Monday’s episode kicked off with the continuation of the previous week’s cliffhanger with Stuart, Toadie and Sindi help captive in the Pacific Bank by a robber. Scared by the police presence mounting outside, the armed raider demanded Sindi choose between wannabe heroes Toadie and Stu to take one as hostage. She decided, probably wisely, on Stuart as the candidate and the remaining hostages were let free. Listening to the news reports on the radio nearly proved to be the young police rookie’s undoing, however, as the bulleting gave away his identity as Constable Stuart Parker. Fortunately, he managed to make the robber see sense through talking rationally with him and the situation ended peacefully, with Stuart branded a hero. Sindi’s attraction towards him heightened as a result, and following a stressful few days following the robbery, in which Sindi had bought a lemon of a used car against Stu’s advice, she broke down in his arms and they shared a passionate kiss. Things continued in the bedroom and both parties were feeling suitably guilty the following morning. Although a year or two ago we would have been critical of another love storyline featuring Stuart, the fact that the writers have made great strides in developing the character elsewhere of late, including the Life Mechanics storyline and the development of the police career, has ensured that we can enjoy a love triangle such as this without thinking “here we go again”.

Toadie, meanwhile, had also to deal with his wayward Aunt Janelle on the scene again this week. Her compensation court hearing arrived and Toadie managed, somehow, to win her an award of $5000 despite the doubtfulness of her claim. Also keeping the residents of No.30 entertained this week was Connor’s anger that Lori and Nick were taking baby Madeleine away to Adelaide to live. Wound up by Nick’s attitude, and fuelled with emotion, Connor seized his opportunity and took Maddy from her pushchair outside Lassiter’s Hotel whilst Nick and Lori were checking out. Fortunately, Toadie witnessed Connor’s attempt at granting himself custody and talked him round to informing Lori. It may have been a foolish act, but it swung things in Connor’s favour when Lori realised how much his daughter meant to him, and she also saw Nick’s true colours and declared she and Maddy would be staying in Melbourne, with or without him. He decided to leave. Again, it’s been great to see Michelle Ang back as Lori, despite it only being a flying visit. It all adds to the realism of Connor being Maddy’s father by having the mother pop up from time to time. A touching scene occurred between Jack and Lori too, reminding us of their former relationship almost two years ago.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Serena and Boyd moved up a gear as they spent increasing amounts of time together in preparing for the school’s formal ball. After one afternoon of them chatting away, they shared a tender kiss and Serena declared her feelings for him. However, Boyd felt increasingly guilty, especially because of Sky and Scott. Serena didn’t do herself or anyone any favours by building up Stingray’s hopes and agreeing to go to the ball with him. With Sky, Boyd, Serena and Scott, Neighbours appears to have found a group dynamic to rival Toadie, Billy, Anne, Amy and Lance again! Although Lana would make a fantastic permanent addition to that group, it’s sad to note that she will be moving on soon.

Toddler Ben was back in town this week for a small holiday from Shepperton. As Neighbours did last year, it remembered Ben’s birthday around Christmas time and celebrated accordingly with a bash (again) at No.28. The newly re-engaged Izzy and Karl were present, which later turned out to be a mistake as Ms Hoyland overheard Lil and Susan gossip about the sudden wedding announcement and the fact that Karl had been to Susan for relationship advice. Filled with confusion and rage, Izzy created a scene and stormed out of the party, leaving the gathered neighbours with more fuel to add to their burning fires of criticism of Isabelle.

Elsewhere, the Bishops were enjoying some transatlantic fun and David continued his email relationship with the mayor of Erinstown in the States. Wanting to increase his role in the community and built links between the two Erins- suburbs, he decided on a series of video diaries, and set an example by videoing himself and Liljana on the couch. However, their brief video presentation soon turned to passion and they switched off the camcorder to get down to some steamy action in the lounge. Little did they know that they’d leant on the remote control and switched the record function back on! No. 26 was filled to capacity with the Hoylands still guests there, as well as the unexpected arrival of Lyn’s real father, Charlie, and his ‘alternative’ sister, Doreen, also known as ‘Peacedove’. Charlie and the kids got on well, and he even made Jack see sense and follow Nina to America, even offering to pay his passage. And across the street, Harold and Lou made an interesting discovery in the flower beds at No.22 when they unearthed a human bone and gold chain watch. Although they informed the police, Lou was worried that with his recent criminal conviction he would be suspected of foul play, much to Harold’s delight at being able to tease him!