Exile

> Read my lips Margot. There is no way that I'm going to live with virtual strangers, on the other side of the freaking world.
>
> Summer Torres, Exile

## *Episode Guide*

"**Exile**" is the first episode of the first season of ***Surviving Summer***, and the first episode of the series overall. It first premiered on June 3, 2022 on Netflix.

## Synopsis

Wild child Summer tries to settle into sleepy Shorehaven and meets young surfer Ari, who is on the mend from an injury but eager to compete again.

## Plot

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

The episode opens in Shorehaven, Australia with a Ari walking out of his home, getting on a bike, and riding off towards the ocean. He is wearing an unzipped wetsuit, which shows a visible scar running down his right shoulder blade. He arrives at a wooden lookout, and stands at the railing, looking out over the water.

The scene cuts to Brooklyn, New York, whereSummer and a group of her friends walk up to a fence, looking through it to the cityscape. Summer smiles at the view, before she and her friends skate off, riding their skateboards in the middle of the street. Back in Shorehaven, Ari stretches before zipping up his wetsuit and running down the stairs to the beach, a surfboard under his arm. He stops on the sane to attach the surfboard's leg rope to his ankle before running into the ocean. He paddles out into the waves. The scene cuts back to New York where Summer and her friends skate through a graffitied car garage. The scene cuts quickly between Ari in Shorehaven paddling in the water, looking happy, and Summer in New York where she and her friends skateboard on and off abandoned cars.

Night falls in New York and Summer arrives with her friends at an extravagant building behind a tall gate, which she and her friends climb over. In Shorehaven, Ari tries to catch a wave but bails out at the last minute, diving under the water. In New York, Summer and her friends have entered an indoor swimming area, and she is riding her skateboard around which has been lit on fire. She performs a few tricks, to the amusement and adulation of her friends.

In Shorehaven, Ari tries to catch another wave. The scene quickly cuts back to Summer who is climbing a ladder up to a diving board, while her friends chant, egging her on. Security arrives, and her friends flee, while a female guard tells Summer to get down. The security guard's light shines on her face, showing she is not scared. The scene cuts back to Ari successfully catching a wave this time. Cutting back to New York, Summer rides her still flaming skateboard off the diving board and into the water. The scene cuts between Ari riding the wave and Summer falling into the water. Ari once again bails on the wave, diving under the water. The scene cuts between the two underwater, Ari trying to get his bearings in the rough ocean, while Summer smiles triumphantly in the pool.

The scene cuts to the title card: Surviving Summer.

The episode resumes with Summer in her therapist's office with her mother, Margot, who is berating her for getting expelled from two private schools. Summer doesn't seem concerned and is doodling on her hand with a pen. Summer and Margot argue about her friends and school, and it is revealed that Margot is an award winning photographer who has recently accepted a job in the Middle East. The therapist congratulates her but enquires about what is going to happen to Summer while she's away; Margot doesn't seem to have an answer.

The scene cuts to Ari's house in Shorehaven; it's the middle of the night and the phone is ringing, waking the whole family up, including his mother, Abbie, his father, Thommo, and his younger sister, Honey. It's Margot on the phone, and Abbie seems surprised to hear from her.

The pair exchange pleasantries over the phone, and the visuals cut to New York where Margot watches as Summer takes an armful of clothes over to the window. Abby reveals that it's been around a decade since the pair have spoken. Margot asks Summer what she's doing, and Summer explains that she can't be put on a plane if she doesn't have any clothes, before tossing the bundle of clothing out the window. Margot goes back to her phone call, and asks Abbie for a "huge, huge favour", insisting that Abbie was the first person she thought to ask. Summer pipes up, saying that Abbie was in fact the last person Margot thought of. Margot asks what Abbie has planned for the next couple of months and Summer says she's not going to go live with strangers, implying that it is Margot's plan to send Summer to Shorehaven.

