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01x03 - Issues Management

Episode transcripts for the TV show, "Back to the Rafters". Aired: 17 September 2021.*
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Back to the Rafters is set six years after the end of Packed to the Rafters.

01x03 - Issues Management

Post by bunniefuu »

[theme music]

All around

[upbeat music]

[sirens wailing]

[Rachel] Public relations.

The professional maintenance

of a favourable public image.

It's a top restaurant

with two Michelin stars

and there's footage

of rats in the kitchen.

I'm saying we need a hell

of a way to manage this.

[Rachel]

Issues management.

The process of responding

to issues affecting a group.

PR and Issues Management.

[Max] Yes?

[Rachel] About to be required

with my family.

Come.

I'm putting out a press release

for rat kitchen.

Meanwhile, I'm definitely

cancelling my lunch booking.

That's funny.

You still able to fly, yes?

Uh, about a week

before bub grounds me.

They tell me this is your

sister.

[scoffs]

All this from a little painting

in a little school

in the middle of nowhere.

Yeah, a pretty public statement.

I mean,

I shouldn't be surprised.

But when it's your own family

going viral

Observation Earth want to talk.

They think Ruby

has Thunberg potential.

Get out of town.

I was hoping you might like to.

I want you to go to Australia,

assess the prospect,

they want to broker a deal.

Observation Earth's

not my client.

[Max] Justin will take the lead.

You finesse your family.

My family is un-finesse-able.

[scoffs]

Come on.

Are you sure I'm needed?

I wouldn't have asked

if you weren't.

Just introduce Justin to them,

them to the family,

then come straight back.

I cannot spare you, OK?

OK.

I haven't been home in years.

Can I have a few extra days.

It's work, actually.

It's not a reunion.

You're such a sentimentalist.

Yeah, soft as steel.

OK. Three days. Enjoy.

Fine.

Right.

[Rachel] Going home.

Eight years here

and I still say 'home'.

The thing about video calls,

they’re from the shoulders up.

You get to show the world

only what you want it to see.

Smoke and mirrors.

[phone chiming]

What? Ah! Ah!

Rachel's coming.

What when? When do you get

here? How long can you stay?

Five days at most.

It'll depend on how

long it takes

Observation Earth

to sign Ruby.

Sign?

[Rachel] She's gone viral.

I know, it's crazy, but poo as

protest -

it's a new spin.

Greedy old white men,

poor white bears. Classic.

Observation Earth?

Well, they can't be serious.

Yeah.

Well, it's a flash in the pan,

isn't it?

[Rachel] It's all over social

media.

If they sign Rubes as a youth

ambassador, that would be huge.

[scoffs] That's ridiculous!

I'll understand if you say no.

Sweetheart, I'm gonna say

anything

to get you on that plane.

[chuckling] OK.

Um, I can't talk long. Can you

put Dad on before I go?

Uhhe's not here.

I'm in the city and Dad's in

Buradeena.

Oh, you don't have to make a

special trip.

- That works well, then.

- Exactly.

There's so much to catch up on.

There is.

Oh, I can't wait to see you!

- I love you!

- Love you too.

Mwah!

Oh, Jules, I don't know.

[Julie sighs] Neither do I.

Trust me.

There's a lot of haters gunning

for that Greta kid.

Do we want something

like that for Rubes?

[Julie] Yeah, but if we put the

kybosh on it straight away,

Rachel won't come.

And you never know - she might

make sense of it.

Ruby an international

ambassador?

Maybeyou're right.

Anything to get Rach home.

- Ruby know?

- No, better Rachel explains.

So, she gets in Sunday morning.

What time will you drive down?

Well, she's never seen

Buradeena.

Why doesn't she come here?

Well, because she's only got

a few days

and she'll have work to do.

Jules, someone could drive her.

Or she could fly up.

[sighing]

- Are we really gonna do this?

- Do what?

Well, she hasn't been back in

years

and you're being stubborn

for the sake of it!

I want her to see our home.

