Love Child (2014) s04e01 Episode Script
Season 4, Episode 1
1 Set me free why don't you, babe? Get out my life why don't you, babe? 'Cause you don't really love me You just keep me hangin' on You don't really need me But you keep me hangin' on Why do you keep a-coming around Playing with my heart? Ward B.
Down the corridor.
Turn left.
Look right.
Get a move on.
I wanted everyone moved into the new wing half an hour ago! - Bet you're glad to be leaving.
- Let me get over you The way you've gotten over me Hey, hey Attention.
Would all passengers please disembark the vessel? Hey, what are you doing here? Only passengers are allowed on board.
Elena! You just keep me hangin' on.
Elena! Elena! And now that you've got your freedom - You glad you've got the night off? - Yes.
Whoo! You don't want me for yourself So let me find somebody else Hey Why don't you be a man about it And set me free? See you tomorrow at the baby shower.
You're just using me.
- (FIREWORKS ERUPT) - Ah! - Wow.
- Get out of my life - And let me sleep at night - Oh! Oh! Are you all right? - Sorry.
- What's the matter? What's wrong? What are you doing? - Leave her alone.
- This is none of your business.
I said, stop! No, you don't really love me You just keep me hangin' on.
You think that I don't feel love What I feel for you is real love In other's eyes I see reflected A hurt, scorned, rejected love child Different from the rest.
What are you doing here? Sorting out my career.
- So, you've met Dr Patterson? - I'm trying to.
He's very difficult to find.
He's a dish.
That's him.
Oh, Dr Patterson! I'm glad I caught you.
I wanted to talk to you about my position.
Standing up, squatting, whatever works for you.
No, no, no.
My position here at the hospital.
I'm Dr Millar.
Joan.
Oh, right.
You're that one.
What one? My credentials.
I want to return to work as soon as possible, after the birth.
I know it's not usually allowed, but I see no reason why - I can't be a working mother.
- Agreed.
- Really? - Look, I spent the last two years in Vietnam.
Women give birth, they're back - in the rice paddies the next day.
- I wasn't thinking quite that soon.
You let me know when you've made up your mind.
- So, you'll take it to the board? - No, no, no.
I will leave the politics to you.
Love the new maternity wing, Matron.
Can't wait to get into it.
As a patient, of course.
As a doctor.
Returning to work is not an option.
A fact you were well-aware of, when you fell pregnant.
Enjoy your baby shower.
Lovely day for it.
Oh, Joan.
Thank God.
I found her in the Cross last night.
There was a man was chasing her.
I took her home and she's been vomiting all night.
I don't know what's wrong with her and I have to open the creche.
- I'll take care of her.
- Thank you.
Her name's Elena, but she doesn't speak much English.
You all right? There you go.
Okay.
Let's sit down this way.
Could be as simple as food poisoning.
It might explain the vomiting.
On a ship, all the way from Italy.
She could have picked up anything.
Ah she seems afraid.
Apparently, someone was chasing her.
- Should we call the police? - No polizia! No police! Elena, Elena, it's all right.
The police, they might be able to help you.
- No! No! No! - No, no, it's all right.
Elena Okay, no, no police.
Okay? No police.
I promise.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Are you all right? (GENTLE MUSIC) You're pregnant? Please, I cannot the baby, keep.
These documents, once signed, give the state ultimate guardianship over the child you are carrying.
Once born, you will leave here and the child will become a ward of the state until such time a suitable adoptive family is found.
Do you understand? I don't think she does.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN) Si.
And here we are in the sewing room, where we find poor young girls mending soiled hospital linens.
This strange specimen is Rita.
She's our very own flying nun, but we like to call her church mouse.
I asked you not to call me that.
Church mouse is one of our newest inmates.
Her story is a mystery to all imprisoned in this hellhole, but we do know that she shares one thing in common with all the other girls.
She's a slut.
Whoo! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! For months on end, the sluts perform like trained animals for the Matron.
Whoo! This afternoon is the official opening of the new maternity wing.
Some of you will be given the opportunity to serve the staff of Kings Cross General, light refreshments.
In the meantime, you will all complete your work here with pride and a keen sense that your industry is for the greater good.
It will give you time to reflect on the sorry state you have got yourselves into and the possibilities for redemption.
Amen.
Elena.
Elena will be joining you for the period of her confinement.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN TO ELENA) Girls, we've got ourselves a wog.
Deborah, your grasp of the subtle and more nuanced expressions of our language leads me to suspect you would be most suitable to teach our newcomer how to speak English.
The idea of getting your camera back will prove to be a most useful incentive.
Okay, I want you to say 'slut'.
(WOMEN GIGGLE) Tada! Isn't he cute? So I'll have something to cuddle at night.
Exactly! - Mmm, so I can impress the panda? - (WOMEN LAUGHING) Hey.
Sorry I'm late.
I don't know what you've organised, but I thought it might be good to have some free babysitting up your sleeve.
- Thank you.
- Telegram from Annie and Shirley.
Oh, I love telegrams.
What does it say? "Happy baby shower, Joan.
" Stop.
"Miss you.
" Stop.
"Wish we could be there.
" - (CORK POPS) - Oh! - Cheers.
- Cheers! Cheers.
Next item on the baby shower agenda is the baby book.
Guess the correct date of birth, its weight and sex and win the booty! Ooh, what about height? If he's anything like his parents Or she.
How is Jim? I haven't heard from him.
