Ep 1. The Prodigal Daughter

Set in Australia in the 1950s, A Place to Call Home follows the story of Sarah Adams, a nurse who returns to her homeland after twenty years of living abroad. The first episode, titled "The Prodigal Daughter," begins with Sarah arriving in the small town of Inverness and getting a ride to Ash Park, a grand estate that belongs to the wealthy Bligh family.

Sarah's arrival is met with mixed reactions from the Blighs. Elizabeth Bligh, the matriarch, welcomes Sarah with open arms and is eager to introduce her to the rest of the family. But her son, George, is less than thrilled to have her around. He is particularly dismissive of her because of her working-class background, a fact that Sarah tries to downplay by wearing a fancy dress and carrying herself with poise and self-assurance.

Over dinner, Sarah makes a good impression on the family, dazzling them with her wit and charm. However, tension arises when George's wife, Regina, arrives and makes it clear that she doesn't trust Sarah and thinks she has an ulterior motive for being there.

Despite Regina's animosity, Sarah is determined to make a new life for herself in Inverness. She applies for a job at the local hospital, where she meets Dr. Jack Duncan, the charming and handsome head of surgery. Although Jack is initially guarded around Sarah, he is clearly intrigued by her and they strike up a friendship.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth is struggling with her own personal demons. Her husband, James, has been absent from the family for some time and she is beginning to suspect that he may be having an affair. To make matters worse, her son, James Jr., is dealing with an addiction to prescription drugs and she is having trouble getting him to seek help. Elizabeth confides in Sarah, asking for her advice and support.

As the episode comes to a close, Sarah proves herself to be a valuable asset to the Bligh family when she saves James Jr.'s life by diagnosing his overdose and administering the correct medication. Her quick thinking earns her the respect of the family and shows them that she is not to be underestimated.

Overall, the first episode of A Place to Call Home sets the stage for a dramatic and compelling series, full of complex characters and intricate storylines. The beautiful Australian scenery and period-appropriate costumes and sets transport viewers back in time and create a sense of nostalgia for a simpler era. Fans of historical dramas and family sagas will find plenty to love in this gripping series.