Summer Bay, Australia – September 12, 2019 – This week’s instalment of Channel Seven’s iconic soap opera, Home and Away Episode 170, delivered an emotionally charged hour, weaving together poignant goodbyes, startling family revelations, and a long-awaited breakthrough in a high-stakes criminal investigation. As the sun set on Summer Bay, viewers were treated to a powerful exploration of forgiveness, the complexities of mental health, and the bittersweet nature of life’s evolving chapters.
A Quiet Exit: Raffy Morrison Bids Adieu
The episode opened with an air of poignant anticipation surrounding the impending departure of Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble), a character who has navigated profound trauma and found solace within the Bay. Raffy’s decision to leave for Melbourne, pursuing a new life beyond the familiar shores of Summer Bay, cast a discernible shadow over those closest to her. Her pseudo-parents, the ever-supportive Marilyn (Emily Symons) and John Palmer (Shane Withington), grappled with the quiet ache of an emptying nest, while Dean Thompson (Patrick O’Connor), her loyal confidant and surfing buddy, struggled to conceal his sadness. “I’ve never known Summer Bay without you,” Dean admitted, his words echoing the sentiment of many viewers who have watched Raffy grow from a troubled teenager into a resilient young woman.
Despite the emotional weight of her farewells, Raffy chose to slip away in the quiet of the night, sparing herself and her loved ones the pain of a direct, tearful goodbye. Her departure, however, was not without a final, deeply touching gesture. A letter, penned by Raffy and discovered by a heartbroken Marilyn and John, offered a raw, unfiltered glimpse into her emotional landscape. “The truth is, the thought of leaving you both hurts me so much, and I couldn’t bear to do it in person,” her poignant words read, immediately cutting through any misunderstanding about her silent exit.
The letter was a heartfelt testament to the unwavering love and stability the Palmers had provided. Raffy recounted how they had taken her in “like a daughter,” making her feel “special even with all my flaws and my problems,” not out of obligation, but “’cause you chose to.” It was a powerful validation of their unconditional support, a deeply personal acknowledgement of the profound impact they had on her life during its hardest times. Raffy’s departure marks a significant turning point, closing a chapter on her tumultuous yet ultimately hopeful journey in Summer Bay. Her legacy of resilience, coupled with the unique bond she forged with the Palmers, will undoubtedly leave a lasting void in the lives of her surrogate family and the broader community. The message also contained a touch of Raffy’s signature spirit, reminding Marilyn of her positivity and John of his jokes, with a hope they would visit soon before she missed them too much, ensuring her departure was bittersweet but hopeful.
Dean’s Reckoning: The Truth About Karen’s Struggles
Meanwhile, the episode plunged into a deeply personal and often agonizing storyline for Dean Thompson, as his volatile relationship with his mother, Karen (Georgia Adamson), reached a dramatic inflection point. Karen, still navigating her tumultuous return to Summer Bay after a long hospitalisation, was attempting to secure a job at the Surf Club. Her efforts, however, were plagued by erratic behaviour – a spilled drink, disoriented moments, and ultimately, a frightening blackout – which immediately triggered Dean’s deeply ingrained cynicism.
For years, Dean has grappled with his mother’s unpredictable mental health struggles, which have manifested in various chaotic outbursts and what he has always perceived as manipulative “victim routines.” His initial reaction to Karen’s struggles was one of weary resignation: “It’s the same thing every time, she loses her temper, and then when she realises that she’s taking things a step too far, she pulls a stunt so everyone feels sorry for her.” This deeply rooted belief, a defence mechanism forged from a lifetime of witnessing his mother’s struggles and instability, prevented him from seeing beyond his own pain and into her genuine distress.
However, Dean’s girlfriend, Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman), emerged as the unlikely catalyst for a seismic shift in this fractured dynamic. Possessing a fresh perspective and an unwavering empathy for Karen, Ziggy refused to accept Dean’s dismissive stance. Driven by a desire to understand, she sought out Dr. Alex Neil (Zoe Ventoura) for a candid conversation about Karen’s prescribed medication. The subsequent revelation was nothing short of a turning point that unravelled years of misunderstanding and unspoken pain.
