For Maddie with Love Episode Rating Graph

Middle aged Oxford housewife Maddie Laurie and accountant husband Malcolm dine with Malcolm's close friend Jack Burrows, an obstetrician, and his new wife Angela. During the meal, Maddie becomes ill and through a series of memories recalls a recent train trip with her son Neil, a university student. On the train, Maddie notices a strange taste in her food and is felled by a sudden seizure after gazing at flashes of light through the windows. She extracts a promise from Neil to keep her "fit" a secret from Malcolm on the proviso she agrees to see a doctor.

When Maddie has failed to see a doctor, Neil hints at her illness during a family dinner with Malcolm and sister Gilly. They accuse him of over-dramatizing Maddie's headache. Afterwards, Neil consults with Dr. Michael Pearson by pretending to be a patient with Maddie's symptoms. Pearson correctly surmises that Neil is seeking a diagnosis for someone else and advises him how to get Maddie to consent to an examination. Jack attends to Gilly, who has gone in hospital to give birth.

As Gilly awaits the birth of her child, Maddie helps her husband Nick with a domestic crisis. Noting Neil's genuine concern at supper, Malcolm probes Maddie about the possibility of illness, but she dismisses the idea. Gilly pouts because she isn't the center of attention and resents Neil being the favorite child. Maddie makes an appointment with Dr. Pearson. Gilly goes into labor.

Maddie and Malcolm pour over old photographs and reminisce past family events. Frustrated, Gilly lashes out at Jack. Meanwhile, as she continues to give birth, Maddie flashes back to her consultation with Dr. Pearson and recalls going in hospital for neurological tests. Gilly gives birth to Malcolm and Maddie's grandchild, while Maddie senses the event as it happens. In another memory, she tearfully asks Dr. Pearson how she will tell Malcolm she is going to die.

Maddie, Malcolm, and Nick visit Gilly and new baby Beatrice in hospital. After Maddie admits to Malcolm she has suffered another fit, Neil notes odd behavior between his parents. Malcolm visits Dr. Pearson and privately grieves over not being able to accept the news until Maddie tells him. Sensing that Malcolm wants a serious talk with her, Maddie confirms his suspicions.

Malcolm visits Gilly with the intent of telling her about Maddie's illness, but despite her suspicion that something is troubling him, he is unable to speak the words. He later phones for eldest son Gordon, who does not want to be disturbed. Maddie pouts when Malcolm decides to visit his Uncle Sidney and won't allow her to go with him. Sidney advises Malcolm how to alleviate some of Maddie's fears by saying yes to a crucial question she has not yet asked.

Maddie and Malcolm stroll down memory lane while on holiday in cold, misty Scotland. Gilly takes her suspicions to Jack, who refuses to indulge her. After Gilly's visit, Jack summons Dr. Pearson for a meeting and finds his reaction to the events surprising. Gilly later pays a call on Pearson. Although he too remains quiet, he suggests she have Malcolm contact him. Maddie and Malcolm return early to find all their children awaiting them. Malcolm receives what he needs from Pearson, a man with more flexible principles than Jack.

The case of a murdered twelve year old girl creates tension for Nick and his partner Peter Harrison. Maddie and Malcolm deliver news of Maddie's impending death to Gilly. An inebriated and emotional Nick arrives home with bad news, only to find even worse news awaiting him, along with a very confused and angry wife.

Gilly turns to Malcolm for comfort while Nick reacts to Maddie's news. Peter Harrison's arrival during a family crisis leads Nick to reveal a secret and make a declaration about his future. Malcolm advises Gilly to treat her husband with a little more gentleness.

Maddie and Malcolm pay an impromptu visit to Gordon's firm, but he is out with a client, which irritates Malcolm. Maddie questions Miss Pettifer, Gordon's secretary, about her romantic relationship with her employer. Gordon meets with client Simon Antsey, who wants him to bend the law in a land deal. After Gordon agrees, the two celebrate at a local restaurant where they are spotted by Maddie and Malcolm, and a very tense, ugly scene ensues between father and son.

Simon phones repeatedly for Gordon who returns home, frightened by his mother's impending death. Maddie encourages Malcolm to make peace with Gordon before he loses him forever. Gordon settles matters with Simon in a surprising manner. Malcolm makes an effort with Gordon and extends an olive branch to Miss Pettifer.

Neil and girlfriend Judy hitchhike to Maddie and Malcolm's home in the middle of the night. Threatened at the prospect of losing Neil to a girl who has obviously seen more than he has, Maddie and Judy draw battle lines with one another, and when Maddie uses her illness, she is not believed. Meanwhile, Malcolm breaks the difficult news to Neil.

Neil reacts cruelly and coldly toward his mother after learning of her illness. Maddie experiences another seizure and decides to set things right with Judy, whose help she needs. Malcolm takes Neil to the pub for an emotional talk about the modern man and death.

The Laurie family and their loved ones gather to prepare for Christmas. Maddie insists Malcolm and Jack reconcile, but she desperately attempts to avoid Angela who has been told of her future plans and objects because of her Christian faith. Unable to put her off, Maddie and Malcolm debate their religious beliefs with her.

Neil is sent to collect Jack, while Malcolm brings Uncle Sidney home for support. Malcolm and Jack reconcile, but Uncle Sidney wants a word with Jack and issues a threat for good measure. Though Jack refuses to condone Maddie's plan, he makes a solemn vow to not interfere. Uncle Sidney has a special gift for Maddie. Maddie and Malcolm enjoy their final Christmas together.

On New Year's Eve 1979, Malcolm plans a special treasure hunt and later a quiz to keep his family and friends entertained. In private, Maddie confides in Sue that Malcolm doesn't want the party to ever end because tomorrow everyone goes home, and he will be left to face their uncertain future alone.

Jack and Angela come round to help Maddie and Malcolm clean up. Malcolm confides in Jack his uncertainty about having the fortitude to help Maddie die when she decides the time is right. Angela assures Malcolm that he will always have a place in their home if he needs it when Maddie is gone. Jack confesses his true feelings to Maddie. Angela and Malcolm catch Maddie and Jack in a compromising position.

Malcolm and Uncle Sidney tackle the elm tree dying in the yard, while Maddie finds a way to say goodbye to Gilly. Gilly admits she plans to go back to teaching, at least part time but insists money isn't the issue. The conversation degenerates when she tells Maddie that she hasn't consulted with Nick, whom she is considering divorcing. After a massive row, an infuriated Maddie blames Malcolm steals his car keys, and drives to confront Nick.

Maddie gets Nick to admit that he still loves Gilly. Malcolm predictably sides with Gilly against Nick. Maddie pays a visit to Nick's partner Peter Harrison. Uncle Sidney helps Malcolm realize Gilly wanted him to contradict her. Afterwards, Malcolm reminds Gilly of Nick's qualities, adding he never wants her to put him in the middle of their arguments again. Maddie returns home to find Uncle Sidney has set things right again and offers Gilly a very special gift.