Packed to the Rafters
Season 1
The first season of Packed to the Rafters, an Australian drama television series, began airing on 26 August 2008 on the Seven Network. The season concluded on 24 March 2009 after 22 episodes. The first season aired Tuesdays at 8:30 pm in Australia and averaged 1,904,364 viewers. The season was released on DVD as a six disc set under the title of Packed to the Rafters: The Complete Season 1 on 2 December 2009.
The first season begins as Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when their last remaining child finally leaves home. But what happens when the rest of the family suddenly returns to the next? Less than 48 hours after their middle son Ben moves himself next door, all dreams of freedom are put on hold as one by one their youngest son Nathan and his princess wife Sammy, their troubled eldest daughter Rachel, and Julie's emotionally vulnerable father Ted all return to the family home. Plenty of drama, lots of laughs and a few tears ensue as the Rafters must learn to live under the same roof once again.
The first season begins as Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when their last remaining child finally leaves home. But what happens when the rest of the family suddenly returns to the next? Less than 48 hours after their middle son Ben moves himself next door, all dreams of freedom are put on hold as one by one their youngest son Nathan and his princess wife Sammy, their troubled eldest daughter Rachel, and Julie's emotionally vulnerable father Ted all return to the family home. Plenty of drama, lots of laughs and a few tears ensue as the Rafters must learn to live under the same roof once again.
Where to Watch Season 1
22 Episodes
- Playing a Googly
E2Playing a GooglyAn unemployed Dave struggles to regain his manhood and position in the family, landing himself in hospital. When life keeps bowling Dave a series of problematic googlies, the question becomes: how will he play them? An overprotective Dave breaks a promise to his daughter and is brutally attacked. Rachel struggles with the aftermath of leaving her abusive boyfriend Daniel — and her own secret turmoil. Narrated by Dave, this episode focuses on Dave dealing with the reality of sudden employment and a house that has been unexpectedly inundated with family members — each bringing with them a dark secret. He processes it all through a cricketing metaphor — that of the googly — that devious curve-ball that life can throw at you, catching you off-guard. - Facing Demons
E6Facing DemonsRachel faces up to her shameful past. In flashbacks, she tells how she met, fell in love and eventually left Daniel, the man responsible for emailing their private video. Ted decides to move back home but what is he hiding? Narrated from the perspective of the Rafters eldest child Rachel, this episode focuses on the aftermath of her sex video and its repercussions on her and her family. - Taking the Lead
E8Taking the LeadBen's drunken one-night stand with Melissa threatens to destroy their potential relationship, so to give her space he seduces Lauren, but she turns out to be just what he didn't need. Meanwhile, Dave's past catches up with him when he sees a television interview with his former bandmate Steve Wilson, and Carbo develops a crush on Chrissey. - Suburban Boy
E9Suburban BoyDave reconnects with his foster brother, '80s rock star Steve Wilson, leading to an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his boss's money, Nathan races the clock to save his job. Then, Carbo declares his feelings for Chrissy, but will she return them? - Away From It All
E11Away From It AllJulie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away — leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Ted receives advice from beyond the grave. Melissa's life is in danger when she goes into sudden anaphylactic shock during a Rafter BBQ. Romance beckons for Rachel — but is she ready to embrace it? - A Mother's Radar
E14A Mother's RadarFollowing on from last weeks adventure in the car, Sammy and Nathan decide to organise some time for themselves with a romantic rendezvous. Julie's predictions about Rachel's true desire to pursue an interest in yoga are proven correct when her relationship with her hot yoga teacher is exposed to the family. But it is not to soon before Julie realises that her mother's radar is not always on track. - Having It All
E16Having It AllThis week sees Rachel still trying to find her life's path. With much direction and focus she starts a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, since finding a new business partner, Dave's life should have been made much easier – shouldn't it? Things just aren't going smoothly and instead it's all a bit of a struggle. - Changes
E17ChangesTed ventures back into the dating world but goes a little too far with his double dates. Dave becomes concerned about Rachel's new man Rob as Rachel gets to know Rob's two sons, and Kat arouses suspicions from Chrissey and Melissa, but Ben takes her side. Will it be to his detriment? - House of Cards
E18House of CardsWhat do you get when you mix too much alcohol with sex? A one night stand! It would almost be crazy, or somehow forgettable if it wasn't our favourite Rafter involved. That's right - It's Ben! Maybe there's some residual stress left over after the robbery and he still has not dealt with it honestly? Maybe he was truly so intoxicated that he didn't know what he was doing? Who knows? But no excuse can take away the act. So once again Ben faces a gut wrenching dilemma, but this time its one of his own making. This week sees Dave keen to spice up his marriage, so he organises a rather romantic rendezvous with Julie. Whereas at the other end of the spectrum Sammy and Nathan's marriage hits a "rocky patch" when Nathan discovers Sammy has been lying to him. Just another week in the Rafter household really. - Over the Moon
E19Over the MoonRachel's boyfriend Rob's enthusiasm for playing happy families startles her and causes her to break up with him. Will Ben get another chance with Mel after fate puts her back in his path? Julie has concerns about her health, and Carbo's mum Rita doesn't help by suggesting that it could be the start of the menopause. Meanwhile, Carbo proposes to Chrissey, which disgusts his mother and prompts him to move in with Chrissey. - Losing the Touch
E20Losing the Touch"Once upon a time in Dave's Magic Castle." All should be well in the world of King Dave, but with Queen Julie heading into menopause, the Rafter household is a bit tumultuous. Julie fears that her ability to dispense sound wisdom to family and friends, is severly impeeded by her hormonal fluctuations. Sammy returns from New York with many more bags than she left with, and Julie fears that Sammy's spending may cause problems between her and Nathan. Sammy then advises Julie that the money she has spent on gifts for the family, came from her mother as an early birthday present. Once again Julie worries! Meanwhile, Ben makes up his mind to declare his love for Melissa on national television, and comic results ensue. Life is always full when it is "Packed to the Rafters". - What a Difference a Year Makes
E21What a Difference a Year MakesWhat a difference a year makes! It has been a year in TV land according to the Packed to the Rafters show, and therefore two special anniversaries are marked in the lives of the Rafter family. The first one is that of Nathan and Sammy's marriage. The second anniversary is that of the death of Louise, Ted's wife and Julie's mother. - Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone
E22Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's GoneLast week saw a huge surprise bestowed on Dave and Julie. With three grown up kids, and the youngest being born 21 years ago, just how will Dave and Julie cope? What with the nappies, school runs and the lack of sleep and time; let alone the actual delivery? Dave and Julie have some serious life changing decisions to make, that not only have ramifications for themselves as individuals and a couple, but may shake the very foundation of the family.
