Excellent work, guys!
Shoulders.
Tap your troubles away.
For an hour, I did manage to forget.
That's it! Tapping! Good work, girls!
You too, Colin!
Bring it forward.
Excellent.
Ankles!
And 1-2-3-4. Arms!
Ready? And down. Hey!
Awesome, guys. That was so good.
Have a quick breather.
And we're gonna end with a cool-down routine.
- Fabulous! - So good.
Better?
Err...
- You're a natural. - Oh!
As someone with two left feet.
- Oh!
Tapped any away?
Oh. So many to choose from.
You really think Buradeena's the answer?
For now. For Ruby. Yes.
Well, selfish Donna hopes that time
brings all three of you back.
I've missed the old Rafters.
Well, the old Rafters have gone. They drove off six years ago.
Trouble is we settled and we... never settled the details.
But you definitely see a future as you AND Dave?
Yeah. In some form. Just not sure what.
Cool-down time.
- Shuffle-hop-spring, girls!
Keeping up the façade for Donna's sake.
OK, let's get those arms moving.
Just taking them around.
And reaching up. Beautiful.
Enjoy.
Oi, Mum came to say goodbye
and now she's being dragged into tap class.
You should shoot it.
Yeah.
You'll get a good, 'Quick sticks!' from Donna.
OK, what's up?
Looks like they're finishing up. Watch my beer.
He's, um, not so carbonated today.
He's fizz-free.
Thank you so much for the loan of the shoes.
And you've got a regular if I do come back.
You did well.
You better not have been filming!
No! See?!
Can we talk?
A farewell beverage will be waiting.
You know I wouldn't hurt Rubes.
Not intentionally.
There are a lot of sickos out there.
- Your audience, Carbo. - Some of them.
I just wanted to say sorry.
And for mucking up Observation Earth.
I just wanted to help.
And off doing your own thing.
It's for fun.
Connect with your followers, fine.
But try and connect with something fine in them.
Life's more than just joke after joke, Carbo.
They expect me to be stupid.
The ads, merchandise.
It brings in the bucks.
You have the ear of a million followers.
Try to make a difference.
Lecture done.
You're right.
I'm gonna call them on it, even if I lose some.
Were they worth having if you do?
True.
Ben and Cassie are really looking forward to Greece.
Yeah, me and Retta too.
You're a good friend.
If it's too big for the car,
I can make other arrangements.
Oh, no...
Julie!
My favourite painting for my favourite budding talent.
To remind her to keep painting.
I'll leave it here. I'll be back.
Or possibly not. Thank you so much, Charles.
We'll squeeze it in, somehow.
It's too good for Buradeena.
Ruby is not a fan of us going back.
Dad would come here if we stuck it out.
Mum's giving in.
Consider matters from another angle, Ruby.
Drought, fire, mining.
Country towns are the front line
in the fight against climate change.
Shouldn't you be where you can affect the most change? Hm?
Think about it. And give you-know-who a break.
Please feel free to visit anytime, Charles.
Bringing my paints and easel.
And don't you and Ben be strangers.
You're welcome to stay for dinner.
- I won't, but thank you. - OK. Bye!
- Bye! - Bye!
Au revoir.
Oh, it's such a lovely gesture.
And you're taking me away from him.
I'm taking you home to Dad. And Paddo.
Charles knows all, right?
Yep.
Thank you for having us here so long.
Oh, you kept us on our toes.
There's time before dinner if...
Ah, yeah, I should follow through. Thanks.
I'm thinking about it, OK?
Good.
What he said is sort of right.
But there are more people here to get the message.
Well, possibly too many. You're a breath in a gale here.
You ARE the gale in Buradeena. You might make more change.
Don't you think it's run away from you just a bit?
It has got crazy, I guess.
You need your feet back on the ground.
And you miss your dad, don't you?
Of course.
He hasn't said because he's wanted to give us free rein,
but he misses us too.
Maybe we can go and work on him
and we can all move back after a while.
Well...
There so much more happening here.
Make him, Mum, please!
I can't make him do anything, sweetheart.
You can hope.
