A Place to Call Home (2013) s05e09 Episode Script
All That Lies Ahead
1 You'll be back in the nuthouse in the snap of a finger if you're just stringing me along.
Would you take my hand? He's watching me.
Yes, of course.
REGINA: I needed to do that.
To bolster your bona fides with him.
Yes.
HENRY: Running a teaching hospital sounds very attractive.
But we don't want Jack Duncan anywhere near it.
Think you can find any skeletons in the closet? - Excuse me.
- Sir Richard is not your mentor.
He will use you as a conduit to destroy Jack Duncan.
RICHARD: There you go, love.
HENRY: She suggested we have a spy in our midst, working for Sir Richard.
I suggest that we keep our wits about us.
Especially you.
Sir Richard is out to ruin the family.
Go through your accounts with a fine-tooth comb.
GEORGE: The accountants have just discovered that those loans are all owned by Richard.
He can call them in.
He can take Ash Park whenever he wants.
What if Sir Richard was so distracted that George was able to work quietly to find another avenue for the mortgages? We do have someone in our midst who knows him inside out.
I don't mean to sound offensive, but I need your calculating mind.
REGINA: I've come with a solution.
Please.
It will rely totally on the cooperation of one man.
Jack Duncan.
RICHARD: She's still hanging in there, old Ma Bligh.
I can see her funeral announcement plain as day in the paper.
Just got to get her there.
Mrs.
Goddard? I'm Douglas's son, Matthew.
You okay? Do you know that it was here that I first met your father? He gave me the most charming smile as he left.
I just can't comprehend why he would keep you a secret.
His oldest son.
We went our separate ways a while ago.
But to never speak of you.
Things got salty.
Dad was stubborn.
He could dig his heels in.
OLIVIA: Wonder who he is.
And from what celestial body did he fall? Were you close to your brother? Frankie wasn't just my brother.
He was my best friend.
And he and Dad, they were like chalk and cheese.
Frankie was always looking for ways to fly the coop.
So he joined up.
I didn't even know he'd died until I got back from the war.
It felt like someone ripped out my insides.
I'm sorry.
Oh, please, don't apologize.
Well, after that, Dad put all his energy into me.
Wanted me to take on the business.
But I just wanted to do my thing, and he thought I was shirking responsibility.
Your father had high expectations.
Oh, he was full of regret.
He was rewriting history.
Suddenly Frankie became the golden boy.
Well, grief can bring out the worst in us.
He told me the wrong son had died.
Well, sometimes we say things we don't mean.
You never forgave him for it.
Morning, grandmother.
Oh, Anna, Olivia, this is Matthew Goddard.
Matthew is Douglas' oldest son.
- Oh, I I didn't know that - Please accept our condolences.
Your father was a dear man.
We're so sorry.
We all miss him terribly.
Matthew lives in Hawaii.
My goodness! Another cosmopolitan.
What do you do in Hawaii? - I make surfboards.
- Surfboards? Planks of wood you ride waves on.
Yes, I know what surfboards are.
It does look rather dangerous, surfing.
Only if there's sharks.
[Laughing.]
I should, uh, hit the road.
It was nice to meet you both.
And you too, Mrs.
Goddard.
I appreciate you taking the time.
Please call me Elizabeth.
I do hope you'll visit again before you return to Hawaii.
You must.
Come to dinner this evening.
Oh, yes, of course.
Excuse me.
Unless you're already busy.
Sure.
Why not? I'll see you out.
It was lovely to meet you, Matthew.
My buddies call me Matt.
He's an absolute dish.
David Bligh, you come back here! You can't catch me! [Laughs.]
What have I said about not listening? DAVID: I want to see Daddy.
I know, darling, but Daddy's in a meeting.
We're forging ahead.
Together.
It's all right, sweetheart.
Come on.
You really think it could work? It's the perfect sort of distraction that we're after.
It's simple, strategic.
It focuses Richard on the subject of his loathing.
Well, we need to think about the consequences of it not working.
I have, believe me.
He could move on Ash Park and the mortgages instantly.
It could all be ripped from us in a heartbeat.
But if it does work, he's out of our lives once and for all.
We've just got to get Jack on board.
On board for what? There's no point waiting till tonight.
He'll be tired.
Much better now.
Just calm down.
Now, promise me one thing You won't badger him into anything.
This needs to be his decision.
It's to save Ash Park.
As if he's going to need badgering.
- Will you join us? - I have things I need to do.
[Engine starts.]
It's on.
Richard Bennett's declared war.
The hospital board's asking me to hand in all my patient files dating back five years.
Is there anything in there he could use against you? Well, probably.
We've all made mistakes.
The bastard won't be satisfied until he's seen me run out of town.
Does Elizabeth hold sway with the hospital board? Not as much as she did.
Anyway, I'm not dumping this in her lap.
We need to stay one step ahead of him.
Beat him at his own game.
- Are those my patient files? - Oh, I'm sorry.
The chairman of the board requested them.
Here.
Give them to me.
Dr.
Duncan, I want you to know that I am privy to Mr.
and Mrs.
Briggs' happy news.
An expectant mother of older years.
Now, if there is anything that I should be Not now, Doris.
Ooh-ooh! Mrs.
Duncan! Mrs.
Duncan! Her timing, as always, impeccable.
Wouldn't you know it? Mrs.
Collins, how lovely to see you.
Mr.
Bligh, Mrs.
Duncan.
You won't forget your application to the CWA? We're all ashimmer with anticipation of your modern mind.
- How could I possibly forget? - Ah! Well, it's good to see that you got out on the right side of bed this morning, unlike your dear husband.
Perhaps we should do this later if he's preoccupied.
