A Place to Call Home (2013) s05e12 Episode Script

1 GEORGE: You mean to tell me that James has deserted his family for a bunch of gin-soaked celebrities? You are turning into one of Pavlov's dogs.
Every time you mention James, you snarl.
MATTHEW: Olivia Bligh, will you marry me? Yes, Matthew Goddard, I believe I will.
ANNA: Are we doing what I think we are? Well, we can pretend it didn't happen and have a good laugh.
Is it insane to suggest that we might see where it may lead? You want a man with balls.
Well, Dr.
Duncan can't help you here.
The Japs cut 'em off in the war.
He's got nothing between his legs! JACK: It's my worst nightmare, the whole world knowing.
You must have some idea of what's ahead.
I spent three years regaining my sanity, months earning your trust, all to make reparation, and once that's done there's nothing but guilt for my crimes.
SARAH: She didn't drown.
She was dead before she went in the river.
Jack.
[Gasps.]
- You saw her? - I nodded off for a sec.
It's a dream.
I guess if she done herself in, there'd be a note, eh? "Dickie has returned and is trying to break down the door.
He's threatening to kill me.
I fear this time he will.
" Sir Richard Bennett, we're arresting you for the murder of Mrs.
Regina Bligh.
It's not too close to the house, but it's far enough in to protect from vandalism.
And this view.
How was Reverend Curtis? Practical.
Her headstone wouldn't last a night in the cemetery.
SARAH: No.
All she needs now is justice, and she can rest in peace.
Sir Richard'll have a slew of barristers working for him.
And us against.
ELIZABETH: Welcome back.
As fraught as things are, they're much less so for your arrival.
And I'm delighted that we're keeping you in the family.
It's the only reason I'm marrying him, actually.
Hello, darling.
I'm told to expect the date for the d-i-v-o-r-c-e soon.
Then we'll apply for our visas.
Well, you stay here as long as you wish.
I fly out in a week.
Georgie and I will follow.
So soon.
Oh, please sit.
Now I know a little boy who'll be very pleased to see you.
- David! - Yes.
I'll leave you to talk.
Livvy, let's, um, have a chat later.
Shall we go and find David? I'm going to teach him how to surf.
There's no waves here, buddy.
Oh, that doesn't matter, does it? Anna's brought us up to date.
They're sure it was him? If not murder, then certainly manslaughter.
He was arrested while you were traveling.
Matthew, please don't judge us on recent events.
Not typical, then? Not entirely.
Although we do have our moments.
What did Dad make of those? I think he wondered what on earth had struck him.
And then he'd give me one of his wry smiles.
The very one.
Oh, you share so many of his traits.
Which bodes very well for you.
[Laughter.]
He's missed his little friend.
Hello, Leah.
Hello, Mrs.
Bligh.
I've missed mine.
Sit.
You're the first person I've told.
Please, try not to be negative.
We're not rushing into anything.
We're just considering it.
And I want you to approve.
Jack's heading home.
He called.
He's still over the moon about the arrest.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do until he's back on deck.
Oh, he said he's coming straight in.
- To work? - Mm.
Seems intent on biting the bullet.
Really? Well, I'm glad he trusts our responses.
He must know that there'll be sniggers.
He's very brave.
I assume he's been supplementing with testosterone.
I imagine so.
Manhood in a syringe.
Well, he would have been the same man without it.
In temperament, perhaps.
Physically, definitely not.
He'd have been softer, rounder, subtly feminized.
At least he has an injection for his complaint.
Do you see yourself as having one? It's how the medical fraternity views me.
As someone to be cured.
Of a complaint.
And how do you see it? If you don't mind me asking.
An affliction to be made the best of.
The world makes it impossible to view it otherwise.
One day, perhaps.
An appealing fantasy.
You know, the irony is if they offered me an injection tomorrow, I would throw it in their face.
I'd rather stay what I am than let them think they'd made me hate myself that much.
If you'll excuse me.
I know what you're thinking.
Henry is who he is, and he hasn't shown any interest in women.
[Child laughs.]
But it was wonderful.
