The stress of seeking total perfection in every aspect of Martin's day-to-day life, and organizing others around him with military precision has finally taken its toll on his nerves. Something has got to be done to make him relax, and soon!

Martin finds himself in a difficult position. Paul is going to move out of the area if he can't find suitable premises for his new venture. Martin knows of one which would be beneficial to the elderly owner, but should he tell Paul?

Hilda and Howard, Martin and Ann rent a country cottage for the weekend. Paul and Sarah come along, and Martin takes the chance to demonstrate his practical knowledge—but he finds his style somewhat cramped.

Martin is incensed when Howard and Hilda are denied their right to use a public footpath by a local farmer. Martin decides to champion their cause and wonders whether he should sort out the whole country's footpath situation in general.

The results of Ann's Open University interim test are not very impressive. She is understandably worried and decides that in future it might help to bounce her ideas off someone. Her choice of a study partner causes quite a stir.

Martin suddenly finds out that the Personnel Department's plans to extend their office will threaten his own office space. He decides to say nothing, but events take a strange course.