The Prodigal Wife – The episode begins with Paulo/Mack (Colin Donnell) asking Mackenzie “Mack” Boyd (P.J. Byrne) to help him write a sermon for the bishop. Mack suggests he write the sermon from his heart before informing him of his upcoming date. He asks what he thinks about his sending his wife, Charmaine (Anita Hegh) a photo of them together. Paulo asks why he’s so desperate to get her back. Mack says she’s his soulmate before admitting he doesn’t want to have sex with his date.

Charmaine asks Luke Jovic (Broden Kelly) and James Jovic (Sam Parsonson) for directions to Clump. Luke suggests she take the coastal route because beauty is immeasurable. James calls her “Doll” as she drives away.

Paulo demands Daisy (Tegan Stimson) write his sermon. She suggests writing an Easter Sunday sermon isn’t court-ordered community service. He assures her that she’ll figure it out before leaving.

In a voicemail, Charmaine scolds Mack for not answering her calls when Peter (Wayne Blair) pulls up. She tells him that she’s the reverend’s wife. Peter agrees to escort her to the church.

Paulo claims to be Mack’s assistant, Lewis. Charmaine asks if he’d contact her when Mack returns without him knowing. He agrees before offering her tea. She says he’s wearing Mack’s shirt. He suggests it got crossed in the laundry. Daisy approaches to ask the reverend if he’s like to read the sermon. Charmaine demands to know why he’s portraying Mack before threatening to report him to the police. He claims to be part of the “Inter-Diocese Revered Exchange Program. When she enters the church, Daisy locks her in.

Aidan (Jason Wilder) asks Piper (Kylie Bracknell) if she’d like to have dinner with him. She admits to knowing about her surprise party.

Paulo informs Charmaine that Mack stole his money and disappeared. She assures him that her husband’s a “man of God” when Paulo shows her a photo of Mack. She threatens to kill him. He suggests they split 100 grand 50/50.

Mack becomes frantic when he hears Charmaine’s voice on the other line. He informs her of his date with Sandy before ending the call. Paulo tells her that Mack believes he can win her back by playing hard-to-get before suggesting she play along. She calls him back to say they should meet up since she’s already in Australia. Quietly celebrating, he claims his weekend schedule is too busy. When she tells him that she’ll just return to Chicago, he says they can Friday Royal Rosa Hotel. Paulo says he’s an “idiot” for not changing hotels.

Piper tells Paulo that Daisy doesn’t have much of a support system before thanking him for helping her. Paulo introduces Charmaine as his wife. Piper asks if they’d like to join them for drinks later. Charmaine says they would love to. After Piper leaves, Charmaine asks what they can do. Paulo informs her that she just accepted an invitation to Piper’s surprise party that he must now attend. She assures him that Piper will be okay without him. He warns her if Piper stops by the parsonage and he’s not there, she’ll report him missing. She tells him that she’ll tag along.

Charmaine asks Daisy how she’s involved in the “mess.” Daisy says she and Paulo are a team. Charmaine asks what’s her age. Daisy admits to being 16 before rushing in to ask Paulo how they’ll get rid of Charmaine. He assures her that he’ll take of Charmaine. She reminds him of the Easter Sunday service at 10am. He tells her that he’ll be there before heading to Piper’s party.

Aidan asks Charmaine and Paulo how long they’ve been married. She says 19 “wonderful years.” When he asks where they met, they give different answers. Charmaine claims to have been dating a good-looking football player, Owen Wilson when they met. Paulo blurts out that he died. She says they met at his funeral. Harry (Calen Tassone) asks Piper what’s wrong. She tells him that Paulo isn’t wearing a wedding ring. He asks why she cares. She assures him that she doesn’t.

Piper asks Amy (Briallen Clarke) if she and Paulo have a thing. Amy assures her that they aren’t together before suggesting he’s more her type because he’s mysterious. Piper asks if she believes Aidan is mysterious. Amy informs her of Aidan organizing her surprise birthday party.

Peter introduces his wife, Helen (Anna Lise Phillips) to Paulo. He suggests adding the story of Joseph to the Easter Sunday sermon because the Bishop loves it. Paul says he’ll look into it when Amy approaches. When Peter and Helen leave, Paulo asks about the strike. She tells him that the workers are beginning to lose steam. He suggests setting up a meeting with the owners of the sugar mill. She says the strike is about the sugar mill paying them a decent wage for their labor.

