Previously
- Terese chastises Lucy for swapping her honeymoon box for the one with the Paris trip
- It's just as well she did, because Finn has planted a bomb in her original box with the Rome trip!
- Mark Brennan arresting Paige on their first wedding day... and reminding her about it recently
- But Paige proposes to Mark nonetheless, saying the universe keeps throwing them together
- Mark tells Paige there's nothing he wants more, and they kiss
- Jane learns that Sky is not here for Lucy and Mark G's wedding, but her own
- But Sky asks Jane to keep her engagement quiet; she doesn't want to tell anyone yet
- Terese has come across something in Jane's emails which Paul thinks could change her life
- Terese asks, 'for better or worse?'; Paul decides to find out, and goes to make a phone call
The special anniversary 'party popper' title card which has been running all week features again today, in lieu of the standard title sequence; but there's a notable change in the closing credits, as Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) is added to the regular cast list.
Ramsay Street
An original-style arrangement of the Neighbours theme tune plays, on a close-up of the Ramsay Street sign. We drift upwards to see a taxi pull into Ramsay Street. Out steps Des Clarke, and surveys his surroundings - looking first at his old house, No 28, and then at No 30 where Dipi is turning the sprinklers on Shane, reminiscent of how Daphne did the same to Des in the 1986 opening titles!
Shane grabs Dipi, throws her over his shoulder and walks into the house with her, as she laughs and protests.
DIPI: Shane, Shane - no!
Her words echo the very first words spoken in Neighbours, by Danny Ramsay in his dream in the opening of the first episode. Des smiles, as a piano variant of the Neighbours theme takes over.
KARL (voiceover): It's the simple things that fuel great love.
No 22
Ned, Yashvi, Paul, Terese and Paige are gathered for Paige's pre-wedding drinks, as Karl's intro and the piano tune continue.
KARL (voiceover): Shared laughter, a gentle touch, a kind word. Small gestures can have great meaning with a little understanding. They help us get to know each other, be there for one another, to show our love.
Paul and Terese kiss.
Lassiter's Complex
A happy-looking Mark B, Aaron and David arrive at the wedding expo with their wedding suit bags, as Karl and the theme continue.
KARL (voiceover): We all need love. We crave the warmth and joy sparked by special people, who help to make a better day.
The camera moves past the Brennans and into one of the expo tents, where Sky and Jane are looking at wedding dresses. Jane looks a little wistful as they gaze at a particular dress, which looks rather like Charlene's from her wedding to Paul's brother Scott all those years ago.
KARL (voiceover): Finding love is not always easy. But we should never stop seeking, no matter how long the journey. The path we tread is worth every footstep.
Ramsay Street
Des pays the taxi driver, who drives off.
KARL (voiceover): If we're lucky, we find all sorts of love along the way - love we share with partners, family, friends - neighbours.
At the driveway of No 22, Paul and Des greet one another with an enthusiastic hug.
Lassiter's Complex
We see that Karl has been reading Susan's celebrant speech for Mark and Paige's wedding, so she can hear how it sounds.
KARL (reading): Today, we're here for Mark and Paige - two neighbours who became good friends - and didn't stop there. The love they share is unique and hard-won. It's their own perfect blend.
Susan looks apprehensive about it.
KARL: Oh, darling, it's marvellous.
SUSAN: Oh, it took me a few goes.
Susan admits she hasn't been able to think straight since Elly called her from The Island™ yesterday; and she hasn't heard from Bea either since the news that she headed to Sydney after splitting with Finn.
KARL: I know Finn's got a lot on his plate, but I really didn't think he'd walk away from Bea. They seemed so happy together. It was obviously a big shock for her too, given her reaction. Try not to worry too much.
SUSAN: Oh, easier said than done.
Karl decides to try and call Elly again.
KARL: Certainly a 35th she won't forget in a hurry!
No 22
Paige, Ned, Yashvi, Paul, Terese and Des raise a toast. Des remarks that it's good to see Paul living back on the street.
PAUL: Yeah, well, there was nothing wrong with living in the penthouse.
TERESE: Ahem.
PAUL: But I guess it's had its day.
DES: This is where you belong.
Paul explains to a querying Ned that he and Des go back 'too many years to count', and that Des used to own Karl and Susan's house. Des asks what the special occasion is, and Paige explains she's getting married; no-one's explained to him about the expo but they decide to fill him in later.
DES: I've always enjoyed a good Ramsay Street wedding.
PAIGE: Yeah, cos most of them have been Paul's!
TERESE: Excuse me!
DES (laughs): Oh no, well, I've had a few false starts myself. Took me a few times before I got it right with Daph.
PAIGE: Well, actually, this isn't my first go with Mark either. But this time it is gonna be perfect. Everything from the hubby to the honeymoon!
Ominous incidental music fades in as Paige excitedly approaches the honeymoon gift boxes on the coffee table. But Terese tells Paige to keep her hands off.
Lassiter's Complex
Susan is trying to ring Bea, but it keeps ringing out.
