Previously on Neighbours
- Karl and Susan tell Malcolm what a wonderful father he'll be
- Mark tells Paige he's had a job offer from his old boss, helping to investigate something
- Dakota flirts outrageously with Mark, offering him an in- road to his investigation
- Daniel tells Dakota how happy her presence is making Paul
- Turns out Dakota is smuggling what looks like diamonds in bags of coffee beans
- A guilt- ridden Josh sells his swimming medals to start a donation fund for Chris
Ramsay Street
Josh drops a boxful of provisions outside No 26 with a note reading 'To Chris, from the community' - but sneaks away from the scene when he hears voices. It's Mark and Paige; and Josh makes out he was simply dropping off some misdelivered post. Josh asks how things are at the garage; Mark admits he's busy, and Josh apologises, saying it's because he's 'a man down'.
Once Josh and Paige have gone, Mark takes a call from Greta from the federal police. He tells her he has nothing new on Dakota yet, but that he's on it.
The Waterhole
Toadie suggests to Sonya, who's glued to her phone and not listening to him in the slightest, that they leave Nell - who's currently with Susan - in Malcolm's care for a couple of hours, to extend their alone-time and give Mal some practice at child-rearing, now he has one of his own on the way. Annoyed that Sonya isn't listening, Toadie also suggests they begin their digital detox right now. Sonya objects, being in the middle of an email to Callum, but grudgingly turns her phone off. Within seconds they're struggling to keep to the detox.
Meanwhile, Paul tells Dakota he wants to take her out for dinner tonight, to thank her for talking him into giving Daniel a second chance at her new bar. Dakota brags about how she's always right etc etc, and they reminisce about their time together in Sao Paolo.
PAUL: I honestly think you're turning into a very shrewd businesswoman.
DAKOTA: Hmm. I had a great mentor.
PAUL: Gosh, I'm glad you've come back into my life.
DAKOTA: Why couldn't you have been this sweet when we first met? When I was still innocent?
Paul insists he's going to make up for his past sins, and nauseatingly observes that Dakota hasn't lost her innocence, which is what makes her so beautiful. What show has he been watching?!
Outside the Radio Station
Mark gets a suggestive text from Paige. 'Don't let the cars work you too hard, that's my job. X' Ignoring it, he finds the boxes of coffee beans outside the radio station; they're addressed to 'Daniel Robinson, 5 Goulburn Street, Erinsborough'. Daniel emerges to carry the boxes inside; Mark asks after Dakota, but Daniel says she's not here yet. Mark is curious as to why they need so much coffee, and why the order is in Daniel's name. Daniel replies that Dakota ordered it; he just receives it.
Harold's Store
Josh is talking to Amber about the fund money for Chris - he thinks she should give him some of it in cash, for taxis etc, and that the remainder could be used for medical bills. Amber tells him the fund has been going really well, and Josh thanks her again for setting it up under her name. Amber wonders if Josh should reveal his involvement, but he insists he doesn't want his involvement known. Amber adds that she's sure Chris will be home soon, given how he made it to Kyle's wedding. Josh leaves her to it.
Meanwhile, Toadie finds Mal working at a table, and asks if he wants to get some babysitting practice in with Nell. Mal's worried things might be weird, given his previous affair with Sonya's sister Jade, but Toadie insists that's not an issue. Mal agrees to look after Nell.
The Waterhole
Josh meets up with Ricky, the owner of Dingoes' Gym. He makes out he's concerned Josh won't meet his increased membership targets in time, and tells him he's letting him go. Josh quickly surmises that this is about what he did to Chris, rather than his targets, and Ricky doesn't deny it. He gives Josh his pay for the week, but tells him not to come into work. Josh looks frustrated.
Outside the Radio Station
Mark is snooping about again, and goes to open a remaining box of coffee beans - but Dakota interrupts him and carries it inside. Mark suggests they meet up for a drink later, and she flirtatiously suggests she could squeeze him in at some point. Paul then turns up, and sees them making eyes at one another. As Mark leaves, Paul looks suspicious.
Harold's Store
Daniel is posing while Paige draws a sketch of him. He moans about how hard his new job is, setting up the bar for Dakota. Paige talks about her relationship with Mark, and Daniel quickly concludes she's in love with him. Paige is coy, but Daniel tells her to enjoy it.
No 30
Mal is talking about parenthood with Toadie and Sonya, while they play with Nell on the carpet. They encourage Mal to come and join them, but he immediately gets his phone out and starts taking photos of Nell.
MAL: Billy told me his kids loved seeing their own image when they were little.
Toadie and Sonya tell him that phones are banned at the moment because of the digital detox, but demonstrate how to sing 'Incy Wincy Spider' to cheer Nell up if she gets cranky. Nell is instantly amused, and Mal just looks bemused, realising he has a lot to learn.
The Waterhole
Josh is playing darts, as Terese tells him she's made two donations to Chris's fund - one from Lassiter's and one from the family. Josh keeps his role in it secret, but thanks Terese. Meanwhile, Imogen has been coming up with ideas for Josh's sentencing hearing - she says it would be a good idea for him to do some volunteering work in the meantime, as this would look good in court.
JOSH: I'm not sucking up to a judge to try and get out of it.
IMOGEN: Josh, you made a stupid mistake, but you are still a good person.
JOSH: Am I?
TERESE: Yeah, of course you are.
Imogen also suggests he get a professional reference from Dingoes', but Josh reveals this won't be possible, since Ricky has fired him. Terese is outraged that he's been fired before he's been convicted of anything.
JOSH: I wouldn't want a coward-puncher working for me either. I'm not contesting it.
TERESE: Darling, I know you feel guilty. But you need to change your attitude. This is not like you to give up.
