Previously on Neighbours
- Paul and Terese announce to friends and family that they're getting back together
- Terese tells Paul she doesn't need him, but she wants him - cue face- sucking
- Holly recruits Aaron to join the crew of Lights Up Erinsborough
- Aaron asks Rhett if he'd like to go on a date; Rhett says he'd love to
- Leo asks Krista to marry him, and she accepts
- Someone deliberately speeds into Sebastian, Sadie and Max in a car; Max knocks Sadie out of the way
- Spying the perpetrator in hospital, Max tells Shane on the phone, 'Don't worry; I don't think it's him'
- Dr Stevie reveals to Leo and Krista that the police think Seb was the target
- Krista admits to Leo that Seb transferred back the money she gave him, so never paid his loan shark debt
- Leo tells Krista that however she wants to support Seb, he's behind her
Erinsborough Hospital
Andrew is back from his travels and showing Sebastian (who's in his hospital bed) a picture on his phone, asking if he recognises the guy in it (though we don't see who that is). Seb doesn't. Andrew then shows Seb an image of the driver, but he claims not to recognise him either.
ANDREW: Any idea why you'd be targeted?
SEBASTIAN: I dunno. Have you spoken to the driver yet?
ANDREW: No, not yet. If you remember anything relevant, please give me a call.
Andrew leaves the room, and joins Krista and Leo who are waiting outside. He quizzes them about how they know Seb; Krista explains he's an old friend. Andrew asks them to encourage Seb to tell him if he remembers anything, then leaves.
Once Andrew has gone, Krista and Leo go into Seb's room. Krista asks if Seb told Andrew about the loan sharks, but he hasn't.
SEBASTIAN: If I rat on these guys, I really will be a dead man.
LEO: Seb, they almost killed someone. You need to tell them what happened.
SEBASTIAN: There's not gonna be any more trouble. I'm sure these guys have sent their message.
Leo is looking pensive.
SEBASTIAN: Stop blaming yourself, mate. This isn't your fault.
Lassiter's Complex
Leo's still looking pensive when Paul finds him later in the courtyard and asks him what's wrong. Leo explains the car accident has complicated things with Krista and Seb. Leo thinks Seb seems genuine, but isn't sure, and he's keen that Krista isn't dragged back into old habits. Nor does he think it's healthy that Seb is totally reliant on Krista.
Paul suggests Leo talk to Krista about this, but Leo feels he can't now.
LEO: It's my fault those guys knew where Seb was. I can't stop her from helping him.
PAUL: Yeah, but you know, I still think you need to find a way to cut the cord between them.
LEO: I said I'd support her.
PAUL: Yeah, and you can (...) You need to manage the situation at the same time, though. Oh, come on, you've heard the expression? Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
No 24
Aaron is nervous prior to his date with Rhett, admitting to Jane that he's not sure he's ready to date anyone.
AARON: But I do like him, so...
Aaron gets a text from Yasmine. She wants him to go and pick up some equipment for the Lights Up festival from the city. No one else is available to help and it has to be done today. Aaron feels like he can't say no as it's the first task Yaz has given him since taking him on. He thinks he'll have to cancel his date, but Jane suggests talking to Rhett, to see if he'd change their plans and do something together in the city.
Power Road
Terese and Paul pull up in the Eirini Rising minibus, which is having a service at the garage. Paul remarks that it was a comfortable ride, and Terese jokes about signing Paul up for an apartment at Eirini Rising. Paul would rather stick with the penthouse! Max emerges and Terese hands him the keys to the minibus.
Max doesn't think the service will take long, so Paul suggests to Terese they have an early lunch at the tram, and she agrees. Paul points to the crashed car used in the apparent attack on Seb, which is still behind a police cordon nearby, and asks when the police will be picking it up. Max says they've been vague about the details and timeline, as they're short- staffed.
TERESE: Well, I hope they get onto it soon. That car's the best evidence they've got.
Max looks worried and, once Paul and Terese have walked away, looks over at the cordoned- off car anxiously...
Erinsborough Hospital
Seb is collecting his belongings and preparing to discharge himself when Krista turns up, but he's visibly still in a lot of pain. She tells him he should still be in bed, and asks why he's trying to leave.
