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Magic Moments
> 2020
> Lassiters Mardi Gras
Episode 8309
Written
by Keir Wilkins, Directed
by Kate Kendall, Produced
by Natalie Lynch
10 Peach: 28/02/20, Channel 5: 28/02/20
Just as Hendrix and Harlow are about to share a kiss, Harlow sneezes on him... Hendrix awkwardly tries to make conversation with Harlow at the Waterhole by
saying her hair looks nice... Lucy is surprised to run into Mark Gottlieb at Harold's and, later, Paul wonders if he senses a romantic connection between the
two of them... Dipi suggests to Gary that if he cares for Prue, he should help her in her hour of need... Gary mentions to Harlow about Prue returning to town,
but she is adamant she wants nothing to do with her... Finn informs his video diary that kissing Elly has triggered a memory, but he doesn't want it to
recur... Elly's baby alarm triggers further memories for Finn and he completely spaces out, despite Elly shouting at him...
The baby alarm is still bleeping as Elly tries desperately tries to summon Finn's attention, but despite her cries Finn is still in his own world, unable
to take himself back to reality. Luckily Kyle arrives and manages to turn the alarm off, removing Finn from his trance-like state. A concerned Elly asks
Finn if he is okay, but he quickly rushes out of the house, leaving both Elly and Kyle looking puzzled at his behaviour.
 ..
A disoriented and agitated Finn runs out on to the street before rushing back home to no. 28.
With no one around at no. 28, Finn comes in and is unable to stop himself from crying uncontrollably, concerned and upset about the memories that are
suddenly coming back to him. After pacing around the room for a short while, he then collapses onto the sofa where he continues to sob.
 ..
Over at no. 26, Sheila is busily cleaning as she trips over Gary's fishing rod on the living room floor. She picks it up and marches into Gary's bedroom
to give it back to him, but is soon met with an unpleasant surprise as she goes in. Both Sheila and Gary scream as Sheila quickly hastens herself back into
the living room followed by an embarrassed Gary. Sheila asks Gary what he was doing with his dressing gown down and Gary confesses that he was Skyping with
Prue! He admits that one thing led to another when he was in London with Prue, but Sheila asks him to spare her the details, instead asking him if he is in
love with the woman who previously broke his heart. Despite Sheila's misgivings Gary is adamant that what happened before is all in the past and that he and
Prue are back together again. He tells Sheila that she will have to deal with it, also suggesting that she knock on his door next time rather than barging
in. As he heads back into his room Sheila is seemingly lost for words.
The Waterhole is decorated in various Mardi Gras paraphernalia including welcoming banners and streamers, as guests in sparkly costumes gather for drinks
in celebration of the event. Paul and Terese arrive wearing their own glittery outfits, both looking excited at seeing David and Aaron via video-link on
the Mardi Gras float in Sydney. They head over to join Lucy and Mark Gottlieb, as Terese mentions how happy she is that Mark G is going to be doing all the
catering for the wedding expo. Mark G assures Terese that he is happy to help and admits that being back in town brings back so many memories. As Lucy and
Mark G go to sit down Terese asks Paul why he is smiling. He tells her that it is nice to see Lucy and Mark G connecting after so many years, and, after a
sudden brainwave, quickly heads outside.
 ..
Meanwhile, Pierce, Chloe and Hendrix arrive in their own glamorous costumes; Terese praises Chloe for all the hard work she has put in to set up the event
as Pierce and Hendrix find a table. Hendrix isn't looking particularly thrilled to be at the Mardi Gras event, but Pierce indicates that this might be a
good opportunity for him to find the courage to talk to Harlow. At this suggestion Hendrix smiles at Harlow, who is busily talking to Mackenzie about the
historic nature of the event. Mark Brennan then arrives and congratulates Terese on such a good turnout, before asking her if Paige is here. After the
turmoil of her breakup with Jack, Terese informs Mark that Paige needed some time alone to gather herself. Thoughts turn back to the event as Mark informs
Terese that Aaron is super excited to be in Sydney for Mardi Gras as he always wanted to be in the parade. At this they raise a toast to Aaron and David.
In Sydney, David and Aaron are busily exploring the city; they reach Oxford Square and pose for a selfie but are quickly interrupted by Mick Allsop. He
admits that he saw Aaron walking down the street and couldn't resist saying hello, before wishing them a happy Mardi Gras. As Mick starts firing questions
about the plan for today, Aaron and David quickly make their escape, running down the street and hiding behind a wall. As Mick looks confused as to where
the boys went, Aaron jokes that he hopes he never sees him again.
 ..
At no. 28, Elly, Karl, Bea and Susan are all dressed up for the Mardi Gras festivities as Elly receives a text from Aaron. She relays Aaron's news about
his run-in with Mick, explaining that Mick was once obsessed with Aaron's dance troupe, Rough Trade. On a more serious note, Elly explains to Karl that Kyle
managed to turn the alarm off after the incident earlier with Finn. She asks Bea if Finn is okay after he ran out earlier, indicating that the noise of the
alarm really got to him, causing him to shut down before leaving. By chance Finn emerges in a rainbow t-shirt and apologises for his behaviour before,
explaining that the alarm gave him a splitting headache. Having managed to cover for his strange memories before, Finn joins the others as they wheel
Aster's pram out of the house, although Elly gives him a concerned look on the way out.
Back in Sydney, David and Aaron are sharing a kiss and saying a mutual 'I love you', before Aaron is taken aback when he sees singer Jake Shears of the
Scissor Sisters. He rushes over and gives a confused looking Jake a hug, before reminding him that he was in a dance troupe called Rough Trade, and that
his group auditioned for Jake back in 2012. Despite Aaron doing a little dance move in demonstration, Jake still doesn't remember him and then informs
Aaron that he is visiting his Australian girlfriend. As he turns to leave Aaron gives him his card and suggests that he call him if he is ever in
Erinsborough. Jake wishes them a happy Mardi Gras and then quickly tosses Aaron's card on the ground as the boys move away.
 ..
After her unfortunate run in with Gary earlier Sheila, wearing an extravagant peacock hat, is at the Waterhole lamenting to Terese about Gary travelling
to London to visit Prue, as well as Kyle lying about it to cover his father's tracks. Sheila is put out to learn that Terese knew about Gary's plans as
well, becoming further annoyed to learn from Terese that Gary was planning on having Prue stay at no. 26. Realising that she has put her foot in it,
Terese watches on as Sheila marches over to confront Gary about his plans. Gary tries to placate his mum by telling Sheila that he was going to ask her
permission eventually, but Sheila isn't happy and tells him that he is asking for trouble by not only dating Prue but having her live in Ramsay Street.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie and Harlow are still sitting together as Hendrix smiles at Harlow again from across the pub. Noticing this flirtatious behaviour,
Mackenzie asks Harlow what is going on between her and Hendrix, but Harlow acts dumb, before admitting that they did have a moment the other day where
she felt they might kiss. This surprises Mackenzie as she thought that Harlow couldn't stand Hendrix, and although Harlow admits that this is partially
true, she does see a different side to him now and then. As they continue to chat, Mark G and Lucy walk past and take their seats at the bar, whilst Paul
returns to the Waterhole with the Ramsay Street history book in hand. He shows the book to Mark G, who is taken aback by the level of detail contained.
 ..
Susan and Karl arrive at the Waterhole and immediately recognise Mark G, walking over to say hello. They are followed by Bea, Elly and Finn who head over
to the bar. As Bea goes to get some drinks Elly ushers Finn into the pub's office so that they can talk privately. After Finn's strange behaviour earlier
Elly asks him what is going on, indicating that the way he froze up before is more than just a headache. Finn reveals that when Elly was upset before he
just wanted to hold her but panicked. He suggests that maintaining a distance from each other would be a positive step in their lives, and Elly agrees.
They return to the bar area as Lucy and Mark G continue to look at the history book, but Lucy spots Finn and heads over to him. She starts with an apology
about not being able to have him at the wedding expo, assuring him that it was nothing personal, and then mentions that with the publicity around the Mardi
Gras event it might be better if he went home. Finn is unhappy at this and suggests to Lucy that she is being discriminatory, but Lucy is unprepared to
listen and grabs him before frogmarching him to the other end of the bar. She tells Finn that she is well within her rights to refuse him entry and then
politely asks him to leave so as not to cause a scene. As she walks off to check on some staff, Finn struggles to contain his fury as he clenches his fists
into balls, an expression of wounded pride plastered across his face.
After their unfortunate run in with Jake, Aaron and David are lying low in a restaurant, with David posting messages on social media for Lassiters as per
Lucy's request. Aaron is feeling grateful that he and David are still together after the difficulties with the operation, but then laments the fact that
they still haven't had a child yet. Despite his concerns David assures Aaron that they will figure this out, his positive outlook giving Aaron a little
bit of hope. As they share a kiss David wonders if their followers on social media are getting fed up with the constant updates, although Aaron jokes
that if they aren't annoyed by now then they aren't doing a good enough job! They exit the restaurant and continue taking selfies.
 ..
Back at the Waterhole, Mackenzie approaches Hendrix and indicates that they need to talk about his blossoming romance with Harlow. She warns Hendrix
that if he does decide to date Harlow, he needs to treat her right as she is a kind and caring person. This surprises Hendrix and he asks Mackenzie if
Harlow does want to date him, but Mackenzie is taken aback by the question and doesn't know how to respond. Elsewhere, Paul heads over to Gary and goads
him with the news of Prue coming back to Erinsborough, certain that his relationship with her is short-lived. He suggests that by getting involved with
Prue it will mean that her attention on Harlow will suffer, and this leads to Harlow coming over to have words. She is unhappy that Prue's return to
Erinsborough is related more to Gary than to her, but Gary tries to reassure Harlow that Prue just wants to give her some space but still be close
enough if she needs her. Harlow doesn't believe that this is the case and angrily tells Paul and Gary that her mum has obviously got her priorities
straight, before walking out of the Waterhole. Both Hendrix and Mackenzie look worried as she leaves.