If she can't make it,

of course

I'll come down there.

It's not like I'd miss

seeing her.

Good. Fine.

This is the arrangement.

This is how it works.

I'm here. You're there.

I just want her to understand

what I love about this place.

OK. We'll dial you in, then.

Sunday lunch.

So the golden child returns.

[scoffs] I thought you thought

that was you.

Yeah, it is. Always was.

Rachel just hasn't

figured that out yet.

Ta-da!

OK, that needs work.

There's too much head.

Don't even go there.

[woman] Keep it up.

- [Nathan] Uh

- Or there.

You got a smutty mind.

Ah! Hey. Did you get

the meme I sent ya?

Which one? You're gonna use up

all my data at this rate.

[Ben] Memes? What are you, 12?

It was a psychology joke!

It was funny.

Debatable.

So what's the deal?

We have a laugh.

Oh! They were so bloody serious

at the old job.

Paid more, though.

Thank you for saving my arse.

No worries.

[Justin] You, me, Sydney.

So it seems.

Try to sound enthusiastic.

Come on.

Long story. It's complicated.

OK. I'll see you

in the lounge.

Since you're meeting the family

and in case it becomes an issue,

I haven't told them.

Aboutthe baby.

I thought it would be easier

with the final result to show.

You know your family.

My mother at least.

- That bad?

- That good.

She kills with kindness.

I'll get you up

to speed on the flight.

There'll be no over-share.

Whatever is required

to do the job.

[Rachel] My main job is to turn

this into a positive.

And to get on that plane.

[Cassie] We should see if Rachel

wants to do the bridge climb.

Or do I just get tickets and

surprise her?

She's not a tourist.

She said once

she's never done it.

Do you think it's too much

if I organise lunch,

just the three of us?

And, um, maybe

a her-and-me spa date.

Whatever makes you happy.

It's good to see you happy.

It'll be nice to really get to

know her.

Book it all in. Enjoy

your IVF downtime.

[Cassie] Every conversation, IVF

said or hovering as a subtext.

I'm sure he doesn't

mean to do it.

He thinks that staying positive

is going to get us

over the line.

I mean, women get pregnant every

day.

Nothing to do with

their attitude.

Their bodies

work - mine doesn't.

So if this really is

the end of the line

Only one of my eggs fertilised

last time. One out of eight.

Well, you're gonna have to

say how you're feeling.

It's not an issue until we can

afford another cycle.

That makes evasion easy.

[phone chiming]

[scoffs] Your brother-in-law.

What's he done?

It's like he's decided

I'm his new best friend,

which I didn't get any say in.

He spamming me

with lame jokes all day.

You think he's hitting on you?

I can't get a read yet.

He might just be happy

to be out of his old job.

Do you want me to tell

him to give it a rest?

Oh, I can handle it.

Thanks. 'Cause that

would've been awkward.

- Oh, yeah.

- Again?

[Anna] Again.

'Trying' is right.

[upbeat music]

- [man] Welcome to the Anderson.

- Thank you.

[man] We'll look after your

bags.

So I'll contact the client.

Good luck with your family.

About that -

would you mind coming?

You can see Ruby in

situ before we do the meeting.

Would it help with your reveal?

It'll control the questions.

[chuckling]

You can say no.

Like you said, meet Ruby.

- If I'm being unfair

- I'd say no.

Ah! She'll be here in a minute.

Can you set the table please?

I'm the whole reason she's

coming.

Why am I the one doing

the work?

How do you know that?

Don't look at us.

[Ruby] Have you seen the size

of this place?

It's not like anyone can

have a private conversation.

Yes, well, nothing's been

decided yet.

We're just going to talk about

what Observation Earth

has in mind

and then we'll take it from

there.

But any attitude from you

and your father and I won't be

agreeing to anything.

So set the table, please.

Thank you.

A taxi!

Oh, get your father on the line.

[phone chiming]

I'm here.

Oh! She's here!

[cries out in excitment]

Hey, family. I'm home.

So good to see you.

