Blue Heelers: episode guide


Once Only Withdrawal (Part 1)

Episode 3.01 (087)
Monday, February 12, 1996
1.900 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Riccardo Pellizzeri

Bush fires are ringing the township of Mt Thomas and Maggie and Wayne are out evacuating farm houses in the path of the inferno, but this routine job suddenly turns dangerous when they are confronted by a masked man brandishing a shotgun. Maggie and Wayne overcome the offender and take him into custody. Back at the station he is quickly identified as one of three bandits who held up the St. David's bank the previous day. The prisoner proves to be uncooperative. He refuses to give his name or those of his accomplices and in an unguarded moment, he swallows a handful of thumbtacks. Although Mt. Thomas Hospital is presently under renovations, there is still a skeleton staff there and the bandit is rushed into emergency surgery under the care of Dr. Zoe Hamilton.

At the hospital, Wayne is duped into giving up his gun and uniform to Jason and Nerida, the two missing bandits. When Maggie goes to the hospital and discovers someone else in Wayne's clothes, she plays it cool and attempts to put a call through to the station, but as soon as she makes contact the power and phone lines go down and the Heelers fail to get the message. Maggie's next move is to try and the escape from the hospital, but the bandits already have Bobby, the hospital's maintenance woman, moving around the building dead-bolting all the doors — nobody can get in or out. Dr Hamilton is surprised to find her operation interrupted by gun-wielding bandits wanting to take her patient away, however, she bravely faces them down, pointing out that if they take him now, their friend will die. Maggie locates the bound and gagged Wayne in the hospital generator room, but unfortunately so does Nerida who also takes Maggie hostage. Having previously taken the precaution of slipping on a white coat, Maggie poses as Dr Margaret Blake.

Back at the station, Adam and Nick are called out to the Purvis farm where Keith Purvis has trapped an arsonist. While protecting the man from an infuriated Keith, Adam sustains a burn to his hand and is taken to the hospital for first aid. On seeing Jason in police uniform, Nick and Adam naturally assume that it's Wayne. They get an unpleasant surprise when the uniform draws his gun and fires at them. The bandits decide to make a break for it before Nick and Adam have the chance to call for reinforcements. As they get to the front door, their sick colleague regains consciousness, sees Maggie and immediately identifies her as a police officer. On hearing this, Jason prepares to kill her on the spot.

Starring: Grant Bowler, Damian Walshe-Howling, Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Martin Sacks, Julie Nihill, John Wood

Guest Starring: Simon Wilton as Jason Bennett, Radha Mitchell as Nerida Davidson, Karen Davitt as Dr. Zoe Hamilton, Caroline Lee as Tracy Mitchell, Frank Magree as Matt Davidson, Maria Theodorakis as August Torrini, Paul Bongiovani as Sergio Torrini, Wilhelmina Stracke as Bobby, Reg Evans as Keith Purvis, Craig Gillespie as Keenan Sykes, Roger O'Connor as Mike Savage, Alec Gilbert as Anaesthetist, Amanda Forti as Theatre Sister

Notes: Seven moved the series 3 debut to Monday night to compete against the double episode series premiere of Water Rats on Nine. The opening credits no longer include the featured guest actors and the episode title and production credits now come after the opening sequence.

Once Only Withdrawal (Part 2)

Episode 3.02 (088)
Monday, February 12, 1996
1.900 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Gary Conway

A siege has developed at the Mt. Thomas hospital. While the armed and desperate Nerida Davidson and Jason Bennett hold Maggie, Wayne, patients and staff on the inside, the rest of the Heelers lie in wait outside, and with bushfires ringing the township, outside help a forlorn hope. The bandits' objective is to get their compatriot, Matt, out of the hospital and away, but this is not made any easier by his gradually worsening medical condition resulting from having swallowed a handful of thumbtacks in order to get to the hospital, a soft target from which he could be more easily rescued. The situation is further complicated by the presence of mother-to-be Augusta Torrini and her emotional, hot-blooded husband, Sergio. When Wayne bravely tries to overcome the bandits he ends up pistol whipped and chained to a hospital bed. Maggie, Dr. Zoe Hamilton, and nurse Tracy Mitchell play a dangerous game of bluff to try to and get Augusta to safety.

Adam, meanwhile, comes up with some disconcerting information about Jason. It seems that as a teenager he quite literally got away with murder. Zoe prevails on the bandits to set most of their hostages free, but they insist on keeping Wayne, Tracy and Maggie. Nerida is desperately frightened for her sick brother and seems amenable to good sense, but the psychopathic Jason has quite different ideas. Communication between the bandits inside the hospital and the police outside is made more difficult when Jason has a fit of temper and smashes Wayne's two-way radio.

As the fires rage outside, the situation in the hospital becomes more and more tense. Cut off from outside help and with Wayne bound and unconscious, Maggie has to fall back on her own resources. She tries the psychological approach and discovers that Nerida and Jason are a couple of disaffected private school kids, yuppies who are trying to set themselves up for life with a "once-only withdrawal" from a bank. Jason aims to get out of the hospital back to the hobby farm where they have stashed the loot from their bank job. Maggie tries to counter this by threatening the imminent arrival of the SOG ("coppers from hell"). The resumption of power supplies, however, enables Jason to discover the real situation. The town is cut off and there is little chance of the SOG, or anybody else, getting through.

