Bed of Roses (2008) s02e01 Episode Script

Bankrupt? Whatever comes, we'll tackle this together.
- I'm gonna move in to the shack.
- Louisa, if this is one of your whims I'm going to make it work.
- Marty, are you a builder? - Yeah.
Best in town.
Catastrophe is, I think, the word you're looking for.
- You're fired.
HOLLY: Go, Mum! You thought you were too good to go with me.
Now you're gonna be scrubbing my dunny.
(Vacuum cleaner whirrs) Done any previous photography work? You've got the job.
HOLLY: Who's the other one? Nick Pickering, your dad's best friend.
Just like old times.
Hello, Louie.
Nick.
Hi! - Sorry we lost touch.
- Oh, well, we all did.
You're Holly, aren't you? I'm Sean Smithwick.
Oh.
SEAN: No.
No.
No, we can't.
You're lovely, but you're only 16.
Gavin Braithwaite, you are a snivelling coward! If you think I'm signing these divorce papers, you'd better think again.
Divorced or not, Rita is gonna move in with me.
No! A minor stroke? I always, always thought that my mother was indestructible.
I'm coming between you and your mother, Rita.
I can't keep putting you in that situation.
Just stay with me.
I'm sorry.
What if I said I didn't want to come? I don't want to argue.
I've got a job I have to go back to.
All my friends are here now.
You are privileged to have the opportunity to purchase this cottage, which has been in the same family for generations.
- (Gasps) MAN: Final call.
$485,000.
$500,000! Sold to the lady that owns the house! (All Clap) (Sighs) Oh, Hol! Isn't it great to be back? That'll be $11,326.
- BOTH: What? - You still owe me $11,300 for this joint.
- Get real, Marty.
- Please, what is it really? $26, OK? And you can forget the tip.
(Holly laughs) It's your fault my business went bust.
My fault? Maybe it's because you were - You were a lazy, incompetent shonkster.
- Exactly.
- Welcome home! - Mum! Nan, hey! MINNA: Oh, I've missed you.
- How was the flight? - Long.
We left London like 29 hours ago.
I've made the beds and I've aired the house.
Oh, Mum, you shouldn't have.
You're still wobbly after your fall.
Louisa, I'm not wobbly! No, I just meant you should be careful.
Hey! These suitcases aren't growing legs, you know.
Well, put them on the veranda, Marty.
I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind From your sails I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails MINNA: Oh, Louisa.
This is lovely.
I thought you'd like it.
I bought it on the Champs Elysees.
You shouldn't have spent so much money.
You've already made those big donations to the historical society and the c Oh.
Oh! I wanted to get you something that was just for you.
That's very nice, dear.
Thank you.
And how about you, young lady? Oh, no.
Oh, this man's got a daughter with a hole in her heart.
And there are so many others.
HOLLY: Mum, you don't even know if that's true.
MINNA: She's right.
But I was so lucky to find that nugget.
You've been sharing your good luck ever since.
But what I want to know is what are the plans for your future? Do you mean You mean personally? No, no.
Referring to work.
I'm sure Wendy would have you back at the Echo.
No! Mum, I'm an art photographer now.
- That is a hobby, not a job.
- No, it's a vocation.
I have to find out if I've got this kind of talent, Mum.
And the nugget's finally given me the financial freedom.
And it's scary, but I have to try.
(Horn honks) - Oh, that will be Myrtle.
Myrtle? - Is Sandy back? - Mm.
Oh! (Horn honks) Sandy! Louisa Franklin, as pretty as ever.
LOUISA: Oh! It's so lovely to see you.
How as Nambucca Heads? Well, let's just say it's not Rainbow's End.
Oh, it's so good you're here.
MINNA: Louisa.
- Oh, Hol.
This is Nan's friend, Sandy Wollstonecraft.
You knew him when you were a little girl.
Sandy, this is my daughter, Holly.
Oh, my goodness.
You're all grown up.
It's lovely to see you again.
You too.
And the car's called Myrtle? Yeah, otherwise known as Minna's Chariot.
- Madam, we're ready when you are.
(Cockatoo squawks) (Cockatoo squawks) All right? How about it? (Cockatoo squawks) (Sighs) (Cockatoo squawks) - Where did you come from? - How about it? (Gasps) Shoo! (Cockatoo squawks) - Shoosh! (Cockatoo squawks) - Shut up! Go away! - Shhhh! Get away! (Cockatoo squawks) Aaah! Grab it.
