Season 8

Nothing is what it seems when a woman rushes into the Mt. Thomas police station claiming a man has kidnapped her children. As a custody battle unfolds between the feuding parents, Ben's work eerily starts to mirror his private life. Shattered by the news that his ex-wife plans on taking his kids to Perth, he is determined to go to any lengths to keep them in Victoria.

The custody battle gets out of hand when the father of the two children reappears in court with a time bomb strapped to his body and threatens to blow himself and everyone else in the courtroom. He abducts Ben and flees into the bush. Will the Heelers find them in time and can they set the children free from their irrational father?

A famous crime-fiction writer is asking a lot of questions about the death of a baby 25 years ago. When he discovers the body of a missing child, Tess wonders if he is capable of committing the very acts of violence he writes about. Tom confronts the author, who reveals his intimate connection to the long-closed case of the baby's death. How can Tess and Tom separate fact from fiction?

Tess and Tom must choose a new policeman for nearby Widgeree. Tom thinks old fashion policing is the way to go and suggests Senior Constable Ian ""Gossie"" Goss but Tess disagrees. She picks a different candidate—a modern by-the-book policeman Simon Barclay. Inspector Falcon-Price backs up Tess, driving a wedge between Tom and Tess, and Senior Constable Barclay gets the job. But Tom is soon proven right as Barclay gets the locals offside from day one.

When a brash pair of city detectives arrive in Mount Thomas, PJ is faced with the opportunity to move back to homicide in the big smoke and have an affair. But a limbless corpse leads to another dilemma—has a spurned lover gone mad with a chain saw or could it be a brilliant set-up by a criminal mind?

Sgt Tess Gallagher takes on more than her job demands when she tries to help the three children of a local woman whom she believes are being abused by the latest de facto. Even when Sen Sgt Tom Croydon tells her there are no grounds for suspecting abuse, a stubborn Tess refuses to drop it. Something from her past, perhaps personal experience, tells her to persevere. When she discovers the three children; Hayley, 10, Darien, 8, and Frasier, six, have broken into her car and slept there overnight, Tess knows her instincts were right. But she is at a loss with what to do with them. She takes the kids back inside her house, feeds them breakfast and plans to take them to DHS to be placed in a safe house. But the kids get wind of her plans and flee in fear to the nearby mines. Things go from bad to worse as Tess has to confess to Tom what has occurred—the children have disappeared while they were in her careÅ  and their mother Tina doesn¹t know they are missing. At the old mines, Tess a

PJ's mother comes to stay and trouble follows. Forcing him to go to a ""get rich quick"" seminar. A car smashes into the venue with the driver claiming the financial adviser is a con man who preys on the elderly. Can PJ keep his professional distance, while allowing his mother to play a vital role in solving a case?

Jo is under pressure when her parents arrive in Mt Thomas with one aim—to find their ""princess"" another career. Meanwhile Jo and Jack are on the case when a valuable vat of red wine is mysteriously unplugged and drained into a creek. Things get worse when Mr Parrish takes on one of the suspects and is consequently charged with assault. Emotions run high between Jo and Tess as Jo's loyalty to family clashes with professional duty.

PJ's long held plans for a raid on an illegal tobacco dealer is blown when a bushwalker goes missing. An emergency search must take precedence. Meanwhile, the tobacco dealer has got wind of the cancelled raid, and is determined to make someone pay. Jack and Tess follow a hunch on the whereabouts of the illegal tobacco and find themselves in a high-risk situation, leading Tess to admit to her true feelings for Jack—an action she later regrets.

A rough-looking man loitering around the local high school turns out to be a convicted cop killer—Mick Boyce—who's just finished doing time. But he just isn't the perving type. So what is he up to? And why is he in Mount Thomas? The situation becomes volatile when Jack decides to make him feel unwelcome. Tess tires of Jack's apologies and begins to doubt him as an objective member of the team. Meanwhile Ben and Jo are looking into several car thefts which appear to be youths joy riding. The investigation leads them to the home of Heath Flemming, a wild and confused teenager who believes his parents are dead and lives with his grandmother. But when the grandmother meets up with Mick Boyce in the Mt Thomas police station, the truth about Heath's lineage is revealed. In a heated exchange with Heath, Jack tells the boy the truth about his father—with tragic results. Tess witnesses a side of Jack she'd rather not have to deal with, and runs out of patience with his headstrong behaviour.

