Episode title: 0223
Australian airdate: 02/04/86
UK airdate: 11/09/87
UK Gold: 08/09/93
Writer:
Director:
Guests:
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
Paul kissing Zoe and Zoe not liking it one bit.
Coffee Shop
Clive and Mike are making sandwiches under Daphne's supervision (without wearing gloves or anything – ew, health inspector…), while they chat about Nikki. Mike's still angsting over his lack of money, so Daph and Clive pledge to help him set up a home cooked meal for his next date. The conversation halts as Nikki stops by for a milkshake and Danny comes in to whine and moan about the horrible day he's had.
CLIVE: All well, cheer up. As my Aunty Pearl used to say – she used to work in a liquorice factory – it takes all-sorts!
Paul's Office
Paul takes all the credit on the phone to Rosemary for the VIP (Very Important Papers) mission, while Zoe seethes. She makes her own phone call to Jim in full earshot of Paul to check on Lucy and ask him out to dinner. Paul can't help being smug when Zoe has to postpone the date.
PAUL: My father playing hard to get is he? Or has he just lost interest?
Zoe looks like she wants to do a Russell Crowe and throw the phone at Paul's head.
Number 24
Max is planning on a fun night in with Laura and wonders if Madge will be able to make herself scarce. Madge agrees – she'd rather not see her brother “womanising” – but there's no way she's cooking dinner for them.
MAX: What am I going to feed Laura then?
MADGE: Hamburger with the lot?
Max decides to splash out and order in some expensive gourmet take-away. Sensing an opportunity, Madge declares that if he's flashing his cash around, he can shout *her* dinner and a movie.
Number 26
A bright yellow jumper with hair is trying to engage Nikki in a conversation… oh, hang on. That's just Laura wearing another garish outfit. Anyhoo, Laura is getting very stifled responses from Nikki to all of her questions; she can't even get her daughter to spend a night out with her. Laura tells Nikki that Max has invited her to dinner, but she will happily forgo it if Nikki says the word. But Nikki is more interested in having dinner with Mike. Annoyed, Laura goes off to call Max, “We might as well do what we always do: go our separate ways.” Nikki attempts to look forlorn.
Number 22
Mike thanks Clive for all of his dating tips but still fears he's be a boring date for Nikki. He wishes his parents had better prepared him for important life stuff like this but knows they couldn't care less; especially his Dad. Clive encourages Mike to push all negative thoughts aside and just enjoy the night. And change your jumper, dude; it's butt ugly.
Number 24
Max and Danny have a riveting chat about ties. Madge invites herself along with Danny to the movies to see Eureka Stockade – Max's shout of course – whilst giving her brother some rather gross love advice.
MADGE: If you do feel romance tugging at your heart, don't get heavy; women like the gentle approach.
Caring, sharing bunch aren't they? Max continues to stress because Madge and Danny are taking their sweet time leaving the house.
Number 26
Laura and Nikki are dolled-up for their respective dates, but Laura thinks that Nikki is silly for wanting to take her egg baby along with her. She believes it will show Nikki's immaturity and that Mike will take advantage of her because of it. But Nikki thinks her mum should learn to be a little more trusting. This mum-daughter relationship brought to you by the anti-Gilmore Girls association.
Number 24
Madge and Danny take a peek under all of the fancy gourmet trays that have just been delivered and don't recognize one single dish – apart from the snails. Mmm, yummo. Laura arrives and Max literally pushes his family out of the door. The two then start their date off with a nice cold beer. That will certainly go well with the escargot.
Number 22
Clive escorts Nikki inside, who is pleased to discover that Mike has set a place at the table for her egg baby. Aww. Clive serves them both the soup before he leaves, telling Nikki that Mike has cooked up a storm for her. Making random chitchat, Mike says that Laura must be a good cook, earning stony silence from Nikki in return. Well, this date is going splendidly!
Number 24
Max pops the cork from the champagne up in the air and promptly smashes the light globe above them. Ever resourceful, Laura gets some matches out of her handbag and lights the candles on the table. How romantic. They both share a giggle about Max having no idea of what they're about to eat. Loving that Laura is so down to earth, Max proposes a toast, “to you”. But Laura shakes her head, “Uh-uh. To us.”
Number 22
Not learning from his earlier mistake, Mike brings up Nikki's mum again in conversation. Nikki brattily says that her mum is a no one and doesn't do anything to better herself. Mike implies that Nikki is being a right snob; he'd give anything to have a loving mum like her. But Nikki retorts that he has no idea what her mum is really like. Taking her egg baby, she huffily storms out on their dinner. What a charming child. I wouldn't look too distraught, Mike. The *egg* would be a better date than her.
Number 24
Max and Laura are curled up cosily on the couch being all flirty with one another. They lean in for a smooch just as Madge and Danny return home, killing the moment. Madge and Danny blather on about the movie until they realise they're being mood-killers and offer to leave Max and Laura alone… and apparently ‘alone' means one metre away in the kitchen. I'd say the date is as busted as the kitchen light.
Number 22
Daphne and Clive arrive home to find Mike brooding at the table (has he seriously not moved for the past hour?). They find out that he and Nikki had a row but Mike won't elaborate any further. He stroppily says that Danny is welcome to her (he's been after her for ages) before storming up to bed. Daphne and Clive continue to look confused.

Episode title: 0225
Australian airdate: 04/04/86
UK airdate: 15/09/87
UK Gold: 10/09/93
Writer:
Director:
Guests: Andrea – Regina Gaigalas
Bradley – Bradley Kilpatrick
Laura – Carole Skinner
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
Andrea telling Eileen that Bradley is her grandson.
Number 28
Eileen and Andrea swap irritated barbs with one another until Des arrives home to see what the “emergency” is. He discovers that his mother knows about Bradley and she is simply fuming about the whole ordeal. Eileen refuses to accept a word of it, however, until she sees some blood tests! Bradley interrupts the tense atmosphere by peering out the window and screeching that Lucy is home. He also reveals that he was only pretending to be sick because Lucy was.
EILEEN: (looking disdainfully at Des) And this is your child?
Number 26
Jim and Helen bring Lucy inside and straight into Shane's arms for a hug. Her throat is a little sore from where the doctor stitched it up, but other than that she's right as rain. Helen brings Basil inside to be next in line for a hug.
Miss Davidson's Private School For Snobby Cows
Laura and Nikki are having a chat outside as per Miss Davidson's request. Laura reveals that she's going to head back home and leave Nikki to her studies – she doesn't want to compromise Nikki's bright future any further. Nikki doesn't know if she *can* stay now people know about her true background. Ooh, ungrateful sod you are. She agrees to stay at #26 to continue her studies elsewhere but wants to pay her own way from now on. Laura just chuckles and says that Nikki is as stubborn as her father. Laura gives Nikki one last chance to change her mind about school, but Nikki stares off into the distance looking vacant.
Number 28
Eileen is probing Andrea for more information about the date of conception, implying that Andrea could well have slept with someone else at the time. Off Andrea's glare, Eileen instructs Des to drive her home so that she can pick something up.
DES: Mum, I have to get back to work.
EILEEN: After presenting me with a grandson, it's the least you can do.
DES: Hold up, what do you want at the unit?
EILEEN: Proof.
Number 26
Helen and Shane talk shop while Bradley catches up with Lucy and is suitably impressed by her stitches. Laura arrives home and gives Lucy a cuddle before taking Helen into the kitchen for a private word. As Shane departs, Laura just has one thing to ask of her sister: “Are you ashamed of me?” Helen thinks that Laura has eaten crazyflakes for breakfast and assures her that she loves her and is proud of her.
HELEN: There is absolutely nothing I would change about you, ever.
Thankful, Laura tells Helen of her plans to head home. Nikki doesn't like her, but there's no way she's changing who she is. Helen didn't think that running away was Laura's style, but Laura's worried that if she stays Nikki will just end up hating her.
Number 24
Nikki randomly wanders in to have a chat with Madge about her mother. She's all false bravado about looking after herself, and reckons that she doesn't need Laura. Concerned, Madge subtly asks Nikki to stay and have some cake so she can try and talk some sense in to her.
Number 26
Lucy and Bradley laugh at Shane's attempt to draw an Easter Bunny. Helen asks Shane to drive Laura to the airport on his way to their next job. As Laura emerges, packed and ready, Jim takes her arm and wishes that she could stay till at least the weekend. But Laura thinks that the sooner she's gone, the better it will be for Nikki.
