A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 6, Episode 2 - Salt of the Earth - full transcript

Sarah supports a heartbroken Roy. Elizabeth questions her place in the family. Henry's life is changed forever.

How on earth could I
not conceive with Gino,

with all the trying, but I did
with the most unlikely person?

Who did this to you, Sheila?

I fell.

Ruddy women's clinic.

A bunch of clacking crows.

The crows have been
attacking the weaker lambs.

We've employed a man to cull them.

You won't guess who.

Home is the wanderer,
home from the hill!

Mummy and Daddy are married!



How Jewish will the household be?

As Jewish as Sarah wants it.

You brought me here with
the promise of forever

and then found your Riviera root.

Mr. Polson, I appeal to your discretion.

Your continued presence here
can only complicate matters.

Let me unsettle you with a proposition.

It's partly why I'm back.

I won't keep limiting myself
because Jack fears change.

How can we marry with
a lie over our heads?

What lie?

Georgie. Matt insists
we return to Sydney.

I can't be his father

until I know whoever gave
him up doesn't regret it.



Do I want someone who'd ask this of me?

Ohh!

Oh, my waters.

Hospital for you.

I love you.

We're all with ya.

Dawnie?

Both?

I come here, ask the old girl
to be there when Dawnie arrives.

She'll be frightened.

Subtitles by explosiveskull
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Place the baby in her arms.

Don't contact the funeral
home till we've seen Roy.

He's best left be.

Of course.

What would we do without prayer?

Whoever our God.

If I can do anything.

Mizmor l'dovid.

Adonoy roi-ee loy echsor.

Welcome her into paradise, oh, Lord,

where there will be no
sorrow, no weeping or pain.

- Gam ki eilekh b'gey tzalmovess.
- But fullness of peace

- and joy.
- Loy iyroh roh ki attoh immodi.

Shivetekho u-mish-an-tare-kho heymoh.

With your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Ve-shavti b'veys adonoy le-oyrekh.

- Forever and ever.
- Yomim.

Amen.

Amen.

What sort of a God does this?

All the mongrels, and he takes her.

I wish I had an answer.

There isn't one.

Well, I can see why you'd want

to keep certain funds out of his hands.

Our set enjoys the casino.

- Gambling's hard to avoid.
- You manage to.

We're different natures.
William loves the thrill.

He often wins.

But loses enough to cause concern.

A branch of the business here

should buffer against any crash there.

I've imported a designer who's
sure to be a real drawcard.

Well, anything that
will see your return.

Who knows.

Carolyn will be my
eyes and ears for now.

- James!
- She's agreed?

She's thrilled.

Possibly causing problems, I know.

Mm!

Uh, we're headed off
around 1:00, if that's okay.

I might be staying.

Depends on Roy.

It's bad.

Yes?

I heard. I had to come.

- I don't see what...
- Please.

I'm worried for you.

Okay?

I am sorry about the pain I've caused.

I regret yesterday.

It's nothing compared
to this, of course.

I know how hard you take
losing someone on your table.

Not just someone.

Roy's wife and child.

You barely know your
patients in the city.

You don't walk out into the
consequence of it every day.

A surgeon has to be objective.

So I've said.

With ease before this.

Once, you would have held me.

You know, would have helped.

Don't.

Once.

I've missed you.

I've felt...

... so alone.

Cry, if it helps.

My tears for Dawn are private.

Goodbye, James.

Goodbye.

Your coming here has helped.

I'm glad. A little.

Mrs. Goddard?

Mrs. Goddard?

Oh, Mr. Polson.

I can't see Roy being
up to the farm for a bit,

so I will stick around.

Just wanted to say I'll
stay somewhere else.

You're Mrs. Bligh's guest.

You've got worries enough
without me causing more.

All this must have
brought back your own loss.

- It has.
- Don't mean to presume.

You don't.

Few would be as sensitive.

I won't do anything to
make tongues wag, promise.

Have you lost loved ones yourself?

All my family, 'cept Amy.

Only none died.

Perhaps that made it harder.

Yeah.

This with Roy makes
it small beer, but...

It puts many things into perspective.

My husband would have
liked you, Mr. Polson.

That's quite a compliment.

It was meant so.

I know it's hard.

She'd set everything up.

Everything blue.

She wanted a boy.

I'm with you.

You should be home.

I'm here.

I can't.

Honest.

- Then stay with us.
- No.

Try to sleep. I'll...

organize things at the hospital.

I ought to go back.

- I should see her.
- Only when you're ready.

I don't know if I'll ever be.

How am I going to tell Emma?

We'll talk about that.

Sleep first, hmm?

Roy.

Follow me.

