The truth about “Esther” has finally been exposed – but is it too late to save Andrew?
In Home And Away this week, Justin and policeman Cash are frantically searching for links to Vita Nova, the shadowy cult linked to the teenager’s abduction.
Can he save Andrew?
(Image: Supplied)In recent episodes, a woman named Esther claimed to be his mother, and Andrew (Joshua Hewson) willingly went to live with her. But it was a lie – her real name is Margot Dafoe (Mandy McElhinney) and she’s the leader of the sinister group.
“Once Justin realises Cash has released Andrew into the hands of an imposter, he’s gravely concerned,” James Stewart, 47, tells TV WEEK. “He feels an obligation to help this young man, but Cash’s actions have put Andrew straight back in danger’s way.”
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With no address to search for and Cash kicked off the case for negligence, the situation is dire. Meanwhile, at the compound, Andrew is being lectured by Margot as she holds him in a cell and brainwashes him into accepting his place at Vita Nova.
“She’s a woman of great belief and faith in her way of seeing the outside world – as a dangerous place that’s falling apart,” Mandy, 52, says of Margot. “There’s an element of truth in that – you just have to look at the news. So she’s created a place that protects her family from the world.”
The following day, Cash eavesdrops on police conversations, hoping to steal information. When he stumbles upon the location of the Vita Nova compound, he and Justin set off.
When the pair arrive, men surround them, but Justin won’t back down: he wants to see Andrew now. Margot happily obliges, saying she has nothing to hide.
A flashback image from happier times.
(Image: Instagram)“Everything she’s doing is to protect Andrew,” Mandy says. “She feels it’s her duty to save him, even if that means punishing him to make him see what she does.”
Relieved to find Andrew unharmed, Justin gestures for him to leave, but he won’t budge. He claims he’s happy at Vita Nova, that it’s home.
Stunned, Justin decides to tell him the truth: the police have found his sister. Still, Andrew insists on staying.
When he and Cash are ordered to leave, Justin vows to return. He’s not giving up on Andrew, and no-one can stop him…
