The controversial plot was now at its height, and while more and more viewers were switching on, TV critics "and" Network Ten bosses, were questioning how appropriate a serial killer storyline was in a prime time soap opera. Nevertheless, another bombshell was dropped on viewers when Michael Sturgess suddenly rose out of his shallow grave (next to Virginia's rotting corpse), and then tried to make it back to Westside to reveal the truth about Stephen Richardson and Mr Bad. Suffering from concussion, badly injured Michael finally reached the main road, but, just as he was about to reach safety, he stumbled into the road and into the path of an oncoming truck and was killed instantly.