McLeod's Daughters

Ah -

Narrator

Previously on McLeod's Daughters. How much room do you need? (scoffs) I looked. That door was shut. Well, I opened it assuming you'd allow enough room for a bloke to get in and out of his car. What sort of mindless idiot would think you and I are an item? Obviously, a mindless idiot like me. So much for spending the night and just talking. (Tess laughing) It's your half of the sheep sales. Ah, you didn't have to- That cafe you wanted, there's your deposit. I don't want to hold you back anymore. (solemn music) (upbeat country music) (cattle mooing) (pen rattling) It's looking good, hey? Yeah, and Blaze isn't too bad either. (Claire chuckles) When's the company rep coming to make his selection? Tomorrow, maybe the next day. (Blaze nickers) Harry's asked him to stay at Killarney. Trying for the home-ground advantage, is he? Won't help, you're a better trainer than Alex. Speaking of which, are the lovebirds up yet? Tess headed out to milk Madonna, at dawn. Disappeared back to bed when she'd finished. (chuckles) I have to start charging him board. Yeah? Don't appreciate slackers, that's all. (solemn music) (hand slaps) Ow. (Alex laughs) You're trying to figure out what to buy me, huh? Nope, I'm trying to figure out why Claire wants to get rid of me. You don't think it's about you? (laughs) No way! We're mates. Hmm. We should get up. What for? 'Cause people will talk. You're being very casual about this campdrafting contract. (Alex yawns) Shouldn't you be out training or something? Nah. I'm primed enough already. Hmm? Claire's been out training round the clock. Oh, is that right? Mm-hmm. So who are you barracking for? Me or her? (uplifting country music) It'll take some time to find your heart And come back home You could walk for miles Cross every river And find you're not alone 'Cause I'll be there Oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh You're not alone Oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh 'Cause I'll be there Ooh (door squeaks) And suddenly, they're both acting like they're mega-movie stars or something, I mean, like it matters. -

Meg

Like what matters? Oh, Jessica and Emma are entering the Miss Gungellan Showquest. It's so sad. Oh, it's not sad at all. I've heard they're lots of fun. They're only doing it to be more popular. Oh, and who would want that, eh? (chuckles) Me. Well, give them a call. Ah, great, she's not in yet. Have a good sleep-in? 'Cause it doesn't matter. Everyone else did your work for ya? Yeah, well, I've done the milking. Wanna eat outside? - Yeah, sounds like a plan. (door slams) (sighs) Noisy creatures, aren't they? (Alex whistling) Morning. - Hi. (laughs) You're still bristly. Yeah, the power cut out. You should get your wiring checked, Claire. Oh and this came off the light switch thing-o. Oh, give it to me. I'll (laughs) fix it. I heard you been training round the clock, Claire. (playful music) (glass bangs) (playful music) Hey, Claire. I've been talking to the Australian Bloodlines rep. He's pretty keen to get his assessments finished. What's his name again? I don't know. Well, he's not a regular. Pete, Peter somethin'. It's a bit sneaky having him stay at Killarney. It's country hospitality, Claire. That's all. (Claire scoffs) Besides, you agreed to run the course there? Oy! (keys jingling) You'll need these. Oh, you hid them so I'd stay, did you, Tess? -

Tess

I'll, um, see you later. -

Alex

You betcha, baby. (Tess laughs) Bye - See ya. (engine revs) He's cute, isn't he? Hey, Claire, wait up! You wanna tell me what the problem is? (tense music) Did you have to tell him how many hours I've been putting into training? Does it matter? It matters. He's the competition. Have you told him yet? Told him what? That you're going back to the city. (solemn music) Could you talk to Alex about not leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor? Sorry, he's not very well house-trained. Not surprising. Probably been waited on hand-and-foot his whole life. What makes you say that? He's a boy. Mother's are different with their sons. Liz has probably spoilt them both rotten. -

