The Allies keep underestimating the Japanese military, which advances fast and unstoppable, while the British are barely mobilizing on war footing, able men like Monty can even escape 'voluntary' fire fighter brigade training. The Blacketts and Webbs are sitting on a huge rubber stock, but it's ever more doubtful if they can still sell it for the US war effort, despite a promise for aid from the colonial governor and a scheme to buy export quota from smaller colleagues. French guest Dupigny is surprised by an air raid when he visits the plantation on Penang island, but returns playing the hero. Scorned by Joan, Ehrendorf joins the RAF. Both are amused by the spectacle of Walter eagerly setting the stage for a wedding proposal from prodded Matthew Webb, who initially seems to agree, but once ref-covered from his Singapore Sting comes to his senses and decides against the arranged marriage. Vera is meanwhile practically deported to an Asian quarter.
Stars: Yusri Salleh, David Morrissey, Julian Wadham
Director(s): Tom Vaughan
Writer(s): J.G. Farrell, Christopher Hampton