Slade

I did feel sorry for Perri's mum but I completely got where Perri was coming from and sympathised with his resentment towards her. I would probably feel the same as him actually. I thought the scenes between them were quite touching and emotional and whilst I wasn't too interested in his character, I am glad he decided to give her a chance and they left together. Hopefully they will both be happy now. I did also think with Perri going, Tane just wanted some booty call from Harper and once again I think he's out of order. I'm not keen on Tim. I find him quite smug but I wasn't happy with Levi thumping him. I know it's his sisters, but as mentioned Levi was being a little bit hypocritical. I'm assuming at some point Abi's going to have to decide between Theo and Mail. Part of me hopes it's Mali if only to wind Levi up. I thought Dana was OK the week before last week and I didn't mind her and Bree getting on. I was shaking my at her last week and her attitude for me sums up something you see more of now. Things didn't go her way and a male was involved, so it's sexism/misogyny by default. I'm glad John is giving her cold shoulder. She deserves it. I can't really blame Roo for wanting to have a go at Bree. I am glad Remi defended her like that though.

Harper purposely didn't remind Tane about the scan in the hope he would tell her he was going so she would feel better about herself. I keep sounding like a broken record but she really has it bad. Her Cheshire cat smile when he said he was going and reaffirmed his commitment to the baby highlights that. Also, ditching Dana (ouch) just so she could have some alone time with Tane. Can't really say I was that interested in Dana's reaction and the sob story with Xander though. Thought the Justin/Leah stuff for the most part was meh particularly the renewal of the vowels, although I did enjoy how Leah managed to squeeze a freebie out of the hotel manager and the late check out. I do agree that renewing after six months of marriage is a concern and it feels like they're trying to prove to each other everything's good. I didn't like the way Abigail spoke to Theo but at least she apologised. I was definitely on Abigail's side with Eden when went through her journal and the thing is Abigail was right about her. Eden not backing off as Abigail requested and acting like a dog with a bone just reaffirms Abigail's main gripes with her. I loved it when they were having the mediation session and Eden made the point about Abigail slating her but when it came to Levi, it was nothing that praise, with Eden storming off and Abigail saying Eden was making it about her again. Not sure how I feel about Cash leaving although apart from Eden there's nothing really for him in Summer Bay TBH.

I'm mostly enjoying the Bree centric stuff. She is still totally delusional and seems to be approaching things in an almost matter of fact manner. I have to admit I wasn't happy about her reaching out to Marilyn and asking to have a chat at Salt as it kind of felt like groveling, but given how the meeting ended with Bree making cynical reference to Marilyn's Tarot Cards and Marilyn storming off, I was pretty satisfied. I did find it slightly amusing when Mackenzie and Levi were commenting as Marilyn and Bree sat down to talk and then when Bree when to square things with Levi and Remi overheard her tell Levi to mention the chat to him. If Bree doesn't want to get help, it's hard to see where Remi goes from here though. Whilst Harper still can't make any progress with Tane, she must be loving having him mostly to herself.

I wasn't convinced by Bree in the slightest. It was clear she only changed her stance to appease Remi, although at least she did the right thing re Levi. Whilst I said in my previous post I'm not looking forward to seeing Marilyn's reaction if they take action against Bree, there does have to been some kind of punishment because Alf almost died. And Bree still doesn't understand what she did wrong, clearly needs help and shouldn't be treating patients. It's hard to know if the storyline is really wrapped up until they've made a final decision.

According to what Dana said to Marilyn, the hospital tribunals are strict. I guess that explains why she didn't have one. So Bree decides to get payback/fight fire with fire by throwing Levi under the bus. From her perspective I can see why she's adopted this approach. Even putting aside the revenge element, it's survival. The problem is, she's gone about this completely the wrong way and her methodology has been very emotional. What she should have done was talked about how she's been struggling since Jacob's death and how Felicity's passing affected her as a doctor (I have to admit, I'd forgotten about Remi's bike accident which would also help). This would have been very plausible. Although her inability to recognise she actually has a problem has halted that. I did find it funny when she said "No hard feelings" and offered the handshake to Levi when she saw him at the hospital just after the hearing. I'm very much of the opinion that Levi is in the right, Bree should not be allowed to practice medicine again until she 1)accepts she has a problem and 2)receives help. I also hope Levi doesn't get sanctioned because of this. However, I don't think I can stomach Marilyn winning. It was nice of Kirby to give some perspective of Bree although it seems as though she doesn't know the full story. I would say more scenes with Abigail and the counsellor as she's nowhere near as much of a brat. I do like the fact that Eden knows how to annoy her so that's a plus for me anyway.