Tess

Unlike you with Jodi. Hey, Mum! Guess what? Say hello to the next Miss Gungellan. (gasps) You're doing it? - Yeah. You're entering? - Yeah. Well, I have to have an interview to see if they accept my application, but they will, so yeah. - That's great! Oh, good on you. You're encouraging her to enter a beauty contest. No, Showquests are not beauty contests. They're nothing like it. There's no prancing around in cossies. It's about community involvement and charity work and- It is? Oh, stupid thing! I've gotta talk some sense into Claire. You know, darling, there's a lot of hard work involved in taking part in the 'Quest. Oh, it's not that much. Oh no, believe me. I know. Runner-up, Miss Wagga Wagga, 1980. (both laugh) You're kidding? Oh God, it must have been slack year. Hey! (towel slaps) - Ow! But why can't we do something about it? Because I can live with it, and you won't have to for much longer. I never said I wanted to leave, not recently, anyway. Tess, you wanted this cafe for ages. I want you to have it, too. That's why I gave you enough for the deposit. It's your dream. Yeah, I guess, but I don't... (solemn music) Look. If this guy from Australian Bloodlines decides that I'm the trainer that they want and give me the contract, them I'm halfway to my dream. I can start buying some breeding stock. In a few years, Drovers Run could be one of Australia's top studs. Fantastic, and I'm here to help you. I don't need your help. I managed perfectly well before you came, Tess. And I will manage when you're gone. I gotta get going. (solemn music) G'day. - Hi. Peter Johnson. Is, uh, Claire about? Ah, yep, she should be here somewhere. Oh, I'm Tess Silverman, Claire's sister. G'day. Come on through. Can I help at all? Well, I'm here representing Australian Bloodlines. Oh, you're the guy, the one who decides who gets the contract. That's me, yeah. Yeah, well, look no further, Claire is your man, I mean, woman, I mean, trainer. What're you doing here? Claire, this is- - Yeah, I know who he is. Look, whatever you're selling, we're not interested, so you can get back in your wagon- I'm not selling anything. Well, if you've come about the money, you can forget it. It wasn't my fault, and I'm not paying. - Did you know that Claire is a very good rider? Better rider than driver, I hope. What's that supposed to mean? You don't need to make this difficult. Peter's here from Australian Bloodlines. (clears throat) Oh. (chuckles) You're the assessor. Yeah, well, now the introductions are done, maybe we should, um, move into the house. Yeah, right-o. Did Alex know you were coming? We've talked on the phone. They tell me you're pretty good, Ms. McLeod. They're right. (chuckles) Well, I'm grading Alex on Thursday. You're up Friday. Seeing a guy out west in between. Are you up for it? What do you think? I think I'll see you Friday. (solemn music) Bye, Peter! Thanks for the warning. I just made a complete idiot of myself. (solemn music) (fist thuds) (Alex laughing) You set her up! It was too good an opportunity not to. It's not funny, Alex. She thinks I was in on it. (Alex laughs) I wish I could've seen her face. Dirty pull, buster! (pillow thuds) Oh, get away! I had to do something to level the playing field. Ah, so you're admitting that Claire is a better trainer than you are. No, I'm admitting she's a chick. Unfair advantage. Look, all women have to do is bat their eyelids and show a bit of cleavage, and they've won. What century were you born in? Women's liberation, ring any bells? Ah... (pillow thudding) (both grunting) (both laughing) Go on! Get... (Claire and Alex laughing) You were the one that chucked it, not me. (Claire and Alex chattering) (Claire sighs) Let's go have a beer. (Tess moaning) Yeah! (Claire yells) (dramatic music) (Claire grunts) Claire? (Claire groaning) (solemn music) Alex, give us a hand! (Claire groaning) All right, let's get your jeans off, check it out. Oh, get out! You've done enough damage. How is it my fault? Just tell him to rack off, will ya, Meg? Claire- - No, I'm okay. I just want everyone to stop fussing. Good night. Okay, let's take a look. I'm all right. It's okay. (hisses) Can you move your knee? (tense music) (Claire sighing) (Claire groaning) Claire, I think your knee's stuffed. You're not gonna be riding for a while. Just needs a bit of rest. Blaze is ready, and I'm not up till Friday. Plenty of time. (solemn music) Uh-huh. (solemn music) -

