Recap
Jane and Charlene losing the baton and World War Three breaking out in Ramsay Street.
Robinson house, where the whole assembly has gathered and is shouting furiously
Helen comes in and asks if it is possible for them to discuss this reasonably. Things quieten and Mrs Mangel chips in.
MRS MANGEL: Would Mr Robinson be so keen to call it off if his side had won, I ask myself.
DAPHNE: I've been asking myself that very same question!
SCOTT: Jane knocked the baton out of her hand.
The argument continues and Helen retires to the kitchen where Jim is pouring lemon squash.
HELEN: Your turn. I've had my go.
JIM: Sounds like a lynching party. Ridiculous. It's just a race.
HELEN: I seem to remember saying that myself/
JIM: All right. I'm as much to blame for what happened as anybody else. It's getting entirely out of hand. I'll tell you one thing. It's going to stop - right now.
HELEN (taking a glass of squash) Watch out for the crossfire, that's all.
Sitting room
MRS MANGEL: (jabbing Henry in the chest) I want my winnings right now.
HENRY: For the last time, Mrs Mangel, there aren't any. The race was called off. It means all bets are called off, too.
MRS MANGEL: (persistent as ever) But I won our part of the race.
HENRY: Yes, but you bet on the team. You get the stake money back, but that's all. Only the people who bet on Scott are entitled to any winnings.
MRS MANGEL: Are you going to pay up, or not?
HENRY: You'll have them all down on me in a minute!
Henry is saved by Jim calling for order.
JIM: This was supposed to be a friendly neighbourhood get-together and listen to the way you're carrying on! Have you forgotten what happened with the boxing match at Christmas time, how that got totally out of hand?
MRS MANGEL: It wasn't our team that cheated!
MADGE: Cheated? You've got to be joking...
And the rabble breaks out again.
JIM: (shouting) I SAID THAT'S ENOUGH! All right. There's nothing in the rule book that says what happens when someone drops the baton. You can't think of every possibility. But I think calling it 'no race' is the only fair thing to do.
DES: S' right.
DAPHNE: DE-es!
DES: Well I don't know about you guys but I don't want to whinge just because someone's dropped a baton. It's got to be fair and square or nothin'.
There are murmurs of agreement but then here are calls for a rematch. Jim says there will be no rematch. Daphne says he's quitting while he's ahead. Jim says not exactly, and that as this began with him and Des, that's how it will finish. They think he mean ten laps of the Oval, but Jim doesn't want that - not with everyone else running a side show. He proposes that he and Des go to the National Course and do a proper cross-country, to Daphne's consternation. Mike says why not? Des is up to it, and Des agrees, but his face tells a different story. Jim continues by inviting them all back to the Robinson house later for a good, old-fashioned party.
Ramsay Street, where Mrs Mangel and Jane are heading home
Jane tells her Nan that she was terrific on her cycle, and Mrs Mangel says bitterly that it's a pity she can't get a job riding one, isn't it. In the old days, she could have been a messenger, or something. Jane tries to encourage her by saying something will turn up, but Mrs Mangel is looking at reality.
She says she has no friends in the street, so it won't be so hard to sell up. She says Jane has no idea what it was like, always scrimping and saving, the children growing up, and Len being no use as a provider. She concludes by saying that she'd always wanted a house like this, and it isn't fair.
Jane says they will manage, with Mr Bishop's board, and hers, but Mrs Mangel interrupts, telling her not to be silly as that hardly pays for the food bills. Without a proper wage coming in, it's impossible, just impossible.
MRS MANGEL: One little slip of the tongue and you lose everything. Everything.
JANE: It wasn't just a slip of the tongue, Nan. You did give Mr Morris that interview.
MRS MANGEL: I was pressured into it! If Paul had any decency, he'd realise that. But oh no, not him. They're all the same, that family. They never had to struggler. It all comes so easily to them, doesn't it. But one day ... one day...
She walks ahead, leaving Jane looking thoughtful.