Can't really say I'm that fussed about Perri's storyline although, I'd completely forgotten about what happened with Theo and Dimitri so it didn't occur to me why Theo was prepared to take such a risk for Perri. I still remember the way Cash looked at Dimitri with absolute disgust and contempt and genuinely couldn't understand it given his line of work. Some Cash/Rose scenes (yay) and good to see Cash being slightly more upbeat. I actually didn't mind the stuff with Cash and Harper either and found the scene when Harper was telling Cash about struggling being in love with Tane slightly amusing. Marilyn annoyed me again when she was trying to pressurise Levi. She obviously wants Bree to get fired (And yes, I get it). Shame she couldn't have as much passion for her own flesh and blood.

I'm assuming Abigail fancies Mali but I'm wondering if he gave her the job to genuinely help her or because the feeling is reciprocated. I recall a slight improvement in her before the break but the way she was sniping at Remi and acting towards Kirby when Kirby brought her the uniform and asked her to go back to work, I'm not sure she's up to doing the job and I still think there's still an element of being an unlikeable waster. I do admit though Xander and Mackenzie's faces during the entire interaction at Salt and Kirby being literally gobsmacked when Abigail revealed her issue with Kirby was that Kirby ruined her birthday were amusing. Bree was out of line to Remi. He's the one person who's not against her at the moment. Again I can't disagree with Levi. He was absolutely right. Bree definitely needs help. And it's worrying how she can't see what's she's done wrong. The scene with Dana wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Although in a funny sort of way I do admire Bree for even having the front to go up to Dana and ask her, basically her arch enemy, because I don't think I would. It shows how important being a doctor is to her. One thing I will say about Dana and the conversation with Xander, I'm surprised he and her were acting like she's a victim being pressurised. From Dana's perspective, it's really quite incredible actually given that Dana has done this herself to Rose, Banjo, Irene and she even got Bree to put her job on the line so she could access Bronte's medical records.

There is a part of me that thinks Eden was trying to punish Cash however I'm now wondering if she was trying to get Michelle away from Cash because she wants Cash all to herself. She didn't wait very long before subtly asking if there was a way for them to get back together. I was sorry to see Michelle go because I actually quite liked her. Hopefully Cash will able to get over her departure without too many problems, although Bree emphasised what I was thinking in that, what transpired with Cash is exactly why the communications were kept anonymous. The scene with Bree staring at Levi at Salt...wow, if looks could kill. I actually don't blame Levi for reporting her and think he did the right thing but as someone who really likes Bree (I guess I'm the only one here) it was frustrating to see other characters such as Marilyn looking down her nose at her and Mackenzie throw Bree out of the restaurant even though you can't really argue that they are wrong and judging by the preview, it looks like it's going to get worse. I'm glad Justin gave Leah a taste of her own medicine.

I did enjoy the gossip session at the beginning with John, Harper and Eden (I still can't believe Eden and Harper did so well in the popularity contest - I can't stand Dana but at least with her I can understand why people like so much, but those two). I found quite a few of the characters frustrating from yesterday. I accept he was looking out for Perri but I found Tane annoying. Leah was also annoying. I can kind of understand the uncertainty, thinking the worst given what Claudia's husband said and finding out about the lifts Justin was giving Claudia behind her back, but she really should have given Justin a chance to explain before deciding to move out. So given they haven't been married for very long, I do think his reaction was very understandable. In spite of everything I do still feel bad for Claudia. I was very much of the opinion that she had very little to gain by not going down the legal route initially. And even more so now but again she had nothing to get out of telling Leah the truth, however she did it because she's not a bad person and had a brief period of weakness. Just like she's not a bad person for not going through the courts which caused her to end up in this situation. Cash was a bit annoying pressurising Michelle but I do have a certain level of sympathy for him, given he's still struggling with losing Felicity. Eden I thought was pretty bad. I did actually agree with her about Michelle and Michelle does feels grateful to Cash so feels a sense of duty to spend time with him, but I do think she also did it purposely to punish him for breaking up with her. I also think because she was unhappy that Cash excluded her from spending time with Michelle initially and because she doesn't want Cash to have much time with Michelle which is a part of the punishment.