Mm. Except I'm not sure what I do hope for anymore.
I thought I knew.
Kids are meant to be the confused ones.
One stage of growing up is realising
that your parents are just as vulnerable as you.
I'd appreciate your support.
You really are confused.
I am.
Well, I guess I have missed Paddo.
- Mm! - And Rose. And Tara.
There you go.
Maybe Charles is right.
Let's see, shall we?
Can't hurt.
Come here.
You're a good girl.
- Dinner's ready. - Thanks.
OK. Let's eat up. We've got a big drive tomorrow.
- After you.
Driving to...what?
In search of what?
I'll run it by her soon as she's home and settled.
You'll know either way. OK, thanks, Rach.
How'd Eddie go? Kick a goal?
The Socceroos have their eye on him.
- That Rach again? - Yeah.
Three in a day? I thought Observation Earth was done.
It is.
Is it the baby? Is everything OK?
Yeah. Yeah.
- Nothing serious? - It shouldn't be.
OK, but I'm the one telling your mother.
Don't tell your brother, either.
Nearly there.
But I'm not. Not even close.
All I know is small changes aren't going to cut it.
Ruby! Ruby!
Ha-ha! THAT'S a welcome!
- Hi, Rubes! - Hi!
Hi, darling. Mwah!
- Good to see you. - Yeah.
- Hey. - Hey.
Hey, Rubes.
Hey.
Are we good?
We're good. Are you good?
I'm still a bit sore.
I'm proud of my girl.
'A lot of crap about crap?'
Really, Dad? Most kids would hold a grudge.
You're not most kids.
Believe it.
OK?
Fine.
Go on inside.
Hey, you've come back!
Not the big one. Here, take this one.
I'll take the big one.
Then out of the blue that night...
How does it feel?
- Being back? - Yeah.
A bit strange.
Look, I want to run something by you.
Old patterns can creep in after 35 years,
so maybe you need to really break them
to try and figure out new ones.
You get right away.
So why don't you fly over and see Rach?
Be there for the birth? Take as long as you need after?
I know you'd love to.
New York?
Help her.
And think your feelings through free from the day-to-day.
I'm only just back.
Easy enough to pack again.
Well, what about Ruby?
She and I could do with some one-on-one time.
Ben and Cassie can take care of Ted.
They're going to Greece.
Not for a while. Not for long.
Your choice.
What do you say?
I can't just land on Rachel...
I mean, we spoke last time I was here
about my... tendency to take over.
I'd have to ask.
I have.
She's slept on it, I didn't pressure her.
And she's good to go. More than.
She said that?
She actually thought of asking you herself
since she's been back
but she didn't want to complicate things for us.
- And would it? - Only if we let it.
You're not pushing me away?
No. I want you to take the opportunity.
Take as much time as you need.
Not many husbands would offer that.
I just want to see you truly smile again.
Oh.
What is with him, Nathan?
When he's just got Mum home!
He's not making any sense.
We should talk to both of them together.
If we can't say it, who can?
I've got an idea.
Hey, keep Saturday free.
I'll let you know when it's all sorted. OK, ciao. Bye.
Hey, can you cover my shifts on the weekend?
- Uh, sure. Why? - It's an emergency. Buradeena.
- Your dad? - No, no, no he's fine.
Well, his health is. He's just got this crazy notion...
That was Nathan.
- How's he? - He's good. Settling in.
You care?
His apology was sweet, yeah.
Oh.
Colour me inconsistent.
And change the roster.
Thank you.
Tessa, Ben Rafter.
You up for doing me a favour?
Mm. I dropped off waiting.
Sh! No need to wake.
I am now.
I've had an idea.
Sounds promising.
Of how to help Mum and Dad, maybe.
I've got a better one.
I can't believe Dad. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
Later.
I guess it can wait.
It can.
Going around in circles was appropriate.
Was rushing off to Rachel just avoidance?
Still using the kids as an excuse?
And was Dave doing the same thing?
Where is everyone?
Hey, sleepyhead.
Mum and Nathan, walking meditation.
Whatever that is.
Paddo - no idea.
