly letting the secret out that Cadno is pregnant.  He's obviously really excited, and that's sweet.  He wants to tell everyone, but she wants to wait until she has her first scan next week.  Things are interrupted when Ffion comes into Y Deri, tells everyone that she confessed to starting the fire because she was too drunk to remember otherwise.  She storms out.

As Eileen and Mark are talking, Norman comes in.  Eileen gives Mark some possets as a thank you for his help, she is going to do risotto next week.  She says she's stopping looking for Mr Right, as she only seems to meet strange men.

Macs and Sioned walk to her door, he kisses her on the lips, and walks away.  It's not clear which one of them is more confused!

28 September 2011

Ffion wakes up in her flat.  It looks as much of a mess as she does.  By the foot of the bed is the Western Post, on the cover is the story about the local man, Brandon, dying in the fire in the flat above the fish and chip shop.  It seems pretty clear we are to believe that Ffion set the fire as revenge on Garry, believing that Garry would have been in the flat.  She runs to the bathroom and throws up in the sink.

At a Police station the lady detective who was sniffing around asking questions is told by a colleague that the fire was started with a piece of paper set on fire, but that there was evidence of accelerant in the flat.  A professional job or youths?  One thing is for sure, the detective has an investigation on her hands.

Yvonne lets herself into Gwyneth's house, where she and Jinx are doing domestic things.  She says she hasn't come to ask for forgiveness, and handing her keys back (which Jinx snatches off her), she says she wants to know where she stands (with little Gwern).  Gwyneth can't bring herself to say something, so Jinx steps in, and says that she has her answer.  Interestingly, Gwern in his playpen sees Yvonne, and his face lights up.  Yvonne leaves.

The detective arrives at Sion and Britt's house, where Garry has been staying.  Garry answers the door in his dressing gown.  He asks her what the results of the fire investigation are, but she won't tell him.  He is unhappy, it's his flat, and the fire killed his brother and put his sister in hospital.  She asks him to come down to the station, when he's ready (i.e., when he's dressed).  She is smiling, she clearly thinks he was involved.

In the cafe, Dani (still without any make-up) is talking to Sheryl about Brandon.  Sheryl says that Brandon was one in a million, and that he had been very kind to her over the years.  Dani agrees, saying that Brandon gave her a voucher for the salon only last week.  Sheryl urges Dani to use it.

Dani sees another Police officer entering the cafe, and tries to get information out of her, but she won't say anything.  Dani reaslises that the Police believe the fire was started deliberately, but they won't confirm it.  The Police officer starts asking questions of the cafe customers, to see what they can tell her.

Kevin tells Sheryl that he saw Gethin around the flat on the night of the fire.  Sheryl says that she is sure he had a good reason to be there.  Kevin says that he won't tell the Police what he saw.

At the Police station, Garry is being interviewed.  The detective wants Garry to explain his movements, why he decided to go to the pub when his curfew was relatively close by.  Garry says he wanted to see someone in the pub about a car sales contract.  The detective says that maybe she should talk to this man, but Garry says he wasn't there.  The detective suggests that Garry's only alibi was killed in the fire.  Garry is not happy with this, he says that Brandon was his brother and now they think he killed him!

The detective's mobile phone goes off.  Fortunately for Garry, CCTV footage and a statement from the pub landlord confirms that Garry and Brandon left the pub together.  Garry barely waits for her to finish speaking, he grabs his coat and leaves.

Back in Cwmderi, the Police are asking Jinx questions.  He says he was working at Cwm FM along with Hwyel.  She asks him about Garry Monk's movements -- during which time Ffion arrives back, sees the Police and makes herself scarce.  Jinx is surprised by the question, saying that he thought Garry had to be back by 9pm for his curfew.

Dani finds the Policewoman and begs to know the truth, was the fire started deliberately?  She can't say anything, but Dani gets upset, saying that if someone was out to hurt her, she has a right to know.  She lost her boyfriend, her boyfriend's sister is in hospital, and she's homeless.  When Gethin comes along, she starts thinking that only one person could be out to hurt her like this, and that is Garry Monk.

The Police talk amongst themselves, they find it interesting that everybody seems to think that the fire was not an accident, and that they all know Garry Monk had a 9pm curfew and that he was tagged.  They realise that he has a cast iron alibi but they believe he is still hiding something.  Yvonne listens from a doorway.

