As the second chapter of "The Feud" unfolds, Emma Barnett (portrayed by Jill Halfpenny) steps cautiously through a house marred by the ominous presence of bloody handprints adorning its walls. A haunting flashback assails her senses, depicting a violent stabbing scene. Meanwhile, John Barnett (played by Rupert Penry-Jones) engages Emma in conversation about the builders' carelessness in leaving ladders about, expressing his apprehension about walking beneath them. Emma dismisses his concerns with a wry smile, suggesting that refusing to sign a party wall agreement is but a minor act of superstition compared to other worries. She teases him about his daily routines, wondering if he ever feels the pinch of boredom.
Emma confesses the need to confer with Derek (James Fleet) and Barbara Abshire (Tessa Peake-Jones). John, however, doubts the utility of such endeavors,坚信 they are a waste of time as their minds are as set as stone. Beth Barnett (Megan Trower) echoes his sentiments, accusing Derek and Barbara of being willfully ignorant and intractable, speculating that this very stubbornness may have driven Marcus to leave. Her words hint at a deep-seated resentment towards them, as she reveals Marcus's distaste for their refusal to listen.
A text alert interrupts John's thoughts; it's Alan, inquiring if he fancies a pint later. Emma decides to confront Derek personally, making her way to his house only to be ignored by him. As she departs, she calls her father, Terry Dobson (Larry Lamb), and finds herself chatting with Alan Spence (Ray Fearon), who reveals he's working today. They briefly discuss Sonia (Amy Nuttall), whose frequent absences have not gone unnoticed. Emma views positively on Alan and John's planned outing, though Alan clarifies that John initiated it and he hasn't yet replied. Emma jokes about having misheard, suggesting they should all join in.
Barbara urges Derek to address the neighborly dispute, pointing out its inevitability. Derek, however, advocates for stalling, prompting Barbara to remind him of the inevitable conflict over their kitchen construction and the tree's relocation. Emma, undeterred, seeks help from another neighbor, Nick Hewitt (Alex Macqueen), hoping to review his camera footage. She suggests she might sign the petition once she's seen it.
Back at her home, Emma intently watches the footage, her ears pricking up at a suspiciously unusual noise. Her attention is then drawn outside as she spots Sonia, shortly before John approaches her. A furniture van obstructs their view momentarily, but when it moves away, both John and Sonia have vanished. Beth receives a message from Andi, a photographer claiming affiliation with Pine Bridge, expressing interest in collaborating with her. Beth, intrigued, replies enthusiastically, unaware that PC Gallagher (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell) has intercepted the message. She sets out to meet Andi, unaware of the impending developments.
Sonia expresses her unease to Alan about Nick's camera focusing on their house, and Alan invites her to join Emma and John for drinks later. He confides in her that Emma harbors suspicions towards John, to which Sonia seems indifferent. As John returns home, Sonia keeps a watchful eye on him. Meanwhile, Emma receives a message from Nick in the Shelbury Drive Group Chat, informing her of increased activity with more vans and cars expected. Emma watches a video shared in the chat, which captures John and Sonia together indoors, fueling the intrigue surrounding their relationship.
Lee Hatby (portrayed by Chris Gascoyne) introduces John to Pawel, the assistant who will be aiding him in the project. Lee emphasizes that he doesn't outsource work, except for electrical tasks. John confesses that he hadn't anticipated Pawel's arrival today and expresses doubts about the project's ease, contrary to his wife's optimism. He reminds Lee of the pending issues: the lack of planning permission and the unsigned party wall agreement. Lee, who has postponed a significant project for four months to accommodate this one, expresses his concern about potential financial losses and his determination to avoid them.
Nick approaches to inquire about the duration of the rock's presence, only to be met with a slammed door by John. Frustrated, John heads inside to review the planning application, contemplating lodging an objection until he's interrupted by Emma and Lee. Lee mentions the need to discuss the tree issue with the neighbors and delves into logistics, such as ordering supplies and arranging for a portable toilet. Emma, anxious, calls her father, pleading for him to reach out. Meanwhile, Beth sits alone at a café, messaging Andi about their upcoming meeting.
