The aftershocks of an intense Commitment Ceremony are reverberating around the group. JAMIE and DAVE are still in separate apartments following their recent implosion, but the other couples are hopeful DAVE will fight to bring the relationship back from the brink.
Meanwhile CARINA and PAUL are also recovering from a setback, after PAUL shared a comment she made in confidence about fellow bride AWHINA’S twin, Cleo.
But despite some of the couples struggles, the mood in most apartments is upbeat, as the couples prepare for the Experiment’s next phase – Homestays. For BETH, this will be the first time she’s ever brought a man home to meet her parents. For JACQUI and RYAN, it will be the ultimate test as they try to reach a compromise in values and lifestyle. And for AWHINA and ADRIAN, the pair prepares for a second face to face meeting with AWHINA’S twin, Cleo in hometown Perth.
For JAMIE and DAVE, JAMIE continues to grapple with the developments of the past week. Armed with not one, but two bunches of flowers DAVE knocks on her door declaring he is ready to give things another go, but can JAMIE find it in herself to commit to the next stage of the Experiment and embark on Homestays together?
Having arrived in Perth and following a decision not to introduce ADRIAN to her son, AWHINA is continuing to tread carefully with her husband, who reveals he is not looking forward to seeing AWHINA’s twin sister again. As the couple revisits what happened at the disastrous friends and family meeting over a tray of muffins, it becomes apparent ADRIAN is still wanting an apology from Cleo, meanwhile, AWHINA wants him to let it go.
On the other side of the city at her parents’ place, CARINA and PAUL are facing a different challenge, CARINA’s Italian family’s strong religious beliefs, which see the couple relegated to separate bedrooms.
Meanwhile, JACQUI and RYAN are at her place in Manly dealing with the far more superficial topic of RYAN’S facial hair, as she resurrects yet another enduring disagreement – why he will not shave his beard off. The heated debate continues in circles until it reaches a stalemate in the backyard, proving just how easy it is for the fun holiday vibes of JACQUI’S beloved suburb, Manly, to elude them.
JAMIE and DAVE have made it to Melbourne, but only on the condition they stay in their own apartments, as JAMIE is still processing their relationship. Feeling sad and lonely she reflects on the roller-coaster of the past week, wishing she could go back to the start of her once-happy marriage.
Back in Perth, CARINA and PAUL are meeting his biggest fan, CARINA’S Aunty Maria, who continues her keen interest in the details of their relationship. But it’s not long before the topic of religion resurfaces, and CARINA’s family makes clear the importance Catholicism has on their family and way of life leaving PAUL wondering if he’s open to it or not.
Even more tense is the lunch at AWHINA’S mums, as Cleo and ADRIAN settle into a terse back and forth about the couple’s chances of a future outside the Experiment, given they live in different cities, neither is willing to move. Frustrated by ADRIAN’s ongoing reluctance to show up for her sister, Cleo takes matters into her own hands and suggests a one on one. Both air their honest opinions about Friends and Family Week and each other – but will ADRIAN get the apology he’s hoping for?
Finally, in Melbourne JAMIE and DAVE get to spend some time together with the presence of JAMIE’S sister Georgia. Armed with difficult questions and a direct attitude, Georgia attempts to drill down on how DAVE really feels and why her sister has been left blindsided in this experiment.
