Bevan Lee
Director
Packed to the Rafters (2008)
Season 3
The third season of Packed to the Rafters, an Australian drama television series, began airing on 29 June 2010 on the Seven Network. The season concluded on 16 November 2010 after 22 episodes. The third season aired Tuesdays at 8:30 pm in Australia and averaged 1,894,000 viewers. The season was released on DVD as a six disc set under the title of Packed to the Rafters: The Complete Season 3 on 20 April 2011. The third season follows the Rafters as they adjust to life with a new baby and face their toughest test yet, the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. For Julie and Dave, there's the financial stress of being a one-income family, the sense of being pulled in a hundred directions by the needs of their adult children, and the strain placed on their marriage as the stress and exhaustion of caring for a baby takes hold. Rachel, the eldest Rafter child, struggles to find balance between her high-flying new job and her relationship with Jake; Ben, recently and blissfully married to Me
Released Aug. 26, 2008
17+
Keywords: imdb.scolding, imdb.rascal, imdb.oceania, imdb.mother-son-relationship, imdb.mother-daughter-relationship, imdb.husband-wife-relationship, imdb.father-son-relationship + 7 more, imdb.father-daughter-relationship, imdb.family-relationships, imdb.brother-sister-relationship, imdb.brother-brother-relationship, mdblist.ext.2k-blu-ray, imdb.coming-of-age-drama, imdb.sitcom-comedy
Watch Providers: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Tubi TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, ReveelAmazon Prime Video with Ads
Production Companies: Spectrum Films
Network: Seven Network
7.0
S3E1 - The Blank Page
Julie recovers in hospital after the birth of baby Ruby, ruminating on how life is like a blank page at birth, while her adult children experience how blotted that page can become.
Learning that Sammy has left him and determined to salvage his marriage, Nathan tries to track her down, only to discover she seems to have left for London. All fired-up to jump on a plane, he’s finally dissuaded by the arrival of Trish returning Sammy’s wedding rings. Trying to salvage something from the wreckage, Nathan starts decorating his room as a nursery, and announces his intention to move next door to make a new start.
Jake has another fit but he and supportive Rachel must wait for a third before epilepsy is confirmed.
Dave joins the modern world of facebook and Carbo becomes a YouTube sensation with his cheeky wa-wa-wincha thumbs-up.
June 29, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E2 - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
Julie's confidence as a mum takes a beating when baby Ruby resists Julie's attempts to breastfeed. Exhausted by lack of sleep, Julie eventually admits defeat - and in doing so, discovers surrender can lead to breakthrough.
Newly single Nathan hits the town with Carbo, and Ben can't help feeling on the outer. It becomes apparent heartbroken Nathan is merely going through the motions and the brothers reconnect over consolation drinks.
Jake's confronted by the dating scene too when his mum begins seeing someone, forcing Rachel to give him a serve for his over-protectiveness. Mel's loyalty is tested when she runs into Sammy, who begs her not to tell Nathan she's still in town
June 29, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E3 - To Tell Or Not To Tell
Dave's dilemma over whether to reveal that his birth-father is alive leads to a roadtrip to meet his mysterious other family.
With all seemingly at peace in the Rafter house, Dave wrestles whether to tell mother Chel that the love of her life, his father Tom Jennings is alive. With Julie's advice to tread carefully ringing in his ears, Dave decides to make up his own mind on the mysterious Jennings. With Nathan's constant partying weighing on Dave's mind, he decides to kill two birds with one stone and drags his son on a roadtrip to Coolong.
Melissa is finding Sammy's secret increasingly difficult to keep from Ben. Ben jumps to the conclusion that he has done something wrong and a reluctant Melissa tells him the truth - Sammy is in Sydney. Ben immediately decides to tell Nathan, but Melissa insists he keep her secret, leading to the first serious fight of their marriage.
Rachel becomes the green-eyed monster when Jake's client, an attractive housewife, seems to be coming on to him.
July 6, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E4 - A Good Husband
Love is in the air, with Ben plagued with unexpected doubts about his ability in the sack, while a miscommunication between Dave and Julie in the bedroom department sends her into a frenzy of frustration.