LOUISA: Ow! HOLLY: Are you OK? - Oh, God! Yeah.
Oh, my gosh.
I didn't see that hole.
HOLLY: There are holes everywhere.
- My heavens! HOLLY: Ow! Must be wombats.
Look.
(Strains) Mum! LOUISA: Oh, come on, Hol.
- Some help? Oh, OK.
LOUISA: Come on.
All right.
LOUISA: Ready? - Careful.
One, two, three.
Ow! Louisa? Mrs Atherton? Oh, you're finally back.
Can I get your moniker on that? Oh.
Sorry.
Who are you? Steve Sinclair.
If you sign, I can prospect on your land.
- What? - Prospect.
Dig for gold.
It's not like you girls need any more.
That line there.
I'd appreciate it.
No way! This is private property.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
No.
So if you don't mind.
It wouldn't kill you to share.
So much for wombats.
MAN: Oh, look.
I'll see you out there, all right? (Camera clicks) Look.
Isn't that her? (Horn honks) - Oh! All right! What is NICK: Louie! Ha! - Hi! - When did you get back? Um, I think it was yesterday.
Or maybe tomorrow.
- I'm not really sure.
It's all a bit of a blur.
- Here, give me that.
What is it? It's a present.
For you.
- For me? - Mm-hm.
Well, come on.
I believe it's good manners to open a gift.
Oh.
Oh, Louie! It's It's a sculpture.
It's made of antique engine parts.
I got it in Madrid.
Just what I need, another pile of old junk.
(Both laugh) Thank you.
Nick, I've been thinking.
That'll be a first.
Let me finish, I'm trying to be serious.
You know that doesn't come naturally to me.
I've been thinking about and how we've both got similar goals and values, and that we both love Jack.
And, um he loved us.
And yeah, I've been thinking about and you know, what a good combination we'd make.
So anyway, I was wondering if, you know, you feel the same, that maybe we could h-have, have dinner.
Why not? Why not.
Mm.
That doesn't sound very enthusiastic.
(Laughs) I'm just being a bloke.
Take no notice.
I'd really like to, Louie.
Really? Really? OK.
OK.
All right, then.
OK, um Dinner, pub, tonight? - You're on.
- OK.
I'll pick you up.
I thought I just did that to you.
- (Laughs) - So I'll see you at seven.
Yeah.
Nick, what is that thing? - That thing? - Yeah, that eyesore on the nature strip.
Are you kidding? You're responsible for that eyesore.
I am? Yeah, you're lucky I decided not to hold it against you.
I'm responsible? Well, you and Gavin.
Me and Gav (Gasps) (Cheering) - Oh! Upbeat music I love youse all.
GAVIN: Let me help you.
LOUISA: No.
It's great to see the old place buzzing.
I think we should harness the moment.
What do you think of the Big Nugget? (Louisa mumbles) - Along the lines of the Big Banana, and the Big Prawn.
Oh, is there a Big Prawn? But it would need a significant injection of funds.
Gavin, I was drunk.
Surely, that doesn't count.
Look, people do deals at cocktail parties every day of the week.
The fact that you choose not to drink alcohol in moderation, well, that's not my responsibility.
Yeah, but I made a mistake.
I don't even like the idea.
You were quite taken with it when I first broached the concept.
We were rapt in the Big Prawn.
- The big what? - Prawn.
WOMAN: I think it is GAVIN: Yes, it's her.
Hi, hi.
You can't back out now.
How would it look? "Lady who finds million-dollar nugget refuses to give back to community.
" GAVIN: It's already on the public record.
(Gasps) Hello, Wendy, can I have a w word about the - Can I help you? (Gasps) Viv Vivien, what are you doing here? I work here.
I'm the new office manager and page maker.
Oh.
Yeah, congratulations.
When did that happen? While you were in Europe or wherever you've been.
Not that it's any concern of yours considering you're no longer an employee.
Uh-uh-uh, she's busy.
Well, can can I borrow a pen? I'd like to write Wendy a note.
They're in the stationery cupboard.
(Types) Ahem.
Ahem! We'll keep our fingers crossed.
WENDY: Louisa! You're back.
- Wendy! Er, this is Bob Stinson from Regional Press, - Louisa is our photographer.