Have you? No! - It's $2 to play.
Who's in? - Me! I'll play.
Who knew Matron could speak Italian? Maybe she had an Italian lover who taught her while he fed her olives in bed.
Matron with a secret lover? I don't think so.
It's always the quiet ones.
You must be happy to see the back of Matron.
Hopefully not for long.
I'm planning on returning to work.
Well, have you spoken to Jim about that? I don't need to speak to Jim.
I'm here.
He's not.
So, you're punishing him for leaving? - Back off, Patty.
- Or is it just me that - you won't forgive? - Maybe we should cut the cake.
I made one mistake and if I could take it back, I would.
This is not the time or place for this conversation.
What conversation? You delivered my baby and you looked after me and I thought we were friends.
And then, you slept with my husband.
Well, it's been a lovely baby shower.
Thank you.
I think it's time I got going.
So, thank thank you.
How could you do that? Martha, don't go.
(SOBS) (FORLORN MUSIC) Where is she? Elena, where is she? I don't know what you're talking about.
- Where is she? - Let go of me! Let go of me! - Help! Police! Help me! Get off! - MAN: Hey, you all right? What's going on? (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SIGHS) (FORLORN MUSIC) (EXHALES) People are still after you.
I didn't think you'd come.
I've come to say goodbye.
You're a great dad.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC) I'm almost certain they're Braxton Hicks contractions.
- They're not the real deal.
- You've timed them? They come and go.
There's no increase in frequency.
- No regularity.
- Baby's sunny-side up.
I'm not due for another three weeks.
And your blood pressure's on the high side.
Yeah, nothing to do with the pregnancy.
And there's swelling in your feet.
Bit of fluid retention.
It's my first pregnancy.
If I was worried about anything, I would tell you.
Now, I still want you to stay in observation, watch your BPs You can't afford the bed.
Two hours on the sofa with a magazine, then.
Yeah? (DOOR OPENS) (DOOR CLOSES) Martha, hi.
- Sorry, got to run.
- Oh, I came to see Elena.
Martha, wait.
Haven't you ever done anything you wish you could undo? I have never betrayed a sacred trust.
What you did was unforgivable! But you forgave me before, when I told you.
That's before I knew about Jim.
You kept that from me.
I knew you'd be mad.
It's nothing, compared to what I'm feeling now.
I was so busy being your stupid best friend that I didn't think about the other woman.
Well, I'm that woman now.
I'm a wife, too.
And if you did to me, what you did to Joan, I would have scratched your bloody eyes out.
Oh, Martha.
No, I would never do (EMOTIONAL MUSIC) Mrs O'Reilly.
How are you? I'm nervous.
In a few hours, I'll be holding number six.
Are you in labour? Oh, no.
I'm actually booked in for a caesarean section today.
- Who's your obstetrician? - Dr Patterson.
Why did he suggest a caesarean section? Is there something wrong? Oh, I don't know.
They explained everything to my husband.
Don't worry, Mrs O'Reilly.
We'll sort this out.
Yeah? Hi.
Mrs O'Reilly's had five babies vaginally.
I've delivered two of them and neither of them were complicated.
Well, she's over 35, she smokes, has high blood pressure and a tender abdomen.
They're all risk factors.
Her blood pressure's been under control with medication and there's no oedema, there's no protein in her urine.
You examined her? She wanted a second opinion.
She doesn't want a caesarean.
You do remember that you don't work here anymore, right? Just let her do it the way she's always done it.
Well, I'll take it under advisement.
- No, you won't.
- No, I won't.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) - Sorry to interrupt.
- No, no, no.
We're done here.
When I go into labour, I don't want that man anywhere near me.
And who's this old biddy? - Matron.
- Matron, that's right.
And what do we say to Matron when she asks us to do something? Eh - No bloody way! - No bloody way.
That's right.
You'll get her into trouble.
Cool it, church mouse.
Patty! You know the man who was chasing us last night? He's still looking for you.
Do you understand? We were running.
You and me were running.
No, this is serious.
Someone might be trying to hurt Elena.
You have to keep her safe.
Okay, well, we don't have to do anything.
You listen to me.
You're going to be here until your babies are born, and then they're going to take them away.
If you don't look out for each other, you'll be left with nothing.
Oxygen for Mrs O'Reilly.
Knife, please.
Classical vertical skin incision.
Exposing the uterus now.
Retractors.
Is everything all right, sir? It's a concealed placental abruption.
How's the foetal heart rate? It's bradycardic, sitting on 80.
- And Mum? - Hypertensive.
- We're getting some heart rate up.
- Let's get this baby out now.
Pull.
That's it.
The O'Reilly baby? All seven and a half pounds of him.
How's Mum? She had a concealed placental abruption.
She could have died.
Andrew was pretty amazing.
Are you checking up on the end result? You were right.
- I was wrong.
- I know.
I am as shocked as you are.
You should compile a list of your successful patient records.
Why? For your return to work application.
I'll have a read.
We can take it from there.
I do not like politics, but I do like to keep things interesting.
I don't feel sick.
Why do we have to have check-ups? Because they're perverts.
You know barbecue tongs? Yes.
Okay, well, they've got things like that and they shove them up you and, yeah, hurts like crazy.
(EXHALES) You're up, church mouse.
Afternoon, Rita.
My name is Dr Andrew Patterson.
I'll be looking after you for the next few months.
Gown is behind the screen.
You'll need to remove everything below the waist, please.
I don't want to.