Jason decides to go while the going's good and there is nothing the Heelers can do to stop them. Meanwhile, isolation proves to be a problem for Augusta as lack of transportation forces her to have her baby in Tom' office at the police station. A baby boy is delivered by Zoe Hamilton, using Chris and Adam as midwives. Nerida and Jason make their way back to the hobby farm, but not before personal tragedy and unforeseen circumstances intervene.

Guest Starring: Simon Wilton as Jason Bennett, Radha Mitchell as Nerida Davidson, Karen Davitt as Dr. Zoe Hamilton, Caroline Lee as Tracy Mitchell, Frank Magree as August Torrini, Maria Theodorakis as Sergio Torrini, Paul Bongiovani as Sergio Torrini, Alec Gilbert as Anaesthetist, Wilhelmina Stracke as Bobby, Amanda Forti as Theatre Sister, Pixie Jones as CWA Lady, Marc Sheehan as Adam Christopher Torrini

Second Innings

Episode 3.03 (089)
Tuesday, February 13, 1996
1.900 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Richard Jasek

Cricket team rivalry, stolen meat, and suspicious fingerprints. Could all this lead to the capture of a wanted criminal?

Guest Starring: Phil Sumner as Doug Shannon, Sullivan Stapleton as Ian Shannon, Marilyn O'Donnell as Liz Shannon, Don Bridges as Charlie Clarke, Stephen Curry as Eddie Dodds, Marc Carra as Mick Frost

Spider Man

Episode 3.04 (090)
February 20, 1996
2.119 million viewers (1st)
Written by Ysabelle Dean
Directed by Chris Martin-Jones

The prime suspect in a series of child murders is found dead under mysterious circumstances while in police custody and Nick, haunted by memories of his daughter's death, becomes a suspect when he shows little or no remorse for the man's death.

Guest Starring: Terry Gill as Adamson, Jerome Pride as Vince Platt, Humphrey Bower as Shane Sutcliffe, Jan Frazer as Coroner, Graham Dow as Ernie Pringle, Nicolas Kadmos as Pathologist, Kerreen Ely Harper as Mrs Singer, Craig Wooldridge as Mr Singer, Daphne Daviotis as Rebecca Singer, Teila Dean as Zoe Schultz, James Ryan as Forensic 1, Ray Chubb as Mr Fowler

Day of Reckoning

Episode 3.05 (091)
February 27, 1996
1.887 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Susan Hore
Directed by Richard Sarell

At the Coroner's Inquest, Nick learns that he is the prime suspect in the death of a suspected child killer who died at the station while in Nick's custody.

Guest Starring: Jerome Pride as Vince Platt, John Arnold as Bernard Ritter, Kevin Hopkins as Detective Sergeant Lazar, Brett Swain as Senior Detective Halliday, Chris Davis as Michael Curtis, Jan Frazer as Coroner, Nicolas Kadmos as Pathologist, Kerreen Ely Harper as Mrs Singer, Craig Woolridge as Mr Singer, Graham Dow as Ernie Pringle, Anthony Horton as Fingerprint expert, Susannah Hardy as Clerk

Sex and Death

Episode 3.06 (092)
March 05, 1996
2.176 million viewers (1st)
Written by Michaeley O'Brien
Directed by Kevin Carlin

When the Heelers are called out to a nasty road accident they are shocked to discover that one of the injured is Adam Cooper. What exactly was he doing in a car that appeared to have been drag racing and what else is he hiding from them?

Guest Starring: Raelee Hill as Jamie Bennett, Nick Waters as Inspector Faulkner, Benjamin-Grant Mitchell as Troy Keogh, Keir Saltmarsh as Snr Sgt John Hawkins, Terry Gill as Clive Adamson, Craig Goddard as Tony D'Angelo, Susan J. Arnold as Stella Downer, Justin Anderson as Delivery Boy

Not In My Backyard

Episode 3.07 (093)
March 12, 1996
2.107 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Cassandra Carter
Directed by Chris Martin-Jones

Plans to build a high-security prison for the criminally insane in the area have the locals up in arms. Tensions in the community run high and the local cops are accused of colluding with the demonstrators.

Guest Starring: Reg Evans as Keith Purvis, Karen Davitt as Zoe Hamilton, Nick Waters as Inspector Faulkner, Beverley Evans as Harriet, Greg Saunders as Pete, Terry Brittingham as Andy, Tim Hughes as Laszlo, Trevor Welsh as Rent-A-Mob-Leader, Catherine Milte as Nurse, Judy Stolfo as Denise, Mark Crocker as Cameraman

All Part of the Service

Episode 3.08 (094)
March 19, 1996
1.945 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Dave Worthington
Directed by Richard Sarell

Tom creates a monster when he encourages an elderly, civic-minded school crossing supervisor and has to deal with explosive consequences. Wayne becomes involved with a local schoolteacher after her son goes missing.