Tom's nostalgic support for Mt Thomas's only cinema, ""The Bughouse"", cannot stop it being demolished, but an unsolved mystery from the past can—at least temporarily. Jo takes on the case, delving back over thirty years, and discovers that old style heroes and villains are alive and well in Mt Thomas

Notorious armed robber Arnie Briggs is a local boy and, having just escaped from prison, the last place the Heelers expect him to be is back on his old turf. But Jack suspects otherwise, going maverick in his search for Briggs, and in the process drags Tess into a highly volatile situation.

When Tom attends a scene of vandalism at a Vietnam War Memorial garden, he discovers the culprit is an escaped prize-winning bantam pullet called Hannah. When the hen is later found with a broken neck, her frantic owner suspects the neighbour, who is a rival poultry breeder. With several other likely suspects to choose from, Jo seizes the opportunity to escape pressing paperwork, and takes up the case with all the enthusiasm of a comical amateur sleuth. But the situation intensifies when a young homeless boy is rushed to hospital suffering from a deadly virus directly linked to free roaming birds. With the population of Mt Thomas under threat, the disposal of all local chickens is urgent

Still reeling from being separated from his family, Ben is on a downhill spiral—hell bent on living for the moment. In the process he becomes entangled with a woman on a similar path—and inadvertently makes a discovery that leads directly to a murder suspect with tragic results

A plane crashes into a farmhouse, killing three people. Ben takes the a case too personally and oversteps the mark in his investigation efforts, causing havoc for the victims' families in the process, and giving Tom more cause to doubt Ben's attitude to the job.

Constables Jo Parrish and Jack Lawson answer a call to attend a gang of youths drinking in a park. When the duo arrives, they find two girls involved in an altercation. Jo decides it would be best to let the kids go, but when one of the girls is reported missing the next day, Jo's leniency is called into question.

PJ plays cupid in helping Jack form a bond with Tess. Jack is determined something is on the nose when Tess accidentally hits a young man, knocking him unconscious. While Tess puts herself up for scrutiny by the ESD, Jack sets about proving her innocence, and discovers the real blame might lie with the victim's connections to illegal bare knuckle boxing.

Brad Eckhardt killed a high school student with a bad batch of ecstasy. Having served his time, Brad is back in town to nurse his sick mother.

Urged on in his vengeful mission by the death of a schoolgirl from a bad dose of ecstacy, Jack becomes desperate to prove Brad is guilty. Tess can only watch in horror as he oversteps the line. Jack finally wears down a student found dealing, and gets the statement he's been waiting for—one that puts the blame firmly on Brad. But his maverick actions lead Jack to a decision that will change his life forever - he kills Brad and is arrested for murder, to Tess' dismay

Tess' preoccupation with Jack's murder charge has to take a back seat when a young boy goes missing. His parents recently won the lottery and kidnapping is suspected. PJ and Tess question the boy's uncle and the uncle's mate to no avail. PJ becomes suspicious when a video tape is delivered with a recording of the boy reciting the ransom demand. The amount demanded is exactly half of what was won by the boy's parents. PJ believes the boy knows his kidnappers. On the trail of the missing boy, Tess is held captive in an airless trucking container. Will the Heelers find Tess in time?

PJ and Jo stumble upon a young naked man wandering the highway. Through their investigations they discover he is a Kosovo refugee desperately trying to avoid deportation. He is accused of fleeing his country wanted for black marketeering and murder. PJ and Jo are divided over how to handle the issue and PJ finds him self at odds with public sentiment as he investigates the young man. PJ's suspicions are challenged as he learns more about the escaped refugee's life. He faces a tough choice: does he follow the letter of the law or the voice in his heart?

Tess narrowly escapes being knocked down by a speeding car the same day the new Constable, Evan ""Jonesy"" Jones, arrives in town. Jonesy is rebellious and charismatic and under Tess' skin from the moment he arrives. They couldn't be more different, but together they investigate a young drag racing gang. Tess is determined to put a stop to it before someone gets hurt. Tess and Jonesy discover a link between members of the gang and a separate case involving stolen car engines. Jonesy is concerned when a lead suspect threatens to get revenge on Tess, but Tess is dismissive. Jonesy fights to rescue Tess when her life is endangered. Will he get there in time and will Tess be able to accept his help?

Jonesy's preconceptions about the sanctity of parenthood are challenged when he befriends a young mother in trouble. When Jonesy and Tess discover an abandoned new born baby their investigations lead to a local schoolgirl who is in denial and swears there is no baby. Jonesy earns her trust and she confides in him that she was raped. When questioning reveals one suspect's violent tendencies, Jonesy convinces the young girl to make a statement and also urges her to reconsider giving up the baby.

