This is different to the episodes this series is known for. It's a family drama set in the lead up to Christmas as they deal with problems in their lives and hold together as a family. The adults Trevor and Julia are grandparents bringing up a 6 year old grandson and teenage daughter.
The daughter Mia wants a new dress for school prom but they can't afford it. The grandson Connor wants his absent dad Patrick to show up. Trevor breaks his arm so money's tight as he can't work, though the real reason it happened is revealed later on, while Julia worries about money.
The son Patrick turns up and the relationship between father and son over his drug addiction is acted really well. I thought Reece Shearsmith was out acted by Steve Pemberton by a long way but his character had a key part in revealing the plot twist (see below).
SPOILER: I'm adding this as it's a subtler twist than usual and might be missed. Patrick owed money to a loan shark who was knocked over in a hit and run car accident. Julia had a car accident that Uncle Alex paid to fix. Julia was the driver in the hit and run.
SPOILER: I'm adding this as it's a subtler twist than usual and might be missed. Patrick owed money to a loan shark who was knocked over in a hit and run car accident. Julia had a car accident that Uncle Alex paid to fix. Julia was the driver in the hit and run.