The episode kicks off with Jack Rainbow (played by Christian Byers), gasping for breath and shivering in agony. Dorrigo Evans (portrayed by Jacob Elordi) solemnly informs him that gangrene has infiltrated further, suggesting the removal of more of his leg to avert septic shock. Rainbow, through gritted teeth, concurs but insists on being spared the details. In response, Dorrigo dispatches Les Whittle (Damian Hempstead) to procure a meat saw, while he时尚 his belt into service as a tourniquet, tightly securing it around Rainbow's already amputated limb. Rainbow emits a deep, pained groan.
Over at the cookhouse, Les requests a saw. A soldier meticulously cleans one before handing it over. Dorrigo, having washed his hands meticulously, enlists Bonox Baker (Reagan Mannix) to apply pressure to the femoral artery. Bonox offers Rainbow a cloth to bite down on, simultaneously exerting firm pressure on the vital artery. Dorrigo then proceeds to make the incision into Rainbow's leg. Rainbow lets out a piercing scream and collapses, overwhelmed by the pain. Dorrigo swiftly completes the amputation and secures the femoral artery. The tension among the men eases once the grueling procedure is concluded. Rainbow regains consciousness. Dorrigo instructs Bonox to offer him a cigarette. As Rainbow takes a drag, he offers it to Bonox when suddenly, his stump begins to bleed profusely. Dorrigo, Bonox, Les, and Darky spring into action, struggling desperately to stem the flow, yet their endeavors prove futile.
Later, as a gesture of gratitude, the soldiers present Dorrigo with a modest box of provisions. Bonox boasts that he personally stole it from a Japanese store just for him. Dorrigo, however, declines the offer, growing agitated when the soldiers persist in urging him to accept. Instead, he commands a soldier to donate it to the hospital.
In 1980, during a crucial meeting, Dr. Steven Hirst (portrayed by Justin Smith) imparted to Dorrigo Evans (Ciaran Hinds) that a formal complaint had been lodged concerning Vera Davis's treatment. Dorrigo recounted how Davis had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. During the surgical procedure, he discovered that the cancer had ominously spread to her liver. He proceeded to remove the affected lobe, but encountered unexpected bleeding, which he swiftly quelled with his expertise. Dorrigo asserted confidently that he had successfully excised all traces of the malignancy.
Dr. Eve Scott (embodied by Annabel Marshall Roth) inquired whether he had obtained Davis's consent for the liver resection. Dorrigo, slightly baffled, clarified that if she meant waking Davis mid-surgery to ask if she wished to retain her cancer, the answer was no. Scott pressed further, highlighting the risks involved in such a procedure, especially without explicit patient consent. Dorrigo, seasoned by five decades as a surgeon, replied that he was well-versed in such matters and elaborated on the intricacies of repairing a torn liver. Hirst then revealed the crux of the complaint: Dorrigo was accused of playing God. Dorrigo vigorously countered that surgery was a strict science, devoid of deity, emphasizing that doctors are lifesavers. Hirst, however, reminded him that doctors could also inadvertently end lives.
Later, Rick Maison (Dan Wyllie) lent his aid to Dorrigo during another surgery. Post-operation, as Rick washed his hands, Dorrigo approached him, quoting the Greek tragedian Aeschylus: "I've learned to hate all traitors, and there's no vice I despise more than betrayal." Dorrigo accused Rick of betraying him by reporting him to the Medical Council. Meanwhile, Lynette Maison (Essie Davis) climbed into bed with Dorrigo, planting a kiss on him and revealing that Rick had claimed Dorrigo had nearly killed a patient. Dorrigo vehemently denied the allegation, stressing the importance of surgeons maintaining emotional detachment. Lynette, contrastingly, appreciated Rick's capacity for feeling, despite his refusal to engage in intimacy with her.
Keith Mulvaney (Simon Baker), driving along the beach, vented about a frustrating encounter with a clerk. Shortly afterward, Amy Mulvaney (Odessa Young), Dorrigo, and Keith embarked on a fishing expedition. As they relaxed in the water, Dorrigo apologized for missing the funeral, and Keith confessed his own wishes to have skipped it, sharing how Amy had profoundly impacted his life. Dorrigo and Keith then took a dip, with Amy cautiously wading in. Keith seized the moment, planting a kiss on her.
