Kat Slater’s world is about to be turned upside down as her son Tommy’s return home is accompanied by a shocking change that leaves her utterly terrified. This revelation, following months of Tommy’s absence due to his violent outbursts, triggers Kat’s deepest fears and anxieties, forcing her to confront the very real possibility of history repeating itself.

The catalyst for Kat’s terror is Tommy’s newfound connection with an online friend, a relationship that has blossomed during his time living with Zack Hudson. While social worker Leslie deems Tommy’s return home appropriate, Kat’s unease is palpable. Her past experiences with Tommy’s aggression, which led to his removal from the family home, have left her deeply scarred.

During a heart-to-heart with Bianca, Kat confesses her fears, questioning her ability to handle Tommy’s return. “What if I can’t do this?” she confides, “What if I mess up again?” Her anxieties are amplified by the fear of triggering Tommy’s violent tendencies, potentially putting her other children, the twins, at risk.

Alfie, overhearing Kat’s worries, attempts to reassure her, but her fears are deeply rooted. She admits to feeling inadequate as a parent, blaming herself for Tommy’s past behavior. “We’re the ones that screwed it up in the first place,” she confesses, “What if I set him off again and he goes for the twins or the rest of us like before?”

Alfie’s assurances that things have changed and that they are now better equipped to handle any potential outbursts do little to quell Kat’s anxieties. The fact that Tommy has already agreed to return home, without her full consent, further fuels her sense of helplessness and dread.

Adding to Kat’s distress is Tommy’s eagerness to return to his online world, where he communicates with his mysterious friend. This online relationship, shrouded in secrecy, raises red flags for Kat, who fears the potential influence of an unknown figure on her vulnerable son.

Kat’s concerns are not unfounded. Tommy’s past violent behavior, which resulted in his removal from the family home, has left a lasting impact on her. The fear of reliving those traumatic experiences is a constant weight on her mind.

The episode also delves into other storylines, including Harvey’s betrayal of Jean with Kathy, further highlighting the theme of broken trust and fractured relationships. Harvey and Kathy’s growing closeness, culminating in a passionate kiss, threatens to shatter Jean’s already fragile emotional state.

Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Tommy’s online friend deepens. Kat’s attempts to uncover the identity of this individual are met with resistance from Tommy, who guards his online interactions closely. The revelation of the friend’s identity, overheard by Aany and subsequently shared with Nugget and Denzel, leads to further complications and potential bullying for Tommy.

Stacey’s attempt to reconcile with Ruby Allen, amidst the grief of Martin Fowler’s death, also highlights the complexities of human relationships. Their truce, however fragile, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Nigel Bates’s defense of Bianca against accusations of causing Martin’s death further underscores the theme of loyalty and support in the face of adversity. His intervention, coupled with Kat’s encouragement, helps Bianca to confront her PTSD.

However, it is Kat’s fear for Tommy that takes center stage. Her anxieties, fueled by her past experiences and the uncertainty surrounding Tommy’s online relationship, create a sense of impending doom. The question remains: is Kat’s fear justified, or is she simply a mother overwhelmed by the weight of her past?

The anticipation builds as viewers are left to wonder whether Tommy’s return will bring peace or further chaos to the Slater household. Kat’s worst nightmare looms, leaving her and Alfie to grapple with the potential consequences of their son’s shocking change. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are high, as Kat’s deepest fears threaten to become a reality.