As the narrative of "Ten Pound Poms" unfolds with its latest episode, we are greeted by haunting archival footage from the wartime era. In the year 1945, Annie Roberts (played by Faye Marsay), accompanied by a youthful Patty (portrayed by Arwen Tonta), steps back into the familiar confines of her home. Harry Brewis (Ciaran Griffiths), with a twinkle in his eye, tells Annie how much he cherished their Saturday night escapades and overnight stays. Annie confesses they hadn't taken any precautions, to which Harry reassuringly brushes it off, believing everything will be alright. However, Annie drops a bombshell, revealing Terry's impending return, signaling the end of their illicit liaison. Harry responds with genuine enthusiasm, insisting they shouldn't harbor guilt for the emotions they've shared; it was a necessity to survive those turbulent times.
Flashing forward to the present, Annie approaches Pattie (now played by Hattie Hook) with an invitation to return home. Pattie, acutely aware of her mother's unspoken secret—the affair with Terry (Warren Brown)—storms off in a huff. Shortly after, Annie learns of Kate Thorne (Michelle Keegan) and Robbie Carter's (Nic English) impending trip to the Blue Mountains, where Robbie plans to show Kate the haunts of his childhood. Kate, ever the gracious host, extends an invitation to Annie, promising camaraderie amidst the scenic splendor. Annie agrees, stipulating they secure separate lodging to afford the couple their privacy.
Terry emerges from his reverie, griping about the state of the toilets, but soon they're all heading up into the majestic mountains, where spirits are lifted with shared libations and reminiscences of days gone by. Elsewhere, Sheila Anderson (Emma Hamilton) and JJ (Stephen Curry) pay a visit to Trevor (Elliot Giarola), who steadfastly maintains his innocence against accusations of theft from his employer. Trevor swears he was framed, an assertion Sheila reluctantly acknowledges they believe. JJ ponders who might have orchestrated such a heinous act, prompting Trevor to recount a harrowing tale of an assault during a routine bank deposit with Bill Anderson. The money bag, mostly empty, was later found in Trevor's locker, leading him to suspect Bill knew about the impending locker inspection—information shared only among Trevor, the foreman, and Bill. When JJ mentions a mysterious meeting Bill had in town, complete with a handed package, Trevor doubles down on his innocence. Sheila vows to exhaust every avenue to secure his freedom.
Meanwhile, an unexpected mishap sees Kate collapsing to the ground, prompting Robbie to tender his immediate care. Terry and Annie excuse themselves, continuing their journey while Robbie attends to Kate. His efforts conclude with a tender kiss from Kate, who admits she's been grappling with her burgeoning feelings for him since their pretend engagement. Robbie, confessing his own long-held desires, tentatively asks if she'll become his fiancée, though Kate hesitates, still adjusting to a future unshackled from Michael's shadow. Robbie gracefully suggests they forget the proposal ever came up.
Later, Annie and Terry check into a cozy motel, where they receive an invitation to dinner from Robbie. At the shack, Ron Mahoney (Rob Collins) toils away, his day brightening when Maggie Skinner (Maya Stange) arrives, soon joining him in a lively dance. Arika (Haylee Rivers), peering through the window, watches the pair with curiosity. Elsewhere, Kate is introduced to Roddy Carter (Greg Stone), but her thoughts soon turn inward as she ventures inside to meet Carmel (Caroline Brazier).
This episode weaves a tapestry of human emotions, intertwining past and present, love and betrayal, amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Mountains.
Carmel announces that she has paired Robbie and Kate together, graciously offering them refreshments. Robbie regales them with tales of Terry and Annie, who are cozying up in their motel room. Annie heaps praise on Terry, calling him a hero for saving three lives, and speculates that he might harbor feelings for Christine, adding that she wouldn't fault him if he did. Terry, however, dismisses the notion, insisting that his compassion stemmed solely from seeing the children in distress.
Mrs. Walker (played by Tina Bursill) intercepts a baseball at the hostel, attempting to confiscate Birdie's (portrayed by Clare Hughes) bat. Pattie seizes the moment to vent about the hostel's myriad issues to Mrs. Walker. Birdie inquiries about the consequences of refusing to relinquish the bat, to which Mrs. Walker threatens eviction. Reluctantly, Birdie surrenders the bat and urges the others to take action. Peter (Finn Treacy) and his compatriots nod in agreement.
Kate checks in on Annie, who admits she's not truly alright. Annie confides in Kate about Pattie eavesdropping on their conversation and urging her to confess about Harry to Terry. Kate frets that such a revelation could shatter their bond. Mandy Moreland (Alex Malone) and Hilary Moreland (Sibylla Budd) soon join their circle. Robbie introduces Kate as a friend, and the conversation pivots to Kate's profession as a nurse. Hilary reveals her wish for Mandy to follow in her footsteps, even gifting her a nurse's outfit. Mandy, however, confesses her aversion to the sight of blood, preferring her role as a schoolteacher.
Terry announces to the gathered crowd that they've become grandparents, boasting about his fortune in having three wonderful women and an "annoying" son in his life. Hilary launches into a religious sermon upon discovering Pattie's unmarried status, prompting Kate to question her judgment, given her lack of context about their situation. Robbie discreetly inquiries about Mandy's well-being, noting her distress over the possibility of him having a girlfriend. Mandy reminds Robbie of their intimate past, then excuses herself, citing illness, as she returns to the group. Hilary accuses Kate of causing Mandy's distress and urges her own departure, to which Robbie concurs, earning a scolding from Hilary before she leaves.
