Sykes S1:E3

Burglary

A series of burglaries misses the Sykes household and Mr Brown is the first to point out that they can have nothing worth stealing. Eric counters by saying he has a dog; but when he does buy one his troubles really begin.

Uncle

Eric is in his neighbour's black books, an embarassing affair at the golf club guest-night having affected his status. But when Eric reveals his uncle's identity Mr Brown attitude suddenly changes.

Menace

Amanda, aged ten, arrives to stay for a weekend. Painfully recalling her sister's love of practical jokes Eric can't believe she's as innocent as she looks.

Boat

Mr Brown is persuaded to lend his new boat to Eric, who finds navigation harder than talking about the South China Seas.

Stranger

Eric and Hattie are visted by a stranger who has returned to honour a childhood promise.

Football

The local football team needs a referee - kindly but firm, worthy of respect. They choose Eric.

Job

Eric abandons domestic chores to join Hattie at the local factory.

Ankle

As Eric takes out the rubbish to the dustbin a gust of wind distributes it on to Mr Brown's footpath.

Mouse

Eric and Hattie are alarmed to find that they have a mouse in the house. Eric tries several ways of getting rid of it but none succeed and he has to call in the big guns.

Dream

After being bitten by a dog Eric consults his doctor and is suddenly afflicted by a less easily treated malady.

Marriage

When Hattie advertises for some eligible bachelors Eric realises that without her his life would be difficult.

Cat

Hattie gets a kitten and Eric ends up looking for tiddles on a roof belonging to Major Crombie-Crombie - who hates cats.

Journey

Eric and Hattie, after a holiday in Scotland with Mr Brown, speed home on the Glasgow night sleeper and end up in Darlington.

Lodger

Mr Brown has the decorators in and decides to stay next door with Eric and Hattie.

Cafe

Eric buys a transport cafe, turns it into a smart roadhouse and loses customers. To do well Eric must makes things more earthy.