Electricity - you can't see it, you can't smell it,
but you know it's there.
What's that? A sketch.
- What of? - A polar bear.
I put poo on a painting for the world to protest.
Gross.
Makes you feel safe, secure. Warm.
Until it doesn't.
You sure you don't want a lift?
Er, no, we've ordered a cab.
Don't get paint on the carpet.
I'm not even painting.
Yes, but when you do, don't.
Cassie has got enough to deal with.
You short a circuit, there's no warning,
protection trips and wham.
Why can't I come?
Because it's a girls' night.
- I'm a girl. - And too young.
We'll have a boys' one here.
I'll go gender fluid for the night.
- What's that? - Later.
And when you do get the lights to come back on...
Or not.
..it's always a relief.
- Donna's selling sexy stuff.
Enough!
Cab's here.
- Resistance...
- Get him to wait! - No worries.
..it generates heat, which is what a dimmer is for.
Won't be long.
It controls the resistance for the rheostat. OK, Nathan.
Righto.
Got your bag? Keys? Credit card?
I won't be buying.
How about you, Mum?
Never say never.
Oh! Thanks, Dave.
Good to be of some use.
It'd be good to be of more use.
Quick, let's go before I change my mind.
I'm not buying anything I can't try first.
- Enjoy yourselves. - Bye!
What gives?
- What do you mean? - You and Mum.
Nothing.
So... what's with Mum and you?
Shame that life doesn't come with a rheostat.
Oh, wow.
Oh, my lord. Where are we?
Go, Donna.
- There you are. Both gorgeous. - Look at you!
How are you doing?
It's nice to think about something
other than that for a night.
You can always try again.
Right.
Not quite the Country Women's Association, is it?
Ah, no, some would lap it up.
Well, you should hold one in Buradeena then.
And lots wouldn't.
A drink, I think.
Oh, here's one of the girls from my tap class.
Stella, you came! Brave girl.
- Smiles guaranteed with Donna. - Yeah. I miss her.
Awww. You've got Tessa.
Yeah. Donna and I have got history.
- Oh! And here's my Donna. - Oh!
Anna, Julie. Julie, Anna. Ben's mum.
Ah, so you're the famous Anna, I've heard so much about.
I can't believe it's taken us this long to meet.
Well, we don't get to the city as often as I'd like.
- How long this time? - We leave tomorrow.
Oh.
No, but I'm hoping to be around a lot more in the future.
- Let's drink to that. - Yeah.
- On the house. - Oh! I like you already.
To seeing you more.
I'm working on it.
Cheers.
You watch the news, right?
It's always other people and then...
..you're suddenly part of the headline.
Let's hope they sort it soon.
Well, let's hope we're not the next Mascot Towers.
Look how that went.
Let us know when you do know, we'll help however we can.
Thanks. You already helped with the deposit.
You know, I'm not asking for more.
You just never really expect your only asset to...
Work's not helping.
I... missed a major deadline because of everything.
They're not happy.
They gotta understand.
Mind you, part of me wants to toss the job anyway.
- No home and no job? - I'm feeling stuck.
Well...
..fire's worse than the frying pan.
Don't do anything impulsive.
I don't need advice, Dad.
- I'm just saying. - Yeah, so am I.
That it'd be a bloody idiotic move.
I'm sorry.
Your mum's got me all sensitive about rash decisions.
She's had a notion.
Oh.
Serious?
Mm, shouldn't be.
Could be.
You kids up for a movie?
- Yeah! - Woo-hoo!
Boys' nights aren't what they used to be.
Tell me about it.
And over and above in 50 shades of saucy grey
that these might suggest, ladies,
they also help make a point.
The fluffy cuffs of domestic expectation...
..the blinder on our worldview,
the restriction of our voice, all as we're objectified.
Well, that was the old way.
The new?
Tie him up.
Tie him down.
Objectify him.
And let him walk about in our shoes for a night.
Literally, if his kink bends to that.
Go, Donna.
And once you've let him loose,
whisper in his ear,
"Now you know why we want our liberation."
Lusty liberation, ladies.
