australian television information archive

Episode 3

Australia: Monday, August 01, 2005
Written by Jeff Truman
Directed by Ken Cameron

In the desert, a storm is brewing.

Matt, racked with guilt at having an affair with Ellie while sharing a house with Hugh and Toby, goes bush in search of his plant. Not long into his journey he is almost struck by lightning and comes across the wrestling Watts brothers Dougie and Barry, a couple of bush mechanics who claim to be able to help him in his search, for a price.

It's Jess's birthday and Kirk from the junkyard gives Jack an ultimatum — tell her he's her biological father or Kirk will reveal all. Jack invites Jess to celebrate her birthday at the Baa Bar's inaugural Happy Hour with the intention of telling her. Helen is shocked when she learns of Jack's paternity but tries to support him. Reassured, Jack rehearses his speech in the mirror and imagines Jess announcing to an ecstatic crowd "My dad is a rock star!"

After running out of petrol, Matt and the Watts brothers push the car to the nearest homestead where they come across Cheryl who is in the advanced stages of labour and in urgent need of medical assistance — her baby is in a breech position. Matt calls the Flying Doctor Service but the nearest plane is grounded because of the weather. Looks like he'll have to deliver the baby with the help of the midwife on the other end of his satellite phone.

Meanwhile, Ellie arrives home to find her front door ajar. Frightened an intruder is still inside she phones Hugh for help, only to hear Hugh's mobile ringing from inside the house. Annoyed, Ellie tells Hugh he can't just come around unannounced — he doesn't live there anymore.

Things are looking dire for Matt and Cheryl when his phone cuts out and the plane still hasn't arrived. Then Cheryl's young daughter Zoe appears and shows Matt her birthmark. At first Matt doesn't welcome the interruption, but as Zoe tells the story of her own difficult birth Matt is given a clue as to what the problem is and delivers the baby safely.

Back at the hospital safe and sound, Matt goes out to check on Zoe and she's nowhere to be found. After talking to Cheryl's husband Stuart he discovers he has just delivered their first child and that she has a birthmark identical to the mysterious little girl's. Gobsmacked, Matt suggests Zoe as a name for their daughter.

Jess's party is well underway and Jack is still trying to build up the courage to tell her the news when the bar is struck by lightning. In the darkness and confusion Jack finally blurts out the truth. Stunned, Jess doesn't react quite the way he had imagined.

Guest Cast:

• Lech Mackiewicz as Kirk
• Jie Pittman as Dougie Watts
• Rod Smith as Barry Watts
• Mandy McElhinney as Cheryl Wilson
• Alex Cook as Zoe Wilson
• Blair Venn as Stuart Wilson
• Rustle as Rusty the Dog
• Nathy Gaffney as Barbara Gray
• Lenka Kripac as Sally Fleming
• Suzie Steen as American Tourist
• Jerome Pride as Doctor
• Ariane Roseblade as Kylie

Music:

• "Bo Bo RRawa" performed by Letter Stick Band
• "Every Sunday" performed by Olivia Eden
• "Showtime" performed by Days Like Stars