Number 28
Back with her proof (one of her old diaries) Eileen asks for the ‘supposed' date of conception – the 14th of December 1974 – then looks it up in her diary. Smirking, Eileen triumphantly reads it out aloud.
EILEEN: ‘Played and won the bridge final. Desmond and his first girlfriend Andrea have gone to a film. I don't like this young lady, she is too sure of herself. But true to his word, Desmond was back at home by 10:30.'
ANDREA: (grinning) While I was waiting at the boat shed.
EILEEN: (thrown) The boat shed?
Des sheepishly reveals that he snuck out to meet Andrea after he said goodnight to his mum. Rattled, Eileen says that she tried to bring up Des to be nothing like his father but has now found out that he's nothing but a carbon copy of him!
DES: Mum, I was only 17 remember? I was just an innocent kid.
ANDREA: Two little virgins together!
EILEEN: Well one of you certainly was.
Eileen doesn't understand why it's taken 10 years for Andrea to tell them. Andrea reminds Eileen that she was never exactly her favourite person – but she came to realise that Bradley needed a father figure, “and Des has just been wonderful”. Stoic, Eileen supposes that they'll just have to soldier on and shoulder the responsibility, but Des says that he doesn't want her help. Bradley is *his* responsibility and it's up to him to make up for all the lost years.
Number 26
Bradley and Lucy chatter about Nikki being ashamed of Laura. Shane's ears prick up when he discovers that Nikki is at #24 and he sets off on a mission.
Number 24
Madge has steered the conversation back around to parents and their children, telling Nikki about her own difficult relationship with her kids.
MADGE: Actually I'm a lot like your mother, Nikki. I wanted the best for Charlene and Henry, but the more I did the worse things got between us.
However, Madge hammers home that whatever happens between a mum and her children, the mum will always love them unconditionally. Shane walks in and tells Nikki that she's got about 10 minutes to say goodbye to Laura before they leave, but Nikki stubbornly stays put. Shane and Madge share a look – talking to Nikki is like talking to a brick wall.
Coffee Shop/Number 28
Eileen has sought out Des and begs him for a few moments of his time. She just wanted him to know that she admires him for sticking up for Andrea and Bradley. Eileen also says (with a plastered on smile) that she's going away for a little while to visit some old friends in Perth. Oh you sneaky woman, I love it.
Later, Des rings Andrea to tell her of his Mum's acceptance, but Andrea is more concerned about Eileen's sudden trip to Perth. Hmm, worried for a good reason there perhaps, Andrea?
Number 24
It's Shane's turn again to try and break through to the little brat… uh, Nikki. “When I was training for the Olympics…” he starts (at which point I was all, ‘Olympics?!'), his dad used to belittle him in front of the other divers. But when his teammates asked if he was ashamed of his father, he didn't know what they were talking about.
SHANE: He was only doing the best for me that he could, and I was lucky because I could see that. I wouldn't change him for anybody else. I love him, faults and all.
Madge returns from saying goodbye to Laura. Nikki's alarmed that he mum now knows where she's hiding out, but Madge wryly thinks that Laura has taken the hint.
SHANE: I hope you've got a good memory, Nikki, ‘cause after the way you've treated your mother I don't think you'll ever see her again.
Nikki sits in silence, food for thought.
Number 26
Helen and Jim hug a tearful Laura goodbye. Shane gets Laura's suitcases ready.
Number 24
Nikki admits to Madge that she never intended to hurt her mum, but Laura shouldn't have sent her away from home in the first place. She always loved it there with her mum. Madge points out that she isn't the one Nikki should be telling this to. But Nikki doesn't think that there's any point.
Ramsay Street
Shane loads up the car while Laura clambers into the back seat. He casts one last look back at #24 as if to will Nikki out, before hopping into the car himself. They slowly drive off down the road.
Number 24
Agitated, Nikki starts to clean up the plates but accidentally smashes her egg baby on the ground. Madge tells her to take a chill pill, “It's just an egg, you can always get another one”. But Nikki can't!!! Because the egg totally represents her relationship with her mum!!! And now she's about to lose her for good!!! Egads!!! Nikki races out the front door.
Ramsay Street
Nikki bolts down the drive and wails at her mum to come back, but the car has already turned the corner. It's your own fault you silly stubborn girl!

Episode title: 0227
Australian airdate: 08/04/86
UK airdate: 17/09/87
UK Gold: 14/09/93
Writer: John Upton
Director: Andrew Friedman
Guests: Andrea – Regina Gaigalas
Bradley – Bradley Kilpatrick
Laura – Carole Skinner
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
- Jim and Zoe kissing in the rain
Ext: Lassiter's
Zoe happily snuggles into Jim's chest while he tells her that he needs someone exciting like her in his life. Zoe admits her parents were the exact opposite – that's why she's so spontaneous. They agree to go and get a coffee to get out of the rain.
Number 28
Bradley is watching some ye olden days black and white movie on TV when Andrea shuts it off, wanting a chat. She's changed her mind about his camping trip with Des – Andrea doesn't think Bradley can be trusted to keep his trap shut about their lies. Des comes in from packing the car, but glumly walks back out again to unpack when Andrea delivers the news.
Number 26
Laura wants to know that Nikki's safely enrolled and happy with the decision about her new school, and sends her off to chat with Scott. Laura thanks Helen again for all she's done and wishes she could stay longer but she has to get back to her job.
Nikki and Scott talk shop about Erinsborough High while Paul reads the paper. Danny wanders in and tries to join the conversation but Scott reckons he's out of touch with today's yoof. The topic of Jim and Zoe rears its ugly head and Paul bitterly interjects that his dad is going through a second childhood. Danny leaves (pretending he's busy) and Scott chides Paul over his snarky attitude. But Paul reckons that Scott's beyond naпve if he thinks that their dad and Zoe are “just friends”.
Number 24
Danny walks in and delivers the Jim/Zoe goss to Max and Shane. Max pretends he's not interested in idle gossip but still wants to know all the finer details!
Getting all the info he can, Max soon meanders away to watch the wrestling. Danny whines a bit about Nikki and Scott not playing nice with him, then asks Shane if he's sorted things out with Des yet. Shane's all ‘… there's nothing to sort out'.
Bradley's Room
Des tells Bradley that he's thought of a way they could still go camping. Bradley pretends that he's not interested but can't help himself and follows Des into the lounge room.
Des has set up camp in the middle of the floor, complete with fake grass and plants. Aww. Andrea laughs at them lying in the tent together and compliments Des on his fab idea – but Bradley still looks glum.
Number 24
Shane and Max are engrossed in some blueprints for work and pretty much ignore Danny when he offers to help, calling it “man's work”. Looks like someone's not a girl, not yet a woman… err, well, the male version of that Britney song anyhow.
Number 28
Andrea scoffs the rest of the toasted marshmallows with the boys before turning in for the night. Des asks Bradley what school was like back in WA and Bradley says it was good, but they didn't teach him about the most important subject – girls. Flustered, Des starts up a whole big deep and meaningful chat until he realizes that Bradley's just confused about Lucy. Talk soon turns to love, and you can see Des getting wistful about Daphne.
DES: See Bradley, often times it's not anybody's fault when two people can't work things out together. Sometimes you try as hard as you can but… it just doesn't seem to work out.
BRADLEY: Why are girls different?
DES: Well, there's… biology to start with.
BRADLEY: What's biology?
DES: (stumped) Biology, um, that's how people's bodies are made and… (he checks his watch) Ooh dear, it's that sort of time. We better go to sleep, Bradley.
Bradley smirks.
Number 26
Nikki finishes up a game of chess with Paul before Laura sends her off to bed. But Laura soon decides to join her, and teases Helen about staying up to wait for Jim. Scott and Paul content themselves with more chess while Helen looks at her watch and gives an exasperated glance towards the door.
Number 28
Des has done a better job than he thought with his bedtime bush tale – Bradley is now too scared to sleep! He asks Des if he got scared when he was little, and Des says he did all the time but assures him that nothing ever happened. Satisfied with this, Bradley says “Night Dad”, which pleases Des no end.
Number 24 – Next Morning
Paul arrives looking for Shane and Max unwittingly succeeds in winding him up by continually asking how Jim and Zoe's date went last night.
MAX: She's a very nice piece of merchandise. Very nice piece of merchandise indeed, young Zoe. What do you reckon?
