The ""ever-present pooh bird of fate"" seems to be permanently circling the Rush household, dumping on them from a great height. The car requires open-bonnet surgery to the tune of £80, Muriel is fined £6 for going five miles over a thirty miles per hour speed limit and Dudley dismantles the washing-machine to discover why it isn't working. On top of this, the television set, refrigerator, radio and iron start playing up. Meanwhile, daughter Susan wants to get rid of her boring boyfriend, Sid Foster. The family's electrical problems seem to be solved when it is revealed that Sid is an engineer, and a deal is struck; Dudley will give Sid advice on seduction, whilst he effects the necessary repairs.