Ow!

Oh, my god.

Surprise.

- Dave?

- I can see.

- Is she?

- Yep.

Why didn't you tell us?

How did it even happen? You said

you weren't seeing anyone.

This is Justin.

- Justin.

- Justin?

- Hi.

- Justin.

No. No. No, no, no, no, no.

[Justin] Just Justin.

Justin Gavin. Nothing to do

with anything else.

Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry.

- Here to handle the account.

- Good to meet you all.

So

..who is the father?

[Rachel] Issues management,

starting now.

[Julie] OK, this is to keep you

going.

We've got things to talk

about.

- He's here for me.

- Later.

Rachel not saying

anything is off.

And that comment is exactly why

you're in here.

And you're not thinking it?

First things first - stay.

Totally off.

Dad is in the house.

I wasn't going to keep

it a secret forever.

[Julie] Well, that's comforting.

It's good to see New York hasn't

made you any less out-there.

[Nathan] This pretty much resets

the bar, though.

[Rachel] It was unexpected.

I'm still having trouble

figuring it out myself.

Ah sorry, Justin,

that you've been dragged

into this family flurry.

- I'm fine.

- No, we should finish it later.

- Probably best.

- Mm.

Lunch is almost ready.

[Ben] Thanks, Cass.

I'll help.

[Julie] I keep meaning

to ask you

Rach must bring up thoughts.

I'm fine, babe.

You're not. I get it.

I'll let you go, Rachel.

We can talk tomorrow to decide

when you're coming up.

As soon as we've

finalised the deal.

I really want you

to see our place,

if you're up to it, that is.

I'll only be able

to stay a night.

[Dave] You fly to Taree.

I'll pick you up.

You're welcome too, Justin.

Oh, no leave for me

but thanks for the offer.

As long as I make

my New York flight back.

OK. Talk tomorrow.

What's the deal with you guys -

Mum here, you there.

[chuckles] You guys

splitting up?

No. [scoffing, giggling]

[thunder rumbling]

I cannot believe

you said nothing.

Oh! I think you've won

that competition.

[Julie] Your dad and I

are not separating.

We're together,

but for the moment

we're choosing to live

in different locations.

Well, long distance never works.

Look what happened

to me and Jake.

Oh, Dad and I have got a lot

more runs on the board

than you and Jake had.

So [sighing]

The father?

It was two people

getting messy at a function.

- Oh.

- He's married.

Right.

That's the look I've been trying

to avoid.

What? Oh Mild disapproval?

It's hardly a reason for

keeping us in the dark.

You can't be that ashamed.

Can we just leave it until the

Ruby business is out of the way?

Oh, so that's why

you brought Justin -

so we couldn't talk about this?

He's here to meet the family.

I'm here for work.

Like I said, when that's done.

[Ruby] Food's ready.

Can we talk about

Observation Earth?

I thought you weren't going to

tell her.

Carbo says we need to move fast

on something like this.

Carbo knows as well?

I've set up a meeting for

tomorrow afternoon.

Yes! Whoo!

Just us.

[humming excitedly]

You are opening Pandora's box.

Boston College, that's pretty

fancy, isn't it?

Sounds like it should be fancy.

It's a decent school. Yeah.

So you're on Rachel's team in

New York or How does that work?

Well, your sister handles some

pretty impressive clients.

I'm always hoping to get to work

with her.

Justin was snapped up

by the company

even before he graduated.

I told you there'd be an

interrogation.

I'm just being polite.

Sounds like you're really

on the fast track.

My dad works in a bar.

I've just started there.

I did bar gigs

all through college.

OK, let's huddle up for a pic.

It's not often I get all my kids

in the same room at

the same time, so

You too, Justin.

[Rachel] Mum! It's a family

snap.

And let me take it.

[Julie] Oh, that's very nice of

you.

Everyone smile.

[Ruby] Cheesy.

[Rachel] A happy family pic,

with a glaring lack

of transparency.

