A Place to Call Home (season 4)

A Place to Call Home (season 4)
Country of origin Australia
No. of episodes 12
Release
Original network Showcase
Original release 11 September (2016-09-11) – 27 November 2016 (2016-11-27)
Season chronology

The fourth season of the Seven Network television series A Place to Call Home premiered on Showcase on 11 September 2016. The series was produced by Chris Martin-Jones, and executive produced by Penny Win and Julie McGauran.

Production

On 15 October 2014, it was announced that Foxtel had finalised a deal with Channel Seven that would see third and fourth seasons written, using the outlines created by Bevan Lee, produced by Seven Productions, but aired on Foxtel.[1]

On 25 October 2014, Amy Harris of The Daily Telegraph announced that A Place to Call Home had been officially renewed for another two seasons and would return in late 2015, airing on Foxtel channel SoHo. It was also announced that all the original cast and crew members would return.[2]

Production on the fourth season began on 29 February 2016 and concluded on 5 August 2016.[3][4] The episode order was extended from the usual 10 episodes to 12, with Foxtel's Director of Television, Brian Walsh stating, "we have extended the commission order to 12 episodes this year because the storylines are so strong".[5]

Having departed the series at the end of the second season, Bevan Lee returned to helm this year as Script Executive, with Katherine Thomson taking over from Susan Bower as Script Producer.[5][6] Shirley Barrett, Kriv Stenders, Catherine Millar and Tony Krawitz serve as directors for this season.[3]

Of the show's return, Foxtel's Head of Drama, Penny Win stated, "Working with Seven Productions on A Place to Call Home's has resulted in fantastic achievements for the series. With record breaking audiences for the SoHo channel, the passionate and dedicated fans and the growing audience around the world, the show is a testament to Foxtel's commitment to great Australian storytelling." Seven's Head of Drama, Julie McGauran stated, "A Place to Call Home has been a hugely successful collaboration between Seven Productions and Foxtel. Together we’ve been able to engineer a wonderful partnership for everyone, especially the fans, who have so much to look forward to in season 4."[3]

The series was also planned to air on Showcase, after SoHo was closed by Foxtel.[7]

Plot

In this season, the characters are strongly affected by two contrasting social issues in 1954. The first is the conservative wave of fear generated by the "Reds Under the Beds" scare surrounding the Petrov Affair. The second, the wave of liberal change that opened up new social and moral choices for Australians at the time.[8]

