Ben and Emma are both nervously looking forward to their first date. When Carbo and Retta return from the honeymoon from hell, Ben and Emma head out to a restaurant and enjoy a perfect evening.

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.

Nathan faces a life-changing moment of truth - the operation to donate a kidney to beloved grandmother Chel. With only three days to go until the transplant procedure, Chel's need to put her affairs in order inspires Nathan to write letters to his family, in case he does not survive the operation. However when it comes to writing to grandfather Tom, Nathan struggles to find the words - and resolves to visit him in prison against Dave's wishes. Meanwhile, Ben reacts badly to Nathan's letter writing scheme - anxiety and concern for his brother manifesting as irritation. Melissa calls Ben on this behaviour, and Ben makes his peace with Nathan before the big operation. Despite his fears, the operation proves successful for Nathan and Chel - and he asks Ben to destroy the letters he wrote for the family - but not before Rachel sneakily reads hers and is deeply touched by the sentiment. Dave likewise is touched by the revelation of flowers sent from Tom for Nathan and Chel - and he vows to give his father a second chance. Meanwhile Carbo's "twitching" date with Solar Panel agent Amy proves to be a disaster. Undaunted he vows to continue the hunt for a wife.

Rachel wrestles with the potentially relationship-wrecking pitfalls of getting everything you want - particularly when truth is number one on the wish-list. Guilt-ridden about invading Coby's private garage space, Rachel compounds her sin by inadvertently offering his artwork as part of an advertising campaign. Under the pump from pushy boss Paul (MARTIN LYNES), Rachel is forced to admit to Coby the truth - she's seen his art. Feeling betrayed, Coby immediately sets about destroying it as Rachel understands how deeply she's hurt him. Hiding his hurt behind forced party-mode, Coby organises an impromptu birthday bash for himself, inviting the Rafter regulars and his bogan mates from Coolong and generally regressing all around. But Rachel suspects Coby's act is actually a mask for his pain. Will she ever be able to regain his trust again? Rachel's also having honesty issues with Jake, who's being vague about his reasons for quitting rugby. Things come to a head at Coby's party, when the police come to take Jake away for questioning. Upon his return, Jake reveals he's been charged with attempted sexual assault, strongly asserting his innocence. Rachel is reeling. Why would Jake have kept the dramatic events of his rugby weekend a secret so long? And how can their relationship survive such a grievous breach of trust? Meanwhile, Carbo and Retta continue to suffer as Rita (DINA PANOZZO) descends further into loneliness, driving her neighbours mad with dirge-like Greek folk music. Nathan can't bear it, spending the majority of his time complaining to Dave and Julie about his living conditions. At wit's end, Retta turns to Julie for advice, unwittingly sending Rita on a brief foray into the world of internet dating - much to Carbo's horror. Eventually a heart to heart with Julie helps Rita move beyond her impasse and relative peace returns to the Karandonis house. A vacancy at the local child care centre sends Ruby's baby-sitters Ben and Ted into a spin, and they become locked in a comic competition to prove their baby-sitting worth. Julie's torn, and Dave reminds his wife she's always wanted more time on their hands - but is this another case of being 'careful what you wish for...'?

With an expanding business, new premises and a new employee, Dave has high hopes indeed. But it seems what Dave considers chivalry, Frankie considers sexism. Coby too is having trouble adjusting to his new workmate. But is his disapproval masking deeper feelings? Despite his increasingly close relationship with Emma, Ben still hasnt invited her to stay the night - another bridge to cross in his grieving process for Mel. But an unexpected event helps to give him a push.But in the morning Ben doesnt feel the peace he was hoping for, prompting him to come up with a new solution.

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?

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.

Everybody is up in arms about Tom's disappearance with the insurance money. Coby is particularly gutted, secretly blaming himself for not being honest with the Rafters about Tom's part in the worksite robberies.

Dave's increasingly exhausted as the demands of his new job take their toll, and for the first time in his life he forgets his anniversary. Julie convinces Dave that his exhaustion is a sign...

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'!

The Rafter family say an emotional farewell to Melissa. Dave is determined to shelve his own battle with depression, but as tensions build, he finds himself exploding inappropriately in anger. Julie convinces Dave to go to counselling while Chel, who has not been around to witness the changes in him, returns home to comfort her son. Tom has a second agenda, and despite Coby's attempt to keep him at arm's length, Coby realises he can't escape his grandfather's reach that easily.

