Previously
- Hendrix and Harlow are about to kiss, but she sneezes on him instead
- Hendrix initiates an awkward conversation with Harlow in the pub, saying her hair looks nice
- Lucy is surprised to encounter Mark Gottlieb at Harold's
- Paul wonders if he detects romance on the cards between Lucy and Mark G
- Dipi tells Gary that if he cares about Prue, he should go and be the hero she needs
- When Gary tells Harlow that Prue's coming back, she says she wants nothing to do with her
- Finn tells his video diary that kissing Elly triggered a memory; he doesn't want it to keep happening
- Elly's baby alarm triggers a whole new raft of memories for Finn; he spaces out as Elly shouts him
We have the usual opening titles today except that, to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Neighbours logo at the end of the sequence is painted in rainbow colours instead of the usual gold.
No 32
The baby alarm is still bleeping, and Elly is still calling Finn's name - but he's entirely in a world of his own. At this point Kyle comes in, and manages to turn the alarm off - which seems to snap Finn out of his trance.
ELLY: Are you okay?
FINN: ... Yeah. Sorry, I've got to go.
Finn runs out of the house. Elly and Kyle look at one another, nonplussed.
KYLE: What was that about?
Ramsay Street
Finn runs into the street, agitated and disoriented, before rushing back home to No 28.
No 28
Finn comes in, crying uncontrollably, disbelieving of the memories that are flooding back to him. After pacing around the room emotionally, he collapses onto the sofa and starts to sob.
No 26
Sheila is doing some cleaning when she trips over Gary's fishing rod on the living room floor. Exasperated, she marches into his room to give it back to him...
SHEILA (offscreen): Gary... Oh!!
We hear Sheila shrieking, and Gary shrieking too. Then Sheila comes rushing back out into the living room, followed closely by Gary frantically doing up his dressing gown!
SHEILA: What were you doing?!
GARY: What were *you* doing, just barging in like that?!
SHEILA: I wanted you to put your rod away! I mean, your junk - oh, you know what I mean!
GARY: Mum! I was just - you know - Skyping with Prue!
Gary admits that 'one thing led to another' while he was in London with Prue.
SHEILA: Spare me the details! Don't tell me you're in love with her now, because remember how she trampled all over your heart the last time!
GARY: Mum, we talked through that, and it's all in the past!
SHEILA: Well, I don't like this one bit!
GARY: Yeah, Mum, I don't want to hear about it, okay? We're together now, and you'd just better get used to it. And the next time, before you barge in like that - knock!
Gary grabs his fishing rod from Sheila, then marches out of the room, thwacking it on the wall by accident as he goes! Sheila looks traumatised.
The Waterhole
The pub is adorned with Mardi Gras decorations, and 'Everybody is Welcome at Lassiter's' banners. Lots of extras in glittery costumes are gathering with drinks. Paul and Terese come in in their own glamorous, glittery outfits, both super-excited, and looking forward to seeing David and Aaron via television link-up on the Mardi Gras float in Sydney.
They join Lucy, who is with Mark Gottlieb at the bar. Terese is thrilled that Mark G is on board to do the catering for the wedding expo.
MARK G: I'm happy to help. It's great to be back - brings back lots of memories.
LUCY: Oh, it does indeed!
Lucy and Mark G go to sit down, and Terese asks Paul while he's smiling. He says it's just nice to see Mark G and Lucy connect after so many years. This gives Paul an idea, and he rushes off outside.
Pierce, Chloe and Hendrix come in, in their own glam costumes. Terese praises Chloe for all her hard work in setting up the event. Chloe then joins Pierce and Hendrix at a table.
HENDRIX: Do I have to be here? I'm gonna find glitter in my hair for the next two weeks.
PIERCE: Come on, mate - don't be a Grinch. Besides, maybe today's the day you'll finally get to talk to Harlow.
The camera pans round to where Harlow and Mackenzie are sitting at the bar, both wearing glittery face decorations.
MACKENZIE: I wish I could go back in time and tell my ten-year-old self about this. I never thought people like me would be so... accepted.
HARLOW: Accepted? I mean, try 'celebrated'! Everyone has definitely brought the party today.
Hendrix smiles at Harlow across the room.
Meanwhile, Mark Brennan has arrived, and congratulates Terese on a great turnout. Mark B casually asks if Paige is here; Terese says she asked her along, but given her breakup with Jack, Paige just wanted some time alone. Mark B tells Terese that Aaron's excited to be in Sydney for Mardi Gras; he's always wanted to be in the parade. They raise a toast to Aaron and David.
