Previously on Erinsborough High
- In his video diary, Richie admits that his dad is pushing him to follow a prescribed career path
- Hendrix encourages Richie to join the exam- flunking operation
- But Richie’s worried that if it backfires, his dad will not be happy
- Yashvi asks Liv if she’s dating anyone, after reading anonymous messages on her phone
- Hendrix tells Richie that Ollie has agreed to the exam- flunking plan
- Mackenzie is upset when Richie admits he’s considering signing up to Hendrix’s plan
- Jeremiah is bullied in the corridor by Ollie and his hoons
- Later, Jeremiah tells Hendrix and Richie that he’s in on the exam- tanking plan too
- Hendrix is thrilled as this now means everyone’s on board and the plan can go ahead
- Yashvi’s suspicious when Finn turns up and Liv isn’t as freaked out as her earlier behaviour implied
- Yashvi has more reason to think something else is awry when she sees Liv get a lift from Muggleton
- We hear a voiceover of Liv telling Yashvi she’s been seeing someone she ‘shouldn’t be talking about’
Lassiter’s Park
Jeremiah is doing his video diary.
JEREMIAH: Do you remember this moment? Ten years ago today, you, Jeremiah, the Ghost, tanked your physics exam. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking – I don’t remember failing anything, I don’t remember getting less than an A. But I assure you, this time you did. It’s not like it’s that important, anyway. It’s just a Year 11 exam, and besides, Mum and Dad will probably be happy about it. They’re always at me about taking life too seriously. Look – I need to do this. If I do the tank, maybe Hendrix keeps saying hi to me in the halls. And since Ollie and his mates love Hendrix, maybe they’ll think twice before they come near me again.
Jeremiah smiles and turns off the camera. Cue titles.
Classroom
Ollie, Richie, Hendrix and Jeremiah are all preparing to tank their physics exam, but Mr Muggleton hasn’t arrived yet. Ollie and Hendrix in particular are excited about the plan succeeding. But once everyone has taken their seats, Richie gets a text from his dad, saying, ‘You’ve got this. Love you.’
RICHIE (to Hendrix): I’m out.
HENDRIX: Uh?
RICHIE: The tank. I’m not doing it.
HENDRIX: Well, you can’t pull out now! It’s not gonna work if everyone’s not in it.
RICHIE: Not my problem.
Hendrix reluctantly decides to call off the plan, but at this point, Mr Muggleton comes in, a few minutes late – he promises they can have extra time at the end to compensate.
All the pupils hurriedly whisper the message to those behind them that the exam tank is cancelled. But as Jeremiah turns to tell Ollie, Ollie riles him by throwing a ball of paper in his face. Jeremiah decides that enough is enough; he doesn’t tell Ollie that the plan is cancelled, deciding to let him and his mates fail the test anyway.
No 30
Yashvi opens the door to Finn, who’s popped round to collect a folder that Toadie’s left for him.
FINN: I hear Olivia turned up… or she called, at least?
YASHVI: Yeah. She was actually here when you came earlier.
FINN: Is she okay?
YASHVI: … Yeah. No. I dunno, but I think you should know that I don’t think you’re the reason she did a runner.
FINN: Well, I shouldn’t have been on school grounds anyway.
Yashvi asks Finn if he learned anything about students getting lifts with teachers when he was studying to be a teacher himself.
FINN: The Department™ of Education has pretty strict rules about that sort of thing. I know I did some bad things, so it feels weird to judge. But… a teacher should never blur the lines like that. Ever. Did you see something?
YASHVI: I didn’t say that.
FINN: If you did, I think you should tell Susan.
Classroom
Mr Muggleton is invigilating as the physics exam goes on. Ollie yawns affectedly, demonstrating his lack of effort to the teacher. Jeremiah allows himself a brief smile at the thought Ollie’s going to be the only one who tanks. Richie, meanwhile, looks to be making a real effort.
Lassiter’s Park
Richie is pretending to be a boxer on his video diary.
RICHIE: This is me, smashing the physics exam!
He stops the boxing miming.