KARL: Elly did say she needed some space.
SUSAN: Yeah, I know, but why hasn't she arrived in Sydney yet? She should be there by now.
Karl says she may well be, but just wants some thinking time before she goes to her mum Liz's. There's nothing Susan can do about it now, he says, so advises her to focus on the wedding.
No 22
Des and Paul are alone now, and Des wants to know exactly what Jane said to Paul, prompting his invitation to Des.
PAUL: Well, nothing directly.
DES: No, you said Jane told you she wanted to give things a go with me.
PAUL: Yes, I believe so, yeah.
DES: You believe?
PAUL: Yeah.
DES: You know our history. Jane broke my heart years ago.
PAUL: Duh, I do remember!
DES: She ended our engagement on the phone. I'm not here to get the runaround from you, mate.
PAUL: Jane does have Feelings™ for you. I've read about them.
Paul explains about how Jane was being catfished, and how in her correspondence with the con artist 'Richard' she mentioned she was still in love with her ex.
DES: Are you sure it was me? And not Mike, or Vic... or you?
PAUL: Things clearly changed for her when she came to visit you.
DES: Look, mate - when things ended with Fiona and me, I was in a bad way. Jane flew halfway around the world just to be there for me. Then out of nowhere, she left.
PAUL: And wasn't there a hint of romance at all?
DES: The truth is... I was falling for her again. Having her around, it was the happiest I'd been in... god knows how long.
PAUL: So maybe the feeling *was* mutual?
Des looks unsure.
Lassiter's Complex
Jane and Sky are still touring the fashion section at the wedding expo.
SKY: Seeing Charlene's wedding dress must've brought back some memories.
JANE: Oh, yes. It was a special day. I won't forget the way Scott and Charlene looked at each other. It was like something out of a fairy-tale.
SKY: Yeah, that's what Grandad says.
JANE: Yeah. I desperately wanted what they had. I thought I found it with Mike, and then with Des. And then when I married Vic and we started our family, I thought he was the one.
SKY: Hey, there is still time for that fairy-tale ending!
JANE: I've come to the realisation that not everyone gets a happily ever after.
Shane and Dipi arrive; Shane tells Sky that he's had a text from Toadie. He's staying on The Island™ for a few more days, the text said, asking Shane and Dipi look after the kids for a little longer.
JANE: What a shame he's gonna miss your wedding!
SHANE: Uh, what? You're getting married?!
JANE: I'm so sorry - that just came out!
Sky explains that she's one of the expo weddings; she had some stuff she wanted to sort out before she told them. Shane and Dipi both congratulate her.
SHANE: Who's the lucky bloke?
Suddenly, who should appear but... Sky's old school friend Lana!
LANA: Me!
SKY: Uh, yeah - everyone, I want you to meet my fiancée, Lana Crawford!
LANA: Hi!
No 22
Des is taking a photo of Terese, Paige and Paul, when there's a knock at the door - it's her ex Jack and their son Gabe, who've flown in for the wedding.
PAIGE (to Gabe): Oh, you've gotten bigger already!
Des shakes Jack's hand and introduces himself, assuming he's the groom, but Paul explains it's a case of mistaken identity! Jack gives Paige a gift that her parents Brad and Lauren have sent, then heads off to the hotel; and Paige and Terese take Gabe to play outside, leaving Paul to talk to Des.
PAUL: Maybe you should come to the wedding? Well, it's the perfect opportunity for you to bump into Jane.
DES: I don't want to intrude!
PAUL: Well, you won't be - it's all part of the expo. I mean, it's hardly an intimate gathering.
DES: What if Jane doesn't want to see me? She's had all this time to get in touch, and she hasn't even bothered!
PAUL: Yeah, well, after 'Richard', she wasn't exactly in the right headspace, was she?
DES: No, I'm not letting you get my hopes up, okay?
PAUL: No, no - you two need to talk, and I am not taking no for an answer.
Des rolls his eyes.
Lassiter's Complex
Dipi, Shane, Sky, Lana and Jane are having coffee outside Harold's.
LANA: I used to work here! It's where we first met.
SKY: Yep. Talk about full circle.
DIPI: So how long have you guys been together?
LANA: Uh, six months? I was on holiday in Port Douglas and I got lost.
SKY: Yeah, Lana stopped and asked me for directions, and I couldn't believe it was her.
LANA: It felt like we were back at school.
SKY: Like we'd never stopped hanging out.
LANA: I had a massive crush on Sky - even though, back then, she didn't feel the same.
SKY: Well, I guess I just wasn't ready. But this time, our friendship has grown even stronger. Obviously.
They kiss, and Dipi remarks how sweet it is.
DIPI: It's like it was written in the stars!
JANE: I'm surprised we didn't hear about it on the family grapevine.
LANA: Well, we thought it best to keep it under wraps.
SKY: Yeah. I'd only just separated from Dylan, and we didn't want to rock the boat.
