Packed to the Rafters (2008) s02e11 Episode Script
Power Play
RACHEL: The matryoshka doll - symbol of motherhood and the enduring relationship between mother and child.
Down through the generations "each separate, individual, yet still connected by some invisible umbilical cord.
Sometimes stretched and strained but never cut.
(SIGHS) Morning.
Morning, Mum.
Hi.
Cuppa tea? Oh.
Thanks.
Nathan? You heard Mum.
Tea.
Hang on.
You just offered.
No.
I suggested.
There's a world of difference between offering and suggesting.
It's alright, darling.
I'm pregnant, not an invalid.
Mm-mn.
No, Mum.
Sit.
No.
Nathan, tea! What happened to âRachel, tea"? Rachel go work.
It's alright.
I don't mind.
Thanks, darling.
One cup of tea coming up.
A piece of toast would be nice.
Toast? H mm.
Er, milk and one.
Leave the teabag in.
JULIE: Oh! Jake.
Hi.
How's things? More important, how are you? Yeah.
Should you be back at work so soon? The doc gave me the all-clear.
Thick skull, he reckons.
Besides, Dave would be lost without me.
Too right.
Ready when you are.
JULIE: Mwah.
I'll be there in a sec.
You're looking well.
Thanks.
So are you.
Don't you have work? Come over for dinner tonight.
Er I want to see you.
Well, I came over last week.
So'? So, what if there's not enough food or cutlery or your mum remembers how much she really loathes and detests me? She does not.
Oh, some of the things she said What things? Nothing.
She's just a very hard woman to please.
Rachel! 'Yes'.
How hard is that to say? Are you sure you wouldn't like a chop? Oh, no, no, no.
You eat.
Mmm.
Here.
I'm really not that hungry.
Mum's on a diet again.
(CHUCKLES) Surely you're not on a diet.
I didn't say I was.
(CLEARS THROAT) Right, so, um, it must be nice to have number one son back home.
I don't play favourites.
Ha-ha-ha.
I meant in age.
No, no, no.
She meant in looks.
As if.
(LAUGHS) Hey, guess what.
Mmm? Tomorrow afternoon we are finally launching Rampant.
JAKE: Mmm! It's a men's body spray that we're repositioning.
So, new packaging, new marketing campaign.
Really? Yeah.
We've been working on it for months.
So, hopefully we're gonna get some major media coverage.
And, er, yeah, we've got this great venue that's overlooking the harbour, and hot new vodka sponsor.
Hot models.
Cool.
They're male models.
Jake could be into that.
(BOTH LAUGH) on, ho, ho! What? It sounds like fun.
Count me in.
Serious? Don't you have to work? I'll ask the boss.
Jake, it's, um It is a party but it's work for me.
So'? It'll give me a chance to see what you actually do.
Are you sure? If you don't want me there I didn't say that.
Well, great! It's a date.
Well, if you ask me, it all soundsjust a little What, Mum? I don't know.
Show-offy.
Look, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry! Alright, I've been in a trench all afternoon and (WHISPERS) What? You just forgot? That explains why she's on diet rations! Oh, you are so not helping this situation, Jake.
She's OK.
Really.
OK.
Are you sure you want to come to this thing tomorrow'? Sure! Rampant and me, we're like that.
Or is that you and me? Mmm.
OK.
Er, just one thing.
Mmm'? It's dressy.
So, just effortlessly stylish.
Wear me best stubbies? (CHUCKLES) Just joking.
Yeah, I'll wear something flash.
And I was thinking we could book a room.
Could we, now'? What do you think? Do you snore? Do you? Only when I'm sleeping.
Well, good.
Won't be a problem, then.
Nah.
(DOOR OPENS) Jake, darling Oh.
Rachel.
Darling, can you take out the garbage when you can? JAKE: Righto.
On my WaV- What time do you reckon we'll knock off today'? It's a big day today, mate.
Massive.
Might make yourself some overtime.
Serious? I looked at the worksheet.
It didn't look that full-on.
They might be small jobs but they're fiddly, you know'? But, um Yeah? There's something I've gotta ask ya.
Sure.
Rachel's launch this arvo Oh, for that spray stuff that smells like WD-40? Yeah.
(PHONE RINGS) Hang on a sec.
Dave Rafter.
Electrician.
Er, sure.
We're pretty busy but I reckon we could fit you in.
What's your address there? OK.
Right.
We'll see you then.
Bye-bye.
Now we really are chockas.
I can't see us knocking off till at least oh, 3:00.
Better get started.
What's OK? I mean, if we're knocking off at 3:00, then, it's OK for me to Take an early mark and go to the launch'? Sure, it's OK.
No worries.
I hope you have a good time.
Got ya.
DAVE: What is this place? Some hippy earthmother garbage.
I didn't think they used electricity.
I thought it was all candles.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, well, you go check it out.
I'll park the van.
Righto.
Hello? Can I help you? No.
I'm here to fix your lights.
Electrician.
You're not Dave Rafter.
Not today.
Am I supposed to be'? Does that mean he's not coming? Yeah.
He'll be in in a sec.
Scratch that.
He's here now.
Do you two know each other? Yes.
No.
We did.
I don't remember.
I do.
I might just wait outside for you, mate.
Yeah, sure.
Whatever.
So, here we are.
What's with the call-out? Sorry about the subterfuge.
You tried to contact me.
Right.
Well, I just need some information about a few things.
Of course.
Anything.
Yeah.
It's my son Ben.
He's got arrhythmia.
It's a heart thing.
Nothing serious.
But it would help to know if there's any family history.
Not from me.
No.
Probably on my father's side.
So, if you could just give me his name, then Er, his name was Tom.
Tom Jennings.
Tom.
Well, that explains my middle name.
I wish I could tell you more about him but I can't.
He died a long time ago, when he was still very young.
Right.
He's dead.
So, nothing wrong with the lights, then? David Thanks for your help.
I'll get out of your hair.
Come on.
Let's go.
What about the job? There's no job here.
David.
David.
Dave! Will you wait'? Will you? Please? Half of what you are comes from me.
Don't walk away.
Why not? Because you wanted to see me too.
One way or another, that's happened.
Talk to me.
Ask me questions.
Anything.
Anything at all.
Alright, I've got a question.
Who's Ringo? You remember.
Who is he? You were two.
It was just after they told me that Tom was dead.
I couldn't cope.
I put you in your cot and I left the dog with you and I went into the kitchen and turned on the gas.
Yeah.
You're still here.
Ringo wouldn't stop barking and brought the neighbours.
They got there just in time.
Well, now I know.
Oh, no, please don't go now.
Not now.
Why do you think I put my name on the website? Well, I'm not really sure.
First you knock me back, then you turn up at my house like a weirdo.
You needed to know and I needed to explain.
Please let me.
It won't take long.
RACHEL: And that's when he felt it.
That invisible cord.
His head was saying 'go' "but his heart his heart had other ideas.
Why'd you give me UP? CHEL: When I heard your dad died, I well, just lost it.
And I ended up in a psychiatric hospital with a form saying âsign here So you did.
Oh, I didn't want to give you up.
I wasn't strong enough to hold on.
Yeah, well, either way, I was gonna end up on my own.
If that dog hadn't barked You weren't exactly looking out for me, were you? I wish things had been different.
But they weren't.
Do you have a photo of him? No.
I wish I did.
I tell you who he looks like - you son, your boy.
The one I saw.
Nathan.
That was a shock.
(CH UCKLES) It's partly whatmade me run.
It's a lot to take in, I know.
And, er, I've got a job to get to.
Can I see you again? Er Yeah, I suppose.
If you want to meet the others.
Do they know about me? They know your name.
They know I've been looking for you.
They know you came to the end of our driveway and thentook off.
So, they've got the general idea.
Yeah.
There's an explanation, right? She's my mother.
Your mother! Yep.