[camera clicking]

[sport commentary on television]

[phone chiming]

[commentator on television]

Now more than 70 years old.

And you gotta say that the

defense this year

has been quite outstanding.

The communication,

the offensive tackling,

but also the kick chase.

[Tessa] Yoo-hoo!

Hello?

[sport commentary ceases]

Congratulations, Grandpa.

[Dave] Paddo's got a big mouth.

Paddo couldn't help it.

Thought you might need it.

Won't say no. Thanks.

Paddo tells me that Rachel's

got a bloke with her.

Yeah, not the father.

No word on that score.

Mmm. So you going down there?

What would that change?

Well, you don't think Julie

might need the backup?

She's got it. I'm right here.

She says we need to be there

for the kids.

But Rachel can't even

be bothered

to tell us that she's pregnant!

And Nathan throws in a good job

for bar work

without even a word.

The kids are happy

making their own decisions.

[liquid pouring]

So, are you happy?

Y'know, you here and Julie

there?

I'm making it work so far.

This is going to make me a bit

too happy.

- Not a bad drop.

- Cheers.

Yeah, of course I'm

not happy about Julie

but I'm happy in Buradeena.

It's home.

Hey, there's a show on telly I

was gonna watch.

Oh, yeah.

Don't let me keep you.

Well, just if you want to take a

look - it's a new crime thing.

- Got good reviews.

- It's only early. Why not?

Got the bottle to finish.

Cheers.

Cheers.

[sighing]

[Rachel] I'll pick you up at

two.

Well, as long as you can manage

Ruby's expectations.

She's already starting to strut.

Leave it to big sis.

Oh, and um, don't forget to

call your dad.

Why don't you come too?

Uh, no, we're just

settling into this.

Your father is best left as is.

Sorry for

the warts and all night.

You should meet my family.

Plus I need to know you

to sell you.

Well, I feel like we're

in good hands.

I tell you what,

I'll get Ben and Nathan

to organise a boys' night out.

- Mum!

- Oh! Some real

Aussie nightlife.

Seeing Ruby's gene pool

in action? I look forward to it.

I'm so happy to see you.

And I'm here for you.

You know that. In any way.

I do.

Bye.

See what I mean? You do not need

to go out with my brothers.

- Might be fun.

- Doubt it.

They're nice.

They're mine.

Falling on my knees ♪

Throw my head back as I land

among the pages ♪

I’m a blank for

those who read me ♪

I’m a song for all the ages ♪

Unrequited love’s

my favourite ♪

Gets me dancing

on the stages ♪

But only ever

thinking of you ♪

Yeah even if I worry now ♪

You will tell

me never too late ♪

My smile is a funny frown ♪

Oooh ♪

Falling on my knees ♪

Throw my head back

as I land among the pages ♪

I’m a blank for

those who read me ♪

I’m a song for all the ages ♪

But I am only ever too late ♪

And silence

is the perfect sound ♪

Guess the bridge climb

is off then?

- Mmm. - It would make

one hell of a birth story.

- [Cassie scoffs, spits]

- You got an alternative?

I'll see.

We shouldn't monopolise her.

You were psyched about us

hanging out with her.

I don't think

we should tire her out.

I really need this run.

[Anna] So no one had any idea?

Huge surprise.

Ben thinks I'm upset because

she's pregnant. Typical.

So why are you, then?

He's gonna project the baby bump

onto me

and it's going to

be 10 times worse.

This is turning into a thing.

- I guess.

- [Anna] You need to sort it.

- In here.

- [Cassie] When I have to.

I mean, this has been

our entire focus

and now I'm

the one jumping ship.

[phone chiming]

Oh.

Oh, not Nathan again.

[Nathan] [laughing] Come on.

That's the best one yet, right?

[Cassie] Nathan, you're spamming

her.

Just read the signs, she's not

into it. Get some boundaries.

[Nathan clears throat]

So as you know, the idea is we

will have youth ambassadors

throughout the world.

[woman]

The earth is your inheritance

and currently,

it's being spent for you.