Truly wonderful.
So sensual and caring.
Nothing brutish or, you know, fumbly, like so many men.
And he didn't say no to seeing where it might lead.
He was startled, yes, but then, well, so was I at having voiced the notion.
The parallels have to have struck you, surely? To? James, William, and me.
A man who can't have the man he loves, so he settles for his sister? Look what misery that brought.
There are similarities, but it's not the same.
You went into it blind.
I'm fully aware, and I don't see it as a stumbling block.
If anything, it's an advantage.
We're both very independent people.
And when he needs a man? Because he will.
It's his nature.
Will you step aside and let him do that? Obviously we'll decide on our own parameters.
People do.
And it's just a very early notion.
A foolish one.
I'm sorry, this is nonsense.
- Olivia, you - No, I care for you.
- I fear for you.
- I can look after myself.
Can you? You can afford to be smug.
You've found your man.
I never thought you would begrudge me happiness.
You really are adrift.
Well, you sure know how to surprise a man.
Well, is it really so surprising? Oh, Matthew, I'm more than comfortably provided for, and I have a feeling that your father would approve.
He'd have left it to me himself if he'd wanted to.
Well, I'm not all magnanimity.
With the house, you're more likely to return.
There must be some market for surfboards here, surely.
There's a hint of one.
Let me think about it.
Are the keys in the car? Yes.
I'm dashing in to see Henry.
Georgie's with Leah.
He's fine.
Hey, Elizabeth just Later? [Door opens.]
I'd heard you were back.
Apparently congratulations are in order.
Tell me you don't share her insanity.
- Anna? - Who else? What's she said? That you're actually considering more than friendship.
Henry, it was a drunken night after a taxing day It was actually quite marvelous.
- Certainly unexpected.
- Fine.
It made sense at the time.
But beyond that We're both alone, lonely, and we can both do with the warmth.
You will never desire her.
And where has desire ever gotten me? Tossed aside.
Affection has its place.
Think back to when I discovered you and James.
Do you want Anna to suffer that? She's not you.
Anyway, we're simply considering it.
Well, don't.
You both deserve better.
I have to be in the clinic.
Henry, I am begging you.
- Now is not the time for this.
- Please! I'll see you out.
[Laughs.]
Careful, I'm a shark.
I'm coming to get you! [Laughs.]
All right.
What's happened? We'll do what's polite.
A few days.
Then we'll head back to the city.
Why must they always complicate their lives? What did Elizabeth have to say? Nothing that can't wait.
I am going to miss them, both hugely and not at all.
[Brake ratchets.]
You're sure you shouldn't do it when you're fresh? Won't make it any easier.
He'll be gone soon.
If he's waiting for Sheila.
I stay with the bottle or I look people in the eye.
Why not start with the worst? Doctor No Nuts.
You get one chance.
You've had yours.
Next time you'll be swallowing teeth.
You got it? Pass it on.
[Engine starts.]
There you are, Dr.
Duncan.
Do you know, even though I voted for you, I'm thrilled you weren't elected.
You know, you're a very brave man and a very dear one.
And now you're back, I feel a lot more secure.
[Footsteps.]
I'm only resting my eyes.
- It can wait.
- Come.
Have you seen our guests? Matthew.
Olivia's sleeping.
She says a headache.
I shudder to imagine what he thinks of us, walking into this chaos.
Perhaps that's contributed to Olivia's malaise.
Let's hope it all soon comes to an end.
It could draw out.
When the funeral's done and I've tidied up in Canberra, I'm thinking of taking Sarah away, and David.
A break from all this.
To Europe.
To see James.
Oh, George, you have no idea how glad that makes me.
Why be needlessly unhappy? When he didn't return, it seemed cowardice at first, but perhaps he was simply exhausted by the constant turmoil.
And facing us would have only added to it.
Well, I didn't see that at the time.
First, the Riviera.
And then possibly Israel.
Sarah has a wayward niece she needs to deliver.
And you? I suspect I know what you're contemplating.
Sharing a faith would make it easier for David.
