Tenko

Seasons

1981

Australia

8.5

After the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February 1942, a group of British, Dutch and Australian women are held in a Japanese internment camp on a Japanese-occupied island between Singapore and Australia.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Shattered Dreams

Singapore, December 1941: Due to lack of information from the Army and media, most of the inhabitants of Singapore remain blissfully unaware of any danger in their lives. Then the Japanese land 400 miles north of the city and head south.

S1 • E2

All Aboard

Despite Bernard's warnings, few Europeans believe that Singapore will fall to the Japanese and New Year is celebrated as usual.

S1 • E3

Internment

Joined by others, including Beatrice, the women are taken to their internment camp, where a contingent of Dutch internees join them, including Sister Ulrica.

S1 • E4

What Would You Do For...

Ulrica is made leader of the Dutch internees. The older women worry when the younger women are unexpectedly removed from the camp, but it turns out they're being used for labor crews.

S1 • E5

Malaria

Some time having passed, social structure in the camp is breaking down, and more women are becoming sick. Some groups refuse to help other groups. Malaria makes its first appearance, and requests for quinine are denied.

S1 • E6

Rape

Marion is questioned about British organization in Singapore prior to the fall of the city. The new sickbay is completed. Blanche and Dorothy become friendly with the guards in exchange for cigarettes and tea.

S1 • E7

Unnatural Friendship

Sally, pregnant before her capture, is coming into her seventh month of pregnancy, and one of the nurses, Nellie, becomes very supportive of her.

S1 • E8

Escape

Just before Judith Bowen dies, Marion promises her that she'll take care of Debbie. Blanche becomes determined to escape from the camp.

S1 • E9

Five Hundred Hats

Punishment details are imposed on the camp in general and the escapees in particular. The commandant yields to Marion's plea for mercy for Debbie, and agrees to be release Blanche.

S1 • E10

Christmas

Christmas is approaching. The work party reports seeing a group of men in the distance. When Marion asks the commandant for names of the men, the list causes both joy and disappointment.