Robinsons' kitchen
Helen tells Kim that the good old-fashioned Ramsay Street party is going to fall flat if they don't find some shops that are still open. She could have done with a little more notice. Jim tells her not to worry as he's going out to try to find a map of the National Park and he will see what he can rustle up.
Scott comes in through the back door, flexing his arm and looking dejected. Jim tells him he certainly socked it to them today, and Scott says he wished their team had won. Jim comforts him by saying at least he beat Mike in the swimming - they can't take that away from him. Jim leaves.
Scott asks Helen how it is that they aren't allowed to race, but it is still on between Des and Jim. Helen replies that the difference is that they were proving things against each other, whereas Jim is trying to prove something to himself, which is a lot harder to do. She explains that Jim feels he is getting old, and the race is really not about des - he just happened to be available and about the age Jim wishes he still was. It isn't easy for Jim, so they just have to give him as much support as possible till it's all over. Scott asks the obvious question: What happens if Jim doesn't win? Helen's reply is that they just have to pray that he does.
Ramsay House
Henry has his betting papers all over the table and Madge asks him to move as she is trying to get an early start on the dinner - by setting the table. Henry asks her to wait a minute. She pushes his folder to one side and he protests that it is very important.
Enter Harold (still in track suit!), saying she needn't rush on his account. Mistake! He is still in the doghouse and Madge retorts that obviously her cooking isn't worth hurrying for, not being up to that he has been having at the Mangel house. Charlene makes a comment and Madge admits she is in a bad mood, as they were robbed. She thinks Scott may be right in saying Jane bumped into Charlene deliberately.
Charlene says Jane wouldn't do anything like that, and Harold says he agrees. (Mistake number two!) Madge says he made no secret of the fact he wanted Mrs Mangel to beat her, after all, he lives with them. Harold tries for a tactful withdrawal, saying perhaps it might be best if he skipped dinner. Madge tells him to suit himself and he replies that maybe tomorrow night, when everyone has had a chance to cool down. Charlene tells Madge she is set to ruin everything and she should go after Harold. Madge snaps that she needn't try and tell her how to run her life.
As Harold leaves, he calls to Henry that there is someone to see him. Henry pulls a long face and goes out to greet Steve who is there to collect his winnings. Henry says he actually hasn't got his money. Steve is unimpressed because some of his mates at the Waterhole have already got theirs.
Clarke residence
Jim and Des are poring over the map of the National Parlk, trying to decide on a route, watched by Mike and Daphne. Des rejects the first route as Jim and Scott did it before and he feels that this gives Jim an unfair advantage. Jim asks Des to choose a route. He chooses one at random, and it's a tough one. When he's told this, he says he just wanted to instil some challenge into the race.
Another route is chosen but Daphne says this is the one where the Scouts were lost last year and they had to send in helicopters. Jim suggests that perhaps they should stick to the roads, and Des says that would be too easy. Daphne says she will take the decision so that everyone can save face, and she would prefer that they stick to the roads. She walks to the kitchen where Mike is leaning against the counter.
Mike asks if they are going to be all night and he thinks he will go to Scott's. Daphne says she thought they weren't speaking to each other. Mike says they aren't, but no race is worth losing a mate over. He leaves and Daphne goes back to the men, saying she feels Mike has shown real maturity and it'd be good if others showed the same.
Jim and Des ignore her, talking about their race. Jim says they should take food, water and some basic first aid equipment. They ask why and Jim says in case something goes wrong and they have to stay out all night. Des and Daphne are shocked and Jim says it probably won't happen but if it does, as least they will be prepared.
Daphne says she thinks this run is the dumbest thing they have come up with yet. She knows her humble opinion won't stop them going through with it, but she just wants them to know. Jim says that if it is going to cause problems with Daphne, he will understand if Des wants to drop it. Des says Daphne will be ok - she just needs time to get used to it - but his face tells a different story.