Nick

Just slide up there, Crow. What's happening? -

Nick

I'm gonna borrow the blokes for a couple of days, and some gear. Get some work done on the place. One hell of a night. You wanna know how good? I can live without it. Just enjoy it while it lasts. (cattle mooing) So how many councilors have we got? Eight or nine? Oh does the mayor count? Well, there's Billy Sholes, Ted Stevross, Madge Brian. What's this sudden interest in politics anyway? For my interview, local knowledge. Miss Gungellan 'Quest, hello? Well, ask Claire. She knows all that stuff. It's my first step up the ladder, Beck. First Miss Gungellan, then a part in a soapie or something, fame, fortune, and the bright city lights. Oh, the girl that won last year's got a part-time job at the local campus. So she lacked ambition. (Becky laughs) Do you know the last three winners all went out with Alex Ryan? Oh, and so has half the district. (Jodi sighs) Except me. Hey, we expected you home last night. Well, we didn't want Claire thinking I was sucking up to the company rep. Well, forget that, this is business. She might have to pull out, Dad. She's hurt her leg. (Harry chuckles) Well, that's a shame. Aw, jeez, wipe the smile off your face, will ya? I like winning, but not like this. Nick's inside, packing up the last of his things. Oh, he'll be back as soon as the novelty wears off. He only bought the place to add to the Ryan Empire. (laughs) Did he tell you that? Well, not in so many words. (car horn honking) Hi! Hi. (gentle music) (Tess and Alex chattering) As soon as we get that quarter horse contract, I think Claire might see the sense of merging Drovers with Killarney. Oh. Soon as one of these young blokes gets a ring on her finger. (engine rumbles) It'll be Nick, then. Claire's got more dignity than to accept her sister's leavings. (dramatic music) Well, here we are. So what are we doing, Tess? (Jodi shushing) Now go wide around the steer, Jode. Right. (Jodi shushing) And only go at the beast's pace. She'll only go as fast as you ask her to. (Jodi sighing) Oh, steady her back. (sighs) Claire, you're kinda confusing me. Can I just go through one round by myself? Yeah. Sorry, fair enough. (Claire groans) I don't need this anymore. Can you use it? Appreciate the offer. But I'm fine, just need to rest it. -

Nick

What's happening? She's taking Blaze through her paces for me, just till the leg's right. Be right by Friday? Course it'll be right by Friday. (gentle music) Hey, how are you enjoying being a landowner? Oh, it's good. It's brilliant. I feel like I've got my own life for once, you know? Yeah. When you gonna let Harry know it's got nothing to with him? When I've got as much out of him as I can. (gentle music) (engine rumbling) Now that's funny. They left Killarney before me. Must've had engine trouble. (Tess laughing) (gentle music) Hey, Meg, have we got anymore chocolate biscuits? Sorry, somebody finished them all last night. Hm, wish we had some oysters. It's tuna mornay for dinner. I won't be down. I'm busy. Knocking yourself out, I see. Actually, the plan is to knock Alex out. Come tomorrow morning, he'll be a mere shadow of himself. You can't be serious. No, I'm deadly serious. Do you know football players aren't allowed to do it the night before a big game? It lowers their performance. Where'd you hear that? It's common knowledge. You're crazy. Yeah, that's what they say about all the great minds in history. I've gotta go. Country boys are different, you know. Rubbish. Boys are boys. Did not! - Did so! -

Tess

(laughs) You are a liar! -

Alex

I can prove it! Ask Dad! -

Tess

Yeah, of course, he's gonna agree. He's your step-dad! Ah! It doesn't prove anything. -

Alex

What good is it? It's too late to think that. -

Tess

Because (laughs)! Why can't people... (Tess laughs) (solemn music) So all I have to do is pass this interview with Mrs. Ryan tomorrow, and that's that. You're interview's with Liz Ryan? Yeah. That's just terrific. Why? What's the problem? She treats me like the hired help. Only if you let her. I'm not putting any weight on it. Feels much better, I reckon it'll be right by tomorrow. It's my future, Meg. I've gotta do this. Well, there's no need. I've wiped out the opposition. What's she on about? I've kneecapped him. Alex is done for. There's no way he's getting out of bed today, let alone on a horse. (gentle music) (Alex shushing) -

