Spoiler for the movie Home and Away: The Reckoning

This week’s emotional arc of Home and Away takes viewers deep into heartbreak and vengeance as Theo’s tragic death sends shockwaves through Summer Bay. The episode opens with the devastating confirmation that Theo has died — Leah and Justin arrive at the scene just in time to see their nephew’s body being loaded into a private ambulance. The grief is palpable as Leah’s world crumbles around her.

In the days that follow, Lacy, still traumatized but alive thanks to Theo’s sacrifice, comes to the Morgan house to express her gratitude. Her words, however, offer no comfort to Leah. Overwhelmed by anger and sorrow, Leah lashes out, accusing Lacy of being the reason Theo is dead. Through tears, she tells her, “You were trouble from the moment he met you. You’re selfish and reckless — that’s why he died.” Her pain only deepens when she realizes she hasn’t even seen Theo’s body, clinging to the faint hope that there’s been some mistake. But that hope is shattered when David informs her that Theo’s mother, Cassandra, has already identified the body.

Cassandra’s arrival in Summer Bay reignites old wounds. Played by Felicity Price (known for Last King of the Cross and Wolf Creek), Cassandra is heartbroken — and furious. She’s blindsided to learn just how much she didn’t know about her son’s life. When Justin tells her that Theo’s belongings are still at his place, she’s confused — wasn’t Theo living with Leah and Justin? As the two women head to the Yabi Creek Police Station, Cassandra’s shock grows when she learns of Theo’s dangerous past — his near-fatal run-in with the River Boys, the surgery that saved his life, and the heroism that led to his death.

David gently tells her that Theo died saving his daughter, calling him a hero. But Cassandra finds no peace in that. Instead, she turns her grief into fury, accusing Leah of betraying her trust. “You promised to take care of him,” she snaps, her voice breaking. “Stay away from me and my family.” The confrontation spirals into a heated argument, ending with Cassandra forbidding Leah from attending Theo’s funeral.

For Leah, it’s unbearable. She has loved and raised Theo like her own for years, and now she’s being blamed for his death and denied the chance to say goodbye. As actress Ada Nicodemou explained to TV Week, Leah’s pain runs deeper than anyone knows — because part of her does blame herself. Losing Theo feels like losing a son, and being excluded from his farewell pushes her to the edge of despair.

Meanwhile, David’s focus shifts to justice. The man responsible for the crash — Counselor Wendell — is still on the run after fleeing the scene. The police are struggling to track him down, and it seems the trail has gone cold. That changes when Cash (Nicholas Cartwright), returning from his honeymoon, joins the investigation. He realizes that Wendell might show up at Theo’s funeral, just as he did at the funeral of Christina, another victim of his reckless actions.

The team sets a trap, watching from a distance as mourners gather. Their hunch proves right — Wendell’s car is spotted nearby. A tense, high-speed pursuit unfolds through winding country roads. Wendell eventually abandons his car and bolts into the bush, forcing Cash and David to chase him on foot. In a struggle, Cash manages to tackle him to the ground — but when Wendell strikes back and breaks free, he vanishes once again into the trees.

The episode closes with the two men standing in the clearing, breathless and furious, staring into the darkness where Wendell disappeared. Justice still hangs in the balance, and Theo’s death continues to haunt everyone he left behind.

As the week ends, the questions remain painfully open: Will Cassandra ever forgive Leah and allow her to attend the funeral? Can Leah find peace with herself — or will her guilt consume her? And will Cash and David finally capture Wendell before he disappears forever?

In Home and Away: The Reckoning, grief turns to blame, love turns to anger, and every heart in Summer Bay is left broken — all because one young man gave his life to save another.