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Neighbours Episode 8544 from 2021 - NeighboursEpisodes.com
<<8543 - 8545>>
Episode title: 8544
Australian airdate: 26/01/21
UK airdate:
Writer: Paul Gartside
Director: Guy Strachan
Guests: Tim Collins: Ben Anderson
Councillor Jacinta Hay: Maurial Spearim
Brent Colefax: Texas Watterston
Music:
Summary/Images by: Carly/Graham
Previously
- Nicolette overhearing David and Aaron say they have trust issues with her
- Paul warning David and Aaron they need to re- think their arrangement with Nicolette
- Chloe becoming angry with Nicolette for knowing about Dipi and Pierce and not telling her
- Chloe telling Aaron, David and Nic she's moving to #24 when she returns from Adelaide
- Tim presenting Terese and Paul a cease and desist notice from Hawke Airlines
- Aaron and David surprised to find Brent hiding out in the backyard shed
Number 32 Backyard
David and Aaron are concerned about Brent running off on them, wondering what sort of trouble he's in. Nicolette's relieved it wasn't Ricardo spying on them after all and heads inside to tell Jane not to call the cops. Kyle suddenly appears, marching Brent back towards the boys by the scruff of his hoodie after catching him making a run for it. David and Aaron assure Brent he's not in any trouble, they just want to know why he's there. Brent angrily says they need to "tell the meathead" to let him go first, then maybe he'll explain himself.
The Waterhole
Terese and Paul sit with Tim outside the pub. They're pleased to hear that their legal team has made a persuasive case, and Hawke Airlines no longer believes Lassiters have stolen their intellectual property. Paul says it's a shame that decision wasn't made before the fundraiser was ruined. Tim says the cease and desist is no longer in play and Lassiters are free to use their uniforms. "Amy Greenwood is an airhead and you have saved her sorry behind," Tim adds, before leaving the table. Harlow joins Paul and Terese, pleased to hear the hotel is in the clear. She's also been on social media and a lot of people are thrilled Lassiters has decided not to celebrate Australia Day.
PAUL: That is good news. It was a very risky PR move.
TERESE: Yeah but it was the right thing to do. And I've also heard that it's inspired other hotels around the country to get on board with the change the date movement. And I've also got my meeting with Councillor Hay to talk about other positive changes we can make locally.
Tim has been lurking in the background eavesdropping and looks as though he might be up to no good.
Number 32 Backyard
Aaron, David and Nicolette sit with Brent while he wolfs down a meal. Brent then stares at the pitcher of water, only grabbing himself another drink when David says to help himself. David then notices Brent flinch when he lifts the jug and asks if Kyle accidentally hurt him earlier. Brent doesn't answer.
AARON: Was it somebody else?
NICOLETTE: You've also got a bruise coming up on your cheek. Do you want to tell us how you got that?
BRENT: Who's the nosy one?
AARON: That's Nicolette. Remember she helped Emmett when he fell off the roof.
Brent still doesn't look as though he's comfortable enough to talk, so David, Aaron and Nicolette head inside to see if there's more food for him to eat. Aaron and David have a hushed conversation in the sun room, wondering what they're going to do about the teen. Last time they spoke to Emmett he said his brother was out of residential care and doing fine. They don't want to worry Emmett, but decide to give him a call and see if he knows anything new about Brent. But when they head outside again they realise Brent has run off.
The Waterhole
Mackenzie sees Terese and Harlow and stops for a chat. She lets Terese know she'll be shadowing Jacinta Hay in their meeting tomorrow as part of her new role with the council. Terese and Harlow are excited for Mackenzie, but the mood is dampened when Toadie walks over to show them an article he's been reading that Tim Collins published online. Tim has labelled Terese a hypocrite for not celebrating Australia Day this year since she was all for it back in 2016.
HARLOW: Where does he get off?
TOADIE: Apparently five years ago an action group approached you about not celebrating that year's Australia Day, and this was your response.
He shows Terese the paragraph on his phone, which she reads aloud from, becoming more ashamed as she goes.
TERESE: Lassiters is not in the business of making political statements. Many members of this community celebrate Australia Day on January 26th as part of their national culture and tradition. And Lassiters is proud to celebrate with them.
MACKENZIE: ... Yikes.
TERESE: But it's not like I agree with that sentiment anymore. Is there any way we can get this article taken down?
TOADIE: I don't think so. The letter's genuine and you released it publicly, so it's not defamatory for Tim to republish it.
TERESE: But he's just getting his own back because we beat him over the uniforms.
HARLOW: Still, it's not a good look.
Number 32
Nicolette sits and listens while David and Aaron fill Paul in about Brent. They tell him that Emmett thought his brother was staying with some mates and is very worried now. Paul sighs and says once again Brent is causing trouble, but the boys say they're not angry they're worried. Paul says Brent isn't their responsibility, so if he's made bad decisions then that's on him.
NICOLETTE: Heartless Paul Robinson.
PAUL: (glaring) If the kid doesn't want to be found then there's not much we can do, is there? Besides, I don't think David and Aaron need anymore chaos in their life. I think they've dealt with quite a lot lately.
David asks Paul to let them know if he sees Brent. Paul agrees but says they shouldn't be holding their breath. Nicolette looks frustrated with Paul when he leaves.
Lassiters Complex
The next morning Harlow is walking to work when she sees someone curled up on the ground under a tree sleeping. She doesn't realise it's Brent as his back is turned to her.
Lassiters Hotel Office
Terese lets Paul know there's only been one cancelation so far, but the guest specifically told reception it was due to Tim Collins' article. Paul's annoyed Tim's strategy to undermine them is working. Terese hopes it will blow over but she knows the article will likely be a focal point in her meeting with Jacinta. Paul gets a notification alert on his phone, scoffing when he discovers that Melanie Pearson has sent him a friend request. He immediately deletes it. Harlow pops in before her shift starts to let them know she saw someone sleeping behind Harold's.
PAUL: Some hobo?
TERESE: Paul!
PAUL: I'm sorry, this is the last thing we need. If Tim hasn't already destroyed us, now anybody walking through the complex during the public holiday is going to come across this vagrant sleeping around.
TERESE: Okay, stop. I'll just call security and get them to gently move this person along.
Paul asks Harlow if the person seemed violent at all. Harlow says no, but by the look of the clothing the person seemed young. A sudden thought comes into Paul's mind and he says he'll deal with the person himself. Harlow's confused, but Terese says there's a chance they may know who it is.
Lassiters Complex
Paul approaches Brent and gives him a shove in the shoulder with his foot. Brent scrambles to his feet in alarm, only relaxing slightly when he realises it's Paul. It doesn't take Paul long to tell Brent he thinks he should get out of Erinsborough. Brent says he's only sleeping, he's not hurting anyone, but Paul reminds him of the trouble he caused David, Aaron and Harlow last time he was in town. Nicolette sees Paul confronting Brent and immediately calls her housemates to let them know what's happening.
Lassiters Hotel Office
Mackenzie sits with Jacinta and Terese as they start their meeting. Right off the bat, Terese wants to address the article Tim published. She explains there's a long history of animosity between herself, Tim and Paul and it's "just a personal vendetta, nothing more". This doesn't sit well with Jacinta.
JACINTA: You can't expect me to be that stupid. Tim's motives might be selfish, but the quotes from you, they're real.
TERESE: It was over five years ago. I mean, you saw my media release last week. My opinions on the issue have changed.
JACINTA: That doesn't erase what you said back then. You ignored valid concerns about celebrating this day, and completely dismissed what it means for us. We as First Nation people see this as a day that signifies invasion, mass genocide and enslavement. A day of mourning. Now you can celebrate your own nationalism, but when that nationalism is built on the blood of my people...