I'm not going to accept this.

Not now, anyway.

It was written yesterday,
before the operation.

When you were doped up.

I came here to be near James,

and I stayed in the vain
hope that he'd return.

I know now that he won't.

Where's the point in staying?

Oh, what we're achieving here together.

You're a fine surgeon.

A good surgeon controls his emotions.

So this is about Dawn.

I shouldn't be feeling this way.

I'd be more worried if you weren't.

Join the club.

How do you think I feel?

I'll accept this, with regret,
if it reappears in a week.

Look, all this mightn't
make you the master surgeon.

It makes you human, though.

I'll take that any day.

Don't judge her.

I'm not.

I'm asking her to do what's right.

She's the only mother Georgie's known.

But he has a real one.

He's not our child
until we know the truth.

I won't compound her crime.

We're flying tomorrow.

There are still seats
if you decide to come.

It would help Olivia.

You have to see how cruel this is.

That doesn't make it wrong.

"And the little blue
engine started up the hill.

He huffed and he puffed and he said,

'I think I can, I think I can!'"

"The Little Blue Engine"!

Wow, your favorite.

I think I can, I think I can.

I think I can.

I know I can.

Not yet. Not till he gets
to the top of the hill.

You were wrong.

Guess what. We're going on a plane.

Really?

Great!

I've decided to come.

I'll book my seat.

You're sure?

Are you?

He says he loves me.

But then, so did Lloyd.

And James.

Oh, James did. He does.

Not in the way he first professed.

I've trusted those words before.

Matt does have a point.

This hangs like a sword over your heads

if you don't resolve it now.

And it was a crime,
for the best of motives.

We've become used to it,
assimilated it into our lives.

It's a shocking, new concept to him.

Livvy, how about we all go,
and we stay at Douglas's,

Matt's now, and we tell no one.

I certainly don't want them seeing me,

and you can go through your process

without anyone putting
in their penny worth.

I think it'll be fine.

It just seems so rash to
discard what you and Matt have

on a maybe.

I won't be a victim again.

Giving yourselves a chance isn't that.

It's having the strength to
see that he does have a point.

And he does, no matter
how painful that might be.

I am so confused.

There's risk for both
of us in going back.

We'll support each other, yes?

Yes.

Rest.

Freshen up.

Harry can get you whatever
you need from home.

- What about you, mate?
- I'll be right.

Razor and toothbrush, pajamas,

couple of changes of clothes, okay?

Better too much than not enough.

I'm not staying.

As long as you need.

Don't worry about your
place. I'll keep it going.

Well, you ought to get home.

Not till you're okay.

Good on ya.

Both of youse.

Have a bath, try and
sleep, and then we'll talk.

Shouldn't I...

When your head's clearer.

Whatever you need, call.

He won't take no for an answer.

It won't be putting you out?

After all he did for me?

We'll have you up in the
house if he does stay on.

Maybe not.

Me and Mrs. Goddard had words.

It's sorted, but I reckon best not here.

- What did she say?
- Like I said, it's fine.

- I can stay at Roy's.
- You're my guest.

Don't get Bolshie.

- I'll say something.
- Leave it.

You gotta remember, she was boss.

- It's no excuse for rudeness.
- No fuss on my account.

Come on, you two. James is leaving.

See you as soon as you
can get away, if you can.

You make him sound like my jailer.

I will be there, I
hope with his blessing.

Just have to find the
time to discuss it.

How often will it see you gone?

- Don't you start.
- Of course Jack wants you here.

Later! I'll come after Dawn's funeral.

- The gang's all here.
- I may well go myself.

Also later. Well, it's been so brief.

Perhaps more in Sydney.

Definitely more.

Any message for anyone back home?

I'll sort myself out.

- Good to know.
- Yeah.

Sorry about your Shabbat.
Harry can be my proxy.

You'll be missed.

- Give Roy my condolences.
- I will.

It's meant the world having you here,

and we'll try to get up
there before you leave.

If you can.

Bye-bye, baby brother.

- Bye.
- Bye.

All booked.

You're certain?

No one will ever know I'm back.

It sits there empty. They
would want you to stay.

I'll call and check.

Uh, we'd rather you didn't

until we've shared news of the wedding.

And we'd rather not until
we can feel joy in it.

It's impossible with Roy.

In brief, enjoy being a squatter.

And air a room for my arrival.

I will.

- Bye.
- Travel safe.

Enjoy married life.

- Whenever we get the chance.
- Bye-bye.

All right, off you go.

Harry.

I will go.

Rather there than
emanating disapproval here.

Am I intruding?

Um, Mr. Collins needed
a bit of a tidy-up.