Alex

Get up. Get around. (Alex shushing) (solemn music) (Alex clicking) Get up (shushes). I thought you said you'd kneecapped him. He's bluffing, gotta be. Any minute now he'll be out like a light. (Alex clicking) (Alex shushing) Get up. (shushes) Gate! (horse neighs) (dramatic music) Go on. Get up, boy! That's it! Come on. (Alex hissing) I've never seen him so good. (dramatic music) Well, I guess you're not as good as you think you are, hey? (dramatic music) I'm history, Meg. It's all over. That's it. Good boy. (Alex clicks) Good boy. Good work. (somber music) But you're better than him. We've still got till Friday. I'm calling Peter Johnson now. There's no point in wasting more time out here. No, no, wait, wait, wait. I'm still working on another plan. (sighs) Well, if it's as good as the last one, I can hardly wait. How was I to know Alex is a freak? Why don't you just hold out until Friday? You never know. Hey, where's Mum? Oh, she's polishing the floor in case Liz Ryan looks under the rug. You never know. Well, I'm trying to decide what dress to wear for Mrs. Ryan. Well, not the mauve one, it's too sparkly. And the stripey one, the neckline's too low. You don't want her thinking you're the type to bat your eyelashes and flash your cleavage. I'll give you a hand. Thanks. (horse neighs) Perfect. (playful music) (switch clicks) (vacuum humming) (vacuuming sputters) (switch clicking) Blue? Lavender? Oh, I like that. Oh, what about community service? (Becky sighs) Tell her you're helping, helping an injured farmer. Oh, good. (playful music) (knocks at door) (ominous music) Aren't you going to ask me in, Jodi? Uh, of, of course, but, um, I thought we were gonna do this up at the house? Uh, Mum's fixed afternoon tea. Oh no, it's nothing formal. It's just a talk. (solemn music) Goodness. So where shall I sit? Ah, thank you, Becky. We'll be fine now. (playful music) And the thing is, with rural communities all over Australia suffering form government cutbacks- Which particular cutbacks did you have in mind? Well, you know, all of them. (Jodi chuckles) Now, Miss Gungellan is expected to have some involvement with the community. Oh, absolutely, and as far as that goes, you know how Claire's hurt her leg? Well, I'm helping her out by training Blaze. Yes, but that's paid work, though, isn't it? She's your employer. Well, yeah- - Jodi! Darling, everything's ready up at the house. Are you dressed... Liz! Jodi, why didn't you ask Mrs. Ryan up to the homestead? Because she said she'd rather do it here. No, I love this place. Reminds me of a little cottage I used to stay at on the holidays. Um, why don't we go up there now? I've got some tea brewing. I've made some scones, and- Oh, no, thanks, I'll pass. I'm watching the weight. Anyway, I think I've taken up quite enough of Jodi's time. Are you sure- - We'll be in touch. (somber music) (bell dings) No mail for you. How'd it go? Well, it was going really badly, and then Mum came in and started groveling and made it worse. It doesn't matter anyway. I was only going in it 'cause of Jessica and Emma, so... Yeah, well, Miss Gungellan, big deal, eh? Exactly, (chuckles) who needs it? You did what? I invited Peter Johnson to dinner. It's all part of the plan. Because apart from being a better trainer, et cetera, et cetera, you've got something that Alex hasn't got. Ta-da! What? Your cleavage? No, our cleavage. Tonight, we dress to kill. We shake booty. We bat lashes. Come coffee and liqueur, the guy will be putty in our hands. Yeah, and then what? Well, then we ask for a few more days until you've gotta ride. Well, I don't think he's in the position to do that. It's worth a try, Claire. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. One slight flaw in your plan, Tess, in case you hadn't noticed, Peter and I don't exactly get along. (Claire scoffs) (solemn music) (gentle music) (switch clicks) Damn it, Claire! (knocks at door) Hello. G'day. Come in. You've got a power problem. Oh, it's, um, it's mood lighting. Yeah, we like it like this. Right. Um, Claire should be down soon. Not quite sure what she's doing. Just getting changed for dinner. Hi, Peter. (gentle music) Hello. Glad you could make it. Why don't you two go in? I'll be in, in a tick. Right, well, um, what can I get you to drink? Beer, wine, coffee, tea, me? After you. (gentle music) Thanks. Okay then, two, four, six, eight. You know, I have