alexx

I've always thought the show was much stronger a good few months into the series and when all the Ailsa/Roo, Fisher/Bobby dynamics fall into place when everything is more solid and the writers seem to up the pace a little and everyone is established. You are right that things are very slow paced, and I don't think it would last a week in prime time in the current television industry, not with such a 'light' plot as the dog and Lyn running away taking centre stage - I think that's why during the earlier-mid 90's the show reached its peak in popularity, because it had the slower character driven elements the show had in the early years, yet it had become more pacier and dramatic in style. I think the same about Neighbours, I actually find the Channel 7 era of Neighbours to be quite bland and a bit boring and it started getting better once 10 took over and they created a style of there own rather than trying to emulate the Sons and Daughters feel as they had on 7. I think Lyn is being a bit of a brat and selfish; Tom and Pippa are being way too lenient with her.

Ah that's interesting...Maybe I noticed it when it happened more than I did when it didn't. Great episode today, I really like how Carly's story came out today and how it was Tom she told. We also got an inkling of Stephen and Lynn's past and family, and Sally yesterday. It's great how they waited a week or so to establish us with the characters before we get into why the kids were being fostered and what there back story's are, I think that way, it helps to produce a greater empathy from the audience.

Ah Ok... I know that (from what I recall) during the 90's it was really obvious that characters were only ever seen 3 episodes per week, even when they had huge storylines, I cant remember one time that a character were in 5 episodes in a row during the 90's, particularly mid 90's.

I think with Pippa, you can tell Vanessa was more of a theater actor in her portrayal. Ryan do you know when the 3-episodes per week contract came into place? I think there are pros and cons having seen Neighbours drop the 3-ep per week style for the past 1/12 years. Its great when the storyline is decent, but when it isn't it can be quite tiresome. I know there has been a shift in direction on Neighbours but recently we've had months and months of teenagers school deb ball storyline go on and on and on in every episode of the week pretty much and it is was horrible viewing. But overall I think its a better pace when a storyline isn't interrupted, because we, for the most part, get to see decent follow threw and nothing seems to be missed out. I hadn't noticed Carly and Fisher in every episode. I like how a prank has progressed into a storyline about betrayal and family, we are also neatly delving into Carly's back story. I think Lance is a great character and do feel as if I've met someone like him before...he's in his own world that seems to operate 2 seconds behind everyone else s. He does mature over time though, just generally gets older...In realistic terms, maybe he has a undiagnosed form of ADD or bipolar - yesterday at Alf's store he reminded me of a guy I knew at school who always seemed to be laughing at nothing or laughing at something in his head.

Plus I thought Floss did the cleaning about the house. She was there a couple of days ago too when her and Bobby made up.

I've also noticed a distinct lack of music, I know the diner isnt around yet for them to drag a song over a scene, but there isnt a lot of underscore either, which can slow the pace of things down too. I'm glad they avoided the melodrama of Sons and Daughters because I think that show could be way OTT it just got confusing for the casual viewer. At the moment things are still feeling very fresh and we're still learning about character traits and back story. I really like the feeling Floss and Nev give out, them living a quite sea side life in a gypsy cart surrounded by bushland. Out of all the Fletcher kids we've seen and heard the least of Lyn. I don't have much of a memory about anything Lyn does in the show, even after seeing the reruns last time; I'm looking forward to seeing how the character panned out. Oh yeah, yesterdays cliffhanger when Bobby says to Carly 'And I feel pretty damn guilty about it too!' - this has been dubbed somehow, I'm just wondering what she really says...maybe its 'I feel pretty bloody guilty about it too' - but that wouldn't makes sense as they say bloody all the time during the Early Years. I just had another look and she may have said 'I feel pretty ***** (oh the word has been blocked out...female dog) guilty'?! Anyone else have any idea? Speaking of the cliffhangers, I really don't like how the show continues after the end credits because the cliffhanger comes to a sort of resolve within that last few seconds, I don't see the point in it.