SHANE: So, he doesn't know? How do you think he's gonna react?
SKY: He's gonna be upset. Dyl had always held out hope that we'd get back together. I mean, he was never that open about it, but... but I could just tell. Which is why I wanted to call Toadie and speak to him first, so he could be there and support Dylan, just before I broke the news.
SHANE: You should give Toadie a buzz.
SKY: I don't want to put a dampener on his holiday.
Fear not, Sky - Toadie's holiday couldn't get much worse!
SKY: I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and hope Dylan doesn't get too hurt by this.
Meanwhile, at the expo, Mark and Aaron are in their kilts, and David in a suit, as they come over to join Karl and Susan.
KARL: Hee-hee, laddies! I hope you've gone traditional under there!
MARK: It's a bit hard not to when your best man takes all your underwear.
AARON: (...) All of his underwear - his budgie-smugglers.
MARK: I don't have budgie-smugglers.
SUSAN: It reminds me of when Libby and Drew got married. The kilts are a beautiful touch.
MARK: Compliments to Ian.
(Ian and Tom were the couple whose wedding he and Paige have stepped in to replace.)
David remarks that Aaron has been 'adorably emotional' all day.
AARON: Nah, I'm just happy for my big bro.
Susan and Karl take David aside to fill him in on the news of Bea and Finn's break-up. Meanwhile, Mark is waiting for something to go horribly wrong with the wedding. Aaron assures him the day will be perfect.
MARK: Umm, hello, it's Mark Brennan you're talking to. I have *the* worst track record when it comes to weddings known to mankind.
But at that point, Jack shows up.
JACK: Don't stress! I've spoken to the big fella upstairs, and he's assured me that this one will be cool, smooth sailing.
MARK: Oh, yeah? Can I get that in writing, please?
JACK: Today's all about making things right. You and Paige - it's Meant To Be™. And this is a new chapter for all of us. And I can't think of a better person to have as a stepdad for Gabe.
MARK: Thanks, Jack - appreciate it.
They shake hands, putting past acrimony behind them. Jack leaves Mark and Aaron to it.
AARON: See that? Nothing to worry about.
No 22
The wedding prep continues, as Terese gives Paige a list of music to choose from for her first dance.
PAIGE: Good Aussie classics here! We've got Dave Graney, Nina Tucker, Ty Harper...
NED: Oh, what about 'Torn'?
YASHVI: Never heard of it.
NED: What? My mum used to sing it all the time!
PAIGE: It's not really a wedding-y song, Ned!
Terese hurries Paige upstairs to get her dress on and Yashvi goes to help her, leaving Gabe in Ned's capable hands! Meanwhile, Terese checks in with Paul about his matchmaking plans; he explains Des is definitely coming to the wedding, but Jane hasn't responded to his text yet. He decides to go and track her down to make sure she's coming.
Gabe has started fiddling with the honeymoon boxes on the table - prompting more ominous music! Thankfully, Ned intervenes, lifting Gabe away.
NED: Hey, little man, that is not for you, okay? But I'm sure that Mummy and Mark will let you help open theirs later, okay? I promise.
Eek!
Harold's Café
Paul tracks down Jane, who's having a coffee. She doesn't think she's in the mood for another wedding today.
PAUL: Ah, Jane, come on - it's not gonna be the same without you. If their last wedding is anything to go by, this is gonna be Unmissable Drama™.
JANE: Is it really that important that I go?
PAUL: ... Alright, I wasn't going to say anything. But I am planning a little something special for you. Please don't make me beg.
JANE (sighs): I'm not gonna win this with you, am I?
PAUL: You've known me long enough to know the answer to that.
JANE: Alright, I'll go. But I'm not staying for the whole thing.
Paul insists she won't regret it, and hurries off.
Lassiter's Complex
At the expo, Sky is hesitating over whether to call Dylan and tell him what's going on. Lana arrives, having procured some goodies - firstly, a love lock for them to put on the bridge over the lake.
LANA: Apparently, that's what the locals do now.
SKY: That's super-sweet.
LANA: Hey, and look - I found us a couple of great designers we can look at using for our legal ceremony back home!
She shows Sky a pair of wedding dress design flyers she's picked up - labelled 'DANNI STARK' and 'KAMIZOLE'! For some reason, Sky is less enthusiastic than she should be about these shoutouts!
LANA: You're not gonna enjoy any of this until you tell Dylan, are you?
SKY: No, I'm not. I know I'm meant to get it over and done with, but -
LANA: You don't want to hurt him.
SKY: It's just, me moving on is the exact opposite of what he wants.
Lana takes Sky's hand.
LANA: It'll all work out. Just... try to remember why we're here.
SKY: Because it feels right.
Shane and Dipi come over; Shane explains he's called Toadie, but he's not answering.
SHANE: I'll try him again later - but I'm just wondering if I could be there instead? I know I don't know Dylan as well as Toadie does, but I'd really like to be there for you both.
DIPI: Only if you're okay with that.