TERESE: As I said, that's not how I feel now.
JACINTA: Am I here as some token effort?
TERESE: No, of course not. That's not my intention. I am so sorry for the words I said back then.
JACINTA: I would appreciate if you would listen to what I'm saying, not what you are fearful of me saying. Ask what I want and not assume you know already.
Terese nods and says she will, so Jacinta says they'll get back to the original goal of the meeting: a strategy for improving representation in the hotel staff, especially senior positions.
Lassiters Complex
Nicolette tells David and Aaron that Brent took off before she could catch him; she thinks the teen was scared. They find Paul, and David is angry that he had a go at Brent. Paul claims he was simply telling Brent the truth, that he had no right sleeping outside his premises. Aaron wants to know what else was said, and Paul is mad when Nicolette chimes in that Paul told him to leave Erinsborough.
DAVID: I specifically told you to let us know when you found him. Instead you ran him off?
AARON: You know, unlike yourself Paul, we actually want to help him.
PAUL: Have you forgotten that he hit you in the face? And he harassed Harlow.
DAVID: Nobody is saying that Brent is perfect, but he deserves to be treated with respect.
AARON: Look if he's out here sleeping rough then things definitely aren't going well for him, are they?
PAUL: That's not your problem is it? (He looks at Nicolette) And you, you had to open your big mouth and call them down here. This has got nothing to do with you!
DAVID: Stop trying to shift the blame!
Aaron intervenes and says they should look for Brent. Nicolette points out which way she saw him go, so David tells Paul he'll deal with him after. Nicolette goes to follow the boys, irked when Paul grabs her arm to have a final word with her.
PAUL: I suppose you're really proud of yourself dumping me in it like that, aren't you?
NICOLETTE: No, you did that all on your own.
She yanks her arm away and walks off, leaving Paul seething.
Terese exits the hotel with Harlow and tells her it definitely was Brent sleeping outside Harold's. Harlow says that Brent isn't her favourite person for obvious reasons, but she still doesn't like the idea of anyone sleeping rough. Terese says hopefully the boys will track him down and get him the help he needs. She grimaces when Tim Collins saunters over for a gloating session.
TERESE: Save it, Tim, I'm not in the mood.
TIM: Yeah, well, I mean it must hurt having your hypocrisy exposed. And you were so proud up there on your high horse. It's a shame now everyone knows it was just empty pandering. (He walks off)
HARLOW: I don't know how you hold your tongue, the restraint is incredible.
TERESE: Tim's like a toddler acting out. Unfortunately though he does have a point.
HARLOW: No you're not a hypocrite.
TERESE: That might be too strong a word, but I do owe the community an apology. I can't change the world overnight but every step counts I guess.
The Waterhole
Mackenzie explains to Jane that she's collecting signatures of support for the change the date movement. Jane thinks Mackenzie's very dedicated to do this on her lunch break and tells her to send her the link and she'll sign it right away before she heads out to help look for Brent. Overhearing this, Paul rolls his eyes and says "not you too". Mackenzie scurries away so she's not caught up in the conversation. Paul tells Jane that Brent is an adult and can make his own decisions, and doesn't understand why everyone is so hellbent on dragging him back to Erinsborough.
JANE: Didn't it occur to you that him turning up in our back shed might have been a cry for help?
PAUL: If he really wanted to be saved he would have asked.
JANE: It's not as simple as that with vulnerable kids, and you know it. Perhaps he returned to the area because it felt safe. Or at least it did until you got stuck into him.
PAUL: Oh great, so Nicolette's been gossiping. Wasn't enough to badmouth me to my son?
JANE: She knows that David and Aaron are looking for Brent and she told them what happened, it's perfectly reasonable.
PAUL: Yeah, and the chance to throw me under the bus was just an added bonus wasn't it.
JANE: Will you please give Nicolette a break? She has had a rough week. She's been threatened by Ricardo, caught up in Hendrix's mess, then there's all the issues with Chloe.
