Ep 17. Labour of Love

In Blue Heelers season 2 episode 17 titled "Labour of Love", the town of Mount Thomas is thrown into a frenzy when a baby is stolen from the local hospital's maternity ward. The episode follows the police officers of Mount Thomas as they race against time to find the missing newborn.

The episode opens with Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon (John Wood) receiving a frantic call from the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, informing him that a baby has been stolen. Tom, along with Senior Constable Nick Schultz (Martin Sacks) and Constables Wayne Patterson (Grant Bowler) and Adam Cooper (William McInnes), arrive at the hospital to start investigating the case.

Their initial inquiry leads them to believe that the kidnapper must have been a nurse or someone with access to the maternity ward. They begin to question the staff, including head nurse Angela (Kate Raison) and midwife Jo (Deborah Kennedy), but none of them seem to have any motive for the abduction.

As the investigation progresses, the police receive a ransom note demanding a substantial sum of money in exchange for the safe return of the baby. The kidnapper also threatens to harm the baby if the police are involved.

Despite the kidnapper's warning, the police continue their search, and their efforts lead them to a young couple who recently suffered a stillbirth. The couple had developed an obsession with the hospital's maternity ward, and the police soon realize that they are the culprits behind the abduction.

The episode takes a dramatic turn as the police try to negotiate with the couple and secure the safe return of the baby. Meanwhile, Constable Maggie Doyle (Lisa McCune) discovers that she might be pregnant, and the episode explores her anxiety and concerns about motherhood.

Overall, Blue Heelers season 2 episode 17 is a heart-wrenching episode that deals with the terror of a child's abduction and the emotional turmoil of motherhood. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to tackle real-world issues in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this gripping installment, which is sure to leave them on the edge of their seats.