The episode begins with Austin Hogan (Michael Theo), Julian (Ben Miller), and Ingrid Hartswood (Sally Phillips) playing a version of charades.

The following morning, Ingrid is jolted out of her sleep due to the unexpected partner in her bed, Florence Hartswood (Ellie McKay). Their brief conversation reveals that Florence is in town for a visit and Ingrid has resorted to sleeping in her studio. There is also the matter of Austin’s taking over Florence’s room, although she doesn’t appear too distraught by the discovery.

Austin’s morning begins with a very brief conversation with Geoffrey (Dan Skinner) about the new Deli down the street and their upcoming competition. He asks Austin to say hello to Ingrid for him before he leaves. As it turns out, that is Austin’s next destination.

As Austin zips around the kitchen preparing breakfast, discuss attending the documentary screening later with Heidi (Kate Elliott). The mention of the documentary segues into a brief discussion about suits. Although Julian later asks for Ingrid’s help with choosing a suit for the event, it’s clear that he has already made his decision, and it just happens to be one she doesn’t agree with.

While Mel (Gia Carides) and Bill Hogan (Roy Billing) take some time to visit Stonehenge Florence in the studio. Despite Mel and Bill contending with an incessant drizzle, things are much worse for Florence when she discovers Ingrid’s old nude sketches of Julian. After a good bit of joking, Florence not only suggests exhibiting the pieces but offers to have a friend arrange the show. By the time Florence steps away to arrange the show, Julian has shown up. It doesn’t take Julian long to become affronted when he learns that Ingrid had rather pursue the male form rather than work with him to create a beloved children’s character.

Bill and Mel continue to debate the origins of Stonehenge from the car while Julian discovers Ingrid’s pieces of Geoffrey. Austin also sees the pieces as well as the ones of Julian sometime later when he arrives at the studio to collect Florence for the documentary screening.

Things immediately turn awkward at the documentary screening when it becomes apparently clear that Heidi doesn’t approve of Ingrid’s intention to exhibit her nudes. This, however, changes when Ingrid mentions that she might be about to get $10,000 per piece. Also in attendance, Austin and Florence debate things they have in common, such as their love for flat lemonade. It’s not long before everyone is gathered in the screening room for a showing of the documentary.

As the documentary comes to an end, Mel and Bill finally find a lull in the rain. The only problem is that it is now dark. While the other attendees make their way out of the small screening room, Austin stays behind to view to credits to make sure that he pays tribute to everyone who worked on the film. This leads to him seeing a conversation between Heidi and Julian where Julian jokes about him and Austin having nothing in common and not yet receiving DNA confirmation. Austin doesn’t take it as a joke.

 

Austin Review

Although I rather enjoyed the Stonehenge scenes and the awkwardness with the nude sketches, this is likely one of the worst episodes. It wasn’t completely horrible, but it could have been so much better than it was, given the potential. Austin and Florence’s first meeting, the bit with Geoffrey about the deli’s competition, and the premiere of the documentary. I know 30 minutes doesn’t offer a whole of time, but I just felt that so much more could have been done. Regardless, the episode still deserved a 5 out of 10.

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