Previously on Neighbours
- Wendy enlists Sadie and Taye's help to move all Andrew's possessions into the garage
- But later, Andrew tells Wendy that he and Holly aren't together
- Wendy seems unmoved, coolly telling Andrew that she doesn't know why he's still wearing his wedding ring
- Clint admits to Jane that he's nervous about asking Addison to live with him
- Meanwhile, Leo tells Krista and Nicolette that Addison is worried Clint won't ask her to move in
- Just as Clint is about to ask Addison, Krista reports that Addison's mum Shannon wants to take her back
- At the Ramsay Street summit, Karl tells his neighbours that they won't allow the street to be bulldozed
- Elle explains Paul's rejection of Terese's marriage proposal, and how Terese hasn't completely forgiven him
- Paul is on the phone to someone about arranging finances
- Paul reunites with grandson Jimmy in a jaunt to central Melbourne
- Max spies them from a distance and wonders what's going on
V-Bar
Elle and Felix are having a drink. Elle says she enjoyed spending time with JJ earlier. Felix says it's sweet how JJ looks after Addison and Elle agrees, saying he's protective just like Felix.
FELIX: He was teasing me about you being my girlfriend.
ELLE: Was he?
FELIX: Yeah. *Are* you my girlfriend?
ELLE: Do you want me to be?
FELIX: Been a while since I've had one.
ELLE: I'd like that.
FELIX: I would too.
Max, who is at the bar in the background, tells them he's heading off - he's been waiting for Taye to come in, but it seems Taye is off on some errand. At this point Paul comes in, and Max mentions seeing him with 'that dude' in the city.
ELLE: What dude?
PAUL: Oh, just somebody asking me for directions. That must've been who you saw.
Elle and Max both look a bit sceptical.
Harold's Café
Clint, Addison, Krista, Nicolette and Jane are still gathered as they wait for Shannon to arrive. The door opens, but it's only Leo.
LEO: I get the feeling you were all hoping for someone else.
Everyone's nervous but Krista reminds Addison they're here for her, whatever happens. Then Shannon comes in. Underscore swells as Addison leaps up to hug her.
SHANNON: I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry, my girl. I've let you down too many times.
Clint doesn't look so pleased to see her.
No 26
Andrew comes in to find Wendy packing his possessions into boxes. She tells him she's putting it all in the garage, and that 'when the time comes' they can divide the furniture between them.
WENDY: And we'll keep it fair. If I have the fridge, you can have the washing machine and the dryer.
ANDREW: So we're really doing this?
WENDY: Well, there's no going back.
ANDREW: Holly and I aren't together. We'll never be together.
WENDY (coldly): Yeah, you already said that.
ANDREW: I still love you, Wendy.
WENDY: ... And I still want a divorce. Karl's doing this FFT or this TTF summit thing, and we're selling. And while you're here, can you take these boxes to the garage?
Andrew agrees, but is fiddling with his wedding ring.
ANDREW: I'm not taking it off.
WENDY: Why? It doesn't mean anything anymore.
Harold's Café
Shannon and Addison continue to catch up in front of the audience of RSRs and Clint. Shannon explains that after Krista told her Addison was sleeping rough, she wanted to see her but then spiralled and ended up getting high instead.
SHANNON: After that I finally asked for help, and I went to rehab. Before handing over my phone, I texted Krista about Clint. You've got to know each other?
ADDISON: Yeah. Yeah, we have. He's not so bad.
SHANNON: I'm sorry I kept you two apart. I learned a lot about myself at rehab. And not wanting you in Addison's life - that was my stuff. It was about me.
KRISTA: You sound like a completely different person.
LEO: Yeah. Too good to be true.
SHANNON: I understand why you'd think that. But I've changed. (to Addison) Let me make it up to you. Not with promises, but with action. I got a part- time job, and I managed to rent a flat. No more drugs (...) I'm still unpacking, but... I would like you to live with me again, Addy. Would you like that?
Shannon becomes emotional. Clint looks disappointed, and Jane looks sad for Clint.
