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The Best Episodes of Packed to the Rafters

Every episode of Packed to the Rafters ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Packed to the Rafters!

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Packed to the Rafters is an Australian family-oriented television series which premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 8:30 pm. The show has continued on Tuesdays in this timeslot for its

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Packed to the Rafters Season 2 Episode 19 - A Small, Traditional Affair
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - A Small, Traditional Affair

    S2:E19

    Ben begins to bow under pressure as his wedding day fast approaches, thanks to a chance meeting with Kat and the arrival of Melissa’s overbearing parents. At the bucks night, Ben is having a fantastic time until the stripper Carbo has organised arrives. It turns out to be Kat, the woman he slept with and who came between him and Melissa. She questions why Melissa would want to marry someone who’s just the manager of a Boat Club – something that, deep down, Ben has often wondered himself. Ben is shaken by her words. His feeling of pressure increases with the surprise early arrival of Melissa parents, Linda and Pat. It becomes increasingly clear that Pat thinks Ben isn’t good enough for his daughter – he has no ambition, no drive, no plans for the future. Ben panics and, on the morning of their wedding day, disappears. The Rafters throw themselves into finding Ben and hiding the news from Melissa. Will they be able to track him down before the bride finds out?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 2 - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning

    S3:E2

    Julie's confidence as a mum takes a beating when baby Ruby resists Julie's attempts to breastfeed. Exhausted by lack of sleep, Julie eventually admits defeat - and in doing so, discovers surrender can lead to breakthrough. Newly single Nathan hits the town with Carbo, and Ben can't help feeling on the outer. It becomes apparent heartbroken Nathan is merely going through the motions and the brothers reconnect over consolation drinks. Jake's confronted by the dating scene too when his mum begins seeing someone, forcing Rachel to give him a serve for his over-protectiveness. Mel's loyalty is tested when she runs into Sammy, who begs her not to tell Nathan she's still in town

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 4 - A Good Husband
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - A Good Husband

    S3:E4

    Love is in the air, with Ben plagued with unexpected doubts about his ability in the sack, while a miscommunication between Dave and Julie in the bedroom department sends her into a frenzy of frustration. Ben's basking in the joys of married life when he hears those words every husband dreads - 'not tonight dear, I've got a headache'. Terrified the honeymoon is over, he embarks on a mission to sweep Melissa off her feet. But all of his attempts at rekindling romance are thwarted by Melissa's concern for Sammy, who seems to be spiralling deeper into depression. When Ben shelves his plans to come to Sammy's rescue, Melissa's reminded how amazing her husband is, and his compassion acts as the aphrodisiac he's been searching for. They hurry for the bedroom, only to find Carbo has organised a retro romantic surprise of his own - with unexpected results! Meanwhile Dave struggles with a sexual issue of a different kind - an embarrassing 'stirring' downstairs while on a job at the boat club. It's the result of months of enforced celibacy due to the new baby, coupled with a photo shoot of swimwear models. Julie's more than keen to resume intimacy but Dave seems strangely reticent. To Dave's embarrassment, Julie shares her frustration during a public outburst at a family luncheon, fuelled by a half- glass of wine. After a series of misunderstandings, Dave finally throws Julie on the bed in a rush of red-blooded abandon - the rest of the house can buy earplugs! While Ben and Dave grapple with the concept of being a good husband, Jake's wrestling with the idea of being a good son. He finally meets Grace's new boyfriend, Doug, and is determined to dislike him from the outset. Needing to escape the situation, Jake comes up with a surprising solution - one that delights Rachel!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 7 - Simple Needs
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Simple Needs

    S3:E7

    Julie is forced to expand her inevitable focus on the needs of her new baby to include the more complex needs of the other members of her family. Julie has been uncharacteristically disconnected from the daily ups and downs of her family, focussing entirely on baby Ruby. But when Dave reveals the crushing news that he has been rejected as a kidney donor, Julie forces herself to re-engage – especially when she discovers the medical reasons why Dave has been rejected. Nathan has his own crushing news to deal with when Ben and Melissa reveal that wife Sammy never went to London and is ready and strong enough now to reconnect with the Rafters, and meet baby Ruby, all the while conceding that there is no future for her and Nathan. Initially angry at the deception, Nathan has his own secret – he has taken the first steps towards testing as a potential kidney donor, against his parents' – and Chel's – express wishes. The maturity and sensitivity he ultimately shows in dealing with Sammy's request, and his stoic acceptance that their marriage really is over, makes Julie rethink her position, and she convinces Chel that she will not stand in the way of her adult son taking the next step towards donation. Rachel is struggling with deep-buried jealousy towards baby sister Ruby taking all their parents' attention. An amused Jake calls her on it – and despite her denials, the truth rises. Rachel has always been Daddy's Princess – his little girl – and as much as it's ridiculous, she can't help but regret no longer having an exclusive claim to the title. When Carbo's attempts to discourage his teenage stalker Georgia fail, he panics over the potentially serious consequences of their internet flirtation – especially if the police get involved. With nowhere else to turn, Ben brings in the big guns, asking for Julie's help in persuading Georgia that this relationship can never be.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 13 - Live and Let Live
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #5 - Live and Let Live