to say I'm a bit surprised. Yeah, wondered why anyone would invite a mindless twit over for dinner. Oh, you don't know Claire very well. She calls me that all the time. It's kind of like a term of endearment. Oh, right, like smart aleck or idiot. You started it. Would you like some more wine, Peter? Why did you invite me over for dinner? Well, it was Tess's idea actually. She thought you might have been a nice guy. Right then, I'll just get another bottle of wine. Shall I, Claire? (gentle music) Sorry about the pudding. Oh, it's okay. I like runny pudding. Why don't you tell Peter about Calypso? Go on. It was Claire's first horse training experience. She was only 15. 13. It was a fluke. Oh, I'd like to hear it. Um, well, she was a gorgeous horse, chestnut, a bit temperamental. Dad and the trainer were trying to break her in. They were using ropes. I hated it. Told them they were doing it all wrong. Oh, that doesn't sound like you. (Claire laughs) Well, Dad reckoned I should put my money where my mouth is, so I did. Mostly, I just kind of ignored her, and that got her curiosity up. And gradually, she came closer and closer and closer, until finally, she couldn't bear it anymore, and she nuzzled me. Oh, so you won her over with subterfuge. Yeah. Oh that and the piece of apple that was in my hand. (both laugh) Uh, coffee, port, anyone? Yeah, thanks. (gentle music) So I went to bed, and I heard him drive off about one. Ugh, whose idea was the port? Didn't hear any protests at the time. (Claire sighs) Good night? What'd you talk about till one in the morning? Horses. (Becky scoffs) He knows his stuff. Thought you said he was an idiot. Well, he's an idiot who knows his stuff. Did you ask for a postponement? No, I'm gonna be fine. I'll be fine. (Claire groaning) (solemn music) Fine, huh? (Blaze nickers) (solemn music) (Claire groans) Could Jodi ride in your place? Just doesn't work like that. He's gotta see us working together, me and Blaze. Okay, they're the rules, and he might say no, but isn't it worth asking? (solemn music) I'm sorry about the leg, really. You could've told me last night. Look, if it was up to me, yes, but I'm supposed to see how the trainer and the horse work together. Yeah, sorry. I had to ask. Listen, Pete, given the circumstances, you could be a bit more flexible, right? I mean, it's no skin off my nose if Jodi rides. Nor mine, but- Leave it, guys. I understand. I guess there's no harm, and I could see how Blaze responds to another rider. Let's do it. All right, saddle up, kid. You're on. Claire, I'm packing it. No need, you're doing fine in the training sessions. Yeah, but what if Blaze tries to compete? Well, you just be ready for it and hang on to it. Okay. You know, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, Liz, Jodi applying for nomination. (sighs) She only had a day to prepare for the interview, so if you could take that into consideration. I mean, she's not taking it lightly. The, the contest means a lot to her. Well, it means a lot to all the girls who've entered, Meg. Oh, yes. Yes, of course it does. Wouldn't bother shouting, I'd say. Pity. Claire could've done with that contract. Would've got it, too. We'll never know, will we Becky. Mr. Ryan. Jodi's put her name down for the Miss Gungellan 'Quest. Is that right? Of course Mrs. Ryan has to accept her nomination first. Maybe you could put in a good word for her. It's nothing to do with me, Becky. Okay, Blaze is on the gates. I think we're right to go. Jodi, you ready? Ready. (dramatic music) Gate! (Blaze neighs) (dramatic music) Good. Claire's done good work on that horse. Yeah, lucky for Alex, she's not riding it. Get away. Come off your beast, Jodi! (Blaze neighs) She's stuffed it. (somber music) Sorry, can I start again? Fine. Take another beast. (solemn music) You gotta pace yourself. Just take it easy. Let Blaze do the work. Just go straight to the cow and stay beside it, okay? And hold your nerve. Yeah. Come on. Help Jodi out, okay? Heaven's sake. (gate squeaks) (dramatic music) That's better. (dramatic music) (Blaze neighs) (dramatic music) Nearly there, Jode. Stay in tight, no rush. (Blaze neighs) (somber music) Well, that's it. We're out of it. Well done. Thanks, Nick. Hi, Tess. Hi. You all right? - Well, Claire- Yep. - What can I say? You want some wine? - Best not to say anything, Harry. - Ah, no, no. Just bad luck, that's all. Blaze is a