Back to the Rafters (2021) s01e03 Episode Script

Issues Management

[theme music]
All around ♪
[upbeat music]
[sirens wailing]
[Rachel] Public relations.
The professional maintenance
of a favourable public image.
It's a top restaurant
with two Michelin stars
and there's footage
of rats in the kitchen.
I'm saying we need a hell
of a way to manage this.
[Rachel]
Issues management.
The process of responding
to issues affecting a group.
PR and Issues Management.
[Max] Yes?
[Rachel] About to be required
with my family.
Come.
I'm putting out a press release
for rat kitchen.
Meanwhile, I'm definitely
cancelling my lunch booking.
That's funny.
You still able to fly, yes?
Uh, about a week
before bub grounds me.
They tell me this is your
sister.
[scoffs]
All this from a little painting
in a little school
in the middle of nowhere.
Yeah, a pretty public statement.
I mean,
I shouldn't be surprised.
But when it's your own family
going viral
Observation Earth want to talk.
They think Ruby
has Thunberg potential.
Get out of town.
I was hoping you might like to.
I want you to go to Australia,
assess the prospect,
they want to broker a deal.
Observation Earth's
not my client.
[Max] Justin will take the lead.
You finesse your family.
My family is un-finesse-able.
[scoffs]
Come on.
Are you sure I'm needed?
I wouldn't have asked
if you weren't.
Just introduce Justin to them,
them to the family,
then come straight back.
I cannot spare you, OK?
OK.
I haven't been home in years.
Can I have a few extra days.
It's work, actually.
It's not a reunion.
You're such a sentimentalist.
Yeah, soft as steel.
OK. Three days. Enjoy.
Fine.
Right.
[Rachel] Going home.
Eight years here
and I still say 'home'.
The thing about video calls,
they’re from the shoulders up.
You get to show the world
only what you want it to see.
Smoke and mirrors.
[phone chiming]
What? Ah! Ah!
Rachel's coming.
What when? When do you get
here? How long can you stay?
Five days at most.
It'll depend on how
long it takes
Observation Earth
to sign Ruby.
Sign?
[Rachel] She's gone viral.
I know, it's crazy, but poo as
protest -
it's a new spin.
Greedy old white men,
poor white bears. Classic.
Observation Earth?
Well, they can't be serious.
Yeah.
Well, it's a flash in the pan,
isn't it?
[Rachel] It's all over social
media.
If they sign Rubes as a youth
ambassador, that would be huge.
[scoffs] That's ridiculous!
I'll understand if you say no.
Sweetheart, I'm gonna say
anything
to get you on that plane.
[chuckling] OK.
Um, I can't talk long. Can you
put Dad on before I go?
Uhhe's not here.
I'm in the city and Dad's in
Buradeena.
Oh, you don't have to make a
special trip.
- That works well, then.
- Exactly.
There's so much to catch up on.
There is.
Oh, I can't wait to see you!
- I love you!
- Love you too.
Mwah!
Oh, Jules, I don't know.
[Julie sighs] Neither do I.
Trust me.
There's a lot of haters gunning
for that Greta kid.
Do we want something
like that for Rubes?
[Julie] Yeah, but if we put the
kybosh on it straight away,
Rachel won't come.
And you never know - she might
make sense of it.
Ruby an international
ambassador?
Maybeyou're right.
Anything to get Rach home.
- Ruby know?
- No, better Rachel explains.
So, she gets in Sunday morning.
What time will you drive down?
Well, she's never seen
Buradeena.
Why doesn't she come here?
Well, because she's only got
a few days
and she'll have work to do.
Jules, someone could drive her.
Or she could fly up.
[sighing]
- Are we really gonna do this?
- Do what?
Well, she hasn't been back in
years
and you're being stubborn
for the sake of it!
I want her to see our home.
If she can't make it,
of course
I'll come down there.
It's not like I'd miss
seeing her.
Good. Fine.
This is the arrangement.
This is how it works.
