Packed to the Rafters Season 3 Episode 7

Simple Needs

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.