29/12/2009
Bob resolves to turn his life around and leave Molly for good, but Molly has other ideas. Lydia becomes more attached to Lee, forcing Lenny to rethink his tactics.
Jimmy is still upset that Scarlett kept her brother a secret from him and has little idea there are more revelations to come. Meanwhile, a pensioner named Molly rides into Shieldinch on her mobility scooter. Jimmy and Wee Bob are discussing Big Bob when Molly, whose true identity is unknown to them, 'accidently' crashes her scooter into some bins. Molly feigns an angina attack as Jimmy and Wee Bob come to the rescue. Wee Bob fixes the scooter then reveals his full name to a very interested Molly. In The Ship Wee Bob tells a conniving Molly more about his family.
Scarlett promises Jimmy she has no more secrets. However, Big Bob advises Scarlett to tell Jimmy the truth. In the pub, Molly is the life and soul of the party and leads the pub customers in a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. She feigns dizziness when she sees Bob and Nicki leaving; Nicki is unhappy when Bob invites Molly to spend New Year with them. Wee Bob, Deek and Nicki take Molly to Scarlett and Jimmy's, where Jimmy welcomes them. Scarlett and Big Bob are mortified to see Molly sitting in the living room: this is the woman who made their lives hell! It is revealed that Molly is actually Scarlett and Big Bob's mother. A furious Scarlett launches into an argument with her mother. Jimmy is hurt that Scarlett lied to him again, and Wee Bob is upset that Scarlett told him Molly was dead. Scarlett then reveals she has more brothers and sisters. Meanwhile Molly and Scarlett fight over Big Bob but Molly wins: she and a downtrodden Big Bob make their way home.
Now that Lee is back in Lydia's life, she is happier than she's ever been and Lenny is back in her good books. Lydia asks Lenny to convince Lee not to go to London for New Year but is upset when Lee still plans to return to London. Lenny feels torn: now he and Lydia are back together, he wants her to be happy, but can he risk Lee being around too much? Lydia says a tearful goodbye to Lee. When Lenny is about to drop Lee off he changes his mind, having hatched a plan. Lenny informs Lee they're going back to the Murdoch's, and that they'll create a past for Lee which Lydia won't like or be able to handle, so she'll be relieved to have him out of her life again. Lee feels trapped.
Lydia is thrilled when Lenny returns with Lee. Lenny then explains to Lydia details of Lee's murky past, that he's been in jail, and been off the rails, but this only makes Lydia more guilty and determined to hang on to Lee. Lydia wants to talk to her son alone but Lenny insists on staying as it appears things are rapidly getting out of hand with the Lee plan. Lydia confronts Lee about his past. With Lenny watching, Lee has no idea what he's supposed to say and fudges a response. Lenny is less than pleased with Lee's performance!
The students return to the flat after the Christmas holidays. Charlie tells Innes he doesn't want a party, but he's outvoted by Innes and Jennifer. Jennifer finds a Christmas card from an elderly neighbour, Miss Walton. Jennifer goes up to Miss Walton's flat and is concerned at the unopened milk bottles and lack of response. Jennifer frets to Charlie as two police officers knock on Miss Walton's door. Charlie comforts Jennifer as they're informed that their neighbour is dead. Charlie and Jennifer cancel the party, much to Innes' disappointment. Amber keeps a sad Jennifer company to see in the New Year.
As Jo looks for flats to rent, Gina is impressed to see her daughter starting to make an effort. Ruth tells Jo there's no rush to move out but is impressed by Jo's new-found sense of responsibility. Jo apologises to Liz and Malcolm for how she behaved. They tell her the door's always open if she wants to celebrate New Year with the family. Jo invites Ewan to Liz and Malcolm's for New Year. At the party, Jo thanks everyone for their love and support. Jo now seems a very different woman.