Cast

Episodes

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date Australian viewers
341"A Nagging Doubt"Shirley BarrettBevan Lee11 September 2016 (2016-09-11)101,000[9]
Sarah's suspicions are aroused when she realises that the death of the local teacher, Milly Davis, may not have been a suicide as first suspected. Regina's guilt weighs heavily on her conscience when it becomes apparent that the tonic she poisoned with rat bait, originally meant for Sarah, was given to Milly instead. James and Olivia's sham marriage falls further into disarray when she learns that although they aren't George's biological parents, the courts will still favour the Bligh family in a custody battle. Elizabeth offers James and Henry her blessing to pursue a relationship together, and assures her grandson that she isn't disgusted by him. Anna is rejected by a publisher in Sydney due to the content of her novel, however is given some hope when Elizabeth suggests she talk to Richard. Carolyn is forced into giving Richard information about James and Olivia's failing union when he threatens to rape her again. Regina begins to drive a wedge between Anna and Gino when she sends Rose for Italian lessons. Sarah confronts Regina and asks her what it is like to be a murderer when she realises the truth behind Milly's death.
352"Bad in a Good Way"Shirley BarrettBevan Lee18 September 2016 (2016-09-18)156,000[10]
Olivia confirms to James that she was carrying a stillborn child, and due to this, she went through with an illegal adoption to obtain baby George. She then agrees to continue to forge a united force with her husband in order to help George win the election, and promises Lloyd that she will wait for him. Anna's growing desire to have her writing published leads her into the hands of Sir Richard, who flirts with her, but assures her that she is a good writer, with thoughts far more futuristic than the times. Sarah's accusation of Regina as a murderer comes back to haunt her when Sgt Brian Taylor threatens her and investigates her as a potential Communist during a critical time in Australia's political history, the Red Scare. Carolyn's rape continues as a catalyst for her romantic closure, however to prove her love to Jack, she agrees to set a date for the wedding. James grows uncomfortable around Henry after a day at the beach provides James an insight into the hidden realm of homosexuality, revealing some interesting personalities. Brian questions Sarah over the disappearance of Bert Ford.
363"When You're Smiling"Kriv StendersBevan Lee25 September 2016 (2016-09-25)136,000[11]
374"Home to Roost"Kriv StendersBevan Lee2 October 2016 (2016-10-02)126,000[12]
Regina's anxiety of the arrival of Sir Robert Menzies causes issues between her and Anna which flares and results in Regina slapping Anna across the face. George's wound from his shooting begins to cause him pain, which leads Regina to talking him into taking morphine, which in turn leads to Regina abusing the substance. Elizabeth arrives at Ash Park and humiliates Regina during dinner with the Menzieses and after the meal, she confronts and stabs Richard's hand in retaliation to her discovery of Carolyn's rape. Sarah confides in Roy that Harry is a homosexual, and to her surprise, he accepts him on the proviso that he doesn't flirt with him. In a drugged stupor, Regina attempts to smother Elizabeth. Elizabeth apologises to Carolyn for the way that she has treated her over the years. George calls a family meeting in which he announces that Elizabeth, Carolyn and Olivia will move back into the mansion, whilst Regina is banished to the cottage. He then announces that he is the father of Sarah's unborn child and afterwards, he finds Sarah and tells her that they need to talk.
385"Happy Days Are Here Again"Catherine MillarBevan Lee9 October 2016 (2016-10-09)136,000[13]
Anna's attempts to use Jack and Carolyn's story as the major plotline of her novel are quashed when they ask her not to dredge up the past for the sake of their upcoming nuptials, which leads Elizabeth, Sarah and Anna to formulate a plan to destroy Regina - Anna shall pen a novel about a librarian who is poisoned, in hope that Regina's reputation will be ruined beyond repair. Gino tells James that although James is going against the teachings of the bible and what he is doing is wrong, he will be polite to him for Anna's sake. Carolyn receives a wreath in the mail with a note which reads 'RIP' and accuses Richard after it is revealed he has donated 5000 to the Inverness hospital for a surgical wing. Regina disappears from Ash Park only to confront Sir Richard, who tells her to go back and play happy family with George and to twist him around her finger. Olivia and Henry forge a friendship. James finally professes his love for Henry. Harry's arrival at Roy's farmstead is marred when he runs into James, who doesn't remember him due to his electroconvulsive therapy.
396"The Trouble with Harry"Catherine MillarBevan Lee16 October 2016 (2016-10-16)142,000[14]