Oh, don't be ridiculous.
Whatever's worrying him, we have the antidote.
Couldn't this have waited till I got home? It's what we were talking about last night.
I think we may have the perfect solution or Regina has, anyway.
It may sound a little eccentric, but It'll only take 10 minutes of your time.
I've got 500 patient case files to get through for a hospital board investigation.
I've got a full list of patients.
Investigation into what? Me.
My work.
It's a witch hunt.
Richard Bennett wants me struck off.
Then our timing is excellent.
It's quite a radical proposal, but one that will see Sir Richard distracted while George sorts out the mortgages.
You run as an independent in the upcoming election.
You'd be a legitimate candidate running on platforms that interest you, that are close to your heart.
And I'd certainly welcome my constituents hearing a different point of view.
Anything, Jack, that diminishes this man's power is good for Inverness.
It's perfect, Jack.
He'll throw all his energy into the campaign.
He'll be in such a lather, he'll have time for nothing else.
And meanwhile, we save Ash Park.
What do you think? Isn't it brilliant? Bennett's out to ruin me, and now you're suggesting I paint a bull's-eye on my back and let him take aim? A great big bloody red one so he can't miss?! Yeah, terrific idea.
You've all got rocks in your heads.
- Jack! - [Door opens.]
- [Door closes.]
- Jack! Dawnie said to make sure I thanked you for this.
Well, you did build it.
It's been to a few babies now, around the traps.
Oh, I reckon.
Ah, I don't want to stir up any possums, and you tell me if it's none of my business.
But did I see Regina driving out of here this morning? Yeah, probably.
Long as she's not causing you any trouble.
No.
Pass me that rope, will you? 'Cause you shaking hands with her at the fete was quite a turnup.
Well, she's helping George.
It was something I needed to do.
But all up, you'd be hoping she'd be moving on, sooner or later.
Sooner.
I think she might be thinking something different.
Driven by her place lately? No, I try to avoid it.
Someone takes that much trouble with their garden, they're in it for the long haul.
Let me.
I'll meet you at the car.
I didn't think for a moment you would say no to this.
It's about family.
Our legacy.
If that bastard takes it from us, then we have nothing.
You're dumping this in my lap.
You're making the saving of Ash Park entirely my responsibility.
But you get something out of it.
You prove yourself to the board.
You get the support of the community by running.
And that Richard Bennett is off your back.
- How can you be so sure? - I am! We are.
Well, supposing I agree, how would it look, me running against my brother-in-law? People would assume some sort of conspiracy, which it is.
Or a rift in the family.
Sooner or later, they'd be right on both counts.
Politics is a dirty business.
- I don't operate that way.
- It's not real! It's a ruse to distract him, that is all.
Well, I'm not gonna be a pawn in some crazy subterfuge cooked up by a woman who's clearly unhinged.
The answer is no.
Can't you see? Can't you even try to understand me? Just for once in your life, bloody well try to see things through my eyes.
George and Carolyn have gone to speak to Jack about your idea.
I think it's a step forward, don't you? I hope so.
But you have your reservations.
Come in.
I accept that you're helping the family against Sir Richard, that you've returned for reparation.
- But I'm - Always a but.
But I'm concerned about what happens afterwards, when all this is over and your expiation is achieved.
What then? Are you asking if I'll pick up my skirts and leave? Well, frankly, yes.
Perhaps you'll just have to trust me to do that.
Well, that would be made easier if you signed George's final divorce documents, which I'm sure you don't realize are overdue.
That would certainly help us move forward together.
So that's why you're here.
I could take them now, save you from having to deliver them.
If you're assuming that all of this will lead to some kind of future with the family - I'm not.
- It will only bring more unhappiness, not just to you but to us all.
Have you read it? Yes.
Do you think it's authentic? They say her father helped write it.
Reads like the work of a young girl.
I'm not entirely convinced.
I'll see myself out.
Please have the papers delivered to the house.
Well, it was Saturday Got my fistful of pay LARRY: [Laughs.]
- That's it.
- LEAH: [Laughs.]
- DAVID: [Laughs.]
- LARRY: Keep moving.
[Man singing indistinctly.]
[Laughter.]
LEAH: Like this.
[Laughter.]
LARRY: Whoo-hoo! Well, my feet are aching like they're on hot coals Move those feet.
Whoo! Hands up! Whoo! It's rock'n'roll Put your hands up! MATTHEW: I was there when she came down the stairs at Malibu.
She was five feet nothing, she weighed less than a hundred pounds, and she was carrying a surfboard that was so big one end of it was dragging in the sand.
I mean, she could barely get her arm around it.
We were all standing there watching because you don't see too many girl surfers.
And somebody says, "She looks like a midget to me.
A girl midget.
" [Laughs.]
That's how she got the name Gidget? Yeah.
What a terrible thing to call someone.
Continue, Matthew.
Oh, that's about it, really.
She spent the rest of that summer learning how to surf, and And her father, he wrote a story about it, didn't he? Yeah, and sold the movie rights to Columbia Pictures for $50,000.
Oh! That's what you should do with your novel.
Don't be silly.
My granddaughter's a writer.
She had a wonderful success with her last novel.
There's a second one coming out in December.
Slightly controversial.
Well, all this talk of sun and surf has me exhausted.
If you'll excuse me, Matthew, I think it's time I retired.
Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was.
Oh, it's not.
No, no, stay.
Enjoy yourselves.
I'll take you up, Elizabeth.
I do hope this isn't the last time that we see you.
There's a case of your father's things that you might like to go through.
I think the solicitor gave me everything.
Well, I'd like to make sure.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night, sweetheart.
Good night, Grandmother.
