australian television information archive

Episode 1

Sat, April 23, 2016 (7:30)
Written by Blake Ayshford
Directed by Brendan Maher

Country girl Ellie Linton (Molly Daniels) is at a turning point in her life as she finishes high school and looks to an exciting, unknown future. Instead of celebrating at the annual Wirrawee Show, Ellie takes her friends on a trip they will never forget, to a remote wilderness destination called 'Hell'.

A looming shadow of cyber attacks and military preparedness is just white noise for Ellie as traditional teenage angst takes charge. Her relationship with best friend Corrie (Madeleine Madden) is unravelling as Corrie abandons plans for a gap year together in favour of her own dreams and boyfriend Kevin (Andrew Creer). Though musician Lee (Jon Prasida) shows an interest in Ellie, it's the aspiring social worker Robyn (Fantine Banulski) who pines for him. Homer (Narek Arman), the resident jokester and troublemaker, has his eyes set on the newly arrived Fi (Madeleine Clunies-Ross) but she has her own troubles with a family divided.

The overhead passing of unknown jets unnerves Ellie, but it doesn't sway the group from continuing their adventure. Back in town, Fi's troublesome brother Chris (Keith Purcell) watches as the same jets scream overhead and violently explode into Wirrawee.

As they arrive back at their homes, Ellie and her friends find their parents are missing, the phone network down, homes ransacked and farm animals dead. Ellie leads the group to town in search of answers though only one rings true. They are at war. Invading soldiers roam the streets, rounding people up. Despite Ellie's protests the group split apart, checking their homes and searching for their families with a plan to reunite.

Ellie, Corrie and Kevin brave the searchlights and heavily armed guards at the showgrounds to try and find their parents. It seems all of Wirrawee's residents are being held captive. A revolt breaks out inside the camp, just as Ellie's own mother Liz (Alison Bell), spots Ellie outside the barbwire fence. Liz screams at her to escape. The soldiers give chase and a desperate attempt to survive ensues with Ellie making a decision that will change her life forever.

Cast:

• Molly Daniels as Ellie
• Jon Prasida as Lee
• Madeleine Madden as Corrie
• Andrew Creer as Kevin
• Alfred Nicdao as Umar
• Miles Paras as Therese
• Fantine Banulski as Robyn
• Alison Bell as Liz
• Richard Young as Jack
• Damien Fotiou as George
• Madeleine Clunies-Ross as Fi
• Sibylla Budd as Rachel
• Keith Purcell as Chris
• Spencer McLaren as Daniel
• Narek Arman as Homer
• Deborah Mailman as Kath