Bed of Roses (2008) s02e05 Episode Script
Goddess of the Rainbow
We're still friends? Well, I haven't had a memo to say otherwise.
Oh, my But let's not do that, eh? It's too tricky.
You breathe into this for me.
It's just routine.
How could you do this to Sean? Why won't you listen to me? It was Tim.
My old fellow is giving up the ghost.
Nothing works.
- Are you seeing someone? - Yeah.
Of course.
It's all in working order but It's not fair on Gemma.
She doesn't deserve this.
Now this place may not look like much at the moment, but we could turn it into something to be proud of.
Bad things happen here.
Can't you feel it? The Echo is an echo of the voices in our community.
It's not just a sales catalogue.
But if you disagree, you probably have the wrong editor and you'll have to get yourself a new one.
But you'll be making a big mistake.
Check this out.
There is something inside.
- Is somebody's hair.
- Oh! - What? - Chinese pigtail.
(Giggling) You were supposing to be chained to your desk, sweetheart.
What did you do? Eat your way through the padlock? Sorry, we were at the community garden, then we just stopped for fish and chips and I kind of just lost track of time.
Holl, it is VCE year.
Don't you think you might have a little too much on your plate? No, the community garden is part of school.
Kinda.
And Sean is here to help with my homework.
Aren't you? - Erm, yeah.
- Right.
Well, even so, I do think something has got to give.
Holl, I am speaking from experience.
Look at me.
I let my schooling slip and here I am years, decades later still trying to find my feet.
Mum, you've told me this 15 times.
Holl, maybe you should quit the Rainbow Inn, yeah? At least just for now.
Quit! No way.
I need my financial independence.
And besides, I just got a raise.
I'm on $13 an hour.
You earn more than I do? 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 Oh.
Ha.
Six.
Five.
You can do it, sweetie.
Four.
Three, two.
One.
- Vivien? - Louisa.
I'm going to make up the time tonight.
Erm, cool down with your stretches before you shower.
Pat's my personal trainer.
Isn't she looking trim? - Yeah.
- Start with your cat stretch, OK? - Cat stretches.
- Mm-mm.
Oh.
Oh, I had this idea for a story.
I (Mobile phone rings) Oh.
Sorry, I'll just take this and then I'll Pat? Gem? - I got it, Steph.
- Can somebody just Oh! I took on a bit more than I could chew there.
- Mmm.
- Oh! I've got the wobbles.
I had this fantastic idea for an article.
I want to interview people who are unsung heroes in the community.
And I want to start with you and Pat and the wonderful rehab work you do.
- That's a gorgeous idea, sweetie.
- OK, cool.
Now Well, I'm off.
Louisa? Listen to this.
"Dear Caring Caroline, I want to thank you for saving my relationship and my life.
" It's the best part about being Caring Caroline - helping people.
It's a shame nobody knows it's me.
Imagine how many friends I'd have.
Not not that I have Bye then.
Bye.
Could you sign here and here? Oh, my glutes aren't what they used to be.
Careful, Gemma, you'll put me to sleep.
Well, why don't we adjourn to the office? - Now? - Yeah.
Carly's got things covered.
It'll be like old times.
Come on, angel.
But I've got a step class that starts in 15 minutes.
Well, what I'm planning won't take very long.
Sorry, Gem, I'd love to, but I've got to do this first.
But later, OK? I bet you wouldn't say no to Steph.
- What? - I saw you with her before.
You were drooling.
That is ridiculous.
You know what? This jealousy thing is getting worse.
This isn't like you.
You never used to have a jealous bone in your body.
That was back when you wanted my body.
It's been months now.
You've had all the tests.
We know it's not medical.
So you can't keep saying it's not about me.
Gem! You're still the most beautiful girl in the world.
Then why do I feel so invisible? Oh, Pat, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm being silly.
So later.
Absolutely.
Hey, Pat, give us a hand with this cross-trainer? Glad to.
G'day! How about it? That isn't funny right now.
I'm suppose to be teaching you typing, Marty.
Yeah, yeah.
Just show me this Googling thing first.
I'm still astonished that you're so ignorant of the World Wide Web.
Do I look like some pasty-faced computer geek? I just want to know who kicked the winning point in the 1966 Grand Final.
These are all the websites.
You just click on one of them.
See? - Any one of them.
- Mmm-mmm.
I knew it! It was Barry Breen.
Gav owes me 20 bucks.
So, this Google thing will tell you anything.
Whatever you need.
You just type it in.
It's called Googling.
It's become a verb in its own right.
A what? A verb.
(Microwave oven pings) That's my Lean Cuisine.
- I'll be back in a few minutes.
- Right-o.
Come on, girl.
(Holly and Sean murmur) Guys, it's ten o'clock.
Oh.
Candles.
It doesn't seem very conducive to homework.
We're trying to save energy if we're serious about becoming carbon neutral.
Ha, ha.
OK.
Come on, Sean, I think you should leave.
No.
It's not even that late.
It's all right, Holly.
I'll go now, Miss Atherton.
Sorry about Mum.
Text me when you get home? What do you reckon? (Thud) - What was that? - I don't know.
Nighty-night.
Mum, get a life.
Thank you.
Good night.
(Speaks Mandarin) Come and see.
It's the only photo I have of Ah Chin.
Family resemblance very strong.
Wow, it's, like It's amazing.
The pigtail we find could belong to him.
Don't get up your hopes, little Chin.
Tens of thousands came to the gold field.
But Ah Chin never returned to China.
Why? Look at his eyes.
They look so sad.
What happened to men who did not return? I hope the museum can give me answers.
I hope so too, babe.
(Laughter on TV) Pat? Let's turn this off.
It's fine by me.
I was dozing anyway.
I've hired us a movie instead.
- A movie? - Yeah, you said later.
It's later.
Rosie is dead to the world.
It's set in a gym.
It's called I Pulled A Muscle.
Oh, yeah? Play School Theme Song Oh! The guy must have put it in the wrong cover.
Rosie! Gemma, that could have scarred her for life.
Is that her? I think she's crying.
Just better check.
Sorry! Erm, I know you'll probably disagree, but I want to move this story up to page three because I think the pigtail is a really powerful story.
But that would mean bumping what Gavin wants - the Chamber of Commerce barbecue.
OK, then.
Bump it.
I'll deal with Gav.
Really? I know you've been thinking of resigning.
Quite frankly, we'd be lost without you.
So I am going to try and see things more your way.
- Really? - Yeah.
Prioritising community stories isn't such a bad idea I guess.
Oh.
Well Well, maybe your heart is in the right place after all.
I resent that implication.
Hello, Tim Price.
Viv, have you done the setup for page six? Oh, been a bit busy with Caring Caroline.
I'll get onto it now.
(Phone rings) Hello, Rainbow Echo.
Yep.
Huh? (Gasps) Viv? Viv? Are you all right? - I'm I'm fine.
- The Baby Barn has pulled the plug.
- What? - What? They just saw last week's advertorial on the Kidsware Store and they think we're promoting the opposition.
So they've spat the dummy.
If you'll excuse the pun.
Oh! That was a full page ad! How can I make a page out of nothing? It's deadline day.
I'm well aware of that, Vivien.
So we'll extend the community carers feature.
Oh, yeah.
That's a really good idea.
I mean, because there are so many people I would love to profile.
So Well, wait a minute.
I'm the editor.
I make the editorial decisions.
So we probably should extend the community carers feature.
Oh, Mum, it looks fantastic.
Oh, I'm having a great time.