Sleep well.
Thank you.
You all right, Matthew? Oh, I just think me turning up out of the blue has really rattled your grandmother.
No, I think you've been exactly what she needed.
You know, your father and my grandmother, they were a great romance.
That's a whole side of him I never knew.
Like Bogart and Bacall.
Well, to great romances.
For all we know, he may be on a house call.
Long bloody house call.
He was carrying on about understanding.
What is there to understand? God forbid he put himself on the line, do something which involves a bit of risk.
I suspect he feels compromised.
I am going to bed.
I suppose it's back to the drawing board.
Perhaps Regina has something else up her sleeve.
Let's work something out on our own.
I went to see her.
Earlier today.
After all this is over, however it turns out, I worry she'll want her pound of flesh, and we'll be left dealing with her.
Again.
Anyway.
Oh, let's forget about her.
Yes? Just for a moment.
Yes.
There was this one Jap.
One day he gave me an extra ration of rice.
And I thought, "Oh, he's not a bad bloke.
" And the next day he just flogged the bejesus out of me.
Stuck me in a box just for the hell of it.
Mad bastards.
Turns out there's a lot of them around, and they aren't just Japs.
When I was a kid, it was easy.
Everyone seemed to know the difference between what was right and what was wrong.
These days, you know, I wonder if I know anymore.
What a world, eh? Changing as fast as it's spinning.
I'd like to step off.
You know, take a breather.
Just look at things every which way.
Haven't had one of these in a while.
- Reckon one won't hurt.
- Well, you're the doc.
Listen, Jack, whatever this is about, I hope that not talking about it has helped.
[Both laugh.]
And so tell me, Matt, have you ever really, truly encountered a shark? - Man or marine? - [Both laugh.]
You're going.
I want to be up early to catch the dawn swell.
- He's going surfing.
- I see.
Well, you certainly are devoted.
Addicted, more like it.
Why don't you both come tomorrow? At dawn? Oh, I can pick you up later.
Show you how to hang ten.
I have no idea what that means, but it sounds like fun.
I don't think so.
I have a little boy.
- How old? - He's five.
Perfect! Bring him along.
Really? Would that be all right? Why wouldn't it be? Wonderful.
It's decided, then.
- [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
Maybe I'll turn you into our very own Australian Gidgets.
- [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
Good night.
MATTHEW: See ya.
Got caught up with Frank.
You smell like smoke.
Oh, we made a fire.
And had a cigarette.
Make me understand.
You have this opportunity to help the family to fix things.
For God's sake, we sat around last night, trying to work out a strategy to do precisely that, and you were on board 100%.
What could be more important than Ash Park? Us.
I'm trying to protect you.
From what? Me.
Do you realize what I grapple with every day? The constant stress.
I'm an alcoholic, Carolyn.
You don't get better.
It doesn't go away.
You just try and manage it.
It's relentless and exhausting.
Every single facet of my life is structured around avoiding the triggers.
The things I know will make the bottle sing.
Memories I don't want to face.
People's expectations.
What Richard Bennett did to you.
That I wasn't able to protect you.
My most important job, and I couldn't even do that.
You couldn't have saved me from him.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I should have been able to.
I was in charge.
It was my domain.
I ran things.
And then Henry arrived, and now I feel like an old man trying to catch up.
- But you're not.
- What if I am? It's bad enough as it is.
Add this into the mix, and I don't know what I'll do.
Which is why I I take pills.
What pills? To take the edge off.
But you're just replacing one addiction with another.
I can still function.
I might lose you, sticking to the straight path.
But there is nothing surer If I go back to the bottle, I will lose you.
You won't lose me, Jack Duncan.
You won't lose me.
Thanks, Alan.
I spoke to Jack last night.
We had a long discussion about him running.
Has there been a change of heart? I want to ask you, George, not to raise the subject again.
Jack wants to focus on the hospital.
Clearly you have your reasons.
Yes.
As long as you're both all right.
We are.
Thank you.
All right.
Come on.
Lie down.
That's it.
Legs in.
Legs in.
That's it.
Now you're paddling, paddling, and the wave comes along, and you've got to get onto your knees.
Onto your knees.
That's it.
First time you do it, you'll be on the water, so it might be a bit wobbly.
Look at what you've missed.
Standing up.
ELIZABETH: You should have told me you had another son.
One foot in front of the other.
That's it.
After everything we shared.
And don't tell me you didn't know how to be a good father.
You were wonderful with David.
And Georgie.
You made a terrible mistake.
But I'm in no position to judge you.
Come down and paddle, Grandmother.
Let's go through it all again.
Lie down.
That's it.
Paddle.
Wave comes.
On your knees.
Stupid, wretched pride.
So many precious moments he's missed.
- Cool, man, you got it.
- Cool, man.
[Laughter.]
He can still be part of your life, Lizzie.
It's not too late.
MATTHEW: Lie down.
Do you have a minute? Of course.
What's this? Portable pacemaker machines.
Do you know about them? I saw them at a conference last year.
Transistorized and wearable.
Yeah, save our heart patients having to plug themselves into a wall.
We should think about getting some.
Might even save a few lives.
This is a bit of a turnaround, isn't it? Well, Bennett's threats have pulled me up, made me think.
It seems I have two alternatives let him destroy me, or embrace the challenge of destroying him.
Facing front and moving forward, Henry.
Mrs.
Bligh.
[Telephone rings.]
Hello? Me? Not Mr.
Bligh? You asked to see me? I thought it best I meet you here, rather than presume to visit you at your cottage.
Divorce papers.
Signed, sealed, and delivered.
Oh, you see? That wasn't so hard, was it? A simple thank-you would suffice.
