Episode 6710

Australian Air Date: 9th August 2017
UK Air Date: 8th September 2017
Writer: Andrew Osborne
Director: Geoffrey Nottage
Cat No: HAAW10-23

Hunter struggles to fully connect with his real dad. Raffy stands up to Jennifer when Coco is being bullied. John and Marilyn receive some bad news about fostering, but John has another idea.

Extended Summary

Hunter and Wally are both left reeling from their newfound discovery that they are in fact father and son. Hunter asks how Wally’s wife took the news and apologises for causing trouble but Wally assures Hunter that it’s not his fault. Hunter is pleased to hear that Wally is planning to stick around for a little bit and then make plans to meet later. Later, Hunter tells Irene, Leah and Olivia his news about Wally; they are all excited for him and express that they would love to meet him. The meet up goes well; Wally says that Hunter is lucky to have such a wonderful support system here. Wally and Hunter have a coffee at the diner afterwards and discover, much to Hunter’s dismay, that they don’t have a lot of hobbies or interests in common. Struggling to connect with his real dad, Hunter explains that he better get ready for his exam. Leah approaches Wally at the diner once Hunter has left and susses him out, telling Wally that Hunter has been through a lot. Leah conveys that no matter what Hunter will still always be a part of their family. At school before the exam VJ asks Hunter how his catchup with Wally went. Hunter admits that it was a bit uncomfortable, other than family they don’t have much to talk about. VJ points out that this is probably hard for Wally too and Hunter agrees. Hunter and Wally say goodbye, he’s got to get back to his business. Hunter is disappointed to hear that Wally won’t be back for a couple of months and suggests that they come down to see him. Wally adamantly insists he doesn’t have to do that; Hunter should focus on year 12 instead. Wally then says that he will try and shuffle some things around so that he can return sooner. When Hunter is out of earshot Wally gets a call from his wife where he lies about being at Summer Bay, saying that his conference is going well. What does this mean for Hunter?

Raffy apologises to Marilyn and John after her blow up about Mason and agrees to have Roo tutor her. Marilyn and John are understanding and promise to take her to the hospital as soon as they have the all-clear. Coco tries to take a perfect selfie on the beach when she sees VJ and attempts to make small talk but he is dismissive of her. Later at school Coco is teased by Jennifer and her posse, finding mouldy, half eaten food in her locker. As Coco is throwing out the rotten food she sees Raffy who looks upset and asks what is wrong. Raffy updates her on the situation with Mason; sharing her belief that it is all a ruse to keep her in school. Coco suggests that Raffy go at lunch but she can’t because she has a tutoring session with Roo. Coco promises to cover for Raffy so that she can go and Raffy thanks her profusely. Roo is surprised when Coco turns up at the tutoring session instead of Raffy and Coco lies that she needs help with English and heard how good Roo is; Raffy kindly offered to let Coco have her spot. But when Roo looks at Coco’s marks and sees that they are outstanding she knows that something is up and asks where Raffy is. After receiving a call from the school John and Marilyn find Raffy at the hospital where she peers at Mason through a window. Raffy is upset that Mason is all alone in there and Marilyn suggests that she sees if she can have a quick visit with a face mask and goggles on. Back at school Coco apologises to Raffy, explaining that Roo saw through her gimmick but Raffy assures her it is fine, she probably would’ve gotten caught by Tori anyway and is just glad that she was able to finally see Mason. Coco is bullied by Jennifer about her selfies on social media and her façade, but Raffy sticks up for her and deflects Jennifer’s mean comments with witty comebacks. But Coco is affected by Jennifer’s mean remarks and admits to Raffy that her life here is just as bad as it was in the city. Coco explains why she is fake online; getting lots of likes is the only thing that makes her feel better. Raffy offers to cheer Coco up, having an indoor picnic and binging on junk food. Coco thanks Raffy for being there for her and offers her support to Raffy as well.

John makes a phone call to follow up on their adoption application only to find out that it has been rejected. John breaks the news to Marilyn, they are both visibly disappointed, but John blames himself; the application has been rejected due to his prior conviction. Any chance of them being able to foster a kid ever again is over. John apologises profusely to Marilyn, he is upset that she is being punished for his mistake. Marilyn consoles him; reminding him how lucky they are and suggesting that they focus on Raffy instead. They agree not to dwell on what might’ve been and focus instead on what’s ahead of them. But as Marilyn moves off into the kitchen she struggles to hide her devastation. At the hospital Marilyn seems upset when John raises the fostering issue again but Marilyn assures him that she is just upset that Raffy will be gone soon because she will miss her. John gushes over what a good mother Marilyn would be and offers up a potential solution; asking how she would feel about potentially trying for a baby of their own.

Guest Cast

JENNIFER DUTTON (BRITTANY SANTARIGA)
WALLY BURNS (JULIAN GARNER)