- For- Former photographer.
- I'll get back to you as soon as I hear.
- Thanks, Bob.
LOUISA: Er, Wendy I just saw your article on the Big Nugget.
I'm just wondering why would you say that I was funding it before talking to me? Aren't you funding it? Well, yes, I am.
But only because Then, what's the problem? You know the pressure of Echo deadlines.
So why would you even bring this up? All that aside, I'm glad you're here.
Could I interview you about your big trip? You're quite a celebrity these days.
Er That'd be my pleasure.
I don't know where to start.
It could be Paris or Rome, Vienna.
(Knocks) Sean? Hey! I heard you were back.
How are you? - Um - How was your trip? - It was awesome.
- Cool.
Nothing much has happened around here for a change.
It's just gonna seem really boring after Europe, I suppose.
At least I don't have to deal with school yet.
Um, I just came to catch up.
I got you something from Paris.
- Charcoals? - Yeah.
I know you like drawing.
And I saw artists along the Left Bank using them so I thought you might want to try them.
Oh, and I got you these.
Thanks, Holly.
They're awesome.
You look different to the last time I saw you.
More grown-up.
Yeah.
Yeah, I kind of feel it.
Um Do you think maybe we could go out sometime? We could have a picnic.
Oh.
That's too cheesy.
No.
No, I'd love to.
OK.
Do you have photos we could use for the story? I'm sure you took plenty.
Oh, yeah, I've got hundreds.
But I doubt that they're appropriate, Wendy.
Um, they're very, very artistic.
Some are quite abstract.
I was experimenting with my creative muse.
They belong in a gallery, not really in a newspaper.
WENDY: These are perfect.
They're exactly right for the Echo, Louisa.
Uh-huh? Oh, good.
Are they? OK, now, I want all the nitty-gritty.
What have you girls been up to? Marg starts a celebrants' course tomorrow.
LOUISA: Marg Braithwaite, marriage celebrant? A bizarre concept, I know.
Seeing as I don't believe in happy endings.
To emotional carnage, girls.
God, I hope I haven't chosen the wrong career.
Of course you haven't.
You're just, you know, a bit afraid of the unknown.
You've got to feel the fear and do it anyway, sweetie.
Like Louisa with her photography.
- Yeah, how's that going? - Well, it's It's a bit daunting.
I still haven't quite found my inspiration.
Just let it happen in its own time.
I mean, you've got the financial freedom to wait.
- Yeah, you're a millionairess.
- Yes.
So they tell me.
What does that mean? - Nothing.
- You have handled your money wisely? Yeah.
Of course! MARG: Oh, no! I'm worried now.
I want details, come on.
Spill.
OK.
Well The assayer valued the nugget at $450,000.
(All react at once) - And then I had to pay $45,000 in GST.
- Of course.
Then I had to pay the $80,000 back to the bank with interest.
Then, I gave the kids $10,000 each in their deposit fund and then I gave $5,000 to the guide dogs.
What? Wait! Stop.
How much have you got left? Er, $140,000 under my mattress.
MARG: What? I'm only joking about the mattress bit.
Well, it's not funny.
I want you to put that money in a fixed-term deposit immediately.
Mm.
Yeah, I know.
You're right, I should be more careful with my (Gasps) Oh, my gosh, I nearly forgot.
- I've got you all presents.
- Louisa! LOUISA: Really? Oh, that is great.
Well, we've both got dates.
- Nick said yes.
- I knew he would.
So what do you think? Shall we make it a foursome? We could join you on your picnic.
I'm kidding.
Mum, don't do that to me.
(Louisa laughs) (Exhaust pipe bangs) (Gasps) Louie, are you OK? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I'm fine.
I'm sorry.
You thought I was gonna open the door.
No, no.
Of course not! Well, yeah.
OK.
Maybe.
Maybe I did.
Don't tell Germaine Greer.
Bear with me, all right? - I need a while to get used to the new rules.
- No, Nick.
There aren't any rules.
This is just two people with shared values and mutual affection having dinner.
There's nothing riding on this except possibly the rest of our lives.
(Laughs) But no pressure.
No pressure.
How's your calamari? Mm.
It tastes like an inner tube.
(Laughs) NICK: G'day, Pete.
Peter Wookakiva.
I'm opening batsman.
I'm impressed.
Don't be.
