Greenstone: episode guide


Episode 1

Written by Stephen Lowe

It is 1838. Maori chief Te Manahau and his daughter Marama arrive in England to buy guns. Marama meets and falls passionately in love with Sir Geoffrey Halford, and gives him a priceless heirloom, the greenstone comb. Geoffrey is equally smitten, but when he accompanies Marama into London society he realises the ‘unsuitability’ of the match. As they prepare to sail back to New Zealand, others on board include guntrader Sam Markham, Catholic priest Father Michael, the priest’s pregnant lover Siobahn, an Irish convict, Lamont and an Australian chaperone Caroline with her flock of girls of good character bound for serving jobs in Sydney. All hope for a new life in the New World but as Marama waits, there is no sign of her lover Sir Geoffrey.

Episode 2

At the last minute, Sir Geoffrey appears and lies to Marama that he has been posted to India. Marama is heartbroken. During the journey, Sam tries to win her heart. Lamont saves Siobahn from being raped and she helps him stow away to New Zealand to avoid being a slave in Lord Halfords New South Wales Estate. In Sydney, Siobahn’s son is born and Caroline is entranced, having learnt that Father Michael is the boys father she abandons Siobhan to a Sydney workhouse and steals her baby.

Episode 3

Written by Stephen Lowe
Directed by Chris Bailey

Arriving in New Zealand, Sam’s romantic hopes are dashed when it is revealed Marama is betrothed to Rameka. Sam discovers Lamont among his cargo of guns and hires him. Armed with Sam’s new weapons, Te Manahau savagely defeats his bitter enemy Wahana. Sam is horrified and revolted by the slaughter, but Te Manahau offers Marama to Sam in order to assure himself of a monopoly on the gun trade. Driven by his desperate love for Marama, Sam accepts.

Episode 4

Written by Dean Parker
Directed by John Laing

It is 1843—five years later. Sam and Marama have a daughter Wikitoria, though their marriage has not developed into a truly mutual love match. Also under their roof are Caroline and her ‘son’ Matthew. Sam is troubled by guilt and concerned for the future, as Te Manahau has continued his bloody march towards total conquest. Pacifist chief Rongopai begs him to stop selling stolen Maori land but Te Manahau won’t listen. When Maori chiefs Wahana and Rameka join forces and a campaign of resistance stutters into life, the British Governor calls in troops commanded by his son, Sir Geoffrey. Sir Geoffrey tries to return the greenstone comb to Marama, confessing that he ran away, but that he still loves her. The sparks are rekindled.

Episode 5

Written by Greg McGee
Directed by John Laing

Te Manahau and Sir Geoffrey plot against Rongopai, and Te Manahau secretly orchestrates a massacre, using the unwitting Father Michael who is thrown into a crisis of faith. Sam discovers the truth behind the massacre and challenges Sir Geoffrey who denies it. Marama is torn as to who to believe. When Sir Geoffrey begs Marama to become his mistress, she angrily rejects him—but Sam has seen their embrace and becomes jealous. Meanwhile, Lamont recognises Siobahn amongst a group of whores arrived from Australia.

Episode 6

Written by Greg McGee
Directed by Chris Bailey

Marama and Sam’s marriage breaks down, and she takes Wikitoria to Te Manahau’s pa. Lamont makes contact with Siobahn and takes her to see her son for the first time. He asks Caroline to tell Matthew about his real mother. An avenging Rongopai joins forces with Rameka and Wahana, and pressures Sam into giving him guns. Te Manahau and Sir Geoffrey are lured into a trap and their forces are decimated by Rongopai’s new weapons and skilful tactics. When Marama finds Sir Geoffrey wounded, she finally gives in to her passion for him. Meanwhile Sam, branded as a traitor, snatches his daughter and goes on the run.

Episode 7

Written by Stephen Lowe
Directed by Chris Bailey

Sir Geoffrey pursues Sam who escapes to Rongopai. Sam prevails upon Father Michael to persuade Rongopai to end the slaughter—but Michael (who has rejected his Christian beliefs and fully adopted Maori ways) refuses. When Lamont arrives with Siobhan and Matthew, Caroline tells Lamont that Michael is Matthew’s father and he decides to unite Siobhan with him to learn whether she still loves him. Father Michael is stunned to learn Matthew is his son. Siobahn has to choose between Michael and Lamont. The British forces led by Sir Geoffrey desert Te Manahau, leaving him almost defenceless before Rongopai’s gathering warriors. When Marama learns the truth of their deception, and realises Sir Geoffrey has engineered the downfall of her people, she stabs him through the heart with the greenstone comb.

Episode 8

Written by Stephen Lowe
Directed by Chris Bailey

Sir Geoffrey’s father, Lord Halford, orders Marama’s death in retaliation for the murder of his son. A shattered Te Manahau leads Marama and the remnants of their people into the wilderness—but they are cut off by Rongopai’s advancing army. Marama pleads for unity for the sake of their children, a plea which is dramatically underscored when Father Michael immolates himself in a desperate bid to ensure peace. Te Manahau opts to exile himself, enabling his people to join forces with Rongopai. Marama and Sam are briefly reunited—and realise their love for each other—before Sam sacrifices himself in order to save her. He confesses to Sir Geoffrey’s murder and is shot by Lamont. A grieving Marama is left with the task of preserving the fragile balance of power between Maori and pakeha.