1989 Episode Discussion

[Red Ranger 1]

I think it was basically a case of Steven realising if he did anything to Dodge he'd be as bad as him. (Possibly coupled with the fact that when he thought Simon was responsible and got revenge on him it didn't make him feel any better.)

[maciam]

Thanks Beau and Red Ranger

[Old H&A Fan]

I think it was basically a case of Steven realising if he did anything to Dodge he'd be as bad as him. (Possibly coupled with the fact that when he thought Simon was responsible and got revenge on him it didn't make him feel any better.)

But he did want him locked up, what's the difference??

[Red Ranger 1]

I think it was basically a case of Steven realising if he did anything to Dodge he'd be as bad as him. (Possibly coupled with the fact that when he thought Simon was responsible and got revenge on him it didn't make him feel any better.)

But he did want him locked up, what's the difference??

The difference is that that's a lawful, legal punishment, rather than the vigilante actions of a private individual motivated by revenge.And it's not like Steven locked him up himself, the police and law courts did that.

[beau_t]

I think it was basically a case of Steven realising if he did anything to Dodge he'd be as bad as him. (Possibly coupled with the fact that when he thought Simon was responsible and got revenge on him it didn't make him feel any better.)

But he did want him locked up, what's the difference??

Do you seriously not know what the difference is? This is not a rhetorical question.

[Jezz]

I just finished watching all of the 1989 episodes on YouTube. I've been doing a marathon of episodes every night. Here's my review of 1989:

How did I find Home and Away in 1989?

I thought it was a fantastic season as we saw some great storylines emerge such as Bobby discovering who her parents were, Dodge's reign of terror, Danny Price/Farnsworth attempting to avenge his father's death against Morag and the shark attack involving Rory Heywood. I thought introducing Morag was brilliant, but it didn't let long unfortunately. I do feel that 1989 wasn't as strong as 1988 because it was a little bit more event-driven rather than character-driven, but it was nevertheless a brilliant season. Personally I'm giving it 8/10.

Who are my favourite characters on the show in 1989?

In no particular order: Martin Dibble, Lance Smart, Bobby Simpson, Alf Stewart, Steven Matheson, Alisa Stewart, Donald Fisher, Emma Jackson and Morag Bellingham.

Who are my most hated characters on the show in 1989?

In no particular order: Only Frank Morgan. The characters who I haven't listed as favourite or hated I am indifferent to.

What was my favourite storyline?

Dodge's whole reign from the moment he arrived in Summer Bay until he left was brilliant. One of the best villains I've seen on the show.

What was the saddest storyline?

Rory Heywood's tragic death as a result of the shark attack in episode 438

What was the worst storyline?

There were some funny ones, but the worst storyline was the supposed affair that Zac Burgess and Pippa were having, despite the fact that Carly, Bobby, Ailsa and Alf had no evidence that an affair was taking place.

What did I think of the arrivals of Marilyn Chambers, Adam Cameron, Viv Newton and Emma Jackson?

Marilyn - A brilliant character and she fitted in really well with Martin and Lance. I also liked her developing friendship with Morag.

Adam - He's a strange character in terms of being nice and kind, but also being a little stubborn and cruel at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing how they develop his character in 1990.

Viv - Her introductory storyline was fantastic with her father and sister, but she became a little spoilt while in Don's care, but I don't mind her, but she's not memorable at the same time.

Emma - A great character and I love the loyalty she's displayed towards Ailsa, Alf and Viv. She's become better after losing the 'punk' look.

What did I think of Floss, Neville, Frank, Roo and Morag's departure?

Floss and Neville - Neville always felt like a second-rate character and I preferred Floss more anyway. It was sad to see both of them go though.

Frank - Thank god he left. I couldn't stand his arrogance and the way he treated Bobby in the end.

Roo - She became a mature woman in the end and was much more likeable in 1989 rather than in 1988. Pity she's with Frank though.

Morag - It's really disappointing to see her leave, but I thought there was only so much they could do with her being a regular character. Her ending in 1989 was unique.

Who were the best guest characters in 1989?

Rory Heywood, Andrew Foley, Stacy Macklin, Gordon Macklin and Phillip Matheson.

Who were the best villains in 1989?

Brian 'Dodge' Forbes, Danny Price/Farnsworth and the SHARK!

What are you most looking forward to in 1990?

1). The arrival of Sophie, Blake and Karen

2). Will the real shark that killed Rory eventually be tracked down?

3). The mass exodus of characters and seeing where the writers go with their stories as a result

[rachel1990]

I agree about 1989. I thought it wasn't as good as 1988 but it had some great moments in it.

[Jezz]

I agree about 1989. I thought it wasn't as good as 1988 but it had some great moments in it.

I agree and it was still thoroughly entertaining with some memorable storylines such as Bobby discovering who her real parents were and the havoc that Dodge was causing in Summer Bay.

[CaptainHulk]

1989 was pretty solid for the first half. Then there was that Bunyip crap that only lasted a month but felt longer. That was a plot that was too cartoony even for the early years. "Living without your love" had a sort of retro-cheese feel to it.

The Shark Thing was 50/50.

[Ryan]

That's how I see it as well. In the first half you had Bobby's paternity, Dodge continuing through most of the middle of the year, even Celia & Nigel, but there is a point and it's probably a part that overlaps with Dodge's storyline where the second half of the year goes very strange as if they couldn't actually think of where to take the characters any more.

1988 always feels like a very contained show, almost a storyline with a beginning, middle and an end. 1989 is different in that it then appears to initially struggle to become a continuing series.