    S3:E13

    Julie explores the principle of "live and let live" as she and others struggle to implement the philosophy in various areas of their lives. A possum has taken up residence in the Rafter roof, keeping the family up at night with its nocturnal activities. Julie finds herself caught between gung-ho Ted, keen to move the blighter on, and softy Rachel, who reminds everyone that the possum was actually here before they were. Julie's more interested in the idea of "sleep and let sleep" and finds her intolerance towards the unwanted guest increases in direct response to her sleep deprivation. Meanwhile, Nathan and Chel are both enjoying a new lease of life, despite still being in hospital. Freed of dialysis, Chel's ready to embrace life to the full, and Nathan encourages her to go travelling again when she's fully recovered. But Ted reacts strongly to Chel's plans, only to get a scalding dose of "live and let live" from irate Nathan. Chel's newfound energy and willingness to start afresh encourage Dave to examine his unfinished business with his father. He visits Tom in prison, taking Julie and Ruby along to meet him. Julie is thrown by the experience and she and Tom get off on the wrong foot. Her suspicions aren't helped when Tom asks a favour of Dave, asking him to check out any employment opportunities for grandson Coby. When Jake offers his resignation, feeling like a burden on the business, Dave comes up with a surprising solution - one that not only serves Tom's requests, resolves Jake's issues, but gives Coby a chance at a job working with Dave as Jake's driver. Julie is forced to put aside her suspicions for now. Meanwhile, Rachel is enjoying the last few days of freedom before starting her new job at EMB. But her heart sinks when she's asked to come up with a few ideas for a new account prior to starting work - for another men's deodorant! Suffering major brain-freeze, Rachel procrastinates by badgering Dave to arrange a visit to meet Tom, dragging Ben along for the ride. She finds the experience deeply troubling. But can she overcome her discomfort to use the insight into prison life to her advantage? Still searching for "The One", Carbo is excited about his date with Erin. But there's some serious crossed wires in play, with Carbo unaware he's been actually been set up with Erin's gay flatmate - the ultimate test in 'live and let live'!

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 18 - Between the Covers
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #6 - Between the Covers

    S3:E18

    A wild night in Kings Cross teaches Nathan not to judge a book by its cover. Nathan's journey begins with a surprising revelation - he's enjoying reading "Pride and Prejudice." The novel's themes resonate with him when he makes the mistake of judging Coby's new living arrangements. Nathan builds bridges by inviting Coby for a night out in Kings Cross - and is surprised when Coby proves to be naive when it comes to life in the big city. Nathan's assumptions are challenged again when Coby meets a flirty, rocker-chick Laura - who turns out to drive a Porsche, owned by her rich daddy, and gives Coby a luxury watch before a night of passion. But the biggest surprise of all for Nathan is the discovery that he's actually becoming good mates with his cousin Coby - a truly significant step forward. Carbo is making big plans for his proposal to Retta, but Ben is determined to intervene, believing an engagement is only a means to circumvent their pact of celibacy. However, when all tactics to discourage Carbo fail, it's Retta who steps in, having intuited what Carbo's planning and decided that if he's prepared to contemplate a proposal then that's a good enough declaration of his trustworthiness for her. After Carbo overcomes an embarrassing first hurdle, the whole household is forced to endure the couple's belated and enthusiastic consummation of their love. Rachel's deal with Liam to stop playing games and join forces seems to be working, even if their pitch ideas for a sports drink aren't. Forced to cancel a fancy dinner with Jake, Rachel is stunned when he turns up at EMB agency with takeaway - a peace offering to Liam. The night goes well, with Jake even pitching a sports drink idea - until Rachel takes the conciliatory mood too far and confides Jake's epilepsy. Later, after a blazing row, Jake defiantly and against doctor's orders drives off in his ute - is it over for the young lovers?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Packed to the Rafters

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  7. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 20 - Perfect Bubble
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - Perfect Bubble