I know, it was a new show so there had to be some serious planning involved, but I agree that they did a fantastic job with their characters and at reeling you in to want more. You are right too, the time goes by so fast! The freeze frame would have come in handy here with Walter seemingly so stunned he couldn't reverse back! haha

I'm glad they scrapped the bit on the end because it doesn't work well with the cliff hanger imo I wonder if they did it to keep viewers on 7, without turning over during the end credits. What I'm happy about, with the airings on 7TWO is that we are getting the full end credits without interruption. When they were doing repeats back in the early 00's they had promos all over the end credits. Still wish they'd move it to a late afternoon time-slot though. An early morning time-slot doesn't work for H&A Imo because it is aimed at a wider demographic than Sons and Daughters ever was and its making me nervous that they will stop showing it once the 90's come along - I cant see them showing 1995 episodes at 9.30am when a lot of people who want to see it are at work or school and I could see it rating well. Anyway what with the summer holiday's coming up, I really hope they continue showing right threw.

Well it does appear to be that way sort of, in the pilot - but when the show actually kicked off these were still prominent, sure Bobby had made headway with Carly and the family to an extent but it certainly wasn't the last we saw of her feisty and aggressiveness. Stevo and Frank's relationship takes a few weeks before its 'all good'. I missed today's episode because my timer screwed up! I wish it was on at 4/4.30pm personally, it would be easier to watch and those at school would be able to catch it too.

Great to re watch the Pilot again in high quality! I think the reason it is so popular is because there are so many key elements that go missing in some other TV show pilots that don't end up being successful shows, - warmth, character development, strong focus, questions left unanswered...etc It leaves you wanting to visit Summer Bay and the residents again. It also feels quite raw at times, such as Bobby 's speech to the department. At the time this was a very fresh production and not really like anything else on Aussie TV (still is I suppose). No big explosions, no sensationalism without substance just to try and draw you in. It is 'real life' TV, which seems to be making a come back in popularity over here...it probably never died!

It was a nice episode, felt very 'classic' All Saints, without the stunts and bombs, just character based stuff for both the patients and the staff which was fitting, but reminded me what a total waste it is 7 axing such a popular show. The montage was brilliant as was Von walking out of the hospital one last time, turning and looking at the building. I do feel overall it could have been done better, for a final ever episode etc and it was a bit of a disappointment Charlotte didn't get any sentimental sub plot - but then we are supposed to believe that All Saints continues on, so... Nice round up of character storylines though! Maybe we will see a return of All Saints some time in the future..

There is still so much unfinished business with Roo though and it's a crime she hasn't been back particularly since her dad, and now, her daughter live there. I doubt Justine Clark would ever return since she seems busy in theater and Hollywood but I am not a fan of recasts! On a side note, I think they should consider bringing Quin back into the picture and sort that storyline out because her initial introduction was so fast and didnt have much of a long term impact on Alf at all.

Just comparing All Saints repeats to the current show because I'd forgotten how brilliant it was - I think the format during these repeats was perfect, it had been modernized, looked a lot more filmic and fresh yet the central characters were SO much more rewarding to follow. I love the atmosphere, it feels really fast paced and energetic, whereas currently it kinda feels a bit flat in terms of direction and storyline potential. They also seemed a lot more controversial and clever in their storytelling - take for example the last storyline involving that Catholic mother and son, really powerful scenes and dialogue used throughout. I also notice how we NEVER see the cast out and about in front of the hospital like we used to do all the time. We see them in front of the Emergency entrance, but never in front of the actual main hospital anymore (where that wall of windows is for example). Charlotte has been really under utilized too this year which I'm not a fan of and the current cast feels smaller. I wish they'd just go back to this format, but they'd be wasting their time with Channel 7 shoving it in a later time slot when Packed to the Rafters is on. They should try it out on another day at 8.30, but I don't think they could/would due to their other dramas. It's frustrating though. Packed to the Rafter's has the potential to go on for another 2/3 years before I can imagine the younger cast especially decide to move on (maybe it wont happen?!) but if that is the case I cant see it remaining on screen for another 10 + years, and when the ratings die down maybe All Saints will make its return? And if so will it have lost its core audience?

