Big city lawyer Ben Jackson, the small town guy made good, arrives back in Jacksons Wharf with his family in tow following the death of his father. His brother Frank, the local cop, seems resentful of his return home, while Frank's wife Mahina has reasons of her own for not wanting Ben back in town.

Ben learns Jesse has been expelled from school for hitting a teacher. Larissa confesses to Betty the truth about Calder's death. Brian and Maggie are the targets of a home invasion. Ben decides his family will stay on in Jackson's Wharf.

Ben settles into running the pub, but is escaping the city as easy as he thought? Ben's colleague arrives from the city hoping lure him back to his real job. Larissa organises a 21st bash for Zane at the pub but Frank tries to make trouble. Natalie sets her sights on Jesse.

Natalie tries to make a move on Jesse with disastrous results. Calvin has a serious crush on Larissa, but she has worries of her own. Frank pretends he has no problem with Ben — deciding that revenge is a dish best eaten cold.

A new couple come to Jacksons Wharf wanting to make a fresh start. Mahina and Ben try to help, but Frank has different views and embarks on a campaign to run them out of town. Kath puts Ronnie, the rugby coach, out to pasture; and Jesse finds his first day at school more appealing than he had predicted.