Guest Starring: Graham Dow as Ernie Pringle, Frances O'Connor as Gabe Greenway, Chris Lyons as Ben Greenway, Tess Mornane as Susannah Greenway, Nik Barker as Austin Blair, Justin D'Orazio as Tony Castel, Stuart Baker as Richo, Lisa Heenan as Mrs Castel, Carole Browne as Mrs Pringle, Nikita Plummer as Jenny

Note: Nikita Plummer (the little girl almost run over) returns in series 6 in the reoccurring role of Emma Stewart, one of Ben Stewart's (Paul Bishop) daughters.

Dog Days

Episode 3.09 (095)
March 26, 1996
1.874 million viewers (2nd)
Written by David Allen
Directed by Richard Jasek

There's a sheep killer in the area and fingers are pointing at local dogs, Tom's included. With rumours about the mythical Mt Thomas Puma wandering the countryside, the Mt. Thomas cops are determined to hunt down the animal responsible. Meanwhile, Wayne plays the field at home.

Guest Starring: Frances O'Connor as Gabe Greenway, Chris Lyons as Ben Greenway, Tess Mornane as Susannah Greenway, Marie Trevor as Leila Clegg, Don Bridges as Charlie Clarke, Fred Barker as Frank Wade, Colin Duckworth as Tibor, Jason Davies as Miles, uncredited as Austin

An Act of Random Violence

Episode 3.10 (096)
April 02, 1996
2.404 million viewers (1st)
Written by Peter Gawler
Directed by Chris Langman

Wayne's life is in danger when a violent criminal escapes from prison and heads for Mt. Thomas.

Guest Starring: Frances O'Connor as Gabe Greenway, Anthony Lawrence as Joe Kenny, Chris Lyons as Ben Greenway, Michael Veitch as Det. Sgt. Daryl Darcy, Trudy Hellier as Lynette Buckley, Will Deumer as Brian Kenny, Tess Mornane as Susannah Greenway, Bayard Templin as Keith Kenny, Brett Arico as Colin Kenny, Luke Anderson as Trent Kenny, Mary-Maude Marschall as Grandma Kenny

Note: Joe Kenny was introduced in episodes 2.30 and 2.31

Unfinished Business

Episode 3.11 (097)
April 09, 1996
2.411 million viewers (1st)
Written by Peter Dick
Directed by Steve Mann

Wayne's death upsets the police officers of Mt Thomas deeply — as does their exclusion from the funeral service at the request of his parents. The discovery of a stolen watch among Wayne's possessions forces the Heelers to clear their dead colleague's name.

Guest Starring: Ann Burbrook as Roz Patterson, Rachel Blakely as Gina Belfanti, David Walters as Wozza Tully, Peter Hosking as Jim Tully, Louise Siversen as Nola Tully, Troy Beckwith as Brian Stenmark, Neil Fletcher as Max Skinner, Keir Saltmarsh as Snr Sgt Hawkins, Robert Tuttleby as The Minister, Bill Johnston as George Patterson, Sue Dyring as Helen Patterson

Happy Families

Episode 3.12 (098)
April 16, 1996
2.167 million viewers (1st)
Written by John Wood
Directed by Gary Conway

Maggie celebrates her 25th birthday but the fallout from a drug bust threatens to tear her family apart. Tom receives a surprise visitor at the station.

Starring: Damian Walshe-Howling, Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Martin Sacks, Julie Nihill, John Wood

Guest Starring: Dennis Miller as Pat Doyle, Nick Waters as Faulkner, Rachel Blakely as Gina Belfanti, Terry Serio as Mick Doyle, David Wenham as Robbie Doyle, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Rhys Muldoon as Geoff Grimshaw, Marie Trevor as Lila Clegg, Anne Maloney as Amanda, Colin Duckworth as Tibor Kerenyi, Debra Low as Suzie Kerenyi, Nick Carrafa as Anthony Kelvin

Notes: the only episode in which Maggie, her father, and two brothers all appear together (and David Wenham's only appearance as Robbie). The first appearance of Tom's daughter, Anna. After series 3 we don't see her again until series 12.

Priorities

Episode 3.13 (099)
April 23, 1996
2.275 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Fred Clarke
Directed by Karl Steinberg

Inspector Faulker fills in for Tom when he is sent away for a training session, leaving the station seriously understaffed. Things go from bad to worse when the computer system goes down, an old man goes missing, and a young mother's car is stolen with her baby asleep in the back seat. Nick and Adam are preoccupied by a pesky car alarm and Faulkner dismisses a young man who comes into the station looking for recruiting info.

