Ep 4. Episode 4

The episode begins with the news that Mandy and Sadiq have won the school award for their contribution to the community. While Sadiq is ecstatic, Mandy is not amused. She knows deep down that Sadiq is only interested in the award because of the status it will bring him. As she struggles to come to terms with her own feelings, Simone and Kaneez decide it's time to visit the spa and relax.

Meanwhile, in the school, a new student named Marina arrives. She is of Syrian descent and speaks little English. Despite her initial apprehension, Marina manages to make friends with Missy and Nasreen. But when Marina's father arrives to pick her up early from school, he is confrontational with Sadiq, who in response calls the police. This causes chaos throughout the school and attracts media attention.

Elsewhere in the episode, Emma is still struggling to cope with her mother's death. Her father, Martin, is concerned about her and so he arranges for her to see a therapist. Emma is reluctant at first, but with time she opens up to her therapist and begins to see things from a different perspective.

Meanwhile, Nasreen is struggling with her own issues at home. Her parents argue constantly and this is causing Nasreen stress, as she is trying to focus on her school work. When Kaneez finds out what is going on, she decides to speak to Nasreen's mother and offers her help.

The episode ends with Mandy and Sadiq agreeing to work together to improve the school. Despite their differences, it's clear that they both want what is best for the school and its students. The episode ends on a positive note, with the school rallying around each other in the face of adversity.

Overall, Episode 4 of Ackley Bridge season 2 tackles various important issues such as integration, mental health and family dynamics. The episode is well-written, emotive and features strong performances from the cast. It's clear that the writers of Ackley Bridge strive to create a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of the show will not be disappointed with this episode.