Len and Joycie get jolted off their couch and into their backyard by a massive earthquake. They realise that their young neighbours are unexpectedly helpful. However, unsavoury element lurk amongst the chaos.

Ginny does not realise that a lethal earthquake will show fractures in her family that she cannot ignore, Joycie fears for Len in Lyttelton, and Monee believes that the earthquake means freedom.

Ryan lives in his car outside his liquefied dream home, Joycie becomes camp mother to inner-city waifs and strays, and Jonty's desperation rises to get to his office through the closed red zone cordon.

Ryan ends up living in his car, Joycie takes care of inner-city waifs and strays, and Jonty wants to get to his office through the closed red zone cordon.

Len and Joycie decide to break the abuse cycle that has Monee in its grip. They also deal with the consequences of a TV interview in which Len has disclosed too much, Dwayne displays some surprising skills, and Ryan realises the truth about Greggo.

Joycie ends up losing her job caring for Aunt Dorothy because of her honesty, Len attempts to make amends by hosting a party, Ginny makes an important deal with Monee and bids for her own freedom, and Ryan's isolation takes him to the brink.