Previously on Neighbours
- Jane is wary of spending too much time with Clint after Nicolette urges her to be clear on his motives
- Krista tells Leo she doesn't want to co- parent a baby with Nicolette after all
- Nicolette admits to Jane that she's having second thoughts about having another baby of her own
- Sam Kratz is back, and says the new freeway will revitalise all the surrounding suburbs
- Karl tells Elle about his suspicion that Jonah Jackson is the 'Jonesy' connected to the Linwells
- Felix and Elle see the mayor, Helen Brown, kissing Jonah Jackson, and take some incriminating photos
- Elle passes the story to Wesley, the editor of the Daily Monster, to write; he promises to namecheck her
- As she's dragged off by police, the mayor threatens Paul, saying the story will 'backfire on you big time!'
Lassiter's Complex
Journalists are gathered around the police station reporting on the situation with Mayor Helen Brown, who we assume is now being interviewed inside. Terese thinks her threat was probably just lashing out, given the trouble she's in. But Paul thinks her words sounded pretty ominous.
TERESE: Well, she's been caught now, so there's nothing she can do.
Leo and Krista turn up. Paul goes to call Elle to update her, while Leo reads out the article on his phone about the corruption allegations against the mayor and Jonah Jackson.
LEO: Hang on - if Jonah is *the* Jonesy, what's the connection with the Linwell brothers?
TERESE: We don't know. It's all speculation at this stage.
Paul can't get an answer from Elle and rejoins them, deciding she must be still in bed. Terese admits that she heard someone leave the house in the middle of the night, and that it wasn't Zac or Colton as they were at breakfast together. Paul looks suspicious.
No 30
We see where Elle has got to - she stayed the night with Felix, having knocked on his window in the middle of the night. She says he still owes her dinner at the tram, but admits she was impressed with how he came to the city yesterday to back her up in her investigation of Jonah Jackson.
ELLE: Wearing your *very* sexy important businessman disguise.
FELIX: I can put it on again if you want.
ELLE: What for? I would only take it off you again.
FELIX: Is that right?
She's just dragging him in for a pash when Paul turns up at the door. He looks none too impressed to find them together, which in turn doesn't impress Elle.
ELLE: Grow up, Dad. I'm an adult who can sleep with whoever she wants.
PAUL: Oh, really. Well, if you're such an adult, why don't you check your phone so you can take responsibility for the fallout of your actions?
ELLE: So the article's up?
PAUL: Yes, it is, Elle. And the proverbial is hitting the fan.
Felix and Elle both smile.
No 28
Karl is on the phone to a council colleague, and finishes up as Susan comes in. With some apparent relish, Susan asks if it's true that Helen Brown got marched away from a council meeting.
KARL: Three police cars, apparently. Happened in front of everyone (...) I didn't think this would happen just from giving Elle a tip- off.
SUSAN: And this is all because Sam referred to Jonah as Jonesy?
Karl says it is, and then gets another call - this time from Amelia Jones, a previous suspect as to the identity of Jonesy. But he decides he can't speak to her until he's talked to Sam Kratz; if the freeway is impacted by what's happened, says Karl, Sam could lose business. At this point Susan heads off to work, asking Karl to keep her posted. Sam phones Karl as she leaves; he's seen the Daily Monster article too...
No 30
Elle is with Felix on the sofa. She's had a message from Wesley; apparently the clicks on the article are through the roof. Felix wonders if she wishes she'd penned the piece herself, but Elle says she's happy just to be the star source.
ELLE (smiling at him): I'm happy about a lot of things, actually.
He encourages her to put down her phone so they can pick up where they left off last night, but Elle is keen to go and chase up the story some more. Felix suggests she could come back later, but she ends up leaping on him right now instead!
ELLE: Oh, what the hell.
No 24
Isla is having breakfast while Nicolette shows Jane a photo of Sam Young and Rose enjoying a breakfast buffet in Singapore, on their way to Europe. Nicolette shows Isla too then sends her to wash her hands. Meanwhile Jane wants to discuss what Nicolette said last night, about deciding not to have a baby.
NICOLETTE: Do we have to?
JANE: Why are you second- guessing your plans?
NICOLETTE: Because I don't want to have a kid alone. End of story (...) I don't think I can do it.
JANE: What are you talking about?
NICOLETTE: With Isla, I had Aaron and David. And it was gonna be a similar situation with Krista and Leo.