Despite her insistence, the episode cuts to Summer arriving at the airport, where Abbie, Thommo, and Honey are waiting for her, waving excitedly and holding a sign that says "G'day Summer". Summer doesn't seem impressed but Honey is, telling her parents that Summer looks "extremely cool".

Summer rides in the Gibson's car, looking out the window at the beach, while Honey asks her if anything looks familiar. Summer explains to Honey that she left Shorehaven when she was four and therefore doesn't have many memories of the town. Summer bemoans the lack of reception on her phone and Thommo explains that she will only be able to get reception at a specific spot, aptly named 'Reception Point'. Thommo points out a black-shouldered kite to Honey who excitedly leans over Summer to get a closer look. Honey tells Summer that she's into bird watching. Abbie also tells Summer about the big surfing competition going on that weekend, explaining why Ari wasn't there to greet her. Honey is excited once more to learn that Summer isn't interested in surfing, remarking that surfing is all anyone talks about in Shorehaven.

Elsewhere, Ari arrives at the beach in time for the start of the Shorehaven Pro Juniors competition, which is said to be the first step towards state selection. Ari notices a guy around his age, playing a ukulele, and says hello to him. Marlon offers an apology to Ari in return, noting that he is in a tough heat, and that Ahmed in particular with "smoke" Ari. Marlon then reveals that Ari has been out for a year and Ari replies that rehab was intense, building his upper body strength. Marlon notes that Ari still hasn't surfed and Ari insists that he knows the break better than Ahmed. Marlon says that the break has changed while Ari was gone, and Ari seems worried, Marlon then says everything has changed before wishing Ari good luck.

The Gibsons arrive at the beach. Abbie heads off to the shops, hoping out loud that Ari will be finished with the competition by the time she comes back. Thommo points Summer in the direction of Reception Point and then reminisces on when he used to take Summer and Ari there to whale watch when they were younger. Honey offers for her and Thommo to accompany Summer to the point but Summer insists she's just going to be making some calls, and walks off. Thommo hands Honey some binoculars for bird watching.

Summer walks towards the point, looking at her phone. Ari walks back up from the beach and spots two girls, Bodhi and Poppy, across the carpark. Bodhi is dancing while Poppy films her. When Bodhi looks up at him he quickly turns around, accidentally hitting Summer with his surfboard. Summer falls to the ground and Ari quickly apologises, helping her back up again. Summer banters with Ari about him giving her concussion, and he notes that she is American. Summer vents about being sent to Shorehaven to live with a family she doesn't know, Ari guesses that she's talking about the Gibson's, and explains that it's a small town where everyone knows everyone. Summer remarks that Abbie seems "strung tighter than a violin", that Honey is from outer space, and that Thommo reminds her of homeless men she'd seen in New York. She goes on to say that while she hasn't met the son yet, she'd guess that he's on the "loser spectrum". Ari agrees, before the announcer from the beach gives a 15 minute warning for his heat. He says he'll see her around, specifically using her name, before leaving. Bodhi and Poppy walk up and ask how she knows Ari, and Summer realises that Ari is the Gibson's son.

On the beach, the announcer notes that the swell has picked up, right in time for Ari's heat to begin. It is once again noted by the announcer that Ari has been out for a year with an injury. The competition begins and other surfers start catching waves, some doing well, some falling. Ari and Ahmed go for the same wave but Ahmed gets there first despite Ari being in the better position. Ari sits on his board and rubs at his right shoulder. Ari sees a series of flashbacks, including a hand tapping on a board, himself underwater, and someone jumping off a rock. Ari is still sitting on his board with the announcer noting that he doesn't look very comfortable, hoping that his injury isn't bothering him.

Summer is still in the carpark with Bodhi and Poppy who are getting ready to surf. Poppy asks how long Summer is staying, and Summer says six weeks according to Margot. But Summer adds that she's about to book a flight back to New York for the next day. Bodhi asks if the Gibsons know that she's leaving, to which Summer says no, and Poppy calls her weird. Bodhi quickly says she's not weird, just on a journey, but Summer doesn't seem bothered. Bodhi invites Summer to a party at Poppy's for that night, but Poppy doesn't seem keen. Bodhi ignores her and says that Ari can come as well. Summer is amused and thinks that Bodhi is using her to get to Ari but Bodhi insists that they're just really good friends, with Poppy adding that Ari has been keeping to himself lately. Summer thanks them for the invite but says she'll probably be too jet-lagged to come. Summer leaves for Reception Point.

