No 30
Wendy is at the Varga- Murphys' place cooking up dinner for them for when they get home from the hospital. JJ, Cara and Remi come in. They report to Wendy that Dex is still suffering from nausea and headaches, and they still don't know what the substance was that caused it.

REMI: But hopefully the results from the wine bottle will give us some answers.
WENDY: Well, Andrew said he should have them tomorrow.

JJ is sitting on the sofa looking utterly miserable. He's still feeling guilty about his role in the poisoner gaining access to the wine.

CARA: Hey, Dex is going to be fine, mate.
JJ: No thanks to me.

Remi goes over and comforts him.

REMI: You can't take what Leo said to heart.

Wendy doesn't think it's fair that JJ is being blamed, but JJ says nobody could have tampered with the wine if he'd been in the room.

REMI: Stop it. This is not on you.

She kisses and hugs him.

No 32
Krista brings Leo in for a meal. He wishes this week had never happened.

KRISTA: I hate seeing you like this.
LEO: What, you don't find stressed and panicked attractive?
KRISTA: Well, those dimples are hot no matter what state you're in.

This gets a bit of a smile, at least.

KRISTA: So, on a scale of Hindenburg to Titanic, where are you at?
LEO: Apollo 13?
KRISTA: Oh! Okay, Houston, that's manageable.

He explains that he's at least managed to get back all the wine he recalled, so it's now being tested. But the costs of this plus distribution has meant the business will take a hit.

LEO: But it could have been a lot worse.
KRISTA: Good. So why aren't you looking more positive, then?
LEO: Well, if the wine was poisoned, then who did it? And when will it happen again?
KRISTA: I dunno, but... there's no point in worrying until Andrew has an update for us.
LEO: It's hard not to. And who are they targeting? Me? Or Terese, or Hilary? There's still so much we don't know.

Harold's Café
Holly is working a shift when Haz and Mackenzie come in. It's Haz's first visit since returning from hospital, and he's impressed with how well it's been kept - but things are still frosty between Haz and Mackenzie following her row with Amira; and when Holly says Mack should be the one Haz is praising for the state of the café, he doesn't take her up on it.

HOLLY: What's up? You had more enthusiasm when you were in a coma.

Haz claims he's just tired, and goes to 'check on the kitchen'. While he's gone, Mackenzie admits she didn't handle her talk with Amira well, and now she's leaving. Both Amira and Haz are upset with Mackenzie, and now she's worried they'll never 'sort their stuff out'.

HOLLY: Don't force it. It's putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Look, from what I can tell, Amira is not the type of chick who would fold easily. If she really wants to hang around, she will.
MACKENZIE: That's really good advice.
HOLLY: Thanks! Must be a full moon.

Ramsay Street
JJ is in the street playing basketball with Cara, when Remi pulls up in the car. She tells them Dex is sleeping, but suggests JJ texts him so he has 'something nice when he wakes up'.

Remi tells Cara that Dr Lee, Dr Bowman's replacement as Dex's doctor, can't start any treatment till she receives the test results from the wine bottle. Remi has more news on Dr Bowman's behaviour too.

REMI: Apparently, several staff have heard similar stories.
CARA: What, and they still don't have enough to get rid of him?
REMI: Either they haven't made formal complaints, or he's just talked his way out of it.
CARA: Well, how do they know that cycle won't continue?
REMI: Well, I for one won't let it.

Remi goes into the house to freshen up and get a change of clothes so they can head back to the hospital to be with Dex.

Meanwhile, Toadie is heading towards his car with Nell and Hugo. They're going to help out at the Community Centre with sorting some Sonya Foundation donations, but Hugo is moaning because 'the books always smell'. As such, Toadie has bought him a red peg to put over his nose while he sorts them!

Toadie is annoyed when Nell stops to retrieve JJ's basketball for him, and JJ asks if she wants a game.

TOADIE: Uh, Nell's busy.

Toadie does ask JJ if there have been any updates on Dex, but he says no. Toadie says to tell Car and Remi that they're thinking of them all, then gets in the car with an annoyed- looking Nell. JJ gets a text from her, explaining that Toadie has banned her from hanging out with him. JJ looks sad.

The Waterhole
Mackenzie is relieved to find Amira still in town, and drinking a coffee.

