To ensure the success of his TV company, Corinium, Tony Baddingham hires Declan O'Hara and ambitious American producer Cameron Cook. As the O'Haras move to the countryside, Declan has a rude awakening on his first day on the job.
Declan feels the pressure to deliver a new hit show for Tony with producer Cameron, despite their differences. Keen to recruit businessman Freddie Jones, Tony agrees to attend a dinner party, but the guest list holds nasty surprises.
It's Christmas and everyone is celebrating except Declan, who worries about Maud's extravagant party plans for their son's 21st birthday on New Year's Eve. Taggie is eager to reunite with an old flame and tries to plan a perfect night.
Declan prepares to interview and obliterate Rupert live on television. Tony invites Freddie to his prestigious pheasant shoot, eager to recruit him to the Corinium board. With a nudge from Rupert, Taggie starts to assert herself.
It is a busy week at Corinium Studios as preparations are underway for the first beauty pageant and an interview with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Declan's ego grows with each successful show but he strives for journalistic glory.
Cameron attends an awards ceremony in Spain alone and is surprised to bump into Rupert staying at the same hotel. Rupert takes a gamble to help a new company, Venturer, take on rival Tony's Corinium.
When Tony learns that Rupert, Declan and Freddie have formed Venturer to challenge his bid for the TV franchise, he is furious. Things look up when Corinium is nominated for a prestigious award. Taggie offers to help campaign for Venturer.
A paranoid Tony demands loyalty. Corinium and Venturer prepare for a gladiatorial public meeting to decide if Rupert, Declan and Freddie can bid for the franchise against Tony. Both teams pull out all the stops to impress local residents.
