The Hungry Ones

Season

1963

Australia

Historical drama about husband and wife convicts, Will and Mary trying to go straight.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Hung By the Neck

In 1792 at Newgate prison, James Boswell meets Mary Bryant. We flash back to 1784 where Mary meets Will Bryant in Cornwall. They are engaged but he is arrested for smuggling and sentenced to the new penal colony in Botany Bay. She commits robbery, hoping to be also sent to Botany Bay, but is sentenced to death.

S1 • E2

Bound for Botany Bay

Mary's sentence is commuted for transportation. James Martin gets sent away as well. She befriends a female convict and manages to see Will. They are sent to Botany Bay. Mary realises she is pregnant. James Martin tells Surgeon White that Will is the father.

S1 • E3

Sydney Cove

Captain Gilbert and Surgeon White learn Mary is pregnant on the Charlotte on the way to Botany Bay. White is supportive of Mary and Will. Mary is upset at James Martin. Mary has her baby and the Fleet arrives at Sydney, eventually relocating to Port Jackson. Will and Mary are married and Will is offered freedoms if he helps fish for the colony.

S1 • E4

Episode #1.4

Will is a successful fisherman but Phillip has to introduce rationing. A friend of the Bryants, John Freeman, is going to be executed but avoids the fat by promising to be a hangman. Will eventually starts selling fish on the side. He is betrayed by an informer.

S1 • E5

Episode #1.5

Bryant is flogged as punishment and gradually starts to re-earn Phillips' trust. Some marines are hung for stealing food. The informer who turned in Bryant is found dead.