Ep 21. The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is the 21st episode of the fifth season of the Australian police drama series Blue Heelers. The episode opens with the discovery of a body on a wheat farm in Mount Thomas, a fictional rural town in Victoria, Australia. The victim is identified as Jimbo Lee, a notorious local troublemaker who had a long history of clashes with the police and the community.

The detectives of the Mount Thomas police station, led by Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon, start investigating the case, which is complicated by the lack of witnesses, physical evidence, and potential motives. They learn that Jimbo had been released from prison a week earlier and had been seen around town causing more troubles. They also find out that Jimbo had a bitter rivalry with his brother, Gavin Lee, who owned the farm where the body was found, and that Gavin had a history of violence and alcohol abuse.

As the investigation progresses, the police encounter several suspects and leads, including Jimbo's former associates, a group of illegal hunters, and a shady businessman with ties to the Lee family. They also face resistance and hostility from the locals, who feel that the police are not doing enough to protect them from the growing crime wave in the area.

Meanwhile, the personal lives of the police officers are also explored in the episode. Constable Wayne Patterson struggles with his feelings for his ex-girlfriend, journalist Jo Parrish, who is covering the murder case. Senior Constable PJ Hasham deals with his father's declining health and his own career prospects, as he considers whether to apply for a promotion or stay in Mount Thomas. Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon juggles his duties as a father and a police officer, as his daughter Sophie faces a difficult decision about her future.

As the detectives pursue every lead and piece together the puzzle, they unravel a complex web of deception, betrayal, and hidden agendas that reveals the true nature of the crime and its perpetrators. The Scarecrow is a gripping and suspenseful episode that showcases the strengths of Blue Heelers as a police procedural with a strong emphasis on character development and rural Australian culture.