Episode 543

Extended Summary

Carly finds Ben sulking in the caravan park and apologises for what he overheard her saying about the bed. Ben claims to be fine about it but he’s clearly not. He assumes Carly can’t face going out for dinner tonight with her friends knowing they’re so poor they had to buy their cast-offs. He doesn’t feel much like going out either.

Sophie arrives home from school and tells Pippa she’s starting to read whole sentences now. Sally returns in a bad mood and claims that she couldn’t find Tammy. Carly stomps in and tells Pippa not to ask. Sophie says everyone was smiling this morning! What happened?

Steven and Viv are at the Diner trying to get Bobby to lend them $50 so they can go to the city. Bobby gives in when Viv says they haven’t got much time left together and she promises not to tell Donald.

Pippa tells Carly to go and get ready for dinner tonight because she’s sure Ben will come round. Ben goes to the Diner and complains to Bobby about Carly’s reaction to the bed. Bobby tells Ben that number one always came first with Carly until he came along. She tries to make him see Carly was doing the right thing by pretending to like the furniture for his sake.

Tammy asks Murray to walk her home after fishing. How can she help him make up with Sally if he won’t even see her? Sally is less than thrilled to see Murray at the house. Murray gives Pippa the fish and so she invites him to stay for tea but Sally yells that she wants him to go and storms off.

In the “city” (which appears to be a suburban shopping parade with big city sound effects thrown in), Steven and Viv decide on a Thai restaurant for dinner.

Pippa talks to Sally in her room about the way she spoke to Murray. Sally says she saw Tammy put her arm around him but Pippa reminds her she doesn’t want him anyway! She tells Sally to go downstairs and ask him to stay for dinner; there’s no excuse for being rude even if she is jealous. Sally defensively says she’s not jealous and Pippa says there’s no problem then!

Carly is dressed up ready for dinner. Ben arrives and they are cool with each other before leaving. Tammy and Murray bring the cleaned fish in. Sally rather unconvincingly apologises for before.

Steven and Viv leave the restaurant and wonder what to do next. There is a musical montage scene as they walk around, giving money to a busker and buying flowers.

Over dinner at the Sands restaurant, Megan tells Ben and Carly about their honeymoon in Paris that cost a fortune. She asks her husband Julian for some money for a bracelet but Julian tells her she’s got enough clinking hardware.

Sally is miserable over dessert. Murray has to leave and Tammy follows him out and apologises to him. Pippa sends Sally to bed in hopes she wakes up a better person tomorrow.

Things are awkward at the restaurant as Megan and Julian argue in front of Ben and Carly about the value of money. Julian suggests Megan go out and get a job. He tells Ben he’s a lucky man. Ben says he knows; he loves Carly very much. Julian insists he loves Megan but just wants her to show some financial restraint. Megan throws her credit cards at Julian and storms out.

Steven and Viv have missed the last train home and so they will have to find somewhere to stay in town. They don’t seem too upset about it! Donald gets out of bed to answer a phone call from Steven. He tells him he’s very irresponsible. He hangs up and tells Bobby that Steven and Viv are staying with Steven’s friend Peter Johnson. He’s not happy about it. Bobby says she will call Pippa.

Ben and Carly arrive home as Pippa gets off the phone. Pippa goes to bed and Carly tells Ben to remind her never to wish for lots of money. It’s funny how you think someone has everything.

Sally and Tammy are in bed and Tammy tells Sally that Murray really likes her. Sally says she saw Tammy put her arm around him but Tammy says that’s because he was sad about Sally not wanting to be friends.

Pippa isn’t too happy the next morning and Sophie asks what’s wrong with everyone around here! Pippa tells her about Steven and Viv staying out all night. Sally and Tammy have already left and Pippa hopes Sally has made her peace with Sally. We see Sally, Tammy and Murray down by the river having fun together.

Donald is anxious for Steven and Viv to come home and complains about them lying to him. Bobby tells him it was a special occasion; their last night together. Donald says that’s what worries him most. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Helen Wakefield, the social worker, and another woman. Helen tells Donald to meet Angela Newton… Viv and Tammy’s mother! Donald is stunned.