This special picks up some time after the original AS TIME GOES BY SPECIAL series left off. Two episodes reveal Jean Pargetter's (Dame Judi Dench) great anticipation for grandchildren, much to husband Lionel's (Geoffrey Palmer) dismay. With son-in-law Alistair and daughter Judy having problems, things don't look promising, especially when it's left to Lionel to convince Alistair to visit the doctor for tests. Sandy, Jean's former employee, and her husband, Harry, return from Canada.

Episode One: Jean is eager for grandchildren, but Lionel has reservations. Judith fears that Alistair may have a medical condition that's the cause of their childlessness.
Episode Two: It turns out that Lionel was the benefactor of Patrick's family and they all consider him their father. Still, Jean takes special delight in introducing Patrick to Penny as Lionel's son.