Purge – The episode opens with Summer Torres (Sky Katz) out for a run when she receives a photo-shopped image from Wren Radic (Annabel Wolfe). She confronts Wren who claims to be trying to make her feel included. After accusing Wren of setting her up at the Subtropix photo shoot in Byron, Summer says she is now pretending to be her friend. Ari Gibson (Kai Lewins) says her tent is in the shed before she leaves for a shower. Wren tells Ari that she wishes it was just the two of them taking the trip before offering to slip into his tent tonight. He reluctantly accepts the offer. Later, Ari retrieves a condom from his room when Summer approaches. Upon leaving, he compliments her smell.

Summer is listening to music when Baxter Radic (Josh Macqueen) knocks on the window. He suggests she needs a friend after what happened at Byron. While getting dressed, she says Margot Torres (Kate Beahan) didn’t ground her because she is working in Melbourne. He admits to liking the towel better than her outfit. At the shop, Baxter shows Summer a board that he is working on. Elsewhere, Poppy Tetanui (Lilliana Bowrey) and Marlon souse (Joao Gabriel Marinho) are surfing. Back at the shop, Summer helps Baxter apply a hot coat to his board. At the beach, Poppy and Marlon kiss.

Baxter tells Summer that he believes her Byron story. He admits to burning New South Wales surfing team’s banner at last year’s Nationals. He says the stunk got him completely banned from the team. He claims his parent’s first priority is “chasing the stoke” while Elo Radic (Olympia Valance) has taken care of them since he was 13. Summer says it doesn’t give Wren right to target her. Baxter tells her that Wren was a big deal in Queensland before she landed in Shorehaven friendless. Summer is stunned when he suggests Wren is threatened by her. Back at the shop, Baxter tries to kiss Summer but she pulls away.

Poppy tries to convince Marlon to join the team trip but he refuses. She admits to wanting to spend time with him because things are tense between the girls after Byron. He assures her that she will be okay. When he tries to kiss her, she reminds him that Manu Tetanui (Chris Alosio) is nearby. Shutting the hatch, they kiss as Bodhi Mercer (Savannah La Rain) approaches.

Elo urges the team to take advantage of the trip to hone their skills before jerking a bag of chips away Graff Temple. She warns that pairing combos will be finalized as Bodhi and Poppy finish setting up their tent. Baxter and Summer are appointed to cooking and cleaning duties. Later, the team hits the waves. Baxter and Ari get a bit competitive. Bodhi asks Poppy about her morning. Poppy admits to taking her longboard out with no mention of Marlon. Elo orders the girls to pressure each other while she records their performances. Summer crashes. Emerging from the water, Bodhi and Wren make fun of Summer. Poppy stares at them when passing.

Marlon thanks Manu for training him. Manu says he is still their coach. Marlon claims they were going to tell him. Manu assures him that it is all right. Manu warns that Poppy will lose her opportunity if she gets distracted. Marlon says Poppy wants him.

Summer walks up on Elo and Baxter arguing. Elo stresses the need for everyone to be there for it to work. He tells her that it is a “joke.” Summer asks if he was going to leave without telling her. He apologizes before walking away. During peer review, Poppy describes Summer as “fearless” and amazing to hang out with but takes other people’s wave. Summer tells Wren that she is a great surfer but she has “zero soul.” Elo announces a “Purge.” Each athlete jots down their negative thoughts of their teammates. Later, the negative thoughts are tossed into the fire. Griff discovers a piece of paper that reads, “Bodhi’s becoming a total sheep. It’s pathetic.” It does whatever Wren says….” Poppy orders him to give it back to her but he continues reading. Summer reminds him that no one was supposed to see it. Bodhi accuses Poppy of hooking up with different guys, regardless of how it makes others feel. Summer suggests calling it a night when Wren urges everyone to speak freely about their feelings.

Summer admits to writing about Ari being “gutless” and afraid of conflict. Later, Poppy collects her things from her and Bodhi’s tent to sleep by the fire. Wren comforts Bodhi. At the shop, Baxter works on his board. Ari joins Summer in her tent. She apologizes for what she said. He says she is right before they kiss. She refuses to get involved with him while he is dating Wren. Baxter approaches as Ari leaves Summer’s tent. They make eye contact as the episode ends.

 

Surviving Summer Review

A good episode that stands out above the rest. The “Purge” is interesting enough, even though, Poppy’s thoughts are exposed to Bodhi and the others. Manu is concerned about Marlon and Poppy’s blooming relationship. He fears it is a distraction that will interfere with her career goal.

Ari is caught between his feelings for Wren and Summer. It’s questionable why Bodhi has a problem with Marlon and Poppy being together. She is probably feeling down as Tuscany blew her off.

The episode deserves a 6. Get more Surviving Summer recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Our onsite advertising builds brand awareness, click the link to learn more.