MACKENZIE: Don't leave. I am *so* sorry about what I said to you yesterday.
AMIRA: I mean, it was the truth, wasn't it?
MACKENZIE: But I didn't give you the full picture (...) Haz did say that you could be a lot, but he also said that he didn't mind, because he's just so glad that you're back in his life. He likes all of your care and attention, because he missed you. And if I'm being honest, I think it's sweet the way you look out for him.
AMIRA: Then how did we get here?
MACKENZIE: It's my fault. Ever since Haz has been in hospital, all I've wanted was for him to get better - and for us to be the way that we were.
AMIRA: But then, I arrived and suddenly it wasn't about you two anymore.
MACKENZIE: I did want you here. It's just... I have been so afraid, of losing Haz again, I haven't been thinking about what he needs - his family.
AMIRA: I could have been a little bit more sensitive about taking over. I just... I felt so guilty, about being so estranged from Haz for so long that I was just trying to do anything in my power to make it up.
MACKENZIE: So why don't you stay?
AMIRA: I can't - I can't.
MACKENZIE: Is there anything I can do to change your mind? Please, don't let me push you away.
AMIRA: I'm not leaving because of you.

No 30
Remi is on the phone to Andrew; he's had the test results from the wine bottle, but they were inconclusive as they didn't get to the bottle in time; the residue had already evaporated.

CARA: What does this mean for Dex? How do they treat him properly if they don't know what they're dealing with?
REMI: Dr Lee will just run every test. Some poisons take longer than others to show up in a person's bloodstream.
JJ: Can't they just do more?
REMI: They would if they could. Andrew also said they'd use all their resources to get to the bottom of this.

The three of them head out to the hospital again.

Community Centre
The Rebecchis have convened with Terese, and Nell is moaning at Toadie for the unfair ban on her seeing JJ.

TOADIE: You're starting to sound like a broken record now.
NELL: I'd rather be that than a tyrant.
HUGO: What's a tyrant, Dad?

Nell shows Toadie JJ's response to the news about the ban on her phone - a sad face emoji.

NELL: He's going through a really tough time right now.
TOADIE: Which is even more reason why you need to steer clear.
NELL: He needs his friends!
TOADIE: Sweetheart, I love that you're the type of person that wants to be there for their mates, I really do. But doesn't change the fact that JJ is a bad influence.
NELL: Now who's the broken record? For the billionth time, you're wrong about him!
TOADIE: I don't trust him.
NELL: You're so frustrating!
TOADIE: Yep. It's called parenting.

As Nell walks off, Terese quietly asks whether there might be any room for compromise. But Toadie's response is simply 'I know teenagers', and tells Hugo to put his peg on his nose as they head in to sort the books!

Ramsay Street
JJ is sitting on the kerb looking forlorn. Haz is walking by and spots him, then goes over to ask if he's okay. He says yes at first, but after Haz sits down next to him...

JJ: Life sucks, man.
HAZ: Is this about your brother?
JJ: Yeah, and then some.
HAZ: Okay, well... hit me with your list.
JJ: Okay. We're at another dead end with Dex, and it's all my fault because I left the labelling shed door unlocked; plus Toadie's banned Nell from hanging out with me. I'll never be able to move on from my past mistakes.
HAZ: Can relate to that last one, big- time.
JJ: Am I always gonna be punished for them?
HAZ: Do you know, I've been asking myself the same question (...) There is one approach. You spend every waking moment proving to everyone that you can actually be trusted.

Amira pulls up in a cab.

AMIRA: Hey. Got time for your bossy big sister?
HAZ: Always.

She heads into the house, while Haz finishes his chat with JJ.

HAZ: Hey, we're good people, okay? We just have to prove to the world that we are who we say we are.

Haz leaves JJ to it, but it looks as if his words have really sunk in.

No 32
Amira explains to Haz that a big emergency has kicked off at her work back home, which is the real reason she needs to leave.

AMIRA: But it also gets me out of an uncomfortable situation with Nicolette.
HAZ: Wait - Nicolette as in, my neighbour?
AMIRA: Yeah. Uh, so we hooked up, but that situation has just quickly become high maintenance (...) But I think this going to be good for you. I mean, you want to fix things with Mackenzie, right?
HAZ: Yeah, of course I do.
AMIRA: Yeah. Then that's settled. And then, when you're fully recovered, we will have a big family reunion for you in Margaret River.
HAZ: I'm gonna miss you. A lot.
AMIRA: Yeah. Same here. I am sorry it took a coma for me to forgive you, but I think I will always regret not reconnecting with you sooner.
HAZ: But your forgiveness means more than you can even imagine. And it's gonna help me move on from all the damage I've caused.
AMIRA: Hey - it's a new beginning for everyone, okay?

