The Dean has promised the congregation that he is going to return St Ogg's to its primitive roots. He wishes to replace the Bishop's comfortable throne with a large stone and make life less cosy so that people will pay attention to the sermons. There's a mad frenzy from the Bishop and his cohorts as they try to squash the Dean's plans.

Having endured one of the Dean's parties the previous night, the Bishop and Archdeacon are not over-pleased when Noote forces them to attend another. But they're in for a surprise when the Dean's delightful sister, Hilary, charms them both and suddenly there's a contest to win her affections.

When the Bishop receives a letter from the Archbishop inquiring about the poor clergy in the diocese, he's adamant that all parishes in his jurisdiction are poverty free. Noote advises him of a parish in Stagmarsh that he has never even visited, so the Bishop is stung in to to taking gifts of old clothes disguised as jumble for the 'poor' curate.

In an effort to make his mark on the history of St Ogg's, the Bishop is encouraged to buy at auction the sermons of Bishop Gurdon, a 14th century notable. This would ensure the Bishop would get a brass plaque for his services but, as usual, nothing goes to plan.

The Dean has heard Noote whispering sweet nothings to a 'woman' in the old stables and complains to the Bishop. Turns out Noote has been looking after an Afghan hound and, to complicate things, it is also happens to be pregnant. The Dean's total ignorance of the situation leads to some peculiar misunderstandings.

After another row with the Dean, the Bishop decides he's tired of arguing and decides to play the bigger man. He is persuaded to recommend the Dean for the newly created diocese of Chelsea but then he has to find nice things to say about him – a very difficult task after ten years of bitter infighting.

It appears that Noote has finally found a girlfriend and the Archdeacon thinks the time is right for the Bishop to tell him the facts of life. But, in reality, Noote has been asked to perform a marriage service for the young lady in question who happens to be an old friend. Once again, the Dean causes chaos with his meddling and the misunderstandings abound.

The Archdeacon offers the Bishop a chance to make some money by selling him tickets for an OAP raffle. The Bishop is going to the point-to-point horse racing and is encouraged by the Archdeacon to have a bet. But the question of gambling is given a positive spin by the Archdeacon — after all, raffle tickets are technically gambling. The Bishop is now convinced that having a flutter is not real gambling and determines to 'have a bit of fun without losing control'.

The Dean agrees with St Paul that 'a Bishop should be given to hospitality' but he's taken by surprise at the outcome.

The Bishop is stung by the Dean's accusation that his visits to the diocese are out of date. In an attempt to teach the Dean a lesson, he decides to visit St Ogg's, in his official capacity, and make the Dean account for every item in the Cathedral's inventory.

There is evidence that the Methodists are poaching Anglican congregations so the Bishop decides to fight fire with fire.

There is great anticipation at St Ogg's when the final episode of a TV thriller is about to be broadcast – but the Dean does not share their enthusiasm and his presence is unwelcome.

Keeping a diary should be a very private affair but the Bishop is having trouble keeping his from the Dean.

When the Bishop decides to spend his money on a new colour television instead of a typist, an overwhelmed Noote resigns. But Noote decides to stay when the Dean's precocious niece is employed to help him!