I'll tell you what, why don't we skip the examination for today? We can chat instead and no one will be any the wiser.
How does that sound? Good.
Take a seat.
Any pain? Anything that doesn't feel quite right? No, I feel all right.
Good, that's what I like to hear.
What about Stanton House? Are they looking after you? Matron's very strict.
Matrons are like that, I'm afraid.
They even boss doctors around, so.
What about your family? Are they staying in touch? Do you have anyone you can talk to, if you need? The baby's father.
He always listens to me.
Yeah.
What's his name? God.
God? As in the big guy upstairs? Our Father in Heaven.
Wow.
Well, that is one very special package that you're carrying in there.
I hope you'll let me take good care of you both.
So, how'd you like the tongs, church mouse? Not as much as you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) - Elena, what are you doing? - Who was that? - I have to go.
- Go where? Elen! Elena! You can't go yet.
He's still out there.
- You're safer in here.
- Elena, (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
I don't know.
He looks pretty angry.
Debbie! Elena, (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
He is cute for a dago.
- (SPEAKS ITALIAN), Elena.
- (ELENA SOBS) (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
Elena? (SPEAKS ITALIAN), Elena.
Elena, was he the man chasing you? I know you can understand me.
I can't help you, unless you tell me everything.
Who is he? Mr Capobianco.
My name is Matron Bolton.
I run this hospital.
Where is my sister? I'm sorry to have to tell you, but the doctors have tested your sister and the results have come back positive for tuberculosis.
- I want to see her.
- I'm afraid that won't be possible.
TB is a highly contagious infection.
She's in quarantine.
You will be notified when your sister has been cleared of the disease.
It could take months.
That's not possible.
- Our family has arranged the marriage.
- Well, you'll have to change that.
- No! We have a debt to pay.
- So, she's been sold? Well, that may well be common practice in Italy, Mr Capobianco.
But here in Australia, we do not facilitate the buying and selling of young women.
Nor do we barge into hospitals, creating a ruckus.
If I ever catch you in this hospital again, I will call the police.
Do I make myself clear? When can I see her, huh? In six months.
Okay, I will go for now.
(TENSE MUSIC) (UP-BEAT MUSIC) Martha's your best friend.
- You have to make this right, Patty.
- I tried.
You should have seen the way she looked at me.
I know what I did was bad, but when I think about - losing Martha - Hey, hey.
We have all made mistakes.
I've done some pretty stupid things.
Not like this, you haven't.
- Patty, hey.
- Hey, Mandy.
I'll be late picking up the bub tonight.
Again? Okay.
Got to work.
Why'd you do it? You don't have to say.
I just Well, I thought I was in love with him.
But it was just sex, for Jim, anyway, that's all it was.
You want to catch up tonight? I can't.
I have things to do.
Maybe tomorrow.
Yeah.
(FORLORN MUSIC) (KNOCKING) Enter.
You girls are not to speak unless you are spoken to.
You'll address all doctors as "sir" and all female staff as "madam".
You pour tea from the left and serve food from the right.
You are not to eat or drink anything.
Do I make myself clear? - Yes, Matron.
- Yes, Matron.
Elena, you understand? No bloody way.
(CHUCKLES) I see Deborah has already commenced your tuition.
After the reception, you will be responsible for cleaning and packing away everything.
Yes, Matron.
I expect, with Dr Patterson now here now at Kings Cross General, a new standard in obstetrics and gynaecology will be set, ready to take us into the 21st century.
Matron, I'm not quite sure of that.
No need for modesty, Doctor.
We're well-aware of your triumphs and successes in Vietnam.
To Dr Patterson.
(APPLAUSE) I reckon Patterson's going to shake this place up.
- Really? - Yeah, doesn't play by the rules.
- You reckon that's a good thing? - Makes life interesting.
How would it would work, if we just threw away all the rules? Maybe not all the rules, just some of them.
- What rules would they be? - I don't know.
Don't you ever feel like doing something spontaneous? Like what? Don't you remember that time we had sex in a cupboard? Is this about our marriage? Oh, hold on.
I thought we were talking about breaking the rules.
No, you were talking about breaking rules.
- Oh, where you going? - To get a drink.
It's the Queen's birthday.
Offer the doctor some food.
Ahh, my favourite.
Ordered especially.
You have made me a happy man.
Pity you couldn't have shaved for the occasion.
I don't recall inviting Dr Millar.
What business does she have with the board? She wants her job back.
Well, I must inform you that Dr Millar can be quite bull-headed - when she sets her mind to something.
- Mmm.
Matron probably counted those.
My guess is that there's 46, one for every year of Her Majesty's life.
You're one of the new Stanton House girls.
- How'd you know? - Because I used to be one of them.
I work here now, at the hospital.
Where's your baby? I don't know.
I'm not keeping mine, either.
- As long as it's your choice.
- It is.
Good for you.
Want a tip that might make your time here go faster? After ten, Matron's usually had a couple of brandies and is as good as deaf.
(CHUCKLES) She leaves a set of spare keys to the gates in her bottom, left-hand drawer.
Best time I had here was with my friends, breaking the rules.
I'd caution against giving Dr Millar the impression that a return to work as a single mother is in the realm of possibility.
Surely it wouldn't be a problem, would it, Matron? The board, myself included, would beg to differ.
I bow to your experience and insight on this one.
(MUSIC PLAYING) (MUSIC STOPS) (WATER DRIPPING) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (ECHOED HEARTBEAT AND BREATHING) That one lasted 60 seconds.
