This week in Shieldinch…
MONDAY
As Poppy’s gambling addiction takes hold, temptation comes calling when Ash asks her to pass on his latest DJing fees to Spiller and Son. Back at the office, Poppy’s funds run out so she helps herself to the agency money but recklessly gambles everything away.
At the Tall Ship, Caitlin comes across Poppy who is clearly pre-occupied by something. When Sam arrives, Poppy spins a story about being mugged on her way to the bank. While Sam seems to believe her story, Caitlin’s not so sure.
Back at Spiller and Son, Sam’s support begins to waver when he realises more money has gone amiss. He pushes Poppy for answers who reveals she’s indebted to her ex-boyfriend. Faced with a proven liar and a thief, Sam is torn what to do and whether to tell Stevie what his girlfriend is up to.
Elsewhere, Nicole feels rejected by both men in her life. While Alex has pushed her away to focus on his relationship with Karen, Tyler continues to keep Nicole a secret from his family.
Nicole can’t understand why she’s not being invited to Tyler’s family gathering until it becomes clear he’s not told them they’re together. As far as the Foulkes family are concerned, Nicole is his employee. Worse still, Alex blocks Nicole’s calls so she confronts him but is stung when he tells her their arrangement is over, for good.
An excited Maggie prepares herself for a driving lesson with Sonny. Feeling under the weather and loaded with the cold, Sonny puts on a brave face, adamant he can’t let Maggie down. With Lou at a loose end, Amber and Sonny suggests she helps Maggie gets motoring again.
WEDNESDAY
With money matters looming large, Stevie demands answers from Sam about the black hole in their company’s finances. Promising Stevie he’ll sort things out, Sam summons Poppy – time is ticking and he wants the money back today or he’ll tell her boyfriend the truth.
Much to Sam’s surprise, Poppy is true to her word and replaces the missing money, lying that she got a payday loan.
However, Sam soon pieces together the truth and realises Poppy is a gambler. Threatening to tell Stevie, Poppy reluctantly confesses but urges him to keep it secret – she’s got it all in hand. The question is – can Sam trust Poppy?
Elsewhere, Maggie’s disheartened to discover Lydia decided not to attend her first one-to-one counselling session. With Maggie’s encouragement, Lydia reconsiders but only if she accompanies her. When they return, Lydia talks positively about the future and steps she could take to seek justice. However, the idea of pursuing a civil action against Andrew is quashed by Amber who doesn’t believe her mum would ever get a fair trial against the esteemed lawyer.
Beaming with pride about Andrew’s legal accolade, Scarlett’s mood sours when she realises his awards evening clashes with a gig she promised she’d take Madonna to. Not wanting Madonna to miss out, Scarlett asks Mikey to take her instead. Madonna is thrilled but disappointed her mother chose not to go with her. Andrew, on the other hand, is secretly thrilled Scarlett chose him over her family, again.
River City, Monday and Wednesday, 10pm BBC Scotland Channel. Repeated Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm on BBC One Scotland.
