Packed to the Rafters

Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! It's a chance for them to do what they want, when they want and on their own terms. However, less than 48 hours after Ben moves next door, all dreams of freedom are completely upended — their three kids think being with their parents is a lot more comfortable than being out on their own, and they're returning with the same sure instinct of homing pigeons.

An unemployed Dave struggles to regain his manhood and position in the family, landing himself in hospital. When life keeps bowling Dave a series of problematic googlies, the question becomes: how will he play them? An overprotective Dave breaks a promise to his daughter and is brutally attacked. Rachel struggles with the aftermath of leaving her abusive boyfriend Daniel — and her own secret turmoil. Narrated by Dave, this episode focuses on Dave dealing with the reality of sudden employment and a house that has been unexpectedly inundated with family members — each bringing with them a dark secret. He processes it all through a cricketing metaphor — that of the googly — that devious curve-ball that life can throw at you, catching you off-guard.

Rachel's growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them. Julie desperately brings the family together for a therapeutic barbecue but simmering tensions erupt. Ben finds himself the unlikely counsellor to both his sister and grandfather Ted as they confront traumatic turning points in their lives. When Ted's humiliating secret is discovered by Rachel, she unwittingly sets him on a path to self-destruction. Narrated by the Rafters' middle child, Ben, tonight's episode focuses on the dramatic and comic repercussions of his move towards independence and responsibility; and the on-going tension for Julie and Dave as they deal with the dark secrets of their family.

Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan with no option but to count on the family he's always taken for granted. Relating the story of how he met beloved wife Sammy, Nathan is forced to face his feelings of worthlessness as a son, husband and provider. In revisiting the evolution of his relationship with Sammy, Nathan takes us to his wedding day — both the happiest and saddest day of his life, as a beloved family member collapses. Wealthy princess Sammy faces obstacles at every turn as she struggles to fit into crowded, suburban life with the Rafter family.

Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart, and with Dave's freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough decision which tests the strength of their marriage. Julie is starting to feel the financial strain of the family's new living arrangements as Dave struggles to find work. Tempers flare when Dave buys a new van they can't afford without telling her. Eager to ease their money woes, Julie tells Dave a white lie she later regrets.

Rachel faces up to her shameful past. In flashbacks, she tells how she met, fell in love and eventually left Daniel, the man responsible for emailing their private video. Ted decides to move back home but what is he hiding? Narrated from the perspective of the Rafters eldest child Rachel, this episode focuses on the aftermath of her sex video and its repercussions on her and her family.

Nathan's world is turned upside down as Julie and Dave make a splash at his father-in-law's 50th birthday party. Nathan learns a valuable lesson about wealth and happiness when the life he has and the life he wants collide. Determined to teach Nathan a lesson about family loyalty, Rachel sets out to humiliate him by dating his rich and snobby best friend. Narrated from the perspective of Nathan, the episode deals with the journey towards Nathan's epiphany that he's not so different to the rest of his family and that isn't a bad thing.

Ben's world is turned upside down after a drunken one-night stand. Dave must face up to the secrets of his past while Carbo strikes up a surprising friendship with unexpectedly romantic results.

Dave reconnects with his foster brother, '80s rock star Steve Wilson, leading to an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his boss's money, Nathan races the clock to save his job. Then, Carbo declares his feelings for Chrissy, but will she return them?

Rachel is faced with a terrible decision. Ben gets the wrong idea when he stumbles upon a secret in Melissa's handbag. Sammy is offered the possibility of a glamorous job in London — but will she leave Nathan behind?

Julie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away — leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Ted receives advice from beyond the grave. Melissa's life is in danger when she goes into sudden anaphylactic shock during a Rafter BBQ. Romance beckons for Rachel — but is she ready to embrace it?

Ted steps back into the weird and wonderful world of dating. His journey begins when, encouraged by Louise's letter to the future, he attends a meeting of Friend Finders — a social networking group for people over 50. His first experience is bewildering and he finds himself cast as 'fresh flesh' — especially by two very different women, Helen and Marjorie. But is the newly widowed Ted ready for anything romantic? Rachel embraces a macrobiotic lifestyle with disastrous results; and Julie lets her hair down for a night of pre-Christmas clubbing.

Dave reluctantly bonds with Warney and discovers the beginnings of a surprising friendship. Meanwhile, Julie cramps Rachel's style when she signs up for the same yoga class.

