800 Words: Season 2, Part 2 picks up following the big cricket match where George (Erik Thomson) and Fiona (Michelle Langstone) shared a passionate kiss in the heat of the moment of the successful win. Weld is a small town and what one or two people witness quickly becomes news that spreads like wildfire. George worries that Katie's (Anna Julienne) feelings could be hurt since things didn't work out between them, while Fiona's ex, Robbie (Millen Baird) is out of prison and trying to win her back. Technically, they aren't even divorced, so this bit will come up often during the season as Fiona tries to separate herself completely from all ties to Robbie, but he just doesn't want to let her go.
Arlo is struggling with being lovesick, having seen Emma off to her hometown, and then there's the new school year. Shay has decided she isn't going back to school and Ike stayed in Weld to be with her instead of going off to university. Then, we discover that Arlo has conned his father into signing paperwork allowing him to join a technical track in school, as opposed to college prep, because he wants to be a chef. Apparently, the "affectionate" term for the technical track kids is the numpties, but it's never been cool and still isn't. But that is about to change.
Probably the most recent shocking occurrence in Weld, besides a very pregnant Jan sneaking into town and secretly staying at Big Mac's house, is the stunning arrival of George's little brother, Terry (Ditch Davey), a handsome, brash, womanizing, George-torturing, world-class chef, and he aims to turn George's world upside down. Not only does he partner with Big Mac (Peter Elliot) to open up a flashy new pop-up restaurant in Weld, but he begins a torrid and rapid romance with Hannah (Cian Elyse White). George full well knows how Terry is and he is deeply worried about the damage and heartbreak that will inevitably occur when Terry grows bored of Weld, but everyone in town just thinks he's a spoilsport. What's worse (or better depending on whether you are George or Arlo) is that Terry has teamed up with Tracey (Emma Leonard), who has been struggling with her incredible new workload as the new school Principal. Together, they've worked out a program where the numpties can work at his restaurant for a small amount of money, but they'll earn school credit and on the job experience. Arlo can finally get the hands-on experience he needs, but George is livid as this only reinforces Arlo's desire to skip college and go straight to work.
Meanwhile, Jan's arrival has everyone talking babies and, suddenly, relationships like Tracey and Woody's (Rick Donald, A Place to Call Home), are faltering a bit as many of the women want to have the "baby talk." The big question that remains is how will Jan's pregnancy affect George and Fiona's fledgling relationship. Okay, no - the actual big question is who is the father, and I'll only tell you this, there are three contenders - Jan was having herself a grand time in Weld, apparently. Blame it on Guy Fawkes night!
Lots more happens as Monty (Jonny Brugh) and Robbie jockey for position at the real estate agency, the McNamara clan alienate a number of the locals at the restaurant grand opening, and Katie and Shay accidentally get involved in an art forgery scheme, but honestly, they had the best intentions, although things get out of hand.
800 Words: Season 2, Part 2 is every bit as great as the First Season and also Part 1 of this season. I love the characters and their developing backstories - was it a surprise to anyone else that Hannah was Zac's (Rob Kipa-Williams) daughter? Sure, they are both gorgeous people, but I must have missed that along the way. Aside from that, it was great to gain some insight into George's past and his family conflicts; well, conflicts other than the ones he already has with the kids. I love this show and I look forward to continuing to see these characters flesh out. 800 Words is a delight, through and through, and if you've been watching up to this point, you should definitely check this second half of the season out. If you buy the DVD, you'll also get an on-set tour with Melina Vidler, the actress that plays Shay, but you can also check it out on Acorn TV. Highly recommended!