I hadn't been to the Forum in around a month so I'd forgotten about the results. I was shocked but not surprised Rory even featured at all, especially given how short his stint was and that he murdered a police officer. I was surprised at Abigail. Maybe it's because I only watch the episodes at UK pace but I've found very little likeable about her. Harper finishing so highly was also an eyebrow raising moment. Don't get me wrong, I like her, and have got nothing against her as a person but I don't find her to be a particularly interesting character. Eden was another shock (Really?). Sadly I'm actually not surprised Dana finished as well as she did. I'm definitely seeing a different person to 99.999% (add more 9s where appropriate) of people. I find her to be manipulative, self-centered and as I always like to flog the dead horse, despite being a nurse I feel she lacks empathy. What I will say though is that one thing I've noticed with characters in soaps, if their personality shows giddy, bubbly traits, this will often endear people to them. Very similar to Holly Hoyland from Neighbours. I was fully expecting a strong finish from Felicity. Even if she hadn't died, I would have still expected her in the top five. I'm actually a little surprised she didn't finish higher. I was expecting Stevie to have a little more votes. Pleasantly surprised Mackenzie finished so high and I can't disagree with the overall winner. Can't say I'm disappointed about Sally finishing so low relatively speaking, considering how she used to dominate. I would actually like to thank Dan F and Chris J for opening the poll to non forum members knowing full well it would mean more effort on their part with the data. I think it's a good thing, far more representative and it shows there are a lot of people who lurk the forum who are not confident enough or simply have no desire to post. So, I'm glad they've also been included. I hope this trend continues. Last but not least, a shoutout to Red Ranger, with regards to the character summaries. Never fails to deliver with the stellar grammar, writing and of course the wittiness.

Whilst I don't like Marilyn, I do think she was right to get annoyed with Bree and complain to Levi about it when Alf was having another heart attack. Bree's definitely not fit to be treating patients at the moment. I will even go as far as saying she needs to talk to someone. It will be interesting to see if she faces any disciplinary action especially given Dana allowed Tane to see Hope and he kidnapped her and Dana was allowed to continue her duties. Like I said in my last post, I'm disappointed they've gone down this route with Claudia as she seemed like a decent person. The worst thing about it that Leah is basically going to be made out to be right and she's going to deliver a self-righteous serve to Justin for not telling her about Claudia in the first place. Harper must have been loving Tane's hand on the baby bump, feeling it kick and the way she was looking at him when he asked her to have Dinner with him, she really has it bad. When Tane missed Peri's court appearance, I did think he should have been given the benefit of the doubt but I do accept he's definitely dropped the ball as of late. Because he was preoccupied with Harper he didn't pick up on the fact something was drastically wrong with Perri, whereas before he might have pressed him and that left Perri to deal with Carl on his own. Given that Carl was completely overpowering him, I'm interested to know the circumstances leading to his death.

I must admit, I'd forgotten about what happened with John but what I will say is that it is similar to Harper. And I guess that reenforces the point about throwing people under the bus, because the vast majority of people she's interacted with inside/outside work, she's not like that with. And it's not only the fact I see her as uncaring. She veers between being robotic in some instances but when she demands something she has that intense look. The robotic nature, absence of emotion and intense look correlate with the lack of empathy I keep bringing up. This was apparent when she used Banjo i.e. pretending to be romantically interested in him to help John, the way she pressured Rose re charging Harper etc. Even some of the worst people will still care about a very small number of people they deem close to them, but they're generally uncaring in nature due to their attitude to most people in general. Not saying Dana is the worst, but I don't think caring towards Harper and John is indicative she's a caring person as they really are the exception rather than the norm. I know there's an argument this has happened because Justin wasn't honest with Leah but it still doesn't change the fact Marilyn was a huge pain in the backside. Even if you assume they were both planning surprises, she had no business getting involved. I guess given Claudia was sitting in the front when Justin was driving her, that might have been the early indication something was up. I'm also frustrated they've taken her down this route because Leah has been more annoying than Marilyn was and quite judgmental from the start. Her reaction to Theo's revelation demonstrates precisely why Justin didn't tell her about Claudia to begin with. Well Bree's definitely not fit to be at work at the moment. I did find her scenes with Alf quite hard to watch and she came across like a first day med student.