Have a damned hot time and make a political statement.
Now, fill up and come buy!
I'm up. Excuse me.
So are you gonna get some for Dave?
Uh... yeah, I might stock up for down the track.
Mm. Wait till you get home, good call.
Yeah.
Listen, Cassie, would you mind if Ruby stayed on for a bit?
She won't need persuading and you can say no.
We'd love to have her. If it helps.
You noticed the tension?
Well, I didn't like to ask.
We just need to talk things through.
We're just on different sides of a major issue.
And we certainly don't need Rubes weighing in.
Whatever works.
What does Dave think?
Um, I'm sure he'll agree.
I mean, I just decided myself.
Hopefully we'll deal with it and we'll be back to support you.
Is that what it's about? Being here more?
A lot more.
When the lights in a house start to flicker,
you might have a minor matter or it's something serious.
There's only one way to find out.
Make sure you pop in on your grandad, won't you?
I'll try and squeeze him in.
Joke, Mum.
We'll be busy though, right?
Yeah, we'll be painting the town red.
Ruby, more like.
- Ah-ha-ha! - Lame, Dad.
I know, I know.
You can stay too.
Oh, we've got some post-anniversary private time.
Ooh, I see liberation! You got some, right?
That's enough of that. I'll see you next weekend.
Love you, Mum.
- See ya. - See ya, Dad!
Just make sure she behaves.
Mwah.
And you rest up.
Bye.
Your dad mentioned your job. No snap decisions, please.
Travel safe. Whatever it is, sort it out, OK?
- Love you. - Love you.
Love you too, little man.
Don't let Ruby lead you astray.
I'll lead her.
Good onya, kidda!
- Bye! - Bye!
Bye!
That's what we don't have in Buradeena.
Let's just enjoy the drive.
What, five hours without talking about it?
See how we go.
They're your case, mine's better made at home.
Fine. Dad?
Yep.
Bye!
- OK, Edward. - Yeah?
Shall we plan our schedule?
Art gallery.
Yes, there's art down the road every weekend.
- Do you wanna go check it out? - Yeah!
- Something is off. - Yeah.
Mum hinted to Cassie that she wants to move back.
- What, here? - Yeah.
They love Buradeena.
Dad does.
So does she.
Doesn't she?
Y-y-y-you can't head off until you've seen your mum!
She won't be coming, Dad.
Of course she will!
Shame she missed out on the kung pao chicken, eh? Ha-ha.
No, no, don't dash off.
Oh Dad, I'm sorry, we just...
We need to beat the traffic.
But we'll be back, OK?
And Ruby'll come and visit.
Ruby?
Oh, right, right.
Ruby, Ruby.
I'll see you next weekend.
You drive careful, young fella.
Sure will, Ted.
See ya tomorrow.
I miss you, Dad.
Why is it suddenly upsetting you?
It always has.
Not like this.
You've managed for years. Why now?
He loved that dinner.
He wants to spend more time with us, away from here.
More you him, I think.
All he remembers is the kung pao chicken.
How many times have the doctors told you?
There's no point tying your life to him.
He's my father, Dave!
He hardly remembers whether you've been here or not.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to be cruel, but it's true.
Well, maybe he would if I was here more!
And maybe I don't want our children forgetting us.
That's drawing the long bow.
We're...
We're drifting as a family, Dave.
Want me to drive?
I tried giving advice to Nathan but he shut me down.
Nice, but firm.
Do you know I met Cassie's best friend
for the first time last night?
Our daughter-in-law's best friend who works with our son
and it took years to meet her.
We're on the fringe of their lives, Dave.
We have our lives.
They have theirs.
It's how families go.
It's how it has gone. Again, why now?
Well, apart from Dad?
Cassie and Ben losing another baby.
Being here to support her when they try again.
Nathan and Edward homeless.
And there's gotta be better schools for Ruby.
OK for starters?
You don't have to live in your kids' pockets
to be a good parent.
You are putting a town we have been in a few years
ahead of family.
You're asking me, "Why now?"
I'm asking you, "Why?"
