There's been a power cut in the area on the hottest day of the year, leaving the Meldrews in total darkness and unbearable heat. This gives Victor the perfect opportunity to have an extended whinging session about many issues of the current time, such as self-assembly furniture, someone stubbing out a cigarette on his cap, and a dinner party they're going to host the next evening.

A fly keeps on irritating Victor's ear, and he attempts to cool down with a liquid spray, by lying on the floor (reasoning that heat rises), and attempts to stave off boredom by listening to an audiobook on a battery-operated tape player, all with little luck. Margaret is trying to cope with the situation by reading her book but she can never read more than a few lines before Victor distracts her with further torrential anger. There's a brief moment of excitement comes when the power resumes, but disappears again only seconds later.

More joy is brought to the house when an elderly, grossly obese, incontinent neighbour has to visit after his wife suffers a suspected stroke and must be taken to hospital. At least the company might prove a nice change...