Ep 31. Brotherly Love: Part 1

Emma Plimpton is held up at the station by Jamie, who has already hit the drink, and is forced to watch the cricket that night with him. In the Pub, the police discuss an assault on a local boy by Yobbo Jones' brother, and the suggestion is made to steer the injured boy to a private clinic, away from the attention of the News of the World. Tom Croydon is deeply disturbed by this suggestion, but everyone else is in agreement. The next day, Emma and Tess have a run-in with Jones' brother, who scalds them both with hot coffee.

Tom visits the injured boy, who tells him that he was attacked by Jones' brother, and that he has been too afraid to tell anyone until now. Tom goes to Jones' brother's house, where he finds him drunk and abusive, making idle threats and wielding a knife. Tom manages to talk him down, and takes the knife away from him, but not before Jones' brother makes a veiled threat against Tom's family.

As the investigation intensifies, Tom reveals that he has a personal connection to the case. Jones' brother had previously attacked one of Tom's sons, causing him to leave the force. Tom's son is now on the run from the law, and the situation is made worse by the fact that the police are involved in a cover-up to protect Jones' brother and subsequently reveal the bus company's involvement in the cover-up.

The situation takes a dramatic turn as Jones' brother goes missing, with Tom becoming the prime suspect in his disappearance. While the police investigate, they find evidence that Tom may have crossed a line in his quest for justice, and there are serious questions about whether or not he can continue on in his role as a police officer.

As the investigation unfolds, the police are forced to confront the fact that there may be no easy answers, and that they may have to live with the consequences of their actions for years to come. As the stakes get higher, Tom and his colleagues are forced to make difficult choices about loyalty, justice, and their own personal codes of ethics. The episode ends with Tom walking off into the sunset to confront the situation and the yearning music playing in the background.

Overall, Blue Heelers season 3 episode 31 offers a complex and thought-provoking drama, one that brings up tough questions about law enforcement, justice, and the importance of personal values. Fans of the series will find much to enjoy in this compelling and powerful installment, while those new to the show will appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters and their relationships.