Stormy Petrel

Season

1960

Australia

The story of Mutiny On The Bounty's William Bligh.

Episode List

S1 • E1

The Assignment

William Bligh is opposed to his daughter Mary marrying John Putland but she does it anyway. Sir Joseph Banks offers Bligh the governorship of NSW asking him to break the power of the Rum Corps. Mary and John will accompany him.

S1 • E2

The Voyage Out

Illiam Bligh and his daughter Mary prepare to leave. They take the boat to Australia. Putland has to serve on another ship whose drunken captain orders Bligh be fired at.

S1 • E3

The Arrival

Bligh, his daughter Mary and Lt Putland arrive in Sydney, they meet MacArthur and his wife. Bligh meets the outgoing governor, Captain King, and his wife, who warn Blight what he is up against but Bligh vows to make changes to the colony.

S1 • E4

Enter John Macarthur

Bligh gets to know the locals such as John MacArthur and the drunken head judge, Atkins. Mary befriends MacArthur's wife Elizabeth and her father's secretary Griffin. Bligh becomes aware MacArthur does not speak for the emancipists.

S1 • E5

Storm Clouds

Bligh is approached by Bowman, a farmer who asks for help against MacArthur and his corp. Bligh meets with other farmers and commits to their cause. John Putland gets ill in a storm and a doctor says he has around a year to live.

S1 • E6

The Challenge

The conflict between Bligh and MacArthur increases. Putland's health continues to deteriorate.

S1 • E7

The First Skirmish

MacArthur winds up in the courtroom.

S1 • E8

The Storm Gathers

Bligh clashes with MacArthur in a second court action.

S1 • E9

The Storm Breaks

The Bligh-MacArthur tension increases and John Putland dies. Bligh orders MacArthur's arrest.

S1 • E10

The Rebellion

Bligh orders MacArthur's arrest leading to Johnson taking MacArthur's side. Johnson and his troops come to arrest Bligh.

S1 • E11

The Aftermath

The rebellion has happened. Bligh has been deposed. A new officer comes to take over the colony of New South Wales.

S1 • E12

The Way Back

Bligh returns to England to give evidence at the court martial of Major Johnston. Bligh's widowed daughter Mary becomes married to Macquarie's aide, Maurice O'Connell, while Bligh's secretary, Griffin, who loves Mary, looks on. Bligh is vindicated in the court case and is appointed Admiral.