Foellfan

^ Hit it on the head, thank you! (Always seems on the soap charts the memorale moments are the deaths or villain comeuppances! Though you always know on a certain soap if they leave in a 8lack taxi they weren't liked! ) Thinking as well of Jacqui's final scenes, not necarsarily with the vent, I know some actors have said they didn't mind 'cause they'd actually fall asleep or in the case of one American soap actress, Jessica Tuck when she was doing her terminal exit storyline she is quoted as saying; 'It was great as I could come in two hours later as I needed no make up, could nap after lunch and I didn't have to wash hairspray out of my hair or at all for a whole week!' Three things struck on yesterday: 1. The organ donation question and they all said the same; 'We never talked ao8ut it'. It's still kind of an uncomforta8le su8ject and can feel like a 8it of minefield for even the person when they have a card, also I guess it can e a religous/cultural choice too and it isn't something I think anyone does lightly. However I think, regardless of feelings on the storyline, I kind of hope it helps start those conversations, I'll freely admit, I would e happy to e a donor at the end, it's just living donation I haven't quite settled, still having the convo though with family and friends, it's a great gift to give and a massive one. 2. The fact that Remi sought Eden out and put her top of the priority list for 'Are you okay?', everyone I think would e hyper-focused with Cash (not wrong), sadly Eden's world has come crashing down too in exactly the same depth of Cash despite a different relationship and she's trying to e super-strong she's just as destroyed and needs the same TLC and thankfully he saw that and gave her that protection I suppose to allow herself to cry openly and have that OMG it's actually happened, though no-one actually wants to experience that moment, you can't avoid it. 3. Tane's Haka. The amazing contrast in the power of the movements and the desolation of the location was very well filmed in the angles to give almost a sense of claustraphoia which grief can feel like and also the kind of ody power shots were stirring. The prayer/chant muffled with like a white noise added to the devastation and finality and with Perri seemingly standing guard was a nice touch as more often that not it seems to normal e a multiple team style ceremony. Stephanie, Ethan andNic are knocking it out of the park right now, ig congrats.

I don't know if I can post links here as such; but here is one of DS when she mentions knowing she needed to 'take the plunge' and go the whole way on leaving. (Leaves nothing to chance I guess) https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/home-and-away/a62512326/home-and-away-spoilers-why-felicity-killed-off/ And straight from the horse's mouth twelve months ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=eXbvH6WdGZM I can't sacn the Inside Soap unfortunately, or failing that ask her on her Insta! (Ethan's description of Flick was funny, 'Summer Bay's Bull in a china shop', pretty accurate, I think!)

Re: Perri/schooling/dyslexia, not sure but I get the general impression that given what we've both seen and heard about Daddy Dearest that Perri kept away from school or moved about, not exactly regulatr attendance. You're right in regards to the actor thing/TPTB, it can be a tough tightrope!

Re: Jacqui, marching into the office, not quite but often TPTB will workshop with an actor throughout their tenure if the character is polarising or popular because, although it's the writer's job, sometimes the actor can understand the character better and can gauge the viewers response more easily. It doesn't always go to plan on either side, it has to be said! Also it depends on the production, H&A is better than say certain British programmes for that. Many moons ago it was mainly senior members of a cast i.e. your Irene's or Alf's that got that kind of luxury but these days it can be anyone, especially when it comes to pregnancy or serious storylines like r*pe or addiction.

I wonder if it's meant to be implied as because she stole his wallet and 'You wouldn't dob me in?' meaning she's no stranger to this type of thing, perhaps? I did feel sorry for Perri as instantly he reverted to the mode of either 'It must be my fault'/'Even if it isn't I'll take the blame just get it over with', sadly it's a common thing in abuse sufferers because of their background. Perri I think, despite his defensiveness is actually in a fragile space also, he has suffered that tragedy himself of losing a foundation. The contrast also of his positivity around the dyslexia was interesting, sometimes just having a concrete answer can change confidence dramatically, being called 'thick' or 'lazy' or 'stupid' can give you a battering but now at least he's got the chance to learn in a way that better suits maybe like the colour coding and that will open things up.

