Episode 1

Overview

Glamorous businesswoman Nita seemingly has it all - a profitable business, a gorgeous husband and the perfect family. But nothing is ever enough for Nita and she's fixated on buying run-down Smyrna Grove - a sprawling house ripe for redevelopment. As the owner has no intention of selling, Nita resorts to intimidation tactics which get out of hand when she adds her drunken, football-mad sister, Beth, to the mix. When the agitated owner, Stan, sees her shouting abuse and throwing beer bottles, he collapses. Stan's son, Dennis, phones for an ambulance. But it's too late. Events take a twist, as we learn that Stan was Nita's estranged father and Smyrna Grove was the family home. Nita bribes all involved to stay quiet, and resolves to continue with her plans to buy the house, preying on her brothers grief to persuade him to sell. But the funeral brings something Nita hadn't reckoned on. Phil, the sister who disappeared suddenly twenty years ago, is drawn back to the family. Phil hasn't been seen since the terrible night that split the family. This unnerves Nita, who is now married to Nash, the boyfriend Phil left behind. The funeral is an odd affair. Phil's speech leaves more unsaid than spoken. Youngest sister Alice, who hadn't seen Stan for years, is especially disturbed by her dad's death and brings along Bryce, a 'transactional dynamics' therapist for support. Dennis' grief turns to bitterness and he takes great delight in telling everyone that they'll be in for a shock when the will is read. Beth tries to drown her guilt in drink and succeeds in upsetting everyone. The family part, each troubled by their thoughts and memories. Nash, however, cannot let the past lie undisturbed and visits Phil late that night.

Episode Information