Alan reassures Lee of the project's success, while John confronts Emma at her computer, revealing that her father left a message requesting her call. He accuses her father of swindling them and reminds her of their strained relationship. Emma counters that she can't control her father's calls, leading to mutual suspicions between her and John. She decides to meet her father, Terry, and informs John about the street group chat where Nick announced signing the petition for parking permits, despite her earlier hesitation. John warns her that Lee's haste is concerning, fearing the whole endeavor is turning into a chaotic mess, doubting his own decision to quit his job.
Emma encourages John to inquire about the evening drinks and visits Nick's place, but he doesn't respond to her knocks. Back home, Sonia yells for Alan, calling him to inquire about his return time. She steps outside to check on Biscuit, prompting John to quip about her playing hard to get. He shares his thoughts about the extension, which Derek overhears through the window. Sonia confirms their drinks plan for the night.
Elsewhere, a bird perches on Derek's windowsill as Emma meets her father in the park. Their conversation turns to John, with Terry griping about his unsteady job history and Emma's overcompensation through work. Terry finally confirms that Emma has received approval for the extension and asks her to convey his regards to Beth and John. Barbara confronts Emma about a surveyor's email notifying them of the party wall award, ignored despite their concerns. Derek admits their hands are tied, as the surveyors followed Emma's instructions. Emma insists she doesn't mean to upset them and seeks understanding for their strong opposition. Derek vows to continue fighting, asserting their legitimate grievance.
He stands firm in his conviction that she won't budge their cherished tree. Emma inquisitively wonders if he's hiding something, assertively declaring they'll do whatever it takes. Meanwhile, John prepares to venture out for a nightcap. Emma inquiries whether he's fine with Lee starting on Monday, prompting John to remind her it's her money—an assertion she firmly corrects, insisting it's their money. John insists she promise her father will stay out of it. Emma, curious about his perception of her, ventures into suggesting they might consider branching out socially. Misunderstanding her intent, John realizes she means forming new friendships rather than involving Alan and Sonia.
Elsewhere, Sonia primps while Alan gazes thoughtfully out the window. Nick, monitoring his security cameras, spots two men in dark attire meticulously checking car doors. Suddenly, he catches sight of Sonia exiting John's residence. Emma checks in on Nick and returns the USB stick, informing him she won't need the parking permits anymore, as the planning application has sailed through. She requests he redirect the camera away from their abode, but Nick finds the ongoing scene fascinating, eager to gauge the neighborhood's reaction. Peering out, Nick notices Derek and Barbara in a state of distress. Derek blames Barbara for his absence, hurling insults and expressing fears that these outsiders will disrupt everything. He vows they'd have to kill him first.
Gallagher approaches Beth, striking up a conversation. At the pub, Alan derides Nick as paranoid, and they both agree on their dislike for him. John regales them with a tale about his father, eliciting laughter from Sonia but skepticism from Alan who doubts its authenticity. Alan remarks it's not a big deal but values honesty, accusing John of seeking an audience. John excuses himself to the bathroom, while Alan heads for more drinks. Emma confides in Sonia, sensing something between them, wishing women could confide in each other openly. Emma concedes the truth holds little value in her world. Beth and Gallagher share drinks elsewhere, bonding over their time together.
Nick prepares for work, his eyes still glued to the CCTV feed from the block. On their way back, Alan apologizes to John once more. Emma, observing Nick's camera feed, admits she'd miss if she left—except for Nick, who remains encrossed in his monitor. a jerk. Emma subtly hides a call from her father, who wishes to meet about the planner. She notices Derek lurking near the fence and agrees to call her dad the next day.
John reports Beth's absence to Emma, and they spot Derek lurking nearby. Their property now bears a solemn sight—a deceased bird with a note tied to it reading, "One for sorrow." The reverse side displays a picture of Emma, sending a chilling message.