Piper admits to thinking Charmaine would be different. He tells her that things would have been better if she hadn’t come to Clump.

Aidan asks Piper to marry him.

Charmaine tells Paulo that Mack had ketchup on his face when he proposed. Paulo reminds her of their 19-year marriage before suggesting he couldn’t have been that bad. After claiming Mack was charismatic and energetic, she says he began to change when passed for the Chicago Cathedral. She toasts to 100 grand.

Piper asks Aidan why he proposed in front of everyone. He suggests it was the perfect moment in front of their loved ones.

Peter tells Bishop Kylie Crabbe (Elena Carapetis) that Paulo’s is the beginning of a new chapter for them. She suggests they wait to see what happens.

After waking up to see Charmaine gone, Paulo rushes to the hearse in his underwear. Peter and the Bishop witness it all. Paulo calls her to remind them of their deal. She assures him that 100 grand wouldn’t be enough to buy a luxury car and 5-star hotel rooms. He admits it’s a lot more money. She threatens to make a call if he doesn’t return to Clump. He assures her that he’ll be gone. She admits to seeing how much he cares about Daisy before asking what’s the penalty for aiding and abetting. He tells her that Daisy is innocent. She says he’s got a good life in Clump.

Margie (Roz Hammond) leaves before the Easter Sunday service starts. Peter assures the Bishop that she’ll return. The Bishop informs him that the Diocese is going to sell.

Peter scolds Paulo for being a no-show before informing him of the church being sold. Paulo admits to not caring about the church. Peter walks away while Paulo calls to warn Mack that he’s in danger. Helen tells him that her multiple sclerosis has driven Peter to try to save the church. She says he thinks God will protect her if he does something for him. He tells her that’s crazy. She claims Peter questions why God sent him after he prayed for someone to save the church.

Paulo pretends to be distraught while claiming his wife of 19 years left him. When she refuses to stay in Clump until next Sunday, he suggests a makeup service and a coffee.

Paulo approaches the pulpit to discover Daisy’s note, “You’ll come up with something. He begins his sermon by saying God created the earth in seven days. He says God made a mistake by creating people. He suggests forgiveness is how it all works.

The Bishop admits to liking Paulo but warns it’s not enough to prevent the Diocese from selling the church. He tells her that the church is needed by the community. She asks if he has any idea how much the upkeep and his salary costs the Diocese. As she prepares to walk away, he tells her that Joseph had no one who believed in him. She agrees to wait until the deadline to make a decision but the pews must be full.

Daisy tells Paulo that he fooled everyone. He says a newly divorced reverend stole $1.6 million from him. He assures her that he’ll leave at the first opportunity before offering to help her leave as well. She says Paris is where she wants to go. He asks her to keep his secret even from Cameron (Ed Oxenbould).

Piper finds a field of tobacco plants as the episode comes to an end.

 

Irreverent Review

Charmaine arrives in Clump expecting to see Mack only to find Paulo portraying him. In the meantime, Mack contemplates utilizing his upcoming date with Sandy to try to win her back.

With Easter Sunday around the corner, Paulo believes he’s convinced Daisy to write his sermon.

Paulo tells Charmaine that Mack stole his money. They come up with a plan to find Mack and split the money. First, they must attend Aidan’s surprise birthday party for Piper to keep her from suspecting anything.

Piper appears to have feelings for Paulo but Aidan has other plans. He proposes to her in front of everyone (her response was not shown).

Charmaine convinces Paulo to have a drink after they return home. He wakes up the next morning to find her gone. The Bishop and Peter arrive as he jumps in the hearse only partially dressed. She threatens to report Daisy for aiding and abetting if he tries to follow her. When he returns to the church, Peter informs him of the Diocese selling the church. Paulo admits to not caring about what happens to the church.

Helen tells Paulo about her MS and Peter’s mission to protect her by saving the church for God.

Paulo convinces the Bishop to stick around for a replacement sermon by claiming he was just dumped by his wife of 19 years. His sermon is a success but not enough to stop the Diocese from selling the church. The Bishop agrees to give him several weeks to fill the pews.

Daisy’s upset that Paulo was going to leave. After coming clean about his stolen money, he promises to help her leave Clump if she keeps his secret.

Piper finds Jovic’s illegal tobacco plants.

A great episode with a heartfelt message. It deserves a 7. Get more Irreverent recaps here. Support Reel Mockery to continue bringing legitimate recaps of the latest movies and TV shows by clicking here.