A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 5, Episode 4 - The Edge of Reason - full transcript

I'm afraid
I have some bad news.

Regina has been released.

If I were Sarah,

I would be taking David
as far away as possible.

Leave it, Mother.

Regina will have to
rebuild her life

in a world
that will seem hostile to her.

The slightest harm to my family,
it'll be on your head.

Such a strange feeling.

We're in this together,
don't forget.

Oh, of course I won't.



Changi was a holiday camp.
That's what we reckoned, anyway.

Where were you, then?

It's inspired.

You have something to say,
my darling,

and the talent to say it.

You're not just saying that
because you're...

Softhearted about you I may be.
Softheaded I am not.

Anna and I have an announcement.

Ed is going to publish
my new novel before Christmas.

Jimmy Dancer.

If I can get along
on one good lung...

The first steps
must be taken alone.

I will contact you
when I'm settled,

to let you know where I am.



She won't come back.
She'd be mad to.

Sarah, she is mad.

Who are you?
What are you doing here?!

Quick!

I just want that woman
out of our lives forever.

Hey!

- Look!
- Ah! That's good.

You give that to Leah.
There we are.

Let's see
if we can find one more.

If you're sulking
because I growled at you...

I'm not sulking.

I know how you feel about Larry.

But I need you to take more care
when you're supervising David,

especially now.

No, it's not that.

Will we get into trouble?

If they call the police, they
won't lock us up, will they?

What are you talking about?

There was a lady,
I don't know who,

at crazy Regina's farm.

We were there, and,
well, something happened.

So it's true.

I'm glad you've come.

I just didn't expect
to see you so soon.

You can't stay here.

You have to pack your things and
leave or you'll be forced to.

Do you understand?

Sarah, I'm...
I'm a different person.

No, you may think you are.
Your doctors may think you are.

But you'll never convince me
or anyone else.

Now go away
and start a new life.

You'll be happier,
I can assure you.

- This is my home.
- Find another one.

You don't understand.

I don't need
to understand anything.

You need to understand that it's
not in your best interests

to stay here.

And before you leave, you don't
go anywhere near Ash Park,

anywhere near my family.

I'm not a threat.
Not anymore.

I saw into your soul
a long time ago.

I know you.

You experienced
crippling darkness.

You lost your mind.

Don't you ever equate
what I went through

with your lunatic obsessions.

I've never really been one
for weekends in the country.

Yes, all that lovely fresh air.
It's completely insufferable.

You know, I might be
coming around.

The scenery,
the invigorating activities.

Oh, are they
the only attractions?

Well, there is a certain author.

Desperately glamorous.

Wildly successful second book.

Do you really think
it'll be a best seller?

Prepare to be a bona fide
sensation, little one.

Oh!

Mm, from your lips...

I have other plans
for those.

Come on, sleepyhead.

- I thought a bracing ride...
- Mama!

- Oh!
- You really should knock.

I didn't think I would have to.
Mr. Jarvis. My apologies.

- Do excuse me.
- No, no, no. Excuse me.

I might just see
if the bathroom is free.

Mrs. Duncan.

- It isn't funny.
- Not at all.

Things are moving faster
than I thought.

Really? You make us sound
like teenagers.

Well, if you're going to
behave that way.

Your grandmother doesn't need
any further burden.

Oh, like a wayward
granddaughter?

Darling, do as you will
in the city.

I'm not one to judge.

Well, it's starting to feel
a bit that way.

But here,
concessions are required.

As you know.

It's really
not too much to ask.

No, of course not.

I mean, Lord forbid that
my having fun offends anyone.

A divorcée taking a man to her
bed, it's simply outrageous,

compared to installing
a gay lover at the hospital

or a mistress and her bastard
at the cottage.

- Finished?
- You know what I mean.

That was nasty and unnecessary.

I'm a woman trying to make
her mark on the world.

So were you once.

Why are we going away?

Oh, we're going on a holiday.

