As the episode begins, Tom Campbell Jr (Aaron Pedersen) gets the paperwork signed before sending a copy to Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman). Jonathan (Harry Richardson) and Alex prepare to send the paperwork out to the asylum. He is convinced that everyone will work all night to get it done. Meanwhile, Rachel (Rachel Griffiths) and Peter (Huw Higginson) discuss Alex’s chances and how she’ll handle the spotlight. Rachel is sure she’ll be intimidated since she is the only black woman in parliament. Damien Bauer (Anthony Hayes) speaks out against Alex’s deal. He is worried they’re going to lose the Sunshine State.

Rachel sticks up for Alex saying the deal will be a lifeline for the whole region. When Alex returns to her office, she discusses Damien’s leadership move with Jonathan and Tracey (Celia Ireland). She tells them that Kevin (David Roberts) wants more paperwork on the financial aspect of the deal despite already signing off on it. Then, they turn their attention to Marcie’s friend, Jess Clarke (Shantae Barnes-Cowan). There are many photos of Marcie and Jess on social media. Jon lets Alex know that Cartwright is booked up until Friday. Their conversation is interrupted by a call from Jan (Trisha Morton-Thomas).

Alex is surprised that her mother is driving. Alex and Jon visit Kevin’s office anyway. This gives Jonathan time to flirt with Christopher Bingham (James Sweeny). Jonathan tells Christopher to squeeze them in. After that, Jonathan and Alex decide to go to lunch. While they’re at the restaurant, they spot Kevin nearby. They confront him and ask him for his support. Kevin is not sure they’ll ever get the deal through. If they do, the Nats are not going to join them anyway. Then, Alex asks Kevin about Marcie’s death. He is adamant that it was an asthma attack and nothing else. After that, Rachel asks Peter what the tabloids are saying about Bauer.

He has done several interviews with them and they seem to like him. Alex goes through social media that night while simultaneously working on paperwork for the deal. She finds a lot of negative comments about her. They call her bad names and say it is okay to be white. Alex responds before a trucker pulls over next to Jess. She is worried until she finds out that the trucker is female. She hitches a ride with her and they continue on their way. Along the way, Jess calls Alex and tells her about the video. Alex wants to help but she needs the video. Jess says she’ll come to her. Moments later, Alex is confronted on the street by Laurie Martin (William McInnes).

He offers her a ride and she accepts it. She tells him she is confident she will get her deal through but Laurie isn’t so sure. She learns that many in her party are on the verge of revolting. Laurie tells her that she is on the wrong side. She gets a call from her mother once she enters the motel room. Jan says everyone back home is impressed with her. They agree to speak again tomorrow before the call ends. Jess continues her journey while Rachel gets ready for work. Rachel learns that she has been passed up as polls for the next prime minister. Charlie (Rob Collins) calls Alex to let her know that Bauer is not going to let a deal with the community come to fruition.

Rachel arrives and tells the press that Australians can have Laurie if they want a PM who is obsessed with polls. Jess ends up getting arrested and taken to the station. She gets upset and curses at the female officer. Meanwhile, Alex is told that she should not have fed the trolls. Members of the party come out against Rachel because they’re worried Laurie will win the upcoming election. Alex wants to get in touch with Alex so she can help. They head to her office. Seconds later, Peter tells Rachel that Ashrey has just sided with Bauer. Alex charges into Rachel’s office to tell her that they’re ready to introduce the bill. Rachel scolds her for rushing in there without permission and skipping line.

Alex says she got across the line and got it done. And, Rachel asked for it. Now, the paperwork is ready. Alex says she wanted and ally and she got one. She offers to take care of Bauer. Jess is questioned by a social worker before being allowed to leave. The social worker can organize a bed for her for a few nights. Baur insults Alex saying she cobbled together a deal in the dirt with her aunties and uncles. Alex responds in kind. Then, he tells her to go give the people what they want. Jonathan tells her she’ll be fine before Alex steps inside and speaks about the bill. Charlie listens to the speech.

Rachel tells Peter she wants to call the bill because she doesn’t want to give Bauer more time to destroy her. Bauer enters seconds later. She gives her a resignation letter and announces to the media that he is going to challenge for the leadership of the Coalition. Rachel and Bauer both speak with the media. Jess is told she will be staying in a youth refuge so she needs to follow the rules. Jonathan tells Alex her mother called before they find out Jess has arrived. Alex rushes out so she can track down Jess. Charlie calls to tell Alex something is wrong with their mother’s heart and she is in the hospital.

Jonathan is asked to meet with Jess. Alex tells Rachel about her mother and Alex wants to leave immediately. Peter isn’t sure that is a good idea because Alex needs to be there for the vote. Peter leaves the room and Rachel tries to convince Alex to stay and fight. Jonathan shows up at the meeting spot with a McDonald’s bag. Rachel and Peter get bad news from Kevin who wants more. Jonathan eats the burger while waiting for Jess. She stands above him but doesn’t confront him. He spots her but she runs off when an officer arrives. Jon tries to chase her down but she gets away. He lets Alex know about it seconds later.

Jonathan agrees to stay and keep calling her. Meanwhile, Bauer is hounded by the media. Everyone heads for the meeting while Jess heads for parliament. The leadership was contested and Rachel won. Alex is angry because Rachel had the numbers all along and didn’t need her to stay. Christopher finds Jonathan drinking so he chats with him. Jonathan learns that the deal has been dropped from the bill and it is going to vote tonight. Jonathan rushes out in hopes of getting in touch with Alex. He gets a message to her before she can leave on an airplane. She screams and curses in the airport. Moments later, she gets a call from Charlie. She learns that her mother has passed away.

 

Total Control Review

I have to say that this show is very predictable. I couldn’t have been the only one who knew Bauer wasn’t going to win and that Jan was going to pass away. I also thought it was a bit odd to air a nude scene of the prime minister. I have nothing against the actress but it wasn’t necessary. It feels like the writers are trying to shock viewers because there was no purpose for it.

Next, I wish they would bring Jess to her senses. The character doesn’t seem realistic to me at all. I am not sure any kid would be so reckless or frightened of everything. The show could be good and some people will enjoy it. However, others will likely find it a bit irritating due to the predictability and believability issues. The episode scores a 6 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of Total Control on Reel Mockery.