1990 Episode Discussion

[Skylover]

I've just watched up to episode 480. I do find Steven quite an annoying character. It's strange to think that he goes on to become one of the main characters from the Fletcher family in later seasons. I think it's just that Adam's acting can be quite patchy at times. And although I'm not Viv's biggest fan, there's no denying that Mouche has done some brilliant performances in the character. In particular in 480 when she leaves Don's house, it is very heartbreaking to watch and I was very impressed by the acting of all involved.

I'm not sure which episode it was, but Celia had an awesome one-liner. When Viv and Steven asked her to foster Viv, and she ended her conversation with West:

Celia: They want to investigate me.

Viv: Oh Celia, don't worry, I'm sure you'll pass with flying colours.

Celia: Oh that goes without saying, Viv, it's just it takes up to a month!

[Natasha]

I am depressed. Celia is talking about leaving already.

[Skylover]

Up to 483 now.

Whoever started the fashion in the 80s of super short shorts I salute you Seriously, I don't know if I can take any more sexy legs on this show. The producers really upped the ante with eye candy in 89-90 didn't they..? I really like Ben and obviously Grant. Ben is a really intriguing character from what I've seen. In terms of looks though, I'm always surprised that all the guys go for Carly. I mean, I really love her character, she's one of my favourites, but she's no super model.

[Old H&A Fan]

But what about his best mate, Luke ("Dave")?

[beau_t]

Celia: They want to investigate me.

Viv: Oh Celia, don't worry, I'm sure you'll pass with flying colours.

Celia: Oh that goes without saying, Viv, it's just it takes up to a month!

I know, she is so awesome, and you can tell Fiona Spence enjoys lines like that.

As for Steven, I don't love him but nor do I mind him - both in his original and later regular stints. You're right about his acting - it's hit and miss. But it was good in the pilot, he really tugged on your heart strings and won me over from day 1. There's no denying he has a horrific background, watching his parents burn to death, and I think that makes me like him a lot on a sympathetic level. But both his storylines and personality aren't especially exciting. The Steven and Selina romance storyline in 1996/7/8 and Dodge's return storyline in 1995 were the only episodes involving Steven I tuned in looking forward to see.

But that's much more than some other characters past and present!

[Skylover]

Up to 490.

I think the Ben/Carl storyline has been really well-written. I think it's entirely in-character for Carly to fall for someone so quickly, as was mentioned by Bobby. But I also think that is the way Carly should have fallen in love and got married. She's always been a really vulnerable character, needing to be loved and have someone care for her and protect her and I think a soldier coming into the show, and sweeping her off her feet was a fantastic way to do it. I really love their relationship and I really like Ben as a character. Although I'm kind of hoping that Ben and Grant will have a secret love affair ;)

I'm so glad Andrew has gone. I think he's got to go down as one of the most annoying characters of all-time. He's just so incredibly annoying.

I loved The Frog Storyline™ and it always amazes me when I watch these early episodes how brilliant Kate Ritchie is as Sally, and also how incredibly well-characterized Sally is. She gets some brilliant lines and despite being a child character, is really consistent as a character.

Carly: Get that reptile out of the house.

Sally: It's not a reptile, it's an amphibian.

Ii'm really enjoying the 1990 eps and I think it's starting to be an improvement on most of 1989 so far. Community sprit seems to have come back, and I'm enjoying all of the new characters. Tom as a stand-alone character away from Pippa also strikes me as being great. I haven't really missed Pippa which surprises me. I think it's fairly obvious the writers were testing the waters with both Tom and Pippa being single characters. I think it's a shame they let Tom go, apart from that blip where he turned into a complete tw*t during the Zac story, really love him. Especially during the comedy from plot.

Beau t - I agree with you that Fiona probably enjoyed those lines, she delivers them so well. In regard to Steven, I think he is well-written, I think Adam sometimes lets him down. Carly continues to be one of my favourites.

[beau_t]

I really enjoyed the "Marty is dying" storyline! For all of Martin's scams and schemes over the years, this was the funniest and he wasn't even in on it! At first I thought he was deliberately trying to get Lance and Maz to think he was dying (it sounded like that from the phone call) but I soon realised he was oblivious. Was that just me? Anyway - a great fun farewell to his character (although he hasn't left just yet).

I am so glad that he finally got his date and indeed a kiss from Carly. A great touch of continuity harking back to the pilot episode where Marty set his sights on Carly and then tried numerous times over the following 2 years to get a date with her.

[Skylover]

^I haven't seen that far yet, but it makes me sad to read that

Martin's leaving soon.

[Old H&A Fan]

I think the Ben/Carl storyline has been really well-written. I think it's entirely in-character for Carly to fall for someone so quickly, as was mentioned by Bobby. But I also think that is the way Carly should have fallen in love and got married. She's always been a really vulnerable character, needing to be loved and have someone care for her and protect her and I think a soldier coming into the show, and sweeping her off her feet was a fantastic way to do it. I really love their relationship and I really like Ben as a character.

This is the kind of storyline I really hate unrealistically quick "fall in love and get married" bull****, and the "soldier protector" protecting poor, "vulnerable" Carly — protecting her from WHAT?? The chip on her shoulder in Episode 32??

[matty]

Spoiler alert for all those who don't want to know, but

Tom only dies in about 4 weeks. It's Viv out of the lot (Martin, Lance, Tom, Viv) who stays the longest.

I am not going to miss Viv all that much, but will miss the othere three. The show isn't the same without them, especially Lance and Martin.

Apart from that, I have enjoyed the Vicki-Grant story, and really strongly dislike Ben. It was touching seeing Lance and Martina' goodbye scene.

Btw, does anyone know how you pronounce "Mouche"? It's such an unusual name.