River City - 28/12/2010

Gabriel shuffles out of his shop, having slept there as usual. He imposes himself over at Michael's, looking for his phone charger but taking the opportunity to raid the fridge at the same time - it's chaotic business as usual at the Brodie house. But a call from the army stops the family dead in their tracks, Leo has been injured and his prognosis is unknown. Leo's situation brings back bad memories of his mother's death to Gabriel, his Achilles heel in terms of his outlook on life. If you don't love anything, own anything, value anything, you don't risk the pain of losing it. Michael and Gabriel fight over Gabriel's flightiness and his seeming lack of concern. As news comes through that Leo is going to live, relief spreads through the Brodie family. While Michael chooses to share the good news with those close to him, Gabriel favours a path of self destruction. He distances himself from Joanne, is leery with Amber and antagonises Fraser to the point of punching him. All this bad behaviour earns Gabriel a slap when Joanne's patience finally snaps. Joanne tears a strip off Gabriel for his poor me excuses and attitude to life. Her words hit home and he finally realises it's time he stopped living a life in fear. As he takes Joanne home for the bells at the Brodie house, we understand Gabriel is starting to grow up. Gina is upset that despite her time away with Murray, there is still distance between them. Seeing his upset over missing his grandson, she blackmails Fraser into getting Sam over for the evening. Fraser is bullied into complying and, whilst tensions are still strong with his wife Eleanor, Murray does get to finally meet his grandson. Gina takes no credit up front but is happy to have helped bring a smile to Murray's face after so much heartache caused by her. Gina sorts out the tensions between Fraser and Eleanor, impressing Murray. Murray agrees that it's time to move on after the affair and look to their future together. Scarlett is recovering from her operation but still in hospital. She demands to be treated normally, keeping spirits up for everyone. She refuses to have them around her bed and orders them to the pub. They comply but the strain on Jimmy finally shows. Molly allows Jimmy a moment of upset before suggesting he man up and take control, which he duly does. Jimmy and Scarlett see in the bells together. Encouraged by a 'seize the day' pep talk from Jimmy, Big Bob takes Iona outside and kisses her. She responds, making Big Bob the happiest man alive. Robbie overhears Deek and Bob debating their third empty bedroom at the flat. In need of a cheaper place to live, Robbie quickly capitalises on this and manipulates his way into being their new flat mate, much to Bob's horror. Raymond and Eileen bring baby Stuart home to a warm welcome in the pub.