Felt like 60 minutes.
I had a list of things I wanted to happen and a bag packed.
Would you like me to go and get it? - No! Don't go! - That's fine.
I'm here.
- A lot of bets coming in.
- What's the favourite? It's definitely a girl, coming in at six and half pounds.
No, it's a boy and he's a ten-pounder.
Put your money where your mouth is.
Take it out of my purse.
I said some dreadful things.
So, say you're sorry.
Whatever it is, Martha, I'm sure you and Patty will sort it out.
You've been friends for this long.
Thank you, husband.
Go find her.
Dr Bowditch? You're required in the labour ward, room two.
- Nah, I'm not on duty tonight.
- You are now.
The ward's brimming.
You might also want to check in on Dr Millar.
Oh! She's having her baby! - How dilated am I? - 7cm.
- Won't be long now.
- God, I feel sick.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
It's too late.
You already are.
Would you like me to get the bath ready? I don't have time for a bath! How you going? It's a shame you're in labour.
We could use with an extra set of hands.
- Sorry to inconvenience you.
- Sure you're okay? Go! Help someone who needs it! (PANTING) Whoo! Three deliveries down, four to go.
How you going? - Same.
- Ahh, reckon we're going for the world's record.
Over here.
Mrs Ranovic needs to get to delivery room B now.
She's already at second stage, Doctor.
No time for delivery suite.
- How's Joan? - Ahh, yeah, she's in charge of it.
Good.
I'll check in on her as soon as I No, not sure that's such a good idea.
- Why not? - Because she said it wasn't.
"I don't want that man anywhere near me," or words to that effect.
- I'll leave her to you, then.
- No, she kicked me out.
- Ooh.
- (WOMAN SCREAMS IN PAIN) There's plenty over there who'll be happy to have you.
Stop touching me.
Just stop touching me.
Sorry.
I'm not being too impossible, am I? Oh, well, it is your first time.
I'm going to listen to the baby.
Here, let me.
He sounds happy.
Doesn't she? Shall I grab Simon? You must be fully dilated.
Help me change positions.
I want to try squatting.
Okay.
Get your hands off me! Sorry.
(GROANING) (Son of a Preacher Man Plays) Billy Ray was a preacher's son And when his daddy would visit, he'd come along When they gathered around and started You really are the prettiest thing I've seen.
- Thanks.
- I'm glad we met up.
Lord knows, to my surprise The only one who could ever reach me Was the son of a preacher man The only boy who could ever teach me Was the son of a preacher man Yes, he was He was I want to check the heart rate again.
Oh, yes, he was.
Heart rate's dropping.
Get Dr Patterson.
Hurry! Bein' good isn't always easy - No matter how hard I try.
- Dr Patterson, you have to come now.
Joan's in second stage.
Foetal heart rate is dropping.
He'd come and tell me everything is all right He'd kiss and tell me everything is all right Can we get away again tonight? The only one who could ever reach me Was the son of a preacher man The only boy who could ever teach me Was the son of a preacher man Yes, he was He was Ooh Yes, he was I can feel cord beside the head.
There's a prolapse, Joan.
- Do a caesarean.
- No, it's too late for that.
I'm going to have to push it out in the next few contractions.
That is the plan, Dr Millar.
Okay? Is the cord protruding? No, but it's being compressed.
All right, we're going to get this baby out really fast now, Okay? Okay? Please, please, don't let him die.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) You are in the driver's seat, all right, Joan? You tell me when the next contraction is coming and we will get this baby into your arms.
- Now! - Go! Head protruding.
(GROANING) Good.
Good.
Baby's out.
Clamp it.
Get the scissors.
You're doing good.
Okay.
(TENSE MUSIC) - It's all right.
It's all right.
- God, please.
(BABY STARTS CRYING) (RELIEVED CRYING) Hey.
Hey, it's a girl.
- Thank you.
- What for? You did it all, okay? I was just following your instructions.
(BABY CRYING) (GENTLE MUSIC) Hi.
You just lost $2.
(BOTH LAUGHING) Hello, Millar family.
Smile.
Beautiful.
About being in your office earlier It's water under the bridge.
Time for you to rest.
Yes, Frances.
Take good care of her.
We always do.
(GENTLE MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) I thought you might like to say good night.
Thank you.
Hello, darling.
Mummy's just a little bit delirious.
I'll leave you to it.
Here you are, Mrs Ranovic.
Thank you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) - Certainly snug as a bug.
- Yes, she is.
There'll be no strings to bind your hands Not if my love can't bind your heart And there's no need to take a stand For it was I, who chose to start MAN: Hey! Come here! I see no reason to take me home I'm old enough to face the dawn Just call me angel of the morning Angel Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby Just call me angel of the morning Angel Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby Just call me angel of the morning Angel Then slowly turn away I won't beg you to stay (DRAMATIC MUSIC) You give me mad love How far can we go? Nobody knows.
Don't worry, I'm I am not going anywhere.
Australia Love is back.
You give me mad love I just keep expecting her to burst through the door with a big Patty smile.
- She should still be here.
- Yeah.
I need to find out what happened to Patty.
By putting yourself in danger.
- Get off him! - What the hell Can you really stand there and tell me that Patty's death makes sense.
Look, that doesn't mean that she was murdered.
But, what if she was? You give me bad love I'll miss you, Patty.
