George and Lizzie seek professional help from slick-talking lawyer Neville Murphy, but a frustrated George decides to argue the family's case himself. Lizzie is worried, not least because George's anger is further piqued when the aviary nets are cut. He seems to be losing a grip on what's important - June's fight at Sunday school barely elicits a response, while Mew is upset when he asks her to use her new job at Chester Council to gather information about the appeal. Seeing how concerned Albert and Lucy are, Lizzie goes back to Neville Murphy and negotiates a deal for him to represent them. The appointed day of the hearing arrives but George, upset by Lizzie's betrayal and sensing he has lost his family's faith, steps away from the proceedings. Mew's intervention brings him back and triggers a cascade of revelations from Camilla and Reverend Webb, whose personal feelings for Lizzie undermine the prosecution's case. Following the hearing a final inspection is arranged, but the inspector remains tightlipped about George's chances of securing the fate of the zoo. They must wait and wait, living off Mew's wages from the council, until finally the news is delivered. At last, Chester Zoo will get to open its doors.
