A Place to Call Home (2013–2018): Season 6, Episode 3 - Darkness and Light - full transcript

I'm here to see Dawnie
and my little one.

- I hate him.
- You don't mean that.

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

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

He's gone.

Matt insists
we return to Sydney.

There could be
a heartbroken mother back there.

I can't be his father
until I know

whoever gave him up
doesn't regret it.

- It was her choice.
- Under what circumstances?

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



well, Matt's now...
and we don't tell any of them?

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

I'll call and check.

Ah, we'd rather you didn't

until we've shared news
of the wedding.

Let me unsettle you
with a proposition.

It's partly why I'm back.

You are worth more at the clinic
than involved in interior design

and its attendant frippery.

- He's got a designer?
- From London. He's not said who.

You didn't mention me?

What's this surprise
you keep smirking over?

Ten years ago, in London.

We were lovers.



What's that for?

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

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

You reckon I care?

You're a joke.
Shove your job.

I came here to be near James,

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

Where's the point in staying?

What we're achieving here
together.

You're a fine surgeon.

You're sure you're up to it?

Could you turn that off, please?

There.
Is that all?

- Thank you.
- Give Mr. Briggs my condolences.

I will.

If he's there.

It's not well timed.

"The whole world in His hands."

Mm!

- Don't go overdoing it.
- I have to attend.

- If Roy can miss it...
- He won't.

- Of course he won't.
- Still no sign of him.

Now, the specialist's arriving
at 2:00, so it's best you...

I don't need him
to tell me what I know.

Just wait and see.

Best not eat anything
in case he wants to operate.

These aren't surgeon's hands,
not anymore, whatever he does.

- You can't tell after only...
- Don't patronize me.

We'll see.

I can't bring this back
any more than Roy can Dawn.

Well, we'll be off
in ten minutes.

Mm-hmm.

Could you...

It's just that song.

The gods really are chuckling.

Leave it.

So we're all saying goodbye
to Mrs. Briggs.

Me too?

No.
It's not for small boys.

'Cause she's dead?

Yes.

She's going to God?

Yes, she is.

But God's in the synagogue.

Well, he's in the church too.

But what if he's not?

God is everywhere.

I'll say goodbye to her here,
then.

Good boy.

The subtleties
of comparative religion.

I wish the world
saw through his eyes.

Life would be simpler.

Oh, wait.

It is true, though.

What?

Roy doesn't have to be
in the church.

He must come.

He's putting Emma first.

He's not a man who copes well
with pain.

But to not be there?

Bloody coward.

Two cases?

I'm not sure how long I'll stay.

Well, not too long, I hope.

We're sure to be up there soon.
We'll... We'll catch up, huh?

She's not rushing back,
if her bags are an indication.

Would it help
if I talked to her?

No.
Perhaps another time.

Shabbat's an invitation,
not an obligation.

It's more than just that,
but that is a huge change.

Yes.

I'm being discussed.

Of course.

Is it so threatening?

A Jewish household?

Every Friday night?

Rightly or wrongly,
I don't approve.

I must find a way to.

And if you can't?

Like Mr. Briggs, I remove myself
for the sake of others.

It just adds to my list
of confusions.

Perhaps Sydney
will bring clarity.

I hope so.

Here we are.

I want to go see David!

- He is at Ash Park.
- Then let's go there, then!

- Not yet.
- But I want to.

We will talk about it
when you've slept, all right?

I'll settle him.

You can take
one of the smaller bedrooms.

- If they're stripped, there's...
- I'll manage.

His pajamas
are in the blue case.

Thank you.

Come on, young man.

I don't want to!

You didn't sleep a wink
on the plane.

I want to go see David.

Sleep will help her too.

To a degree.

You can't blame her.

Only if she's not willing
to embrace what's right.

The house has been aired.

Someone's here.

I thought you said
that Grandmother contacts

whenever she visits.

Always.

"The Riviera Mode."

James?

Surely not.

I'll check the bedrooms.

You can wait here if you'd
rather avoid the barrage.

It'll come from concern.

- If it gets too much...
- I'll cope.

Oh, dear, look.

I'd hoped to see you.
How are you?

Battered. Bruised.

But less so each day.

Still no indication
of who might have caused it?

No.

I'm told you didn't see
the vehicle.

Just lights.

Well, I trust you see
justice done.

