Fifi has to deal with her unpredictable brother Hank who has just returned from prison and has a different story to tell to everyone he meets. But it's Fifi he's most interested in and when he visits her at work she's again reminded of what a different person she's become since he left. Back at home the Sharp family try to welcome this free radical element as Hank tries to wheedle his way back into Fifi's life. Later that night she finds herself in an unexpected kiss with Joey. Lill and Perry are trying hard to deal with Taz, Perry's moody teenage daughter who's arrived for the holidays. She's travelled with Hank on the bus up to Lost River and has heard his stories of brutal prison life. She clashes with Lill over everything and confronts her father with her palpable distaste for her stepmother. In his Fox Cove office, Perry begins Anger Management sessions with Hank and is soon alerted to the strange pathology that consumes him. Lill prepares for the fire controlled Hazard Reduction but is unprepared for the discovery she makes when she and Svettie clean out Peg's house. Left on her own she finds a hatbox of letters that bring up a traumatic, damaging event in her own life. An argument with Taz leads to her confiding in Perry and eventually to confronting Peg. Backa struggles with the responsibilities of a dangerous burn-off and the knowledge that his deal with his Uncle Jeff may well betray his brother. Every little thing seems to go wrong on the day. Backa is left with a headache and a sinking feeling that his problems will re-emerge. It's only a matter of time.

The Lost River rodeo could be the last throw of the dice for Backa and Svettie's shop. Stocked up for their biggest annual trading day, they hope to pay off their immediate debt and avoid the bank foreclosing, but the news of fires down south keeps Backa and Svettie stretched between hope and despair. Confronted with imminent failure, Backa finally tells Svettie about his deal with Uncle Jeff - a job, a home and a future, under Uncle Jeff's roof and his control. The foretaste of disaster opens them to each other, but neither can see a happy ending for the family. Taz wants a driving lesson but Perry is busy and suggests she practice by herself on the property. After an argument, Taz drives off towards town. She returns in shock, telling Perry she has knocked over a cowboy. Perry takes control of the situation and they search for any sign of a person being run down but find only a cowboy hat. They search the rodeo ground and call the hospital - no injuries have been reported. Perry's not sure what to believe. With Backa busy at the shop, Joey, Fifi and Lill work the rodeo car park, a traditional firies' fundraiser. When the town girls ask Joey whether he is on the market, Fifi takes it as an opportunity to tease. Even Luisa revs up Joey with a bit of flirting. Joey is as confused as ever by Fifi's behaviour, until they kiss and make up. Uncle Jeff brings the bad news of fires; the roads are closed, the rodeo is cancelled and it seems like Backa and Svettie have no choice but to accept his deal or leave Lost River. But while Backa goes to the rodeo ground to tell Joey, Svettie negotiates a dangerous loan from Sharpie and convinces Backa the money has come from selling off milking machine parts stored in their shed.