It just means that I can walk the length of the pitch without having a heart attack.
(Laughs) - That's the good thing about cricket.
Us old blokes can get a guernsey.
It's not quite like footy though.
I do miss a bit of the old biffo.
I've never had any sporting prowess.
I don't know, you've always been pretty good at running away from things.
What's that supposed to mean? You mean, from Rainbow's End, from responsibility? It's supposed to mean nothing.
It was just a dumb joke.
Oh, OK.
Look, I'm sorry, Louie, I I don't know what we're supposed to talk about now.
What did we talk about before? - The ute, mainly.
(Gasps) Oh, my heavens.
Now that you mention the ute, Holly thinks we should buy a more environmentally friendly car.
And she's probably right.
What? So you wouldn't feel hurt if I sold the ute? Hurt? Why would I feel hurt? Well I don't know, cos you went to all that trouble to get me a new engine.
(Laughs) Louie NICK: What? Er I don't know, I I think I feel hurt that you're not hurt.
But that doesn't make any sense.
You see, that's the reason why I avoid relationships.
Right.
Wow Are we having our first fight? Of course not.
(Car stops) (Sighs) (Nick sighs) - Well That didn't go very well.
We're just trying to rush things.
We gotta relax.
Yeah.
(Sighs) Do you want to come over for dinner Friday? I'd love to.
Great.
I'll endeavour not to poison you.
OK.
Well, night, then.
Goodnight.
(Laughs) OK.
OK, you're not going to kiss me, I guess.
(Laughs I thought we weren't going to rush.
OK.
All right.
Oh, no! I think you're right, you know.
I don't think we should rush things.
OK.
See you Friday.
Missed you, little guy.
(Beeping) Hey, hey! This is private property.
- Come on.
It won't kill you to share.
- Get out of here now! - Calm down, little girl.
- I said, now! - Hol? - If you don't leave, we'll call the cops.
(Taps) HOLLY: There.
That should keep them out.
OK, stand beside it.
All right.
Smile! Mum, shouldn't you be thinking of a theme instead? - A what? - You said you were gonna have an exhibition.
You can't do that without a theme.
Oh, yes.
I'm well aware of that, Holly Joanna.
Oh, that's great.
Very good.
(Gasps) Duncan, come on! That's great.
(Neighs) Oh, no.
That's not so good.
OK.
Oh.
That's right.
That's good.
That's good.
I'll leave it here.
OK.
OK.
Looks really Looks really good like that.
Oh, no, that's good.
Ow! Oh, God! Oh, they are great.
COCKATOO: Another shit.
Who asked you? My ancestor bring us together.
He search for gold near here in golden rush.
Really? Your ancestor? Mm.
That's why he came to the Meilin funeral.
Wasn't it, babe? And we saw each other across the room.
I come to discover more about ancestor Ah Chin.
But I find Rita instead.
It was meant to be.
We must tidy tables.
Tsung Chi has good job with computers.
Oh, now you're just showing off, Mum.
- Rita.
- Oh, get off my back! It's all right, babe.
They just get on my nerves sometimes.
I'm with them all day every day my whole life.
You are lucky.
My parents were in faraway province.
For my future, I not see many time.
That's so sad.
HOLLY: Who raised you? My grandmother.
She's old now.
She was beautiful woman once like Rita.
But, no freedom.
When my grandfather die, she make herself colourful blouse from all his silk tie.
But she must hide them under what you call Mao jacket.
What? Those shapeless grey things? - Mm.
- Wow.
That sucks.
Louisa, I'm so glad you're here.
Oh, thanks.
I thought we might have a cup of tea.
I need a lift.
Vivien phoned to say they want to close down the Echo.
- What? Who? - According to Wendy, this'll be the last issue.
Come on! - Oh! (Tyres screech) Is Marty building the Big Nugget? I thought you must have approved it.
- Oh, as if! - Oh, no, no, no, Louisa.
I think the Echo is more important.
(Sighs) Crap.
MINNA: This is an outrage, Wendy! It's a Regional Press decision, Minna.
Bob Stinson says head office in Sydney doesn't think the Echo's paying its way.
We're a community newspaper, not a commodity.
- Everything's a commodity, Vivien.
- Only according to some people.
Now, how do you plan to fight this? I've already got a PR job lined up with a large corporation.
I'm leaving at the end of the week.
- What? You knew? - It's been on the cards for a while.
