Packed to the Rafters

Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! Its a chance for them to do what they want, when they want and on their own terms. However, less than 48 hours after Ben moves next door, all dreams of freedom are completely upended — their three kids think being with their parents is a lot more comfortable than being out on their own, and theyre returning with the same sure instinct of homing pigeons.

Rachels growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them. Julie desperately brings the family together for a therapeutic barbecue but simmering tensions erupt. Ben finds himself the unlikely counsellor to both his sister and grandfather Ted as they confront traumatic turning points in their lives. When Teds humiliating secret is discovered by Rachel, she unwittingly sets him on a path to self-destruction. Narrated by the Rafters middle child, Ben, tonights episode focuses on the dramatic and comic repercussions of his move towards independence and responsibility; and the on-going tension for Julie and Dave as they deal with the dark secrets of their family.

Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart, and with Daves freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough decision which tests the strength of their marriage. Julie is starting to feel the financial strain of the familys new living arrangements as Dave struggles to find work. Tempers flare when Dave buys a new van they cant afford without telling her. Eager to ease their money woes, Julie tells Dave a white lie she later regrets.

Nathans world is turned upside down as Julie and Dave make a splash at his father-in-laws 50th birthday party. Nathan learns a valuable lesson about wealth and happiness when the life he has and the life he wants collide. Determined to teach Nathan a lesson about family loyalty, Rachel sets out to humiliate him by dating his rich and snobby best friend. Narrated from the perspective of Nathan, the episode deals with the journey towards Nathans epiphany that hes not so different to the rest of his family and that isnt a bad thing.

Dave reconnects with his foster brother, 80s rock star Steve Wilson, leading to an offer he cant refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his bosss money, Nathan races the clock to save his job. Then, Carbo declares his feelings for Chrissy, but will she return them?

Julie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away — leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Ted receives advice from beyond the grave. Melissas life is in danger when she goes into sudden anaphylactic shock during a Rafter BBQ. Romance beckons for Rachel — but is she ready to embrace it?

Dave reluctantly bonds with Warney and discovers the beginnings of a surprising friendship. Meanwhile, Julie cramps Rachels style when she signs up for the same yoga class.

Being on the electoral roll has its advantages; some may argue but voting being one. And others say its not a good thing at all, as they dont want to be called up for jury duty. In this, the first episode of Season 2, Ben Rafter thinks jury duty sounds just fine and he approaches it with a willing attitude. Whilst doing jury duty he meets a Massage Therapist named Kat, who has a rather refreshing perspective on life, love and everything else. Meanwhile the beginnings of Daves business comes up with a huge hurdle – he has too much work! In fact Dave is struggling so badly under the weight of so much work that until he gets a helping hand he cannot cope

Dads and their daughters have a very special relationship. In fact, most Dads like to think that their precious daughters are "Daddys Little Girl". So when Dave learns that Rachel is dating an old cricket mate of his from years ago, he is naturally concerned for Rachels welfare. This new man in Rachels life is about the same age as Dave and has two teenage sons who are very close to Rachels own age. Melissa and Chrissy are still very suspicious of Kat. And the both of them are trying to work out Kats motivation for the trouble she is causing between all of the housemates. And once again Ted ventures into the world of dating with some not so predictable results.

This week Rachel is blown away by Robs idea of "Happy Families". His idea is a bit over the top, but not in a bad way really. With a bit of help from Dad, Ben challenges fate to give him one last chance to redeem himself with Mel. In the end honesty seems to be the best policy, and asking for a second chance may just work. Plus Carbos parents drop in for a visit to see how things are going with the house and the neighbourhood. This makes for some interesting times, especially when they catch Carbo and Chrissy kissing as they pull into the driveway. Meanwhile, Julie reaches some startling conclusions about the state of her health and believes it is fast becoming an issue. I think grabbing the chainsaw and threatening Carbos parents with it gives that bit away! This weeks episode sees big changes that bring tears, broken hearts and a shock announcement

What a difference a year makes! It has been a year in TV land according to the Packed to the Rafters show, and therefore two special anniversaries are marked in the lives of the Rafter family. The first one is that of Nathan and Sammys marriage. The second anniversary is that of the death of Louise, Teds wife and Julies mother.

This episode sees the return of Packed to the Rafters for its second season on Australian television. Decisions still need to be made from where they left off at the end of Season One. And Ben and Mel may or may not have a relationship. So I suppose many questions will be answered over the next few episodes. In this episode we see Julie once again worried about the safety of her family. It seems she visits a psychic and some very troubling forecasts about the future of the Rafter family are made. Now normally this would not bother Julie, but as each of these predictions come true, Julie becomes increasingly concerned.

Rachel gets back into the dating game. Encouraged by her best friend Libby, Rachel reluctantly agrees to be set up on a blind date. After they literally run into a gorgeous, crude rugby player – Jake – at the park, Rachel is even more determined to date the perfect man, and gives Libby an impossible checklist of necessary qualities her date must possess. Libby comes up with the goods in the form of handsome, successful, well travelled Marcus but the date is a disaster. Rachel’s mood isn’t helped by constantly running into the crude Jake. Undeterred, Libby tries again with the charming, fun and cute Ritchie – but he comes with his own set of issues. It’s a case of third time lucky when Libby persuades Rachel to date one more guy – Max – who turns out to be short, overweight…and fascinating. However, Rachel gets a shock when Max turns her down gently – he only wants to date girls with red hair! Realising that she is being taught a lesson, Rachel decides to embrace whatever the universe offers her – no more lists. But the last thing she expects to discover is that Jake is Dave’s new electrician. What is the universe offering Rachel and will she take it? Ben’s determined to win the job of manager at the boat club. He goes to the interview and meets Fergus, his rival for the position. Derek their boss gives them a challenge – one slow night each to turn a decent profit. Who’ll get the job? Nathan has started his new job as a suburban real estate agent. However, he’s stunned when his boss Tim relegates him to a very junior role. All his attempts to prove himself fall on dead ears – so Nathan decides to take a gamble on a client without telling Tim. Will Nathan blow it?

