The Wind in the Willows

Episode 2

The Kidnapping of Toad

Invited to the weasels' den for a 'literary evening', Toad is taken prisoner and a ransom demanded. Badger has no intention of paying for his return, but Toad's incessant chatter drives the weasels to distraction, so they play a final trick on him before letting him go free.

Episode 3

The Ghost at Mole End

Mole hears sounds which he cannot account for. It leads him to fear that there might be a ghost in his house. Eventually, though, he discovers that the sounds are produced by a hedgehog which has fallen into a crevice immediately above his burrow. With the help of rat, he saves the animal.

Episode 4

The Great Steamer

The weasels buy the part of the Wild Wood upon which stands the entrance to Badger's home. They order Badger to vacate the property. When Badger takes the weasels to court, the judge decides in their favour, as the weasels' deed to the property appears to be valid. It is mole who saves the day when he discovers a Roman document signed by Julius Caesar which conveys the ownership of the area that is now the Wild Wood to the badgers and their descendants. With this document in hand, Badger is able to chase the weasels away only minutes before they take permanent possession of his burrow.

Episode 5

Buried Treasure

The Chief Weasel visits Badger and Mole, revealing he and the other weasels have bought the part of the Wild Wood upon which stands the entrance to Badger's home.

Episode 6

Mole's Cousin

Mole's cousin, a famous literary figure called Auberon Mole, comes to stay after being invited by Toad to a 'literary soiree.' Mole's friends deem his dwelling and appearance too humble for the famous guest, and 'try to give him a little bit of style'. Toad and Ratty redecorate Mole's house, and Badger sets out to teach Mole a smattering of Latin and Shakespearean drama. Eventually Mole decides to resist the attempts to have him present himself as someone he is not. Auberon and Mole have a lovely time, and the others are somewhat ashamed of their earlier actions.

Episode 7

The Grand Annual Show

Mole's jam, Rat's walnut cake, Badger's pickled walnuts, and Toad's 'homemade' elderflower wine all compete to be best in show. The weasels also have an abnormally large pumpkin. But two competitors aren't playing fair...

Episode 8

The Open Road Again

On a Toad inspired hiking trip attended by Mole and Ratty, the trio soon bump into an old friend - Alfred the horse who once pulled Toad's caravan. Tired of the ghastly 3 quarters of a mile journey thus far, Toad leads the way to the derelict caravan full of desire to hit "the open road again". In no time at all, Toad is off on another craze astride his new Dersey-Patterson bicycle.

Episode 9

Wayfarers All

Summer is over, animals are packing up for the winter. A mysterious stranger passes by with exciting tales of travel and far-off countries. Rat decides to leave the Riverbank for ever, and follow him across the sea.

Episode 10

The Weasels Trap

After Badger interrupts the Chief Weasel's attempts to rob Billy Rabbit in the Wild Wood, the angry Chief plots his revenge. When his henchman stumbles upon an old hunter's trap, he sees what seems to be the perfect opportunity. However, despite the Chief setting everything up, things go horribly wrong when the henchman tries to relocate the trap.

Episode 11

Burglary at Toad Hall

Toad opens Toad Hall to the public in order to (modestly) show of his many family heirlooms. But the weasels have a dastardly plan to sabotage his efforts. All Toads possessions begin to disappear, causing him terrible embarrassment. Fortunately, Badger is on hand to save the day.

Episode 12

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

Another dramatisation of an episode from Kenneth Grahame’s book (chapter 7). Portly, Otter's young son, goes missing. He has picked the worst possible time – there are otter-hunters on the prowl. Ratty and Mole set out on a mission to find him, and in the process have a supernatural encounter with the god Pan- a statue under which Portly, who has also encountered him, is found sleeping.

Episode 13

The Yuletide Entertainment

The riverbank residents are organising a fun gathering where they show off their singing, dancing and instrument-playing talents: Otter on the piano; Rat playing accordion and singing Uptails All; Badger's slideshow journey across the world. The pièce de résistance (Toad singing excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan) suffers a setback when he swallows his fake moustache just before coming on. Mole, who had not intended to appear in the show, is drafted in at the last minute to sing. The episode finishes with a lovely choir song: “Joy Shall be Yours in the Morning”. Sadly, Toad finally manages to cough up his moustache just as the guests are saying their goodnights.