Ep 12. Sick Puppy

In season 5 episode 12 of Blue Heelers, titled "Sick Puppy," the police force of Mount Thomas is faced with one of their most disturbing cases yet. Detective Senior Constable PJ Hasham (Martin Sacks) and his team investigate the discovery of a mutilated dog on a suburban property. The gruesome find quickly escalates into a wider investigation involving animal cruelty, the illegal breeding of fighting dogs, and an underground world of dog fighting rings.

As PJ and his team delve deeper into the case, they encounter a number of suspects who may be implicated in the illegal dog fighting trade. One of the key individuals under suspicion is a local businessman by the name of Jacko (played by guest star Vince Colosimo). Jacko has a reputation for his illicit business dealings and is known to have connections with a number of unsavoury characters. As the investigation unfolds, PJ discovers that Jacko may be involved in a sophisticated operation involving the breeding, training and selling of fighting dogs.

PJ's investigation takes him and his team to the outskirts of Mount Thomas, where they discover a property belonging to Jacko. Here they see for themselves the brutal and inhumane conditions that the dogs are being kept in. PJ and his colleagues soon realise that the animals need to be rescued from their cruel fate before it's too late. But as they prepare to make their move, they come up against resistance from Jacko's men and face danger as they attempt to save the abused animals.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the investigation, PJ is also struggling with personal issues. His relationship with his girlfriend Maggie (Lisa McCune) is on the rocks, and he is forced to confront his own feelings about commitment and fatherhood.

Throughout the episode, the themes of animal cruelty, the exploitation of animals for commercial gain, and the difficulties of relationships are explored in a thought-provoking and empathetic way. The Blue Heelers team are once again forced to confront difficult moral choices, and the episode highlights the importance of taking a stand against injustice, even when it involves taking risks and putting oneself in danger.

Despite the emotionally charged subject matter, "Sick Puppy" is also infused with the trademark humour, warmth and camaraderie that fans have come to expect from the Blue Heelers series. The interplay between the characters is witty and entertaining, and there are moments of levity that help to balance the darker elements of the storyline.

In summary, "Sick Puppy" is an intense, gripping and thought-provoking episode of Blue Heelers that covers a wide range of themes and emotions. With its combination of compelling characters, sharp dialogue and socially-relevant issues, it showcases the best of Australian television drama and remains a standout episode in the Blue Heelers canon.