Luke's Kingdom

Episode 01

A Sort of Gentleman

Mar 31, 1976

It's 1829, Jason Firbeck, a retired naval Leiutenant, recently widowed arrives with his family - Samuel, his elder son, Luke, his second son and Jassy his daughter - in NSW, where land granted by influential friends, supposedly awaits him.

Episode 02

The Land Lovers

Apr 7, 1976

Jason Firbeck, shocked to discover land assigned to him is occupied by another, tries to sort out the legal aspects of ownership.

Episode 03

The Bait

Apr 14, 1976

Luke has taken control of the family and has occupied land in the wilderness. The family have thus become 'squatters'.

Episode 04

A Man Worse Than Cormac

Apr 21, 1976

In squatters territory it is law of the strong that prevails and Cormac Doyle, an English-hating Irishman, sets his sights on occupying Luke's kingdom

Episode 05

A Woman Waiting

Apr 28, 1976

In New South Wales in the 1830s convicts were granted "Tickets to Leave" to find employment on their own account. However one mistake, the slightest misdemeanor, and the ticket could be withdrawn.

Episode 06

The Man from Home

May 5, 1976

The Firbecks have been squatters for two years. The building of a timber homestead is finished and an area of land cleared. The arrival of an uninvited guest causes complications for Luke because of an association he builds up with Jassy.

Episode 07

The Surveyor

May 12, 1976

For Jassy, life as a housekeeper to her squatting family has become unbearable. Jason watches anxiously as with each day she grows more tired, more depressed, and more listless.

Episode 08

The King's Gentleman

May 19, 1976

The Governor has set up a committee to inquire into squatting and the possible granting of Tenancy Rights to the squatters.

Episode 09

The Dam and the Damned

May 26, 1976

It has not rained for four months. Sheep and cattle are dying and settlers are facing ruin. Luke, taking advantage of the dry state of the river bed, is struggling to build an immense dam. However his ambitious plan is plagued by tragedy.

Episode 10

The Hypocrites

Jun 2, 1976

In common with all squatters, Luke is finding the aboriginals troublesome. His sheep are being speared and anger against the aboriginals is growing.

Episode 11

Devil's Man

Jun 9, 1976

In Lieutenant Elliot's command is a veteran corporal about to retire from the army

Episode 12

An Enemy Too Many

Jun 16, 1976

Luke has shot a bushranger, leaving his pregnant lover swearing vengeance upon him.

Episode 13

The Prisoner

Jun 23, 1976

Luke's brooding restlessness is apparent to all who know him with, perhaps the exception of his family who are accustomed to ignoring his many moods.