Ep 3. Raymond

Raymond is the third episode of the first season of the Australian television drama series Redfern Now. The series is focused on the lives of Aboriginal Australians living in the Sydney suburb of Redfern. Each episode of the series tells a self-contained story revolving around a different character or family.

In Raymond, we meet Raymond Gibson, a respected Aboriginal elder in the Redfern community, who is struggling with a life-changing decision that he made years ago. Raymond's granddaughter, Amelia, is about to celebrate her 13th birthday, and as per tradition, Raymond must prepare a coming-of-age ceremony for her. However, Raymond is in a dilemma as he had promised his dying wife that he will never perform the ceremony again. Raymond's unwillingness to break his promise puts him at odds with his son, Paul, who wants his daughter to experience the ceremony just like he did.

As Amelia's birthday draws closer, Raymond becomes increasingly nervous and stressed. His internal struggle becomes apparent to his family and friends, who try their best to understand what is happening. Raymond confides in his old friend and fellow elder, Uncle Max, who helps him come to terms with his inner conflicts.

The episode portrays the challenges faced by Aboriginal elders who struggle with the balance between traditional beliefs and modern Australian culture. Raymond, who is deeply entrenched in his community's culture and traditions, finds himself torn between his desire to uphold the traditions passed down to him and his promise to his late wife.

In addition to Raymond's storyline, other themes explored in this episode include the generational divide between young and old Aboriginal Australians living in Redfern, the impact of European colonization on the local population, and the fate of the younger generation caught between the demands of their Aboriginal heritage and the opportunities of modern Australian society.

Overall, the episode is a poignant and moving reflection on the perennial struggle to balance tradition with modernity in the context of indigenous Australian culture. Raymond's story raises difficult questions about identity, community, and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world, making Redfern Now one of Australia's most thought-provoking and socially relevant dramas.