RICHIE: Sorry – bit excited there! Look, some questions were tricky, but… I knew the answers. It was almost… fun. Don’t tell Dad that. I know I can go on about him. But it felt good to know that I will have made him proud. Turns out… I actually like physics! Who knew? I got myself so stressed out about that exam. I just need to learn to trust myself more – stop being so psyched out by other people. My dad, Hendrix, Ollie – whoever. You know what? From this moment on, right now – I’m done being a follower.
He starts boxing again!
Miss Reyner’s office
Yashvi comes in and asks Miss Reyner if she’s seen Susan. Miss Reyner says she’s out of school, ‘dealing with an urgent matter’.
YASHVI: It’s about Olivia.
Miss Reyner encourages Yashvi to tell her whatever she was going to tell Susan.
YASHVI: I don’t want to make it a big deal.
MISS REYNER: Look, Olivia’s called up to say that she’s okay, but she’s clearly going through a difficult time right now. Any information you have could really help.
YASHVI: I think that she could be in some kind of trouble (…) I think that she’s seeing someone that she shouldn’t be, like secretly – and that they’re older.
MISS REYNER: Okay…
YASHVI: I saw her get into a car. It was Mr Muggleton’s. I’m not saying they’re definitely hooking up. It’s just, after everything that she’s told me, I’m kind of freaking out about it.
MISS REYNER: You’ve done the right thing. You know, if something inappropriate’s going on, the school needs to know. Just… leave it with me. I’ll deal with it.
School corridor
Mackenzie is with Harlow and Liv, and tells Liv it’s good to have her back. The girls quiz Liv about how she’s been, saying everyone was worried, especially as she missed the last business exam.
LIV: Can we talk about something else?
HARLOW: Yeah. Sorry.
Yashvi emerges from the office with Miss Reyner. They and Liv exchange an awkward glance.
MISS REYNER: Come on, everyone. Get back to your next class.
Yashvi asks Liv how her exam was. She coldly replies that it was fine, then walks away. Yashvi looks worried, as do Harlow and Mackenzie.
Common room
Hendrix gets texts from random pupils saying that Liv is back and that she’s the ‘worst runaway everrr’. Mackenzie appears, and smiles at Hendrix.
HENDRIX: Can I help you?
MACKENZIE: No. But I can obviously help you. You’re welcome.
HENDRIX: Should I know what you’re talking about?
MACKENZIE: I heard the latest (…) You called off the tank. I’m glad you listened to my advice. That exam was important for a lot of people.
HENDRIX: I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I don’t do things just because you tell me to. Richie’s the one who chickened out, not me.
MACKENZIE: … Really?
HENDRIX: I guess you’re not the only nerd- burger around here.
Hendrix walks out, and Mackenzie smiles, her faith in Richie renewed.
Lassiter’s Park
Mackenzie is filming for her video diary.
MACKENZIE: So, Richie called off the exam tank! Pretty surprising, huh? I was starting to think I had him all wrong. This is good. I mean, I was totally ready to forget about whatever it is going on between us – but now… I think he does have a strong moral compass. And I like that. I need that. So, that’s it. I am officially letting myself like him. Not that I know what to do about it, though. I need a gameplan. Or he needs a gameplan – why do I have to do all the work? Oh, and no matter what Hendrix says, I totally got to him!
Miss Reyner’s office
Miss Reyner is asking Mr Muggleton why he gave Olivia a lift, in contravention of guidelines. He explains that she had an exam to get to, and he didn’t want her to be late for it. Miss Reyner asks him why he left school grounds in the first place; he claims he was picking up a meal delivery that hadn’t arrived.
MISS REYNER: And you just… happened to see Olivia?
MR MUGGLETON: Yes (…) I just drove her straight to school.
MISS REYNER: I know that you were late for your class, Marty.
MR MUGGLETON: Yeah. She didn’t know where her exam was being held – I had to help her. If you’re implying that I did something inappropriate…
MISS REYNER: You did do something inappropriate! You invited a troubled young student into your car, without parental consent or knowledge!
MR MUGGLETON: Oh, sure, maybe – but I was only trying to help her!
MISS REYNER: What did you talk about, in the car? (…)
MR MUGGLETON: I dunno. She didn’t say much. Are you gonna tell Susan about this?
MISS REYNER: Yashvi’s already wondering if there’s a relationship.
MR MUGGLETON: … Do you honestly think that she and I would…?