Mm.
This brings context.

Whatever we can do.
Anything.

Got a spare hand?

I hear you're going.

Nothing to James.

I insist.

Emma's continued
bitterness is alarming.

I fear,
should Mr. Briggs attend...

I doubt he will.

I'm sure she'll blame him
should he not.

Damned if he does,
damned if he doesn't.

Mm, she's determined
to make him the culprit.

I'll speak to her again.

- Would you?
- Yes.

Oh, and there's Mr. Fox.

Suffering wherever one looks.

I'll see you inside.
Perhaps get a seat at the back.

- I'll be there if you need me.
- Thank you.

Excuse me.
May I have a quick word?

- I'm glad he's not coming.
- He does care.

He doesn't want to
make it worse.

If he comes,
I'll ask him to get out.

Emma.

It's not what your mother
would want.

She didn't want to die.

I know that.

I've done a scout around.
No sign.

- It's just not like him.
- No, it isn't.

He'll come.

There is something
you could do to help.

We should go to a hotel.

Georgie's just settled.

Well, settle him again.

It's up to you.
You want James involved?

Why didn't he say
he was coming back?

Why didn't anyone call?

The whole thing changes.

I mean, for you too,
if he talks to Henry.

Perhaps it's as it should be.

Georgie's his son.

He should have a say.

The son he abandoned
for the high life?

Don't.

I want you to do what's right,
and I'm a villain?

And suddenly he's a father again
because it suits you?

What about, "How could
he forget about Georgie?"

You want it all your own way.

I'm just saying,
since he's here...

Which he is.

Here. Now.

It seems decided for us.

What is happening with you?

You're the one grabbing on to

whatever
moral high ground suits.

I know what's best for my son.

It was "our" son yesterday.

Just tell James
I'll meet him up at the park.

I want a chance to make
mypoint, just he and I.

They're married?

They didn't want you
to feel obliged to fly home.

It was a low-key affair.

I was coming back
for business anyway.

Well, the choice
would have been nice.

Not that I would have taken it,
given this.

So not weight?

- Weight? Me?
- Didn't think you could.

- Nor did I.
- Whose?

You have bigger issues.

You are sent from heaven.

Help me, please?

O Lord, you have
searched me out and known me.

You know when I sit,
when I stand,

comprehend my thoughts
long before.

You discern my path
and the places where I rest.

You are acquainted
with all my ways.

Where shall I go
from your spirit?

Or where shall I flee
from your presence?

If I ascend into heaven,
you are there.

If I make my bed in the grave,
you are there also.

If I spread out my wings
towards the morning

or dwell in the uttermost parts
of the sea,

even there your hand
shall lead me,

and your right hand
shall hold me.

If I say, "Surely the darkness
will cover me

and the night
will enclose me..."

...the darkness
is no darkness with you,

but the night
is as clear as the day.

The darkness and the light
are both alike.

I love you, Dawnie.

He has a point.

I have forfeited any rights
to have a say.

Georgie's ourson.

I made a choice.

It broke my heart, but I did.

It's you and Matt now.

You can't think he's being fair?

I don't know.

I need to hear
what he has to say.

The thought of giving him up

would be monstrous
for any mother.

- It might come to that.
- But it might well not.

That's what I've said.

Just the thought...

- He's asleep?
- Yes.

I think it's best he doesn't
see me while I'm here.

At least until this is resolved.

If he's adjusting to Matt,
perhaps not at all.

I don't want to confuse him.

You seem on Matt's side.

This isn't about sides.

Don't make it combative.
This is about understanding.

You owe me your support,
James...

Stop!

If there's a victim in this,
it's Georgie.

He was dragged into it
by both of us.

We think of him first,
anyone else second.

I'll see Matt.

He's moved on.

It's easy for him.

Georgie is best with me.

And if not?

Of course he is.

He has another mother
out there somewhere,

if she wants him.

Would he thank you
in years to come?

It's not just about now.

Will you lie his entire life?

Roy turned up.

Sarah's taken the car.
She's gone with him.

Ah, where?

She said there'll be a note
at home.

- She said you'd understand.
- Oh.

I've got another message
to deliver.

Of course.

Sarah thought you should know.

Roy came.
He didn't want to upset you.

He prayed for your mum
out here.

- And for your sister.
- Yeah.

