Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) is still trying to adjust to life back in the Emmerdale village after his stint on remand. His time inside has taken its toll, particularly as he spent a chunk of his final days in solitary confinement. A tough day in court also weakened the fragile former wrestler, after Simo's appearance in the stand triggered Bear's PTSD and saw him spiral at the worst possible time. Bear then had to take the stand himself and nearly crumbled as he told his side of the story. He's now a free man once again, but despite being home and with his loved ones, he's no less fragile.
He is, however, determined to get back to normal life. With Mandy (Lisa Riley) having lost the salon after her customers deserted her for her association with Bear and Paddy, the two team up to get back into the workforce. They both manage to secure jobs at the depot, meaning both now have to deal with Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) as a boss. Jai introduces a 'Productivity Chart' to keep an eye on his workers, and it spurs them on. As it becomes a competition, Bear easily wins. Having spent time as a slave, he knows how to work hard.
Just as Bear is getting settled, Jai has some strong words for him. Bear's anxiety shoots through the roof at being disciplined, and the exchange triggers a traumatic flashback for Bear, placing him right back on that farm. As the trauma swirls inside him, he snaps at both Mandy and Kerry (Laura Norton). Jai responds in kind, raising his voice, causing a broken Bear to flinch as if at the hands of Ray (Joe Absolom). Bear is in a bad way, and Mandy and Kerry explain to Jai that he needs to back off and show Bear some compassion. But will he take their advice, or will he drive Bear right back into the ground?