Ben's basking in the joys of married life when he hears those words every husband dreads - 'not tonight dear, I've got a headache'. Terrified the honeymoon is over, he embarks on a mission to sweep Melissa off her feet. But all of his attempts at rekindling romance are thwarted by Melissa's concern for Sammy, who seems to be spiralling deeper into depression.
When Ben shelves his plans to come to Sammy's rescue, Melissa's reminded how amazing her husband is, and his compassion acts as the aphrodisiac he's been searching for. They hurry for the bedroom, only to find Carbo has organised a retro romantic surprise of his own - with unexpected results!
Meanwhile Dave struggles with a sexual issue of a different kind - an embarrassing 'stirring' downstairs while on a job at the boat club
July 13, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E5 - The Invisible Man
Ted struggles with feeling old and worthless after a girl gang attack and the death of a neighbour.
Returning from a movie, Ted and Chel become involved in a teenage girl gang's vendetta. In the melee, Chel falls heavily and Ted rushes her to hospital. Kidney damage has occurred and Chel's dialysis is upped to three times a week. Ashamed he couldn't protect Chel, and feeling marginalised by the world, Ted begins to retreat into himself.
Melissa discovers someone has been using her toothbrush. Already feeling marginalised in the house full of men and lacking in privacy, this is the last straw. She tracks down the culprit - Carbo who reveals he thinks of toothbrushes as common property. Nathan's sympathy and gift of a new toothbrush only makes Melissa feel worse about keeping Sammy's secret. But when Nathan receives separation papers, will Melissa and Ben risk hurting him further by telling him the truth?
Dave raises the spectre of kidney donation. With Julie's tentative blessing, he
July 20, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E6 - Home Matters
Rachel's dream of moving in with Jake is thrown into jeopardy by the unexpected return of Alex.
Rachel's forced to deal with the fallout when Alex reacts badly to the many changes that have taken place in the Barton household in his absence. Feeling increasingly on the outer, Alex's issues erupt at drinks at the Rafter house, leaving Grace and Jake humiliated and the Rafters reeling.
Jake is too angry with Alex to repair the situation and it's left to Rachel to restore peace. She discovers the truth about Alex's misery, and the realisation of how much he needs his older brother forces her to reassess her own house-hunting plans. But exactly how far is Rachel willing to go for the sake of Barton family unity?
Meanwhile Nathan has been roped into helping Chel with her tax. Although her records are in a complete mess, they do have a good time, and in a discussion about attitudes to life he admits that he doesn't like himself very much and blames himself for the break up with Sammy. Che
July 27, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E7 - Simple Needs
Julie is forced to expand her inevitable focus on the needs of her new baby to include the more complex needs of the other members of her family.
Julie has been uncharacteristically disconnected from the daily ups and downs of her family, focussing entirely on baby Ruby. But when Dave reveals the crushing news that he has been rejected as a kidney donor, Julie forces herself to re-engage – especially when she discovers the medical reasons why Dave has been rejected.
Nathan has his own crushing news to deal with when Ben and Melissa reveal that wife Sammy never went to London and is ready and strong enough now to reconnect with the Rafters, and meet baby Ruby, all the while conceding that there is no future for her and Nathan. Initially angry at the deception, Nathan has his own secret – he has taken the first steps towards testing as a potential kidney donor, against his parents' – and Chel's – express wishes. The maturity and sensitivity he ultimately shows in dealing with Sammy's r
Aug. 3, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E8 - Rites of Passage
Nathan is forced to question his motives for wanting to donate a kidney, triggering a crisis of confidence. Will he be able to put his demons to rest and in doing so, save Chel's life?
Although he passes all the physical tests, Nathan is thrown into doubt when the transplant co-ordinator seeks answers on his true motivations for donating a kidney to Chel. When Sammy praises Nathan over the transplant, his feeling of pride seems only to confirm he is donating his kidney for self-serving reasons. While Ben and Rachel have no doubt Nathan is made of the right stuff, their younger brother can't seem to find the words to convince the co-ordinator or himself and he's terrified his failure will spell the end for Chel.
