As the curtain rises on this installment of "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," Ella Evans (portrayed by Heather Mitchell) gently reminds Dorrigo Evans (Ciaran Hinds) of their noble endeavor for charity. She hints at the presence of numerous high-profile attendees, setting the stage for an evening of significance.
Amidst the glittering event, Dorrigo engages in conversation with Rick Maison (Dan Wyllie), who boasts of his generosity for the night. Lynette Maison (Essie Davis), Rick's wife, graces the occasion as well. Dorrigo reveals to Rick that Keith Thompson, the surgery's generous patron, is also in attendance. The ambiance is enhanced by the melodious strains of classical music.
Later, amidst whispers and glances, Dorrigo and Lynette find themselves drawn to each other, their connection igniting in a passionate encounter. Seated amidst others, they exchange playful banter about aging, with Dorrigo admiring Lynette's timeless allure. She confesses that her husband fails to see her through the same enchanted lens as Dorrigo. Dorrigo, mindful of the path they tread, suggests they establish ground rules for their ongoing liaison. He playfully asks her to trim her nails, prompting a flirtatious retort about his familiarity with such requests.
Flashing back, a younger Dorrigo (Jacob Elordi) indulges in revelry with Amy (Odessa Young) and Keith (Simon Baker). Keith reveals his awareness of Amy's nocturnal escapades, hinting at a strained dynamic. Dorrigo excuses himself, only to be sick outside. Amy, concerned, follows him out, and they eventually share an intimate moment. Inside, Keith seeks to rekindle Amy's joy, promising to elicit her smile—a promise he fulfills, leading to a sexual encounter.
The next morning, Amy checks on Dorrigo, who is still recovering. Keith joins them with breakfast, and the trio laughs off their night's escapades. As Amy and Dorrigo stroll, she apologizes for Keith's behavior. She admits his occasionally harsh nature and penchant for mind games but insists on her love for him. Their conversation pivots to Ella (Olivia DeJonge), whose beauty is universally acclaimed. Dorrigo and Amy share a dance and a swim, their bond unmarred by the previous night's turbulence.
In a future scene, Dorrigo advises a worried patient about the necessity of surgery, solemnly warning Mr. Davis (Jan Langford Penny) of the dire consequences of forgoing treatment. Meanwhile, Rick joins Ella by the poolside, casually dropping the bombshell that Dorrigo is involved with his wife. Ella, though suspicious, expresses uncertainty about Dorrigo's circle of friends. Rick's probing questions hint at a potential scandal that could tarnish Dorrigo's reputation.
The significance of the practice outweighs that of Rick's suggestion for intimate relations, prompting Ella to dismiss Rick and send him home. Amidst a surgical procedure, Dorrigo discovers with gravity that the cancer has metastasized to the liver, resolving to excise it. Rick, however, opposes this bold move. When complications arise, Rick's reminder of his earlier warning echoes in the room. Afterward, Rick seeks a discussion on the operation's outcome, but Dorrigo brushes it off, boasting of a triumphant surgery. Rick counters fiercely, accusing Dorrigo of butchering the patient. Dorrigo asserts his authority over the operating table.
Meanwhile, Ella phones Kate, inquiring about Dorrigo's whereabouts, explaining her duty at the military hospital. Ella proceeds to address the guests and officially opens the repatriation center at the hospital, sans Dorrigo. She engages warmly with numerous patients and attendees. Elsewhere, Dorrigo confides in Lynette, who urges him to disclose the truth about the surgery. Dorrigo contends that people yearn for tales of heroism and camaraderie, rather than harsh realities. He maintains that honesty, though preferred, isn't always sought.
Flashing back, Guy 'Rabbit' Hendricks (William Lodder) sketches intently within the POW camp. Rabbit steps outside, thanking Dorrigo for the pencils, emphasizing that his drawings serve as a window into their plight. Rabbit ponders if the men mind being portrayed, to which Dorrigo doubts they do. As work preparations commence, Dorrigo voices his concern about Tiny Middleton's (David Howell) fitness for duty, yet Major Nakamura (Sho Kasamatsu) disregards him. Nakamura's superior emphasizes the expectation of substantial progress upon his return. Nakamura confides in Colonel Kota (Taki Abe) about his apprehension regarding manpower shortages, noting his crucial role in the railroad's inception and the dire need for more men. Kota responds coldly, stating that no more men are available and that the Japanese presence aims to humble the Europeans from their arrogant pedestal. Kota urges Nakamura to enforce discipline, reminding him that this is a theater of war.
Later, Dorrigo witnesses a disturbing scene of Japanese soldiers abusing the POWs and pitting them against one another. In a moment of intense tension, Sheephead Morton (Fabian McCallum) lifts a rock, intent on confronting their tormentors.
Frank "Darky" Gardiner, portrayed by Thomas Weatherall, intervenes just as Dorrigo is about to act. Dorrigo engages in a discussion with a Japanese superior concerning the men ailing from dysentery. He insists on procuring adequate supplies to boil more water for their relief. Nakamura responds by acknowledging that time is of the essence but promises to endeavor to secure some of what Dorrigo has requested from his soldiers. That evening, as they bed down, Darky playfully asks Tiny to shift positions, amusing the others. Rooster MacNeice, played by Sam Parsonson, groans that he's feeling unwell and requests some rest, to which Dorrigo watches the camaraderie unfold with a reflective gaze.
Upon dawn's break, the Japanese arrive at the camp to inspect the prisoners. Darky suddenly finds himself confronted with a grievance; his fold, it seems, was improperly facing inward instead of outward as decreed. Work on the railway resumes, with Tiny struggling under the burden. Later, Rabbit sketches scenes from their camp life with fervent detail. Meanwhile, Dorrigo attends to Jack Rainbow's (Christian Byers) leg, who laments the foul odor emanating from it. Bonox Baker (Reagan Mannix), aiding in the care, gingerly cleanses the ulcer, heeding Dorrigo's advice to leave the live maggots undisturbed while removing the deceased ones.
Nakamura recounts his conversation with the Australian doctor to Colonel Kota. The doctor had inquired about Japan's motives for initiating the war. Nakamura explains that he told the doctor they seek to liberate Asia from European colonization, positioning Japan as the vanguard of a new Asian order marked by coexistence and prosperity. Nakamura doubts the doctor fully comprehends their vision, and he is advised not to expend effort in elucidating their ideals to the prisoners. Their actions, the colonel asserts, will be etched in eternity. When queried by the colonel if he has ever beheaded a man, Nakamura describes the act as both euphoric and horrid. The colonel, desiring to demonstrate a point, leads Nakamura to the prisoners where Tiny is singled out. The colonel offers Nakamura tips on executing a beheading. As the colonel prepares to strike Tiny's head, Tiny prays fervently, prompting Nakamura to suggest they retreat. Yet, the colonel proceeds to end Tiny's life.
Later, Chum Fahey (Caelan McCarthy) is tasked with sending the prisoners a morale-boosting song. Flashing back, Dorrigo and Amy continue their swim, and on their return journey, Amy accidentally slices her leg. Dorrigo tenderly attends to her wound, his kisses trailing up her leg until she gently halts him.
