.
Episode Summaries > 1986 > Episode 212
Written by Christine McCourt, Directed by Mark Callan, Produced by John Holmes

At number 22, Scott agrees to take Clive’s advice and help – Clive happily tells Scott he’s going to teach him the ‘learn the Gibbons way’ in half an hour.

At the Ramsay house, Max is watching a TV programme on heart disease. Madge turns it off and tells her brother he needs to keep his spirits up for Shane and Danny’s sake. Max tells her he wants to die at home – in his home. Madge tells him she’ll contact her solicitor soon – Max smiles to himself.

At the Robinson house, Lucy tells Jim and Helen that Bradley has come over to see them. Jim is even more surprised when Bradley apologises to him about ruining his roses. Lucy shows Bradley out and Jim and Helen agree they think it is only an act – Jim tells Lucy he wants her not to see Bradley. She is furious and tells her father this is the first boy she likes and she can’t even see him!

At number 24, Bradley apologises to Max and Madge offers him one of her biscuits.

At the Clarke house, Andrea tells Bradley she’s proud of him for seeing the neighbours. Lucy arrives and glumly tells them of Jim’s decision to stop her seeing Bradley and Andrea calls Jim vindictive, but Des defends Jim. Bradley leaves with Lucy for his first day at Erinsborough Primary. Alone with Des, Andrea tells him she thinks Jim is being unfair – Des tells her not to worry as Bradley can take care of himself.

Back at number 24, Max complains to Madge about Clive’s bongo playing next door but she stops him from going over to No.22 to complain. Max is then more worried as Madge’s pies begin to burn in the oven.

At number 22, Clive teaches Scott Maths using music to sing the equations in rhyme for him to learn – They hear Max shouting at them to stop but both carry on.

Back at the Clarke house, Andrea shows Des Bradley’s baby photos and again presses the point that their son needs a proper family. Changing the subject Des suggests they go on a picnic – Andrea tells him it will help but not cure Bradley’s need.

At number 26, Madge tells Helen she hasn’t ‘courted’ anyone since meeting Fred in 1962 – Helen tells her she hasn’t had good practice with Douglas Blake. Madge questions if she has a chance of romance with Jim – Helen advises her to stop being ‘a doormat’ and start being a woman of mystery.

At number 22, Jim comes to see what Max is complaining about. Scott explains he’s learning from the music not just having fun. Jim warns him not to push Max’s patience for too much longer.

At the Ramsay house, Max complains to Madge but she has given up listening. Jim arrives to ask Madge out to dinner but when Max makes a joke about her ‘busy’ social life, she tells Jim she is too busy to go out. After Jim leaves, Madge tells Max ‘‘if you didn’t have a bad heart I’d kill you myself!’’

At the Robinson house, Lucy tells Scott, Jim and Helen they just don’t understand Bradley and declares she loves him!

At the Clarke house, Andrea sends Bradley to bed early and prepares a romantic evening ahead before he gets home. Des is seated once he arrives home and Andrea pours him a glass of wine. She announces a toast ‘‘to us’’ before telling Des she feels they lost and found each other again. That the time away from each other meant they are now mature and have learnt the importance of family and security. Des begins to feel nervous – then Andrea delivers her final statement. ‘’Why not give Bradley the family he deserves and get married?’’ Des is in deep shock.

Summary by Paul