I didn't mean she wanted to die in the literal sense more the kind of, we're only here for a while so grab life by the proverbials and shake everything out of it because you only get it once and you only regret the chances you didn't take, vein; a lover of life but with no great plan/expectation just dive in and hang on. It's no critisisism at all, there are those in life for whom mundanity is a fate worse than and that's how she struck me from the first day and, though she tried to bury it at times, it's a personality trait that I think stayed in a way. Just her whole way is big, brash, bold, hence her being perfect bar material kind of rev 'em up, get 'em soaked, every day's a party! There's always a glint of mischief. Happy ending would've been safe, mundane; even with Rory, if they'd done the whole 'I wuv u Wory, mwah, mwah, let's start a new life." I think would've been too soft, . I could've seen her hanging out the roof of his truck with a vodka bottle in hand with a 'See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!' yell as they rocketed past the Summer Bay sign, kind of a 'forever wild' vibe. Where Tane/Harper/baby would be concerned say, she wouldn't have liked it one bit but then she probably would inwardly acknowledge that they were in the places they needed to be, he was ready to go in a new direction but she was happy on her path, they were a fun detour and if Rory had still be there, he would've given her that freedom and, ahem, other benefits, no strings. Kind of a best of both worlds deal. Most wild people only calm down because they are forced to and I think she still had that in her to go with a bang and why not, eh? I mean when you look at her closest friends, Lyrik, they are all kind of Bohemian drifters, looking for the next adventure not fussed where/when or who, just let's see where it takes us. (I know they are in the Bay at the moment but we know they did kind of bum around beforehand). I think in a sense she did as she was told for Cash's sake sometimes, given his job. (Who knows, may even write it one day!) I think as well, the desicion behind this S/L was partly Jacqui herself as she did say in a few interviews that she wanted Flick killed off, both for drama but also so that she (Jacqui) had neither the temptation to stay or go back later, many actors have said similar working on soaps generally as it's easy to fall into that comfortable monotony and not stretch yourself, which is kind of the pre-requisite of acting, I think it's different if you have a family and want to have a steady wage and do the job you love but if, like Jacqui, you don't have dependents then it's always good to try and spread your wings if you can and get as many different characters and experiences as possible. She could well do very well even though it's a fickle biz at times. Your description of the arc is very true to life sadly, for a lot of us in non-forum life; strangely I think it does make you appreciate those little moments, scant as they can be sometimes, because they hold immense value as they can be the sustenance through the storms. I think this will impact Eden as much as Cash but in a different way in that when you are someone who plays your cards close, don't trust as easily as average; the rare occasions that you do let persons into your world, they are there for both a good reason and for good so their rarity makes the loss huge and life changing in ways that people don't always understand and, also if you're not an openly emotional person, people can mistake this for either not caring or being impenetrably strong, Eden is neither but one wonders if she will kind of get forgotten in support stakes, not intentionally of course. I have to give HUGE props to the set/prop designers for the amazing sunset board that Mali was carrying and those who create the artworks for the characters etc.; I think Kirby's fixations were a weird kind of trying to process complete chaos that grief is, as humans I think it's still something we can't solve is it, really?

^ You make a good point, unless she changed it back over perhaps. Yep, Jacqui got the drama, the crying and the impact just not the gore a stunts but well done to her! In a sense, Flick was never going to go quietly, not that kind of character, also she spent her tenure in the Bay as well as her backstory being risky, taking chances and generally being a human explosion both in postive ways and the negative, I think the swift yet shocking end was in some ways appropriate as, to me anyways, she gave vibes of 'Live fast, die young, who cares as long as you enjoy it?' type of person. I think Tane will struggle, as even when you love someone and it didn't work out, you can't forget the impact they had on you, good/bad or whether you want to forget or not.

The eerieness of Monday's episode was so brilliantly done, the kind of of almost lifelessness within life as you wait, nothing stands still but on the other hand has stopped it was perfectly timed. Thought I don't like Xander, his call to Dana saying I'll wait up no matter what rang true too, been there done that; equally Bree's 'Sometimes I hate my job' was a subtle yet very strong moment as everyone puts everything on the doctor, people often forget they're human too. I'm glad she also asked after Eden and that Remi focussed on her too, she's facing a massive loss too, despite her tough fcade, it doesn't mean she's any better placed to cope, actually she and Tane would worry me more as they tend to hyper focus on anything but the emotion at hand. Had a bit of a lightbulb moment we Cash mentioned Eden's car crash, Flick's own could've helped this occur actually, sometimes the real consequences of accidents/trauma manifest years even decades later.

The ending was brilliantly with the high-pitched whine and silence, very clever way to show how the brain reacts, I know often people who have strokes have said it's similar to that end scene.

Bless John trying to be supportive, I think the hardest part of this whole addiction mess is the staying sober part, that can be when you need people the most. The Bree and Irene scene was en point stark, yet subtle honesty which comes from that moment of, in the words of Phil Collins' 'another story about going too far'. The moment with the hospital/hop flask reminded me of something my Mum told me about someone she knew that was in that position only she diidn't drink out of a hip flask she drank a certain something that they keep locked at hospital beds nowadays and that was kind of the moment my Mum realised just how badly this person had fallen into her 'passion' for drinking. At least Irene is getting help now, as one of my favourite actresses says, 'sobriety is like a marriage, it needs care and honesty but you need to renew your vows sometimes'.

The scene with Irene and Leah at the house was utterly heartbreaking; it is so hard to watch someone destroy themselves. I think Tane did the right thing getting info as the assessment might actually benefit Perri in his own self-worth ultimately, fingers crossed.

I know Mac gave Mali an earful but I did enjoy the fact she said that she'd have done/would possibly still do the same to Dean, at least this time she sees clearly, hehe.

I can appreciate Eden's anxiety in that she knows she's onto a good thing with Cash but sometimes in your desperation to not make the mistakes she's afraid of making, i.e. cheating, you can overcompensate and end up driving someone away anyways, take it slow and keep talking, at least neither of them are under any illusions.