What do an alleged Peeping Tom, a trip wire in the National Park, a break and enter and a bashed truck driver have in common? When Inspector Falcon-Price joins the team for the day in a publicity stunt, he sets out partnering Jo for the day. After a series of incidents, he goes missing and it is Jo's responsibility to lead the others into combat...

Tom is caught between a rock and a hard place when two old friends and colleague are suspected of stealing a large marijuana crop. One is a rule breaker, the other has always played by the book. Tom disobeys orders when he is told to step back from the case. Determined to uncover the truth, Tom embarks on an investigation of his own. The truth, discovered, is not easy to take. Clearing one friend will ruin the other. Can Tom prove what he knows? and is he prepared to?

Ben is shocked when he discovers a group of young girls practicing witchcraft under the guidance of an older man. Are they in danger? Ben battles to keep his protective instincts in check as his investigations reveal more than he was prepared for. Can he save the girls, or are they already deep under the man's spell?

A well respected local politician is found dead and the autopsy reveals that he was moved after death and had ecstasy in his system.

After the death of his father, Jonesy will risk everything to avenge him. An investigation into a poisoning leads to a man who Jonesy believes killed his father.Commander Jones, Evan's adoptive father, stops the investigation much to the Heelers' dismay. While they are torn as what to do next, none of them are going to let the issue go.

After the death of his father, Jonesy will risk everything to avenge him. An investigation leads to a man who Jonesy believes killed his father.Commander Jones, Evan's adoptive father, stops the investigation and Evan is torn as to what to do next. Jonesy discovers a cover up as he fights to reveal Les Anderson as the murderer of his natural father. His adoptive father, the Commander Reg Jones, withheld information from the inquest into the death. Why? Was he trying to protect Jonesy or did he conspire with Les Anderson to cover up a murder? As Jonesy fights to discover the truth, the Commander's reputation is placed against the wall. Have his protective instincts allowed a murderer to walk free? Can Jonesy stop another man's life from being ruined at the hands of Les Anderson?

After Inspector Falcon-Price's new PR Campaign luanches Jo into a favourable position with the media, her view of a recent challenging case is altered. Now Jo and PJ must each prove they are right, despite how Jo's celebrity status has gone to her head.

Ben and Jonesy's essential differences complicate their search for a young child responsible for throwing rocks at passing cars. They disagree when their investigation leads them to an assaulted teenage boy who refuses to name his attacker. Ben and Jonesy discover that the stone throwing child is the stepbrother of the assault victim and is medicated for A.D.D. Family complications are exposed when his medication is stolen. Who is responsible? Ben and Jonesy realise that they are both searching for the same solution from opposite points of view.

Tess and Jonesy investigate a domestic disturbance and Tess is reacquainted with Hayley, a troubled young girl from her past. An unpopular neighbour's portrait is discovered riddled with bullets and he is adamant that Hayley is responsible but Tess defends her. An elderly woman's dog is found shot dead and PJ discovers that the bullets from both crimes match. When the weapon is found, Hayley is implicated. Tess' faith in Hayley's innocence leads them to the truth but places Hayley's future in jeopardy. Will Tess challenge the stability of her own world for the sake of Hayley's?

Tom tries to keep his mind on the job after becoming interested in a mysterious woman. When two houses are broken into and large sums of money are left on both kitchen tables, the Heelers are left wondering. Were they gifts or proceeds from a robbery? They find the man responsible and he claims he is seeking atonement by doing God's work. He says he is honest but PJ suspects he's been guilty of fraud. The man's request for spiritual advice leads Tom to a surprise - the new Anglican Minister Grace Curtis is Tom's mystery woman. The man with the mission disappears and his car is set on fire. Was it an act of revenge or a desperate act by someone close to him? Can Tom and the Reverend help him before his determined acts of generosity cost him his life and the happiness of his family?

Jonesy's lack of experience complicates an investigation, when he lets a man go after breaking up a fight, only to discover the man is wanted for drug trafficking and burglary. Is he the same man recently seen troubling the local bank manager and his family? Jonesy's concern for the family and his desire to redeem himself places him on the back foot with Tess. His concerns seem justified when the bank is robbed and the bank manager and his family are discovered missing. Would he rob his own bank .. and who else is involved? Jonesy is determined to find out. Can Tess convince him to play by the rules or will Jonesy's good intentions place the bank manager's family at even greater risk?

