Packed to the Rafters: episode guide


Series 6

With the tumultuous arrival of baby Ruby into their busy lives, would-be empty-nesters Dave and Julie Rafter long ago abandoned any dreams of "us time", embracing instead the often confronting, often poignant, often hilarious demands of a household "packed to the rafters" with varying members of their extended family. The addition of Dave's rogue nephew Coby to the mix and the arrival on the scene of his half-brother Matt have further complicated the Rafters' emotional landscape.

In Series 6, they face painful times ahead with Julie's father Ted's worsening dementia, and Coby serving time in prison for assault. But it's not all bad news, with son Nathan returning to the family home ahead of his wife and baby son, living with his parents until he finds a job and a place of his own. Changes are afoot in the family business too, with the arrival of new sparky "Buzz".

High Hopes

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Episode 6.01 (111)
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 (8:30)
1.316 million viewers (3rd)
Series Producer: Bill Hughes
Written by Jeff Truman
Directed by Pino Amenta

Julie has high hopes as she prepares for Nathan's homecoming — but Ted's worsening condition threatens to burst her bubble. Dave has high hopes for his new employee — Buzz — who despite running late, quickly proves himself a capable sparky and an easygoing guy. But things are never what they seem. Meanwhile, after a passionate night with escort Craig, Emma runs into him as he is leaving the house one morning, leading Donna to tell her daughter that Craig is just her handyman. But unbeknownst to Donna, sparks fly between Emma and Craig

Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Angus McLaren, Hannah Marshall, George Houvardas, Brooke Satchwell, Jacob Allan, Zoe Cramond, Ben Mingay, Merridy Eastman, Fiona Spence, Michael Caton

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Tom O'Sullivan as Craig/Logan, Sabella & Hannah Storey as Ruby Rafter

Notes: Series 6 contains just 12 episodes. Ben Mingay (Buzz) and Fiona Spence (Eleanor) join the cast

First Time for Everything

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Episode 6.02 (112)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 (9:00)
1.081 million viewers (5th)
Written by Marieke Hardy
Directed by Pino Amenta

Nathan is working hard to build a solid base for Saskia and Edward in Australia and accepts a job offer despite its obvious shortfalls. Saskia is excited to be joining him but little does Nathan know, for the first time in their married life, Saskia is keeping something from him. Meanwhile, Emma is quietly giddy at the prospect of her blossoming romance with Craig.

With: Lauren Claire as Saskia Clark-Rafter, Tom O'Sullivan as Craig/Logan, Elizabeth Thurbon as Andrea, Brendan Clearkin as Rick Murdoca, Ande Cunningham as Marco, Sabella & Hannah Storey as Ruby Rafter Harry Lucas as Edward Rafter

Setting Limits

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Episode 6.03 (113)
Tuesday, May 07, 2013 (8:30)
1.138 million viewers (5th)
Written by Boaz Stark
Directed by Marcus Cole

When new employee Buzz brings his wayward son Jackson onto site, Dave begins to suspect his good nature is being taken advantage of. Meanwhile, Donna is mortified when she learns that both she and Emma have been played by Craig. Donna tries to avoid telling Emma, but she can't hide the truth forever, setting up an impending confrontation like no other.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Tom O'Sullivan as Craig/Logan, Sabella & Hannah Storey as Ruby Rafter, Susannah Hardy as Joan Kennedy, Colin Taylor as Mr Arthur, Truly as 'Julie' the Dog

Secret Women's Business

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Episode 6.04 (114)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 (8:30)
1.081 million viewers (6th)
Written by Kim Wilson
Directed by Marcus Cole