She gives him a parting gift, but Haz is not impressed!

HAZ: Tea? Oh, so this is what it's come to.

He throws it on the table performatively.

AMIRA: Hey - it's just until you're back on the caffeine. But it's also Mum's favourite blend. You know, we always slow down and have a pot when we need to reconnect. And... I thought you could do the same with Mackenzie.
HAZ: Thanks, Amira.
AMIRA: She loves you.

They share a hug.

HAZ: Love you.
AMIRA: I love you too.

Community Centre
Nell and Hugo are still sorting donations. Hugo is still wearing his nose- peg.

HUGO: I don't think red's my colour.
NELL: I'm not in the mood, doofus.

JJ arrives.

HUGO: Uh- oh.
JJ: Nice look. The red really brings out your eyes.

JJ explains he wants to help out; his idea is that if Toadie sees him volunteering, he'll also realise that he's a good person.

HUGO: This isn't a good idea (...) Dad won't like you working together. But JJ can take over the books.

Hugo takes off his peg and holds it out to JJ. But Nell tells JJ to ignore Hugo.

NELL (to Hugo): Leave us alone, or I'll tell Dad about the secret stash of chocolate in your room.
HUGO: Your funeral.

Hugo leaves them to it, and JJ tells Nell to put him to work. She smiles at him.

The Waterhole
Leo is telling Krista how he thinks he should apologise to the Varga- Murphys; if he'd passed the wine bottle to the police straight away, they might have been able to find residue and got a different result. Krista says it's possible, but that there's no point stressing about it.

LEO: It was wrong; it was selfish of me. I can't make that mistake again. I'm gonna contact my staff who were there that day. Maybe they'll have some dashcam footage that shows up something else.

Aaron comes over, and asks if they've heard the latest episode of 'Crimesborough', the local true crime podcast!

AARON: They've just done an episode on Dex's poisoning. They've called it 'The Poison Plonk'.
LEO: I don't like this. It could be bad for business.
AARON: Look, if it's worth anything, they didn't really have much to go on. It's all just speculation. I wouldn't worry too much.

But Leo is worried nonetheless.

Community Centre
Nell and JJ are sitting cross- legged on the floor playing with one of the donations to the Sonya Foundation, a portable kitchentop grill.

NELL: This was once owned by a fabulous rich lady. One day, she... grilled her husband's hand!

Nell grabs JJ's hand and sticks it into the grill.

JJ: Oh, wow, gross! But thank you.
NELL: What for?
JJ: Uh, making me feel better.

Nell smiles at him. But the moment is interrupted by Hugo, who makes a gun gesture with his hand and points it at JJ.

HUGO: It was nice knowing you.

JJ and Nell realise what he means, as Toadie and Terese walk in. Toadie's angry to see JJ there.

JJ: Not only did I tell you that Nell was busy, but I know that you are aware that I don't want her hanging around you.
NELL: Chill, Dad, he was helping.
JJ: Yeah, I'm here to show you I'm not a bad person. Alright, you've made mistakes before - people have given you chances to make yourself trusted. I just want the same.
TOADIE: Bringing up my marriage is a low blow, JJ.
JJ: No, I didn't mean it like that...
TOADIE: Just save your breath.
JJ: No, no, I was talking about, like, when you were my age -
TOADIE: No, you took a cheap shot because of the ban, didn't you, mate?
JJ: No, that's not true.
TOADIE: Please, respect my wishes, and stay away from Nell.

JJ leaves, flustered, and Nell walks off in the other direction.

TERESE: Don't you think you're being a little unreasonable? He was telling the truth.
TOADIE: Nothing is unreasonable when it comes to protecting my daughter.

The Waterhole
Mackenzie and Haz are having a drink; she tells him to speak up if he gets too tired and they can go home, but Haz says he's fine. He adds that he's still getting his head around Amira and Nicolette hooking up; Mackenzie thinks it's 'so cute' and 'ships it'.

MACKENZIE: I got you something. You remember that I had a heart attack too, right?

She takes from her handbag a pair of gold chains with tessellating broken heart pendants.

MACKENZIE: With this gift, we can carry each other's broken hearts, and... with time, hopefully we can both heal, on all fronts.

Haz seems moved by this gesture, and he allows Mackenzie to put one of the two chains around his neck - then asks if he can put hers on. Once this is done, they look into each other's eyes, and tentatively kiss. And then again for good measure.