With Chel's health on the decline, Julie and Dave decide there's no time like the present to hold Ruby's Naming Day ceremony. After a disastrous interview with a comically self-absorbed celebrant, the Rafters plans instead a much more laid-back gathering at the park and ask Ra
Aug. 10, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E9 - The Price of Parenthood
Someone's watching the Rafter House - and the surprise culprit leads to Dave and Nathan meeting Dave's dad Tom in prison for the first time.
There's a strange noise in the night and Dave, feeling protective of his brood, gets up to investigate. It appears his misgivings are justified when he finds the living room doors left open. Exhausted Julie can't remember if she shut the doors and Dave feels uncomfortable about the perceived threat. Julie is also ill at ease - spending all her time with Ruby is leaving her desperate for adult conversation. Realising his daughter's suffering from cabin fever, Ted suggests she do something for herself and Ruby - join a mothers' group.
Dave pops round to visit Chel after his run. Wanting to put her affairs in order and lay to rest some demons before the transplant, Chel admits that she's reconsidering meeting Tom in prison. The revelation gives Dave himself pause for thought.
Meanwhile, Carbo's stalker Georgia tells Julie that a man was watching t
Aug. 17, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E10 - Out of the Comfort Zone
Ben is forced to step outside his comfort zone when a moral stand clashes with workplace politics.
Ben's troubles begin when Melissa reveals she isn't keen on starting a family for years - partially because they can't afford kids. Determined to prove himself as a potential father, Ben asks boss Derek for a pay rise but is turned down. What's worse is being forced to discipline Lexi, friend and employee. Already having trouble giving her a written warning, with Derek on his back, Ben is forced to fire Lexi when she once again arrives late for a shift. However, she reveals her sister is in hospital - and soft hearted Ben agrees to talk to Derek.
Ben's aims are thwarted when Ted recognises Derek's daughter Hayley as the leader of the girl gang who assaulted him and Chel. Ted confronts Derek with the unpalatable truth - and is deeply insulted when Derek dismisses him. Unable to let it go, Ted contacts the police, leading to Derek playing personal tit-for-tat and kicking Friend Finders ou
Aug. 24, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E11 - Lessons in Happiness
Rachel rides the ups and downs of happiness, struggling to find it in the frenetic pace of life. But will her choices have future repercussions for her relationship with her family and Jake?
At the start of the episode, Rachel's on a high given her graphic designs have just scored CBM a major new client. But then things take a downward turn when an anonymous office worker farts in the crowded lift. To make matters worse, all her hard work comes to naught when CBM fails to hold the client.
Rachel's fortunes once again change for the better when she's called in for a secret interview with Paul Morgan at the more prestigious EMB agency - a global player and competitor to CBM. But Rachel is sure she bombed out at the interview and things seemingly go from bad to worse when her boss calls her into his office for a talk, having heard she met with Paul. But instead of being fired, Rachel's offered a promotion to Creative Director - and then is offered the same position at EMB!
Rachel's not
Aug. 31, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E12 - Moments of Truth
Nathan faces a life-changing moment of truth - the operation to donate a kidney to beloved grandmother Chel.
With only three days to go until the transplant procedure, Chel's need to put her affairs in order inspires Nathan to write letters to his family, in case he does not survive the operation. However when it comes to writing to grandfather Tom, Nathan struggles to find the words - and resolves to visit him in prison against Dave's wishes.
Meanwhile, Ben reacts badly to Nathan's letter writing scheme - anxiety and concern for his brother manifesting as irritation. Melissa calls Ben on this behaviour, and Ben makes his peace with Nathan before the big operation.
Despite his fears, the operation proves successful for Nathan and Chel - and he asks Ben to destroy the letters he wrote for the family - but not before Rachel sneakily reads hers and is deeply touched by the sentiment. Dave likewise is touched by the revelation of flowers sent from Tom for Nathan and Chel - and he vows t
Sept. 7, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E13 - Live and Let Live
Julie explores the principle of "live and let live" as she and others struggle to implement the philosophy in various areas of their lives.
