Vietnam

This episode introduces the Goddard family - Douglas (Barry Otto) as the father, a politician in the Aussie government, Evelyn (Veronica Lang) and their children Phil (Nicholas Eadie) who gets drafted into the army and Megan (Nicole Kidman) the teenage rebel. At the age of 15, Megan is only interested in boys, hanging out with her friends and going to parties, and has to deal with her annoying older brother Phil winding her up! When she meets the charismatic Serge she pretends she is at University so she can go out with him.

The announcement of Australia joining the war in Vietnam rocks the family as Phil is enlisted and leaves to fight for his country. His family say an emotional farewell to him.

Once in Vietnam, the soldiers are pushed to their limits and beyond, dealing with landmines, civilian casualties, capture and the other horrors of war. The war puts a massive strain on his family back at home too - Douglas Goddard works in the Government and is involved in policy and decision making regarding the war, which creates tension between him and his family.