Would it cause a rift between us? I can't ask you to accept James' choices and deny you the right to your own.
But it goes against so much of what we are.
A lot has lately.
I will try.
I know it's nothing next to Papa's problems.
Yeah, well, Papa wants us to put those aside.
This, however, is hardly trivial.
It's eccentric, to say the least.
- Well, viewed one way.
- Most ways.
Oh, this might sound harsh.
Are you sure Henry wasn't closing his eyes and imagining you were a man to feel any sort of warmth for a time? His eyes were open, and he was making love to me.
And it was lovemaking.
It wasn't just Fine, then.
That's what it was that once.
It's no guarantee for the future.
Can you at least promise to proceed slowly and not go charging in? Oh, well, considering something is hardly charging anywhere.
I want you to think before you limit yourself to a compromise relationship simply to stave off loneliness.
Well, that makes me sound desperate.
Perhaps you are.
What's wrong with considering something outside the drab norm? You can do what you like, my darling, but you can't assume approval.
Well, I thought at least you'd understand.
What remains of your bohemian aunt may.
Your mother, however, finds it quite disturbing.
What does it say about where you are in life that you're even contemplating it? He's hurt you.
I won't let him.
None of you.
Never again.
SARAH: Jack.
Oh, sorry.
I was miles away.
Please go home if you're not up to it.
They're doing their best.
I can do mine.
I've been having, uh, flashes of the night Regina died.
Just bits.
Blurry, hazy, strange.
- Of? - Her.
I'm glad I saw Bennett arrested.
Otherwise I'd be doubting myself.
There was skin under her nails, right? You could have got that anyhow.
At first I thought I was imagining it, but The memories.
I saw her that night.
Twice.
That's all I can remember.
What did I do? For every crime that went unpunished.
She leant over me with some sort of tool.
That's it.
Just glimpses.
Surreal.
Then the sound of rowing.
It's connected with Regina somehow.
I'm not sure why, but I know.
Why would she be rowing a boat? If she was fighting the effects of morphine, she'd have been euphoric.
She could have found the strength.
She What? There's a way it all fits together makes some sort of sense.
No, it does.
I know who killed her.
We're sorry for being mysterious.
We wanted proof first, and we believe we have it.
Thanks to Matt.
I just lent a hand.
Not even sure why.
- I'll leave you to it.
- So will I.
But you're both family.
No more family secrets.
Not for me.
[Door opens.]
[Door closes.]
It is best they're gone.
GEORGE: Why all the subterfuge? And what's Matt got to do with this? We've spent the last two days proving to ourselves what happened to Regina.
There's a decision to be made.
You have no idea of the relief.
Once I'd have had to stay.
I didn't like keeping it from you.
There is always some intrigue or other.
I feel liberated.
You think the swine is innocent? Of murder, yes.
We'll never know the exact events, but it must have been something like this.
He did force the morphine onto her.
[Muffled screaming.]
SARAH: It was enough to bring on confusion but not sleep.
She wandered off into the night, probably to feel safe from any return and she found herself by the river.
The drug would have been producing a sense of elation by then.
The terror she'd felt, the hatred, gradually ebbing away.
And then she came across Jack.
Jack! JACK: [Grunts.]
Up we get.
He's hurt you.
It's all right.
I won't let him.
None of you.
Never again.
GEORGE: Who knows what she would have done if she hadn't seen the boat, or me, but she did.
And it made a crazy sense to her.
It all came together.
She went home.
She cut the telephone line to make it look like he'd done it.
Then she wrote the note.
REGINA: Dickie has returned, and he's trying to break down the door.
He is threatening to kill me.
I fear this time he will.
Then she found what she needed and returned to Jack.
For every crime that went unpunished.
SARAH: Jack heard her rowing out into the river.
[Water sloshing.]
It might have been Bennett rowing her body out.
No, he would have put the boat back to avoid suspicion.
No, it was her.
She anchors the boat to stop it from drifting.
[Thudding.]
And then she hacked a hole in the bottom.
Just enough to admit water slowly.
Then she took whatever morphine was left.
A fatal dose.