Loved hearing the singing it did give an uplifting feeling (may have been just me needing a tonic after a bad day, I believe Tane's heart was in the right place but yes took it a little far; did feel so sorry for Perri both for having this heritage and feeling so isolated from it and missing his Mum, those kinds of days are the hardest without your loved ones. So Dana is right about Tane, he actually is a God! Hehe, I think if my research is right, Tane's meaning is 'God of Thunder' in Maori.

Alf's comment about the 18th made me giggle, I think the reason Irene didn't invite him was purely because he would've blown the lid quicker than John and probably would've been more forceful in the opinion department too, not that you'd blame him. I felt sorry for Perri, both being overwhelmed with everyone because I get the general impression birthday niceties and care and loving attention aren't things he's had all that much of so it would seem weird to him, which is sad. I think maybe he hoped his Dad might say something, it's a weird kind of Stockholm Syndrome that comes with abusive relationships sometimes. Irene is definitely starting to bare her teeth now, this is the destructive phase and you wouldn't blame anyone for backing off in some ways, no-one wants to be a verbal punching bag.

Irene hosting a 'I'm in control party' when sadly, literally even Dopey 'don't make waves' Maz can see, control is the last thing Irene is. I don't blame John for walking out or making his point prior, sometimes being a good friend can actually mean going against them and calling them out, not always easy to do in the moment but in the long run definitely the better choice. If they listen it's good, if you get cast out, sad and painful, yes but at least you know you've done the right thing.

Flick still being a brat as per, she should just own her foolishness, no-one said she made a bad decision, even though she sure as heck did but she always comes across as if she wants everyone to make her feel better instead of teaching her to grow up. It would've been interesting to see her go off on that sulky teenager path with Rory and become a 'grunge-girl' then when Cash wouldn't give up on justice and trying to keep the RBs in some form of line she'd see what they do to cops and I wonder how she would've handled that if Cash had been the victim. I genuinely believe Rory did kill McGrath, purely because Dingo comes across as if he wouldn't necassarily have the brains to do it without getting himself into trouble within the hour, don't doubt he beat McGrath though.

And the gold medal for Biggest Brat goes to Flick as always, Cash truly should cut his losses; she isn't worth it. The only reason she threw that tantrum was because her bed will be cold and she can't admit she's wrong yet again. Cash is a cop at heart, he believes in justice and it was served, he kept her away so she wouldn't do something stupid. Silver medal for Brathood has to go to Mali, I know they do usually advise 'No comment', but ironically he is innocent but his attitude made him look guilty, obviously taking after Iluka and Dean. I liked the Harper and Dana scenes, Dana being excited to be an auntie was fun you just know she'll sneak the kid sweets before dinner and things like that or, especially if it's a girl, in years to come when she's an angry teen arguing with Harper about makeup, boys, it'll be Dana she'd go to and she'd be the one to help bridge the cap.

I must admit I enjoyed all the police drama stuff, but then I am a drama lover, loved the eyeballing between both Cash and Dingo, then later him and Rory. Flick being a brat in nothing new but when has Cash ever warned her about something for anything other than her own safety, given she isn't exactly endowed with great decision skills? Mali was so silly to handle things but also to go there, he's risking everything there even minor guilt by association can have big consequences.

Oh Xander get over yourself you should be grateful Dana gave you a second chance in the first place, you two faced twit! Sadly, Irene is doing the classic 'I'm in control' bit, unfortunately addiction by it's very nature the polar opposite; it is hard to always be the 'odd one out' if you like, whether it's addiction or allergy etc. and it can be wearing, even though it's the safest way. Sadly I think falling further is the only way here. I did like Tane's smirk at Perri's evasive techniques, you just know Tane might've been a bit like that too as a youngster and older young person; I'm glad he kind of put Perri through his paces, trying to teach him both work ethic and also the how to's in the working world (often think they hould actually teach basic life/work skills in school, they don't seem to anymore) I think Perri was brave to admit his struggles, it's not easy to admit to those struggles sometimes and hopefully now he'll get the support he needs and give a chance to improve those skills, it opens the world up yet it's so simple.

I agree with Tane about some people don't deserve to be parents to be honest, IRL how many news stories do you hear of kids ending up like Perri or much worse? No-one ever says being a parent is easy, but the fundamentals i.e. warmth, food and love shouldn't be that difficult. I think there's no harm in him researching perhaps as long as he doesn't activate anything as it were. Can understand Bree not wanted to be 'outed' as such, it is still early days and now the pressure is well and truly on!

Well done John, sometimes being a good friend is being kind and tough at the same time. Flick really proving the dumb blonde theory re:Rory, RBs, she really is a dtraining irritant!

Flick being a spoiled brat and throwing a tantrum as per, my advice to Cash would be let her go and wreck herself and then pick up the pieces and see if she learns a lesson. Theo with Bree and Remi was funny, nicely done. The John and Irene scene at the end I thought was quite sad, the silence from John spoke volumes; the horrified disbelief when you realise how far someone's fallen but you didn't see, however addicts of all kinds can be very sneaky, it's part what makes it what it is I think.