Obviously, that's where Ruby's

artwork fits right in.

And I've got a million

ideas for new paintings.

[Julie] Well, too few people

pick up after their dog

so she won't be running out of

materials anytime soon.

[Justin] Too few pick up

after themselves

so she won't be

running out of dilemmas.

[man] Ah! There is a punchline

in that.

There is. You're fully on board

though, Mrs. Rafter?

- Well, I

- Mum and Dad are so on board.

Ah, obviously we're very mindful

of Ruby's age.

So, I'd say that we're

proceeding cautiously.

But we also know

that it's something

she's very passionate about.

And having a family member

as a point person

is a huge plus, Rachel.

Justin takes point. I'm here to

get you out the gates.

Of course.

You're in extremely

good hands with him.

With us.

- Great.

- Awesome.

[Justin] I call that a 10.

[Julie] Well, they seem

fairly committed.

[Rachel] All done bar the

signing.

- Carbo!

- [Carbo] Hey!

Where were you?

Ah, I couldn't get up.

Hey, Rach. Whoa!

Love the new look.

- Hey. Carbo.

- [Justin] Justin.

- You would've seen my stuff.

- I have.

So, ah, we signed the deal?

Be good to stream it.

I've got over a million

followers and counting.

I gave my name

to the security guard over there

but he must've got in touch with

some assistant.

I'll sort this. You guys go

ahead.

Yeah, come on, we'll wait

outside.

- Carbo should've come up.

- Later, Rubes.

[Julie] Come on, darling.

- Carbo.

- Yeah.

I gave word not

to let you upstairs.

How come?

We're still in the middle of

negotiations.

And if you barge in there,

you could blow the whole

thing out of the water.

Yeah, but I wanted to show them

our merch. Look - fridge magnet.

'Oh Poo!' Good name, eh?

One word, Carbo. 'Landfill.'

Do you really think

that's the brand strategy

Observation Earth are going for?

They wouldn't even know about

her if it wasn't for me.

Nothing like this is going

anywhere near the campaign.

[clanging]

[sighs]

It's good to see you, though.

How's Retta and Theo?

Fine.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

- Where's the American accent?

- Left it in Manhattan.

Ah.

I know you mean well, Carbo.

- Carbo coming?

- No, he's not a part of this.

- He should be.

- He's not.

Ah well you know what?

Why don't we get you a treat on

the way home?

That's a great idea.

- I'll call you.

- I'll write it up for Max.

I can't, I won't ♪

I'll tell you that I don't ♪

[mouthing words]

But I need you on my side ♪

And I'll stay, I'll go

I'll tell you I'm may know ♪

But I need you on my side ♪

Hey, hey ♪

[birds chirping]

[Julie] Now, I know

you've probably got everything,

but Grandma reserves

the right to contribute.

- It's organic cotton.

- It's adorable.

I actually haven't bought

anything, yet.

What? You know it's not staying

in there forever.

Mmm. The doctor did mention

something about that.

[Julie lauging]

I'm not having kids when I get

older.

It's irresponsible

to overpopulate the planet.

Well, take it from me,

the first bottle of champagne

might seem like a good idea,

but the second one never is.

We shouldn't be over consuming

anything

in a world of finite resources.

Pretty sure that's not what you

meant.

Mmm. [laughing]

Oh.

[Rachel] It's very cute.

Seriously. Put it away.

Cassie doesn't need it.

- She seems fine.

- You bring stuff up.

I don't mean to.

Hard not to.

I'm going to pick up Justin.

Is this really necessary?

Just being nice.

Where are you taking him?

The Boat Club.

Oh, Ben!

If it's good enough for us,

it's good enough for him.

Best seafood platter

in Australia.

Ben's just being overprotective.

Can't blame him.

The IVF put a huge strain on

both of them.

Yeah, I'm sure.

I just need to put my foot in it

with Nathan

and I'll have

the sibling trifecta.

- Oh, you're doing fine.

- Am I?

Under the circumstances.

