A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 1, Episode 1 - The Prodigal Daughter - full transcript

Oh! Here's a sight for sore eyes.

Hello, Aunty Peg.

Hello, love. Oh, my darling.

I can't believe I'm actually here.

I could pinch you if you like.

Come in. Come in.

Come on.

You've come halfway round the world.

One more step won't hurt.

She's expecting me?

Ah, she says
she doesn't want to see you,



but not a day's gone by
since she wrote back

that she hasn't mentioned you.

She's, um...pretty much stayed
up there since it happened.

Except for going to mass.

Good luck, love.

OK.

Hello, Mother.

She'll be different
when she comes out of the grief.

No, she won't.

You're the last of her babies, love.

Now she wants me dead too.

I should never have called you back.

You had to.

And I had to come.



You've never done wrong by me, Peg.

Tell me
I'm not going to lose you again.

There's nothing for me in Europe.

There must be something.
Not anymore.

I hope you'll tell me about it
one day.

I'll always let you know where I am.

If Mum asks.
Of course.

Bridget!

Sarah.

It's been 20 years, love.

Where are you going to go?

Mrs. Bligh?

Mrs. Bligh. It's the nurse.

Uh, Mrs. Bligh?

Can I help you?
Oh!

I'm here for Mrs. Bligh.

The doctor sent me.

I'm her son.

She's not in her bed?
No.

Don't give me that look, George.

The air's doing me good.

You agreed to bed rest.

Your nurse is here.

Well, she can come back later.
Thank you, nurse.

You're quite welcome,
but it must be now.

I have other patients.

Your wrist, please.
What on earth are you doing?

Taking your pulse and then I'll loosen
your blouse and listen to your heart.

I have no intention
of exposing my chest in public.

You insist on being here.

Are you always so impertinent?

I'm simply doing my job.

So...

Here or in private?

There's a definite arrhythmia.

Absolute rest in your suite
for at least a week.

I'll visit twice a day,
and I'll be back at...4:00.

I'm aglow with anticipation.

Try to get her to understand
how potentially serious this is.

Obedience has never been
Mother's forte.

I've known generals to buckle
under her glare.

They should have
used her in the war.

Well, you know where I am
if you need anything.

I'm sure I'll manage.
I have a feeling you will.

I didn't catch your name.

Adams.

Sister Adams.

Poor Father.

Having to take dinner with Gran
every night.

Is he so worried about her?

Worried she'll get up to dance,
more like.

Frankly I think he's just glad
to get out of the firing line.

George Bligh on board
with nowhere to run?

Those widows and spinsters
hunt him like game.

Father's a handsome man.
Why shouldn't they?

I doubt it's his looks
they're after.

Leave that.

I love this.

Do you think we might dance?

Shuffling around as a maudlin here?
No.

Dance with your bride,
you old grump.

I don't feel like it.

Sorry...darling.

I just don't.

If he won't, Livvy, may I?

Yes.

Sister Adams.

Oh, Mr. Bligh.
We dock in Sydney tomorrow.

I just wanted to thank you
for all you've done.

It's my job.

Three weeks tending to my mother?

I call that duty above and beyond.

I've had more difficult patients.

Not many.

We would like to show you
our gratitude.

Would you care to join us
for the last night dinner dance?

Oh, I, um...
Please.

Your mother...
I'm asking.

I mean, I'd love to, but...
I've cleared it with Captain.

I don't have
anything suitable to wear.

I'm sure between Anne or Olivia
there's a gown you can borrow.

So, we'll see you this evening?

Yes.

Good.

Is it too much to expect
your guest of honour to be punctual?

I'm sure there's a good reason.

There's never a good reason
for bad manners.

Is that one of your gowns?

She didn't
have anything appropriate.

And you found this out...?

By actually talking to her.

Sorry I'm late.

Emergency sprained ankle.

I told you
that was the right choice.

You sure it's not too young for me?

You look lovely.
Thank you.

No, thank you.

For everything.

I'm sure I speak for all of us.

A toast...

..to Sister Adams.

Mother?

Indeed.

And to tomorrow - to our homecoming.

To Sister Adams
and our homecoming.

Well, I'd best retire

before Ms Adams feels compelled
to bark any final reproof.

I wouldn't be so impertinent.

I trust Australia is everything
you hope it will be.

Thank you, Mrs. Bligh.

Goodnight, darling.

Goodnight, Grandma.

Darling?
What?

Nothing.

You're being a bore.

Miss Adams.

How long
since you were last in Australia?

A long time.

Were you nursing in the war?

No.
Why not?

What are you, the Inquisition?

She's just making conversation.