Hello?

Daddy, look!

Oh! The wheel's fixed.
That's better, isn't it?

It's really good!

What are you doing?

I'm taking David to Aunt Peg's.
I'm not sure for how long.

- I'm lost.
- Regina's here.

I saw her.

- In Inverness?
- At her property.

You have to be back in Canberra.
Nothing is keeping us here.

He'll be her target.
I know it.

- Did she threaten him?
- Her presence is threat enough.

I'm not waiting around
to give her the chance.

I understand seeing her
must have upset you.

We should never have agreed
to the divorce.

It's why we're in this mess.

Before you upend everything,
I'll speak to her.

Just a few hours.
Yes?

All right.

But no longer.
Just see her gone.

And we'll keep this to ourselves
until I've taken her measure.

General panic won't help.

See you later, alligator.

In a while, crocodile!

If you think Frank
would be amenable,

I'd really like to meet him.

- Amenable may not be his forte.
- He's a very private man.

Why the sudden interest?

Well, the refuge hasn't done
much for Aboriginal diggers.

If I'm honest,
we've done diddly squat.

I'll be back down
to the city soon.

Perhaps I could
stir the political pot.

Douglas, I appreciate
your passion for the subject,

but perhaps leave it
for a warmer day.

I still have
one perfectly good lung.

If I promise to be a good boy?

You are incorrigible.

Jolly good.
That's settled, then.

Well, from our end.

No guarantees with
the man of the hour, I'm afraid.

Morning, all.

Sleep well?

- Mr. Jarvis.
- Morning.

How did you sleep?

I hope your bed
was comfortable.

Coffee, I think.
Heart starter for you too?

Please.

My bed was fit for a king,
thank you, Mrs. Goddard.

Although you barely seem
to have been in it.

All that dashing
through the halls.

Well, I'm not sure that I...

Mama, what did you say?

Your mother didn't say anything.

Well, not to me, anyway.
She didn't have to.

Prudence told me before
she sped off this morning.

She was electrified
by the nocturnal goings-on.

I apologize, Mrs. Goddard,
if my behavior was unsuitable.

Well, Ash Park's guests,
Mr. Jarvis,

are allowed one indiscretion.

I trust you'll bear that
in mind for your next visit.

Yes, of course.

Noted.

Thank you, Grandmother.
How very broad-minded.

But perhaps you could
reserve the cavorting

for your fictions in future.

Now, Dawn, yours at the lectern,
and Mr. Briggs, at the pulpit.

Best flowers yet, Mrs. Collins.

I'm merely doing my duty
to the Lord.

It's not about praise.

Doesn't hurt to hedge your bets
with His good opinion, right?

Oh, very droll, Mr. Briggs.

Oh.
I do beg your pardon.

Excuse me.

You? Can't be.

It is.

You're supposed to be locked up.

Please, I'm not here for harm.

Taking an innocent girl's life.

- You've no business here at all!
- Oh!

- Doris.
- Get out!

- Doris!
- Get out!

Wicked monster!

That's it, keep walking!
One foot after another.

Thank you for your discretion

about Frank Gibbs'
visit yesterday.

Ah.

Jack wouldn't approve
of my impromptu gesture,

no matter how well meant.

Our secret.

Everyone needs an ally
now and then.

Well, anytime I can
repay the favor.

What a timely offer.

Douglas, I trust you'll be
back in time for church.

Um, we'll do our level best.

Or you could make it
for evensong?

Splendid idea!
Eh, Lizzie?

I know when I'm outnumbered.

We may well be back
before you know it.

I'm sure you'll charm him.

He won't be told.

You're as delightfully
stubborn as each other.

And you were such a good sport

about Anna's gentleman friend
this morning.

Well, he's fortunate he met
Elizabeth Goddard

and not Elizabeth Bligh.

I'm starting to get a sense

of what I put you through
at her age.

Oh, Carolyn.

