Heartbeat

The release of convicted murderer Henry Stoddard from prison coincides with a spate of vandalism across the area. Peggy believes she is owed a payment by Lord Ashfordly and is awaiting the money she feels is rightfully hers in the near future.

“Living with the Past” is a programme presented as a single episode within its series. It falls under the genre of episodic television, offering a self‑contained story that fits the format of the wider programme. The episode’s focus is on a small community dealing with the aftermath of a notable event. The central narrative follows Henry Stoddard, a man who has just finished his term for murder. His freedom coincides with a sudden rise in vandalism across the area, creating an uneasy atmosphere. At the same time, Peggy becomes convinced that Lord Ashfordly owes her a sum of money, adding a personal grievance to the broader unrest. The timing of Stoddard’s release and the property damage suggests a link that the characters feel compelled to investigate. Peggy’s belief about the owed money drives her actions throughout the episode, as she seeks confirmation from Lord Ashfordly and attempts to claim what she feels is rightfully hers. Meanwhile, the community’s reaction to the vandalism reflects a mixture of suspicion and fear, with Stoddard’s past casting a long shadow over current events. The episode weaves these strands together, juxtaposing the personal claim of a debt with the collective unease caused by the vandalism, all set against the backdrop of Henry Stoddard’s re‑entry into society.