Mr Bates vs The Post Office season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Postmasters Alan and Jo grapple with false accusations of theft due to the flawed Horizon system, leading to severe financial and emotional distress. Alan staunchly refuses to sign off on his branch's inaccurate accounts and calls the police for help when management tries to intervene. Meanwhile, Jo's deficits soar despite her attempts to follow helpline advice. As more postmasters like Lee encounter similar issues, they realize they're not alone. This revelation prompts a united front, culminating in a gathering to fight against the injustices caused by the system.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Craig-y-Don Post Office Showdown - Alan confronts management reps trying to enter the post office. - Alan, the sub-postmaster, is accused of having missing money. - He is locked in, refuses access, and calls the police for help. - The management claims a right of entry, but Alan insists on proving his innocence tomorrow. ### Community Support and Horizon Troubles - Locals interact warmly with Jo, a much-loved post office worker. - Jo struggles with the Horizon system, showing a deficit in her accounts. - She receives advice from the helpline, but the deficit doubles. ### Alan and Suzanne's New Life - Alan and Suzanne plan a future away from the post office. - They consider moving to the hills for a peaceful life. - Alan stores paperwork as evidence of the faulty Horizon system. ### Jo's Increasing Debt and Desperation - Jo's financial situation deteriorates due to the Horizon system. - She considers remortgaging her house to cover the shortfalls. - Her community supports her, unaware of the severity of her problems. ### Lee's Battle Against the System - Lee Castleton from Bridlington calls the helpline repeatedly. - He fails to get clear answers, suspects hacking, and requests auditors. ### The Fallout of Horizon's Shortcomings - Alan, Suzanne, Jo, and Lee face severe stress from the Horizon problems. - They confront the reality of their situations, including financial ruin and community doubt. - Alan discovers evidence of a Horizon bug but struggles to get support. ### A United Front Forms - Affected postmasters begin to connect and share their experiences. - A meeting is set up in Fenny Compton to unite their efforts. - The group realizes they're not alone and resolves to fight together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is accused of having missing money from the post office?

Alan, the sub-postmaster, is accused of the missing money.

What does Alan do when management tries to enter the post office?

Alan locks himself in and refuses entry, calling the police for help.

What problem does Jo face with the Horizon system?

Jo struggles with a deficit in her accounts, which doubles after following helpline advice.

What future do Alan and Suzanne plan after leaving the post office?

They plan to move to the hills for a peaceful life and put their past behind them.

How does Lee Castleton try to resolve his Horizon system issues?

Lee calls the helpline repeatedly, requests auditors, and searches for others with the same problem.

What evidence does Alan discover regarding the Horizon system?

Alan discovers evidence of a Horizon bug affecting multiple post office terminals.

What do the affected postmasters do in response to their shared struggles?

They begin to connect, share their experiences, and set up a meeting in Fenny Compton.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office season 1 episode 1