Sky and Lana glance at one another...
Lassiter's Park
The 'LOVE' lettering that was arranged last week is in place for Mark and Paige's ceremony. Yashvi and Ned arrive, and Paul greets Des, who's already in his seat, close to Karl and David. Mark is nearby, looking anxious.
MARK: She's late - something's wrong.
AARON: Stop! No matter how hard you try to convince yourself this is a Code Green, it's not going to happen.
MARK: I think someone should call her.
AARON: Just calm your farm, Mark! Why don't you think about oven-cleaning or something?
MARK: Ha-ha.
Mark and Aaron go to join Susan at the top of the aisle. Aaron goes to video-call Chloe on The Island™, saying he promised he'd livestream the wedding for her. At this point, Paige appears on the steps, and is walked down the aisle by little Gabe. Mark beams. Jane arrives as promised. Mark beams, as Paige joins him at the front with Susan.
PAIGE: Hope you left your handcuffs at home!
MARK: I won't be making that mistake again!
Susan begins the ceremony.
SUSAN: It's the simple things that fuel a great love. Shared laughter, a gentle touch, a kind word...
PAIGE: Mark, you are my guiding light. Life's often messy. It's rarely simple. But with you, it's easy. I promise to love you, to support you, to protect you, for always and forever.
MARK: Paige, you are my partner in crime - although, I promise to never arrest you again. I vow to support you, inspire you, and love you with all of my heart.
Aaron presents them with the rings, and they exchange them.
SUSAN: It is my great pleasure to pronounce Mark and Paige husband and wife.
Mark and Paige kiss, and everyone applauds. Des turns around and notices Jane at the back, in the crowd. They smile at one another, and move together.
JANE: What are you doing here?!
DES: I've just come for a free drink! No, Paul invited me.
JANE: That's so strange - he never mentioned anything!
DES: Must've slipped his mind. So, uh... are you happy to see me?
JANE: Well, of course I am! It's a wonderful surprise!
DES: Want to grab a drink?
JANE: Sure!
Meanwhile...
MARK: Am I dreaming, or did we just get married and nothing went wrong?
Paige pinches Mark on the bum.
MARK: Ooh!
PAIGE: You're definitely not dreaming.
MARK: Cheeky.
PAIGE: That's why you love me.
They kiss again. Ned and Yashvi approach.
NED (to Mark): Guess this makes it official, then. We are brothers.
PAIGE: (laughs)
MARK: I guess so!
Mark and Ned shake hands, banishing more acrimony - or most of it.
NED: Welcome to the family, mate.
Ned kisses Paige on the cheek, then walks off.
MARK: Mm, related to Ned! I really didn't think that through, did I?
PAIGE: Well, it's too late now!
Terese calls for everyone to gather round - it's time to reveal the honeymoon package! Unaware of what might be inside, Paige calls for Jack to bring Gabe over, as he loves opening presents. Paige, Gabe and Mark all go to open the box together, after three. Ominous music descends again, and...
The Mark Brennan marriage curse is broken!
PAIGE: We're going to Palawan in the Philippines!
Terese is suitably annoyed as she realises that the Rome box has been swapped out yet again!
PAIGE: I know, I'm sorry (...) I just really wanted a beach holiday!
TERESE: Paige!! (...) Oh, well, I guess some other lucky bride and groom are off to Rome!
Ramsay Street
Shane and Yashvi are having a good, old-fashioned game of street cricket, when Sky and Lana turn up; Sky catches the ball as Yashvi hits it. Sky and Lana tell Shane they appreciate his offer of support when she tells Dylan about their wedding, and would love to take him up on it.
LANA: Dylan's on his way (...) He caught the first available flight.
SKY: (...) I told him where I was, and that we needed to have a chat. And before I could explain more, he said he'd drop the kids to Grandad and get on the next flight down. Agh, I dunno - I have a bad feeling that he's getting ahead of himself.
Lassiter's Complex
Mark and Paige are cutting the wedding cake in the courtyard, while everyone else applauds. Des asks Jane if she wants to go for a bite to eat afterwards; she does.
JANE: I still think it's strange that Paul never mentioned that you were coming.
DES: Well, he did in a way...
Paul himself turns up.
PAUL: Told you I had something special organised for you, eh?
JANE: Excuse me?
DES: Well, that's what I was trying to tell you. Paul asked me here... for you. So we could talk about you and me?
Mortified and angry, Jane starts walking away. Paul follows.
PAUL: Jane, what's the matter? This is a good thing. And Des feels the same way you do.
JANE: About?
PAUL: About each other, you know?
JANE: What makes you think I have feelings for Des?
PAUL: ... I read it in your emails.
JANE: The emails you promised not to read? And not only have you told Des, but you've invited him here without even discussing it with me!!
Paul makes a grovelling apology, saying he could've handled things differently. But Jane is unimpressed.
JANE: Not only is this humiliating, but you violated my privacy!
Des comes over.
DES: Crikey, Jane - can't we sit down and talk?