But I'll take what I get, I'm starvin' for it Amen.
I've never had love The best season of Love Child - Woo! - Is just getting started.
Down the corridor.
Turn left.
Look right.
Get a move on.
I wanted everyone moved into the new wing half an hour ago! - Bet you're glad to be leaving.
- Let me get over you The way you've gotten over me Hey, hey Attention.
Would all passengers please disembark the vessel? Hey, what are you doing here? Only passengers are allowed on board.
Elena! You just keep me hangin' on.
Elena! Elena! And now that you've got your freedom - You glad you've got the night off? - Yes.
Whoo! You don't want me for yourself So let me find somebody else Hey Why don't you be a man about it And set me free? See you tomorrow at the baby shower.
You're just using me.
- (FIREWORKS ERUPT) - Ah! - Wow.
- Get out of my life - And let me sleep at night - Oh! Oh! Are you all right? - Sorry.
- What's the matter? What's wrong? What are you doing? - Leave her alone.
- This is none of your business.
I said, stop! No, you don't really love me You just keep me hangin' on.
You think that I don't feel love What I feel for you is real love In other's eyes I see reflected A hurt, scorned, rejected love child Different from the rest.
What are you doing here? Sorting out my career.
- So, you've met Dr Patterson? - I'm trying to.
He's very difficult to find.
He's a dish.
That's him.
Oh, Dr Patterson! I'm glad I caught you.
I wanted to talk to you about my position.
Standing up, squatting, whatever works for you.
No, no, no.
My position here at the hospital.
I'm Dr Millar.
Joan.
Oh, right.
You're that one.
What one? My credentials.
I want to return to work as soon as possible, after the birth.
I know it's not usually allowed, but I see no reason why - I can't be a working mother.
- Agreed.
- Really? - Look, I spent the last two years in Vietnam.
Women give birth, they're back - in the rice paddies the next day.
- I wasn't thinking quite that soon.
You let me know when you've made up your mind.
- So, you'll take it to the board? - No, no, no.
I will leave the politics to you.
Love the new maternity wing, Matron.
Can't wait to get into it.
As a patient, of course.
As a doctor.
Returning to work is not an option.
A fact you were well-aware of, when you fell pregnant.
Enjoy your baby shower.
Lovely day for it.
Oh, Joan.
Thank God.
I found her in the Cross last night.
There was a man was chasing her.
I took her home and she's been vomiting all night.
I don't know what's wrong with her and I have to open the creche.
- I'll take care of her.
- Thank you.
Her name's Elena, but she doesn't speak much English.
You all right? There you go.
Okay.
Let's sit down this way.
Could be as simple as food poisoning.
It might explain the vomiting.
On a ship, all the way from Italy.
She could have picked up anything.
Ah she seems afraid.
Apparently, someone was chasing her.
- Should we call the police? - No polizia! No police! Elena, Elena, it's all right.
The police, they might be able to help you.
- No! No! No! - No, no, it's all right.
Elena Okay, no, no police.
Okay? No police.
I promise.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Are you all right? (GENTLE MUSIC) You're pregnant? Please, I cannot the baby, keep.
These documents, once signed, give the state ultimate guardianship over the child you are carrying.
Once born, you will leave here and the child will become a ward of the state until such time a suitable adoptive family is found.
Do you understand? I don't think she does.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN) Si.
And here we are in the sewing room, where we find poor young girls mending soiled hospital linens.
This strange specimen is Rita.
She's our very own flying nun, but we like to call her church mouse.
I asked you not to call me that.
Church mouse is one of our newest inmates.
Her story is a mystery to all imprisoned in this hellhole, but we do know that she shares one thing in common with all the other girls.
She's a slut.
Whoo! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! Slut! For months on end, the sluts perform like trained animals for the Matron.
Whoo! This afternoon is the official opening of the new maternity wing.
Some of you will be given the opportunity to serve the staff of Kings Cross General, light refreshments.
In the meantime, you will all complete your work here with pride and a keen sense that your industry is for the greater good.
It will give you time to reflect on the sorry state you have got yourselves into and the possibilities for redemption.
Amen.
Elena.
Elena will be joining you for the period of her confinement.
(SPEAKS ITALIAN TO ELENA) Girls, we've got ourselves a wog.
Deborah, your grasp of the subtle and more nuanced expressions of our language leads me to suspect you would be most suitable to teach our newcomer how to speak English.
The idea of getting your camera back will prove to be a most useful incentive.
Okay, I want you to say 'slut'.
(WOMEN GIGGLE) Tada! Isn't he cute? So I'll have something to cuddle at night.
Exactly! - Mmm, so I can impress the panda? - (WOMEN LAUGHING) Hey.
Sorry I'm late.
I don't know what you've organised, but I thought it might be good to have some free babysitting up your sleeve.
- Thank you.
- Telegram from Annie and Shirley.
Oh, I love telegrams.
What does it say? "Happy baby shower, Joan.
" Stop.
"Miss you.
" Stop.
"Wish we could be there.
" - (CORK POPS) - Oh! - Cheers.
- Cheers! Cheers.
Next item on the baby shower agenda is the baby book.
Guess the correct date of birth, its weight and sex and win the booty! Ooh, what about height? If he's anything like his parents Or she.
How is Jim? I haven't heard from him.
Have you? No! - It's $2 to play.
Who's in? - Me! I'll play.
Who knew Matron could speak Italian? Maybe she had an Italian lover who taught her while he fed her olives in bed.
