and Bonnie Sveen. After nearly a decade away from the Bay, the iconic couple is back—but in a location and context that fans never expected. For the first time in the series’ history,

Home and Away ventures west, filming a special blockbuster week of episodes across the rugged landscapes and dramatic coastline of Western Australia.

Promotional images released by Channel 7 show Brax and Ricky in classic Akubra hats, framed by the red dust of the outback, evoking a cinematic, almost mythic version of life away from Summer Bay. In these snapshots, they appear at ease, laughing together, sharing tender family moments with their son Casey, and indulging in simple domestic joys like beachside adventures and dirt bike maintenance. But as any longtime Home and Away fan knows, peace is always short-lived in this coastal town—and the promotional footage hints that a storm is brewing on the horizon.

Episode 8688: A Family Reunited

The season-ending promo gives viewers their first tantalizing glimpse of what awaits in episode 8688. Brax is seen tearing across a cattle ranch on a dirt bike, his signature smirk in place as he finally reunites with Ricky. “Missed me?” he teases. Ricky’s response—“Ah, you wish”—delivers the playful chemistry that originally made the couple a fan favorite. Their young son Casey runs up to embrace his father, and for a moment, the Braxtons seem to have left behind the chaos of River Boy life, enjoying a semblance of idyllic domestic bliss in Queensland.

Yet, the tranquility is deceptive. The promo’s pacing quickens, the music swells, and the tension becomes palpable. A truck pulls up beside Ricky’s car, her smile faltering as she mutters, “Once a River Boy, always a River Boy.” The ominous score signals that danger is on the horizon. What begins as a heartwarming homecoming could quickly spiral into a high-stakes reunion with consequences that threaten to upend not just the family’s newfound peace, but Summer Bay itself.

Trouble in the Outback

The decision to film in Western Australia adds a new layer of drama and cinematic tension to the storyline. Perth’s iconic landmarks, such as Elizabeth Quay and The Bell Tower, provide a striking backdrop for the unfolding mystery, while the harsh, red-tinged outback conveys the intensity of the challenges Brax and Ricky will face. Sources close to production suggest that the couple’s return is more than a nostalgic visit; secrets from their past, possibly tied to the River Boy legacy, are set to resurface, forcing them to confront threats they hoped they had left behind.

Tane and Brax: An Unexpected Alliance

Adding further intrigue is the surprising involvement of Tane Parata, played by Ethan Browne. Filming reports confirm that Tane and Brax share significant screen time in Perth, a crossover that has never been explored before on Home and Away. Tane, who missed the original River Boy era, has a history with Heath Braxton during a 2021 gang-related storyline. Could he now be seeking Brax’s assistance for a new showdown? The prospect of these two powerful figures aligning has already sent fan speculation into overdrive.

Fans have picked up on subtle clues in the promotional footage, noting that the characters are seen together at high-profile Perth locations, hinting at a storyline that bridges the coastlines of Queensland and Western Australia. The mystery surrounding their collaboration raises questions: is this an attempt to settle old River Boy scores, or is there a fresh threat emerging that only Brax can neutralize? The chemistry between Brax and Tane—two characters from different generations of Summer Bay’s underworld—promises dynamic tension and high drama.

Family Bonds Tested

Beyond the action, this storyline promises a deep exploration of family dynamics. Brax and Ricky’s return is not simply about thrills and confrontations; it’s about the strain that long absences, past mistakes, and the lingering shadow of River Boy notoriety place on a family. Casey, their young son, becomes an emotional anchor, highlighting the stakes of their reunion. The tension between protecting him and facing external threats will add a gripping layer of suspense, forcing viewers to question whether Brax and Ricky’s attempts to create a peaceful life are ultimately sustainable.

Moreover, Ricky’s subtle cautionary words in the promo—“Once a River Boy, always a River Boy”—underscore a recurring theme in Home and Away: the past is never truly behind you. Brax may have left the Bay physically, but the consequences of his actions, rivalries, and alliances remain, threatening to pull the family back into chaos just as they start to heal.

Air Date and Viewer Expectations

While official broadcast dates have not been confirmed, insiders suggest that episode 8688 will air between mid-March and mid-April 2026, depending on Channel 7’s schedule. Viewers are left to speculate: is this return a short-lived family reunion, or the beginning of a new River Boy chapter with lasting implications for Summer Bay? Will past enemies resurface, or is a hidden threat waiting to emerge in the outback?

Social media discussions have already erupted, with fans debating the potential consequences of Brax and Ricky’s return. Speculation ranges from classic River Boy showdowns to entirely new story arcs involving Western Australia’s rugged terrain as a proving ground for family loyalty and survival. One common question dominates the conversation: is the River Boy legacy about to explode once more in 2026?

The Legacy of River Boys

For long-time viewers, the return of Brax is a reminder of the era that defined Home and Away’s most thrilling storylines. The Braxton family’s history of loyalty, betrayal, and raw emotion has always captivated audiences, and bringing this legacy into 2026 ensures that the series maintains its reputation for high-stakes drama. Pairing the older River Boys with a new generation of Summer Bay characters like Tane not only bridges past and present but also promises fresh narrative tension, moral complexity, and unforgettable moments for fans old and new.

Critics have praised the show’s ambitious choice to film in Western Australia, noting that the location adds cinematic depth and narrative gravitas. The outback’s isolation mirrors the challenges Brax and Ricky will face, heightening suspense while giving the series a cinematic scope rarely seen in soap operas. This “epic week” of episodes positions Home and Away as a series willing to push creative boundaries while honoring its iconic characters.

Conclusion: Summer Bay on Edge

As 2026 unfolds, Brax and Ricky’s return is shaping up to be far more than a nostalgic homecoming. Secrets, threats, and unresolved River Boy conflicts are set to collide with family life, creating a volatile mix that promises edge-of-your-seat drama. Summer Bay—and its viewers—are in for an explosive narrative that tests loyalties, challenges morality, and proves once again that in Home and Away, peace is always temporary, and danger is never far behind.

From family reunions and personal reckonings to Western Australian showdowns, this blockbuster week of episodes marks a new chapter for the series. Whether it’s the emotional stakes for Casey and his parents or the intrigue surrounding Tane’s mysterious alliance with Brax, one thing is certain: 2026 will be a year in which the River Boy legacy resurfaces in unforgettable style.