Johnson returns, immediately taking a shine to Big Suze, proposing a deal involving her to Jeremy. Mark is caught up in Johnson's "Project Zeus" with his reputation at the workplace hanging in the balance. Geoff makes his first appearance of the season, and Sophie spends some alone time with Jeremy in the hotel room.

Jeremy finally runs out of money and finds himself on a downward spiral of hunger, homelessness and criminality. Meanwhile Mark needs to find a girlfriend before his birthday party.

Mark gets into online gaming and live role play with Dobby and wonders whether she may be The One. Meanwhile, Mark and Sophie finally sort out their annulment. Jeremy joins a cult.

Newly promoted Mark decides to enjoy his additional power and wealth by splashing out on a boiler, a 'creamy elephant' sofa and by finding Jeremy a job in the office. Things are also looking promising for Mark in his pursuit of Dobby, the company IT girl. However, a routine fire drill puts his plans into total disarray.

As a last desperate hurrah before the baby arrives, Mark and Jeremy decide to throw a party. Mark sees it as his final opportunity to reignite his relationship with Dobby, while Jeremy imagines it's a chance to make Elena insanely jealous. But as the evening proceeds, it all becomes a bit of an emotional roller-coaster.

Time is running out for Jeremy as Elena and Gail's marriage is imminent. However, he thinks there may be a way to get Gail off the scene and win Elena back. Meanwhile Mark, although conflicted about becoming a father, is worried that Jeff is becoming a potential rival dad. He decides that he's going to learn to drive so that he can take Sophie to the hospital when the baby arrives. Sophie is delighted, but learning to drive doesn't prove that easy.

Dobby, the object of Mark's desires, is now dating a graphic designer named Simon. Both Gerrard and Mark are determined to win her affections. Ben offers Jeremy the ideal job as head of development for his music web site.

Mark is depressed about Dobby on New Year's Eve but Jeremy is determined that the 'El Dude Brothers' are going to have the best night ever.

Mark has asked Dobby to move in with him, and Jeremy is faced with the prospect of moving out to make way. But Jeremy has been dragging his heels and Mark is increasingly worried that Dobby will move in with his rival, Gerrard instead.