Such events bring back one's own losses.

Mr. Briggs?

He's asked a favor.

Anything.

Emma has to be told.

Of course.

Roy thinks it's best
coming from a woman.

You're close.

Dear girl, yes, we are.

But also perhaps, you see,

there are tensions
between her and Mr. Briggs.

She had her mother to herself
for all those years, and then...

Might it help if I come?

Indeed. Thank you.

My courage might fail me.

Off to the hospital. I'm
expecting an emotional time.

Well, at worst he'll sulk.

The clinic, not Jack.

Dawn was loved. The
women will be shattered.

- Of course.
- They'll need to talk about it.

Well, there, see? You
have enormous value here.

Doesn't it suffice?

No, if I'm honest.

This is an exciting venture.

Now, don't you sulk.

You are worth more
at the clinic, surely,

than involved in interior design
and its attendant frippery.

I'm a receptionist, Mother,

part time and far from indispensable.

I prefer the excitement of
helping build a new business.

If that makes me fripperous,
then I plead guilty.

Sarah's back.

As wife and mother and
mistress of Ash Park.

- And nurse, I'm sure.
- Ignoring her duties here?

Well, I have no intention of
becoming their housekeeper.

And no one would ask you.
You're looking to find fault.

Well, it's there to be found.

You'd hardly guess they'd just married.

And Shabbat every Friday.

Perhaps it's best you do step away.

For perspective.

Don't need to go to the city for that.

We're all alive and well.

You're right.

- Sorry, I thought it was Harry.
- No, no, no, no.

He's... He's gone to get my stuff.

You're staying, then?

For now.

- I best get cleaned up.
- No, no.

I've been trying to choose my moment.

Oh, what can one say?

Nothin'.

No.

Perhaps simply, if I may?

Sarah, George, and I most recently

have all lost loved ones
tragically, with little warning.

You are with those who understand.

We... We've had our
moments, Mr. Briggs, we two,

but this brings us closer.

Dawnie liked you.

She epitomized all that's
best in country women.

I'll intrude no more.

She was salt of the earth.

She was.

As was Douglas.

As are you.

They'd not want us salting
the earth with sorrow.

Such soil cannot sustain life,
and we must live, to honor them.

Why can't we live there still?

Because Mummy and I are married.

Why can't we all live there?

Because we have the big house.

I like that one.

Is Granny going to live there now?

No, she's visiting Mr. Briggs.

Does he live there now?

Just for the moment.

We're discussing the complexities

of who does and doesn't
inhabit the guest cottage.

I want to live there.

As you can see.

Why don't you go and tell
them to saddle up for us, hm?

How is he?

As you'd imagine.

Well, Sarah's off
telling Dawn's daughter.

Oh, an unenviable task.

George, I apologize for
any tensions displayed

since your return.

Carolyn has suggested some perspective.

The house will change, of course,

but you're always a welcome part of it.

But how conducive is that to calm?

I say that without judgment.

I will join James until he leaves.

I may stay on.

Understand my motives, please.

Whatever's best.

I hope it will help me
discover what's best.

At the moment I seem at a loss.

So you'd be away a bit?

Perhaps half the week.

Possibly a week on, week off.

It's still in the making.
It can be adjusted.

He's got a designer.

From London. He's not said who.

What would you do?

Promotion.

Assist on the business
side, source suppliers.

Be his eye on the ground.

Sarah asked me yesterday
how we'd been going.

"Mucking along," I said.

It's true.

You deserve more.

I do.

You know I love you.

If I can't be happy for you...

You've felt threatened before.

You really don't mind?

Part of me does.

But it's wrong.

Say it.

- What?
- Say... it makes you happy.

It does.

- Say you're excited.
- I am.

- That you love the idea.
- Of course I do.

So what would it make
me if I stomped on that?

I dreaded your no.

What's a few days a week baching, eh?

Mr. O'Rourke, perhaps you might
find other duties for today.

Mr. Briggs has suffered a tragedy.

He's staying. He requires rest.

You want the crows gone or don't you?

He's lost his wife and child.

I heard.

Well, then a little compassion.

I never liked her much.

Getting in the missus' ear.

I suggest you take the day off.

Not too keen on him, either.

I'll tell Mr. Bligh
you'll return tomorrow.

Well, you're not the boss.

I'll earn my quid till
he gives my orders.

You'll be getting your
notice if you're not careful.

You reckon I care?

I know what the job's about.

You reckon it's stopped
me tellin' the blokes

how the clinic's poisoning
our wives against us?

You should leave.

You think your shit doesn't stink.

How dare you.

Lady Muck.

That's what they call you.

You're a joke.