Guest Starring: Nick Waters as Faulkner, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Richard Young as Gary Steadman, Norman Yemm as Nigel Carmody, Susanne Chapman as Michelle Tomminello, Shauna MacEwan as Kerry, Carole Yelland as Joan Reeves, Kelly Rowland as Lorae, Kate Keltie as Briana Tomminello, Zak Zavod as Bradley Tomminello, Tibor Gyapjas as Vic Tomminello, Mim Green as Elizabeth Tomminello

Note: Susanne Chapman (miscredited here as Suzanne Chapman) previously appeared in episode 2.10, Richard Young was in 1.27, Kate Keltie was in 1.06, and Carole Yelland was in 1.05

Fair Crack of the Whip (Part 1)

Episode 3.14 (100)
April 30, 1996
2.273 million viewers (1st)
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Chris Langman

Wayne's replacement finally arrives in Mt Thomas, just in time to help the Heelers deal with a rodeo cowboy who seems to be sending his young son out to steal for him. Tom anxiously awaits the birth of his first grandchild.

Guest Starring: Frankie J Holden as Jack Woodley, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Andrew Blackman as Joel Willis, Jeffrey Walker as Rowdy Willis, Helen Trenos as Celia Donald, Karen Davitt as Dr Zoe Hamilton, Suzi Dougherty as Kelly Hayden, Pepe Trevor as Maria, David Mellatti as Gary Malloy, Norma Brown as Mrs Bell, Neville Stonehouse as Dave, Taylor Dow as Baby Croydon, Max Crosby as Baby Croydon, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

Note: Suzi Dougherty (miscredited here as Suzie) returns in series 6-9 as Dr Mel Carter.

Fair Crack of the Whip (Part 2)

Episode 3.15 (101)
May 07, 1996
2.295 million viewers (1st)
Written by Annie Beach
Directed by Steve Mann

PJ and Jack Woodley are at odds over how to handle the case of an elderly police widow who is the victim of a vicious assault.

Guest Starring: Frankie J Holden as Jack Woodley, Andrew Blackman as Joel Willis, Rachel Blakely as Gina Belfanti, Suzi Dougherty as Kelly Hayden, Jeffrey Walker as Rowdy Willis, Jason Clarke as Dean Crocker, Margaret Ricketts as Edith Fleming, Pepe Trevor as Maria, Carolyn Bock as Judy Stewart

Under Pressure

Episode 3.16 (102)
May 14, 1996
2.253 million viewers (1st)
Written by Margaret Plum
Directed by Gary Conway

When a shearing competition goes horribly wrong, PJ starts his own investigation and his results lead him to the conclusion that his new partner, Jack, planted evidence. The search is on for a name for Anna Croydon's baby.

Guest Starring: Frankie J Holden as Jack Woodley, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Anne Phelan as Jeannie O'Dwyer, Scott Major as Andy Sexton, Mike Bishop as Davo Davidson, Ross Williams as Joe Shaw, Fred Barker as Frank Wade, Craig Fisher as Wes, Elly Varrenti as Elaine Cox, Geoff Brooks as Mungo

Fight Dirty

Episode 3.17 (103)
May 21, 1996
2.285 million viewers (2nd)
Written by David Boutland
Directed by Karl Steinberg

Maggie is set to prosecute the Dean Crocker case but PJ has doubts about the investigation and is forced to make a difficult choice when he finds proof that Jack has falsified evidence. Adam and Jack investigate a series of pump thefts.

Guest Starring: Frankie J Holden as Jack Woodley, Jason Clarke as Dean Crocker, Carolyn Bock as Judy Stewart, Margaret Ricketts as Edith Fleming, Peta Doodson as Monica Draper, Humphrey Bower as Shane Sutcliffe, Fred Barker as Frank Wade, Jan Frazer as Jane Gray, John Jacobs as Benny Danders, Wayne Conley as Station Master, David Meadows as Blocker Waters, James McCrae as Farmer Redmond

The Art of Deception

Episode 3.18 (104)
May 28, 1996
Written by David Allen
Directed by Chris Langman

The Mt. Thomas Festival of the Arts causes headaches for Tom and Chris. Nick attempts to break down the fence between two feuding neighbours and PJ searches for a grow op.

Guest Starring: John Jacobs as Benny Danders, Vince D'Amico as George Katsoulis, Ben Thomas as Ross Danders, Annie Gagliardi as Helen Katsoulis, Christopher Milne as Patrick Munroe, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Nield Schneider as Simon Brophy, Tobi Webster as Gary Brice, Eugenia Fragos as Roula Katsoulis, Simon Moody as Marijuana Grower, Russell Frost as Marijuana Grower, Taylor Dow as Baby Sam Croydon

Old Sins, Long Shadows

Episode 3.19 (105)
June 04, 1996
2.267 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Jennifer Rowe
Directed by Steve Mann

Maggie investigates a homicide on the sly, and Adam deals with a complaint from a high school principle about the circulation of pornographic material in the area.

Guest Starring: Annie Jones as Angela Harrigan, Terry Kenwick as Clyde Harrigan, Bronwen F. Gault as Debbie Listwan, Marty Fields as Geoff Wiley, Kevin Hopkins as Detective Lazar, Richie Akers as Dave Thorn, Heath Campbell-McLean as Brendan Wiley, Robyn Bishop as Lyn Trebeck

Note: this murder-mystery episode was written by Jennnifer Rowe who would go on to co-create (with BH co-creator/executive producer Hal McElroy) and devise almost all the stories for the successful series Murder Call which would debut the following year.