SEBASTIAN: I guess I got a little paranoid.
KRISTA: Okay. Well, the driver's not in any state to come after you.
SEBASTIAN: Yeah, but he's just upstairs. And I don't know if they're gonna send somebody else.
KRISTA: Seb, I thought you said that they'd sent their message.
SEBASTIAN: I'm sorry. I'm just... all over the place right now.
KRISTA: Okay, you do not need this hanging over you. I'm gonna transfer you the money again...
Seb objects, but Krista tells him to listen - he has just had surgery, and must focus on his recovery.
SEBASTIAN: Thank you, Krusty. I'll make it up to you. Somehow.
Nonetheless, Seb still wants to leave the hospital. Leo, who has just come in, suggests that he stay at the hotel - they could check him in under a fake name and get a private doctor to visit him. Seb agrees that it's not a bad idea. Krista promises to organise it, but tells Seb to stay here in the meantime.
The City™
Aaron finds Rhett staring at some of the street art somewhere in central Melbourne. Aaron proposes to pick up the lighting equipment for Yaz first, then try to make it to the movies in time. Aaron admits that he's not great navigating in the city as a country boy...
AARON: ... I usually just let David lead the way.
Aaron looks awkward as he considers that it might not be a good idea to talk about David too much on his date. He changes the subject and they talk about the street art for a while, until that gets awkward too. They head off to try and find the place where they're picking up the lights.
The 82
Paul and Terese are having lunch. Paul becomes distracted, and when Terese asks, he says he was thinking about what they were discussing last night - the idea of expanding Eirini Rising into a national franchise.
PAUL: It's inspired me to revisit a few business ideas that have been rattling around for a while.
TERESE: Such as?
PAUL: Yeah, I'll get back to you when I'm pitch- ready.
They start talking to each other in gooey, cutesy voices.
TERESE: So, what, I'm your muse now, am I?
PAUL: Yeah. Maybe you should put that on your CV.
Power Road
Looking furtively around him, Max ducks under the police tape and heads hurriedly for the crashed car. He's wearing gloves, and opens the doors before beginning to search the car for... we don't know what. Anyhow, he doesn't seem to find anything of interest, so he hesitates for a moment, looking pensive, before closing the doors and heading back under the cordon to the garage.
The City
Aaron and Rhett are still wandering around the streets. Aaron thinks he's navigated to where they're supposed to be to pick up the lights, but there's nothing there except more street art. Rhett spots a gelato shop, and Aaron seems to recognise it.
AARON: You know, that place is actually amazing. David used to... I am so sorry. I didn't mean to keep bringing him up.
RHETT: It's fine.
AARON: No, it's not. I've just gone and tacked a work thing onto this date - now we're gonna miss the movie that we planned to see, and I keep bringing up David...
RHETT: It's not like David was just some guy. I mean, you expected him to be your forever person. I don't expect you to pretend like he doesn't exist.
AARON: Well, I could be mentioning him less. Don't you think it's a giant red flag?
RHETT: No. I actually think it's a giant green flag. Because it goes to show that you have a really big heart and a really long memory, which are two things I specifically look for in a guy.
AARON: Thank you.
They decide to ditch the lights for now and head for gelato.
Lassiter's Hotel
Leo is showing Seb into one of the guest rooms; Seb's arm is still in a sling and he is using a crutch to walk. Krista is with them; and after Seb thanks Leo for organising the room, Leo leaves, while Krista stays behind to help Seb settle in.
Seb expresses regret that he is once again 'mooching off of' Krista by staying here.
KRISTA: Is that why you gave me back the money instead of paying off the loan sharks?
SEBASTIAN: I realised it wasn't fair for me to use you like that. Honestly, the pain I feel now is nothing compared to what I felt when I thought I'd never see you again.
KRISTA: ... I'm really sorry.
SEBASTIAN: No, don't be. I put you in a really difficult position. I'm never gonna do that again, I promise.
Krista strokes his shoulder reassuringly.
SEBASTIAN: This has been a real wake- up call. I'm gonna get my life together, and I'm gonna stop the Partying™.
KRISTA: If you mean that, then I'm with you every step of the way.