Shove your job.

That top paddock

looks like it could do
with some attention, too.

Want me to get stuck into it?

- That's not your worry, son.
- Oh, happy to.

Where you goin'?

Maybe that dirt could
do with some turning.

Thanks.

Get up. That's it.

Want me to come?

No.

Mr. Briggs!

Doctor?

I'm here to see Dawnie.

And my little one.

I know you done your best.

Both of youse.

There's no hard feelings.

I want you to know.

I wasn't sure how I'd face you.

There's no joy in blame.

Where are they?

I'll do it.

That's how I want 'em buried.

You tell the funeral home that.

I want 'em together.

I'll be outside.

I'll make sure Emma
doesn't want for nothin'.

Oh, Dawnie.

I do love you.

I didn't say it.

People 'round.

That's blokes for you.

Own worst enemies at times.

But I do love you, Dawnie.

I don't know why I didn't say it.

My beautiful girls.

Sleep tight.

She's a brilliant student.

I hope we don't lose her.

We'll see you don't.

Her mother had such hopes for her.

Mr. Briggs' fears were well-founded.

She says he's to blame.

She thinks it's all his fault.

I hate him.

You don't mean that.

She never would have had
it if it wasn't for him.

It was her choice, too.

Nothing has been the same since him.

Why do you think I came here?

He loved your mother, and she loved him.

He killed her... with his baby.

Why don't we talk about
this on the way home?

I hate that house.

I loved our home.

He's not my dad.

I never knew you...

Well, no one asked.

Can I stay with you, Mrs. Collins?

Mm-hmm.

I'll get my things.

Mummy's dead.

Mummy's dead.

Oh, darling, it's all right.

It's all right.

It's utterly outrageous!

A brandy, I think.

I've already had two.

What is happening to the world?

Another won't hurt.

I'll see he's kept away,
and he'll be hearing from me.

- No.
- It should be said.

It will encourage him
to think he counts.

He seems to.

The man himself is irrelevant.

It's the fraying of values that alarms.

This would never have happened once.

Perhaps it's always been there
and we've just failed to see it.

I glimpsed it during the election.

A simmering resentment at
the rallies about privilege.

Perhaps they think we feel superior.

We are to the likes of O'Rourke.

No wonder their wives are disaffected.

And they blame the clinic.

So, what would you like me to do?

You've listened.

You've sympathized. It's enough.

I suddenly feel the brandy.

The world decreasingly makes sense.

Perhaps it's part of getting old.

You may age, Mother.

You'll never be old.

One hopes so.

One fears not.

That's it, all done.

Would you like to reschedule?

- Thank you.
- Today?

The longer without a recurrence,
the less likely there'll be one.

- You should be pleased.
- No, that's fine.

Can't be chuffed about anything today.

We're all feeling it.

She was a dear soul.

And poor Roy.

I finish here today,

but we're hoping Sister
Nordmann might return.

Sister Bligh now.

If you need to talk.

Stan said she's back.
So they're married?

- They are.
- Give 'em my best.

Sorry.

I understand.

I can't stop thinking of Dawn.

Poor woman.

Mrs. Sloan's canceled.

Dawn was her bridesmaid.
She's too upset to make it.

It'll be quite a funeral.

Her brolly.

Oh, Stan, we needed the money.

Yeah, well, it was worth it.

You should have seen the
look on the old cow's face.

Sheila!

- Oh, piss off!
- Don't.

- Still might rain.
- I'm sorry.

Hey, don't you apologize for me.

Get in the truck.

Well, so much for your bloody clinic.

- Didn't help the Briggs bitch.
- Stan.

- Well, it didn't.
- No.

- So much for Dr. No-Nuts.
- Stop it.

Ah, the big man himself.

Killed her, didn't you?

- Stan.
- Well, he did.

- Please.
- I called a spade a spade.

Shut... your... vicious... mouth!

Dawn was worth 10 of you!

They all are! These are good people!

- Get in the truck.
- I hate you!

Now!

Don't you touch me again ever, you pig!

Could you call the police?

I need them to collect
the kids. Sergeant Fraser.

Don't even think it.

I'm not having them grow up like you.

You're not takin' 'em anywhere.

- No!
- Hey. Hey.

You bastard!

- You all right?
- Yes. Yes.

Get help.

What's this?

What are you doing?

You've been unconscious, Mr. O'Rourke.

I have to check for concussion.

Take 'em off.

Where's No-Nuts? I'll rip him apart.

They stay on until we're
convinced no staff are at risk.

I suggest you hold still.

If you are concussed, it'll
simply make things worse.

I'll do the lot of ya.

Note down the threat, Sister.