JANE: No! Stay away from me, the two of you!
As she turns around, she steps on some fabric forming part of a wedding expo display next to them, causing the whole edifice to topple over! Paul and Jane dart out of the way, but Des is hit by the falling display, and drops to the floor. Jane cries out as we close in on Des, apparently unconscious...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Dylan Timmins is back in Erinsborough, and shouts, 'Hey! You spigging hufters!'
- Sky and Lana don't look too pleased to see him!
- Dylan tells Sky, 'If you're keen, let's do it'
- Sky tells Lana, 'Maybe it's not the right time to get married'
- Dipi suggests to Jane that maybe Des is who she was meant to be with all along
- Paul asks Jane why she's getting so upset; Jane tells Paul, 'we need to stop him'
Episode: 8322 (Part 2) - NEIGHBOURS ENDGAME
Australian and UK airdate: 18/03/2020
Writer: Paul Gartside
Director: Scott Major
Guests: Prudence Wallace: Denise Van Outen
Aster Conway: Isla Goulas
Music: - "You Should've Been Mine" by The Bamboos
- "Lullaby" by Brie Angellina
Summary/Caps: Liam/Graham
Previously
- Harlow confronts Prue after learning that she didn't leave the Restoration Order of her own volition
- On the island, Harlow tells Hendrix that she can't sleep until she tells Gary the truth about Prue
- Having received Harlow's text, Gary furiously confronts Prue about lying to him about the Order
- Gary tells Sheila he's off to the island to make things right with Kyle, following their row over Prue
- Learning of Gary's plans, Prue takes one of the honeymoon boxes, and rushes to catch up with him
- Hendrix and Harlow hitch a lift to the island, unaware that their boatman is Harry Sinclair
- In the tent, Harlow and Hendrix look set to TITTNL™, but Harlow says she can't, and walks out
- Kyle and Roxy frolic in the sea; Toadie tells Elly there's nothing going on with them; she disagrees
- Finn says, 'Goodbye, Bea' and pushes her down Old Watson Mine!
- Shouting down the mine, Finn tells Bea, 'I love Elly - you're just not her'
- Finn tells Elly that Bea's left the island; Elly wants to go after her, but Finn says she's already gone
- Harry reveals himself to Finn; he knows his memory's back. Finn and Harry TITTNL™
- Harry tells Finn that there are other people on the island
- Toadie finds the group's dinghy hidden in some foliage, despite Bea having meant to have left in it
- He alerts Finn, who promptly bashes Toadie with a rock and sets him adrift in the sinking dinghy
Cue title card - Neighbours End Game - overlaid on a panoramic shot of The Island™.
The Bush
Finn is talking on Toadie's phone as he walks through the trees.
FINN: Hey, it's Jarrod Rebecchi. I don't need that boat to pick me up after all... No, that's fine. Just charge it to my credit card. Sorry about the mix-up.
He then sends a text to Shane, saying, 'Decided to stay longer. Kiss the little tackers for me.'
Teens' Campsite
Harlow is sitting outside the tent, looking upset. Hendrix, having got dressed, emerges from the tent.
HENDRIX: I didn't mean to freak you out... Did I do something wrong?
HARLOW: I just had a weird moment, that's all.
HENDRIX: ... Can I sit?
She nods. Neither of them see Finn appear in the trees nearby. Recognising Hendrix and Harlow, he moves off in the opposite direction, unconcerned. Hendrix puts an arm around Harlow, and kisses her on the head.
HENDRIX: Don't be embarrassed, okay?
She pulls away, annoyed.
HARLOW: I'm not embarrassed.
HENDRIX: Good.
HARLOW: And do you know what? I didn't freak out, either. I told you, I just needed a minute.
HENDRIX: You don't have to explain. I get it. I remember my first time. How nervous I was.
HARLOW: Why are you making this all about yourself?!
HENDRIX: I'm not. I'm just saying it's cool. Calm down.
HARLOW: I am calm, okay? And maybe you're being a jerk!
HENDRIX: What?!
HARLOW: Girls have emotions, too - it's not a crime!
She crosses to the tent and grabs her backpack.
HENDRIX: Oh, now you're being ridiculous!
HARLOW: No, I think coming here was ridiculous.
HENDRIX: Can you stop? Can we just slow down, please? (...)
HARLOW: I'm going to find the others.
Hendrix shouts after her as she walks off.
Old Watson Mine
Finn is on the phone to Harry, telling him he doesn't have to worry about the teens - he knows who they are.
FINN: And I won't go back on my word! I'll join you as soon as I can! ... Look, you just concentrate on finding us that place to stay. Maybe somewhere towards Sydney... You're the best. See you soon.
Reaching the opening to the mine, he shouts down.
FINN: Oi, Bea! Bea?! ... Can you hear me down there? Are you still alive down there?
He shines his phone torch down, to see if he can see her...
Teens' Campsite / The Bush
Hendrix is still by the tent, and calls Harlow on his phone. Harlow is trekking through The Bush™.
