Episode 4 begins with McKenzie/Mack Leigh (Rachel Griffiths) scrambling for solutions to a problem she likely didn’t expect to encounter so soon: being understaffed. Although Sweethearts is now booking clients on the regular, it appears the problem is that most of the girls have prior obligations for the upcoming weekend. With Shadows recently closing, Tui (Ariana Osborne) suggests taking on some of their staff. Despite Tui’s recommendation, the other girls immediately oppose. After learning that Jaz (Johann Cosgrove) has an aunt looking to get into the business, Mack agrees to meet with her.

Before interviewing Mugs, Jules Varma (Rima Te Wiata) consults with Jaz and Amethyst (Moana Johnson) for a more effective way to identify repeat clients while almost maintaining their anonymity. After devising a witty little nicknaming session, Mugs shows up and is practically hired on the spot.

Tui’s evening at a dance club goes from bad to worse when she first runs into two friends. Despite their money problem, they practically snub their noses at her profession. Her mood certainly isn’t improved when she subsequently runs into Deziyah (Danielle Cormack) and a few of the girls from Shadows. Although they treat her like an annoying little sister, she mentions the potential opportunity at Sweethearts.

Things aren’t going much better for Mack and Jules at the hotel when they have to turn several customers away. Even worse, Mack has to comp a free session when Mugs takes a BDSM act too far. When Deziyah shows up, she immediately proves her value by embarrassing the eavesdropping Sharon (Kura Forrester). In addition to this, Deziyah and her girls don’t come empty-handed. Once Mack and Deziyah agree on terms, Fiyah (Eden Hart) has the hotel littered with clients.

Sometime later, Deziyah attempts to confront Tui about sleeping in her car by mentioning Mack letting them stay at the hotel to save money. Tui’s response is that she doesn’t like to be used and with Deziyah, there always is an angle. This eventually leads to a debate about Mack and how ethical she is. Tui seems to believe that Mack really cares about her employees while Deziyh is doubtful.

Either way, Deziyah is clearly good for business and with Sweethearts now fully staffed and booked, Jules convinces Mack to spend some time with her family. Although Mack reluctantly agrees, she isn’t comfortable enough to leave the business phone with Jules.

Mack spends her free time at home with Lima (Robbie Magasiva) baking pies and discussing possible travel plans. At the same time, Deziyah stirs up trouble at the hotel by guilt-tripping Jules into letting Mack stay in one of the rooms, knowing that Mack would not approve. When Jules does give her approval to stay, Deziyah says she and the girls will stay as well to keep Tui company. Tui clearly doesn’t agree with Deziyah’s tactics but doesn’t say anything.

Much to the displeasure of Tui, Deziyah’s celebrations at the hotel quickly get out of hand. At the same time, Noam Leigh (Angus Stevens) tells Mack about a fully immersive school trip to Osaka, Japan. Although the trip isn’t scheduled until next year, the cutoff date for registration is tomorrow. Even worse, the fee is $5,000. After agreeing and checking the Sweethearts’ online account, Mack takes a quick peek at the hotel’s security cameras. This reveals complete hysteria and sends Mack on a rampage to the hotel.  Tui is clearly embarrassed and not engaged in the festivities when Mack shows up. Deziyah not only mocks her by claiming they are celebrating their empowerment, but she sardonically apologizes for being such a model employee and booking the entire week.

Despite everything and Tui advocating for their dismissal, Mack gives them their first and final warning while also pointing out that they cannot stay at the hotel. Deziyah continues to stir the pot when she asks where Tui is going to stay on her way out. This leads to Mack learning about Tui’s homelessness.

The episode ends with Mack telling Tui that she can stay at the hotel, but she has to pay rent.

 

Madam Review

Not the best of episodes, not the worst of episodes. It was nice to Sweethearts finally achieve some semblance of success, in light of all their recent woes. That said, I don’t see why staying at the hotel would have been such a huge deal. I understand that it’s a bit like mixing business with pleasure, but Tui, although homeless, is far more responsible and put together than Deziyah and wouldn’t cause problems. Of course, Mack wouldn’t know this but either way, it’s nice to see the business on a successful arc for once.

I’d have to give the episode a 5.4 out of 10. Get more Madam recaps here. Find out how to support our independent site at this link. Learn more about advertising with us here. See what others are saying here.