Ep 2. Through the Looking Glass

Through the Looking Glass is the second episode of the second season of McLeod's Daughters. The episode opens with Claire and Tess struggling with their sheep after they had been bitten by a snake. They are rescued by Nick, who rushes them to the hospital. Meanwhile, Jodi has her hands full with the arrival of a new horse trainer, Dave and Alex is having difficulty adjusting to life in the country.

Dave, the new horse trainer, holds a clinic at Drovers Run to teach the owners better techniques on handling horses. Alex is not pleased with Dave's unorthodox methods, but his opinion changes when he sees the results. Dave's training also helps Jodi bond with her horse, Gypsy.

Claire, still reeling from her near-death experience with the snake, decides to take charge of her life. She begins to take more risks and convinces Alex to ride her in the upcoming horse race. However, Alex is nervous and reluctant to race her.

Back at the hospital, Tess discovers that her mother has come to visit. She is surprised and taken aback by her mother's sudden appearance. It becomes clear that the two have a strained relationship and Tess is still resentful of her mother's abandonment.

Throughout the episode, the characters deal with issues of trust, relationships, and self-discovery. Claire learns to take risks and push her boundaries, Jodi bonds with her horse through new training methods, and Tess confronts her troubled relationship with her mother. Meanwhile, Alex must learn to overcome his fears and trust Claire as a rider in the upcoming race.

Overall, Through the Looking Glass is a poignant and character-driven episode that brings the McLeod's Daughters' themes of rural life and human relationships to the forefront. The episode continues to build on the character's individual arcs while also moving the plot forward in a meaningful way.