We can now appreciate that there are at least three people who have a motive for starting the fire, believing that Garry was inside the flat -- Ffion (for the way he treated her in Y Deri), Garry himself (to hurt Dani, although we now know that wasn't possible), and Yvonne (for the way he treated her, forcing her to leave Cwmderi).

Gwyneth is having a half-heated clearout of the flat, which seems to be driven more by Jinx than her.  Gwyneth says that some of the things are too nice to throw out, they should be given to a charity shop.  Jinx says that she needs to 'detox' herself of all things Yvonne.

Yvonne comes into Gaynor's house with another theory behind the fire.  She says that the fire could have been started by money laundering people who Garry knows - and this leads her to think that she (Yvonne) could be next.  Gaynor doesn't have much time for this theory, and packs herself off to school, where she says she knows she will be safe.

Kevin finds Dani staring into her cup of coffee in the cafe, and Dani shares her theory that the fire was started deliberately, but that the Police appear no nearer to finding out who was responsible.  Gethin comes into the cafe, and tells her that Garry has been released, he can't be under suspicion any longer.  Dani can't believe that Garry has managed to twist the Police around his little finger, and thinks that she may be in danger.  Gethin says he will protect her.

Yvonne calls for the Police to talk to her, and says that if Garry was targeted by the money launderers, she fears she will be next.  The Police assure her that everyone connected to the Monks will be questioned, and she she asks Yvonne where she was on the night of the fire.  She says she was in a bar in Swansea, drowning her sorrows.  She asks for Police protection, but she is refused.

Gethin comes to see Sheryl, who isn't too pleased to see him.  She says Kevin saw Gethin emerging from the flat on the night of the fire.  Gethin says he called round to give Dani the keys to ABD back.  He stresses he would never put her or Wil at risk.

The detective asks Yvonne some questions, she says she fell asleep in front of the TV on the night of the fire until she was disturbed by knocking on the door when the fire was already in progress.  Garry comes over and demands to be told whether he was targeted.  The detective says that Garry is making the investigation difficult.  He sees Dani emerging from the cafe, and says that if anyone knows who the culprit is, it's her, because she hates him so much.  Hearing Garry shout his mouth off, Dani comes over, and says she is more than happy to go down to the station and answer questions, she has nothing to hide.

The police officer asks Sheryl and Gethin for a word, they invite her inside.  She says that she was at home alone during the evening.  Kevin comes inside during her answer, and he decides to step in, saying that he called on her and she made him a cup of tea, and that she was embarrassed at being in her pyjamas at 9pm.  The police officer smiles, the story is entirely believable.  But it's not clear why Kevin is making this up.  Is it some sort of misguided attempt to give an already innocent woman an alibi?

After she leaves, they argue, and she asks him whether it was an alibi for her, or for him?

At the Police station, Dani is being interviewed.  She doesn't answer why Garry is so keen that Dani be questioned.  She is asked why she hates Garry's guts, she says that they have never seen eye to eye.  She says on the night of the fire, she was home alone, doing some ironing, and the dog was desperate to be taken out for a walk.  She finished the ironing at about 8 or quarter-past, and took the dog out.  She says she called in to see Cass on the way back (Cass apparently confirms that she left at ten to nine), but this leaves her without an alibi at nine o'clock, when the fire started.

Yvonne says that she needs an alibi for the night of the fire, and implicitly asks Gaynor for help.  Gaynor refuses, saying that her family have done her more than enough favours.  She says Yvonne needs to stick around and face up to her mistakes.

Dani is in tears, under questioning by the Police.  They say that she has no alibi for 9pm, the time of the fire, and that she, along with everyone else, knows that Garry's curfew started at 9pm, and that she hated him, a perfect motive for the fire.  The Police say that whilst she would never hurt Brandon, she clearly didn't expect her to be there, and that without an alibi, things are looking bleak for her.

27 September 2011

Sion talks to the hospital, but there is no change in Britt's condition.  Iolo takes Sion and Britt's young children out, to distract them.  Sion wants Garry to come with him to the hospital, but Garry is in a black funk, and doesn't want to see his sister Britt like that, tubes and machines.

Denzil and Meic are talking, firstly about poor Brandon, then Denzil urges Meic to move back in with Anita.  Meic says it's too early, but Denzil reminds Meic that he was the one to say that one never knows what is around the corner.

