Season 6, Episode 53: "Like the nuns love Jesus" (original air date: January 30, 2004)

Nicky and Kieran's impromptu engagement party coincides with the first performance of Golgotha, Wayne's band. But it turns out to be the shortest gig in history, when Louise's son, Brett, decides to destroy his bass guitar. Both William and Louise are well aware of his problems - schizophrenia, complicated by depression. This incident is Louise's cue to only care more, while William feels that she needs to get some distance, for all their sakes. Louise is refusing to see Brett as a lost cause and refuses to accept help, even when the pressure is taking its toll on her.

Seeing how bad things have become, Alistair suggests controversial therapy, in the form of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). But when William raises this, Louise takes it badly, even suggesting she and Brett move out. This is not what William wants, but he sees little alternative, since Louise seems to be shutting him out entirely. What Louise cannot share, except perhaps with Wayne, is the grief that despite her best care and love, her son might never be well again. Eventually, Alistair intervenes and despite Louise's objections, Brett agrees to ECT. Louise and William reach an uncomfortable truce as Louise takes Brett to begin the therapy. Brett is a little better for the treatment, and tells Louise he will go and stay with Wayne. Despite all her sacrifice, Louise has to accept this. Because she loves him.

At the announcement of Nicky's engagement, Alistair is gutted. He never thought she'd do it. In drunken misery, he kisses Michelle and tries to look up Liz, who is not sympathetic. Despite his bleakness, he manages to help his father in his hour of need. But when Michelle makes her interest clear, he gives her the brush off.

Nicky generously offers Gabrielle some help, only to find herself spending the rest of her bereavement leave in the bookstore. She reasons this will be good: Peace, books and no one's problems to diagnose. Unfortunately, the sleep-deprived Gabrielle has had an epiphany while watching the band. She is in love with Wayne. Nicky points out this is just a crush, but Gabrielle seems bent on destruction. Nicky also discovers a love letter. Despite Kieran's teasing, she tries to discover the identity of the long-lost lovers, fondly imagining that she will reunite them. But to her horror, the romantic couple are none other than the very unromantic Henk and Janice. Who now seem likely to get back together, despite their horrendous past.

When Wayne queries Gabrielle's odd behaviour, Nicky tries to put him off. This only makes Wayne feel he has offended Gabrielle and he makes amends with flowers and a declaration of true liking. Appalled at the consequences of her romantic meddling, Nicky tries to avert Gabrielle from destruction, only to find that Gabrielle has decided this is a love too pure to ever be consummated. She will love Wayne like the nuns love Jesus.