Ep 1. In Good Faith

In Good Faith is the first episode of the second season of the UK medical drama series Peak Practice. The show follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff working at The Beeches medical practice located in the fictional village of Cardale in the Derbyshire Peak District.

The episode opens with Dr. Beth Glover (played by Amanda Burton) returning to The Beeches after spending six months in New Zealand. Her colleagues welcome her warmly but are quick to catch her up on what has been happening in her absence, including the arrival of a new doctor, Alex Redman (played by Esther Coles), and the departure of her ex-husband, Tom (played by Kevin Whately).

Beth quickly gets to work, assessing patients for the practice, and it is apparent that she is feeling the residual effects of her time abroad. She seems to be more relaxed and open-minded, even suggesting alternative treatments such as acupuncture to her patients. However, her easy-going nature is tested when she meets a new patient, Lisa Jackson (played by Sapphire Elia).

Lisa is an eighteen-year-old girl who has been brought in by her overbearing mother, Carol (played by Tessa Wojtczak), because Lisa is experiencing terrible headaches. Despite the fact that Lisa has been experiencing these symptoms for months, Carol insists that they are a result of sin and the devil inhabiting her daughter's body. Lisa is clearly distressed by her mother's behavior and Beth attempts to comfort her while also trying to convince Carol to let her daughter have some tests done.

Meanwhile, Alex is eager to get started at The Beeches but finds herself butting heads with receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk (played by Saskia Wickham). Lizzie is not impressed with Alex's unconventional appearance and demeanor and is skeptical of her ability to fit in at the practice. Alex's frustration comes to a head when she tries to change the way things have always been done at the practice, causing a rift between her and the other staff members.

Back to Lisa's situation, it is revealed that she was previously diagnosed with a brain tumor that could be life-threatening, but the family has been praying for a miracle instead. Beth tries to convince Carol that they need to have the tumor tested, but Carol is still in denial and refuses to give consent for the procedure. The situation comes to a head when Lisa has a seizure on route to a prayer meeting, and Beth has to step in to save her life. Carol is finally convinced to give consent, and the episode ends with Lisa going into surgery to have her tumor removed.

In Good Faith is a heart-warming episode that highlights the ethical dilemmas that medical professionals face every day. Beth's attempts to convince Carol that her daughter needs medical intervention are a reminder of how religious beliefs can clash with modern-day medicine. Additionally, Alex's struggles to find her place at The Beeches remind viewers that change can be difficult, but ultimately necessary for growth. The episode's conclusion is a reminder that we need to embrace new ideas and perspectives while respecting the decisions of those who may have different worldviews.