So, it's your mum.
Yeah.
She's a nice lady, yeah? You know about as much as I do.
We're late.
Let's get to this next job.
Yep.
You don't need me for anything else? I'd get out of here while you still can.
Yes.
I've gotta make myself presentable for this do this arvo.
Oh, I think you'll scrub up alright.
That's what I keep telling Rachel but she hasn't bought it! See youse.
Bye.
See ya.
I'm conforming to type.
I'm nesting.
You gonna have the baby there, are you? Yeah, why not? Wading pool, rescue remedy, a few gawking neighbours.
Yeah-no.
I'm gonna plant a flowerbed.
Hydrangeas, I thought.
What do you think? Yeah, look, whatever your pregnant heart desires.
OK.
(CAR PASSES) If you're gonna keep hovering, you might wanna tell me what it's about.
I just met my mother.
What? Oh, my God! When? Yeah, she just pretended to make a booking.
Yeah, I walk into this weird candle shop and there she is.
Dave, that's amazing! That's Ah! That's incredible! So, what's she like'? OK.
OK'? Yeah, she's friendly enough.
So, you talked.
A bit.
(CHUCKLES) A bit.
And what did she say? It's a long story.
Dave! Jules, I OK.
But you talkedto your mother! That's So, are we gonna meet her? How's tomorrow afternoon sound? Tomorrow'? I can call and cancel No! No, no, no.
Tomorrow's perfect.
It's it's amazing.
I can't believe after all this time I'm gonna meet your mother.
Hmm.
Not just my mother.
Your mother-in-law.
Lib, we've been through this checklist a hundred thousand times.
Please just tell Verna to chill.
Just relax.
It's all taken care of.
You are not going to believe the threads I've got Jake.
He's going to look so hot! (KNOCK AT DOOR) It's open! (WHISPERS) I have to go.
He's here.
This is so exciting! The name's Barton.
Jake Barton.
(CH UCKLES AWK\NARDLY) What'? Is it too much? You said dressy.
Er Don't tell me.
I've taken your breath away.
It's, er formal.
Course! It's Camel's best man suit.
Lucky for me, no-one's ever asked him.
(CH UCKLES) n is OK, isn't it'? Yes.
Of course.
Are you sure about that'? Yes.
Good.
'Cause it's all I've got.
Hey, where's the mini bar? Um, don't go there.
It's a rip-off.
Oh, there were some chocolates on the pillow but I ate them.
(CHUCKLES) That's my girl.
So, what do you reckon? First night ever in our own room.
First night ever in a proper bed.
OK, down, boy.
Later.
I have to get ready.
Ah.
And then No! No.
After, OK'? This is work.
I've already told (GROANS) And don't give me that look, OK'? We've got a whole night together.
If I tell you who I met today, will you kiss me? No.
We'll be late.
Who'd you meet? Just a little kiss.
It's your decision.
OK.
Who was it? Nah, nah.
We haven't got time.
Jake, just tell me who you met! Your dad's mum.
What? Dad's mum'? Yeah.
She called us out on a job and Dad's mum'? As in the woman who gave birth to him? That's the usual definition, yeah.
I've gotta call him.
The kiss? I told you.
Later.
Hi.
Dad.
So isn't that great news? And I really look like my grandad? My other grandad? Wow! I've always wondered about that.
He would've been a cutie.
Ha! Oh! Somebody pass the bucket.
No, I'm serious.
It's never been obvious who I take after and now I know.
Did she say if you had any brothers and sisters? I was her only child and, given my father died so young, I reckon I'm the only one.
God, it must've been hard on her, giving you up.
Oh, no.
Ugly-baby syndrome.
It's more common than you think.
Unlike sensitivity.
Really, I think it's awesome.
I know you wanna know every detail, but I know as much as you do.
No, I'm sure we'll learn more in time.
Anyway, she's gonna be here tomorrow.
So am I.
As for the rest of you, if you get a better offer, just feel free to take it, alright? I cannot believe it's Dad's actual mum.
Like, it's his actual mother.
And we're gonna meet her.
We're gonna meet her! Tomorrow.
That's if we survive tonight.
I'm overdressed, aren't I'? No, not at all.
Look, can you see any other guy in a tux'? Jake, look I'm not gonna embarrass you, am I'? No.
No, of course not.
OK'? Honestly, you look hot.
A million bucks.
Right, but I've only got a $20 in my wallet so, um, what are the drinks worth round here? It's a launch.
They're free.
What, seriously? All night? Yeah.
The whole point is you have a good time at someone else's expense.
Well, if you say so.
So why aren't you drinking? How many times do I have to tell you? I'm working.
Now, I'm gonna have to go start schmoozing.
You sure you're gonna be OK by yourself? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
No worries.
But if one of those guys even thinks of spraying me They're models.
The idea is they represent the Rampant male.
So use it and I end up looking like a big poof? They look hot.
They're just a bit metrosexual.
It's something-sexual.
WOMAN: Rachel? Er (WHISPERS) Oh, yeah.
Incoming client.
Please, please just behave.
This is a really big deal for me.
I'm behaving.
Verna, welcome.
Darling! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! You know Dirk'? Yes, of course.
The face of Rampant.
Hi again.
Hi.
This is Jake.
G'day.
Your boyfriend? Yes.
Yes.
And my date for the evening.
Good thing I checked.
I was about to order a drink from him! Oh, so rude! So Rampant! That's no problem.
No problem.
So what's your poison? Fluffy Duck'? Now, I hope everything is under control.
This has to be perfect.
Oh, yes.
Trust me.
It's all taken care of.
Gorgeous.
Come, Dirk, let's mingle.
Ciao! See you, Geoff.
Maybe I'll just meet you back at the hotel.
Oh, no, no, no, please, come on, give it time.
Just ignore him.
Luckily he's the face of Rampant and he never has to open his mouth.
Hey, there's Libby and George.
JAKE: Is that Libby on George? Hey! Guys! Lib! Ah, Rachel.
Hi, guys.
Ooh! Jake! Yep.
Whoo-ho-hoo.
I've overdone it, haven't I'? No.
You look hot.
Thanks, mate.
Not a word about the clothes, OK'? And please tell me you were just searching George for contraband canapés.
Oh, given up fighting it.
Social death versus raw, naked animal lust.
No contest.
If I don't spray him, I don't like him.
But if I do spray him And believe me, I do spray him.
Oh, no! That is too much information.
Please stop, OK'? Guys? We better start working the room, OK'? So I won't be long.
Sure you're gonna be OK by yourself? The name's Barton.
Jake Barton.
I'll be fine.
A new grandmother? That's amazing! Yeah, is that weird or what? Well, how's your dad coping'? I'm not sure 'coping' is the word I'd use.
I think he's still in shock.
Yeah, I'm not surprised.
I wonder what she's like.
Who cares what she's like'? She's your yiayia.
His what-ya? 'Grandma' in Greek.
Right.
Know how lucky you are scoring a new yiayia at your age? I guess.
I dunno.
I hadn't really thought about it like that.
Well, you should.
Mate, I'd give anything to have my yia back.
Look, your mums and dads are special but your yiayia, especially my Dad's mum I still remember when she hugged me, that smell of baby powder and dolmades.
And when she kissed me, how her whiskers would tickle my nose.
I'm just saying, when you're a kid you think they'll be around forever and then one day they're not.
It's OK, Carbo.
Never take them for granted, mate.
You always have less time than you think you have.
So who's up for Gran Turismo'? (LOUNGE MUSIC PLAYS) So the try line is right there and then, smack! This big Samoan guy creams me.
I was out for the count, mate.
Yeah! Really? Fascinating, isn't it? Rachel.
Rachel, this is Trent.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too, Rachel.
Do you want a drink? Trent knows where they stash the good stuff.
No, thank you.
I'm fine.
I'll just Bye.
Are you sure you're doing OK'? Yeah.
