(theme music) (electric zapping) (lighting crashes) (Rachel) The matryoshka doll.

Symbol of motherhood and the enduring relationship between mother and child.

Down through the generations, each separate, individual, yet still connected by some invisible umbilical cord, sometimes stretched and strained, but never cut.

-Morning.

-Morning, Mum.

-Hi.

-Cup of tea?

(Julie) Oh, thanks.

-Nathan?

-Yo.

(Rachel) You heard Mum.

Tea.

-Hang on.

You just offered.

-No, I suggested.

There's a world of difference between offering and-- (Julie) It's all right, darling, I'm pregnant, not an invalid.

(Rachel) Mm-mm, no, Mum, sit.

Nathan, tea.

What happened to Rachel, tea.

Rachel go work.

(Nathan) It's all right, I don't mind.

(Julie) Thanks, darling.

(Nathan) Cup of tea, coming up.

Oh, a piece of toast would be nice.

-Toast?

-Mm.

Uh, milk and one, leave tea bag in.

(sighs) -Oh, Jake, hi.

-How's things?

(Julie) Oh, more on the point, how are you?

(Ted) Yeah, should you be back at work so soon?

That doc gave me the all-clear; thick skull, he reckons.

Besides, Dave would be lost without me.

(Dave) You're right, the job should be ready when you are.

-Muah.

-I'll be there in a sec.

-You're looking well.

-Thanks.

So are you.

(mellow music) ♪ -Don't you have work?

-Come over for dinner tonight.

I wanna see ya.

-I came over last week.

-So?

(Rachel) So, what if there's not enough food or cutlery or--or your mum remembers how much she really loathes and detests me.

-She does not.

-Well, some of the things -she said.

-What things?

(Rachel) Nothing, she's just a very hard woman to please.

(Jake) Rachel.

Yes.

How hard is that to say?

(soft, quirky music; cutlery scraping) ♪ Are you sure you wouldn't like a chop?

(Grace) Oh, no, no, no, you eat.

I'm really not that hungry.

(Alex) Mum's on a diet again.

(Rachel) Surely you're not on a diet.

(Grace) I didn't say I was.

(Jake clears throat) Right, so, um, it must be nice to have number one son back home.

-Mm-hm.

-I don't play favorites.

-Uh-huh.

-I meant in age.

(Jake) No, no, no, she meant in looks.

As if.

-Hey, guess what.

-Hm?

(Rachel) Tomorrow afternoon we're finally launching Rampant.

(Jake) Mm.

(Rachel) It's a--it's a men body's spray that we're repositioning, so, new packaging, new marketing campaign.

Really?

Yeah.

We've been working on it for months, so hopefully we're gonna get some major media coverage.

And, uh, yeah, we've got this great venue that's overlooking the harbor, and hot new vodka sponsor, hot model.

Cool.

They're male models.

Jake'll be into that.

(Jake) Ah-ha-ha-ha.

Well, it sounds like fun.

Count me in.

Serious?

Don't you have to work?

We'll ask the boss.

(Rachel) Jake, it's, um, it is a party, but it's work for me.

(Jake) Well, so?

It'll give me a chance to see what you actually do.

-Are you sure?

-Well, of course, -if you don't want me to-- -No, I didn't say that.

(Jake) Well, great, it's a date.

(Grace) Well, if you ask me, it all sounds just a little... -What, Mum?

-I don't know.

Show-offy.

♪ (Jake) Look, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, all right?

I've just--I've been in a trench all afternoon.

(Rachel) What and you just forgot?

Explains why she's on diet rations.

Oh, you are so not helping this situation, Jake.

(Jake) She's okay, really.

(sighs) (Rachel) Okay.

Are you sure you want to come to this thing tomorrow?

(Jake) Sure, Rampant and me, we're like that.

Or is that you and me?

(Rachel moans softly) -Okay, just one thing.

-Mm?

(Rachel) It's dressy, so just effortlessly stylish.

(Jake) So wear me best Stubbies?

(chuckles) Just joking.

Yeah, I'll wear somethin' flash.

(Rachel) And...I was thinking we could book a room.

-Could we now?

-What do you think?

-Do you snore?

-Do you?

-Only when I'm sleepin'.

-Well, good.

Won't be a problem then.

♪ (Grace) Jake, darling.

Oh, Rachel.

Uh, darling, can you take out the garbage when you can?

-Right-o.

-On my way.

♪ Okay.

♪ (bright music) ♪ So what time do you reckon we'll knock off today?

Oh, it's a big day today, mate, massive.

Might make yourself some overtime.

Serious?

But I looked at the worksheet, it didn't look that full-on to me.

Yeah, they might be small jobs, but they're fiddly, you know what I mean?

-But, um... -Yeah?

There's somethin' I gotta ask ya.

Sure.

(Jake) Rachel's launch this arvo.