- Where's Sheila?
- With the police.

She's not takin' my kids. I'll kill her.

And that one.

The needle first.

A sedative.

You've given us no choice.

Better than the professionals.

My hero.

Am I?

And not just for your fists.

What's that for?

For trusting me to wander
off and know I won't wander.

Where would I find another you?

Impossible.

Exactly.

- James.
- Delia.

Well, we can start with
this one, my darling.

It screams decorate.

It belongs to Livvy's fianc?.

They're marrying once
our divorce is through.

Oh, he cannot carry his
bride across the threshold

into this monstrous interior. Oh.

My grandmother inherited
it from his father.

They were married. She signed it across.

More serpentine than the
lives of the Windsors.

I'll be pressuring him for a commission.

I'm told he's into
surfboards, so good luck.

I imagine chic is a low priority.

Then I'll work on her.

Caro.

Is she on deck?

She is.

You didn't mention me?

You ask, I obey.

What's this surprise
you keep smirking over?

I'm surprised she never whispered it.

To you, at least.

You're dying to tell.

Oh, why not?

She embraced the queer,
my pet, well before you.

10 years ago, in London.

We were lovers.

Hideous.

So, she don't want a bar of me?

She's grieving.

Good thing I wasn't there.

She's right, you know.

Dawnie'd be alive if we hadn't met.

That's your grief talking.

Better with Doris than me.

Where's this coming from?

The older she got, the more
it was like I stole her mum.

Used to worry Dawnie.

You should talk to
her before the funeral.

She don't need even more upset...

Better before the day.

I said my goodbye.

Sorry?

Nothing. And it needs a bit of thinkin'.

I will stay the night, ta.

As long as you want.

Talk later, eh?

Yes.

Can't blame her.

That won't help either of you.

This ain't the end of it.

I suggest you don't
overdo things for today.

Yeah, like you care.

Yeah, that'd be right.

Don't need any carry on, Stan.

He decked me.

Every reason to, by the sound of it.

And what's a man meant to do, huh?

Stirring up his wife like that?

She's gone, Stan.

- What?
- I took her to the station.

Her and the kids.

They're well on their way.

What are you talking about?

No, no, no, she can't.

This is all you, hmm? You and No-Nuts.

Hey, watch your tongue.

Your hens have come home to roost, mate.

And they're all yours. The
whole ruddy chook house.

I'm gonna get you for it.

You'll be gettin' no one, or
you'll be getting locked up.

Come on. I'll see you home.

And you doped me up so he
can sneak my family off.

Oh, you wait till people
hear about this, huh?

There's gonna be plenty on my side.

The town louts.

You wait! All of youse.

First sign of trouble, ring.

Second-rate quacks.

No wonder she died.

First hint of that last
bit doing the rounds,

stomp on it, hmm?

Don't think I didn't have my own doubts.

Only defend me if you can.

I hope you can.

We will, Mr. Fox.

Thank you.

Ahh. Dry as the Sahara in summer.

Willy Maugham's boyfriend taught me.

Alan? Oh, darling, the
only thing she does better

than making martinis
is knocking them back.

It's a good business model.

Let's see what Caro makes of it.

It's a bit of a lifeline.

Her husband's a stick in the mud.

A darling one, I'm
sure, if she's with him.

He's a good man, just stolid.

I doubt he'd understand
her Sapphic phase.

And that's all it was.

She dipped her toe in the water

while I embraced the full plunge.

Enough double entendre. I shall behave.

- Good.
- But should she wish not to...

The suspense is delicious.

I've set the alarm for 6:00.

What a beautiful night.

I might quit.

These might not be good for the baby.

I don't see how they could harm.

Mm, one never knows.

Or this.

I'd ask Henry if he were here.

Going back may well bring it to a head.

His relative proximity
will increase my guilt.

- Guilt?
- Yes.

There is guilt.

What to do?

What to do?

You'll be all right out there?

Still a bed on the veranda.

In this weather? Sleep inside.

Ah, you know me and fresh air.

And everything all right in the city

with you staying and everything?

Works out well, in a way.

You'll be jake?

As can be.

You and me, fella.

Just us.

Put me down!

I think I've done my back!

- Oh!
- Ah!

Feels wrong to laugh.

Oh, he wouldn't mind.

Ohh.

Can you believe we're here?

Finally.

Our wedding night.

Yes.

Just hold me.

Forever.

Mr. Briggs?

Mr. Briggs, hello?

Oh.

Stuff yas.

"I'll let Em see her mum off
without me there spoiling it.

She's got every right to hate me."

He's gone.

Subtitles by explosiveskull
- with addic7ed standards -