I even had a dance with some of the waiters.
Oh, OK.
Well, just hang in there.
There's not long to go now.
Rachel, I said I'm cool.
Rachel, darling, I think it's time.
Right.
Ready when you are.
All set to greet the world as the new face of Rampant? Just try and stop me.
Here.
Hold this.
Mate.
I tell you, if that guy's face is his fortune, he's going the right way about losing it, hey? Remember what I said about behaving.
(FUNKY MUSIC PLAYS) Hello, darlings.
Could we have some quiet up the back, please? Welcome, everybody.
I just wanted to say, on behalf of Rampant, it is with a great deal of excite (MUSIC CUTS OUT) Hello? Where are the sound guys? Rachel? George, where are the sound guys? Gone.
What?! Um, we're onto it.
We're onto it, Verna.
(CLEARS THROAT) This is a nightmare.
This is a disaster.
It was working fine before.
Verna's gonna burst her Botox.
Gotta think of something to do! Um, if you'll just bear with us, we will introduce the new face of Rampant really, really soon, so Wh (SEXY BLUES MUSIC PLAYS) Make yourself useful.
I am so sorry, Verna.
I He looks sexy and capable.
Has he done this before'? Yeah, once or twice.
(MUSIC BLARES) As you were, people.
Assume the position.
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Jake, you're amazing! Nice one, Trent.
Read my mind, mate.
You beauty! Gorgeous.
What did you say his name was? It's Jake.
(LAUGHS) Thanks.
Jake, can you join me over here for a second? Sure.
I like your style.
Smile.
(WILD APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) RACHEL: Jake was loving the attention - the cheers, the whistles.
But suddenly all I could hear was his mum's tut-tut of disapproval and the twang of that umbilical cord stretched to breaking point.
(LAUGHS) Pretty pleased with ourselves, aren't we'? I saved your night for you.
Ah! Haven't I thanked you enough'? Not nearly enough.
And look.
All these women gave me their cards.
What?! No! She bats for the other team.
Well, she didn't sound like a Pom.
Hey What's this? Are you expecting somebody else? Of course not.
I-l just thought That I would actually turn up in my stubbies? How was I supposed to know Camel had a dinner suit? That's not a suit, Rachel.
That's jeans and a shirt, like all the other guys were wearing.
But was I embarrassing back there? No! No, of course not.
Because you were on my case all night.
Was not! You were! âDo this.
" âDo that.
" âBehave.
â I mean, I was doing my best to fit in.
Oh, please don't spoil this.
Yeah, well, who's spoiling this? I told you, you were great.
You were great.
Embarrassing.
No.
Sexy and masculine.
Hot.
Capable.
If you didn't like the tux, you just had to say.
Forget about the tux.
(PHONE RINGS) Ignore it.
No.
Oh! I gotta get it.
Oh! Oh, God.
Hey.
Mum.
(GROANS) When? Yeah, well, did you check the fuse box? Yeah.
Er Uh-huh.
OK.
About an hour.
Yep.
Bye.
Power's gone at home.
They got no lights, nothing.
It's bedtime.
Can't they just go to bed'? I said I'd fix it.
A few hours won't hurt, will it? (GROANS, DIALS) Mum? Er I, umI've had too much to drink and I don't think I should drive.
Yeah.
Yep.
Alright.
I'll see you in the morning, then.
OK, bye.
Wasn't so hard, was it? What are you doing? Gotta get back.
Sort out that power problem.
Remember that form we filled out, all those little boxes we ticked? Yeah, our breakfast order.
Yeah, it wouldn't be very much fun sitting here eating it all by myself.
Rach, the freezer's been off.
I can't let all that food go to waste.
I'd never hear the end of it.
RACHEL: The invisible cord was tugging "and Mum had won.
Again.
Oh, er, Sammy, not those ones.
The matching plates.
Um, Dad, can you take the newspapers out as well? Please? Yeah.
Rachel, one, Grace, nil.
Kept her away from Jake for a whole 12 hours.
Careful.
She doesn't strike me as the forgive-and-forget type.
Thought you'd be on the same side, being mothers and all.
Well, this mother's on her daughter's side.
Well? Collar's up.
Hey? Oh.
Ooh.
Wow.
Wow.
This place is scarily tidy.
Yeah.
And you've ironed your shirt.
So'? What is going on here, guys? Come on, we're just meeting the woman.
We're not fawning all over her.
Yeah, she's our dad's mum.
Not the Queen's.
No.
No, you know what? Rachel's right.
We should just be ourselves.
Yeah, exactly.
And if she doesn't like us, it's just too bad.
Yeah.
You don't think she'll like us'? No, of course she'll like us.
I mean, we like us, don't we'? Yeah.
Yeah.
Mostly.
Except for Nathan.
Yeah.
So what time is she coming? I dunno.
Your dad said this afternoon.
Like 1:30? (ALL CHATFER) JULIE: I don't know! I don't know! What's going on? Nothing.
We, you know Just.
.
.
just relaxing.
RACHEL: As if anyone could relax with so much at stake.
Yes, we can all tell the time.
Thank you, Nathan.
She's not coming.
(DOORBELL RINGS) Um, do you want do you want me to get that'? No, it's fine.
I'll get it.
OK, stand.
We should all stand.
Yep.
At ease! It's not a bloody parade ground.
Hello.
Hello, Dave.
Find the place alright? I've been here before, remember.
Oh, yeah.
You do drink? At times like this Are you kidding? Come in.
Rachel.
I'm so glad you're here.
Me too.
I can't tell you how much.
Congratulations.
Oh! Thanks.
It's Chel, people call me, Chel.
Oh, that makes things easier.
I'm Rachel too.
Rachel? Lovely to meet you, Rachel.
And then there's me, of course.
The underappreciated middle child, Ben.
The heir and the spare.
Chronologically speaking only.
You're Nathan.
Did your father tell you how Yeah, apparently I look a little bit like my grandfather.
A lot like him.
(LAUGHS) Um, I'm Ted, Julie's dad.
And this is Sammy, Nathan's wife.
Sammy.
Gorgeous.
And she's smart.
She's doing a degree in journalism.
And this is Melissa.
She already has her degree.
She's a nurse.
(LAUGHS) Hi.
That's the tribe.
What a fine tribe too.
What are we waiting for'? Welcome to the family.
Goes for all of us.
Can't believe you're tearing up.
I'm not.
Nepal? What were you doing there? Oh, like everyone, travelling around on the cheap.
You meet a lot of people my age in backpackers.
Where's the most interesting place you've been? Umer, Uganda.
Yes, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are buried at the source of the Nile.
Like Nathan - always in 'de Nile'.
(ALL GROAN) 'Denial'! No, 'the Nile'.
She said Enough! I wish I had a photo of your grandfather.
You'd see what I mean.
Aw! BEN: I don't look anything like him? Oh, I can see Ted in you.
Lucky lad.
We look completely different.
Same nose.
Oh! We We have not.
Have you got something against my hooter'? (LAUGHTER) It's not really looks.
It's more an aura that you share.
Well, I've got a fruitcake to share if anyone's interested.
No, I'll get it.
Oh, thanks, Dad.
Need a hand? No.
You stay there.
Me and aura boy will manage.
RACHEL: So now you've got the shop? CHEL: Oh, it's not mine.
It belongs to a friend.
She just lets me Are you OK'? Yeah.
She's nice, isn't she? Yeah.
Nathan's getting on pretty well with her.
And Rachel.
Oh, yeah, well, Rachel's got her name and Nathan reminds her of the love of her life.
I don't have anything in common with her.
Not even a dodgy ticker.
Come on.
You wouldn't wish that on someone.
(LAUGHS) No! Look, I don't mind that she likes them.
It's fair enough.
Are you sure about that'? Yes! I just I don't know how I feel.
I guess I'm with Dad.
Well, they've only just met.