No 22
Karl, Susan, Terese and Remi are chatting about the freeway situation and how it is impacting other streets in the area. Karl says it's a mixed bag; some want to fight like them, and others are happy to sell. Susan says they can't afford to worry about that; they must simply focus on themselves.
REMI: Exactly. Fight the freeway.
Karl says he's lined up Nicolette and Max to help him tomorrow; he doesn't explain what with, but apparently all the neighbours have agreed to it, and Terese thinks it's a great idea. Karl also has an idea about the Rodwells; he wonders if Paul would be interested in buying No 26 from them, as his childhood home. Terese says it would definitely be worth checking with him.
At this point, Felix and Elle arrive. Karl ropes Elle in to his mysterious plan for tomorrow, for a 'photo opportunity'. Terese wonders why Paul hasn't come home with Elle; she says that he said he had work to do, which surprised her as she thought they were up to date. Terese looks suspicious...
V-Bar
Jimmy is impressed with the bar as Paul pours him a vodka, and declares it 'sick'.
JIMMY: I mean, all it's missing is a chess set.
PAUL: Yeah, no - I've seen how good you are, so no thanks.
JIMMY: Ah, yeah - the apprentice has become the master, eh?
PAUL: Okay, so what does your mum think about a potential move to Australia?
JIMMY: I reckon we can get her across the line.
PAUL: Yeah? What about your aunt and uncle?
JIMMY: Andrew and Tash are all about the baby. And I don't think they want to raise Evie in America.
PAUL: Alright, so I've just got to convince Lucy, Mark and Annie to come too, and we'll have a full deck of Robinsons.
JIMMY: Yeah, assuming that everyone here's into the idea too.
PAUL: Alright, so show us what you've got.
Jimmy opens his laptop, and Paul goes over to have a look - but we don't see what's on it yet.
No 24
Addison is chatting over the situation with Shannon with Krista, Leo, Jane, Nicolette and Clint. Addison says Shannon seemed more together than she expected. But Clint is worried, and wonders how they can be sure she won't relapse.
LEO: We can't. It's a leap of faith.
Clint goes into the kitchen, and Jane follows to check he's okay.
CLINT: What if Shannon abandons her again?
JANE: Maybe you should still ask Addison to move in with you.
Clint and Jane rejoin the others.
CLINT: Hey, Ads, can I say something?
ADDISON: Can I go first?
CLINT: Yeah, sure.
ADDISON: Uh, today's been really weird. Also really good. Had my mum and dad in the same room for the first time... And seeing her like that is all I've ever wanted. I know she might let me down; she probably will. But I'm gonna give it a go. I want to go live with her.
Clint nods, feeling unable now to ask the question himself.
Ramsay Street
The next morning, Karl, Max and Nicolette are out in force, expressions of determination on their faces. A jaunty song ('Cavalryman') plays as they eye with disdain the workmen who are measuring up the street for demolition. The RSRs begin hammering 'Fight the Freeway' signs into the nature strip in front of all the houses, to make clear their dissent.
Elle turns up and takes some photos of the three of them posing with the signs. Karl is evidently keen to get his photo in the paper and encourages Elle to take some of just him!
MAX: Has your mate Wesley agreed to run the story?
ELLE: Not yet, but he will. It's the least he can do after burying Zac.
Max then gets a text message and wanders off, while Karl gives a big thumbs- up to the camera!
Harold's Café
Max has come to find the sender of the text message - it's his dad, Shane! He's reading the West Waratah Star, which has a front page story about the freeway corruption scandal. When he sees Max he stands up and gives him a hug. There's some discussion of how Max is doing since his split from Holly. Max says he's realised, with some help from Jane and Paul, that staying angry at Holly wasn't healthy.
MAX: So you didn't need to fly all the way down.
SHANE: Well, actually, you're not the reason I'm here. Well, you are part of it - but it's not what you think.
MAX: Dad, you're not making any sense.
SHANE: Grab a coffee. There's something I want to tell you about.