Sydney
We cut to the Sydney skyline as funky dance music plays, followed by a montage of David and Aaron exploring the city. However, when they reach Oxford Square and pose for a selfie together, they end up getting photobombed by Mick Allsop - the guy who Aaron was led to believe was stalking him by evil guest villain Rory Zemiro back in 2018. Mick wishes them a happy Mardi Gras.
MICK (to Aaron): I saw you walking down the street, and thought, 'I would recognise that mince anywhere.'
AARON: Uh, no - I don't mince.
MICK: So what's the plan? What are we doing? Who are we doing? What's the hashtag?
Cut to David and Aaron legging it hand-in-hand down the street, to escape from Mick! He looks for them, but doesn't find their nearby hiding place.
AARON: I never want to see that guy again!
No 28
Susan, Karl, Bea and Elly are all glittered up for Mardi Gras. Elly's just had a text from Aaron, and regales the others with the tale of him and David running into Mick, explaining that Mick was once obsessed with Aaron's dance troupe, Rough Trade. Elly tells Karl that Kyle finally managed to turn the alarm off, and asks Bea if Finn's okay after he ran out on her earlier.
ELLY: I think the noise really got to him (...) He kind of just shut down, and then he left.
Finn emerges in a rainbow T-shirt, ready to join them all for the Mardi Gras party.
FINN: Sorry about before. That alarm gave me a splitting headache. Trust you to get the bargain basement model, Karl!
KARL: It was an installation issue!
FINN: Whatever, cowboy.
Having successfully covered, Finn joins the others as they wheel Aster's pram out of the house. However, Elly gives him a silent look on the way out.
Sydney
David and Aaron kiss, and simultaneously say, 'I love you'.
DAVID: Aaron - gay icon, three o'clock.
Aaron looks around to see singer Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. Aaron rushes over and hugs a bemused-looking Jake, who doesn't recognise him.
AARON: Rough Trade?
JAKE SHEARS: Oh, I wasn't on Grindr - I was just looking for directions.
AARON: Oh, no, no, no. The dance troupe. Remember, we auditioned for you back in '012?
Aaron does a little dance move to demonstrate, but Jake Shears doesn't remember him. Jake Shears says he's visiting 'a little Aussie girlfriend I got'. Aaron gives Jake his card, and tells him to give them a call if he's ever in Erinsborough. Jake wishes them a happy Mardi Gras, then looks bemused as they go on their way - and tosses Aaron's card onto the floor!
The Waterhole
Sheila, who's wearing a very extravagant peacock hat, is moaning to Terese about Gary going to London to see Prue, and Kyle lying about it for him. However, Sheila quickly realises that Terese knew all along.
TERESE: But I had no idea he was planning on having her stay with you.
SHEILA: Stay?! With me?!
Terese realises she's put her foot in it, as Sheila goes over to confront Gary about it. Gary says he was going to ask Sheila if it was okay, and asks her not to 'flap her trap off' to Harlow about it, as it's a sensitive topic. Sheila tells Gary he's asking for trouble.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie and Harlow are at a table. Hendrix is smiling over at Harlow again, and Mackenzie notices.
MACKENZIE: Are you gonna tell me what's going on? You guys making eyes at each other?
HARLOW: Look, I dunno who you're referring to.
MACKENZIE: ... Are you telling me you still have a crush on him?
HARLOW: What? No - no! Look, okay - we kind of had this Moment™ the other day where I felt we might - you know - kiss.
MACKENZIE: But you're always going on about him being a total jerk.
HARLOW: Yeah, because most of the time, he is. But, you know, every now and then...
Mark Gottlieb and Lucy walk past, and the camera stays with them as they take seats at the bar. Paul has returned, with the Ramsay Street history book which he's borrowed from Toadie, and which he shows to Mark G.
MARK G: Wow, that's incredible! It's even got the flyer from the World's Longest Sausage Roll fundraiser!
Susan and Karl come in with baby Aster, and immediately recognise Mark G. They go over to say hello. Bea, Elly and Finn have followed them in; Bea goes to the bar to get drinks, while Elly asks to speak to Finn privately. Elly and Finn head into the pub's office.
ELLY: What's going on?
FINN: Nothing. Why?
ELLY: You're not yourself! The way you froze up before - it's more than a headache.