- OK if I go see Tara? - Sure.
I thought you were giving that up.
I'm just tidying it up to sell.
Sometimes life delivers a message.
Which is?
'Quit while you're alive.'
Well, what will you do now?
Something that doesn't risk being impaled.
Makes sense.
I'm glad you didn't die.
I reckon I'm gladder.
It means you'll have time.
- For what? - Joining me on the line.
Next climate protest! Go, Dad! Uh-huh. Go, Daddy. Who's a dad?
- Come here! - Argh! Dad!
Meditate not medicate.
And way more peaceful than tap therapy.
Any answers?
Nothing concrete. You?
I think the job is enough of an answer for me.
Yeah.
So... Rach.
I told you, she's excited.
No. I mean, how are you about it?
I think she needs me.
I don't want to sound insensitive but does she really?
It was nearly eight months
before we even knew she was pregnant.
She'll have it all sorted out.
It's easy to not feel vulnerable when it's abstract.
But it's about to get very real for her and I will be there.
OK.
I'll be gone a few months at the most.
A few months?
Well, if she needs me that long, yes.
What if you find what you're looking for there?
In New York?
- Yeah! - Oh, please.
It's a big town with a lot to offer.
If...if you did, are you sure you're going just for Rachel?
We can talk about it... at the picnic.
Picnic?
What picnic?
All of us together, even Dad. Ben's idea.
Nathan's hinted there'll be speeches.
About what?
You, me. Us. New York worries them when I'm only just home.
I mean, I'm meant to be settling in.
- It's none of their business. - They disagree.
You realise we've reached that age.
When the kids start telling us how to beehive.
We're not that old. That's...old.
Yeah. We're there.
Bring on the walking frames.
Up yours, Greta Dagberg.
Shove a lump of coal in it.
Don't mess with me, dag-head.
Go, Rubes.
We need an environment club at school
to turn around deniers like him.
- Yeah. - We could put out a newspaper.
Old Spade won't let you.
I'll work on her. You in?
If Rose is, sure.
Hey, Rubes. Wrap it up.
Change of plan.
- 31... - How you doing, Grandad?
41.
43, 47...
- Strange. - Prime numbers.
If you can't pee, it never fails.
I've never made it past 51.
No, strange that he can't remember yesterday
but he knows the primes.
Some things stick, I guess.
Where we going again?
Buradeena.
A family picnic.
Huh. A bloke wouldn't want to miss that.
We'll have really lost him when the long-term memories fade.
A bit like Mum.
Hm?
If whatever she's going through
means that the good times fade...
So today is a reminder, then?
A gentle nudge.
Not just for her.
Dad might need a wake-up too.
Very mysterious.
If you say it, you jinx it. I'll tell you if it happens.
I'm superstitious!
Better out than in, I always say.
Let's go.
I know what I'm doing.
I hope.
Look at this!
Ah, beautiful.
There you go, darling.
Oh, thank you. What about the coffee shop?
Oh, that's all sorted. Do you think I'd miss this?
There are things to make up for.
No, there aren't.
I overstepped the mark.
You helped.
As long as I did.
You did. We're fine.
OK.
All plates and utensils are eco-friendly, Rubes.
Good one.
Hang on. Are you two back together again?
They are. I saw them kiss.
- Sprung. - Since when?
A little while.
I go away and look what happens.
Can we talk about something else, please?
Hi.
Oh, look! Saved by the bell. Gang's all here.
We're getting them warmed up.
Hi, Dad.
Hey.
Where's Cassie?
She's taking a call. I'll let her tell you.
Right. How was the drive?
We had an easy run, didn't we, Grandad?
Only had to stop for one whizz.
OK.
Don't see why a whizz is funny.
Come and get a beer, Ted.
Won't say no.
Whatever the reason, this is lovely.
Well, marriage counselling made me realise
how getting things out helps.
And we're worried about you. Both of you.
You can say no. It's just a picnic.
But there are things we'd like to say.
Well, then I'd like to hear, as long as your dad does.
But bear in mind I have decided to visit Rachel.
Fair enough. It's still worth hearing us out.