For allowing George what you promised? You are a hard and uncompromising woman.
I just don't want to give you any false hopes.
One day you may come to regret this moment.
You should know that Jack isn't prepared to stand.
What? It's his decision.
No.
No, no, no, no.
Make him change his mind.
Everything Everything I'm trying to do for this family, he can't even do that? How you can all be so cavalier about a man who is out to destroy you is totally beyond me.
[Engine starts.]
DOUGLAS: In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place, and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly.
[Door opens.]
WOMAN: Sir, plea please wait.
I have to tell Mrs.
Goddard.
Mrs.
Goddard's always happy to see an old family friend.
- That will be all.
- Yes, ma'am.
Well, well, well.
Miss Havisham amongst the relics.
And even though managed to marry your man, he still left you high and dry.
Is there a point to this visit? I come bearing gifts.
Poor old Dougie Goddard, eh? So many things I would liked to have said at his funeral.
Douglas the philanthropist.
Always willing to jump into the fray for the sake of his damaged diggers.
Please leave now.
What's he left you with, eh? Him stone cold in the ground, his mongrel dogs defanged, the crazy lady down in Inverness.
And me right here.
It's enough to do an old biddy in.
You have made your point.
How is the old ticker, by the way? All must be a terrible strain.
ANNA: Grandmother? Thank you, Elizabeth.
I appreciate the offer of tea and cake, but tempus fugit and all that.
You don't think she'd feel safer if we brought her back here? She didn't even want me to call you.
You did the right thing.
Thank you, darling.
Grandmother, I could cancel Matthew if you like.
No, I welcome the distraction.
Mongrel's trying to push her into a heart attack.
All part of his agenda.
I'd better let George know.
Sir Richard's paid Mother a visit.
She should be here.
I'll go down tomorrow and bring her home.
CAROLYN: She doesn't want us to make a fuss.
GEORGE: Jack, perhaps you could appeal to her? She does tend to listen to you.
CAROLYN: It wouldn't hurt.
I'll run.
As an independent.
But what we talked about last night.
It's the right thing to do.
I've made up my mind.
It's not about Ash Park anymore.
Elizabeth deserves to live out her life without this.
Here we are.
You might like to have a look.
I remember this day.
Dad was all set to take us for a drive in his car, and he drove so fast that Frankie was sick everywhere.
[Laughs.]
Mm, your father enjoyed his cars.
I did love him.
I know.
It was just really difficult sometimes.
Love is difficult.
[Telephone rings.]
Yes? [Sighs.]
That is heartening news, George.
Thank you.
I shall enjoy delivering it face-to-face.
OLIVIA: Is there a big wave? I think there's gonna be a big wave! Oh, no! And there's another one! Oh, you're rolling down the hill! Oh, no! Oh, no! You've got to paddle.
You've got to start paddling! I was trying really hard not to let Dad's death affect me.
I guess that's like going out on the ocean, thinking you're not gonna get dumped.
I've learned that bottling up one's emotions is a transitory solution.
What one resists will only persist.
You're a lot like your father.
You have his kindness.
And his eyes.
And of course his smile.
[Laughter.]
I've been thinking about staying on here for a bit.
You know the surf scene here's really cranking up, and it could be a market for my boards.
Could even go crazy.
You all right? It's just your turn of phrase.
Do all surfing men speak like that? I don't know.
I haven't met all of them.
Ah! Just like Douglas.
Perhaps you should talk to Anna about getting a dictionary of translations published.
Ah! That'd be cool.
There you go again.
There was something else I wanted to ask you.
There is a certain person I would like to ask out, if that's all right with you.
OLIVIA: The octopus is coming to get you! - Oh! - There's a big shark coming! Aaagh! Ha ha ha ha! Oh, darling, did the shark get you? I'll protect you.
Stay with me.
I was wondering if I could have a word with you, Olivia.
Of course.
Um, in private.
Ah, darling, you play with Auntie Anna, all right? Cool.
How dreadful! It's all on your back.
[Knocks.]
Am I disturbing your work? No, no.
Nothing to disturb here.
Matt has asked me out to dinner.
Well, I hope you said yes.
I feel strange about it.
- Do you mind terribly? - Why should I mind? It's just that you were the one so keen on him.
Well, obviously the feeling's not mutual.
Perhaps I should have declined.
I don't want things to be awkward between us.
Are you being deliberately obtuse? Olivia, Blind Freddy can see that Matt's interested in you, not me.
And to be honest, I'm really I'm very fine with that.
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
Or surfers, as the case may be.
It's just a dinner invitation.
Hardly a proposal.
You're absolutely right.
What the hell does he think he's playing at? He intends to run against George.
It wasn't something I could tell you over the phone.
The family have had a dreadful falling-out.
He'll be begging for mercy by the time I'm finished with him.
- I'm at your service, Dickie.
- He won't know which way's up.
Dr.
Duncan farts, I want to know about it.
Thank you.
Good night.
[Smooches.]
[Slow jazz music plays.]
May I have this dance? Oh! [Laughs.]
You know, this may come as a complete shock to you, but I don't think our son has any rhythm.
I saw him dancing with Leah and Larry.
That would come from your side of the family, because the Blighs are noted for their ballroom dancing skills.
Well, there's not much to the Pride of Erin, Mr.
Bligh.
It's just one foot in front of the other.
You know, I'm counting down the days till you're my wife.
I'm gonna be fine, Caro.
It's the right decision.
It's the bomb you've been trying to put up me for months.
[Laughs.]
I wouldn't have described it quite so elegantly.
I've stopped taking the pills.
That's good news.
But I want you to promise me something, Doctor.
