1990 Episode Discussion

[beau_t]

Don't get sarcastic with me you ignorant cow.

Yes its classic Ailsa isn't it?! I'm glad they pushed this side of the character back into action after she was slightly subdued during 1989.

I'm not sure if Bevan Lee was back for the 2000 season when the show went back to a more early years feel and Ailsa's past was revisited again, she revealed the rape etc. But I would have loved to watch what Bevan Lee and even Dan Bennet could have come up with for Ailsa had she still been around today and throughout 2000's. The longer she was there the more 'mummsy' she became as Judy Nunn herself stated once, but the character did feel a lot more like she does in the early years during Ailsa's final year in the show Imo.

About Bevan Lee being involved in the 2000 season, I have wondered that before myself as there is a lot about that season in the writing which reminds me of his periods on the show. But I've never heard anything about him being involved during that era, only the 80s, 2004 and 2008.

I agree about Ailsa. 2000 was a great year for her. They really took her back to her roots, not only with the storyline involving her past but in terms of how they wrote the character. I loved the cliffhanger when she confronted the mysterious "Kate" on the beach and said "Enough games. You tell me what the hell you're doing here." Or something to that effect. I have rarely been so excited to see the following episode. She also had that great storyline in late 1999 where she went mad after being in a coma for so long.

The thought that Bevan, Dan and even Coral (who was really good at getting to the heart of the characters) never got the chance to write for Ailsa is annoying. I'm sure some brilliant storylines would have been created during some of those years. It's also sad that Ailsa was already dead by the time the writers finally brought Morag back, as their relationship was interesting.

[alexx]

Such a great block of episodes 523-527! A rollercoaster of emotions; happiness, fear, heartbreak, love and sadness.

This is what I miss - Home and Away used to do these sort of storylines faultlessly Imo So much poignant build up so that when it hits, you are totally wrapped up in the drama and what's happening to the characters, perfect script writing as far as I'm concerned. I don't think I've felt that way about the current show since 2008 really.

I've seen the episode where Tom dies a few times now as well as the aftermath but seeing it in high quality and within the context of the 7TWO broadcasts, it means a lot more.

Stand out scenes, Bobby asking Tom not to die, Stephen telling Grant Tom is dead, Stephen telling Viv he hadn't seen a dead person before, Alf tearing up in a nice little scene between Fisher and himself, Ailsa emotionally lashing out at Bridget, Ailsa comforting Sally, Pippa holding back her tears trying to keep her composure while telling Frank on the phone that Tom didn't make it, Pippa finally breaking down in Sally's arms. They certainly knew how to pull at the heartstrings back then. Mike Perjanik's soundtrack is also flawless as usual.

Also enjoying the Emma, Ailsa and Bridget storyline as well as Maz moving in with Matt and Adam.

One thing I have noticed is that for some reason 7TWO seem to be cutting off the end of the episodes slightly too early, just before the freeze frame, which does sort of take something away from the end scene because its too abruptly cut. Hopefully its just a temporary glitch.

[beau_t]

Don't get sarcastic with me you ignorant cow.

[alexx]

Don't get sarcastic with me you ignorant cow.

Yes its classic Ailsa isn't it?! I'm glad they pushed this side of the character back into action after she was slightly subdued during 1989.

I'm not sure if Bevan Lee was back for the 2000 season when the show went back to a more early years feel and Ailsa's past was revisited again, she revealed the rape etc. But I would have loved to watch what Bevan Lee and even Dan Bennet could have come up with for Ailsa had she still been around today and throughout 2000's. The longer she was there the more 'mummsy' she became as Judy Nunn herself stated once, but the character did feel a lot more like she does in the early years during Ailsa's final year in the show Imo.

[Skylover]

I agree with your points about Ailsa. It's such a shame that Judy Nunn was out of the show during such a crucial storyline when Ailsa looked back at her past. I still thought those episodes involving the other actress (Nancye Hayes?) packed an emotional punch, I remember being moved/interested by/in those storylines. 2000 must also have been the year with the school principal and her son Edward. Some of the acting was patchy but overall the writing was very strong. And of course you had Leah and Vinnie too.

[j.laur5]

Why did Judy Nunn leave?

[alexx]

Coral (who was really good at getting to the heart of the characters) never got the chance to write for Ailsa is annoying. I'm sure some brilliant storylines would have been created during some of those years. It's also sad that Ailsa was already dead by the time the writers finally brought Morag back, as their relationship was interesting.

Yes I agree about Coral too - I always think that overall she understood what the show was and should be about especially in terms of writing on an emotional level and how the characters interacted with each other. I'd love for her to return as producer or at least team up with one of the new producers to help shape the storylines on a more human level and flesh the characters out more. I think Coral was producing when 'Evil Ailsa' returned for Alf's brain tumour storyline, which was full of magic and heartbreaking moments. There were also some good scenes between Fisher, Morag , Alf and "Ailsa" and Fisher's exit episode was flawless Imo

It's such a shame that Judy Nunn was out of the show during such a crucial storyline when Ailsa looked back at her past. I still thought those episodes involving the other actress (Nancye Hayes?) packed an emotional punch, I remember being moved/interested by/in those storylines. 2000 must also have been the year with the school principal and her son Edward. Some of the acting was patchy but overall the writing was very strong. And of course you had Leah and Vinnie too.

Yes, Edward and Judith were only in the show for around 12 months or maybe less, but they were written brilliantly! And I agree about Vinnie and Leah back in 2000.

[Ryan]

Judith was on the show for about 12 months, Edward really only about 6.

Regarding Coral's stint, I think she produced a good first 12-15 months, then at some point in the summer (your winter) of 2003, around Sally's wedding or perhaps Colleen's cancer, she seemed to run out of ideas and the stories became all a bit bizarre. You know, stuff like the girls football team, Leah's cookies, Max and Eloise and it sort of goes pear-shaped to then.

[Skylover]

Have just finished watching 523-527.

A mixed bag for me personally. I found the crash itself not very impressive at all and thought the acting overall for those particular scenes just came across as quite fake. However, I don't think the stunt itself etc is that important, but the writing and acting and that has been great mostly. It wasn't until 527 that I properly appreciated the impact of Tom's death. I was quite annoyed at first at Pippa's reaction and how she seemed not to accept it, because I feel like I've seen it all before (this is the first time I've seen Tom's death) - having said that I'm aware that people do react like this in real life and I get the impression it would have seemed a lot more original on first broadcast in 1990.

Ailsa having a go at Bridget was one of the best scenes, Steven was quite annoying and got quite a lot of scenes but the writing for his character was good. Sally getting into bed with Pippa and her breaking down was the most moving scene, Vanessa was great then. It was also touching and heartbreaking when she told Frank over the phone that Tom had died.

There have been a lot of references to past events and characters: Steven's parents and uncle, Alf and Tom lost at sea, Frank etc. so that's been really good.

I also love the new set of credits. The cast suddenly feels so much bigger.

[Natasha]

I didn't realise Ailsa was so loved. Could she take Celia's place as Early Year's most loved character?

Ailsa really says what's on her mind. She does not hold back.

I love how music plays when something funny is happening. Wish that still happened.