A possum has taken up residence in the Rafter roof, keeping the family up at night with its nocturnal activities. Julie finds herself caught between gung-ho Ted, keen to move the blighter on, and softy Rachel, who reminds everyone that the possum was actually here before they were. Julie's more interested in the idea of "sleep and let sleep" and finds her intolerance towards the unwanted guest increases in direct response to her sleep deprivation.
Meanwhile, Nathan and Chel are both enjoying a new lease of life, despite still being in hospital. Freed of dialysis, Chel's ready to embrace life to the full, and Nathan encourages her to go travelling again when she's fully recovered. But Ted reacts strongly to Chel's plans, only to get a scalding dose of "live and let live" from irate Nathan.
Chel's newfound energy and willingness to start afresh en
Sept. 14, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E14 - Know Yourself
Dave struggles with unfamiliar emotions that threaten to engulf the easy-going father and husband he has always been.
Dave Rafter prides himself on being easy going and uncomplicated. He knows himself and life is going well - or so he thought. In rapid succession, life teaches him that no human ever has total control of things - and Dave's easy going ability to roll with the punches starts to fail him.
He assumes Chel will stay with them to convalesce after her operation, but instead she's heading north to Ballina, to stay with an old friend. Nathan assumes the guest room Dave has prepared for Chel is for him and rejects the imagined offer. Rachel gets emotional about not being able to spend the night with Jake - and Dave takes it personally, thinking that yet another of his children doesn't want to sleep under his roof. Rebuff three. And then his beloved Ruby starts suffering separation anxiety and only wants her mother. It's enough to make Dave feel redundant in his own home.
Rach
Sept. 21, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E15 - Don't Go There !
Ben begins to feel like the victim in a horror film who always goes where the audience knows he shouldn't as he begins to question Melissa's commitment to being a parent. Don't go there!
When Melissa feels queasy during dinner, Ben immediately assumes she is pregnant and is beside himself with excitement. But Melissa seems hesitant and confused by the possibility, putting off using the pregnancy test kit until the morning and rebuffing Ben's attempts to open up about her feelings.
Next door there's little rest and relaxation for Dave who is working extra long hours, saving up for a holiday to Fiji. But his plans cop a setback when an unexpected tax bill lobs on the doorstep.
Rachel marches off to an important pitch meeting buoyed by Jake's encouragement.
Inexplicably, the client rejects all of Rachel's ideas. What she hasn't yet realised is that oily colleague Liam is sabotaging her efforts. Will Rachel unmask Liam's duplicity? Or will he get the better of her?
Meanwhile, Carbo's
Sept. 28, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E16 - When Worlds Collide
Rachel's relationship with Jake is pushed to breaking point when her work and personal lives collide.
For Rachel, work is a world of pain. Colleague Liam is undercutting her at every turn, and Rachel doesn't know how to counter it. After some advice from Medusa, Rachel manages a temporary victory over him - but Liam turns the tables by schmoozing the client around to his idea. But the worst part? Her conflict with Liam is starting to affect her relationship with Jake, who advises her to be direct and take charge.
Dave's money and work woes are stressing him out, so Julie offers to help the business by doing accounts, freeing Nathan up to do some light labouring. Busy Julie has a lot on her mind - especially when Ruby decides to stop breastfeeding - and she can't help making mistakes. Calls are missed, bookings lost - and Dave finally explodes, leading him to realise he and Julie need to work as a team to keep the business - and the family - working.
Carbo has failed to talk his moth
Oct. 4, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E17 - Spark of Life
Ted returns from with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family.
Due to work and money pressures, Julie and Dave are snapping at each other and Julie seeks respite in light conversation with Hamish, one of her friends from mothers' group. Concerned by Julie's fond talk of Hamish and Dave's solitary midnight visits to his shed, Ted reminds Dave not to forget the important things in life. Next morning, Dave acts on Ted's advice, and he and Julie set off together for a much-needed afternoon off.
But their time together is cut short by a call from the police, investigating a second robbery at Dave's work-site. Although Dave is not accused of anything, the coincidence persuades his builder boss to let him go, and Dave takes his pent-up frustration out on Coby, pretty much accusing him of being the thief on the basis of Ted's revelation that Coby's been lying about where he's been living.