You'll let me know if things start to get on top of you.
I'll let you know.
You won't be doing this on your own.
Would you take my hand? He's watching me.
Yes, of course.
REGINA: I needed to do that.
To bolster your bona fides with him.
Yes.
HENRY: Running a teaching hospital sounds very attractive.
But we don't want Jack Duncan anywhere near it.
Think you can find any skeletons in the closet? - Excuse me.
- Sir Richard is not your mentor.
He will use you as a conduit to destroy Jack Duncan.
RICHARD: There you go, love.
HENRY: She suggested we have a spy in our midst, working for Sir Richard.
I suggest that we keep our wits about us.
Especially you.
Sir Richard is out to ruin the family.
Go through your accounts with a fine-tooth comb.
GEORGE: The accountants have just discovered that those loans are all owned by Richard.
He can call them in.
He can take Ash Park whenever he wants.
What if Sir Richard was so distracted that George was able to work quietly to find another avenue for the mortgages? We do have someone in our midst who knows him inside out.
I don't mean to sound offensive, but I need your calculating mind.
REGINA: I've come with a solution.
Please.
It will rely totally on the cooperation of one man.
Jack Duncan.
RICHARD: She's still hanging in there, old Ma Bligh.
I can see her funeral announcement plain as day in the paper.
Just got to get her there.
Mrs.
Goddard? I'm Douglas's son, Matthew.
You okay? Do you know that it was here that I first met your father? He gave me the most charming smile as he left.
I just can't comprehend why he would keep you a secret.
His oldest son.
We went our separate ways a while ago.
But to never speak of you.
Things got salty.
Dad was stubborn.
He could dig his heels in.
OLIVIA: Wonder who he is.
And from what celestial body did he fall? Were you close to your brother? Frankie wasn't just my brother.
He was my best friend.
And he and Dad, they were like chalk and cheese.
Frankie was always looking for ways to fly the coop.
So he joined up.
I didn't even know he'd died until I got back from the war.
It felt like someone ripped out my insides.
I'm sorry.
Oh, please, don't apologize.
Well, after that, Dad put all his energy into me.
Wanted me to take on the business.
But I just wanted to do my thing, and he thought I was shirking responsibility.
Your father had high expectations.
Oh, he was full of regret.
He was rewriting history.
Suddenly Frankie became the golden boy.
Well, grief can bring out the worst in us.
He told me the wrong son had died.
Well, sometimes we say things we don't mean.
You never forgave him for it.
Morning, grandmother.
Oh, Anna, Olivia, this is Matthew Goddard.
Matthew is Douglas' oldest son.
- Oh, I I didn't know that - Please accept our condolences.
Your father was a dear man.
We're so sorry.
We all miss him terribly.
Matthew lives in Hawaii.
My goodness! Another cosmopolitan.
What do you do in Hawaii? - I make surfboards.
- Surfboards? Planks of wood you ride waves on.
Yes, I know what surfboards are.
It does look rather dangerous, surfing.
Only if there's sharks.
[Laughing.]
I should, uh, hit the road.
It was nice to meet you both.
And you too, Mrs.
Goddard.
I appreciate you taking the time.
Please call me Elizabeth.
I do hope you'll visit again before you return to Hawaii.
You must.
Come to dinner this evening.
Oh, yes, of course.
Excuse me.
Unless you're already busy.
Sure.
Why not? I'll see you out.
It was lovely to meet you, Matthew.
My buddies call me Matt.
He's an absolute dish.
David Bligh, you come back here! You can't catch me! [Laughs.]
What have I said about not listening? DAVID: I want to see Daddy.
I know, darling, but Daddy's in a meeting.
We're forging ahead.
Together.
It's all right, sweetheart.
Come on.
You really think it could work? It's the perfect sort of distraction that we're after.
It's simple, strategic.
It focuses Richard on the subject of his loathing.
Well, we need to think about the consequences of it not working.
I have, believe me.
He could move on Ash Park and the mortgages instantly.
It could all be ripped from us in a heartbeat.
But if it does work, he's out of our lives once and for all.
We've just got to get Jack on board.
On board for what? There's no point waiting till tonight.
He'll be tired.
Much better now.
Just calm down.
Now, promise me one thing You won't badger him into anything.
This needs to be his decision.
It's to save Ash Park.
As if he's going to need badgering.
- Will you join us? - I have things I need to do.
[Engine starts.]
It's on.
Richard Bennett's declared war.
The hospital board's asking me to hand in all my patient files dating back five years.
Is there anything in there he could use against you? Well, probably.
We've all made mistakes.
The bastard won't be satisfied until he's seen me run out of town.
Does Elizabeth hold sway with the hospital board? Not as much as she did.
Anyway, I'm not dumping this in her lap.
We need to stay one step ahead of him.
Beat him at his own game.
- Are those my patient files? - Oh, I'm sorry.
The chairman of the board requested them.
Here.
Give them to me.
Dr.
Duncan, I want you to know that I am privy to Mr.
and Mrs.
Briggs' happy news.
An expectant mother of older years.
Now, if there is anything that I should be Not now, Doris.
Ooh-ooh! Mrs.
Duncan! Mrs.
Duncan! Her timing, as always, impeccable.
Wouldn't you know it? Mrs.
Collins, how lovely to see you.
Mr.
Bligh, Mrs.
Duncan.
You won't forget your application to the CWA? We're all ashimmer with anticipation of your modern mind.
- How could I possibly forget? - Ah! Well, it's good to see that you got out on the right side of bed this morning, unlike your dear husband.
Perhaps we should do this later if he's preoccupied.
Oh, don't be ridiculous.
Whatever's worrying him, we have the antidote.