Diane pours Dani a cup of tea and sympathy, and says that Dani can stay there as long as she likes.  She looks ashen and grey, with minimal make-up and her hair tied back.  She talks about making the funeral a happy memorial, not a sad one, but she is most dreadfully sad.  Dani says she wants to pop out to get some things, Diane insists on going with her.  Dani is clearly not ready to face the world but she's determined to do so.  They run into Iolo with the children, who say kindly that Brandon is with Jesus.  Diane takes them away.  The Police remove the cones and the tape from around the fish and chip shop and the burnt out flat above.

Garry and Sion bicker over arrangements for Brandon's funeral.  Garry is set on a small family only funeral (does he intend to try and exclude Dani?), but Sion points out that Brandon had many friends and neighbours who loved him.  It seems Garry is determined to be cruel to Dani, as when she later comes around and talks gently and thoughtfully about the funeral, Garry says that it will be a private cremation, not a burial, and Dani is not invited.  He even says that Brandon's will doesn't mention her.

Diane finds Dani in an emotional state on the floor of ABD.  She tells Diane that Garry intends to exclude her from the funeral, Diane is sad at Garry's behaviour, but promises Dani that she will be there to say goodbye to him.  Later, we see Diane take off what appears to be a wedding ring, and she puts it into a Cash For Gold style envelope.

Later, Iolo takes Dani to Y Deri.  Dani asks Meic and Anita if she can have a get-together in the bar to celebrate Brandon's life.  They are more than happy to agree, it seems they don't know what to say to her except how sorry they are for the loss of Brandon.

Anita goes to talk to Colin.  Firstly she gives him her sympathy over Lois handing the baby to social services.  Secondly, and clearly the real reason for the visit, she says that she and Meic have started seeing each other again.

Lois goes to the cafe, and runs into her father Colin.  He is angry with her for getting rid of the baby.  Kevin tries to intercede but Colin is rude to him, and he continues to tell Lois exactly what he thinks - that his longing for his granddaughter is matched only by his disappointment in his daughter.

Huw runs into Rhys, who attempts clumsily to apologise, but it falls on deaf ears.  Huw says to Rhys that in eighteen years time, Rhys's mistake may come looking for him.

23 September 2011

Things resume exactly where the last episode ended.  Brandon rushes upstairs in his flat, seeing fire.  He makes it upstairs.  Garry is held back by Britt, who doesn't want him to risk his life.  Garry tries to go in anyway, but the flames are too much for him and he is forced back outside.  Britt takes advantage of the confusion and fear, and runs in via the fire exit, breaking door glass to enter.  But, she trips, falls and is knocked unconscious.  The Fire Brigade arrive, and Dani appears from around a corner with the dog, reacting with horror at the scene.  Evidently she wasn't in the flat to start with.  When she is told that Brandon went in to find her she tries to enter, but she is held back.

Britt and Brandon are rescued by the Fire Brigade, and translated to hospital.  Brandon suffered smoke inhalation and burns to his legs, and may need grafts, though they are more worried about the smoke damage to his lungs.  Britt may be more serious however, due to the head injury.  When Sion and Iolo arrive, the nurse reveals that there are signs of brain swelling, so they have put her into an induced coma.  Sheryl pithily realises that had Garry kept his curfew, it would have been him in the flat.  Brandon wakes up, asking for Dani.

Ffion wakes up in her car, in the field, apparently hung over.  She returns to Cwmderi, seeing police tape around the flat and forensic photographers, it's like some sort of nightmare.  She is surprised to hear that Garry wasn't in the flat, and there is an hint about her that she might have started the fire.  When a lady detective starts asking questions, she doesn't look right.  She excuses herself, and throws up in an alley.  Later we see her take some clothes, put them into a bin liner, and throw them away.  Tut tut.

Back at the hospital, Brandon, tellingly, tells Dani that he still loves her, before falling asleep.  Dani and Garry have a whispered argument through clenched teeth, and she says that there isn't anyone in Cwmderi who doesn't want him back in prison.  Later, Brandon wakes up again, to find Garry at his bedside.  He says he will never forgive Garry for what he's done.  Garry tries to get Brandon to put things behind them, but Brandon says he never wants to see him again.  Garry urges Brandon not to let 'her' get between the two of them, they are brothers.  But as Brandon speaks, he clutches his chest.  Garry runs out shouting, to get a nurse.  When they come back, it's flatline, and Brandon's eyes are fixed open.  They shock him, but to no avail.  Time of death is declared at 11.20.  Dani and Garry are inconsolable, but neither can bear to be near the other.