Well, there you are, you see?

Yeah, well, where is he?

He is putting you
before himself.

You know where we are
if you need anything.

Thank you.

George, I accept that Sarah's
concerned for Mr. Briggs,

but this is your first public
appearance as husband and wife.

It's unseemly to dash off.

And it hasn't gone unnoticed.

- She knows what's best.
- I'm sure.

Keep us informed,
as we will you.

It's their life.

Secondary to all others,
it seems.

Roy's a dear friend.

And George is her husband.

None of my affair.

Just wanted to say,
sorry about that.

Fine.

No idea who did it?

No.

I hope you believed James.
We're just mates.

I don't care.

Right.

I hope it's exciting,
however it shapes up.

I won't commit if it's not.

It's got to be something
worth missing you for.

Right answer.

She seems pretty lost.

I'll be there for her.

I'll ring you tonight.

Where are we going?

Oh! We are going to visit
Mr. Briggs.

Mr. Briggs is there!
Hello, Mr. Briggs!

- G'day, mate.
- We're gonna visit his camp.

- May I sit in the front?
- Yeah, hop in.

Yes, sir.

That is not for you.

- You've told George?
- He'll understand.

Did you say goodbye
to Mrs. Briggs?

Yes, mate.
We did.

It's good to meet you.

Can think of
better circumstances.

Well, you have my father's
seal of approval.

Maybe not after this.

So.

So.

You've taken quite a stance.

What you're proposing
comes with a great deal of risk.

I have my reasons.

I have a son.

His mother left
when he was only two.

He's out there somewhere.
I've no idea where.

She cut all ties, disappeared.

I know what it's like
to yearn for one's kid.

Right.

Does Olivia know?

No.

Tell her.

I want her to make the choice
for the right reason,

not because of anything
to do with me.

It would help her understand.

I want her to accept
that Georgie has a real mother.

Her maternity doesn't trump all.

As cut and dried as that?

I love her and Georgie.
I want them both.

But not
at the expense of someone

who's aching for their son
as much as I do for mine.

I will tell her, but only after
she's made her choice.

A test.

That's not how I see it.

I have complicated
enough of things myself.

I won't judge.

I just hope your need to do this

doesn't come at the expense
of Olivia and Georgie.

You think I don't?

I'm on this number if you need
anything to facilitate matters.

I'm so glad I rang.
We'll talk.

Georgie's still
dead to the world.

What?

I just rang my publishers
to let them know I'm back.

20th Century Fox contacted
while we were in the air.

She'd been trying to reach me
in Hawaii.

"On the Beach" and "Summer of
the Seventeenth Doll"

are shooting.

"Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison"
was a hit.

Australian stories are in vogue.

They want to option my novels.

What does that mean?

Fame. Moola.

Perhaps the chance
to adapt them.

She'll keep me informed.

Publicity?

Possibly.
I'll tell her if needs must.

Her?
What happened to Ed?

Overseas.
I'm dealing with his assistant.

Probably best.

I'd say so.

I'm happy for you.

I'm happy for me.

Georgie?

Still asleep.

I'll take a quick peep
before I go.

I'll make sure it's safe.

Of course.

What now?

Let's talk.

Without anger, I hope.

As do I.

It's best dealt with, Livvy.

I can understand.

So, you. Whose?

- What did he say?
- It's their business.

Well?

It's Henry's.

James was my last hope.

No.

You're your own, if you're
willing to embrace what's right.

We can be happy.

- If.
- Only if.

Trust me.

So said James and Lloyd.

Well, I'm not them.

I'm not sure.

Then we have no future.

Possibly not.

This is fun.
Yum.

We want Roy at Shabbat,
don't we?

You got to come.

Come home.

What's home now?

Your friends are a start.

These days,
I prefer this to a pin.

Gives a better sense
of what's what.

No.

No.

No.

Around the flexor tendons,
the cuts were quite deep.

Very deep.

The median nerve's been cut.

Yes, I would say so.

I'm sorry.

We'll know more after surgery.

Is there any point?

The best surgeon I know for this
is Benjamin Frank.

I'll phone him and make sure
you're at the top of his list.

As they so tactfully say
in the Journal of Joint Surgery,

"as for the tendons
in the fingers,

excellent results
are not common."

9% success rate.

Delicate surgery
will certainly be beyond you.

I knew it.