MISS REYNER: …
MR MUGGLETON: I would never, ever do that. I swear.
MISS REYNER: Okay.
Classroom
It’s the end of the school day, and Ollie stops to chat to Hendrix after class. Ollie’s practising what he’ll say to Susan when she starts investigating the fact everyone failed the physics test.
OLLIE (to imaginary Susan): Mr Muggleton didn’t teach us anything! He just turned off the lights and made us watch sex ed movies all term.
HENDRIX: ... Are you talking about the tank we all didn’t do?
OLLIE: What?!
HENDRIX: We called it off, just before the exam (…) The Ghost was meant to pass it on.
OLLIE: Prick.
HENDRIX: I’m sure you’d have failed anyway.
OLLIE: Whatevs. You’re the one who bitched out.
Hendrix smooths things over with Ollie by inviting him to the party he’s throwing at Lassiter’s tonight, booze included. Hendrix promises to message Ollie the details, but Ollie’s still visibly frustrated that Jeremiah screwed him over, and thumps the table on his way out of the room.
Corridor
Yashvi asks Liv if she wants to hang out, but Liv says her mum wants her home.
YASHVI: Look, if you ever want to talk to someone, and tell them things that you can’t tell your parents or anyone else, I’m like the least judgemental person ever (…) I’m worried.
LIV: I shouldn’t have run off on you the other day. I’m sorry.
But when they turn the corner, they find Miss Reyner rifling through Liv’s locker!
LIV: What are you doing?! (…) Don’t go through my stuff!
MISS REYNER: We’re just worried about you.
LIV: Get out!
But as Liv goes to close the locker, something falls to the floor – it’s a pregnancy test kit. Everyone looks worried. Miss Reyner asks Liv to come to the office with her; she can go home after they’ve had a talk. Yashvi offers to wait, but Miss Reyner tells her to leave them to it.
MISS REYNER: Besides, you’re finished. It’s time to celebrate.
Meanwhile, Hendrix is inviting people to his party tonight, which is in Lassiter’s Room 302 (obviously having learned nothing from the last party he held at the hotel!) He sees Jeremiah working in a classroom, and goes in.
HENDRIX: Yo, Ghost! Heard what you did to Ollie. Didn’t give him the message – or his mates, right? Well, they’re gonna hate getting screwed over.
JEREMIAH: They deserve it. I mean, these guys have such bright futures, you know. It’s the leaders of tomorrow we’re talking about – they need to understand hardship.
HENDRIX (laughs): You’re funny! No- one mentioned that.
JEREMIAH: Yeah, well – I guess no- one ever took notice.
HENDRIX: They will tonight. I won 5K at this cup comp. I’m gonna chuck some of it on a party at Lassiter’s. Room 302 – it’s gonna be a banger. See you there?
JEREMIAH: Sure – if you want me to.
HENDRIX: I’ll save you some shots.
JEREMIAH: Wait, what should I wear?
But Hendrix has already gone.
Common room
Jeremiah is much happier, and filming his video diary while trying on some odd- looking clothes!
JEREMIAH: I love my hoodie. But I’m thinking tonight’s the night to bust out the Erinsborough High lost property box. What do we think – too much? Not enough? Nah, it’s too much.
He selects a denim jacket from the pile instead.
JEREMIAH: The last party I went to had pony rides, and now I’m back in the game. All cos I finally stood up for myself. I just wish I’d done it sooner.
He holds the jacket up to the camera.
JEREMIAH: Here we go – RIP, Ghost. What do we think? Is this poppin’ enough?
Lassiter’s
Hendrix’s party is in full swing in Room 302 – the spin- off may be unrated, but it seems the little red cups that teens always have to drink alcohol from are still obligatory! Richie starts apologising to Hendrix for pulling out of the exam tank plan, but Hendrix is in a forgiving mood, and tells him ‘no shop talk’.
Richie and Mackenzie get talking, and as ever, it’s awkward.
RICHIE: Been here long?
MACKENZIE: Not really.
RICHIE: Me neither.
MACKENZIE: Yeah. I just saw you walk in. Not that I was looking. I mean, I was, but –
Richie goes quiet, so Mackenzie praises him for calling off the exam prank on Muggleton. Richie says he didn’t see the point; they’d only have to sit the exam again. She asks him how the exam went; he says it was ‘alright, I suppose’.
