Packed to the Rafters

Episode one is narrated from the point of view of Julie, one of two lynchpins of the Rafter family. The episode is focused around the 25th wedding anniversary of Julie and Dave, as their last child moves out and they look forward to a new life together, as empty-nesters.

Narrated from the perspective of the Rafters’ middle son, Ben, the episode focuses on the dramatic and comic repercussions of his move next door to live with his best made Carbo, the shift in household dynamics as their new house-mate nurse Melissa joins them there, and the on-going tensions for Julie and Dave of having back under their roof their daughter Rachel, son Nathan and his new wife Sammy, and Julie’s father Ted – all dealing with problems of their own.

Ben deals with the repercussions of his move next door and the shift in household dynamics as their new house-mate Melissa joins them there.

Narrated from the perspective of Nathan Rafter, the episode gives an insight into the workings of his personality, his softer, more fun side, his devotion to his new wife Sammy, the history of their relationship.

Julie Rafter takes up the baton of narration in an episode which turns the microscope on the ways in which – sometimes out of an exaggerated sense of protectiveness of your partner’s feelings – the lines of communication normally open between a strongly-bonded couple can shut down in difficult circumstances and lead to eruptions of tension and fear.

Narrated from the perspective of Rachel, the episode focuses on the aftermath of her sex video being emailed around, when Rachel discovers that Ted has decided to move out of the Rafter house due to having seen the sordid video.