Farwell himself wrote that the theme was an inner conflict, the dual nature of Wainewright; put simply and melodramatically, good versus evil.

"[12] Leslie Rees called it "a convincing and stylish hour-long radio drama, in which a bizarre character was strongly projected but kept believably human.

London dandy, writer and artist, who was suspected of poisoning three of his near relations and was transported to Van Diemen’s Land, not for these unproven misdeeds but on a charge of forgery.

The story starts when the brilliant young Thomas VVainewright comes to live with his rich and ailing uncle near London.

Thomas, the man of the world, ever in need of funds, persuades his innocent sister-in-law to insure her life for a large sum; misadventure follows the signing of the policy.

"[20] It added, "The last scenes, showing Wainewright in the Hobart penal colony,teaching painting to the daughters, fat, ignorant settlers’ wives at five shillings an hour, have grim, stark, ironical qualities.