Oh, how I've longed
for this day.

- The Schadenfreude.
- Really, Mother.

How unbecoming.

Just say a quick g'day.
He's a good bloke.

I don't know.

Then we'll go,
if you want us to.

Yeah?

Doc says you run
some kind of charity.

It's a refuge where vets can
meet, get a feed, share stories.

You know, the ones
that couldn't fit back in.

Yeah. What, you're
some kind of do-gooder?

Yeah, I suppose I am.

May I?

Oh, it's nothing.

Oh, that's impressive.
I can't even draw a circle.

Oh, is that it, then?

Up in the high country,
were you?

Yeah, I worked there for a bit.

Oh, would have been hard going
with all that snow.

I got used to it
during the war.

8th Division, were you?

Why do you say that?

A lot of the boys
captured from the 8th

ended up in camps inside Japan.

Winters there
would have been challenging.

Brass monkeys.

- This is a surprise.
- Not a good one.

Sister,
we came straight over.

- What's happened?
- It's her.

That despicable woman.

The gall to show her face
in Inverness.

- Regina.
- So you heard.

Have you seen her?
She doesn't look the same.

The devil,
lurking in our church.

I'm ashamed to admit
that I did lash out.

To think what one's capable of
in anger.

- Yes.
- Indeed.

Let's get you inside.
A cup of tea, I think.

Oh!
That would be most welcome.

I'll... I'll pop the kettle on.

Are you all right?

- I need your rifle.
- Now, missy...

It's just a precaution,
that's all.

If that's what you're after,

I'll stop here with you
once George heads off.

- Day and night if needs be.
- That's not what I asked for.

What you're asking for
is trouble.

Last time you held a gun
on her, you nearly fired.

Next time there mightn't be
someone around to talk you down.

Hello, George.

Regina.

You've spoken to Sarah.

I have.

I'm sorry my returning
upset her.

It... It wasn't my intention.

What other reaction could you
have possibly anticipated?

I'd hoped for
a chance to explain.

I'm not here for mischief.

There's so much
I must make up for.

I'm... I'm here
for expiation, George.

And you think that's possible,
after all you've done?

I need to try.

It's why I wanted to be
out of that place.

There are things
you don't know.

That's why I went
to the house just now.

- You went to the house?
- To deliver these.

I... I lost my nerve.

It's all in here.
How I can help.

And one for Sarah, offering
reassurances about my intentions

We don't need
your reassurances or your help.

We are well.
We are safe.

We have been
ever since you left.

You're living
in a fool's paradise.

You and your family
are at risk.

More plots and schemes.
It never ends, does it?

From our safe.
Your jewelry.

Take it.

Now there's nothing
to keep you here.

Now, I have no right to dictate
where you live, Regina,

but it would be better for you,
for all of us,

if you were to start over again
somewhere new,

where no one knows you,
as soon as possible.

You're not welcome.

Pack your bags.
I'll take you to the station.

Sir Richard is not your friend.

I don't know yet
what he's planning,

but his malice is real,

and he won't stop until he has
the revenge he craves.

I will not
buy into your madness.

Who do you think organized

such a forward-thinking doctor
in the asylum?

Who do you think helped
orchestrate my deposition

to the parole board?

Richard is not
who you think he is.

He hasn't seen you
since your arrest.

- He visited me each week.
- And why would he do that?

He sees me as playing a hand
in your destruction.

He's always considered me
his foot soldier.

The more I recovered my sanity,

the more the truth of him
appalled me.

He's hinted at something
powerful in train against you.

I don't know what.

It doesn't make sense.

Read it.

Check the facts
and then it might.

Every word is true.

Others will corroborate.

Weren't you asked to give an
affidavit for the Tokyo trials

after you came back?

I wrote something down.

Quite a few of your guards
were hanged, from memory.

Yeah.

I wouldn't have minded standing
up in court against them.

You weren't asked?

No.

I was. Yeah.