At best?

I'll be lecturing in anatomy.

Let's wait
until we see what's what.

Looks like
you're looking for a surgeon.

And I'm looking for a future.

I didn't realize how much
I'd missed this house.

It never fails to soothe.

We had thought it
best resolved privately,

without others fussing.

Anna explained,
as it applies to herself too.

I've left that
with James and Carolyn.

This doesn't sound like Matthew.

Not the one we knew.

Try to get through to him.

I've left Ash Park
to avoid involvement.

At least let him explain.

It may lead to something.

It must come from him.
I won't interfere.

- Ahh.
- Elizabeth.

It would seem like life's
decided against us

keeping this private.

It would seem so.

Share what you will.

Shall we?

And you blame me
for keeping my distance?

Of course
we're going to comment.

It's my choice!
I should never have come back.

And you dropped Henry,

so don't all of a sudden
turn into his champion.

I'm simply stating facts.

It's the only child
he's likely to ever have.

And it's my right to raise it
as I decide.

As a single mother?

Times have changed
since I was born.

Not enough.

I am delighted for you,
but please understand,

you will be viewed as cheap
and your child a bastard,

as we would have been.

That's society's problem,
not mine.

Easily said.

Sarah sailed through with David.

She was engaged to George.
He was David's father.

They had the goodwill
of the town.

You are a successful author
in the wider world.

Think what the gutter press
will make of it.

So, what, I slink off
and give my child away,

like you did with me?

I'm sorry.

No, you're right.
I did.

I doubt you'd have had as
blessed a childhood if I hadn't.

You'd have been tarred
by the stigma.

But I'd have had my mother.

We missed out on so much.

I'm not saying this to hurt you.

If you had your time again,

knowing all you missed,
what would you do?

I'd like to think the same.

Perhaps not.

Could you see it as
my reliving history for you

in your grandchild, in a time
more likely to be forgiving?

And if not, I've been raised
with the strength to cope.

But nothing to Papa.

And nothing to Henry.

I won't have my choice to tell
made for me.

It's my baby, my life.

His baby, his life.

Don't let what happened
between Livvy and me affect you.

That's all I'll say.

Good.
Subject closed.

Can I be honest?

Of course.

When Olivia speaks of her time
as a Bligh,

it's with a mixture
of love and vehemence.

She judges and disapproves
of so much.

She said in leaving you all

that she wished to leave
the complications behind.

My current thoughts
are somewhat similar.

The poor girl was drawn into
an unenviable situation.

It's what led to her choice
to acquire Georgie.

Buy.
Let's call a spade a spade.

- She bought him.
- From love.

I see no merit
in choosing the harsher term.

I... I just...
I want to face the truth.

No more lies.

That's what she said
when she left Ash Park,

until it suited her differently.

Are you trying to drive a wedge
between us?

No, I'm laying out the facts.

You're judging her.

And us.

You're a family
with this incredible ability

to view things
through a self-serving lens.

I see.

I came here
to avoid complications.

I won't embrace yours.

I will simply say that Olivia
has suffered enough.

I trust your self-righteousness
doesn't add to that.

Sense of right.
Not remotely the same.

I hope this doesn't
come between us.

As do I.

Certainly not the Matthew
we know.

We won't stay.

I've telephoned Prudence, and
she'll be delighted to have us.

We three, James?

Olivia said you were unsure
about Georgie seeing you,

so, wise perhaps?

- I was just leaving.
- What happened?

We're best away.

Um, letters of condolence
are in order for Mr. Briggs.

His wife, Dawn, has died,
and their baby.

- No.
- It's dreadful.

So Prudence's, yes?

I'd like to stay.
Is that all right?

- Of course.
- I will behave.

No, I'd like you to.

Poor Mr. Briggs.

That's terrible news.

You still have your child,
so there is hope.

You hold to that.

You know where we are
if things become too strident.

Right, before Georgie stirs?

And let us tell Ash Park
in our own time.

My great-grandchild.

It's a blessing,
whatever the complexities.

We'll talk.

Blessings is a start.

And I've somewhere to run now.

If needed.

Where's Elizabeth?

She's just left.

You encouraged honesty.
Stay.

I did.
But no.

I hope you soften.

Please.

We're writing to Roy Briggs...

We're doing what we came to do.

We see the doctor tomorrow,
and we set this thing in motion.

