As the curtains rise on the fifth chapter of "Black Snow," Detective Cormack (Travis Fimmel) endeavors to persuade Troy Turner (Kim Gyngell) to expedite matters by expeditiously dispatching the body to Brisbane. Troy counters, asserting that the decision is beyond his purview. Meanwhile, James pays a visit to Tasha (Kestie Morassi), who steadfastly refuses sugar, deeming it malevolent and citing its detrimental effects on Billy’s teeth as proof. When James broaches the topic of Billy’s intended conversation with him, mentioning Hector’s camera, Tasha confesses that Billy had appropriated it from Steve Walcott. Though unaware of its contents, she speculates it might hold some connection to Steve. Tasha had attempted to caution Billy, who always placed unwavering trust in Steve. James successfully procures the pills Tasha had consumed, to which she asserts resolutely that neither she nor Billy harbors suicidal intentions.
Later, James convenes with Chloe (Brooke Satchwell), who is engrossed in gathering Billy’s belongings for Tasha. Chloe muses that there might be underlying tensions between Hazel and James, to which he vehemently denies. She confides that Billy once harbored a crush on her and they had indulged in a fleeting romance years ago, a secret she kept from Izzy, who harbored a deep disdain for Billy, branding him as an unpleasant individual. Chloe remains oblivious to any recent collaborations Billy might have undertaken with her father. James inquires about their altercation at the pub, prompting Chloe to vow to query her father about it. She expresses her irritation at being treated with suspicion, likening the current situation to an unwelcome time capsule from the past.
Elsewhere, Hazel (Jemmason Power) approaches James, seeking his insights on Billy’s suspected suicide. James ponders over a possible connection but acknowledges that the Mackay detectives now spearhead the investigation. He wonders if Hazel might wish to alert Mary about his intention to dispatch an officer to obtain a DNA sample from Ezekiel, aiming to ascertain if it matches the blood found on Isabel’s hand. James laments the Turner’s relentless pursuit of Ezekiel, exacerbated by his inability to prove his cousins’ presence in Ashford. Thus, they find themselves at an impasse, awaiting the twists and turns that fate seems intent on bestowing upon them.James imparted to her the hotel proprietor's earlier musings, only then announcing his intentions to journey to Brisbane the following day to converse with the elderly gentleman. Hazel received a text message, its contents stark: "Your time has expired, and my charade of deceit on your behalf has concluded." Flashing back, Isabel (portrayed by Talijah Blackman-Corowa) reassured Ezekiel that Billy hadn't threatened her, albeit his demeanor was unsettling. Donning an Ankou T-shirt, she speculated he might be associated with the trail bike. Eager to consult Joe, Ezekiel was dissuaded by Isabel, who insisted discussing the matter with Steve instead, considering the Walcotts akin to her extended family.
Meanwhile, amidst preparations for the time capsule, Anton (played by Josh Macqueen) subtly attempted to arrange a post-class rendezvous with Izzy, much to Tasha's evident displeasure. En route to the shed, Victor (portrayed by Rob Carlton) warned them to steer clear, citing a recent incident where a pesticide drum had been toppled, urging them to exercise caution. His departure left Isabel anxious, wondering if he was privy to their secrets. She speculated about a potential affair between him and Tasha, to which Anton reassured her of his unwavering love. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, she opted to return home.
Steve (played by Erik Thomson) stumbled upon Chloe and Isabel chatting in the van, engaging in lighthearted banter with Chloe about her formal footwear. He presented Isabel with a pair, labeling it as a graduation gift. Having inquired about the workers she was concerned about, Steve revealed they had headed west to erect fences. Concerned about Chloe driving at night, he arranged for motel accommodations, though Chloe preferred the van. Offering to mediate with Joe, Steve sensed Isabel's hesitancy.
After his departure, Chloe inquired if Isabel had canceled her holiday shifts at the video store, pondering whether she'd embark on the trip at all. Later, Isabel imparted Steve's revelations to Ezekiel, who remained skeptical, pointing out the financial impracticality of acquiring plane tickets and the lack of passports stored at their employer's residence. Isabel pleaded for one final opportunity to rectify the situation, sneaking into Chloe's house to rummage through Steve's desk, only to be interrupted by the maid, tears streaming down her face as she adjusted her dress.She manages to secure the passports and flees, aided by the diligent maid. When Steve discovers her outdoors, hiding in the van, she feigns forgetfulness, claiming she left her formal footwear behind. Meanwhile, James familiarizes himself with Steve's background ahead of their prison meeting with his father. James had harbored hopes that his dad wouldn't turn up on his doorstep upon release, but to his astonishment, his father reveals that Ritchie paid him a visit months ago, ostensibly in distress and seeking assistance. James's emotions erupt in his car after the prison visit concludes. Hazel calls, inquiring about the meeting, to which James responds nonchalantly, though unwilling to delve deeper. She expresses interest in watching the time capsule video, prompting James to invite her over anytime the next day.
Returning home, James receives from Dale (Gulliver McGrath) the photographs captured by Anton's disposable camera, buried within the time capsule. Among them, James notices a picture of Izzy posed before a door adorned with a bird. Intrigued, he tasks Dale with retrieving visitor logs for inmate number 1527 at Wacol prison and securing security footage of any visitors over the past three months. They agree to keep this personal endeavor confidential.