Yeah, but It can't be easy.
No wonder Dad looks like he just walked into a wall.
It's a long time.
Could have you stayed away from Mum that long'? Oh! That was It was great.
I meant it about the jewellery.
Come and see metomorrow.
OK.
It's a deal.
Oh.
Thank you, Julie, for making me feel at home.
Oh! My pleasure.
Well, our pleasure.
OTHERS: Yeah.
Really hope we get to see you again soon.
Thanks again.
Dave, maybe you should walk Chel to the car? Yeah.
Bye.
ALL: Bye, Chel.
See ya.
See ya.
Your family's lovely, Dave.
We're the ones that should talk.
Yeah.
It's hard to get a word in edgeways.
They're a noisy bunch.
They're not here now.
Ll do get why you'd hold back.
Don't worry.
It's all water under the bridge.
Not for me.
You had an amazing life - you know, all that travel and adventure.
I didn't give you up to have a good time.
Yeah, but you did and I didn't not when I was a kid.
Didn't know what family was until I met Jules.
I can't ask you to forgive me maybe in time, just understand.
It's all done now.
Are we going to see each other again? I don't think I can.
I'm glad Icame today.
Bye, Dave.
Bye.
RACH EL: Maybe after so long apart, the bond just isn't there.
The cord's been cut "the damage done.
Well, I like her.
And you know why'? She reminds me of you.
Yeah? I can't see it myself.
Do you want me to hate her? No.
'Cause I will if you want me to.
Jules I'll stick her name in the freezer.
No! I'll stick pins in a voodoo doll.
Jules Or I could even pinch her on the bum when she's not looking.
Oh, Dave.
She's your mum.
Jules, I don't want you to hate her.
You happy'? There's so much I wanted to say to her, you know.
Growing up, getting bundled from one foster home to the other, never feeling like there was anyone who loved me.
Well, we love you.
Can make it retrospective if that helps.
I don't even know what to call her.
What's wrong with 'Chel'? Yeah.
I suppose.
I couldn't call her Mum.
'Mummy'? (LAUGHS) No.
(LAUGHS) We've already got one yummy mummy in the house.
Oh, darlin'.
You don't have to decide how to feel, you know.
You'll just feel.
Like with you and me.
Yeah.
Like with you and me.
So I was thinking we could take Alex to the beach with us tomorrow.
Sure.
You want us to pick you up? Er, no.
There's room in my car.
(LAUGHS) There is not.
Well, just let me do this, OK'? You know how badly I stuffed up with your mum and Alex the other night at dinner.
Let's just call this a gesture.
Yeah.
Rachel, you don't need What? I don't need to what? She's there, isn't she? OK.
Pick us up at 12:00, yeah? So you got the power back on alright, then? Gotta go now.
'Night.
Wh'? Oh! The beach babe, Rachel.
Look, look! Jake's a legend.
What? He's in the paper.
Oh? You serious? Yeah.
I am going to get seriously bagged by the boys.
âHunky electrician Jake Barton âmade a big Rampant spark on Friday night.
" WOW! Have you seen this? Lot of fuss for an aftershave.
(LAUGHS) Oh, Jake was a hero.
He saved us from a world of embarrassment.
Yeah! Talk about embarrassment! Oh! So shoot me.
You got your face in the paper.
Are we still going to the beach'? Or are you gonna be too busy exfoliating? ErI'm not sure what that means either, mate, but I'm pretty sure it's rude.
It depends where you put it.
(LAUGHS) RACHEL: Hmm.
We're definitely going to the beach.
(RACHEL LAUGHS) Come on, mate.
Mankini.
ALEX: Mankini! (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) ALEX: I'm alright.
(LAUGHS) Jake really was amazing.
You would have been proud of him.
I am proud of him, but not for going to some silly party.
I think he had a good time.
Is that what he told you? I was there.
I could tell.
You know, don't think I don't know what you're doing.
Filling his head with stupid rubbish It was just a party.
And you couldn't even trust him to choose his own clothes.
He chose his own clothes.
That Jake - that Jake in that photograph? That is not Jake.
Wow.
You're really not prepared to give me a go, are you? You think that you'd take Alex to the beach and I it's gonna change my mind about you? Jake and Alex are adults, and whether you like it or not, they can (SIGHS) Never mind.
Forget it.
No, no! You've got something to say.
Just say it.
(QUIETLY) OK.
The first time we met, you spoke about limits, er âWe never set our sights on unrealistic goals.
â Yeah.
That's what I've taught them.
Yeah, well, it isn't teaching them, it's stifling them.
You're not even letting them try to reach their full potential.
I know my own boys.
You have no idea what they're capable of.
Alex is a grown man and you won't even let him cut his own food.
He can't manage on his own.
He can! But you refuse to see it.
That's not true.
Oh! But it is.
Because it's how you keep him tied to your apron strings, him and Jake.
What's going on? JAKE: Mum? Maybe the beach wasn't such a good idea.
What was that about? Oh! Ask her.
By the way, sorry about the clothes.
I didn't mean to insult you.
Run and tell her that too! Don't speak to my mother like that.
She needed to hear it.
No, she didn't.
Not from you.
You don't see it, do you? It's all about her - making sure that her sons can never leave her.
And every time anyone else tries to even get close to you, she (SIGHS) You don't see what she does.
She is my mother.
I know what she's like.
Are you sure? It's not for you to say it, Rachel.
Hey, I am not the bad guy here, Jake.
You're out of line.
(SIGHS) (CAR DOOR SHUTS) Hello.
I wasn't sure whether I'd see you or not.
Yeah, well, let's just say my day didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned.
Tea? Oh, sorrysorry, I just I was just seeing if they fit inside.
They do.
All of them.
All the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Is that what they all are? Well, some say that each doll represents a different face of womanhood, and each time you think that you know who a woman is, she shows you a new characteristic.
(SCOFFS) I wish.
Sorry, I, um I just had a fight with my boyfriend about his mother Ah.
which is after I had a fight with her about him.
And she just hates my guts.
And the feeling's mutual? She's a single mum with two adult children that she still treats as if they're 10.
Is that what you told her? Pretty much.
Yeah.
I justl can't see how a mother can refuse to let go of her kids.
I can.
And I haven't been much of a mother, but there hasn't been a day go by when I didn't think of your father and wish things could have been different.
That's so sad.
It's how things are.
And I can't tell him this but I can tell you.
I love him as much today as I did the day that he was born.
And no matter what, I'm never gonna stop.
That's what they say, isn't it? You make your bed.
What are you doing? Nothing much.
Just finishing up for the day.
I had a fight with Jake.
That's no good.
About his mother.
Sure that was a good idea? Not very.
And then I went to see Chel.
Just to look at the jewellery? Yeah.
What I got was advice about Jake.
She doesn't even know him.
Shetold me something else, something about you.
Aren't you the slightest bit interested? OK.
What? She told me she really does love you, and that she never stopped.
Yeah, well, it's easy to say, isn't it? No.
I don't think it was.
I also think it's the truth.
We'll never know either way, will we'? That's the thing, Dad.
You don't have an option B for a mother.
It's Chel or it's no-one.
Anyway, that's it.
Lecture's over.
I just I thought you might like to know.
(WHISPERS) Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Me too.
Soso where does this? I think we should cool things for a bit.
Be-because of one little fight? You have no idea what my mum's done for us.
Jake, I'm I'm sorry.
We need to take a step back.
SONG: Here we are Once again in the blue star Blaming the world, blaming yourself And the higher power And I think it's sad That you cry More for what's passed you by RACHEL: What is the power that ties a mother to her kids, that makes their kids so fiercely protective Oh! (LAUGHS) You know what? What, darling? I love you.
I love you too.
You think you're the only one who needs RACHEL: .
.
that draws them back even when there's so much to forgive? Why don't you stop for a minute? For a moment If you're busy, I can come back later.
.
