As the curtain rises on this installment of "Ten Pound Poms," Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan), eyes alert, trails a mysterious woman (Ainslie McGlynn) who could potentially be her son's mother. They vanish into separate stalls of a bathroom, providing Kate with the perfect opportunity. She swiftly snatches the woman's purse, flips through the passenger manifests, and discovers their identities: Mrs. Genevive Goddard and Jonathon Goddard. Armed with the stolen tickets, Kate attempts to board the ship alongside Michael Thorne (Alastair Bradman), chatting animatedly about their impending journey to New Zealand.
However, her heart skips a beat when she spots the woman and her child ahead. Realizing the risk, Kate whispers to Michael that they should retreat. They concoct a plan, feigning a sudden craving for ice cream, and haste away in a flurry.
Elsewhere, JJ Walker (Stephen Curry) hands Terry Roberts (Warren Brown) a letter, while Annie Roberts (Faye Marsay) expresses her worry, having heard nothing from Kate. JJ remarks that this is Kate's second disappearance from her fiancé, prompting Annie to reveal that he has left for Cairns. Meanwhile, Kate cruises in a van with her son, Pattie Roberts (Hattie Hook) barely containing her excitement. Terry mentions the letter, which wishes Pattie well ahead of her due date. Annie urges Pattie to pen a heartfelt note to her grandmother, announcing the arrival of Mary.
Just then, Ruud Van Houten (Matt Boesenberg) intrudes, sternly reminding Pattie to ensure her baby remains quiet at night. A brief spat ensues between Annie and Ruud, drawing Terry into the fray. Ruud silences them with a stern warning, only to be tripped by Ray Skinner (Sam Delich) as he storms off. Ray then introduces himself to Terry and the group, but Mrs. Walker (Tina Bursill) quickly interjects, cautioning them about maintaining decorum in the hostel. She vows to elevate the standards, lambasting the previous management for their laxity.
Terry and Annie seek help from the Department of Housing, pleading for a modest abode where Pattie and her baby can have privacy. They're met with disappointment; they're informed that a suitable place might not become available for 14 months. Outside, Terry vows to extricate them from the camp, leading them to a house listed for sale.
On the beach, Kate frolics with Michael, who pens a heartfelt note expressing his longing for her and their joyous moments. He opens up about his ordeal in the orphanage, recounting the cruelty of some adults. As Kate prepares to settle the bill, her gaze falls on a newspaper article about a missing Sydney boy, piquing her curiosity.
Terry ventures into a National Employment NSW office, seeking better prospects. The interviewer quizzes him about his expertise in dry rot, to which Terry confidently claims mastery. His first assignment leads him to a residence teeming with people, including numerous children. Terry discovers a gaping hole in the ceiling and promises to mend it. Later, he fills Annie in on the dire conditions of the place. Meanwhile, Peter (Finn Treacy) continues to ponder over his grandmother's letter, lost in thought.
Kylie extends an invitation to Pattie for a moonlight dip, and Pattie, in turn, invites Stevie Cartwright (portrayed by Declan Coyle) to join them. Peter chimes in, whispering to Pattie that dating someone unburdened by the joys of parenthood is far more exhilarating than navigating a relationship with a baby in tow. Meanwhile, Ivan Cartwright (played by Travis McMahon) engages Stevie in a grave conversation, informing his son that Pattie's reputation is tarnished, and no one would ever assume the baby to be his flesh and blood.
At her workplace, Annie receives an unexpected assignment: the owner is hosting a surprise bash, and she's tasked with selecting a summery dress from the inventory and joining the festivities downstairs. Elsewhere, a youthful lad shares his aspirations of becoming a builder with Terry, while Kevin's mother summons him downstairs, just moments before their landlord arrives to collect the overdue rent. Benny Bates (Marcus Graham) confronts Attanasio about her unpaid rent, stretching back to November, giving her until Friday to settle the debt. Attanasio's husband, unable to bear the pressure, lunges at the landlord, prompting Terry to intervene and halt the altercation. Benny then introduces himself to Terry, revealing a piece of his personal history.
As Annie steps out of the shop, she hears Kate's voice calling for her. Kate reveals that she has taken Annie's son with her. Terry and Benny escort the injured man to the hospital, where Terry discloses that he's temporarily housed at the Galgownie Hostel. Benny shares that most of his kin hail from Britain and boasts about his recent financial windfall, seeking a safe haven for his earnings. A Sydney acquaintance had touted this area as a hub of affordable accommodations, unknown to Terry that Benny actually owns the majority of the houses on the street, including the one he's working on. Benny confesses that Mickey (Jeremy Burtenshaw) serves as his protector. Terry catches a ride back with Benny.
Kate finds a cozy spot for Michael to sit while Annie seeks out her boss, Marlene Chase (Cheree Cassidy), to voice her discomfort, citing a stomach ache as her excuse to leave early. Rushing to Kate's side, Annie learns the reasons behind her abrupt departure with her son. Kate had harbored dreams of escaping to New Zealand, hoping to find a pathway back to the UK. Annie expresses gratitude for Kate's confidence in her and they delve into conversations about Pattie and Mary. Henry's fury knew no bounds until he ultimately distanced himself from Kate. Kate admits her deepest fear—being apprehended and losing her son indefinitely.
Donald, with a determined stride, pounds on the door and vociferously summons Molly. Grant Lyndon, portraying Donald Chase, declares to his assistant, Adam Golledge, that he vows to bring his ex-wife here, even if he has to drag her here by force. Benny turns to Terry with a sense of obligation, expressing his desire to repay a debt. He inquiries if Terry has ever attended a wood-chopping event, to which Terry assents, agreeing to accompany Benny.