I have my reasons. Being?
Back in Buradeena.
Why not now?
It's easier to make your point here.
It's easier to make mine there.
Electricity all around us.
Silent...
..until sparks fly.
Farewell, Acropolis. Get Carbonated's home.
Do you know there's that many Greeks in Australia,
even the kangaroos speak Greek?
True story.
Who knew every great Aussie surfer is Greek?
That's right, all the world champions...
Thanks, Griggsy.
..in Australia are champions
because they all Get Carbonated...
- You're on fire! - Yep.
What's it like having all those followers?
Oh, you know, you get used to it. It's great.
Thought so.
Right, tell Nathan and Cassie I'll catch 'em later.
Hey, um, is Benno working all day?
Far as I know.
Alright well, have fun at the art... whatever it is.
Alright, catch ya, Rubes.
Catch ya, Carbo.
Yassou. Good to see you.
You too!
My efforts are not inconsiderable,
if I do say so myself.
Um. Loving it big time!
Come look at this!
Here we go. Come on, Ed.
We've got some art.
You have good taste.
All of these are original Whitemans.
You give good brushstroke.
Your daughter shows admirable precocity.
Sister.
A late life child.
Often wise beyond their years.
Sent here to teach us lessons.
$1000. $950 for you.
OK.
Every sister needs a generous brother.
Ah! Well, every brother needs money to be generous.
And, er, no can do.
Fiscally challenged. I can relate to that.
- You paint, er... - Ruby.
Charles. Enchanté.
My last work was the scandal of the school art show.
More intrigued by the moment.
We'll keep going.
Hey! Eddie! Eddie!
Art's boring!
Mate, you cannot just go dashing off, alright?
Come on.
You're not trying to set us up.
As if! He's too down to even notice you.
Totally. That was his fourth comment about being broke.
Well, his building is falling apart.
Uh, you're not going on about your problem.
Well, being broke is easier to slip into conversation
than having a miscarriage.
And I'm sick of my problems.
- Outta here! - Where?
Home. I've got some serious painting to do.
Move it, Eddie! Come on!
Ahh.
Her new best friend Charles
just casually commented that he'd "like to see her work."
Like a bloody seagull onto a hot chip.
Hey, Rubes, no rush.
We'll all come back next Saturday.
He's here tomorrow! Come on!
I should charge commission.
Again with the money.
Sympathy.
Home, sweet home.
Not subtle, Dave.
Hold that smile... as dry as it is.
I'll try.
Look, I don't wanna fight.
Me neither.
Which is why I'm glad we're home so I can show, not tell
why I wanna stay, just go with me on it.
No guarantees.
I just want the hearing.
Perfect timing.
I just now fixed your lamp switch.
Oh, Dave's only been meaning to do that since, what, Christmas?
Well, you know, you can't rush these things.
Well, thank you, I appreciate it.
Where's Rubes?
She's given her a week off the leash.
Watch out, Sydney. Cyclone Rubes.
Hey, I'm taking the bike out if you want...
- Later, maybe. - Alright, well...
the worksheets are on your desk and it's all covered.
Thanks for holding the fort.
Along with my exam results.
Hey! Hey, not so fast. How'd you go?
I reckon the boss will be stoked.
Good on him.
In three and a bit years, he'll qualify.
I'm not gonna let him down.
Well... couldn't he transfer his apprenticeship to...
I don't know, Stan Bridgeman?
Stan Brightman doesn't take on apprentices.
OK, well, someone else, then.
I'm it for a 100km radius.
Well, he could come with us, then.
He ran from the city. He doesn't wanna go back!
When I was his age, if my father hadn't helped,
I don't know where I would've ended up.
It's called passing it on.
Your own children have worries, Dave.
They're in their thirties, Jules.
Let's dump these and go and do coffee.
Oh, hey-hey!
Surprise a girl, why don't you?!
You know you can trust the joint when they eat here themselves.
- Welcome back, Julie. - Thank you.
Not everyone disagrees with Ruby.
Perfect timing!
They're not all hicks.
Couldn't wait to say hello?