HENDRIX: I'm worried about you - you don't know the bush!
HARLOW: And you grew up in a mansion. I mean, you're hardly Steve Irwin. I can find my way, okay?
HENDRIX: Are we seriously having this dumb fight right now?
HARLOW: I just need some space.
HENDRIX: So you don't think I'm a big sleaze?
HARLOW: ...
HENDRIX: Harlow?
HARLOW: Just give me some time, please.
She hangs up and keeps walking. Back at camp, Hendrix looks frustrated.
The Glampsite
Chloe and Pierce have prepared a 35th birthday cake for Elly, and ask her how it feels.
ELLY: Not that different to 34. Although no-one has ever done anything like this for me before. Thank you both so much!
She hugs them both. They talk a bit about Pierce's fishing trip with Toadie last night, and the supposed size of the mulloway that was caught (much to a nearby Kyle and Roxy's amusement) - at which point, Finn appears. Clocking the chemistry between them, Chloe remarks that Kyle and Roxy should 'get a room'.
ROXY: You sickos and your one-track minds!
KYLE: Yeah! Can't people be mates without wanting to tear each other's clothes off?
CHLOE: Maybe some people, but not you two!
Finn is chatting to Elly.
FINN: How good's this?
ELLY: Yeah. I just wish Bea was here (...) Susan called before to wish me a happy birthday. She still hasn't heard from her, Finn. This is so strange.
FINN: Just try and put it out of your mind.
Elly asks where he's been; Finn says he went for a swim, and lost track of time. Chloe calls them over so they can raise a birthday toast to Elly.
CHLOE: Here's to a wonderful, supportive friend, a cool dresser, expert tea-drinker, a wonderful mother, and a loyal sister.
But Elly isn't feeling very loyal - and pretends she hears Aster crying, so she can make a swift exit from the party. Chloe wonders if she's said something wrong, and is about to go after Elly - but Finn insists he can handle it.
Inside Elly's tent, Finn finds her looking upset on the bed. Elly admits she was struggling listening to Chloe praising her, given their dishonesty with Bea. Finn insists Elly is a loyal sister.
ELLY: No I'm not! I'm the reason you broke up with Bea. She's not returning my calls; she won't speak to Susan; she hasn't turned up at Mum's. Clearly she's upset. And the more time that passes, Finn, I can't help but think that... she knows about us. I have to go after her.
FINN: Well, if that's what you want, then I'll come too. If she's figured it out - and that's still an 'if' - we both need to be there, to explain that we've been nothing but respectful.
ELLY: Finn, we've kissed.
He approaches her, and starts to kiss her again - or at least, that's what he does in his head, until Elly snaps him out of it.
ELLY: Finn?
His brain jolts back into reality.
FINN: We'll work out what to say on the road. But let's just enjoy the party a little while longer. I'll arrange for a boat to pick us up after lunch.
ELLY: Thank you.
She hugs him, as Finn assures her it will all be okay.
Old Watson Mine
Harlow is walking through the bush, when she finds Bea's bracelet next to the entrance of the mine, recognising it from the time Bea showed it to her in The Waterhole. She shouts down the mine.
HARLOW: Bea?
Bea, who has been asleep, wakes up.
BEA: Hello? Who's... who's there?
HARLOW: Bea! Bea, it's Harlow!
BEA: Harlow, help!
HARLOW: Okay, I'm coming down... hold on.
BEA: No, no - don't!
But Harlow is already descending the top of the ladder, unaware Finn has sabotaged it. She falls into the mine too! Harlow's unhurt but quickly notices Bea's broken leg, and asks what happened.
BEA: He did it on purpose. Finn. He pushed me down here. He tried to kill me.
The Glampsite
Chloe is in the living-room tent, texting Mark to wish him good luck and congratulations for his wedding to Paige. Elly comes in and apologises for disappearing during the toast. Chloe tells her not to worry; she knows Elly is concerned about Bea. But Elly feels bad that Chloe's gone to so much effort, when she could be at home, at Mark's wedding.
CHLOE: He understands. We all want to be here for you.
ELLY: Yeah. Which makes what I'm about to say even harder. Finn and I are going to head to Sydney.
CHLOE: (...) Do what you need to do! I'm just a bit confused - Finn didn't seem to think that Bea took the break-up that hard.
ELLY: Yeah, he wants to believe that. I wish I could, too.
CHLOE: What do you mean?
ELLY: ... Well, it's our fault that she's gone. Well, actually it's my fault - I'm the one who made him break up with her (...)
CHLOE: Is there something going on between you and Finn?
ELLY: I told him nothing could happen. I was really clear about that, Chloe.
Chloe puts a comforting hand on an upset Elly's leg.
CHLOE: Does Bea know?
ELLY: I'm not sure. But it makes sense as to why she took off. We just - we have to find her, and we have to talk her through the whole thing.
CHLOE: Are you sure it's the best idea for Finn to go with you?