James is delighted when Elizabeth and Olivia encourage him to go spend three days in the city with Henry, however when he does, he begins to dream of, and remember, Harry. Elizabeth worries that she and Sarah will fallout after she and George learn of Harry's presence in town. Olivia attempts to banish Harry from Inverness, but after second thoughts, she apologises. Jack fronts the medical board and is pardoned, but learns that Sir Richard paid for the lawyer he thought the Blighs had paid. Gino and Anna discuss their upcoming trip to Italy, and he and Carolyn try to encourage Anna to have children. Regina and Brian go to the city and have lunch with Gordon, Milly's fiancée and inform him that nothing will happen to Sarah if he doesn't do something about her. Olivia receives correspondence from Lloyd and learns that he has safely made it to London. Doris Collins talks Harry into staying in Inverness after he tries to leave without saying goodbye to Roy and Sarah. Elizabeth is overjoyed to find Douglas Goddard in her living room, playing the piano.
407"You're Just in Love"Shirley BarrettBevan Lee23 October 2016 (2016-10-23)149,000[15]
News of George's electoral win spreads around Inverness as the Country Party member. Gordon's presence becomes apparent when Harry sees him following Sarah and informs Roy. When Gordon prepares to shoot Sarah, he learns she is pregnant and tells Brian that when she has given birth, he will come back and kill her. Anna realises that she is just as much as liar as the rest of her family when she reveals to Carolyn that she is jealous of Rose, because Rose could give Gino a child, something she can't do. Regina's banished from the wedding, and concurrently, she seduces Brian and they have sex in the cottage. George learns of James and Henry's relationship, and finally approves. Elizabeth and Douglas grow closer. Carolyn and Jack's wedding goes ahead without a hitch and they are pronounced husband and wife. Harry turns up at the wedding reception and James notices him. After the reception, James has flashbacks to his electro-convulsive therapy and conversion therapy and realises that he was once in love with Harry Polson.
418"There'll Be Some Changes Made"Shirley BarrettKatherine Thomson30 October 2016 (2016-10-30)150,000[16]
Jack and Douglas take matters with Sir Richard into their own hands when the refuge comes under threat, Sir Richard begins to pick off Douglas's sponsors for the refuge. As Jack's plan to avenge Carolyn reaches its climax Carolyn begs him not to go ahead with the plan to which Jack decides he must do what he knows is right. James grapples with his old feelings for Harry. Sarah and Elizabeth support Doris through matters of the heart after she mistakenly believes Roy is after her. Sarah and George talk about his future in political life and she warns him about how dangerous Regina truly is. They then talk about how George will be able to react following the birth of the baby, Sarah requests that he does not rush back to Inverness when the baby is born. This causes tension between Sarah and George, but George soon decides that Sarah's plan must be followed if suspicion is not be aroused. Meanwhile, Sarah and Roy go for dinner at Dawn's house where Roy begins to grow even closer to Dawn with Sarah's help.
429"Where Will the Baby's Dimple Be"Tony KrawitzKatherine Thomson6 November 2016 (2016-11-06)135,000[17]
Sarah goes into a long and difficult labour. James supports Olivia when she heartbreakingly learns that her plans to leave Ash Park and start a life with Lloyd are dashed. Elizabeth gets a wonderful surprise. Sarah gives birth to a baby boy but he struggles to breathe leaving him in a critical condition. George's arrival at the hospital to see Sarah and their newborn ends on shaky grounds after Sarah asserts that the child will take the surname of Nordmann instead of Bligh and raise him on her own. This angers George who contemplates whether he and Sarah should go their separate ways. Roy tries to provide Sarah some comfort amongst the chaos. Meanwhile, Regina goes for a short trip to Sydney where she invites Sergeant Taylor to her apartment and they have passionate sex. She later sends a telegram to Milly Davis's fiancé who plans to kill Sarah after her baby is born to inform him the baby is born and the way forward is clear.
4310"And the Blind Shall See"Tony KrawitzBevan Lee13 November 2016 (2016-11-13)128,000[18]
Anna and Gino arrive from Italy to learn that Anna is unable to conceive children. Sarah and Anna's plan to destroy Regina pushes Gino to his limit and he explodes at Anna expressing his disgust to Anna at the Bligh family secrets. Olivia is in a depressive state following the massive disappointment that her dream to start a new life with Lloyd in London is no longer. Roy and Sarah discuss his commitment issues. Elizabeth executes Operation Vanquish Regina when Anna completes the manuscript that reveals Regina's darkest secrets and the murder of Milly Davis. Rose overhears Anna and Carolyn discussing Regina and becomes suspicious that the family is planning something against Regina. Jack shows George the birth certificate of Sarah and his newborn son and is delighted that she has named him "David Bligh", thus securing the Bligh estate for another generation and hinting at the blossoming of a renewed relationship between them.
4411"Catch the Tiger"Catherine MillarKatherine Thomson20 November 2016 (2016-11-20)132,000[19]
The tension between James and Henry escalates after James invites Harry to an unconventional party. Regina continues her affair with Sergeant Taylor. Milly Davis's fiancé continues his discreet investigation of Sarah to avenge his fiancée's suicide-murder, and realises he has been played by Regina who wants Sarah dead. Regina is confronted by Sergeant Brian Taylor who has become suspicious of Regina's motives to frame Sarah for the murder-suicide. He threatens to leave her, causing Regina to reach breaking point and shoot the Sergeant through the head. A desperate Regina sneaks back to the Bligh Mansion having attempted to frame the Sergeant's death as a suicide then narrowly escapes with her future uncertain. Meanwhile, Anna and Gino struggle to overcome the news that Anna will be unable to conceive children. Anna proposes to annul the marriage on the basis that she knew of her infertility before marrying Gino and did not tell him. Gino is extremely angered that Anna lied to him leaving their marriage on the rocks and the possibility of annulment more possible.
