BBC Radio 4, June 13 2018

Escaping from Manchester, the Fletchers finally think they may have found a safe haven.

There are moments around two-thirds of the way through this middle episode where you might be lulled into a false sense of security by the way in which the extended Fletcher family are fitting into the community they find themselves – but all the experience of the previous two hours of Martin Jameson’s drama should warn you to expect another boot to drop soon. And it does – with perhaps a slightly on the nose final line from Dave as he realises that by no means are their problems over. Chances are they’re just beginning.

Jameson juggles the family dynamic with the ongoing disintegration of the United Kingdom – the way in which the trusted voice of Radio 4 changes as the serial progresses is a nicely understated way to judge the political scene – with more revelations that threaten the Fletchers’ unity. There are powerful performances from all the family members – and that category now, much to Ruth, Johnny and his grandmother’s annoyance, has to include Tricia – with one character’s breakdown towards the end of the episode particularly well portrayed.

Verdict: Far too believable, this continues to impress. 9/10

Paul Simpson