Painful memories surface for Dave as he and Julie confront the potentially heartbreaking results of tests on their unborn child. Pregnant late in life, the chances of Julie and Dave’s child having Down Syndrome are already high – but the results of preliminary ultrasound indicates those chances are even higher. Although they must wait for blood tests to confirm, Julie and Dave find themselves contemplating a likely future as parents of a child with a disability. Julie, though rattled, reminds Dave they have already made their decision about the baby – as far as she’s concerned, they’re having the child, no matter what. Julie wants to start researching Down Syndrome so they can plan for the future. But Dave’s response stuns her. He doesn’t want to research anything until the results are confirmed - and worse of all, he’s not sure they should have the child if it turns out to have the disability. As his marriage comes under strain, Dave is forced to examine his reasons for not wanting the child. He digs into previously buried memories – and finally realises that his reaction to the baby is based on fear...fear that his child will suffer the same rejection and isolation Dave suffered as a child. Nathan begins his first day at Steve Wilson’s music firm. Excited by the glamour of the music industry, Nathan is on a constant high – and Sammy can’t help feeling slightly jealous. Her feelings aren’t helped when Nathan’s new job proves to involve late nights and offering lonely hears advice to his needy new colleague, Steve’s girlfriend Layla. Carbo falls into a surprising physical relationship with a lonely customer, married 40ish cougar Toni – but may have bitten off more than he can chew when Toni starts stalking him.

Trish returns from Europe, seemingly in high spirits, and invites the entire Rafter family to lunch at an exclusive restaurant. When her daughter Sammy wonders who exactly is paying the bills, Trish waves off Sammy’s concerns - she’s meeting with estranged husband Tony tomorrow to sort out finances. To her shock, Sammy realises that Trish hopes she will get back with Tony. Sammy goes along to their meeting for moral support. To Trish’s surprise, Tony fails to show, sending instead his lawyer, Simon Radic. Trish’s hopes of reconciliation are destroyed, as are her credit cards, when Simon cuts them in half as per Tony’s instructions. Sammy brings a devastated Trish to the Rafter house – the only sanctuary she knows – where Trish has a mental collapse. Ben is struggling with his recent break-up with Melissa. Despite having insisted they can’t be just friends, Ben is missing her desperately. To his surprise, Melissa turns up unexpectedly at the Karandonis house with her bags – but is she back for good? Meanwhile, Rachel is fighting her attraction to Jake after their night of passion. A night watching rugby brings out the competitive streak in both of them – and Rachel can’t help but give in again to Jake’s charms. But is there romance on the cards?

Ben’s troubles begin when he inadvertently stumbles on Rachel taking artistic pregnancy photos of a naked Julie. Given the mainly positive reactions to the photos, Julie decides to celebrate her changing body by putting an enormous copy of a nude photo smack bang in the middle of the lounge-room. Dave’s growing attachment to Ben and Melissa’s dog continues to puzzle those around him. Only Julie knows the truth: the dog has provoked the recollection of a traumatic incident in his past. So when the dog is badly injured in a car accident, Dave breaks down in front of Ben. However the dog proves not to be the only link to his past when Dave’s original birth certificate finally arrives – is Dave ready for the answers he’s been seeking? Rachel and Jake take their newfound relationship a step further when Jake shares a family dinner with the Rafters. Ted and Dave assume that Jake won’t be able to cope with the naked photo of Julie – but Jake scores himself major brownie points by admiring the artwork. Encouraged by his maturity, Rachel tells Jakes some home truths about her past – including her sex tape. Will it scare him off? Meanwhile, Ben’s relationship with Melissa is put to the test when a series of misunderstandings causes him to think she is cheating on him. Her anger and betrayal prompts Ben to take a good hard look at their relationship. The result? To propose marriage. But does Melissa want to marry Ben?

After turning up at the Rafter house and disappearing without so much as a word, Rachel Chel Warne uses an electrical ruse to lure Dave to the shop where she is working. Although the meeting is awkward, Dave invites her to lunch the next day. The whole family is nervous about the encounter, but Chel soon charms them all - apart from Dave. Will the pain of his past prevent him from embracing a future with his mother? Jake and Rachels worlds collide when Jake invites himself to her launch of Rampant, a mens body spray. Jake feels like a fish out of water at the launch, but when the sound system blows, who else can save the day but an electrician? However, Rachel and Jakes romantic night together at a hotel is interrupted by a phone call from Jakes overprotective mum Grace, trying to emotionally blackmail him into coming home early. Rachel has had enough and confronts Grace... which Jake witnesses. Whose side will Jake be forced to take? Narrated by: Rachel Rafter

