Season 6, Episode 56: "History lessons" (original air date: February 27, 2004)

When Dana's ex is accused of child abuse, Nicky becomes his champion. William suspects Louise's interest in Wayne and meets an old flame.

Todd is working as the school caretaker at Jordan's school, with his usual laissez faire attitude. But then, Dana's friend Tracy raises concerns that her daughter, Amiria, has been spending time alone with Todd at school. Dana refuses to think there's anything untoward but, cornered, agrees Tracy should discuss it with her daughter. The next thing she knows, Ken is at the school and Dana realises Tracy has laid a complaint. Dana reels at this accusation and Todd, angry, makes matters worse by harassing Tracy. Dana tries to avoid him to do her impartial duty on the school board, but he tells his story to Nicky, who believes him. Dana is still torn, until Ken suggests this is a recurring family problem, but won't give details. Nicky finds Dana digging through van der Velter patient files, reading about Todd's brother's history of sexual abuse. Dana feels that she doesn't know Todd at all. But Nicky thinks that Tracy may be fuelling this fire and despite her doubts, Dana realises she can't just wallow on the matter. Dana goes to Todd, wanting the full story and finds the clue that Tracy has a boyfriend - who may be the abuser. But she also finds that Todd has lied. He has been alone with Amiria, which is how he knows about the boyfriend. Dana confronts her friend, only to realise that Tracy has a history of abuse herself. Dana now suspects that Tracy is exorcising her own past through the suggestions against Todd. She confides in Ken - and decides that she needs to draw the line. She manages to turn the tide on the witch hunt - but this loses her Tracy's friendship and wins her no points with Todd.

William goes away on a medieval history intensive. But he is worried that Louise is spending a lot of time with Wayne - and seems very keen to be rid of William. William arrives at his lecture, only to find it is the wrong one - but the lecturer recognises him. It is Cushla Turbot, many years ago the unrequited love of his life. And she seems quite keen on him. William turns down her offer of dinner, but chance throws them together. She's even staying in the motel unit next door. When she rescues him from a medieval nerd, she asks him to return the favour. He defends her from an unwanted admirer, although aware that she probably needed no help. As things get dangerous, he admits that all is not well with Louise. And with his suspicions about Wayne to the fore, he throws caution to the winds. He returns, guilty, but determined to have things out with Louise. And she confesses what is going on with Wayne. She is spending time with him because she has found love and renewed her faith - in God.

As Kieran is charged with manslaughter, Nicky feels all eyes upon her. She wants to run away. She has the sense that Gabrielle is not supportive, but at least there's Alistair. Gabrielle susses Alistair's real interest, but goads that his method - waiting - is useless. And when Amanda heaps on the guilt, Gabrielle shows her hand to Nicky. She thinks she should be standing by Kieran, despite the small matter of killing. Alistair decides to make the big gesture - if Nicky wants to run away, then they should go together. Unfortunately, he is upstaged in his efforts, but still tries to get his message through. But if she gets the message, she doesn't pick up on it. It seems Gabrielle may be right. Despite the estrangement, Nicky still has feelings for the killer.