.
for your pinnacle Or you might miss Life's little miracle Little miracle Little miracle.
Down through the generations "each separate, individual, yet still connected by some invisible umbilical cord.
Sometimes stretched and strained but never cut.
(SIGHS) Morning.
Morning, Mum.
Hi.
Cuppa tea? Oh.
Thanks.
Nathan? You heard Mum.
Tea.
Hang on.
You just offered.
No.
I suggested.
There's a world of difference between offering and suggesting.
It's alright, darling.
I'm pregnant, not an invalid.
Mm-mn.
No, Mum.
Sit.
No.
Nathan, tea! What happened to âRachel, tea"? Rachel go work.
It's alright.
I don't mind.
Thanks, darling.
One cup of tea coming up.
A piece of toast would be nice.
Toast? H mm.
Er, milk and one.
Leave the teabag in.
JULIE: Oh! Jake.
Hi.
How's things? More important, how are you? Yeah.
Should you be back at work so soon? The doc gave me the all-clear.
Thick skull, he reckons.
Besides, Dave would be lost without me.
Too right.
Ready when you are.
JULIE: Mwah.
I'll be there in a sec.
You're looking well.
Thanks.
So are you.
Don't you have work? Come over for dinner tonight.
Er I want to see you.
Well, I came over last week.
So'? So, what if there's not enough food or cutlery or your mum remembers how much she really loathes and detests me? She does not.
Oh, some of the things she said What things? Nothing.
She's just a very hard woman to please.
Rachel! 'Yes'.
How hard is that to say? Are you sure you wouldn't like a chop? Oh, no, no, no.
You eat.
Mmm.
Here.
I'm really not that hungry.
Mum's on a diet again.
(CHUCKLES) Surely you're not on a diet.
I didn't say I was.
(CLEARS THROAT) Right, so, um, it must be nice to have number one son back home.
I don't play favourites.
Ha-ha-ha.
I meant in age.
No, no, no.
She meant in looks.
As if.
(LAUGHS) Hey, guess what.
Mmm? Tomorrow afternoon we are finally launching Rampant.
JAKE: Mmm! It's a men's body spray that we're repositioning.
So, new packaging, new marketing campaign.
Really? Yeah.
We've been working on it for months.
So, hopefully we're gonna get some major media coverage.
And, er, yeah, we've got this great venue that's overlooking the harbour, and hot new vodka sponsor.
Hot models.
Cool.
They're male models.
Jake could be into that.
(BOTH LAUGH) on, ho, ho! What? It sounds like fun.
Count me in.
Serious? Don't you have to work? I'll ask the boss.
Jake, it's, um It is a party but it's work for me.
So'? It'll give me a chance to see what you actually do.
Are you sure? If you don't want me there I didn't say that.
Well, great! It's a date.
Well, if you ask me, it all soundsjust a little What, Mum? I don't know.
Show-offy.
Look, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry! Alright, I've been in a trench all afternoon and (WHISPERS) What? You just forgot? That explains why she's on diet rations! Oh, you are so not helping this situation, Jake.
She's OK.
Really.
OK.
Are you sure you want to come to this thing tomorrow'? Sure! Rampant and me, we're like that.
Or is that you and me? Mmm.
OK.
Er, just one thing.
Mmm'? It's dressy.
So, just effortlessly stylish.
Wear me best stubbies? (CHUCKLES) Just joking.
Yeah, I'll wear something flash.
And I was thinking we could book a room.
Could we, now'? What do you think? Do you snore? Do you? Only when I'm sleeping.
Well, good.
Won't be a problem, then.
Nah.
(DOOR OPENS) Jake, darling Oh.
Rachel.
Darling, can you take out the garbage when you can? JAKE: Righto.
On my WaV- What time do you reckon we'll knock off today'? It's a big day today, mate.
Massive.
Might make yourself some overtime.
Serious? I looked at the worksheet.
It didn't look that full-on.
They might be small jobs but they're fiddly, you know'? But, um Yeah? There's something I've gotta ask ya.
Sure.
Rachel's launch this arvo Oh, for that spray stuff that smells like WD-40? Yeah.
(PHONE RINGS) Hang on a sec.
Dave Rafter.
Electrician.
Er, sure.
We're pretty busy but I reckon we could fit you in.
What's your address there? OK.
Right.
We'll see you then.
Bye-bye.
Now we really are chockas.
I can't see us knocking off till at least oh, 3:00.
Better get started.
What's OK? I mean, if we're knocking off at 3:00, then, it's OK for me to Take an early mark and go to the launch'? Sure, it's OK.
No worries.
I hope you have a good time.
Got ya.
DAVE: What is this place? Some hippy earthmother garbage.
I didn't think they used electricity.
I thought it was all candles.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, well, you go check it out.
I'll park the van.
Righto.
Hello? Can I help you? No.
I'm here to fix your lights.
Electrician.
You're not Dave Rafter.
Not today.
Am I supposed to be'? Does that mean he's not coming? Yeah.
He'll be in in a sec.
Scratch that.
He's here now.
Do you two know each other? Yes.
No.
We did.
I don't remember.
I do.
I might just wait outside for you, mate.
Yeah, sure.
Whatever.
So, here we are.
What's with the call-out? Sorry about the subterfuge.
You tried to contact me.
Right.
Well, I just need some information about a few things.
Of course.
Anything.
Yeah.
It's my son Ben.
He's got arrhythmia.
It's a heart thing.
Nothing serious.
But it would help to know if there's any family history.
Not from me.
No.
Probably on my father's side.
So, if you could just give me his name, then Er, his name was Tom.
Tom Jennings.
Tom.
Well, that explains my middle name.
I wish I could tell you more about him but I can't.
He died a long time ago, when he was still very young.
Right.
He's dead.
So, nothing wrong with the lights, then? David Thanks for your help.
I'll get out of your hair.
Come on.
Let's go.
What about the job? There's no job here.
David.
David.
Dave! Will you wait'? Will you? Please? Half of what you are comes from me.
Don't walk away.
Why not? Because you wanted to see me too.
One way or another, that's happened.
Talk to me.
Ask me questions.
Anything.
Anything at all.
Alright, I've got a question.
Who's Ringo? You remember.
Who is he? You were two.
It was just after they told me that Tom was dead.
I couldn't cope.
I put you in your cot and I left the dog with you and I went into the kitchen and turned on the gas.
Yeah.
You're still here.
Ringo wouldn't stop barking and brought the neighbours.
They got there just in time.
Well, now I know.
Oh, no, please don't go now.
Not now.
Why do you think I put my name on the website? Well, I'm not really sure.
First you knock me back, then you turn up at my house like a weirdo.
You needed to know and I needed to explain.
Please let me.
It won't take long.
RACHEL: And that's when he felt it.
That invisible cord.
His head was saying 'go' "but his heart his heart had other ideas.
Why'd you give me UP? CHEL: When I heard your dad died, I well, just lost it.
And I ended up in a psychiatric hospital with a form saying âsign here So you did.
Oh, I didn't want to give you up.
I wasn't strong enough to hold on.
Yeah, well, either way, I was gonna end up on my own.
If that dog hadn't barked You weren't exactly looking out for me, were you? I wish things had been different.
But they weren't.
Do you have a photo of him? No.
I wish I did.
I tell you who he looks like - you son, your boy.
The one I saw.
Nathan.
That was a shock.
(CH UCKLES) It's partly whatmade me run.
It's a lot to take in, I know.
And, er, I've got a job to get to.
Can I see you again? Er Yeah, I suppose.
If you want to meet the others.
Do they know about me? They know your name.
They know I've been looking for you.
They know you came to the end of our driveway and thentook off.
So, they've got the general idea.
Yeah.
There's an explanation, right? She's my mother.
Your mother! Yep.
So, it's your mum.
Yeah.
She's a nice lady, yeah? You know about as much as I do.