Ari's heat continues and Summer arrives at the beach. Ahmed and another surfer are at the top of the leaderboard and the announcer notes that only the top two surfers will advance to the next round. Ari is still rubbing his shoulder. Summer watches as Ari decides to go for a wave, which ends up being the best wave of the set. He nails it and Summer smiles a bit as the crowd cheers.

Later, Summer walks back to the Gibson's car where Thommo and Honey are still sitting, now with Ari on his bike. Honey, not knowing they've already met, introduces Summer and Ari, and Summer asks if he thinks he's clever. Ari says he has his moments and Summer just shakes her head.

Back at the Gibson's house, Ari shows Summer to his room, which she'll be using during her stay. Summer comments that it's rustic, and Ari tells her the bed is comfier than it looks and that the sheets have been washed. Summer looks at Ari's surf posters, including one which features a woman in a bikini. Ari tells her he was going to take that one down but she's actually a really good surfer, and Summer comments sarcastically that she bets she's super talented. Ari doesn't know what to say.

At dinner that night, Ari is arguing with his parents about his surfing. Abbie says that they agreed to one competition only, while Ari argues that he's already missed a whole year. He says he'll never catch up if he has to miss another year, and that half of his friends already have sponsors. Abbie reminds him that these are the same friends who stopped coming around when he couldn't surf anymore. She then notices that Summer is looking tired and urges her to go to bed. Thommo tries to convince Ari to just stick with free-surfing, and that comps and sponsorships can come later. But Ari argues that it can't wait if he wants to have a career in surfing. Abbie is worried about the strain of surfing on his body, while Thommo says it isn't fair for Summer to have to follow Ari around to beaches during her stay. Ari says she might be into it, while Honey pipes up that maybe Summer wants to hang out with her. Summer, who is falling asleep at the table, doesn't say anything, and Thommo sends her to bed, and this time she goes. Abbie tells Ari she and Thommo will sleep on the idea of him doing competitions, and Honey remarks that that means "no".

Later that night, Summer walks through the house yawning and goes into the bathroom, only to find Ari shirtless and brushing his teeth. She looks at the scar on his shoulder as he finishes up, and looks after him for a long time after he leaves.

Later, when Ari is lying in his new bed, he notices Summer leaving. He follows her out into the street and calls for her to stop, asking what she's doing. She tells him about the party Bodhi invited them to. Ari seems unsure and Summer teases him gently. Ari is worried about his parents and Summer says that she doesn't need permission from them, going on to say that Ari always does what he's told, even if it means crushing his dreams (surfing), so he should stay. Summer goes to ride off on her skateboard, but he asks her to wait while he gets dressed. Together they walk to the party.

At the party Marlon is playing the ukulele and some teenagers are skating on a half-pipe. Ari immediately spots Bodhi who is taking a selfie with another girl. Summer calls him out for his crush on a "wannabe influencer" and Ari just tells her that she doesn't know Bodhi well enough to call her that. Summer encourages him to show her his moves, but they both watch as Bodhi goes over to Marlon, sitting next to him and kissing him. Ari looks away and Poppy skips up, hugging Summer, glad she came. Poppy congratulates Ari on his heat earlier, but he says he just got lucky with his last wave. He's distracted watching Marlon serenade Bodhi with his ukulele and Poppy mentions that they got together while he was out with his injury. Poppy pulls Summer away to show her framed photos of Margot, revealing that Summer is from "surfing royalty". Summer downplays it, and Ari walks up just as she's asking for a ride to the airport the next day. Ari tries to question her on it, but she dismisses it. Poppy, meanwhile, is still talking about Margot, and how she's the only person from Shorehaven to ever make a career out of surfing. Summer tells her to never meet her heroes, while Ari once again asks about the airport. Summer tells him that she's going back to New York.

Summer wonders if she has to teach them how to party and the scene cuts to later, the music playing louder as everyone dances. Summer dances with Marlon, Bodhi, and Poppy, while Ari watches from afar. Later, Marlon, Summer, and Poppy skate on the half-pipe together. Ari watches for a while before finally telling Summer they'll have to leave soon as he has finals in the morning. Summer glibly says that she doesn't and keeps skating.

Summer climbs up onto the railing of the balcony nearby, warning the crowd not to try this at home. They cheer and egg her on and Ari climbs up onto the balcony himself, asking her what she's doing. She explains that she's going to skate off the balcony, land on the half-pipe, and finish with a 540 trick. She says it'll be easy but Ari calls her insane. He goes on to say he doesn't care if she gets on a plane and goes home tomorrow, but he'll be "grounded for life" if she breaks her neck attempting this trick. Summer remarks that that already seems to be his situation. Marlon breaks in, telling Ari to just let her do it, making the crowd cheer. Ari takes Summer's skateboard from her and backs away, forcing Summer to climb down to try and get it back. Ari says he'll only give it back if she promises not to jump. The crowd boos but car lights break through the darkness and a car horn honks. They've been busted by Abbie.

Back at the Gibson's house, Ari is getting in trouble for sneaking out with Summer, with Abbie telling him he's grounded, despite his competition the next day. Listening from Ari's room, Summer looks at a picture of herself with Margot as she hears Ari saying he never asked for Summer to be here. Summer has been crying and she buries her face in her hands.

The next morning Ari is helping in the garden while Summer watches on. She tells him she has a plane to catch and he can't believe she's actually going to leave. She asks about his finals, and he reminds her that he's grounded, prompting her to suggest he sneak out like she's planning on doing. Ari shoots back that being a rebel hasn't worked out well for her, and Summer says she prefers her way of trying than just rolling over like him. Ari doesn't have a response.

Ari leaves the garden and finds Thommo and Honey bird watching. He confides in Thommo that his shoulder was hurting yesterday, but that the physio said it might always hurt and he would have to get used to it. Thommo tells him that he appreciates Ari telling him, and that he's sorry if he and Abbie aren't as relaxed as they used to be, but Ari almost dying a year ago changed things. Ari says that he doesn't expect them to forget about his injury, but that thinking about getting back to surfing was all he thought about during the year of being in hospital and rehab. Honey is moved, and Thommo considers it, acknowledging that he and Abbie had promised Ari one comp, so he'd better get to it then.

Summer is walking along the road to the airport. Ari arrives at the beach for his competition and runs into the water alongside Marlon and two other surfers. The scene cuts back to Summer walking along the road, before cutting to the words: To Be Continued.

## Cast

### Main

* Sky Katz as Summer Torres
* Kai Lewins as Ari Gibson
* Lilliana Bowrey as Poppy Tetanui
* João Marinho as Marlon Sousa
* Savannah La Rain as Bodhi Mercer

### Recurring

* Dustin Clare as Thommo Gibson
* Adrienne Pickering as Abbie Gibson
* Asmara Feik as Honey Gibson
* Kate Beahan as Margot Torres

### Guest

* Fiona Choi as Amelia Cross
* Cessalee Stovall as Security Guard #1
* Ilai Swindells as Nico - Commentator
* Marcel Laidlaw as Tommy Ahmed
* Cooper Downes as Surfer Casey
* Ryder Tweedie as Surfer Phillips
* Charlie Farrer as Pro Junior Surfer #4 Jackson Bay
* Ethan Huxtable as Pro Junior Surfer #3 Jackson Bay

## Quotes

> Getting expelled from one private elite school. Hey, it happens. Getting expelled from two, that takes talent. Summer, can you see why you're mother's upset?
>
> Amelia Cross to Summer Torres, Exile

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