4512"All Good Things"Catherine MillarBevan Lee27 November 2016 (2016-11-27)173,000[20]
The episode commences from the point where Regina narrowly escapes the doctors instructed to take her away and ends up at Sarah's house. Meanwhile, the Blighs attempt to find Regina and confront Rose about her complicity in Regina's escape. Elizabeth becomes agitated by Rose's behaviour causing a rift between herself and Douglas. George worries for Sarah's wellbeing after Regina's whereabouts are unknown and sets out towards her home. Regina sneaks into Sarah's home and threatens to harm baby David. This leads to a tense confrontation between Sarah and Regina in which Sarah holds Regina at gunpoint on the brink of shooting her just as George and Roy arrive. Regina attempts to rile Sarah into shooting her and almost does, however George and Roy convince Sarah that Regina "wins" if Sarah kills her as Sarah would likely be incarcerated, George would lose Sarah and baby David would lose his mother. Finally, Sarah thumps Regina hard in the stomach to express her repulsion towards her and Regina is taken away by doctors. Meanwhile, Olivia and George consider their future. Olivia and James agree to play the part of a loving couple when Regina's murder trials commence to avoid any suspicions about James' homosexuality or Regina potentially revealing it. Anna and Gino's marriage is in shambles. Gino convinces Rose of Regina's deceptiveness and terrible acts causing Rose to break down completely struggling to come to terms with Regina's true nature and the deception of the Blighs. Gino declares that he will be taking Rose with him, expressing his disgust at the Blighs and demanding Elizabeth to provide a referral for Rose. Meanwhile, Anna, who Gino ordered to stay home begins packing, planning to spend time in the city, deciding that her marriage is incompatible: Gino desires a big family and cannot see a marriage without children - something which Anna cannot provide. Moreover, Anna fears they will come to despise and hate each other if their marriage continues. Gino's indifference to Anna's feelings, his lack of concern towards Anna's wellbeing and feeling and his general disgust of the Blighs shocks the family, particularly Carolyn and Jack who are devastated that the couple fought so hard only to crumble. As Gino leaves the Bligh Mansion with Rose to take her back to the Poletti farm, Carolyn announces that Anna has gone away to the city. However, Gino's unmoved behaviour shocks Carolyn when he declares he does not care what happens to Anna. Gino puts the Poletti farm for sale, deciding to make a new start with Rose somewhere else. Jack attempts to convince Gino to make amends but Gino rebuffs him and greatly disappoints him when he expresses no emotion or effort to repair the broken marriage, simply indicating his desire for children. In the city, Anna and Olivia discuss their failed marriages and conclude they were both too innocent, young and naive to realise the reality of married life. They reaffirm their friendship, and Olivia provides her support by telling Anna that she sees her as a successful writer more than anything. Doris goes berry picking and stumbles upon the corpse of Sergeant Taylor. Two months later, the Blighs and Sarah celebrate the marriage of Elizabeth and Douglas, expressing their happiness and joy. Sarah and George appear together as a couple with Sarah holding baby David. Meanwhile, Anna having returned from the city for the wedding festivities is encouraged by Jack that perhaps saying farewell to Gino before he leaves may provide some closure for her. A determined Anna rushes to the Poletti Farm with Carolyn and Jack but to her anguish finds the farm empty, and Gino and Rose gone. She breaks down hysterically. Milly Davis's fiancé provides his testimony against Regina to the police and agrees to stand as a witness if Regina's case goes to trial. The whole Bligh family also agree that they will provide statements for Regina's actions. A scene depicts Regina inside a mental asylum. She appears to have an hallucination in which George has joined her for tea and they talk amicably with George expressing his love for Regina and Regina agreeing to forgive him for his earlier actions. However, it soon becomes apparent, Regina is merely hallucinating and assailed by visions in which she screams that Sarah will pay for putting Regina where she is. Sir Richard and his lawyer discuss the best case to put forward in order to acquit Regina of her crimes without sullying George's image significantly, as Richard has business and political interests he wants to retain with George. If Regina overcomes her psychosis, Richard's lawyer suggests framing Regina's behaviour under the pretence that George's supposed infidelity drove Regina to commit her crimes. The episode ends with Sarah and Elizabeth toasting each other as friends and Sarah, George and David walking on the grounds of Ash Park, happily as a family.