    S3:E20

    Certain perfect bubbles in the Rafter world all burst in the most unexpected and confronting ways. Newly unemployed Rachel is seeing the world in a new light - as her oyster. But first what she'd love more than anything is a holiday with Jake. Unbeknownst to her, Jake takes the hint and organises time off - but before he can spring the surprise, Rachel gets a phone call from former boss Paul Morgan offering her job back with better perks and more money. For Rachel, the choice is simple - but for Jake, it's a disappointing slap in the face. The world isn't their oyster, it's Rachel's. If their relationship is going to survive, she needs to start considering his future, too. Still resisting any suggestion of depression, Dave throws himself into normality, suggesting a Rafter family dinner and offering Coby an apprenticeship, which Coby is hesitant but touched to accept. However, when it's revealed that the police have finally arrested a fence connected to the site robberies, Coby is forced to face the fact that his involvement will soon be disclosed and the truth and his self-hate emerge drunkenly over dinner. Dave explodes with anger, even scaring Julie with his unhinged vehemence. As Coby tries to own his guilt by turning himself into the police, Dave is forced to confront his own truth - he has a real problem, possibly the depression Julie has mentioned. But is he willing he do anything about it? After proving his "swimmers" are perfectly sound, Ben is even more determined to start a family with beloved wife Melissa, but his world is about to be turned upside down.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 22 - One Day At A Time
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #8 - One Day At A Time

    S3:E22

    With Christmas and Ruby's first birthday fast approaching, the Rafter family struggle to get back on track. Dave is struggling with his own demons. Julie gently convinces him to give therapy another try. Finally able to find the words his therapist's been pushing for, it seems that Dave might finally be starting to address some of his issues. And then when the whole family gathers for Ruby's first birthday and she takes a first tentative step, it seems all could be coming right in the Rafter world. Julie discovers that Coby's apprenticeship papers have arrived. In the spirit of moving on, the Rafters feel that life is too short to hold grudges. Dave speaks to Coby, who promises never to let them down again and Dave renews his offer of an apprenticeship to a grateful nephew.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Packed to the Rafters Season 4 Episode 6 - The Dollhouse
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #9 - The Dollhouse

    S4:E6

    Nathan doesn't have much luck getting attention for his Parts Exchange website, so he makes up some flyers to distribute around the town, with Ben's help - help Ben is all too willing to give when he realises Nathan's business name "Parts Exchange" reads as "Part Sex Change" when run together as a domain name. Nathan is bemused when he receives dodgy emails and phone calls and when he finally realises his mistake, is comically furious with Ben for letting him embarrass himself. Jake risks everything by returning to the scene of the alleged attempted rape to confront Jodi (SARAH SNOOK), hoping he can convince her he is innocent of the charge. Has Jake made the right decision, or will the confrontation land him in more hot water?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Packed to the Rafters Season 4 Episode 7 - Sweet Sorrow
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #10 - Sweet Sorrow

    S4:E7

    Rachel's doubts are intensified as she visits Jake to invite him to her farewell dinner. One thing leads to another and the invitation inevitably turns into a moment of good-bye passion. With Rachel now confused, Nathan convinces her she's made the right decision and she'll regret it forever if she doesn't go. Dave's father, Tom, announces his parole has come through and he's looking forward to spending more time with the family. Rachel tearfully farewells her family and sets off overseas, but Jake takes off in pursuit, determined to catch her, resulting in an emotional roadside exchange between the two lovers.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #11 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 2 - Playing a Googly
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #12 - Playing a Googly

    S1:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 3 - She Ain't Heavy
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #13 - She Ain't Heavy

    S1:E3

    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.

    Director:Pino Amenta
    Writer:Marieke Hardy

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  14. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 4 - How Did We Get Here?
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #14 - How Did We Get Here?

    S1:E4

    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.

    Director:Pino Amenta
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 5 - Lines of Communication
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #15 - Lines of Communication

    S1:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 6 - Facing Demons
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #16 - Facing Demons

    S1:E6

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Marieke Hardy

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  17. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 7 - Self Made Man
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Self Made Man

    S1:E7

    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.

    Director:Pino Amenta
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 8 - Taking the Lead
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #18 - Taking the Lead

    S1:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Marieke Hardy

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  19. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 9 - Suburban Boy
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #19 - Suburban Boy

    S1:E9

    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?

    Director:Pino Amenta
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 10 - All in the Planning
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #20 - All in the Planning

    S1:E10

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 11 - Away From It All
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #21 - Away From It All

    S1:E11

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 12 - Removing the Block
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Removing the Block

    S1:E12

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 13 - Smile Through the Pain
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #23 - Smile Through the Pain

    S1:E13

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 14 - A Mother's Radar
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - A Mother's Radar

    S1:E14

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Packed to the Rafters Season 1 Episode 15 - Natural Justice
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - Natural Justice

    S1:E15

    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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"A Small, Traditional Affair" is the best rated episode of "Packed to the Rafters". It scored 9/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/3/2009. This episode scored 1.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning".