Netflix’s Territory centers on Marianne Station, Australia’s largest cattle station, and the fierce struggles that unfold among the Lawson family as they vie for control over this prized land.
Blending elements from shows like Yellowstone and Succession, Territory goes deep into family drama, power struggles, and betrayal.
This story covers more than just family feuds, drawing in rival farmers, mining magnates, Indigenous communities, and even gangsters. Each group has its motives, raising the stakes as the Lawsons try to defend Marianne Station from all sides.
In just six episodes, Territory manages to cover complex relationships, alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on edge.
As the show progresses, it becomes clear that the fight for Marianne Station isn’t just about land but about legacy, family loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect what they love.
Here, we’ll go through each major storyline, character arcs, and how Territory creates a compelling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments.
The Lawson Family and the Tragedy of Susie’s Death
The story begins with Susie Lawson (Philippa Northeast), daughter of Emily (Anna Torv) and Graham (Michael Dorman), who returns to Marianne Station after the death of her brother Daniel (Jake Ryan).
Her presence introduces viewers to the Lawson family’s dynamics, especially the tension between Emily and her daughter.
Susie, who has an instinct for working with cattle and agriculture, decides to stay at the station instead of continuing college, much to Emily’s initial resistance.
After some convincing, Emily allows Susie to take on responsibilities at Marianne, showing her confidence in her daughter’s abilities despite their differences.
Susie’s return also introduces a romance subplot when she meets Lachie Kirby (Joe Klocek), the son of wealthy businesswoman Sandra Kirby (Sara Wiseman).
Lachie, who initially seems like a city kid from a privileged background, quickly proves his willingness to adapt to ranch life to win Susie’s admiration.
Their chemistry grows over several encounters, including a memorable bar brawl that brings them closer. However, their budding romance is cut short when Lachie’s mother, Sandra, intervenes.
Sandra warns Lachie about the potential complications of dating a member of the Lawson family, especially one that’s been marginalized by the patriarch, Colin Lawson (Robert Taylor).
Susie feels hurt that Lachie would allow political concerns to affect their relationship, leading to a breakup in Episode 4.
In Episode 5, viewers see Lachie struggling with his feelings for Susie. Encouraged by his friend Ethan Hodge (Connor Merrigan-Turner), Lachie goes to Marianne Station to apologize, but it’s too late.
Susie is fed up and reluctant to reconcile, causing tension that escalates when her brother, Marshall (Sam Corbett), gets involved.
In an unfortunate turn of events, a nearby bull charges at Susie during the confrontation, fatally injuring her.
Her death becomes a major turning point, deeply affecting the Lawson family and creating feelings of guilt and grief, especially for Marshall, who believes his involvement led to her tragic end.
The Power Struggle Over Marianne Station
After Daniel Lawson’s sudden death, the question of who will lead Marianne Station becomes central to the plot.
Colin, the head of the Lawson family, is deeply affected by the loss of Daniel, whom he saw as the ideal leader for the station. In Colin’s eyes, no other family member could measure up to Daniel’s legacy.
This attitude fuels his unwillingness to consider other potential successors, creating tension within the family. His favoritism also strains his relationship with Emily, whom he holds responsible for Daniel’s death due to her family’s history of cattle theft.
The other potential heirs to Marianne are also ineligible in Colin’s eyes. Graham struggles with alcoholism, which undermines his credibility, and Susie is quickly dismissed due to her close association with Emily.
While Colin initially considers Marshall as a possible successor, Marshall’s resentment towards his father’s harsh treatment complicates the decision.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders are eyeing Marianne Station, intensifying the conflict. Sandra Kirby, a powerful mining magnate, represents one of the biggest threats to the Lawson family’s control over the station.
Sandra’s interest in the land has nothing to do with cattle or agriculture; she is focused on exploiting the area’s natural resources.
From the beginning, Sandra employs underhanded tactics to undermine the Lawsons, leveraging her influence and wealth to form alliances with other landowners and rivals, such as Nolan Brannock (Clarence Ryan) and Campbell Miller (Jay Ryan).
Her goal is not just to take control of Marianne but to reshape the entire region according to her business interests.
Sandra’s plans become more sinister as she collaborates with Campbell and even attempts to manipulate Emily into joining her business ventures.
She also persuades Nolan to grant her access to a port along the coastline, a strategic move that hints at her larger ambitions.