A shame-faced Nathan wakes up from an erotic dream initially about Sammy who then turns into Layla. Sammy’s father Tony is facing the first hearing of his trial tomorrow, and she has to go along as moral support for her mother Trish. She’s given a boost when Nathan insists he’ll take the day off work and accompany her– a seemingly generous act, although he’s really doing it as much to avoid Layla after their cocaine-fuelled kiss as to help his wife. After the first hearing, Nathan is called back to work, where Layla notices his fixation on her – so she subtly strokes the flames. This leads to Nathan having another erotic dream – and when he guiltily ‘takes care’ of his urge in the bathroom, Sammy catches him out. Having previously refused sex with her, Sammy is understandably concerned. Nathan waves off her worries, determined to keep himself under control – until Layla makes a brazen suggestion. She knows he’s interested, his work is being affected – so why not sleep together? Nathan is shocked. What will he do now his fantasy has the chance to become reality? Over at the Karandonis house, Artie is preparing for her first day of work at the boat club with Ben. Carbo, who’s aware of his romantic feelings for her, is happy with her choice of job – after all, how much trouble can she get into under the watchful eye of Ben? But he hasn’t met her co-worker Lexi, a cheeky young trouble maker, yet. The pair strike up a friendship and it isn’t long before Lexi leads Artie astray much to Carbo’s dismay. Chrissy finds herself having a surprising and unwelcome fantasy of her own... about Dave. And an unexpected romance blossoms between Warney and Trish.

Dave is determined to give Ben and Melissa the engagement party that he and Julie never had. But his focus is sidetracked by the accidental discovery that Chel’s increasingly regular hospital visits are in fact to the Renal Ward. Melissa surmises that Chel’s kidneys might be failing after more than 20 years on HIV medication. Dave confides in Julie his willingness to be tested as a potential donor. Melissa is disappointed when her mother calls, explaining that has father has an important board meeting and can’t make the party. However, when Dermott, Melissa’s older, womanising brother arrives, he breaks the news that Melissa’s father had no such meeting. Her dad cynically believes she will once more get cold feet and that the wedding will never happen. Melissa is crushed. Seeing her devastation, Ben tells Dave she might not be attending the party. A stand-off ensues. Ben accuses Dave of being more concerned with his own party agenda than with what he and Melissa might want. Melissa finally breaks the impasse and agrees to go. However, at the party, Dave is unable to resist telling Chel about his decision to test as a donor. He think she will be delighted but she disappears from the party…and their lives, without leaving any contact details. Nathan is nervous when he hears Steve Wilson is returning from overseas to attend the engagement party. Having slept with Layla, Nathan is terrified that Steve, and more importantly, Sammy could find out.

On her last day at work Julie quizzes psychic tea lady Bonnie about the troubling prediction she’d made months earlier. Bonnie still senses a divorce but now she’s sensing something more. It has to do with Julie’s husband Dave. Julie is concerned that Chrissy seems to be avoiding her. Then Chrissy drops a bombshell. She says she’s leaving not just her job with Dave, but the state, for some new guy she’s met from Queensland. Julie is stunned and has a nagging doubt that Chrissy is not giving her the full story. But when Julie reflects on Chrissy’s actions, she realises the confronting truth of the matter: there is only one man Chrissy would not confide in her about – and that is Dave. Has Chrissy fallen in love with her best friend’s husband? Rachel spies Sammy having lunch with her ex Owen, and becomes concerned. She enlists Jake to help persuade Sammy to attend his club’s fundraiser day, figuring she can ask Nathan as well. Will her plan to get the warring pair back together work?

Ben begins to bow under pressure as his wedding day fast approaches, thanks to a chance meeting with Kat and the arrival of Melissa’s overbearing parents. At the bucks night, Ben is having a fantastic time until the stripper Carbo has organised arrives. It turns out to be Kat, the woman he slept with and who came between him and Melissa. She questions why Melissa would want to marry someone who’s just the manager of a Boat Club – something that, deep down, Ben has often wondered himself. Ben is shaken by her words. His feeling of pressure increases with the surprise early arrival of Melissa parents, Linda and Pat. It becomes increasingly clear that Pat thinks Ben isn’t good enough for his daughter – he has no ambition, no drive, no plans for the future. Ben panics and, on the morning of their wedding day, disappears. The Rafters throw themselves into finding Ben and hiding the news from Melissa. Will they be able to track him down before the bride finds out?

Nathan has decided he has no possible job options left. But in a way he feels liberated – he’s free to consider impossible options. The world opens up to him again – he’ll become an event manager, or a personal trainer! Sammy is trying to be supportive but it’s wearing her out. Determined to do something useful, Nathan secretly tracks down an address for Dave’s father, Tom Jenkins, and drives into the country to suss him out. He meets his cousin, Coby, who seems to be a rough-head compo cheat. He also learns that his grandfather Tom is a notorious local crook, doing time in jail for car rebirthing. Nathan is rocked by the murky gene pool they all share. Is it any wonder his life seems to be falling to pieces? Julie is still effectively confined to bed, and Rachel is feeling the pressure organising a baby shower that will be fun for Julie and her friends. To complicate matters Chrissy texts to warn she won’t be coming, but sends her love. Rachel can’t understand how Julie’s best friend can miss the party. Julie is clearly hurt, but makes excuses for Chrissy, knowing the real reason she’s kept away. Warney is in a funk over Trish and is worse company than usual. Ben and Melissa want him out. Carbo appeals to Sammy – is there any chance she can help get Warney and Trish back together? Sammy can’t think of anything worse, except perhaps the relationship her mother is in now, with her aging rich boss, Andrew Malouf.

