Plum – Season 1 Episode 2

Published: Mar 13 2025

As the episode of "Plum" unfolds, Spud's urgent call echoes through the air, beckoning Peter Lum (portrayed by Brendan Cowell) to hurry up as he eagerly awaits his family's arrival. However, upon spotting him, Renee (played by Asher Keddie) retreats indoors without him. Peter approaches his father, Albert Lum (Nicholas Cassim), who is drunk and demands that Peter buy him a truck to resume his work. Peter bids farewell to his father and strides away.

Plum – Season 1 Episode 2 1

After the introductory sequence, Peter finds himself being examined at Sutherland Hospital in 2018. As they head back home, Renee urges Peter, almost pleadingly, to confront Charmayne about what has transpired. She insists that he share the news with his girlfriend and son. Renee reminds him of the six-month driving ban and warns that if he doesn't alter his lifestyle, he risks facing dementia or even death. They have provided him with a referral to a specialist named Liz Lombardo, whom Renee insistently tells him to contact. Peter, exasperated, shouts at her to be quiet. Renee retaliates by blaming him for making her his next of kin.

Upon entering the house, Peter discovers Gavin (Vincent Miller) with Ainslee (Talijah Blackman-Corowa). Charmayne (Maria Duplaa) queries if Peter has been on a binge. Peter attempts to weave excuses for everything, ultimately retreating to his bedroom and sinking into a deep slumber. Charmayne discovers him still wearing sunglasses, informing him that he's slept for an entire twelve hours.

The following day, Peter engages in exercise with Gavin. Upon their return, Gavin inquires about the car, prompting Peter to devise yet another excuse. Gavin eagerly looks forward to his dad taking him to the grand final game in a few days, to which Peter reassures him that it will happen. Later, Charmayne expresses her willingness to handle Plum's Café alone, much to Peter's concern. He suggests a swim the next day, secretly hoping she doesn't suspect him of infidelity. Meanwhile, Charmayne and Ainslee work out at the gym, while Brick (John Tui) prepares Gavin for the big game.

Back at home, Peter finds himself indulging in alcohol while cooking. Charmayne, Gavin, and Ainslee return unexpectedly. Peter engages in a conversation with Ainslee and Gavin about his relationship with Renee. During dinner, Charmayne reminds Peter of her gluten-free diet, though she insists it's alright. Peter sets the alarm for both him and Charmayne, but when it goes off, he grows agitated and hurls it against the wall. His frustration spills over, and he punches the wall. Disgusted, Charmayne packs her bags and prepares to leave. Gavin, sensing something is amiss, asks his dad if he's done something wrong. Peter walks down to the water's edge alone. A concerned swimmer spots him and decides to confront him. Meanwhile, Renee discovers Charmayne asleep in her car and wakes her up, inviting her to join them on their walk.

Peter awakens on a couch, soon joined by Tatiana (Janet Anderson). He learns that The Old Bike Shed is Tatiana's bar. She confides in him that her father was ashamed of her, but she inherited a substantial fortune upon his death.

She elaborates warmly, making it clear that everyone is warmly welcomed there. Renee keeps an eye on Charmayne, who seems distant and detached. She endeavors to uncover whether Peter has shared something with her. Renee inquiries if Charmayne intends to chauffeur them to Gavin's final game tonight. Peter abruptly realizes that his phone is missing. He confides in Tatiana, informing her that he's lost his job. She reveals that she's seeking a security guard. Peter insists that he hadn't planned to harm himself. Moments later, Hugh arrives to pick him up. Tatiana informs Peter that poetry night is on Tuesday, commencing at 7 PM. Peter divulges to Hugh their stipulation about not driving for six months, along with their recommendation to consult a neurologist. Hugh ponders if he should also attend. Peter inquiries whether he can drive them to Gavin's game that night, but Hugh regretsfully declines. Peter expresses his desire to escape constant reminders of his predicament. Charmayne arrives but refuses to engage with Peter. Ultimately, Ainslee takes the wheel and chauffeurs everyone to the game. Peter attempts to offer his son some words of encouragement, but the interaction falls flat. Brick, Renee, and the others also arrive. Ainslee subsequently asks Peter to drive everyone back home. Suspecting Peter might indulge in a few beers, Charmayne confiscates the keys. Peter approaches Gavin, inquiring if he'd like to hear his motivational speech. Gavinplayfully remarks that he's already heard it all before. However, Peter catches up with him again, urging him never to retreat. Charmayne expresses her curiosity to Brick about why Ainslee is driving, and they both agree it's not ideal for Gavin. Meanwhile, Peter appears forgetful.