In Unity is Strength

Episode 3.20 (106)
June 11, 1996
2.329 million viewers (1st)
Written by Dave Worthington
Directed by Richard Sarell

Adam succumbs to the stress of the job when he and Nick discover the body of a teenage boy who died during a drunken dare. Following Chris' summary dismissal of her cellarman after complaints to the police of selling to minors, the rest of her staff at the pub go on strike. Nick runs in the election for the Police Association.

Guest Starring: Anne Phelan as Jeannie O'Dwyer, Stewart Faichney as Snowy White, Hayden Dingle as Shane, Stuart Baker as Richo, Sophie Lampel as Hayley, Chris Bidlo as Delivery Driver, Maree Mulcahy as Shane's mum, Douglas Lukic as Teenager 1, Laura Fitzpatrick as Teenager 2, Joseph Sessa as Teenager 3, Elise Hearst as Teenager 4, Nicholas Jones as Teenager 5, Warwick Sadler as Dead teenager, Axl Taylor as Len The Barman [uncredited]

The Kremin Factor

Episode 3.21 (107)
June 18, 1996
2.211 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Peter Gawler
Directed by Richard Jasek

The new Probationary Constable, 19-year-old Dash McKinley, arrives in Mt Thomas much to Tom's annoyance and Adam's delight. Meanwhile, when a young woman turns up to confront a wealthy Mt Thomas family with the news that she is a long-lost daughter returned from the dead, the Heelers are faced with finding a solution to an unresolved crime from eighteen in the past.

Guest Starring: Tasma Walton as Dash McKinley, Pam Western as Coral Sheridan, Asher Keddie as Marrianne Sheridan, Dominic McDonald as Alex Sheridan, Natalie Carr as Sonja Sheridan, Sue Jones as Janet Lennox, Vanessa Ready as Violet, James Taylor as Spud, Jim Alexander as Max, Toni-Rose Cree as Young Marrianne, Brett Stafford as Young Alex, Alan Barrett as Motel Manager, Greg Jamieson as Hearse Driver/Burglar, Axl Taylor as Len The Barman [uncredited]

Shelter From The Storm

Episode 3.22 (108)
June 25, 1996
2.277 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Cass Carter
Directed by Chris Langman

Tom is faced with a dilemma when the attempted suicide of Clancy's mother places the future of her intellectually handicapped son in jeopardy.

Starring: Tasma Walton, Damian Walshe-Howling, Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Martin Sacks, Julie Nihill, John Wood

Guest Starring: Michael Isaacs as Clancy Freeman, Marjke Mann as Rachel Freeman, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Karen Davitt as Dr Hamilton, Pepe Trevor as Maria Baker, Taylor Dow as Baby Sam, Brett Anderson as Stunt Driver Double, Ian Mall as Stunt Double

The Principle Of The Thing

Episode 3.23 (109)
July 02, 1996
2.244 million viewers (3rd)
Written by John Banas
Directed by Richard Sarell

As the Heelers necessarily become involved with the discipline problems at the local high school, Tom realises that his own problems are nothing in comparison to those of the new school principal. Maggie hires a tutor after she is disappointed with her exam results

Guest Starring: Steve Jodrell as Neil Hadlow, Geoff Paine as Roman Kellerman, Chris Sadrinna as Scott Osbourne, Julian Branagan as Steve Murphy, Sharon Oppy as Victoria Hadlow, Paul Reardon as Jimmy Crane, Axl Taylor as Len The Barman, Mary Bryant as School Secretary

Mind Games

Episode 3.24 (110)
July 09, 1996
2.291 million viewers (3rd)
Written by Susan Hore
Directed by Kevin Carlin

PJ and Maggie must examine the events of the past to solve an allegation of child abuse when a woman unleashes some recovered memories from her childhood. Dash and Adam work to identify an assault suspect with no clues other than a blind man's desciption of the offender.

Guest Starring: Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Tamsin Durrant as Emma Matthews, Peter Curtin as Dr Matthews, Margot Knight as Mrs Matthews, Fiona Corke as Thea Copeland, Paul Karo as Dr Fielding, Fred Rowan as Scobie, Ron Kamoen as Towie, Bronwen Coleman as Offender, Leif Hughes as Kid Brother, Gabriel Egan as P-Plater, Naomi Davies as Young Emma Matthews, Szumai Anderson as Precision Driver, Taylor Dow as Baby Sam

Note: Tamsin Durrant's character is credited as Emma Matthews but she called Bridget in the episode

Duty Of Care

Episode 3.25 (111)
July 16, 1996
2.364 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Peter Dick
Directed by Richard Jasek

Dash and Nick are called out to an old farmhouse where they discover a vandalised room, a terrified child, and swinging from a light fitting... a dead lamb. Despite earning a commendation for her actions, Dash's behaviour continues to antagonise Tom.