We're late.
Let's get to this next job.
Yep.
You don't need me for anything else? I'd get out of here while you still can.
Yes.
I've gotta make myself presentable for this do this arvo.
Oh, I think you'll scrub up alright.
That's what I keep telling Rachel but she hasn't bought it! See youse.
Bye.
See ya.
I'm conforming to type.
I'm nesting.
You gonna have the baby there, are you? Yeah, why not? Wading pool, rescue remedy, a few gawking neighbours.
Yeah-no.
I'm gonna plant a flowerbed.
Hydrangeas, I thought.
What do you think? Yeah, look, whatever your pregnant heart desires.
OK.
(CAR PASSES) If you're gonna keep hovering, you might wanna tell me what it's about.
I just met my mother.
What? Oh, my God! When? Yeah, she just pretended to make a booking.
Yeah, I walk into this weird candle shop and there she is.
Dave, that's amazing! That's Ah! That's incredible! So, what's she like'? OK.
OK'? Yeah, she's friendly enough.
So, you talked.
A bit.
(CHUCKLES) A bit.
And what did she say? It's a long story.
Dave! Jules, I OK.
But you talkedto your mother! That's So, are we gonna meet her? How's tomorrow afternoon sound? Tomorrow'? I can call and cancel No! No, no, no.
Tomorrow's perfect.
It's it's amazing.
I can't believe after all this time I'm gonna meet your mother.
Hmm.
Not just my mother.
Your mother-in-law.
Lib, we've been through this checklist a hundred thousand times.
Please just tell Verna to chill.
Just relax.
It's all taken care of.
You are not going to believe the threads I've got Jake.
He's going to look so hot! (KNOCK AT DOOR) It's open! (WHISPERS) I have to go.
He's here.
This is so exciting! The name's Barton.
Jake Barton.
(CH UCKLES AWK\NARDLY) What'? Is it too much? You said dressy.
Er Don't tell me.
I've taken your breath away.
It's, er formal.
Course! It's Camel's best man suit.
Lucky for me, no-one's ever asked him.
(CH UCKLES) n is OK, isn't it'? Yes.
Of course.
Are you sure about that'? Yes.
Good.
'Cause it's all I've got.
Hey, where's the mini bar? Um, don't go there.
It's a rip-off.
Oh, there were some chocolates on the pillow but I ate them.
(CHUCKLES) That's my girl.
So, what do you reckon? First night ever in our own room.
First night ever in a proper bed.
OK, down, boy.
Later.
I have to get ready.
Ah.
And then No! No.
After, OK'? This is work.
I've already told (GROANS) And don't give me that look, OK'? We've got a whole night together.
If I tell you who I met today, will you kiss me? No.
We'll be late.
Who'd you meet? Just a little kiss.
It's your decision.
OK.
Who was it? Nah, nah.
We haven't got time.
Jake, just tell me who you met! Your dad's mum.
What? Dad's mum'? Yeah.
She called us out on a job and Dad's mum'? As in the woman who gave birth to him? That's the usual definition, yeah.
I've gotta call him.
The kiss? I told you.
Later.
Hi.
Dad.
So isn't that great news? And I really look like my grandad? My other grandad? Wow! I've always wondered about that.
He would've been a cutie.
Ha! Oh! Somebody pass the bucket.
No, I'm serious.
It's never been obvious who I take after and now I know.
Did she say if you had any brothers and sisters? I was her only child and, given my father died so young, I reckon I'm the only one.
God, it must've been hard on her, giving you up.
Oh, no.
Ugly-baby syndrome.
It's more common than you think.
Unlike sensitivity.
Really, I think it's awesome.
I know you wanna know every detail, but I know as much as you do.
No, I'm sure we'll learn more in time.
Anyway, she's gonna be here tomorrow.
So am I.
As for the rest of you, if you get a better offer, just feel free to take it, alright? I cannot believe it's Dad's actual mum.
Like, it's his actual mother.
And we're gonna meet her.
We're gonna meet her! Tomorrow.
That's if we survive tonight.
I'm overdressed, aren't I'? No, not at all.
Look, can you see any other guy in a tux'? Jake, look I'm not gonna embarrass you, am I'? No.
No, of course not.
OK'? Honestly, you look hot.
A million bucks.
Right, but I've only got a $20 in my wallet so, um, what are the drinks worth round here? It's a launch.
They're free.
What, seriously? All night? Yeah.
The whole point is you have a good time at someone else's expense.
Well, if you say so.
So why aren't you drinking? How many times do I have to tell you? I'm working.
Now, I'm gonna have to go start schmoozing.
You sure you're gonna be OK by yourself? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
No worries.
But if one of those guys even thinks of spraying me They're models.
The idea is they represent the Rampant male.
So use it and I end up looking like a big poof? They look hot.
They're just a bit metrosexual.
It's something-sexual.
WOMAN: Rachel? Er (WHISPERS) Oh, yeah.
Incoming client.
Please, please just behave.
This is a really big deal for me.
I'm behaving.
Verna, welcome.
Darling! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! You know Dirk'? Yes, of course.
The face of Rampant.
Hi again.
Hi.
This is Jake.
G'day.
Your boyfriend? Yes.
Yes.
And my date for the evening.
Good thing I checked.
I was about to order a drink from him! Oh, so rude! So Rampant! That's no problem.
No problem.
So what's your poison? Fluffy Duck'? Now, I hope everything is under control.
This has to be perfect.
Oh, yes.
Trust me.
It's all taken care of.
Gorgeous.
Come, Dirk, let's mingle.
Ciao! See you, Geoff.
Maybe I'll just meet you back at the hotel.
Oh, no, no, no, please, come on, give it time.
Just ignore him.
Luckily he's the face of Rampant and he never has to open his mouth.
Hey, there's Libby and George.
JAKE: Is that Libby on George? Hey! Guys! Lib! Ah, Rachel.
Hi, guys.
Ooh! Jake! Yep.
Whoo-ho-hoo.
I've overdone it, haven't I'? No.
You look hot.
Thanks, mate.
Not a word about the clothes, OK'? And please tell me you were just searching George for contraband canapés.
Oh, given up fighting it.
Social death versus raw, naked animal lust.
No contest.
If I don't spray him, I don't like him.
But if I do spray him And believe me, I do spray him.
Oh, no! That is too much information.
Please stop, OK'? Guys? We better start working the room, OK'? So I won't be long.
Sure you're gonna be OK by yourself? The name's Barton.
Jake Barton.
I'll be fine.
A new grandmother? That's amazing! Yeah, is that weird or what? Well, how's your dad coping'? I'm not sure 'coping' is the word I'd use.
I think he's still in shock.
Yeah, I'm not surprised.
I wonder what she's like.
Who cares what she's like'? She's your yiayia.
His what-ya? 'Grandma' in Greek.
Right.
Know how lucky you are scoring a new yiayia at your age? I guess.
I dunno.
I hadn't really thought about it like that.
Well, you should.
Mate, I'd give anything to have my yia back.
Look, your mums and dads are special but your yiayia, especially my Dad's mum I still remember when she hugged me, that smell of baby powder and dolmades.
And when she kissed me, how her whiskers would tickle my nose.
I'm just saying, when you're a kid you think they'll be around forever and then one day they're not.
It's OK, Carbo.
Never take them for granted, mate.
You always have less time than you think you have.
So who's up for Gran Turismo'? (LOUNGE MUSIC PLAYS) So the try line is right there and then, smack! This big Samoan guy creams me.
I was out for the count, mate.
Yeah! Really? Fascinating, isn't it? Rachel.
Rachel, this is Trent.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too, Rachel.
Do you want a drink? Trent knows where they stash the good stuff.
No, thank you.
I'm fine.
I'll just Bye.
Are you sure you're doing OK'? Yeah.
I even had a dance with some of the waiters.
Oh, OK.
Well, just hang in there.
