64 Zoo Lane

Nigel volunteers to look after Herbert's watermelon crop on the day it is due to ripen, taking responsibility for the harvest. Despite his intentions, the day does not go as planned, leading to an unexpected turn of events for everyone.

The Story of Herbert’s Watermelons is a programme presented as an episode, its title signalling a focus on a very specific agricultural undertaking. It falls under the simple genre label of “episode”, indicating a self‑contained narrative rather than a serial or series. The format suggests a concise, stand‑alone story built around a single event. At the heart of the episode, Nigel steps forward and offers to watch over Herbert’s watermelon crop on the day the fruit reaches full ripeness. His willingness to take charge on such an important day sets the stage for the central action, positioning both men in a brief but pivotal partnership centred on the harvest. The arrangement hinges on Nigel’s promise to look after the melons as they mature, implying a degree of trust and anticipation for a smooth, successful ripening. The premise builds a sense of expectation around the careful stewardship of the crop, with the ripening day itself serving as the focal point of the narrative. However, the plan doesn’t unfold as Nigel and Herbert might have hoped. As the day progresses, unforeseen complications arise, and the intended smooth handling of the watermelons is disrupted. The episode follows this deviation from the original scheme, showing how the simple act of guarding a fruit crop can quickly become anything but straightforward.