Summer Bay is no stranger to drama, but this week, Home and Away delivers one of its most tense and emotional storylines yet, as Harper faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: her partner,

Tane, has taken baby Archie and vanished, leaving Harper to grapple with fear, anger, and uncertainty. Harper’s journey this week begins with her returning to Summer Bay after taking some time away

to confront a piece of her past. The young mother had ventured off to reconnect with her estranged mother, Carrie, hoping to see if she had truly changed enough to be a positive presence in Archie’s life.

Since the birth of her son, Harper has been acutely aware of the absence of stable family members in his life—a reality that hit hard following a casual, almost offhand remark from Dana about Patch, the cuddly toy Archie had grown fond of. Patch, gifted by Sunny when Harper suffered an eye injury, had become a little anchor for the baby. When Harper joked that Patch was “like family,” Dana, in a teasing tone, quipped that she and Harper were the only family Archie really needed.

Later, Alf stepped in to help, caring for Archie while Harper took a phone call at the diner. Marilyn, ever the observer, joked that Archie had taken a liking to Alf and that he could almost be his grandfather. This sparked a deeper conversation between Harper and Alf about the importance of family, regret, and the fleeting opportunities to spend time with loved ones. Alf reflected on his own grandchildren, noting how fortunate he was to have been a part of Ryder’s life in recent years. For Harper, Alf’s words served as a stark reminder of the fragility and importance of family bonds, especially considering Tane’s own estranged family in New Zealand and the death of his parents.

Harper’s thoughts turned to her own past, one filled with challenges. She and Dana had endured a troubled upbringing, with parents struggling with addiction. The sisters had fled the family home as soon as they could, leaving behind years of neglect and turmoil. For Dana, those parents were effectively dead, emotionally erased from her life. So, when Harper revealed she wanted to reach out to their mother, Dana was immediately resistant. She feared the toxic dynamics of their past could endanger Archie, cautioning that Harper’s desire to reconnect could have far-reaching consequences.

Despite Dana’s protests, Harper pursued the matter privately, enlisting Cash’s help to check public records. She discovered that their father, Warwick, had died from an overdose four years prior, but their mother, Carrie, was still alive and, importantly, had remained out of trouble. Harper reached out, receiving a cold, clipped response: “What do you want?” Still, determined to see for herself whether her mother had changed enough to play a role in Archie’s life, Harper arranged a meeting. She handed Archie to Tane, citing a work trip, and set off for the reunion—her first encounter with Carrie in over a decade.

Jessica Falkholt, who portrays Harper, explained to TV Week that her character’s priorities had shifted since becoming a mother. “She wants to see for herself that her mom has changed and hopes she can be a good grandmother,” Falkholt said. Upon her return, Harper told Dana she genuinely believed their mother had changed. However, Dana remained unconvinced, recalling the chaos of their childhood and insisting that recovery does not happen overnight.

The tension escalates when Tane returns home to find Harper and Dana in the midst of a heated argument. Learning of Harper’s trip, Tane immediately shuts down the idea of Archie getting to know his grandmother. “I’m not willing to let someone unpredictable anywhere near Archie,” he declares, leaving Harper frustrated and desperate.

Harper sought counsel from Cash, hoping to find a way to bridge the gap, but upon returning to the house, she discovers it empty. Tane has left, taking baby Archie with him, leaving only a simple note: “I’ve taken Archie. He’ll be safe with me.” The moment is a chilling reminder of Tane’s unpredictability and the precariousness of co-parenting without legal safeguards.

Promotional footage for this week’s episode shows Tane sitting in his car outside the surf club, Archie in tow, visibly contemplating his next move. Meanwhile, Harper frantically calls and texts him, leaving an anxious voicemail: “Dana, you can’t just take off on a whim with my son without telling me where you’re going. Come home. I’m serious.” Her concern is palpable, highlighting both her love for Archie and the deep fear of losing him.

Dana and Jon attempt to reassure Harper, emphasizing that Tane is a good father who would not let harm come to Archie. Yet, Harper’s concern remains unresolved. With history repeating itself—Tane is already on a suspended sentence for a previous kidnapping incident involving baby Poppy—Harper fears that a rash action could endanger her son and Tane alike. In a pivotal moment, Harper issues Tane a final warning: if Archie is not returned by the end of the day, she will contact the authorities.

This storyline marks a dramatic shift in Harper and Tane’s co-parenting dynamic. Previously, they had navigated parenthood without formal legal intervention, relying on trust and mutual understanding. Now, with trust fractured and danger lurking, Harper takes the necessary step of consulting a solicitor about securing formal custody for Archie—a decision that underscores the severity of the situation and her unwavering commitment to her child’s safety.

The narrative also touches on the deep emotional layers of Harper’s character. From confronting her estranged mother to navigating conflicts with Dana and facing Tane’s impulsive decisions, Harper embodies the struggle of a parent fighting to protect their child while reconciling with a past filled with trauma and unresolved relationships. Her courage and determination resonate with viewers, highlighting the universal fears and responsibilities of parenthood.

For Tane, the storyline underscores the complexity of his character. While portrayed as a loving father, his actions reflect impulsivity and unresolved tension from past experiences. The audience is left to question whether Tane’s decision to take Archie stems from genuine concern or an inability to navigate parental responsibilities collaboratively. This tension between protective instincts and erratic behavior provides a gripping emotional core to the episodes.

As the week unfolds, fans are left on edge, wondering whether Harper’s ultimatum will bring Archie home safely or trigger further complications. The storyline expertly blends suspense, emotional depth, and character-driven drama, making it one of Home and Away’s most compelling arcs in recent memory.

Ultimately, Harper’s journey this week is about more than just a missing baby—it is a story of trust, resilience, and the complexities of family. It explores the enduring impact of childhood trauma, the challenges of co-parenting, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. With legal considerations now entering the narrative, the stakes are higher than ever, promising viewers an intense, emotionally charged week in Summer Bay.

As audiences watch Harper navigate these challenges, one question lingers: will Tane return Archie safely, or will the tension escalate to a breaking point? Home and Away continues to deliver gripping storytelling that balances suspense with heart, ensuring fans remain riveted to every moment of Summer Bay drama.