They go in for a hug, or as best they can with Seb's arm in a sling. Afterwards, Seb looks troubled...
The Waterhole
Max is hanging out at the bar when Andrew comes in. He tells Max that one of his police colleagues has picked up the car that was used in the attack.
ANDREW: And I wanted to thank you for what you did for Sadie. Me and Wendy, we're... incredibly grateful.
MAX: Yeah. No, of course. I was just, uh... looking out for a mate.
Andrew's about to leave, but Max shouts after him.
MAX: Listen, do you know who the attack was intended for?
ANDREW: Uh, the driver had photos of Sebastian on his phone. But, look, I can't really discuss the details with you.
MAX: No, yeah, of course, sorry. I'm, uh, just curious.
Andrew accepts this, but looks back at a pensive Max, perhaps a little curious as to why he's so interested.
The City
Aaron and Rhett are walking by the river eating gelato. Aaron thanks Rhett for going along with the screwed up date, but Rhett says he's had a great time.
RHETT: I think we learned a lot more about each other than we would've done sat in some dark cinema anyway.
AARON: Yeah. I guess you're right.
They stare into each other's eyes for a while until Aaron feels awkward and starts searching for something to say. Aaron says he'd better pick up the lights before the place he's getting them from closes. Rhett asks if Aaron needs help navigating. Aaron says he'll manage, but then assures Rhett that wasn't a brush- off - he's just out of practice at this dating thing.
RHETT: Well, if you want some more practice, I'd still be keen to catch the film sometime.
AARON: Really?
RHETT: Yeah.
AARON: Okay, me too.
Rhett goes in for a hug, but Aaron wasn't expecting it, and they bash heads! Aaron apologises.
RHETT: It's okay. Gives us something to work on for the next date.
Rhett heads off, leaving Aaron looking conflicted.
No 24
Back at home, Aaron tells Jane about the date.
AARON: It was going great until we butted heads.
JANE: Oh! Well, that's disappointing.
AARON: It was more embarrassing than disappointing.
JANE: Did you say something wrong?
AARON: Oh, no - I mean we *literally* butted heads.
He explains he thought Rhett was trying to kiss him and dodged. Jane thinks it's something they might be able to laugh about one day. Aaron tells Jane about having been nervous and the fact that he kept mentioning David.
JANE: Was he understanding?
AARON: Yeah. Yeah, he was wonderful.
Seeing Jane has her computer out, Aaron asks if she's been working on the Lights Up event for Erinsborough High. But...
JANE: No. I've been making... a dating profile.
Jane says she was wary at first given her history of online dating, but Aaron taking the plunge and going out with Rhett has inspired her to put herself out there and see if she can meet someone new.
JANE: Someone I don't already have history and baggage with.
AARON: Of course. Can I see?
Jane passes Aaron the computer so he can read her profile, but he doesn't look blown away! We see the photo she's chosen - in the school corridor in front of the lockers, looking very sensible! Aaron asks if she's trying to match with an accountant - all her photos are 'super serious'. Jane admits she got them from the school website.
Aaron decides they're going to take some better ones, and gets Jane to stand up and pose with a cup of tea (!) But she's a bit close to the shelf with all the photo frames on it.
AARON: I'm sorry, but we can't have Mike in the photo.
She backs up towards the window, and Aaron starts taking some shots. But she's not being very dynamic!
AARON: Jane! Do I have to add tequila into your tea? People want to see the fun Jane!
JANE: Oh, Aaron - maybe I'm not fun!
AARON: That's a lie! I remember the time you and Clive snuck into the greenhouse at the Kennedys'.
This gets Jane laughing, and allows Aaron to capture some much more 'fun' photos of her. Jane is impressed with the results! Aaron's sure it'll get her a lot more matches on her profile.
Lassiter's Hotel
Krista returns to Seb's room with coffee and pastries, but struggles to open the door given everything she's holding, and there's a lot of rattling before she finally lets herself in. When she does, she finds Seb hiding in the bathroom - he briefly thought she was one of his pursuers, back to finish the job.
KRISTA: But you paid them back, right?
SEBASTIAN: ... Yeah. It's stupid, isn't it? Every little noise makes me jump. It's like I'm on a clarity bender. Reality's hitting pretty hard.
