Episode 8270

Extended Summary

Kirby and Mali arrive at Salt. Mali is on the phone, wondering about his Uncle Gary. He tells Kirby that he and his mum have rung round every elder they know but no-one’s available. Kirby doesn’t like the idea of Stevie’s spirit not being at rest. Later, Theo comes up and says Stevie’s memorial has gone. Alf, Justin and Kirby explain that it’s been moved although Alf says it hasn’t changed how people feel about going down there. Mali comes over and asks for their help in a ceremony to help Stevie move on. He says he can’t do a full smoking ceremony because he’s not an elder but he’s rung home for advice.

In court, Marshall asks Tane if he was concerned for the welfare of the child. He then asks if he has children of his own and if he’s married. He says he’s separated. Marshall asks if a disagreement over children led to the marriage breaking down. Harper quietly asks if Felicity told him this and she says not to use in court. The judge keeps prompting Tane to answer. He looks over at Felicity, who nods as he confirms she lied to him and he wants desperately to be a father.

Later, Tane stands down and the judge invites the closing statement. Marshall says Tane was motivated by a desire to do what was right for Poppy and a need to be a father, after a traumatic time in his life. He asks the judge to focus not on what Tane did but on his character and why he did it.

Tane, Felicity, Marshall and Harper arrive back at the surf club. Felicity apologises to Tane for what she said to Marshall, who says Tane wouldn’t have done it if he’d said anything in advance. Harper steps in, saying it’s done now and they’re waiting for sentencing. Marshall says it could be tomorrow or in a week. After a tense pause, Felicity heads upstairs and Tane heads towards the gym.

Down on the beach, Alf, Justin, Theo and Kirby stand by as Mali burns some leaves and speaks in native language. He holds the burning leaves out to each of them in turn and they waft the smoke over their heads. He asks if they’re ready. Soon after, he, Justin, Theo and Kirby head out on their surf boards while Alf watches from the beach. They face each other and call out “For Stevie.”

At Salt, Marshall explains to Felicity and Harper that he was doing what was right for Tane: He’s sorry Felicity’s upset but not about what he did. Felicity remains annoyed but Harper agrees with him, saying it shows deeper things were at play. Marshall says he doesn’t care if Tane hates him or Felicity if it keeps him out of jail.

Down in the gym, Tane is punching a bag. Felicity comes in and he says he doesn’t want to hear it. Felicity says she’s not going to apologise because she’s glad Marshall did it, if divulging their secrets in court keeps him out of prison or gets him a lighter sentence. She says now they see he’s a good man going through a hard time and that he doesn’t have to be alone and can join them upstairs if he wants.

Mali and Kirby arrive back at the surf club. Mali comments on the late closing. Kirby says she didn’t want to leave the water and Mali says he has a couple of lessons booked in tomorrow. Kirby asks what he was saying. He says he was encouraging Stevie’s spirit to move on: It roughly translates as “Go, be free, be on your way.”

Harper turns up at the gym with a bottle of wine, noting Felicity hoped Tane would join them upstairs. As they drink, Tane comments that Felicity is fine with what Marshall did, if it keeps him out of jail. Harper agrees, saying it helped the judge see the man she does. Tane thanks her for what she did in court, saying he couldn’t let her throw herself under the bus but it took guts. Harper says he must know how she cares about him. They kiss passionately.

Next morning, Marshall is looking fidgety at the surf club. He asks Felicity if Tane’s upstairs, saying they’ve been called in for sentencing. Felicity decides not to go to court. She asks Mali if Tane came in with him. Mali hasn’t seen him this morning but is sure he’s around somewhere. In the gym, Tane and Harper are curled up under a quilt on the floor. Tane gets a call from Mali and realises he’s missed one from Marshall, explaining about needing to be in court. Harper encourages him to get dressed and go, saying they’ll talk later.

Tane emerges from the gym and Marshall is somewhat surprised that he slept in there before hurrying him out. After they’ve gone, Harper emerges to a disapproving look from Mali. Kirby comes in and says she hopes things go well for Tane. At the court, the judge’s pronouncement is interrupted by Harper turning up, having got changed. The judge says Tane’s intentions were good and he cared well for the child: He thought he was doing the right thing but the law disagrees. She sentences him to seven years in prison…to be served under an intensive corrections order in the community. Strict conditions are in play and he’ll be required to attend a training and counselling programme.

At Salt, Alf, Roo and Mali all congratulate Tane, who is about to head to the city for his mandatory counselling programme. Harper rings Dana. Felicity approaches Tane to congratulate him, then goes to take a call from Cash. Tane approaches Harper, suggesting they go elsewhere to talk, but then Marshall appears and says they have to go before the judge changes her mind and he’s only half-joking. Felicity approaches Harper and thanks her for being there for Tane. Mali asks her if she’s all right and she admits not really. Mali follows her downstairs and asks if it’s serious between her and Tane.