early years fan

Archie roach songs were used quite a bit, one which sticks in the memory is during Shane’s death scene “there is a garden”

I am currently watching reruns of another Australian medical drama All Saints which started in 1998, script writer was Bevan Lee in the first few seasons I can’t believe how many home and away early years actors have appeared in guest roles, including the ones who played Finn, Damian, Nicko, Celia, Pippa (Vanessa Downing). Justine Clarke plays a Dr and Georgie Parker plays head nurse. it’s a great series with some great Aussie actors.

Just rewatched the Barlow shooting scene on 7two. the sergeant was doing a good job talking him down, it’s unfortunate that Tom started mouthing off calling him gutless and making him more angry. Not the brightest idea to abuse and rile up an unstable nutter holding a gun ?

Was never a fan of Greg. Found him to be quite an unlikable character who took bobby for granted. Was so hoping when Frank turned up they would get back together and be written into the storyline to continue…

Yes in 1988 Tom and Pippa seemed very happy, with barely any arguments. Probably unrealistic given the stressors and family dynamics/issues and financial problems they had to deal with. Would put a massive strain on any marriage In contrast the Pippa/Michael era seems to be more realistic portrayal of a marriage with many arguments. Both seem to be unhappy and complaining a lot of the time, and Pippa (Debra Lawrence) seems tired and stressed.

I always wondered why the story writers would decide to have Dale die of cot death. Seems such a shame Pippa going through a pregnancy and birth for such a sad outcome. perhaps they thought she would be too busy with two young children to cope with, maybe it was just for the drama/ shock factor? it feels like they wrote the oregnancy in just because she was pregnant in real life?

Pretty sure the age of consent in Australia back then was 16.

Yes I found the narelle Steven relationship a bit off ? down the track the same with his relationship when he is a teacher with Selina when she is a student

The repeat guest appearances do play a big role… such as the recurring involvement of the group of mean girls at summer bay high, led by Alison Patterson. She plays the part very convincingly

I do have the sad piano music stuck in my head now from the sad scenes, it was played so often?

So I have finished watching all of 1988! yay that’s ticked off the bucket list. i agree todays episodes haves moved away so far from their roots. It’s been great to reminisce and look at it all through 2023 adult eyes, many laughs. also reinforced how much I did prefer the old Pippa and Tom, and the original cast members really hoping they release subsequent years episodes

End of Ep 220, Alfs face when he meets Roos Asian boyfriend? awkward? ep 222 calling David a “chink” repeatedly, and in the next breath denying he’s a rascist ?

Poor Bertram, ends up in such a bad way, from the accident caused by Carly and bobby It ruined his life. Then there is Phillip’s hand shut in the car door by Brett Maklin ruining his medical career, if these things were to occur in todays culture of legal action they would have probably sued the pants off of them.?

Episode 186, John Farnham visiting Sally. Classic ? Bad timing for the chicken pox, back in the days when most kids had it.

These days if any signs of those issues existed in families with violence or drug abuse from parents, all children would be removed.

Just up to the episodes with Allen’s death. Pity he was killed off as he was a good actor and interesting character. I found the scattering of the ashes scene quite sad ?

To me the age gap between Vanessa and Roger is quite obvious, she looks much younger than him. In 1988 she was only 30 and he is 45.

Episode 123, something which doesn’t make sense to me, if child services deemed it was too dangerous for Carly to live with her father due to him beating her up, why was her twin sister allowed to remain in his care? Allan and bobby, at this stage they don’t know they are half siblings, yet are going on a date. Does he find out the truth before he dies?

Just a question, watching episode 98 before Roo and franks wedding, Don fisher phones Barbara, and she mentions that both their children are well. I assume one is Rebecca, but who is the other child she is referring too? This is before he finds out bobby is his daughter. the family relations are a little confusing poor fisher seems to have bad luck. With 4 out of 5 children dying!

Carly has a constant scowl (or resting bitch face)? and never seems to smile. Spends most of the time in tears! The fletchers show a lot of patience with her

So more controversial topics arising from watching season one which hopefully would be handled a bit better in 2023. The attitudes towards Carly’s rape. Seems to be a fair bit of victim blaming going on for her choosing to hitch hike. and also the lack of support for Barlow’s wife and daughter, everyone seems to know he is belting them up but they seem to turn a blind eye and not want to get involved.

If you search Lynne Davenport in the character writeups on this site, it mentions that he has autism, although it doesn’t seem to mention this in the episodes, just other derogatory terms. i am sure the cultural barriers would not have helped his inclusion in a small community such as summer bay. so many more services and support would have been available these days for Nico. ?

Yes watching it in 1988 as a naive 15 year old, as opposed to now as a 50 year old with children, one of whom has ASD, is quite different. just found it quite heartbreaking to see how he was treated having the advantage of hindsight and personal experience

So I am up to episode 22, and the storyline around Nico apart from the constant teasing and bullying of the poor guy, being referred to as retard and lunatic….I did feel sorry for him. it was quite sad when his cow died ? it wouldn’t go down very well today if the local principal led a petition and movement to have a disabled person locked up in a “lunatic asylum”. I am sure the anti discrimination groups of today would have a bit to say about that! thank goodness our understanding of autism is a bit better these days.

Early episode Tom and Pippa are discussing finances, Pippa suggests going back to work to help out while Tom searches for a job. but Tom feels like this isn’t the right thing to do and feels like his wife shouldn’t have to work sign of the times, when now this is the norm to have two working parents