JOSH: I'm not giving up. I'm facing up to what I did.
Meanwhile, Dakota turns up for a meeting with Paul to find him in a mood. She asks why he wasn't there to meet the bar interior designer half an hour ago, and Paul responds with a question of his own.
PAUL: Why is Brennan always hanging around you?
He admits he saw them looking chummy outside the bar earlier. Dakota says she thinks Mark has a crush on her, but that it's one-sided - she's not interested in him at all.
DAKOTA: I'm interested in men. Not boys. Your jealousy makes you very cute by the way.
Paul is slightly reassured - until Dakota goes to get a drink, and he sees a text message from Mark come through on her phone. Paul looks annoyed.
Lassiter's Complex
Terese is trying to convince Paul that Lassiter's should put in another offer for Dingoes' Gym, in order to save Josh's job.
PAUL: Terese, I'm not gonna spend some exorbitant amount of money just so your son can have his job back.
TERESE: That's not what this is about. And since when has nepotism been an issue for you?
Paul insists it's not going to happen - and swiftly goes over to talk to Paige, who's sitting on a bench.
PAUL: Have you got any idea what your boyfriend's been up to today?
PAIGE: Hi. I'm Paige. We've barely had a conversation since I've been here, but if you want to act like pals, we may as well be acquainted. And yes, I know exactly where my boyfriend is. He's at the garage.
PAUL: Oh. Is that before or after he went down to the radio station to hit on Dakota?
PAIGE: Who, and what, is Dakota?
PAUL: A business associate of mine. She's smart, attractive; probably more Brennan's vintage than you are.
PAIGE: ...
PAUL: What, no witty comeback? Didn't think so.
Paul walks off, leaving Paige looking upset.
No 30
Toadie and Sonya are showing Mal how to feed Nell, but he's a bit apprehensive - especially when she starts screaming. They warn she's likely to be crankier than usual because of iPad withdrawal, but again tell him just to sing 'Incy Wincy Spider' to calm her down. Toadie and Sonya head off for a short walk, leaving a terrified Mal alone with Nell.
Fitzgerald Motors
Josh has been tidying up the garage, having been feeling guilty that injuring Chris has saddled Mark with all the work. But Paige comes in, and he makes out he's just come to collect something Imogen left in Hermione the car. Paige asks where Mark is; Josh says he isn't sure, and makes a quick exit. Paige looks worried. She calls Mark and leaves a voicemail, asking him where he is, and to call her back.
No 30
Having refused to eat her dinner, Nell is having a crying fit, and is unimpressed by Incy Wincy Spider or any of Mal's other attempts to calm her down. His only success comes when he shows her a photo of his dog on his phone.
NELL: Woof!
Mal gives her the phone, just as Toadie and Sonya are coming in from their walk. They're annoyed to find that Mal relented and gave her the phone, despite his claims that it was an emergency. Mal compounds their annoyance by accusing Nell of being 'hard work', and the Rebecchis tell him they think it's time they called it a day. Mal's apologetic, but makes his exit.
The Waterhole
Daniel and Amber talk about Paige being in love with Mark. Amber thinks it's funny to imagine Paige loved up, and the pair kiss, just as Josh walks in. Josh tries to drop a hint to Amber that he wants to talk about Chris's fund, but Amber tells him that Daniel already knows Josh is behind it.
DANIEL: For it's worth, I think what you're doing is a really good thing.
Josh gives Amber his last payslip towards Chris's fund. She refuses to take it, saying he'll need it, but Josh insists Chris will need it more. He adds that he'll also have some money to give her from selling his trophies; indeed he's come here with them all in a box, to give them to the person who bought them. But Daniel reveals that he's the one who bought Josh's trophies. Josh passes the box towards Daniel.
DANIEL: I don't want them. I just wanted to help out. I've already given Amber the money.
JOSH: Alright, well I'll sell them again then.
DANIEL: Well no, you can't - they're mine. But I'd like them to stay with you.
JOSH: Alright. Okay, thanks. I'll leave you to it.
Once Josh has walked off, Amber and Daniel worry about him. Amber says that despite what he did, she's really proud of how he's handling himself. Daniel tells Amber that Josh is lucky to have her helping him, and they kiss - while Josh watches sadly from the bar.
Lassiter's Lake
Mark is none-too-subtly quizzing Dakota about the inordinate amount of coffee beans she's ordered for her bar, and her history in Brazil.
DAKOTA: There's something about the energy in Rio. It's beautiful and dangerous all at the same time.
MARK: Sounds like you've seen some of its dark side.
DAKOTA: Hmm, wouldn't you like to know?
MARK: I would, actually. It's where you met Paul, isn't it?
DAKOTA: Yeah, in São Paulo. I was this wide-eyed backpacker and he was this worldly gentleman.
MARK: You must have been very wide-eyed to think that.
DAKOTA: Don't underestimate Paul; he can be charming when he wants to be. He broke my heart. But anyway, it was a lifetime ago.
MARK: Yeah, I'm not sure he got the memo though. I think he's pretty keen to rekindle things.
DAKOTA: Listen, I might have turned on the charm to get him to fund my bar. But it's nothing more than that. I'm only interested in his friendship.
MARK: And his money. So there's definitely no spark?
DAKOTA: No. Listen, I've done the older guy thing. I just want to focus on my career now. And have a bit of fun.
Dakota moves in and kisses Mark on the lips - just as Paige shows up nearby and sees them!
Unmissable Drama
- Chris is back home at No 26 with Nate - but tension's in the air when Josh turns up
- Dakota persuades Mark to keep their liaison from Paige
- Paige quizzes Mark as to whether he's done anything to hurt her
- Lauren thinks Paige should talk to Mark about the situation, but she has 'other ways' of handling it