As the curtains rise on the fifth chapter of "Plum," the scene unfolds in Forbes, NSW, in the retro charm of 1984. A youthful Plum, embodied by Will Cottle, steps into a quaint restaurant and waits with bated breath. Albert Lum, portrayed by Nicholas Cassim, eventually arrives, hinting at a suspicion that his son had doubted his presence. Peter informs him that it's already too late for the bus, but Albert, undeterred, grabs the money and dashes off in a bid to catch it.
Flash forward to the present, where Peter prepares to embark on a journey with Charmayne (Maria Duplaa) and Gavin (Vincent Miller). With some persuasion, he convinces Charmayne to take the wheel. Along the way, they pause, and Gavin, unable to resist, begins scratching at his tattoo. Peter returns promptly, and they resume their journey.
Meanwhile, Dana Hanlon (Jenni Baird) engages in a solemn conversation with a doctor, who imparts knowledge about CTE. Dana lambasts the ignorance surrounding their plight, and she agrees to donate her father's brain to the research center. Upon their arrival, Peter cautions Gavin to keep his tattoo concealed. Sarah Lum (Susie Porter), brimming with excitement, rushes outside to greet them.
Later, Peter bonds with Doug (Matthew Dale), who tempts him with a cold beer. Amidst playful banter, Peter scolds Gavin for his lax attire. Sarah commends Peter for his rapport with children, to which Gavin quips that it's only true when the kids aren't his own. As Gavin recounts the game's details, Peter's demeanor slowly unravels. Sarah suggests visiting their tree, and as they stroll towards it, Peter confesses to Sarah that he's been sober for four days and has been contemplating their past. He apologizes for monopolizing attention during his football days, acknowledging the burden it must have placed on her. Sarah steers the conversation towards their mother's need for proper care, revealing a potential haven but emphasizing the necessity to sell their house to fund it. Peter, resistant to the idea of institutionalizing their mother or selling their home, remains steadfast in his opposition.
Upon reaching the tree, they're horrified to discover it has been felled. Peter assists Gavin in setting up a tent in the backyard for Sarah to sleep. Later, he queries Charmayne about the conspicuous absence of pictures featuring him and Sarah in their home. Peter reveals that his doctor advised a break from drinking for his health, yet he struggles with insomnia that night, resorting to riding a small bicycle around the property. Haunted by fragments of his past, Peter's frustration with his father intensifies, propelling him to pedal faster until he crashes, returning with the bike in disarray. He promises Sarah a replacement, but she laments it was Maya's first bike, berating him for never owning anything personally and seldom offering genuine apologies. Their mother's voice cuts through the air, commanding silence.
Elsewhere, Gavin spends time with Charmayne, who urges him to reconnect with his mother. They ponder Peter's behavior, wondering if something is amiss. Charmayne encourages Gavin to confront Peter directly, asserting that he needs to open up to someone. Ultimately, Charmayne reveals her pregnancy to Peter, a secret they keep when Gwynne (Deborah Kennedy) and the others join their circle.
Larry, portrayed by Josh Quong Tart, finally arrives on the scene, revealing that he has been spending considerable time in Gwynne's company. Peter, still determined to steer clear of alcohol, engages in conversation with Sarah and Doug, voicing his suspicion that Larry might be after Gwynne's fortune. Peter accompanies Larry, who recounts how Gwynne took him under her wing, while Peter detects an unmistakable whiff of beer emanating from Larry's pores. He also shares the news of Charmayne's pregnancy.
As Miles strolls by, attired as Banjo Paterson, he teases Peter before continuing on his way. Before the meal commences, Larry stands to say grace, followed by Gwynne who expresses her gratitude to everyone present. She thanks Sarah for her unwavering support and, amidst a moment of confusion, mistakenly addresses Charmayne as Renee. Gwynne also speaks fondly of Larry. When Sarah inquires about Plum, he expresses his delight at being there and reminisces about how his father had generously funded his football career. Gwynne reflects on her own fortune, crediting her fortunate upbringing to a caring father, unaware that it was actually Peter and Sarah who had raised the funds.
Peter tries to enlighten her, but his words fall on deaf ears. Meanwhile, Gavin, seeking solitude, goes for a swim and calls Ainslee (played by Talijah Blackman-Corowa), informing her he's in Forbes for his grandmother's birthday. He reveals that he hasn't received any offers, not even from the Sharks, but has secured one from the Melbourne Storm. Ainslee suggests they take a break.
Inside, Plum and the others engage in a lively game, during which Peter gains deeper insights into himself. Larry inadvertently reveals Charmayne's pregnancy, news that she later scorns to acknowledge when confronted by Peter. That night, Peter checks on Gavin in the tent, who suspects Peter is hiding something serious, perhaps even cancer. Peter assures him otherwise. Gavin announces his intention to bunk with Charmayne, and upon joining her, she confirms her pregnancy, hinting at a potential reconciliation.
Peter struggles to sleep in the tent, while Dana stumbles upon articles detailing Peter Lum's downfall. On television, Dave (Matt Nable) mentions Peter's struggles with alcohol and drugs, prompting Dana to label him a parasite. Peter confronts his mother, emphasizing that it was she and Sarah who raised the money for his football career. He recounts nearly missing the bus that day, only to find his father with a new family. He philosophizes that the past cannot be rewritten.
Gwynne notices Gavin's tattoo, admiring it as a lovely image, and reveals that Sarah intends to place her in a nursing home. She vehemently opposes the idea and orders them to leave. Gavin shows Peter a video of him punching a man, confessing that everyone has already seen it.
Upon arriving at the event, Sarah wonders whether to disclose the reason for the guests' absence. Larry advises her to hand Peter the papers. Finding a secluded spot, Peter reads the distressing news. Sarah checks on him and provides information about Corner View, and Peter concedes that Gwynne needs professional care. He then proceeds to give lessons to a small group, determined to move forward despite the turmoil.
Dana storms over to Dave's place, her words laced with venom as she curses him out. She urges him that concealing the truth about CTE would drive him to dismantle even his closest bonds. Dana insists passionately that the youth eager to engage in their game deserve transparency; they crave an understanding untouched by denial, which Dave stubbornly maintains. Dave counters with a jab, suggesting her father would be ashamed of her actions. This stings Dana deeply, causing her temper to flare. In a fit of anger, she confronts Dave's wife, Charmayne, revealing their multiple clandestine encounters.
Charmayne, shaken, confronts Peter, informing him that she can no longer fulfill her duties as his nurse. Her voice trembles as she inquiries whether he intends to confront the elephant in the room—his epilepsy and the airport incident. With a resolute heart, Charmayne confesses that her primary focus now is their baby. Peter, initially believing the child to be his, is swiftly disillusioned by the revelation of her infidelity.
Gavin, unable to contain himself, blurts out the bombshell that Peter had an affair with Renee in Melbourne. Abandoned by all, Peter finds himself solitary, wandering aimlessly. As he strolls, he recites a poignant poem, yearning for the days of innocence and simplicity, a stark contrast to the tangled web of deceit he now navigates.