There's not long to go now.
Rachel, I said I'm cool.
Rachel, darling, I think it's time.
Right.
Ready when you are.
All set to greet the world as the new face of Rampant? Just try and stop me.
Here.
Hold this.
Mate.
I tell you, if that guy's face is his fortune, he's going the right way about losing it, hey? Remember what I said about behaving.
(FUNKY MUSIC PLAYS) Hello, darlings.
Could we have some quiet up the back, please? Welcome, everybody.
I just wanted to say, on behalf of Rampant, it is with a great deal of excite (MUSIC CUTS OUT) Hello? Where are the sound guys? Rachel? George, where are the sound guys? Gone.
What?! Um, we're onto it.
We're onto it, Verna.
(CLEARS THROAT) This is a nightmare.
This is a disaster.
It was working fine before.
Verna's gonna burst her Botox.
Gotta think of something to do! Um, if you'll just bear with us, we will introduce the new face of Rampant really, really soon, so Wh (SEXY BLUES MUSIC PLAYS) Make yourself useful.
I am so sorry, Verna.
I He looks sexy and capable.
Has he done this before'? Yeah, once or twice.
(MUSIC BLARES) As you were, people.
Assume the position.
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Jake, you're amazing! Nice one, Trent.
Read my mind, mate.
You beauty! Gorgeous.
What did you say his name was? It's Jake.
(LAUGHS) Thanks.
Jake, can you join me over here for a second? Sure.
I like your style.
Smile.
(WILD APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) RACHEL: Jake was loving the attention - the cheers, the whistles.
But suddenly all I could hear was his mum's tut-tut of disapproval and the twang of that umbilical cord stretched to breaking point.
(LAUGHS) Pretty pleased with ourselves, aren't we'? I saved your night for you.
Ah! Haven't I thanked you enough'? Not nearly enough.
And look.
All these women gave me their cards.
What?! No! She bats for the other team.
Well, she didn't sound like a Pom.
Hey What's this? Are you expecting somebody else? Of course not.
I-l just thought That I would actually turn up in my stubbies? How was I supposed to know Camel had a dinner suit? That's not a suit, Rachel.
That's jeans and a shirt, like all the other guys were wearing.
But was I embarrassing back there? No! No, of course not.
Because you were on my case all night.
Was not! You were! âDo this.
" âDo that.
" âBehave.
â I mean, I was doing my best to fit in.
Oh, please don't spoil this.
Yeah, well, who's spoiling this? I told you, you were great.
You were great.
Embarrassing.
No.
Sexy and masculine.
Hot.
Capable.
If you didn't like the tux, you just had to say.
Forget about the tux.
(PHONE RINGS) Ignore it.
No.
Oh! I gotta get it.
Oh! Oh, God.
Hey.
Mum.
(GROANS) When? Yeah, well, did you check the fuse box? Yeah.
Er Uh-huh.
OK.
About an hour.
Yep.
Bye.
Power's gone at home.
They got no lights, nothing.
It's bedtime.
Can't they just go to bed'? I said I'd fix it.
A few hours won't hurt, will it? (GROANS, DIALS) Mum? Er I, umI've had too much to drink and I don't think I should drive.
Yeah.
Yep.
Alright.
I'll see you in the morning, then.
OK, bye.
Wasn't so hard, was it? What are you doing? Gotta get back.
Sort out that power problem.
Remember that form we filled out, all those little boxes we ticked? Yeah, our breakfast order.
Yeah, it wouldn't be very much fun sitting here eating it all by myself.
Rach, the freezer's been off.
I can't let all that food go to waste.
I'd never hear the end of it.
RACHEL: The invisible cord was tugging "and Mum had won.
Again.
Oh, er, Sammy, not those ones.
The matching plates.
Um, Dad, can you take the newspapers out as well? Please? Yeah.
Rachel, one, Grace, nil.
Kept her away from Jake for a whole 12 hours.
Careful.
She doesn't strike me as the forgive-and-forget type.
Thought you'd be on the same side, being mothers and all.
Well, this mother's on her daughter's side.
Well? Collar's up.
Hey? Oh.
Ooh.
Wow.
Wow.
This place is scarily tidy.
Yeah.
And you've ironed your shirt.
So'? What is going on here, guys? Come on, we're just meeting the woman.
We're not fawning all over her.
Yeah, she's our dad's mum.
Not the Queen's.
No.
No, you know what? Rachel's right.
We should just be ourselves.
Yeah, exactly.
And if she doesn't like us, it's just too bad.
Yeah.
You don't think she'll like us'? No, of course she'll like us.
I mean, we like us, don't we'? Yeah.
Yeah.
Mostly.
Except for Nathan.
Yeah.
So what time is she coming? I dunno.
Your dad said this afternoon.
Like 1:30? (ALL CHATFER) JULIE: I don't know! I don't know! What's going on? Nothing.
We, you know Just.
.
.
just relaxing.
RACHEL: As if anyone could relax with so much at stake.
Yes, we can all tell the time.
Thank you, Nathan.
She's not coming.
(DOORBELL RINGS) Um, do you want do you want me to get that'? No, it's fine.
I'll get it.
OK, stand.
We should all stand.
Yep.
At ease! It's not a bloody parade ground.
Hello.
Hello, Dave.
Find the place alright? I've been here before, remember.
Oh, yeah.
You do drink? At times like this Are you kidding? Come in.
Rachel.
I'm so glad you're here.
Me too.
I can't tell you how much.
Congratulations.
Oh! Thanks.
It's Chel, people call me, Chel.
Oh, that makes things easier.
I'm Rachel too.
Rachel? Lovely to meet you, Rachel.
And then there's me, of course.
The underappreciated middle child, Ben.
The heir and the spare.
Chronologically speaking only.
You're Nathan.
Did your father tell you how Yeah, apparently I look a little bit like my grandfather.
A lot like him.
(LAUGHS) Um, I'm Ted, Julie's dad.
And this is Sammy, Nathan's wife.
Sammy.
Gorgeous.
And she's smart.
She's doing a degree in journalism.
And this is Melissa.
She already has her degree.
She's a nurse.
(LAUGHS) Hi.
That's the tribe.
What a fine tribe too.
What are we waiting for'? Welcome to the family.
Goes for all of us.
Can't believe you're tearing up.
I'm not.
Nepal? What were you doing there? Oh, like everyone, travelling around on the cheap.
You meet a lot of people my age in backpackers.
Where's the most interesting place you've been? Umer, Uganda.
Yes, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are buried at the source of the Nile.
Like Nathan - always in 'de Nile'.
(ALL GROAN) 'Denial'! No, 'the Nile'.
She said Enough! I wish I had a photo of your grandfather.
You'd see what I mean.
Aw! BEN: I don't look anything like him? Oh, I can see Ted in you.
Lucky lad.
We look completely different.
Same nose.
Oh! We We have not.
Have you got something against my hooter'? (LAUGHTER) It's not really looks.
It's more an aura that you share.
Well, I've got a fruitcake to share if anyone's interested.
No, I'll get it.
Oh, thanks, Dad.
Need a hand? No.
You stay there.
Me and aura boy will manage.
RACHEL: So now you've got the shop? CHEL: Oh, it's not mine.
It belongs to a friend.
She just lets me Are you OK'? Yeah.
She's nice, isn't she? Yeah.
Nathan's getting on pretty well with her.
And Rachel.
Oh, yeah, well, Rachel's got her name and Nathan reminds her of the love of her life.
I don't have anything in common with her.
Not even a dodgy ticker.
Come on.
You wouldn't wish that on someone.
(LAUGHS) No! Look, I don't mind that she likes them.
It's fair enough.
Are you sure about that'? Yes! I just I don't know how I feel.
I guess I'm with Dad.
Well, they've only just met.
Yeah, but It can't be easy.
No wonder Dad looks like he just walked into a wall.