I did not see that coming!

22 September 2011

Eileen goes on a date, and things seem to go well, until her date says that he thinks he recognises Norman from somewhere - the implication is that he's seem Norman in drag.  When Eileen goes to the toilet, after some hints from Norman the date realises that Norman is Norma Jean from the Abertawe clubs (although it's worth mentioning that when Eileen first encountered Norman in drag, it was in a Llanelli club) - and ambiguously Eileen's date asks where to buy stilettos that fit men!

Things get steadily worse, when the date says he's booked a room upstairs.  She politely declines, trying to say gently that she is old fashioned and prefers to get to know someone before jumping into bed with them.  Her date agrees with her, unkindly, saying she is old fashioned, and the date ends with Eileen asking Norman for a taxi.  Why don't the two of them just get together?

Jinx has a real go at Yvonne, saying that she is worst thing ever to happen to Gwyneth.  He adds, as a parting shot, that if Yvonne is pregnant, then he doesn't want anything to do with her or the baby.  Harsh.

Sheryl tries to get hold of Ffion, to make sure that she is okay after Garry's dreadful behaviour in Y Deri, but she can't reach her.

Kevin tries his luck and calls on Sheryl with a bottle of wine, but he gets no answer.

Brandon tells Garry a couple of home truths, and Garry says he is sorry for the way he treated Ffion, and Dani, and Sheryl.  Brandon shocks Garry by asking him to be best man - he intends to propose to Dani.  Garry isn't full of congratulations, and the two of them argue.  Garry tells Brandon that Dani cheated on him in Newcastle, with him.  Brandon punches him, and despite Garry telling the whole story, Brandon doesn't believe him, although he's still furious.

They get back to Cwmderi and the fight continues, with Britt breaking them up.  As Brandon enters his flat, furious, he sees fire, and runs upstairs to find Dani.

21 September 2011

Yvonne brings a present round for Lois and Gwen.  Gaynor answers the door, and explains that the baby has gone.  Gaynor says that she and Colin are heartbroken.  They talk.  Yvonne confesses she's looking for somewhere to stay, Gaynor says she can move in with them, now that they have the extra space.

Yvonne catches up with Gwyneth with Gwern.  Gwyneth doesn't want things to be made any more difficult than they have to be.

Sheryl goes to ABD, the electrics at the salon have failed, and there is water everywhere.  Sheryl and Garry argue, Brandon acts as peacekeeper.  Later Kevin remonstrates with Garry, who doesn't take him seriously.  Kevin does not deny that he's still in love with Sheryl, when accused by Garry, but it's clear Kevin means business.

Later in Y Deri, Sheryl thanks Gethin for being so reasonable.  Gethin says he grew up with an abusive father, so he understands the strong feelings of a good parent.  He admits that the man he saw at the hotel a couple of months ago with Sheryl was his father.  She is surprised that he didn't want speak to him, but we don't know the full extent of what happened to Gethin.

Garry sees Ffion pouring vodka into her orange juice and grins to himself.  He later tells Gethin that he saw the vice squad close to the garage, and he hopes Gethin doesn't have any drugs hidden in them - meaning he may have put some there.   It quickly becomes clear that Garry is just winding people up and taking pleasure from doing it.

Later still, Garry shows Ffion up dreadfully in Y Deri, telling everyone that Ffion wanted to kill herself.  Everyone is disgusted with Garry, and he's thrown out.

20 September 2011

Lois astonishes her mother, Colin and Hwyel by saying that she's going back to school, and that she wants to give the baby up for adoption.  Her mother agrees to take Lois to see Huw, Lois says he has a right to know.  Gaynor even suggests that she and Hywel bring up the baby, but Lois says she would only let the baby down.  Hywel tries to enlist Rhys to make Lois change her mind, but Rhys doesn't want anything to do with Lois or the baby.  Hwyel shamelessly tries to bribe Rhys with a cheque for £5000, with another on the way, if he agrees that the baby can stay.