Couldn't this have waited till I got home? It's what we were talking about last night.
I think we may have the perfect solution or Regina has, anyway.
It may sound a little eccentric, but It'll only take 10 minutes of your time.
I've got 500 patient case files to get through for a hospital board investigation.
I've got a full list of patients.
Investigation into what? Me.
My work.
It's a witch hunt.
Richard Bennett wants me struck off.
Then our timing is excellent.
It's quite a radical proposal, but one that will see Sir Richard distracted while George sorts out the mortgages.
You run as an independent in the upcoming election.
You'd be a legitimate candidate running on platforms that interest you, that are close to your heart.
And I'd certainly welcome my constituents hearing a different point of view.
Anything, Jack, that diminishes this man's power is good for Inverness.
It's perfect, Jack.
He'll throw all his energy into the campaign.
He'll be in such a lather, he'll have time for nothing else.
And meanwhile, we save Ash Park.
What do you think? Isn't it brilliant? Bennett's out to ruin me, and now you're suggesting I paint a bull's-eye on my back and let him take aim? A great big bloody red one so he can't miss?! Yeah, terrific idea.
You've all got rocks in your heads.
- Jack! - [Door opens.]
- [Door closes.]
- Jack! Dawnie said to make sure I thanked you for this.
Well, you did build it.
It's been to a few babies now, around the traps.
Oh, I reckon.
Ah, I don't want to stir up any possums, and you tell me if it's none of my business.
But did I see Regina driving out of here this morning? Yeah, probably.
Long as she's not causing you any trouble.
No.
Pass me that rope, will you? 'Cause you shaking hands with her at the fete was quite a turnup.
Well, she's helping George.
It was something I needed to do.
But all up, you'd be hoping she'd be moving on, sooner or later.
Sooner.
I think she might be thinking something different.
Driven by her place lately? No, I try to avoid it.
Someone takes that much trouble with their garden, they're in it for the long haul.
Let me.
I'll meet you at the car.
I didn't think for a moment you would say no to this.
It's about family.
Our legacy.
If that bastard takes it from us, then we have nothing.
You're dumping this in my lap.
You're making the saving of Ash Park entirely my responsibility.
But you get something out of it.
You prove yourself to the board.
You get the support of the community by running.
And that Richard Bennett is off your back.
- How can you be so sure? - I am! We are.
Well, supposing I agree, how would it look, me running against my brother-in-law? People would assume some sort of conspiracy, which it is.
Or a rift in the family.
Sooner or later, they'd be right on both counts.
Politics is a dirty business.
- I don't operate that way.
- It's not real! It's a ruse to distract him, that is all.
Well, I'm not gonna be a pawn in some crazy subterfuge cooked up by a woman who's clearly unhinged.
The answer is no.
Can't you see? Can't you even try to understand me? Just for once in your life, bloody well try to see things through my eyes.
George and Carolyn have gone to speak to Jack about your idea.
I think it's a step forward, don't you? I hope so.
But you have your reservations.
Come in.
I accept that you're helping the family against Sir Richard, that you've returned for reparation.
- But I'm - Always a but.
But I'm concerned about what happens afterwards, when all this is over and your expiation is achieved.
What then? Are you asking if I'll pick up my skirts and leave? Well, frankly, yes.
Perhaps you'll just have to trust me to do that.
Well, that would be made easier if you signed George's final divorce documents, which I'm sure you don't realize are overdue.
That would certainly help us move forward together.
So that's why you're here.
I could take them now, save you from having to deliver them.
If you're assuming that all of this will lead to some kind of future with the family - I'm not.
- It will only bring more unhappiness, not just to you but to us all.
Have you read it? Yes.
Do you think it's authentic? They say her father helped write it.
Reads like the work of a young girl.
I'm not entirely convinced.
I'll see myself out.
Please have the papers delivered to the house.
Well, it was Saturday Got my fistful of pay LARRY: [Laughs.]
- That's it.
- LEAH: [Laughs.]
- DAVID: [Laughs.]
- LARRY: Keep moving.
[Man singing indistinctly.]
[Laughter.]
LEAH: Like this.
[Laughter.]
LARRY: Whoo-hoo! Well, my feet are aching like they're on hot coals Move those feet.
Whoo! Hands up! Whoo! It's rock'n'roll Put your hands up! MATTHEW: I was there when she came down the stairs at Malibu.
She was five feet nothing, she weighed less than a hundred pounds, and she was carrying a surfboard that was so big one end of it was dragging in the sand.
I mean, she could barely get her arm around it.
We were all standing there watching because you don't see too many girl surfers.
And somebody says, "She looks like a midget to me.
A girl midget.
" [Laughs.]
That's how she got the name Gidget? Yeah.
What a terrible thing to call someone.
Continue, Matthew.
Oh, that's about it, really.
She spent the rest of that summer learning how to surf, and And her father, he wrote a story about it, didn't he? Yeah, and sold the movie rights to Columbia Pictures for $50,000.
Oh! That's what you should do with your novel.
Don't be silly.
My granddaughter's a writer.
She had a wonderful success with her last novel.
There's a second one coming out in December.
Slightly controversial.
Well, all this talk of sun and surf has me exhausted.
If you'll excuse me, Matthew, I think it's time I retired.
Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was.
Oh, it's not.
No, no, stay.
Enjoy yourselves.
I'll take you up, Elizabeth.
I do hope this isn't the last time that we see you.
There's a case of your father's things that you might like to go through.
I think the solicitor gave me everything.
Well, I'd like to make sure.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night, sweetheart.
Good night, Grandmother.
Sleep well.
Thank you.