Just the usual, thanks, Tessa!
Grab a pew.
Your apron's ready whenever you are.
Thanks.
If the point is "she'll miss me," I'll miss her!
That was a point.
The main one's this.
Check the prices.
There is no way we could sell our place here
and buy more than a dump in Sydney.
Especially if we have to help out Nathan.
We'd find something.
Not without having a mortgage over our head.
You want to go into debt again?
- At our age? - Couldn't we at least look?
I mean, we could dip into our savings.
There goes the safety net.
I'm gonna start googling prices.
Good luck.
I can hear Ruby, "I'm not living in this dump!"
And the schools are no better
in the few areas we might afford.
- You're assuming. - You're wishful thinking.
- If we look hard enough... - Feel free.
Stick your head in the sand.
Fine.
Alrighty.
Here you go, Picasso.
Thank you.
Many dogs around here?
You are not taking dog poo tomorrow.
I can't show it to Charles without it.
In a container. Get some.
- Nuh-uh-uh! Stay. - Awww...
Every great artist is misunderstood.
I'll do it later.
I'm making it even more controversial.
See you at home?
Around00. I'll bring the voddie.
Mm! Excellent.
I'm gonna walk.
A bit tense?
She'll explain.
Look, I need a favour.
Just between us.
And now one of our more exotic habitats,
filled with some of your
favourite wildlife.
Benno!
Smile! You're getting Carbonated.
Does everything have to be streamed?
"Carbo returns."
"Welcome home, Carbo."
Welcome home, Carbo.
Fans like the big moments.
We all know my mate Benno.
And the Boat Club.
Benno the shy type.
Mate, I'm glad you're back.
But I'm not a soap star.
'Days of our Carbos'.
Almost as good as 'Get Carbonated'.
But not as good, eh?
Carbo!
How many times have I told you
this is a business, not a movie studio? No streaming.
"Welcome back, Carbo."
- Yes, well, that too. - "How was Greece, Carbo?"
How was Greece?
You'd know if you watched Get Carbonated!
Not a fan, our Donna.
I'm no-one's Donna. And this Donna says, "Out."
There are privacy issues.
I'll bring you a welcome-home beer on the terrace - now, out!
Scoot! Go on!
- Quick sticks! - Quick sticks!
Love it. She never disappoints.
Come on, Benno.
Sorry.
He just does it to annoy me. You just do it to annoy me!
Aw, more memes than you can shake a selfie stick at.
Memes.
And GIFs.
Memes?
You should give Donna a break.
The fans love her.
Come on, "quick sticks" - remember that? It was huge!
I'm an influencer, Benno. Over a million subscribers.
And I said it would never fly.
- Ye of little faith. - Where's Retta?
Chained to the stove like any good wife.
You better not let her hear you say that.
Ah. she'd be the first one to laugh.
Too many people taking life too seriously, Benno.
Why I've got so many followers - I give them a laugh.
- You reckon? - You think I'd do it if I didn't?
How's Theo?
More like his dad every day.
Poor kid.
How about you? You're right?
We really thought we'd be fine this time.
We'll give it another go when we get the bucks.
It's gotta be tough on Cassie.
She's no quitter.
Shaken, not stirred.
With a slice of lemon, Mrs. Bond.
Oh, thank you.
Chin-chin.
And chin up.
Ah, it's been a while coming.
He loves you.
I know.
Just doesn't stop him assuming that this will pass.
It won't?
No.
I've never even heard you two argue.
Well, hopefully you won't.
I didn't want the kids to either,
which is why we've just been
sitting on it.
Oh. See how you go.
He might surprise you.
How do you mean?
I'm sure he might have a few original thoughts
on how to push his agenda.
- Mmm. - You never know.
Really?
Oh, this is so good.
Just one for you.
I want your head clear for the night.
Where's your wheels?
I brought these instead.
Perfect end to the perfect ride.
Just one, though.
Works for me.
You didn't see it coming?
Lying in bed, she just came out with it.
You must've been like...
I still am like...
Look, I'll go crash with a mate for a few days.
Get out your hair while you sort it out.