credit to you. How long do we have to do this for? (solemn music) Oh. You know you're still the best-looking woman in the district, Liz? (Liz laughs) You'd win that Showquest, hands down, if you weren't married. I, uh, I hear young Jodi's competing this time. Yes, I don't know. She's very sweet, but not much substance. What? After that performance, come on. She's doing all right. Anyway, she's practically a McLeod. You remember the grand plan? Oh, yes. We'll give you three pigs, two oxen, one son, an entry in the 'Quest in exchange for, oh, Drovers Run? Uh-huh. Look, anyway, it might help ease the pain of them missing out on that contract. Go on, where's the harm in it? It's not as if the kid's likely to win. Well, then why set her up for disappointment? Hm? (laughs) (solemn music) Jodi? Jodi? (Jodi sniffs) Is something the matter? Ah, just disappointed, I guess. Oh, well, I know you didn't have much time to prepare. Still, we need applicants to have a good general knowledge of the area. Oh, the Miss Gungellan thing? Yeah. No, that's fair enough. Truth is I only entered it to make more friends, so... You could try again next year. No, it's not that. Oh, just getting that contract really meant a lot to Claire, and I just wanted to show her that I could... I see. Yes, well, (Jodi sniffs) that was bad luck. Here. (solemn music) Thanks. (Jodi sniffing) I'll take it home and wash it. (laughs) Would you like a piece? Thanks. I always eat when I'm upset. Me too. When I'm really upset, I lock myself in the bedroom with a family-sized block of chocolate, and I eat it all myself. Me too. (both laugh) Jodi. You did your best. Nobody could've done more. Harry, could I use a phone? I've got to I call the main office. Yeah, go for it. - Thanks. Okay, so now that's all over, what are we doing tonight? Sleeping, alone. I'm very exhausted. Hell, I'm not surprised, Tess, after all the effort you put into trying to wear me out. Yeah, I had ya sussed, from the start. Shoulda told ya, wine, women, and songs always energize me. (Tess laughs) You are very unnatural. Mm-hmm. - Mm. Time to go, eh? Suits me. Everybody, if I could have your attention please, I am delighted to announce that I accept your nomination, Jodi. You will be competing for the crown of Miss Gungellan. Oh, no. - Oh, yes. Congratulations. (all laugh) Congratulations, Jode. - Very well done. (gentle music) (Jodi laughing) Thank you. Thank you. (gentle music) All out of plans? Mm. Alex staying again tonight? Uh, no. I'm sorry, Claire. What for? There'll be other contracts, won't there? Yeah, sure. No big deal. (gentle music) (Tess sighs) You were brilliant out there today, girl. (chuckles) We'll show 'em someday, hey. (car door thuds) (solemn music) You ran off before we could talk. Well, hobbled off, I guess, would be more to the point. Sorry, not much to say. Right. Well, I'm leaving. Just dropped by to give you this. I thought you might want to drink tonight to celebrate getting that contract. The training contract, it's yours. But I didn't ride. Well, Australian Bloodlines sent me here to find the best trainer. You're it. (Claire laughs) I don't believe it. Oh, now she's callin' me a liar. I could take offense. (Claire laughs) Does Harry know? He wasn't too pleased. But anyway, are you gonna let me give you this? Thanks. Oh, you should stay and help us drink it. Thanks, but no thanks, I've gotta, gotta hit the road, you know, get back and sort the details out. Congratulations. (gentle music) I don't know what to say. Well, it's like you said, nothing to say. Uh, I'll be in touch. (gentle music) (Blaze nickers) (fist thudding) Ooh! That is it, Claire. Tomorrow, I'm gonna call the electrician. He can come rewire the whole house. And before you say anything, I am choosing to put my money back into our property, like it or lump it. Fair enough. - Hm. I just thought you might want a glass of this. Yeah, Peter reckoned Harry was pretty shirty when I got the contract. Ah! (laughs) The cleavage worked! (both laughing) Ow! (both laughing) (uplifting country music) Common ground, find common ground Keep on lookin', till it's found Got one chance, that's what they say They're all wrong 'cause there are many ways Got to want it Got to know And nothing's just as it seems It's not easy It's a long, long road to find your dream (thunder crackling) (solemn digital music) (logo humming) (bright digital music)