She died before the boat sank.
She made it look like murder, that Richard had tossed her into the river to cover his crime.
Everything pointed to him.
Regina returned to make amends and killed herself to do it.
It's all supposition.
You mentioned proof.
Well, it took two days for Matt to get equipment.
He just finished a dive.
[Bubbling.]
[Water splashes.]
SARAH: The boat's there, just out from where Jack was lying, with a hole in the bottom.
And the morphine bottle.
And the police know none of this? No, and that's where the decision comes in.
Do we tell them, or do we honor Regina's sacrifice? What are you suggesting? Does the boat stay where it is? We can't.
We can.
If we choose.
I suggested it.
Don't think we haven't struggled with it.
Add up every vicious thing he's done.
See this as punishment for all of them.
Regina died to remove him from our lives.
But he didn't do it.
He's done a lot of other things.
And got away with them.
Much as I loathe the man We all do, and with good reason.
It's why we're here.
But it must be unanimous.
We've been torn apart by differences too many times.
I'm happy to start.
Yes.
He drove Regina to it.
He effectively killed her.
If you need more time I don't.
For every woman he's raped.
Yes.
And me.
For all the lives he's ruined.
Regina died for us.
We owe her.
I agree.
Mother? You, please.
The man is evil.
But that's not a crime.
And he spurred her on, but he didn't do it.
And he's been monstrous, but he's never murdered that we know.
But what is wrong in peacetime can be right in war.
And he declared the war.
So, yes.
Mother? I betrayed my moral code for an act of love.
I can't add to that burden by doing so for hate.
The guilt would be too great.
My answer is no.
Although I understand why yours were yes.
I'm sorry.
Inform the police.
[Door opens.]
[Door closes.]
O God, his mercies cannot be numbered.
Accept our prayers on behalf of the soul of thy servant departed and grant her entrance into the land of light and joy in fellowship with thy saints.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Amen.
Thank you, Reverend.
I feel we've done our Christian duty.
No one deserves an empty graveside.
Some come pretty close, but.
It's very progressive of the reverend to officiate at all in the circumstances.
ROY: Mm.
Dawnie would have been here, just young Emma's got her school concert on.
Everyone understands, Mr.
Briggs.
I should have hung around a bit longer that night, I suppose.
Oh, "should haves" don't help anyone, Mr.
Briggs.
Besides, you have far better things on your mind.
- ROY: [Chuckles.]
- How's it going? Well, ask the doc.
Plain sailing.
Get ready for those sleepless nights.
Oh! Don't remind me.
Actually, I wouldn't mind a word, Doc.
If you'll just excuse us, ladies.
I haven't been ducking you.
Just I didn't know what to say.
Plenty don't.
Plenty won't.
Well, saying nothing's worst of all, so I'll just say this.
You're no less of a man in my eyes.
You're a good bloke and a good mate, and, uh, and there'll be nobody else delivering my baby.
Henry.
So, what have you been thinking? - I'm not pressuring.
- I know.
Whatever Olivia might think, I'd like to at least see where this might lead.
I'm going to be at the hospital later.
Maybe we should talk there.
I intend traveling to Sydney in convoy with Matthew and Olivia.
I'm keen to test how far Sir Richard Bennett's gratitude might extend.
You shouldn't go alone.
It began just he and I.
It's the only way it might end.
Thank you, sweetheart.
How was it? Well, we paid our respects.
How's David? He wore himself out playing with Georgie.
There's a piece of cake up at the house if you'd like one.
Oh, ace! Um, a letter to Uncle Isaac.
What a change.
Even a month ago, "a letter to Uncle" was said with a barely suppressed groan.
I despaired of keeping my promise to him.
Perhaps we should all go.
- To? - To Israel.
Might help me make up my mind.
About? You converted for love.
The least I can do is consider it.
I've had several craftily arranged meetings with a rabbi.
Really? I don't I still have my reservations.
But if we deliver Leah together, perhaps I'll find the answer.
The fact you even thought about it.
For you.
Well? Well We'd be heading into uncharted terrain.
