Summer Bay is no stranger to difficult choices and emotional crossroads, and in this heartfelt episode airing 24 July, Roo Stewart finds herself at the center of a moral and personal dilemma — one that forces her to question not only her values, but her capacity to help someone truly in need.
A Troubled Soul Returns
Cohen’s reappearance in Summer Bay is met with mixed emotions. After vanishing without explanation weeks earlier, he returns disheveled, defeated, and clearly struggling. Homeless, exhausted, and avoiding direct answers, it becomes obvious that life on the streets has taken its toll.
Roo is stunned by his condition — not just physically, but emotionally. Despite their rocky past, she still feels a strong sense of responsibility toward him. Cohen may not be family by blood, but Roo’s heart has always been drawn to those in need of care, and this situation tests that part of her in ways she didn’t expect.
Roo’s Inner Conflict
As Cohen quietly asks for a place to stay, Roo is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions. Part of her wants to help without question — to offer him a safe space, food, and kindness, as she’s done for others. But another part of her hesitates.
She remembers the trust that was broken between them in the past, the lies, and the emotional manipulation. Her instincts tell her to be cautious, and for once, she’s not sure if compassion alone is enough.
Roo confides in Marilyn, who warns her not to let guilt cloud her judgment. “You’re not responsible for fixing everyone, Roo,” Marilyn says gently, trying to help her friend see that self-preservation is just as important as helping others. But for Roo, the line between empathy and enabling has never been harder to draw.
Alf Weighs In
As always, Alf has his say — and in true Alf fashion, it’s blunt and to the point. He doesn’t trust Cohen and makes it clear he thinks letting him into their home is a mistake. “That bloke’s trouble, and you know it,” he says. “Don’t go throwing away your peace of mind for someone who walked away when things got hard.”
His warning adds fuel to Roo’s growing anxiety. She knows her father’s instincts are usually right, but she also sees something in Cohen that others might not: a broken man who doesn’t know how to ask for help.
Cohen Opens Up
When Roo finally sits down with Cohen and asks him to explain where he’s been, his walls begin to crack. He opens up — hesitantly — about his time living rough, the shame he feels, and how every attempt to get back on his feet was met with doors slammed in his face.
It’s a powerful, raw moment. For the first time, Roo sees past his mistakes and recognizes the pain underneath. Still, she can’t ignore the uneasy feeling in her gut — is he telling the whole truth, or only what he thinks she wants to hear?
A Risky Decision
After a long night of soul-searching, Roo finally makes her choice. Against Alf’s advice, and despite her own doubts, she offers Cohen a room — but with clear boundaries. “This isn’t a handout,” she tells him firmly. “It’s a second chance. Don’t waste it.”
It’s a move that shocks some and worries others. Marilyn tries to be supportive, but remains cautious. Alf is furious, convinced she’s making a huge mistake. But Roo stands her ground, trusting her instincts and hoping that this time, Cohen truly wants to change.
What Comes Next?
While Roo has opened the door — literally and figuratively — the future remains uncertain. Will Cohen prove everyone wrong and find his footing again? Or will Roo’s compassion come back to haunt her?
This emotional episode digs deep into the gray areas of kindness and trust, asking: How much do you give to someone who’s hurt you before? And how many chances is too many?
Final Thoughts
Home and Away delivers a heartfelt and thought-provoking episode that places Roo in the emotional spotlight. Her decision is one many viewers will relate to — the tension between protecting your heart and offering it anyway.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Summer Bay may be peaceful on the surface, but underneath, storms are brewing — and Roo’s decision could change everything.
📺 Don’t miss Home and Away, airing Wednesday, 24 July — an emotional rollercoaster that asks: Can you really save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version, headline-only breakdown, or Italian translation!