You all right, Matthew? Oh, I just think me turning up out of the blue has really rattled your grandmother.
No, I think you've been exactly what she needed.
You know, your father and my grandmother, they were a great romance.
That's a whole side of him I never knew.
Like Bogart and Bacall.
Well, to great romances.
For all we know, he may be on a house call.
Long bloody house call.
He was carrying on about understanding.
What is there to understand? God forbid he put himself on the line, do something which involves a bit of risk.
I suspect he feels compromised.
I am going to bed.
I suppose it's back to the drawing board.
Perhaps Regina has something else up her sleeve.
Let's work something out on our own.
I went to see her.
Earlier today.
After all this is over, however it turns out, I worry she'll want her pound of flesh, and we'll be left dealing with her.
Again.
Anyway.
Oh, let's forget about her.
Yes? Just for a moment.
Yes.
There was this one Jap.
One day he gave me an extra ration of rice.
And I thought, "Oh, he's not a bad bloke.
" And the next day he just flogged the bejesus out of me.
Stuck me in a box just for the hell of it.
Mad bastards.
Turns out there's a lot of them around, and they aren't just Japs.
When I was a kid, it was easy.
Everyone seemed to know the difference between what was right and what was wrong.
These days, you know, I wonder if I know anymore.
What a world, eh? Changing as fast as it's spinning.
I'd like to step off.
You know, take a breather.
Just look at things every which way.
Haven't had one of these in a while.
- Reckon one won't hurt.
- Well, you're the doc.
Listen, Jack, whatever this is about, I hope that not talking about it has helped.
[Both laugh.]
And so tell me, Matt, have you ever really, truly encountered a shark? - Man or marine? - [Both laugh.]
You're going.
I want to be up early to catch the dawn swell.
- He's going surfing.
- I see.
Well, you certainly are devoted.
Addicted, more like it.
Why don't you both come tomorrow? At dawn? Oh, I can pick you up later.
Show you how to hang ten.
I have no idea what that means, but it sounds like fun.
I don't think so.
I have a little boy.
- How old? - He's five.
Perfect! Bring him along.
Really? Would that be all right? Why wouldn't it be? Wonderful.
It's decided, then.
- [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
Maybe I'll turn you into our very own Australian Gidgets.
- [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
Good night.
MATTHEW: See ya.
Got caught up with Frank.
You smell like smoke.
Oh, we made a fire.
And had a cigarette.
Make me understand.
You have this opportunity to help the family to fix things.
For God's sake, we sat around last night, trying to work out a strategy to do precisely that, and you were on board 100%.
What could be more important than Ash Park? Us.
I'm trying to protect you.
From what? Me.
Do you realize what I grapple with every day? The constant stress.
I'm an alcoholic, Carolyn.
You don't get better.
It doesn't go away.
You just try and manage it.
It's relentless and exhausting.
Every single facet of my life is structured around avoiding the triggers.
The things I know will make the bottle sing.
Memories I don't want to face.
People's expectations.
What Richard Bennett did to you.
That I wasn't able to protect you.
My most important job, and I couldn't even do that.
You couldn't have saved me from him.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I should have been able to.
I was in charge.
It was my domain.
I ran things.
And then Henry arrived, and now I feel like an old man trying to catch up.
- But you're not.
- What if I am? It's bad enough as it is.
Add this into the mix, and I don't know what I'll do.
Which is why I I take pills.
What pills? To take the edge off.
But you're just replacing one addiction with another.
I can still function.
I might lose you, sticking to the straight path.
But there is nothing surer If I go back to the bottle, I will lose you.
You won't lose me, Jack Duncan.
You won't lose me.
Thanks, Alan.
I spoke to Jack last night.
We had a long discussion about him running.
Has there been a change of heart? I want to ask you, George, not to raise the subject again.
Jack wants to focus on the hospital.
Clearly you have your reasons.
Yes.
As long as you're both all right.
We are.
Thank you.
All right.
Come on.
Lie down.
That's it.
Legs in.
Legs in.
That's it.
Now you're paddling, paddling, and the wave comes along, and you've got to get onto your knees.
Onto your knees.
That's it.
First time you do it, you'll be on the water, so it might be a bit wobbly.
Look at what you've missed.
Standing up.
ELIZABETH: You should have told me you had another son.
One foot in front of the other.
That's it.
After everything we shared.
And don't tell me you didn't know how to be a good father.
You were wonderful with David.
And Georgie.
You made a terrible mistake.
But I'm in no position to judge you.
Come down and paddle, Grandmother.
Let's go through it all again.
Lie down.
That's it.
Paddle.
Wave comes.
On your knees.
Stupid, wretched pride.
So many precious moments he's missed.
- Cool, man, you got it.
- Cool, man.
[Laughter.]
He can still be part of your life, Lizzie.
It's not too late.
MATTHEW: Lie down.
Do you have a minute? Of course.
What's this? Portable pacemaker machines.
Do you know about them? I saw them at a conference last year.
Transistorized and wearable.
Yeah, save our heart patients having to plug themselves into a wall.
We should think about getting some.
Might even save a few lives.
This is a bit of a turnaround, isn't it? Well, Bennett's threats have pulled me up, made me think.
It seems I have two alternatives let him destroy me, or embrace the challenge of destroying him.
Facing front and moving forward, Henry.
Mrs.
Bligh.
[Telephone rings.]
Hello? Me? Not Mr.
Bligh? You asked to see me? I thought it best I meet you here, rather than presume to visit you at your cottage.
Divorce papers.
Signed, sealed, and delivered.
Oh, you see? That wasn't so hard, was it? A simple thank-you would suffice.
For allowing George what you promised? You are a hard and uncompromising woman.