(Dave) Oh, for that spray stuff that smells like WD-40.

-Yeah.

-Oh, hang on a sec.

(phone beeps) Dave Rafter, electrician.

Uh, sure, we're pretty busy, but I reckon we can fit you in.

And what's your address there?

(mellow music) Okay, right, we'll see you then.

Bye-bye.

(phone beeps) Now we really are chuckers.

Can't see us knockin' off till at least, oh, 3:00.

-Better get started.

-3:00 Oh, that's okay then.

-What's okay?

-Oh, I mean if we're knockin' off at 3:00, then it's okay for me to... (Dave) What, take an early muck and go to launch?

Sure, it's okay.

No worries.

Hope you have a good time.

Gotcha.

♪ What is this place?

(Jake) Well, it's some hippie earth mother garbage.

Didn't think they used electricity.

Thought it was all candles.

(chuckles) (Dave) Yeah, well, you go check it out.

-I'll park the van.

-Right-o.

(chuckles) Hello?

(chimes twinkling) (Chel) Can I help you?

(Jake) No, I'm here to fix your lights.

Electrician.

-You're not Dave Rafter.

-Not today.

Am I suppose to be?

Does that mean he's not coming?

Yeah, he'll be in in a sec.

Scratch that, he's here now.

(chimes twinkling) (Jake) Do you two know each other?

-Yes.

-No.

-We did once.

-I don't remember.

I do.

(Jake) I might just wait outside for you mate.

(Dave) Yeah, sure, whatever.

So, here we are.

What's with the call-out?

Sorry about the subterfuge.

You--you tried to contact me.

Right, well, I just need some information -about a few things.

-Of course, anything.

(Dave) Yeah, it's my son, Ben, he's got an arrhythmia.

It's a heart thing, nothing serious.

But it would help to know if there's any family history.

Not from me, no.

Probably on my father's side, so if you could just give me his name, then...

Uh, his name was Tom.

Tom Jennings.

Tom.

Well, that explains my middle name.

(Chel) I wish I could tell you more about him, but I can't.

He died a long time ago when he was still very young.

(soft music) ♪ Right, he's dead.

♪ So, nothing wrong with the lights then?

♪ -David... -Thanks for your help.

I'll get out of your hair.

♪ -Come mate, let's go.

-What about the job?

-There's no job here.

-David.

David!

Dave.

Will you wait?

Will you, please?

Half of what you are comes from me.

-Don't walk away.

-Why not?

Because you wanted to see me too.

One way or another, that's happened.

Talk to me.

Ask me questions, anything.

Anything at all.

♪ All right, I got a question.

Who's Ringo?

♪ -You remember.

-Who is he?

♪ You were two.

It was just after they told me that Tom was dead.

♪ I couldn't cope.

I put you in your cot and I left the dog with you.

And I went into the kitchen and turned on the gas.

♪ Yeah, you're still here.

Ringo wouldn't stop barking and brought the neighbors.

They got there just in time.

♪ Well, now I know.

(Chel) Oh, no, please don't go now, not now.

Why do you think I put my name on the website?

Well, I'm not really sure.

First, you knock me back, then you turn up at my house like some kind of a weirdo.

You needed to know and I needed to explain.

Please let me, it won't take long.

♪ (Rachel) And that's when he felt it, that invisible cord.

His head was saying go.

♪ But his heart... ♪ ...his heart had other ideas.

♪ ♪ Why'd you give me up?

(Chel) When I heard your dad died, I...I just lost it.

And I ended up in a psychiatric hospital with a form saying sign here.

So you did.

I didn't want to give you up.

I wasn't strong enough to hold on.

Yeah, well, either way I was going to end up on my own.

If that dog hadn't barked, you weren't exactly looking out for me, were ya?

(Chel) I wish things had been different, but they weren't.

You have a photo of him?

No, I wish I did.

I'll tell you who he looks like, your son, your boy, the one I saw.

Nathan.

That was a shock.

It's probably what made me run.

It's a lot to take in, I know.

And I've got a job to get to.

(Chel) Can I see you again?

♪ Uh... Yeah, I suppose if you want to meet the others.

Do they know about me?

They know your name.

They know I've been looking for you.

♪ They know you came to the end of our driveway and then took off.

So they've got the general idea.

♪ Yeah.

♪ (Jake) There's an explanation, right?

(Dave) She's my mother.

(Jake) Your mother?

(Dave) Yep.

So, that's your mum.

Yeah.

(Jake) She's a nice lady, yeah?

(Dave) You know about as much as I do.

We're late.

(engine starts) Let's get to this next job.

(Jake) Yeah.

(mellow music) ♪ Don't need me for anything else?

(Dave) No, get out of here while you still can.

(Jake) Yes, I gotta make myself presentable for this do this arvo.

Oh, I think you'll scrub up all right.

(Jake) Yeah, that's what I keep telling Rachel, but she hasn't bought it yet.