JANE: Well, you're more than capable of being a single parent, and... and don't forget, I'm here too.
NICOLETTE: It's not the same.
JANE: Where has this come from?
NICOLETTE: It's just how I feel. And it's fine, really.
Isla comes back in and Nicolette takes her off to school, but Jane looks concerned.
Eirini Rising
In the office, Susan and Terese gossip about the mayoral corruption allegations. Susan notices that Terese is looking at bespoke wedding rings on her computer.
SUSAN: Have you and Paul got engaged and not told me?
Terese assures her not, but reveals that she is thinking about getting married again.
TERESE: I know, I know - it's completely insane. But watching the Rodwells implode has been such a painful reminder of our own divorce. And I dunno, at the same time, it's made me feel like Paul and I have come so far and we're so good together. So I want to celebrate. It's a crazy idea, isn't it?
SUSAN: No, no. What does Paul think about it?
TERESE: Umm, well, I actually haven't mentioned it yet. The last time the subject came up was when he proposed, with the whole Chelsea debacle (...) But I thought, this time round, I'll be the one to pop the question. What do you think?
SUSAN: Well, as someone who's married the same man several times, I think it's the best news I've heard in ages!
Terese claps and giggles with delight.
No 22
Elle comes in and Paul remarks that she's 'back from slumming it' with Felix. Elle thinks Paul would see Felix is a great guy if he got to know him.
PAUL: Don't see any fun in that.
Karl comes in and gives them an update on the corruption scandal - it's not just the council that's involved, and it could go as high as state government. Jonah Jackson is still being interviewed, but everyone seems to think he's the Jonesy in question. Meanwhile Sam Kratz has been called to an emergency stakeholders' meeting about the freeway project. He's on his way from Lorne with Annalise now.
ELLE: I've got to get into that meeting.
PAUL: You will do no such thing.
ELLE: Excuse me?
PAUL: When we saw Helen in the complex, she looked me in the eye and she said, 'You will regret your daughter going rogue.'
ELLE: Yeah, of course she'd say that - she's been caught out.
PAUL: Yeah, I also hope this is an idle threat. But if this involves higher levels of government (...) well, I just think that maybe we should prepare ourselves for any repercussions, just in case.
Eirini Rising
Terese is still talking to Susan about her plans to propose to Paul. She recalls that when Paul asked her, they were playing giant chess, and Susan doesn't think she should recreate that! Terese has something 'low- key but obviously classy' in mind instead.
SUSAN: Hey, why don't you take him for dinner to Lanzini's? That place is the *epitome* of low- key class.
Terese seems to like this idea. Karl comes in, and tells Susan that Sam and Annalise have arrived. He suggests they go to meet them to 'offer moral support'. Susan and Karl leave, promising to keep Terese posted.
Erinsborough High School
Jane is outside working at one of the picnic tables, when Clint appears, having just dropped off some textbooks for Addison. He's about to leave when Jane stops him.
JANE: Clint... I know I said that we should take a step back. But I'd hope that we could still have a conversation when we saw each other.
CLINT: I'd like that too. I just... don't want to cross any boundaries.
JANE: You haven't.
Clint therefore sits down and, noting Jane seems to be troubled, asks what's wrong. Jane explains she's worried about Nicolette having changed her mind about having another baby. Krista and Leo's change of heart seems to have been more of a blow to Nic than Jane realised.
JANE: I think it is a confidence thing, but how do I change her mind?
CLINT: Well, Nicolette's a tough cookie, you know?
JANE: She also is quite a softie, underneath it all.
Clint offers to help Jane think it through, and she looks somewhat reassured.
The Waterhole
Susan and Karl convene with Sam and Annalise. Karl is feeling responsible for all that's transpired at the council.
SAM K: I had no idea what I'd be starting when I introduced you to Jonesy.
ANNALISE: And we understand why you thought there might be a link. We read Elle's articles.
Elle comes in with Paul, and asks Sam and Annalise what time the stakeholder meeting is happening. Paul again tells her she won't be going, but Elle insists that she isn't 12!
ELLE (to Sam): You must have some sort of theory about what's going on? Well, unless of course you're part of the corruption.
KARL: Elle!
ELLE: Your company is in charge of acquiring Jonah's properties, right? I hope he's not giving you a kickback.
SAM K: I barely know the guy.
KARL: We can both vouch for Sam's fine character.