No 28
Susan is enjoying a nostalgic perusal of the Ramsay Street History Book. She looks at the page about Toadie, which includes a picture of Lou Carpenter snipping off his mullet. On the next page, 'The House of Trouser', we see lots of photos of Toadie and Connor O'Neill.
Other faces seen as she flicks through the book, including some photos which pop up on the screen, include Helen and Rosemary Daniels, Lucas and Dan Fitzgerald, Libby, Ringo and Donna Brown, Hendrix Greyson, Harlow Robinson, Harold Bishop with Lou, Dylan Timmins, Elle (but in her previous incarnation!), Paul, the Hoylands (Max, Steph, Izzy, Boyd and Summer), and Susan herself with Karl and Audrey the dog.
She then goes on to look at photos from the 2022 street party for Toadie and Melanie's wedding, including pictures of Chloe Brennan, Elly Conway, Ned Willis, Yashvi Rebecchi, Freya Wozniak, Levi Canning, Curtis Perkins, Mackenzie Hargreaves, Bea Nilsson, the Rodwells (Sadie, Andrew, Wendy), Paul and Terese. More photos follow - Steph and Lyn Scully, Hendrix and Mackenzie.
There are then shots from the 2023 Christmas fair, with Aaron Brennan, David Tanaka, Nicolette, Isla, Chloe, Leo and Abigail. And from Toadie and Terese's wedding, with Karl, Harold and Jane among the guests. More photos pop up - Stingray Timmins and Rachel Kinski, and Helen Daniels and Lucy Robinson. Susan's just looking at photos from Hendrix and Mackenzie's wedding when Karl comes in.
KARL: Ah, yeah. I was wondering when you'd get that out.
SUSAN: I'm gonna take it to the Waterhole. It needs updating. We should all make a new entry. It'll remind everyone what's at stake. Those that need reminding.
They both look sad.
No 22
Terese is gently grilling Paul over why he stayed back at the bar to work last night after Elle had left. Paul is vague but says he got everything done. She fills him in on Karl, Susan and Remi's visit to talk about the freeway ahead of today's meeting. Terese tells Paul about Karl's idea that Paul could buy No 26 since the Rodwells have decided to sell up. Elle comes in and overhears this.
TERESE: That way you get to preserve your childhood home, and then you get voting rights when it comes to the freeway.
PAUL (sceptical): Do we even get a vote?
ELLE: It's not a bad idea, Dad.
But Paul is noncommittal and heads off to get ready for the meeting.
ELLE: Is it just me, or is he being a tad defeatist?
TERESE: I guess it's all too painful for him to think about.
Harold's Café
Max is looking over some papers Shane has given him, though we're none the wiser as to what is being discussed.
MAX: Dad, this is epic.
SHANE: I was working on it from afar. I mean, obviously the timing's pretty crazy.
MAX: Yeah. I just don't know what everyone's gonna say, though. Especially the Kennedys, right?
SHANE: How do you feel?
MAX: I mean, it's amazing, I guess. And the fact you want me to be involved...
SHANE: Well, obviously, you've got the garage. This isn't me trying to control your life again.
MAX: Yeah, no, I know. It's... it's an opportunity.
SHANE: Just thought I might gather everyone together. Present the option.
MAX: Yeah. There is a gathering happening soon - the Fight the Freeway summit. But, yeah, it might not be the best time.
Shane looks thoughtful. He and Max head outside. Meanwhile Krista, Leo and Addison come in with Clint and Jane; they're all waiting to meet with Shannon again. Addison is nervous.
KRISTA: Whatever happens, we're gonna be here.
LEO: Yeah, you've got backup, okay?
ADDISON: I don't know how to thank you for everything.
KRISTA: You don't have to.
Shannon comes in, and gives Addison a hug. It seems she's moving into Shannon's flat today; it's not fancy, says Shannon, but it's clean and she's got in 'all your favourites'. Addison looks thrilled.
SHANNON: I still can't cook though.
ADDISON: It's okay. Clint taught me some recipes.
