As the narrative of "Black Snow: Jack of Clubs" unfolds in this gripping episode, Detective James Cormack (portrayed by Travis Fimmel) awakens to the chaotic sight of his apartment in disarray. Post the introduction, Cormack and Samara Kahlil (Megan Smart) meticulously sift through Zoe's possessions, uncovering clues piece by piece. Sam finds a particular photograph perplexing, speculating that Zoe was unaware of its capture. She ponders whether the term "sapphire" might allude to Sapphire Beach, a locale they once visited as a family with Zoe. Promptly, she tasks herself with forwarding a picture of Zoe to the local authorities at Sapphire Beach.
Upon placing the call, Sam secures the transmission of an age-progressed photo of Zoe. The officer on the receiving end fails to recognize Zoe at first glance. Cormack, sensing an opportunity, advises Sam to leverage her past connection with a key figure in the case. She inquiries Brad (Radek Jonak) about his last encounter with Zoe, prompting him to recount it was shortly after she vandalized his ute in a fit of anger. Brad speculates that Zoe's actions stemmed from Cody's deceitful tales, insisting that he treated Mandy with kindness. When probed about physical altercations, Brad admits their relationship was intense but denies any harm. He expresses frustration over the financial setback the ute incident caused him and disclaims any involvement in Zoe's 25,000-dollar withdrawal. Brad maintains his alibi, claiming to have been with Mandy when Zoe vanished.
Elsewhere, Daisy (Lilliana Bowrey) shares with Nadja Jacobs (Victoria Haralabidou) that she is experiencing contractions. Nadja offers her water and suggests they might be false labor, known as Braxton Hicks. She gently inquires if Daisy has informed her mother about the pregnancy, to which Daisy replies in the negative. Nadja encourages her to reach out. Meanwhile, Gita (Amali Golden) confronts Leo (Dan Spielman), urging him to open up about the new case they're investigating. She reproaches him for acting immaturely and tasks him with purchasing a vinyl record for Seb's birthday. As Gita joins Julie Cosgrove (Kat Stewart) outdoors, their conversation revolves around the investigation. Julie learns of Cormack's leadership role and expresses understanding of Zoe's vulnerability to Joseph Rua's (Vinnie Bennett) charm, acknowledging his predatory behavior towards her. They concur that he preyed on her, and it was deeply inappropriate. Julie requests Gita to keep her updated on the case's progress.Cormack scrutinizes the surveillance footage of the convenience store, meticulously observing the direction in which Zoe's vehicle departed. Curiosity piqued, he sets off to the store in question, where a fork presents itself: one sign points towards a State Forest, the other towards Brisbane. Intrigued, Cormack decides to follow the trail leading into the State Forest. There, he discovers a signpost bearing the name "Xanadu," prompting him to call Sam with an urgent update. He informs her that Zoe had ventured to Xanadu on the night she disappeared, presumably to visit Joseph. Cormack believes it's crucial to consult with Melody next.
Flashback to 2003, Zoe (played by Jana McKinnon) shares with Sam (portrayed by Alana Mansour) that her mother is faux-astonished by her fitting into a dress bought pre-Sebastian. Meanwhile, Sean Cosgrove (Frederick Du Rietz) is present, aiding in the financial restructuring of the company. Will Jacobs (Josh McConville) addresses the gathering, announcing Leo's plan to build Mont Vista Estate, with the Mayor Julie Cosgrove expressing her gratitude. Sam whispers to Zoe that Alex has asked her out again, and Zoe agrees to switch shifts with her for Saturday night.
Nadja interrupts their conversation, assigning them to collect empty glasses and tasks Zoe with sliming the punch bowl. Zoe's disappointment surfaces, feeling that no one cares about Cody's passing amidst discussions of acquiring a third investment property. She vents to Joseph later, who comforts that time alone can heal all wounds. Their emotional exchange leads to intimate moments between them.
As Sam prepares for her maiden real date with Alex (played by Caleb Jonte Edwards), Zoe finds herself walking alone. Brad confronts her, demanding compensation for his losses stemming from an uninsured mishap. Zoe protests ignorance, but Brad reveals his desperation, hinting at turning to Sam if Zoe doesn't cooperate. Zoe promises to settle it on her 21st birthday. When Zoe seeks solace with Joseph, she catches him with another woman, leaving her heartbroken. Seeking solace, she steps into a store, where Sean enters shortly after. He casually mentions their upcoming trip to the coast.
These scenes weave a tale of interpersonal complexities, emotional entanglements, and hidden truths that propel the narrative forward.Zoe confides in Sean, expressing her desire to accompany him home. Cormack engages Sean Cosgrove, portrayed by Benedict Samuel, in conversation, seeking insights into his relationship with Zoe. Sean emphasizes that she was unique, a significant part of his life, but his fears ultimately led to its downfall. Cormack delves further, inquiring about Sean's continued efforts to reach out to her and his habit of dedicating songs in her honor. Sean labels such actions as heart-wrenching, clarifying that he had already exited the scene by the time Zoe vanished. Cormack notes Sean's presence at her 21st birthday celebration, to which Sean responds by revealing he witnessed Nadja and Will sharing an intimate moment on the street just before he left. He ponders whether Zoe was aware of this encounter and perhaps that's what prompted her departure.
Meanwhile, Seb watches an enlightening video on financial abuse, while Leo contemplates a thoughtful gesture for Gita ahead of their upcoming anniversary. As he wanders around, he bumps into Nadja, Daisy, and Val (played by Paula Nazarski). A private conversation ensues between Leo and Nadja, touching on Seb's wellbeing. Leo expresses concern for Nadja, who, however, declines to engage further.
Elsewhere, Cormack discusses with Sam the whereabouts of Melody (played by Jennifer Rani), now residing in Brisbane, and Mandy, who has seemingly vanished without a trace. Cormack tasks Sam with locating Mandy to corroborate Brad's alibi. He then visits Melody, who confirms that she and Joey were together on the night of Zoe's 21st birthday. Melody expresses frustration at their relentless scrutiny, hinting at past intimate encounters with Joey. She reveals that she passed out around 1 a.m., while Joey claimed to have been swimming in a dam. Cormack seeks Melody's permission to search Xanadu, though she no longer owns it. She remains unaware of its current proprietor.
Sam checks in on Nadja, who mentions a personal matter in Coffs Harbour that led her to search blindly due to the police's withholding of information from the hotline. Tommy (portrayed by Nicholas Hope) crosses paths with Cormack, voicing his unwavering determination to uncover the truth about Richie. Cormack enters a building shortly after, inadvertently injuring himself. Angie Zhang (played by Renee Lim) interrupts, announcing the arrival of the forensics report on the Jacobs case.Fingerprints lifted from the ecstasy-laden bag discovered in Zoe's backpack perfectly aligned with those of Joseph Rua. Cormack, eager for justice, sought a warrant to delve into the depths of Xanadu. Meanwhile, Will, chancing upon Nadja at the precinct, reminisced about his 2003 statement, offering to lend a helping hand due to his coastal investment property—a gesture rooted in familial bond. However, Nadja's skepticism lingered, asking if their kinship mattered when he stood idle while Leo deprived her of her rightful share in the family venture. She wondered if his offer stemmed from guilt.
Cormack, lounging in a local pub, caught sight of Doctor Nina Hirsch (played by Ella Scott Lynch). As her evening date concluded, she reluctantly joined him for a drink. Elsewhere, Sam meticulously examined the evidence at the station, her thoughts interrupted by a call from Sergeant Briar in Sapphire Beach, hinting at a lead connected to the tattoo adorning the victim's neck.
A nostalgic flashback unveiled Sean capturing Zoe in a serene slumber, only for her to awaken and request an end to his photographic intrusions. Soon after, Zoe realized he was the anonymous caller leaving roses at the station, prompting her to seek distance. In her vehicle, a flurry of missed calls greeted her, causing her to apologize to Sam, who dispatched Alex on an errand. Interrupted by her mother, Zoe retreated for a jog and a dip, unaware of a watchful eye lurking in the shadows.
Present day, the premises of Xanadu underwent rigorous scrutiny. Sam apprised Cormack of a witness who spotted Zoe in Sapphire Beach years prior, urging him to pursue his instincts. Cormack, notified of a perimeter breach, confronted Leo, elucidating evidence suggesting Zoe's presence on the night she vanished. Leo, plagued by guilt, believed his refusal to let Joseph attend the party indirectly led Zoe there. Cormack later confronted Nadja with the Xanadu revelation, to which she replied with a skeptical shrug, doubting they'd uncover anything incriminating.
He inquisitively interrogates her about her entanglement with Will, to which Nadja responds by revealing that Will harbored a fondness for her, and she found it gratifying to be desired. Cormack then shifts his focus, probing into the dynamics between Gita and Leo. Nadja admits her ignorance concerning the inception of their relationship, clarifying that they jointly cared for Seb until he matured enough to express a preference for residing with Leo. As the search operation draws to a close for the evening, Hazel rings Cormack with vital information—the tangible copy of Richard Vogel's file is stationed at the Department of Corrections office in Kenmore. With this revelation, the night's search comes to an end, prompting Cormack to embark on a quest to procure Vogel's file.
Meanwhile, while Sam is disposing of the trash, a vehicle speeds off hurriedly. Instinctively, she darts back inside, hastily dialing Zoe's number, convinced of Zoe's involvement. Assertively, Sam declares her willingness and ability to assist Zoe now, boasting that she traced the number and knows it's her. However, the conversation is abruptly terminated. Cormack, immersed in Vogel's file, appears utterly astonished by its contents. The next morning, Thorpe calls Sam, urgently informing her that the search team has uncovered something significant, but he is unable to reach Cormack. Intriguingly, a vehicle is extracted from the pond at Xanadu, piquing Sam's curiosity as she scrutinizes it, eventually opening the trunk.
