australian television information archive

Episode 1

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 (8:30, Seven)
Ratings: 1.945 million viewers (1st)
Written by Anthony Ellis
Directed by Chris Martin-Jones

Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! It's a chance for them to do what they want, when they want and on their own terms. However, less than 48 hours after Ben moves next door, all dreams of freedom are completely upended — their three kids think being with their parents is a lot more comfortable than being out on their own, and they're returning with the same sure instinct of homing pigeons

With: George Houvardas as Nick "Carbo" Karandonis, Zoe Ventoura as Melissa Bannon, Luke Pegler as Daniel Griggs, Caroline Brazier as Chrissey Merchant, Justin Rozniak as Warney, Roy Billing as Ron Barrett, Olivia Stambouliah as Nurse, Tony Chu as Henry

Note: ratings for the premiere of Packed to the Rafters place it behind only the debuts of Always Greener (2.06 million) and Sea Patrol (1.97 million) but ahead of McLeod's Daughters (1.89 million)

Episode 2

September 02, 2008
Ratings: 2.045 million viewers (1st)
Written by Anthony Ellis
Directed by Chris Martin-Jones

An unemployed Dave struggles to regain his manhood and position in the family, landing himself in hospital.
When life keeps bowling Dave a series of problematic googlies, the question becomes: how will he play them?
An overprotective Dave breaks a promise to his daughter and is brutally attacked.
Rachel struggles with the aftermath of leaving her abusive boyfriend Daniel — and her own secret turmoil.
Narrated by Dave, this episode focuses on Dave dealing with the reality of sudden employment and a house that has been unexpectedly inundated with family members — each bringing with them a dark secret. He processes it all through a cricketing metaphor — that of the googly — that devious curve-ball that life can throw at you, catching you off-guard.

With: George Houvardas as Nick "Carbo" Karandonis, Zoe Ventoura as Melissa Bannon, Caroline Brazier as Chrissey Merchant, Justin Rozniak as Warney, Luke Pegler as Daniel Griggs, Roy Billing as Ron Barrett

She Ain't Heavy

Episode 3
September 09, 2008
Ratings:
Written by
Directed by

Rachel's growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them.
Julie desperately brings the family together for a therapeutic barbecue but simmering tensions erupt.
Ben finds himself the unlikely counsellor to both his sister and grandfather Ted as they confront traumatic turning points in their lives.
When Ted's humiliating secret is discovered by Rachel, she unwittingly sets him on a path to self-destruction.
Narrated by the Rafters' middle child, Ben, tonight's episode focuses on the dramatic and comic repercussions of his move towards independence and responsibility; and the on-going tension for Julie and Dave as they deal with the dark secrets of their family.

How Did We Get Here?

Episode 4
September 16, 2008
Ratings:
Written by
Directed by

Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan with no option but to count on the family he's always taken for granted.

With: Jerome Ehlers, Sarah Chadwick

Lines of Communication

Episode 5
September 23, 2008
Ratings:
Written by
Directed by

Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart, and with Dave's freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough decision which tests the strength of their marriage.
Julie is starting to feel the financial strain of the family's new living arrangements as Dave struggles to find work. Tempers flare when Dave buys a new van they can't afford without telling her. Eager to ease their money woes, Julie tells Dave a white lie she later regrets.