PAUL: Why, what did she do to Chloe?
JANE: Nothing... it doesn't matter.
PAUL: No, no, no, is this the reason Chloe's moving back into her old place?
Jane keeps trying to back out of the conversation, but Paul says Chloe is going to tell Terese as soon as she's back from Adelaide anyway, so they may as well cut out the middle woman. Jane soon admits that Nicolette created a scenario where Chloe stumbled upon Pierce and Dipi together. Paul can't believe that David and Aaron not only know about this, but are apparently fine with it. Jane says they're all trying to keep the peace to make the arrangement work, but Paul finds the whole situation unbelievable.
Lassiters Hotel Office
Paul is venting to Terese about Nicolette. He says that she knew full well that her plan would cause two families to implode. "Not to mention that she broke Chloe's heart," Paul adds, finding it suss that Nic's supposed to care about her. Terese reminds Paul that when he returned from New York he promised to take it easier on Nicolette, but Paul says he always knew Nicolette would show her true colours sooner or later.
TERESE: This business doesn't even concern you.
PAUL: Well it should concern somebody. I mean David and Aaron have apparently just brushed the whole thing aside.
TERESE: What do you expect them to do? She's carrying their child - your grandchild. Do you really think they're going to just throw her out into the street?
PAUL: No, but what they should be doing is negotiating a new deal. One where she isn't involved in the baby's life when it arrives.
TERESE: You're well aware that that's not enforceable or fair?
PAUL: Well they should at least be on guard when they're around her.
TERESE: Need I remind you, you also knew about Pierce's affair before Chloe did. And you also used it to your advantage. The fact is, what Nicolette did was straight out of the 'Paul Robinson Playbook'.
PAUL: Oh that's absurd.
TERESE: No what's absurd is that you're starting yet another campaign against Nicolette when you've already got David and Aaron offside by mistreating Brent. So if you're wanting to start a war, you're not going to win.
PAUL: Great. So once again I'm the bad guy while Nicolette gets away with murder.
Sighing, Terese says she doesn't have time to argue: she has to go and read out her statement. She tersely asks if Paul's coming to listen to her, to which he gruffly replies yes. But he's still stewing over Nicolette.
The Waterhole
Aaron and David are having a chat with Toadie about Brent. They can't help feeling guilty for not realising something was wrong, and have had no luck finding him after driving around the area all afternoon. David's also worried that Paul has scared Brent off for good. Toadie tells them not to give up hope - Brent's already shown up twice and may do so again. Aaron and David then tell Toadie they also wanted to chat with him because of his contacts at the Foundation. They're hoping that if they locate Brent then Toadie will be able to source him some emergency accommodation. Toadie says he'll definitely see what he can do.
Lassiters Complex
Nicolette and Jane are having a coffee outside Harold's, but Nic is angry with her mum for telling Paul about what happened with Chloe. Nicolette knows it'll only be a matter of time before Paul's in David's ear, stirring the pot once more. Jane points out that at least Nicolette did the right thing by Brent, unlike Paul, and David and Aaron know that. Nicolette concedes that her mum may have a good point. Jane also says that the boys know that Nicolette regrets the "necklace business", and that Paul doesn't have nearly as much control over the situation as he'd like.
Lassiters Hotel
Paul looks on in the foyer as Harlow sets up the tech for Terese to record her statement. Terese is surprised when Toadie joins them. He explains that he's there to read over the statement for her and point out any red flags. Terese is annoyed when she finds out it was Paul's idea, and apologises to Toadie for wasting his time. She says she's done protecting herself today. Paul is concerned she might say something that will reflect badly on the hotel, but Terese reminds him the damage was already done five years ago. She also says she's not there to defend herself, she's there to make things right. Harlow thinks it's great she'll be speaking from the heart and starts recording the statement for Terese.