FINN: ... You really want to know?
ELLY: Yeah.
FINN: ... It's you. When you were upset before, I just wanted to hold you - but I can't. And I panicked, so...
ELLY: I'm sorry. What can we do?
FINN: Keep our distance. Being alone in this office isn't helping.
ELLY: Yeah. You're right.
Finn returns to the bar area, where Lucy and Mark G are looking at the history book. Lucy notices Finn, and excuses herself from Mark G to go and speak to him.
LUCY: Finn Kelly?
FINN: Lucy.
LUCY: I'd like to express my deepest regret that we couldn't have you at the wedding expo. I hope that you understand it was nothing personal.
FINN: Sure. I understand.
LUCY: And the same goes for today. This is a Lassiter's event; there's gonna be press here, and it's just not a good look for the hotel.
FINN: You're asking me to leave?
LUCY: I'm asking for your cooperation.
FINN: David is my friend. This is discrimination.
Lucy grabs him and frogmarches him to the other end of the bar.
LUCY: I am well within my rights to refuse you entry. Now, please - I do not want to make a scene. I have to go and check on some staff, and by the time I get back, it'd be best if you were no longer here.
As Lucy walks off, Finn's anger is palpable, and he clenches his fists into balls furiously. An expression of wounded pride crosses his face.
Sydney
Aaron and David are in a restaurant; David is posting on social media for Lassiter's as per Lucy's request.
AARON: I'm glad we can do this.
DAVID: What, be ambassadors for my dad's hotel?
AARON: No. Be together. To think that I almost lost you.
DAVID: But you didn't.
AARON: Do you remember the promise we made before your operation?
DAVID: How could I forget?
AARON: Do you ever worry that we're never gonna get there?
DAVID: We will have a family.
AARON: Yeah. Just feels like we've been talking about this for so long...
DAVID: We'll figure it out. I know we will.
AARON: Yeah. You never know, next year, we might be packing for three.
DAVID: Maybe!
They kiss.
AARON: in the meantime, we have to keep posting!
DAVID: Can't wait (...) Do you think our followers are getting sick of us yet?
AARON: Hey, if they're not getting sick of us, then we're not doing our job right, are we?
Having exited the restaurant, they take another selfie.
The Waterhole
Mackenzie approaches Hendrix.
MACKENZIE: We need to talk.
HENDRIX: Oh, hello to you, too (!)
MACKENZIE: Harlow told me about what almost happened between you two. And if you do go there, you need to treat her right - because she is the kindest, most caring person -
HENDRIX: Does she want to? Go there with me?
Mackenzie doesn't know what to say.
Meanwhile, Paul makes a beeline for Gary to taunt him about the news that Prue is coming back.
PAUL: You don't honestly think that you and Prue are gonna last, do you?
GARY: Can I help you, Robinson?
PAUL: No, you can help yourself by not getting involved. Prue is a fruitcake, and if she's shacked up with you, it means her focus is not on Harlow.
But Harlow has overheard this and is angry.
HARLOW: That's why she's coming - for you? D'you know what? I should've known.
GARY: No, Harlow, it's not like that. And I was gonna tell you; I was just -
HARLOW: And I'm guessing she's probably staying with you while she's here, right?
GARY: She just wanted to give you some space, but be close enough so whenever you wanted to see her - I mean, it makes sense!
HARLOW: Oh, it makes perfect sense, actually. It's good to know she has her priorities straight. As always.
Harlow walks out. Hendrix and Mackenzie look concerned.
Sydney
Outside the restaurant, Aaron and David recognise entertainer Courtney Act standing nearby. Aaron says he auditioned to be her backup dancer a long time ago.
DAVID: Is there anyone in this city you haven't auditioned for?
Aaron explains that he was really hung over at the audition, and ended up vomiting in front of Courtney Act. Thus Aaron's unwilling to go and say hello - but David assures him she'd have forgotten Aaron by now, and drags him over! Courtney recognises him immediately, or so it seems.
COURTNEY: Hey! Rough... Night?
AARON: Trade.
COURTNEY: Trade. Right (...)
AARON: I didn't think you'd recognise me.
COURTNEY: I never forget a roadie. How are you, Andy?
AARON: Aaron. Yeah, I'm good. I'm great.
Aaron briefly introduces David as his husband - then as they're leaving, Courtney shouts after them.
COURTNEY: Hey! I know, you're not a roadie.