Testified in Singapore.

A guard we called Doctor Death
was put away for a long time.

And a lot more.

You would have been a captain.

Yeah, but the rest of us,
we could...

Well, doesn't matter now.

No one talks about
the role of class

in how soldiers were treated
after the war.

Well, it's a bit more
than class.

The whitefellas were asked,

but us blackfellas,
our stories didn't matter here,

so why should
they matter over there?

Right.

It weren't just the blackfellas

that they didn't want telling
what happened.

Some of us risked everything,
getting down what we saw.

Writing, drawing.

On stolen scraps of newspaper,
cigarette papers.

As long as the Japs
didn't find out.

Beat the daylights out of you.

Well, you know what
I'm talking about, then.

It was our bloody officers

that made us chuck it
all overboard on the way home.

"Can't have the people at home
getting upset."

- Politics before people.
- It's always the way.

Especially for my mob.

We went to war, and they said
we'd come back equal.

Didn't that break
a lot of men's hearts.

I can see
why you work well out here.

- Rustic charms?
- And no distractions.

Except my family.

You're too hard on them.

Your grandmother was
positively understanding,

encouraging, even.

Mine would have thrown
a pink fit.

They're all very concerned

that poor Anna
find a respectable husband.

Well, I'm not
the least bit respectable.

I know.
You're gloriously inappropriate.

Still, there must be
some prospect

that I'd make a good husband
one day.

Oh,
you almost had me then!

I'm serious.

You must have worked it out.

I'm head over heels about you.

I know it's a little out of the
blue, but, Anna, would you...

Ed, just, please.
Wait.

No.

What's wrong?

Please, just don't.

Ed, you're a wonderful man.

But I'm not ready
to be anyone's wife.

I hope you'll understand.

Of course.

Mad idea.

What time's the next train?

Ed, please,
don't be upset with me.

I didn't ask you to propose.

No, you didn't.

It really doesn't have to
change anything, does it?

Might I suggest that,
given the circumstances,

we revert to our former roles...
publisher and author.

You know, I thought your novel,
your cynicism about marriage,

was born of observing others.

Now I know better.

Publisher and author, then.

You're telling me
what's in this letter is true?

Carolyn and Richard,
Mother slashing his hand?

- Yes.
- And the fight?

For God's sake,
why wasn't I told?!

Carolyn didn't
want you to know.

It's her right
to demand silence.

Elizabeth thought the fight
put things to rest,

and the election tied you
to working with him.

So her claim of a vendetta
could be true.

Why are we even
talking about this?!

You don't actually believe her!

The man is known
for holding a grudge.

Please, after all
Regina's done!

I'm not reading that.

She thinks it may help
put your mind at ease.

I'm not interested.

I know this is
difficult for you as a mother.

No, you will not dismiss me as
some hysterical woman over this!

Mrs. Goddard.

Mr. Jarvis.
A fresh pot. Would you join me?

No, thank you,
I'm on my way out.

I wanted to say goodbye.

Well, until next time.

I trust we'll be
seeing you soon.

At the book launch, I'm sure.

Well, before then, surely?
You are most welcome here.

It would have been my pleasure.

Oh, I see.

She's a very special
young woman.

Keep an eye on her,
won't you?

I do.

Is there anything in particular

that I should be
concerned about?

She does a good job
of concealing how lost she is.

I'd really like to hear more
about this land business.

You boys missing out
on the soldier settlements

after you came back.

- Nobody's interested.
- Well, I am.

I'd like to know all about it
from your angle.

Perhaps we could
talk about it next week?

Yeah.

I'm really serious about this.
Please think about it.

- You right for your medication?
- As rain.

Now I know why you want
to go to Sydney with David.

If there's anything I can do.

If we leave, it'll be quickly,

and I'll need you
to come with us.

Without a fuss.

Can I go and explain to Larry?

Of course.

You're a good girl, Leah.

We need to talk.

Had I known, things would
have been so different.

