A sudden death creates chaos in the town of Pagford over a pivotal empty seat on the Parish Council.

As the town mourns at Barry's funeral, candidates for his seat find their darkest secrets revealed.

In the final part of the series, as the council election approaches, Mary tries to talk Colin out of running, while his wife Tess puts her heart into campaigning. After unbearably close election results, the Sweetlove House matter is swiftly decided, and Miles gets a shock at home. A desperate Krystal seeks refuge, precipitating another tragedy that rocks the town.