Recap
Helen discovering that Christine doesn't want her paintings
#24 - The next day
Charlene is recapping to Madge what went on between Henry, Christine and Dennis yesterday (see the previous summary for more details!). Madge freaks out about Mrs. Mangel possibly informing Harold of all the shenanigans. Speaking of Harold, he arrives to accompany Madge to church - but the poor dear is feeling a bit precious because of his lingering migraine. While Madge is preoccupied, Harold has a chat with Charlene and is pleased to learn that she's going to be dating boys other than Scott (which earns an eye roll from Charlene).
#26
Mrs. Mangel has called by to ask when her painting will be shipped off to New York. Helen curtly informs her that the artwork wasn't good enough, and Jim tries to see Nell out.
MRS M: (getting a little smug) Surely my original assessment wasn't correct?
Mrs. Mangel leaves and Jim tries to cheer Helen up by reading a glowing review about her artwork from the paper. But downtrodden Helen just thinks that the reviewer doesn't know what they're talking about.
#24
Scott wants Charlene to give Warren Murphy a call to set up a date. He thinks that once Madge and Harold see what a dropkick Warren is, they'll be begging to have Scott back. Charlene is anxious about conning the poor guy, but Scott reckons she should arrange a lunch date with Warren, pronto. I feel like I've recapped this same conversation four million times... just ask Warren out already!
#26
Jim goes to throw some rubbish in the bin when he discovers Helen's broken paintbrush that she snapped in two. Helen answers the door to Christine and Dennis - man, Dennis is wearing a LOUD shirt. It looks like a paint palette threw up on him. Christine was unsure whether lunch was still on after what happened; but Helen lies and says that she appreciated Chris telling her the truth. Jim casts a dubious look at Helen as she moves off to get drinks. Christine asks Jim how Helen really is - Jim replies that she's doing okay.
#24
Suited-up Warren has brought Charlene some flowers and lets her know that he's working at his dad's factory now. He's also off the booze as well these days - seems like Scott's hopes for a bad boy may be dashed! Warren double checks that Charlene is now a free agent, pleased when she confirms.
Madge and Harold arrive home, surprised to see their guest. Charlene re-introduces Warren to them, who makes quite the good impression on Madge. Stepping aside, Madge and Harold have a quick chat about Henry. Harold's glad that Madge told him the truth - Mrs. Mangel really gave him the wrong impression about what went on!
Madge compliments Warren on his choice of flowers before dragging Harold off for lunch at Helen's. Feeling uncomfortable, Charlene wonders what she's supposed to do now.
#26
Helen introduces Des and Daphne (who is wearing the biggest hair scrunchie known to mankind) to Team USA. Dennis kisses Daphne's hand like an utter cheeseball. Daph says to Helen that her and Des are going to check out the art gallery later on, but Helen thinks they needn't bother.
Dennis follows Helen to the kitchen to check on her. He reminds Helen that Chris is an art critic through and through, but she doesn't mean any disrespect. Dennis can see real warmth in Helen's work and wants to buy a piece for himself. Helen is worried that it's just a pity-buy, but Dennis assures her he's genuine. Helen's chuffed. Okay, that maybe endeared Dennis to me 1% more...
#24
Lunch is on and Warren is wondering if he'll be able to see more of Charlene. Wary, Charlene reminds him she's not after a steady boyfriend, but Warren's cool with that. He asks her to come along to a fancy dress party with him in a few days at an old schoolmate's house. Charlene's silence puts him off and he starts to backtrack, but Charlene feels bad and agrees to come along.
#26
Dennis is laying his "charm" on Daphne - the 1% endearment is evaporating rapidly. Run, Daph! RUN!
Scott innocently asks Madge what Charlene's up to and laughs when he hears about Warren's visit. Scott's smile soon fades when Madge informs him that Warren isn't the bad egg he once was. Des asks Madge what the score is with Dennis, concerned that he's been chatting up Daphne. Madge says that Christine was the same with Henry yesterday, "They're very peculiar people."
Ramsay Street
Helen and Jim are seeing Dennis and Christine out after lunch. Christine tells Helen that she'll be back in 12 months and hopes to see more of Helen's paintings then. Team USA departs and Jim comments on Christine's positive words. But Helen thinks it's because of Rosemary's (Helen's daughter) connection to the art world. Rosemary buys a lot of paintings so Christine must feel obliged.
HELEN: There won't be any more paintings.
JIM: Helen...
HELEN: Jim. If I can't be a good painter it's pointless. I won't paint rubbish, and I won't be an adjunct to interior decorating.
JIM: Helen you're being a bit hard on yourself.
HELEN: No, Jim, I mean it. I'm finished. There won't be any more painting.
Coffee Shop
Madge and Daphne chat about Easter eggs and how Daphne's pregnancy is almost showing. Madge wonders if Daphne's dad is excited about being a grandfather, but Daphne reveals that she hasn't exactly told him yet. Madge knows that Daphne doesn't really get along with her dad, but points out that he cared enough to come looking for her after all these years. Daphne quickly changes the topic.
Mrs. Mangel stops by and asks if either of the women have seen Mrs. Daniels lately. Mrs. Mangel thinks that Helen's hiding away because the portrait she painted was rejected by Christine.
MRS M: The poor thing. I suppose at her age it's hard to accept the fact that you won't succeed. I'm not surprised she's gone into her shell.
DAPHNE: But the newspaper reviews were excellent, and lots of her paintings were sold.
MRS M: The masses are one audience, but the real audience is the people who know. And they seem to think that poor Mrs. Daniels is a failure.
Daphne looks concerned while Madge shoots a withering look Mrs. Mangel's way.
Ramsay Street
Scott and Charlene walk back from buying a fancy dress costume at the shops. I'm wondering if Scott also bought one and wore it home - he's dressed in horrid high-buckled jeans and a garish printed singlet top (possibly from the Dennis Wilton collection). The 80s scare me. Scott's a bit jealous that Charlene appears to be going to a lot of trouble for Warren, but Charlene reminds Scott that it was his idea in the first place to set her and Warren up.
Mrs. Mangel appears behind them like a ninja and asks Scott about his Gran. She fishes to see how upset Helen is but Scott quickly changes the subject to Easter Sunday to save his Gran's pride.
#26
And we're suddenly on Broadway... No? Ah, Jim's just tap dancing to test out his leg after getting his cast off (we skipped a week about two segments ago it seems). He comments on how Helen has been sulking around the house all week, but Helen thinks she's handling herself perfectly fine. Until she suddenly breaks into tears that is! Jim gives her a comforting hug and reassures her that everything will get better from now on.
#28
Des is searching around the house for chocolate but Daphne tells him that he'll just have to wait 24 hours. Des brings her a parcel that was delivered, but he'll only give it to her if she gives him an egg-clue. Daphne sends him to look in the fireplace while she opens the package and discovers a big Easter egg of her own - sent by her father. There's a smaller package enclosed that contains a gold and diamond bracelet. Daphne isn't too pleased however, and wants to know why her dad can't just leave her alone. Des thinks that Daph's dad is just trying to show her that he loves her, but Daphne doesn't want anything to do with him.
DAPHNE: And if I have to tell him that face to face to get it through his thick skull, then that's what I'll do.