I was hoping it wouldn't happen.
(Camera clicks) MINNA: Oh, Louisa! I'm sorry, Vivien.
I wanted to tell you but I couldn't.
Oh, Louisa, please! The reporters shouldn't put themselves in the centre of the story.
But this is a very important moment in history, Wendy.
I mean, it's sad the Echo is closing.
(All talk at once) MINNA: The Echo's not closing.
Fine! If you want to do it.
But I won't be printing them.
Excuse me! Wendy, you can't just take this lying down.
Even if you're leaving.
The Echo's been an integral part of this community for over 160 years.
(Door closes) Um I'm sorry about your job, Vivien.
Thank you.
Can I Can I print these? I'll have to charge you $1 a sheet.
I think it's fairly clear that we're in the grip of a financial crisis.
RITA: So, what do you think? Do you like him? HOLLY: He's awesome.
As soon as I saw him, Meilin's bones just flew out of my mind.
I was like, "You're hot.
Who are you?" (Chuckles) Hol, he's so amazing.
He's like this systems analyst computer hot shot.
But he's got this beautiful, gentle side, you know.
He's a Taoist.
And they worship their ancestors' spirits.
But the coolest thing, Tsung Chi said that they try to see what they call the three jewels.
The three jewels? Mm.
Compassion, moderation, humility.
You know what? That's like Sean.
Oh, my God! You're right.
Smith is a Taoist and he doesn't know it.
I'm so glad he's finally got it together, and a picnic, that's like so sweet.
MINNA: We'll formulate a protest plan at the committee meeting.
I will knock on every front door if I have to.
We're gonna need maximum exposure, Louisa, and I'll be counting on your support.
Mum! You heard Wendy.
They won't be swayed.
MINNA: Oh, that's what they always say.
Look, why do you want to bash your head up against a brick wall? I thought you'd learnt what protest can achieve.
Look how we saved the trees.
We stopped the emporium car park and you led that charge.
That was Wayne, Mum.
One man! Regional Press is a huge concern.
They've got all those 60 papers.
- If anyone of them stops paying - Well, I'm sorry I have raised such a defeatist.
(Louisa sighs) Look, I am just worried about you! There's nothing wrong with me.
You worry about yourself.
Excuse me, I'm trying to be a grown-up.
What's that saying? Lord, grant me the courage to change the things that I can change - and the serenity to - Serenity? Who wants to be serene? I mean, you might as well be dead.
(Both laugh) - You've gone to so much trouble.
- Too much? No, no, it's awesome, Sean.
I just don't know how you swung it with work.
They gave me a couple of hours in lieu.
Cyril Blenkinsop died on a Sunday.
- Oh - Do you want some more? (Both laugh) SEAN: You go.
Um, I nearly forgot.
I brought fortune cookies.
It seems a bit dumb after all this stuff.
No, they're cool.
Have you ever noticed how they taste as bad as the paper inside? They do make better reading than eating, for sure.
Oh.
You first.
You gonna win a million bucks? It says, "The one you love is closer than you think.
" That's strange.
Mine says the same thing.
(Cow lows) (Distant argument) (Distant argument continues) (Sighs) MAN: I've had about enough! (Camera clicks) (Men argue) (Camera clicks) What are you doing? I got diverted.
Talk about human greed in action.
HOLLY: Mum! They're breaking the law.
This is insane! I'm calling the cops.
(Camera clicks) MAN: Don't tell me where to go.
Just go away.
(All argue at once) POLICEMAN: Just be quiet.
LOUISA: Well.
At least it isn't me getting in trouble for once.
It will be.
If you stand around taking photos again instead of calling us, these blokes could have ripped each other's heads off.
- I'm gonna need to confiscate this for evidence.
- Hey! Can he do that? - (Laughs) - Oh.
Very funny.
These photos are really good.
You've covered it from every angle.
Have you never considered crime-scene photography? LOUISA: I don't know, it's funny.
Every time I try to find my artistic inspiration, real life gets in the way.
NICK: Oh, real life has a habit of doing that.
How are things with you, Hol? - Pretty good.
LOUISA: Pretty good? Is that all? Mum.
COCKATOO: All right, doll? (Squawks) Hello, Cockie.
Where did you come from? If only he'd tell us, we could send him back.
LOUISA: Just ignore him, OK? He thrives on attention.
