13 Episodes · Premiered October 8, 2017 · Ended December 24, 2017
Season five will time jump to 1958, where four years have passed since we left Sarah and the Bligh family. Those four years have seen ever increasing changes in Australian society.The world of wealth and privilege is being eroded, moral values are fraying and a new young generation is rising, full of disaffection with the world of their elders. To them the War is a matter of the dead past, bringing conflict with those who suffered its pain and deprivation.Economic change and the devious actions of unseen enemies threaten Ash Park. While friends become bitter rivals and former enemies become unlikely allies. And in the midst of the turmoil, love becomes the only sure place anyone can call home.
Including behind the scenes footage and cast interviews, host Abby Earl presents some of the series most memorable moments and gives you a sneak peek at the new season.
Four years later and we pick up the lives of the Bligh family's Anzac Day, 1958. Sarah comes into conflict with the hierarchy at the hospital over the misdiagnosis of an indigenous man, and challenges George over what religion David should be raised in.
Sarah and George continue their difficult conversation about religion. Anna is sabotaging her writing career yet again while dealing with the attentions of her publisher.
Two months have passed and Douglas has had a cancerous lung removed. George meets with a Rabbi in the city to discuss the process of conversion when he receives news of Regina's release. The family is sent into a tailspin, fearful of the repercussions. Carolyn clocks Jack's reluctance to change but busies herself advocating for Frank's art.
Regina reveals that Sir Richard is hell bent on ruining the Bligh family. Sarah decides to accompany George to Canberra.
Jack and Henry butt heads about informing Douglas of his prognosis. In Canberra, Sarah attends a political function and experiences a post traumatic stress episode.
Sarah is plunged into a dark place and must confront the demons of her past. Roy confronts Larry about his involvement in the burning down of Frank's shack. Larry is taught a valuable lesson and is redeemed. Douglas finally realises his prognosis and asks for assistance to die. Anna defends herself against Sir Richard in an attempted rape. She flees to Ash Park where she and Carolyn realise that Regina may deserve their trust.
One month later, in the midst of the family's grief, George must deal with a rabid Sir Richard keen on finding out George's decision regarding the upcoming federal election. Olivia returns home without James. Henry and George deal with the grief of rejection. Sarah realises Elizabeth's complicity in Douglas' death and counsels her with sage advice.
The family convenes and agree to come up with a plan to wrestle control of Ash Park from Sir Richard. Elizabeth receives news of an extraordinary nature. George questions the value of trying to save Ash Park. Perhaps it would be easier to sell it off and walk away? The Inverness fete becomes a hotbed of tension, as Carolyn expresses her frustrations.
Elizabeth's cloud of grief begins to break. Jack is asked to assist in Sir Richard's downfall. Sarah still harbours doubts about Regina's motives for helping the family. Sir Richard pays Elizabeth a visit. His veiled threats send a tremor through the family.
Two weeks until the federal election and Jack embraces a rigorous campaign schedule. Sir Richard's suspicions of a subterfuge deepen. Elizabeth launches Douglas' veteran's fund to representatives of the Australian-Aboriginal Fellowship. With one deft strike, Sir Richard's destruction of Jack Duncan looks complete. A body is pulled from the river.
Frank and Roy discover an inebriated Jack still suffering from Sir Richard's public humiliation of him. Henry and Sarah prepare for an autopsy, and Sarah begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Meanwhile, Anna and Henry find comfort in each other.
The Bligh family must deal with some deep ethical questions. The family must now make a decision: do they reveal the truth, or do they remain quiet and keep Sir Richard safely out of their lives?