Loveday Writing

Interestingly, this episode shows how much Ben has grown as a person, both inside and outside the series’ universe. Ben himself states in his narration that as a teenager, he would have viewed his relationship with Mel as the “ultimate relationship” but admits that as a 40-year-old, he is questioning whether it will last. However, he also mentions that he is glad that life still surprises him, as he thought when he was younger that his life would be sleepy and predictable by 40. He also reveals that Mel is actually good with Mia and is helping her with her driving and self-esteem, which he appreciates.

Ben and Simmo tell Mel that they plan on celebrating Ben’s 40^th birthday by camping out at Simmo’s block of land, even though Mel had a big party in mind. Nonetheless, Mel agrees to go, which is in contrast to the housemates, who refuse at first, but end up reluctantly agreeing to go. When Ben tells the housemates that Mel and Mia have sleepovers, which Heather immediately questions, Ben reveals in his narration that Mia’s mother, Bec, is actually unaware of them.

The next day, Ben, Ainsley and Simmo make their way to Simmo’s block. Ainsley tells them that she is thinking of using her recent inheritance from her father to start her own business, where she’ll buy and flip houses. Ben mistakenly believes that she will go into business with Simmo, an idea that Simmo loves and Ainsley clearly does not. When they get to Simmo’s block, it’s revealed that Simmo invited all the boys as a surprise.

When Liz inadvertently overhears a conversation between Mel and Mia about a boy Mia is dating wanting to watch porn as they have sex and Mel offering Mia her house to use, she tells Heather, who in turn tells Ben. The next morning, Ben talks to Mel about it and loses it, demanding that Mia pack up her stuff and that they go home. Mel tells Ben that he’s publicly shaming her, and Mia drives off in Mel’s car in anger. Ben asks Heather and Liz to take Mel home.

On their way home, Mia calls Mel. Mel provides Mia with support, but also tells her to go back to the campsite as Ben would be worried about her. Mia drives back, where Ben is waiting for her. Mia calls Ben out for judging her despite his own questionable past, and Ben tells her he wants to protect her. Mia tells Ben that she’ll tell Bec what’s going on when she’s ready and Ben agrees to this.

Ainsley and Simmo – They were more in the background in this episode, however the focus on them revolved around Ainsley announcing she plans on starting a business with her inheritance, and Ben and Simmo mistakenly believing that Simmo would work with her. This misunderstanding escalates with Fridgey wanting to join the business, but Simmo later admits to Ainsley that he doesn’t want to go into business with him.

As they are looking for Mia, Ainsley tells Simmo that she loves him but doesn’t want to work with him as she doesn’t want their romantic relationship affected by it. Simmo is clearly upset and things are left awkward and unresolved between them.

Heather and Liz – Heather and Liz make for an interesting pair in this episode, starting with Heather telling Liz that she is moving out of the house and in with Ed, as they get ready to drive to Simmo’s block. Heather admits she is worried about everyone’s reaction, considering her own reaction to Liz moving away to London. Liz tells her that she thinks the others will be happy for her.

As Liz goes to relieve herself at the camp site, she overhears the conversation between Mel and Mia, which leads to her telling Heather about it (and also discovering that she has cystitis, which Heather helps her with). Liz and Heather try to leave the party early, only for both of them to discover that they’re both too drunk to drive, so they are forced to stay overnight. Heather later tells Ben about the conversation in the middle of the night.

The next morning, once Ben and Mel’s argument blows up, Mel gets angry with Heather and Liz, accusing Heather of being jealous of her relationship with Mia and Ben. Ben then asks Heather and Liz to drive Mel home.

The episode ends with Ben and Heather back at the house, with Ben asking Heather if it’s true that she is moving in with Ed. She confirms that she is, and she tells him that Mel genuinely cares about Mia.

Harry – As Harry was guilted by Manju into staying at home with her, he didn’t end up going on the camping trip.

Harry spends most of the episode struggling to find time to hook up with Anton, with a failed attempt at the house, where Manju almost caught Anton giving Harry a blowjob.

Towards the end of the episode, Anton shows up unexpectedly at Harry’s work. They go to Harry’s office and proceed to have sex, where they are caught in the act by Harry’s receptionist, Cynthia, due to the noises they were making.

When Harry gets to work the next day, he finds Cynthia packing her things, and a hospital administrator, John Rossi, waiting nearby. John tells Harry that Cynthia lodged a complaint against him and that he’ll be investigated by the Australian Medical Standards Authority.

Overall, I felt that this was a good but not great episode. I appreciated the character growth shown with Ben, especially when it comes to Mia. I also appreciated the character growth with Mel, showing her maternal side with Mia, and calling out Ben on his shaming of Mia.

I also appreciated the reference to the inheritance subplot, with Ainsley deciding what to do with it, although the tensions between her and Simmo when she tells him she doesn’t want to work with him was unsurprising, and based on the previews of future episodes, is going to cause problems between them down the road.

I was honestly disappointed with Harry in this episode. For a doctor, he was quite dumb with his hook-ups with Anton. He let Anton call the shots, and it was just plain stupid to have sex with him at work, considering he was clearly established and witnessed as a patient. Harry has clearly given up on finding love, and no hook-up shame, but he should be intelligent enough to plan it better and know that hooking up in the office is never a good idea. I just feel like when it comes to his attempts at dating, Harry has not grown or learnt at all over the show’s four seasons. It will be interesting to see what happens next, now that he has been reported and will be investigated.

Stray Observations:

Running gag – Fridgey trying to get everyone to go on a hike with him.

-According to Mel, Mia snores.

-Apparently Mel is writing a children’s book on sexuality titled, “What’s That Funny Feeling Mummy?” although she hasn’t found the right publisher yet.

-Simmo’s business name ideas for Ainsley’s business included “Ainsmo Accom” and “Simsley Stays.”

-Apparently, Fridgey didn’t start to have sex until he was 30, although it’s not known whether he was telling the truth.

Best one liners and interactions:

• “They just sit around and pretend they’re going to hike.” (Mia to Mel on Ben and Simmo’s camping trips)