CLINT: We've been cooking together.
SHANNON: Maybe you and Addy can cook us dinner sometime.
CLINT: Yeah. I'd like that.
Shannon and Addison leave with Krista and Leo, who are going to help load Addison's bags into the car. Once they're gone, Clint looks upset.
JANE: You know, Addison's right. It's not the end. Because now you have a proper relationship. And it's only gonna get stronger.
CLINT (sadly): Yeah.
JANE: Are you alright?
He insists he is, but doesn't look it.
Ramsay Street
Outside No 26, he workmen continue to measure up the street for the freeway plans. We see Paul watching them thoughtfully from his car. Terese and Elle get into the car, so they can all head to the meeting. Paul seems very subdued.
The Waterhole
The big freeway meeting is happening here; Jane, Susan, Karl, Elle, Paul, Terese, Wendy and Vera are among those present. Jane is surprised Susan hasn't brought the history book for the meeting as she'd planned; Susan explains that Cara has borrowed it to write an entry. Elle says she'd like to have a read of it too to help with the article she's writing.
Karl thinks it's a good idea to 'tug at the heartstrings' for their campaign. He then gets up to address the room, which is adorned with a 'Fight the Freeway' banner.
KARL: It makes me so happy to see family and friends here to help save our street and fight this freeway.
There's applause from everyone, except Wendy and Vera who are looking rather sheepish.
WENDY: I just, uh... want to be upfront with everyone. I got an email about ten minutes ago, and I sent one back to say we've accepted the offer.
KARL: Oh, Wendy, no!
VERA: I just did the same thing.
SUSAN: What?
KARL: No, hang on, everyone. Paul, did you get my suggestion about you buying the Rodwells'?
PAUL: Yeah, but sounds like I'm too late already.
TERESE: Well, maybe we can change Wendy's mind.
Elle and Terese look to Paul to be more proactive, but Vera has something to say - just as Max and Shane come in.
VERA: Listen up, sweeties. I hate to burst the balloon, but I'm gonna call it as I see it. There is Buckley's chance of saving the street.
TERESE: Paul, say something.
KARL: Vera, it's so important we stick together at this time.
MAX (to Shane): Yeah, this isn't the right time, Dad.
SHANE: Everybody's together. We won't get a better time than this.
The RSRs are all in intense discussions.
VERA: I just want to liquidate and go on a cruise!
KARL: I understand, but if you could just hold off on selling...
Shane taps a glass to get everyone's attention so he can speak.
PAUL: What are you doing here?
KARL: He's here to help fight for the street, of course! Cos he is the great- grandson of the street's founder, Black Jack Ramsay. (applause) Mate, I'm so sorry this is happening.
VERA: I'm not!
Karl groans. Wendy decides it's the right moment for her to sneak out, though hesitates before turning her back on the meeting.
SHANE: Well, g'day. What a great turnout. And rightly so - Ramsay Street is a special place.
KARL: Hear, hear.
SHANE: But I'll be honest. I think the freeway is gonna win this battle.
KATE: Oh, mate...
Jane and Susan turn to one another, aghast.
SHANE: But I have an idea. And if you'll hear me out, it could be really good for everyone.
We close on Paul, listening intently to Shane's words.
Lassiter's Lake
Clint is sitting on a bench looking bereft - while Leo and Krista are at the rotunda, a little bereft themselves. He asks how she's feeling about Addison moving out.
KRISTA: I'm gonna miss her.
LEO: Yeah. Me too.
KRISTA: I just didn't think it would be this hard to say goodbye.
LEO: Well, you opened your heart up to her. And in a way, you did for Shannon, too.
KRISTA: ... How are we gonna do this when we officially start fostering?
LEO: Well, I guess we just have to remember what it's like to send a kid back to their home happy. Like we did today.
Krista kisses him.
KRISTA: I love you.
Leo suggests they head to the Waterhole, but Krista has spotted Clint looking forlorn, and thinks they should go and check on him first.
