The Bluestone 42 team are called out on routine ops with their CIA liaison officer Carter, where things take a drastic turn. Back at base, they are introduced to Mary, the new padre, who Nick, the Ammunition Technical Officer, takes an instant shine to. Meanwhile, Simon grapples with Millsy over the report that Nick has forced him to write on his behalf, and the young Privates - Mac and Rocket - enjoy winding up Bird who may or may not have named the bomb seeking robot 'Arthur'.
It's Christmas in Afghanistan and Bluestone 42's new team member, Corporal Gordon ‘Towerblock’ House is thrown in at the deep end. A cocky lad from Leeds, he and Nick don't exactly hit it off, but they need to get on because the Taliban doesn't stop for Christmas. Bird is reeling from some unexpected news and the team plan a nativity play like no other.
An unwelcome blast from the past knocks Nick off his game, and has a dangerous effect on the rest of the team. Simon tries to prove to Nick that he will up his performance in close protection skills by being VERY close to Nick, as often as possible. Mary’s movie night and Bird’s Boogie Night clash, and the pair find themselves locked in a popularity battle. Towerblock, meanwhile, tries to prove that Mac is in denial about his sexuality.
Nick needs some peace and quiet so he can focus on building a forensic profile of the Taliban bomber, but his team are constantly annoying him. He is delighted when he finds a disused roof terrace, but he has a challenger for the spot. Mac is distraught when he finds out his Dad is dating his high school crush, much to Simon's delight. Meanwhile Towerblock hatches a plan to scare Bird with Rocket's new pet rat.
Nick is stuck looking after a Government Minister who is visiting the base, but offloads the duty onto Mary. He soon regrets it when she unexpectedly takes a shine to him. Nick's attempts to keep the Minister away from Mary just make matters worse, especially as they involve high explosives. Simon, meanwhile, takes it upon himself to become an over-zealous Fire Officer for the base.
Bird is so fed up of Nick going on about Mary that she decides to take action, but the result is not quite what she planned. Simon tries to prove himself at first-person shooter, but his late night practising starts to mess with his head. Meanwhile, the Lt Colonel somehow persuades Towerblock to pimp his ride.
Graham, the new robot, is brazenly stolen from under the noses of Bluestone 42, which proves useful in Nick's hunt for the Taliban bomber. Bird finds herself the reluctant participant in a 'girlie chat' as Mary battles with her feelings for Nick. Meanwhile, Simon loses a key part of his rifle and his lack of trust in Mac and Rocket comes back to bite him.
Captain Ellen Best arrives and her presence affects Bluestone 42 in very different ways. Bird feels hostile towards her, while Simon is utterly infatuated. Her by-the-book approach is tested after Lt Col steals the team’s fridge and after the team suffer an attack she is forced to make a difficult decision.