Home and Away: David Spirals as Ritchie’s File Brings the Shooting Flooding Back

David’s attempt to return to normality suffers a serious setback when his first day back at the police station becomes far more difficult than he expected. Despite being determined to resume his duties, the sight of Ritchie’s file brings memories of the shooting flooding back and leaves David struggling at his desk.

His daughters are already worried that he has returned to work too soon. Lacey discovers from Jo that David has gone back to the station and immediately fears he is pushing himself before he is ready, while Leah, Justin and Alf encourage the sisters to give their father some space.

At the station, Cash is pleased to have David back and makes an effort to help him settle in. David initially appears determined to concentrate on work, but Cash can see that his boss is uncomfortable and suggests they get away from the desk for a while.

David refuses and insists on continuing. The situation then takes a disturbing turn when Ritchie’s file appears among his paperwork, triggering memories of the shooting and leaving David visibly overwhelmed by what has been placed in front of him.

Rather than continuing with the file, David looks for something else to focus on. His attention turns to newly released prisoner Zane Talbot, who is on parole after serving ten years for grievous bodily harm with an offensive weapon.

Zane’s case gives David an immediate task to concentrate on. The 27-year-old explains that he had a rough childhood, previously broke into houses for money and was imprisoned at 17, but insists he has served his time and accepts responsibility for what he did.

David eventually sends Zane on his way, but his own difficulties at the station have not gone unnoticed. Cash has already been asked by Lacey and Jo to keep an eye on him, with both daughters unconvinced that their father is as ready to return as he wants everyone to believe.

Lacey’s concern eventually brings her directly to the station. Despite Jo advising her against confronting their father at work, she wants to see for herself how David is coping and refuses to ignore what she believes are clear warning signs.

The situation becomes more heated when David learns that Lacey and Jo asked Cash to watch him. He is furious that his daughters have involved one of his officers and makes his feelings very clear, putting Cash in an awkward position between his boss and the family members who are genuinely worried about him.

Yet Cash privately sees something encouraging in David’s anger. After watching him struggle with the memories triggered by Ritchie’s file, seeing some of his boss’s old fire return offers a glimpse of the David he knew before the shooting.

Lacey is not prepared to apologise for caring about her father. Back at home, she acknowledges that interfering in his work may have crossed a boundary, but reminds David that their mother taught her that family always looks out for one another.

Her words leave David with plenty to consider. Returning to the station may be an important step for him, but Wednesday’s events show that putting the uniform back on does not mean the impact of the shooting has disappeared.

Lacey, Jo and Cash can all see that David is still struggling, even if he desperately wants to prove otherwise. The question is whether David can accept their support before his determination to reclaim his old life puts even more pressure on him.

Home and Away airs weekdays on Channel 5 in the UK and streams on 5. SoapLandTV’s coverage follows the UK broadcast, while Australia is further ahead, meaning some storylines and developments may already have aired for Australian viewers.

For more Summer Bay news, spoilers and theories, visit the Home and Away Hub on SoapLandTV.co.uk. Images: Channel 5 / Seven Network.