Matron with a secret lover? I don't think so.
It's always the quiet ones.
You must be happy to see the back of Matron.
Hopefully not for long.
I'm planning on returning to work.
Well, have you spoken to Jim about that? I don't need to speak to Jim.
I'm here.
He's not.
So, you're punishing him for leaving? - Back off, Patty.
- Or is it just me that - you won't forgive? - Maybe we should cut the cake.
I made one mistake and if I could take it back, I would.
This is not the time or place for this conversation.
What conversation? You delivered my baby and you looked after me and I thought we were friends.
And then, you slept with my husband.
Well, it's been a lovely baby shower.
Thank you.
I think it's time I got going.
So, thank thank you.
How could you do that? Martha, don't go.
(SOBS) (FORLORN MUSIC) Where is she? Elena, where is she? I don't know what you're talking about.
- Where is she? - Let go of me! Let go of me! - Help! Police! Help me! Get off! - MAN: Hey, you all right? What's going on? (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SIGHS) (FORLORN MUSIC) (EXHALES) People are still after you.
I didn't think you'd come.
I've come to say goodbye.
You're a great dad.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC) I'm almost certain they're Braxton Hicks contractions.
- They're not the real deal.
- You've timed them? They come and go.
There's no increase in frequency.
- No regularity.
- Baby's sunny-side up.
I'm not due for another three weeks.
And your blood pressure's on the high side.
Yeah, nothing to do with the pregnancy.
And there's swelling in your feet.
Bit of fluid retention.
It's my first pregnancy.
If I was worried about anything, I would tell you.
Now, I still want you to stay in observation, watch your BPs You can't afford the bed.
Two hours on the sofa with a magazine, then.
Yeah? (DOOR OPENS) (DOOR CLOSES) Martha, hi.
- Sorry, got to run.
- Oh, I came to see Elena.
Martha, wait.
Haven't you ever done anything you wish you could undo? I have never betrayed a sacred trust.
What you did was unforgivable! But you forgave me before, when I told you.
That's before I knew about Jim.
You kept that from me.
I knew you'd be mad.
It's nothing, compared to what I'm feeling now.
I was so busy being your stupid best friend that I didn't think about the other woman.
Well, I'm that woman now.
I'm a wife, too.
And if you did to me, what you did to Joan, I would have scratched your bloody eyes out.
Oh, Martha.
No, I would never do (EMOTIONAL MUSIC) Mrs O'Reilly.
How are you? I'm nervous.
In a few hours, I'll be holding number six.
Are you in labour? Oh, no.
I'm actually booked in for a caesarean section today.
- Who's your obstetrician? - Dr Patterson.
Why did he suggest a caesarean section? Is there something wrong? Oh, I don't know.
They explained everything to my husband.
Don't worry, Mrs O'Reilly.
We'll sort this out.
Yeah? Hi.
Mrs O'Reilly's had five babies vaginally.
I've delivered two of them and neither of them were complicated.
Well, she's over 35, she smokes, has high blood pressure and a tender abdomen.
They're all risk factors.
Her blood pressure's been under control with medication and there's no oedema, there's no protein in her urine.
You examined her? She wanted a second opinion.
She doesn't want a caesarean.
You do remember that you don't work here anymore, right? Just let her do it the way she's always done it.
Well, I'll take it under advisement.
- No, you won't.
- No, I won't.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) - Sorry to interrupt.
- No, no, no.
We're done here.
When I go into labour, I don't want that man anywhere near me.
And who's this old biddy? - Matron.
- Matron, that's right.
And what do we say to Matron when she asks us to do something? Eh - No bloody way! - No bloody way.
That's right.
You'll get her into trouble.
Cool it, church mouse.
Patty! You know the man who was chasing us last night? He's still looking for you.
Do you understand? We were running.
You and me were running.
No, this is serious.
Someone might be trying to hurt Elena.
You have to keep her safe.
Okay, well, we don't have to do anything.
You listen to me.
You're going to be here until your babies are born, and then they're going to take them away.
If you don't look out for each other, you'll be left with nothing.
Oxygen for Mrs O'Reilly.
Knife, please.
Classical vertical skin incision.
Exposing the uterus now.
Retractors.
Is everything all right, sir? It's a concealed placental abruption.
How's the foetal heart rate? It's bradycardic, sitting on 80.
- And Mum? - Hypertensive.
- We're getting some heart rate up.
- Let's get this baby out now.
Pull.
That's it.
The O'Reilly baby? All seven and a half pounds of him.
How's Mum? She had a concealed placental abruption.
She could have died.
Andrew was pretty amazing.
Are you checking up on the end result? You were right.
- I was wrong.
- I know.
I am as shocked as you are.
You should compile a list of your successful patient records.
Why? For your return to work application.
I'll have a read.
We can take it from there.
I do not like politics, but I do like to keep things interesting.
I don't feel sick.
Why do we have to have check-ups? Because they're perverts.
You know barbecue tongs? Yes.
Okay, well, they've got things like that and they shove them up you and, yeah, hurts like crazy.
(EXHALES) You're up, church mouse.
Afternoon, Rita.
My name is Dr Andrew Patterson.
I'll be looking after you for the next few months.
Gown is behind the screen.
You'll need to remove everything below the waist, please.
I don't want to.
I'll tell you what, why don't we skip the examination for today? We can chat instead and no one will be any the wiser.
How does that sound? Good.
Take a seat.
