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Episode Summaries > 1986 > Episode 248
Written by Penny Fraser, Directed by Andrew Friedman

At number 22, Shane explains he feels a failure as Daphne has a career to offer in their marriage and he has nothing. Daphne tells him she loves him and wants to marry him for who he is not what he can offer. Shane is not convinced.

On their holiday, while Zoe and Lucy await Jim's return from a business meeting, Zoe asks Lucy why she dislikes her so much. Lucy tells her it is because she wants to split her family up by sleeping with Jim to have another baby. Zoe tries to explain it this isn't the situation when Jim arrives back. Jim asks Zoe to go to dinner later but Lucy reacts by complaining at not going too - For peace Jim agrees she can come too.

Back at number 22, Daphne tells Clive how Shane feels. Clive feels Shane will realise how stupid he is being but it does give Daphne a chance to reconsider if really is in love with Shane or just on the rebound from Des. Daphne sharply tells Clive Des and her are history and she could never leave Shane when he is so unhappy.

At the Ramsay house, Shane tells Madge he's not feeling any better even though he's spoken to Daphne. Charlene, Scott, Nikki & Mike arrive - Charlene rudely demands $A20 from Madge to go out with but Madge will only give her $A10. - Charlene comments father Fred would have given her 20. Madge tells her she won't get any more money until her chores are done! Charlene apologises. Madge reminds her and Shane about going to church tomorrow.

Out in the street, the following morning, Madge, Charlene, Daphne, Clive, Shane, Mike, Nikki, Scott and Helen, joined by Eileen, set off to church. Eileen remarks what a shame it is that Max isn't joining them too.

Inside the church, the Clergyman starts of the service by thanking everyone for coming and the news that Mrs. Pitts isn't available to play the organ due to illness. Clive volunteers to play to the surprise of all his friends. Everyone starts singing 'Amazing Grace' but slowly the only voice to be heard is Eileen's as people stop to listen to her appalling singing voice.

After church Eileen goes back to the Ramsay house with Clive. Eileen is upset at the clergyman having asked her to lower the volume of her singing - Charlene finds it funny while Madge tries to be sympathetic. Clive then surprises them by telling Eileen she has a real singing potential and that he'd like to train her voice to perfection.

At the holiday resort, Jim is furious at Lucy's behaviour and refuses to go on any further with the weekend and decides to return home. Jim apologises to Zoe and she comments she never thought she'd be in competition with a child.

At number 22, Mike, Nikki, Shane and Daphne can't believe Clive's decision to coach Eileen. Shane leaves before Eileen arrives to start her lesson. Daphne refuses to accept Clive's proposal to let Eileen sing at the Coffee Shop when it finishes being refurbished. Eileen arrives to start her lesson and starts with singing 'Jerusalem' - However she now appears to be completely tone deaf.

Back at the Ramsay house, Fred Mitchell arrives. Shane is less than happy to see his uncle but Madge calms him down, Charlene is overjoyed to see her father. Madge can only make comments about his 'floozy' Susan. Fred explains to Madge he's arrived on her request by letter - Madge assures a disappointed Charlene that she is not looking for reconciliation but only to sort out the financial situation.

In the driveway outside the Robinson house, Jim, Zoe and Lucy arrive home to be met by Helen who remarks about them being home early. Jim explains he has to go to work to see partner Ross Warner but will tell her all later. Helen suspecting Lucy has caused problems asks her if she has upset her father - Lucy smugly tells her she had a great time away.

At number 24, Madge feels only worse as she has to deal with seeing Fred again and listening to Eileen's voice - Shane and Charlene on her request go over to see if they can silence her at No.22. Fred tells Madge not to order Charlene around at whom Charlene fearing an argument asks her parents to try and be nice with each other.

Shane comments to Fred he is still a 'creep' - Fred scoffs, saying Shane is less than a success. Madge jumps to Shane's defence telling Fred at least Shane stands by his family. Madge and Fred then enter an argument with Fred firstly reminding Madge their marriage was over even before Susan came along. Madge reminds Fred there are more dignified ways to end a marriage. Shane and Charlene leave the house. Madge tells Fred it is clear he never cared for their son Henry and had no sense of responsibility for the family or their hardware business. Fred retorts she made Henry into a 'mummy's boy' and it is her fault he is in jail as she always made the decisions in the family, smothering everyone.

Madge asks, "So is everything my fault?"
Fred replies, "Yes"
"Then the success of the business must be mine too, and I intend to get all my money back - every last cent."
Fred looks worried...

Summary by Paul