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.

Julie's new friendship with Donna is tested when she discovers that Donna suffers from OCD

Coby is particularly gutted, secretly blaming himself for not being honest with the Rafters about Tom's part in the worksite robberies.

Dave and Julie discover how one inexplicable chain of events can almost end in disaster. Dave is alone with Ruby when he gets a call requiring his presence back on site. With no babysitter, Dave takes Ruby with him and enlists Coby to look after her. For a brief moment Coby takes his eyes off Ruby and she wanders into the building site. Panic sets in when Dave discovers she's locked herself in a room with a dangerous drop. Will they get to her before it's too late? Meanwhile, Ben is doing his best to take things slowly with Emma, but Carbo makes his disapproval known after having witnessed Ben and Emma's kiss.

When Carbo begins sleepwalking due to wedding stress, Ben must truly become the Best Man and save the day - but in the process realises he's been sleepwalking himself by ignoring his true feelings for Emma.

Julie receives a surprise invitation from the charming editor of a local paper Adam Goodman - an offer that will ultimately send her into uncharted waters but is she ready to say yes? After interviewing two male sparkies, Dave is stunned when an attractive woman arrives for the interview. Coby arrives home from overseas, having cut short his trip, only to discover in his absence that Matt has moved into the house with Jake. Meanwhile, Ted continues to bond with Cooper. But a disturbing encounter jeopardises not only their relationship, but Teds reputation. Meanwhile, Emma takes tentative steps to claim more of a place for herself in her relationship with Ben, and is relieved when he finally removes his wedding ring. But how much has Ben really moved on?

Julie has high hopes as she prepares for Nathan's homecoming - but Ted's worsening condition threatens to burst her bubble.

Friends and family gather to say farewell to everyone's favourite family. But before they say goodbye, some familiar faces reappear and the news of a pregnancy is extra cause for celebration.

Rachel gets back into the dating game. Encouraged by her best friend Libby, Rachel reluctantly agrees to be set up on a blind date. After they literally run into a gorgeous, crude rugby player – Jake – at the park, Rachel is even more determined to date the perfect man, and gives Libby an impossible checklist of necessary qualities her date must possess. Libby comes up with the goods in the form of handsome, successful, well travelled Marcus but the date is a disaster. Rachel’s mood isn’t helped by constantly running into the crude Jake. Undeterred, Libby tries again with the charming, fun and cute Ritchie – but he comes with his own set of issues. It’s a case of third time lucky when Libby persuades Rachel to date one more guy – Max – who turns out to be short, overweight…and fascinating. However, Rachel gets a shock when Max turns her down gently – he only wants to date girls with red hair! Realising that she is being taught a lesson, Rachel decides to embrace whatever the universe offers her – no more lists. But the last thing she expects to discover is that Jake is Dave’s new electrician. What is the universe offering Rachel and will she take it? Ben’s determined to win the job of manager at the boat club. He goes to the interview and meets Fergus, his rival for the position. Derek their boss gives them a challenge – one slow night each to turn a decent profit. Who’ll get the job? Nathan has started his new job as a suburban real estate agent. However, he’s stunned when his boss Tim relegates him to a very junior role. All his attempts to prove himself fall on dead ears – so Nathan decides to take a gamble on a client without telling Tim. Will Nathan blow it?

Ben’s troubles begin when he inadvertently stumbles on Rachel taking artistic pregnancy photos of a naked Julie. Given the mainly positive reactions to the photos, Julie decides to celebrate her changing body by putting an enormous copy of a nude photo smack bang in the middle of the lounge-room. Dave’s growing attachment to Ben and Melissa’s dog continues to puzzle those around him. Only Julie knows the truth: the dog has provoked the recollection of a traumatic incident in his past. So when the dog is badly injured in a car accident, Dave breaks down in front of Ben. However the dog proves not to be the only link to his past when Dave’s original birth certificate finally arrives – is Dave ready for the answers he’s been seeking? Rachel and Jake take their newfound relationship a step further when Jake shares a family dinner with the Rafters. Ted and Dave assume that Jake won’t be able to cope with the naked photo of Julie – but Jake scores himself major brownie points by admiring the artwork. Encouraged by his maturity, Rachel tells Jakes some home truths about her past – including her sex tape. Will it scare him off? Meanwhile, Ben’s relationship with Melissa is put to the test when a series of misunderstandings causes him to think she is cheating on him. Her anger and betrayal prompts Ben to take a good hard look at their relationship. The result? To propose marriage. But does Melissa want to marry Ben?