Rocked after confronting escort Craig over his duplicitous ways, Donna calls on Julie for support, and the two women admit they're not coping as well as they pretend. Meanwhile, Having found a place to rent, Nathan's done all he can to prepare for his wife and baby's arrival. But when he gets to the airport, all the planning in the world could not prepare him for what he finds.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Tom O'Sullivan as Craig/Logan, Sabella & Hannah Storey as Ruby Rafter, Jarin Towney as Cooper, Gabe Egan as Fletcher Caddy, Ben Davy Thorburn as Angus 'Gusman' Goldman, Bryan Wiseman as Les Reddaway, Rodney Samuel as Mike The Tank Shank, Mikaele Nicholson as Young Louise, Zoe Isgrove as Young Julie

Reality Checks

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Episode 6.05 (115)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 (8:30)
1.255 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Abe Pogos
Directed by Samantha Lang

An exhausted Nathan arrives in London looking for Saskia and baby Edward, desperate to find out why his wife never arrived in Sydney as planned and the answer changes his life forever. Back in Sydney, Julie's concern for Nathan is exacerbated by Ted's continuing decline. When Ted momentarily fails to recognise Julie for the first time, she and Dave realise just how quickly things are changing. Meanwhile, Frankie receives a big fat reality check of her own when her glamorous sister Carla arrives in town to catch up, and Buzz enlists the help of his son Jackson to improve his chances at going on a date with Emma.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jarin Towney as Cooper, Jess McNamee as Sammy Westaway, Damian De Montemas as Justin, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter, Lauren Clair as Saskia Clark-Rafter, Jacinta Stapleton as Carla, Mikaela Nicholson as Young Louise

Manning Up

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Episode 6.06 (116)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 (8:45)
1.048 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Alison Boleyn
Directed by Samantha Lang

Ted continues to drift between present day and his memories of the past, forcing both him and his family to come to terms with their new reality. Meanwhile, Julie's grateful for the distraction of helping sleep-deprived Nathan, who's floundering as a single dad with a tough sales job. But Julie's gentle intrusions bother Nathan, who wants to parent his own way.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jarin Towney as Cooper, Jess McNamee as Sammy Westaway, Damian De Montemas as Justin, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter, Lauren Clair as Saskia Clark-Rafter, Jacinta Stapleton as Carla, Mikaela Nicholson as Young Louise, [et al]

Notes: did you recognise the song at the start of the episode? It is a cover by Tinpan Orange of the theme from the classic kids series Round the Twist. Seven's custom end credits are duplicated from the previous episode and are incorrect.

Taking Stock

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Episode 6.07 (117)
Tuesday, June 04, 2013 (8:30)
1.123 million viewers (4th)
Written by Martin McKenna
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Carbo is happy with where his life is and all he wants for his birthday is a romantic night with Retta — just the two of them. But Retta has been making plans to throw a giant surprise party, and when Carbo discovers she's been lying to him over something as fundamental as having a child, it's shaping up to be one hell of a party. Needing to escape the pressures of home-life, Dave throws himself into being a cricket coach, as well as secretly restoring his beloved Kombi. Julie finds herself dealing with the demands of a toddler and caring for Ted, whose dementia is worsening.

Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Angus McLaren, Hannah Marshall, George Houvardas, Brooke Satchwell, Jacob Allan, Zoe Cramond, Ben Mingay, Merridy Eastman, Ryan Corr, Michael Caton

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jarin Towney as Cooper, Harriet Dyer as Mandy, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter

Damage Control

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Episode 6.08 (118)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 (8:45)
1.134 million viewers (5th)
Written by David Lawrence
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Dave's enduring belief that nothing is beyond repair is put to the test when a crisis envelops the Rafter family. Frankie visits Coby in prison and after some initial awkwardness, they fall back into their usual, easy banter. But any hope Frankie has about their future is sidelined when she discovers that someone else has feelings for her. Having had no contact from Buzz, Emma is left wondering if she know that Buzz is actually paralysed by his feelings for Emma.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Elizabeth Thurbon as Andrea, Bryce Youngman as J.B., Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter, Christian Manon as Ice Cream Vendor, Wendy Playfair as Moira Beckett, Tom Dalzell as Policeman, Francesca Savige as Policewoman