You're out the back, it's fine.
It's easier to row if you're alone.
I hope we don't.
It's got its upside.
Make-up sex.
Oi!
It's the best sort!
- Says the voice of experience. - Hey, I started early.
Serious. I'll go stay with a friend.
You know, grab a few things and scoot.
Back at work on Monday.
Thanks, mate.
What if she digs her heels in?
Better make sure she doesn't.
What if she does?
Dunno.
I did a painting of the world for the one at school.
But this one's better.
Animals get people sentimental.
Imagine it with poo on top!
Where's Julie?
They've gone home for a bit.
They came and saw you, remember?
But she looks like Ruby.
I am Ruby, Grandad.
But Ruby comes with them!
Normally, yeah.
They've let me run free for a bit.
I'm taking this to show Charles tomorrow.
Charles Whiteman, not Blackman.
He's the famous one. He's dead anyway.
You talk too much.
Where's Julie?
Ruby comes with Julie, so who's she?
It is Ruby, Grandad.
But I tell you what, we'll go
and we'll tell Mum that you were looking for her, OK?
Poo? I mean, what sort of thing
is that for a little girl to be talking about?
I'm sorry, Grandad, I just wanted to show you.
Just leave it.
Your mother should wash your mouth out with soap!
Miss Potty Mouth!
Hey, it's fine, Grandad.
It's fine.
I wish I'd known him when he was normal.
You did!
You were just too young to remember.
You should've seen him with you when you were a baby.
All I've ever seen is a sad old man.
I have to believe you about the rest.
Ah, he was the best grandad.
I bet.
I really thought my painting would cheer him up.
I know.
Mum cries a lot after she's seen him.
She tries to hide it.
Yeah.
You're growing up, kiddo.
Trying to.
Tessa!
Paddo! Good on you.
- I reckon that's it. - Did he rope you in too?
He told me, I thought you might need a hand.
You're a good man. Put it down there.
What do you reckon?
Well...
...I'm usually better at seeing these things coming.
I'd miss 'em.
Big time.
Here's to a little bit of romance. Hope it helps.
Yeah, I hope so.
Oh, Dave, I'm not in the mood to socialise.
Who says we're socialising?
Well, eating out is socialising.
Not always. Come on!
OK.
Smell that. Serenity.
Oh, stop!
Couldn't have asked for better weather.
Right. That's our cue to get out of here.
I reckon I've seen this in a movie somewhere.
No such thing as an original idea in a rom-com.
My granny flat's free if they do leave.
I won't need it.
Mrs. R will settle.
No worries.
What?
You'll see.
It's easy to lose sight of romance, Mrs. Rafter.
Welcome to romance.
You don't get that in Sydney.
It's beautiful.
This is beautiful.
The subject is now banned for the night.
I love you.
Shall we?
Yes.
Ah yeah, that's what happens.
We haven't lost it.
No, we haven't!
Well, we won't lose it.
No.
It's easy to feel good in an afterglow.
Not so much in the twilight.
And it takes some effort when you're in the shadows.
It's fun with the kids here.
Hm. Never a dull moment.
It won't be with ours, either.
'Night.
And when you start to wonder
what the cold light of day is gonna bring.
Putting in quite a sprint there, Rubes!
Carbo's waiting!
Wish we could bottle her enthusiasm.
Hm. We'd make a fortune.
I'd be first in line.
I know, sorry. Downer.
There he is! Carbo!
G'day, Rubes!
Hi!
I just told Charlie I'd get his name out there.
- Charles. - I better get that right, then.
Retta, welcome home!
Oh, it's good to see you!
- Hi. - Hello.
I can't wait to hear about Greece.
Oh, I can't wait to tell.
How are you, little Theo?
- Carbonated! - Ho ho, I bet you are.
He's growing!
Yeah, he's getting more like his dad every day.
Yeah.
Carbo streams all over the world.
Gonna make you famous, Charles.
From your mouth to God's ear.
Oh, I like that. OK, you all set?
- Yep. - Alright. I'll do the intro.
- Retta, my assistant director. - And number one fan.