-See yas.

-Bye.

(Dave) See ya.

(Julie sighs) I'm conforming to type, I'm nesting.

You're gonna have the baby there, are you?

(Julie) Yeah, why not?

Wading pool, some Rescue Remedy, a few gawking neighbors.

Yeah, no, I'm, uh, gonna plant a flower bed.

Hydrangeas I thought.

What do you think?

(Dave) Yeah, look, whatever your pregnant heart desires.

(Julie) Okay.

If you're gonna keep hovering, you might wanna tell me what it's about.

I just met my mother.

What?

Oh my God, when?

(Dave) Yeah, she just pretended to make a booking.

-Oh my God.

-Yeah, I walk into this weird candle shop and there she is.

(Julie) Dave, that's amazing.

That's--ahh, that's incredible.

-So, what's she like?

-Okay.

-Okay?

-Yeah, she's friendly enough.

(Julie) So you talked.

(Dave) A bit.

(Julie) A bit.

And what did she say?

-It's a long story.

-Dave... (Dave) Jules, I... (Julie) Okay.

But you talked...to your mother.

That's...

So, are we gonna meet her?

(Dave) How's tomorrow afternoon sound?

(Julie) Tomorrow?

(Dave) I can call to cancel if you-- (Julie) No, no, no, no, tomorrow's perfect.

It's...

It's amazing.

(sighs) God, I can't believe after all this time I'm finally gonna meet your mother.

(Dave) Not just my mother.

Your mother-in-law.

(birds chirping) (Rachel) Lib, we've been through this checklist a hundred thousand times.

Please, just tell Verna to chill.

Just relax.

It's all taken care of.

You are not gonna believe the threads I've got Jake.

He's gonna look so hot.

(knocking on door) It's open.

Okay, I have to go.

He's here.

This is so exciting.

♪ The name's Barton.

♪ Jake Barton.

What?

It's too much?

-Uh-- -You said dressy.

♪ Don't tell me.

I've taken your breath away.

It's, uh... ♪ -Formal.

-Of course.

It's Camel's best man suit.

Lucky for me, no one's ever asked him.

(nervous laugh) -It is okay, isn't it?

-Yes, of course.

-You sure about that?

-Yes.

(Jake) Good, 'cause it's all I've got.

♪ Hey, where's the minibar?

Um, don't go there, it's a rip-off.

♪ Uh, there were some--there were some chocolates on the pillow, but I ate them.

(Jake laughs) That's my girl.

So, what do you reckon?

First night ever in our own room.

First night ever in a proper bed.

(Rachel) Okay, down boy, later.

I have to get ready.

Ah, and then... (Rachel) No.

No, after, okay?

This is work.

I've already told-- and don't give me that look, okay?

We've got a whole night together.

(Jake) All right, if I tell you who I met today, -will you give me a kiss?

-No, we're gonna be late.

-Who'd you meet?

-Oh, just a little kiss.

It's your decision.

(Rachel) Okay, who was it?

No, no, no, we haven't got time.

(Rachel) Oh, Jake, just tell me who you met.

(Jake) Your dad's mum.

(Rachel) What?

Dad's mum.

(Jake) Yeah, she called us out on a job and... (Rachel) Dad's mum, as in the woman who gave birth to him.

(Jake) That's the usual definition, yeah.

-Gotta call him.

-And the kiss?

(Rachel) I told you, later.

♪ (Rachel) Hi, Dad.

(Julie) So, isn't that great news?

(Nathan) And I really look like my granddad?

My other granddad.

Wow, I've always wondered about that.

(Sammy) He would have been a cutie.

(Ben) Ah, somebody pass the bucket.

(Nathan) No, I'm serious, it's never been obvious who I take after, -and now I know.

-Did she say if you had any brothers and sisters?

(Dave) I was her only child, and given my father died so young, I reckon I'm the only one.

(Sammy) Oh, God, it must have been hard on her giving you up.

(Ben) I don't know, ugly baby syndrome it's more common that you think.

Unlike sensitivity.

(Ben) Really, I think it's awesome.

Look, I know you want to know every detail, but I know as much as you do.

(Julie) No, I'm sure we'll learn more in time.

(Dave) And anyway, she's gonna be here tomorrow, so am I.

As for the rest of you, if you get a better offer, just feel free to take it, all right?

(techno music) (Rachel) I cannot believe it is Dad's actual mom, like it's his actual mother.

And we're gonna meet her.

We're gonna meet her tomorrow.

(Jake) That's if we survive tonight.

(Rachel sighs) ♪ (Jake) I'm over-dressed, aren't I?

(Rachel) No, not at all.

(Jake) But can you see any other guy in a tux?

-Jake, look, you-- -I'm not gonna embarrass you, -am I?

-No, no, of course not, okay?

Honestly, you look hot, like a million bucks.

(Jake) Right.