Lois gets a poor reception from Huw, who remains angry with her.  He declines the chance to say goodbye to the baby, saying the baby is nothing to do with him.  Huw is still a very angry man, and he will not listen to Sion's attempts to talk to him.

The social worker arrives, when Hwyel tries to tell her that Rhys wants to keep the baby.  Whilst the social worker and Lois sort out the paperwork, Rhys, Hwyel, Gaynor and Colin continue to argue loudly in the kitchen.

As Rhys storms out throwing Hwyel's cheque back at him, Lois steps outside for some air and finds Huw outside.  He says he doesn't want to come inside, and gives her a locket that he bought for her and had engraved, which took a couple of weeks ago - Lois on one side, Gwen (the baby) on the other.  Lois says it doesn't have to end this way, but Huw says it already has.

As the social worker leaves with the baby, watched by Lois, Hwyel is inconsolable, as his granddaughter is taken out of his life.

19 September 2011

Yvonne puts something through Gwyneth's door.  Garry threatens her, but Yvonne is past caring about Garry.

Gwyneth goes to visit Yvonne in her hotel room.  Gwyneth has brought some of her things.  Yvonne persuades her to stay and talk, but despite some heartfelt and genuine feelings amongst the lies, it's clearly not enough.

Hwyel suggests that he moves in, but Gaynor says no, it would mean Rhys moving in as well, and Lois would never accept this.

Ffion wakes up, hung over, and rings in to the school, saying she'll be late.  Later in Cwmderi she apologises to Sheryl, and asks if she can move back to the flat.  Sheryl is sympathetic, but the answer is no.

Garry tries to apologise to Brandon for his behaviour, but Brandon tells him to apologise to Dani.  Garry later catches up with them and puts on a show of apologising.  He shakes Dani's hand but when Brandon isn't looking, Garry throws her hand away.  He isn't sorry at all, and clearly he intends to continue making trouble.

Sheryl is overjoyed when Social Services drop their investigation.  Gethin tells Sheryl that it was Garry who made the false accusation.  She gets revenge by throwing two drinks over him in Y Deri.  Brandon throws him out of the pub.

Norman tries matchmaking for Eileen - daft really when the two of them are obviously perfectly matched.

16 September 2011

Ffion wakes up with a hangover, phones in sick, and immediately starts drinking vodka.  She seems determined to remain on a path to self-destruction.  She doesn't do it quietly however, and Sheryl and Britt can hear her music downstairs in the salon.  Eventually Sheryl goes into Ffion's room and turns the music off.

Ffion is drunk, and there are empty bottles everywhere, in the bed, on shelves.  Sheryl has had enough, and says that she wants Ffion out of the flat.  When she leaves, she is in a dreadful state though.  She needs urgent treatment.  She tries to knock on Garry's door, saying it's all his fault, but there is nobody there.

Britt invites herself to Macs's flat for a cup of tea.  He's resistant, saying that Sion has sent her round.  It's at least partially true.  Macs says nobody has any idea of how he's feeling, but Britt says no - she knows exactly what it's like to be raped.  Macs is shocked into silence.  Britt elaborates, and tells the story about an ex-boyfriend, and says her turning point was realising that it wasn't her fault.

Eileen goes on a date, but the man is plainly not suitable.  He orders cheap food, has a voucher for the restaurant, and has the nerve to order for Eileen too.  Turns out he works for HMRC, not only very boring but his ex wife thought so too.

Dai and Diane start to sell some possessions to try and make ends meet.

15 September 2011

Lois calls on Huw, but Huw is still angry.  In front of his whole family he tells them that Rhys is the baby's real father.  This causes an argument between Sion and Hwyel, which Huw witnesses, and he's not happy.

Gethin tries to talk to Sheryl, but she won't have it.  Later however when Sheryl and Kevin are talking to Wil, it emerges that Gethin never hurt Wil at all.  Sheryl is ashamed of having reacted so speedily and she realises she has hurt Gethin's feelings.

Gethin reacts in an extremely grown up manner, ignoring his own hurt and saying that she was only protecting her son, and any mother would do the same.  Afterwards, Garry suggests to Gethin that he should leave the village as there is nothing left for him.  Gethin realises that Garry was responsible for the rumour that he'd hit Wil.  Wil controls his temper and says he will make Garry pay for what he's done.