Sam then gets a call from a colleague so goes aside to take it. Annalise says she's heard about Paul and Elle's new bar, and suggests they get a drink and they can tell her about it. But Annalise is also looking slightly apprehensively at Sam, who seems concerned by the call he's on...
Erinsborough High School
Clint and Jane are still chatting about Nicolette's baby plans or lack thereof. Jane says Nicolette won't listen to a word she says on the matter, but that perhaps she simply needs more time.
CLINT: Maybe it's not what you say, but how you say it. Have you thought about putting pen to paper?
JANE: Like a letter?
CLINT: Yeah.
JANE (laughs): Well, I'm no Jane Austen and, if my spoken word isn't getting through, then the written word won't either.
CLINT: Well, you and I respond to Austen because we're romantics. That's why her books mean something to us.
JANE: But we're talking about Nicolette.
CLINT: Yes, but you know her better than anybody else. What speaks to her? Look, all I'm saying is, the written word has power. It's just about knowing how to make it resonate.
Jane looks thoughtful.
The Waterhole
Paul is chatting to Annalise, Susan and Karl about the V- Bar, but Elle is distracted watching Sam, who is still on his phone call some distance away. Elle tells Paul that, since she was the one who broke the original Jonesy story, she now has to see it through.
PAUL: But you're not a journalist anymore.
ELLE: Think of me as a concerned citizen, hmm? Like the rest of you.
Felix comes in, much to Paul's annoyance. Elle reminds Paul he has a briefing with Krista about the hotel soon, and goes to flirt with Felix at the bar.
Sam finishes up his call and Annalise goes over to him to ask what he's found out. He tells her the meeting's about to happen, so he has to head to the council chambers.
ANNALISE: What about the rumour that we've heard?
SAM K: It's still going around. Let's just hope it's not true, for all their sakes.
They look over with concern at the Ramsay Street residents. Paul is still chatting with the Kennedys.
KARL: Susan and I must come down to see your V- Bar.
PAUL: Yeah, you do know that it doesn't kick off until about nine?
KARL: What, pm?!
PAUL: Yes, Karl...
No 24
Nicolette arrives home to find Jane and Isla standing there waiting for her. Jane is holding a bundle of card sheets.
NICOLETTE: What's with the official welcoming committee?
JANE: Sit down and you'll find out.
Looking slightly apprehensive, Jane turns on some music as an intrigued Nicolette takes a seat. Jane then gives Isla each of the sheets of card in turn, each of which has a message on it which Isla holds up for Nicolette to read. The first three cards read, 'You don't believe Nanna / that you're a good mummy / but maybe you'll listen to me...'
Lassiter's Complex
Krista is briefing Paul on all the latest at the hotel, including the Inspiring Young Person's Award, but he doesn't appear to be all that interested - and when she offers to tell him about her future ideas, he replies that there's no need!
PAUL: You know what's best for your brand. So how about we call it a day, hey?
Krista looks stunned given Paul's usual levels of hotel meddling. At this point, Leo and Terese turn up with Abigail. Paul suggests they all head over to The Waterhole to hear about whatever's gone on at the freeway stakeholders' meeting. Abby is excited at the prospect of hot chips on the way!
Krista and Leo hang back, as Krista excitedly tells Leo that Paul seems to have truly handed over the reins to the hotel - he said it was *her* brand, not theirs or his.
KRISTA: It's my brand. My brand!
LEO: Okay...!
KRISTA: I feel like he's finally taking a step back and he has full faith in my ability.
LEO: That's awesome.
KRISTA: I know!
Meanwhile, as they walk across the courtyard, Terese pitches the prospect to Paul of dinner tonight at Lanzini's, as per Susan's suggestion.
TERESE: Just you and me - my treat.
PAUL: Ooh, how can I possibly say no to that?
No 24
Meanwhile, Isla and Jane's card show for Nicolette continues. The messages read, 'You give the best huggles / tell me the best stories / and pick pretty flowers with me / So if you want to make me a big sister / we really think you should.' Nicolette clearly thinks it's cute - until the last two cards, when she suddenly looks very emotional.
NICOLETTE: I hate Love Actually. (bursts into tears) But I really loved that so much.
Isla looks a bit concerned that Nicolette is crying, so Jane assures her Mummy's okay and ushers her off to get changed out of her school uniform.
NICOLETTE (sobbing): No, Mummy's not okay! Cos Mummy just got emotionally manipulated.
Jane stops the music and goes over to comfort Nicolette.