Of course you see life

differently to us.

I'm still me.

Filtered through

years of New York.

Sounds like a judgment. [scoffs]

No. You wanted the world,

you went out and got it.

And no one is more proud

of you than I am.

- You are?

- Of course.

Proud and puzzled.

Back at you.

Your dad and I will make it

through this.

You know what?

Neither conversation for now.

We will have them.

We will.

How about we go and see your

grandad after dinner.

I'd love that.

There you go.

[woman] What does that involve?

[giggling]

[woman] You can't just pull that

out!

[laughing]

So dejected and dispirited,

ladies.

Listen to you

and your big words.

Ay, my parents spent

a lot of money on my education.

Just making sure they

get their money's worth.

So, is this a side hustle?

I waitress on the weekends,

extra cash for the deposit.

Right! Property investor?

[grimacing]

Good luck with that.

[laughing] What's your main gig

during the week?

This! This is the main hustle.

Not side.

Good for you.

So, tell us more about

your fun-employment.

[Nathan] You should've seen the

shutters come down.

Not happening.

Tell me about it!

Yeah, and it's same as Anna.

- Anna?

- Yeah!

- Then Cassie has a go at me.

- Cassie?

Yeah! She was like,

'Boundaries!'

'Boundaries!' she says.

It was like It's a couple of

memes. Bloody hell.

Rach had a go at me!

Nothing wrong with scoring likes

on the socials,

but my one million followers

and blue tick? Not good enough.

[scoffs]

What do you know?

The whizz kid's arrived.

[Carbo] I'm not sure if he's on

Rachel's side.

What do you reckon?

- Player.

- Player?

- You think?

- I know.

Ooh. [scoffs]

I know his type.

Hey!

- Look who's here.

- Hey, Grandad!

So good to see you.

What are you doing here?

What's she doing here?

Dad, it's Rachel.

I know who it is.

I told you she was coming.

Too little, too late.

She's here for work, Dad.

- Oh, that'd be right.

- Not just work.

It wouldn't be for us.

You couldn't even turn up

to your mum and dad's own

anniversary, Miss Hoity-Toity.

Dad!

I mean, we got here.

Where were you?

I called in, remember?

I remember well enough.

Haven't lost my marbles yet.

Whatever you might

hear around here.

And you couldn't even be

bothered to dress up.

I mean, 35 years married

and you're sitting there

in your bloody pajamas.

Dad, it was night there.

It was night here too

but we made an effort.

Rachel woke up especially.

You always cut

her too much slack.

'Julie spoils her,'

your mother always said that.

Spare the rod, spoil the child.

New York.

You're hardly ever home.

Ungrateful, that's

what I call it.

Dad, that's not fair.

It's fair enough to me.

- Can't you be happy that she's

- It's OK, Mum.

Guess what, Grandad?

I'm having a baby.

Look. See?

It's your first

great-granddaughter.

A girl?

[Rachel] Yeah.

Your mum never said.

You never said.

[Rachel] It's nicer as a

surprise, isn't it?

I reckon.

A really, really good surprise.

A lovely one.

Our little Rachel.

You're gonna have your own

little girl, love.

- A new little Rafter.

- Ah.

I call that bonza.

I call that bloody bonza,

Grandad.

[both chuckling]

[sighing]

I should've warned you.

You weren't to know.

I was hoping for the best.

Never really sure

what to expect.

You handled it well.

[Rachel sighs]

How do you handle it?

How do you stand him

not being the dad you knew?

You don't have a choice

when someone you love changes.

That wasn't directed at you.

But it's applicable.

Well, it would help if

I knew more.

When you're ready

Time for that talk.

It wasn't one night, Mum.

It was an affair.

He said he was

going to leave his wife.

And instead he gave me a check

and the name of a good doctor

when I told him.

And a sudden turn

of the cold shoulder.

[sighing]

I ripped up the check

and considered the doctor.

Couldn't face another ab*rtion.

I wanted another woman's

husband.

And I just I didn't need your

disapproval.

