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Weekly Reviews > Episodes 4158-4162 by Rhys

UK Broadcast: Monday 24th February - Friday 28th February 2003
Writers: Ben Marshall, Michael O'Rourke, Glenda Hamby, Sarah Mayberry, Helen MacWhirter. Directors: Gary Conway, Ali Ali

Darcy attempts to win back Dione; Susan causes havoc between Karl and Sarah while Lou and Harold make up, but fall out again as Ruby continues to cause suspicion. It all adds up to an exciting week on Ramsay Street!

Max and Steph enjoy their meal together at the hotel, despite them both being nervous and the interruptions of Summer, who telephones in desperation at Boyd and Daniel's behaviour! Later, Max and Steph arrive back at No. 32, with the intention of having coffee. However, Max must sort out the children and has to leave the dashing Ms Scully alone in the lounge room. Stephanie feels uncomfortable being left there and deposits a monetary contribution towards the meal, before leaving quietly. The following day, the two decide it's best that the previous night is best forgotten about, and they agree to be good friends.

Darcy appears to have made his decision to try and build on the partial success he's had of gaining Dee's respect again as a result of the Martin Cook scenario. Toadie receives a phone call from Angie regarding the forthcoming "Rebecchi Round-up" to be held in Colac and assured his mother that both he, and Dione, will be present. Dee is slightly apprehensive about it, and confides in Darcy. It is more than a coincidence, therefore, that later that day, Dione is offered a chance to massage the team members of a local soccer team for the period the reunion takes place. This is phase one of Darcy's plan. Later in the week we learn Toadie has left for Coldac, on the proviso that Darcy will drive Dee up there for a day, the following week, when he visits a friend of his. What follows is a bizarre set of events. Friday's episode opens with Darcy meditating in his living room (incidentally, the first time we see Darcy's dwelling), and later in the day he goes on a shopping spree, buying new ornaments, books, music and tidying up the house. At work, he invites Dione round for a meal, to keep her company while Toadfish is away. Darcy enlists his mother, Carmel's, help in finding a suitable recipe - one which Dione adores. Later, they settle down to watch a film together, but Dee falls asleep on the sofa. Darcy, cunningly, does not wake her, but covers her with a blanket and kisses her on the cheek. This story shows a welcome return to the old "Dastardly Darcy" character who first came to Erinsborough and cheated with Teresa and Dione. There was a worry that Darcy's change of character in recent months would be permanent, but it appears bad boy Darc' is back with a vengeance. Or, at least, a certain Ms Bliss to woo.

Harold and Rosie go to visit Lou in hospital, and Harold makes a concerted effort to try and make peace with his oldest friend. On the suggestion of Toadie, Harold affectionately buys Lou a soft porn magazine, entitled Babe Weekly, to try and cheer him up. It works, and after a humorous game of Monopoly, the two are on friendly terms. However, the peace does not last long, as Lou discovers that Harold has telephoned Lauren and told her about Lou's need for a kidney transplant, otherwise he'll rely on dialysis for the rest of his life. Lou is livid that Harold has betrayed his wishes that his children shouldn't find out about his declining health, and assures him that he'll never be forgiven! Harold, however, is not disheartened, and goes to see Karl at the Medical Centre, to enquire about the possibility of becoming a kidney donor for Lou. Karl is suspicious of Harold's reasoning behind volunteering so soon, but agrees to book him in for tests to check for compatibility.

Taj and Nina's relationship goes from strength to strength and to celebrate Nina being awarded the main female role in the forthcoming play, Taj takes her to Lassiter's for a meal. Things look promising until Taj receives a phone call from his ex-girlfriend, Allie, telling him she's coming back to live, and has been offered temporary accommodation at the Coppins' home. The play is also suffering problems. Jack and Nina are auditioned and awarded the lead roles after they act out a scene from Romeo and Juliet - and it is clear there's some attraction between them when performing. Harold and Rosie, however, have the shocking news that the rights to all the plays they've considered are too expensive to make the staging financially viable. Rosie suggests that Harold should write his own play. By the following day, Harold has come up with a first draft based on the ancient feud of the Robinson and Ramsay families in Erinsborough. After a lukewarm response to it from the neighbours, and the suggestion by the youngsters that it needs more romance and action, Harold spends the entire night re-writing it and is overjoyed with his finished script. It's interesting that the idea of resurrecting the Ramsay and Robinson feud has been taken. More now, than ever before, as no Robinson descendants live in the street. It'll be interesting to see to what extent the show's history is used in the production of the play, however it is pleasing that all the neighbours are getting involved in staging it - a welcome return to community relations.

In other news, Connor is becoming increasingly aware of Jack's coldness towards Lori - especially whenever she suggests they should find a house for themselves. Connor confronts Jack, who tells him to mind his own business and that he and Lori are just fine. Ruby, in an attempt to get closer still to Harold, volunteers her services with the play. Rosie, convinced her motives are false, gives Ruby the task of tidying up after the meeting, but makes the mistake of leaving her handbag on the table. Ruby takes her chance and steals $100 from her purse. Later in the day, Rosie notices it missing, and is adamant she's been robbed. Ruby suggests she may have misplaced it.

Joe is becoming more and more used to the idea of being a father to a newborn again. So much so that he offers to leave his job when the baby's born to be a "house husband" and let Lyn continue working at the salon. Lyn is shocked, to say the least, at his decision. And, Karl writes a reference to Sarah and asks Susan to proof read it before printing it off. Susan, in a playful mood, makes some humorous alterations to the reference, making Sarah out to be a nightmare employee. However, Susan doesn't bank on Karl printing it out and posting it to England without checking it again! What will Sarah make of it?

Notes: The Lassiter's restaurant location is a different one to that previously seen - and has a far more expensive, luxurious air than before. Later in the week the same location is used for a meal between Taj and Nina, a perfect example of Neighbours getting its money's worth!