Episode 4479

Australian Air Date: 9th August 2007

The tension between Matilda and Martha over house-sharing finally boils over. Martha struggles to accept that Jack has moved on in his relationship with Sam.

Extended Summary

Bruce reacts angrily to the news that the sheep were deliberately poisoned. He’s convinced that the neighbours are to blame – or Aden. Annie looks to Geoff, hurt and confused, knowing he must have done it – and she’s shocked when he joins his grandad in blaming Aden. As Bruce’s rage builds, Geoff is left quietly fearing how this is all going to play out. And the stakes are raised when a brick is thrown through the kitchen window that night.

It’s Jack who manages to persuade Aden to tell the truth. He admits to throwing the brick through the window – as payback for being thrown off the footy team for hurting Geoff. But Aden is clear – he didn’t kill the sheep. And Jack’s got no choice but to believe Aden when his alibi checks out.

Bruce’s temper is already stretched, and when Geoff confronts him about their parents’ will, he threatens to pull Geoff out of bible classes. It’s a stand-off between two proud and angry men – and Bruce wins, leaving Geoff painfully aware that he has no control over his life. He feels completely trapped and powerless – and his resentment towards his grandfather is growing stronger than ever.

Stressed after failing yesterday’s Maths exam, Matilda is trying to stay calm enough to study for the next exams – but the fact that Martha’s been having friends over isn’t helping. Mattie arranges to have the flat to herself for the whole night – but to her frustration, Martha changes her plans and the tension between them builds…

Still in love with Jack, Martha struggles to accept Sam’s role in his life. But when Rachel invites Sam along for a girls-only night, Martha and Sam make tentative moves towards establishing a friendship of sorts – although neither of them have any illusion about the simmering tension between them. Sam confides that living at Tony’s is a bit crowded, which prompts Rachel to make an offer – she’s not enjoying living alone, so why don’t Sam, Jack and Rory move into her place? Sam likes the idea, and promises to give Rachel an answer once she’s spoken to Jack. Martha smiles through this, but it’s clear that the thought of Jack and Sam living in the house she once shared with Jack is painful.

As night settles, a restless Bruce – convinced he’s under siege – takes his shotgun and stands watch over his stock. Sensing movement, he takes aim at a figure in the dark and squeezes the trigger. A sharp cry of pain tells Bruce he’s hit his target. He runs to the intruder’s side, shotgun in hand – only to find Geoff, shocked and in pain, clasping his bleeding arm. What has Bruce done…?