- Oh.
Hi, Sandy.
- Careful, careful.
Oh.
Thank you, Sandy.
You're welcome, erm - Louisa.
- I knew that.
I'm just testing.
Holl? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school? Calm down.
I have a free period.
Sean's gonna take me into school afterwards.
Well, shouldn't Sean be at work? He got the morning off.
Typical! Playing hookey with your girlfriend.
You'll be down the pub next no doubt.
We all know how you like a drink! Can't you get over it? Lorna, just the person I wanted to see.
I am doing a special piece on carers for the community at the Echo and because you've been a volunteer at the hospital for the last 35 years, I thought Hello, Daisy.
Oh! (Growls) You terrified her.
All right.
Marty, I want you to know, as Caring Caroline, I read it all.
- Nothing shocks me any more.
- What? I found some sites that might be helpful for you.
And I've researched doctors who specialise in that area.
Prostrate and potency clinics? A lot of men suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Oh, what! I'm not the one with a problem.
I saw the sites you were looking at yesterday.
There is nothing to be ashamed of.
And there are solutions.
There is even a nasal spray.
Although I'm not sure exactly how it works.
I'm not the one with my gear stick stuck in neutral.
It's Pat O'Reilly.
- What? - It's Pat.
He hasn't kicked a goal since he turned 50.
But that's a secret.
Right.
OK.
One last one.
OK.
Thanks.
That's great.
I'll let you get back to it.
Oh, they're so sweet.
They've been together since school.
I mean, I love Sean.
I do.
I just I worry sometimes that Holly might have met him too soon.
Do you ever think you met Pat too soon? No.
Why should I? Oh, I'm sorry, Louisa.
I'm a bit sleep deprived.
You and Pat are always sleep deprived.
I don't know.
I think I met Jack too soon.
You know, he had no other life experiences, no-one to measure me up against.
Gem, are you sure you're just tired? Of course I am, sweetie.
Oh, God.
I've got to go.
- See you.
- Bye, darling.
- Look, I'm sorry.
- The most hideous chihuahua.
I'll deal with it tomorrow.
Yes, racing to deadline.
- Goodbye.
ungrateful patient.
Viv, half of page nine.
The gym pics are in the folder.
- I have to finish proofing first.
- Louisa, have you done that tyre advertorial? Yep, and the school bus breakdown, the singing goat and the knitathon.
But I still need that copy for Phil's Farm Machinery Mart.
I'll grab it.
Oh, no.
A blackout.
Oh, my God.
I've just lost everything I've written.
Why? Did you turn your autosave off? - No.
Why would I do that? - Then you haven't lost it.
Vivien, relax.
I'm sorry.
Here.
Use my laptop for now.
Vivien, you keep proofing the hard copy and I'll sort something out in the meantime.
Oh! When will this end? My eyes aren't what they used to be.
I can't make pages in the dark.
Here you are, Viv.
You can have my little ltty Bitty Book Light.
- Don't you need it? - No, my eyes are still perfect.
Oh! - Loui, Vivien? - Nick.
- Nick.
- Hey.
Hi.
We're plugging in my old gennie out there, so if we could switch off anything we don't need.
Extraneous lights, the fridge.
We'll kick this into gear.
All right.
Well Oh.
Everything is off.
How can I tell if it's on? Try checking the switches, Loui.
Oh, right.
I knew that.
Yes, all off in the kitchen.
Thank you, Vivien.
Kick it over, Tim.
(Generator starts) - Oh! - Oh, my God.
Oh, you're a life-saver.
Oh Sorry.
You don't want me to do that.
I Do what? - This? - Oh.
Oh, thanks a lot for your help, mate.
Well, we better get on with it.
Better get going.
Oh.
Thanks.
Just checking Nick got the generator going OK.
Oh, Gav.
Now you're here you, can you give Vivien a hand to proofread these? Our experts have examined all the items.
They are definitely authentic.
They almost certainly date from the late 1850s.
- And the pigtail? - Please.
Not without gloves.
We know that Ah Chin was mining in the area where we found this.
Are you sure you cannot identify owner? As I told you on the phone, you can only get DNA from a hair follicle.
So all we know is that the owner of this was murdered? Not necessarily.
The Manchu emperors demanded that all Chinese men wear pigtails as a sign of submission.
So if this miner had gone back to China without his pigtail, - he would have been beheaded.
- No way.
But the European miners knew how much the Chinese longed for their home.
So sometimes they cut off their pigtails just to spite them.
- Oh, that's disgusting.
- So he may have lived.
He may.
But who knows for how long? I mean, attacks against the Chinese were commonplace.
I just can't believe what those poor guys went through.
It makes me ashamed to be Australian.
Come on, babe, let's get out of here.
Rita! (Truck honks) - Are you OK? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's OK.
It's OK.
I'm OK.
Are you OK? - We have to call Louisa.
- Yeah.
"The identity of the pigtail owner seems destined to remain a mystery.
" "So, for the little chap and the big fella, come and see Beryl and Bob at Indigo Boys And Menswear.
" You should be a copywriter, Gavin.
There you go.
What's next? Erm, fake turf for the bowling club.
Do you mind? I'm riveted already.
- Oh! - Yay! Congratulations, guys.
And we're still going to make our deadline.
My shout at the pub tonight.
Oh, I can't tonight.
I'm picking up my new kitten.
- Oh.
- A kitten.
What breed? - She's a British shorthair.
- Well, that's a very astute choice.
Did you know they were introduced into Britain by Caesar and his conquering Roman army? No.
No, I didn't.
Mmm.
Yes, a very noble breed.
I meant to say these extra pics are great.
Oh, thanks.
If you sell ten of them at $2 a pop, you could earn yourself $20.
Oh, that would be fantastic, Gav, seeing as I'm paid less than the average teenage waitress.
Yeah, yeah.
You heard me.
Holly earns more than I do.
Oh.
Oh, that's mine.
Ta.
Thanks.
Just there? - Hi, guys.
- Hey, Holly.
Hey, we are making an offering to Ah Chin but don't ask me why.
Tsung Chi won't tell me.
Babe, I not want to freak you out.
How are you going to freak me out? When I was a child, my grandmother made altars to dead ancestors.
She said those who died unjustly were angry ghosts leading her into trouble.
Yeah, but you don't believe that stuff.
Rita, you nearly got killed by a truck.
- That? - No.
Look, I just wasn't looking.
And there was the snake you nearly stepped on.
And what about my bad feeling and finding pigtail? I have to appease Ah Chin.
In case.
This is spinning me out.
You're, like, some super modern computer guy.
It is true.
I used to laugh at my grandmother's beliefs.
But maybe I've been too up myself to see the truth.
I must find out how Ah Chin died.
I will do anything.
I will go anywhere.
I will be like Ghostbuster.
I should not joke.
But, baby, you won't have time.
You've got that new IT job at Indigo.
No.
No, job can wait.
Ah Chin is more important.
I will put these on the doorstep.
They will keep his angry spirit outside.
(Goose honks) I don't know what you want me to say, Louisa.
I just want your support, that's all.
She's been burning the candle at both ends and it's interfering with her schoolwork.
Is it? Has she failed anything? Well, not exactly.
But, I mean, she could be doing better.
On whose terms? Really, Louisa.
I wish I had a tape recording of you at this age.
You were obsessed with Jack and movies and make-up.
And I don't recall schoolwork ever being at the top of your priority list.
That is exactly my point.
Holly has got too many interests, just like I did.
Oh, well, I think Holly's interests are a little more substantive.