Dr. Neil, upholding her professional duty while providing crucial context, explained the profound and potentially severe side effects associated with medication for conditions like Karen’s. She detailed a litany of involuntary symptoms: “anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision, tremors in the hands… nausea, and even blackouts.” The clinical explanation painted a stark, undeniable picture of Karen’s genuine battle, directly correlating with every troubling symptom she had exhibited. The spilled drink, the sudden collapse – they were not deliberate acts of manipulation, but involuntary physical manifestations of her medical state, amplified by the stress of adjusting to the outside world after a controlled hospital environment.
Armed with this damning truth, Ziggy confronted Dean, systematically dismantling his preconceived notions. The weight of his past judgments, the years of believing his mother was simply “acting,” crashed down on him as he slowly, agonizingly, processed the harsh reality. His mother wasn’t manipulating him; she was battling an unseen enemy, compounded by the very medicine meant to help her. The subsequent apology from Dean was one of the episode’s most raw and emotionally resonant moments. “Mom, don’t leave me alone,” he pleaded, his voice thick with regret and newfound understanding. “I’ve been an idiot… I found out about your medication.”
Karen, too, allowed herself a rare moment of vulnerability, confessing her own struggles with feeling like a “burden” on her son, especially given his burgeoning success. The cathartic scene saw mother and son finally break through years of emotional walls, beginning a fragile but vital journey towards understanding and forgiveness. Dean and Ziggy’s decision to cancel their night out, opting instead to stay home and support Karen as she fumbled with a broken door, symbolised this powerful shift. It was a clear demonstration of Dean choosing compassion and presence over his deeply ingrained skepticism, a significant and hopeful step in their complex, fractured relationship.
A New Horizon for Karen
Despite the tumultuous events, the episode concluded with a glimmer of hope for Karen. Fueled by her newfound understanding and the palpable support from Dean and Ziggy, she managed to secure a full-time position at the Rifton Lakes Leagues Club. This job, strategically placed in the kitchen, offers her a stable environment away from direct customer interaction, which she openly confessed was a relief. Her infectious excitement about this new chapter signalled a potential for long-term stability that has long eluded her. In a moment of unexpected warmth and perhaps a hint of subtle wisdom, Karen also gave her “full permission” for Dean to pursue his relationship with Mackenzie Booth (Penny McNamee), indicating a growing acceptance of his personal life and a genuine desire for his happiness. This development offers a hopeful trajectory for Karen, suggesting that with the right support and environment, she can indeed find her footing and contribute positively.
Robbo’s Breakthrough and Willow’s Patient Wait
Elsewhere in Summer Bay, the looming threat over Robbo (Jake Ryan) and Jasmine Delaney’s (Sam Frost) lives, stemming from the witness protection storyline, saw a dramatic, albeit indirect, breakthrough. Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), perpetually caught in the crossfire of her commitment to Robbo and her burgeoning, yet hesitant, relationship with Dr. Alex Neil, continued to navigate a delicate balance. Her frustration with Alex’s cautious approach – waiting for Robbo’s case to conclude before fully committing to their relationship – was palpable. Willow felt as though her affections were “annoying” Alex, trapped in a holding pattern.
However, a sudden, game-changing phone call to Robbo from the AFP (Australian Federal Police) shattered the agonizing stasis. The news was monumental: “The AFP have arrested someone in Indonesia that they think is responsible for putting bombs in my boards.” While the full legal ramifications are yet to be seen, this development is a colossal step towards Robbo’s potential freedom and the dismantling of the criminal enterprise that has terrorized his and Jasmine’s lives. For Willow, this news offers a renewed sense of hope, not only for her friends’ safety but also for the possibility of a less complicated future with Alex. The resolution of Robbo’s case could finally lift the heavy burden that has hung over their heads, allowing for love and normalcy to flourish in their corner of the Bay.
Looking Ahead: New Conflicts Brew
Episode 170 of Home and Away was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, weaving together threads of departure, profound revelation, and the promise of redemption. Raffy’s bittersweet exit reminded viewers of the transient nature of life in Summer Bay, while Karen’s journey from misunderstood struggle to hopeful new beginnings showcased the profound impact of empathy and forgiveness. The tantalizing hint of Robbo’s impending freedom sets the stage for future developments, promising a shift in the long-running saga.
As Summer Bay navigates these seismic changes, the episode underscores the enduring power of family, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next wave of drama to wash ashore. The “Next Time On” preview teased further turmoil, with Tommy launching a civil case against Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), hinting that while some chapters close, new, equally intense conflicts are always on the horizon in the ever-unpredictable world of Home and Away.
