Original subtitles

Previously on McLeod's Daughters.

How much room do you need?

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.

It's your half of the sheep sales.

You didn't have to--

That cafe you wanted.

There's your deposit.

I don't want to hold you back anymore.

It's looking good, hey?

Blaze isn't too bad either.

When's the company rep coming to make his selection?

Tomorrow.

Maybe the next day.

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.

I have to start charging him board.

Yeah?

Don't appreciate slackers, that's all.

Ow.

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?

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.

Shouldn't you be out training or something?

Nah.

I'm primed enough already.

Claire's been out training round the clock.

Is that right? Mm-hmm.

So who are you barracking for?

Me or her?

♪ 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 ♪

And suddenly, they're both acting like they're

mega-movie stars or something.

I mean, like it matters.

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?

Me.

Well, give them a call.

Ah, great, she's not in yet.

Have a good sleepin'?

'Cause it doesn't matter if everyone else

did your work for ya?

Yeah, well I've done the milking.

Eat outside?

Yeah, sounds like a plan.

Noisy creatures, aren't they?

Morning. Hi.

You're still bristly.

Yeah, the power cut out.

You should get your water checked, Claire.

Oh and this came off the light switch thinga.

Oh, give it to me, I'll fix it.

I heard you been training round the clock, Claire.

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.

It's not irregular.

Peter something.

A bit sneaky having him stay at Killarney.

Country hospitality, Claire, that's all.

So do you agree to run the course there?

Oy.

You'll need these.

Oh you hid them so I'd stay, did you Tess?

I'll see you later.

You betcha, baby.

Bye See ya.

He's cute, isn't he?

Hey Claire, wait up!

You wanna tell me what the problem is?

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.

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 spoiled them both rotten.

Unlike you with Jodi.

Hey mom!

Guess what?

Say hello to the next Miss Gungellan.

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 princing around in cozzies.

It's about community involvement and charity work and--

It is?

Ow, stupid thing!

I'm gonna go talk some sense into Claire.

You know, darling, there's a lot of hard work

involved in taking part in the Quest.

It's not that much.

Oh no, believe me.

I know.

Runner-up Miss Wagawaga, 1980.

You're kidding?

God, must have been slack year.

Hey!

Ow!

But why can't we do something about it?

'Cause 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...

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.

G'day. Hi.

Peter Johnson.

Is Claire about?

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.

Oh.

You're the assessor.

Yeah, well now the introductions are done,

maybe we should move into the house.

Yeah right-oh.

Did Alex know you were coming?

We talked on the phone.

They tell me you're pretty good, Miss McLeod.

They're right.

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.

Bye Peter!

Thanks for the warning.

I just made a complete idiot of myself.

You set her up!

Too good an opportunity not to!

It's not funny, Alex, she thinks I was in on it.

I wish I could have seen her face.

Dirty pull, buster!

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?

Ahh.

Claire?

Alex, give us a hand!

Alright, 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 alright, it's okay.

Can you move your knee?

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.

Just slide up there, Crow.

What's happening?

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.

So, how many councilors have we got?

Eight or nine?

Oh does the mayor count?

Well, there's Billy Sholes, Ted Stevross, Midge Brian.

What's the sudden interest in politics anyways?

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.

Do you know the last three winners

all went out with Alex Ryan?

Oh and so has half the district.

Except me.

Hey, we expected you home last night.

Well, 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.

Well that's a shame.

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.

Ha ha, did he tell you that?

Well, not in so many words.

Hi!

Hi.

As soon as we get that quarter horse contract,

I think Claire might see the sense

of merging grows with Killarney.

Soon as one of these young blokes gets a ring on her finger.

It'll be Nick, then.

Claire's got more dignity than

to accept her sister's leavings.

Well, here we are.

So what are we doing, Tess?

Go wide around the steer, Jo.

Right.

And only go at the beast's pace.

She'll only go as fast as you ask her to.

Steady her back.

Claire, you're kind of confusing me.

Can I just go through one round by myself.

Yeah.

Sorry, fair enough.

Don't need this anymore.

Can you use it?

Appreciate the offer,

but I'm fine.

Just need to rest it.

What's happening?

She's taking Blaze through her paces for me,

just till the leg's right.

Be right by Friday?

Course I'll be right by Friday.

Hey, how're 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.

Now that's funny.

They left Killarney before me.

Must have been engine trouble.

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.

Did 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.

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.

I thought you said you'd kneecapped him.

He's bluffing, gotta be.

Any minute now he'll be out like a light.

Gate.

I've never seen him so good.

I guess you're not as good as you think you are, hey?

I'm history, Meg.

It's all over.

That's it.

Good boy.

Good boy, good work.

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.

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.

Perfect.

Oh I like that.

Oh what about community service?

Tell her you're helping an injured farmer.

Oh good.

Aren't you going to ask me in, Jodi?

Of course, but I thought we were gonna do this

up at the house?

Mum's fixed afternoon tea.

Oh no, it's nothing formal.

It's just a talk.

Goodness.

So where shall I sit?

Oh, thank you, Becky.

We'll be fine now.

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.

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 house, dear?

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.

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.

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 because of Jessica and Emma, so...

Yeah well, Miss Gungellan, big deal, eh?

Exactly.

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.

I don't think he's in the position to do that.

It's worth a try, Claire.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Once slight flaw in your plan, Tess.

In case you hadn't noticed,

Peter and I don't exactly get along.

Damn it, Claire!

Hello.

G'day.

Come in.

You've got a power problem.

Oh, it's mood lighting.

Yeah, we like it like this.

Right.

Claire should be down soon.

I'm not quite sure what she's doing.

Just getting changed for dinner.

Hi Peter.

Hello.

Glad you could make it.

Why don't you two go in.

I'll be in in a tick.

Right.

Well, what can I get you to drink?

Beer, wine, coffee, tea, me?

After you.

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 really, 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?

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.

I'd like to hear it.

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.

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.

Well that and the piece of apple that was in my hand.

Coffee, port, anyone?

Yeah, thanks.

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.

Good night?

What'd you talk about till one in the morning?

Horses.

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.

Fine, huh?

Could Jodi ride in your place?

This 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?

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 it's no harm, and I could see

how Blaze responds to another rider.

Let's do it.

Alright, 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.

You know, it was a spur of the moment thing, Liz.

Jodi applying for nomination.

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 contest means a lot to her.

Well it means a lot to all the girls who've entered, Meg.

Oh yeah.

Yes, of course it does.

We're over by the shouting, I'd say.

Pity.

They could've done with that contract.

Would have 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.

Gate.

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!

She's stuffed it.

Sorry, can I start again?

Fine.

Take another beast.

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?

For heaven's sake.

That's better.

Nearly there, Jo.

Stay in tight, no rush.

Well, that's it.

We're out of it.

Well done.

Thanks Nick.

Hi Tess.

Hi.

You alright?

Well Claire, what can I say? Yep.

You want some wine? Best not to say

anything, Harry.

No no no, just bad luck, that's all.

Blaze is a credit to you.

How long do we have to do this for?

Oh.

You know you're still the best-looking

woman in the district, Liz?

You'd win that Showquest, hands down,

if you weren't married.

I heard 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 alright.

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?

Look, 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?

Jodi?

Jodi?

Is something the matter?

I'm 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.

Getting that contract really meant a lot to Claire,

and I just wanted to show her that I could...

I see.

Yes, well.

That was bad luck.

Here.

Thanks.

I'll take it home and wash it.

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.

Jodi.

You did your best.

Nobody could've done more.

Harry, could I use a phone if 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 guessed that from the start.

Shoulda told ya.

Wine, women, and songs always energize me.

You are very unnatural.

Mm-hmm.

Time to go.

Just 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.

Congratulations Jodi. Very well done.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All out of plans?

Alex staying again tonight?

No.

I'm sorry, Claire.

What for?

There'll be other contracts one day.

Yeah sure.

No big deal.

You were brilliant out there today, girl.

We'll show 'em someday, hey.

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 wanna 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.

I don't believe it.

Oh now she's calling me a liar.

I could take offense.

Does Harry know?

He wasn't too pleased.

But anyway, are you gonna let me give you this?

Thanks.

You should stay and help us drink it.

Thanks, but no thanks.

I've gotta hit the road.

You know, get back and sort the details out.

Congratulations.

I don't know what to say.

Well, it's like you said.

Nothing to say.

I'll be in touch.

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.

I just thought you might want a glass of this.

Yeah, Peter reckoned Harry was pretty shirty

when I got the contract.

The cleavage worked!