Loveday Writing

When Ainsley and Cheryl arrive at Des’ solicitor’s office, they are shocked to learn that Des left Ainsley his life savings – $750,000. Cheryl makes it clear immediately that she doesn’t like this decision and tries to question the legality of it.

Cheryl spends most of the episode putting on a performance of grief, as well as trying to get Ainsley to split her inheritance in half. Meanwhile, Ainsley is hiding her grief so Manju isn’t stressed out as she undergoes chemo. Ainsley asks the gang to have Cheryl stay here, and while they are reluctant, they agree as Heather agrees to give up her bedroom and says she is going to stay with Ed, only to end up staying in the granny flat at the back of Colin’s house.

When Cheryl vents her beliefs to Simmo about the will, he tells her that Ainsley always does the right thing, which Ainsley points out to him, puts her in an awkward position, as he is leading Cheryl to believe that she will split the inheritance. She also tells Simmo that Cheryl told her how to grieve when she lost her mother and that he shouldn’t tell her how to grieve over her father.

After Cheryl badly sings a song at the makeshift memorial service that she decides to throw, Ainsley walks out of the lounge room to get away from her. When Cheryl tells her she is being cold about Des’ death, Ainsley stands up to her, telling her she doesn’t owe her anything and that she should stay in a hotel. Cheryl then leaves.

The episode ends with Manju walking out of the granny flat to find Ainsley sitting in the backyard. Ainsley admits that she doesn’t know how to grieve for Des as she didn’t really know him. Manju comforts her, telling her that Des’ choice to leave her his life savings is proof that he loved her.

Liz and Stuart – Stuart tells Liz that he wants them to go to counselling for support during their separation, Liz is reluctant to do this but agrees. Later, when Stuart sends Ainsley flowers and Manju sees them arrive, Liz tells them they are for her. However, when Manju calls Stuart to thank him for the flowers, he lets the news of Des’ death slip. Afterwards, Stuart calls Liz, asking her if she is using Des’ death to avoid counselling, and admonishes her for lying to Manju.

Later, Liz goes to see him and he admits that he has doubted her feelings for him throughout their relationship. Liz tells him that she lied to Manju at Ainsley’s request and that she has always been sure of her feelings for him. They passionately hook up and Liz agrees to go to counselling.

Ben, Heather, and Col – Col lets Heather’s lie about staying with Ed slip to Ben over the phone, telling him that he believes Heather and Ed’s relationship is in trouble. However, it’s later revealed that Heather does go over to Ed’s house and leaves some of her stuff there.

During the memorial service, Mel overhears Ben, Col and Simmo talking about Heather and Ed, and lets Heather know about it. Towards the end of the episode, Heather admits to Ed that she wants but is terrified of a loving relationship with him. They end up leaving the house to spend the night at Ed’s house.

Harry and Manju – Manju is currently feeling the effects of chemo and due to this, Ainsley asks everyone to keep Des’ death a secret from her. They manage to do so until Stuart lets it slip, unaware that the gang was trying to keep it a secret.

Just as the memorial is due to start, Manju confronts Harry over everyone lying. When Harry admits that it was at Ainsley’s request, she backs down. As mentioned earlier, she later comforts Ainsley when she sees her in the backyard.

Overall, I felt that this episode was an improvement over the previous one, with a shift in focus and more comedic moments sprinkled in, despite the tragic subject matter.

Ben, Col and Simmo’s unlikely friendship and gossiping over Heather and Ed’s relationship was hilarious, with Mel letting Heather know about it all, being the cherry on top. I hope we see more of Col throughout the season.

I also appreciated that Ainsley finally stood up to Cheryl, and that Manju of all people, was the mother figure to comfort her, despite her ways with Harry. Manju has always had a soft spot for Ainsley, which was shown with Evie’s loss in the second season, and shines again in this episode when Harry lets her know about Ainsley’s request. Whilst Manju is definitely a pain, she definitely has her moments and I hope we see more of them as the season progresses.

Stray Observations:

Running gag – Manju continuing to call Simmo ‘Simon,’ unaware that the nickname comes from his surname. She was seen doing this in the premiere.

-Ben has slept in the laundry before, according to him, it’s a nice place to wake up.

-Apparently Simmo is working on doing a deep dive with himself on removing ego and shame.

Best one liners and interactions:

• “I know the feeling wasn’t mutual, but Des was like a father to me.” (Simmo to Ainsley)
• “I didn’t know Cheryl, so I don’t know what smell you’re trying to eradicate.” “It’s like lavender gone toxic!” (Ed-Heather on Heather spraying air freshener around her bedroom after Cheryl leaves)
• “We’re strong women who have survived a lot, but can also handle a lot.” (Manju to Ainsley)