I would've kept my distance.

- Mum

- I would've been excited.

- Of course I would've been.

- I didn't need your excitement.

Once the baby is born,

when I'm so full of serotonin

that I can't help but be

excited, then sure.

Well, I try not to interfere.

Yeah, but you do, Mum.

It's who you are.

Like now. Did you ask Nathan

and Ben if they need you here?

But here you are.

And Dad's back there.

It's more than just that.

I know, but that's

how it's playing out.

You can't help it.

Your default position is mother.

I didn't need you

defaulting with me.

- I see.

- That was cruel.

No.

When the baby's born,

I can't wait to show Granny.

- Of course I can't.

- Of course.

You need to hear

your dad's side of things.

I do.

And we both need a cuppa.

Is he coming back with those

drinks anytime soon?

I think he's got other things on

his mind.

They're just talking.

[Nathan] Oh! She is all over

him.

He's young, he single.

They're alright.

There's no boundaries there.

You reckon he's

sucking up to Rach?

- Yeah, of course he is.

- As if you'd know.

I know his type.

All over us, smooth as silk,

cred points with the boss

I don't think she's his boss.

You know what I mean.

Sucking his way up the ladder.

[smooches]

- Mate.

- Oh, no. [laughing]

- It's funny.

- You barely even talked to him.

[Nathan] Yeah because he's

been chatting up Anna.

Ah-ha.

I thought he was

coming out with us. Mmm.

I think he needs a hand

with those drinks.

Better idea.

We're gonna go home.

- No!

- Yes.

- No!

- Yes. Yes.

Oh! Go get 'em, Natho.

[man] Hey!

[Nathan] Ooh.

Bucket list, big time.

I definitely want to

get there one day.

Look me up if you do.

[laughing] A woman of principle.

That's what I like to see!

[Justin] Oh, Nathan,

I was just bringing these over.

'Boundaries' she says.

Gotta respect the boundaries.

I guess that changes when

they're young and hot, huh?

Just [blows air] goes out

the window.

Boundaries!

Can't even spell it.

- OK, we're out of here.

Oh, if he's got something to

say, don't hold back.

Honestly, ignore him.

I'm just gonna put him in a cab.

I got this.

If you were egging him on,

you both need a good kick.

For the record, I wasn't.

And Nathan needs his face

slapped.

[Nathan] You're a bloody player.

If that's what you think.

That's exactly what a player

would say. I know you.

You see, I used to be you.

The whole world, it was there

for the taking [sobbing]

Enjoy it on the way down.

[sobbing]

Oh! And what was that bullshit

about rocking up

to our place, huh?

What, are you looking

for a promotion?

[vomits, liquid splashing]

[coughing]

[Julie] Thanks for the heads up.

Edward's in

with us for the night.

Here we go.

Ooh. Ooh!

There you go, sweetheart.

- Got the bucket.

- Love you, Mum.

Every night

in every town in Australia.

It's an Aussie male ritual.

[Justin] I did want to meet the

family.

[Nathan moaning]

[Rachel] When we find

ourselves in damage control,

it's tempting to just

paper over the cracks.

But first step's

making it right.

Oh. Mum said you were

heading up to see Dad.

Yeah, maybe talk

some sense into him.

Yeah, good luck.

We're sort of leaving them to

it. I get both sides.

Sad there are sides.

- Anyway

- Yeah.

Sorry about last night.

I didn't realise Nathan was

hammered until it was too late.

Well, if we're handing out

apologies, accept mine.

I should've thought what barging

in like this would do to Cassie.

No worries.

How much is IVF? I want

to take care of it for you.

Someone in this family has to

have a functioning relationship

and given me and

Nathan and Mum and Dad,

you and Cassie are about it.

No pressure.

I mean, it can be a gift.

It can be a loan.

However you wanna do it.

And I know you're gonna

hate taking my money

No, I won't because this

is what Cassie wants

and I don't have

any way to give it to her.

Exhibit A – why Ben is the one

that wins at relationships.