Julie recovers in hospital after the birth of baby Ruby, ruminating on how life is like a blank page at birth, while her adult children experience how blotted that page can become. Learning that Sammy has left him and determined to salvage his marriage, Nathan tries to track her down, only to discover she seems to have left for London. All fired-up to jump on a plane, he’s finally dissuaded by the arrival of Trish returning Sammy’s wedding rings. Trying to salvage something from the wreckage, Nathan starts decorating his room as a nursery, and announces his intention to move next door to make a new start. Jake has another fit but he and supportive Rachel must wait for a third before epilepsy is confirmed. Dave joins the modern world of facebook and Carbo becomes a YouTube sensation with his cheeky wa-wa-wincha thumbs-up.

Daves dilemma over whether to reveal that his birth-father is alive leads to a roadtrip to meet his mysterious other family. With all seemingly at peace in the Rafter house, Dave wrestles whether to tell mother Chel that the love of her life, his father Tom Jennings is alive. With Julies advice to tread carefully ringing in his ears, Dave decides to make up his own mind on the mysterious Jennings. With Nathans constant partying weighing on Daves mind, he decides to kill two birds with one stone and drags his son on a roadtrip to Coolong. Melissa is finding Sammys secret increasingly difficult to keep from Ben. Ben jumps to the conclusion that he has done something wrong and a reluctant Melissa tells him the truth - Sammy is in Sydney. Ben immediately decides to tell Nathan, but Melissa insists he keep her secret, leading to the first serious fight of their marriage. Rachel becomes the green-eyed monster when Jakes client, an attractive housewife, seems to be coming on to him. Rachel embarrasses herself by behaving like the kind of jealous girlfriend she swore she would never be, to Jakes frustration. Can Julies wise words about being a tradies wife smooth over their relationship woes? Meanwhile, Daves trip to Coolong seems fruitless - until he runs into nephew Coby Jennings at the local service station. Despite Nathans negativity, Dave takes a liking to Coby - and resolves to tell Chel the truth. But suspicious Coby has a surprise of his own, as we see him scribbling down the rego of Nathans vehicle. Will Coby discover their true identity and connection? Nathan returns reinvigorated from the road trip, determined to mend his self-destructive partying ways and put Sammys ghost to rest. Will Ben defy Melissas wishes and tell his brother the truth?

Ted struggles with feeling old and worthless after a girl gang attack and the death of a neighbour. Returning from a movie, Ted and Chel become involved in a teenage girl gangs vendetta. In the melee, Chel falls heavily and Ted rushes her to hospital. Kidney damage has occurred and Chels dialysis is upped to three times a week. Ashamed he couldnt protect Chel, and feeling marginalised by the world, Ted begins to retreat into himself. Melissa discovers someone has been using her toothbrush. Already feeling marginalised in the house full of men and lacking in privacy, this is the last straw. She tracks down the culprit - Carbo who reveals he thinks of toothbrushes as common property. Nathans sympathy and gift of a new toothbrush only makes Melissa feel worse about keeping Sammys secret. But when Nathan receives separation papers, will Melissa and Ben risk hurting him further by telling him the truth? Dave raises the spectre of kidney donation. With Julies tentative blessing, he lays it on the line with Chel. To his surprise, she accepts his offer to test for compatibility - she wants to see baby Ruby grow up. Meanwhile, Ted and Julie become concerned at the quiet absence of neighbour Mrs Luscombe. A simple visit turns to horror as they discover Mrs Luscombe has died. To Ted, this is another example of the world marginalising the elderly - and he resolves to make a difference through a seniors self defence class and a phone tree, reclaiming his sense of self. Carbos internet fame jumps to a new level when he begins receiving sexy gifts from a secret admirer.

Julie is forced to expand her inevitable focus on the needs of her new baby to include the more complex needs of the other members of her family. Julie has been uncharacteristically disconnected from the daily ups and downs of her family, focussing entirely on baby Ruby. But when Dave reveals the crushing news that he has been rejected as a kidney donor, Julie forces herself to re-engage – especially when she discovers the medical reasons why Dave has been rejected. Nathan has his own crushing news to deal with when Ben and Melissa reveal that wife Sammy never went to London and is ready and strong enough now to reconnect with the Rafters, and meet baby Ruby, all the while conceding that there is no future for her and Nathan. Initially angry at the deception, Nathan has his own secret – he has taken the first steps towards testing as a potential kidney donor, against his parents – and Chels – express wishes. The maturity and sensitivity he ultimately shows in dealing with Sammys request, and his stoic acceptance that their marriage really is over, makes Julie rethink her position, and she convinces Chel that she will not stand in the way of her adult son taking the next step towards donation. Rachel is struggling with deep-buried jealousy towards baby sister Ruby taking all their parents attention. An amused Jake calls her on it – and despite her denials, the truth rises. Rachel has always been Daddys Princess – his little girl – and as much as its ridiculous, she cant help but regret no longer having an exclusive claim to the title. When Carbos attempts to discourage his teenage stalker Georgia fail, he panics over the potentially serious consequences of their internet flirtation – especially if the police get involved. With nowhere else to turn, Ben brings in the big guns, asking for Julies help in persuading Georgia that this relationship can never be.

