Episode 5186

Episode Title: For All Tents And Purposes
Episode Number: 5186
Australian air date: Monday 9th April 2007
UK air date:
Writer: John Hanlon
Director: Tony Osicka
Quotes: None.
Guests: Martin Tilson (Tony Porter), Sen. Sgt. Allan Steiger (Joe Clements), Jessica Wright (Anabelle Lynch).

  

Steiger gets involved as Pepper follows the offer of a meeting with Kevin at Ansens Corner. Pepper wears a wire and stands apart from a children’s party which is taking place in the grassy area where she has been told to wait. Steiger watches her through binoculars in an unmarked police car. He guides Pepper as she waits, loosing contact with her for several moments as a young girl approaches Pepper from behind. The girl asks if she is Pepper Steiger and hands over a small present when Pepper says she is. Steiger rushes to Peppers side telling her not to open the gift until he is with her. Steiger unwraps the present and shakes it to ensure there is nothing sinister inside. It is weightless and it is opened to reveal a single folded piece of paper. Pepper opens it and explains that it is a love letter she had written to Kevin when they were dating. She doesn’t give it to Steiger to read, but recounts the childish fanciful words in her head. The pair head back to Steiger’s car where he tells Pepper that the stalking is a serious problem and should be treated as a criminal matter. He takes Pepper down to the police station to get a statement so an effort can be made to catch Kevin. Later they return to number 30 and but stop short as the front door is unlocked. A baby’s cries are heard from within. Steiger pushes Pepper to one side and burst through the front door. The noise is coming from an elaborate baby carrier left on the number 30 sofa. Steiger and Pepper move closer to find the carrier empty aside from a tape player from where the baby noises are originating and a note. The note is comprised of cut out magazine type as all the other communications from Kevin have been. It points out Kevin’s unhappiness over Steiger’s presence ruining the meeting earlier that day and that Pepper will be “burned” if such complications arise again.

Sky alienates her friend and family as she spreads word about Terrance. Whilst Harold’s fears about the spiritualist have lessened, Susan and Janelle grow concerned as they hear Sky telling Bree and Rachel that she has talked to Stingray through Terrance. Bree and Rachel remain sceptical of Sky’s claims, however her genuine enthusiasm and continued belief sees them agree to join Sky as she meets with Terrance. Sky encourages Rachel and Bree to go without the permission of Susan and Janelle despite Harold insisting that consent is given. Harold struggles to believe that Sky would willingly lead Rachel and Bree astray but Susan and Janelle catch her in the act as she leads both Rachel and Bree to the local park where she is meeting Terrance. Susan and Janelle confront the three of them and get Rachel and Bree to return home with them before meeting Terrance.

Ringo continues to live at the local allotment in the tent which Lolly pitched for him. She brings him food which she takes from the fridges in number 28 and 24 and even organises a shower kit so he can clean himself. Her closeness to Ringo creates a degree of separation with Rachel which is further widened by Lolly’s vocal dissent against the idea of the spiritualist helping contact Stingray. Later, when they are alone, Zeke points out that Lolly’s interest in Ringo extends into a desire for a relationship. Lolly tries to laugh this off but his words appear to ring true. Ringo remains oblivious to Lolly’s desires and continues to treat her as a friend. He asks her to invite Rachel to join him in the evening for a night sat around his small campfire under the stars. Lolly agrees to do him the favour but she hesitates near the door of number 28 and walks away with a smile on her face as she hears raised voices inside.

Susan has her interview for the job of principle of Erinsborough High. She is on edge and finds herself being accompanied by Janelle who offers to drive her to the interview after admitting that she doesn’t feel like being left alone at the moment. The interview appears to go well though Janelle barges in half way through and attempts to suggest that Susan is the ideal candidate under the guise of a concerned parent. Her plan is quickly foiled by one of the three interviewers who notes that he saw Janelle arrive with Susan. The reason for Susan’s edginess is speculated by Rachel later. As the pair argue over Susan dragging Rachel away from meeting Terrance, she suggest that Susan is upset over the lack of contact from Karl. He has been in London for over 24 hours and has yet to ring Susan to let her know what is going on.