Ramsay household
Henry manages to push a protesting Steve out of the door with promises of payment later. Madge asks him how much he owes. Henry says, four. Four what? Four hundred. Madge is not at all impressed and says he promised her not to get into this sort of mess again. Henry defends himself by saying he'd been certain Mike would win the swimming so he offered higher odds on Scott. If Mike had won, he'd have no problems.
Madge is upset, but suggests that Henry could use the other $200 from the bank, which will help. Henry has to admit that he doesn't have that either. He looks hopefully at Madge, but this time, Madge says she is not going to bail him out - he has to learn to stand on his own two feet. Henry is not happy.
Robinson House
Mike and Scott have sorted themselves out and Helen, coming in bearing a plate of goodies for the evening's party, says it is good to hear what sportsmanship is all about. Scott suggests that in a day or so, it will all be forgotten. Helen brings in a plate of food and the boys reach to nibble. Helen pulls the tray away and says they know what Nell Mangel is like! She was fuming over it all when she left. She hopes Nell will behave herself until the portrait is finished - she thinks she will go and see her. Scott suggests that she should wear Lucy's bicycle helmet.
Enter Jim, holding a map, as Helen comments that she knows just how much food there is, and she expects it to be there when she gets back. Scott protests about the lack of trust. Jim wants to know what they have been up to as Helen turns and the front door and comments that 'no nibbles' applies double to Jim. Jim reaches for some food with the comment that he is in training.
MIKE: Did you and Des finally decide on a course?
JIM (doesn't sound happy): Yeah.
SCOTT: Mike and I were thinking ... Daphne might be a bit happier if Mike and I came along to keep an eye on you...
JIM: No, definitely not. Well, listen, Scott Des is feeling insecure enough as it is. He's never done a race like this before. How's he gonna feel if he has to pull out when you two are watching, hmm? No spectators. All right? (He leaves the room)
MIKE: he's got a point, I suppose.
SCOTT: Hmm. Yeah. Only I don't think it's Des he's worried about.
Mangel House, where Nell is ripping up some papers
Jane answers the door to Helen.
JANE: I'm afraid Nan isn't in a very good mood at the moment .. You know what I mean?
HELEN: Yes. Well, that's partly why I'm here, actually.
JANE: Nan, Mrs Daniels is here to see you.
MRS MANGEL: Mrs Daniels? (doesn't turn from the desk). And what can I do for you?
HELEN: I was hoping we could set a date for your next sitting.
MRS MANGEL: (Continues ripping up papers) Oh, were you? I must say you Robinsons have your cheek (pushes drawer close and gets up). If you think I'm sitting for you after the way Paul's behaved, then you are sadly mistaken.
HELEN: Paul? I don't understand.
JANE: He fired her.
MRS MANGEL: As if you didn't know! I'm sure he's taken great delight in telling the whole street!
Helen looks shocked.
JANE: Nan, Paul isn't like that!
HELEN: This is the first I've heard of it.
MRS MANGEL: Well, it makes little difference, Mrs Daniels. Scott can say what he likes about me in the Erinsborough News, but that's all right. He's a Robinson. One little mistake and I lose everything. And you! You practically steal one painting from me, and now you have the cheek to expect me to sit for another! Well, the Robinsons may think they own Ramsay Street, but this is still my house, (her voice rises) and I'll thank you to get out and stay out!
(Helen gives that indignant look she does so well)
Robinson House, where Jim and Helen are talking.
JIM: So what did Paul say when you phoned him?
HELEN: That Nell Mangel sold that story to Disclosure Magazine, so she had to go. It must be a very worrying time for her - she needed that job badly.
JIM: She should have thought of that. You almost sound as though you feel sorry for her.
HELEN: Well, there's Jane to consider!
(The doorbell rings)
JIM: Well, I'm a bit lacking in Christian charity where Nell Mangel's concerned. I guess that's one guest we can't expect to put in an appearance tonight.
HELEN: You know, this party's supposed to be about getting people together so they can discuss their differences. So far, we haven't made a very good fist of it.
JIM (picking up a bowl of food): Yeah, well, Nell Mangel's the exception to the rule, always.
