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Magic Moments
> 2019
> Christmas 2019/Aster's Birth
Episode 8263
Written
by Jason Herbison, Directed
by Tony Osicka, Produced
by Natalie Lynch
Channel Eleven: 25/12/19, Channel 5: 25/12/19
Aaron gravely informs Leo that David could die if he doesn't receive his kidney transplant soon... Roxy admits to Shane that she is too afraid to donate
despite passing all of the kidney tests... Harlow visits Robert with news about David's condition, and Robert agrees to get tested... Paul visits Robert
in jail and is told by his son that he will donate his kidney in return for moving prisons... Despite agreeing to Robert's request, Paul tells Terese he
will not allow him to get closer to Harlow... Finn tells Karl that he thinks Robert looks like a normal guy, but Karl admits that appearances can be
deceptive... Aaron kisses David and tells him he loves him as the transplant operation gets underway... Robert strangles his prison escort and escapes
from the operating room, telling David that he's sorry... Karl informs Aaron and Paul that Robert has escaped, and the hospital is in lockdown... It's
confirmed by Karl that Robert has left the building...
There is a Christmas feel on Ramsay Street, but this is quickly dampened as a police car pulls into the street, driving past three gnomes outside no.
26 that are neatly arranged in a nativity scene.
 ..
A news report is delivering the latest updates regarding Robert:
"Police are out in force searching for a Robert Robinson, a convicted murderer who escaped last night from Erinsborough Hospital. Police advise the man
is extremely dangerous, and not to be approached."
At no. 28, Susan watches with concern as the police car passes the house, whilst Bea passes a present for Finn to open. He looks sheepish as he reads the
tag-line 'To Finn, from Elly x' on the present and opens it to reveal a 'best uncle in the world' mug.
 ..
Meanwhile, at no. 30, Nell and Hugo are playing with their unwrapped presents by the Christmas tree as Shane and Dipi come in, having arrived back from
Sydney. They say 'Merry Christma' to Toadie before giving the kids some presents. Whilst the kids enjoy their presents Toadie looks saddened as he briefly
looks at a framed photograph of himself and Sonya. He manages to compose himself as he joins his family.
With the transplant operation postponed due to Robert's escape, David is lying unconscious in his hospital bed at Erinsborough Hospital, a stricken Aaron
sitting by his side holding his hand as Chloe watches on.
 ..
Despite it being Christmas Day there is sadness at no. 22 as Paul looks sorrowfully at a bauble on the tree, lost in thought as Terese comes in. Despite
Terese's assurance that they will eventually find Robert, Paul bluntly asks her when that will be and whether it will make a difference anyway, due to the
gravity of David's condition. He tells Terese that David's body is shutting down and is certain that this is some sort of karma for him not keeping up his
end of the deal with Robert. As Terese tries to keep Paul's thoughts positive Harlow and Roxy come downstairs, mentioning that both Ned and Leo are out
looking for Robert, scouring the local parks and other places. Paul however doesn't think that this was a random escape, telling his family that Robert
probably planned to abscond and thought through every detail. As Harlow suggests that if they could find Robert, he may change his mind, Terese notices
that Roxy is looking particularly upset and tells her not to worry as the police are on the case. With the knowledge that she could be a potential saviour
for David, Roxy looks increasingly unhappy as Paul indicates that with Robert out of the picture their best chance of a kidney has now vanished.
Back at the hospital a wan and frail-looking David wakes up to be greeted by Aaron and Chloe, but he is given some bad news as Aaron, without divulging the
reason, reveals that the operation didn't go ahead as planned. Despite the devastating news Aaron tries to maintain a positive outlook, assuring David that
he is still at the top of the donor list. Chloe promises David that she will be here with him and will therefore cancel the upcoming Christmas concert, but
David pleads with her not to do so, for the sake of Sonya and for himself. As Chloe exits the room Paul is on his phone, but he ends the call to inform her
that the police think that Robert is heading to Horsham, where an old cellmate of his lives. Still full of rage at what his son has done, Paul tells Chloe
that they have wasted enough time on him and should instead concentrate their efforts on attending to David. They are soon joined by Aaron who indicates that
David is aware of the situation but is not letting it show. Chloe still has a dilemma surrounding the Christmas concert and receives a text message from
Pierce as to whether they cancel or not; Aaron says that the concert should go ahead as per David's wishes, but Chloe is worried that Robert could still
be in the area. Paul informs Chloe that she and Pierce will have to make the final decision on the concert, so she quickly leaves to sort the situation out.
