Episode 1 (16th October 1972)

Plot
The Sugden and Skilbeck families gather together for old Jacob Sugden's funeral. Jacob's son, Jack Sugden has not been seen for eight years but has now returned. Jacob has given the whole of the farm to Jack which angers the other Sugden children - Peggy and Joe. Jack wonders around the farm as the family attends the funeral. He meets Marian Wilks and she tells him her father Henry Wilks has bought land that joins to Emmerdale Farm, Inglebrook. After the funeral, Jack shows up to his family. Peggy is not happy to see Jack. Their mother, Annie, tells Jack that he can stay at the farm if he helps out. Marian meets Joe. Jack has an argument with Wilks and Marian storms off. Henry argues with Annie about the land but she throws him off her land. Jack goes to The Woolpack and sees Marian with her friend, Alec and joins them but they leave as soon as they see him.

Main Cast

 * Annie Sugden
 * Jack Sugden
 * Joe Sugden
 * Peggy Skilbeck
 * Matt Skilbeck
 * Sam Pearson
 * Marian Wilks
 * Henry Wilks
 * Amos Brearly

Guest Cast

 * Alec Saunders

Locations

 * Beckindale Village
 * The Woolpack
 * St. Mary's Church
 * Cemetery
 * Inglebrook House (grounds)
 * Emmerdale Farm (Farmhouse kitchen/living room, Peggy and Matt's bedroom, garden, yard, cowshed, milking shed, farmland)
 * Fields Around Emmerdale Farm and Inglebrook House.
 * Road Leading to Beckindale Village from Emmerdale Farm.

Memorable Dialogue
Peggy Skilbeck: (upon seeing Marian Wilks on horseback passing by) "Matt, who's she?" (First line spoken in series) --- Marian Wilks: "If this is your home, why can't you get in? I was watching you." Jack Sugden: "Prodigals aren't usually trusted with keys, even if they have time to collect one before going out to prodigalize."