As "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" unfolds, we find ourselves in Syria, the year being 1941. Dorrigo Evans, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, and his fellow soldiers engage in a conversation with a young boy, offering him water in the scorching heat. The following morning, Dorrigo exchanges words with Frank 'Darky' Gardiner, played by Thomas Weatherall, and the rest of their comrades. Guy 'Rabbit' Hendricks, portrayed by William Lodder, shows a picture of a woman, prompting playful teasing as Rabbit is asked to enhance the woman's chest in the sketch. Dorrigo delves into a conversation with Darky about gambling, revealing that Darky has placed a wager on the day of his own demise. Intrigued, Dorrigo decides to place a ten-shilling bet that Darky will survive the entire year. Meanwhile, Yabby Burrows, portrayed by Jeremy Blewitt, is tasked with fetching the young boy, while Tiny Middleton, played by David Howell, finds himself the butt of his comrades' jokes when they inquire about the origin of his nickname. Suddenly, an explosion in the distance shatters the camaraderie, revealing that Yabby has stepped on a landmine, sustaining critical injuries that ultimately claim his life shortly after.
Twelve months later, an article in the Adelaide Mail announces the surrender of the Commonwealth, prompting Keith Mulvaney, played by Simon Baker, to comment that his father was in the dark about the developments. He confides in Amy Mulvaney, portrayed by Odessa Young, that perhaps a woman might know more. Ella Evans, played by Olivia DeJonge, receives a call from Amy, who reveals her marriage to Keith and expresses her worry about Dorrigo, whom she hasn't heard from in weeks, presumed to be somewhere in the Pacific. Amy wonders why Keith didn't reach out if he was genuinely concerned about his nephew.
Flashing forward to 1989 Australia, Dorrigo, now portrayed by Ciaran Hinds, and Ella, played by Heather Mitchell, meet Anna Moore, portrayed by Annie Shapero. Anna grills Dorrigo about his transition from soldier to prisoner of war. Dorrigo responds matter-of-factly, stating that they merely did as they were ordered, emphasizing that the experience was more humiliating than anything else. He credits luck for his survival and labels their enemies as more monsterous than human. When pressed about their extreme actions, Dorrigo asserts that they were compelled to such lengths by circumstance. Anna shares her visit to Japan, to which Dorrigo responds skeptically, questioning her understanding of war due to her absence from its brutal realities. He contends that war encompasses numerous facets beyond her singular perception.
When she inquires about these facets, Dorrigo responds cryptically, suggesting that she might not want to know. Ella later reminds Dorrigo of their agreement to withhold footage if he meets with the journalist again, reminding him that it could bolster book sales. She gently scolds him for his disrespectful cursing in front of Anna.
Later, Dorrigo peruses sketches and memorabilia from the war, discovering a note informing him that Guy would have wanted him to possess them. He reflects on the book with Ella. Flashing back to August 1940, Dorrigo visits Ella, who teases him about being ready to face tough questions. They attend a gathering where Ella introduces Dorrigo to her parents, Helen, portrayed by Alexandra Schepisi, and Edward Lansbury, played by Ewen Leslie. Dorrigo informs them that he is on leave in Melbourne, setting the stage for further developments in their intertwined lives.
He presents them with books, among which Dorrigo possesses a tome of verse penned by the Roman poet Catullus. Soon enough, Dorrigo and Ella indulge in passionate lovemaking, sitting naked in each other's company. Dorrigo falsely assumes his safety, believing his role as a mere medical officer will shield him from harm. He mentions to Ella that he has informed his uncle of an impending visit, signaling his inevitable departure. Seeking out Keith Mulvaney, Dorrigo ventures into a bar and encounters Amy, Keith's wife. He feigns a casual visit, merely dropping by to say hello, and Amy agrees to relay his presence to Keith.
In another episode, Ella confides in Dorrigo that another man had propositioned her, to which Dorrigo responded by suggesting she consider his offer, given his impending departure for war. Ella reminds him of his vow to be by her side. They retreat to their quarters, where Dorrigo, overcome with emotion, proposes marriage to Ella.
At an event addressed by Max Harris (Rupert Bevan), Dorrigo catches sight of Amy amidst the small gathering. She follows him, engaging him in a conversation about Max's speech. Dorrigo, seeking to impress her, introduces her to Catullus. Intrigued, Amy requests a reading, which Dorrigo obliges. She reveals her favorite poem, one that declares, "You burn me." The moment is interrupted by Tippy Gardiner (Lucinda Howes) and her friend, who urge Amy to depart.
In subsequent scenes, Dorrigo labors over a speech for the impending launch of Guy's book, with Ella lending her support. Flash forward to Thailand in 1943, where Dorrigo is confined as a prisoner of war within a cramped train carriage, accompanied by Frank. Upon their arrival, they find themselves captives, with Major Nakamura (Show Kasamatsu) informing them of their duty to serve the Emperor and construct a railway. Nakamura extols the virtue of redeeming their honor through this endeavor.
As they toil, Frank and Tiny engage in a dispute. Tiny resents Nakamura's perceived superiority, while Frank argues that in their present circumstances, Nakamura holds the upper hand. Dorrigo, wandering aimlessly, eventually stumbles upon a group of men who find amusement in their dire situation. In one instances, Tiny is coaxed into displaying his impressive physique, much to the amusement of their captors, including Nakamura.
Later, Keith expresses delight at Dorrigo's visit, though Dorrigo remains uncertain about their departure date. Keith speculates it will be soon, given the ongoing bombings in London. They arrive at Keith's home, where Dorrigo is introduced to Jim and finds Amy awaiting their arrival. Keith entrusts Amy with Dorrigo's care.
Later, Amy and Dorrigo visit a club, where they share drinks and conversation. Dorrigo shares stories of Ella and her affluent background, while Amy recounts her own journey, starting at The King shortly before her aunt's passing and being courted shortly thereafter. Dorrigo reminisces about meeting Ella at a dance, and they share a dance together. Returning home, they continue their drinking, with Amy confiding in Dorrigo about Leslie Hutchinson, querying whether they are friends. Dorrigo senses the intimacy growing too close and decides it's best to leave.
In the present, Dorrigo persists in refining his speech, determined to make it as impactful as possible.
