Tales of the Unexpected

Three aristocratic ladies are brought together by the death of a former servant who tended their families. They extend an invitation to the servant's niece for a luncheon, only to discover that she is an unexpected presence at the table.

The Tribute is a programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the episode genre and centres on a brief but focused narrative that brings together a small group of characters under unusual circumstances. The story begins when three women of aristocratic standing are drawn back together by the death of a lady who had spent many years in the service of their families. The passing of this long‑time household employee acts as the catalyst that reunites the trio, prompting them to reflect on their shared past. In response to the loss, the ladies decide to host a midday meal for the deceased’s niece, extending an invitation as a mark of respect and perhaps a chance for closure. They anticipate a modest gathering, yet the niece’s arrival proves to be far from what they expected, introducing an element of surprise that unsettles the planned proceedings. The episode therefore revolves around this unexpected turn at the luncheon, using the surprise guest to shift the dynamics among the three aristocratic women and to highlight how a single, unforeseen presence can alter a seemingly straightforward tribute.