I just don't want to give you any false hopes.
One day you may come to regret this moment.
You should know that Jack isn't prepared to stand.
What? It's his decision.
No.
No, no, no, no.
Make him change his mind.
Everything Everything I'm trying to do for this family, he can't even do that? How you can all be so cavalier about a man who is out to destroy you is totally beyond me.
[Engine starts.]
DOUGLAS: In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place, and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly.
[Door opens.]
WOMAN: Sir, plea please wait.
I have to tell Mrs.
Goddard.
Mrs.
Goddard's always happy to see an old family friend.
- That will be all.
- Yes, ma'am.
Well, well, well.
Miss Havisham amongst the relics.
And even though managed to marry your man, he still left you high and dry.
Is there a point to this visit? I come bearing gifts.
Poor old Dougie Goddard, eh? So many things I would liked to have said at his funeral.
Douglas the philanthropist.
Always willing to jump into the fray for the sake of his damaged diggers.
Please leave now.
What's he left you with, eh? Him stone cold in the ground, his mongrel dogs defanged, the crazy lady down in Inverness.
And me right here.
It's enough to do an old biddy in.
You have made your point.
How is the old ticker, by the way? All must be a terrible strain.
ANNA: Grandmother? Thank you, Elizabeth.
I appreciate the offer of tea and cake, but tempus fugit and all that.
You don't think she'd feel safer if we brought her back here? She didn't even want me to call you.
You did the right thing.
Thank you, darling.
Grandmother, I could cancel Matthew if you like.
No, I welcome the distraction.
Mongrel's trying to push her into a heart attack.
All part of his agenda.
I'd better let George know.
Sir Richard's paid Mother a visit.
She should be here.
I'll go down tomorrow and bring her home.
CAROLYN: She doesn't want us to make a fuss.
GEORGE: Jack, perhaps you could appeal to her? She does tend to listen to you.
CAROLYN: It wouldn't hurt.
I'll run.
As an independent.
But what we talked about last night.
It's the right thing to do.
I've made up my mind.
It's not about Ash Park anymore.
Elizabeth deserves to live out her life without this.
Here we are.
You might like to have a look.
I remember this day.
Dad was all set to take us for a drive in his car, and he drove so fast that Frankie was sick everywhere.
[Laughs.]
Mm, your father enjoyed his cars.
I did love him.
I know.
It was just really difficult sometimes.
Love is difficult.
[Telephone rings.]
Yes? [Sighs.]
That is heartening news, George.
Thank you.
I shall enjoy delivering it face-to-face.
OLIVIA: Is there a big wave? I think there's gonna be a big wave! Oh, no! And there's another one! Oh, you're rolling down the hill! Oh, no! Oh, no! You've got to paddle.
You've got to start paddling! I was trying really hard not to let Dad's death affect me.
I guess that's like going out on the ocean, thinking you're not gonna get dumped.
I've learned that bottling up one's emotions is a transitory solution.
What one resists will only persist.
You're a lot like your father.
You have his kindness.
And his eyes.
And of course his smile.
[Laughter.]
I've been thinking about staying on here for a bit.
You know the surf scene here's really cranking up, and it could be a market for my boards.
Could even go crazy.
You all right? It's just your turn of phrase.
Do all surfing men speak like that? I don't know.
I haven't met all of them.
Ah! Just like Douglas.
Perhaps you should talk to Anna about getting a dictionary of translations published.
Ah! That'd be cool.
There you go again.
There was something else I wanted to ask you.
There is a certain person I would like to ask out, if that's all right with you.
OLIVIA: The octopus is coming to get you! - Oh! - There's a big shark coming! Aaagh! Ha ha ha ha! Oh, darling, did the shark get you? I'll protect you.
Stay with me.
I was wondering if I could have a word with you, Olivia.
Of course.
Um, in private.
Ah, darling, you play with Auntie Anna, all right? Cool.
How dreadful! It's all on your back.
[Knocks.]
Am I disturbing your work? No, no.
Nothing to disturb here.
Matt has asked me out to dinner.
Well, I hope you said yes.
I feel strange about it.
- Do you mind terribly? - Why should I mind? It's just that you were the one so keen on him.
Well, obviously the feeling's not mutual.
Perhaps I should have declined.
I don't want things to be awkward between us.
Are you being deliberately obtuse? Olivia, Blind Freddy can see that Matt's interested in you, not me.
And to be honest, I'm really I'm very fine with that.
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
Or surfers, as the case may be.
It's just a dinner invitation.
Hardly a proposal.
You're absolutely right.
What the hell does he think he's playing at? He intends to run against George.
It wasn't something I could tell you over the phone.
The family have had a dreadful falling-out.
He'll be begging for mercy by the time I'm finished with him.
- I'm at your service, Dickie.
- He won't know which way's up.
Dr.
Duncan farts, I want to know about it.
Thank you.
Good night.
[Smooches.]
[Slow jazz music plays.]
May I have this dance? Oh! [Laughs.]
You know, this may come as a complete shock to you, but I don't think our son has any rhythm.
I saw him dancing with Leah and Larry.
That would come from your side of the family, because the Blighs are noted for their ballroom dancing skills.
Well, there's not much to the Pride of Erin, Mr.
Bligh.
It's just one foot in front of the other.
You know, I'm counting down the days till you're my wife.
I'm gonna be fine, Caro.
It's the right decision.
It's the bomb you've been trying to put up me for months.
[Laughs.]
I wouldn't have described it quite so elegantly.
I've stopped taking the pills.
That's good news.
But I want you to promise me something, Doctor.
You'll let me know if things start to get on top of you.
I'll let you know.
You won't be doing this on your own.