Writers focused on Dylan's fractured relationship with his mother Janelle. She often shows favouritism towards Stingray and blames Dylan for any problems in the family. This leaves Dylan hurt and confused as to why Janelle resents him. Bodie told an "Inside Soap" reporter that Dylan loves his mother and would "do anything" to share the same relationship with her that Stingray has. He added "He can't understand why she doesn't feel the same way. He knows he's made some mistakes in his life but, even so, that doesn't explain why Janelle holds such resentment towards him." Susan becomes worried and tries to offer advice to them to resolve their differences. Bodie explained that Susan can see "how much Dylan is hurting" because of the rift. Stingray behaves bad to make Dylan appear more favourable, but "Janelle still finds a way to paint Dylan as the villain." Writers developed the rift further and this culminates in an angry argument between the two. When Dylan buys an expensive ring for Janelle's birthday, she accuses him of stealing it. Bodie added "it builds to a huge argument. Eventually, Dylan just can't take anymore. He demands to know why his mother doesn't love him - and her answer shocks everyone."