No 30
Toadie is annoyed that Tim Collins accused Sonya of trashing his car, saying anyone who knows her would know it wasn't true. But Sonya says that the voting public don't know her, and that's the problem. Sonya's phone rings - it's the police, wanting to her to come in for questioning!

2... 1... titles.

Eden University
Paige and Imogen are walking through the courtyard, recalling a toga party they had here in Episode 7055. Paige claims she's really excited to get a taster of uni life, and today she is going to be sitting in on one of Imogen's elective classes - gender studies. Courtney rocks up and sees Paige.

COURTNEY: Bit early for the uni bar, isn't it?
IMOGEN: Paige is joining in on our class.
COURTNEY: For real?
PAIGE: What are you saying? That I'm not smart enough?
COURTNEY: No, I just didn't pick you for an academic, that's all.

Paige gives Courtney a withering look as she walks away.

No 30
Sonya's getting ready to go down to the police station, when Mark turns up - Toadie explains he rang him to see if he could find out what's going on. Mark's heard from Constable McKay that Tim Collins wants Sonya arrested for vandalising his car. Toadie's furious and wants to come with her to clear her name, but Sonya says she can go on her own.

She says she has nothing to hide regarding the allegations, but points out that she's never going to get elected now everyone thinks she's a vandal. Toadie says their only chance is if they find out who did vandalise the car...

Eden University
Imogen, Paige and Courtney are attending the gender studies tutorial in the courtyard. Imogen introduces Paige to her tutor Noel Creighton, who kicks off the tutorial - which, implausibly, is on the subject of the Erinsborough mayoral election!

IMOGEN: I brought flyers! I think a comparison between Sonya Rebecchi's promotional material and Tim Collins' will be a really interesting way to deconstruct the politics of representation.
NOEL: Great. Let's also discuss the intersectionality of gender, politics and the media.

Paige looks totally confused, much to Courtney's amusement.

Lassiter's Complex
Paul is doing his community service litter-picking. Amy stops by to show him a picture from the West Waratah Star website of Tim Collins' vandalised car, which prompts a good chuckle from Paul.

Terese turns up. Paul remarks that she was out late last night; she says she was at the business awards (presumably the ones that Lauren nominated her for). She didn't win, but says the ceremony was very lavish - adding that she'd have put forward Lassiter's to host it if she'd known it would be so big. This gives Paul ideas about the Erins Burrow.

PAUL: I was chasing the corporate dollar, but maybe events is the way we should go.
TERESE (laughing): Oh, please! The only event your place could host is the Rodent of the Year awards!

Amy leaves, and Terese goes to cast her vote for Sonya. Paul follows to do the same.

Lassiter's
Amy comes into the reception to talk to Daniel about some odd jobs that need doing. He says the list of required parts is in the storeroom, but that he's not authorised to go in there at present! Amy says she can't do the jobs without the parts, so he agrees to briefly unlock the storeroom for her.

When Daniel and Amy enter the storeroom, they see Julie Quill's scale model of the new tower development. Amy quickly notices that it's directly on top of what is currently Harold's Café and Rebecchi Law.

AMY: What's going on?
DANIEL: I've no idea.

The Waterhole
Daniel and Amy talk to Terese about what they've just seen in the storeroom. She's annoyed that Daniel's disobeyed orders, and tells them she's been sworn to secrecy about the plans.

TERESE: And so are you now!

Amy objects, saying it affects Lauren and Toadie.

AMY: Not to mention the competition it will mean for Paul's new motel!

Terese says she's sure that Julie Quill will talk to everyone affected if the tower plans go ahead, but that if she defies Julie's orders before then, she'll lose her job. Amy is not pleased.

Eden University
The gender studies class is still, inexplicably, discussing the mayoral election.

IMOGEN: Sonya's public image has always been situated within the paradigm of motherhood. Her legitimacy as a candidate is defined by this.
COURTNEY: Whereas Daddy Dearest is defined by his professional achievement.
IMOGEN: Which is exactly the gender bias we're talking about.
NOEL: Exactly. Paige, any thoughts?
PAIGE: ... I, erm... Well, I thought that the video of Tim and Courtney was an interesting... paradigm...
COURTNEY: Paradigm of what?
PAIGE: ...
IMOGEN: It's an accepted dating construct. Older man, younger woman.
COURTNEY: Paige, you should know all about that! Her ex was a bit of a dinosaur.
PAIGE: What is that supposed to mean?
COURTNEY: Those relationships are usually defined by inequality of power.
PAIGE: I had plenty of power. And I am all about equal rights. I even freed the nipple.

