Season 4, Episode 35: "One wedding and a funeral" (original air date: March 14, 2003)

Ken hankers to move his wedding plans forward, but hasn't worked up the courage - and duty calls. When Wasim washes up on Bassett Beach, Ken fears an invasion of boat persons of a doubtful background. Nicky, however, is won over by Wasim's romantic story that he has come all the way from Pakistan for Cherie Ruskin, a local teacher. When Cherie is rather non-plussed to hear this news, Ken feels vindicated. But Cherie, worried for Wasim and the possible consequences if he gets sent home, takes a bold decision and decides to marry Wasim. Ken takes a dim view of this and clashes with Nicky. Despite everyone's soppiness, Ken takes Wasim into custody.

Meanwhile, Alistair attends the death of a patient. Audrey Whitelaw is Eric's mother and lives with her gay lodger Russell, a projectionist at the Bassett Odeon. Eric is dismayed to find that Russell claims to be Audrey's partner and therefore plans to take the house. Alistair is dismayed to find that William is siding with Russell. He is further surprised to find himself on the same side as the pompous Eric, since he has some awareness that Eric was also interested in Helen.

Helen fears that William disapproves of her and is feeling frustrated at having no rightful place or position. When she hears of Wasim's immigration problems, she reveals her own immigration fears to Alistair, hoping it will prompt him into a proposal. Alistair misses the rather large hints. But he is goaded into defending Helen to William - and is taken aback to find that William's beef is actually with him. William has been wondering about Alistair's intentions towards Helen. Alistair is angry at the interference, and disappointed to find little support from Nicky - who also hankers for old fashioned romance and the Big Gesture. Alistair screws his courage to the sticking place to propose to Helen, but can only summon a tepid offer to live together. Helen rejects this.

William does his best to intervene in the increasing warfare between Eric and Russell, with little effect.

As a new day arrives, Wayne officiates at the wedding of Cherie and Wasim - and then dashes to the funeral of Audrey, where the opposing factions are squaring off. Despite his stated position, Ken is won over by Nicky's pleas and allows Cherie and Wasim some time at the Agincourt Motel. When Nicky accuses him of being a secret romantic softie, he is prompted to address his own wedding desires with Dana - and they set a date.

William's eulogy is a plea for understanding that strikes home. Russell and Eric call a truce and make a mutually agreeable decision about Audrey's house. And Helen offers fond condolences to Eric - before she leaves to a locum position in Morecross. William is sorry she is gone, but thinks it's probably for the best. Even though his father is, as usual, right - Alistair finds no comfort in this.