The legal aftermath of Willy Strid's harsh treatment of a young burglar opens the fifth season. After Sweden's entry into the EU, hopes for the new and faith in the possibilities are placed against difficult and inevitable changes.
The verdict against Willy Strid upset many in the village, but not everyone. Ivar Ljung thought that Willy could well have shaken the bars. Willy himself now ventures into new business.
The sawmill is closed and Per is unemployed again. And Karin is busy with her work and the marriage between her and Per is quite muted. Lisa Persson, who now lives alone in Gothenburg, has only been able to get menial jobs at a restaurant.
Hiding refugees became an involuntary affair for Willy Strid. And Elisabeth Dahl received an unexpected proposal to take over home care in the village after Ingrid Löfgren.
Willy Strid wonders if the entry into the EU will fulfill the hopes. Berndt and Lillemor Andersson have, on the advice of the Agricultural Board, taken out large loans to buy more forest and land for their farm Åsen.
