Previously on Neighbours
- Susan declares her support for Karl as he embarks on his next chapter after leaving Eirini Rising
- Andrew is uncomfortable when he finds Holly in the house, discussing plans with Wendy for Sadie's birthday
- Holly tells Andrew that their moment in the bar wasn't a big deal, but he insists they need to 'cool it'
- Wendy is happy that what Andrew's birth sister Gretchen said about his dad being a bad person was untrue
- Andrew plans to ask Sadie if he can invite Gretchen and his dad Steven to her birthday party
- Jane goes on a date, but later reports that her suitor made a poor excuse to leave
- Terese recognises a photo of Jane's date as Dr Gavin Bowman, the villainous Dex- poisoner/Holly- kidnapper!
No 22
Jane admits to Terese that she did think there was something familiar about her date, but didn't put two and two together. Terese says it's a good thing he walked out on her! Jane is now regretting sending him a text, and Terese takes her phone to see if she can delete it before it's sent/read. Terese is in disbelief that Gavin Bowman could have been let out of prison so soon.
They wonder if Holly and Dex have been notified about Bowman's release, and resolve to alert them.
Ramsay Street
Remi and Cara are discussing a cake that Remi has bought to celebrate Cara's inauguration as a police constable, which for some reason Jane is bringing over shortly. Cara is all uniformed up following the ceremony at the academy, and Wendy and Andrew come over to congratulate her, as do Aaron and Nicolette. Cara thanks them, saying it means a lot that they were there.
Dex and JJ are apparently getting a tour of the police academy with Taye - in other words, not in it today - but Aaron shows everyone a photo he took of the whole family together at the academy, with Cara holding her certificate. They all head indoors for drinks.
No 32
In the garden, Max and Holly are looking at a photo board of Sadie as a kid, which they have been putting together for her twenty- first birthday party. Holly is critiquing Sadie's past fashion sense (!) although admits she's had her moments herself.
We are reminded that after the party, the youngsters will be headed into the city to a karaoke bar. Max offers to do a duet with Holly (!) to make up for cancelling their last date. Holly looks uncomfortable, silently recalling how she invited Andrew to V Bar when she learned Max wasn't coming. Max says it's a shame he hasn't been able to get Byron to come out tonight, as he needs to unwind 'after the whole Saskia thing'.
Karl turns up and tells Holly and Max about the get- together for Cara's graduation from the police academy is starting next door, and that they're welcome to come. Holly isn't keen, especially when she learns Andrew will be there - and makes the excuse that they need to prepare for Sadie's party. Holly asks why Karl isn't busy practising for his interview for the council job. He says he's already done a lot of that with Susan.
No 30
Nicolette, Aaron, Wendy, Andrew and Karl are with Cara and Remi for the get- together. Remi tells Karl about how gorgeous the graduation ceremony was, saying JJ and Dex were so proud. Nicolette asks if Cara can clear her criminal record (!) but Cara says she'd better follow the rules given it's her first week on the job. Nicolette says she'll ask again next week (!)
Terese comes in and announces to everybody that Gavin Bowman has been released from prison - she thought they should all know as soon as possible, and tells them about Jane's inadvertent date with him. Andrew is blindsided by this information - he had no idea Bowman was out. Remi starts worrying for Dex's safety; Cara assures her he's with Taye and JJ so will be okay, but Remi decides to call him to ask him to come home.
Karl goes to tell Susan and Holly, and asks Andrew to come with him for a 'police perspective' - but Andrew says he wants to check in with the station to get some more details.
Lassiter's Complex
Jane is walking through the courtyard having picked up Cara's cake from Harold's, when she sees Gavin Bowman. Bowman explains the reason for his sharp exit from their date; he left when he realised that Jane had a connection to Ramsay Street.
JANE: Yes, and without any explanation.
BOWMAN: Well, it's not easy to talk about.
JANE: I don't know how it is that you are out of jail. Obviously been a serious failure of the justice system.
BOWMAN: I have no intention of -
JANE: You shouldn't be anywhere near where the people you've hurt live.
BOWMAN: It's where *I* live.
JANE: Well, you shouldn't be on any dating apps. Preying on women who have no idea about your past!
BOWMAN: I never would've met up with you if I'd have known -
JANE: Don't try and make yourself sound better. No, you have barely paid for what you've done. So you just stay away from me, and from everybody else.
Jane walks on her way and Bowman sighs.
No 30
Andrew is on the phone to the station, while Cara and Remi discuss Dex - Cara suggests to a concerned Remi that they shouldn't show Dex that they're worried about Bowman's release, as it will only make things worse for him.
CARA: Dex was a random victim. He didn't do anything to hurt Bowman. There's no reason to think that he would be in danger.
Jane comes in with the cake, and Terese explains that everybody is in the know about Bowman. Jane tells them all that she's just seen Bowman at the Complex, and gave him a piece of her mind, which Aaron and Nicolette think was a bad idea!
JANE: It just makes me so angry to think of him parading around. I told him, 'You stay away!'