As she goes Paul lowers his voice and reveals to Aaron that he's placed a few calls, offering whatever he can to try and get David a kidney. Aaron looks
suspicious and asks Paul if he is talking about the black market, and, without denying that this is the case, Paul tells him that they need David to hold
out until the necessary arrangements can be made.
 ..
At no. 28, Karl returns home to inform Bea, Finn and Susan that there has been no change in David's condition. They mention that Elly is in her room resting
and discuss whether she is likely to join them for the carol concert if it goes ahead, but Susan doesn't think she will as she is very tired. Finn seems
worried about leaving Elly on her own, but Bea thinks that she will be okay. Before heading to the concert Susan and Karl mention that they need to make a
Christmas present drop-off and head out the door to no. 30.
With Dipi spending time with Nell and Hugo at no. 30, Toadie takes the opportunity to thank Shane for coming back home for Christmas Day rather than staying
in Sydney with his kids. As Shane tells him there is no need to apologise, Nell brings over a present for Toadie, a small figurine of a blonde woman with
wings. She explains that this represents Sonya, and, feeling touched by the gesture, Toadie agrees with Nell's suggestion to put it on her mother's tree.
Dipi explains that Nell decided to create the figurine the other day, and as Toadie nods in appreciation, Karl and Susan arrive with presents for the kids.
With Karl busily handing out the presents, Susan asks Toadie how he is doing, and he admits that he was coping okay with the knowledge that the concert in
Sonya's memory would be going ahead. He admits that with a murderer on the loose and David's life in a precarious state, he doesn't see how the concert can
now take place.
 ..
Out on Ramsay Street Roxy is unloading a large Christmas present from the boot of her car. Having spotted her, Shane starts to walk across the road to greet
her, but Roxy quickly walks away from him with the present, not being able to face talking to him.
At no. 28 Chloe explains to Toadie, Bea and Karl that David wants the concert to go ahead despite the terrible setback with his transplant operation and
Robert's escape. She mentions that Pierce will be hiring extra security but thinks that the concert will be safe, as the police are certain that Robert is
heading for Horsham. Despite this she asks Toadie to make the final call and, after discussing it with Karl, he decides that the concert should go ahead as
it would have been what Sonya wanted.
 ..
With the concert now going ahead preparations are underway at the Lassiters complex to get everything set up. Toadie is grateful to see so many police
officers on duty but he and Dipi are surprised to see an ambulance arrive at the complex; Toadie assumes that Chloe wants to do everything by the book,
but his assumption is proved wide of the mark as it's revealed that the paramedic behind the wheel of the ambulance is none other than Robert. He has
somehow managed to acquire an ambulance upon escaping from the hospital and is watching intently as the concert continues to be set up.
At no. 22 Susan is chatting to Terese about the concert being back on, with Harlow and Roxy also there. They are both pleased although they joke that
Karl's singing may put people off, as Harlow announces that she is desperate to join the search for Robert. Terese is completely against the idea, but
Harlow feels guilty and argues that this difficult situation is because of her pushing for Robert to be tested as a donor. She indicates that if it wasn't
for her, the transplant operation would never have been arranged, but Terese tries to assure her that she canŐt blame herself for trying to do the right
thing. As Terese consoles Harlow, Roxy watches uncomfortably on.
 ..