Elsewhere, Ray Skinner, with a challenging gleam, dares JJ to punch him in the gut, attempting to wrangle labor from him. He ponders aloud whether to entrust a card to JJ's mother, to which JJ responds by revealing that she refers to the Irish as "drunken inbreds." Subsequently, JJ arrives at the hospital, eager to see Sheila Anderson (Emma Hamilton), only to be told by a stern receptionist that Sheila's husband forbids any visitors. Undaunted, JJ informs the receptionist that Sheila's husband drove her to attempt suicide and bribes him for entry. Inside, JJ confesses to Sheila that bringing her here was a mistake, blaming himself for her plight, though Sheila asserts it was her own sinfulness. JJ counters, insisting she was desperate and that her husband pushed her to this brink. Sheila laments that she'll never escape his grip, as she owns him something. JJ reminisces fondly about Sheila's face brightening his days at the hostel.
Kate, torn between disbelief and concern, wonders at Sheila's actions and her own future course. She can't brush this incident under the rug, believing she should have stayed in England. Annie, however, praises Kate's courage in coming to see her son, acknowledging her limited options. As Terry catches up with Benny, he introduces Terry to Johno and their companions, generously footing the bill for Terry's bets, which Terry wins effortlessly.
Annie phones Michael's home, informing Fran, Michael's stepmother, that Michael is with his birth mother, Kate, who wishes to meet her. Fran Robinson (Nikki Shiels), agreeable, consents to the meeting. Terry, steadfast in his desire to leave the camp for a home of their own, asserts to Benny that their potential houses, though in need of tender loving care (TLC), require thorough renovation, not mere cosmetic fixes. Benny responds with a cynical realism, stating that no one wants these individuals—war-wounded, work-averse, or Greek.
He proposes that other landlords might consider these down-and-out individuals with disdain. Benny is convinced that a man of Terry's caliber could be invaluable. He's even willing to double Terry's current salary. Terry eagerly inquires about his starting date. Meanwhile, Bill Anderson (Leon Ford) confronts JJ, seeking clarity on his encounters with Sheila. JJ reveals to Bill that they were lovers, as her husband showed her no affection whatsoever. He firmly believes that had it not been for him, Sheila would be at the bottom of the ocean, lifeless. JJ urges Bill to step back and allow them to determine if they share a future together. Bill responds by stating that his wife is receiving the necessary treatment for her troubled mind and doesn't see the need for JJ's involvement.
Outside, Ray attempts to catch a ride with Bill. Elsewhere, Kate encounters Fran, who recalls Kate's visit to her home. Fran vents her frustrations about all the hardships Kate has caused her, claiming she is all alone. Kate admits that taking Michael was an impulsive and foolish act. She never gave him up in England; instead, the Catholics brought him over and placed him in a place where he knew nobody. Michael would still be there had Fran and her husband not bent the rules to help him. Fran laments that God saw fit to deprive them of their own children. Unable to face losing another, they took in Michael. Fran realizes now that Michael was never unwanted. Kate shares that Michael talks about Fran constantly and misses her deeply. Kate yearns to be a part of Michael's life and see him regularly. She acknowledges that Fran provides a loving home, and Michael has friends and attends a good school. Fran wonders if they should inform the police about Michael's return. Kate expresses her desire to see him on weekends and some evenings, pleading with Fran to cooperate. Fran agrees to discuss it with David if Kate promises never to do this again. With Kate's assurance, Fran is reunited with Michael. Fran informs Kate that she can visit Michael at the local playground before dinner. Annie then takes Kate back to the hostel.
Terry amazes Annie with the money he won and his new job offer. He believes they should celebrate this milestone. Terry is convinced that this is their year, and Australia will soon become their home.
The following day, Pattie teases Peter about his apparent eagerness to join them for breakfast, hinting that his enthusiasm stems from a soft spot for the new girl, while casually mentioning her tender age of seventeen. Peter swiftly dismisses the accusation. Annie, eager to restore a sense of normalcy, invites them all to accompany Kate. Peter then reveals that he has completed reading his grandmother's letter and insists they all listen to its contents. Meanwhile, JJ returns to the hospital to visit Sheila, bearing an unexpected gift for her. Elsewhere, Bill considers reaching out to Ray but ultimately discards the card in frustration.
Annie reads the letter with a growing sense of foreboding, discovering that Harry Brewis, the beloved baker, is critically ill in the hospital. Distressed by the news, Annie abruptly disembarks from the bus, her thoughts drifting to Harry (played by Ciaran Griffiths). Elsewhere, Benny bestows upon Terry the keys to a car as a job perk, adding that a suit would also be suitable attire for his new role.
Upon arriving at work, Annie finds that Marlene is absent, accompanied only by a note from Donald urging her not to continue avoiding her responsibilities. Desperate to reach Marlene, Annie's calls go unanswered, leading to an emotional meltdown that culminates in her collapsing down the stairs. Joan (played by Gemma Dart) steps in to inform Annie that she is now in charge. Benny, taking matters into his own hands, orders Attanasio and the others to leave.
Kate ventures to the park to meet Michael, who arrives shortly thereafter. As she playfully warns Fran to push him gently on the swing set, Detective Lee (played by Jasper Bagg) suddenly appears and arrests Kate, delivering a shocking revelation: Michael is no longer her son.