You're making me nervous, you two.
- Let's just see how we go. - OK.
Alright, come and get it.
Let's P-A-R-T why?
Why? Because this is a picnic.
Yeah!
- What smells funny? - What?
Clown poo. You know it!
I remember that one.
You're drinking a lot of that stuff there, mate.
Aww!
- Hello? - Pardon me.
Better out than in. That's the girl.
OK, why don't we just use that as a Rafter punctuation mark
because this is a picnic with a purpose, right?
Mm-hm.
The old saying 'first the laughter, then the tears'
never truer.
OK, this is adult stuff. Eddie, Ruby... Sorry, Tess.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah.
You can stay if you want, mate, but it's not really for kids.
Ruby, coming?
Let me say something first, then I'll be with you.
- Alright. - Come on, mate.
Thank you. Thanks.
OK. The last few weeks
you've all make me see that adults are just grown-up kids.
Which is good. Because it takes some of the pressure off.
I never really have to grow up. I know what I want.
But whatever makes you happiest.
I'll leave you to get heavy.
Thanks, darling.
Oh. I'd be up for New York. Think about it.
- OK, what about you, Grandad? - I'm not a kid.
I'll say my part, if that's OK?
As you all know, I first met these guys
not long after they came to town.
There were these two notices
with a little tear-off bit in Tessa's café.
One was an apprentice sparkie.
With the long list of 'must-bes',
'Must be a good problem-solver' was one of them.
And I remember thinking, 'Yeah, OK, I think I am.'
And then the other notice was,
'Dave and Julie's garden flat to rent.'
So it was meant to be.
And day one, I just thought you guys were the coolest couple.
Perfect couple.
And I hope it stays that way.
Hashtag couple goals.
- Thanks, mate. - Thanks, Paddo.
OK, who's next?
I'm not blind on my good days.
But you don't have to worry about me, love.
Or your mother.
We've got each other.
So you do what's right for you.
- Thanks, Dad. - Thanks, Ted.
OK, um...
Whatever I've lost lately whatever I'm going to lose,
there's something that I can never lose.
Something you both gave me.
It's my inner Rafter.
The thing that will see me through the changes up ahead
and I hope it will see you both yours.
And I hope it will bring you back.
Hard acts to follow.
Um, I just came up here to say you're only just home. Don't go.
But that's pretty selfish.
And Dad seems fine with it, so scrap that speech.
Instead...
However it turns out, we'll understand
'cause we love you too much not to.
But we know what we hope.
It's hard to see you ever not together.
And I guess that sums it up. That word.
'Together'.
Only way to go, right, Dad?
I think I get your point, son.
Cassie?
Is now OK?
- Let's do it. - OK.
This is not about you.
It's about us.
We are going to adopt.
Oh!
We're starting the process.
We're on the hunt for a new Rafter.
Took me a little while to catch on
but we're more together than ever.
Oh, my darlings! Oh!
That's so great.
Oh, Julie.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
You can stop with the 'togethers'.
Message received. Not subtle.
It wasn't meant to be.
This is a celebration! I'll get the champagne.
First the laughter, then the tears...of happiness.
There was a lot of well-intentioned
emotional blackmail there today.
Yes, there was. As touching as it was.
And it was. Ben's right.
The way forward is together.
We shouldn't be apart.
Well, Ben might've been pushing that but...we agreed I should go.
He wasn't saying you should stay. He was saying I should go.
To New York.
What?
We both got patterns we need to break.
I'm not forcing it on you.
Uh... What about Ruby?
We could take her.
What about school?
We could take her work with us.
It's up to you whether you want us there or not.
Maybe our being there will spoil how you see it all going.
But you're happy in Buradeena.
Doesn't mean I have to be a stick-in-the-mud.
What I'm saying is that we can both be there for Rach
and you can come home when you want to.
Let's see where it takes us.
And not a moment too soon.
Her waters broke as we walked out the arrivals gate.
Breathe. Just breathe.
Do you want some water?
- No. - No.
- Yes. - Yes.
No. I don't know. I don't know.
You're doing so well, sweetheart.
