The episode kicks off with the dramatic arrest of Sinead Martin (Rachel Morgan), orchestrated by Sergeant Bruce Harris (Scott Wills), for orchestrating a riot at the Backpackers Hostel after uncovering the clandestine cameras embedded within. Meanwhile, Theo Richter (Richard Flood) and Diana Huia (Acushla-Tara Kupe) confirm the ownership of a cellphone to be Emma Wilson's (Dea Doglione), a revelation that unfolds alongside a grim discovery. The Medical Examiner at the scene, captivated by the bones' substantial size, discoloration, and thickness, suspects they belong to a male individual, possibly over a century old. Further, noting the bones' punctured state, Detective Sergeant Gwenda (Miriama Smith) hints at a grim conclusion, though she refrains from divulging specifics.
Despite Mervin De Leon's (Nick Dunbar) categorical denial of any knowledge about the hostel's hidden cameras, Diana proposes an intriguing theory: the bones originate from a cave on Motutapu Island, a hallowed ground where dozens of Maori men, women, and children, victims of a brutal massacre by the British over 150 years ago, lie in eternal rest. This sacred land stands forbidden to all visitors. Armed with this new insight, Richter and Diana summon Frank Pastors (Owen Black) for interrogation, an endeavor that yields little fruit. Richter's time is soon diverted to quell a altercation at the motel between Anita Dalton (Clare Monnelly) and Aileen Ryan (Carolyn Bracken).
Richter manages to restore order at the motel but finds himself equally vexed when he discerns Aileen's gnawing guilt over Derry Fallon's (Aaron Monaghan) demise. With plans to escort her to Anita for clarification, Diana unexpectedly visits Valeria Armstrong (Ella Gilbert) to share the discovery of her mother's taonga. Valeria tries to console her, but Michaela Armstrong's (Alison Bruce) sudden appearance serves as a stark warning, practically ordering Diana to stay away.
Bruce orchestrates the testing of local weapons against ballistic evidence from the cabin, while Richter visits Doctor Ray Morris (Edwin Wright) for a thorough examination and blood tests. Though they await the blood results, Ray's optimism shines bright, almost astounded by Richter's exceptional health. Richter confesses his commitment to a nutritious diet and rigorous exercise, strategies he employs to stay ahead of his illness.
Later that evening, Diana pays a visit to Buster Huia, portrayed by Wayne Hapi, and Aunty Wiki, essayed by Vanessa Rare. Her intent is twofold: to impart her earlier discoveries and to seek their assistance in navigating to the island. Wiki, though visibly apprehensive, eventually lends her consent. Amidst the locals' solemn performance of a sacred ritual, meant to invoke blessings for their journey to the island, Bruce and Richter engage in a discourse about their respective traditions, along with those of the Wiki Clan.
Despite the ceremony's successful conclusion, Diana and Gwenda harbor reservations about venturing into the cave, fearing potential repercussions. Consequently, Richter and Bruce set forth alone, while Diana and Gwenda offer remote guidance. Upon reaching the cave, it doesn't escape Richter and Bruce's notice that the remains have been tampered with. Shortly thereafter, they unearth the rifle responsible for Derry's demise, but it proves unforthcoming in yielding additional insights.
Richter's earlier reassuring medical report takes a distressing turn when he receives grim news from his blood tests. It transpires that he has already developed the proteins precursor to brain alterations. Doctor Ray suggests a trial, but eligibility hinges on being a New Zealand citizen. As Richter grapples with his health woes, Judge Hannah Martin, played by Michelle Fairley, confronts Sinead over her recent reckless conduct. The confrontation degenerates swiftly, with Sinead attributing her predicaments to Hannah's inability to detach from her professional life. Ultimately, Hannah abandons the conversation in frustration.
Bruce personally returns Vaughn's (John Leigh) weapon and clears him of suspicion, but in doing so, he stumbles upon a room brimming with Ku Klux Klan memorabilia. Though Vaughn remains unaware of Bruce's discovery, he senses that something has deeply unsettled Bruce as he abruptly exits. Richter finds himself in an oddly parallel predicament when he accompanies Aileen to speak with Anita. The encounter proves tumultuous and deteriorates further when Aileen reveals that Derry, acting on Bounce's orders, was responsible for her brother Brian Dalton's (Diarmuid Noyes) demise.
Ginge, alias Poroaki Merritt-McDonald, interrupts a tranquil Wiki Family dinner with a heartfelt apology etched across his face and a sincere plea to be re-embraced by his kin. The clan, with open hearts and arms, welcomes him back, restoring the familial bond. Meanwhile, Anita pays a visit to Judge Hannah, who listens intently to her vows of bringing down Bounce but responds with an almost detached, unsympathetic demeanor. This indifference deepens when Anita confesses her fear of taking down the entire Fallon Organization, ultimately leading to an aborted meeting as Anita walks away, dejected.
Ray stumbles home, fueled by alcohol, determined to confront Michaela about her treatment towards Valerie. He almost accuses her of lavishing all her affection on Mayor Ken Armstrong (Matt Whelan), while vilifying Valerie and unfairly blaming her for Ken’s arrest. Initially offended, Michaela denies the allegations, but as Ray persists, she finds herself unable to retaliate, merely absorbing his words.
After a grueling day spent fingerprinting the townsfolk, Bruce and the authorities return to the station. Bruce begins sifting through Mervin’s hard drives, uncovering a snippet of a conversation where Tanya instructs an unknown party to procure a potent firearm and head to a specific hut. Realizing they overlooked fingerprinting Mervin due to lack of evidence, Bruce notices Mervin’s water glass from the earlier interrogation still sitting on the table. A swift fingerprint test confirms a match.
As the episode draws to a close, Bruce listens intently to the remainder of the recording, while Richter, Gwenda, and Diana race to Mervin’s house. Upon their arrival, they find no trace of Mervin but stumble upon a hidden chamber concealing what appears to be a shrine dedicated to the enigmatic Goatman, adding an eerie twist to an already tense narrative.