She is vile to dredge it up.

Having Richard in our orbit must
have been just dreadful for you.

It's in the past.
Where I wish it to stay.

It does lend credence
to her warnings about him.

Regina? A figure of credibility?

How novel.

What else
did the soon-to-be-former

Mrs. Bligh write?

She gave me
the letter personally.

She's back in Inverness.

No. When?

Yesterday.
At her old cottage.

- For expiation, she claims.
- How's Sarah taking it?

Mother.
When she hears, her heart...

I'm loathe to tell her.

But it won't be long
before someone does.

What about Canberra?

I've no choice.
I have an important speech.

I'll sort it out somehow.

Are we running away?

We've missed
the morning service,

and Douglas won't be up
to the night air,

so perhaps you might
join me for evensong.

Very subtle, Grandmother,
saving the scarlet woman.

I thought I was very
accommodating this morning.

You were.

Perhaps more than I deserved.

Anna.

Now, these last few years,

all the gallivanting
in the social pages,

I worry about
the choices you're making.

You're being very melodramatic.

I've made mistakes, too,
because I feared the future.

What a funny thing to say.

I'm not afraid of the future.

The end of a marriage
must be a very painful thing.

Really, Grandmother,
Gino and I divorced years ago.

How many times
do we have to discuss this?

And yet you're still
to put it behind you.

I don't know why I'm crying.
I'm sorry.

Very silly.

Anna, dear, there is no crime

in struggling
to let go of the past.

But just be cautious in the way
that you resist moving forward.

You could end up
very much alone.

When should I tell
Mrs. Nordmann you'll be back?

We won't be long.
Where is Mrs. Nordmann?

I don't know.

Up we go, tiger.

One day this will all be yours
to hand on to your son.

As far as you can see.

Even the clouds in the sky?

Even the clouds in the sky.

Daddy's gonna miss you.

Tell me something.

You didn't read the letter.

Tell me you don't want
what I have.

I don't.

George, his child,
a future together.

A life at Ash Park.

There you are.

You can't be trusted
anywhere near us.

That's no longer true.

And yet you appear
to be settling in.

Well, next time
I won't hesitate.

I will pull the trigger.

- Sarah...
- Just when you least expect it.

Missy.
Sight for sore eyes.

Fancy a cuppa?

I've got a thermos in the truck

and some of
Dawnie's lamingtons too.

Another time.

Sarah.

Are you all right?

Not sure.

Well, shouldn't the RSL
do something for men like Frank?

Don't hold your breath.
They're half the problem.

One wonders what happened
to his family.

To think of him out there,
alone with his demons.

But it's a start, isn't it?

I think Frank said
more about his experiences today

than he has since the war.

Well, he's not
Robinson Crusoe there.

Perhaps it's possible
to get him to realize...

How cloak-and-dagger.

Regina is back.

You're not serious.

I'm worried about Mother's
health when she finds out.

What are you two plotting
over there?

I'm convincing him
he'd be a worthy advocate

for men like Frank.

Nonsense.
What's really going on?

Oh, if I could take it back.
All those years ago.

- Don't upset yourself.
- Inviting her into our lives.

- Where are your pills?
- I was a fool.

Mother.

Triggering this awful
chain of events.

Calm down.
We'll work things out.

But why on earth
would she return?

- Here.
- No, I'm all right.

Apart from being here,
how was the woman?

Brittle.

Who are you gonna poison now?!

Piss off, why don't you?!

Right, grab that.
Let's go, let's go!

Yeah, right.

This'll teach her.

This one's for Miss Davis.

All right,
let's get out of here.

Now! Let's go!

Elizabeth!

- No, I am perfectly well.
- She is not.

It's just the shock
of finding Regina returned.

- I know.
- We will bring in the police.

- Our own men, if need be.
- Lizzie, please...

The family must be together
at times like this.

I'd like to admit you,
just to be on the safe side.