Hey, your mum tells me you're a pretty mean reindeer-sleigh driver.
That was so fun! Did she show you the photos? No, Wendy wants to use them in the last issue.
- Mum.
- What? Don't go writing off the Echo just yet.
It might not be the last issue.
Not with Nan on the case.
Um, sweetheart, just don't get too disappointed, OK? Nan's bringing a Save The Echo petition tomorrow.
To the Big Nugget opening? Does Gavin know? (Laughs) Oh, my gosh.
I have to bring my camera.
Real life getting in the way again.
Louie, did you ever think that maybe real life keeps getting in the way because that's where your inspiration is? No.
My real inspiration is art photography.
COCKATOO: A load of shit.
(Squawks) (Squawks) NICK: Got your speech sorted? (Louisa laughs) Big Nugget, big idiot.
I think that's all I have to say.
NICK: Couldn't have said it better myself.
(Louisa laughs) I'd better get going.
Thank you for dinner, Louisa.
LOUISA: Louisa? What happened to Louie? I don't know.
Um I mean, it's still the same, isn't it? Yeah.
Yeah, I guess.
Yeah.
Yeah, of course.
Sorry.
NICK: What? (Chuckles) I don't know.
The mood's Why? Because I called you Louisa? Well, yeah.
I mean, it's so much more formal than Louie.
So? I don't know.
Maybe we're just being too tense about this.
- Maybe we should just talk.
- No, no.
Let's not.
Why do women always want to talk about things? Can't we just say, let's try this again next time? Yeah, OK.
Yeah, OK.
(Both sigh) Goodnight, Louie.
Goodnight, Nicholas.
(Engine starts) (Horn honks) HOLLY: Sean! Holly! SEAN: Hi, how are you? - Hi, Mrs Atherton.
- Oh, no, call me Louisa.
OK, Mrs Atherton.
Louisa.
- Louisa! - Oh, Sandy! LOUISA: Hello.
Hello, handsome.
- Oh.
- No, no, no.
I'm perfectly capable, Louisa.
- Nan, no walking stick? - No, I hate using that thing.
We'll set the table up over there where everyone has to pass us.
(Camera clicks) LOUISA: OK.
Um, Vivien, can you just (Camera clicks) Oh, Mum! Stand next to Sandy.
Go on.
(Camera clicks) Louisa? Gemma! How are you? LOUISA: Hello.
- How's the guest of honour? - Oh, yeah, I guess.
LOUISA: I'm good.
Would you all piss off? I'm trying to finish this bloody thing.
- Rooster, you got any nails? - No.
Have you got any glue? - No.
- All right (!) If you'd take your seats and the proceedings I'm sure will start shortly.
Er Good morning.
We're campaigning to save the Rainbow Echo.
- Now, there's a petition on the table.
- It's an unfortunate confluence of events.
Minna, this is hardly the appropriate forum.
(Minna sighs) Hi.
NICK: Louie, I'll give her a hand.
- Thanks, Nick.
- Darling! - Oh, Marg.
(Drill whirrs) GAVIN: Marty! Marty! Why is this taking so bloody long? MARTY: Two minutes, Gav.
Get off my back, will you? RITA: Gavin! - Hi.
- Rita.
Hi, great to see you.
This is my boyfriend, Tsung Chi.
- Hello.
- Jong Ji? Nice to meet you.
I'm a bit under the pump at the moment but we'll talk later.
See ya.
Oh, Gavin.
If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'm there.
Put a sock in it, Marg.
(Sighs) And I know all you battlers with hearts and dreams of gold have been inspired by this very special lady.
So to officially open the Big Nugget, I'd like you to welcome Louisa Atherton.
Thank you, Gavin.
Um This Big Nugget symbolises the new-found prosperity of the local region.
And I'm very, very proud to have played an integral part.
I've You know, I I can't help feeling that, I mean, it's pretty ironic that we are celebrating the opening of something so ridiculous when something as important to us as the Rainbow Echo is closing down.
I mean, really, where are our priorities as a community? We're worshipping at the altar of money while losing something that chronicles our lives and our times and our triumphs and our tragedies as a community.
- All right, all right.
- Our families, and If you could just stay on the message.
Ahem.
The Big Nugget is a triumph of entrepreneurial innovation - and construction expertise.
- Bloody oath.
- And I'm proud to be standing up here today.
