Dawn, Eric, Hodge and Laura are invited to a dress ball. Lloydy is the money following the success of his board game Gurkha Tank Battle and buys a Cadillac. When Hodge's lift falls through what's better than letting Lloydy take them.
Ally organises a practical joke after getting patronised by a group of sexist businessmen. Laura gets her first catering gig, catching the eye of Greg Scarry. While the gang act as waiters Hodge clashes with Kirsty's male babysitter.
Spock is tasked with looking after Dieter, a German exchange teacher who is coming to Roker Bridge. Dieter is joined by the beautiful Ingrid who he is desperate to impress by attempting to be cool but instead it become dangerous.
Corporal Polson goes berserk when his wife leaves him during military manoeuvres. Hodge gets an invitation to Kirsty's birthday. Greg Scarry attempts to sweep Laura off her feet. Mr Wong gives Eric a job at his restaurant.
When the steeple at Diesel's garage collapses he sees a light he believes is leading him to the other side. Ally admits to Dawn she had a drunken kiss with Rundle. Greg Scarry steps up his attempts to woo Laura, at Mr Wang's.
Lloydy wants the gang to join him on a barge trip. Laura gets invited to Greg's yacht where he makes a pass, leaving her running back to Hodge but he is elsewhere. Polson attempts to blackmail Rundle over his relationship with Ally.