But I've only got a 20 in my wallet, so, um, what are the drinks worth around here?

(Rachel) It's a launch, they're free.

(Jake) What, seriously, the whole night?

(Rachel) Yeah, the whole point is you have a good time at someone else's expense.

(Jake) Mm, well, if you say so.

So, why aren't you drinking?

(Rachel) How many times do I have to tell you?

I am working.

Now, I'm gonna have to go start schmoozing.

Are you sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?

(Jake) Yeah, yeah, yeah, no worries.

But if one of those guys even thinks of spraying me.

(Rachel) They're models.

The idea is they represent the Rampant male.

(Jake) What, so use it and I end up looking like a big ponce?

(Rachel) They look hot.

And they're just a bit metrosexual.

(Jake) Well, they're something sexual.

(Rachel inhales sharply) (Verna) Rachel!

(Rachel) Ah!

Okay, incoming client.

Please, please, just behave.

This is a really big deal for me.

(Jake) I'm behaving.

(Rachel) Okay.

Verna, welcome.

(Verna) Darling.

(Rachel) Muah, muah.

(Verna) You know Dirk.

(Rachel) Yes, of course, the face of Rampant.

-Hi again.

-Hi.

(Rachel) This is Jake.

(Jake) Good day.

(Dirk) Your boyfriend.

(Rachel) Yes, yes.

And my date for the evening.

(Dirk) Good thing I checked, I was about to order a drink from him.

(Verna) Oh, so rude.

So Rampant.

(Jake) Oh, that's no problem.

That's no problem.

So what's your poison, Fluffy Duck?

(Verna) Now I hope everything is under control.

This has to be perfect.

(Rachel) Oh, yes, trust me, it's all taken care of.

(Verna) Gorgeous.

Come, Dirk, let's mingle.

-Ciao.

-See you, Jeff.

♪ (Jake) Maybe I'll just meet you back at the hotel.

(Rachel) Okay, no, no, no, please, come on, give it time.

Just ignore him.

Luckily, he's the face of Rampant, he never has to open his mouth.

Hey, there's Libby and George.

(Jake) Is that Libby on George?

(Rachel) Hey, guys.

Lib.

-Hi, Rachel.

-Hi, guys.

Oh, Jake.

-Yep.

-Oh-ho-ho.

♪ (Jake) I've overdone it, haven't I?

-No, you look hot.

-Thanks, mate.

(Rachel) Not a word about the clothes, okay?

And please tell me you're just searching George for contraband canapes.

(Libby) Ugh, given up fighting it.

Social death versus raw naked animal lust.

No contest.

If I don't spray him, I don't like him.

If I do spray him, and believe me, I do spray.

(Rachel) Oh, no, that is too much information.

Please, stop, okay?

Guys, we've gotta start working the room, okay?

-So, I won't be long.

-Mm-hm.

(Rachel) You sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?

(Jake) The name's Barton, Jake Barton.

I'll be fine.

♪ A new grandmother.

That's amazing.

(Ben) Is that weird or what?

(Melissa) Well, how's your dad coping?

(Ben) Um, I'm not sure coping is the word I'd use.

I think he's still in shock.

Yeah, I'm not surprised.

(Ben) I wonder what she's like.

Who cares what she's like?

She's your YaYa.

-She's what Ya?

-Grandma in Greek.

-Right.

-Well, do you know how lucky you are scoring a new YaYa at your age?

Well, I guess.

I don't know.

I hadn't really thought about it like that before.

(Carbo) Well, you should.

Man, I'd give anything to have my Ya back.

Look, your mums and dads are special, but your YaYa, especially my dad's mum.

And I still remember when she hugged me.

That smell of baby powder at the mother's.

And when she kissed me, how her whiskers would tickle my nose.

(soft music) I'm just saying.

When you're a kid, you think they'll be around forever.

And then one day they're not.

(Melissa) Oh, it's okay, Carbo.

(Carbo) Never take them for granted, mate.

You always have less time than you think you have.

♪ So, who's up for Gran Turismo?

♪ (lively music) (Jake) So the trial run is right there, and then smack, this big Samoan guy creams me.

I was out for the count, mate.

-20, 30 seconds easy.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-That's fascinating, isn't it?

(Jake) Rachel, Rachel, this is Trent.

-Hi, nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you too, Rachel.

(Jake) Do you want a drink?

Trent knows where they stash -the good stuff.

-No, thank you, I'm fine.

♪ Bye.

Are you sure you're doing okay?

(Jake) Yeah, I even had a dance with some of the waiters.

(Rachel) Oh, okay, well, just hang in there.

There's not long to go now.

(Jake) Rachel, I said I'm cool.

(Verna) Rachel, darling, I think it's time.

(Rachel) Right, ready when you are.

(Verna) All set to greet the world as the new face of Rampant?

(Dirk) Just try and stop me.

♪ Here, hold this, mate.

