Territory Ending Explained: Discovering the Killer of Daniel Lawson

Territory is a gripping Australian drama series crafted by Timothy Lee and Ben Davies. With a contemporary Western flair, it delves into familial power struggles on the largest cattle property globally. Directed by the renowned Australian Greg McLean, the plot centers on the Lawson family’s trials following the unexpected demise of Daniel Lawson, the head of the estate.

Hauntingly similar to Paramount’s acclaimed series Yellowstone, this Netflix original series launched six episodes on October 24, 2024. The star-studded cast features remarkable talents such as Robert Taylor, Sam Corlett, Anna Torv, Jay Ryan, Sara Wiseman, Michael Dorman, Philippa Northeast, Dan Wyllie, Hamilton Morris, Kylan Day, and Sam Delich.

In the finale of Territory, peace is momentarily restored after the war concludes, with Colin mending his relationship with his elder son and his spouse, Emily. He passes the estate keys to her, just as Elton arrives with Daniel’s injured horse. He drops two bullet casings into Colin’s hands, unveiling Emily as Daniel’s murderer.

What is the heritage of the Lawson family in Territory?

Marianne Station, nestled in Northern Australia, is recognized as the largest cattle station worldwide. This expansive estate has been in the Lawson family since the late 1800s, with Daniel Lawson serving as the fifth generation to oversee its operations.

The property stretches over an area comparable to Belgium, bringing with it a host of complications, both internal and external, stemming from complex power dynamics. According to family tradition, Daniel’s elder sibling Graham was supposed to inherit the station.

However, their father, Colin Lawson, displayed a clear preference for his younger son, resulting in significant familial discord. Graham also battles alcoholism and has a strained bond with his wife Emily, especially since her family, alongside her brother Hank, has a history of cattle theft.

Lawson family dynamics worsen after Daniel’s demise

The series kicks off with the shocking news of Daniel’s death, reportedly caused by a fall from his horse near the property’s northern escarpment, where he was later devoured by wild dingoes.

This tragic event ignites rivalries within the family regarding who will take charge of the estate. Additionally, the Marianne Station is plagued by mounting debts, with competitors circling like vultures, ready to swoop in for the kill. Colin is adamant about not passing leadership to either Graham or Emily.

We meet Graham’s son, Marshall Lawson, who has distanced himself to lead a free-spirited life alongside friends Rich and Sharnie. Meanwhile, Graham and Emily’s daughter Susie returns from agricultural school with ambitions to manage the family cattle business.

Emily’s former partner, Campbell Miller, appears eager to purchase the estate, along with Sandra Kirby, a newly minted billionaire thanks to a gold discovery on her land. During the funeral proceedings, Colin gets into a physical altercation with Hank upon discovering their ongoing cattle rustling, leading him to name Marshall as the future leader of the estate, which creates backlash among the family.

Graham feels increasingly alienated by Colin’s disdain, while Emily hopes Susie receives recognition for her rightful share of the estate. Exasperated by family politics, Marshall refuses his prescribed role and reverts to his wandering lifestyle, swiping a couple of quad bikes during his exit. His friend Rich, blinded by the prospect of wealth, attempts to exploit Marshall’s family name for profit.

Territory explores the mistreatment of Aboriginal communities

Within the narrative of Territory, while the Lawson family faces their internal conflicts, the show highlights the true proprietors of the land—the indigenous people.

Despite the Lawsons recognizing the ancestral claims of the Aboriginal communities, they remain unwilling to grant them unrestricted access. A sacred site for the natives, positioned in the Northern Plateau close to where Daniel perished, becomes a focal point of tension.

The series introduces Nolan, a character of mixed heritage who feels alienated from the community. Sandra entices him with an offer to create his own estate in exchange for his coastal land, where she envisions building a port. After experiencing more community confrontations, he accepts Sandra’s deal, much to the irritation of community leader Uncle Bryce.

This illustrates the exploitation faced by indigenous groups, as Territory symbolizes how neo-colonialism preys on the victims of consumerism. To secure Susie’s rightful claim, Emily accepts Colin’s condition to bring Marshall back into the fold, while she continues her clandestine relationship with Campbell.

Campbell seeks to acquire the station while rekindling his relationship with Emily. However, Sandra, keenly aware of Emily’s schemes, proposes a stake in the estate if Emily helps her claims, which Emily rejects. Simultaneously, Marshall confronts his own issues as his friendship with Rich deteriorates amid a budding romance with Sharnie.

As they explore the sacred site, Colin’s henchmen attack, leaving Sharnie gravely injured. Emily intervenes, successfully reuniting Marshall with the family. As the plot of Territory unfolds, viewers witness a romantic link developing between Susie and Sandra’s son Lachie, although Susie ultimately distances herself from him.

Graham embarks on a new path by running for president of the Cattleman’s Federation. Colin shows his support, only for Graham to succumb to Sandra’s influence, leading to his addiction. He misses the election deadline, allowing Campbell to secure the win.

A violent confrontation occurs between Colin and Graham, further severing their relationship. Sharma, guilt-ridden and desperate, launches a vicious attack on Hank, almost taking his life and landing himself behind bars. Emily eventually decides to leave him.

Territory uncovers the truth behind Daniel Lawson’s demise

As Territory approaches its climax, the revelation regarding Daniel’s death unfolds. He had intentions of selling the estate to Sandra, which would effectively marginalize the entire family. Confronting him about this plan, Emily faces his derision and threats targeting her family’s well-being.

A physical argument ensues, resulting in Emily shooting Daniel’s horse. This incident causes him to fall, injuring himself, and he is ultimately left vulnerable to the wild dingoes. Elton, a native, witnesses the incident and threatens Emily to keep Sandra away from the sacred land, or he would reveal her involvement.

Post-incarceration, Graham hits rock bottom yet manages to maintain sobriety. Upon release, he recognizes his brother’s betrayal and takes initiative towards family reconciliation. However, trouble arises again with Lachie’s insistence on reconnecting with Susie. This results in conflict between him and Marshall, which inadvertently releases a bull that tragically kills Susie.

This loss shatters Emily, prompting her to abandon the estate. Plans surface about Sandra’s intention to dispose of radioactive waste on the land, threatening its cattle. Furthermore, her road construction plans risk culminating in the destruction of the sacred site, inciting rebellion among the indigenous population.

In a pivotal moment, Uncle Bryce convinces Colin to restore the land back to its original owners. The alliance between the Lawsons and the indigenous people emerges, while Sandra conspires with the Millers against them. During the clash between native communities and corporate entities, Campbell detonates the sacred site, igniting fierce resistance.

Campbell narrowly escapes death thanks to Nolan’s mercy. In a twist, Sandra flees when she realizes her perilous situation. Meanwhile, Rich returns, revealing his true intentions and taking Marshall hostage, pressuring Colin to yield the safe’s keys. Nevertheless, the duo manages to subdue Rich.

Colin reaffirms his faith in his family and decides to hand the keys to Emily, who has reconciled with Graham. The series ends with a flicker of hope as Elton arrives with Daniel’s horse and the damning bullet casings, shattering the family’s newfound peace as they uncover the truth of Daniel’s demise, setting the stage for a potential second season exploring Colin’s discovery of Emily’s involvement in his son’s death and the consequent family rifts.

Territory is available for streaming on Netflix. Explore our other articles for recommendations on more captivating Western films.

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