Thanks, Mum.
Oh, well, what did you expect me to say? I don't know.
But somehow I just keep expecting to hear it.
Louisa, I am not going to stand here and condone you burdening Holly with the fallout from your own mistakes.
That's not what I'm doing.
Isn't it? I have to go.
I'm meeting everyone at the pub.
Oh.
Will Tim be there? Yeah.
I want you to give him something.
Apple and green tomato chutney.
And you tell him that is the best batch I've ever made.
Do you think your daughter could have one of these? Oh.
Of course.
She wants Nursery Rhyme Favourites again.
Thanks.
I know what this is about, Pat.
It's because I'm your first and only.
Come on, Gem.
Not this again.
Stop denying it.
I've always known it would be an issue.
- And I always told you that it wasn't.
- Well, I don't believe you any more.
- Can't we just try counselling? - We did that and it didn't work.
We went once.
You sat with your arms folded.
Barely said a word and refused to go again.
- It's our private business.
- Counsellors are trained to keep secrets.
I don't want anyone judging us.
It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Are you kidding? We'd be laughing stocks.
Especially me.
(Sighs) I'm sorry that I made you feel that way.
Gem, I love you.
You're the most wonderful, sexiest woman in the world.
Will you stop saying that when you can't follow it through? It doesn't mean anything to me any more.
From my mum.
Apple and green tomato chutney.
My favourite.
Tell her she's a sweetheart.
Ha, ha.
If I told her that, she'd have me committed.
I'll tell her myself.
It'll give me a chance to drop in and see her.
What is it with you two? Oh, that would be telling.
So, do you want the good news or the good news? - Why, what's the bad news? - There isn't any.
I've twisted Gav's arm and we've decided to give you a raise.
How does an extra 10 bucks an hour sound? Well, 20 would be better.
No, no, I'm kidding.
No, that's fantastic.
All right.
I'll give you a cash advance now and you can shout the peanuts.
Can I see? Oh, my heavens.
They're gorgeous kids.
I can't take the credit, though.
They're Jane, my ex-wife's, with her second husband.
Well, he was killed in a car crash when they were still very little.
Oh, that's awful.
It must have been tough for you too.
You know, losing your husband.
Yeah.
Yeah, it was.
So, what about you? Well, that's a dull and very long story.
Go on, try me.
I'm a good listener.
Well, it's codename for nosey parker.
Well, all right.
It was love at first sight.
I heard her laugh, I think.
That's what I fell in love with first.
You know, sort of a cackle like a witch on a broom, really.
- Hey, Marty.
Marty! Hey, Marty.
- What? - Your shout.
- Yeah, I'm just going to take a leak.
Hey, there's Loui.
tank top singlets.
- Not interrupting, are we? - How's the gennie? - Good.
Thank you.
Has he told you the good news? I've decided to give you a raise.
You have? What? She got a raise? What about me? If you get your shout we might talk about it.
Right-o.
So, Tim, what's your story? Hey, we have to stop meeting like this.
Hi, Steph.
G'day.
I'm Marty.
How you going? Hi.
Good, thanks.
I think my friend is calling me, so I'll just see you later.
I think she's calling me too.
You know, I've never been single my whole adult life.
Mate, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
Here you go, Iris.
Do you like that? Welcome home, Iris.
Don't knock Mick Malthouse.
He's the best in the business.
He's overrated.
Two-time Premiership coach.
Yeah, because he got lucky with a couple of gun teams.
You think about the Eagles '94 side.
Or think about who's got the best thighs.
Dale Thomas, Paul Licuria? Loui.
Jeez.
For what it's worth, my money is on Paul Licuria.
- Nick? - Hey, pool? - I'll play.
- What? You're going to play? Yeah.
How hard can it be? Hit the ball with the stick thingy.
Two dollars.
Erm There you go.
My shout.
- Come on.
- Be patient with her.
Come on, Loui.
(All laugh) - You are shithouse.
Shut up, Marty, she's never played before.
You need to lean into it more.
Let me show you.
Watch out.
She bites.
- Just relax.
- Yep.
- Ohh! - Take no notice of them, all right? - Yeah.
- That's it.
Good.
Close.
Much better.
- Thanks.
- Your go, Nick.
Excuse me.
Nice.
Pay up, sunshine.
- I'll be spending that later.
- We'll see, eh? Right.
Oh! - Woo-hoo! - You're kidding, aren't you? Under arm.
Focus, Loui.
Focus.
Hurray! I got it in.
That was Marty's.
Come on.
Pay up.
Come on, Marty.
Come on.
Oh, my heavens.
Are they moths? Settle down.
It's just a game.
Oh, it hurts.
Softly.
Here we go.
- Oh.
- Ah.
Hard luck, mate.
- No pressure.
- Shut up, Marty.
Oh, not even close! Right.
Eddie Charlton takes to the floor.
Has he lost his mojo? The pressure builds.
This for the championship.
I'm heading home.
- Are you all right? - Already? - See you, Pat.
- See you, Pat.
The crowd goes quiet.
- 2,000 - Shut up, Marty.
Oh! Best of three? You're on.
- Oh, my God.
- Let's go.
No, no.
I'm heading home.
You boys have fun.
Why don't you build a billy cart when you're finished? Gemma? Can't we please give counselling another try? The only good thing about this nightmare is that no-one else knows about it.
- Loui? - Hey, Nick.
Vivien said you'd be down here.
So, who won? What were you doing with him last night? What? Tim is full of himself.
Can't you see that? Why would you go out with a bloke like that? Go out? No, he's a work colleague.
Pull your head out of the clouds for ten seconds.
He didn't go to the pub to talk about work.
How is this any of your business, Nick Pickering? I always go straight for Caring Caroline.
She is, like, really wise.
Don't you reckon? Oh.
Nah.
It's boring today.
Some woman has been married for 30 years and now her husband can't do it.
Have you told someone? Pat, I'm waiting.
- Have you told anyone? - No, of course I haven't.
- Well, I might have mentioned it to the boys.
- The boys? I'm sorry.
It just slipped out.
I mean Before you unburdened yourself, you should remember that Marty works for the newspaper.
- Gemma.
- Just get away from me.
The impotent letter? That's true? That's you.
Don't like to me, Louisa.
You know it's me.
He told you.
Marty? What I gotta go.
I've got to go see a bloke.
That's right.
Skulk out with your tail between your legs.
I can't believe you'd betray me like this.
No, Gem.
Gem, I just - I thought - It wasn't her! It's me.
I'm Caring Caroline.
I'm so sorry, Gemma.
I was just trying to help you.
By making me a laughing stock? You're supposed to be my friend.
I am.
Nobody is laughing at you.
No.
Just don't.
No.
Gem.
Gem, wait.
No, I need to be alone.
I really thought I was helping her, Louisa.
I suppose the truth is I lost my perspective.
I've let Caring Caroline go to my head.
But it's just so nice hearing people say that I helped them.
It made me feel special.
- I sound silly.
- No, you don't.
I've never felt special before, Louisa.
(Phone rings) ANSWERPHONE: Gem, can you please pick up? I'm so sorry.
I love you.
I'll try again later.
(Doorbell rings) Darling, tell us to go away if you want to.
Why didn't you tell us? It's too humiliating.
- No, it isn't.
- Don't say that.
Gem, a lot of middle-aged men go through this.
But my Pat, he's always been so mad for me.
We're famous for it.
At least locally.
If he doesn't want me, what have we got left? I don't know who I am any more.