♪ (Jake) I'll tell you, if that guy's face is his fortune, he's going the right way about losing it, hey.

(Rachel) Remember what I said about behaving.

(energetic music) ♪ Hello, darlings.

Could we have some quiet up the back, please?

Welcome, everybody.

I just wanted to say, on behalf of Rampant, it is with a great deal of excite-- (music stops) -Hello?

-George, -where are the sound guys?

-Rachel?

(Rachel) George, where are the sound guys?

-Gone.

-What?

We're onto it, we're onto it, Verna.

(Rachel clears throat) This is a nightmare, this is a disaster.

(George) It was working fine before.

(Libby) Verna's gonna burst her Botox.

(Rachel) For god's sake think of something we can do.

(Libby) Um, if you'll just bear with us, we will introduce the new face of Rampant really, really soon, so... (swaggy rock music) ♪ (Jake) Make yourself useful.

♪ (Rachel) I am so sorry, Verna, I... (sighs) ♪ (Verna) He looks sexy and capable.

Has he done this before?

(Rachel) Yeah, once or twice.

♪ (techno music) ♪ As you were, people, assume the position.

(cheering, applause) (George) Jake, you're amazing.

(Jake) Nice one, Trent, you read my mind, mate.

(indistinct toasting) (Verna) Gorgeous.

What did you say his name was?

(Rachel) Uh, it's Jake.

♪ (Jake chuckles) (Jake) Thanks.

(Verna) Jake, can you join me over here for a second.

(Jake) Sure.

(Verna) I like your style.

Smile.

(cheering, applause) (Rachel) Jake was loving the attention.

The cheers, the whistles.

♪ But suddenly all I could hear was his mum's tut-tut of disapproval and the twang of that umbilical cord stretched to breaking point.

♪ (mellow music) ♪ Pretty pleased with ourselves, aren't we?

(Jake) I saved your night for ya.

(Rachel) Ah, haven't I thanked you enough?

Not nearly enough.

And look, all these women gave me their cards.

(Rachel) What?

No, she bats for the other team.

Well, she didn't sound like a pull.

-(closet opens) -Hey.

♪ (Jake) What's this?

Are you expecting somebody else?

No, of course not.

I--I just thought-- That I would actually turn up in my Stubbies.

How was I supposed to know Camel had a dinner suit?

(Jake) That's not a suit, Rachel.

That's jeans and a shirt like all the other guys were wearing.

But was I embarrassing back there?

No, no, of course not.

(Jake) Because you were on my case all night.

-Was not.

-You were.

Do this, do that.

Behave.

I mean, I was doing my best to fit in.

(Rachel) Oh, please don't spoil this.

(Jake) Yeah, well, who's spoiling it?

(Rachel) I told you, you were great, you were great.

-Embarrassing.

-No.

Sexy, masculine, hot.

Capable.

(Jake) If you didn't like the tux, -you just had to say-- -Forget about the tux.

♪ (phone ringing) ♪ -Ignore it.

-No.

(phone ringing) No, I gotta get it.

-No.

-Yeah.

(Rachel sighs) Oh God.

♪ Hey.

Mum.

(Rachel groans) When?

Yeah, well, did you check the fuse box?

♪ Yeah.

(groans) ♪ Okay.

About an hour.

Yep, fine.

(phone beeps) Power's gone at home, they've got no lights, nothin'.

It's bed time, can't they just go to bed?

No, I said I'd fix it.

(Rachel) A few hours won't hurt, will it?

(phone beeps) ♪ Mom.

(sputters) I, um, I had too much to drink.

And I don't think I should drive.

Yeah.

♪ Yep.

All right, I'll see you in the morning then.

Oh yeah, bye.

-Wasn't so hard, was it?

-No.

♪ What are you doing?

(Jake) Gotta get back, sort out that power problem.

(Rachel) Remember that form we filled out, all those little boxes we ticked.

(Jake) Yeah, our breakfast order.

(Rachel) Yeah, it won't be very much fun sitting here eating it all by myself.

(Jake) Right.

The freezer's been off.

I can't let all that food go to waste.

I'll never hear the end of it.

(soft music) ♪ (Rachel) The invisible cord was tugging.

♪ And Mum had won.

Again.

♪ (Julie) Oh, Sammy, not those ones, the matching plates.

-Oh.

-Um, Dad, can you take the newspapers out as well, please?

-Yeah.

-Rachel, one; Grace, nil.

I managed to keep her away from Jake for a whole 12 hours.

Careful, she doesn't strike me as the forgive-and-forget type.

-Mm.

-Good to be on the same side, -being mothers and all.

-No, this mother's on her daughter's side.

(Nathan) Well.. (Sammy) How was it?

-Oh, wow.

-Wow, this place -is scarily tidy.

-Yeah.

-And you've ironed your shirt.

-So?

(Rachel) What is going on here, guys?