It's none of our business.

Sorry.

No more for you.

Sister Adams.

Would you care to dance?

Why, thank you.

I should warn you, it's been
a long time between dances.

Sir?

He doesn't need it.

I'm not a bloody child.

Livvy.

You're not rusty.

What?

This isn't a situation
I expected to find myself in.

I hope that's a good thing.

Can I ask what brings you home
to Australia?

Back to Australia.

Is there a reason?

My half-brother died
fighting in Korea.

I'm my mother's
only surviving child.

I'm sorry to hear that.

The role of a dutiful child
is a hard one.

I lost that title a long time ago.

We haven't spoken for 20 years.

I'm not even sure she'll see me.

Why did you fall out?

You don't have to answer that.

This is me.

Thank you.

For everything.

If for any reason
it doesn't work out in Sydney,

we have a hospital in Inverness.

I know there's a position
they're trying to fill.

That's very kind, but some
obligations can't be passed on.

I wish I hadn't left our talk
to the last night.

James, come away from there.

It's slippery. Come on.

Wasn't doing anything.
Then come back.

No-one needs to know.

Tell them I'm sorry.

James. No!

I just can't do it.

Hold that around you.

I'll get the doctor.

No.

It's my job. I have to.

No... Um...

No-one can know. I'll be fine.
I'll stay with you.

At the very least,
your father must know.

No.

You just tried to kill yourself.

I didn't...

I didn't mean it.

Alright. Just...

Not him.

Thank you.
Ma'am.

What on earth is going on?

I didn't want to bring you into this,
Mrs. Bligh, but I have to tell someone.

My heart is fine.
And James insisted it be you.

What's he done?

He tried to jump overboard.

That's ridiculous.

He tried to kill himself.
I was there.

Who knows?
No-one.

Only me.

I've given him something
to settle him,

but he needs to be watched carefully
for quite some time.

I'm sorry.

Did you tell her?

She saw.
N...

Did you tell her why you did this?

I want you to listen to me.

Listen to me.

I know that right now you feel
you'll never be happy again.

I know you're hurt.

But no-one escapes suffering, James.

You're behaving as if you're
the only who's ever experienced it.

That's not fair.

It's not bloody fair!

That's enough.

You have a privileged life.

The price it demands
is respect for it.

Your pain is real,
but so is your duty

to your family and to yourself.

Do you understand?

I love you more than you know.

But it is time
you learned life is unforgiving.

It doesn't often give
a second chance.

You found yourself with one.

I hope to God you use it well.

Thank you for your help.

And for your discretion.

I have it in hand.

It's not my business
why he did this.

But it is my business
to know he'll receive care.

Do you imagine I won't care for him?

No.

Then there's no reason
for you to stay.

No-one else is to know about this.

No-one.

I wish you all the best
for your future,

wherever that may be.

Hello, Mother.

I don't know why you came.
You weren't asked to.

I came because I'm your daughter.

I know what it's like to be alone,
and I don't want that for you.

And because I'm sorry.

For what?

Your loss.

But not for abandoning your family
and all your church?

Your God?

I didn't come to air old grievances.

Then you'll come back.

Everything I own
is in two bags downstairs.

Not just to me.

My child is God's child.

Are you going to
be my daughter again?

Please don't ask me that.

I suppose you want me
to call you Sarah?

That's my name now.

Why don't you just leave?

I have come halfway around the world
for you. I'm not giving up that easily.

Then we'll go to the church,
and you'll go on your knees

and ask Him for forgiveness
for what you've done.

You'll repent,
and I'll forgive you everything.

Every wrong.
You can do that now.

Let Him into your heart again.
Then I can love you.

This isn't about the church.

I'm your child.

You come here in my mourning
to make me weak.

Well, I'm not.

I won't let you put my heart
underfoot again.

Do you hear me?
Mum.

I didn't ask you to come.
Please.

Your aunty
should never have written.

Come with me now.

I can't.
Then go.

No.

Take your Jew name and go.

I have no daughter.

Go!

It's been 20 years, love.
Where are you going to go?

That church is an ice box.

Good sermon.

You slept through it.
Precisely.

What time do you want me
at the station, sir?

Just leave the car out, Norman.
I'll collect Miss Adams.

Is that necessary?

She'll be glad to see
a friendly face.

Are we talking about Sarah?

Sister Adams, yes.

I'll take that, ma'am.
Oh. Thank you, Amy.

You should bring Sarah back
for lunch.

I'll see how she's feeling.

I'm sure she'll be
far too tired for that.

Another time.

Perhaps.

Anyone would think
you didn't want her here.

How's Miss Olivia?

- She barely touched her breakfast.
- Oh, James.

That girl will fade away.

I'll check on her.

Yeah, please. And get her to eat.

Mmm. Listless.

Nausea.

Lack of appetite.

Perhaps James
has done his family duty?

How was the sermon?

Terminal.

How are you?

All aches and pains.

You're hot.

Think I will call the doctor.

I'll be fine.

Thank you.

For what?

You've been so wonderful
since we docked.

On the boat...
Forget the boat.

..I thought you wished
you'd never married me.

Don't be silly.

I will call Jack Duncan.

Just to be sure.

You need to rest.

I love you, James.

I know you do.

I can't thank you enough for this.

I was glad to receive your letter.

The hospital
will be lucky to have you.

Oh, if they want me, that is.

Jack is a good doctor.

And a good man.

I'm sure you'll impress him
as much as you did us.

How's your mother's health?

The specialist ordered more rest...

..and some changes to diet.

And your mother?

The guest cottage.

Small but comfortable.

It's wonderful.

Get down, boy. Shoo!

He latched onto one of our visitors.
Now we can't get rid of him.

It's alright. He IS harmless.

It's fine.
Are you frightened of dogs?

I'll have him removed.
No, please.

He was here first. He was just
protecting what he thinks is his.

Well, he'd better get used to it
being yours.

It is for as long as you'd like it.

Thank you. This is all so generous.

Oh, it's my pleasure.
Now for the tour.

I owe you more than evasions.

It didn't go at all well in Sydney
with my mother.

And, yes,
I've had bad experiences with dogs.

Does it have a name?

All he gets from us is Boy.

After you.

Olivia won't be coming down.

Oh. And Anna?

Taken a turn, I think.

Close the doors, will you?

After Jack's done with Olivia
tonight, I wish to see him.

Why?

I don't want him employing
the Adams woman.

She said she'd be discreet.

And you're happy
to wager our future on that?

She's a woman of her word.

She's a good person.

And how long before
this goodness you so admire

obligates her to tell your father
what she knows?

Are you prepared to answer
his inevitable questions...

...about why you tried
to kill yourself?

Because he will want to know.

It's not fair.

No, it's not.

But you've given me no choice,
have you?

If I'm slamming the door
in someone's face, Elizabeth,

I'd sort of like to know why.

George talked her up.

Well, George is simply
playing good Samaritan

to a woman he hardly knows.

I saw a lot more of her than he did.

And?

She has
a sort of bland efficiency.

Regardless,
she's returned to Australia

out of some familial obligation
that's gone awry.

She simply wants to earn enough
for her fare home.

You know that for sure?

Well, she contacted George
because she has no other options

and no means.

She will scuttle off
as soon as possible

and you will just have to train
someone all over again.

Now...

..Olivia.

There's nothing to worry about.

Is it possible
the succession may be secure?

If she's pregnant...

..you'll be the second to know.

From my mouth to their ears,
and then to yours.

I've got to go.

One more thought, Jack.

The Adams woman
was 20 years in Europe.

A town like Inverness
is not going to satisfy her.

Employ someone
who might conceivably settle.

Let's see how we go.

I was coming over to see you.

Here I am.

Here I am.

You docked a week ago.

We had to stay in the city
for Grandmother to see a specialist.

At least I got to see Aunty Carolyn.

You'd rather see her than me?

Don't sulk!

Even if it does make you cute.

Does it?
Very.

Then I'll sulk.

Papa saw you yesterday.

We got back Saturday night.

I was dragged to church
and I couldn't get away all day.

This is the first chance, honestly.

You think it isn't?

I missed you.

I missed you too.

I worried.

Why?

There are many men in Europe.

And you're here.

Father had something come up.
He asked me to drive you.

What a lovely surprise.

Chance to say thank you again.

No thanks are needed.

How have you been?

Well. Yourself?

Really...how are you?

Um, I'm doing better, I suppose.

Are you getting
any professional help?

I have Grandmother.
And she has a heart condition.

There are people
trained to deal with...

I'm fine.

Shall we?

Call the house and Norman
will collect you when you're done.

Oh, I don't want to be a bother.

It's his job.

Good luck.
Thank you.

James, if...if you do need to talk,
I'm here.

And hopefully will be
for a long while.

Right.

You've had an interesting
and impressive career.

You sound surprised.

1937, Spanish Civil War.

Must have been rough nursing.

Any war zone is.

'39 to '46, there's nothing.

You didn't work during the big one?
I wasn't able to.

Why?

I'm sorry.
I don't see the relevance.

Well, it's work history.

It's relevant.

