Harper’s quest to connect with her birth family has stirred tension in Summer Bay, leaving Tarn on edge. Harper and Dana grew up in a turbulent household plagued by their parents’ struggles with addiction. Having left home as soon as they could, the sisters haven’t had contact with their parents in over a decade. Yet, Harper’s desire to ensure her son Archie knows his only living grandparent pushes her to search for her estranged mother.

After speaking with Alf about how little he sees his grandchildren, Harper decides it’s important for Archie to have the chance to meet his grandmother. In a daring move, she asks Cash to look up her parents’ names in the police database. Despite fearing he could jeopardize his career, Cash helps Harper find the information she’s seeking. He reveals that her father, Warrick, passed away years ago, while her mother, Carrie, is still alive and has avoided trouble with the law in recent times. Determined to give her mother a second chance, Harper decides to reach out to Carrie, a choice that horrifies Dana.

Carrie’s initial response is cold and distant, replying with a terse, “What do you want?” But Harper remains resolute, hoping to assess whether Carrie is stable enough to have a place in Archie’s life. She leaves Summer Bay to meet her mother for the first time in over ten years, returning convinced that Carrie has changed for the better. Dana, however, remains skeptical, reminding Harper that recovery is a slow process and that their past trauma can’t be erased overnight.

The tension escalates when Harper and Dana argue at home, and Tarn learns about Harper’s visit before she can explain. Furious, Tarn immediately blocks any possibility of Carrie forming a connection with Archie, declaring he will not allow someone unpredictable near his son. Seeking guidance from Cash, Harper tries to reason with Tarn, only to return home to find him and Archie gone. A note left behind simply states: “I’ve taken Archie. He’ll be safe with me.” Though Tarn soon returns Archie unharmed, the incident underscores the dangers of co-parenting without formal legal arrangements. Harper resolves to contact a solicitor to secure custody, signaling the start of a serious custody battle.

Shortly after, Carrie reappears unexpectedly at Harper’s motel room, adding another layer of drama. Dana immediately rebuffs her mother when they encounter each other at the surf club, while Harper reassures both Tarn and Dana that she won’t leave Archie alone with Carrie. Carrie’s surprise return, timed just days before Home and Away’s Australian season finale, hints at her involvement in future conflicts. Her presence is expected to ignite further tension and drama for the co-parenting couple in 2026.

The storyline has provoked strong reactions from fans. Social media erupted after the episode ending with Tarn taking Archie and Harper discovering the note. Many viewers sympathized with Harper, believing she had the right to find her mother and give Archie a chance to connect with his family. Others sided with Tarn, arguing he was protecting Archie from the grandmother who had caused so much pain in the past. Carrie’s sudden arrival without warning left fans both excited and anxious, predicting a turbulent 2026 filled with emotional upheaval. International fan forums have compared this family drama to the iconic Morgan family saga, with hashtags like #TeamHarper and #TeamTarn fueling heated debate.

Producers have revealed that Carrie will play a pivotal role in 2026. She is not returning merely to apologize; instead, her character will bring hidden secrets and behaviors that leave viewers unsure whether to feel sympathy or fear. An insider hinted that Carrie may be concealing important truths about Harper and Dana’s father or have ulterior motives regarding Harper and Archie.

The 2026 season will see Harper and Tarn face their darkest period yet, with the custody battle over Archie intensifying beyond expectations. Harper will make shocking decisions that alter her relationship with Tarn, while Dana will play a key role in uncovering or witnessing events tied to Carrie, thrusting her into the center of the storyline rather than remaining a supporting character. Throughout the year, Archie will remain the focal point, with every conflict, decision, and new character revolving around his safety and well-being.

Producers emphasize that the coming year will challenge the core of family bonds, leaving viewers to question whether love alone is enough to keep a family together. Carrie’s reappearance, Harper’s choices, and the tense co-parenting dynamics all promise a gripping, emotionally charged season of Home and Away, packed with conflict, revelations, and heart-stopping drama.