Following on from last weeks adventure in the car, Sammy and Nathan decide to organise some time for themselves with a romantic rendezvous. Julie's predictions about Rachel's true desire to pursue an interest in yoga are proven correct when her relationship with her hot yoga teacher is exposed to the family. But it is not to soon before Julie realises that her mother's radar is not always on track.

Being on the electoral roll has its advantages; some may argue but voting being one. And others say it's not a good thing at all, as they don't want to be called up for jury duty. In this, the first episode of Season 2, Ben Rafter thinks jury duty sounds just fine and he approaches it with a willing attitude. Whilst doing jury duty he meets a Massage Therapist named Kat, who has a rather refreshing perspective on life, love and everything else. Meanwhile the beginnings of Dave's business comes up with a huge hurdle – he has too much work! In fact Dave is struggling so badly under the weight of so much work that until he gets a helping hand he cannot cope

This week sees Rachel still trying to find her life's path. With much direction and focus she starts a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, since finding a new business partner, Dave's life should have been made much easier – shouldn't it? Things just aren't going smoothly and instead it's all a bit of a struggle.

Dads and their daughters have a very special relationship. In fact, most Dad's like to think that their precious daughters are "Daddy's Little Girl". So when Dave learns that Rachel is dating an old cricket mate of his from years ago, he is naturally concerned for Rachel's welfare. This new man in Rachel's life is about the same age as Dave and has two teenage sons who are very close to Rachel's own age. Melissa and Chrissy are still very suspicious of Kat. And the both of them are trying to work out Kat's motivation for the trouble she is causing between all of the housemates. And once again Ted ventures into the world of dating with some not so predictable results.

What do you get when you mix too much alcohol with sex? A one night stand! It would almost be crazy, or somehow forgettable if it wasn't our favourite Rafter involved. That's right - It's Ben! Maybe there's some residual stress left over after the robbery and he still has not dealt with it honestly? Maybe he was truly so intoxicated that he didn't know what he was doing? Who knows? But no excuse can take away the act. So once again Ben faces a gut wrenching dilemma, but this time its one of his own making. This week sees Dave keen to spice up his marriage, so he organises a rather romantic rendezvous with Julie. Whereas at the other end of the spectrum Sammy and Nathan's marriage hits a "rocky patch" when Nathan discovers Sammy has been lying to him. Just another week in the Rafter household really.

This week Rachel is blown away by Rob's idea of "Happy Families". His idea is a bit over the top, but not in a bad way really. With a bit of help from Dad, Ben challenges fate to give him one last chance to redeem himself with Mel. In the end honesty seems to be the best policy, and asking for a second chance may just work. Plus Carbo's parents drop in for a visit to see how things are going with the house and the neighbourhood. This makes for some interesting times, especially when they catch Carbo and Chrissy kissing as they pull into the driveway. Meanwhile, Julie reaches some startling conclusions about the state of her health and believes it is fast becoming an issue. I think grabbing the chainsaw and threatening Carbo's parents with it gives that bit away! This week's episode sees big changes that bring tears, broken hearts and a shock announcement

"Once upon a time in Dave's Magic Castle." All should be well in the world of King Dave, but with Queen Julie heading into menopause, the Rafter household is a bit tumultuous. Julie fears that her ability to dispense sound wisdom to family and friends, is severly impeeded by her hormonal fluctuations. Sammy returns from New York with many more bags than she left with, and Julie fears that Sammy's spending may cause problems between her and Nathan. Sammy then advises Julie that the money she has spent on gifts for the family, came from her mother as an early birthday present. Once again Julie worries! Meanwhile, Ben makes up his mind to declare his love for Melissa on national television, and comic results ensue. Life is always full when it is "Packed to the Rafters".

What a difference a year makes! It has been a year in TV land according to the Packed to the Rafters show, and therefore two special anniversaries are marked in the lives of the Rafter family. The first one is that of Nathan and Sammy's marriage. The second anniversary is that of the death of Louise, Ted's wife and Julie's mother.

Last week saw a huge surprise bestowed on Dave and Julie. With three grown up kids, and the youngest being born 21 years ago, just how will Dave and Julie cope? What with the nappies, school runs and the lack of sleep and time; let alone the actual delivery? Dave and Julie have some serious life changing decisions to make, that not only have ramifications for themselves as individuals and a couple, but may shake the very foundation of the family.