Episode 6448

Extended Summary

A helpless Roo watches on as Nate and Tori work to bring a flat-lining Alf back to life. Matt and John are there to support Roo but it’s a horrifying sight. Finally, they shock Alf’s heart into rhythm again. But when Tori and Nate check Alf’s vitals they’re immediately worried and send him off for an urgent MRI. Tori later explains to Roo – Alf’s had a stroke following his heart attack… And when the MRI results come back, the news is devastating. Alf has been put on life support to give his brain a rest but there’s a possibility he won’t wake up. And if he does, Alf may have permanent neurological damage – he may not be the same person he was before the attack. John and Matt are devastated, but for Roo it’s almost beyond comprehension as she maintains a bedside vigil, quietly urging him to come back to her.

Josh gets a last face-to-face meeting with Andy before he’s to be shipped to remand tomorrow. Andy remains stoic – resolved to take whatever sentence is coming. But this just makes Josh feel even guiltier. Andy tells Josh, given the amount of trouble he’s dragged Josh into over the years, Josh owes him nothing. Andy should be going to gaol. Josh doesn’t agree, but with a Police Officer present, there’s not much he can say. The two cut sad, lonely figures. Afterwards when Josh meets Evelyn at the Caravan Park she tries to distract him by suggesting they go to the movies or something, but Josh is too cut up. He snaps – you know I’ve just been to see Andy right? Evelyn admits she doesn’t want to talk about him. They head into the house where Josh comes face to face with Hunter, who soon gets angry, asking if Josh knew what Andy did. Zac tries to dissipate the tension, pointedly telling Josh (as a reminder to Hunter) that no one can blame him for his brother’s actions. Hunter doesn’t seem to agree though as he storms out.

When the two get a moment alone later, Zac encourages Hunter to open up about how he’s going, processing Andy being responsible for Charlotte’s death. Hunter cracks – what’s there to say? He hated his mother for all she did, and now he hates Andy for killing her. How’s he supposed to work that out? Zac tells him it’ll take some time but he begs Hunter to try his best not to lose his cool – he’s come so far in dealing with things and he doesn’t want Hunter to lash out. Hunter nods, silent – but will he be able to control his emotions? Meanwhile at the Diner, Josh loses the plot when he sees Mason mindlessly doodling devil horns on a photo of Andy. Josh bolts and Evelyn is left to apologise. But Mason’s totally forgiving and a little intrigued by her. The situation is getting worse with Josh and Evelyn searches for a solution.

Justin revels in being hero of the hour (for saving Alf) as Phoebe rewards him with free pizza. Justin’s chuffed and engages in a bit of brotherly banter with Brody. But as Phoebe tries to connect with them on Facebook, she’s surprised to see they’re not there. The boys cover for their lack of social media profiles, claiming it’s not their thing. The fun vibe at Angelo’s comes to an abrupt end when Mason arrives with a head full of steam. (He doesn’t reveal this: but he got a call earlier from Lara relaying how Justin tried to break them up). Mason surprises them all by thumping Justin. Brody interjects before they launch into a full-on fight and before an unimpressed Phoebe throws them out. Brody drags his brothers outside demanding to know what’s going but Mason clams up and Justin doesn’t rat him out. Brody heads back to Angelo’s apologetic, revealing the guy who whacked Justin is Mason, their younger brother. And Phoebe’s left with a sense of déjà vu – three brothers, great.

That evening, Tori turns up at Nate’s place with a bottle of red – is he thirsty? Nate invites her in and they talk about the difficult day, as Tori praises how Nate handled treating Alf and talking to Roo. Nate admits it’s one of the hardest things, having a patient that’s also a friend. Tori asks if she can hang out for a bit and avoid her brothers bickering at home, at least until her adrenalin goes down. Nate agrees but when he heads out to get them some dinner, a tired Tori falls asleep on Nate’s couch. Nate covers her with a blanket and looks upon his new friend fondly. Meanwhile at the Morgan House, Justin and Mason make peace. Mason gets Justin’s instinct was to protect him. Justin hints that it was for Lara’s benefit as well – Mason doesn’t want her caught up in their mess. But Mason assures she won’t talk (meaning their new address) and he just can’t let her go. Justin gives up the fight, seemingly agreeing to let them be.

The follow morning, in order to try to help Josh through this difficult period, Evelyn convinces Josh to go camping with her. Eventually Josh relents, admitting how he feels all this is so unfair, what’s happening to Andy – Hunter overhears this last part, and not knowing the context (that Andy is innocent) he gets angry all over again. Hunter heads straight to the police station, where he sees a handcuffed Andy being taken from his cell in order to be transported to remand. Hunter, enraged, starts goading Andy. But when Andy doesn’t respond, Hunter randomly grabs a pair of scissors and lunges at Andy. All are stunned – as blood seeps from Andy’s side. How will this play out?