ELLY: Oh, yeah, well, he feels bad about it as well.
CHLOE: But if Bea has figured it out, won't you two rocking up together make things worse?
Chloe gets a call from Aaron - he's ready to livestream Mark's wedding for her! Elly says it's fine; Chloe should go and watch the wedding. Chloe tells Elly not to make any decisions without her in the meantime.
Meanwhile, in Kyle and Roxy's tent, they sit on the twin beds opposite one another. Kyle thinks it's harsh of Bea not to have messaged Elly on her birthday.
ROXY: Well, at least they'll stop obsessing over us! I can't believe they think we're flirting.
KYLE: I know, right? Why is everyone convinced we're hooking up?
ROXY: It's ridiculous.
KYLE: Yeah, we're obviously just mates.
ROXY: Obviously... I can see how they could latch onto the idea, though.
KYLE: Yeah?
ROXY: You're hot, I'm hot. People can't help but imagine us together.
KYLE: Yeah, I guess.
ROXY: Not that I am.
KYLE: What?
ROXY: Imagining us together.
KYLE: Me neither.
ROXY: If I was to imagine it - which I'm not - I think it'd be steamy as.
They smile at one another, tension crackling in the air.
ROXY: That's not the point.
KYLE: Exactly. Been down that road, and I've learnt my lesson. I am respecting your space.
ROXY: And I'm respecting yours!
She promptly gets up and walks over to him.
KYLE: Yeah, just... respecting the hell out of each other.
She takes her top off, and then sits on him. They get down to pashing on the bed.
Old Watson Mine
Bea is telling Harlow about the events leading up to Finn pushing her down the mine. Harlow can't get any phone reception; Bea takes some painkillers.
BEA: You know, I just keep going over and over this in my head, and the things he said about Elly - how he wants to be with her, and that I'm in the way. It was the old Finn. He wanted me to die (...)
HARLOW: I can't believe any of this.
BEA: Did you see him, or any of the others?
HARLOW: No. Hendrix and I were on the other side of the island.
BEA: Hendrix will come and find you, right?
HARLOW: Yeah, he may, eventually. We had this fight, and I told him not to follow me. Doesn't look like there's any way out of here.
BEA: The only way out is... up.
The Glampsite
Chloe is telling Pierce and Elly about Mark's wedding that she's just watched on the livestream. Pierce asks which honeymoon they got.
CHLOE: The Philippines. Which means Rome is still in the mix.
Chloe tentatively suggests to Pierce that she might take 'a holiday from the holiday', and go with Elly to help track down Bea in Sydney. But Elly's very keen not to ruin Chloe's holiday too, and says she'll go with Finn. Chloe still thinks this is a bad idea, but Elly promises she'll be fine.
Nearby, Finn gets a call on Toadie's phone from Shane. He cancels it. At that moment, who should appear but Gary.
GARY: G'day, g'day!
Finn drops Toadie's phone in surprise, and gives Gary a stern telling-off.
FINN: You shouldn't sneak up on people like that! (...) Sorry - just... you scared me.
Gary can see that there's something not right with Finn, but walks over to the others with him.
PIERCE: Hey - why aren't you at your honeymoon?
GARY: Oh, the wedding's off. So, you got room for a gatecrasher?
Finn forces a smile.
The Mainland
A tearful Prue is driving in the car while trying to call Gary, but she's only getting his voicemail. She leaves a message.
PRUE: Gary... Gary, it's Prue calling again... I'm just calling to tell you how very sorry I am. I love you, Gary. And I still want to marry you more than anything! Look, I'm not far behind you - I'm just on my way to the ferry. So, please, if you'll just wait - don't get on that boat.
We see the honeymoon box on the passenger seat.
PRUE: I've got one of the honeymoon packages! Well, we can fly away together, just - just you... and me. I dunno where we're gonna go, but... it'll be like we're falling in love all over again.
The Glampsite
Gary is telling Pierce, Chloe, Elly and Finn about how he learned Prue was being dishonest with him. He wishes he'd listened to Kyle all along. Elly asks if Gary passed Toadie on the jetty as he was leaving the mainland, but Finn is quick to interject -
FINN: There's no way their paths would've crossed. Toadie left hours ago.
For a second time, Gary looks a little suspicious of Finn. We hear Aster crying, and Elly goes to tend to her; she says she'll pack her things as well. Gary's surprised she's leaving; Elly explains she's going to find Bea.
FINN: We broke up. She's on her way to Sydney.
Again, Gary detects something odd in Finn's answers. Elly tells Finn that Chloe's offered to go with Elly instead of him. Finn doesn't like this, saying they'd agreed to go together. But...
GARY: Actually, no-one's going anywhere. Not today, anyway (...) The bloke who just dropped me off said they're expecting high winds, and that's the last boat until tomorrow.
FINN: We're stuck?
GARY: No-one's getting on or off the island today.
Elly and Finn look worried.
