Ep 14. Bitter Harvest

In Blue Heelers season 2 episode 14, titled Bitter Harvest, the police officers of Mount Thomas find themselves investigating a series of thefts in the local area. During the investigation, they uncover a complex web of deception and betrayal that leads to unexpected and tragic consequences.

The episode starts with Senior Constable Tom Croydon (John Wood) and Constable Maggie Doyle (Lisa McCune) being called to a local farm where a valuable tractor has been stolen. As they begin their investigation, they discover that this is only one of many similar thefts that have taken place in the area in recent weeks. The owners of the farms are all struggling financially, and it seems that someone is targeting them specifically for their valuable farming equipment.

As the police delve deeper into the case, they begin to suspect that the thefts may be the work of a group of local farmhands who are angry at their employers for mistreating them and paying them low wages. However, their investigation takes an unexpected turn when they discover that one of the farm owners, a wealthy landowner named Roger McCluskey (Terry Gill), has been secretly colluding with one of his employees to steal equipment and sell it for a profit. When McCluskey's employee is found dead, the case takes on a much darker and more complex tone.

The police must now navigate the conflicting loyalties and motivations of the various suspects, including McCluskey's daughter (Ange Barry), who has been using her father's money to fund her extravagant lifestyle, and a neighbouring farmer (Laurie Dobson) who appears to have a grudge against McCluskey. Meanwhile, Maggie finds herself struggling with her feelings for her colleague Tom, who is clearly still grieving the loss of his wife and daughter.

As the investigation heats up, the tensions between the various suspects escalate, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion that leaves the officers stunned. Blue Heelers season 2 episode 14, Bitter Harvest, is an intense and emotional instalment of the long-running Australian police drama, showcasing the series' ability to balance gritty crime drama with nuanced character development.