Not Such Great Expectations

Craig has failed a maths exam and Bob jumps at the opportunity to convince Craig to leave school and follow his father's footsteps into the glorious career that is real estate. Bob waxes lyrical about his cousin and inspiration, Jim Jelly, who left Pearl Bay years ago to make his fortune in property overseas. But from the outset Craig has trouble with the world of dummy bids and real estate jargon and finds the whole process of evicting a tenant a bit distasteful. The tenant is Theo Lawrence, an old bloke who's rented the run down property from Bob for twenty years - ever since his prospering building business collapsed.

When Sergeant Grey tries to enter the property, Theo assaults him and finds himself in court. His refusal to stay away from the property leaves Laura no option but to remand him in custody. When he tries to kill himself in the cell that night everyone is shocked. Why would a man who once had all the potential in the world end up as he has? As rumours circulate about Theo's house being haunted, the locals speculate on the supernatural and Max takes it upon himself to find out what he can about the old bloke who the town once looked up to. With Theo out of the way, Bob gives Craig the task of staying in the house and preparing it for a quick sale. During his overnight stays, Craig is woken by a ghostly figure who rattles off slick real estate prattle. Craig's troubles increase when, to Bob's disgust, he can't make the measurements for the floor plan add up. Maybe Miranda's right and he should just return to school.

While Craig contemplates his vocation, school report time makes Laura worry about her children's professional future. Miranda is sailing through with excellent results but has no idea what she wants to do, while Rupert is only just passing but wants to make his first million before he's thirty. Laura applies none-too-subtle pressure on Rupert to improve his grades and on Miranda to decide on a profession. But she is forced to reassess her approach when faced in court by a young boy expelled from school for stealing a bike. Laura's judgment demonstrates a new understanding and surprises Angus for the wisdom it shows.

Max is worried about the novel he's supposed to be writing. His publisher is calling for chapters. Max tries out numerous opening paragraphs on Laura, but doesn't like her responses. He suggests that perhaps creativity is not her strong point - but he can't help wanting her praise.

Max and Craig make a gruesome discovery at Theo's house - and questions about cousin Jim Jelly's whereabouts for the past 20 years are finally answered. But it's little consolation for Bob.

The ghost of Craig's future continues to haunt him until finally he realises life as a real estate agent is not for him. With Miranda's help he begins to recognise his talents, and a career outside his father's business.