PAUL: (annoyed) I reckon that men of a certain age shouldn't carry on like teenagers.
Paul tells Shane that he's swung by to see the rate card for the hire car – Lassiter's may have some business for him. While Shane's off searching, Danny puts on his broken record of “I'm not a kid” and tells Paul he's being too overly sensitive about Jim and Zoe.
Number 26
Max is saying goodbye to Laura and tells her she's a “neat person” (hee!). He wishes she could stay, and so does Laura, but duty calls. She invites him to stay with her some time, which makes him perk up a bit.
Jim tells Laura he'll wait for her in the car while she says her farewells to the family. Danny tries to be Mr. Sensitive with Nikki and tells her she'll be okay, but Nikki fobs him off for some alone time. Perhaps so she can go and buy another kicky jumpsuit like the one she's already wearing. It's very special.
Nikki asks her mum if she can come to the airport with her, but Laura doesn't like airport goodbyes and gives her daughter a hug before leaving. Goodbye Laura you bold, brassy, plastic-earring wearing lass! You were a good egg.
Number 28
Andrea quietly asks Bradley if he knows what to do. Bradley nods and pretends to be asleep when Des walks back inside. Starting the show, Bradley thrashes about like he's having a nightmare and calls out for “daddy”. Andrea ‘comforts' him and lies to Des that Bradley had nightmares like this all the time before they found him. Des is understandably concerned.
Number 26
Not taking the hint earlier, Danny walks in to ask Nikki's advice on a tie.
DANNY: You've usually got good fashion sense.
Seriously? Dude, she's wearing a JUMPSUIT made out of patterned SQUARES. I know this is 80s land and all, but yeesh.
Anyway, fashion guru Nikki picks the navy blue one just as Scott bustles in and tells Nikki to hurry up. They're late for their catch-up with some of Scott's school mates. Nikki asks Danny if he wants to tag along, but Scott answers for him, saying that he wouldn't fit in. They leave and Danny sadly switches from his young angle to his old angle by asking Paul if he wants to hang out. Surprised, Paul wonders why Danny didn't go “with the kids” and Danny's all, ‘RARRGH! I'm not a kid anymore!'
He storms out leaving Paul confused.

Episode title: 0229
Australian airdate: 10/04/86
UK airdate: 21/09/87
UK Gold: 16/09/93
Writer: Ray Harding
Director: Andrew Friedman
Guests: Andrea – Regina Gaigalas
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
- Max making a fuss in the Japanese restaurant causing Danny to storm out
Number 24 – Next Morning
Madge wishes the boys a happy Easter, but Danny is still surly with his dad after last night. Shane tries to keep things normal by announcing that he's going to make amends with Des.
Number 28
Des is packing up the camping gear in the lounge room while Andrea tells him what a fabulous job he's doing with Bradley. She mildly panics when Des queries her on something Bradley said (he claimed he had a pony back in Perth when Andrea already told Des they used to be poor), but she brushes it off as fanciful thinking on Bradley's behalf.
Number 22
Zoe, wearing quite possibly the gaudiest fluro orange/red overalls on earth, delivers Daphne an Easter egg. Daphne can't help dredging up the Jim saga and wonders if Zoe's making the right choice dating her boss's father. But Zoe maintains that she knows how to keep her personal and professional lives separate.
ZOE: I've grown up a lot lately, Daph. I think I can handle it.
(Daphne raises her eyebrows in disbelief)
ZOE: Well I reckon I'm entitled to the chance to find out anyway!
Number 28
Des is flicking through a ‘Where Did I Come From?' book, but promptly shoves it under a couch cushion when Shane pops in. Des is impressed that Shane's calling a truce and invites him to stay for a beer. Embarrassment soon washes over Des' face when Shane finds the book, and he unconvincingly passes it off as Andrea's.
Number 24
Max and Danny bicker some more about how different their cultural tastes are until Madge intervenes and tells them to stop fighting. But the boys defiantly tell her that they're merely having a discussion and go outside to continue it!
Number 24 Backyard
Max challenges Daphne and Shane on whether they'd rather eat raw food or “Aussie tucker”, but you can barely hear them for the bird squawking in the background. How about you put that on the BBQ instead? Madge asks Daphne how her wedding plans are coming along, and Daphne admits that she's hit some money struggles. Max does his good deed for the year by announcing he's going to pay for everything. Daphne's delighted until Max unthinkingly puts his foot in it by saying that Daph can wear her old dress (from her non-wedding with Des) to save some cash!
Number 28 Backyard
Andrea scowls when Zoe invites herself to have lunch with her and Des. Zoe can't wait to stick around to find out how Andrea manages to blackmail Des so well – to which Andrea darkly mutters “You're a bitch” under her breath! Seriously! Walking outside, exasperated Des realizes the women are arguing (for a change) and wonders why they can't be civil to one another. Over it, Zoe leaves them to it and heads out for lunch. Des is probably wishing Zoe stayed, however, when he correctly guesses that Andrea wants to talk about marriage. Standing his ground, Des states that he won't be pressured into anything and that he'll make up his mind about it in his own time.
Number 24 Garage
Max is searching around for the BBQ tongs when Shane joins him and berates him for bringing up bad memories for Daphne. He doesn't think his dad *should* pay for the wedding after all, and wants him to go back out and apologize. Max duly complies, “Anything for a quiet life.”
Ramsay Street
Des is tinkering away in his car, angrily muttering into the engine when he catches Daphne smirking at him. They share some polite chit chat before Des confesses that he's just trying to escape Andrea and her marriage talk. Des grimly admits that he probably does owe it to Bradley, but Daphne wonders what Des owes to himself. Des replies that he doesn't really love Andrea, and Daphne thinks that he should tell her that… not that it's any of her business of course.
Number 24 Garage
Danny and Shane bond over their dysfunctional dad. Shane hates the way Max speaks to Daphne, but Danny reckons that she's a cluey lady and would know not to take him seriously. Grateful, Shane tells him it's good to see him smiling again and that he can come to him for a chat anytime he needs to. Danny's a bit put out that Madge has been discussing his problems, but Shane says it's only because she cares about him.
Ramsay Street
Zoe is helping Des fix the spark plug in his car, much to Des' wounded male ego. As everyone is prone to do these days, Des puts his 2c worth in about the ‘Jim thing' because he wants to look out for Zoe. Zoe slyly says that she wants to do the same for him and wonders why he just doesn't ask Andrea to leave! But it looks like Des can dish the advice but can't take it as he growls at Zoe to leave him alone.
Number 28
Andrea leaps up from spying out the front window and lays into Des for talking to Zoe. She then spits further vitriol by saying that Zoe's “immoral” relationship with Jim could have a bad effect on Bradley!
DES: (angry) Don't push it, Andrea, there's a limit.
ANDREA: I just want what's best.
DES: Yeah, best for who?
Number 24
Zoe and Madge are gossiping about Andrea over a cuppa when Max barges in and is his usual insensitive self re: Jim and Zoe's relationship. Upset, Zoe asks Madge why everyone is making it out to be sordid when it's not. Madge sympathises and says that in a relationship where there's a considerable age difference, people are bound to talk. Zoe wishes Jim's family could see how happy she makes him, but Madge wisely concurs that they might feel as though she's taking him away from them.
Number 22
Daphne tells Shane she's not worried about Max… but thinks they should hold off the wedding for a little while. She's just concerned about money (or lack thereof at the moment), and wants them to get on their feet a little to ensure they're going to last the distance.
SHANE: (quietly) Are you sure that's all it is behind it?
DAPHNE: ‘course I am.
SHANE: (smiling) That's all that matters then. Don't look so worried, we'll work it out.
Number 26
Andrea frets because Bradley isn't back from his picnic with the neighbours and it's getting late. She then tries to blackmail Des into feeling guilty by saying junk like, “At least *one* of us should be worried about him”. Des says that she isn't being fair but Andrea snits that Bradley will never regard him as a father until they're married.
DES: Sorry Andrea, I can't make that commitment.
ANDREA: Then I'll just have to find someone who will.
DES: What?
ANDREA: I owe it to Bradley. Either you marry me and accept Bradley as your legal son, or I walk out of here and you'll never see him again.

