Episode 7221

Extended Summary

Colby finishes a surf and encounters Mackenzie on the beach, noting they haven’t seen much of each other lately. He says he’s been ordered to take three days off and suggests Mackenzie spend it with him. Mackenzie has commitments at Salt but tells him to give her two hours and she’ll see what she can do… although she looks uncertain as he walks away. Back at the flat, Robbo is sat with his head in his hands. Colby arrives and is stunned to see him, noting the cuts on his face and asking where he’s been and what’s happened. He asks if Des and his mates had him. Robbo doesn’t answer, only saying that he just got in, that he’s not hurt and that he hasn’t told the feds yet. He says he needs a shower and some food. Colby says he’ll get him something and then they’ll talk.

At the farm house, Maggie and Ziggy wonder how long they should let Ben sleep in for. Maggie feels she was awful to him but Ziggy says the important thing is he’s getting help now. Ben emerges; he’s serious about getting help but none of them are certain what to do: Tori isn’t around and Ben doesn’t have a GP. They decide to just go to the hospital. When they get there, Ben is uncertain; he says he isn’t chickening out but doesn’t know how to talk about these things. Ziggy approaches Alex and introduces Ben and Maggie to her. Alex hopes they’re not more stomach bug patients. Ben offers to go away if she’s busy but Alex invites him and Maggie into her office.

Colby collects some food from Irene at the Diner and chats to her about Robbo being back. He notes Robbo hasn’t even asked about Jasmine. Mackenzie arrives and tells him that she’s cleared things at Salt and has the next three days free. Colby tells her about Robbo being back and how he’s got to deal with that, promising to make it up to her. He heads upstairs where Robbo accepts the coffee but refuses to reveal where he’s been. Colby asks if he’s forgotten Jasmine and Robbo says he’d deck anyone else that said that. Colby says she’s at the safe house with Tori and Robbo says he’ll call her. Realising he’s not going to get anything else, Colby tells him to enjoy his breakfast,

Colby and Mackenzie chat on the Diner veranda. Mackenzie wants Colby to call the feds but Colby thinks Robbo must have a good reason for not involving them. He says he’s looking out for a mate. Mackenzie wonders if he’s putting himself and Bella in danger by having Robbo there and asks why it’s his responsibility. Colby refuses to call the feds without knowing what’s going on. Upstairs, Robbo stands around fretting. He picks up his phone and selects Jasmine’s number but then puts it down again.

Ben has explained his recent history to Alex and says that he gets up wanting to put everything right but finds he’s too tired. He admits he doesn’t sleep much or have much of an appetite; he doesn’t do drugs but has been drinking more than usual. Maggie says he’s got a lot on his plate and Alex agrees. Ben says he can’t do anything about any of it; Alex says he can work out how to cope but needs a proper mental health assessment. She adds it’s up to him whether Maggie stays and he asks to do it alone. Maggie joins Ziggy in the corridor. Ziggy thinks it’s good if Ben opens up, while Maggie worries, saying she was scared he was going to hurt himself last night. Ziggy tries to assure her it’ll be okay.

Ben asks how he did with the test and Alex says he’s in a severe state of depression, which doesn’t come as a surprise. Ben says he doesn’t want drugs. Alex says it’s up to him but medication is an option and he should keep an open mind. She says they’ll also try to find ways of avoiding unhelpful thought patterns. Ben notes that’ll mean a lot of talking. Alex suggests they make another appointment to talk it over. They join Maggie and Ziggy. Ziggy was about to resort to coffee from the machines but suggests they go to lunch. Ben would rather go straight home and tells them about the other appointment. He joins Alex to deal with paperwork and it’s Maggie’s turn to reassure Ziggy. Ziggy decides to give them space and asks to be dropped off in town.

At Salt, Mackenzie is having an irate phone conversation about a late delivery. Ziggy comes in and Mackenzie comments on being the boss who takes out her personal problems on everyone. She asks when Dean’s coming in and Ziggy reminds her he has the day off to visit Karen. Mackenzie wanted to talk to him about Colby; she doesn’t understand why he always seems to go beyond his work as a police officer and put himself in danger, explaining about Robbo being back. Ziggy thinks Colby knows Robbo better than anyone. At the flat, Robbo grabs his keys. Colby tries to block his exit, asking what he’s done, but Robbo says Colby doesn’t need to know and walks out. Colby follows him outside and grabs his arm; Robbo punches him, which is seen by Mackenzie, and walks away as Mackenzie asks Colby if he’s okay.

Ben and Maggie arrive home and Ben says he’ll lie down for half an hour. Maggie says what he did was brave and she’s proud of him. Ben says he knows this has been hard on her; he could see what was going on but thought he could handle it on his own. Maggie asks about Alex’s diagnosis and he says his depression if off the scale. He confirms being drugged up is an option; it scares him but he needs to be open to it. Maggie repeats that she’s proud of him. At the Diner, Irene gives Colby some frozen food for his bruised face. Colby tells Mackenzie that something’s pushed Robbo over the edge. He tries to make light of it but Mackenzie says she can’t just keep on watching him get hurt: It’s over. She walks away.