UK Air Date: 13th June 2008
Writer: Faith McKinnon
Director: Mark Piper
Ric approaches the police to organise a plan to expose Noel. Jack is slowly coming to terms with his new life.
Extended Summary
Ric listens on with horror as Noel pragmatically outlines a deal to him; participate in an illegal fight or Noel will convince Viv to give up the baby. For Noel things are quite clear; if Ric fights, then Noel is out of trouble and will be around to support Viv and the baby. With Noel knowing Ric’s weak spot the bribe seems clear – Ric has to fight to save the life of his unborn child.
To gain perspective, Ric goes to visit Viv to tell her Noel’s plan. Showing loyalty to her husband, Viv tells Ric exactly what Noel wants her to say. Viv knows that using the baby is just a way of getting Ric across the line to fight. Ric, painted into a corner, says yes to the illegal fight which could see him beaten severely. Ric pulls his family and friends into the equation by asking Miles, Alf and Jack to help find a way to make Noel get what he deserves – “without me ending up in the ring and without Viv and the baby getting hurt”.
Jack uses his connections in the force to find an ‘out’ for Ric and this fight. Fitzgerald and Jack quickly form a plan to bring Noel down, which involves Ric going through with the fight – without Ric there won’t be a fight and without a fight there’ll be nothing to pin on Noel. The plan gives Ric a sense of relief but a whole a new problem to face – what if Noel finds out he’s involved the police with the plan to bring down his operation? With the police on Ric’s side it looks like his prayers have been answered in the form of a raid on Noel’s illegal fight. Mattie, concerned raises the obvious question – what if things don’t go according to plan?
At home, Jack is getting used to a new life with Martha in the house he shared with Sam. He know it’s time to move forward in his life by facing his fears rather than pretend his past life never existed. The realisation that he’s no longer a police officer seems to be taking its toll. Apart from being out of work he is also getting used to life without the full respect of the community like he used to. Fitzgerald highlights an option for Jack – the police force is still there if he wants to come back.
In confidence, Matilda reveals her fears to Martha; she’s upset over Ric putting himself in danger and jeopardising their relationship by sleeping with Viv. Martha highlights a truth Mattie may not be ready for – with this new baby, Viv could be in your lives forever. Matilda’s fear is growing. Will their relationship survive this?