Guest Starring: Geoff Paine as Roman Kellerman, Michael Carman as Alby O'Connell, John Atkinson as George Yammouni, Vinny Jones as Delwyn-Rae Jenkins, Luke Elliot as Frank Forbes, Lee Kernaghan as Himself, William Szekeres as Season Jenkins, Axl Taylor as Barman Len

Note: this episode aired against the Atlanta Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. BH went on hiatus for two weeks during the games.

Other People's Lives

Episode 3.26 (112)
August 06, 1996
2.229 million viewers (1st)
Written by John Banas
Directed by Chris Langman

Maggie's deepening relationship with her university tutor creates sparks with PJ as they investigate the disappearance of a young ballet dancer.

Guest Starring: Robert Morgan as Bruce Drummond, Glynis Ann Jones as Elaine Drummond, Melissa Gibson as Wendy Drummond, Suzy Cato as Louise Hatton, Simon Grey as Peter Hatton, Olivia Ramage as Selina Crichton, Geoff Paine as Roman Kellerman, Alan King as Det Barry Simpson, Caroline Henricks as 'Mack' McDermott, Axl Taylor as Len The Barman

A Gift From God

Episode 3.27 (113)
August 13, 1996
2.133 million viewers (2nd)
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Kevin Carlin

Tom suspects an itinerant water dowser of being responsible for a series of bashings, the latest which has put a paraplegic farmer in hospital. Little does Tom know, however, that the stranger is the father of Anna's baby. Adam makes a sacrifice for charity.

Guest Starring: Alexandra Sangster as Anna Croydon, Reg Evans as Keith Purvis, Ross Thompson as Gil Charles, Christopher Gabardi as Brett Allcott, Barry Laing as Graham Cook, Nathan Ling as Dave Western, Carol Smith as Pam Arthur, David Le Page as Kevin Forbes, Valentina Levkowicz as Patsy White, Taylor Dow as Baby Sam, Axl Taylor as Barman Len, Richard Newton as The Barber

Waiting to Happen

Episode 3.28 (114)
August 20, 1996
2.078 million viewers (2nd)
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Richard Sarell

Nick is surprised by Dash's unprofessional behavior at the scene of a fatal accident, only to later learn that both victims were friends of hers. She insists she can cope with the trauma, but Nick feels there is more to it. When he does some investigating into Dash's history, he discovers a secret. PJ investigates Maggie's tutor, Roman, and discovers he's married. The Heelers search for a car vandal.

Guest Starring: Gerard Kennedy as Sal D'Angelo, Bruce Carter as Shane Conroy, Kim Fraser as Marnie, Cameron Nugent as Liam Conroy, Leigh Morgan as Mrs Dawson, Rick Fletcher as Tony Hearn, Lance Anderson as The farmer, John Raaen as Terry Flynn, Luke Anderson as Brian Dawson, Kate Bryant as Sue Dawson, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

Note: guest actress Leigh Morgan will return in series 6 playing Tom's late wife Nell

Bewitched

Episode 3.29 (115)
August 27, 1996
2.234 million viewers (1st)
Written by Cassandra Carter
Directed by Richard Jasek

Nick and Adam are called out when a group of wild-eyed religious bigots attack the home and property of full-time hairdresser and part-time witch, Siobhan Kennedy. PJ spills the beans about Roman but an investigation into the death of a clergyman's daughter leads Maggie to wonder how much he really knows.

Guest Starring: Geoff Paine as Roman Kellerman, John Banas as Joel Turner, Rosalind Hammond as Siobhan Kennedy, Valentina Levkowicz as Patsy White, Elly Varrenti as Elaine Cox, Julia Madotti as Prudence Turner, Carmel Hyland as Heather Michaels, Peter Ashby as Ron, Justin Ractliffe as Aaron, Daniel Tonzing as Billy, Taylor Dow as Baby Sam, Axl Taylor as Barman Len

Note: John Banas wrote 39 episodes of BH, winning an AWGIE Award for episode 4.05.

Mud Sticks

Episode 3.30 (116)
September 03, 1996
2.213 million viewers (1st)
Written by David Boutland
Directed by Steve Mann

As Tom accepts the possibility that his daughter is gone for good, the team investigates a possible child abuse case and Dash is very taken with PJ's replacement. Tom thinks he's found a suitable crèche for his grandson Sam — until rumours of baby bashing start to circulate.

Guest Starring: Jack Finsterer as Det. Const. Johnny Kowalski, Sarah Woods as Cherie Watts, Nicholas Reid as Tony 'Toes' Morgan, Verity McIntyre as Jacqui Morgan, Abbe Holmes as Gwen Ryan, Ken Campbell as Don Ryan, Tess O'Carroll as Kylie Morgan, Andrew Hicks as Dr Davies, Elizabeth Crockett as Mrs Singleton, Audrey O'Carroll as Baby Sam, Axl Taylor as Barman Len

The Angels' Share

Episode 3.31 (117)
September 10, 1996
2.284 million viewers (1st)
Written by John Banas
Directed by Kevin Carlin

A crime at a winery gives Johnny Kowalski the opportunity to make a move on Maggie. Meanwhile, Dash gets a humiliating rejection and Tom hears some news which gives him grave concerns for the safety of his missing daughter.

