Blue Heelers Season 7 Episode 20 Smoke Without Fire
- January 1, 1970
- 43 min
In season 7 episode 20 of the Australian police drama series Blue Heelers, entitled "Smoke Without Fire", the police officers of Mount Thomas station are called to investigate a fire that has destroyed a local landmark, the old timber mill. The case becomes complicated when a body is discovered inside the burnt-down building.
At the start of the episode, Senior Constable Nikki Caetano (played by Caroline Craig) and Constable Wayne Patterson (played by Grant Bowler) respond to a call about a fire at the abandoned timber mill. They arrive to find the building engulfed in flames and quickly call for backup. Sergeant PJ Hasham (played by Martin Sacks) and Constable Jo Parrish (played by Jane Allsop) arrive on the scene to help evacuate nearby residents and control the blaze.
The next morning, while the ashes are still smoldering, the search for the cause of the fire begins. Detective Senior Constable Evan "Jonesy" Jones (played by Ditch Davey) arrives from Melbourne to assist with the investigation, and immediately suspects foul play when he discovers a body in the mill's ruins. The victim is identified as John Burke, a local identity who had been involved with the timber mill for many years.
As the investigation progresses, the police officers encounter a number of suspects, including Burke's business partner, a disgruntled former employee, and a group of environmental activists who had been protesting against the timber mill. The detectives also discover that Burke's personal life was complicated, with a wife and daughter who had been estranged from him for many years.
The case takes a surprising turn when a second body is discovered, raising the stakes for the police officers. They must work quickly to solve the case and bring the killer to justice before anyone else is hurt.
Throughout the episode, the police officers grapple with their own personal issues. Nikki is dealing with a difficult breakup with her boyfriend, while Jonesy is struggling with his feelings for Jo. Meanwhile, PJ is still coming to terms with the death of his wife and trying to care for his young son.
"Smoke Without Fire" is a tense and gripping episode of Blue Heelers, with a complex plot and strong performances from the cast. As with all episodes of the series, it explores themes of community, justice, and the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in rural Australia.