I'm so glad you're here.
As if I'd be anywhere else.
I'm so happy I'm not... I'm not...
No, you're not. Whatever it is, you're not.
Alone. Not alone.
And Dad. I'm so happy.
- It means the world to us too. - You need to find your purpose.
Yeah, well, maybe not right now.
No, trust me. Pain makes you wise.
Your purpose. OK? But don't lose Dad to find it.
OK.
I'm feeling very wise.
OK, Rachel. It's time to check you again.
Is that OK?
Oh, come on, sweetheart.
Hey. You should sleep.
I can arrange a bed for her.
Rubes?
It's 15 hours. It has to be soon.
I've known a lot longer.
Put your head down if you can.
I can here, thanks.
She'll be right.
That's so Crocodile Dundee.
That's not a knife, this is a knife.
You just made my day.
Lame, Dad.
And proud of it.
That's it.
Can we stop this now? This can't be normal.
I never even really wanted a baby.
Yes, you do. Yes, you do.
There has to be a more efficient way to do this.
OK, and again, push. Push.
- I can't. I can't. - Yes, you can. Come on.
That's it. That's it.
Perfect. Good girl.
She is almost here. OK? Just hold it there.
Hold?
It's normal. That's normal, sweetheart. That's normal.
Rachel, Rachel, I can just see her hair.
Mum!
Control now. Just tiny little pushes.
And breathe.
Breathe. Breathe.
That's perfect. Her head is out.
Her shoulders will come out and one big push.
Ready? Push. Push!
She's here!
You're all done.
Is she alright?
Welcome to the world, little one.
- Is she OK? - It's alright. It's alright.
She is perfect.
Here she is.
Hello, gorgeous girl.
Say hello, Grandma.
Pinch me, Linda.
Who?
It's a long story.
Pinch me very hard.
Amazing.
You should see her. She's beautiful.
Uh! Not yet. Not yet.
Our daughter has a baby.
Our daughter.
Whatever our problems, we will solve them together.
And I will find my purpose.
With you.
Because I love you, Dave Rafter.
There's that smile.
There it is.
I've missed you.
So column H is what we're left with each week.
You're right. There's way too much waste of produce.
Let's find a balance
between cutting back orders and not limiting the menu.
Sounds good.
Excuse me. I've gotta take this.
Dad?
Go, Rach!
I'm an uncle!
Yes!
Got some good news to tell you, Grandad.
Oh, yeah?
There is another Rafter in the world.
- Boy or girl? - A girl.
Better luck next time.
You can't say that, Grandad.
Daughters. You've got to pay for the wedding.
Mind you, we wouldn't be without our Julie for quids.
Grandad's in un-PC mode.
Ooh. Oh. Two. Two, three...
Hold it, Grandad.
Seven, 11.
Stop counting till we get to the loo. Come on.
13, 17, 19.
Come on.
What comes after 19?
19.
I'll tell you when we get there. Come on.
19!
She's beautiful.
That's not a baby, this is a baby.
Private joke.
We should go.
Yeah, we'll let you get some sleep.
Couldn't have done it without you.
Ah, well, we make a great team.
We do.
Sorry, I lost sight of that for a while.
Well, next time, if there is one, as soon as you know, we do.
Promise.
There will be hell to pay if you don't, I reckon.
Rest up.
What do you think, Rubes?
OK, I guess.
Don't sound too excited.
She's cute.
Later.
She's hardly slept.
Who is Linda?
When I was in India at the Taj Mahal,
you have to go through this gate to see it.
You walk in and the postcard view,
it just hits you, you know? Pow.
And so I'm standing there and I hear this voice behind me...
'Oh, my god, pinch me, Linda. I'm really here.'
This rather loud tourist in a tie-dyed T-shirt
talking to her friend.
Pinch me, Linda.
Never heard a better reaction to the wonder of life.
That says it all.
I'll see you tomorrow.
I'm really here.
Cigar, Unkie Nathan?
Best I could find in Buradeena.
Actually the only one.
Thanks! Hey, Mum says she's cute as.
She doesn't take after you, then.
- Lucky girl. - Reckon.
The clan expands!
Congratulations.
Thanks, Tess.
- What do you think, Eddie? - I hope they bring her back!
Do ya? I reckon they will.
Check her out! Check her out!
She so cute!
Every cynic melts when they see a newborn.
You're no cynic.
Catch me on a bad day.
She is just beautiful.
Send them a cyber hug from me, won't you?
Yeah, will do. Come on, buddy.
You should send that to Uncle Ben.
Yes!
It's Mum. Don't hang up. It's been so long.
A friend of mine's daughter just had a baby and I was thinking...
I thought...
Hello? Hello?
Us? Godparents?
Yes.
- We're here and you're there. - I'll be coming home more.
Definitely for the christening. I'll make sure she knows you.
We're still trying to get our heads around the parent thing.
I've seen you with Ruby and with Edward.
I can't think of anyone I'd rather trust Louise with.
Louise?!
Aww, cute.
She has Grandma's eyes.
Grandad will be chuffed.
So will I, if you accept.
We would love to.
Yeah?
Uh, yeah! Of course.
Does this definitely mean I'm the golden-haired child?
I happily relinquish the crown.
Thank you.
Our absolute pleasure.
- Later. - Bye.
Hey. Still can't sleep?
No.
Can I get you anything? Hot milk?
No.
Let me know if there is.
Why do people keep acting like it's the best thing?
- What? - Babies.
Look at what she's coming into.
Oh! Honey, a whole lot of love.
I mean the world.
Well, but where would we be if everyone thought like that?
Better off, maybe.
Overpopulation is one of the problems.
Yeah, but the answer is not to stop having babies.
What is, then? No one seems to know.
Darling, maybe stop reading some of the grimmer articles.
That's just burying my head in the sand.
Yes, but if they upset you, sweetheart...
We should ALL be upset!
I'm scared. Everyone should be.
Well, we'll just have to try harder.
But will we?
Well, you will. We will.
- Will you? - Of course I will.
Promise?
And it struck me. Just like that.
Yes. I do.
Too many channels.
What's news?
Uh, research.
I've had a left-of-field thought. Way left.
About what?
How to keep a promise.
How to have a purpose.
It's amazing how the small moments
can suddenly come together
to guide you to something huge.
Doggie-do art.
My first enviro-militant act.
Old attitudes to women and education.
'Typing, shorthand, and home economics is all a girl needs,'
so said Mum, bless her.
I do envy your generation.
Thanks.
And an insight from your daughter.
You need to find your purpose.
And all the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place.
Nine months, a bridging course, and one christening later,
starting my degree in sustainability.
Pinch me, Linda. I'm really here.
Off on my three-year journey.
The answer it's all been leading to. Who would've guessed?
So excited. So terrified.
And with Dave's total support.
It was there at the start of our last big journey.
Road trip of the mind.
That's so sweet.
And so sentimental.
Nothing wrong with sentimental.
Nothing.
The christening proved that.
A sea of sentiment.
Rachel loving her daughter. Loved as a daughter even more.
In pride of place, a Ruby Rafter original.
There's no stopping her
since our many visits to the Guggenheim.
Title - 'Louise'.
Dad's pleased, we think.
We hope.
He's slipping.
The next wedding, Dave's best man - proud as punch.
My two besties have hit it off.
Ben calls us the Three Musky Dears.
Nathan's inner Rafter is seeing him through.
He's been needing it.
I’m not sure what’s happening with Nathan and Anna.
Eddie hopes he does.
Anna’s here to support the godparents.
Ben and Cassie wanting to make a difference.
Adoption became fostering.
Off to a rocky start - Garth.
Carbo’s been using his streaming for the greater good,
and doubled his followers in the process.
So there we were.
All of us together to name the newest Rafter.
Our crowd. Birds of a feather.
Welcome, as we gather to baptise
Louise Julie Rafter into the fellowship of Christ.
Before we commence, let us pray.
For a world worthy of the children.
Look at me, Mum. I’m at Uni.
Watch out, grandma!
Not that it won’t come without challenges.
But that’s another story.