Trauma registrar Nicky Somerville has a very bad night. She gets punched by a patient she is trying to save, then realises her boyfriend is having an affair. What's worse is her boyfriend is also her boss.

A fresh start takes her to the small town of Bassett - only to find that she may be without a job. Her appointment hasn't been ratified by her new boss, Dr William Kingsley - but Nicky is adamant that she can't go back to town.

Nicky makes waves by deciding to admit the victim of a car accident. When the resuscitation isn't straightforward, she discovers that the patient, Amanda Masefield is on anti-depressants.

Her actions with Amanda only serve to make her more unpopular with William, who makes it clear she's not wanted. However, the administrator Louise seems desperate for her to stay. These reactions make her feel that something is rotten in the state of Bassett and with Dr Kingsley in particular.

Nicky takes a depressed trip to the supermarket, where the manager seems determined