Arika confronts Ron upon his return, noting his joyful dancing and rare smile. She expresses concern about societal perceptions of their actions and emphasizes the need for societal change, urging him to become more active in the struggle. They vow to bring their protest to the heart of where white wealth is concentrated, believing they've lost everything and yearn for redemption.
Sheila spots Bill Anderson outside, while a boy and Peter attempt to break into a place. Once inside, they pilfer supplies. Sheila alerts JJ to Bill's presence. Peter informs JJ that Bill has ventured to the Skinners' residence. Meanwhile, Bill discusses distributing his card with Ray Skinner (Sam Delich), who challenges Bill to decide between lingering or fleeing like a scared bird. Ray suspects Bill's fear stems from their encounter's intensity, urging him to face his feelings. Sheila admits her anxiety to JJ, fearing the situation could escalate. JJ reassures her, but their fears are soon realized when Bill and Ray are caught engaging in intimate acts upon their return. JJ tells Sheila her troubles might be over, but she slaps Bill in anger. Peter arrives with the stolen supplies, earning Birdie's commendation. Terry and Annie stroll away, Terry contemplating whether he could call this place home.
At a crucial juncture, Annie requests a brief moment to herself. With a heartfelt confession, she reveals that ever since their kiss, Terry has occupied her thoughts as the man she desires. The ring adorning her finger, she emphasizes, holds immense significance in her world. Then, in a voice trembling with emotion, she unburdens herself by confessing the affair she had with Harry Brewis. Annie emphatically asserts that what she felt for Harry was in no way comparable to her love for Terry. Terry, incensed, labels Harry a coward who evaded his conscription duties. Annie, her voice rising, exclaims that she thought Harry was deceased, the incident occurring at the dawn of 1945. Terry, puzzled, inquires why she's sharing this now, suspecting it's due to Harry's impending demise. Annie nods in affirmation, and Terry, harsh in his response, expresses his hope that Harry passes away soon, insisting he never needed to know.
Elsewhere, Kate inquiries about Robbie's mother, to which he responds that she was his entire world, making him a devoted momma's boy. Robbie shows Kate a cherished photograph of his mother, who had tirelessly striven to shield him from harm. However, the unthinkable occurred one afternoon; a policeman arrived after school to deliver devastating news. That day, Robbie realized for the first time that nothing in life is truly secure. Mandy interrupts their conversation, seeking forgiveness for an earlier altercation and requesting Kate's advice, given her profession as a nurse. In private, Mandy confesses she's been feeling unwell, experiencing nausea and occasional dizziness. Deeply concerned, she reveals that she's been pregnant for three months and that Kate is the only one who knows.
JJ shares a dance with Shelia, while Terry drowns his sorrows in solitude, becoming increasingly intoxicated. Kate finds solace sleeping beside Robbie. Bill, overwhelmed with emotion, strikes himself in frustration. Ron, meanwhile, is pulled over by two police officers, forcefully removed from his truck, and struck. One officer, before departing with his colleague, proudly declares that he still considers this his land. Mrs. Walker returns to find graffiti reading "No Fun Allowed" on her property. As she shouts and searches for the culprits, the children hide and watch. Pattie steps forward, willing to take the blame. Birdie, Peter, and the others quickly confess their involvement too. Pattie, in a moment of poignant empathy, tells Mrs. Walker that while she has sacrificed much to be a mother, she too deserves to have fun with her friends.
Pattie firmly believes that Mrs. Walker has brought her predicament upon herself, while JJ observes the unfolding scene from a nearby vantage point. Mrs. Walker insists on every last trace of the disarray being tidied up; only then will she dismantle the "no game" signs. Annie discovers that Terry is boarding a train to return home and prefers to make the journey alone. She promptly calls Kate to relay her conversation with Terry and announces her intention to follow him, acknowledging her fear that this might strain their relationship.
Annie heads to the train station and finds a seat, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Kate informs Robbie that they'll be journeying back home solo and proposes a return trip to the mountains. Robbie eagerly agrees. Coincidentally, Terry boards the same train as Annie. As Kate and Robbie set off for the mountains once again, Kate confesses to Robbie that she's never experienced a home or a family like his, nor has she ever been loved so deeply by anyone. She urges Robbie to propose to her again, and this time, she accepts with a heartfelt yes. On their way back, Robbie suggests they stop for a celebratory drink, and during their conversation, Kate reveals that Mandy is pregnant, adding that Mandy hasn't yet disclosed the father's identity.
As they depart the tranquility of the mountains, Terry spots Annie on the train and approaches her, inquiring whether Peter is indeed his son. Annie stands her ground, asserting that Peter is indeed his flesh and blood, and reminding Terry that she too is Peter's mother. Terry, unsatisfied, walks away, leaving Annie to sit alone with her thoughts. Upon returning to the hostel, Annie confronts Pattie, explaining that she told Terry and wondering why Pattie thinks revealing the truth is always superior to lying. Pattie holds onto her belief that honesty is paramount, but Annie counters that life is not so black and white.
Elsewhere, Terry witnesses Benny Bates (Marcus Graham) harassing Christine Bailey (Taylor Ferguson) for money. Intervening, Terry orders Benny to leave her be, ultimately resorting to punching Benny and his accomplice. Annie steps in to halt Terry's aggression, prompting Benny to warn Terry that his actions were a grave mistake.