Any pain? Anything that doesn't feel quite right? No, I feel all right.
Good, that's what I like to hear.
What about Stanton House? Are they looking after you? Matron's very strict.
Matrons are like that, I'm afraid.
They even boss doctors around, so.
What about your family? Are they staying in touch? Do you have anyone you can talk to, if you need? The baby's father.
He always listens to me.
Yeah.
What's his name? God.
God? As in the big guy upstairs? Our Father in Heaven.
Wow.
Well, that is one very special package that you're carrying in there.
I hope you'll let me take good care of you both.
So, how'd you like the tongs, church mouse? Not as much as you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) - Elena, what are you doing? - Who was that? - I have to go.
- Go where? Elen! Elena! You can't go yet.
He's still out there.
- You're safer in here.
- Elena, (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
I don't know.
He looks pretty angry.
Debbie! Elena, (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
He is cute for a dago.
- (SPEAKS ITALIAN), Elena.
- (ELENA SOBS) (SPEAKS ITALIAN).
Elena? (SPEAKS ITALIAN), Elena.
Elena, was he the man chasing you? I know you can understand me.
I can't help you, unless you tell me everything.
Who is he? Mr Capobianco.
My name is Matron Bolton.
I run this hospital.
Where is my sister? I'm sorry to have to tell you, but the doctors have tested your sister and the results have come back positive for tuberculosis.
- I want to see her.
- I'm afraid that won't be possible.
TB is a highly contagious infection.
She's in quarantine.
You will be notified when your sister has been cleared of the disease.
It could take months.
That's not possible.
- Our family has arranged the marriage.
- Well, you'll have to change that.
- No! We have a debt to pay.
- So, she's been sold? Well, that may well be common practice in Italy, Mr Capobianco.
But here in Australia, we do not facilitate the buying and selling of young women.
Nor do we barge into hospitals, creating a ruckus.
If I ever catch you in this hospital again, I will call the police.
Do I make myself clear? When can I see her, huh? In six months.
Okay, I will go for now.
(TENSE MUSIC) (UP-BEAT MUSIC) Martha's your best friend.
- You have to make this right, Patty.
- I tried.
You should have seen the way she looked at me.
I know what I did was bad, but when I think about - losing Martha - Hey, hey.
We have all made mistakes.
I've done some pretty stupid things.
Not like this, you haven't.
- Patty, hey.
- Hey, Mandy.
I'll be late picking up the bub tonight.
Again? Okay.
Got to work.
Why'd you do it? You don't have to say.
I just Well, I thought I was in love with him.
But it was just sex, for Jim, anyway, that's all it was.
You want to catch up tonight? I can't.
I have things to do.
Maybe tomorrow.
Yeah.
(FORLORN MUSIC) (KNOCKING) Enter.
You girls are not to speak unless you are spoken to.
You'll address all doctors as "sir" and all female staff as "madam".
You pour tea from the left and serve food from the right.
You are not to eat or drink anything.
Do I make myself clear? - Yes, Matron.
- Yes, Matron.
Elena, you understand? No bloody way.
(CHUCKLES) I see Deborah has already commenced your tuition.
After the reception, you will be responsible for cleaning and packing away everything.
Yes, Matron.
I expect, with Dr Patterson now here now at Kings Cross General, a new standard in obstetrics and gynaecology will be set, ready to take us into the 21st century.
Matron, I'm not quite sure of that.
No need for modesty, Doctor.
We're well-aware of your triumphs and successes in Vietnam.
To Dr Patterson.
(APPLAUSE) I reckon Patterson's going to shake this place up.
- Really? - Yeah, doesn't play by the rules.
- You reckon that's a good thing? - Makes life interesting.
How would it would work, if we just threw away all the rules? Maybe not all the rules, just some of them.
- What rules would they be? - I don't know.
Don't you ever feel like doing something spontaneous? Like what? Don't you remember that time we had sex in a cupboard? Is this about our marriage? Oh, hold on.
I thought we were talking about breaking the rules.
No, you were talking about breaking rules.
- Oh, where you going? - To get a drink.
It's the Queen's birthday.
Offer the doctor some food.
Ahh, my favourite.
Ordered especially.
You have made me a happy man.
Pity you couldn't have shaved for the occasion.
I don't recall inviting Dr Millar.
What business does she have with the board? She wants her job back.
Well, I must inform you that Dr Millar can be quite bull-headed - when she sets her mind to something.
- Mmm.
Matron probably counted those.
My guess is that there's 46, one for every year of Her Majesty's life.
You're one of the new Stanton House girls.
- How'd you know? - Because I used to be one of them.
I work here now, at the hospital.
Where's your baby? I don't know.
I'm not keeping mine, either.
- As long as it's your choice.
- It is.
Good for you.
Want a tip that might make your time here go faster? After ten, Matron's usually had a couple of brandies and is as good as deaf.
(CHUCKLES) She leaves a set of spare keys to the gates in her bottom, left-hand drawer.
Best time I had here was with my friends, breaking the rules.
I'd caution against giving Dr Millar the impression that a return to work as a single mother is in the realm of possibility.
Surely it wouldn't be a problem, would it, Matron? The board, myself included, would beg to differ.
I bow to your experience and insight on this one.
(MUSIC PLAYING) (MUSIC STOPS) (WATER DRIPPING) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (ECHOED HEARTBEAT AND BREATHING) That one lasted 60 seconds.
Felt like 60 minutes.
