Episode 5 of Season 1 of "Changing Ends" unfolds at Alan's cozy abode, marking the day for the BCG vaccination. Reluctant to face the school's needle, Alan devises a plan, informing his parents of a mysterious malaise that necessitates a day of rest. His father, skeptical of the sudden illness, finds himself compelled to grant Alan a school holiday when the latter ingeniously stages a drama, pretending a trophy has inadvertently struck him on the head, inducing a concussive state.
Alan savors his unexpected day of leisure, with intentions of immersing himself in the nostalgic charm of "Pebble Mill on One" (a nostalgic delight for those of a certain vintage) and a cinematic delight on television. However, Graham's interests lie elsewhere, particularly with the gripping world of football.
As Christine departs for her hair appointment, Alan is left to coexist with his irritable father, who remains unconvinced by the concussion narrative. A subsequent phone call from Christine, informing them of an extended stay at the salon, casts a gloom over both Graham and Alan, as it signifies an elongated co-habitation under the same roof.
Graham seeks a temporary escape by venturing out to place a wager on the horses, granting Alan a brief window of solitude. Seizing the opportunity, Alan asks his father to bet on a horse named "Lucky To Be Alive" on his behalf.
With Graham out of the picture, Alan reigns supreme in the house, celebrating his newfound freedom with an exuberant dance that spans the living room and kitchen. His revelry is abruptly halted by a phone call from Mrs. Fletcher, a school staff member concerned about Alan's wellbeing. Alan, donning his best impression of his mother, skillfully diverts her inquiries about the BCG vaccinations while also seamlessly transitioning into the role when conversing with the vicar, weaving a tale of caution regarding the vaccinations.
Graham arrives home, carrying a refreshing beverage and a sackful of sweets meant for Alan. As his father pretends to step outside to fetch the newspaper from the car, Alan, seizing the moment, leaps up eagerly to snatch his treats. Graham, who has been keeping a watchful eye, now realizes that his son isn't as ill as he had claimed. Determined, Graham decides that Alan should indeed attend school. However, just as he launches into a lecture, he is abruptly interrupted by Ron with a reminder call about an upcoming meeting with the club's sponsors. Reluctant to attend, Graham cunningly uses Alan's faux "concussion" as a convenient excuse to skip the engagement.
Alan, who had eavesdropped on the conversation and recorded it, now possesses a lever of blackmail against his father—a tool he might one day need. But until then, if ever, father and son enjoy a cozy bonding session, flipping through channels on the TV, taking turns to indulge in their respective favorite programmes. Alan's pick is the dramatic saga of "Dynasty," which captivates his imagination.
They then decide to dive into a board game, with Alan suggesting options like Cluedo or The Game of Life. But Graham, predictably, opts for the board game adaptation of the TV quiz show "A Question of Sport." Alan isn't thrilled; the prospect of the game leaves him uninspired, although he perks up when his dad shares tales of once playing against a footballer named Eddie Royce. Alan has heard of Eddie, not for his athletic feats but because he stars in a TV commercial that Alan adores.
The pair bond further over a video clip showcasing a younger Graham squaring off against Eddie. After enduring an awkward screening of Alan's sports day (much to his embarrassment), they forge an even stronger connection as Alan opens up about his concerns, including those related to the BCG vaccination.
As the episode winds down, they watch the horse races together and are delighted to see that "Lucky To Be Alive" has come out victorious. They share an elated moment, though Alan's joy dims slightly when his mother returns home and discovers his phone impersonation scheme. Fury flashes across her face as she insists that Alan must attend school the next day for the BCG vaccination.