Come on, we're just meeting the woman.

We're not fawning all over her.

(Ben) Yeah, she's our dad's mum.

(Rachel) She's not the Queen, so... No, no, you know what?

Rachel's right.

We should just-- we should just be ourselves.

Yeah, exactly.

And if she doesn't like us, it's just too bad.

(Nathan) Well, you don't think she'll like us?

(Julie) No, of course she'll like us.

I mean, we like us, don't we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, mostly.

Except for Nathan.

(Nathan) Yeah.

(Rachel) So what time is she coming?

(Julie) I don't know.

Dad said this afternoon.

(Melissa) Like 1:30?

-2:00?

-I thought 2:00.

(overlapping chatter) (soft, quirky music) (Julie) I don't know, I don't know!

What's going on?

(Julie) Nothing.

We're, you know... (Rachel) Just--just relaxing.

(mellow music) As if anyone could relax with so much at stake.

♪ Ten past 2:00.

(Rachel) Yes, we can all tell the time.

Thank you, Nathan.

She's not coming.

♪ (doorbell rings) ♪ (Julie) Um, do you want-- do you want me to get that?

No, it's fine.

I'll get it.

♪ (Nathan sighs) (Julie) Okay, stand, we should all stand.

(Nathan) Yeah.

At ease.

It's not a bloody parade ground.

♪ -Hello.

-Hello, Dave.

(Dave) Find the place all right?

I've been here before, remember.

(Dave) Oh, yeah.

You do drink, eh?

(Dave) At times like this, are you kidding?

Come in.

♪ Rachel.

So glad you're here.

(Chel) Me too, I can't tell you how much.

Congratulations.

(Julie) Oh, thanks.

(Chel) It's Chel, people call me Chel.

(Rachel) Oh, that--that makes things easier.

Um, I'm Rachel too.

(Chel) Rachel.

♪ -Lovely to meet you, Rachel.

-Yeah.

(Ben) And then there's me, of course.

The underappreciated middle child, Ben.

(Ted) The heir and the spare.

(Nathan) Chronologically speaking only.

(Chel) You're Nathan.

Did your father tell you how-- (Nathan) Yeah, apparently I look a little bit like my grandfather.

(Chel) A lot like him.

(Ted) Um, I'm Ted, Julie's dad, and this is Sammy, Nathan's wife.

(Chel) Sammy.

Gorgeous.

(Nathan) And she's smart.

She's doing a degree in journalism.

(Ben) And this is Melissa.

She already has her degree, she's a nurse.

(Melissa) Hi.

♪ (Dave) That's the tribe.

♪ What a fine tribe too.

♪ (Nathan) What are we waiting for?

Welcome to the family.

♪ (Julie) That goes for all of us.

(Ben) I can't believe you're tearing up.

(Nathan) I'm not.

♪ Nepal, what were you doing there?

(Chel) Oh, like everyone, traveling around on the cheap.

You meet a lot of people my age in backpackers.

(chuckling) (Melissa) Where's the most interesting place you've been?

(Chel) Um, uh, Uganda.

Yeah, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are buried at the source of the Nile.

(Ben) Like Nathan, always in "da Nile."

(group groans) -Ooh.

-"Da Nile."

-No, the Nile, she said-- -Enough.

(Melissa clears throat) I wish I had a photo of your grandfather.

You'd see what I mean.

(Rachel) Aww.

(Ben) I don't look anything like him?

(Chel) Oh, I can see Ted in you.

(Ted) Lucky lad.

(Ben) Yeah.

We look completely different.

(Nathan) Same nose.

(Ben) Oh, we have not.

(Ted) If you've got something against my hooter.

(laughing) It's not really looks.

It's more--it's more an aura that you share.

(Julie) Well, I've got a fruitcake to share if anyone's interested.

-No, I'll get it.

-Oh, thanks, Dad.

-Need a hand?

-Nah, you stay there.

Me and aura boy will manage.

(Rachel) So, now you've got the shop.

(Chel) Oh, it's not mine.

It belongs to a friend.

She just lets me work there when... (Julie) You okay?

Yeah.

(Ted) She's nice, isn't she?

(Ben) Yeah.

Nathan's getting on pretty well with her.

And Rachel.

(Ted) Oh, yeah, well, Rachel's got her name and Nathan reminds her of the love of her life.

(Ben) I don't have anything in common with her.

Not even a dodgy ticker.

(Ted) Come on, you wouldn't wish that on someone.

(Ben) Well, I don't mind that she likes them.

It's fair enough.

-Are you sure about that?

-Yes.

I just--I don't know how I feel.

I guess I'm with Dad.

Well, they've only just met.

(Ben) Yeah, but it can't be easy.

No wonder Dad looks like he just walked into a wall.

40 years is-- it's a long time.

Could have you stayed away from Mum that long?

(Rachel) Oh, it was so great.