I'm here. You're there.
I just want her to understand
what I love about this place.
OK. We'll dial you in, then.
Sunday lunch.
So the golden child returns.
[scoffs] I thought you thought
that was you.
Yeah, it is. Always was.
Rachel just hasn't
figured that out yet.
Ta-da!
OK, that needs work.
There's too much head.
Don't even go there.
[woman] Keep it up.
- [Nathan] Uh
- Or there.
You got a smutty mind.
Ah! Hey. Did you get
the meme I sent ya?
Which one? You're gonna use up
all my data at this rate.
[Ben] Memes? What are you, 12?
It was a psychology joke!
It was funny.
Debatable.
So what's the deal?
We have a laugh.
Oh! They were so bloody serious
at the old job.
Paid more, though.
Thank you for saving my arse.
No worries.
[Justin] You, me, Sydney.
So it seems.
Try to sound enthusiastic.
Come on.
Long story. It's complicated.
OK. I'll see you
in the lounge.
Since you're meeting the family
and in case it becomes an issue,
I haven't told them.
Aboutthe baby.
I thought it would be easier
with the final result to show.
You know your family.
My mother at least.
- That bad?
- That good.
She kills with kindness.
I'll get you up
to speed on the flight.
There'll be no over-share.
Whatever is required
to do the job.
[Rachel] My main job is to turn
this into a positive.
And to get on that plane.
[Cassie] We should see if Rachel
wants to do the bridge climb.
Or do I just get tickets and
surprise her?
She's not a tourist.
She said once
she's never done it.
Do you think it's too much
if I organise lunch,
just the three of us?
And, um, maybe
a her-and-me spa date.
Whatever makes you happy.
It's good to see you happy.
It'll be nice to really get to
know her.
Book it all in. Enjoy
your IVF downtime.
[Cassie] Every conversation, IVF
said or hovering as a subtext.
I'm sure he doesn't
mean to do it.
He thinks that staying positive
is going to get us
over the line.
I mean, women get pregnant every
day.
Nothing to do with
their attitude.
Their bodies
work - mine doesn't.
So if this really is
the end of the line
Only one of my eggs fertilised
last time. One out of eight.
Well, you're gonna have to
say how you're feeling.
It's not an issue until we can
afford another cycle.
That makes evasion easy.
[phone chiming]
[scoffs] Your brother-in-law.
What's he done?
It's like he's decided
I'm his new best friend,
which I didn't get any say in.
He spamming me
with lame jokes all day.
You think he's hitting on you?
I can't get a read yet.
He might just be happy
to be out of his old job.
Do you want me to tell
him to give it a rest?
Oh, I can handle it.
Thanks. 'Cause that
would've been awkward.
- Oh, yeah.
- Again?
[Anna] Again.
'Trying' is right.
[upbeat music]
- [man] Welcome to the Anderson.
- Thank you.
[man] We'll look after your
bags.
So I'll contact the client.
Good luck with your family.
About that -
would you mind coming?
You can see Ruby in
situ before we do the meeting.
Would it help with your reveal?
It'll control the questions.
[chuckling]
You can say no.
Like you said, meet Ruby.
- If I'm being unfair
- I'd say no.
Ah! She'll be here in a minute.
Can you set the table please?
I'm the whole reason she's
coming.
Why am I the one doing
the work?
How do you know that?
Don't look at us.
[Ruby] Have you seen the size
of this place?
It's not like anyone can
have a private conversation.
Yes, well, nothing's been
decided yet.
We're just going to talk about
what Observation Earth
has in mind
and then we'll take it from
there.
But any attitude from you
and your father and I won't be
agreeing to anything.
So set the table, please.
Thank you.
A taxi!
Oh, get your father on the line.
[phone chiming]
I'm here.
Oh! She's here!
[cries out in excitment]
Hey, family. I'm home.
So good to see you.
Ow!
Oh, my god.
Surprise.
- Dave?
- I can see.
- Is she?
- Yep.
