Erik and Ann Shepherd, who've run a bar in Crete for the past seven years, have an uneasy marriage. When two new arrivals come to the bar, the couple seem to have opportunities to stray from the marital nest. But Ann's visitor isn't what he seems...

David Clive has set up a new life with his girlfriend Jennifer. When his ex-wife Lorna announces her arrival, his head starts spinning, and the Shepherds are caught in the crossfire.

A mysterious note with ambiguous wording arrives for Erik, strongly encouraging him to meet in the bar at 4pm. He and Ann speculate whether the note could be used as blackmail for Erik's indiscretions or Ann's murky past. The situation worsens as the Woolleys and Mervishes also receive matching anonymous notes and arrive at the appointed time to face their accuser as a sudden storm rages outside.

Patrons at the bar note increasing tension between Maj. Woolley and his wife. There's speculation that meek, obsequious Miriam in fact harbors hostility toward the Major, while the Mervishes mock the couple's staid, perfunctory habits. Meanwhile, the Major becomes obsessed with the idea that a parcel dispatched from home is being intentionally withheld, and Miriam grows more paranoid about garden intruders. The Shepherds intercede but are unable to halt a series of events that culminate in a shocking act of violence.

Kirsten and Mark discover an unconscious beauty, adrift in a boat. With Erik's assistance, she is taken to stay with the Shepherds. Krasakis identifies her as Julie Johnson, a visitor travelling with an unconventional couple, the destructive Val Griffith and her lover Nat. Ann's curiosity, and ultimate annoyance, is aroused when she learns that Erik shares a notably intimate past with Val.

In Birmingham, Monica Turton is informed by an art dealer that her late father's works havd developed an audience, and they can make a fortune from the early paintings he created on Crete. They travel there and are astonished to learn Nestor is alive.

Kirsten and Mark are attacked following a tryst on the beach, so the Mervishes invite the young couple to stay with them to recuperate. They accept but slowly find themselves captive in a sadistic psychological experiment.

Culley reveals the true reason for his return to Aghios Nikolaos and sets about to destroy the Shepherds' marriage. Pushed to the breaking point and left with an ultimatum, Ann makes a desperate decision which culminates in two murders and an escape.

In the aftermath of the explosive first series finale, officials arrive to make enquiries. Newcomer Gerald Mace meets Nestor in the deserted Shepherd's Bar to question about the Shepherds. Meanwhile, Nikos has something important to tell the police; Krasakis goes in search of the Shepherds; and Ann regains consciousness on the boat, and Erik is horrified by what she has to say.

The murder case is closed; Nikos refuses Erik's request that he recant his confession. Krasakis contacts Interpol for information on Judith Huxley. American businessman Sam Webber makes Erik an intriguing offer. Gerald Mace pumps Nestor about the Shepherds. Erik is reunited with friend Imogen Lundqvist, who's assisting an archaeological dig on the island.

Ariadne fears what she sees in tarot. Ann is tormented by nightmares. Imogen makes a move on Erik, and although he rejects her, Dartington sees the two kissing. Nikos continues to refuse Erik's suggestion that he recant his confession to Krasakis, while Ann dismisses Erik's idea that she confess to shooting Culley, preferring to keep their bargain that she wait for Culley's replacement to approach her.

With Krasakis' help, Erik betrays an enemy who leaves Agios Nikolaos, though not as they would like. Cotton and Nicholson show their true colors and think they've won; however, Ann makes an unexpected sacrifice, leaving her fate decided. But will she face it alone?