James's frustration intensifies when he learns that the detectives have returned to Mackay, suspecting the incident to be an accident. He engages in a heated exchange with Troy Turner (Kim Gyngell), who dismissively tells him to go home. James wonders if Troy is corrupt or simply incompetent. Elsewhere, Chloe delivers Billy's belongings to Tasha, offering to foot the bill for his funeral. Regretting her earlier decision to ban him from Harper's Road, she finds Tasha insisting that Billy didn't take his own life—a suspicion fueled by the disappearance of his video camera.
James approaches Anton (Alexander England), pondering whether Anton might want a copy of the camera's photos. He urges Anton to check on Tasha, who could desperately use a friend's support during this difficult time.Chloe presents her father with the video camera, asserting confidently that he needn't have interfered with Billy, despite his vehement denial. She presses him to step down from the board and transfer 15% of his shares to her, but Steve steadfastly refuses her demands. In retaliation, Chloe suggests he bestow those shares upon his grandchildren instead. Steve persists in his ignorance concerning the boys' whereabouts. In response, Chloe threatens to deploy the incriminating predator footage to orchestrate his removal from the board. He counters by accusing her of swindling both the workforce and the government. Chloe, unperturbed, retorts that she merely learned from the master himself. She urges him to retire gracefully and count his blessings for evading justice thus far.
Meanwhile, James and Hazel sit spellbound as they watch the tape together. When it concludes, Hazel confides that this marks her first glimpse of her sister since their tragic loss. As they revisit the footage, the eerie figure of the Ankou comes into view—a location Isabel dubs "Satan's memorial." Isabel briefly recounts her chilling encounter by the fields. Upon arriving home, she discovers Joe engaged in prayer with Ezekiel. Later in town, Joe, accompanied by the girls, bumps into Steve. Joe informs him about the boys' mysterious disappearance, pleading with Steve to inquire with Billy, suspecting he might have transported them elsewhere. When Isabel proposes reporting the matter to the police, Steve cautions that the authorities might uncover undocumented workers instead.If the authorities become entangled in their affairs, they might need to sever some ties to stay out of trouble. Steve, seeking guidance from Joe, who oversees human resources, inquires about their next steps. Isabel, listening intently, can't help but wonder aloud if Joe's expertise warrants monetary compensation. Steve chuckles, quickly suggesting they steer clear of any police involvement. As Steve departs, Joe sternly admonishes Isabel for addressing elders with such disrespect.
Returning home, Isabel discovers Hazel scribbling her affection for Max Phelps in the sole of her dress shoe. Hazel confesses she overheard rumors of his liking for her. In response, Isabel, now in her formal footwear, pens down her love for Hazel within its confines. Meanwhile, Aunty Rosa contributes a donation to the emergency services for Victor, who later engages Katherine (Daniela Farinacci) in a discussion about corsages for the upcoming formal event.
At home, Hazel inquiries about Isabel's plans, suggesting she might reveal Anton and Chloe's intimate relationship as a distraction. Joe, however, informs Isabel that she is grounded and forbidden from attending the dance with anyone. In her bedroom, Aunty Rosa offers her wisdom, reminding Isabel that she is the beacon of hope for their family. Isabel runs through a mental checklist of all she is not allowed to be, while Rosa urges her to honor her elders and herself, believing she is squandering her potential by fixating on Anton and Zeke. Isabel defends herself, claiming she is merely aiding Zeke. Rosa reassures her parents that the situation isn't as dire as they might perceive. Glenda, on the other hand, feels that Izzy has pushed herself too hard this year.
This revised version aims to breathe more life into the narrative, enhancing its expressive quality while preserving the original meaning.
The formal event stands as a testament to her tireless efforts, a reward well-deserved for all the labor she has undertaken. Joe, though supportive of her attendance, remains unenthusiastic about celebrating, maintaining a neutral stance. Anton presents Kalana with a portrait of Isabel, remarking on their striking resemblance. However, Hazel interrupts abruptly, scooping Kalana up before Anton can divulge further secrets.
At their home, Hazel receives a call from James, who conveys that Ezekiel's DNA does not match the blood found on Isabel's hand, yet it aligns with a familial connection. He suspects it belongs to one of Isabel's cousins, implying she was privy to their whereabouts. James proceeds to the location featured in the Ankou painting, where he shares with Dale a video depicting Isabel and discusses the bloodstain on her hand.
A worker, inspecting the van, discovers passports that are subsequently handed over to Chloe. Without hesitation, Chloe incinerates them while Dale delves into potential evidence. Hazel approaches her aunt and mother with something she must confide about Kalana's father. Dale stumbles upon Isabel's formal shoes, prompting Hazel to recount how Anton once led her to a shed to reveal a painting by Isabel. He had visited daily, merely to converse about her. However, Hazel was later appalled by the revelations of their intimate past.
Rosa acknowledges the revelation, recognizing Kalana's arrival as fate's design, regardless of the circumstances. James invites Hazel to the station for a discussion tonight. Dale and James ponder the motive behind Isabel's visit to the location. James notes the absence of red dirt, contrasting sharply with Isabel's dress heavily soiled in it, hinting that she might not have been murdered there.
Upon reaching the station, Hazel is engulfed by the melody that echoed when Isabel was at the gas station. The haunting glitch in the song is inescapable, reminding her of Anton's mixtape. James clarifies it's the tape Tasha included in the time capsule, suggesting it might be a replica of the one intended for Anton. Their conversation veers towards Anton's potential involvement, leaving the episode on a cliffhanger.
