Season 2, Episode 16: "Best laid plans" (original air date: April 10, 2002)

Recriminations over the big screen TV and their ruined relationship continue between Nicky and Cliff. Nicky decides she shouldn't speak in support of the Maori health programme at the District Health Board meeting. On the way home from the pub, Nicky and Cliff spot Ken's car. Unable to face drunken van der Velters, Cliff leaves a note for Ken.

Meanwhile, Ken is still with Cornel, and is suffering badly from his injuries. Cornel is determined to wait until his parents return. Ken attempts escape, but fails. Dana is less than impressed when the van der Velters turn up at her house looking for refuge. Janice reveals they've had some nasty letters from Cornel. Todd can see that things are rocky and attempts to smooth things over with Dana. She is somewhat sympathetic and is tempted to forgive him.

Alistair overhears William on the phone and suspects that his dad is devising some kind of plot being developed in regard to the District Health Board. But when Eric goes into print with accusations of racism over the Maori health programme, Nicky reconsiders her views. She is honest with William about her support for the Maori Health programme and thinks that everything is now okay. But she is unaware that William is plotting how to use this against her.

Cliff is relieved to have her support and there is a slight thaw in the relationship frost, when they see Ken's car is still outside the van der Velter house. He goes to investigate and he and Nicky find Ken in a very bad way. Cliff manages to convince Cornel that his parents won't be returning and get him to leave the house.

They get medical attention for Ken, who is suffering a bad internal bleed. Dana feels guilty over her involvement and decides she needs time away from Todd. Todd gets a call from Cornel who is being followed by police and refusing to give himself up.

Meanwhile, Gus feels bad for drawing Enid and Arthur into his family problems. His worries increase when he realises Enid seems to be in pain. When he goes to Alistair, Enid is angry at a breach of their confidentiality code, but Gus shakes her up. He reveals he got called out of class for the news that his brother has been shot by police - but that his real fear was that something was wrong with her. Enid decides to accept help.

In the wake of the drama with Ken, William has heroic status at the District Health Board meeting. Nicky speaks in support of Cliff's proposal, but ends up being painted as well-intentioned but naïve. The bad publicity encourages the District Health Board to slow track the Maori proposal. They fund the Mercy Peak shortfall. Louise is pleased that her job is safe, but uncomfortable that William has used underhanded tactics. He is unrepentant. The stinger in the tail is that William regains control over Nicky. When Alistair is outraged, William realises his son holds a tiny candle for Nicky.

Meanwhile, Nicky is reappraising her view of Cliff. He is someone she could take seriously.