Nathan, however, is able to assure Dave that Coby was han
Oct. 12, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E18 - Between the Covers
A wild night in Kings Cross teaches Nathan not to judge a book by its cover.
Nathan's journey begins with a surprising revelation - he's enjoying reading "Pride and Prejudice." The novel's themes resonate with him when he makes the mistake of judging Coby's new living arrangements. Nathan builds bridges by inviting Coby for a night out in Kings Cross - and is surprised when Coby proves to be naive when it comes to life in the big city.
Nathan's assumptions are challenged again when Coby meets a flirty, rocker-chick Laura - who turns out to drive a Porsche, owned by her rich daddy, and gives Coby a luxury watch before a night of passion. But the biggest surprise of all for Nathan is the discovery that he's actually becoming good mates with his cousin Coby - a truly significant step forward.
Carbo is making big plans for his proposal to Retta, but Ben is determined to intervene, believing an engagement is only a means to circumvent their pact of celibacy. However, when all tactics to
Oct. 19, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E19 - Breathe
Rachel takes a crash course in remembering to breathe as she juggles a toxic workplace and an estranged boyfriend. Something's got to give...
Desperate to see each other, Jake arrives in the middle of the night with a gift for Rachel. But once again their issues flare and they fight bitterly. Jake storms off, leaving the gift in the front yard. Keen to put the tension with Liam behind her, Rachel works tirelessly to work one of Liam's ideas up and make it presentable. But when the pitch falls flat, instead of backing Rachel up as planned, Liam shows his true colours once again and kicks teamwork to the kerb.
Rachel's life seems to be out of control. Finally opening the present Jake bought her, Rachel realises that Jake truly respects her ambitions, and that she's misjudged him. It spurs her on to bring up the lack of team support with her boss, Paul. Paul dismisses Rachel's concerns, suggesting she focus on the positive and move on. Suddenly Rachel realises she has a choice. Will lov
Oct. 26, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E20 - Perfect Bubble
Certain perfect bubbles in the Rafter world all burst in the most unexpected and confronting ways.
Newly unemployed Rachel is seeing the world in a new light - as her oyster. But first what she'd love more than anything is a holiday with Jake. Unbeknownst to her, Jake takes the hint and organises time off - but before he can spring the surprise, Rachel gets a phone call from former boss Paul Morgan offering her job back with better perks and more money.
For Rachel, the choice is simple - but for Jake, it's a disappointing slap in the face. The world isn't their oyster, it's Rachel's. If their relationship is going to survive, she needs to start considering his future, too.
Still resisting any suggestion of depression, Dave throws himself into normality, suggesting a Rafter family dinner and offering Coby an apprenticeship, which Coby is hesitant but touched to accept.
However, when it's revealed that the police have finally arrested a fence connected to the site robberies, Coby is
Nov. 2, 2010, midnight
7.0
S3E21 - Rest In Peace
The Rafter family say an emotional farewell to Melissa.
Dave is determined to shelve his own battle with depression, but as tensions build, he finds himself exploding inappropriately in anger.
Julie convinces Dave to go to counselling while Chel, who has not been around to witness the changes in him, returns home to comfort her son.
Tom has a second agenda, and despite Coby's attempt to keep him at arm's length, Coby realises he can't escape his grandfather's reach that easily.
Nov. 9, 2010, midnight
8.0
S3E22 - One Day At A Time
With Christmas and Ruby's first birthday fast approaching, the Rafter family struggle to get back on track.
Dave is struggling with his own demons. Julie gently convinces him to give therapy another try. Finally able to find the words his therapist's been pushing for, it seems that Dave might finally be starting to address some of his issues.
And then when the whole family gathers for Ruby's first birthday and she takes a first tentative step, it seems all could be coming right in the Rafter world.
Julie discovers that Coby's apprenticeship papers have arrived. In the spirit of moving on, the Rafters feel that life is too short to hold grudges.
Dave speaks to Coby, who promises never to let them down again and Dave renews his offer of an apprenticeship to a grateful nephew.
Nov. 16, 2010, midnight
Network: Seven Network
Released: Aug. 26, 2008
Last Air Date: July 2, 2013, midnight
Status: Ended
Certification: NR / 17+
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