(Chel) I meant it about the jewelry.

Come see me tomorrow.

(Rachel) Okay, it's a deal.

(Chel) Oh, thank you, Julie, for making me feel at home.

(Julie) Oh, my pleasure-- well, our--our pleasure.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Thanks again.

-Really hope we get -to see you again soon.

-Thanks again.

(Julie) Dave, maybe you should walk Chel to the car.

(Dave) Yeah.

(Julie) Bye.

(group) Bye, Chel!

-See ya.

-See ya.

(Chel) Your family's lovely, Dave.

(sentimental music) But we're the ones that should talk.

(Dave) Yeah, it's hard to get a word in edgewise.

They're a nosy bunch.

(Chel) Well, they're not here now.

♪ I--I do get why you'd hold back.

(Dave) Don't worry, it's all water under the bridge.

Not for me.

(Dave) You had an amazing life.

You know, all that travel and adventure.

(Chel) I didn't give you up to have a good time.

(Dave) Yeah, but you did and I didn't, not when I was a kid.

Didn't know what family was until I met Jules.

♪ (Chel) I can't ask you to forgive me.

Maybe in time, just understand.

♪ (Dave) It's all done now.

♪ Are we going to see each other again?

♪ (Dave) I don't think I can.

♪ I'm glad I came today.

♪ Bye, Dave.

♪ Bye.

♪ (car door shuts) (Rachel) Maybe after so long apart, the bond just isn't there.

The cord's been cut.

♪ The damage done.

♪ (Julie) Well, I like her.

And you know why?

She reminds me of you.

(Dave) Yeah?

I can't see it myself.

(Julie) Do you want me to hate her?

(Dave) No.

(Julie) 'Cause I will if you want me to.

-Jules.

-I'll stick her name in the freezer.

No, I'll stick pins in a voodoo doll.

-Jules.

-Or I could even pinch her on the bum when she's not looking.

Come on, Dave, she's your mum.

(Dave) Jules, I don't want you to hate her.

Are you happy?

There's so much I-- I wanted to say to her, you know, growing up, getting bundled from one foster home to the other, never feeling like there was anyone who loved me.

(Julie) Well, we love you.

Can make it retrospective if that helps.

(Dave) I don't even know what to call her.

(Julie) Well, what's wrong with Chel?

(Dave) Yeah, I suppose I couldn't call her Mum.

(Julie) Mummy.

(Dave) No.

We already got one yummy mummy in the house.

(Julie) Oh, darling.

You don't have to decide how to feel, you know.

You'll just feel.

(soft music) ♪ (Dave) Like with you and me.

(Julie) Yeah, like with you and me.

♪ (Rachel) So, I was thinking we could take Alex to the beach with us tomorrow.

Sure, you want us to pick you up.

(Rachel) Uh, no, there's room in my car.

(Jake chuckles) (Jake) There is not.

(Rachel) Well, just let me do this, okay?

You know how badly I stuffed up with your mum and Alex the other night at dinner.

Let's just call it a gesture.

Yeah, Rachel, you don't-- (Jake clears throat) What?

I don't need to what?

She's there, isn't she?

(Jake) Okay, pick us up at 12:00, yeah?

(Rachel) So you got the power back on all right then?

(Jake) Gotta go now.

Night.

What?

(mellow music) ♪ (Alex) Oh, they're beachbound.

Rachel, look, look, Jake's a legend.

(Rachel) What?

(Alex) He's in the paper.

(Rachel) Are you serious?

(Jake) Yeah but, I am gonna get seriously bound by this.

(Rachel) Hunky electrician Jake Barton made a big Rampant spark on Friday night.

Wow.

Have you seen this?

(Grace) A lot of fuss for an aftershave.

(Rachel) Oh, Jake was a hero.

He saved us from a world of embarrassment.

(Jake) Yeah, talk about embarrassment.

(Rachel) Ah, so shoot me, you got your face in the paper.

Now, are we still going to the beach or are you gonna be too busy exfoliating?

(Jake) Oh, I'm not sure what that means either, mate, but I'm pretty sure it's rude.

(Alex) Well, it depends where you put it.

(laughing) (Jake) Yeah, we're definitely going to the beach.

-Come on, mate, mankinis.

-Mankinis!

(laughter, chatter) I'm all right.

(Rachel) Jake really was amazing.

You would have been proud of him.

Well, I am proud of him, but not for going to some silly party.

I think he had a good time.

Is that what he told you?

(Rachel) I was there.

I could tell.

(Grace) You know, don't think I don't know what you're doing.

Filling his head with all this stupid rubbish.

It was just a party.

And you couldn't even trust him to choose his own clothes.

He chose his own clothes.

That Jake, that Jake in that photograph, that is not Jake.

Wow.

You're really not prepared to give me a go, are you?

(Grace) You think that you take Alex to the beach and it's gonna change my mind about you?

