Invited in Rumbold's office to hear he's leaving on a month-long seminar, Peacock expects to be appointed interim, but as that's the late chance for eldest colleague Grainger to earn pension benefits, he gets the job 'discretely' and Peacock is to act surprised. Grainger milking the perks of the job is one thing, but he soon acts insufferable, denying any request (even leaving half an hour early) and threatens with the sack, which Slocombe's big mouth actually earns. Suddenly Rumbold returns and resumes his job, the seminar venue being flooded. Grainger is sent to Coventry, but the colleagues soon feel like making up. Too late, the seminar has another venue, so off is Rumbold, and everybody fears Grainger's revenge, unless he wizened up.
—KGF Vissers