The concert is due to start within the hour at Lassiters as the stage is adorned with a large poster of Sonya to help promote the foundation. While final
preparations continue Robert is still hiding within the ambulance, watching as Paul makes his way through the courtyard. Still angry and upset that David's
operation was postponed due to Robert's escape, Paul accosts Karl and asks him how he can go about transferring David to another hospital. Karl insists that
transferring David to another hospital is unnecessary if an organ becomes available, but Paul admits that he canŐt sit around waiting for David to die in
agony. He is still unhappy that the hospital's lacklustre security allowed a convicted triple murderer to escape in broad daylight, and Karl concedes that
there was a security error but there is a process to move David if required. Sensing an opportunity, Paul informs Karl that he'll need his help when the time
comes, and then receives a call from his black-market informants regarding a replacement kidney. It appears from Paul's call that there seems to be an issue
in sourcing a surgeon despite there being a potential match, and Paul vehemently tells the person on the phone that they need to find someone no matter the
difficulty. Meanwhile, having been observing Paul from the ambulance during his conversation with Karl, Robert is alarmed by a passing police patrol and slips
out of the back of the vehicle unnoticed, leaving his paramedic's jacket behind.
Roxy continues to try and avoid Shane as she goes into Harold's, walking straight past him. However, he manages to force a conversation and asks her how she
is doing. Feeling upset and torn with David's condition continuing to deteriorate, Roxy admits that she can save his life but just can't bring herself to do
it. She asks Shane what he would do, and Shane admits that he would donate his kidney to avoid regretting it later. Roxy looks thoughtful as she considers
Shane's words.
 ..
At the hospital Aaron is sitting by David's bedside, trying to cheer him up by talking about the prospect of spending next year's Christmas in Adelaide with
Mark, Fay, Pierce and Chloe, and then the following year going to see David's mum Kim in Sydney. Not feeling hopeful of his chances of survival, David admits
that there might not be a next Christmas due to the infection and lack of any potential donors. Worried that David is seemingly giving up, Aaron tells him
that they have the rest of their lives to look forward to and that he will not be moving on without his husband in it. They profess their love for each other
as Aaron compels David not to give up and to continue fighting, but his words don't reach David as he fades out of consciousness. His heart monitor begins to
beep, and Aaron rushes out of the room to alert the nurses on duty, who rush in to tend to him.
Paul is walking up his drive still on the phone to his dubious black market kidney operators. He understands the risks that the person performing the
operation could face, including losing their medical licence, but assures them that they will be compensated accordingly. Having snuck out of the ambulance
earlier at the concert, Robert has followed Paul home to no. 22 and is peering at him from behind a hedge. He then sees Elly across the road, who has stepped
out of no. 28 for some fresh air. With dawning horror Elly soon recognises Robert and tries to rush back into the house, but she is quickly pursued as Robert
grabs her, telling her to get into the house. He covers her mouth to quieten her before pushing her through the back door of no. 28.
 ..
Robert asks Elly if there is anyone at home, but she doesn't give him a definitive answer other than indicating that they could be back soon. Spotting a
picture of Mal, Billy and Libby on the wall, Robert is surprised to learn that the Kennedys still live at no. 28. Elly confirms that she is their niece and
re-iterates they will be home any minute, although Robert is sure she is lying having seen them at the complex. Despite being kidnapped Elly has the courage
to ask Robert if he was ever going to help David, and then promises him that she won't say a word about this if he turns himself in. She then becomes overcome
with emotion and starts having stomach cramps, informing Robert that she is pregnant, and her baby could be in danger. Robert asks her to stop talking so that
he can think, but this is interrupted as Elly's waters break. She pleads with Robert to take her to a hospital but, realising that this will not happen, takes
matters into her own hands and attempts to make a run for the door. Robert grabs her before she can get very far and throws her violently against the couch.
He then precedes to take the landline phone off the hook and fling it across the room, whilst Elly struggles to catch her breath after the altercation.
Realising that her unborn baby could be in danger, Elly wonders what Robert will do next.
Preparations for the concert continue as Chloe updates everyone on the current situation, informing them that Robert managed to steal an ambulance from the
hospital and is purportedly spending the night in the hospital grounds to evade police capture. She assures them that the police are double-checking the
complex for Robert, but they think that he has disappeared. Although worried, the residents agree that they should not let this ruin the concert, however
Finn looks concerned and tries to call Elly. He reaches her voicemail and so leaves a message, whilst Toadie heads to the stage to make his opening speech:
"I see a lot of faces here from last year's concert. A lot can change in twelve months; I know it certainly has for me. Back in March, I lost my beautiful
wife, Sonya; and we started a foundation in her name. And today's concert is dedicated to her memory. Today is about a celebration of life - of all those
that are here, and those that can't be."