Old Watson Mine
Bea and Harlow are salvaging some of the rope from the ladder Finn severed, in the hopes of throwing it up to the surface and making their exit.
HARLOW: It must be a recent thing, his memory?
BEA: Maybe. I just keep trying to figure out if there's something that I missed. Like, a sign that it was back. I did notice changes in him. I just thought it was stress, from his dad coming back, and the clashes with Lucy. I had no idea that he wanted to be with Elly again.
HARLOW: Well, does, umm... does Elly know?
BEA: No. No way. If she'd known anything, she would've said something to me.
Harlow looks a bit unconvinced.
BEA: No-one knows anything. I'm such an idiot. When he brought me up here, I thought he was planning something romantic. But he just wanted me gone.
The Glampsite
Roxy and Kyle come out of their tent into the empty camp area, clearly having TITTNL™ and being very flirtatious with each other.
KYLE: So, I thought you were meant to be sworn off men?
ROXY: Yeah, but what happens on the island stays on the island. Everyone's allowed one blip, right?
KYLE: Well, just the one. So no repeat performances?
ROXY: Correct. Can't be a total hypocrite.
At that moment, Gary appears with a bundle of firewood.
KYLE: Dad.
GARY: Son.
ROXY: Where's the new Mrs Canning? Did you bring her with you?
GARY: No. Umm... I called the wedding off.
Roxy leaves them to talk. Gary explains about Prue having been kicked out of the Restoration Order, rather than leaving of her own accord.
GARY: She'd still be there if she could, so I finally realised that I'm second-best, and I can't trust her.
KYLE: I was just worried cos of the speed of things.
GARY: Yeah, everyone was. I should've realised it was too good to be true, and... I should've listened to you, mate. Can you forgive me?
KYLE: Oh, Dad, of course. Come here.
They hug.
KYLE: I love ya.
GARY: I love you too, mate.
Meanwhile, in Elly's tent, Finn finishes up a phone call. He says it was the boat company cancelling their water taxi - and there's no word yet on what time the boats will be operating again tomorrow.
ELLY: I just feel so useless.
FINN: You'll be with Bea soon enough. And so will I, if... if you still want me to.
ELLY: I do.
FINN: But you considered taking Chloe instead. How come?
ELLY: Partly because I was worried that Bea might get upset if she sees you.
FINN: Partly? What else?
ELLY: ... I hate myself for even thinking this.
FINN: Tell me.
ELLY: I'm worried about us spending that much time together.
FINN: Why?
ELLY: Because I want you. And it's so wrong.
Outside, Gary is chopping wood in slow-motion. Finn comes out of the tent smiling to himself, also in slow motion. Gary makes eye contact with him; once again, he looks deeply suspicious of Finn.
The Mainland
A still-tearful Prue continues to drive, but the satellite navigation system has failed her, and now she's lost. Desperately upset, she calls Harlow, but finds her phone going to voicemail too. She pulls up in a grassy area, and leaves another message.
PRUE: Typical! Why is it that you've usually got so much to say for yourself - but when I need to speak to you, you're missing in action?
Old Watson Mine
We cut to Bea and Harlow, who are still constructing their escape rope.
The Mainland
Prue continues her tearful message.
PRUE: If you ever listen to this, you'll be pleased to know that everything is falling apart for me.
Old Watson Mine
Harlow is now throwing the rope-contraption they've constructed up the mine shaft, in the hope of hooking it onto something at the top, but to no avail.
The Mainland
Prue's message continues.
PRUE: I'm lost in the middle of nowhere, and I don't know where I am! And the wedding's probably off, so congratulations. I hope you're happy.
Old Watson Mine
Harlow continues to throw the rope up the mine, while Bea cheerleads. Finally, it seems to hook onto something outside the shaft - but then when Harlow tugs it to check if it's secure enough to climb, the rope tumbles back down again.
The Mainland
Prue is still crying as she continues the voicemail.
PRUE: I *do* hope you're happy. I do.
Old Watson Mine
Harlow looks despairing.
The Mainland
We can see the honeymoon box foregrounded on the passenger seat as Prue sobs.
PRUE: My little Lo-Lo. Oh, god. God, I need a drink. Where's that champagne?
She goes to open the honeymoon box to retrieve the bubbly, opens the lid, and...
KABOOM! An explosion envelops the entire car, blowing it to pieces. The camera follows the smoke into the sky, as the flames rage on.
Coming up on Neighbours End Game
- Finn rushing through the bush
- At the glampsite, Chloe tells Hendrix that Harlow's missing; he asks, 'Isn't she here?'
- Gary asks Chloe if Finn has done something
- Finn hurling things down the mineshaft
- Finn smirking at Gary; we hear Gary asking someone if Finn seems weird
- Finn saying, 'I don't care what you think'
- More of Finn running through the bush
- Finn holding Aster, telling her, 'It's not safe to be here'
- Finn sprinting through the bush
- Harlow and Bea look scared as a snake lands on the floor of the mine!
- Bea shouts, 'Somebody, help!'
