It was the weekend clifhanger that had fans screaming for Monday, but did Toadie (Ryan Maloney) and Mackenzie (Georgie Stone) survive?
We get the answer relatively quickly as Melanie’s (Lucinda Cowden) screams for help are heard by Holly (Lucinda Armstrong-Hall), Haz (Shev Palekar) and Tess (Anica Calida), who all arrive on the scene. Haz takes over trying to stop the bleeding as they anxiously wait for the police to arrive, with Mackenzie starting to come around, whispering Haz’s name, to which he reassures her that he’s here.
In Erinsbrough, we see Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) update Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou), Paul (Stefan Dennis) and the Kennedys (Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher), who are relieved that Holly is ok, but no word on Toadie’s whereabouts leaves Terese even more worried and confused, but also angry. But before the news can fully settle, Nell (Ayisha Salem-Towner) and Hugo (Tanner Ellis-Anderson) arrive home and ask where their dad is- forcing Terese to have the tough conversation with them that she was hoping never to have. Thankfully, though, before she’s finished explaining it with the Kennedys and Paul’s support, Andrew is relieved to be able to break the news that the police have located Toadie, dehydrated but okay, and that he’s being brought home with everyone else- including Mackenzie, who is stable enough to fly home. But while there’s relief, Andrew is worried about Holly’s mental health and shares this privately with the Kennedys.
The outback crew make their way home as the news ripples through the street. Andrew’s confident that Holly won’t be charged for killing Heath as it was self defence, but as we learn later in the episode Holly’s still coming to terms with the trauma inflicted by Heath- which she opens up about to Karl and Susan with the support of Mel. Meanwhile, Haz stays with Mackenzie in hospital and they agree to stop having to spend so much time there, and Toadie is finally reunited with Terese, Nell and Hugo.
The episode’s biggest shock was saved for last when Toadie, who had spent the night in the hospital for observation, returned home and after having breakfast with his family, Terese asked to speak one on one. While Terese is keen to rebuild their relationship, Toadie had one massive blindside bombshell- he can’t be with her any more.
Jessica Paine, who penned this instalment, gave an episode dealing with the aftermath, allowing us to stay with the outback crew instead of glossing over it and setting up the ongoing ramifications to come.
Neighbours airs 4:00pm Monday-Thursday on 10, with episodes repeated at 6:30pm on 10Peach Comedy.
