Peter Stebbings

Going home was never an option for single mother Lena Mahikan (Cara Gee). But when her 13-year-old, Peeka (Shay Eyre) overdoses in the streets of Toronto, she is forced to return home to her estranged mother and face a life-long legacy of shame and resentment. Empire of Dirt is a story about second chances and summoning the power of family to soothe the pain of cyclical damage.

Jack is a N.Y.C. advertising executive with a life as glossy as the commercials he spins. Jill is new to the city, with nothing to stand on but her fiery personality and romantic ideals. Opposites attract, and together they author their own manifesto of "rules to live by." But Jill betrays Jack by violating rule one - Be Honest.

Maggie reunites with Tom at the shrine, but they disagree about what to do next. As they recount the events that led them to New Zealand, the couple grow more and more at odds with each other.

As Esther puts together the final pieces of the puzzle, Maggie makes a decision about the business. After a threat from Frank, Maggie prepares to leave Pelorus, but Tom has other ideas.

Desperate to pay back the $330,000, Zoe comes to Maggie with a surprising proposal, dragging Maggie into negotiations with a dangerous crime family. Tom and Ryan learn each other's true identities, leading to a tense confrontation.

Stranded and injured, Tom reluctantly accepts help from Ryan, a passing bushman who has secrets of his own. Maggie works with Tom's business partner to track down a sleezy environmental specialist.