He carries the food into the other room, where Mike and Jane are with Scott. Mike explains that Des and Daphne won't be coming as Des wants an early night before the race. Helen accepts this, then Charlene chips in that Madge and Henry won't be there either, as Madge is avoiding Harold and he isn't likely to come either, as he is avoiding her. And Henry owes so much money, he's avoiding everyone.
HELEN (wryly, to Jim) So much for your old-fashioned Ramsay Street get-together.
Mangel House where Nell is still busy with her papers and Harold is on the sofa.
Harold mentions that he has pruned the bush out the back and it looks much tidier. Mrs Mangel acknowledges a little distractedly. Harold continues that he will prune another tomorrow if she likes, to which Mrs Mangel responses with, "Oh, botheration!" Harold asks if he can help and she says not. She will find the mistake in a minute. Putting down her pen, she stands and, facing Harold, tells him that she may not be able to offer him lodging for much longer. Harold asks if it is something he has done, but she replies that they are both victims of outside forces.
She explains that the Robinsons have been trying to get drive out of the street ever since she arrived. She continues that she supposes it's the price to be paid for trying to maintain some moral standards in the community. Harold is shocked that it is the Robinsons she is talking about, but she responds that they may seem a nice family on the surface, but if she were the sort of woman who talked behind people's backs, she would be able to tell a thing or two.
Jane comes in. She is ready to go to the party, Mrs Mangel is shocked that she is considering going, given the way they have treated her (Nell). Jane says that the Robinsons have done nothing to her. It was Paul who fired her, and he really didn't have much choice. They have been very good to her (Jane) and are her friends, so she is going. She says her Nan will see it all differently herself tomorrow.
MRS MANGEL: Tomorrow I'll have my job back, will I? Tomorrow I won't have to worry about how on earth I'm going to keep up the payments on the house? Well, that's something you might like to think about, while you are off partying with your friends.
Jane looks across at Harold, who gives her a sympathetic smile, and she leaves.
The very quiet Robinson House where the party is not going with a swing
Scott is asleep on Charlene's shoulder, until she nudges hi, while Mike is looking bored and Helen is nibbling. She looks at her watch and sighs. Jim brings in a bowl of baked potatoes and asks where she wants them. She says they haven't eaten the food that's already there. Mike replies that they thought they should wait for the others. Helen says they need to face the fact there won't be any others, and right on cue, the doorbell rings. Jim looks at her and says, "Oh ye of little faith!"
Enter Jane, She explains that Mr Bishop had decided not to come -m she thinks he didn't want to upset Nan. Helen says she hopes her coming won't make things difficult between her and her grandmother. When Jane admits she wasn't too pleased that she had come, Helen says she thinks the party is doing more harm than good. Jim tells her this is rubbish. What the party needs is livening up. He tells Scott to put a record on.
Mitchell House where Henry and Madge are washing up
HENRY: It's just a loan, Mum. You know what a loan is - it means you'll get your money back.
MADGE: If words were money, Henry, you'd be a rich man.
HENRY: Now look, you can have it in writing if you want.
MADGE: Henry, I warned you when I lent you the money to pay off those people in prison that that would be the end of it. I've got to draw the line somewhere.
HENRY: The last time, Mum, I promise.
MADGE: No-o, Henry.
HENRY: But you've got to, Mum. What am I going to tell the blokes at the pub?
MADGE: You should have thought of that before you took their money.
There is a knock at the door.
HENRY: Don't answer it!
MADGE (goes to answer it): Don't be ridiculous. It's probably Helen wondering why we're not at the party.
It isn't Helen. It's Ivan, the big bloke with tattoos from the pub. He spots Henry, who is trying to hide by the fridge.
IVAN: I can see ya, ya li'l weasel!
MADGE: You can't come barging in here like this!
(Too late, Madge! He's in!)
IVAN: Come on - none of the blokes blame you for what he's done. (He moves into the house and Madge closes the door) Steve and me want our money, and I'm not goin' till I get it.
Madge and Henry exchange worried looks.