Thank you. Ah!

Wait till I call her.

She'll be so stoked.

So you'll be OK with having

them both?

Sure. Things are good between

you and Rach, though?

Uhshe'll tell you. They

should be there by tonight.

Can't wait.

As long as you're fine.

As can be expected. Bye.

Bye.

[vacuum whirring]

Not that I'm trying to say sorry

or anything

[laughs] Well, you should

get drunk more often

if this is how it ends.

[chuckles] No. I really, really

shouldn't.

I just called your dad.

I bet he was impressed.

Rachel's heading up there today.

I think you should too.

- I can't.

- Yes you can.

I can't pull Edward out of

school.

It's his first week back

and there's a

bring your family zoo excursion.

Well, I can take him.

I love the zoo.

And Edward loves

being here with us.

I really think you need the

change to process everything.

You're no good

to anyone like this.

My life's falling apart, Mum.

I know.

[groans]

I think a job serving booze

is probably a bad idea.

Yeah.

And having to face Anna,

probably not going to

do wonders for me either.

Uh-uh.

So Buradeena it is.

Rachel's not gonna wanna

spend five hours

in the car with me.

Well, it'll give you plenty

of time to apologise

for vomiting all over

her work colleague.

[imitates vomiting]

[laughter]

Ah. Can we get this out of the

way? I am so, so sorry.

- Justin's not you.

- I know!

What am I?

We have five hours

to discuss that.

What am I? What's Mum?

Won't be short of conversation.

You said it, baby.

Your brother-in-law

is a complete and utter Wally.

Rachel's giving us

the money for more IVF.

As many rounds as it takes.

There's no avoiding

the big conversation now.

[gentle music]

- Can I tell you something?

- Yeah.

You know what

happened with Justin?

I got jealous.

Seriously, he was the me

I used to be.

- Where did that guy go?

- Where did I go?

Suburban girl who thought

a corner office in Sydney

was the summit of achievement.

How did I let him slip away?

Nathan, you know what I think

about when I lie awake at night?

Mm. Not sure I want to know.

[scoffs]

When I'm stressing about, 'How

the hell am I gonna do this?'

and 'Have I made

a huge mistake?'

I think, 'Look at Nathan.'

'Look at what an awesome job

he's done with Edward.'

And you've mostly

done that by yourself.

He's a great kid.

I know a lot of things haven't

turned out the way you wanted.

But there's Edward.

I just hope I can do as good

a job as you're doing.

That feels like way more praise

than I deserve.

I know everything else

is crappy and stressful.

Aren't we a pair of screw-ups?

Just a couple of dags.

[Rachel] I could hear

my boss on my shoulder.

'See? Transparency pays.

'Now you're on the way

'to the new narrative

that everyone can own.'

Ooh-ooh ♪

♪You know I put my heart in it ♪

Every single part of it has

gone too soon ♪

Dad!

Hey!

You soon ♪

Hey, Dad.

[soft music plays]

[Rachel] I get why you love

it.

Not your speed?

I'm more Mum than you.

[Dave chuckles]

What's gonna happen?

With us?

Search me.

Your mum's ruled the roost.

Always has.

Not that I minded.

I've been happy

going along with it.

This time, I'm not.

Thisis me.

I can't move for some

pie-in-the-sky

moment of self-realisation

she may never find.

If she doesn't,

we'd both be lost.

And end up a bitter old couple

sniping our way to the grave.

- [sighs] Dad

- It could happen.

I'd rather let her go

and keep some form of love

than trip along with her

and risk losing it.

I've never heard you talk like

that.

A fella doesn't wear his heart

on his sleeve.

I guess a fella doesn't.

I love a fella.

A fella loves you.

[birds singing, frogs croaking]

And if you can't solve it?

Divorce.

It's possible.

[sighs]

I hope I never have to

say that to your mum.

[Rachel] This is so not

the new narrative I had in mind.

As to how to fix it?

I'm at a total loss.

[gentle music]

[soft piano]