Territory is an Australian neo-Western drama series that hit Netflix in October 2024. It features a power struggle within the Lawson family. The show mixes intense family drama with a battle for one of the world’s largest cattle stations, Marianne Station.
When Daniel Lawson, who was the head of Marianne Station, dies, everything is thrown into chaos. His brother, Graham Lawson’s son, Marshall, decides to run away after the death of Daniel. And this becomes one of the most intriguing moments in Territory.
Fans were left wondering why Marshall would abandon the place his family has owned for generations. Though his choice seems odd at first, everything starts making sense as the show slowly progresses with the plot.
In this article, we’ll look into the reasons that made him run away after Daniel's death in Territory.
Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for Territory. Reader discretion is advised.
Marshall was tired of the family greed in Territory
The Lawson family isn’t your typical ranching dynasty. The property is vast and valuable, and everyone in the Lawson clan has their eye on the prize. Daniel’s death only fueled the family’s lust for power.
From the start, Marshall is different. He doesn’t crave wealth or power like Graham and Colin. Both of these Lawson men would do anything to gain control of the family empire. Marshall, in contrast, wants to stay true to his values. He does not care even if he has to leave everything behind for that.
Returning to Marianne Station after Daniel’s death meant being right in the middle of the family’s ugly power struggle for Marshall. Quite literally, he sees firsthand the corruption and greed that come with the territory.
He realizes that he’s in danger of becoming like his power-hungry relatives. Seeing his family consumed by greed becomes a breaking point. He knows he doesn’t want to be a pawn in the Lawson power game.
What ultimately made him run away is this push to maintain his integrity. He wanted to avoid getting sucked into the family’s toxic environment.
Marshall’s desire to escape the Lawson legacy
Growing up a Lawson comes with certain expectations. Marshall has always felt the weight of his family name. No matter where he goes, people recognize him as part of the Lawson empire.
Marianne Station is more than just a cattle station. It’s a symbol of power, status, and control. And with everyone in Territory seeking their share, Marshall becomes uncomfortable with the idea of inheriting this legacy.
Marshall’s escape was his attempt to shake off this identity. In leaving Marianne Station, he was hoping to live outside of the expectations and pressures that come with being a Lawson.
He wants to be his own person. He wants to be free from the greed that seems to dominate the rest of the family. By leaving, he shows his willingness to choose a life without constant battles over power.
Territory: What ultimately brings him back?
However, Marshall’s story doesn’t end with his escape. As Territory progresses, he comes to terms with some hard truths.
First, Colin tells that Daniel always intended for Marshall to be the next head of Marianne Station. This shakes Marshall. He realizes that perhaps Daniel saw something in him. Maybe Daniel believed Marshall could steer the family away from corruption and greed.
Secondly, Marshall realizes that no matter how far he runs, he can’t truly escape his family’s legacy. Every encounter, every relationship, every choice seems to circle back to his Lawson roots. The world sees him as a Lawson.
By the end, Marshall has an epiphany. Instead of trying to escape, he should stay and try to make positive changes. So, he decides to return and claim his place as Daniel’s heir. This is his way of accepting his role with purpose.
Also read: Where can I watch Territory TV series? Full streaming guide to the 2024 neo-western drama
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