The Story: Seeds of a Better Future
Sophie Best, a passionate pastry artist, finds herself trapped in the tyrannical grip of Zachariah Best and her husband Richard in the town of Grist. Through unexpected alliances, she begins to plant the seeds for change and revenge.
Though Sophie Best and her nephew Abraham have never met Vida and Draco Kovalenko, the four are linked. Each of their lives has been blighted by the Best Brothers in some fashion. Sophie’s marriage to Richard Best is a prison of abuse. Abraham’s secret love for a travelling organist, Charles, causes disgust in his father, Zachariah Best, who goes out of his way to torture his son. Meanwhile, the newly-arrived Kovalenkos are still mourning the death of their son (for which they blame the Bests) while preparing plans for vengeance in his name. Initially, Sophie, Abraham and the Kovalenkos are suffering separately, but their meeting will set events in motion that will alter the town and change the Best family for good.
The town mourns the death of Charles, especially Abraham, his lover. Vida, who saw them together, connects with Abraham and Sophie, all linked by the Best family. Their reasons differ, but they pledge to help each other. Sophie plans Richard’s demise with a poisonous flower, while Abraham struggles to prove himself to his father and suspects Draco’s intentions. Abraham learns Zachariah showed interest in him before Charles’ death, raising suspicions. Draco, fearing discovery of revenge plans, follows Zachariah’s orders during a hunting trip, causing conflict. An accident blinds Richard, prompting Sophie to withdraw from revenge plans. Draco accidentally inhales chemicals, leading to his death. The episode ends with Vida grieving Draco’s passing.
The episode opens with Vida mourning Draco’s death. Abraham confronts Zachariah about the accident at the tannery, but is shocked to find Draco dead. Richard, now blind, is cared for by Sophie, who has shut down her pie business. He reflects on his past behaviour towards Sophie and regrets his actions, but Sophie nonetheless struggles to forgive him. Sophie argues with Nicola and storms off to confront Zachariah at the Tannery. A fire breaks out during their argument, injuring Zachariah and endangering Sophie. Richard, hearing the commotion, rushes to rescue Sophie. Vida, witnessing Zachariah’s plight, refuses to help him, symbolizing her rejection of his influence. Eventually the fire subsides, leaving Abraham, Sophie, and Vida contemplating their futures. Sophie returns to baking pies with Vida, and Abraham reveals his plan to reopen the Tannery as a Mill, surprising the two women with his newfound seriousness and decisiveness. As they reflect on Abraham’s transformation, they wonder if he has become something worse than his father.
