At Joe's birthday party, tensions rise when it's suggested he has communication problems.

Following Joe’s diagnosis, Alison wants to protect her son and takes him out of school without telling Paul. He and Rebecca believe that Joe shouldn’t have to change to fit into the world.

Alison has to deal with a blast from her past after Maggie, a speech and language therapist, shows up to assess Joe.

Alison is hit hard when Joe's helper Maya looks set to be deported. As Paul and Eddie discover their wives both want different things, Maurice is left kicking himself for letting Louise go.

Alison brokers a peace with Paul in time for the gastropub opening, but Joe goes missing.