Dana is uncaring. Apart from how she was with Harper when Harper had to go hospital, I can't think of a single instance when she's actually been caring or sympathetic particularly at NDH. A lot of people can put on an act at work but she can't even pretend to be empathetic towards her patients because it's not in her nature. Mackenzie has been getting on my nerves the last couple of episodes re the whole wanting to completely own Salt. I don't like the way she was pressuring Cash and I don't like the way she was being dismissive of Xander either. As mentioned, she struggled with the business when it was just her and if not for Felicity it would have gone under. Really enjoyed the scenes with Cash and Michelle. I also thought Cash was harsh with Eden. He seemed pretty cold towards her again.

Dana is good at doing all the practical stuff as a nurse but not sympathetic or caring to her patients at all. Abigail was seriously giving Dana a run for her money in terms of being unlikeable, although at least she apologised to Cash, but it remains to be seen whether her attitude will improve. I did actually really like the way Levi was with Cash. He was compassionate, understanding, still not blaming him for how he's treated Eden and the dialogue and the handshake was really good when Cash advised him to get Abigail to talk to the police. I feel sorry for Claudia. The fact that she just wanted to hang out with Justin just shows how bad things must be with her husband. I've got nothing against Justin. I think he's trying to make the best of a bad situation and do think he did the right thing imposing boundaries on the arrangement they have but I can't help but feel sympathetic towards Claudia. A few weeks ago I would have been cheering Mali on to dedicate himself to his artwork if it meant him leaving the show but he's not been too bad as of late. Doesn't matter now that he's turned down the opportunity. I was literally gobsmacked when Cash asked Rose to get him the name and contact details of Felicity's donor recipient he had been writing to (I know he has from but I was still shocked). If he really valued her as a friend he never should have put her in that position. I don't think what he said to Tane was wrong though as already mentioned Tane is moving on. He even said to Cash he'd already said goodbye to Felicity when Cash asked if he was curious about the donor recipient. I think he was in love with Felicity at one point but I'm not convinced he was in love with her just before she had the aneurysm. Despite Marilyn preparing a romantic picnic hamper and Dana not arriving it time to alert them, it looks as though the picnic itself turned out in Harper's favour. I have to admit, I did find Dana's face amusing at a smitten Harper looking on at Tane as he was headed back to the Surf Club. But true to form she had to blame Xander, for taking the time during his break to help out and not checking the hamper beforehand despite the fact she didn't do it herself.

I'm definitely more on Mackenzie's side than I am on Abigail's. I would be actually pretty livid is someone invited a drug addict to stay at my place without permission and the way Abigail was talking to Mackenzie, I thought she did well to reconcile with her afterwards as I feel you shouldn't be rude to someone in their own home. However, looking at it from Abigail's point of view, she's feels Mackenzie can't stand her and so there's a natural tendency from her to be angry and dislike her back. I've not found Abigail very likeable at all but when she was interacting with Mali, I saw a slightly different side to her. I actually enjoyed their scenes although I'm not sure she's a character I'm necessarily going to warm to at the moment. I didn't mind the stuff with Justin and Claudia. Like other people, I'm also glad we've seen a different side to her, helping people with her job and having issues with her husband. I'm actually of the belief she's at a disadvantage by not going down the legal route with Justin given how she's struggling to do her job and as a result is affecting her home life. Logically she should be taking him to court. Although I'm not sure how it would help the people she obviously cares about that she visits on a day to day basis. Harper was smiling throughout Thursday's episode and even after the scare at the hospital was very happy afterwards. She must be loving all the time she's spending with Tane, especially now that he's started holding her hand. I wasn't keen on her lying about being in hospital as she already kept the pregnancy from him and if this is going to work she needs to be honest. I did think it would be an issue Tane committing to Perri but also committing to Harper re the baby. Hopefully having to juggle both won't be too problematic going forwards. The way Bree has been acting I would imagine it would be quite hard to work with her. I've mentioned time and time again how I feel about Dana. The "I don't want you anywhere near my sister when you've done a double-shift" line. And the way she went crying to Remi about it when Bree called her out...pathetic. Just about everything about Dana annoys me. Going back to the way she was with Harper at hospital how caring she is. She's never like that with any of her patients and it's also annoying how she tried to imply to Remi she was concerned about Bree. Concerned my a*se (As I've mentioned multiple times she lacks empathy and compassion). She's just out of shape because she doesn't like the way Bree spoke to her.