Black Books

Fran comes back from vacation to discover that Manny has resigned and is now working next door at Goliath Books. Left to his own devices, Bernard has let things slip a little. He is living amid a pile of rubbish and rotting food. Fran wants to get Manny back in Black Books so he can clear up and make her tea, but the manager of Goliath has plans for Manny and no intention of letting him go.

It's International Children's Book Week and Bernard and Manny decide to write their own kids' classic and retire off the profits. Fran is off to a hen party for the weekend, but still finds a way to fall out with Bernard and Manny.

Manny's parents visit the shop for the weekend and the lies he's told them throw Fran and Bernard's lives into chaos, forcing the duo to corroborate some slightly embellished details from Manny's letters home.

Bernard becomes addicted to gambling and forces Manny and Fran to compete for one job at the shop in order to finance his bets.

Manny is proud of the travel writing festival that he has organized and has invited the famously charming explorer Jason Hamilton to give a talk. Fran soon falls for his twinkling eyes and lavish hair and Manny is furious. Meanwhile, Bernard is more concerned about the rent charges he has to pay to his new neighbor and rather than face a lengthy court case, he hires a professional assassin.

It's Friday night, Manny and Fran are determined to go out and do something for once. Bernard would rather stay at home, get drunk and ignore his friends. Manny insists they go to a party but in the drunken aftermath, out come secrets and bitterness.