Only fan I kiss.
I'd better be.
OK, and...
In...
..three, two...
Action.
OK, we are here today streaming live,
Get Carbonated
with Sydney's very own
little eco-disaster artist,
Ruby Rafter.
Now, she was censored at school and she's here today
to show her work to the world-renowned artist,
Charles Whiteman.
On the painting, agapi mou.
It's called "Gritty Old Men"
or "White Bears."
Take it away, Rubes.
They're starving on melting ice
because politicians are too dumb to see the truth.
The title changes when I add this and go 3D.
Close-up, Retta.
Deep in shit.
That will be us if we don't change.
The art of protest. Brava, Ruby.
It's why I was censored at school!
You heard her, censored. Make a trend.
Change starts with us.
Yeah, it does.
Yes, start with ourselves.
I'll resign tomorrow.
Oh, you beat us to it.
Thanks, Tessa. So kind of you.
Should've done it last night.
Now, that would've been romantic.
Food stayed warm?
- Yep. - You got hot.
Uh, yeah.
But...
Morning, Dave.
Hey, Deb. What can I do for you?
Is Paddo up yet? Do you know?
Uh, he's not here, actually.
Said he was staying at a mate's.
No, we dropped him back here last night.
Oh, right. I didn't realise it.
Yeah, it was a party.
He wasn't really in the mood.
You guys leaving?
My cousin and I are going fishing.
I thought it might cheer him up.
Could you give me a sec to talk to him first?
Yeah, of course.
It's none of my business, really.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
Well, you're part of our business, so it is.
And you're a good mate.
If you have to go, mate, you have to.
I'll get dressed and make myself scarce.
We haven't made a decision, just so you know.
My mum always says
that you should go find somewhere quiet to sit
and listen to your instincts.
Wise woman.
She is.
Ah, Dave had his mid-life crisis about six years ago,
I don't know, maybe this is mine.
Mid-life and crisis I get.
What was yours?
You don't need to know.
No, please. It might help me get perspective.
I was standing in the kitchen,
surrounded by broken glass.
I'd thrown the best crystal to...
..stop my husband.
He was wearing socks
so he couldn't get at me without ripping his feet.
He went to get his shoes
so he could come back
and beat the hell out of me
and I suddenly thought to myself,
"I'm not gonna take it anymore."
So I literally walked over broken glass to leave.
I never knew.
I never told you.
Makes "I'm unfulfilled in Buradeena" pretty lame.
Hey, everybody's got their crunch point.
- Yeah. - It's theirs.
It makes it valid, OK?
What now for you?
Uh...
I tell Dave.
That you're set on going?
Yeah.
Try and spare the glassware, yeah?
I'll do my best.
Can't put it off, can we?
No.
I'm going.
I'm staying.
Right.
The kids need us, Dave. Our kids.
And I miss them.
Buradeena was wonderful for a time.
That time's up.
Any practicalities can be worked through.
Ignoring practicalities is easier said than done, Jules.
That aside...
..I like being Dave Rafter.
I found him here better than I've ever known him before.
I was shunted from pillar to post as a kid.
And then we met and we became Dave and Julie.
And the kids came along.
And we became the Rafters.
That was great.
For a time.
We went on the road to reinvent it
and that was fun for a bit too.
And then we lobbed here.
This is where...
..for the first time really, I've been Dave Rafter.
And I don't see why I have to give that up
to be a good father or a husband.
You want to explore, you go.
And I hope you find Julie Rafter by doing it.
Not just a mother or a daughter or a wife.
Her... Julie.
To me, going back is...
..going back.
Right.
Say my goodbyes for me?
Yep.
Jesus! How did we get here?
No idea.
But we are.
Yep.
Call?
Every day.
35 years.
Bloody wonderful ones.
Take care.
Yeah, you too.
Give the kids my love.
I'll, um, I'll call ahead and tell them what's what.
Oh, I won't let them take sides.
Good luck with Rubes.
Right.
Bye.
Life and electricity.
Overload the circuit, and "bang" go the fuses.
You really are...
..in the dark.