Why didn't you tell us?
How did it even happen? You said
you weren't seeing anyone.
This is Justin.
- Justin.
- Justin?
- Hi.
- Justin.
No. No. No, no, no, no, no.
[Justin] Just Justin.
Justin Gavin. Nothing to do
with anything else.
Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry.
- Here to handle the account.
- Good to meet you all.
So
..who is the father?
[Rachel] Issues management,
starting now.
[Julie] OK, this is to keep you
going.
We've got things to talk
about.
- He's here for me.
- Later.
Rachel not saying
anything is off.
And that comment is exactly why
you're in here.
And you're not thinking it?
First things first - stay.
Totally off.
Dad is in the house.
I wasn't going to keep
it a secret forever.
[Julie] Well, that's comforting.
It's good to see New York hasn't
made you any less out-there.
[Nathan] This pretty much resets
the bar, though.
[Rachel] It was unexpected.
I'm still having trouble
figuring it out myself.
Ah sorry, Justin,
that you've been dragged
into this family flurry.
- I'm fine.
- No, we should finish it later.
- Probably best.
- Mm.
Lunch is almost ready.
[Ben] Thanks, Cass.
I'll help.
[Julie] I keep meaning
to ask you
Rach must bring up thoughts.
I'm fine, babe.
You're not. I get it.
I'll let you go, Rachel.
We can talk tomorrow to decide
when you're coming up.
As soon as we've
finalised the deal.
I really want you
to see our place,
if you're up to it, that is.
I'll only be able
to stay a night.
[Dave] You fly to Taree.
I'll pick you up.
You're welcome too, Justin.
Oh, no leave for me
but thanks for the offer.
As long as I make
my New York flight back.
OK. Talk tomorrow.
What's the deal with you guys -
Mum here, you there.
[chuckles] You guys
splitting up?
No. [scoffing, giggling]
[thunder rumbling]
I cannot believe
you said nothing.
Oh! I think you've won
that competition.
[Julie] Your dad and I
are not separating.
We're together,
but for the moment
we're choosing to live
in different locations.
Well, long distance never works.
Look what happened
to me and Jake.
Oh, Dad and I have got a lot
more runs on the board
than you and Jake had.
So [sighing]
The father?
It was two people
getting messy at a function.
- Oh.
- He's married.
Right.
That's the look I've been trying
to avoid.
What? Oh Mild disapproval?
It's hardly a reason for
keeping us in the dark.
You can't be that ashamed.
Can we just leave it until the
Ruby business is out of the way?
Oh, so that's why
you brought Justin -
so we couldn't talk about this?
He's here to meet the family.
I'm here for work.
Like I said, when that's done.
[Ruby] Food's ready.
Can we talk about
Observation Earth?
I thought you weren't going to
tell her.
Carbo says we need to move fast
on something like this.
Carbo knows as well?
I've set up a meeting for
tomorrow afternoon.
Yes! Whoo!
Just us.
[humming excitedly]
You are opening Pandora's box.
Boston College, that's pretty
fancy, isn't it?
Sounds like it should be fancy.
It's a decent school. Yeah.
So you're on Rachel's team in
New York or How does that work?
Well, your sister handles some
pretty impressive clients.
I'm always hoping to get to work
with her.
Justin was snapped up
by the company
even before he graduated.
I told you there'd be an
interrogation.
I'm just being polite.
Sounds like you're really
on the fast track.
My dad works in a bar.
I've just started there.
I did bar gigs
all through college.
OK, let's huddle up for a pic.
It's not often I get all my kids
in the same room at
the same time, so
You too, Justin.
[Rachel] Mum! It's a family
snap.
And let me take it.
[Julie] Oh, that's very nice of
you.
Everyone smile.
[Ruby] Cheesy.
[Rachel] A happy family pic,
with a glaring lack
of transparency.
[camera clicking]
[sport commentary on television]
[phone chiming]
[commentator on television]
Now more than 70 years old.
And you gotta say that the
defense this year
has been quite outstanding.