KRISTA: Yeah. I know what it's like to be switching gears.
Krista goes to touch Seb's shoulder, but he winces in pain - and admits to her that he hasn't been taking the painkillers he's been prescribed.
SEBASTIAN: I don't trust myself when I'm alone. I take a couple, it takes the edge off. Take a few more, next thing you know, I'm calling my dealer.
Krista doesn't have a retort to this - she's been there herself, after all...
Lassiter's Complex
Paul and Terese are walking through the courtyard arm in arm laughing and joking, when Leo appears. He tells them Krista's helping Seb unpack in the hotel. Leo doesn't know how long Seb will be staying yet, but says it will be good for Krista to have some space now Seb's not staying in the apartment. Paul says it will give Krista and Leo a chance at some alone time too. Leo doesn't reply, but it's clear this was his thinking too.
As Paul and Terese walk into the hotel, Leo looks a bit perturbed, perhaps by the fact that he can see echoes of Paul in the way he himself is behaving.
The Waterhole
Max is talking animatedly on the phone to his dad, Shane.
MAX: Listen, I already told you, I don't know the guy... Yes, the attack was intended for someone else. It had nothing to do with me... Because I checked with the cops, is that good enough for you?
Andrew has come back in, and overhears the last part of this. Unseen by Max, he walks closer.
MAX: It was wrong place, wrong time... Yes, so you can stop texting me every five minutes... Yeah, I'll speak to you in a bit. Alright, bye- bye.
As he hangs up, Andrew asks Max if everything's okay. Max insists it's fine - just Shane giving him 'worried dad vibes'. But Andrew doesn't look wholly convinced.
ANDREW: Forensics has been examining the car. It appears someone was inside it *after* the attack.
MAX (nervously): Really?
ANDREW: Yeah. You haven't seen anyone hanging out around the yard, have you?
MAX: No, no one. Uh, maybe it was someone last night? Like some bored kids or something?
ANDREW: I don't think it's kids. Because whoever it was was wearing gloves.
MAX: Or maybe someone connected to the driver?
ANDREW: Could be. We're gonna keep looking into it. Tampering with evidence is pretty serious stuff.
Andrew's expression is rather inscrutable, but is it possible he already suspects Max was to blame? If so, he doesn't say anything, and Max looks relieved as Andrew walks away.
Lassiter's Complex
Terese comes to join Paul, who's sitting at a table outside the hotel. He explains he's been crunching some numbers and has an idea for a new project involving the land Terese owns on Power Road. With his capital, they could work together to turn it into a 'vibrant shopping precinct'. Terese seems ambivalent, but diplomatically says she agrees there's potential there. Paul seems to take this as a green light!
PAUL: Great! Well, let's work on it together. Just like old times, eh?
TERESE (unenthusiastic): ... Yeah. Just like old times.
Lassiter's Hotel
Krista has helped Seb pack his things and is moving him out of the hotel room, when Leo approaches in the corridor. Confused, Leo asks if there's a problem with the room, but Krista says it's fine, then tells Seb to 'go ahead' and that she'll catch up with him. Seb does as he's told.
LEO: He's not staying at your place, is he?
KRISTA: He can't be alone right now, Leo. Every time he hears a noise, he thinks somebody's trying to kill him.
LEO: He's not gonna get attacked at the hotel!
KRISTA: I know, it's paranoia. But he's scared and vulnerable, and I'm just really worried that he's gonna relapse. I know it's not ideal, and I know that I'm asking a lot of you. But please try to understand.
LEO: Yeah, I'm worried about you.
KRISTA: I'm fine. Seb is determined to turn his life around - but in order to do that, he needs support and right now, I'm the best person to be there for him. It'll be fine - promise. I love you.
Leo doesn't object further, but once Krista's gone, doesn't look very happy...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Sadie and Byron are surprised to hear Vera's leaving; Byron apologises for what they said on Christmas Eve
- Krista tells Seb it's no surprise Leo's uncomfortable with him being here, given what's happened
- But Seb asks for a chance to prove Leo doesn't need to feel that way
- Sadie tells Holly she's let Heath mess with her head enough - it's time to leave him behind
