Ep 3. Moo-Ma and Moo-Pa

In Black Books season 3 episode 3, titled "Moo-Ma and Moo-Pa," viewers are welcomed back to Bernard's bookshop, where Bernard Black (Dylan Moran) is feeling rather irritable and put out as usual. It's no surprise when Fran (Tamsin Greig) walks in to find him surrounded by piles of books, empty wine bottles, and cigarette butts.

However, things are about to take a turn for the unexpected when a young couple arrives in the shop, claiming to be Bernard's long-lost son and his girlfriend. The pair, who are dressed in matching cow outfits, are hoping to reconnect with Bernard, who they say is their biological father.

Bernard is initially skeptical of the couple's claim, but begins to warm up to them as he starts to see similarities between himself and his supposed offspring. However, their time together is cut short when the couple's parents come looking for them - and they're not exactly what Bernard was expecting.

As the episode progresses, Bernard and Fran find themselves embroiled in a madcap adventure involving cow outfits, a strange family dynamic, and an unexpected reunion. Meanwhile, Manny (Bill Bailey) is off on his own adventure, taking part in a charity walk to raise money for children in need. However, things quickly take a bizarre turn when Manny finds himself surrounded by a group of eccentric walkers, each with their own strange quirks.

Despite the chaos, "Moo-Ma and Moo-Pa" manages to balance the show's trademark absurdity with moments of genuine heart. The relationship between Bernard and the young couple is both hilarious and touching, as Bernard discovers that he might have more in common with them than he ever imagined. Meanwhile, Manny's subplot provides a welcome dose of lightheartedness, balancing out the more intense moments of the main plot.

Overall, "Moo-Ma and Moo-Pa" is a great example of Black Books at its best - balancing humor and heart to create an episode that's both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Fans of the show will delight in the return of their favorite characters, while newcomers will be quickly drawn into the wacky world of Bernard, Fran, and Manny.