Episode title: 0231
Australian airdate: 14/04/86
UK airdate: 23/09/87
UK Gold: 20/09/93
Writer: Nicholas Langton
Director: Mark Callan
Guests: Jack Lassiter – Alan Hopgood
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
- Jim slapping Paul across the face
Number 26
Lucy rushes to Paul and clings to him, begging him not to leave. Helen, Scott and Nikki walk out and are shocked to learn what transpired. They tell Jim to talk some sense into Paul (who has left to pack his bags), but Jim angrily retorts that he's sick of people telling him what to do. He understands that Paul's had a rough trot lately but he draws the line at people interfering in his life. Jim then leaves to check up on Zoe, leaving his family in stunned silence.
Later, Lucy sadly asks Paul to stay once again but Paul says it's about time he left anyway. He tells her that even though he and Jim are fighting it doesn't mean they don't love one another. Lucy wisely replies that Paul may treat her like a little kid but she knows more than he thinks! After what Terri did to Paul, they're all the family he's got left, and now that's being torn apart too!
Number 28
Des goes to fetch Zoe at Jim's request and both are gobsmacked when Jim tells them that Paul's decided to leave home. Des thinks that Paul and Jim are making a big mistake, and Zoe frets about breaking up his family. Jim reassures Zoe that it's not ‘her' per say – his family would protest about *any* woman he was seeing. Des exits and Jim confesses that he hit Paul. Zoe's shocked and becomes concerned that Jim always stands by her instead of his family – are they in too deep too soon? But Jim says he knows how he feels about her and he doesn't want anyone to spoil it for him.
Number 26
Taking his bags into the lounge room, Paul announces to his family that he's going to stay at Lassiter's. Scott and Lucy are dark on Jim, but Helen says that no matter what happened they shouldn't undermine Jim's authority as a parent. Lucy starts to cry so Paul hugs her and says he'll still be around all the time for her. They sad music swells as Paul reluctantly leaves and Lucy yells that she hates her dad.
Lassiter's – Paul's Room
Paul checks out his new digs and tips the bellboy (all for opening up the door and switching on a lamp – I'd love to know what Max Ramsay would make of that!). Paul makes out that he's happy to be there but the loneliness quickly hits him.
Number 28
Zoe's worried that Paul might give her a hard time at work after everything that's happened. Jim says that Zoe should tell him if anything unfair happens, but Zoe smiles and says she'll be able to handle it. Relationship talk ensues and they both agree that they don't quite know how to define what they have together – but they both want it to continue. Zoe thinks that Jim should ask Paul back home. Jim says that he will, just as soon as Paul stops acting so selfishly.
Number 26
The kids and Helen are having a chat and Helen says to Lucy and Scott that they need to consider other people's feelings and points of view. Lucy doesn't care what her Gran says, however, because she *knows* that it's not right that her daddy is dating Zoe and she definitely knows it's not right that he hit Paul. Right on! To echo a favourite TV show of mine, “I Love Lucy!”
Number 28
Jim thanks Zoe for all her support and head back home to face the music. Des emerges from the hall to chat with Zoe. He hates to stick his nose in where it's not wanted… but does Zoe really know what she's letting herself in for? Zoe lightly retorts that Des isn't exactly the go-to guy for relationship advice at the moment. Smiling, Des gives her a hug and says that he's just worried about Paul, but Zoe says he needn't bother.
Lassiter's – Paul's Room
After aimlessly flicking through every TV channel on offer, Paul rings up room service and orders up big. He looks quite pleased with himself, but his smile soon fades.
Number 26
Helen informs Jim about where Paul's staying and thinks that the least he can do is try and patch things up with his son. But Jim is tired of his family's interference. He starts to head into the hallway to find Lucy, but Scott gruffly tells him that she's asleep and to leave her alone. Jim's a little startled and Helen tells him that he's going to have to handle his relationship with Zoe very carefully – not just for his family's sake, but for Zoe's as well. Jim wants to know what Helen really thinks of everything and Helen replies that she's not 100% behind it, but ultimately it's up to what Jim wants.
JIM: I want the relationship to work.
HELEN: Are you absolutely sure?
JIM: I couldn't be surer.
Lassiter's Complex – Next Morning
Paul wanders around and gets chatting to a bloke sweeping out the front of The Waterhole (who just happens to be Jack Lassiter – the bloke Clive, Shane and Mike did a gardening job for the other day). He offers to get Paul a coffee, just as Des walks by. He stops to chat to Paul and asks how he's doing, but Paul says he's fine – moving out was probably the best thing he's ever done. Jack brings out the coffee and Des introduces Paul properly to Jack (Jack is a client of his at the bank). Jack tells Paul a bit of his life story about how he got Lassiter's up and running, but things took a turn when he hit some women troubles. Des and Paul sympathise, each experiencing women troubles of their own.
Number 26
Lucy mopes her way to the kitchen table and says that she doesn't want any breakfast. Jim gently chides her for eating Easter eggs beforehand (he can see the chocolate on her face), but Lucy's all, “Well what are you going to do? Hit me too?” Lucy walks out and Nikki says that she's acting very silly, but Scott quickly tells her to mind her own business. Taking Scott aside, Jim says that he needs understanding from him not attitude. He knows it might be an embarrassing situation for the family, but he will not let it determine who he does and doesn't see.
Lassiter's – Paul's Room
Paul has brought Des up to check out the room but Des thinks it's a bit pokey looking. Paul tries to talk up the room's good points – like the room service, the air conditioning and the mini-bar – but Des doesn't look convinced. Paul wants Des to hang out for the day but Des says he's too busy and quickly leaves (Paul Keane accidentally smacking right into the door on his way out – I can't believe they didn't cut that out!). Stefan does a good job looking sad instead of cracking up as I would have done.
Number 26
Lucy answers the door to Zoe and is far from impressed. Zoe wants to know if the two of them can be friends but Lucy says that she hates her – their whole family does. She just wants Zoe to go away and leave them alone. Perturbed, Zoe leaves and Lucy smirks to herself, thinking that she's won the battle.

Episode title: 0233
Australian airdate: 16/04/86
UK airdate: 25/09/87
UK Gold: 22/09/93
Writer: Chris McCourt
Director: Mark Callan
Guests: Andrea Townsend - Regina Gaigalas
Bradley Townsend - Bradley Kilpatrick
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
- Zoe telling Paul that she doesn't want to cause anymore trouble for his family
Number 26
Helen tells Nikki to fetch Lucy for dinner while Scott gets confused setting the table - he was still counting a place for Paul. Jim thinks it might be time for one of them to check up on Paul at Lassiter's and Scott volunteers. Nikki (wearing a giant yellow sack as a t-shirt), reappears and lets the family know that Lucy is nowhere to be found. Jim grumbles that she'll be in trouble if she's off playing with Bradley, but Helen wisely points out that being disobedient is probably the only way Lucy can get her dad's attention these days.
Number 28
Jim asks Zoe if Lucy is with Bradley, but it's Andrea who takes great delight in telling Jim that his daughter is there. She goes to retrieve the kids and Zoe tells Jim that she had a chat with Lucy and she seems to be OK with the idea of them being together now. Andrea returns from the hall with a note - Bradley and Lucy have run away. Andrea is quite upset at first, but when Jim mentions he'll call the police, she suddenly seems a lot calmer and tells him there's no need. Hmm. Jim exits to let his family know what's happened and Andrea and Zoe have a little tiff about who's to blame, but when Zoe says she's going to join the search party, Andrea is surprised and touched she cares so much.
Number 26
Madge is around visiting Helen when Jim walks in and tells them about Lucy's disappearance. Madge offers to gather up Max and the boys to assist with the search party. Jim tells Helen that he's going to look in all the obvious places like the garage - “It's just possible that she wants to be found.”
Number 28
Des arrives home from his mum's and is appalled that Andrea hasn't called the police yet. Andrea makes up some nonsense about just wanting to protect Des - she figures that if the police are involved then everyone will know he's Bradley's father. But Des doesn't care if the whole world knows; he just wants the kids safe. Andrea looks very worried as Des dials the cop shop.
Number 26/Lassiter's
Jim tells Helen and Madge that the kids aren't in the garage, so Helen takes it upon herself to call Paul for help when Jim won't do it. Looking concerned, Paul tells his Gran that he's on his way. Helen gives the news to Jim, who isn't very enthusiastic about it but claims that he just sounds cranky because he's tense about Lucy.