Paige is referring to more of her adventures from Episode 7055, when she and Lauren staged a topless protest at the censorship of a naked female figure in the logo she'd designed for the Erinsborough Festival. Everyone just sniggers, and Noel suggests they move on.

Harold's Café
Toadie is talking to Lauren, who reassures him that nobody thinks Sonya trashed Tim Collins' car. Lauren reports rumours she's heard at the polling booth that Tim Collins may be behind the vandalism himself, as part of an electoral strategy to discredit Sonya and win votes. Toadie agrees that he wouldn't put it past him.

Lauren suggests Toadie talk to Tyler about it, since he's dating Courtney who's Tim Collins' daughter. Toadie goes off to do just that.

Meanwhile, Amy and Daniel are talking about the plans for the new hotel tower. Amy wants to make the plans public, but Daniel says he can't be involved, as he'd be putting his career at risk.

AMY: But these are your friends! What about Paul?

Daniel insists he's made up his mind.

No 24
In the back yard, Tyler is swimming in the pool, when Toadie turns up. Toadie asks if Tyler noticed Tim Collins acting weird at the mayoral hustings, or hanging around the car park. Tyler can't help, so Toadie asks if Courtney might be able to shed any light on things.

Tyler's forced to explain that he and Courtney have had a row, because of Tim Collins asking Tyler to ask difficult personal questions about Sonya's past during the hustings. Tyler explains Courtney has a love-hate relationship with her dad. Toadie is suspicious...

Erins Burrow
Amy is telling Paul about the model she saw in the Lassiter's storeroom. Paul's horrified, saying that if Lassiter's capacity doubles, the Erins Burrow won't stand a chance of competing. He's also furious that Daniel didn't bring news of the development to his attention himself. Amy points out he's in a difficult position because of his job, but Paul's still angry.

Eden University
Mark is passing and sees Paige looking upset, so goes to talk to her.

MARK: I know we're over, but that doesn't mean I can't be your friend.

Paige explains how she embarrassed herself in the tutorial. Mark tries to make her feel better with stories about how he did dumb stuff at the police academy.

MARK: I accidentally pepper-sprayed myself in the face one day.

Paige is highly amused. But Mark says he rose above the ridicule and got through it - just as Paige now has to do with her studies.

MARK: You are tougher and smarter than you think.
PAIGE: Thank you.

There's an awkward moment between them, before Mark leaves.

The Waterhole
Courtney is on the phone to Tim Collins, saying she's giving out flyers for him. But once the call's done, she just leaves the flyers on a table top. Toadie, who has been observing, asks her why she isn't giving them out.

COURTNEY: Dad doesn't need my help to win.

Toadie says that's true, now that Sonya's being blamed for vandalising his car and is being interviewed by the police. Courtney seems worried by this, and Toadie, having guessed Courtney vandalised the car, suggests that she own up in order to give Sonya a fair chance at winning.

COURTNEY: I never intended for Sonya to get the blame. I wanted to hurt Dad publicly. He's horrible to Mum and he still treats her like dirt, and she's not brave enough to stand up to him. And then he decided to defame your wife, and getting Tyler involved - I'd had enough.

Under pressure from Toadie, Courtney agrees she'll call the West Waratah Star, and tell them that she was responsible for the vandalism. Toadie thanks her.

Eden University
Noel has reconvened his gender studies session, with Imogen, Paige and extras. Imogen starts rattling on about how Tim Collins' fatherhood has nothing to do with his electoral campaign, but Paige disagrees.

PAIGE: Courtney just released a statement that she was the one who graffitied his car. So his role as a parent is a really important aspect of his campaign. It is now, anyway.
NOEL: Good point. Imogen?
IMOGEN: I want to hear more of what Paige has to say.

Paige makes a speech about how Tim Collins has been defined by his gender and parental status during the campaign just as Sonya has been. Noel remarks that she's made a good argument. Paige is pleased.

Lassiter's
Paul sneaks into the storeroom to take a look at the model of the new development. Terese follows him in, and Paul asks her what she intends to do about the new tower. Terese says her hands are tied; she can't afford to lose her job over this.