Ratings

No. Title Air date Viewers[21] Rank
1 "A Nagging Doubt" 11 September 2016 101,000 5[9]
2 "Bad in a Good Way" 18 September 2016 156,000 2[10]
3 "When You're Smiling" 25 September 2016 136,000 1[11]
4 "Home to Roost" 2 October 2016 126,000 2[12]
5 "Happy Days Are Here Again" 9 October 2016 136,000 8[13]
6 "The Trouble with Harry" 16 October 2016 142,000 1[14]
7 "You're Just in Love" 23 October 2016 149,000 2[15]
8 "There'll Be Some Changes Made" 30 October 2016 150,000 1[16]
9 "Where Will the Baby's Dimple Be" 6 November 2016 135,000 1[17]
10 "And the Blind Shall See" 13 November 2016 128,000 1[18]
11 "Catch the Tiger" 20 November 2016 132,000 1[19]
12 "All Good Things" 27 November 2016 173,000 1[20]

References

  1. Idato, Michael (15 October 2014). "New Place for A Place to Call Home". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  2. Harris, Amy (25 October 2014). "Foxtel breathes new life into A Place To Call Home after Seven signs deal to keep the show alive". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "A Place To Call Home: Season four goes into production". Foxtel. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  4. Zautsen, Daniel (9 August 2016). "A Place to Call Home, filmed at Camelot in Kirkham, will return for its fourth series on Foxtel's showcase". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  5. 1 2 Knox, David (8 February 2016). "Programmer's Wrap 2016: Foxtel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  6. Knox, David (18 November 2014). "Bevan Lee passes the baton on A Place to Call Home". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  7. Knox, David (1 August 2016). "Foxtel closing SoHo, adds new Binge channel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  8. "Search Results for "A Place to Call Home"". Foxtel. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  9. 1 2 Knox, David (12 September 2016). "Sunday 11 September 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  10. 1 2 Knox, David (19 September 2016). "Sunday 18 September 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  11. 1 2 Knox, David (26 September 2016). "Sunday 25 September 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  12. 1 2 Knox, David (3 October 2016). "Sunday 2 October 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  13. 1 2 Knox, David (10 October 2016). "Sunday 9 October 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  14. 1 2 Knox, David (17 October 2016). "Sunday 16 October 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  15. 1 2 Knox, David (24 October 2016). "Sunday 23 October 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  16. 1 2 Knox, David (31 October 2016). "Sunday 30 October 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  17. 1 2 Knox, David (7 November 2016). "Sunday 6 November 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  18. 1 2 Knox, David (14 November 2016). "Sunday 13 November 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  19. 1 2 Knox, David (21 November 2016). "Sunday 20 November 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  20. 1 2 Knox, David (28 November 2016). "Sunday 27 November 2016". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  21. OzTAM same day live/delayed viewing figures are for the 5 City Metro areas
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