Andrew finishes up on the phone and gives everyone an update - Bowman was up for parole, and the parole board judged that he was 'sufficiently rehabilitated'.
REMI: Or so he convinced them...
Nobody looks very convinced.
No 32
Max and Holly are pleased with their finished photo board for Sadie's birthday. Karl and Susan arrive to deliver some bad news to Holly.
SUSAN: I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Gavin Bowman's been released from prison.
HOLLY: (...) The guy who tried to kill me.
Holly looks shellshocked. Karl and Susan try to reassure her that she's safe, but Holly is very upset that Bowman is out already, and wonders why the police didn't warn her. Holly is worried that Bowman might go after Karl too, as he played a part in ending his career.
KARL: But there's no suggestion he wants to revisit his past, okay? You don't need to worry about me.
HOLLY (panicking): I'm just gonna be thinking about him popping up wherever I go. I mean, he's free to do whatever he wants.
Max suggests Holly take some time off work, but Holly yells at him, saying the drinks van is her 'baby' and that she has responsibilities. Max suggests Krista wouldn't mind if Holly got someone to fill in, and volunteers his services as bodyguard if she does want to work. Karl thinks they should speak to Andrew, but this doesn't do much to calm Holly down...
No 24
Wendy and Jane are having a glass of wine. Jane isn't keen to discuss her date with Bowman, so asks how preparations are going for Sadie's party. Wendy says there are a few things left to organise, but that she's mostly just excited about meeting Andrew's birth dad Steven, who is coming with his daughter Gretchen from Sandy Point. Wendy really hopes he likes her.
WENDY: I have this vision of us being this big, happy family for Andrew.
JANE: He will love you, Wendy. Guaranteed. But how are things with her? [Gretchen]
WENDY: Well, we haven't spoken since the first time, so...
JANE: So still up in the air?
WENDY: It's just, the lies she told me ruined what was supposed to be a beautiful gesture, and created this real wedge between Andrew and I.
JANE: Well, I'm sure she feels guilty.
WENDY: Yeah, I think she does. Oh, it's fine. You know, all we need is a good conversation.
No 26
Cara is chatting to Andrew. She reports that Dex is doing okay having learned of Bowman's release.
CARA: He says he's got all of his bad luck out of the way young.
But Cara says Remi is more worried, as she had more to do with Bowman. They're interrupted by a knock at the door. It's Holly, Karl, Susan and Max, wanting to talk about Bowman. Andrew apologises for Holly not having been notified by the police about his release, saying there was an error that meant neither Holly nor Dex were on the victims' register.
Andrew tells everyone that he's spoken to Bowman's parole officer, and the police now have his address so they can do regular checks, which he thinks will be a powerful deterrent to Bowman stepping out of line. Cara adds that she'll be able to help when she starts work in a couple of days; Max is going to help watch out for Holly too; and Andrew is organising a close watch on Ramsay Street and Holly's work.
ANDREW: So if Bowman's loitering, it can be grounds for an intervention order - and if he approaches you, harassment, which would send him straight back to prison (...) Look, I know this is really nerve- racking. But we got you, okay?
Holly looks only somewhat reassured...
Ramsay Street
The next morning, Karl is all dressed up for his job interview with the council. As he leaves the house, he asks Susan to keep an eye on Holly's mood following the Bowman news. Karl seems confident about the interview, saying his long presence in the community will stand him in good stead.
SUSAN: Everyone has said so - this role is perfect for you.
KARL: I would accept a good luck kiss.
Susan duly obliges, and tells Karl he's going to smash it.
No 26
Wendy and Andrew are decking out the garden for Sadie's birthday party, but Andrew is distracted and Wendy guesses it's because of all the Bowman drama. Andrew says he has his whole team on Bowman watch - they're aware he has a family event today. At this point Andrew's birth father Steven and sister Gretchen show up early.
Andrew hugs his long- lost family members, and introduces Wendy to Steven who is very happy to meet her, but despite cordial greetings the tension between Wendy and Gretchen is already palpable. Andrew says Sadie is just getting ready - AKA, not in it today - and will join them soon. Wendy offers Gretchen a glass of her favourite wine that they've bought in especially, and she gratefully accepts.
No 22
Jane is talking to Susan and Terese about her second encounter with Bowman - she hopes she hasn't antagonised him, but Terese thinks it would take more than that. Karl calls in; he's back from his interview, and reports that it went well, but he'll need to go back for a second one. The panel suggested bringing a 'pillar of the community' who could speak in Karl's favour for the second interview.
SUSAN: Oh, you mean, like a school principal?
JANE: Well, if you think it would help...
Karl thanks her, but has another reason for dropping in. He's heard from an acquaintance at the council that Terese has applied for rezoning assessment at Power Road because she wants to sell it. Terese looks sheepish.
Lassiter's Complex
Remi and Cara have bought a present for Sadie and are just about to drive off, when they see Gavin Bowman walking in their direction. Despite Remi's objections, Cara gets out of the car to 'have a word'.
CARA: Oi! You need to be more careful where you spend your time.