I had a list of things I wanted to happen and a bag packed.
Would you like me to go and get it? - No! Don't go! - That's fine.
I'm here.
- A lot of bets coming in.
- What's the favourite? It's definitely a girl, coming in at six and half pounds.
No, it's a boy and he's a ten-pounder.
Put your money where your mouth is.
Take it out of my purse.
I said some dreadful things.
So, say you're sorry.
Whatever it is, Martha, I'm sure you and Patty will sort it out.
You've been friends for this long.
Thank you, husband.
Go find her.
Dr Bowditch? You're required in the labour ward, room two.
- Nah, I'm not on duty tonight.
- You are now.
The ward's brimming.
You might also want to check in on Dr Millar.
Oh! She's having her baby! - How dilated am I? - 7cm.
- Won't be long now.
- God, I feel sick.
I can't do this.
I can't do this.
It's too late.
You already are.
Would you like me to get the bath ready? I don't have time for a bath! How you going? It's a shame you're in labour.
We could use with an extra set of hands.
- Sorry to inconvenience you.
- Sure you're okay? Go! Help someone who needs it! (PANTING) Whoo! Three deliveries down, four to go.
How you going? - Same.
- Ahh, reckon we're going for the world's record.
Over here.
Mrs Ranovic needs to get to delivery room B now.
She's already at second stage, Doctor.
No time for delivery suite.
- How's Joan? - Ahh, yeah, she's in charge of it.
Good.
I'll check in on her as soon as I No, not sure that's such a good idea.
- Why not? - Because she said it wasn't.
"I don't want that man anywhere near me," or words to that effect.
- I'll leave her to you, then.
- No, she kicked me out.
- Ooh.
- (WOMAN SCREAMS IN PAIN) There's plenty over there who'll be happy to have you.
Stop touching me.
Just stop touching me.
Sorry.
I'm not being too impossible, am I? Oh, well, it is your first time.
I'm going to listen to the baby.
Here, let me.
He sounds happy.
Doesn't she? Shall I grab Simon? You must be fully dilated.
Help me change positions.
I want to try squatting.
Okay.
Get your hands off me! Sorry.
(GROANING) (Son of a Preacher Man Plays) Billy Ray was a preacher's son And when his daddy would visit, he'd come along When they gathered around and started You really are the prettiest thing I've seen.
- Thanks.
- I'm glad we met up.
Lord knows, to my surprise The only one who could ever reach me Was the son of a preacher man The only boy who could ever teach me Was the son of a preacher man Yes, he was He was I want to check the heart rate again.
Oh, yes, he was.
Heart rate's dropping.
Get Dr Patterson.
Hurry! Bein' good isn't always easy - No matter how hard I try.
- Dr Patterson, you have to come now.
Joan's in second stage.
Foetal heart rate is dropping.
He'd come and tell me everything is all right He'd kiss and tell me everything is all right Can we get away again tonight? The only one who could ever reach me Was the son of a preacher man The only boy who could ever teach me Was the son of a preacher man Yes, he was He was Ooh Yes, he was I can feel cord beside the head.
There's a prolapse, Joan.
- Do a caesarean.
- No, it's too late for that.
I'm going to have to push it out in the next few contractions.
That is the plan, Dr Millar.
Okay? Is the cord protruding? No, but it's being compressed.
All right, we're going to get this baby out really fast now, Okay? Okay? Please, please, don't let him die.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) You are in the driver's seat, all right, Joan? You tell me when the next contraction is coming and we will get this baby into your arms.
- Now! - Go! Head protruding.
(GROANING) Good.
Good.
Baby's out.
Clamp it.
Get the scissors.
You're doing good.
Okay.
(TENSE MUSIC) - It's all right.
It's all right.
- God, please.
(BABY STARTS CRYING) (RELIEVED CRYING) Hey.
Hey, it's a girl.
- Thank you.
- What for? You did it all, okay? I was just following your instructions.
(BABY CRYING) (GENTLE MUSIC) Hi.
You just lost $2.
(BOTH LAUGHING) Hello, Millar family.
Smile.
Beautiful.
About being in your office earlier It's water under the bridge.
Time for you to rest.
Yes, Frances.
Take good care of her.
We always do.
(GENTLE MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) I thought you might like to say good night.
Thank you.
Hello, darling.
Mummy's just a little bit delirious.
I'll leave you to it.
Here you are, Mrs Ranovic.
Thank you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC) - Certainly snug as a bug.
- Yes, she is.
There'll be no strings to bind your hands Not if my love can't bind your heart And there's no need to take a stand For it was I, who chose to start MAN: Hey! Come here! I see no reason to take me home I'm old enough to face the dawn Just call me angel of the morning Angel Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby Just call me angel of the morning Angel Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby Just call me angel of the morning Angel Then slowly turn away I won't beg you to stay (DRAMATIC MUSIC) You give me mad love How far can we go? Nobody knows.
Don't worry, I'm I am not going anywhere.
Australia Love is back.
You give me mad love I just keep expecting her to burst through the door with a big Patty smile.
- She should still be here.
- Yeah.
I need to find out what happened to Patty.
By putting yourself in danger.
- Get off him! - What the hell Can you really stand there and tell me that Patty's death makes sense.
Look, that doesn't mean that she was murdered.
But, what if she was? You give me bad love I'll miss you, Patty.
But I'll take what I get, I'm starvin' for it Amen.
I've never had love The best season of Love Child - Woo! - Is just getting started.