PAUL: At least you've got a job to lose. If this goes ahead there's no way my motel will survive.
TERESE: This is all about you, isn't it?! It doesn't matter if I take a hit - as long as you're able to line your own pockets!
PAUL: Hang on! Isn't that exactly what you and Quill are doing to Toadie and Lauren?
TERESE: How dare you! After everything I've done. Supported you, took you in when you had nothing!
PAUL: Yes. And for that, I am grateful. But I have invested an awful lot in my motel. So I have to ensure it goes ahead. And that is why I'm warning you I am going to fight this. And I need the support of the others.

Paul goes off to consult with the other affected businesses, and Terese tells him to leave her out of it; if anyone asks, he didn't hear about these plans from her.

PAUL: It's the least you can do.

Harold's Café
Lauren is on the phone to Paul, who's telling her about the development plans. Terese comes in, and Lauren furiously confronts her about it. Terese says she wanted to warn her, but that it wasn't her place. Lauren's worried she'll lose the business, and after all the renovations she's done, too.

Terese says she'll talk to Julie about letting Harold's rent floor space in the new building, but Lauren's worried about the cost of this, and also where the business will trade during the construction.

LAUREN: Is that why you tried to block the takeaway coffee window I had planned?
TERESE: ... Yeah. I didn't want you losing money.
LAUREN: And I thought...
TERESE: Look, I meant what I said about you and Brad. I've stepped away from it.
LAUREN: I should have given you more credit.
TERESE: It's fine.
LAUREN: No, it's not. I'm sorry.

Lauren asks what they're going to do about the second tower.

Lassiter's Complex
Paige is basking in the glory of her newfound university success, while Imogen heaps praise upon her for doing so well in the tutorial. As a result, Paige says, she's now really excited about the prospect of enrolling for uni. Mark walks past, and looks forlorn as he sees Paige so happy - especially when he overhears Imogen telling Paige she's now a single, independent woman, and Paige agreeing.

No 24
Tyler and Aaron are in the back yard, by the pool. Courtney shows up, and apologises to Tyler for losing it with him this morning. They're aware of her vandalising Tim Collins' car; she says she can't stand being 'in that house' anymore (presumably her dad's?), so has had to leave. Tyler asks if Courtney needs to stay at No 24 for the night.

COURTNEY: That'd be great. Just, the thing is - I've left for good.

Later, indoors, Paul turns up to have a go at Daniel for not warning him about the new tower at the hotel. Daniel argues that the extension might not get approved, or affect Paul's motel even if it does. But Paul is convinced Quill will get their way.

DANIEL: I don't want this to come between us, Paul.
PAUL: Too late.
DANIEL: Come on, this isn't just about you. I've got my own career to protect. Like you're so fond of saying, it's business.
PAUL: So you chose that over me, did you?
DANIEL: This is what you've always wanted me to do! Get a career, be a professional. Everything that you've nagged about, I'm finally doing.
PAUL: Yes, but not at my expense!
DANIEL: Well, I'm sorry you see it that way. You of all people should understand my position; it's not like you haven't been there yourself.
PAUL: it's different when it's family. And YOU of all people should understand that.

Paul storms out.

No 30
Toadie is preparing dinner, while Sonya paces around, fretting about the election. She's convinced Tim Collins is going to become mayor, believing that Courtney's revelation came too late in the day to save her chances.

The Rebecchis start thinking that they've probably had a lucky escape after all - Sonya being mayor would have meant loads more work and many more complications in their lives, so Tim Collins winning is probably a blessing in disguise.

The phone rings, and Sonya answers it.

SONYA: Okay, thank you. Thank you for that. Bye-bye.
TOADIE: What was that?
SONYA: I'm the mayor.
TOADIE: What?!
SONYA: I'm the mayor!

They high-five! But Sonya then starts thinking of all those negatives they were just discussing.

SONYA: No. Oh, no! Oh, I'm the mayor now!

Unmissable Drama
- Paul tells Sonya about Quill's plans for the second tower, and its impact on the community
- Lyn's back again, and advises Steph not to call Max and tell him 'what's happened'
- Xanthe tells Kyle he's not her dad, so can't tell her what to do
- Xanthe is up to no good, but tells Piper she won't be around long enough to get caught