The revelation of Sandra’s true intentions – using the land for uranium enrichment and radioactive waste disposal – horrifies Lachie, who decides to expose his mother’s plans.
This shocking disclosure adds another layer of urgency to the Lawsons’ efforts to protect Marianne Station, as the potential environmental impact could devastate their cattle business and disrupt the lives of the Indigenous community connected to the land.
Defending Marianne Station Against Powerful Enemies
As Sandra and her allies close in, the Lawson family must set aside their differences to protect Marianne Station. Colin, Emily, Marshall, and Nolan all play crucial roles in the defense, with each character taking on specific tasks.
Colin, hoping to protect the land’s cultural and historical significance, rushes to have the Indigenous territory officially recognized as a sacred place.
Meanwhile, Emily, Marshall, Nolan, and Uncle Bryce (Hamilton Morris) make their way to the site, aiming to prevent Sandra’s crew from detonating explosives.
However, the Lawsons face a surprising new challenge when Marshall’s ex-partner, Rich (Sam Delich), reenters the scene, collaborating with Campbell to kill the Lawsons and seize control. Rich abducts Marshall and brings him to the Lawson home, where a violent confrontation ensues.
During the standoff, Campbell is wounded, but he retaliates by triggering the explosives. The resulting blast destroys the sacred land, deeply affecting Uncle Bryce, who cries out in anguish in his native Warlpiri language.
This moment highlights the devastating consequences of Sandra’s greed, not only for the Lawson family but for the cultural heritage tied to Marianne Station.
Nolan, infuriated by the destruction, confronts Campbell, pointing a gun at him. The episode leaves viewers uncertain about Campbell’s fate, adding suspense and leaving open questions about justice for the Lawson family and the Indigenous community.
The Aftermath and Uncertain Future of Marianne Station
Following the intense showdown, the family faces the aftermath of their failed efforts to defend Marianne. Colin and Marshall, badly injured in the clash with Rich, are forced to surrender their belongings, including the key to the safe.
Although the Lawsons manage to overpower Rich in a final struggle, Colin is left with lingering guilt and grief over Susie’s death and the recent violence.
Sharnie’s (Kylah Day) arrival brings a moment of relief, as she assists in subduing Rich, allowing Colin to fatally shoot him.
As tensions start to subside, the Lawson family is left to pick up the pieces. Marshall, overwhelmed by the tragedies and family strife, decides to leave Marianne in search of a fresh start.
His departure marks a significant change, as he distances himself from the conflicts that have consumed his life.
Meanwhile, Sandra remains undeterred, calling Nolan from her plane to continue pressing her agenda, despite the devastating consequences her plans have already had. Nolan’s disgust is evident, but Sandra’s persistence hints at further conflict to come.
Amid the fallout, Uncle Bryce, who was injured during the explosion, recovers and reconnects with the Indigenous community, emphasizing the enduring strength of cultural ties and resilience.
Emily and Graham’s Leadership of Marianne Station
In the closing scenes, Colin makes a quiet yet meaningful gesture by handing the keys to the Lawson home to Emily.
This act signifies a shift in power, suggesting that Emily and Graham may now take charge of Marianne Station. Their leadership marks a new chapter for the family, although it comes with uncertainty and unresolved tensions.
The final twist arrives when Elton (Matthew Sunderland), a drifter who witnessed Daniel’s death, returns to confront Emily and Colin. Elton’s presence raises questions about Emily’s role in Daniel’s demise, suggesting that she may have played a part in his tragic fate.
Flashbacks reveal that Emily, frustrated by Daniel’s decision to sell Marianne Station to Sandra, shot his horse in a moment of anger, unintentionally leaving him vulnerable to wild dogs.
Elton’s return, with Daniel’s horse and bullets in hand, serves as a reminder of the unresolved past and hints at future confrontations.
The series concludes on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to wonder about the fates of Emily, Graham, and the other characters.
Marianne Station remains a contested land, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for control, heritage, and survival in a world where power and loyalty are constantly tested.
Territory offers an engaging look at complex family dynamics, power struggles, and the impact of corporate greed on communities and the environment.
With a mix of heartfelt moments and intense drama, the show delivers a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.
The Lawson family’s journey highlights the sacrifices, betrayals, and resilience required to protect what matters most.
Through its well-developed characters and suspenseful storyline, Territory captures the spirit of a family fighting to protect their legacy against all odds.