Outside the restaurant in Sydney, Aaron and David recognise entertainer Courtney Act standing nearby; Aaron mentions that he auditioned to be her
back up and David jokingly asks Aaron if there is anyone in the city he hasn't auditioned for. After remembering how embarrassing the audition in front
of Courtney was, Aaron is reluctant to go over and say hello, but David assures him that the incident will have been forgotten by now. They head over to
greet Courtney, and she soon recognises Aaron as being part of Rough Trade. Aaron is surprised that she still remembers him and then goes on to introduce
her to David. As they head to leave Courtney mockingly acts out Aaron's audition in which he vomited in front of her, asking him if he has ever thought of
a career change. After Aaron admits that he is no longer in the dance business, Courtney correctly guesses that he is now a personal trainer and kisses them
goodbye, wishing them a happy Mardi Gras. Despite the reminders of the audition, David thinks that Aaron's run in with Courtney went okay.
 ..
Mardi Gras festivities are continuing at the Waterhole as Lucy walks into the office whilst on a telephone call. She is presumably talking to Chris about
their daughter Annie, asking him if he is going to record the parade so she can watch it when she wakes up. As she chats on the phone, she is oblivious to
the presence of Finn behind her, who is still looking angry after their conversation earlier. He moves towards her slowly but quickly comes to his senses as
he hears Lucy on the phone talking about her daughter. With his rage coming under control, Finn makes a quick exit before Lucy notices him. As he does so
Lucy hears footsteps and turns around, curious to see that there is no-one nearby. She looks perturbed at this. At the bar Finn emerges and rejoins Bea, who
is sitting at a table. She asks him if he feels like another drink, but Finn tells her that he must go, indicating that this is the best thing to do under
the circumstances. He notices Lucy coming out of the office looking at her phone, and becomes further worried, once again informing Bea that he must go home,
on the pretence of having a headache. Bea asks him to call her if he needs anything and Finn once again glances at Lucy before exiting the Waterhole.
A short while later Paul addresses the Mardi Gras revellers, asking for everyone's attention. He tells them what an honour it is for Lassiters to be
participating in the 2020 Sydney Mardi Gras as the Lassiters float prepares to make its debut, to cheers and claps from everyone. He then makes a little
speech:
"You see, we at Lassiters take pride in the fact that we are committed allies to the LGBTQI community. But this celebration is deeply personal to me,
because my son and son-in-law are proudly standing atop our float, letting the entire world know that everyone is welcome at Lassiters."
Attention is then turned to the TV as David and Aaron are seen in Sydney dancing on the float. With everyone's attention diverted to the screening,
Hendrix takes the opportunity to go over and sit with Harlow, asking her what's wrong. Harlow informs him that her mum Prue is visiting Erinsborough,
but it would seem she is more interested in visiting Gary than her. Despite her sadness Hendrix indicates that he learnt from Harlow that the fact she
is visiting at all should be taken as a good thing and is more than other people get. He slyly jokes that although Harlow is annoying and a know-it-all
she is also crazy-smart, doesn't hold grudges and sees the best in people even when they're making terrible mistakes. This cheers Harlow up and she laughs
at Hendrix's words, before Hendrix leans in for a kiss. As they share a passionate embrace Chloe and Pierce watch on from a nearby table, clearly pleased
with the turn of events. Meanwhile, Karl and Susan are curious as to where Finn is, and Bea explains that he went home after not feeling well. Susan asks
if he is okay, but Bea says he is fine.
 ..
 ..
Despite Bea waving off her concerns, at no. 28 Finn is in an agitated state, pacing and twitching uncontrollably. He starts to speak to himself in a
frantic state:
"It's like... it's like the dam wall's burst, and everything is just rushing into my head. What happened in Colombia... Patrick... I remember everything
everyone did to me. And what I did to them. Earlier, when Lucy kicked me out, this anger started coming over me, and I - it was like someone else was in
control. I dunno what I would've done, if... But I won't let that happen again. I am still me."
He looks concerned with his own words of reassurance as he contemplates an uncertain future.
Featured Regular Characters: Finn Kelly, Elly Conway, Sheila Canning, Gary Canning, Kyle Canning, Paul Robinson, Terese Willis, Chloe Brennan, Aaron Brennan, Pierce Greyson,
Hendrix Greyson, David Tanaka, Harlow Robinson, Bea Nilsson, Susan Kennedy, Karl Kennedy
Guest Cast: Jake Shears as Himself, Courtney Act as Herself, Joel Creasey as Mick Allsop, Scott McGregor as Mark Brennan, Melissa Bell as Lucy Robinson,
Bruce Samazan as Mark Gottlieb, Georgie Stone as Mackenzie Hargreaves, Isla Goulas as Aster Conway
Trivia Notes
• Cameo appearances from Jake Shears and Courtney Act
• Footage of Matt Wilson and Takaya Honda at the 2019 Sydney Mardi Gras features in the episode
Summary
by Michael
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