전체 에피소드

A small Flemish village, shortly before the German invasion in 1940. The village is split into two parties: the bourgeoisie from the village center, which later became pro-German, and the more popular residents of the 'Veld', a hamlet on the edge from the village. Everyone on the field is busy preparing for a Flemish fair. This fair takes place at Charley Sierens, once a 'rich' pioneer in Canada, now the boss of a run-down tannery in Het Veld. Charley is a cheerful widower and father of two sons.

The Germans have invaded Belgium and all soldiers have been called up. Margriet, Marc's young wife, stays behind in her brother-in-law's house. Many residents of the field come to seek protection in the spacious shelters of Charley. The village is flooded by a stream of refugees, including Raymond and his daughter. Raymond lost his house and wife during a bombing and now moves in with old Mrs. Spanoghe. When Marc is freed through the intervention of Raymond, the war appears to have changed him into an embittered man.

Charley closes his tannery, he refuses to work under the Germans. His family disagrees. Liesje Meersman openly accepts the attentions of the foreign soldiers. Raymond also plays a dangerous game, but receives support from an unexpected source. Mark resolves his marital problems.

The pilot of a crashed plane is cowardly betrayed by a villager. The resistance fighters decide to present him with the bill sooner or later. Michel Meersman is caught for theft and is forced to serve for the occupying forces. Charley faces resolute opposition at home. Margriet decides to get through the war in her own way.

1941. Under the impetus of Margriet, the tannery is running at full speed. Upon her return, Liesje is shown the door at home. Edwin and the commander leave for the Eastern Front. Margriet and Raymond are caught in a compromising situation. However, it is not what the constable thinks.

1943. The new German commander clearly has different views on the occupation. The residents feel less comfortable under the occupier. Even the pastor refuses to comply. Marc returns home, but does not find the situation he expected. When Madeleine and her boyfriend seek help from Charles, Marc is given the opportunity to take revenge.

The collaborators and resistance fighters each prepare for liberation in their own way. Margriet and Els finally meet their loved ones. Oscar decides to take revenge when he hears tragic news about his son. Marc is confronted with an ominous scene in the cemetery. Hilde and Gerard see an opportunity to launder themselves.