Garry and Ffion clash in the pub; just as it looks like they are being friends, Garry acts callously and Ffion is upset.  Ffion retreats to her room and starts drinking vodka.  Garry is a man with serious anger inside him, and it's not attractive at all.

Gwyneth starts to pack up Yvonne's things and place them in black bags outside.  Coincidentally she receives a letter from Yvonne, explaining everything, but it changes nothing.  Garry does his best to put in some poison.  Later whilst talking to Britt, she admits she feels alone and misses Yvonne, but decides to take her rings off.

14 September 2011

Chaos descends after the allegation that Gethin hit Wil.

Lois is finding it difficult to maintain a routine with the baby, she thinks that her mother Gaynor, despite being well intentioned, is interfering.

Hwyel tries to encourage his son Rhys to take responsibility, saying that he and Gaynor will support him, but he's having none of it.

Macs finds his father in the cafe, and they talk.  She hints that Sioned should be a big support, but then reacts when he finds out that they have split up.  When Sioned later calls at the cafe, Sion blames Sioned without asking for her side of the story, and she is too tired to offer it to him.

Sheryl, Wil and Kevin sit down to enjoy a pizza together.  When Wil mentions Gethin there is an awkward moment.  Later, when Sheryl and Kevin are talking, it's clear they still have feelings for each other.  They kiss, but Sheryl immediately regrets it.

Colin buys a bed for the baby and has some fun trying to assemble it.  When he, Gaynor, Lois and Huw are enjoying a meal, Hwyel comes in bearing gifts, but they are superfluous.  Colin tries to push him out, but Hwyel pushes back, says that Huw should stop living a lie and that he knows Rhys is the father.  There is an ugly scene and Lois stands by and allows Huw to be attacked.  He leaves, and storms over to Rhys, saying that thanks to him, it's over between Huw and Lois.

13 September 2011

Jinx tells Gwyneth he has a hangover, but she isn't paying attention.  She asks Jinx to look after Gwern.

Gwyneth confronts Gaynor, it turns out she's known for a few months about Yvonne.  Colin walks in on the conversation, he is surprised that Gaynor has acted this way.  Colin can't believe that Yvonne, he's own sister, has behaved this way.

Sheryl gets a visit from social services, a complaint has been made that Wil has been hit.  He interviews Wil but the allegation seems to be baseless.  Sheryl believes Garry is behind the story.

Social Services interview Gethin.  He's incredulous, and doesn't like being told he has to stay away from Wil.  Sheryl believes that Gethin is guilty, and says their relationship is over.  Meic and Anita have a go as well, saying nobody hits their grandson (Kevin is Wil's father, and Meic is Kevin's father).

Anita and Diane have a heart to heart about relationships.  This culminates in Anita asking Meic to move back in.  He says he will stay the night.

Garry tries to act the hard man with Brandon and Dani but it doesn't work, Brandon says he knows everything, but Dani looks a little worried.  Garry tries again later, but Brandon throws him out.  Brandon tells Gethin he knows about the burglary.

12 September 2011

Events pick up exactly where they left off.  Yvonne tries to explain to Gwyneth, but she's having none of it.  She asks her if she sent Garry to jail, she can't answer.  Yvonne says that she was sent to get close to Garry's family, but falling in love wasn't planned, it just happened.  Garry turns up but he doesn't have to say anything, the damage is done.  Gwyneth tells Yvonne never to come near here again.  Garry tells her that now she knows what it's like to lose everything.  Garry really is a nasty spiteful piece of work.  Great acting though.

Meic and Anita finish their meal, it looks like they have made progress, there is still genuine warmth between the two of them.

Diane receives a call from the bank, they are up to the limit on all their credit cards!

Gethin tries to warn Dani that Garry may cause problems, and that just because he hasn't told Brandon yet, this doesn't mean he won't.

Dani decides it's now or never. She tells Brandon that she and Gethin stole Garry's money because she had money troubles of her own.  She tells Brandon that Garry threatened her, that he tried to make her leave Brandon, and that either Dani told Brandon, or he would - he meant that they slept together, she means the money though.  Brandon seems to take it relatively well, considering.

Gwyneth and Garry arrives back in Cwmderi.  Gwyneth is distraught an the betrayal, and rips up some family photos with her in.