- You know that too, but - Oh, Henry! I'm not some fool clinging to you from emotional desperation.
I'm a woman who fell in love too early with a man too different who couldn't accept that I can't have children.
And I went out with quite a few men, looking for the one who didn't hint family as soon as we became serious.
For that one night with you, I I didn't feel so adrift.
Nor did you.
I felt it.
So all I'm saying is that we shouldn't run from the thought.
I don't know how to say this.
Truthfully.
I can't do it.
I'll need a simple reason, if you can.
This will hurt.
It's the only way I'll stop badgering you.
I was about to say, "Let's give it a whirl.
Build a fortress of our own.
" Then why? I didn't know you couldn't conceive.
[Voice breaking.]
Ohh.
Oh.
Only one thing has ever made me consider marriage.
My own child.
It's what I still can't reconcile about James, that he would abandon his son.
We were an outside chance as it is.
I know.
We've no chance if this is the case.
- You insisted - I did.
I did.
- [Sobs.]
- Anna It seems I'm doomed by sterility.
That's harsh.
It's true.
We might have been happy.
Who knows? [Door opens.]
[Sighs.]
Are you sure you don't want me there? Yes.
Ah, there you are.
We had to pry Georgie away from cowboys and Indians.
I'm the sheriff.
- A very scruffy one.
- Shot you! - Oh! - [Laughs.]
- Safe travels, Matthew.
- Ah, thank you.
I'm hoping the family will be seeing you and Georgie at Christmas before you leave.
We'll do our best.
Thank you, George.
Well, please try.
I sense her pulling away.
I don't want to lose touch with the three of you.
Will you see what you can do? She wants a life without complications.
Which you will give.
You decide on the house in your own time, but perhaps best not to bother Olivia with it at the moment.
No complications, no secrets.
Give it a go.
Now you're asking too much.
You are your father's son.
[Horn honks.]
Seriously, though, until she's free to marry, you will be discreet, won't you? I respect her more than I can say.
Of course.
OLIVIA: Who's this? Who's this? I was scared I'd missed you.
Livvy, I know that you care.
There'll be no Henry.
I more than care.
Don't give up on us.
But I wouldn't blame you if you did.
It's been tempting.
But I love you all too much.
Find what makes you happy.
Promise me.
He's already missing little Georgie.
Yes, he will.
Leah, I think the time might be here.
What for? Your uncle.
Israel.
What do you think? [Ship horn blows.]
Sir, your last appointment? Send her in, and tea, and then you can go.
Thank you, sir.
Mrs.
Goddard, please come through.
Sir Richard.
You're a gutsy old broad, turning up.
"Broad" a bit much? Not on the dung heap of your behavior.
You must have choked, spitting out the truth.
We did what was right.
Doubt I would have been as generous with the shoe on my foot.
Well, in a world where the best take their cue from the worst, what hope is there? The worst, huh? What do you expect of me now? That we put an end to this today.
That any small gratitude you feel might allow that to happen.
I doubt it.
It started with this knife.
A mother seeking individual justice.
Have you enough gratitude to end it with an eye for an eye? You do to me what I did to you.
I will bear the pain if it allows you to achieve balance in your mind.
If Regina can die for the family, I can certainly do this.
Regina was barking.
Yeah, and I'm completely sane.
That is my offer.
Do it.
- You're serious.
- Oh, utterly.
Get out.
Is it over, then? Take your knife.
So we continue with the same vicious cycle? No.
That's it.
Done.
Finito.
Take your knife and go home.
Go and cut some apple with it.
An end to it all, then? You're lucky you caught me at a weak moment.
Perhaps Regina didn't die in vain.
Get out before I change my mind.
And stay out of my way, the lot of you.
You're grateful you're not serving a life sentence.
You just can't say it.
And I suspect that hers is the first death on your conscience.
It will haunt you for the rest of your days.
[Door opens.]
[Door closes.]
[Sighs.]
The city one day, back here the next.
It's tiring.
Welcome.
You didn't have to rush back.
Oh, I wanted to share the relief with you all.
Well, I'd still like to know how you managed it.
