australian television information archive

All This For A Cup

Episode 1
Thursday, October 17, 2024 (Stan)
Written by Dylan River
Directed by Dylan River

Robyn breaks out of juvenile detention to see her dying grandfather Ringer, only to discover that he wants her help to escape the hospital and return home to do one last thing.

The story begins in Alice Springs, where 17-year-old Robyn is incarcerated in juvenile detention. Summoned by her Grandfather Ringer, who is dying in hospital, Robyn is determined to see him once more and overpowers a guard to escape.

Reunited in the hospital ward, Ringer insists Robyn take him home, there is something important he wants her to do. Robyn refuses, but Ringer won’t take no for an answer and with the police on her tail, Robyn and her sick grandfather find themselves fugitives on the streets. Ringer is talking deliriously about wanting to find a ‘cup’, when they are offered a ride by Maxine, a seemingly kind but predatory pimp, using the cover of a night-time taxi service. Outwitting Maxine, Robyn steals her taxi, driving Ringer home to their small desert community.

At death’s door Robyn’s grandfather reveals a family secret. Her real father is alive and she must find his ‘cup’ — a horse racing trophy that will lead her to her father. Ringer passes away peacefully in the car, leaving Robyn with burning questions that need to be answered. And now relatives are blaming her for her grandfather’s death.

Cast:

• Noah Taylor as Robert Senior
• Miranda Otto as Maxine
• Will McDonald as Gidge
• Sherry-Lee Watson as Robyn
• Warren H. Williams as Ringer
• Paul Lightfoot as Mean Guard
• Matt Burton as Ward Clerk
• Jacqueline Marriott as Nurse
• Julia Burke as Mum
• Avara Williams as Daughter
• Levi Thomas as Cleaner
• Siobhan Breaden as Maxine's Girl
• Kumalie Kngwarraye as Auntie
• Stella McMillian as Auntie
• Audrey McCormack as Auntie
• Natasha Wanganeen as Mary
• Bear as Ute Dog