She goes on to act out Aaron's dance audition, before pretending to vomit over the pavement! She asks if he's ever thought of a career change.
AARON: Funny you say that - I've actually had a few since!
Courtney correctly guesses he's a personal trainer - then kisses them goodbye, wishes them a happy Mardi Gras, and goes on her way.
DAVID: See? That was alright!
The Waterhole
Lucy is on the phone as she comes into the office, presumably to Chris Pappas as she's talking about their daughter, Annie.
LUCY: So, how's Annie? Are you gonna record the parade so she can watch it when she wakes up?
Finn appears at the door behind her, still looking very angry. He moves towards her slowly, his hands shaking with rage. But Lucy is oblivious.
LUCY: I can't wait to see her. Tell my baby that I love her, won't you?
On hearing this, Finn suddenly seems to come to his senses. He snaps out of his rage and stops shaking, before making a quick exit. As she finishes her call, Lucy hears footsteps and turns around - but no-one's there. She looks spooked.
Back in the bar area, extras are watching the parade on the TV screens - as are Elly, Terese, Susan, Karl, Mark B and Paul. Finn emerges and rejoins Bea, who's sitting at a table.
BEA: Do you feel like another drink?
FINN: Uh, I have to go. Now.
BEA: You're gonna miss David and Aaron in the parade. Are you okay?
FINN: Yeah, I... it's for the best.
Finn sees Lucy coming out of the office, looking at her phone, and looks worried.
BEA: Did Lucy say something?
FINN: Look, it's fine. It's best if I just go.
Bea wants to go with him, but Finn insists she stay and enjoy the parade - he says his headache's coming back, and he's just going to go and lie down. Bea tells him to call if he needs anything, and looks worried. Finn glances back at an oblivious Lucy as he leaves, still angry.
Shortly afterwards, Paul asks for everyone's attention and makes a speech.
PAUL: I just want to take this opportunity, before the Lassiter's float makes its debut, to say what an honour it is to be participating in the 2020 Sydney Mardi Gras.
Everyone cheers and claps.
PAUL: You see, we at Lassiter's take pride in the fact that we are committed allies to the LGBTQI community. But this celebration is deeply personal to me, because my son and son-in-law are proudly standing atop our float, letting the entire world know that everyone is welcome at Lassiter's.
More applause, then everyone turns to the TV as we see David and Aaron dancing on the float!
Meanwhile, Hendrix has gone over to sit with Harlow, and asks what's wrong.
HARLOW: My mum's coming to Erinsborough.
HENDRIX: Isn't that a good thing?
HARLOW: Well... yeah. If she was coming for me. But she's coming for Gary.
HENDRIX: Oh... But someone once reminded me to be grateful that she shows up at all. It's more than some people get.
HARLOW: Well, that someone sounds pretty wise.
HENDRIX: Oh, she is. I mean, she is pretty annoying, too. And she's a real know-it-all at times.
This has cheered Harlow up and she's laughing now.
HENDRIX: But yeah. She's crazy-smart. And she'll probably make better use of the advice than I did. Because she's also nice. And she doesn't hold grudges. And she sees the best in people. Even when they've made a bunch of dumb mistakes.
Hendrix moves in to kiss Harlow, and she responds in kind - pretty quickly it descends into a pash. Chloe and Pierce, watching from a nearby table, seem pleased with this development.
CHLOE: Look who's moved on!
Meanwhile, Karl and Susan are with Bea; Karl asks where Finn is, and she explains that he went home. Susan asks if he's okay; Bea says he's fine.
No 28
However, Finn is not fine. He's in his bedroom, where he's set up his phone for another video diary. Very twitchy and agitated, he begins to speak, getting up to pace around occasionally.
FINN: It's like... it's like the dam wall's burst, and everything is just rushing into my head. What happened in Colombia... Patrick... I remember everything everyone did to me. And what I did to them. Earlier, when Lucy kicked me out, this anger started coming over me, and I - it was like someone else was in control. I dunno what I would've done, if... But I won't let that happen again. I am still me.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Finn tells Bea that maybe she should quit
- Finn looking headachy and agitated as he struggles with his emotions
- Paul assures Jane that his 'guy' is the best, and will find the catfish
- Paul's on the phone, saying he has some information on someone that he'd like looking into
- Mark tells Paige, 'I let you go'
- Elly says to an intense- looking Finn, 'Only if you're sure it won't cause any problems'