The communication,
the offensive tackling,
but also the kick chase.
[Tessa] Yoo-hoo!
Hello?
[sport commentary ceases]
Congratulations, Grandpa.
[Dave] Paddo's got a big mouth.
Paddo couldn't help it.
Thought you might need it.
Won't say no. Thanks.
Paddo tells me that Rachel's
got a bloke with her.
Yeah, not the father.
No word on that score.
Mmm. So you going down there?
What would that change?
Well, you don't think Julie
might need the backup?
She's got it. I'm right here.
She says we need to be there
for the kids.
But Rachel can't even
be bothered
to tell us that she's pregnant!
And Nathan throws in a good job
for bar work
without even a word.
The kids are happy
making their own decisions.
[liquid pouring]
So, are you happy?
Y'know, you here and Julie
there?
I'm making it work so far.
This is going to make me a bit
too happy.
- Not a bad drop.
- Cheers.
Yeah, of course I'm
not happy about Julie
but I'm happy in Buradeena.
It's home.
Hey, there's a show on telly I
was gonna watch.
Oh, yeah.
Don't let me keep you.
Well, just if you want to take a
look - it's a new crime thing.
- Got good reviews.
- It's only early. Why not?
Got the bottle to finish.
Cheers.
Cheers.
[sighing]
[Rachel] I'll pick you up at
two.
Well, as long as you can manage
Ruby's expectations.
She's already starting to strut.
Leave it to big sis.
Oh, and um, don't forget to
call your dad.
Why don't you come too?
Uh, no, we're just
settling into this.
Your father is best left as is.
Sorry for
the warts and all night.
You should meet my family.
Plus I need to know you
to sell you.
Well, I feel like we're
in good hands.
I tell you what,
I'll get Ben and Nathan
to organise a boys' night out.
- Mum!
- Oh! Some real
Aussie nightlife.
Seeing Ruby's gene pool
in action? I look forward to it.
I'm so happy to see you.
And I'm here for you.
You know that. In any way.
I do.
Bye.
See what I mean? You do not need
to go out with my brothers.
- Might be fun.
- Doubt it.
They're nice.
They're mine.
Falling on my knees ♪
Throw my head back as I land
among the pages ♪
I’m a blank for
those who read me ♪
I’m a song for all the ages ♪
Unrequited love’s
my favourite ♪
Gets me dancing
on the stages ♪
But only ever
thinking of you ♪
Yeah even if I worry now ♪
You will tell
me never too late ♪
My smile is a funny frown ♪
Oooh ♪
Falling on my knees ♪
Throw my head back
as I land among the pages ♪
I’m a blank for
those who read me ♪
I’m a song for all the ages ♪
But I am only ever too late ♪
And silence
is the perfect sound ♪
Guess the bridge climb
is off then?
- Mmm. - It would make
one hell of a birth story.
- [Cassie scoffs, spits]
- You got an alternative?
I'll see.
We shouldn't monopolise her.
You were psyched about us
hanging out with her.
I don't think
we should tire her out.
I really need this run.
[Anna] So no one had any idea?
Huge surprise.
Ben thinks I'm upset because
she's pregnant. Typical.
So why are you, then?
He's gonna project the baby bump
onto me
and it's going to
be 10 times worse.
This is turning into a thing.
- I guess.
- [Anna] You need to sort it.
- In here.
- [Cassie] When I have to.
I mean, this has been
our entire focus
and now I'm
the one jumping ship.
[phone chiming]
Oh.
Oh, not Nathan again.
[Nathan] [laughing] Come on.
That's the best one yet, right?
[Cassie] Nathan, you're spamming
her.
Just read the signs, she's not
into it. Get some boundaries.
[Nathan clears throat]
So as you know, the idea is we
will have youth ambassadors
throughout the world.
[woman]
The earth is your inheritance
and currently,
it's being spent for you.
Obviously, that's where Ruby's
artwork fits right in.