As I said on the telephone, it's enough that I did.
And you're definitely heading off? - Yes.
- For how long? That depends on James.
And what we make of Israel.
What Israel makes of you.
It'll be interesting.
I'll keep the menorah burning in the window.
As you see, I've done my homework.
I'm impressed.
This won't come without challenges.
I don't doubt that for a moment.
"Her hands lay on her belly, stroking the slight mound that in other women might have announced the start of new life.
She would never see that sign in her body.
For her, the swelling would only ever signal fluid retention or gas, body functions far removed from the joyous cry of, "I'm expecting!" This separated her into a group of women harshly dubbed 'the barren' and barred from normal expectation.
'Normal.
' Her enemy lay in that one word.
'Normal.
'" It's the answer to your question.
You asked what my behavior with Henry says about me.
- I don't see - I cannibalized myself.
Writers have to.
You see, without experience, there's no new meat, none worthwhile.
And that's why I can't settle.
That's why I make odd choices to feed the beast.
So, what? You'll keep complicating your life just so you can write? Perhaps not consciously.
Subconsciously, yes.
You can't let it rule your life.
Is marrying and settling down any better? This comes with risk, but it comes with excitement.
- And I won't apologize for that.
- I haven't asked you to.
You've judged a lot of what I've done for not fitting the mold, including Henry.
And it's ironic, because if I'm like anyone, it's you when you were young.
That's exactly why I'm worried about you.
I'll be all right.
And if I'm not, I'll I'll write a book about it, so there's no downside.
You've got it all mapped out, haven't you? Not exactly.
And that's what's so exciting, especially if I embrace it.
Because I have no idea what's ahead.
But that's wonderful.
Well, I don't expect any surprises.
We've got you well stabilized.
Goodo.
I'm gonna need another doc soon.
I'm off.
Where? Sydney.
They've talked me into it.
The the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship? And her.
Missus.
She doesn't take no for an answer.
Does she know? Oh, I'll head out, and I'll tell her after.
Well, she's away, but, uh, she'll be happy.
Reckon so? Well, I'll see you again for the results.
I hope we keep in touch.
Yeah, I might check in if I need any favors.
You were the clincher, you know? You got me over the line.
If you could have the guts to come back here and face them all, well, I can have the guts to go out there and give it a go.
Well, glad I could help.
It's warmer out here than it is inside.
I just saw Frank Gibbs leave.
Seems like yesterday I found him out here.
Not one of my finer moments.
No.
I've, uh, scheduled Mrs.
Polk next week for her hysterectomy.
Can we talk about it tomorrow? Sorry, I've got a bit on my plate at the moment.
We're past petty misunderstandings.
I hope so.
Thank you for seeing sense with Anna.
Carolyn told me.
It was tempting.
Other than work, my life's empty.
No urgings to move on? I moved here for love.
I won't move for lack of it without good cause.
I'll try not to give it.
Sort of got used to you.
And I you, in an odd sort of way.
[Clears throat.]
Don't we have a hospital to run? Yeah, let's drag it into the '60s, eh? Open them.
I'd make it an engagement ring, but I know they'd hit the roof.
A friendship one's enough.
It's It's beautiful.
No, you are.
You're beautiful.
You're my girl.
I hope she understands my negating her sacrifice.
I think the Regina who made the sacrifice would.
After allowing Douglas his final choice, I I couldn't live with I understand.
Perhaps if I'd trusted sooner, it may not have come to this.
How could any of us have trusted her easily? She reaped the crop she grew.
And died just before she might have sown a better one.
Shall I walk you home? You'll be its mistress soon.
It will always be yours as much as ours, if that's what you want.
For a time, Douglas's death meant no.
But now, yes.
Ash Park.
Home.
O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant O come ye, o come ye To Bethlehem Come and behold him Born the king of angels O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him Christ the Lord Sing, choirs of angels Sing in exultation Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above Glory to God Glory in the highest O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him Christ the Lord [Laughter and applause.]
- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas.
- Bravo! Merry Christmas.
[Up-tempo instrumental music plays.]