Jack and Lori are swimming in the local pool, having a race. The race turns out to be a dead heat. Lori and Jack get out of the pool and begin to fool around, which results in them kissing. Jack slightly backs off saying they should go home and get ready for school. Lori and Jack begin to read the local paper while drying off. They manage to see the review and are shocked to see that the play was a 'thumbs down.'

Lou and Connor are reading the paper and are shocked about the review. They are convinced that Harold will be crushed after pouring his heart and soul into the play. At that moment Harold walks up to them and asks to read the paper to see how the review went. Lou offers to read out what's written and 'changes' the words to make it sound like the play was the best thing since Shakespeare. Harold is overjoyed and asks to see the article but just as Lou passes it over Connor 'spills' his coffee over the paper. He apologizes and Lou tells Harold that he can get another copy of the paper for him from the pub.

Taj is talking to Nina about meeting his parents. 'Honestly' he says, 'I think you'll like them especially mum, she's a great cook.' Nina interrupts him as asks if they can talk somewhere private.

Connor and Lou are congratulating Harold about the play. Connor asks him what he plans doing next. Harold tells them that he wants to 'bathe in the glory' of having such a great play, but Lou and Connor convince him to think about starting to write again while the pen's hot. Harold ponders this thought and gets back to work, telling Lou that he will pick up the paper later. Lou compliments Connor on the 'coffee trick' and tells him a mate of his can help them make sure that Harold won't see the real thing, and asks Connor to collect all the papers he can so that they can throw them out. Connor begins to collect discarded papers.

Nina tells Taj that it is no longer working out and that they should separate. Lori comes in at that moment but senses the tense emotion in the air makes an excuse to leave. Taj is bewildered but Nina tells him she is sorry; it's not him, it's her.

While Connor is picking up papers he sees Joe, who wants to talk to him. Joe tells Connor that he wants him to fix the problems he is having with Michelle so he can concentrate on her VCE. Connor agrees, and then they see Harold looking quite happy. Joe can't believe how happy he is after such a rotten review, and laughs saying he shouldn't quit his day job. Connor just smiles and tells Joe not to mention anything about the article.

Taj is angry at Nina and asks what has changed. Nina of course won't tell him but keeps repeating that it's nothing to do him, it's her. Taj tells Nina that just last week she was saying he was the one...so what has changed? Nina apologizes and tells him that she still wants to be friends, but he storms out saying he's already got enough of those. Lori and Jack notice Taj and Lori calls out after him but he ignores him. Lori asks Jack to see if Taj is ok. Jack says it's none of his business and that he will catch up with him later, but Lori rolls her eyes and runs after him.

Lori catches up to an upset Taj and asks what's wrong. He informs Lori that Nina just dumped him and she can't believe it. She offers to cheer Taj up but he's not in the mood. She in the end persuades him, so Lori grabs her bag and they both leave the school.

Nina is upset and Jack comforts her, telling her it's for the best. She looks at him and says it still makes her feel bad but Jack sighs and tells her that she didn't want to hurt Taj, so it's not her fault. Nina asks him if he has told Lori yet, and Jack replies that he will break the news to her in a couple of weeks. Nina can't believe it but Jack points out that Lori has come from New Zealand just to be with him, and that if he dumps her now it will look suspicious. Nina agrees.

Harold stops off at the pub for the papers, but they haven't arrived yet. He tells Lou not to worry, he will buy some from the Newsagents. Lou tells him not to bother, they will be here shortly. He offers Harold lunch at the pub, but Harold tells him nice, as his offer is he needs to get to the newsagents before they sell out. Just as Harold is leaving Connor runs in with bag. It is the 'article' framed in a golden frame. Harold is delighted and thanks Lou and Connor.

Harold keeps the frame behind the counter at the coffee shop and Joe walks in. Harold raves on about what a review it was, and Joe tells him that he is proud of the way Harold has taken it. Harold tells Joe that he is going to call the writer to tell him what he thought. Joe thought this was a great idea and was all for it. Harold rang the writer from behind the counter and told him thank you for how honesty and kind words and that he agrees with what he has written. Joe is astonished at what he was hearing, but then Lori came in. Lori smiles and Joe and asks for two OJ's to go. Joe asks if she has a free period but she shakes her head saying that a friend is upset and she needs to cheer them up, and quickly leaves again. Joe just rolls his eyes, and Harold get off the phone. He tells Joe that the writer was surprised to get a phone call from him, and Joe looks strangely at him. He tells Joe that Ruby would be proud of him and asks if he has finished with his copy of the paper so he can send the article to Ruby. Joe hesitantly hands it over as Harold reads the real article. [i:post_uid0]'Mission Impossible and impossible to watch. This play written by local Harold Bishop was a waste of many people's time effort and even the paper this review was written on' Harold looks heartbroken.

Nina asks Jack if she did the right thing. Jack once again tells her it was all for the best. Nina wants Taj and Lori to know the truth, and though he is hesitant agrees with her in the end. He offers to tell Lori tonight, and Nina just smiles and thanks him. Jack returns the smile and tells her that it will be worthwhile. They hold hands and begin to kiss.

Lori and Taj are talking and Lori tells him that is good to talk about what he's feeling. She informs him that he and Nina remind her of her and Jack, and if that ever happened between them she would die. Taj shakes his head bitterly and told Lori that Tarhnee warned him to stay away from Nina. Lori holds his hand and tells him it's what you feel in your heart that matters; there might be still hope for them yet. Taj just stares at the ground and says it's over.

Lou is typing on the computer giving Connor advice to always pick the best option. Connor just smiles and asks what happens if there is two best options. Lou laughs and says that then there is a problem. Connor asks for Lou's advice...should he take Joe's advice and sort it out once and for all or commit to a relationship which the nicest girl he has ever met. Lou tells him that nothing will come between a father and his best interests for his daughter and at that moment Harold comes in with the paper. He thanks them for their concern but he has read the read the real review. Lou tells him that their review was more honest and was overall better than the one in the paper but Harold just asks them is that what they really think?

Lori and Taj decide to leave the pool as all their classmates come to the pool after school, and Taj doesn't feel like facing anyone at the moment. Taj stirs Lori up and soon Taj is playfully chasing Lori along the water's edge. The lifeguard sees them and blows the whistle. Lori turns around in shock and slips...falling into the pool. The lifeguard jumps up and Taj calls Lori's name and dives in- retrieving Lori from the bottom.