Returning home, Amy confronted Dorrigo about his sudden interest in Keith. Dorrigo revealed that Keith was his uncle. Amy, emotional and upset, declared that Keith was her husband, demanding to know Dorrigo's intentions and calling him a coward as she stormed off.
In the cozy glow of dinner's candlelight, Ella Evans (portrayed by Heather Mitchell) delicately broaches the subject with Dorrigo, inquiring about the Medical Council's scrutiny upon him. Her awareness of the matter catches him off guard, prompting him to reveal that Rick had lodged a complaint, branding him as reckless. Ella, who insists on his surgical prowess, expresses bewilderment at his silence on the matter. Dorrigo, asserting the surgery's success, is cautioned by her not to jeopardize what they've painstakingly constructed together. He abruptly rises from the table, leaving an awkward tension in his wake.
Later in the evening, Yoyoka Takagi (played by Hisae Ueno) gracefully bestows upon Dorrigo an English rendition of Matsuo Basho's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," accompanied by "Japanese Death Poems," as a poignant testament to the enduring suffering of him and his fellow soldiers. She elucidates the Japanese belief that death poems transcend the mundane, offering a window into the poet's final thoughts, fostering an intimate connection between reader and poet. Dorrigo, moved, expresses his gratitude, and together, they pose for photographs, capturing a fleeting moment of camaraderie amidst the turmoil.
Within the confines of a POW camp, Guy "Rabbit" Hendricks (portrayed by William Lodder) collapses under the weight of exhaustion, his body bowed in defeat. Rooster MacNeice (Sam Parsonson) watches helplessly as a Japanese guard forces Rabbit to his feet with brutal indifference. In a subsequent moment, Dorrigo admonishes Bonox to avert his gaze, detailing their plan to fashion a saline solution and maintain hygiene in the dire surroundings. They vow to assist their comrades to the latrines when possible and arrange for the bodies to be burned at dawn. Frank, stepping outside for air, inquiries after Rabbit's well-being, and during their shared trip to the facilities, Rabbit confesses to Frank that his situation is dire. Frank lends him his strength, guiding him back to the tent.
Returning later, Frank hands Dorrigo whatever he could cram into his pockets, entrusting them to Dorrigo's care. Dorrigo inspects the items while checking on Rabbit, urging him to rest. Rabbit, determined, vows to complete his drawing, freeing Dorrigo to attend to those in greater need. However, as Rabbit succumbs to his fate, Dorrigo steps outside, the weight of loss and responsibility pressing heavily upon him.
Dorrigo spends his time in the company of Nakamura, who relies on pills to keep his distance from the harsh realities around them. Nakamura asserts that Philopon is meant for the grandeur of the Empire, not for the Australians. Dorrigo, however, requests morphine instead. He is instructed to make do with what they have, despite their dire lack of provisions. Undaunted, Nakamura expresses confidence in their ultimate success. He introduces Dorrigo to the teachings of Basho, who penned the essence of the Japanese spirit. Beyond mere supplies, the railway they toil to build will transport Basho's wisdom across the globe, Nakamura insists. He believes that once the railway is completed, the men will comprehend the magnificence of their mission.
Dorrigo counters by pointing out the alarming number of deaths and the cholera epidemic that is ravaging the camp. Nakamura responds by contending that the British Empire was forged on the backs of countless fatalities. He invokes the pyramids as an example, arguing that all of history is built by individuals like him. Curiosity piqued, Nakamura inquiries about Dorrigo's life after their ordeal, wondering if he has someone awaiting his return. Dorrigo confirms that he does. When Nakamura asks for her name, Dorrigo's thoughts drift to Amy.
In a vivid flashback, Dorrigo visits a bar, making it clear to Amy that his presence is not due to Keith. They venture to the beach together, where Amy expresses her belief that Keith will soon run for mayor. Dorrigo, uncertain about his own future despite Ella's meticulous planning, finds solace in their present moment. After their swim, they return to the bar. Amy downs a glass swiftly before ascending to the room where Dorrigo stands, naked under the shower. She strips and joins him, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.
Back at the prisoner of war camp, Dorrigo gazes at Rabbit's sketches. Haunting images emerge, suggesting that Rabbit's body might have been cremated by Dorrigo and Bonox, adding a somber note to the scene.
