Episode 5 of "Last Days of the Space Age," entitled "It's Still Your Beach," kicks off with Tilly and Mia sprawled atop the rooftop, gazing up at the twinkling stars as Mia confides in her friend about the exorbitant $1,000 she had to fork out to the bullies who forced her car accident. Tilly tries to soothe Mia's frayed nerves, urging her to let go of the incident, but Mia's heart is heavy with the injustice. Suddenly, Tilly's gaze is drawn to the approaching Skylab spacecraft, its looming presence a stark reminder of Earth's impending encounter.
Meanwhile, Eileen and Bob engage in a furtive tryst within the confines of his van, their intimacy cloaked in the fear of discovery. Parallel to this, Poppy and Bilya's secret rendezvous in her bedroom is abruptly disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Rocoa. Bilya's heart races with panic at the realization that he's been caught in the act, hastening his escape as Eileen too slips back into the comfort of her own home, fresh from her own secret encounter.
At the Bissett residence, Tony prepares for work with Mick by his side, while Judy lends a helping hand with his tie, using the moment to strategize on how to quell Gazza's relentless protests. Mick collects Tony for their journey to the power supply factory, where Tony's surprise deepens as he learns that he'll be conducting an interview with none other than Murray, his former boss and Wayne's father.
Mia, unwilling to face the school day, resists Judy's gentle coaxing to get ready. Instead, she directs Judy's attention to Tilly, who's become consumed with thoughts of Skylab's imminent return. At school, Eileen finds herself summoned by a teacher, reprimanded over Bilya's controversial paper statue depicting a black man instead of the intended Stirling figure. The teacher urges Eileen to participate in a radio program, shining a light on Australia's historical narrative.
Inside the power supply factory, Judy and Fran present a revamped pay plan as a solution to the ongoing worker protests. Wayne, however, is preoccupied with his upcoming interview with Murray, dismissing the plan without a second glance. The interview unfolds with tension, as Murray asserts the familial roots of their business, only to be challenged by Wayne, who disagrees vehemently with his father's viewpoint.
Tony's temper flares, igniting a heated debate over the tragic death at the hospital, a dire consequence of the power outage. Wayne's emotions escalate as the duo's argument intensifies, inadvertently stirring up turmoil within Murray's serene demeanor. In an attempt to quell the tension, Murray propositions Mick with a deal: suppress the incriminating video in exchange for a sumptuous dinner, where they could delve into the prospects of Murray's investment in Bissett Star Broadcasting.
Mick, taking the reins, confronts Tony, his voice laced with reproach. He chastises his brother for jeopardizing the company's stability, a testament to years of hard work and dedication. Offering a solution, Mick suggests Tony accept a day's pay in cash, a gesture that initially meets with Tony's scorn but eventually tempts him to relent and depart.
At the Bissett abode, Bob orchestrates a transformative moment, coaxing Mia out of her comfort zone and onto a bike ride towards the sea. Along the way, he encourages Mia to summon the bravery to mend the shattered surfboard, a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
Meanwhile, Mick extends an invitation to Svetlana, ushering her onto his yacht for an evening of elegance, graced by Murray and his wife's presence. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the two men engage in a strategic discourse, ultimately striking a deal: Murray agrees to shell out $150,000 for a lucrative 30% stake in Bissett Star Broadcasting, along with the assurance that the incriminating video will remain unseen.
After school bells chime, Eileen escorts Bilya home, her voice tinged with concern as she urges him to abandon his protests. Bilya, unwavering, accuses Eileen of forsaking her roots and bowing to societal pressures. Meanwhile, in the classroom, Mr. Bertrude imparts wisdom to Tilly, emphasizing the importance of honing her typing skills for a future in secretarial studies.
As the night deepens, Mick expresses his gratitude to Svetlana for her companionship, unaware that she harbors a secret of her own – Yvgeny's intention to take her to the doctor, suspicions of pregnancy looming large. Outside Jono's abode, Tilly confronts him, her initial composure giving way to a torrent of emotions. She berates Jono for his insensitivity, lambasting him for considering a romantic entanglement with her younger sister despite their friendship.
Jono tendered a heartfelt apology to Tilly, and after a moment of contemplation, she granted him her forgiveness at last. As they shared their thoughts, Tilly confided in Jono about the myriad of challenges her family was grappling with, painting a picture of turmoil and uncertainty. She also imparted the news that Skylabs, the iconic space laboratory, was scheduled to descend to Earth, signaling the end of an era and the cessation of future space endeavors.
Judy's heart was heavy with disappointment, realizing that Mick had withheld the broadcast of their joint interview with Wayne and Murray. Suspicion clouded her mind, wondering what Mick's true intentions were, and she stormed back home, seeking answers. Upon arriving, her frustration boiled over as she scolded Tony for disrupting the interview, unaware of the turmoil he himself was facing. Tony, with a heavy heart, disclosed his recent dismissal and presented her with a severance package, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
Inside the cozy confines of their abode, Jono and Tilly sought solace in the melodies of music, their shared experience a testament to the healing power of harmony.
As nightfall descended, Tony embarked on a mission of his own, using his severance pay to silence a potential threat. He approached one of the boys, offering a deal to ensure Mia and Jono's safety, urging his associates to steer clear of them.
The following dawn, Bob, eager to share his passion for surfing with Mia, embarked on an adventure that would forever alter their lives. But fate had other plans, as he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest amidst the thrill of the waves. Mia, quick-witted and勇敢, sprang into action, pulling Bob to safety. The scene ended on a cliffhanger, with Mia's screams for help echoing across the serene beach, her voice a testament to the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
