The Circuit

Ellis takes on his first case – defending young mother Debbie Pope against a serious drug charge. However, he suspects that her father, a respected elder in the local community, is exercising undue influence over her. Ellis must persuade her to speak out against him.

Family affairs are to the fore as Ellis gets a visit from his wife and discovers he may have relations in the area. Meanwhile, court liaison officer Sam Wallan has to intervene on behalf of his wayward son, and Debbie Pope’s oldest daughter, Gina, appears in court for stealing.

Wallan, Ellis, and clerk of courts Bella Noble try to keep Gina Pope safe from a predator, but she refuses to cooperate. Wallan discovers that Ellis might have family in the area and offers to help. Magistrate Peter Lockhart has a bad week in court.

Ellis’s wife gives him an ultimatum, and he makes a revelation to her in return. Two of his friends end up where they shouldn’t be – one in hospital and the other in jail. On a visit from the city, Lockhart’s daughter has suspicions about what her father is getting up to.

Archie McMahon and Clarry Long appear in court, as does Wallan’s son, who is in a worse state than his father had realized. In different ways, Ellis gets involved in both cases. Tension erupts between Lockhart and Wallan.

The wet season is here – and so is Ellis’s replacement. The return of Harry Pope forces Lockhart to make a difficult choice. Matters between Wallan and his son come to a head. Ellis finds a reason to stay on in town.