05/05/2025

At the Tearoom downbeat Emma tells Natasha she heard some of the Roserran crowd made disparaging remarks about yesterday’s cricket tea, knowing it came from Bridge Farm, home of the sewage leak. But Emma’s bad mood is more to do with it being the anniversary of George crashing Alice’s car. Natasha is very sympathetic, but later tells Emma they need to up their game with the cricket teas.

Phoning from the police station Usha gives Joy details of Rochelle’s arrest, explaining that potentially the charges could be very serious. Despite the mention of terrorism Mick tries playing down Joy’s fears, suggesting they go for breakfast at the Tearoom. Without her mobile Joy insists on staying home in case Usha rings back. At the Tearoom Mick compares Emma’s situation with George to Joy’s with Rochelle, both standing by their errant child. He understands it now, where he didn’t before.

At the police station Usha cautions Rochelle against a “no comment” approach. Rochelle is fully committed to the cause, having been told the charges probably won’t stick. She accuses Usha of bleeding heart vegetarianism, quoting Saskia, who’s dismissive of people who don’t take action. Usha spells out the risk of Rochelle ending up in prison and the effect it could have on her children. Rochelle agrees to at least think about a defence based on non-violent action and trying to minimise harm on the day. Later, Usha tells Joy that Rochelle will be in court tomorrow. They agree Rochelle’s stubborn and impassioned, but at least Rochelle’s now working with Usha, not against her.