JANE: We're just telling you the truth. Hmm? Because as a mother, you may be unconventional, but you are a damn good one. And I think deep down, you know that.
NICOLETTE (sobbing): My confidence is just... shot. And I'm so scared, of messing this up. I never imagined I would have to do this on my own.
JANE: Nicolette, you are already doing it. This is something that you want. And the only thing that's stopping it is you.
NICOLETTE: Thank you, Mum.
JANE: You really should be thanking Clint. He inspired the idea.
NICOLETTE: Mm. I should, umm... let you know that I gave Clint a teeny- weeny warning.
JANE: Oh?
NICOLETTE: It's just, I wanted to make sure he was respecting your boundaries and, you know, staying away. I just worry about you as much as you worry about me.
At this point, Jane gets a text from Clint, checking how things went with Nicolette.
NICOLETTE: I judged him too harshly, Mum. Do you want to go there again?
JANE: Uh... I don't know.
NICOLETTE: Well, maybe keep your options open.
The Waterhole
Felix and Elle are having a drink. Sam isn't back from the council meeting yet, so Felix suggests they 'find something better to do'. Elle downs her drink, takes his hand and they rush out together.
Meanwhile, Krista and Leo are reuniting with Annalise. Leo and Krista are taking Abigail to see a movie, but Krista promises to catch up with Annalise when she's got a minute so she can hear all about the new hotel in Lorne - and Annalise wants to see the Bronze Bell! Leo, Krista and Abby leave.
Annalise joins Karl, Susan, Paul and Terese at a table, just as Sue Parker walks in.
SUE PARKER: Well, well, well. Corruption at the council, hey? Can't say I'm surprised.
KARL: Speaking from personal experience?
SUE PARKER (fake laugh): They deserve to be investigated. Along with that *awful* Sam Kratz.
SUSAN: Sue, have you met Sam's wife, Annalise?
SUE PARKER: Oh... sorry. It's just that I was told that my home would be acquired, and then it wasn't. It's very poor form.
Clint and Jane then arrive.
SUE PARKER: Plain Jane Superbrain, and her criminal cleaner toyboy!
JANE: Rack off, Sue.
SUE PARKER: 'Rack off'? Really? 'Rack off'?
Sue Parker scoffs and walks off. Annalise then gets a message from Sam, saying, 'On my way back. Not good news.' Annalise doesn't repeat this to the others - just says Sam will be here soon.
SUSAN: All will be revealed, I suppose.
Everyone looks a bit anxious.
A little later, Clint and Jane are at the bar. Jane explains to Clint that Sue Parker (who is sitting alone in the background with a glass of wine) is her 'high school nemesis'.
JANE: She knows exactly how to rile me up. Sorry you had to see that.
CLINT: No, don't be. It was kind of thrilling watching you bite back. So, you said you wanted to clear something up?
But we move away from Jane and Clint's discussion as Sam comes through the door. Everyone gathers around - the Kennedys, Paul, Terese, Jane, Clint, Annalise and Sue Parker.
SAM K: It's been confirmed that Helen Brown and several government officials are guilty of corrupt activity.
TERESE: So there was pillow talk between her and Jonah?
SAM K: Evidently, Helen was part of a group who lobbied for the freeway to pass through Erinsborough and West Waratah. They all had vested interests.
SUSAN: So what happens now? Does the freeway still go ahead?
SUE PARKER: Will it still be running behind my house?
SAM K: Well, the current plan is to be abandoned.
JANE: Oh. So it's all over?
SAM K: No. There still needs to be a freeway.
The underscore turns ominous!
SAM K: As you'd imagine, during the planning stages, several studies were conducted, geological and otherwise, to determine the best possible route -
ANNALISE: Sam, Sam, just... just tell them.
SAM K: There is an alternative route. And it's going straight through Ramsay Street.
Sue Parker finds this hilarious, and bursts out laughing! But absolutely nobody else is amused, and a silent horror descends over the Ramsay Street residents as they stare at one another in shock...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul tells somebody on the phone that there's 'been a development, mate'
- Terese gets a message on the Ramsay Street group chat
- Jane has the same one - an invitation to the Kennedys' for a Ramsay Street summit!
- 'The troops are rallying,' says Clint
- Karl asks Sam Kratz, 'What chance have we got of stopping it?'
- 'Where there's a will, there's a way...' says Sam
- Wendy tells Sadie, 'They're gonna do what they're gonna do' - but they don't have to stick around and see it