Someones watching the Rafter House - and the surprise culprit leads to Dave and Nathan meeting Daves dad Tom in prison for the first time. Theres a strange noise in the night and Dave, feeling protective of his brood, gets up to investigate. It appears his misgivings are justified when he finds the living room doors left open. Exhausted Julie cant remember if she shut the doors and Dave feels uncomfortable about the perceived threat. Julie is also ill at ease - spending all her time with Ruby is leaving her desperate for adult conversation. Realising his daughters suffering from cabin fever, Ted suggests she do something for herself and Ruby - join a mothers group. Dave pops round to visit Chel after his run. Wanting to put her affairs in order and lay to rest some demons before the transplant, Chel admits that shes reconsidering meeting Tom in prison. The revelation gives Dave himself pause for thought. Meanwhile, Carbos stalker Georgia tells Julie that a man was watching their house. In light of Daves concerns the previous night, Julie decides to play it safe and calls the police. However, with no evidence of a break-in, and no definitive description of the man in question, Julies left feeling somewhat silly. Georgia refuses to give up and eventually gets a photo of the man in question to the Rafters - and theyre shocked to realise none other than Coby Jennings has been scoping their house. Daves first instinct is to bury his head in the sand but a series of unexpected events conspire to propel Dave, with Nathan as support, to visit his father in prison for the first time. Will facing his father give Dave the answers hes always wanted? And Chel the closure she needs? Meanwhile, Rachel is shocked to find that Jake and Alexs domestic standards in their new bachelor pad are far from ideal, forcing her to make an ultimatum - unless Jake lifts his game, shes not stepping foot in his house

Rachel rides the ups and downs of happiness, struggling to find it in the frenetic pace of life. But will her choices have future repercussions for her relationship with her family and Jake? At the start of the episode, Rachels on a high given her graphic designs have just scored CBM a major new client. But then things take a downward turn when an anonymous office worker farts in the crowded lift. To make matters worse, all her hard work comes to naught when CBM fails to hold the client. Rachels fortunes once again change for the better when shes called in for a secret interview with Paul Morgan at the more prestigious EMB agency - a global player and competitor to CBM. But Rachel is sure she bombed out at the interview and things seemingly go from bad to worse when her boss calls her into his office for a talk, having heard she met with Paul. But instead of being fired, Rachels offered a promotion to Creative Director - and then is offered the same position at EMB! Rachels not sure what to do, and turns to Julie for advice. Tension arises when Rachel perceives her mothers reservations as a lack of support. But when Jake has a medical emergency, Rachels given a painful reminder of whats important in life. Meanwhile Ben and Melissa are happy with their decision to have a baby and are all over each other at any opportunity - much to Nathans and Carbos chagrin. Over the moon at the prospect of a grandchild, Julie unwittingly puts pressure on them by giving them a cook book. Ben and Melissa each try preparing something from the book and both attempts are disasters. But these culinary setbacks are nothing compared to the problems that arise (or dont arise!) every time Ben and Melissa try to have baby-making sex. How can Ben and Melissa relieve the pressure and rediscover the fun of sex without the pressure to conceive?

Julie explores the principle of "live and let live" as she and others struggle to implement the philosophy in various areas of their lives. A possum has taken up residence in the Rafter roof, keeping the family up at night with its nocturnal activities. Julie finds herself caught between gung-ho Ted, keen to move the blighter on, and softy Rachel, who reminds everyone that the possum was actually here before they were. Julies more interested in the idea of "sleep and let sleep" and finds her intolerance towards the unwanted guest increases in direct response to her sleep deprivation. Meanwhile, Nathan and Chel are both enjoying a new lease of life, despite still being in hospital. Freed of dialysis, Chels ready to embrace life to the full, and Nathan encourages her to go travelling again when shes fully recovered. But Ted reacts strongly to Chels plans, only to get a scalding dose of "live and let live" from irate Nathan. Chels newfound energy and willingness to start afresh encourage Dave to examine his unfinished business with his father. He visits Tom in prison, taking Julie and Ruby along to meet him. Julie is thrown by the experience and she and Tom get off on the wrong foot. Her suspicions arent helped when Tom asks a favour of Dave, asking him to check out any employment opportunities for grandson Coby. When Jake offers his resignation, feeling like a burden on the business, Dave comes up with a surprising solution - one that not only serves Toms requests, resolves Jakes issues, but gives Coby a chance at a job working with Dave as Jakes driver. Julie is forced to put aside her suspicions for now. Meanwhile, Rachel is enjoying the last few days of freedom before starting her new job at EMB. But her heart sinks when shes asked to come up with a few ideas for a new account prior to starting work - for another mens deodorant! Suffering major brain-freeze, Rachel procrastinates by badgering Dave to arrange a visit to meet Tom, dragging Ben along for the ride. She finds the experience deeply troubling. But can she overcome her discomfort to use the insight into prison life to her advantage? Still searching for "The One", Carbo is excited about his date with Erin. But theres some serious crossed wires in play, with Carbo unaware hes been actually been set up with Erins gay flatmate - the ultimate test in live and let live!

Ben begins to feel like the victim in a horror film who always goes where the audience knows he shouldnt as he begins to question Melissas commitment to being a parent. Dont go there! When Melissa feels queasy during dinner, Ben immediately assumes she is pregnant and is beside himself with excitement. But Melissa seems hesitant and confused by the possibility, putting off using the pregnancy test kit until the morning and rebuffing Bens attempts to open up about her feelings. Next door theres little rest and relaxation for Dave who is working extra long hours, saving up for a holiday to Fiji. But his plans cop a setback when an unexpected tax bill lobs on the doorstep. Rachel marches off to an important pitch meeting buoyed by Jakes encouragement. Inexplicably, the client rejects all of Rachels ideas. What she hasnt yet realised is that oily colleague Liam is sabotaging her efforts. Will Rachel unmask Liams duplicity? Or will he get the better of her? Meanwhile, Carbos diet of horror movies has primed him for his own supernatural encounter, and he becomes convinced Mrs. Luscombes sad, empty house is haunted. His nervous reaction is gold for Nathan who mercilessly revs Carbo up. But the final reveal of "the ghost" next door takes everyone by surprise! Carbos relationship with Retta continues to bloom, and he hosts a dinner party in an effort to bond her with his housemates. After a painfully hilarious evening, the night ends with a startling announcement from the lovesick pair – one that sends Ben into meltdown. To top it all off, Carbos mum rings with news that plunges the whole household into uncertainty about the future – she is selling the Karandonis house!

Ted returns from with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family. Due to work and money pressures, Julie and Dave are snapping at each other and Julie seeks respite in light conversation with Hamish, one of her friends from mothers group. Concerned by Julies fond talk of Hamish and Daves solitary midnight visits to his shed, Ted reminds Dave not to forget the important things in life. Next morning, Dave acts on Teds advice, and he and Julie set off together for a much-needed afternoon off. But their time together is cut short by a call from the police, investigating a second robbery at Daves work-site. Although Dave is not accused of anything, the coincidence persuades his builder boss to let him go, and Dave takes his pent-up frustration out on Coby, pretty much accusing him of being the thief on the basis of Teds revelation that Cobys been lying about where hes been living. Nathan, however, is able to assure Dave that Coby was hanging at the Karandonis house with him the previous night. But alone with Coby, Nathan cant help but wonder whether Cobys arrival with beers was merely to create an alibi. His lack of trust, and Cobys growing guilt, cause Coby to lash out - will the Rafters ever give him a break? However, just as Hamish declares his feelings for Julie, both she, and Coby, are given a timely wake-up call. Dave, working too hard, micro-sleeps at the wheel of his van. Shaken by Daves near-miss, Coby visits Tom in prison to tell him he no longer wants to exploit the Rafters goodwill. However, Tom isnt going to let Coby off the hook that easily and turns up the heat. Will Coby buckle to Toms will? Meanwhile, to the consternation of his flatmates, Carbo is totally besotted by the irrepressible Retta and valiantly trying to go along with her no-sex rule. Driven spare by their comic antics, Ben takes Carbo aside and tells him he has to make a decision about their future together. Carbo agrees and relieved Ben assumes hes going to end the relationship. However, to Bens dismay, Carbo decides to take things in an unexpected direction!

Rachel takes a crash course in remembering to breathe as she juggles a toxic workplace and an estranged boyfriend. Somethings got to give... Desperate to see each other, Jake arrives in the middle of the night with a gift for Rachel. But once again their issues flare and they fight bitterly. Jake storms off, leaving the gift in the front yard. Keen to put the tension with Liam behind her, Rachel works tirelessly to work one of Liams ideas up and make it presentable. But when the pitch falls flat, instead of backing Rachel up as planned, Liam shows his true colours once again and kicks teamwork to the kerb. Rachels life seems to be out of control. Finally opening the present Jake bought her, Rachel realises that Jake truly respects her ambitions, and that shes misjudged him. It spurs her on to bring up the lack of team support with her boss, Paul. Paul dismisses Rachels concerns, suggesting she focus on the positive and move on. Suddenly Rachel realises she has a choice. Will love triumph? Or is it too late to salvage her relationship? Dave too is taking a crash course in remembering to stop and breathe. A welcome distraction arrives when Julie wins a phone-in radio competition - tickets to see Eric Clapton in concert, plus all expenses paid overnight accommodation at a very ritzy hotel. But Dave cant seem to fully enjoy it, finally admitting to Julie hes been suffering from a nagging but inexplicable malaise. Julies worried for her husband. Could Dave be suffering from depression? Meanwhile, Melissa and Ben are still trying, unsuccessfully, to conceive. Retta inadvertently fuels Bens anxiety by questioning his fertility. He manages to persuade Melissa to pull a favour at work to get his sperm tested and the situation is fraught with comic embarrassment for both of them. Will Bens "swimmers" come up gold? Also tonight, Nathan finds a way to help Coby face the challenge of learning to write. In the process, Coby reveals some of his deeply guarded past.

The Rafter family say an emotional farewell to Melissa. Dave is determined to shelve his own battle with depression, but as tensions build, he finds himself exploding inappropriately in anger. Julie convinces Dave to go to counselling while Chel, who has not been around to witness the changes in him, returns home to comfort her son. Tom has a second agenda, and despite Cobys attempt to keep him at arms length, Coby realises he cant escape his grandfathers reach that easily.

Its been three months since Ben and Nathan left on their road trip around Australia. Bearded and tanned, Ben returns without Nathan and smooths over his familys concern with a plausible excuse. He believes that if he wants to fit back in with his family, he has to be the fun loving guy he was before Melissa died. At home much has happened. Coby has moved in with Jake and started his apprenticeship with Dave. Ruby has started walking and the house has been baby-proofed. Carbo and Rettas engagement party is fast approaching but its the anticipated arrival of Rita – and what shell say about the new relationship – which is causing nervous diarrhoea for Carbo and dry-retching for Retta. As the family and the Karandonis clan celebrate his return, Ben is upbeat. Even the sight of the cheque for Mels life insurance doesnt seem to faze him – but a visit back to his old room in the Karandonis house proves how much emotion hes really hiding. Unwilling to worry his family, Ben manages to seamlessly manipulate Rachel into offering her room, happy to stay more permanently with Jake and Coby. But will Ben be able to fool his mother Julie?

Rachel wrestles with the potentially relationship-wrecking pitfalls of getting everything you want - particularly when truth is number one on the wish-list. Guilt-ridden about invading Cobys private garage space, Rachel compounds her sin by inadvertently offering his artwork as part of an advertising campaign. Under the pump from pushy boss Paul (MARTIN LYNES), Rachel is forced to admit to Coby the truth - shes seen his art. Feeling betrayed, Coby immediately sets about destroying it as Rachel understands how deeply shes hurt him. Hiding his hurt behind forced party-mode, Coby organises an impromptu birthday bash for himself, inviting the Rafter regulars and his bogan mates from Coolong and generally regressing all around. But Rachel suspects Cobys act is actually a mask for his pain. Will she ever be able to regain his trust again? Rachels also having honesty issues with Jake, whos being vague about his reasons for quitting rugby. Things come to a head at Cobys party, when the police come to take Jake away for questioning. Upon his return, Jake reveals hes been charged with attempted sexual assault, strongly asserting his innocence. Rachel is reeling. Why would Jake have kept the dramatic events of his rugby weekend a secret so long? And how can their relationship survive such a grievous breach of trust? Meanwhile, Carbo and Retta continue to suffer as Rita (DINA PANOZZO) descends further into loneliness, driving her neighbours mad with dirge-like Greek folk music. Nathan cant bear it, spending the majority of his time complaining to Dave and Julie about his living conditions. At wits end, Retta turns to Julie for advice, unwittingly sending Rita on a brief foray into the world of internet dating - much to Carbos horror. Eventually a heart to heart with Julie helps Rita move beyond her impasse and relative peace returns to the Karandonis house. A vacancy at the local child care centre sends Rubys baby-sitters Ben and Ted into a spin, and they become locked in a comic competition to prove their baby-sitting worth. Julies torn, and Dave reminds his wife shes always wanted more time on their hands - but is this another case of being careful what you wish for...?

Nathan examines what it means to be free as he receives potentially upsetting news - his divorce from Sammy is final. The Rafter family have all witnessed Nathans heartbreak over the end of the marriage and there is reasonable concern that Nathan could suffer an emotional setback over this. However Nathan takes this potential hurdle and turns it into a springboard for a new and better tomorrow. He successfully packs up the remnants of his time with Sammy, cuts himself free from some family ties, and launches himself into a new business, a new attitude, a new future. Jake and Rachel have been skirting around each other for days, both of them unsure how to bridge the divide thats grown between them. Finally they reach out to each other and reaffirm their love, but secretly both of them are afraid love might not be enough. Coby is also grappling with the issue of freedom as the day of his sentencing hearing arrives. Having promised to vouch for Coby in court, Dave is initially casually confident that the kid will get a slap on the wrists and that will be the end of it. Julie unwittingly rocks Daves confidence and he becomes genuinely worried that Coby could be locked up. Can Dave overcome his fear and make a real difference in Cobys life? .

Rachels doubts are intensified as she visits Jake to invite him to her farewell dinner. One thing leads to another and the invitation inevitably turns into a moment of good-bye passion. With Rachel now confused, Nathan convinces her shes made the right decision and shell regret it forever if she doesnt go. Daves father, Tom, announces his parole has come through and hes looking forward to spending more time with the family. Rachel tearfully farewells her family and sets off overseas, but Jake takes off in pursuit, determined to catch her, resulting in an emotional roadside exchange between the two lovers.

The comic rivalry between Ted and Tom continues. Teds convinced Tom isnt looking for work at all, instead sneaking off to spend time with an unknown lady friend.

Grace tells her sons Jake and Alex that shes engaged, and both boys are happy for her until they find out that she has never actually divorced their father. Things become complicated when Grace meets with her ex-husband, as Alex is adamant he never wants to see his father again but Jakes curiosity is restless. Tom is recovering in hospital when he gets a visit from his granddaughter, Bree, but Coby is less than thrilled with the arrival of his feisty sister. Tom encourages them to make amends, but Coby struggles to mend bridges with his sister.

Dave leaps at the chance when his successful friend Warney, offers him a shot at the contract for a big office rewiring job. Ben is encouraged by Tom to consider opening up his own bar and Tom offers to help him organise the finances, but Coby immediately becomes suspicious of Toms motives. Retta begins to feel the pressure of wedding preparations, but things get worse when Carbo brings his livewire cousin Voula, in to help. Meanwhile, Jake trys to hide his attraction to Bree in front of Alex.

Ben initiates a night on the town with the boys, and everyone is impressed by the up-market nightclub whos owner is courting Ben as a potential investor in his next business venture, causing alarm bells to immediately sound for Nathan. Meanwhile, Carbo and Retta reassess their own sex but a return to the club prompts them to take their own risks, which, funnily enough, become a little too public

Coby is particularly gutted, secretly blaming himself for not being honest with the Rafters about Toms part in the worksite robberies.

Ted resolves to take a leap of faith and seize life with both hands. But as his best-laid plans are put to waste, is his leap destined to become a stumble? Ben agrees to go to the movies with Emma, but asks Nathan and Coby to join them to relieve the pressure of the evening feeling like a date; however, Cobys terrible cinema etiquette and embarrassing antics causes Ben to eject the boys. Now all alone, will Ben and Emma finally succumb to their brewing feelings? Meanwhile, Dave is struggling to take his own leap of faith and accept his brother Matt.

When Carbo begins sleepwalking due to wedding stress, Ben must truly become the Best Man and save the day - but in the process realises hes been sleepwalking himself by ignoring his true feelings for Emma.

Julie receives a surprise invitation from the charming editor of a local paper Adam Goodman - an offer that will ultimately send her into uncharted waters but is she ready to say yes? After interviewing two male sparkies, Dave is stunned when an attractive woman arrives for the interview. Coby arrives home from overseas, having cut short his trip, only to discover in his absence that Matt has moved into the house with Jake. Meanwhile, Ted continues to bond with Cooper. But a disturbing encounter jeopardises not only their relationship, but Teds reputation. Meanwhile, Emma takes tentative steps to claim more of a place for herself in her relationship with Ben, and is relieved when he finally removes his wedding ring. But how much has Ben really moved on?

Its Valentines Day, and matters of the heart are front and centre. Ben and Emma try to dodge the pressure by doing a shift at the Boat Club. Donna is still carrying a candle for Ted and Julie is unimpressed when Ben encourages Donna to invite Ted to a romantic dinner. It gets off to a rocky start, with Ted turning up at the wrong venue, but Ben rushes to the rescue - and Emmas even more smitten than before. But pressure returns in spades when those three little words are uttered - and someone misses the moment to reciprocate. Meanwhile, Matt decides to play a joke on his flatmates by surprising them both with anonymous Valentines Day cards.

When Jake receives a surprise phone call from his estranged father, he is unable to forgive him for abandoning his family

Ben is being driven quietly crazy by the baby-obsessed Carbo and Retta. Feeling edged out of the world they are creating, Emma suggests that the two of them get out of town for a few days, a large step forward in their relationship for Ben. But once youve found escape, the trouble comes returning from it. After being romantically shunned by Frankie, Coby does his best to avoid her at work. However, when the awkwardness becomes too much to bear, Frankie makes a proposal. Meanwhile, Julie begins life as the new kid at the local newspaper and her new lease on life inspires Dave to move forward with his own business plans, leading to frustrations between the couple. Will venturing into a new future drive a wedge between Dave and Julie?

Following an awkward moment, Frankie announces shes going to quit and with a niggling feeling of guilt, Julie tells Dave about Adams visit.

For Ben, it finally feels like the right time to move on from Mel and start a new chapter with Emma, beginning with the purchase of their country cottage. Emma is prepared to put aside her misgivings about the rapid pace at which this is all happening and she and Ben excitedly book an appointment with the bank to set up a loan. But when Ben lends his support to Carbo and Retta by taking them to the hospital for an ultrasound appointment, he begins to reminisce about Mel and the surprising intensity of his feelings throws Ben into a tailspin.

Julie tries to find ways to fill the void left by her absent kids, while the calamitous return of Alex sees Jake’s life fuller than ever before...

In light of his ongoing tests, Ted isnt sure whether he should reveal his health concerns to his family. When he suffers a mild stroke he resolves to keep the tests to himself.

Julie feels at odds with both Ted and Dave over the severity of Teds condition - and falling back into step is going to be easier said than done. Meanwhile, despite having rejected Cobys initial interest in her, Frankie is finally letting her guard down.

Dave is determined to take his business to the next level, beginning with his new contract with Duncan. But when Duncans wandering eye puts him on a collision course with Coby, does Dave have what it takes to stop the impact? Meanwhile, Frankies not impressed with Cobys seeming lack of maturity, starting with his inability to let go of his rage over Duncans pass at her.

Hours have passed since Coby took off and hes not answering his phone. Dave is feeling privately guilty over having not stopped Coby from leaving when he had the chance. So when he learns that a drunken Coby recently accosted Duncan and tried to get him to drop the assault charges, he calls the troops into action. But time is short, as now they arent the only ones looking for Coby — the police now have a warrant for his arrest.

Julie has high hopes as she prepares for Nathans homecoming - but Teds worsening condition threatens to burst her bubble.

When new employee Buzz brings his wayward son Jackson onto site, Dave begins to suspect his good nature is being taken advantage of. Meanwhile, Donna is mortified when she learns that both she and Emma have been played by Craig. Donna tries to avoid telling Emma, but she cant hide the truth forever, setting up an impending confrontation like no other.

An exhausted Nathan arrives in London looking for Saskia and baby Edward, desperate to find out why his wife never arrived in Sydney as planned and the answer changes his life forever.

Carbo is happy with where his life is and all he wants for his birthday is a romantic night with Retta - just the two of them.

Ted is forced to acknowledge that hes becoming a danger to himself and others.

Friends and family gather to say farewell to everyones favourite family. But before they say goodbye, some familiar faces reappear and the news of a pregnancy is extra cause for celebration.