- I'll get the car.
- That is quite unnecessary.

Better safe than sorry.

Oh, don't you go
joining the enemy.

Well, if you won't
take orders...

Some rest.

A book
to take my mind off this.

Perhaps Anna's manuscript.
I believe Carolyn has one.

- Sarah.
- Douglas!

What can you see?

I think the stump
may have broken down,

allowing infection into
the space where the lung was.

We're going to need to perform
a thoracotomy to repair it.

- Can you step in?
- Of course.

We're not equipped
for a such a major procedure.

I know what I'm doing, Jack.

We should transfer him
to the city.

- Jack, he'll bleed to death.
- We need to prep now.

Fine.
I'll scrub in.

- Let's go.
- Just a moment.

Come back to me, darling.

We'll do all we can.

As suspected,
bronchopleural fistula.

It's leaking.

Any sign of infection?

The operation site
has broken down.

There's infection in the space
where the lung used to be.

Can you contain the rupture?

Henry?

Let's make a start.

This is quite unnecessary.

Will you really not
take the room on offer,

at least for a rest?

I'm perfectly all right.
If I'm not, I will tell you.

- That is enough, thank you!
- Mother!

If Jack thinks
you need to be monitored...

Jack worries too much.

It is not me
we should be worried about.

Blood pressure's dropping.

Can't stop the bleeding.

- Hang two more units.
- We're gonna lose him.

Come on, Douglas.

Henry?
Henry, he's deteriorating.

We'll transfer muscle tissue
from the chest wall

and patch the stump.

- You're joking.
- Is there time?

Anyone have a better idea?

- Anything?
- No.

It's been hours.

- Did you speak to Anna?
- Yes, looking after David.

- How is she?
- Oh...

Mother, I brought you
something to eat.

Oh, I'm not hungry.

You need to
look after yourself.

He will get through this.

Douglas is strong.

Couldn't kill him with a stick.

One lung, and at his age?

Don't think I'm unaware
of how slim his chances are.

Graft is holding.

Vital signs are improving.

More suction.

Clear all that blood for me.

Henry, what's going on?

- Look for yourself.
- What?

My God.

What do you want to do?

Prepare to close.

Henry's with him.
He's in good hands.

I assume the truth is harsh,
as I'm in here.

We thought it best like this.

Would you like
George or Carolyn with you?

Jack?

I'd like to, uh, keep you in.

You're avoiding the truth.
What is Douglas' prognosis?

We opened his chest
to stop the bleeding,

and we found a tumor.

Tumors.

But they said they got it all
with the other lung.

The cancer has spread,
Elizabeth.

There was always a risk.

And now?

There's nothing more
we can do.

Oh, David, you're cheeky!

Oh, you're a cheeky monkey!

Oh!
What about two bears?

You are so cheeky.

Come on.

I will tell others
as and when I see fit.

I do not need
the added burden of pity.

Order helps.

Ah, we'll see George off
to Canberra.

What can he do?

I'll tell him later.

Oh,
my darling Douglas.

Home now.

We can see Douglas
in the morning.

- Good night.
- Good night, Mother.

How are you?

- Quite an evening.
- Yes, it was.

- He will pull through?
- He's strong.

How quickly things turn.

- This business with Regina...
- I'm not running away.

Let's go to Canberra.
Together. All of us.

It'll put my mind at ease,
and by the time I get back,

she'll be well and truly gone,
I'm sure of it.

- Your mother might need me here.
- Oh, there's plenty of help.

And I am the other woman.

And our child is...

Scandal be damned.

I want you safe and secure.
And with me.

Nothing else trumps that.

Yes.

Sydney 20239.

Mm-hmm.

Are you there?
It's me.

What do you think
you're playing at?

Everything's fine, Dickie.
There's no need to worry.

Where the hell are you?

I'm exactly where
you'd want me to be,

just a little
ahead of schedule.

It's what we want, isn't it?

I simply couldn't wait.