If new arrival Dr Annie really wanted to gain acceptance with the locals, perhaps she could have found a better way than starting an egg-timer conspicuously at each consultation.  This was hardly going to endear her to those inhabitants of Emu Springs who like a good old chinwag with their doc every week – “What, even if there’s nothing wrong with you?” asks Annie, incredulously.  She has a lot to learn.

A full-scale police search is underway for the missing Father Brian, but there’s still time for some biting social comment: “How can you tell a good copper? All the other ones get promoted.”  Um.

With tight scripts and sure-footed direction, this new season is shaping up well in this time slot.