Jake and Alex are adults.

And whether you like it or not, they can... Never mind, forget it.

(Grace) No, no, you've got something to say.

Just say it.

(soft music) Okay.

♪ The first time we met, you spoke about limits.

We never set our sights on unrealistic goals.

(Grace) Yeah, that's what I've taught them.

(Rachel) Yeah, well, it isn't teaching them, it's stifling them.

You're not even letting them try to reach their full potential.

I know my own boys.

(Rachel) You have no idea what they're capable of.

Alex is a grown man and you won't even let him cut his own food.

He can't manage on his own.

He can, but you refuse to see it.

-That's not true.

-Oh, but it is, because it's how you keep him tied to your apron strings, -him and Jake.

-What's going on?

♪ Mum... Maybe the beach wasn't such a good idea.

♪ -What was that about?

-Oh, ask her.

And by the way, I'm really sorry about the clothes.

I didn't mean to insult you.

Maybe you can run and tell her that too.

(Jake) You can't speak to my mother like that.

-She needed to hear it.

-No, she didn't.

-Not from you.

-You don't see it, do you?

It's all about her making sure that her sons can never leave her, and every time anyone else tries to even get close to you, she-- You don't see what she does.

(Jake) She is my mother.

-I know what she's like.

-Are you sure about that?

(Jake) It's not for you to say it, Rachel.

(Rachel) I am not the bad guy here, Jake.

(Jake) You were out of line.

♪ (traffic whizzing past) ♪ (Chel) Hello, I wasn't sure whether I'd see you or not.

Yeah, well, let's just say my day didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned.

Tea?

(chimes twinkling) Oh, sorry, sorry, I just-- I was just seeing if they fit inside.

(Chel) They do, all of them.

All--all the children and the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren.

(Rachel) Is that what they all are?

Well, some say that each doll represents a different face of womanhood.

And each time you think that you know who a woman is, she shows you a new characteristic.

I wish.

Sorry, I, um, I just had a fight with my boyfriend about his mother.

-Ah.

-Which is after I had a fight with her about him.

And she just hates my guts.

And the feeling's mutual?

(Rachel) She's a single mum with two adult children that she still treats as if they're 10.

(Chel) Is that what you told her?

(Rachel) Pretty much, yeah.

I just--I can't see how a mother can refuse to let go of her kids.

I can.

And I haven't been much of a mother.

But there hasn't been a day go by when I didn't think of your father and wish things could have been different.

That's so sad.

It's how things are.

And I can't tell him this.

♪ But I can tell you, I love him as much today as I did the day that he was born.

And no matter what, I'm never gonna stop.

♪ That's what they say, isn't it?

You make your bed.

♪ (Rachel) What are you doing?

(Dave) Nothing much, just finishing up for the day.

(Rachel) I had a fight with Jake.

-That's no good.

-About his mother.

You sure that was a good idea?

Not very.

And then I went to see Chel.

(Dave) This was just to have a look at the jewelry, was it?

(Rachel) Yeah.

What I got was advice about Jake.

(Dave) She doesn't even know him.

(Rachel) She told me something else.

Something about you.

(papers rustling) Aren't you the slightest bit interested?

(heavy sigh) Okay, what?

She told me she really does love you and that she never stopped.

Yeah, well, it's easy to say, isn't it?

(Rachel) No, I don't think it was.

I also think it's the truth.

♪ We'll never know either way, will we?

♪ (Rachel) That's the thing, Dad.

You don't have an option B for a mother.

It's Chel or it's no one.

♪ Anyway, that's it.

Lecture's over, I just...

I thought you might like to know.

♪ (mellow music) ♪ -I'm sorry.

-Me too.

(Rachel) So, where does this-- (Jake) I think we should cool things for a bit.

(soft music) Because of one little fight?

(Jake) You have no idea what my mum's done for us.

♪ Jake, I'm--I'm sorry.

(Jake) We need to take a step back.

(female vocalist) ♪ Here we are once again in (indistinct lyrics) ♪ ♪ ♪ Blaming the world ♪ ♪ Blaming yourself and the higher power ♪ ♪ ♪ And I think it's sad that you try more for what's passed you by ♪ (Rachel) What is the power that ties a mother to her kids, that makes their kids so fiercely protective?

(female vocalist) ♪ Miracles ♪ -No.

-Night, ta.

-I love you.

-I love you too.

(female vocalist) ♪ You think you're the only one ♪ (Rachel) That draws them back, even when there's so much to forgive.

(female vocalist) ♪ Why don't you stop for a minute ♪ ♪ For a moment ♪ If you're busy, I can come back later.

(female vocalist) ♪ For your petticoat ♪ ♪ ♪ Or you might miss the last little miracle ♪ ♪ ♪ Little miracle ♪ ♪ ♪ A little miracle ♪ (bright music) ♪ (static) (male vocalist) ♪ Seven ♪