Part 1: Cardiac surgeon Edgar Pascoe is preeminent in his field, but his home life lacks the same success. He is cold and dismissive to his wife, a compassionate country GP, and he has neglected his son. Meanwhile, his daughter's aspirations to be just like him have led her down a morally dubious path. When Edgar is asked to perform a clandestine operation in China, he embarks on a risky venture.