TERESE: Good morning. First of all I'd like to acknowledge the traditional land owners of where I'm speaking to you from today. The Wurundjeri People of the Wurrung Nation. I pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging, and to the Aboriginal elders of other communities who may be watching.
Instead of reading from her prepared statement, Terese then decides to speak from the heart as Harlow mentioned.
TERESE: An article that was published today featured a letter that I wrote a few years ago. Back then I voiced words that I no longer agree with, but I understand that my words caused hurt and anger to those of whom today's date is not one for celebration. And for that I unreservedly apologise. I know better now, and I will do better. I want to emphasise that I fully support the change the date movement, both personally and professionally. And considering this is a day of mourning for many First Nations People, it does not seem appropriate that we celebrate. Especially when we should be educating ourselves on the past histories of this country, as well as working together for a shared future.
The Waterhole
Terese and Mackenzie sit and wait for Jacinta to finish watching Terese's statement on the laptop. Jacinta seems impressed with what Terese has to say.
TERESE: It is not my place to speak for Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. So I urge everyone who is interested in this issue to please seek out their voices, and engage in their perspectives. And for my part, I want to help make this wonderful country fair, compassionate and inclusive for everyone in whatever way I can. So thank you. Thank you for listening.
Mackenzie closes the laptop and Terese asks what Jacinta thinks.
JACINTA: I think I might consider you in my cabinet when I become prime minister.
TERESE: (smiling) Thank you so much for pushing me in the right direction.
JACINTA: But actions speak louder than words.
TERESE: Yes I know, and I'll do the work now. And I intend to be a better ally moving forward.
JACINTA: Then I look forward to working with you.
MACKENZIE: Me too!
Number 32
Nicolette prepares herself for another sparring match when Paul lets himself in the house, calling out for David and Aaron. She tells him they're out searching for Brent again and she's manning the fort in case the teen returns. Nicolette can tell he's dying to say something and asks if he needs anything else.
PAUL: Yes. Reassess this ridiculous baby plan of yours.
NICOLETTE: (smirking) It's a bit late for that, granddad.
PAUL: I'm talking about the co-parenting. You see I heard how manipulative you were, making sure that Chloe busted Pierce and Dipi like that.
NICOLETTE: Yes, mum told me you were up to speed with all of that.
PAUL: Yeah, so, I think it's pretty clear that it's best for everyone if you stay right out of the child's life. And David and Aaron's for that matter.
NICOLETTE: In what universe do you think you get to decide that?
PAUL: You are a terrible person who has no qualms about lying and scheming to get exactly what you want.
NICOLETTE: Like you can talk.
PAUL: I will move heaven and earth to make sure that David and Aaron see you for who you really are.
NICOLETTE: No. You're going to back off and butt out starting now.
PAUL: Why would I do that?
NICOLETTE: Because we both know how much David hates you interfering in his life. If you try to bully him into making big decisions about me, it'll be you he turns against. So this little vendetta of yours, it ends today. Because if you keep trying to turn people against me I will ruin your relationship with your son faster than you can blink.
Not to use your favourite game against you Paul, but I think that's a checkmate.
<<8543 - 8545>>
David Tanaka, Aaron Brennan, Nicolette Stone in Neighbours Episode 8544
David Tanaka, Aaron Brennan, Nicolette Stone

David Tanaka, Brent Colefax, Kyle Canning in Neighbours Episode 8544
David Tanaka, Brent Colefax, Kyle Canning

Terese Willis, Paul Robinson, Tim Collins in Neighbours Episode 8544
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Brent Colefax in Neighbours Episode 8544
Brent Colefax

David Tanaka, Aaron Brennan in Neighbours Episode 8544
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Brent Colefax, Harlow Robinson in Neighbours Episode 8544
Brent Colefax, Harlow Robinson

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Paul Robinson, Harlow Robinson, Terese Willis

Brent Colefax, Paul Robinson in Neighbours Episode 8544
Brent Colefax, Paul Robinson

Jacinta Hay in Neighbours Episode 8544
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