Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 17

Spark of Life

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!