But as you pointed out,
I wasn't working,

which makes it personal history.

I assumed I'd be hired
for my skills, not my story.

Is that why you left out
your religion?

'Cause I have no issue with
atheists, if that's the concern.

But prayers are said
twice a day here.

Would that be a problem for you?

It hasn't been so far.

But I'm not an atheist. I'm Jewish.

By faith.

You converted?

Well.

I'll say my prayers
while you say yours.

Would that be a problem for you,
Dr. Duncan?

Fair enough.

The position is for someone
to nurse in the community,

so you'd spend most of your time
making house calls.

If I'm gonna see how you work,
we should find you a patient.

Lead the way.

Roy! You there?

Roy!

Turn around. Go on!

Don't be like that.

This is Miss Adams.

She's looking for work.

Thought we could say g'day.

No, you thought you'd come
and poke around my ruddy leg again,

and I won't have it, so go on, git!

Roy had an accident.

He came in and we operated.

But now he won't let us
keep the wound treated.

You done your job.
You stitched me up.

Now bugger off.

The big risk is blood poisoning.
It can be lethal, Roy.

What do you think, Sister?

Where do you think you're goin'?

You have two choices.

Either you shoot me or you come inside and
let me do what I must to keep you healthy.

I'd normally work unsupervised, yes?

How will I know
if you've done a good job?

You won't hear a gunshot.

He'd have me
at that bloody hospital every day.

I've got a farm to run.
You can tell him that.

Well?

It does need treatment.

Yeah, go on...
Hear me out!

It's clear you don't like the doctor

and it's just as clear
he doesn't like me

or he wouldn't have brought me
to be held at gunpoint

during a job interview.

So, do me a favour -
let me dress the wound.

It'll save your leg
and your farm with it.

It'll also give Dr. Duncan
a nice big serving of crow.

What do you say?

Struth, missy.

Yeah, righto. You do your worst.

Well?

Thanks for the gift, Roy.

I'll see you next week, then.

I imagine that's up to Dr. Duncan.

Now, you'd be a fool
to let that one go,

but I s'pose that means
you probably will.

How did you manage that?

It was quite easy, really, once
we learned we had shared opinions.

On?
You.

You think I'm being unfair.

Devoid of humour or charm perhaps,

but unfair implies you had an agenda

and I can't imagine
a reason you would.

If I was harder than I needed to be,
I'm sorry.

It wasn't personal.

Apology accepted.
Good.

The job is yours, if you want it.

Are you offering because
George Bligh insisted you do?

No.

I'm offering
because we'd be lucky to have you.

You're more than qualified.

You obviously know how to deal with
people, even the charmless ones.

Well, I won't rush you
for a decision, but...

..the job is yours if you want it.

I thought you might need supplies.
Let me know if you run out.

Thank you, Mr. Bligh,
but I'm not sure I'll be staying.

The interview didn't go well?

The job was offered.

Then what?

Dr. Duncan started with
a definite bias against me.

That IS surprising.

Jack's a fair man.

But it was there...

..and I'd rather not work
where I'm not wanted.

Well, I do hope
you consider the offer...

..despite your misgivings.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

You see, you'd have at least
one supporter.

Make that two.

I thought I made my wishes clear.

No, you misrepresented her.

She's a lot more
than blandly efficient.

I don't understand
your problem with her.

Well, it should be enough
that I have one.

Come on, you give me one good reason
and I'll retract the offer.

The fact that I want it
should suffice.

Not this time.

The guest cottage, please, Norman.

Nurse Adams.

So, you're comfortable.
Well-supplied, I see.

Thanks to Mr. Bligh.

With milk, thank you.

No sugar -
a dictate of my specialist.

Yes, George is very generous.

It's a generosity - thank you -
I'd also like to extend.

You helped my grandson.

For that I'm in your debt.

So, as a sign of my gratitude,

I would like to pay
your return passage to England.

That's incredibly kind.

I understand the importance of home.

Clearly your family matters
did not go well.

Being here with no-one
must be difficult.

In England...
Did you speak to Dr. Duncan?

Did you encourage him against me?

Yes.

I'm sure you're a good person.

You say you can keep your word...

Then that's all this is -
your fear I'll talk about James.

Frankly, yes.

That is a very generous offer.
You would be a fool not to accept.

And you'd be a fool
to think I would.

Perhaps a larger sum.

I won't be bought, Mrs. Bligh.

I've been told what to do before.
I've been forced.

And I promised myself never again.

Thank you for helping me
make up my mind.

You'd stay just to spite me?

I'll stay because my choices
are mine, not yours.

Then we shall see.

We shall.