This week on Home and Away, emotions explode and loyalties are pushed to breaking point as Harper makes a devastating discovery that sets off a chain of events threatening

to tear her family apart. What begins as a quiet return home from a hopeful visit soon spirals into a desperate fight for baby Archie — with Tane’s protective instincts driving him

to make a dangerous and heartbreaking decision. For months, Tane and Harper have been the picture of resilience in Summer Bay. Despite their ups and downs,

the pair have always shared one unshakable bond: their love and devotion to baby Archie. Determined to give their son the stability he deserves, they made the life-changing decision to move in together. It was supposed to be a fresh start — a chance to rebuild trust and unity. But this week, that fragile peace collapses under the weight of secrets, fear, and raw emotion.

Harper’s Hopeful Reunion Turns to Heartache

When Harper (played by Jessica Redmayne) returns from a trip to visit her estranged mother, she’s filled with cautious optimism. Longtime viewers will remember the painful history between Harper, her sister Dana, and their mother — a woman whose long struggle with substance abuse left deep scars on both daughters. Now, with motherhood reshaping Harper’s perspective, she begins to crave the one thing she never truly had: a healthy, loving connection with her mom.

“Becoming a mother has completely changed Harper,” Jessica Redmayne tells TV Week. “She wants to believe people can change — especially her mom. Harper hopes that this visit could be the first step toward healing, not just for herself but for baby Archie too. She wants her mother to have the chance to be a real grandmother.”

Unfortunately, not everyone in Harper’s life shares her hope.

Dana’s Fury and Distrust

When Harper confides in her sister Dana about the visit, the conversation quickly turns hostile. Dana, still haunted by their painful past, feels both betrayed and furious that Harper lied about where she went. To Dana, their mother’s promises of recovery are just empty words.

“Dana doesn’t buy it for a second,” Jessica explains. “She knows their mom too well — the lies, the manipulation, the heartbreak. She’s convinced that Harper’s wish for reconciliation will only lead to more pain.”

The argument reaches its breaking point when Tane (Ethan Browne) walks in and overhears the sisters’ shouting. When Dana blurts out Harper’s secret visit, Tane’s world tilts on its axis. His first instinct — always protective, always fierce — is to shield Archie from what he sees as danger.

Tane’s Breaking Point

Tane’s reaction is explosive. The moment he hears about Harper’s mother, his trust shatters. Memories of past chaos flood back, and his anger boils over. He declares that Harper’s mother will never be part of their son’s life — not now, not ever. Harper, heartbroken yet defiant, refuses to back down. The argument ends with her storming out of the house, her faith in Tane’s judgment starting to waver.

In her distress, Harper turns to Cash for guidance, hoping his steady advice might help her find a way forward. But when she finally returns home, expecting the dust to have settled, she’s met with a horrifying sight. The house is silent. Archie’s crib is empty. And on the table lies a handwritten note that chills her to the core:

“I’ve taken Archie. He’s safe with me.”

A Mother’s Panic

Harper’s heart stops. Panic and disbelief crash over her in waves. She frantically calls and texts Tane, but he doesn’t answer. Hours pass. Each unanswered call amplifies her fear. Where has he taken Archie? What if something goes wrong?

Dana and John try to calm her, insisting that Tane loves Archie too much to put him in harm’s way. But Harper’s terror only grows. She knows Tane’s history — his impulsiveness, his protective nature, and the deep scars left by his past mistakes.

“She’s heartbroken and terrified,” Jessica Redmayne shares. “Her world is collapsing. She knows Tane loves their son, but she’s also scared that his judgment might be clouded by fear. For Harper, it’s every parent’s worst nightmare — not knowing where your child is or if they’re safe.”

The Clock Is Ticking

As time drags on, Harper’s anxiety turns to fury. Every instinct in her screams to call the police, but Dana pleads with her to think carefully. Tane is still on a suspended sentence for a previous kidnapping-related charge. If the authorities get involved, he could go straight to prison — and Archie could be caught in the middle of a devastating legal storm.

Reluctantly, Harper holds off, but the clock keeps ticking. Her patience, however, doesn’t last long. Late that night, she sends Tane a message filled with both heartbreak and resolve:

“If Archie isn’t back by the end of the day, I’m calling the police.”

It’s a moment that defines Harper’s breaking point — torn between love, anger, and maternal instinct.

A Mother’s Resolve

Desperate and running out of options, Harper makes a bold move. Despite the promise she and Tane once made to avoid legal conflict, she contacts a solicitor to begin formal custody proceedings. It’s a decision that could change everything.

“Harper’s done being passive,” Jessica says. “She’s terrified this will tear her family apart, but she knows she has to act. She’ll do whatever it takes to protect Archie — even if that means going up against the man she loves.”

What Happens Next?

The fallout from Tane’s rash decision will send shockwaves through Summer Bay. His act of desperation, though rooted in love, could cost him everything — his freedom, his relationship, and even Archie himself.

Meanwhile, Harper’s decision to involve the law opens a new chapter in their already fractured relationship. Will Tane realize the damage he’s done before it’s too late? Can Harper ever forgive him for crossing such a painful line?

Fans can expect emotionally charged scenes filled with heartbreak, confrontation, and moral dilemmas as Harper and Tane face the consequences of their actions.

At the center of it all stands baby Archie — the innocent soul caught in the crossfire of adult fear and love.

As Home and Away barrels toward another powerful emotional crescendo, the question remains: how far will a parent go to protect their child — and what happens when that instinct destroys everything they were fighting for?

One thing is certain — this storyline will leave viewers breathless, proving once again why Home and Away remains one of television’s most gripping dramas.