Oh, Gem.
Oh, you poor thing.
How can we help you? Oh, we can't.
We're amateurs, darling.
You need a professional.
No.
Never again.
We went to a counsellor, but she picked on me.
Of course she did.
That's why you pay them ludicrous amounts of money.
She was horrible to me.
She kept asking me why I'd constructed my sense of self around my sexuality.
What? It's nothing.
So I miss my old body.
Is that such a crime? I've told Pat we're not going back.
Oh, darling.
Do you realise the message that's sending? Avoiding your fear of ageing is making it more important than resolving your issues with Pat.
The celebrancy thing.
It's making me wiser than I want to be.
Look at me.
Are you putting your ego before your relationship? Oh.
Hello.
I just thought I'd congratulate the troops.
You got your new kitten.
(Cat miaows) I called her Iris, after the Roman goddess of the rainbow.
Very apt.
Hello, Iris.
Well, aren't you a little beauty? I forgot you were a cat-lover, Gavin.
I still think of George Clooney often.
Would you like to hold her? Yeah.
Oh.
Nothing like that little purr.
I adore you, Gem.
You are all my dreams in one human being.
But I know that means nothing to you right now.
No, angel, it means everything.
I'm sorry I've been so vain about this.
It's just that I've tried so hard to keep things exciting and since that issue, I've tried even harder.
But I don't understand why Well, I can't take the pressure.
Now I'm sorry, Gem.
I know we've made love more times than we've made our brekkie.
But we're 50 now.
We've got a busy gym and a boisterous toddler.
And we're 50 years old.
I don't want to be 50.
Well, you are, my love.
And so am I.
And I'm starting to do things that I'm not very proud of.
Last Wednesday night, I hid in the garage until you'd gone to sleep.
Pat.
It's my fault too.
I should have been more honest.
It's just that I get tired more easily these days.
You know? And sometimes I just want a cuddle.
Angel.
But does this mean that we'll never I hope not.
But I don't know if my problem will fix itself.
Maybe we should go back to the counsellor.
Why didn't I think of that? What about on your hands? Oh, no Oh, Tim, do you remember my daughter Holly? Yes, of course.
How are you? I'm fine.
Oh, and this is Sean Smithwick.
Sean, Tim Price.
Sean.
Yes.
That photo I put of you on the front page didn't do you justice.
I just thought I'd address the elephant in the room before it stomped all over us.
Is that supposed to be funny? - Holl.
- No, no.
It's OK.
Can I tempt anyone with a wine? Erm, me.
I'll get some glasses.
Here you are, Sean.
You can open that for us.
So How's the funeral business? People dying to get into it? What the hell is he doing here? I'm sorry, Holl.
I didn't know he was coming.
Am I'm supposed to believe that? This is the lowest you've ever sunk.
You'd do anything to get rid of Sean.
I didn't know Sean was coming over.
Sean is the nicest person in the whole world, but you're determined to drive him away.
Let's not stress.
You don't need it before your exams.
You're obsessed with my VCE.
Sean is the only person keeping me sane right now.
Instead of thanking him you invite that jerk over, the guy who practically ruined his life.
Would you let me explain? Tim comes over to drop off some things from work.
Suddenly offers to cook dinner.
How do I say no? - Like this - NO! - Sshhh! No, I have to go rescue Sean.
And I'm not eating his stupid food.
Holly.
Vivi? Gemma.
I'm just writing my Caring Caroline resignation letter.
Oh, don't, sweetie.
I read your advice.
It was wonderful.
Come here, darling.
Mmm-wah! Oh, darling.
I've seen hundreds of people buried in wicker baskets.
And last year, my uncle Bob, he got buried in an eco pod.
An eco pod? Mmm.
It's a biodegradable coffin that's shaped like a seed pod.
They bury them in the ground and because they're made of nutrients it actually replenishes the earth.
- That's awesome.
- Wow.
Did he want that? Yeah, it was his idea.
"We're all part of the food chain, Timothy.
" He was a visionary, you know.
If he'd had his way he would have been compost.
I wish our clients could be compost.
No timber coffins or harmful adhesives.
No toxic formaldehyde for embalming.
All you'd need is a rake and you could spread your loved ones over the garden and then they'll be a part of the cycle of life forever.
It sounds like Uncle Bob's not the only visionary.
Here's to green burials.
- Yes.
- Here.
Or maybe not.
I don't want you getting done for DUI again.
It's OK.
He's not driving home.
He's staying.
To help with homework.
I guess I won't be able to finish my homework.
- We could do it by candlelight, Holly.
- We could do our dinner by candlelight.
Oh.
Well, that dinner was great.
And thank you for saving all of us from me in the kitchen.
Well, someone had to.
Well See you Monday? Yep.
See you Monday.
That salad was pretty wicked.
Celibate? - That salad.
- Oh.
- I thought you said celibate.
- No.
- I'm not a celibate.
- Yeah, I know.
(Laughs) Holl.
I I owe you an apology.
I erm I shouldn't have been on your back so much about the VCE.
I've been imposing my own hang-ups on you, and that really isn't fair.
I I happen to think that you are a wonderful person and you have a great value system.
Erm, terrific social conscience.
And, well, you're an inspiring young woman and you have a pretty damn good boyfriend as well.
Anyway, no mother could wish for more than that.
Thanks, Mum.
I mean, so what if you don't get your VCE.
Hmmm? So what if you have to sit it next year or, I don't know, even if you never get it? Because there are so many other things in life.
You know? So Yeah.
Erm, because there's two here.
Yeah.
And then that's split so I guess I guess I guess it could be B.
Because covalent bonds exist between deoxyribose sugars and bases? Yes! Good.
I said to the counsellor, "I should have realised that poor Pat just needed a cuddle sometimes.
" Oh, you've got to feel for the poor man, Gem.
I mean, they can't fake it like we can.
Oh, come on.
Don't be so coy.
We've all done it.
I haven't.
Oh, there you go again, Deb.
Complicating male-female relationships with honesty.
I just don't get why you'd want to trick someone.
Well, it's not a great conspiracy.
It's just that sometimes it's more expedient.
Expedient? But don't you just adore it? Darling, this may come as a complete surprise to you, but we're not all perpetually in the mood for Peking duck! Salt and pepper squid.
Beef and black bean sauce.
Sorry, Lily, we were just talking about I know what you talk about.
Oh.
Sorry.
I hope we weren't too loud.
My Wayne, he really know what to do with his chopstick.
Oh, Mum! In ancient Chinese culture, many ways to please woman.
He can fry my rice any time he likes.
Vivi! You're just as bad as the rest of us.
I think I'll have some of that fried rice.
I also like a man with a big wok! (All laugh) - Hello, Wendy.
- Louisa, you're the editor now.
We've applied for an exploration licence with the state government.
They buy up old mines, then move in fast so protest groups don't have time to oppose them.
I've lost my way, Min.
It's more than just forgetfulness, isn't it? - Ah Chin is very important to little Chin.
- And I'm not? I just go to Melbourne for a few days, talk to them.
They might know what happened to him.
I've joined an online dating service.
(Sleazy laughter) - How many lots have you leased? - Not that many.
It's a small amount of disturbance with a huge mutual benefit, which is what I thought we were here to talk about.
We're here to talk about your mining methods.
- OK.
So legally what are we allowed to do? - I don't know.
I thought we would eventually get ourselves together.
But it has to be her choice.
Are you giving her a choice by not telling her how you feel? What do you want from me? 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 La-la, la, la, la I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails La-la, la, la, la, la I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails
Oh, my But let's not do that, eh? It's too tricky.
