Ep 3. Episode 3

Jack struggles with unpacking his past while settling in Weld, a small town in New Zealand, in the third episode of 800 Words Season 1. The episode is aptly titled Episode 3.

In the beginning, Jack is seen heading to the hardware store to buy petrol for his boat. En route to the store, he bumps into the Deputy Mayor and his wife, who hint at their interest in having him participate in Weld's talent quest. Jack says he is not too keen to perform, but his daughter, who overhears the conversation, is excited about the idea.

Meanwhile, George narrates to Shay the history of an old Maori burial site in Weld. George is worried that the town council might not allow him to maintain the site and meet his obligations to the ancestors. He encourages Shay to learn about their ancestors to understand the connection with the land and their Maori identity.

Later, Jack has a flashback that takes him out of Weld and into Sydney, where he is seen trying to win back his wife. The flashback ends and Jack returns to his reality, where he is still unpacking boxes and trying to find a suitable table for his office. His daughter comes into his office with a partially broken guitar and asks him to fix it for the talent quest. While fixing it, Jack explains the significance of a certain photo that was taken during his wedding and how it was lost. The conversation causes Jack's daughter to realize that he was not entirely over their mother's passing and is still stuck in the past.

Meanwhile, George hears from one of his ancestors while meditating at the burial site, which prompts him to visit the local council to sort out the issue of land. But the council seems more interested in the agricultural and export opportunities the site presents, rather than acknowledging its spiritual significance. George feels disheartened and concerned about how to keep his promise to protect the site.

The talent quest auditions are held, and Jack's daughter secures a spot to perform. She is excited but nervous and seeks advice from a boy she fancies. He tells her that the secret to performing is to imagine the audience in their underwear. The conversation leads to a heartfelt moment between the two, and Jack is seen walking in at the end of it, which makes him realize that his daughter is growing up.

Towards the end, Shay and her friends sneak into the burial site, where they enjoy the beauty of the place but also sense its spiritual significance. They end up breaking a small rock formation by mistake, which makes George, who was meditating, aware of the intrusion. Shay and her friends apologize to George, who uses the opportunity to educate them and the town council about the importance of the site. The council seems convinced, and George's obligation to his ancestors is fulfilled.

The episode ends with Jack organizing his office and finding the long-lost photo that he was talking about with his daughter. The photo leads him into another flashback, which makes him realize that his daughter has grown up without him noticing. He understands that moving to Weld was not just about a change of scenery but a chance to start anew with his daughter.

Episode 3 of 800 Words is an insightful chapter in Jack's journey of self-discovery. The episode delves into the relationships he has with his past, his family, and the town of Weld. It is a poignant reminder that moving on from the past is not always easy, but it is essential for growth and progress. The episode is a blend of humor, drama, and introspection that makes it an entertaining watch.