Guest Starring: Jack Finsterer as Det. Const. Johnny Kowalski, Don Bridges as Charlie Clarke, George Fairfax as Franz Engel, Penelope Bartlau as Karen Engel, Phillip Parslow as Mark Engel, Jim Russell as Brian Dalgarno, David McLean as Steve Coppell, Donald Hirst as Bill Mowbray, Trevor Alexander as Leslie Stanford, Marnie Statkus as Lucy Fletcher, Audrey O'Carroll as Baby Sam, Lea Reid as Maggie Stunt Doubleo

Something for Nothing

Episode 3.32 (118)
September 17, 1996
2.180 million viewers (1st)
Written by David Allen
Directed by Raymond Quint

Intent on buying a car but short on cash, Dash turns to Chris' new gaming machines then gets carried away by her winning streak, losing Adam's nest egg and putting pressure on their friendship. The Heelers investigate a domestic burgularly.

Guest Starring: Jack Finsterer as Johnny Kowalski, Victoria Eagger as Sarah Wickham, Christopher Connelly as Harry Wickham, David Latham as George Baker, Marisa Warrington as Lara, Mirelle Vidal as Tiffany, Amber Summerfield as Josie, Mia Grant as Fiona, Axl Taylor as Barman Len

Winner Takes All

Episode 3.33 (119)
September 24, 1996
Written by Ysabelle Dean
Directed by Gary Conway

A prestigious horse endurance race presents problems for the Heelers with both a sabateur and a thief on the loose. Dash and Maggie can't escape Johnny Kowalski's womanising and the team face PJ's return with mixed feelings.

Guest Starring: Jack Finsterer as Det. Johnny Kowalski, Shanyn Asmar as Kirstin Vandenberg, Nicholas Bell as Ferdie Vandenberg, Rebecca MacAuley as Tanya Graham, Christopher Uhlmann as Richard Williams, Peter Stratford as David Lawrence, Axl Taylor as Len the barman, Helen Trenos as Celia Donald, Lea Reid as Rider Double, Russell Allan as Precision Driver, Roy Edmonds as Precision Driver

I Spy

Episode 3.34 (120)
October 01, 1996
Written by Susan Hore
Directed by Karl Steinberg

PJ is too busy for an apology from Maggie after a toddler calls the station and says his mother won't wake up. While PJ talks to the child, the rest of the Heelers work to try and determine his identity and location using what little information they have.

Guest Starring: Karen Davitt as Dr Zoe Hamilton, Marg Downey as Kanga Voice, Louis Dingeman as Simon Waterman, Robert Corner as Barry Reynolds, Hywell Norris as Simmo, Fred Rowan as Scobie, Nicholas Green as Kanga, Matthew Dodds as Bike Kid, Max Crosby as Baby Ellie

Reality Bytes

Episode 3.35 (121)
October 08, 1996
Written by David Worthington
Directed by Steve Mann

Dash and Adam wreck the hard drive of the computer at the station while playing a game. They have the system quietly repaired locally and are anxious that Tom doesn't find out, but glitches soon appear, which seems to be connected to a puzzling series of break-ins Maggie and PJ are investigating.

Guest Starring: Peter Paulsen as Bob Campbell, Marc Gray as Jason Campbell, Peter Hardy as Hayden Bennett, Christopher Chapman as Woody, Paula Gardner as Carol Egan, Roy Thompson as Andrew Norman, Frank Kennedy as Rex Henries, Tony Schmidt as Merv O'Rourke, Matt Norman as Security Guard, Andrew McKaigh as Computer Voice, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

Note: Peter Felmingham makes his 3rd appearance as security guard Bob Campbell but is credited as Peter Paulsen. He also was credited under both names (as well as Peter Pawlsen) on Prisoner.

In the Gun

Episode 3.36 (122)
October 15, 1996
Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Kevin Carlin

The return of a young criminal to Mt. Thomas stirs up painful memories for Dash. Nick and Adam are sent to a domestic in which PJ becomes the target of a family's rage against the police.

Guest Starring: Marcus Eyre as Terry Darcy, Jonathon Brooks as Luke Darcy, Kay Keighery as Raelene Darcy, Jeff Keogh as Ian Fraser, Blaise Stowers as Kayla Darcy, Brad Lindsay as Bert Cole, Marie Trevor as Leila Clegg, Kane McDonald as Paul Watts, Justin Leonard as Gary Lewis, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

In the Gun (Part 2)

Episode 3.37 (123)
October 22, 1996
Written by Michael Winter
Directed by Raymond Quint

When a young mother of two is killed, a videotape of the incident appears to show that PJ cold-bloodedly shot her in the back. PJ faces tough questioning but the worst attention is that of tabloid TV journalist, Paul Carson. Maggie can see that PJ is having a harder time than he lets on, so she decides to help clear his name in the media. To do this she must prove that video pictures can lie and that Carson is a fraud. But even if she succeeds, PJ still has the Coronial Inquest ahead of him.