It's a long time.
Could have you stayed away from Mum that long'? Oh! That was It was great.
I meant it about the jewellery.
Come and see metomorrow.
OK.
It's a deal.
Oh.
Thank you, Julie, for making me feel at home.
Oh! My pleasure.
Well, our pleasure.
OTHERS: Yeah.
Really hope we get to see you again soon.
Thanks again.
Dave, maybe you should walk Chel to the car? Yeah.
Bye.
ALL: Bye, Chel.
See ya.
See ya.
Your family's lovely, Dave.
We're the ones that should talk.
Yeah.
It's hard to get a word in edgeways.
They're a noisy bunch.
They're not here now.
Ll do get why you'd hold back.
Don't worry.
It's all water under the bridge.
Not for me.
You had an amazing life - you know, all that travel and adventure.
I didn't give you up to have a good time.
Yeah, but you did and I didn't not when I was a kid.
Didn't know what family was until I met Jules.
I can't ask you to forgive me maybe in time, just understand.
It's all done now.
Are we going to see each other again? I don't think I can.
I'm glad Icame today.
Bye, Dave.
Bye.
RACH EL: Maybe after so long apart, the bond just isn't there.
The cord's been cut "the damage done.
Well, I like her.
And you know why'? She reminds me of you.
Yeah? I can't see it myself.
Do you want me to hate her? No.
'Cause I will if you want me to.
Jules I'll stick her name in the freezer.
No! I'll stick pins in a voodoo doll.
Jules Or I could even pinch her on the bum when she's not looking.
Oh, Dave.
She's your mum.
Jules, I don't want you to hate her.
You happy'? There's so much I wanted to say to her, you know.
Growing up, getting bundled from one foster home to the other, never feeling like there was anyone who loved me.
Well, we love you.
Can make it retrospective if that helps.
I don't even know what to call her.
What's wrong with 'Chel'? Yeah.
I suppose.
I couldn't call her Mum.
'Mummy'? (LAUGHS) No.
(LAUGHS) We've already got one yummy mummy in the house.
Oh, darlin'.
You don't have to decide how to feel, you know.
You'll just feel.
Like with you and me.
Yeah.
Like with you and me.
So I was thinking we could take Alex to the beach with us tomorrow.
Sure.
You want us to pick you up? Er, no.
There's room in my car.
(LAUGHS) There is not.
Well, just let me do this, OK'? You know how badly I stuffed up with your mum and Alex the other night at dinner.
Let's just call this a gesture.
Yeah.
Rachel, you don't need What? I don't need to what? She's there, isn't she? OK.
Pick us up at 12:00, yeah? So you got the power back on alright, then? Gotta go now.
'Night.
Wh'? Oh! The beach babe, Rachel.
Look, look! Jake's a legend.
What? He's in the paper.
Oh? You serious? Yeah.
I am going to get seriously bagged by the boys.
âHunky electrician Jake Barton âmade a big Rampant spark on Friday night.
" WOW! Have you seen this? Lot of fuss for an aftershave.
(LAUGHS) Oh, Jake was a hero.
He saved us from a world of embarrassment.
Yeah! Talk about embarrassment! Oh! So shoot me.
You got your face in the paper.
Are we still going to the beach'? Or are you gonna be too busy exfoliating? ErI'm not sure what that means either, mate, but I'm pretty sure it's rude.
It depends where you put it.
(LAUGHS) RACHEL: Hmm.
We're definitely going to the beach.
(RACHEL LAUGHS) Come on, mate.
Mankini.
ALEX: Mankini! (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) ALEX: I'm alright.
(LAUGHS) Jake really was amazing.
You would have been proud of him.
I am proud of him, but not for going to some silly party.
I think he had a good time.
Is that what he told you? I was there.
I could tell.
You know, don't think I don't know what you're doing.
Filling his head with stupid rubbish It was just a party.
And you couldn't even trust him to choose his own clothes.
He chose his own clothes.
That Jake - that Jake in that photograph? That is not Jake.
Wow.
You're really not prepared to give me a go, are you? You think that you'd take Alex to the beach and I it's gonna change my mind about you? Jake and Alex are adults, and whether you like it or not, they can (SIGHS) Never mind.
Forget it.
No, no! You've got something to say.
Just say it.
(QUIETLY) OK.
The first time we met, you spoke about limits, er âWe never set our sights on unrealistic goals.
â Yeah.
That's what I've taught them.
Yeah, well, it isn't teaching them, it's stifling them.
You're not even letting them try to reach their full potential.
I know my own boys.
You have no idea what they're capable of.
Alex is a grown man and you won't even let him cut his own food.
He can't manage on his own.
He can! But you refuse to see it.
That's not true.
Oh! But it is.
Because it's how you keep him tied to your apron strings, him and Jake.
What's going on? JAKE: Mum? Maybe the beach wasn't such a good idea.
What was that about? Oh! Ask her.
By the way, sorry about the clothes.
I didn't mean to insult you.
Run and tell her that too! Don't speak to my mother like that.
She needed to hear it.
No, she didn't.
Not from you.
You don't see it, do you? It's all about her - making sure that her sons can never leave her.
And every time anyone else tries to even get close to you, she (SIGHS) You don't see what she does.
She is my mother.
I know what she's like.
Are you sure? It's not for you to say it, Rachel.
Hey, I am not the bad guy here, Jake.
You're out of line.
(SIGHS) (CAR DOOR SHUTS) Hello.
I wasn't sure whether I'd see you or not.
Yeah, well, let's just say my day didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned.
Tea? Oh, sorrysorry, I just I was just seeing if they fit inside.
They do.
All of them.
All the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Is that what they all are? Well, some say that each doll represents a different face of womanhood, and each time you think that you know who a woman is, she shows you a new characteristic.
(SCOFFS) I wish.
Sorry, I, um I just had a fight with my boyfriend about his mother Ah.
which is after I had a fight with her about him.
And she just hates my guts.
And the feeling's mutual? She's a single mum with two adult children that she still treats as if they're 10.
Is that what you told her? Pretty much.
Yeah.
I justl can't see how a mother can refuse to let go of her kids.
I can.
And I haven't been much of a mother, but there hasn't been a day go by when I didn't think of your father and wish things could have been different.
That's so sad.
It's how things are.
And I can't tell him this but I can tell you.
I love him as much today as I did the day that he was born.
And no matter what, I'm never gonna stop.
That's what they say, isn't it? You make your bed.
What are you doing? Nothing much.
Just finishing up for the day.
I had a fight with Jake.
That's no good.
About his mother.
Sure that was a good idea? Not very.
And then I went to see Chel.
Just to look at the jewellery? Yeah.
What I got was advice about Jake.
She doesn't even know him.
Shetold me something else, something about you.
Aren't you the slightest bit interested? OK.
What? She told me she really does love you, and that she never stopped.
Yeah, well, it's easy to say, isn't it? No.
I don't think it was.
I also think it's the truth.
We'll never know either way, will we'? That's the thing, Dad.
You don't have an option B for a mother.
It's Chel or it's no-one.
Anyway, that's it.
Lecture's over.
I just I thought you might like to know.
(WHISPERS) Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Me too.
Soso where does this? I think we should cool things for a bit.
Be-because of one little fight? You have no idea what my mum's done for us.
Jake, I'm I'm sorry.
We need to take a step back.
SONG: Here we are Once again in the blue star Blaming the world, blaming yourself And the higher power And I think it's sad That you cry More for what's passed you by RACHEL: What is the power that ties a mother to her kids, that makes their kids so fiercely protective Oh! (LAUGHS) You know what? What, darling? I love you.
I love you too.
You think you're the only one who needs RACHEL: .
.
that draws them back even when there's so much to forgive? Why don't you stop for a minute? For a moment If you're busy, I can come back later.
.
.
for your pinnacle Or you might miss Life's little miracle Little miracle Little miracle.