Episode 5176

Episode Title: Let Her Eat Cake
Episode Number: 5176
Australian air date: Monday 26th March 2007
UK air date:
Writer: Elizabeth Packett
Director: Gary Conway
Quotes: None.
Guests: Oliver Barnes (David Hoflin).

  

Paul wakes to find himself in the mid day sun in a non-descript part of the Australian bush. He is bound and gagged but quickly manages to squirm his way out of the loose ropes holding him. Ripping of the black band covering his mouth he looks around to get a sense of bearing and cries out to Dylan to show himself. His words go unanswered and Paul is left to stagger to safety. He quickly becomes disoriented and soon gets turned around and finds himself back where he started. As he looks around in frustration rocks come flying out of the dense shrubs around him and hit him on the back. He spins around several times attempting to locate Dylan however he still not see his attacker. Fear grips him and he flees from Dylan who casually follows him as he runs. Eventually Paul emerges on a cliff edge stopping quickly to prevent himself tumbling over the sheer drop. Dylan appears behind him and points out that they’re at the spot where Paul lost his leg. Dylan advances promising Paul that this time he’ll loose a whole lot more. Dylan’s menace sees Paul attempting to explain his actions to disarm the threat. Dylan waves away Paul’s excuses. He points out that Paul started the ball rolling which lead to Stingray’s death when he dumped the chemicals in the wetlands. Paul finally breaks and attempts to reason with Dylan, telling his former protégée that he has brought Paul here to scare him only. As Paul explains that he knows Dylan well enough to understand that nothing further will occur, Dylan steps close to him and tells him that he doesn’t know him at all. He then shoves Paul hard, sending him toppling head first over the cliff. A while later and Dylan sits near to the cliff edge sobbing quietly. He apologises aloud to Stingray but is disturbed as he hears grunts of exertion from the cliff. He walks to the edge and peers over and sees Paul clawing his way back up to the top. Paul looks at Dylan in desperation and, after several long moments, Dylan offers a hand to Paul and hauls him to safety. As Paul catches his breath he looks at Dylan and wonders why he saved him. Dylan explains that he was saving himself rather than Paul and points out that he feels Paul will destroy himself pushing all of his loved ones away until he is left to grow old bitter and alone.

Ringo continues to embrace his friendship with Lolly, unaware that his kindness is stirring feelings in his companion. The pair take on the Erinborough High blogzine. The pair settle down by the number 24 pool and read the agony aunt submission. Ringo seizes on one from “the invisible woman” who asks for advice on what to do about letting a boy, who is unaware of her existence, know she is in love with him. Lolly asks Ringo how he would respond to some stranger suddenly presenting their interest with a kiss. His response that he’d be stoked gives Lolly courage and she leans over and kisses him lightly on the cheek. His look of surprise sees Lolly running from him, muttering apologies as she flees. She looks for Rosetta and makes use of Rosie’s offer of a ear to chew. Lolly explains about the situation with Ringo. Rosetta sympathises but she encourages Lolly to focus on school work rather than boys. At Lolly’s scepticism Rosetta explains that men come and go whereas a strong education like hers allows you to be independent and sets you up for life.

Elle continues to lead Oliver along whilst leaning on Ned for friendship and support. Oliver remains completely oblivious to Elle’s schemes, believing her to be honest compared to Carmella. His cold attitude towards Carmella sees him fall out of favour with both Rosetta and Pepper. Their choice comments whenever he is around them leads him to fire back, pointing out the poor way in which Rosetta has been treating Frazer. His tantrum only serves to unite them further and Pepper finds herself proving her believe that Oliver is moving on with Elle as she spies the pair kissing in the front room of number 22 whilst she was looking for Paul. Carmella attempts to remain positive about her possible future with Oliver. His attitude throws her but his genuine enthusiasm at Carmella’s attempts to cook caramel slice, one of his favourites, sees him talking to her again. Rosetta is sceptical of Oliver and Carmella discovers the truth as Pepper tells her about the kiss she saw. Carmella realises that it is finally over and confronts Elle immediately, letting her friend know of her anger by thrusting a plate of caramel slice into Elle’s face. A shocked Elle retreats to Ned. Whilst she continues to try and put a brave face on, Ned’s offer of running away together to escape Paul’s grip and start afresh appears to appeal to Elle.