Episode 7209

Extended Summary

Willow and Alex are preparing for a training session near the surf club. They run into Karen, who notes Mackenzie has given her a job. John overhears and is flabbergasted, recalling how she tried to run him over, with Karen retorting that she was looking out for Dean. Willow wonders where Dean is and Karen predicts he will be there. In fact, Dean is at the farmhouse sharing a long goodbye kiss with Ziggy, who tries to get him to stay. However, he has the lesson with Ryder which he doesn’t want to put off any longer and also wants to check in on Karen at Salt.

Bella is playing with her breakfast at the Diner flat and Mackenzie indicates she doesn’t have to eat it if she doesn’t want to. She adds that Colby wishes he could be there but is needed at the search for Jasmine. Bella understands. Mackenzie has to go into work while Bella has to get to court. Outside, Irene chats to John and Marilyn. Marilyn tells her to call as soon as she knows anything and Irene notes she might get put in handcuffs. Alf chimes in with words of support. Bella and Mackenzie emerge and Irene tells Bella that, even if things don’t go their way, it’s not her fault. Leah calls to them from where she is standing near the car with Justin. As Leah, Irene and Bella drive off, Raffy joins Justin and tells him she’s been accepted into the trial. However, she’s not sure how to tell John and Marilyn. Justin says they’ll do it together.

Mackenzie joins Karen at Salt and apologises for being late. Karen has been given a uniform but tells Mackenzie she doesn’t do them; Mackenzie wearily accepts it. She shows Karen the tablet she needs to take orders and alert the kitchen, which Karen doesn’t seem particularly comfortable with. Dean arrives but tells Karen he isn’t rostered on and just wanted to wish her luck. Mackenzie asks him to show Karen how to use the tablet. After a brief instruction, Dean checks with Mackenzie that she knows it’s Karen’s first job in ages and first since getting out of hospital. Mackenzie promises to go easy on her. Meanwhile, outside the Diner, Raffy, with Justin by her side, tells John and Marilyn that she’s been accepted into a trial…in Victoria. Justin adds that she’ll be staying with Brody. Raffy also reveals that she was fast-tracked because of her previous trial and so starts tomorrow. John and Marilyn are shocked but agree that it’s good news.

Willow and Alex are preparing for their session outside the surf club when first Ziggy and then Dean join them. They briefly talk about Karen before Dean and Ziggy go to meet Ryder. Alex asks if Willow knows everyone in town. Willow says it’s a small town but she and Dean grew up together, and she’s worried about how together he is while she seems to have nothing. Alex offers to talk to her about it but Willow insists she continue with the session. At the court, Irene is sat with Collins while Leah, Bella and Teresa are in the front row. The judge addresses the foreman who pronounces Irene guilty on all counts: Using excessive force, causing grievous bodily harm and concealing evidence. Irene and Bella are devastated while Tommy and Wegenar shake hands.

Ryder is waiting for Dean and Ziggy on the beach; they are amused that he has zinc on his face. Ryder prepares to run out into the water. Dean asks him where the rip is first. Ryder guesses it’s in the middle. Dean says that could cost him his life but there isn’t one today. Ryder again prepares to go out but Dean tells him he needs to learn to pop up first. At Salt, Mackenzie asks Karen whether a table ordered everything twice or if she just submitted it twice. Karen admits it’s her mistake. Mackenzie tries to show her how to check an order before sending it but Karen doesn’t really seem to be listening. Alex and Willow turn up: Alex has earned the right to a chat by doing three laps of the beach.

Justin tells Raffy her flight will get her in for her appointment and Brody and Simone will pick her up from the airport. Raffy heads off to pack. John comments to Marilyn that it isn’t easy as Marilyn gets a call from Leah. John wonders about the HSC; Justin says he spoke to Maggie who thinks it’s best for Raffy to get her epilepsy under control and then repeat Year 12. Marilyn tells them that Irene’s been found guilty and they’re waiting for the sentence. Down the beach, Dean eventually lets Ryder take the board out, with Ziggy watching in amusement. Ryder falls off a lot but does manage to stand on the board momentarily.

Willow chats to Alex about how she feels directionless. Karen brings them their drinks but then brings the wrong food. They try to sort it out themselves, while Karen wants to correct her mistake, but Mackenzie steps in, telling Karen to go and empty the bins. Downstairs, Ryder raves about his brief experience of surfing to John, Dean and Ziggy. John asks him if he’s spoken to Raffy, suggesting he does so today. Karen watches Dean from the stairs.

Mackenzie finds Karen on the balcony. Karen says she just needed a breather. Mackenzie says it’s not her scheduled break but offers to arrange cover. However, Karen insists it’s not necessary and heads back to work. Down on the beach, Alf and Marilyn discuss Irene. Alf thinks she can appeal but Marilyn is worried she’ll have to stay in prison until then. She’s quickly proved wrong when Irene appears with Leah, Bella and Teresa.

The group decamp to Salt, joining Willow and Alex, where Irene explains she got a good behaviour bond. It’s a condition that she has to keep attending the support group but she’d have done that anyway. Bella is pleased that Tommy got to hear the sentence handed out. Teresa is annoyed he might still profit but Leah says they’ll worry about the civil case another time. Bella goes to tell Colby while the rest decide to stay for a meal. Mackenzie worries about Karen handling a table that size but she insists, although she seems flustered as they order water and champagne, with Alf asking for beer, Marilyn asking for another one for John and Teresa for lemonade. Downstairs, Ziggy suggests Ryder need more lessons. Ryder is happy to have one tomorrow and every day after but Dean suggests a few days’ practice on his own, to Ziggy’s frustration. John, Dean and Ziggy head up to Salt while Ryder gets a text from Raffy and goes to meet her.

Karen tries to serve the table but gives Teresa’s meal to Marilyn, then knocks into John, getting mess on his shirt. John complains and Karen ends up pouring water over his head. Dean and Mackenzie intervene but Karen is annoyed at being told what to do…then faints. Alex takes charge. Down on the beach, Raffy has told Ryder about the trial and how she has to be there tomorrow. Ryder is disappointed it’s happening right when they’re friends again but gets her to shout him a milkshake at the Diner. Not far away, John complains to Marilyn about Karen but she is more concerned about Raffy, worrying that she’ll forget about them and never come back.

Alex tends to Karen as she comes round but Dean thinks she faked the faint in order to avoid responsibility, trying to get Willow to back him up. Karen says her medication has side effects and Dean asks if it makes you pour a drink over someone. Karen storms out; Ziggy looks concerned but Dean looks unrepentant.