As Gavin prepares for the game, he's asked if Peter or Brick will still present something. Gavin remains uncertain. Renee finds Peter alone and questions whether he's informed Charmayne about his seizure. She threatens to contact Liz Lombardo to arrange an appointment for him. Renee sternly warns him to tell Charmayne before she leaves. Dana Hanlon (Jenni Baird) intercepts Peter, expressing her condolences about Mo. Brick wonders about her presence and urges Charmayne to avoid her, labeling her as treacherous. Dana informs Peter that she's sent her father's brain to Boston for CTE testing and is seeking players who might want to participate. Peter hastily excuses himself.

The game begins, and Peter's mind drifts back to his past, reflecting on his life's journey. He abruptly stands up and walks away from the game just as Gavin suffers an injury. Dana snapshots Peter as he departs. Peter heads to the bar, intent on getting drunk. Charles Bukowski (Matthew Sunderland) approaches him, calling him a king. Gavin and his team celebrate their victory. Bobby D (Andrew Ryan) tasks Brick with handing out the Barry Russell Medal. Dana engages in conversation with Ainslee and Charmayne. Gavin receives the Player of the Match award. Peter continues his conversation with Bukowski about his late father. Bukowski advises him to read "Ham on Rye," a book mirroring Bukowski's own life, suggesting that it might inspire Peter to pen his own story. Bukowski believes they're nearing the final chapter. Gavin is the last to leave the locker room. Peter dances solitary in the pub, eventually wandering off into the shadows. He attempts to re-enter the stadium but learns that the game concluded hours ago.

He has been informed of the necessity to return home. The man remains tight-lipped about the winner, leaving Brick to drown his sorrows in solitude with a drink. Meanwhile, Charmayne thoughtfully retrieves his hoodie. The following morning, Gavin discovers Peter slumbering on the front lawn, gently rousing him and offering a refreshing beverage. Upon learning that his son excelled and was crowned Man of the Match, Gavin bids Peter to freshen up before departing with the girls. Brick is notified that the gym will open its doors in a quarter of an hour, with Charmayne still present. She confesses that it has been years since she indulged in such activities, acknowledging her unusual openness in sharing personal matters. Charmayne insists that Peter is generally wonderful and pleads for him to forget her revelations. Inquiring about their planned gym session and trim, Brick finds himself amidst an awkward silence. Peter's attempt to reach Charmayne is met with a recording promoting Gym and Trim, inadvertently revealing Brick's companionship. Doubting the viability of their conversation, Peter steps outside and bumps into Bukowski. Charles philosophizes that it's the mundane details that drive a person insane. Incensed, Peter lunges at him but falls flat on the ground. Charles threatens to involve Sylvia in the escalating situation. Sarah Lum (portrayed by Susie Porter) calls, inviting Peter to their mother's 75th birthday celebration. Amidst the chaos, Peter stumbles upon a note from Charmayne, reassuring him that she will initiate conversation when she's ready. He curtly terminates the call with Sarah. Gavin offers to wait for Peter should he wish to join him at the beach, but Peter, overwhelmed with emotion, snarls at him to go ahead. After Gavin's departure, Peter's emotions unravel, leaving him in a state of distress.

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