Karl tells Kate that her mother must be suffering. Cody threatens to go to the Equal Opportunities Board to get justice for Adrian's sexual harassment. Danni tearfully tells Mal that she's failed all her exams. The lead tribesman in Africa orders that Brett be taken back to the village...

Danni storms into number 22 with Mal unsuccessfully trying to calm her down. Lou and Cheryl grimace as Danni announces her failure. Cheryl attempts to assert that there are other opportunities but Danni refuses to listen stating that she's got no Year 12, no life, no nothing before storming off. Cheryl walks after her leaving Lou and Mal in uncomfortable silence.

In Kenya, Brett watches a Masai celebration of chasing away the lions and reflects that a lion didn't need to be killed.

. . .

Cody is playing pool at university with friends and watches Adrian bitterly. She mentions that although he hasn't come near her since the hearing, she's angry that he's still around. One of her friends points out the possibility of Adrian trying the same thing with a female student next year and proposes that the students keep an eye on him. Cody agrees that it'd be good if everybody knew what a sleazebag he is and thinks that maybe there is something that can be done.

. . .

At number 28, Karl pours a glass of water for Kate who apologises for coming to the house. She thought his company might make her feel better. Karl jokes that it usually has the reverse effect on his kids before asking how she's holding up. She was okay until a couple of days ago but she's begun to feel weak and tired...all the things to be expected nearer to the end. There is a pregnant pause before Mal bursts in with his results and reminds Karl that he was promised a car if he succeeded. Karl gives him a celebratory hug before introducing him to Kate and suggesting they crack open a bottle of champagne. Mal calls for a raincheck as Stonie's having a graduation party at his place and takes the champagne with him as Karl reminds him that the promise of a car never existed. Karl tells Kate that Mal can be very trying sometimes but he loves him.

. . .

Brett and Susan arrive at their accommodation and Brett thanks Scott, the leader for taking him back to the village to say goodbye. Distractedly, Susan asks Scott if they have to leave early the next morning and walks off when he assures her they don't. Brett thinks she's upset at not seeing Rachel again.

. . .

Linda bursts into number 22 and asks Lou to come out for a drink. Cheryl tries to protest but he interrupts by promising Danni he'll pick up some treats for her. Cheryl demands to know how long he'll be but he jokingly replies five foot nine before leaving. Turning to Marlene and Danni, Cheryl mentions that he's acting very strange.

. . .

Lou and Linda return home but Cheryl is upset when he invites her to stay for dinner. Sensing tension, Linda decides to leave saying that she'll see Lou in the morning. Cheryl picks up on this but Lou simply responds that he's giving her a tour at the radio station. Cheryl reminds him that he couldn't stand her but Lou thinks she's changed -- she's almost reverted to the fun loving, charming woman he first met. Cheryl panics that he'll fall in love with her all over again and is unconvinced by Lou's strong denial.

Cody and Mark are in the living room of number 30, finishing posters about Adrian as Mark comments how she never lets anything get the better of her. He remembers how she dressed up as a bloke to get on the local cricket team. They discuss how they'll miss each other when Mark leaves for Sydney. Mark tells her she's been a great housemate and Cody responds he's been a great friend. Worriedly, Mark speculates that the show could be a huge flop and he'll end up scrounging a bed at some hostel somewhere. Cody is adamant it won't happen and pleads that he not forget her when he's rich and famous. "What did you say your name was?" Mark jokes.

. . .

Kate shares a drink with Karl at Chez Chez confessing that watching Mal this morning reminded her of how much she misses her parents. The closer it gets to Christmas the more she wants to see them again. Karl assures her that she's doing the right thing in calling to sort out their problems and tells her he really does care about her. Kate thinks it's his job to care but he replies that he wasn't speaking as a doctor.

. . .

The next morning, the neighbours are gathered at number 30 for Mark's leaving drink and Cody toasts to him. Marlene looks forward to seeing him on the television. Mark thanks everyone for being there and says that he's sad about leaving Ramsay Street because everyone there is like family. Cody raises her glass as Mal jokes about all the chicks he'll attract when he's famous. The neighbours launch into a rendition of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow as Cody goes to answer the phone. Mitch tells her something's happened that she should know about.

. . .

Cody arrives at university to find Adrian packing his belongings. She gloats that it's too good to be true but Adrian counters that he's been offered a much better job. By the end of next year he'll be a fully qualified pathologist and he'll never have to tutor the likes of her ever again. Cody refuses to be put down and threatens to contact the student union of his new uni to fill them in on what kind of a person he is before leaving triumphantly.

. . .

In Kenya, Susan is unable to sleep, remembering her dream of encountering her teenage self.

. . .

The next morning, Susan leads Brett to a hut to watch the sun rise and they sit in silence before Brett tells her how glad he is she came instead of Cheryl. Out of nowhere, Susan tells Brett that she killed her mother. He's shocked as she explains that she helped her to die and he's the only other person who knows. She's never even told Karl. Susan ponders that she's only just realised what a big commitment it was. Brett supposes that she must have loved her mother.

"Of course I did. And I did it...because I couldn't stand to see her suffering. She was in so much pain. Terrible pain. And I'm still not sure that it was right...oh that's not what I mean. Sometimes I think that the only reason that she didn't want anyone else to know was because she was frightened that they'd think that she was a coward. That she couldn't take it. It was always very important to mum that everyone would think she was the rock of Gibraltar, you know? That she could cope with anything. But she said, that it was because she didn't think that anyone else would be strong enough to help her...or to forgive her." Susan's voice breaks, "And I think I finally know what she meant now."

Brett asks if Susan's forgiven her and she thinks that's what's just happened.

"She made me carry this thing on my own...and the truth is that I resented her for twenty years for doing that to me. And sometimes, I think I even hated her for it. But I could never admit that...even to myself. I let her have this dreadful hold on me all this time. And now it's gone but I feel...I feel different. I feel lighter. Does that make any sense?" Brett says yes and tearfully, Susan thanks him.

. . .

. . .

Notes: The episode featured Collette Mann in the role of Cheryl. It took place during a period of absence for the regular actress Caroline Gillmer. Linda Carpenter (Gina Gaigalas) was developed to cause tension in the Lou/Cheryl pairing. It is rumoured that producers originally intended to bring back Madge Bishop but were unable to lure back Anne Charleston and accordingly settled for an ex-wife of Lou's. Susan's confession is a culmination of the Africa storyline which also forms a 90 minute special -- Neighbours: Africa Dreaming. Although "Susan Smith" makes an appearance when Susan remembers her earlier daydream, the actress is uncredited for this episode. Mark's farewell breakfast was portrayer Bruce Samazan's final appearance in the show.

Comment: Although in many ways, the episode is a pedestrian installment from the 1995 season, it begins to wrap up several important stories whilst acting as a turning point for others. The final scene however was brilliantly written and acted. Jackie Woodburne's restrained performance represented one of her first great moments on the show and it is a shame that the euthanasia story has never been revisited.

Summary and captures by Jay

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