Meanwhile, Leo and Krista have come in to speak to Andrew, who is hanging out at the bar with Wendy. Leo shows Andrew a photo that one of his staff members has just sent him - a still from their car dashcam from the day of the wine poisoning. The picture clearly shows Shannon Rutherford, Krista's drug dealer.

LEO: Look, I'm telling you, she's the one who poisoned the wine. It's revenge cos I reported her to the cops.
ANDREW: Thanks, Leo. This is great.

No 22
Nell is lying on her bed when Toadie appears at her door, to tell her the rest of the family are headed for dinner at the Waterhole. He asks her along, but Nell simply ignores him, still furious.

TOADIE: Suit yourself. But if this is a protest over JJ, you're not gonna sway me.
NELL: There are plenty of bad kids at school and karate. I could easily hang out with any of them. And you're worried about JJ? I mean, seriously - he's nice, and kind, and nothing like those other jerks.
TOADIE: ... We're gonna watch a movie too afterwards, so we are gonna be home late. If you do get hungry, there are some leftovers in the fridge.

Nell looks frustrated that Toadie isn't even engaging with her.

The Waterhole
Toadie and Terese come in with Hugo. Terese wants to talk about JJ and Nell with Toadie, reiterating her view that his reaction has been 'a little extreme'.

TERESE: Are you worried that they're more than friends? Because if you ask me, I don't think anything's going on. But you're gonna have to accept that Nell's gonna want to start dating eventually.
TOADIE: Not any time soon. At least, not with someone that's gonna lead her into strife.
TERESE: Oh, come on, Toadie, that's so unrealistic. What's really going on here?
TOADIE: ... Nell's the same age that Sonya was when all of her issues started. And she was led down the wrong path. She started taking drugs, she got pregnant with Callum, ruined her life. And if we're not careful, that could be Nell.
TERESE: Right. So this is less about JJ and more about Nell.
TOADIE: Yes. She's making her own decisions. But he is cheering her on - so yeah, he's an issue.

Terese looks unconvinced.

No 30 / No 22
Nell is sitting on her bedroom floor, while JJ is at his house sitting in the doorway to the sunroom; they are talking on the phone.

NELL: You should come over.
JJ: Yeah - I don't need another lashing from your dad, you know; let's just stick to the ban.
NELL *upset): See you in 2026, then.
JJ: Nell?
NELL: I am just being a cry- baby. It's just horrible the way he's treating you.
JJ: No, I can handle it.
NELL: You shouldn't have to. You're going through so much. I'm so sorry he's being like this. Please don't hate me cos of it.
JJ: I could never hate you... Do you really think we should risk it?
NELL: My family's gone all night. No one would find out.

The Waterhole
Terese is still trying to talk Toadie round on JJ and Nell. She says she appreciates his concerns about Sonya's history.

TERESE: But Nell's her own person. You can't assume she's susceptible to making the same mistakes.
TOADIE: I'm not willing to test that theory.
TERESE: You know, I learned from Piper that the more you don't compromise, the more you push them away. And they rebel, which is exactly what you're worried about. You can't let this issue get bigger than it needs to be.

No 22
Nell and JJ are lying on her bed side by side, heads dangling off the end.

JJ: At least your dad's still here.
NELL: You still think about Felix?
JJ: Mm. Every day.
NELL (laughs): We're such sad cases.
JJ: Yep.

Nell has an idea to cheer JJ up, and shows him a photo of him that she took earlier - 'at the Community Centre, when you weren't looking'.

JJ (laughs): Why is my face doing that? Delete it.
NELL: No, I like it.
JJ: Oh, really?
NELL: Yeah.
JJ: Well, if you're not gonna delete it...

He makes a grab for her phone, but Nell leaps off the bed and rushes away with it. JJ chases and, in his attempts to get the phone, he falls over and they land up on the floor together, laughing. The laughing gradually fades as they stare at one another, breathing heavily. It feels like it could be a Moment™... until a shadow drifts over them. It's Toadie, at the doorway, looking deeply unimpressed.

TOADIE: What the hell?!

Coming up on Neighbours
- Shannon tells Andrew 'this is a stitch- up'; he implores her to tell them what she put in the wine bottle
- A police officer turns up at Eirini Rising and drags Jacob the pooper down to the station
- Shirley, his gran, tells Karl that he'd better have stuck to their agreement
- Toadie tells Nell he was right to keep her and JJ apart, but Nell insists they're just friends
- Toadie tells Nell she has 'zero credibility'!