Tensions in Summer Bay have reached fever pitch as Home and Away continues to explore the fraught dynamics of the Miller family. Lacey Miller (Sophea Pennington)

has been rocked to her core this week following her father David’s (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor) shocking decision to sell the family home, a property steeped in memories of her late mother,

Kristina. The ripple effects of this choice have reignited old wounds and set the stage for a dramatic showdown between Lacey and her sister, Jo (Maddison Brown), leaving viewers bracing for an emotionally charged ride.

The Family Rift Deepens

Seven months have passed since Lacey walked away from her family, unable to reconcile with the tragic accident that claimed Kristina’s life. Jo had been behind the wheel, yet retains no memory of how the crash occurred. While investigations cleared her of wrongdoing, Lacey has long suspected that David pulled strings with the police to protect his daughter. The tension between the sisters has simmered ever since, and with David recently posted as sergeant at Yabbie Creek Police Station, the old wounds have been thrust back into the spotlight.

Lacey initially makes it clear she wants nothing to do with her father or sister. But when David unexpectedly turns up at the surf club last week, her resolve is tested. He hands her a suitcase containing her belongings, the last remnants of the family home he has sold. This gesture, intended as closure, stirs a flood of emotions in Lacey and sets the scene for the explosive events to come.

Theo’s Intervention and a $100,000 Surprise

Spurred on by Theo (Matt Evans), Lacey arranges to meet with David the following day. She struggles to understand how her father could let go of the house, a place laden with cherished memories. David explains that living in the home without Kristina had become unbearable. For a brief moment, it seems the family might begin to mend, until David’s slip—recalling a memory of buying ballet shoes for “Lacey”—reopens old tensions. Lacey quickly corrects him: that memory belonged to Jo, not her. Their fragile reconciliation crumbles, reminding viewers that grief and guilt are far from linear.

The drama intensifies when Theo, seeking to help, inadvertently sparks Lacey’s fury. She catches him confiding in David about her emotional turmoil, interpreting his actions as betrayal. Meanwhile, David shares a drink with Justin (James Stewart) at Salt, commiserating over the challenges of raising teenage daughters. Later, in a surprising twist, he persuades Lacey to speak with him briefly—not for reconciliation, but to provide her with a share of the house sale.\

Lacey’s reaction is immediate: she refuses. David, desperate to secure her future, discloses the staggering sum—$100,000. Lacey, overwhelmed by the offer and the lingering resentment toward her sister, storms out. Theo, ever the mediator, follows her, reminding her that part of the money belongs to her late mother, who would have wanted Lacey to be provided for.

The Eternity Ring: Catalyst for Conflict

The next day, Lacey presses David about whether Jo is entitled to the same share. When he confirms that she is, Lacey’s anger boils over. She cannot forgive her sister for “killing” their mother, and the thought of Jo benefiting financially rekindles her resentment. David is left frustrated and heartbroken; Lacey wants nothing from him—not even the money.

Instead, Lacey seeks a tangible connection to her mother: Kristina’s eternity ring, which she and Jo had chosen together during her parents’ vow renewal. But a major obstacle stands in her path—Jo already wears the ring around her neck. When David broaches the subject, Jo immediately refuses to part with it. Overcome by painful memories, she suffers a panic attack, underscoring the depth of her own unresolved trauma.

Surf Club Showdown

The situation escalates later that day when Lacey confronts Jo at the surf club. Accusations fly, and the emotional tension bursts into physical conflict. Lacey blames Jo for their mother’s death, prompting Jo to lash out in self-defense. The scuffle draws immediate attention, with Theo rushing to intervene—but it’s Alf (Ray Meagher) who arrives just in time to prevent further harm.

Alf, a stalwart figure of authority and calm, forces the sisters upstairs and contacts David to mediate. In a dramatic family intervention, he insists that Lacey and Jo cannot leave until they resolve their issues. The surf club brawl is more than just a physical confrontation; it is a manifestation of unresolved grief, guilt, and sibling rivalry. Alf’s intervention highlights the show’s ongoing emphasis on community, guidance, and the importance of confronting emotional pain head-on.

Cohen’s Adoption: A Parallel Story of Care and Stability

While the Miller family navigates internal strife, Roo (Georgie Parker) turns her attention to providing stability for foster son Cohen (Nathan Murray), recently discharged from hospital after a bout of tonsillitis. Cohen has learned that his biological mother, Samantha (Heidi May), has relinquished her parental rights, opening the door for Roo to pursue adoption.

Roo approaches Harper (Jessica Redmayne) for a character reference to support her adoption application. Harper is initially cautious, emphasizing the need to consult Cohen about such a life-altering decision. Roo reassures her that Cohen’s feelings are central to the process, and Harper ultimately agrees to assist if he consents. This storyline runs parallel to the Miller family drama, exploring themes of care, protection, and the creation of a nurturing family environment.

Fishing Trip: A Gentle Approach

Roo seizes the opportunity to discuss adoption during a fishing trip with Alf and Cohen, a moment that blends tenderness with significant decision-making. While Alf sets up along the shoreline, Roo carefully broaches the topic, explaining that adoption would not replace Cohen’s mother but ensure he always has a home.

Cohen, surprised and apprehensive, questions the implications of Roo becoming his mother. Alf gently reassures him that there is no wrong choice and emphasizes that loving someone new does not erase memories of the past. Cohen begins to consider the idea, even experimenting with the name “Cohen Stewart,” signaling a tentative acceptance. The fishing trip becomes both a literal and metaphorical journey, giving Cohen space to process his emotions while highlighting the nurturing roles of Roo and Alf.

Themes and Impact

This week’s episodes underscore the intricate dynamics of grief, forgiveness, and family loyalty in Summer Bay. Lacey and Jo’s conflict illustrates how unresolved trauma can manifest in anger and physical confrontations, while David’s struggle to reconcile his daughters’ needs highlights the delicate balance of parental responsibility. Simultaneously, Cohen’s storyline provides a hopeful counterpoint, showing that love, patience, and guidance can create stability even amidst emotional upheaval.

Home and Away continues to deliver gripping, character-driven drama, weaving together family tension, personal growth, and the impact of past choices. Alf’s intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of community support, while the confrontation over Kristina’s eternity ring symbolizes the deep emotional stakes that underpin the series.

With Lacey and Jo still at odds and Cohen contemplating adoption, Summer Bay is far from calm. The coming weeks promise further revelations, heartfelt conversations, and dramatic showdowns that will keep fans riveted. Will the Miller sisters finally reconcile? And will Cohen decide to embrace Roo as his permanent guardian? Viewers can expect tears, tension, and triumphs in equal measure.