- Me too! So Louisa, if you would deign to pull the lever.
I now declare the Big Nugget officially open.
(Cheering and applause) (Gasps) It looks like a big poo.
- You can't talk about my work like that.
- Work? That isn't even a word in your vocabulary! Look how flimsy it is.
- What is it made of? Papier-mâché? - What are you talking about? It's the laws of physics.
It's got to have some give in case of strong winds.
(Structure creaks) WOMAN: Oh! That's a lot of give.
GAVIN: Marty.
What have you bloody done? I don't expect anything from him.
He's got the brain of a flea.
But why would you give him the job? Because you were trying to save money, because you're a tight-arse! And you're up yourself.
Ever since Indigo High you've thought you were better than everyone else.
Not everyone else.
Just you! It might not be a wise idea to mess with me.
I'm a very influential person in this town.
Yeah, you're a legend in your own lunchtime, you wanker! (Static) MINNA: Oh! Mr Jinson.
Mrs Jinson! Um The Rainbow Echo has been an essential part of this community for over 160 years.
You can't just close it.
Look, I'm here for the Big Nugget.
- We have a right to be heard.
- We demand that you keep the Echo open.
You can't close it down without consultation.
I'm sorry.
I can see that you all feel very strongly about this.
But we're not attracting the advertising we need to keep the paper afloat.
It's a bottom-line decision.
I'll buy it.
Oh, my gosh.
Why didn't I think of that before? - But it's not a viable business.
- Well l'll make it viable somehow.
I I can offer you $140,000.
Oh, Louisa.
I hope that leaves you with something.
Let me get back to my bosses and then I'll get back to you.
Well done, dear! Mum, you're awesome.
Good on you, Louie.
(Cockatoo squawks) So what's your next purchase? The New York Times? Are you kidding, that old rag? Hey Nick.
Have you seen the film Annie Hall? NICK: I don't get to the movies much.
Well, Woody Allen and Diane Keaton are going out on their first date.
And they decide to kiss at the start of the evening to save themselves any awkwardness.
So COCKATOO: How about it? The cockie's got good timing.
- Sorry.
- Don't say sorry.
Oh, sorry, that didn't work.
That was so Oh, you I was just caught surprised, that's all.
No, sorry.
Come here.
Oh.
Sorry.
Wow, I felt like I was kissing my brother.
What about you? I've never kissed your brother.
No, come on.
You know what I mean.
Did the earth move for you? - Not a tremor.
(Louisa laughs) Wow.
Looks like we've broken up, then.
(Laughs) Yeah.
Yeah.
Let's start the bitter recriminations.
(Laughs) Are we still mates? Always.
OK.
GIRLS: Hip hip hooray.
Hip hip ALL: Hooray! - For you.
- Thank you so much, all of you.
I've enjoyed every minute of my time at the Echo.
- Yes, Deb, even our skirmishes.
And I'd like to wish Louisa all the very best for her plans to resurrect the paper.
Louisa? We were just wondering if you'd given any thought into staffing issues once you're in charge.
Well, I mean, they haven't actually accepted my offer.
Yes, but when they do WENDY: Bob! WENDY: You made it.
- Sorry I'm late.
- For all those years of loyal service.
- Oh.
Excuse me, Bob.
Excuse me, Mr Stinson.
Louisa.
I've been trying to call you.
Oh.
Well, so Ahem.
Have we got a deal? Well, we We considered your figure.
Unfortunately, we received a better offer.
What? You mean, I've been gazumped? GAVIN: Wendy, our guest of honour.
All the best for the future, and I promise I'll try and steer the ship smoothly.
No! No.
Not, not, not BOB: Meet the new owner of the Echo.
If you feel like you have to work, there's one temporary position available.
$600 for a one-off ad? Who dreamt that up? No hawkers.
You know what that means? Until it rains and the water starts flowing again Envirowatch.
They've got a pretty good handle on stuff like this.
- Move it.
- Holly! LOUISA: Holly, get out of here! You committed a minor assault, Mrs Atherton, a charge that could have seen you in court.
I just wanted to say thank you for yesterday.
If you kept your mouth shut more often, you wouldn't need so much help.
My new business partner, Tim Price.
Louisa Atherton.
I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails It's the oldest of tales Lose the wind From your sails I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails I lay down in a bed of roses I woke up lying on a bed of nails And I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails