State Coroner: episode guide

Series 1 | Series 2

Days of Reckoning (Part One)

Episode 2.01 (15)
August 24, 1998
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Robert Klenner

Kate investigates the death, seemingly suicide, of a young prisoner found hanging in his cell. Her inquiries lead her into confrontation with hardened criminals. Trimble conducts a frustrating inquest into the death of the mother of an obsessive, dependent young man who wants to prove she died due to the negligence of a chemical company, and insists on conducting his own case in court. Kate adjusts to life in an inner-city flat — and the intriguing proximity of an attractive neighbour, Liam Pearse. Julie and McLeod find their relationship sparking again only to be rudely halted by an accident.

With: Andrew Clarke as Sgt Colin Decker, James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Alan Dale as Dudley Mills, Brett Swain as Ray Scullin, Robert Morgan as Eddie Scullin, Peter Barron as Mark Carson, Michala Banas as Zoe Martin, Richard Sutherland as Terry Gallagher, Chris Bidlo as Bubba, Hugo Armstrong as Max, Paul Hampton as Jack Hobson, Karen Davitt as Sandy Flynn, Alan Brough as Kenny Maguire, Chris Waters as Alistair Searle, Ve Jay as Surresh Ayar, Sophie Heathcote as Nicole Farmer, Angus Smallwood as Jim Tazie, Johanna Kerrigan as Roz Volger, Simon Donaldson as AIS offsider, Cam Van Steel as Proprietor, Bradley Michaelides as Seedy tenant, Adrian Maher as Young Intern

Days of Reckoning (Part Two)

Episode 2.02 (16)
August 24, 1998
Written by Barbara Bishop
Directed by Robert Klenner

Kate, reeling from the impact of McLeod's death (as are all his ex-colleagues), realises that only an inquest can explain why and how he died. Partly blaming himself for McLeod's death, Trimble plays a key role in proceedings — as assisted by Colin Decker, of the police Accident Investigation Section, they arrive at an unexpected truth. Daniel and Trimble look into the death of a young man flying a tandem hang glider and Daniel helps the survivor to conquer her fear and self-blame, and fly again. Julie must come to terms with all the hopes she had for a relationship with McLeod — and do his autopsy. Paul begins his own journey into darkness. Kate continues to be intrigued by Liam, her attractive new neighbour.

With: Andrew Clarke as Sgt Colin Decker, James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Alan Dale as Dudley Mills, Brett Swain as Ray Scullin, Robert Morgan as Eddie Scullin, Peter Barron as Mark Carson, Michala Banas as Zoe Martin, Richard Sutherland as Terry Gallagher, Chris Bidlo as Bubba, Hugo Armstrong as Max, Paul Hampton as Jack Hobson, Karen Davitt as Sandy Flynn, Alan Brough as Kenny Maguire, Chris Waters as Alistair Searle, Ve Jay as Surresh Ayar, Sophie Heathcote as Nicole Farmer, Angus Smallwood as Jim Tazie, Johanna Kerrigan as Roz Volger, Simon Donaldson as AIS offsider, Cam Van Steel as Proprietor, Bradley Michaelides as Seedy tenant, Adrian Maher as Young Intern

Shaking the Tree

Episode 2.03 (17)
August 31, 1998
Written by Graham Hartley
Directed by Ian Watson

When a young woman is found dead in scrubland, on the anniversary of a similar, unsolved murder, Kate and Decker investigate the possibility that they are dealing with the victim of a serial killer. Trimble conducts an inquest into the death of a theatre legend. Still reeling from the circumstances of McLeod's death, Trimble is not himself. Kate is surprised to discover that her neighbour, Liam, is a barrister.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Frank Magree as Stuart Webster, Jane Conroy as Aggie Meredith, Greg Saunders as Kevin Powell, Zoe Bertram as Michelle Powell, Dora Apos as Esther Pitman, Kara Kyne as Fiona Crane, Peter Stefanou as John, Anthony Horton as Homicide Detective, Glenda Walsh as Barrister, Will Gluth as Simon Morton, Reg Gorman as Charles Shaw, Judith Roberts as Rose Shaw, Madeleine Swan as Lang

Note: Andrew Clarke is added to the opening credits

The Gift of Life

Episode 2.04 (18)
September 07, 1998
Written by Annie Fox
Directed by Ian Watson

Kate and Julie are forced to make tough calls when suspicious circumstances surrounding a child's death hinder his organs being used to save another child's life. Julie attends the organ removal operation and performs a partial autopsy, but has to perform a second autopsy to determine the real cause of death. Encouraged by Kate in an effort to relieve Trimble of his ongoing disquietude, Trimble presides over his annual moot in which Kate's daughter, Claire, participates. When it's learned by the SCO staff that Chubb is overseeing the students, Trimble is teased about the propriety of Chubb being in his courtroom after their "encounter" at Bidgiemoola. An out of sorts Trimble refuses to even comment.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Wilhemina Stracke as Marion Chubb, Katy Brinson as Joyce Pearson, Jim Russell as Garth Allbright, Nell Feeney as Sally Allbright, Terry Kenwrick as Dr Joel McKay, Alexandra Schepisi as Dr Ann Gerome, Lisa Heenan as Lara Rostov, Michael Harrison as Timmy Allbright, Hanna Greenwood as Natasha Rostov, Brett Tucker as Miles Penfield, Kim Hope as Caroline Spink, Darryl Spencer as Max

Sunday in the Country

Episode 2.05 (19)
September 21, 1998
Written by John Coulter
Directed by David Cameron

Trimble investigates the death of a young country bloke who drunkenly collapses at the Bidgiemoola Bachelors & Spinsters Ball. Seeking to protect their fabled B&S, the Bidgie folks clam up. Assisted by Daniel (himself a native of Bidgiemoola) and Sharon, Trimble seeks to uncover the true cause of death. In the process, he re-encounters the vibrant Ms. Chubb, and reveals his own inner turmoil. Kate — with Julie, Decker and George in support — tries to ascertain the reasons for the death of a baby during a home birth. The matter stirs deep emotions on all sides. Was the midwife attending the home birth to blame — or was the hospital where the mother was taken in crisis negligent? Deeply affected by the home birth story, Julie begins to realize that her current doubts about where she's going relate to her sense of time running out if she's to ever have a child. Sharon reveals a crucial decision about her future.

Guest Starring: Wilhemina Stracke as Marion Chubb, Sullivan Stapleton as "Bullbar" Benson, Fletcher Humphrys as Mick Taranto, Rebecca McCauley as Rachel Downie, Jane Allsop as Kirsty Wilson, Matthew Dyktynski as Ewan McGregor, Catherine Wilkin as Olwen Parsons, Joseph Spano as Dr Derek Rawson, Sheryl Munks as Heather O'Connor, Humphrey Bower as Lindsay O'Connor, Peter Flaherty as Drinker, Rid Rivers and The Rocktones as the Band

The Body of Evidence

Episode 2.06 (20)
September 28, 1998
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by David Cameron

When new evidence concerning the murder of a studfarmer, his wife and his youngest daughter comes to light, Kate holds an inquest to ascertain whether the right man, a young stablehand, was imprisoned. Kate oversees the exhumation. Trimble hears an inquest into the swimming pool drowning of a young boy. Paul gets emotionally involved with the single mother involved in the drowning. When George advises him there comes a time when you have to let go, Paul finally unloads the inner turmoil he's been experiencing since McLeod's death. He's not sure if he can cope with the daily confrontation with death intrinsic to his job. George says Paul is the only one who can decide what is best for him. Although inwardly hurting, Daniel puts on a brave front when Sharon leaves to go backpacking overseas.

With: Alison Whyte as Jessica Geddes

Guest Starring: Cameron Nugent as Shane Hopkins, Odette Joannidis as Sandra Mason, Peter McCauley as Sergeant Ted Harris, Richard Young as Barry Kowitz, Tammy McCarthy as Laura Valdez, Christie Sistrunk as Jillian Kinnear, Martin Rice as Assistant Pool Manager, Danny Ritterman as Nick Olsen, Nathan King as Ian Mason, Tenley Gilmore as Becky Mason, Carrolyn Moczynski as Helen Mason, Bill Charles as Harry Campbell, Thomas Blackburn as Jack Valdez

Note: Elise McCredie's last episode

On Thin Ice

Episode 2.07 (21)
Pctpber 05, 1998
Written by Tony McDonald
Directed by Ian Watson

Investigating a police shooting of a mentally ill university student, Kate is compelled to ask if new police methods of threat reduction are working. Will Kate's relationship with Liam change when he appears on behalf of the police? And can Sgt. Colin Decker put aside the past and effectively assist Kate? He is a good investigator who has to deal with suspicion from both the police and the Coroners Office. Trimble tries to discover who is responsible for the fatal fall of a roofing plumber. Will his frustration at hearing yet another minor case contribute to his mid-life crisis?

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Peter Hosking as Assistant Commissioner Phil Daly, John Howard as Sgt Steve Coombs, Maria Theodorakis as Con Mandy Blackwood, Troy Beckwith as Con John Pasco, Susie Edmonds as Barbara Bassett, Broderick Smith as Gordon Bassett, Ben Thomas as Alex Bassett, Jane Thornton as Cat #1, Keith Agius as Bruce Noon, James B. Morgan as Wayne Farrugia, Dawn Klingberg as Gwen Smith, Catherine Sutherland as Reporter, Reg Roordink as Trevor Smith, Rick McMahon as Cat #2

One Careless Moment

Episode 2.08 (22)
Written by Michael Cove
Directed by Ian Watson

A horror bus crash means Kate has her hands full. It's a major test of the entire office, straining everyone to breaking point, particularly Trimble, who had expected to conduct the inquest. Liam, briefed to appear for the bus company, feels the pressure too. When a young woman asks to see the body of an abandoned baby she claims she discovered, Trimble guesses she's the child's mother and a runaway. By using sensitivity and deft counseling skills, Trimble is able to effect a family reconciliation. In a shared moment of vulnerability and need, Kate and Liam consummate their relationship.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Don Bridges as Reg, Shelley Krape as Karen Green, Duncan Young as Martin Cross, Kevin Summers as Sam Curtis, Roy Edmunds as Lex Condylios, Tommy Dysart as Robert Ash, Verity Higgins as Anne Molloy, Chris Curran as Troy Keith, Norman Yemm as Norman George, Maureen Andrew as June Fielding, Callie Gray as Emma Rushton, Abbe Holmes as Pamela Rushton, Erik Donnison as Mr Tessler, George Vidalis as Brian Dempster, Tracey Hannigan as Mary Dempster, Joan Brockenshire as Sandra Ash, Peter Maver as Ted Molloy, Grant Siedle as Geoff Baxter, Melissa Jayne as Maddy Tessler, Andrew Lawton as Marcus Tessler, Vivienne Benton as Mrs Tessler, Heather Burlison as Faith Gilmer, Tony Ladiges as Scott Dempster, Cameron Rosel as Jacques DuPrez, Joshua Wosjniusz as Benny, Robyn Betts as SES Team Leader

Three's a Crowd

Episode 2.09 (23)
October 26, 1998
Written by Annie Beach
Directed by Mandy Smith

Trimble is surprised to be finally given a major inquest, an investigation into a multiple drowning in a lake. Kate investigates the death of a young woman from seemingly unknown causes. Kate and Liam's romance flowers with Kate determining that the relationship can only continue on her terms. Claire is delighted to learn of her mother's developing relationship with Liam.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Debra Byrne as Tracy Dabovich, Kick Gurry as Josh Dabovich, John Brumton as Clint the Hirer, Elspeth Ballantyne as Pat Thompson, Daryl Pellizzer as Sergeant Finch, Lara Cox as Kerry, Max Garner-Gore as Hayden Dabovich, Neil Pollock as Brian Thompson, Jenny Seedsman as Helen Gillingham, Nick Waters as James Gillingham, Kate Gorman as Miranda Gillingham, Tanya Byrne as Flatmate

Assumptions

Episode 2.10 (24)
November 02, 1998
Written by Deborah Sheldon
Directed by Mandy Smith

A Vietnamese youth is attacked and left for dead by a rival gang. During Trimble's inquest, one of the gang admits to murder. But Trimble has doubts. Is he taking the fall for the others? Julie takes strict precautions as she autopsies the gang stabbing victim, but ironically is threatened by another seemingly less risky case. When she suffers a needlestick injury, she has to endure a waiting game. Does she have AIDS?

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Steve Jodrell as Gus Naylor, Jane Conroy as Aggie Meredith, Greg Stone as Frank Johnson, Trent Huen as Thanh Nguyen, Tai Jordan as Minh Lee, Khay Van Le as Hung Phan, Phillip Hoac as Tony Vu, Ferdinand Hoang as Mr Nguyen, Thanh Vu Nguyen as Ho Nguyen, Kim Nguyen as Jenny Vuong, Trinh Nguyen as Mrs Nguyen

Into The Fire

Episode 2.11 (25)
November 09, 1998
Written by Michaeley O'Brien
Directed by Ali Ali

Kate investigates the deaths of two backpackers in a fire at a inner city, backpacker hostel and Trimble investigates the death of a seventy-six-year-old woman from apparently unknown causes. Meanwhile, Kate and Liam find time for romance despite their busy schedules.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Harold Hopkins as Max Capilano, Brigitte Amos as Melanie Ryan, Bernard Curry as Nigel Arrowsmith, Annika Glac as Anna Nilsson, Angela Stapleton as Bridget Kelly, Kristof Kaczmarek as Gunter Geiling, Andrew Curry as Dean Andrews, Hannes Berger as Karl Geiling, Lily Ng as Lily, Alyce Platt as Veronica, Christopher Elliot as GP, Laz Korlaki as Jim, Jon Sculley as Fire Commander

Flying Solo

Episode 2.12 (26)
November 16, 1998
Written by Michael Joshua
Directed by Ali Ali

Kate investigates the death of a young diving champion, whose naked body is found in the pool below a precipitous cliff. When Julie discovers the boy had been sexually assaulted, an entire school community comes under suspicion. When a veteran daredevil stunt rider dies in action, Trimble must decide whether the circumstances of death allow an insurance company to refuse paying out to the dead man's wife. Daniel makes no secret of where his sympathies lie. Kate at last finds out the truth about the "other woman" in Liam's life — his daughter Sophie.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Asher Keddie as Claire Ferrari, Roger Oakley as Barry Randall, Margot Knight as Trish Randall, Sean Scully as Fr Frank Driscoll, Richard Grieve as Luke Keppel, Laurence Breuls as David Randall, Shane McWilliams as Justin Shaw, Alex Cheatham as Amy Conway, Louise Siversen as Cheryl Norton, Tony Nikolakopoulos as Theo Stavros, Geoff Gaskill as Roy Featherstone, Josephine Keen as Crisp, Amy Walsh as Sophie Pierce

Officers & Gentlemen

Episode 2.13 (27)
November 23, 1998
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Denny Lawrence

Kate investigates the death of a Royal Australian Navy officer trainee during an in-service training program. Trimble investigates the death of a member of a prominent Melbourne criminal family. George finds himself embroiled in the chain of consequences when the body is removed from the SCO by mistake and cremated. Julie's luck changes when she meets the charming Executive Officer from the Endeavour Naval Base. Kate gets to know Liam's daughter, Sophie and learns of Liam's dilemma.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Don Bridges as Reg, Christopher Morsley as Ben Stevens, Jonathan Hardy as Jack Bailey, Stephen Curry as Steve Capelli, Rebecca Davis as Moody, Trudy Hellier as Jodi Tyler, Dominic Jackman as Dale Richards, Luke Elliott as Glen Bailey, Peter Docker as Sean Connolly, David Adamson as Eugene Connolly, Margaret Curry as Bernadette Connolly, Robert Kemp as Priest, David Gedicke as Uniformed Policeman, Amy Walsh as Sophie Pierce

Watershed

Episode 2.14 (28 - series finale)
November 23, 1998
Written by Barbara Bishop
Directed by Denny Lawrence

Kate investigates a serious fire at a suburban chemical storage facility. What starts out as a routine investigation into another bulk chemical accident becomes murkier and more tangled, as suspicion swings from the owner of the emplacement to the greenies who are trying to shut it down. There is also a suspicion that Mills and the State Government are an interested party. Trimble investigates the suspicious death of a mystery woman in a non-descript suburban house. Nothing adds up until he and Daniel discover she is a prostitute who dispenses tea and sympathy rather than titillation to a high-up government official. Julie at last finds her place in the sun with the charming Naval Executive Officer. Kate farewells Liam.

With: James Reyne as Liam Pierce

Guest Starring: Alan Dale as Dudley Mills, Christopher Morsley as Ben Stevens, Frank Gallacher as Vic Riordan, David Paterson as Ivan, Ingrid Ruz as Siobhan Kearns, David Tredinnick as Station officer, David Hoflin as Andy Riordan, Gary Files as Lionel Morley, Susana Grest as Colette, Jim Koutsoukos as Security Guard, Matt Moloney as Firie #1, Amy Walsh as Sophie Pierce