All Saints last night was brilliantly produced! One of the better episodes of the year!

I enjoyed the guest character storylines last night, felt more like last years show.

This sux a LOT! Rubbish! All Saints is a great drama, last year it was on top form and the ratings were better than they are this year, which suggests, as pointed out, it is the current direction that isn't popular! This year they seemed to have cut out a lot of the emotional, poignant stuff in favor of boring relationship rubbish between the new staff. Even the background music that helped seems to have lacked that classic All Saints emotional strings-sound. They didn't need to do the MRU to increase ratings, they should have just left things as they were steady and built around the format that WAS working.

Quite clearly you are somehow obsessed with Ailsa and old H&A characters and like to post about the old times a LOT . I hope Tachel don't turn into Alf and Ailsa personally. I think actually that is the most random question ever !! Well you got to remember old days and remember classic characters like Ailsa as she was Summer Bay's heart and soul. Ailsa died but she's not forgotten. Oh yes I love old timers like Ailsa and Pippa because they are adult characters and they are played by actors that can act. There's nothing wrong with liking old timers. I never forget classic characters like Ailsa and Pippa. I agree - there isnt anything wrong with it at all! I do think the show misses the dynamics both Alf and Ailsa and Pippa and Tom/Michael prodived the show - they really gave it a core and warmth and sense of continuity that is lacking these days. But, I dont think Rachel and Tony could be anything like Alf and Ailsa - Leah on the other hand could be one half of a classic couple if they ever give her some happiness (that lasts years rather than months or weeks). Rachel and Tony - they are a unconventional couple; I haven't really been able to really buy the relationship, it wasn't very well developed imo

I've been following the show for its entire run including articles interviews...etc etc and I've never heard any of those rumours.

The reason he was/is so popular and well known around the world is due to the period in time the show actually respected the character enough to have him an integral and important main character and his yearly fix of storylines, along with character development and consistent screen time that meant something, not stand behind a bar, and of course - Ray himself!!! The writers just don't want to use adult characters like they did in the 80's and 90's - even though they seem to claim the show wouldn't be the same without them... well if that's the case, why don't you use them? The Bridget storyline was pretty much a filler and we didn't really get to see Alf form any sort of meaningful relationship with her, I still don't really know what ''they had''. There is a reason the show was so hugely popular overseas initially - amongst many things, it was also about a community living in Summer Bay...which included at least 6 over 40 year old characters! I feel they should compromise and use this format again - it was at its best when the younger and older cast were on par with each other. Back to Alf - I agree he's an icon - but the original was better.

I dont think its going to be choppers every week. Last nights episode was a bit more like ''normal''. I agree about all the characters leaving at one time - I hate it too. I don't feel connected to any of the new cast at the moment though. As long as they keep the show emotional and grounded then I'll be happy. Last years season was fantastic imo and the ratings were always very high, so I hope they dont re-direct the format too much.

And the people of the bush paid the price. I cant believe how many fires took hold yesterday - 35+ people have died and they expect the death toll will rise once they can get into more of the high fire zones. What is reallllly p***ing me off is that there is some twisted arsonist going around relighting fires! Murderous. http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/530649...rian-bushfires/

But that would boil down to poor writing! I often think the writers are inconsistent with Rachel - which makes it hard for me to get into the character properly, which is a shame because I think Amy is a great actor.

It could be good, I'm reserving judgment until I see it - as long as they keep it character focused and keep that emotional aspect alive..etc Thing is, it constantly rates in the top 5 it is on, so if they mess about with it too much and the viewers don't like it, they will soon know about it.

Charlotte could have hugged him too, but he was being rather stand offish, understandbly - I guess it just adds to the clinical and blunt storyline of Rickie's murder and Dan's departure. Pretty sombre scene though, I liked her reassuring wink, well played.

That was an awkward episode towards the end, but it was handled well. I had no idea Erika was being written out, so it was shocking she had died, and I missed seeing Dan being supported by his mates! Jack's exit was very understated, and again awkward, but it had a very poignant feel to it!