Role Reversals

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Episode 6.09 (119)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013 (8:30)
1.081 million viewers (6th)
Written by Hamilton Budd, Kim Wilson
Directed by Lynn Hegarty

Julie and Dave raise the difficult topic of nursing homes with Ted, and while he initially digs his heels in, a potentially serious accident forces him to acknowledge that he's becoming a danger to himself and others. Frankie is juggling a visit from older sister Carla and once again, unresolved family issues loom large. After an intense build-up, Buzz and Emma finally get together.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jacinta Stapleton as Carla, Fred Whitlock as Gary Edwards, Anna Bauert as Xena, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter

Head vs Heart

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Episode 6.10 (120)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
1.181 million viewers (6th)
Written by Rick Held
Directed by Lynn Hegarty

It's a matter of head versus heart as Julie and Dave wrestle with their decision to sell their beloved family home. When push comes to shove will they be able to go through with it? Jackson, miserable living with his mum and her new boyfriend, wishes to move in with Buzz. Matt, in the middle of a drought, has a lucky break — an invite to record some songs with a band. Unfortunately, nerves get the better of him and he blows his big chance. Frankie comes to the rescue with a surprising solution and Matt's drought is finally broken, in more ways than one.

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jacinta Stapleton as Carla, Fred Whitlock as Gary Edwards, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter, Cassie Howarth as Dee, Alyson Standen as Carol, Justin Stewart Cotta as Hendo, Anna Bauert as Xena, Maria De Marco as Umpire, Flynn Rutty as Dan

Centre of the Universe

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Episode 6.11 (121)
Tuesday, July 02, 2013 (8:45)
1.328 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Marieke Hardy
Directed by Lynn-Maree Danzey

Ben, Coby and Sammy all return to the Rafter fold. But with the Rafter house already sold and Julie and Dave unable to decide on another house to buy, it's obvious the centre of the Rafter universe has shifted. Julie is also struggling with the fact that Ted is having difficulty settling into life at the nursing home, and she seems to be the problem. The return of Ben rattles Emma and Buzz; Nathan is cheered by Sammy's reappearance in his life; and Coby's release from prison has a huge impact on Frankie.

Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren; Hannah Marshall, George Houvardas, Brooke Satchwell, Jacob Allan, Zoe Cramond, Ben Mingay, Merridy Eastman, Ryan Corr, Fiona Spence, Michael Caton

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Fred Whitlock as Gary Edwards, Jessica McNamee as Sammy Westaway, Sarah Chadwick as Maria Westaway, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter; Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter

Packing Up the Rafters

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Episode 6.12 (122) - series finale
Tuesday, July 02, 2013 (9:45)
1.324 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Margaret Wilson
Directed by Lynn-Maree Danzey

The Rafters begin the emotional task of packing up their beloved family home. But is moving into a small, unappealing rental townhouse their only option? Dave suggests they put their stuff in storage and take Ruby and go travelling instead. Nathan and Ben think it's a great idea, but Julie won't hear of it, unwilling to leave Ted. An impromptu party is organised, with everyone gathered to farewell the house. Even Rachel and Jake make a special appearance. During the party, Ted gives Julie a priceless emotional gift, allowing her to move on. Family and friends gather to farewell the Rafters, presenting them with a moving video tribute organized by Carbo. It is obvious they will be sadly missed — but everyone is rightfully excited about the possibilities the future holds.

Starring: Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren; Hannah Marshall, George Houvardas, Brooke Satchwell, Jacob Allan, Zoe Cramond, Ben Mingay, Jessica Marais, James Stewart, Jessica McNamee, Fiona Spence, Michael Caton

With: Narek Arman as Jackson Radovich, Jarin Towney as Cooper, Fred Whitlock as Gary Edwards, Hannah & Sabella Storey as Ruby Rafter, Harry & Leo Lucas as Edward Rafter, Lauren Clair as Saskia Rafter, Julie Hamilton as Louise Taylor, Molly Meldrum as Himself, Ben Wood as Dr Medinski, Truly as Dog

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