What do you do when lives are in danger and you have only seconds to make a decision? Tess is off duty when she and Hayley, the girl she plans to adopt (last seen in ""Strays""), discover a serious car accident on the edge of town. The female driver is trapped and the gas run car catches fire. Is there enough time to extinguish the fire and get away safely? Tess decides there isn't and the woman is killed when the car explodes. Her husband blames Tess and she is also scrutinised by the Ethical Standards Department and even begins to doubt her decision. Was she responsible for the death of the woman? Tess' application to foster Hayley is threatened. Is she capable of keeping Hayley safe from harm? Jo and Jonesy question the victim's family and fight to clear Tess' name. Even if Tess' decision was justified, has her chance to foster Hayley been lost?

Things are going much better now for Tess and Hayley, until an incident at school provides Tess with something to worry about while Tom and Reverend Grace grow closer. Meanwhile Tom suspects a retired thief guilty of burglary until he is questioned and the old man claims he was set up. The Heelers have a lead on another suspect and their hunt leads them to two teenage boys. One is the estranged son of the retired thief. Is he following in his father's footsteps? When a second robbery occurs involving a serious assault, the old man defends his son's innocence. He might not be the world's greatest father, but he's positive his son is not violent. When the Heelers locate their original suspect they discover has a watertight alibi. Does he have a hold over the retired thief's son? Tom worries for the old man's safety when he is discovered assaulted and his son cannot be found. Can the desire to protect and impress go too far?

The Heelers suspect a local horse trainer of assaulting and robbing a bookie. Jo becomes intrigued when she discovers a page torn from a diary after questioning the trainer's strapper, stable hand and assistant jockey. The writing is troubled and Jo is concerned that it is a cry for help. Jo discovers the diary belongs to the young stable hand. Has someone been hurting him and why won't he say? When the trainer is found bashed and the stable hand is missing, Jo worries he has finally fought back. The trainer dies and the stable hand is convinced he is responsible. Jo is determined to prove his innocence. Were the bookie and the trainer assaulted by the same person? Can Jo help the young stable hand find the strength to speak out?

Tom is dragged to see a touring faith healer but his scepticism turns to concern when the healer is attacked by a man accusing him of killing his wife. Is the healer a fraud? Jo questions him and is surprised to find that he is far from shrewd. His manager, once healed by him herself, is incredibly protective of him and takes care of the business with the help of a roadie. The manager is beside herself when Jo finds the healer violently assaulted. Is this the revenge of the grieving man? Did he and the roadie engineer this together? As Jo witnesses the darker side of faith she marvels at the healer's capacity for forgiveness

Jonesy's failure to follow instructions has him on the back foot with Tess and leads her to conceal the fact that Les Anderson, the man Jonesy believes murdered his father, may be implicated in a death at a building site. Murder is suspected when the building's scaffolding is discovered tampered with. Did the victim's mate and his widow conspire to kill him? The victim's widow further implicates Anderson, but questions arise in regard to her integrity when his alibi proves watertight. Is the widow trying to protect her husband's best mate? Or did Jonesy pressure her to lie about Anderson? Jonesy's dogged determination to clear the widow's name leads him to the truth, but has he further damaged Tess' trust in him in the process?

When Jonesy and Tess find Les Anderson's car parked on the roadside they don't expect to find him almost dead in his boot - the victim of a brutal bashing. Tom and Tess must reluctantly put Jonesy on the suspect list - along with Wendy Reiner, Jason Rose, Nipper Brown and his brother Mitch. While Jonesy is cleared, the other suspects all have too much evidence against them and Les is in a coma so he can't have his say. When Les wakes, Nipper confesses to the crime and Les confesses privately to Jonesy that he did kill Sam Bridges, Jonesy's father. The Heelers must confront all the others to prove it because no-one else was in the room when the confession occured. When they finally get their proof it is too late. Les Anderson has just been pronounced dead. Now Jonesy must decide whether to stay despite the fact that the quest that drew him into the Police Force has at last come to an end.

Ben is desperate to spend Christmas with his children provided he wins the lottery in order to pay their airfare. Tom wins the church raffle but the prize is stolen. The cast of Grace's nativity pageant are suspects. Tom is far from impressed when the sponsor of the pageant forces Clancy, an intellectually disabled man, out of the lead role so his own son can take it. Everyone is thrilled when Clancy is revealed as the owner of the winning lottery ticket, but the pageant sponsor accuses him of theft. As the truth is pieced together, Ben revaluates the demands he has placed on his children. Is Ben's dogged pursuit of the perfect Christmas risking the happiness of those he loves?

For a cop, Christmas can be the hardest time of the year. Jo can't wait to eat, drink and be merry with her nearest and dearest. Tess is determined that Hayley has her best Christmas ever.