That's it.
Finished. Done.

There.

- What do you think?
- That's good.

Now we're a Jewish home.

What's all that banging about?

Ah. It's up.

Yes, it is.
I wanted it there for tonight.

Of course.

Would you like to come
for a walk before dinner?

- Yes, please.
- No getting dirty.

- You either.
- I won't.

Oh, we'll try.

It means the world.

I know that.

So, who have we got?

Jack and Harry.

Possibly Doris.

Roy?

Well, that would be
biggest blessing.

Bye.
Have a good walk.

Bye.

There's no need
to rush into anything.

I'm off to the city
by the end of the week.

You'll need someone.

- In the short term, yeah...
- Don't.

It makes it worse.

You are looking
for my replacement.

I have suggestions.

- Henry...
- Please don't.

Well, I'll get onto it
tomorrow, then.

Mm.

I'm expected home.

Oh, Dr. Duncan?
A moment.

I thought you'd be with Emma.

Oh, no, she's at my house,
resting,

with her little school friend.

But some advice.

Mrs. Bligh's Jewish affair.

- Shabbat.
- Yes.

It won't oblige me every week,
will it, if I attend?

Well, does going to church once
mean you're stuck with it?

Well, now,
that's a point well made.

But having just seen dear Dawn
to rest, is it seemly?

Sarah was there praying with us.

We should return the favor,
yeah?

I knew I could depend on you.

Thank you, Doctor.

Ah, Mr. Polson.

No doubt you'll be joining
the broadminded set

at Mrs. Bligh's Shabbat?

- That's the term, you know?
- I do.

So I'll see you there, then?

Yep.
Where's Mr. Fox's room?

Oh, in the private room,
of course.

We got off
on the wrong foot earlier.

I'll be staying, helping Roy.

If you need to talk...

Why would I?

With someone
who knows what's what.

Our inclinations don't make us
part of a club.

I... I thought it might help
to be able to talk openly.

With you?

If you change your mind.

I won't.

Any message for James?

They're probably out there
wondering why you'd visit me.

Please leave.

Hello, Mummy.

Hello.

You've had a long sleep.

It was nice.

I'm sure.

Ava's described Melbourne
as the perfect place

to film the end of the world.

Let me see.

- How to win friends.
- She sounds a bit of a monster.

And you're excited
about Hollywood?

I won't be winning any friends.

If you all know
and Henry doesn't.

He should.

Tell him.

Matt?

On the veranda.

You brought this on us.

I'm sorry.

Olivia.

Olivia.

I've let enough men control me.

I'll leave
with Georgie tomorrow.

Olivia!

Bottles!

Threepence!

There's four of them.
That's a shilling.

I'm rich!

Someone's left you a present.

- Need a lift?
- That's good timing.

I'm rich!

You watch Uncle Jack's car.

She's right.

And your trousers.

Your mum won't be too impressed.

Dried mud.

Must have been dropped
the night it rained.

It's a strange place for it.

Now, let's get you cleaned up
before dinner.

Okay.

- How long have I got?
- 20 minutes before sundown.

I'll be back.

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth, was I being so dull?

I'm sorry.
You were saying.

What were you thinking?

Sunset.
It's almost time.

Am I wrong to resent it?

If it means you're here
more often,

let Ash Park go to the Jews
or the pack.

- Same thing.
- Prudence.

You're the one avoiding it.

Not from prejudice.

The remark was offensive.

An ill-considered jest.
I apologize.

If not prejudice, what?

I have felt distant
from Ash Park before,

but never alien to it.

With this, I do.

The candle tradition
is from Biblical times,

where women lit a lamp that had
to last through the evening.

Ma'am?

Not too late?

Oh, Mr. Briggs.
Come, come.

We all understood.

You're right on time.

- You've made our evening.
- You have.

Too right.

Goodo, then.

This is for you.

God has smiled on us,
Mrs. Bligh.

He has.

Shabbat shalom.

Shabbat shalom.

Shabbat shalom, Doris.

Oh!
Shabbat shalom.

Shabbat shalom.

Sarah.

Shabbat shalom, David.

I love you.

Coming.

The lady herself.

I hoped you'd have arrived.

Give an old flame a kiss?

Elizabeth.

I bluffed my way past the maid.

What do you want?

Your help.

You're gonna give it.