UK Air Date: 9th June 2008
Writer: Deborah Parsons
Director: Danny Raco
Jazz sets her sights on Miles. How far will Noel go to make Ric fight again?
Extended Summary
After a chance encounter on the beach between Jazz and Miles, Jazz asks Miles to go on a picnic with her. It’s a big step for him, his first date since he lost his family and broke down, and it’s an awkward experience. It doesn’t help when a pair of his students spot them on the beach and, just as he’s beginning to relax, reveal themselves by giggling a little too loudly. But that can’t spoil the day, and they end their picnic with a kiss and an agreement to take things slowly.
As if being in hospital, sick and beaten, wasn’t enough, Ric’s now struggling to deal with the bombshell Viv has just dropped. Their baby has a serious chromosomal disorder. Viv explains the details, explains how difficult it would be to raise a child with disability, and that the doctors all recommended she terminate the pregnancy. She was going to follow their advice, do what Noel wanted, she’s even booked in for the termination. But now she’s not so sure, on one hand she’s bonded with the unborn child, on the other she knows how difficult it would be to raise it, and is worried her marriage to Noel might not survive so much strain.
Ric doesn’t judge her, he wants to support her no matter what her choice, but he thinks if she’s having doubts she should take a little longer to decide. Not wanting to repeat any of his past mistakes, this time Ric is totally honest with Matilda from the onset, and together they decide to be there for Viv if she decides to keep the baby. It’s a huge decision for these two kids, and the enormity is not lost on Viv. With a real chance to cope now if Noel leaves her, Viv has a real choice. When Noel arrives at the hospital he’s adamant about two things. Viv is coming home with him, and Ric is going to fight again.
Viv gives in, but Ric is staunch in his refusal, and Noel’s tactics have no effect. But for Noel, this has become about more than money, if his punters don’t get a rematch, he’ll be in very real danger, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make Ric fight. To everyone’s surprise, he softens, saying he only wants what’s best for Viv, and he’ll support her in whatever decision she makes. But what is the real motivation behind his sudden change of heart?