Guest Starring: Jonathon Brooks as Luke Darcy, Kay Keighery as Raelene Darcy, Marcus Eyre as Terry Darcy, Blaise Stowers as Kayla Darcy, Terry Gill as Super. Clive Adamson, Kevin Hopkins as Stan Lazar, Elly Varrenti as Elaine Cox, Bruce Hughes as Paul Carson, Brad Lindsay as Bert "King" Cole, Addie Black as Lucy Kenny, Justin Anderson as Toby, Scott Meneilly as Bob Harris, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

Buck Naked

Episode 3.38 (124)
October 29, 1996
Written by Dave Marsh
Directed by Gary Conway

It's Halloween in Mt. Thomas and when Dash and Adam are sent out to apprehend what they assume is a seasonal prank, a naked man painted blue, Dash is astonished to discover it is her brother Ian, the victim of his bucks party the night before. Ian's wedding is only two days away and Dash is horrified to discover his fiancée in bed with a German tourist. But Ian is prepared to overlook her indiscretion and ignore warnings from Dash. Can Dash change her brother's fate in time?

Guest Starring: Terry Norris as Max Arnold, Mandy McElhinney as Deslee Arnold, James Benedict as Helmut Muller, Paulene Terry-Beitz as Beth McKinley, Justin Braine as Ian McKinley, Roger Boyce as The Minister, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman, Duran O'Brien as Halloween Kid 1, Cheyne O'Brien as Halloween Kid 2

Friendly Fire

Episode 3.39 (125)
November 05, 1996
Written by Cassandra Carter
Directed by Steve Mann

Nick is delighted when his old friend Gordy Muir turns up in Mt. Thomas to run a stress management "war games" course for corporate clients and thrilled when Gordy offers him a partnership in the new venture. But things quickly go sour when the observing senior partner of a law firm is injured during a mock ambush on the paintball course, and the Heelers are called in to investigate.

Guest Starring: Andrew McKaige as Gordy, Ian Toyne as Alan Chisolm, Catherine Hill as Gail Muir, Angela Kennedy as Jessica Gates, Darren Mort as Hunter, Scott Irwin as Damien Owen, Georgina Symes as Olivia, Karen Davitt as Dr Zoe Hamilton, Thomas Bromhead as Brendon, Sasha Kershaw-Ried as Julia, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman

Half A Second

Episode 3.40 (126)
November 12, 1996
Written by Anthony Ellis
Directed by Graham Thornburn

PJ's career hangs in the balance when the Coroners Inquest into Raelene Darcy's death begins. PJ suffers a crisis of confidence and only Maggie stands between him and professional ruin. A death-bed confession raises question about a conviction in another of PJ's cases from early in his career.

Guest Starring: Lisa Hickey as Sophie Comillo, Peta Doddson as Monica Draper, Tim Bell as Derek Farrow, Jan Frazer as Jane Grey, Helen Hopkins as Abby Howson, Geoff Wallis as Rod Howson, Hohn Penman as Micky Howson, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman, Jonathon Brooks as Luke Darcy, Blaise Stowers as Kayla Darcy, Addie Black as Lucy Kenny, Nicolas Kadmos as Dr. Longman

Miss Mt. Thomas

Episode 3.41 (127)
November 19, 1996
Written by Beverley Evans
Directed by Kevin Carlin

The favourite in the Miss Mt Thomas contest tells the Heelers she is being stalked, then mysteriously disappears while under the protection of Dash and Nick.

Guest Starring: Susan Paterno as Debbie De Laurien, Stephen Hayden as Daryl Sinclair, Christopher Barry as Ron Marsh, Christopher Lee as Richard Elliot, Robyn Whyman as Sandra Marsh, Audrey O'Carroll as Baby Sam, Axl Taylor as Len the Barman.

Dead And Alive

Episode 3.42 (128)
November 26, 1996
Written by David Allen
Directed by Steve Mann

Dash's family problems reach a crisis point when her mother is admitted to a Melbourne hospital. She is in desperate need of a donor kidney to save her from certain death. But when advised of a possible donor, Dash's joy is short-lived — the donor is her brother Ian who has been in a motorbike accident and is not expected to live. The girlfriend of an escaped prisoner makes a desperate attempt to keep him out of prison but his escape has much greater consequences, particularly for Dash. Anna's sudden return is bittersweet for Tom.

Guest Starring: Daniel Roberts as Craig Robinson, Tess Bryant as Veronica Lake, Wendy Stapleton as Paula Lake, Paulene Terry-Beitz as Beth McKinley, Karen Davitt as Dr. Zoe Hamilton, Justin Braine as Ian McKinley, Christopher Gabardi as Brett Allcott, Alexandra Sangster as Anna Allcott, Audrey O'Carroll as Baby Sam, Skye Dawson as The Nurse, Axl Taylor as Barmen Len, Daniel O'Sullivan as Doctor

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