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!

Ted returns from with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family. Due to work and money pressures, Julie and Dave are snapping at each other and Julie seeks respite in light conversation with Hamish, one of her friends from mothers' group. Concerned by Julie's fond talk of Hamish and Dave's solitary midnight visits to his shed, Ted reminds Dave not to forget the important things in life. Next morning, Dave acts on Ted's advice, and he and Julie set off together for a much-needed afternoon off. But their time together is cut short by a call from the police, investigating a second robbery at Dave's work-site. Although Dave is not accused of anything, the coincidence persuades his builder boss to let him go, and Dave takes his pent-up frustration out on Coby, pretty much accusing him of being the thief on the basis of Ted's revelation that Coby's been lying about where he's been living. Nathan, however, is able to assure Dave that Coby was hanging at the Karandonis house with him the previous night. But alone with Coby, Nathan can't help but wonder whether Coby's arrival with beers was merely to create an alibi. His lack of trust, and Coby's growing guilt, cause Coby to lash out - will the Rafters ever give him a break? However, just as Hamish declares his feelings for Julie, both she, and Coby, are given a timely wake-up call. Dave, working too hard, micro-sleeps at the wheel of his van. Shaken by Dave's near-miss, Coby visits Tom in prison to tell him he no longer wants to exploit the Rafters' goodwill. However, Tom isn't going to let Coby off the hook that easily and turns up the heat. Will Coby buckle to Tom's will? Meanwhile, to the consternation of his flatmates, Carbo is totally besotted by the irrepressible Retta and valiantly trying to go along with her no-sex rule. Driven spare by their comic antics, Ben takes Carbo aside and tells him he has to make a decision about their future together. Carbo agrees and relieved Ben assumes he's going to end the relationship. However, to Ben's dismay, Carbo decides to take things in an unexpected direction!

Rachel takes a crash course in remembering to breathe as she juggles a toxic workplace and an estranged boyfriend. Something's got to give... Desperate to see each other, Jake arrives in the middle of the night with a gift for Rachel. But once again their issues flare and they fight bitterly. Jake storms off, leaving the gift in the front yard. Keen to put the tension with Liam behind her, Rachel works tirelessly to work one of Liam's ideas up and make it presentable. But when the pitch falls flat, instead of backing Rachel up as planned, Liam shows his true colours once again and kicks teamwork to the kerb. Rachel's life seems to be out of control. Finally opening the present Jake bought her, Rachel realises that Jake truly respects her ambitions, and that she's misjudged him. It spurs her on to bring up the lack of team support with her boss, Paul. Paul dismisses Rachel's concerns, suggesting she focus on the positive and move on. Suddenly Rachel realises she has a choice. Will love triumph? Or is it too late to salvage her relationship? Dave too is taking a crash course in remembering to stop and breathe. A welcome distraction arrives when Julie wins a phone-in radio competition - tickets to see Eric Clapton in concert, plus all expenses paid overnight accommodation at a very ritzy hotel. But Dave can't seem to fully enjoy it, finally admitting to Julie he's been suffering from a nagging but inexplicable malaise. Julie's worried for her husband. Could Dave be suffering from depression? Meanwhile, Melissa and Ben are still trying, unsuccessfully, to conceive. Retta inadvertently fuels Ben's anxiety by questioning his fertility. He manages to persuade Melissa to pull a favour at work to get his sperm tested and the situation is fraught with comic embarrassment for both of them. Will Ben's "swimmers" come up gold? Also tonight, Nathan finds a way to help Coby face the challenge of learning to write. In the process, Coby reveals some of his deeply guarded past.

The comic rivalry between Ted and Tom continues. Ted's convinced Tom isn't looking for work at all, instead sneaking off to spend time with an unknown lady friend.