You breathe into this for me.
It's just routine.
How could you do this to Sean? Why won't you listen to me? It was Tim.
My old fellow is giving up the ghost.
Nothing works.
- Are you seeing someone? - Yeah.
Of course.
It's all in working order but It's not fair on Gemma.
She doesn't deserve this.
Now this place may not look like much at the moment, but we could turn it into something to be proud of.
Bad things happen here.
Can't you feel it? The Echo is an echo of the voices in our community.
It's not just a sales catalogue.
But if you disagree, you probably have the wrong editor and you'll have to get yourself a new one.
But you'll be making a big mistake.
Check this out.
There is something inside.
- Is somebody's hair.
- Oh! - What? - Chinese pigtail.
(Giggling) You were supposing to be chained to your desk, sweetheart.
What did you do? Eat your way through the padlock? Sorry, we were at the community garden, then we just stopped for fish and chips and I kind of just lost track of time.
Holl, it is VCE year.
Don't you think you might have a little too much on your plate? No, the community garden is part of school.
Kinda.
And Sean is here to help with my homework.
Aren't you? - Erm, yeah.
- Right.
Well, even so, I do think something has got to give.
Holl, I am speaking from experience.
Look at me.
I let my schooling slip and here I am years, decades later still trying to find my feet.
Mum, you've told me this 15 times.
Holl, maybe you should quit the Rainbow Inn, yeah? At least just for now.
Quit! No way.
I need my financial independence.
And besides, I just got a raise.
I'm on $13 an hour.
You earn more than I do? 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 Oh.
Ha.
Six.
Five.
You can do it, sweetie.
Four.
Three, two.
One.
- Vivien? - Louisa.
I'm going to make up the time tonight.
Erm, cool down with your stretches before you shower.
Pat's my personal trainer.
Isn't she looking trim? - Yeah.
- Start with your cat stretch, OK? - Cat stretches.
- Mm-mm.
Oh.
Oh, I had this idea for a story.
I (Mobile phone rings) Oh.
Sorry, I'll just take this and then I'll Pat? Gem? - I got it, Steph.
- Can somebody just Oh! I took on a bit more than I could chew there.
- Mmm.
- Oh! I've got the wobbles.
I had this fantastic idea for an article.
I want to interview people who are unsung heroes in the community.
And I want to start with you and Pat and the wonderful rehab work you do.
- That's a gorgeous idea, sweetie.
- OK, cool.
Now Well, I'm off.
Louisa? Listen to this.
"Dear Caring Caroline, I want to thank you for saving my relationship and my life.
" It's the best part about being Caring Caroline - helping people.
It's a shame nobody knows it's me.
Imagine how many friends I'd have.
Not not that I have Bye then.
Bye.
Could you sign here and here? Oh, my glutes aren't what they used to be.
Careful, Gemma, you'll put me to sleep.
Well, why don't we adjourn to the office? - Now? - Yeah.
Carly's got things covered.
It'll be like old times.
Come on, angel.
But I've got a step class that starts in 15 minutes.
Well, what I'm planning won't take very long.
Sorry, Gem, I'd love to, but I've got to do this first.
But later, OK? I bet you wouldn't say no to Steph.
- What? - I saw you with her before.
You were drooling.
That is ridiculous.
You know what? This jealousy thing is getting worse.
This isn't like you.
You never used to have a jealous bone in your body.
That was back when you wanted my body.
It's been months now.
You've had all the tests.
We know it's not medical.
So you can't keep saying it's not about me.
Gem! You're still the most beautiful girl in the world.
Then why do I feel so invisible? Oh, Pat, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm being silly.
So later.
Absolutely.
Hey, Pat, give us a hand with this cross-trainer? Glad to.
G'day! How about it? That isn't funny right now.
I'm suppose to be teaching you typing, Marty.
Yeah, yeah.
Just show me this Googling thing first.
I'm still astonished that you're so ignorant of the World Wide Web.
Do I look like some pasty-faced computer geek? I just want to know who kicked the winning point in the 1966 Grand Final.
These are all the websites.
You just click on one of them.
See? - Any one of them.
- Mmm-mmm.
I knew it! It was Barry Breen.
Gav owes me 20 bucks.
So, this Google thing will tell you anything.
Whatever you need.
You just type it in.
It's called Googling.
It's become a verb in its own right.
A what? A verb.
(Microwave oven pings) That's my Lean Cuisine.
- I'll be back in a few minutes.
- Right-o.
Come on, girl.
(Holly and Sean murmur) Guys, it's ten o'clock.
Oh.
Candles.
It doesn't seem very conducive to homework.
We're trying to save energy if we're serious about becoming carbon neutral.
Ha, ha.
OK.
Come on, Sean, I think you should leave.
No.
It's not even that late.
It's all right, Holly.
I'll go now, Miss Atherton.
Sorry about Mum.
Text me when you get home? What do you reckon? (Thud) - What was that? - I don't know.
Nighty-night.
Mum, get a life.
Thank you.
Good night.
(Speaks Mandarin) Come and see.
It's the only photo I have of Ah Chin.
Family resemblance very strong.
Wow, it's, like It's amazing.
The pigtail we find could belong to him.
Don't get up your hopes, little Chin.
Tens of thousands came to the gold field.
But Ah Chin never returned to China.
Why? Look at his eyes.
They look so sad.
What happened to men who did not return? I hope the museum can give me answers.
I hope so too, babe.
(Laughter on TV) Pat? Let's turn this off.
It's fine by me.
I was dozing anyway.
I've hired us a movie instead.
- A movie? - Yeah, you said later.
It's later.
Rosie is dead to the world.
It's set in a gym.
It's called I Pulled A Muscle.
Oh, yeah? Play School Theme Song Oh! The guy must have put it in the wrong cover.
Rosie! Gemma, that could have scarred her for life.
Is that her? I think she's crying.
Just better check.
Sorry! Erm, I know you'll probably disagree, but I want to move this story up to page three because I think the pigtail is a really powerful story.
But that would mean bumping what Gavin wants - the Chamber of Commerce barbecue.
OK, then.
Bump it.
I'll deal with Gav.
Really? I know you've been thinking of resigning.
Quite frankly, we'd be lost without you.
So I am going to try and see things more your way.
- Really? - Yeah.
Prioritising community stories isn't such a bad idea I guess.
Oh.
Well Well, maybe your heart is in the right place after all.
I resent that implication.
Hello, Tim Price.
Viv, have you done the setup for page six? Oh, been a bit busy with Caring Caroline.
I'll get onto it now.
(Phone rings) Hello, Rainbow Echo.
Yep.
Huh? (Gasps) Viv? Viv? Are you all right? - I'm I'm fine.
- The Baby Barn has pulled the plug.
- What? - What? They just saw last week's advertorial on the Kidsware Store and they think we're promoting the opposition.
So they've spat the dummy.
If you'll excuse the pun.
Oh! That was a full page ad! How can I make a page out of nothing? It's deadline day.
I'm well aware of that, Vivien.
So we'll extend the community carers feature.
Oh, yeah.
That's a really good idea.
I mean, because there are so many people I would love to profile.
So Well, wait a minute.
I'm the editor.
I make the editorial decisions.
So we probably should extend the community carers feature.
Oh, Mum, it looks fantastic.
Oh, I'm having a great time.
- Oh.
Hi, Sandy.
- Careful, careful.
Oh.
Thank you, Sandy.