Number 28
Jim rejoins Zoe, Des and Andrea and thinks that they should call the police but Des replies that he's already done it. Andrea continues to look ill at the thought. Zoe wonders to Jim if it *is* her fault that Lucy has run away, and Andrea quickly butts in that it definitely is. She angrily adds that Jim has been putting all the blame on Bradley ever since he arrived on the street, but this time it's his daughter that's the ringleader. Jim wants to save the accusations until later causing Andrea to snap at him, but then she apologises and says she just wants to know where the kids are.
Lassiter's
Paul rushes for his car and is about to turn the keys in the ignition when two little heads pop up from the backseat - Lucy and Bradley.
Lassiter's - Paul's Room
Paul leads the kids in and starts to dial home, but Lucy thinks there's no point; her dad won't care. Paul asks why Lucy believes that and Lucy quickly replies that he hit Paul, which means he doesn't care about any of his kids.
PAUL: And what about you? Do you think your mother doesn't care about you?
BRADLEY: Course she does! I just ran away to look after Lucy.
Hiding a smile, Paul tells Lucy that just because he and Jim had one argument doesn't mean they don't care about one another. In fact, he probably deserved the wallop for all the things he said to Jim. Bradley wonders what Paul's going to do now, but Paul hasn't a clue.
Number 26
Helen stresses that she should have seen this coming because she knew how upset Lucy was, but Madge tells her that she can't blame herself for everything that's happened.
MADGE: The truth is children are totally unpredictable. It's no use beating ourselves over the head for the things we've done wrong.
HELEN: Speaking from experience?
MADGE: The problem with my two was that I never knew when to be gentle and when to be firm. Eventually what I did was be far too hard on Charlene, and too soft on Henry. Charlene adored Henry. When he started to have problems she blamed them on me.
Helen can see that Madge misses Charlene very much, and Madge apologises for getting upset - she was supposed to be cheering Helen up! Jim walks in just as the phone rings. It's Nikki letting them know she hasn't heard anything.
Lassiter's - Paul's Room/Number 26
Bradley quite confidently cracks a beer open from the fridge while Paul is trying to coax Lucy back home. He knows she's mad at their dad, but it doesn't give her the right to upset their Gran (and the rest of the family) too. Noticing the ale, Paul snatches it off Bradley and asks if he wants to keep worrying his mum.
BRADLEY: (indignant) I just ran away to look after Lucy. If I'd let her go by herself she could have got murdered, or bashed or cut up into little pieces!
The kids eventually agree to let Paul ring home and tell everyone they're safe. Jim answers and is quite relieved, telling Paul that he'll come and get them. But Paul wants to take the kids to dinner first so he can have more of a chat with Lucy.
Number 28
Jim has delivered the news to the gang, but the gun that Des is flinging around distracts me for a moment (before I realised it was probably one of Bradley's toys). Andrea wants Des to take her down to Lassiter's quick smart so she can collect her Bradley-kins but the others think that she should just chill out and wait for Paul to bring them back.
ANDREA: Well I still don't understand how you can treat children to dinner after what they've done.
JIM: Well Paul has a lot of common sense and if he thinks that's the right way to handle the situation, I'm prepared to trust him.
ANDREA: That's very interesting. I heard that you virtually threw Paul out of home.
DES: (warningly) Andrea...
ANDREA: I'm only saying what I've heard. As a matter of fact, I heard that you did more than just that. Care to enlighten me?
JIM: No, Andrea, I wouldn't.
Number 26
Helen complains to Madge that she felt sorry for Lucy this morning but now she could wring her little neck! Madge knows exactly how she feels - she's been through the many stages of sympathy/guilt/anger herself. But she asks that Helen not be too critical of Lucy when she returns home. Madge admits that she sees a lot of similarities between Lucy and Charlene and thinks that if she had have been more lenient with her then she'd be living with her right now.
Number 28
Andrea hugs the life out of Bradley when Paul delivers him home and warns him that Des wants to have a few words with him. Grateful, Andrea tells Paul that he's welcome for dinner any night as a way of saying thanks. Paul declines, but instead offers to buy Andrea lunch one day instead.
Andrea steers Bradley inside and Des tries the stern dad act on but isn't all that good at it. He says that Bradley should be punished... He thinks... And then hesitantly checks with Bradley if he should be punished or not!
Number 26
Helen peers out the window and comments that Paul and Lucy have been sitting out there for a while now. Jim remarks that he's just glad to know Lucy's safe, and admits that he's not so mad at Paul anymore, which is music to Helen's ears.
Paul brings a very sullen Lucy inside and says that she has something to tell their Dad and Gran - but what she blurts out isn't quite what he expected.
LUCY: I want Paul to come back home.
PAUL: (shocked) Hey, that's not what we'd agreed you'd say!
LUCY: I don't care. All I promised was to say that I didn't mind about dad and Zoe, and I was only going to say that because I wanted you back home.
Paul apologises and heads out the door but Jim chases after him and they have a big sorry-fest about the whole ordeal. Jim says he's welcome to come back home but Paul doesn't think it will work and admits that he just needs a break from the family.

Episode title: 0235
Australian airdate: 18/04/86
UK airdate: 29/09/87
UK Gold: 24/09/93
Writer: Ginny Lowndes
Director: Mark Callan
Guests: Charlene Mitchell - Kylie Minogue
Barbara - Rona McLeod
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly
Recap
- Scott getting punched in the face by a mystery intruder
- Madge discovering the intruder is her daughter Charlene
Number 24
Madge scolds Charlene for being violent, but she thinks Scott should have learnt to fight properly. Embarrassed, Scott leaves, but not before Charlene gives him a handshake and an appreciative once-over. Madge frog-marches Charlene inside to get cleaned up.
Number 22
Shane and Clive face the wrath of Daphne, who is annoyed that she can't do anything to save her coffee shop from being sold. Clive encourages Daphne to prove to the owners that she's indispensable by bringing in more customers - that way she may be able to keep her business. Daphne loves the idea.
Coffee Shop
Scott shamefully walks in and admits to Mike that “Lenny Mitchell” punched him in the face. Mike's amused; he's never met a girl who could fight before. Mike then confesses to Scott that he's got problems of his own now that his parents aren't supporting him financially anymore. Suddenly, he gets an idea and asks Scott to cover his shift for an hour.
MIKE: I'm going to go and see my parents.
SCOTT: Do you think that's a good idea?
MIKE: I don't know, but I'm going to sort this out once and for all.
Number 24
Max and Danny discover their visitor and Charlene cheekily jokes that if they call her by her real name (and not Lenny) she'll flatten them.
MADGE: Charlene, one brawl is enough for one day.
MAX: Who'd ya do, ay?
CHARLENE: (proud) Scott Robinson.
MAX: (cracks up laughing)
MADGE: Oh Max, don't encourage her, please!
Shane arrives back home and hugs his cousin. The boys wonder how long she's staying for and Charlene shrugs that it could be forever.
CHARLENE: I can't stay with dad any longer, that's for sure.
MADGE: Why not? You were perfectly happy to in the first place.
CHARLENE: Because he's moved Susan into the house. She's expecting a baby you know.
Madge is definitely not excited to hear this.
Coffee Shop
Scott reluctantly tells Daphne and Clive that Mike's gone to see his parents. Clive starts to head for the exit.
CLIVE: Not a good idea. If I'm not back in ten minutes, drag the river.
But Scott adds that Mike wanted to do this on his own and that he seemed to think he could handle it himself. Although worried, Daphne and Clive realise they've got to trust Mike. Talk then turns to the business. Clive suggests that Daphne start up a big publicity campaign.
CLIVE: How about we get someone in to eat something really weird.
DAPHNE: Like what?
CLIVE: Like a bike.
DAPHNE & SCOTT: A bike?!
CLIVE: There's a guy in France who ate a pushbike, it took him two weeks!
DAPHNE: To live or die!
SCOTT: Did that include tyres?
CLIVE: And the tubes. Just think, for two weeks you could have this whole place stacked out with people watching someone devour a BMX.
Daphne reckons Clive needs to go back to the drawing board.
Number 24
Upset, Madge has taken Charlene into the kitchen and warns her not to embarrass her like that again. Charlene protests that it's the truth, but Madge thinks she was completely tactless in her approach. Talk then turns to Henry and Madge reveals that she went to see her son but he wanted nothing to do with her. Charlene thinks it's because she doesn't listen to her children, and preaches to them instead. Getting upset again, Madge tells Charlene that if she's going to stay in Erinsborough then she's going to have to reign in her attitude.
CHARLENE: And if I don't?
MADGE: Then I'm going to have to speak with your father.
CHARLENE: Do you want me here or not?
MADGE: Of course I do, you're my daughter.
CHARLENE: Yeah but you don't like me very much do you?
MADGE: (teary) That's not true!
CHARLENE: Don't lie, mum, it just makes things worse.
Mike's Parents' House
Mike sees his mum walking back from the shops and they share a very formal greeting. Mike's mum knows he's there about the money but she's afraid that she can't send anymore. Mike reminds her that he wanted to go to teacher's college, but his mum says he'll just have to quit school and get a full-time job instead because his dad isn't going to let her help him out again.
MIKE: I was saving up to get you away from him remember? You always said that you hated him.
But Mike's mum just says she's sorry and heads towards the house. Mike does the sad Charlie Brown walk down the driveway, not noticing that his mum has stopped to miserably see him off.
Number 24
Charlene's bored and is trying to get Danny to go out with her, but he's not interested. Shane encourages Danny to take her to Daphne's, but Madge thinks Charlene's being very rude by annoying her cousin. Danny eventually relents and Charlene happily skips out the door. Madge is worried about them getting into trouble, but Shane and Max reckon they'll be fine... Well, in theory anyway.
Coffee Shop
Clive, Daphne and Scott are still trying to think up ideas to get in more customers.
CLIVE: Let's see, no bicycles, no baked beans, no bananas.
SCOTT: No chickens or no clams.
DAPHNE: And definitely no doughnuts, eels, eggs or frankfurters.
CLIVE: What about ‘The Great Gherkin Eating Contest'?
SCOTT: Everybody would be green after the first half dozen.
CLIVE: I knew a bloke who could eat nearly a kilo in a minute.
DAPHNE: Clive, must we?
CLIVE: OK, no gherkins... What about haggis? Get all the Scots in?
(Scott and Daphne shake their heads)
CLIVE: No? No? (resigned) No.
Charlene and Danny arrive and Charlene introduces herself to Clive and Daphne. They help the trio out with their alphabetised food list and quickly decide upon pancakes as the winner. Mike gets back and Daphne tries to have a quiet word with him, but he's not in a good mood and snits that there's nothing to talk about. Charlene, meanwhile, is making moon-eyes at Mike.
Number 24
Picking up bits of strewn newspaper, Madge complains about being a slave to her family and that they resent her. Max reckons it's because she whinges too much. He suggests that she might like to move back to Coffs Harbour with Charlene and Henry, but Madge angrily replies that she can't.
Coffee Shop
Charlene tries to have a chat with Mike but he's not interested. She re-joins the food table where Clive is explaining the rules of the contest. They'll draw two tickets out of a barrel, then the two lucky couples chosen will have to make their own pancakes, squeeze their own OJ and then eat/drink everything. The fastest couple will then be the winners. Daphne wonders where the partner element comes in, but Clive has it all worked out. He puts an orange under his chin and encourages Daphne to grab it using her chin. Laughing, she goes over to neck him and he jokingly dips her to the ground... Just as Shane walks in. Of course, Shane is a jealous ball of rage and isn't amused. They try to explain the contest, but Shane would prefer a quite chat with his fiancйe.
In the kitchen, Shane wonders why he's feeling so left out lately. Clive ducks his head in to let Daphne know they're leaving and Daphne thanks him for all his help.
CLIVE: My pleasure.
SHANE: Yeah, I'll bet it is.
Daphne's over his stupid jealousy rampage and reminds him that he said he trusted her. Shane then admits that his main concern is that she's having to bring in all the dough because his own financial prospects are dire.
SHANE: Sometimes I wonder if this place is more important to you than I am.
DAPHNE: I love you, Shane.
SHANE: Then when are you going to marry me?
DAPHNE: ... How about two months from now?
SHANE: (grinning) Fantastic!
They hug but Daphne doesn't look too thrilled.
Number 24
Max bids Madge goodnight, but Madge wonders how Max can sleep when the kids are still out. Max isn't worried at all, but Madge can't help herself and grabs her bag to go and look for them. Max stops her and says that she's being too uptight, but Madge is worried about Charlene gaining a reputation.
MAX: Listen, you're going to turn her against you.
MADGE: Max I have always been strict with my children but I have never been unfair.
Number 22
Shane kisses Daphne goodnight and says she's made him very happy. He leaves and she glumly heads inside (Clive's gorilla suit is hanging by the doorway, heh). Daphne sits in darkness and mopes for a while till Clive comes downstairs to check on her. She states that everything's fine, and that her and Shane are getting married in two months.
DAPHNE: I just hope I've got everything under control by then.
CLIVE: Well you should know one way or another in the next month or so, shouldn't you?
DAPHNE: It's not the coffee shop it's Shane.
She admits to Clive that Shane's too worried about work and gets jealous of every guy she speaks to. Clive wonders if getting married is the right thing to do, but Daphne says that it is, and besides, she's committed now.
DAPHNE: It's been a long day, I'm off to bed.
CLIVE: Best of luck...
(She walks out of earshot)
CLIVE: ... With your wedding.

Episode title: 0237
Australian airdate: 22/04/86
UK airdate: 01/10/87
UK Gold: 28/09/93
Writer: Roger Moulton
Director: Richard Sarell
Guests: Charlene Mitchell: Kylie Minogue
Music:
Summary/Images by: Helen (Tractor Girl)
Recap
In the street outside number 24
Nikki is moaning at Mike for enjoying the kiss that Charlene gave him but he says she (Charlene) took him by surprise and that it didn't matter. Nikki points out that he spent the whole afternoon with her, but Mike says he was just keeping her company while she tried to sort out her life, something he can relate to. Nikki says she thought that she and Mike were together but Mike says he's got too much on to be a couple with anyone but when Nikki asks he says he still wants to be friends. Nikki blames herself for coming on too strong, but Mike says it not her, it's about him. Nikki accuses Mike of preferring Charlene but he denies it, saying they're just friends like he and Nikki. Nikki doesn't believe him and walks off saying if he wants Charlene he can have her. Mike looks fed up by the whole thing.
Number 24
Madge questions Charlene about playing truant. Charlene's response is to accuse Nikki of dobbing her in and says she didn't miss anything.
CHARLENE: I didn't miss anything important. An arvo off's not going to hurt me.
MADGE: I'll be the judge of that. While I'm responsible for you, you will do as you're told and that includes going to school when you're supposed to.
CHARLENE: Well that was what I was doing trying to do today – trying to fix things so you won't be responsible for me anymore.
MADGE: What on earth do you mean?
CHARLENE: I went for a job – I didn't get it but I will get something. I've made up my mind.
MADGE: A job? What sort of job?
CHARLENE: Apprentice motor mechanic.
MADGE: Oh Charlene, I don't know where you get these fanciful ideas about you leaving school, let alone becoming a motor mechanic. Now you listen to me carefully. You will finish school and then you will study something sensible…like a course at secretarial school.
CHARLENE: But I don't want to….
MADGE: I don't care what you want.
CHARLENE: What are you trying to turn me into – a boring little goody- goody like Nikki?
MADGE: I'll have you know that Nikki is a very pleasant young lady.
CHARLENE: She is a pain.
MADGE: Well we'll see about that. As you're going to be spending a great deal of time with her maybe some of her qualities will rub off on you.
CHARLENE: What do you mean I'll be spending time with her?
MADGE: I've organised your accommodation. You're going to be sharing a room with Nikki at the Robinsons.
CHARLENE: Oh what!
Number 26 kitchen
Scott is doing homework at the table while Nikki is moping. Helen coaxes out of her that she had a fight with Mike. Nikki says it's her own fault. She just wanted to support Mike but suffocated him because he took her support the wrong way.
Scott assures Nikki things will work out and then leaves for the Coffee Shop. Helen tries to cheer Nikki up by telling her Charlene's going to be her roommate. Nikki is horrified by the idea.
The Coffee Shop
While Daphne makes sandwiches behind the counter, Zoe and Clive are discussing the Coffee Shop's increased trade and Clive says it's down to his publicity campaign. Scott enters the shop and Daphne asks him where Mike is. Scott replies he assumes he's at her place. Daphne questions why he's not at the Coffee Shop and Scott explains that Mike and Nikki has a row but says he doesn't really understand what it was about. Daphne's annoyed that Mike didn't let her know he was running late and asks where he was that afternoon as the school had rung her. Scott says he's sure Mike will be along soon and asks for a milkshake before he starts work.
Zoe collects her food and goes to leave the shop but Clive catches her before she leaves to give her a ticket for the Coffee Shop's publicity campaign. He launches into his spiel, addressing the whole shop and explains the competition. Every customer will get given a ticket with their purchase and then two tickets will be picked. The holders of those tickets will then take part in a pancake competition, with the winner collection $100.
Zoe takes her ticket and leaves. As she walks out, Mike walks in. He apologises for being late but Daphne questions him about where he's been. He tells her and Clive that he is not looking for a full time job. Clive queries about his plans for uni and teacher training. Mike says it was only an idea and he's made up hi mind – he's quitting school.
Daniels Corporation Office
Paul is at his desk when Zoe returns. When she puts the food down on his desk Paul notices her ticket and Zoe explains about the competition, which Paul mocks. He says Daphne will never raise enough money. Zoe gets annoyed and criticises him for being an unsupportive friend, but Paul says it's business. He then cuts the conversation by asking Zoe to take some dictation.
The Coffee Shop
Scott and Mike are both working behind the counter. Scott tells Mike he heard about the row with Nikki and that he's sorry. Mike is short with him, telling him to forget about it, he has. Clive tells Mike to cheer up saying his long face is putting customers off. Mike walks off into the kitchen and Clive follows.
Daphne is in the kitchen as Mike enters and tries to persuade him to reconsider about school. Mike refuses saying he needs to support himself and won't be a bludger. Clive enter the kitchen and asks Mike to tell them what happened when he met his parents the previous day. Mike reveals his dad has convinced his mum to no longer support him financially and that he needs to stand on his own two feet. As Daphne and Clive offer moral support, Mike says he doesn't need anybody's help with anything and he doesn't need pampering. He tells them that he has broken up with Nikki and he'll break up with Daphne and Clive is they don't lay off.
Number 26 kitchen
Helen is painting when Nikki enters, still looking mournful. She apologises for her reaction to the news about Charlene. Helen in turn apologises for making the arrangement without consulting her. Nikki insists it's fine, citing that she is only a guest anyway. Helen corrects her, saying she is more than a guest, she is family. Helen offers to cancel the arrangement but Nikki says it will be like being back at boarding school. When Helen asks is she'd like to back to boarding school, Nikki says no, and it doesn't matter anyway as there's no point wanting something you can't have. Helen asks if that includes Mike but Nikki says that's different. Helen is please to hear that and shows Nikki a piece of paper she picked up at the post office that contains information that she thinks will help Mike.
Number 24 kitchen
Charlene wonders whether Lucy would be willing to share with Nikki so that Charlene could have her room, but Madge tells her it's all agreed. She then asks her to put the cutlery on the table and Charlene reaches for the drawer.
MADGE: No, no not there, the matching sets on the dresser.
CHARLENE: What's the matter with these? You can eat with things that don't match you know.
MADGE: Now that's just the attitude I'd expect from you. I suppose your father and his girlfriend eat out of paper plates.
CHARLENE: (enthusiastically) No, Susan's a fantastic cook, makes the most amazing meals, all gourmet stuff you know.
MADGE: (in slight amazement) You have no tact or sensitivity have you? I really thought when you got down here you'd try and patch things up between us.
CHARLENE: Well I haven't noticed you making any effort. All you've done is pick on me.
MADGE: That's not true! I just…I just feel that we don't know each other anymore.
CHARLENE: You want me to go back to Coffs Harbour?
MADGE: Of course I don't want that.
CHARLENE: It would make things easier. I'll go back if you want me to. Dad said I can.
MADGE: I don't want to disillusion you but I've spoken to your father and he doesn't want you back. He and his floozie want to be on their own. So you see you're stuck with me whether you like it or not and while you're here you are going to do as you're told.
CHARLENE: You don't like me do you?
MADGE: Oh don't be silly Charlene, of course I like
CHARLENE: No, you're lying.
MADGE: Charlene
CHARLENE: You're so cold with me. Even when you says you care about me and you do things for me, you're still cold.
MADGE: Don't call me a liar.
CHARLENE: Well tell me the truth. Say it if you don't like me.
MADGE: Alright, I will tell you the truth. I don't like your attitude towards me. I don't like your sloppy approach to life and your tactlessness and insensitivity are downright anti- social. You are my daughter and I love you and I care about you, but no right now I don't like you very much at all.
Madge walks off to the bedrooms leaving a shell- shocked Charlene behind.
The Coffee Shop
Mike and Scott are working when Nikki enters with the paper Helen gave her earlier. She explains it's an application for benefit for unsupported children who want to stay at school. Mike refers to it as a handout. Nikki explains the process, that you have to be assessed to qualify. Daphne and Clive come over as Nikki explains everything. They look really enthusiastic but when Nikki says the scheme could solve all Mike's problems, he angrily says it doesn't solve anything and that he won't apply. Nikki asks why not and he replies he won't tell his private life to some stranger in a government office. Clive offers to go with him as support but Mike rejects him. Despite attempts to persuade him, Mike refuses to consider it and storms off to the kitchen. Daphne and Clive follow him.
Daphne tells Mike he should be ashamed of himself for not even considering the scheme. As Mike complains he's getting it from all sides, Daphne points out that what he is getting is help. Mike says he's trying to make it on his own and he doesn't want people running around for him. Clive highlights that if Mike takes the benefit and becomes a teacher, he'll repay all he receives through taxes which will to help others in the future. The same won't be the case if he's a sometimes unemployed unskilled labourer. Mike admits he didn't think of it that way. Daphne says he's not thinking at all. When Clive refers to the meeting with his parents Mike gets upset. Daphne says she knows that it hurt him but he can't take it out on everyone else. Mike agrees. After a moment, Mike agrees to complete the form and apply for the benefit. A relieved Clive heads back into the shop and Daphne asks Mike what he's going to do about Nikki. Mike replies that even with the benefit he can't afford to take her out. Daphne says that's up to him, but what she meant was that he should apologise to her for his reaction to the form.
Daniels Corporation office
Paul is on the phone setting up a date. Zoe looks disapproving and Paul asks if she's judging him. She says no but is critical nonetheless. Paul dismisses her comments, saying she doesn't understand adult relationships. She says if they are relationships with feelings then she doesn't want to. She reverts to her earlier comments about Paul not helping Daphne save the coffee shop and then sarcastically apologises for mixing business and personal feelings.
Number 24
Madge is in the kitchen cooking when Charlene enters with her bag, saying she'll be off to the Robinsons. Madge asks Charlene to remember she's a guest there and to try and help out with chores. Charlene cuts her off saying she knows how to behave and just because Madge doesn't like her, doesn't mean other people won't.
MADGE: I'm your mother, I have expectations for my children.
CHARLENE: Don't I know it and I've never lived up to a single one of them yet! Neither did Henry. Look what happened to him.
MADGE: Charlene!
Charlene moves and finishes packing. Madge follows her.
MADGE: I never discussed Henry's stealing with you but you grew up knowing about it. He stole right through his childhood. We did everything we could but nothing could stop him.
CHARLENE: Don't you know why? We grew up with so many rules, the only fun in life was breaking them.
MADGE: Well what was I supposed to do? Condone his stealing? I covered for Henry time after time. It's why we never had any money for luxuries. I paid up to keep Henry out of court but when he stole from the company there was nothing I could do. He went too far.
CHARLENE: You could at least have got him out on bail before the trial. You washed your hands of him the moment the police took him away.
MADGE: (Sighs) Oh Charlene. No you've got it all wrong. Henry…. Henry's counsel expected him to get off with a good behaviour bond. Then everything started to go wrong: we got a stern judge in a bad mood who was fed up with teenage boys in trouble.
CHARLENE: Yeah and now he's in jail for 18 months. You could have helped if you'd made an effort. (Pause). I'm going to the Robinsons' now.
Charlene heads to the door.
MADGE: Charlene, I do love you and I'll be here if you need me. I'll tell you what, I'll come over now and see you get settled.
Madge begins to remove her apron.
CHARLENE: No don't worry. I won't embarrass you. Bye.
Charlene leaves and Madge thinks for a moment then calls after Charlene ‘Charlene, wait, I'm coming with you.' She rushes out of the house.
Lounge of number 26
Nikki is sitting on the settee. Scott comes in from the kitchen with Mike who has come to see her. Helen emerges from the bedrooms and greets Mike, but Scott drags her into the kitchen so that Mike and Nikki can talk.
There is an awkward pause and then Mike apologises. Nikki forgives him instantly. Mike says he going to apply for the government benefit and Nikki is really pleased. They are about to kiss when Charlene enters without knocking. She instantly realises what she's interrupted and insincerely apologises. Helen and Scott come through from the kitchen to welcome her, while Madge follows her in. There is a lot of chatter and Mike and Nikki look at each other wistfully knowing their moment is lost.
Scott comments Charlene is travelling light and she says most of her stuff is still at her dad's. Madge corrects her by saying it is on the way to Erinsborough along with the rest of her possessions as she (Madge) didn't want ‘that woman' using her belongings. Charlene speaks up for Susan. Mike goes to leave and Nikki apologises for them being interrupted. Charlene watches Nikki kiss Mike on the cheek with amusement. Nikki looks smug as she shuts the door. Now Mike has left, Helen asks Nikki to show Charlene through to the bedroom. Nikki's lack of enthusiasm only further amuses Charlene who announces she is going to like living there.
Daniels Corporation office
Paul and Zoe are packing up for the night and Paul asks Zoe to do some filing. As she looks at the papers he's given her, Zoe realises that the Daniels Corporation is the company that is likely to evict Daphne from the Coffee Shop. Zoe is furious with Paul for not saying anything but Paul tells her to calm down and that is over- reacting. He says it is Rosemary's plan and it's just business. Zoe says he's despicable and that Daphne should be told. She can't understand how Paul can do this to a friend. Paul seems unfazed but makes it clear that if Zoe tells anyone what she knows it will cost her her job.

Episode title: 0239
Australian airdate: 24/04/86
UK airdate: 05/10/87
UK Gold: 30/09/93
Writer: David Phillips
Director: Richard Sarrell
Guests: Eileen: Myra De Groot
Andrea: Regina Gaigalas
Bradley: Bradley Kilpatrick
Jack: Alan Hopgood
Music:
Summary/Images by: Graham
No. 28
Paul knocks on the door and Des lets him in. Paul asks if Andrea's ready to go. Des, however, tells her that she had a migraine; he thinks she's still asleep. At that moment, though, Andrea emerges from her room and says she's fine now. She tells Bradley to be good and she and Paul head out. Des closes the door and joins Bradley at the table, helping him with his model.
No. 22
Zoe heads into No. 22, where Daphne tells her that it's perfect timing – she's got news. Zoe starts to say that so has she. Daphne, however, tells her that she'll have to wait. She goes on:
DAPHNE: I've set the date with Shane!
Zoe hugs her excitedly and exclaims that that's fabulous! Daphne asks her if she's ready to do the old bridesmaid bit again. Zoe beams that she's still got the dress! Daphne, however, says she's superstitious; Zoe will have to buy a new one. Zoe's face drops and she tells Daphne that she can't afford it. Daphne points out that she's been buying dresses all *week*. Zoe replies:
ZOE: Yeah, with that card. Now they won't let me use it again until I pay some of it back.
DAPHNE: So? You've got a job.
ZOE: Yeah, sure, but my salary only covers my bills. *Now*, with the card thing...
She then sighs that she'll work it out. Daphne asks her warily if there's some problem with her job. Zoe murmurs:
ZOE: In a way...
Daphne tells her to hang on to it; she knows things are a bit difficult with Paul, but they both know how hard it is to get a job out there; what would *she* do if the Coffee Shop closed down? Zoe starts trying to tell her again about Paul, but there's suddenly a knock on the front door and Jim comes in, smiling at Daphne that she's monopolising his dinner date. He and Zoe head out.
No. 24
Helen has turned up at No. 24, where the Ramsays are having dinner. She tells Danny that Jim remembered, and she hands him a putter and two balls, adding that if he pops round, Jim will give him some tips. Max asks what all this is, and Danny explains that it's business: say there's a promotion at work, he goes for a round of golf with Des, Des thrashes him and who gets the promotion?! Max says:
MAX: You's all missing the flamin' point: I mean, why ask Jim Robinson when you've got *me*?
DANNY: I thought you'd given golf up, dad.
SHANE: Yeah, you did, too – just after you threw your clubs in the lake, remember!
However, Danny grins at his father that anything he can pass on... He hands Max the putter and everyone heads into the lounge room, where Shane puts a china cup on the floor and Max lines up to putt a ball into it. Everyone pretends to run and hide! Max, however, putts the ball straight into the cup and lets out a cheer of delight!
No. 28
Des admires the model car that Bradley is making and comments that the boy's really got a thing about cars; he might take him to the motor show next week; and a couple of years down the track, he might even teach him how to drive. The front door opens suddenly and Lucy comes in. She says hi to Bradley, but Bradley mutters that he's busy. Lucy asks if she can help, but Bradley retorts that it's not for girls. Des suggests that she could put the tyres on the wheels. Lucy asks when they expect the model to be finished and Des shrugs that it'll probably be the day after tomorrow. Lucy groans:
LUCY: I'll be at school for the mother- and- daughter talk.
BRADLEY (pointedly): You haven't *got* a mother.
LUCY: My grandmother's taking me.
DES: Well, Bradley's going the next time.
LUCY: *He* hasn't got a *father*.
BRADLEY (retorts): I *have* got a father.
LUCY: Not *here*, anyway.
Bradley looks at Des, who says:
DES: Yes he has – he's got *me*.
Lucy sits there open- mouthed and exclaims:
LUCY: Are you *really*?
She then gets up and dashes out to tell everyone!
No. 24
A short time later, Lucy is at No. 24, where Helen asks her sternly where she heard a story like *that*. Lucy beams that Des told her; he wants everyone to know. She dashes off again. Helen puts her fingers to her temples, and Madge realises:
MADGE: It *is*, true, isn't it?
Helen explains that Des told her in confidence – but he chose an odd way to make it public. Max chips in gleefully that *he's* known for quite a while – it looks like Madge is the *last* one to know for once! Madge remarks that it explains why that woman's living there. Max says he thinks Des is doing the right thing.
Lassiter's restaurant
Zoe is sitting at a table with Jim, staring into space. Jim tells her that if she doesn't like the place, they can always find somewhere else. Zoe, however, murmurs that she's fine. Jim then goes on that she was asking his advice last night, but she wasn't giving him all the facts; you get pretty bad advice that way. He adds that if Paul's giving her a hard time, he really would like to know about it. At that moment, the two of them spot Paul and Andrea coming into the restaurant. Jim calls over to them and Paul joins them. He looks at Zoe and asks her coolly if she's seen Daphne. Zoe just replies:
ZOE: I changed my mind.
Paul rejoins Andrea. Jim tells Zoe:
JIM: It's up to you.
No. 24
Shane and Max are searching for one of the golf balls, which has disappeared. Madge warns her brother:
MADGE: If I slip and fall on that golf ball, Max, I'll sue you, brother or no brother.
MAX (rants): Look, if I want to play golf – if I want to play flamin' *polo* – I will. A man's home's his castle.
Danny finds the ball and suggests they set up a driving range in the garage. Madge, however, tells him that they're going to need the garage for Max's furniture. Max glares at her as she goes on that *her* furniture is much more elegant, and heaven knows the place could use it. Danny comments:
DANNY: *Fred's* still got your furniture.
MADGE: Not for long.
MAX: Now look, you're being a bit rough, aren't you, just because Susan's in the family way?
MADGE (coolly): I don't want to hear that woman's name.
Shane says he likes the furniture they've *got*. Danny insists that Madge's is more elegant. Max yells:
MAX: My furniture stays.
Madge just says she's not going to argue – she's made her position quite clear. With that, she heads out with Helen. Max glares at his sons!
No. 28
Helen and Madge have turned up at No. 28 and Des tells Bradley and Lucy to take the model car into the bedroom. When they've gone, Helen says to Des that if Lucy found out by overhearing something she shouldn't... Des, however, says he guesses he's been wanting to say it for a long time. Madge asks what Andrea will think about it. Des replies that she'll be glad – they both share Bradley, but they also both have their separate lives. Helen tells him that she thinks he's done the right thing. Madge asks if Andrea isn't home tonight. Des replies that she's at Lassiter's – she's having dinner with Paul. Helen remarks that that's where Jim and Zoe have gone.