Everyone applauds at this, although Harlow looks concerned as Toadie makes his own tribute to the stricken David, indicating that he needs everyone's
positive wishes sent his way. He then introduces Karl to the stage to sing a Christmas jingle. As Karl sings, Harlow confesses to Terese that she still
wishes that Robert would turn himself in and do the right thing for David, as Terese tries to console her whilst looking around the complex to see where
Paul is. Meanwhile Finn is becoming increasing concerned that he can't reach Elly and informs Bea and Susan that he's having trouble getting hold of her.
As Karl's song reaches a crescendo Susan suggests that there must be some kind of outage in the area.
 ..
On Ramsay Street. Paul is once again on the phone trying his best to persuade the caller that he doesn't care about the law and will do anything to save
his son's life. Realising that he is not getting anywhere he ends the call, and then heads out of the driveway at no. 22, just as Finn returns to no. 28
to check on Elly. Finn hears a piercing scream from inside the house and rushes inside.
Finn is horrified to find Elly having contractions on the couch whilst Robert stands over her wielding a kitchen knife. He asks her when the contractions
started, and Elly tells him that it was half an hour ago, but they are becoming more frequent. Realising the urgency of the situation, Finn pleads with Robert
to take Elly to a hospital, although Robert is seemingly more interested in being in the company of another ex-prisoner. As Elly continues to cry in pain,
Robert insists that he will not allow her to leave for the hospital despite the baby's life being at risk. He suggests that Elly can have the baby here,
but Finn thinks that is a terrible idea and asks Robert to at least allow him to phone for an ambulance. Robert insists that Elly will be having the baby
at no. 28 and tells Finn that he should stop arguing with him and figure out what to do. Elly continues to scream in pain.
 ..
Bea is about to sing Silent Night at the concert as Toadie looks sadly at a poster of Sonya, wistfully remembering good times. Meanwhile Karl and Susan
admit that Finn is taking a while to check on Elly.
With Bea now singing at the concert, Finn rushes to fetch blankets at no. 28 as he encourages Elly to push as she practised in the birthing classes. He
once again pleads with Robert to allow him to call for help but is met with a rebuttal. Robert warns Finn not to touch the phone as he continues to wield
the knife.
 ..
At the hospital, an unconscious David is lying in his hospital bed, with an emotionally drained Aaron holding his hand. Paul comes into the room and takes
a seat opposite Aaron, not saying any words as tears overwhelm Aaron once again.
Bea finishes her song at the concert as Toadie goes to sit with his kids, still thinking about Sonya. As he does so Terese receives a text message
regarding David and tells Chloe and the others that they need to leave for the hospital urgently.
 ..
Back at no. 28, Elly is still in labour as Finn tries his best to assist, compelling Elly to continue pushing. As this goes on Robert takes a piece
of fabric from the washing basket, and soon Elly's pushing is greeted with an excited cry from Finn as the baby's head begins to emerge.
 ..
A short while later the baby is safely delivered, and Finn quickly takes off his sweater to wrap the baby in. He informs Elly that the baby is a girl
and that she is doing okay, allowing the pain and fear Elly was experiencing to be replaced with a mixture of joy and relief as she sees her daughter
for the first time. With Finn and Elly sharing this intense moment of reflection, Robert, who has been watching on, nonchalantly walks out of no. 28
without saying another word.
Featured Regular Characters: Susan Kennedy, Karl Kennedy, Elly Conway, Bea Nilsson, Finn Kelly, Toadie Rebecchi, Shane Rebecchi, Dipi Rebecchi, Nell Rebecchi, Hugo Somers,
David Tanaka, Aaron Brennan, Chloe Brennan, Paul Robinson, Harlow Robinson, Terese Willis, Roxy Willis
Guest Cast: Adam Hunter as Robert Robinson, Isla Louise Goulas as Aster Conway
Trivia Notes
• Past characters Sonya Rebecchi and Mark Brennan are mentioned
• Isla Louise Goulas (misspelt as Isla Lousie) makes her first appearance as baby Aster Conway
• This episode has no opening credits, with just a Christmas-themed title card, and the regular cast are not credited at the end
Summary
by Michael
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