Wendy is sitting on the steps nearby looking sad, and Nicolette comes to join her, holding her hands in solidarity. Wendy apologises for leaving the meeting (not that Nicolette was actually there either, but possibly we are meant to assume she was just off- camera!) but says she had to get out - it was 'just bedlam'. She asks Nicolette not to judge her for selling up.
NICOLETTE: I'm not. I get it. I just don't understand how you've stayed so calm.
WENDY: I don't know if I have. What I've done is pretty out there.
NICOLETTE: Did you burn all his clothes?
WENDY: I told Holly and Andrew to give it a go if they wanted to.
NICOLETTE: Why?
WENDY: I just... I guess I didn't believe what Andrew was telling me. Turns out he wasn't lying about why they split, and they're not even gonna be with each other. I mean, romantically, that is.
NICOLETTE: Thank god.
WENDY: The sad thing is, it doesn't really change anything. Thought I'd feel better, but I don't.
Nicolette gives her a hug.
The Waterhole
Shane has revealed his big news to the residents, and Karl is looking at a glossy brochure entitled 'Welcome to Ramsay Hills', with a picture of a green meadow and pond, with Melbourne's skyline at sunset in the background.
KARL: Ramsay Hills?!
SHANE: I bought the land months ago. I've been granted permission to build.
SUSAN: Build what?
SHANE: A whole new suburb. A place where the community can continue to thrive.
KARL: Hang on, are you suggesting we all move to this new suburb?
SHANE: Yeah, you can all stick together.
TERESE: What? No! We're not giving up on Ramsay Street.
MAX: Oh, guys, come on, just give him a chance.
KARL: Shane, I thought you were here to help fight the freeway.
SHANE: I don't want to see the demise of Ramsay Street either, but you can't fight this. So why not start again, together?
SUSAN: Absolutely not.
JANE: We want to stay in our homes.
KARL: Yes.
TERESE: Paul, haven't you got anything to say?
Paul has been processing this all very quietly. All he says, when prompted by Terese, is that he thinks they should go - before walking out of the meeting.
TERESE (to Shane): Paul having no words should tell you a lot.
KARL: Shane, you can't just pick up Ramsay Street and move it.
SUSAN: I'm sorry, but it's a no.
Shane shrugs, and he and Max exchange a glance as Karl glares at Shane.
No 22
Paul pours himself a whisky, as Terese and Elle whisper to one another about how quiet he is.
TERESE: I know your father. This is hitting hard.
Elle and Terese join Paul in the kitchen and ask him what's going through his head - and why he keeps checking his phone.
PAUL: I'm waiting for somebody to arrive, actually.
TERESE: Who?
PAUL: ...
ELLE: What's going on, Dad?
PAUL: Alright, look - you both know that I have been trying to find a new business venture. Something that would fit the entire family.
TERESE: And what's this got to do with the street?
PAUL: Well, initially, nothing. I was hoping that the two could coexist. But it was always my intention that we'd be there one day.
TERESE: Umm, be where?
At this point Jimmy arrives at the door, and is greeted with surprise and hugs by Elle and Terese.
JIMMY: You haven't told them?
PAUL: No. Why don't we show them instead?
Terese and Elle follow Jimmy back into the kitchen, confused, as he opens his laptop.
ELLE: Will someone please tell us what's going on?
PAUL: Alright, look. I hate to see the end of Ramsay Street. But it's a done deal, alright - so we need to forge a new future.
Jimmy's laptop shows an artist's impression of a new development in the heart of Melbourne, with two towers - one with a rooftop garden - standing at its centre.
PAUL: Welcome to Robinson Towers. This is a new home for us - and our friends and neighbours, if they want to join us.
Paul smiles and winks at Jimmy. Terese and Elle look astonished.
Coming up on Neighbours
- 'Robinson Towers? Ramsay Hills? What is *wrong* with you people?!' demands Susan of Paul and Shane
- Karl says he has a feeling a different battle is beginning, as Paul and Shane have a staring competition
- Cara tells a horrified Remi and Elle that Eric Linwell has escaped while being transported to prison