MACKENZIE: It’s good that Liv showed up.
RICHIE: …
Hendrix opens a bottle of champagne, declaring ‘tonight’s on me’, and starts filling up everyone’s cups. Mackenzie wonders if Hendrix has an off- switch.
In the bathroom of the hotel room, Hendrix is filming his video diary.
HENDRIX: So, the tank didn’t go ahead. It’s no biggie. I’ve got other things on the go, like this sick party I’m right putting – I mean, I’m putting on at the –
Realising he’s screwed up, Hendrix looks frustrated and starts again, forcing a smile.
HENDRIX: So the tank didn’t go ahead. No biggie, I’ve got other things on the go. Like this sick party I’m putting on –
But his carefully choreographed performance is ruined again by a knock at the door.
HENDRIX: Oi, I’m taking a dump!
He begins a third time.
HENDRIX: So, the tank didn’t go ahead. It’s no biggie. I got other things on the go, like this sick party I’m putting on. What can I say? I make things happen.
He grins affectedly at the camera.
Corridor
Yashvi is sitting on the floor by the lockers, waiting for Liv, who’s still in the office talking to Miss Reyner. Harlow appears; she’s been staying late to get some study done, but says it’s proving tricky with her mum Prue in town at the moment. Harlow asks if Yashvi’s going to Hendrix’s party, but she replies she’s not in the mood. Harlow sits down opposite her.
HARLOW: Why, what’s wrong?
YASHVI: Liv’s still in there with Miss Reyner.
HARLOW: Why, is she okay?
YASHVI: What’s your take on Mr Muggleton?
HARLOW: Umm, he’s a bit waffly, but he’s a good teacher.
YASHVI: If I tell you something, will you swear not to tell anyone?
HARLOW: Yeah, of course.
YASHVI: I think Liv is having an affair with Mr Muggleton. And he got her pregnant.
Harlow is horrified. Yashvi explains about the secret texts Liv’s been getting from a mystery lover, and how she saw Liv get into Mr Muggleton’s car, and saw the pregnancy test in her locker. Harlow agrees it sounds suss, and would explain Liv’s weird behaviour. Yashvi’s worried she’s made things worse.
HARLOW: Vee, he’s a teacher. And if he’s going after a student, that makes him a predator.
Yashvi looks worried.
Lassiter’s
Richie and Mackenzie are sitting next to each other outside the hotel room, in silence.
RICHIE: You sure you don’t want to go back in to the party?
MACKENZIE: It’s getting kind of messy in there.
RICHIE: Yeah.
Awkward silence.
MACKENZIE: When you called off the tank, was it really just because you wanted to avoid sitting the exam later?
RICHIE: … I dunno. I guess I thought the whole thing was kinda stupid. And, umm, I studied pretty hard. I wanted to give it a proper shot, you know? See how I went.
MACKENZIE: Why didn’t you just say that before?
RICHIE: …
MACKENZIE: You know, I can’t work you out. Because, sometimes it’s like you don’t care about things, and then I find out you do.
RICHIE: … Anything you want to know, just ask.
MACKENZIE: … Is there something going on between you and Liv?
RICHIE: No! Why would you ask that?
MACKENZIE: You act strange when she comes up.
RICHIE: Cos… I don’t wanna talk about her in front of you.
MACKENZIE: Why not?
RICHIE: Cos it’s weird.
MACKENZIE: Why?
Richie’s on the cusp of saying something, but smiles and shrugs.
MACKENZIE: Sometimes, I don’t know what to think, because you don’t talk to me much in person.
RICHIE: Well, maybe I’m not any good at it.
He goes quiet again, so Mackenzie seizes the initiative, and texts him the message, ‘Do you want to kiss me?’ Reading the message, Richie smiles nervously, and then leans in to kiss her on the lips.
Storeroom
Jeremiah has changed into his party clothes, and is looking sharp as he exits into the school corridor. But as he prepares to leave the school building, Ollie appears, wearing a hoodie, and pushes him back inside.
Lassiter’s
Richie and Mackenzie are still pashing.
School corridor
Ollie hits Jeremiah in the face, and he falls to the floor. Ollie then kicks him repeatedly as he lies there…