BOWMAN: I keep telling people, I'm not trying -
CARA: You're in danger of getting yourself an intervention order, or losing your parole.
BOWMAN: Does Remi wanna come and have a go too? (looks over at Remi) She's more than welcome.
CARA: Watch yourself. I'm a police officer now. We're all gonna be keeping a very close eye on you. So if you so much as breathe, we'll know about it.
BOWMAN (smirking): You want me to stop breathing? Fine. Whatever you say, officer.
Bowman goes on his way, and Cara returns to the car.
REMI: Did you have to do that?
CARA: It's my responsibility. What's the point of having a badge if I'm not gonna use it?
No 22
Terese tells Jane, Karl and Susan that she was going to tell everyone about her plans to sell Power Road before it went on the market - but says she's 'just looking into it'. She reminds them that she had planned on building Eirini Rising there originally, but the council knocked back the plans as they would have been high rise. Terese thinks it could be a good development opportunity for a buyer.
SUSAN: Is Paul driving this?
TERESE: No! No, he doesn't even know. I've only just engaged Rhett - he's the one that suggested I look into the zoning.
JANE: So you're quite serious about selling?
TERESE: I'm just keeping my options open.
KARL: I can't believe you didn't give me a heads- up about this.
TERESE: I'm sorry - I'm really sorry, but this has happened very quickly. It might not be bad news for the tram - I mean, think about all the business that the high rise will bring.
KARL: Well, provided that it's not built on top of it!
But Terese says it's just speculation for now - she's sorry he found out this way, but at least he knows now. Karl doesn't look happy.
No 26
In the garden, Holly, Wendy, Steven and Gretchen are talking. Steven explains about his recent good health news - his tumour is shrinking and he's responding well to chemotherapy. Ever since he's connected with Andrew it's all been great, he says.
WENDY: I only wish it'd happened sooner.
But Gretchen seems to interpret this as a personal attack about the fact she initially tried to discourage a meeting, and glares at Wendy.
GRETCHEN: Well, you know there were reasons.
WENDY: Oh, sorry - no, Gretchen, I didn't... umm...
Getting flustered, Wendy takes Gretchen aside for a private chat. Steven looks worried.
WENDY: I think we need to clear the air.
GRETCHEN: The past few months have been extremely difficult.
WENDY: Look, I know you only told me those lies about Steven because you were trying to protect him.
GRETCHEN: So why did you make a dig?
WENDY: ... I didn't!
GRETCHEN: My father was extremely vulnerable at the time, still is. I had no idea what kind of person you were.
WENDY: Alright, but... I think you should've spent a bit more time finding out.
GRETCHEN: So you're holding a grudge.
WENDY: I think you could have handled it better, but I'm moving on.
GRETCHEN: Are you?
WENDY: Yes!!
GRETCHEN: Andrew said he understood. I thought it was all pretty straightforward.
WENDY (scoffs): How can -
But at this point, Andrew comes over with more wine for them both, and asks if everything is okay.
WENDY: I'm clearing the air.
GRETCHEN: You are punishing me.
WENDY: I am not!
Gretchen strops off.
ANDREW: Wendy!
WENDY: I am wanting to show Gretchen how hard it has been for us.
ANDREW: Please, just let it go.
A little later, Andrew is firing up the barbecue. Holly is staring in his direction, and Max asks if she's okay. Holly admits she's worried about Andrew; it's a big deal for him having Gretchen and Steven here. Max wonders when Sadie will make an appearance. Holly thinks she's just picking her moment to make an entrance.
Meanwhile, Wendy brings some more food out and Gretchen takes the opportunity to talk to her again.
GRETCHEN: My dad doesn't need any family fights.
WENDY: I don't want to fight with you, Gretchen.
GRETCHEN: No, you just want to make me feel bad for protecting him, even though I said I'm sorry.
WENDY: You're not even interested to know what we went through.
GRETCHEN: This is exactly what I was worried about - bringing someone into the family who's demanding and difficult.
WENDY: Hey, you were the one who started all this unpleasantness.
GRETCHEN: And you're the one who keeps going on about it.
WENDY: You only want your brother's family if it's on your terms.
GRETCHEN: You just keep proving me right.
Gretchen grabs her bag and tells Steven she wants to go.
STEVEN: What? No, we're waiting to see the birthday girl, aren't we?
GRETCHEN: Today's not the day. Trust me. Maybe another time?
ANDREW: What happened?
GRETCHEN: Dad, when do I ever ask you to do things that are not in your best interest?
She takes his arm and helps him up.
STEVEN: Maybe another day would be better.
GRETCHEN (to Andrew): I'm sorry.
Andrew looks angry as Steven and Gretchen leave.
ANDREW: Wendy, what the hell?
Coming up on Neighbours
- Remi is impressed with Cara's police uniform
- Saskia thanks Dex for walking her to class, saying he's the only person here who seems to care about her
- Sadie shows up at her birthday party, but wants to know where Gretchen and Steven are
- Wendy tells Andrew they should deal with this, rather than letting it fester
- Holly and Max walk in on Sadie and Taye kissing