You're welcome, erm - Louisa.
- I knew that.
I'm just testing.
Holl? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school? Calm down.
I have a free period.
Sean's gonna take me into school afterwards.
Well, shouldn't Sean be at work? He got the morning off.
Typical! Playing hookey with your girlfriend.
You'll be down the pub next no doubt.
We all know how you like a drink! Can't you get over it? Lorna, just the person I wanted to see.
I am doing a special piece on carers for the community at the Echo and because you've been a volunteer at the hospital for the last 35 years, I thought Hello, Daisy.
Oh! (Growls) You terrified her.
All right.
Marty, I want you to know, as Caring Caroline, I read it all.
- Nothing shocks me any more.
- What? I found some sites that might be helpful for you.
And I've researched doctors who specialise in that area.
Prostrate and potency clinics? A lot of men suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Oh, what! I'm not the one with a problem.
I saw the sites you were looking at yesterday.
There is nothing to be ashamed of.
And there are solutions.
There is even a nasal spray.
Although I'm not sure exactly how it works.
I'm not the one with my gear stick stuck in neutral.
It's Pat O'Reilly.
- What? - It's Pat.
He hasn't kicked a goal since he turned 50.
But that's a secret.
Right.
OK.
One last one.
OK.
Thanks.
That's great.
I'll let you get back to it.
Oh, they're so sweet.
They've been together since school.
I mean, I love Sean.
I do.
I just I worry sometimes that Holly might have met him too soon.
Do you ever think you met Pat too soon? No.
Why should I? Oh, I'm sorry, Louisa.
I'm a bit sleep deprived.
You and Pat are always sleep deprived.
I don't know.
I think I met Jack too soon.
You know, he had no other life experiences, no-one to measure me up against.
Gem, are you sure you're just tired? Of course I am, sweetie.
Oh, God.
I've got to go.
- See you.
- Bye, darling.
- Look, I'm sorry.
- The most hideous chihuahua.
I'll deal with it tomorrow.
Yes, racing to deadline.
- Goodbye.
ungrateful patient.
Viv, half of page nine.
The gym pics are in the folder.
- I have to finish proofing first.
- Louisa, have you done that tyre advertorial? Yep, and the school bus breakdown, the singing goat and the knitathon.
But I still need that copy for Phil's Farm Machinery Mart.
I'll grab it.
Oh, no.
A blackout.
Oh, my God.
I've just lost everything I've written.
Why? Did you turn your autosave off? - No.
Why would I do that? - Then you haven't lost it.
Vivien, relax.
I'm sorry.
Here.
Use my laptop for now.
Vivien, you keep proofing the hard copy and I'll sort something out in the meantime.
Oh! When will this end? My eyes aren't what they used to be.
I can't make pages in the dark.
Here you are, Viv.
You can have my little ltty Bitty Book Light.
- Don't you need it? - No, my eyes are still perfect.
Oh! - Loui, Vivien? - Nick.
- Nick.
- Hey.
Hi.
We're plugging in my old gennie out there, so if we could switch off anything we don't need.
Extraneous lights, the fridge.
We'll kick this into gear.
All right.
Well Oh.
Everything is off.
How can I tell if it's on? Try checking the switches, Loui.
Oh, right.
I knew that.
Yes, all off in the kitchen.
Thank you, Vivien.
Kick it over, Tim.
(Generator starts) - Oh! - Oh, my God.
Oh, you're a life-saver.
Oh Sorry.
You don't want me to do that.
I Do what? - This? - Oh.
Oh, thanks a lot for your help, mate.
Well, we better get on with it.
Better get going.
Oh.
Thanks.
Just checking Nick got the generator going OK.
Oh, Gav.
Now you're here you, can you give Vivien a hand to proofread these? Our experts have examined all the items.
They are definitely authentic.
They almost certainly date from the late 1850s.
- And the pigtail? - Please.
Not without gloves.
We know that Ah Chin was mining in the area where we found this.
Are you sure you cannot identify owner? As I told you on the phone, you can only get DNA from a hair follicle.
So all we know is that the owner of this was murdered? Not necessarily.
The Manchu emperors demanded that all Chinese men wear pigtails as a sign of submission.
So if this miner had gone back to China without his pigtail, - he would have been beheaded.
- No way.
But the European miners knew how much the Chinese longed for their home.
So sometimes they cut off their pigtails just to spite them.
- Oh, that's disgusting.
- So he may have lived.
He may.
But who knows for how long? I mean, attacks against the Chinese were commonplace.
I just can't believe what those poor guys went through.
It makes me ashamed to be Australian.
Come on, babe, let's get out of here.
Rita! (Truck honks) - Are you OK? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's OK.
It's OK.
I'm OK.
Are you OK? - We have to call Louisa.
- Yeah.
"The identity of the pigtail owner seems destined to remain a mystery.
" "So, for the little chap and the big fella, come and see Beryl and Bob at Indigo Boys And Menswear.
" You should be a copywriter, Gavin.
There you go.
What's next? Erm, fake turf for the bowling club.
Do you mind? I'm riveted already.
- Oh! - Yay! Congratulations, guys.
And we're still going to make our deadline.
My shout at the pub tonight.
Oh, I can't tonight.
I'm picking up my new kitten.
- Oh.
- A kitten.
What breed? - She's a British shorthair.
- Well, that's a very astute choice.
Did you know they were introduced into Britain by Caesar and his conquering Roman army? No.
No, I didn't.
Mmm.
Yes, a very noble breed.
I meant to say these extra pics are great.
Oh, thanks.
If you sell ten of them at $2 a pop, you could earn yourself $20.
Oh, that would be fantastic, Gav, seeing as I'm paid less than the average teenage waitress.
Yeah, yeah.
You heard me.
Holly earns more than I do.
Oh.
Oh, that's mine.
Ta.
Thanks.
Just there? - Hi, guys.
- Hey, Holly.
Hey, we are making an offering to Ah Chin but don't ask me why.
Tsung Chi won't tell me.
Babe, I not want to freak you out.
How are you going to freak me out? When I was a child, my grandmother made altars to dead ancestors.
She said those who died unjustly were angry ghosts leading her into trouble.
Yeah, but you don't believe that stuff.
Rita, you nearly got killed by a truck.
- That? - No.
Look, I just wasn't looking.
And there was the snake you nearly stepped on.
And what about my bad feeling and finding pigtail? I have to appease Ah Chin.
In case.
This is spinning me out.
You're, like, some super modern computer guy.
It is true.
I used to laugh at my grandmother's beliefs.
But maybe I've been too up myself to see the truth.
I must find out how Ah Chin died.
I will do anything.
I will go anywhere.
I will be like Ghostbuster.
I should not joke.
But, baby, you won't have time.
You've got that new IT job at Indigo.
No.
No, job can wait.
Ah Chin is more important.
I will put these on the doorstep.
They will keep his angry spirit outside.
(Goose honks) I don't know what you want me to say, Louisa.
I just want your support, that's all.
She's been burning the candle at both ends and it's interfering with her schoolwork.
Is it? Has she failed anything? Well, not exactly.
But, I mean, she could be doing better.
On whose terms? Really, Louisa.
I wish I had a tape recording of you at this age.
You were obsessed with Jack and movies and make-up.
And I don't recall schoolwork ever being at the top of your priority list.
That is exactly my point.
Holly has got too many interests, just like I did.
Oh, well, I think Holly's interests are a little more substantive.
Thanks, Mum.
Oh, well, what did you expect me to say? I don't know.
But somehow I just keep expecting to hear it.
Louisa, I am not going to stand here and condone you burdening Holly with the fallout from your own mistakes.
That's not what I'm doing.
Isn't it? I have to go.
I'm meeting everyone at the pub.
Oh.
Will Tim be there? Yeah.
I want you to give him something.
Apple and green tomato chutney.
And you tell him that is the best batch I've ever made.
Do you think your daughter could have one of these? Oh.
Of course.
She wants Nursery Rhyme Favourites again.
Thanks.
I know what this is about, Pat.
It's because I'm your first and only.
Come on, Gem.
Not this again.
Stop denying it.
I've always known it would be an issue.
- And I always told you that it wasn't.
- Well, I don't believe you any more.
- Can't we just try counselling? - We did that and it didn't work.
We went once.
You sat with your arms folded.
Barely said a word and refused to go again.
- It's our private business.
- Counsellors are trained to keep secrets.
I don't want anyone judging us.
It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Are you kidding? We'd be laughing stocks.
Especially me.
(Sighs) I'm sorry that I made you feel that way.
Gem, I love you.
You're the most wonderful, sexiest woman in the world.
Will you stop saying that when you can't follow it through? It doesn't mean anything to me any more.
From my mum.
Apple and green tomato chutney.
My favourite.
Tell her she's a sweetheart.
Ha, ha.
If I told her that, she'd have me committed.
I'll tell her myself.
It'll give me a chance to drop in and see her.
What is it with you two? Oh, that would be telling.
So, do you want the good news or the good news? - Why, what's the bad news? - There isn't any.
I've twisted Gav's arm and we've decided to give you a raise.
How does an extra 10 bucks an hour sound? Well, 20 would be better.
No, no, I'm kidding.
No, that's fantastic.
All right.
I'll give you a cash advance now and you can shout the peanuts.
Can I see? Oh, my heavens.
They're gorgeous kids.
I can't take the credit, though.
They're Jane, my ex-wife's, with her second husband.
Well, he was killed in a car crash when they were still very little.
Oh, that's awful.
It must have been tough for you too.
You know, losing your husband.
Yeah.
Yeah, it was.
So, what about you? Well, that's a dull and very long story.
Go on, try me.
I'm a good listener.
Well, it's codename for nosey parker.
Well, all right.
It was love at first sight.
I heard her laugh, I think.
That's what I fell in love with first.
You know, sort of a cackle like a witch on a broom, really.
- Hey, Marty.
Marty! Hey, Marty.
- What? - Your shout.
- Yeah, I'm just going to take a leak.
Hey, there's Loui.
tank top singlets.
- Not interrupting, are we? - How's the gennie? - Good.
Thank you.
Has he told you the good news? I've decided to give you a raise.
You have? What? She got a raise? What about me? If you get your shout we might talk about it.
Right-o.
So, Tim, what's your story? Hey, we have to stop meeting like this.
Hi, Steph.
G'day.
I'm Marty.
How you going? Hi.
Good, thanks.
I think my friend is calling me, so I'll just see you later.
I think she's calling me too.
You know, I've never been single my whole adult life.
Mate, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
Here you go, Iris.
Do you like that? Welcome home, Iris.
Don't knock Mick Malthouse.
He's the best in the business.
He's overrated.
Two-time Premiership coach.
Yeah, because he got lucky with a couple of gun teams.
You think about the Eagles '94 side.
Or think about who's got the best thighs.
Dale Thomas, Paul Licuria? Loui.
Jeez.
For what it's worth, my money is on Paul Licuria.
- Nick? - Hey, pool? - I'll play.
- What? You're going to play? Yeah.
How hard can it be? Hit the ball with the stick thingy.
Two dollars.
Erm There you go.
My shout.
- Come on.
- Be patient with her.
Come on, Loui.
(All laugh) - You are shithouse.
Shut up, Marty, she's never played before.
You need to lean into it more.
Let me show you.
Watch out.
She bites.
- Just relax.
- Yep.
- Ohh! - Take no notice of them, all right? - Yeah.
- That's it.
Good.
Close.
Much better.
- Thanks.
- Your go, Nick.
Excuse me.
Nice.
Pay up, sunshine.
- I'll be spending that later.
- We'll see, eh? Right.
Oh! - Woo-hoo! - You're kidding, aren't you? Under arm.
Focus, Loui.
Focus.
Hurray! I got it in.
That was Marty's.
Come on.
Pay up.
Come on, Marty.
Come on.
Oh, my heavens.
Are they moths? Settle down.
It's just a game.
Oh, it hurts.
Softly.
Here we go.
- Oh.
- Ah.
Hard luck, mate.
- No pressure.
- Shut up, Marty.
Oh, not even close! Right.
Eddie Charlton takes to the floor.
Has he lost his mojo? The pressure builds.
This for the championship.
I'm heading home.
- Are you all right? - Already? - See you, Pat.
- See you, Pat.
The crowd goes quiet.
- 2,000 - Shut up, Marty.
Oh! Best of three? You're on.
- Oh, my God.
- Let's go.
No, no.
I'm heading home.
You boys have fun.
Why don't you build a billy cart when you're finished? Gemma? Can't we please give counselling another try? The only good thing about this nightmare is that no-one else knows about it.
- Loui? - Hey, Nick.
Vivien said you'd be down here.
So, who won? What were you doing with him last night? What? Tim is full of himself.
Can't you see that? Why would you go out with a bloke like that? Go out? No, he's a work colleague.
Pull your head out of the clouds for ten seconds.
He didn't go to the pub to talk about work.
How is this any of your business, Nick Pickering? I always go straight for Caring Caroline.
She is, like, really wise.
Don't you reckon? Oh.
Nah.
It's boring today.
Some woman has been married for 30 years and now her husband can't do it.
Have you told someone? Pat, I'm waiting.
- Have you told anyone? - No, of course I haven't.
- Well, I might have mentioned it to the boys.
- The boys? I'm sorry.
It just slipped out.
I mean Before you unburdened yourself, you should remember that Marty works for the newspaper.
- Gemma.
- Just get away from me.
The impotent letter? That's true? That's you.
Don't like to me, Louisa.
You know it's me.
He told you.
Marty? What I gotta go.
I've got to go see a bloke.
That's right.
Skulk out with your tail between your legs.
I can't believe you'd betray me like this.
No, Gem.
Gem, I just - I thought - It wasn't her! It's me.
I'm Caring Caroline.
I'm so sorry, Gemma.
I was just trying to help you.
By making me a laughing stock? You're supposed to be my friend.
I am.
Nobody is laughing at you.
No.
Just don't.
No.
Gem.
Gem, wait.
No, I need to be alone.
I really thought I was helping her, Louisa.
I suppose the truth is I lost my perspective.
I've let Caring Caroline go to my head.
But it's just so nice hearing people say that I helped them.
It made me feel special.
- I sound silly.
- No, you don't.
I've never felt special before, Louisa.
(Phone rings) ANSWERPHONE: Gem, can you please pick up? I'm so sorry.
I love you.
I'll try again later.
(Doorbell rings) Darling, tell us to go away if you want to.
Why didn't you tell us? It's too humiliating.
- No, it isn't.
- Don't say that.
Gem, a lot of middle-aged men go through this.
But my Pat, he's always been so mad for me.
We're famous for it.
At least locally.
If he doesn't want me, what have we got left? I don't know who I am any more.
Oh, Gem.
Oh, you poor thing.
How can we help you? Oh, we can't.
We're amateurs, darling.
You need a professional.
No.
Never again.
We went to a counsellor, but she picked on me.
Of course she did.
That's why you pay them ludicrous amounts of money.
She was horrible to me.
She kept asking me why I'd constructed my sense of self around my sexuality.
What? It's nothing.
So I miss my old body.
Is that such a crime? I've told Pat we're not going back.
Oh, darling.
Do you realise the message that's sending? Avoiding your fear of ageing is making it more important than resolving your issues with Pat.
The celebrancy thing.
It's making me wiser than I want to be.
Look at me.
Are you putting your ego before your relationship? Oh.
Hello.
I just thought I'd congratulate the troops.
You got your new kitten.
(Cat miaows) I called her Iris, after the Roman goddess of the rainbow.
Very apt.
Hello, Iris.
Well, aren't you a little beauty? I forgot you were a cat-lover, Gavin.
I still think of George Clooney often.
Would you like to hold her? Yeah.
Oh.
Nothing like that little purr.
I adore you, Gem.
You are all my dreams in one human being.
But I know that means nothing to you right now.
No, angel, it means everything.
I'm sorry I've been so vain about this.
It's just that I've tried so hard to keep things exciting and since that issue, I've tried even harder.
But I don't understand why Well, I can't take the pressure.
Now I'm sorry, Gem.
I know we've made love more times than we've made our brekkie.
But we're 50 now.
We've got a busy gym and a boisterous toddler.
And we're 50 years old.
I don't want to be 50.
Well, you are, my love.
And so am I.
And I'm starting to do things that I'm not very proud of.
Last Wednesday night, I hid in the garage until you'd gone to sleep.
Pat.
It's my fault too.
I should have been more honest.
It's just that I get tired more easily these days.
You know? And sometimes I just want a cuddle.
Angel.
But does this mean that we'll never I hope not.
But I don't know if my problem will fix itself.
Maybe we should go back to the counsellor.
Why didn't I think of that? What about on your hands? Oh, no Oh, Tim, do you remember my daughter Holly? Yes, of course.
How are you? I'm fine.
Oh, and this is Sean Smithwick.
Sean, Tim Price.
Sean.
Yes.
That photo I put of you on the front page didn't do you justice.
I just thought I'd address the elephant in the room before it stomped all over us.
Is that supposed to be funny? - Holl.
- No, no.
It's OK.
Can I tempt anyone with a wine? Erm, me.
I'll get some glasses.
Here you are, Sean.
You can open that for us.
So How's the funeral business? People dying to get into it? What the hell is he doing here? I'm sorry, Holl.
I didn't know he was coming.
Am I'm supposed to believe that? This is the lowest you've ever sunk.
You'd do anything to get rid of Sean.
I didn't know Sean was coming over.
Sean is the nicest person in the whole world, but you're determined to drive him away.
Let's not stress.
You don't need it before your exams.
You're obsessed with my VCE.
Sean is the only person keeping me sane right now.
Instead of thanking him you invite that jerk over, the guy who practically ruined his life.
Would you let me explain? Tim comes over to drop off some things from work.
Suddenly offers to cook dinner.
How do I say no? - Like this - NO! - Sshhh! No, I have to go rescue Sean.
And I'm not eating his stupid food.
Holly.
Vivi? Gemma.
I'm just writing my Caring Caroline resignation letter.
Oh, don't, sweetie.
I read your advice.
It was wonderful.
Come here, darling.
Mmm-wah! Oh, darling.
I've seen hundreds of people buried in wicker baskets.
And last year, my uncle Bob, he got buried in an eco pod.
An eco pod? Mmm.
It's a biodegradable coffin that's shaped like a seed pod.
They bury them in the ground and because they're made of nutrients it actually replenishes the earth.
- That's awesome.
- Wow.
Did he want that? Yeah, it was his idea.
"We're all part of the food chain, Timothy.
" He was a visionary, you know.
If he'd had his way he would have been compost.
I wish our clients could be compost.
No timber coffins or harmful adhesives.
No toxic formaldehyde for embalming.
All you'd need is a rake and you could spread your loved ones over the garden and then they'll be a part of the cycle of life forever.
It sounds like Uncle Bob's not the only visionary.
Here's to green burials.
- Yes.
- Here.
Or maybe not.
I don't want you getting done for DUI again.
It's OK.
He's not driving home.
He's staying.
To help with homework.
I guess I won't be able to finish my homework.
- We could do it by candlelight, Holly.
- We could do our dinner by candlelight.
Oh.
Well, that dinner was great.
And thank you for saving all of us from me in the kitchen.
Well, someone had to.
Well See you Monday? Yep.
See you Monday.
That salad was pretty wicked.
Celibate? - That salad.
- Oh.
- I thought you said celibate.
- No.
- I'm not a celibate.
- Yeah, I know.
(Laughs) Holl.
I I owe you an apology.
I erm I shouldn't have been on your back so much about the VCE.
I've been imposing my own hang-ups on you, and that really isn't fair.
I I happen to think that you are a wonderful person and you have a great value system.
Erm, terrific social conscience.
And, well, you're an inspiring young woman and you have a pretty damn good boyfriend as well.
Anyway, no mother could wish for more than that.
Thanks, Mum.
I mean, so what if you don't get your VCE.
Hmmm? So what if you have to sit it next year or, I don't know, even if you never get it? Because there are so many other things in life.
You know? So Yeah.
Erm, because there's two here.
Yeah.
And then that's split so I guess I guess I guess it could be B.
Because covalent bonds exist between deoxyribose sugars and bases? Yes! Good.
I said to the counsellor, "I should have realised that poor Pat just needed a cuddle sometimes.
" Oh, you've got to feel for the poor man, Gem.
I mean, they can't fake it like we can.
Oh, come on.
Don't be so coy.
We've all done it.
I haven't.
Oh, there you go again, Deb.
Complicating male-female relationships with honesty.
I just don't get why you'd want to trick someone.
Well, it's not a great conspiracy.
It's just that sometimes it's more expedient.
Expedient? But don't you just adore it? Darling, this may come as a complete surprise to you, but we're not all perpetually in the mood for Peking duck! Salt and pepper squid.
Beef and black bean sauce.
Sorry, Lily, we were just talking about I know what you talk about.
Oh.
Sorry.
I hope we weren't too loud.
My Wayne, he really know what to do with his chopstick.
Oh, Mum! In ancient Chinese culture, many ways to please woman.
He can fry my rice any time he likes.
Vivi! You're just as bad as the rest of us.
I think I'll have some of that fried rice.
I also like a man with a big wok! (All laugh) - Hello, Wendy.
- Louisa, you're the editor now.
We've applied for an exploration licence with the state government.
They buy up old mines, then move in fast so protest groups don't have time to oppose them.
I've lost my way, Min.
It's more than just forgetfulness, isn't it? - Ah Chin is very important to little Chin.
- And I'm not? I just go to Melbourne for a few days, talk to them.
They might know what happened to him.
I've joined an online dating service.
(Sleazy laughter) - How many lots have you leased? - Not that many.
It's a small amount of disturbance with a huge mutual benefit, which is what I thought we were here to talk about.
We're here to talk about your mining methods.
- OK.
So legally what are we allowed to do? - I don't know.
I thought we would eventually get ourselves together.
But it has to be her choice.
Are you giving her a choice by not telling her how you feel? What do you want from me? 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 La-la, la, la, la I lay down in a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails La-la, la, la, la, la I lay down on a bed of roses And I woke up lying on a bed of nails