And I've got a million
ideas for new paintings.
[Julie] Well, too few people
pick up after their dog
so she won't be running out of
materials anytime soon.
[Justin] Too few pick up
after themselves
so she won't be
running out of dilemmas.
[man] Ah! There is a punchline
in that.
There is. You're fully on board
though, Mrs. Rafter?
- Well, I
- Mum and Dad are so on board.
Ah, obviously we're very mindful
of Ruby's age.
So, I'd say that we're
proceeding cautiously.
But we also know
that it's something
she's very passionate about.
And having a family member
as a point person
is a huge plus, Rachel.
Justin takes point. I'm here to
get you out the gates.
Of course.
You're in extremely
good hands with him.
With us.
- Great.
- Awesome.
[Justin] I call that a 10.
[Julie] Well, they seem
fairly committed.
[Rachel] All done bar the
signing.
- Carbo!
- [Carbo] Hey!
Where were you?
Ah, I couldn't get up.
Hey, Rach. Whoa!
Love the new look.
- Hey. Carbo.
- [Justin] Justin.
- You would've seen my stuff.
- I have.
So, ah, we signed the deal?
Be good to stream it.
I've got over a million
followers and counting.
I gave my name
to the security guard over there
but he must've got in touch with
some assistant.
I'll sort this. You guys go
ahead.
Yeah, come on, we'll wait
outside.
- Carbo should've come up.
- Later, Rubes.
[Julie] Come on, darling.
- Carbo.
- Yeah.
I gave word not
to let you upstairs.
How come?
We're still in the middle of
negotiations.
And if you barge in there,
you could blow the whole
thing out of the water.
Yeah, but I wanted to show them
our merch. Look - fridge magnet.
'Oh Poo!' Good name, eh?
One word, Carbo. 'Landfill.'
Do you really think
that's the brand strategy
Observation Earth are going for?
They wouldn't even know about
her if it wasn't for me.
Nothing like this is going
anywhere near the campaign.
[clanging]
[sighs]
It's good to see you, though.
How's Retta and Theo?
Fine.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Where's the American accent?
- Left it in Manhattan.
Ah.
I know you mean well, Carbo.
- Carbo coming?
- No, he's not a part of this.
- He should be.
- He's not.
Ah well you know what?
Why don't we get you a treat on
the way home?
That's a great idea.
- I'll call you.
- I'll write it up for Max.
I can't, I won't ♪
I'll tell you that I don't ♪
[mouthing words]
But I need you on my side ♪
And I'll stay, I'll go
I'll tell you I'm may know ♪
But I need you on my side ♪
Hey, hey ♪
[birds chirping]
[Julie] Now, I know
you've probably got everything,
but Grandma reserves
the right to contribute.
- It's organic cotton.
- It's adorable.
I actually haven't bought
anything, yet.
What? You know it's not staying
in there forever.
Mmm. The doctor did mention
something about that.
[Julie lauging]
I'm not having kids when I get
older.
It's irresponsible
to overpopulate the planet.
Well, take it from me,
the first bottle of champagne
might seem like a good idea,
but the second one never is.
We shouldn't be over consuming
anything
in a world of finite resources.
Pretty sure that's not what you
meant.
Mmm. [laughing]
Oh.
[Rachel] It's very cute.
Seriously. Put it away.
Cassie doesn't need it.
- She seems fine.
- You bring stuff up.
I don't mean to.
Hard not to.
I'm going to pick up Justin.
Is this really necessary?
Just being nice.
Where are you taking him?
The Boat Club.
Oh, Ben!
If it's good enough for us,
it's good enough for him.
Best seafood platter
in Australia.
Ben's just being overprotective.
Can't blame him.
The IVF put a huge strain on
both of them.
Yeah, I'm sure.
I just need to put my foot in it
with Nathan
and I'll have
the sibling trifecta.
- Oh, you're doing fine.
- Am I?
Under the circumstances.
Of course you see life
differently to us.
I'm still me.
Filtered through
years of New York.
Sounds like a judgment. [scoffs]
No. You wanted the world,
you went out and got it.
And no one is more proud
of you than I am.
- You are?
- Of course.
Proud and puzzled.
Back at you.
Your dad and I will make it
through this.
You know what?
Neither conversation for now.
We will have them.
We will.
How about we go and see your
grandad after dinner.
I'd love that.
There you go.
[woman] What does that involve?
[giggling]
[woman] You can't just pull that
out!
[laughing]
So dejected and dispirited,
ladies.
Listen to you
and your big words.
Ay, my parents spent
a lot of money on my education.
Just making sure they
get their money's worth.
So, is this a side hustle?
I waitress on the weekends,
extra cash for the deposit.
Right! Property investor?
[grimacing]
Good luck with that.
[laughing] What's your main gig
during the week?
This! This is the main hustle.
Not side.
Good for you.
So, tell us more about
your fun-employment.
[Nathan] You should've seen the
shutters come down.
Not happening.
Tell me about it!
Yeah, and it's same as Anna.
- Anna?
- Yeah!
- Then Cassie has a go at me.
- Cassie?
Yeah! She was like,
'Boundaries!'
'Boundaries!' she says.
It was like It's a couple of
memes. Bloody hell.
Rach had a go at me!
Nothing wrong with scoring likes
on the socials,
but my one million followers
and blue tick? Not good enough.
[scoffs]
What do you know?
The whizz kid's arrived.
[Carbo] I'm not sure if he's on
Rachel's side.
What do you reckon?
- Player.
- Player?
- You think?
- I know.
Ooh. [scoffs]
I know his type.
Hey!
- Look who's here.
- Hey, Grandad!
So good to see you.
What are you doing here?
What's she doing here?
Dad, it's Rachel.
I know who it is.
I told you she was coming.
Too little, too late.
She's here for work, Dad.
- Oh, that'd be right.
- Not just work.
It wouldn't be for us.
You couldn't even turn up
to your mum and dad's own
anniversary, Miss Hoity-Toity.
Dad!
I mean, we got here.
Where were you?
I called in, remember?
I remember well enough.
Haven't lost my marbles yet.
Whatever you might
hear around here.
And you couldn't even be
bothered to dress up.
I mean, 35 years married
and you're sitting there
in your bloody pajamas.
Dad, it was night there.
It was night here too
but we made an effort.
Rachel woke up especially.
You always cut
her too much slack.
'Julie spoils her,'
your mother always said that.
Spare the rod, spoil the child.
New York.
You're hardly ever home.
Ungrateful, that's
what I call it.
Dad, that's not fair.
It's fair enough to me.
- Can't you be happy that she's
- It's OK, Mum.
Guess what, Grandad?
I'm having a baby.
Look. See?
It's your first
great-granddaughter.
A girl?
[Rachel] Yeah.
Your mum never said.
You never said.
[Rachel] It's nicer as a
surprise, isn't it?
I reckon.
A really, really good surprise.
A lovely one.
Our little Rachel.
You're gonna have your own
little girl, love.
- A new little Rafter.
- Ah.
I call that bonza.
I call that bloody bonza,
Grandad.
[both chuckling]
[sighing]
I should've warned you.
You weren't to know.
I was hoping for the best.
Never really sure
what to expect.
You handled it well.
[Rachel sighs]
How do you handle it?
How do you stand him
not being the dad you knew?
You don't have a choice
when someone you love changes.
That wasn't directed at you.
But it's applicable.
Well, it would help if
I knew more.
When you're ready
Time for that talk.
It wasn't one night, Mum.
It was an affair.
He said he was
going to leave his wife.
And instead he gave me a check
and the name of a good doctor
when I told him.
And a sudden turn
of the cold shoulder.
[sighing]
I ripped up the check
and considered the doctor.
Couldn't face another abortion.
I wanted another woman's
husband.
And I just I didn't need your
disapproval.
I would've kept my distance.
- Mum
- I would've been excited.
- Of course I would've been.
- I didn't need your excitement.
Once the baby is born,
when I'm so full of serotonin
that I can't help but be
excited, then sure.
Well, I try not to interfere.
Yeah, but you do, Mum.
It's who you are.
Like now. Did you ask Nathan
and Ben if they need you here?
But here you are.
And Dad's back there.
It's more than just that.
I know, but that's
how it's playing out.
You can't help it.
Your default position is mother.
I didn't need you
defaulting with me.
- I see.
- That was cruel.
No.
When the baby's born,
I can't wait to show Granny.
- Of course I can't.
- Of course.
You need to hear
your dad's side of things.
I do.
And we both need a cuppa.
Is he coming back with those
drinks anytime soon?
I think he's got other things on
his mind.
They're just talking.
[Nathan] Oh! She is all over
him.
He's young, he single.
They're alright.
There's no boundaries there.
You reckon he's
sucking up to Rach?
- Yeah, of course he is.
- As if you'd know.
I know his type.
All over us, smooth as silk,
cred points with the boss
I don't think she's his boss.
You know what I mean.
Sucking his way up the ladder.
[smooches]
- Mate.
- Oh, no. [laughing]
- It's funny.
- You barely even talked to him.
[Nathan] Yeah because he's
been chatting up Anna.
Ah-ha.
I thought he was
coming out with us. Mmm.
I think he needs a hand
with those drinks.
Better idea.
We're gonna go home.
- No!
- Yes.
- No!
- Yes. Yes.
Oh! Go get 'em, Natho.
[man] Hey!
[Nathan] Ooh.
Bucket list, big time.
I definitely want to
get there one day.
Look me up if you do.
[laughing] A woman of principle.
That's what I like to see!
[Justin] Oh, Nathan,
I was just bringing these over.
'Boundaries' she says.
Gotta respect the boundaries.
I guess that changes when
they're young and hot, huh?
Just [blows air] goes out
the window.
Boundaries!
Can't even spell it.
- OK, we're out of here.
Oh, if he's got something to
say, don't hold back.
Honestly, ignore him.
I'm just gonna put him in a cab.
I got this.
If you were egging him on,
you both need a good kick.
For the record, I wasn't.
And Nathan needs his face
slapped.
[Nathan] You're a bloody player.
If that's what you think.
That's exactly what a player
would say. I know you.
You see, I used to be you.
The whole world, it was there
for the taking [sobbing]
Enjoy it on the way down.
[sobbing]
Oh! And what was that bullshit
about rocking up
to our place, huh?
What, are you looking
for a promotion?
[vomits, liquid splashing]
[coughing]
[Julie] Thanks for the heads up.
Edward's in
with us for the night.
Here we go.
Ooh. Ooh!
There you go, sweetheart.
- Got the bucket.
- Love you, Mum.
Every night
in every town in Australia.
It's an Aussie male ritual.
[Justin] I did want to meet the
family.
[Nathan moaning]
[Rachel] When we find
ourselves in damage control,
it's tempting to just
paper over the cracks.
But first step's
making it right.
Oh. Mum said you were
heading up to see Dad.
Yeah, maybe talk
some sense into him.
Yeah, good luck.
We're sort of leaving them to
it. I get both sides.
Sad there are sides.
- Anyway
- Yeah.
Sorry about last night.
I didn't realise Nathan was
hammered until it was too late.
Well, if we're handing out
apologies, accept mine.
I should've thought what barging
in like this would do to Cassie.
No worries.
How much is IVF? I want
to take care of it for you.
Someone in this family has to
have a functioning relationship
and given me and
Nathan and Mum and Dad,
you and Cassie are about it.
No pressure.
I mean, it can be a gift.
It can be a loan.
However you wanna do it.
And I know you're gonna
hate taking my money
No, I won't because this
is what Cassie wants
and I don't have
any way to give it to her.
Exhibit A – why Ben is the one
that wins at relationships.
Thank you. Ah!
Wait till I call her.
She'll be so stoked.
So you'll be OK with having
them both?
Sure. Things are good between
you and Rach, though?
Uhshe'll tell you. They
should be there by tonight.
Can't wait.
As long as you're fine.
As can be expected. Bye.
Bye.
[vacuum whirring]
Not that I'm trying to say sorry
or anything
[laughs] Well, you should
get drunk more often
if this is how it ends.
[chuckles] No. I really, really
shouldn't.
I just called your dad.
I bet he was impressed.
Rachel's heading up there today.
I think you should too.
- I can't.
- Yes you can.
I can't pull Edward out of
school.
It's his first week back
and there's a
bring your family zoo excursion.
Well, I can take him.
I love the zoo.
And Edward loves
being here with us.
I really think you need the
change to process everything.
You're no good
to anyone like this.
My life's falling apart, Mum.
I know.
[groans]
I think a job serving booze
is probably a bad idea.
Yeah.
And having to face Anna,
probably not going to
do wonders for me either.
Uh-uh.
So Buradeena it is.
Rachel's not gonna wanna
spend five hours
in the car with me.
Well, it'll give you plenty
of time to apologise
for vomiting all over
her work colleague.
[imitates vomiting]
[laughter]
Ah. Can we get this out of the
way? I am so, so sorry.
- Justin's not you.
- I know!
What am I?
We have five hours
to discuss that.
What am I? What's Mum?
Won't be short of conversation.
You said it, baby.
Your brother-in-law
is a complete and utter Wally.
Rachel's giving us
the money for more IVF.
As many rounds as it takes.
There's no avoiding
the big conversation now.
[gentle music]
- Can I tell you something?
- Yeah.
You know what
happened with Justin?
I got jealous.
Seriously, he was the me
I used to be.
- Where did that guy go?
- Where did I go?
Suburban girl who thought
a corner office in Sydney
was the summit of achievement.
How did I let him slip away?
Nathan, you know what I think
about when I lie awake at night?
Mm. Not sure I want to know.
[scoffs]
When I'm stressing about, 'How
the hell am I gonna do this?'
and 'Have I made
a huge mistake?'
I think, 'Look at Nathan.'
'Look at what an awesome job
he's done with Edward.'
And you've mostly
done that by yourself.
He's a great kid.
I know a lot of things haven't
turned out the way you wanted.
But there's Edward.
I just hope I can do as good
a job as you're doing.
That feels like way more praise
than I deserve.
I know everything else
is crappy and stressful.
Aren't we a pair of screw-ups?
Just a couple of dags.
[Rachel] I could hear
my boss on my shoulder.
'See? Transparency pays.
'Now you're on the way
'to the new narrative
that everyone can own.'
Ooh-ooh ♪
♪You know I put my heart in it ♪
Every single part of it has
gone too soon ♪
Dad!
Hey!
You soon ♪
Hey, Dad.
[soft music plays]
[Rachel] I get why you love
it.
Not your speed?
I'm more Mum than you.
[Dave chuckles]
What's gonna happen?
With us?
Search me.
Your mum's ruled the roost.
Always has.
Not that I minded.
I've been happy
going along with it.
This time, I'm not.
Thisis me.
I can't move for some
pie-in-the-sky
moment of self-realisation
she may never find.
If she doesn't,
we'd both be lost.
And end up a bitter old couple
sniping our way to the grave.
- [sighs] Dad
- It could happen.
I'd rather let her go
and keep some form of love
than trip along with her
and risk losing it.
I've never heard you talk like
that.
A fella doesn't wear his heart
on his sleeve.
I guess a fella doesn't.
I love a fella.
A fella loves you.
[birds singing, frogs croaking]
And if you can't solve it?
Divorce.
It's possible.
[sighs]
I hope I never have to
say that to your mum.
[Rachel] This is so not
the new narrative I had in mind.
As to how to fix it?
I'm at a total loss.
[gentle music]
[soft piano]
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