Are the current producers ruining Home and Away?

[Gerard]

13 hours ago, Jeremai said:

As you've seen, the crime and constant hospitalisation element is still there, but I've found just enough glimmer of hope over the last few months to keep my interest. I love the interaction between the older and long term characters: Alf, Roo, Irene, Leah, John and Marilyn. They really come across as deep friendships. I will always adore the Donald and Marilyn pairing - that was a real golden era for me - but I do enjoy John and Marilyn's comedy too. They come a close second. There is a fair bit of humour, for example Brody insulting Leah's moussaka, saying whoever made it obviously knows nothing about Greek food. The plane crash was visually impressive, even if it was just another disaster. And it's not uncommon for old photos to be seen on screen: Finlay, Chloe, Duncan, etc.

My interest is hanging by a thread at the moment... but that's an improvement over how things were a few years ago.

H&A is better than it was a few years ago, but still not brilliant. It is good that at the moment, thanks in part to Duncan being back that the Stewarts are more centre stage than they have been for a number of years. The long term characters you mention are also more prominent than in recent years, which is a step in the right direction. However it still seems to be disaster-of-the-week with someone always in hospital or down at the police station.

I'm glad the show seems to be gradually moving in the right direction. I see glimmers of hope that the Morgans are more than just Braxton replacements, but time will tell once presumably at some point they will be safe from whatever "enemies" are out there to get them. I still don't quite understand their back-story yet, whether or not we're meant to, I'm not sure. At least there is a bit more variety with the storylines these days. While I have my doubts we'll ever get back to another "golden era", hopefully they can steer the series towards being in reasonable shape for the 30th anniversary.

[Skylover]

Perhaps Pippa would be too old to return and start fostering again, although she is only 60, it's not that old.

I really don't want the show to start making Marilyn, Leah or Roo foster. It doesn't make sense for their characters, other than perhaps Marilyn. Pippa's character was all about looking after people and caring for people, so it made sense for the Fletcher household to be full of foster kids. Having Marilyn, Leah or Roo do it is just a cheap imitation.

If Pippa is too old for it, then maybe as has been suggested before any number of the previous foster kids could return and start fostering in SBH. Jack, Carly, Sophie (unlikely), Chris etc at least it would make sense for their characters who were brought up in a foster home. It made sense when Sally started doing it, although IMO she was a bit young to be fostering back in 2004, but down the line if Kate Ritchie is willing, she could return to SBH and be the new foster parent. I don't think she'll ever return though.

[CaptainHulk]

Maz fostering makes sense. 

Her only biological child died of cancer, her chances of having another kid are zero plus her adoptive son left town.

[Homeandawayfan.]

Have to admit, H&A has been quite consistent in the past year or so, more so than 2 years ago. Still hate the thriller style music but it has lessened and the music seems to be more of a "edge of your set" music than harsh.

[Luke39]

Home and Away is definately more consistent, and is finding a real balance then it was 2 years ago. 

Spoiler

I think Duncan returning really put the Stewarts to the forefront of the show again, which was the real heart of the show. And because of this I Feel the community spirit has returned. In the wake of The Post Braxton Era. 

 

[Skylover]

I have noticed a marked difference/improvement since Ricky's departure.

[c120701]

On 24/11/2016 at 11:58 PM, Luke39 said:

Home and Away is definately more consistent, and is finding a real balance then it was 2 years ago. 

  Hide contents

I think Duncan returning really put the Stewarts to the forefront of the show again, which was the real heart of the show. And because of this I Feel the community spirit has returned. In the wake of The Post Braxton Era. 

 

I agree, although it's a shame that we have the Patterson-McGuires in with Alf now, as we could have the Stewarts, Matt & Ellie in Summer Bay House.

We'd then potentially have decent households in the Patterson-McGuires and The Palmers (with foster kids).

[cadyctslover]

Thanks to Matt for this article on the main page (warning, spoilers within). Not sure if it's being discussed elsewhere, but I thought I would start the discussion here as it is relevant to this thread.

It's interesting to hear that there was so much going on behind the scenes on the Production side this season, but it was plainly obvious to me on screen this year. In terms of storylines this year the show was an absolute mess, with no common theme or consistency. Just bouncing along from one 'major' event to the next, without any significant character development. Then we experienced significant shifts in the pace and style of storylining, from fast and OTT to slow and steady. This is understandable considering the revolving door of responsibility behind the scenes this season.

We've had several appallingly handled exits, but also the introduction of a big new family. Unfortunately the Producers/Writers appear to already be falling into the trap of centring the show around the Morgan's. Although I think their introduction/backstory has been a mistake, individually I do like the characters and hope they can develop them independently from now on.

I would like to see more consistency to the storylines next year, but really I think a bigger change is required to bring the show back to its best, and that can only occur with the departure of Lucy Addario. Sorry, I know I'm Producer-bashing, but arguably during her tenure the show has fallen apart and lost it's sparkle, more-so than in any other era. 

[Skylover]

I was just reading that article on the main site and it was extremely confusing to read just how many changes there were behind the scenes this year.

I also really like the Morgans but the OTT backstory has tarnished them. I really hope in 2017 the writers move away from that and allow the family to develop naturally. I fear we're in for another 3 or 4 years of 'witness protection' hell.

[Homeandawayfan.]

On 13/12/2016 at 7:12 PM, cadyctslover said:

Thanks to Matt for this article on the main page (warning, spoilers within). Not sure if it's being discussed elsewhere, but I thought I would start the discussion here as it is relevant to this thread.

It's interesting to hear that there was so much going on behind the scenes on the Production side this season, but it was plainly obvious to me on screen this year. In terms of storylines this year the show was an absolute mess, with no common theme or consistency. Just bouncing along from one 'major' event to the next, without any significant character development. Then we experienced significant shifts in the pace and style of storylining, from fast and OTT to slow and steady. This is understandable considering the revolving door of responsibility behind the scenes this season.

We've had several appallingly handled exits, but also the introduction of a big new family. Unfortunately the Producers/Writers appear to already be falling into the trap of centring the show around the Morgan's. Although I think their introduction/backstory has been a mistake, individually I do like the characters and hope they can develop them independently from now on.

I would like to see more consistency to the storylines next year, but really I think a bigger change is required to bring the show back to its best, and that can only occur with the departure of Lucy Addario. Sorry, I know I'm Producer-bashing, but arguably during her tenure the show has fallen apart and lost it's sparkle, more-so than in any other era. 

2012-to date has to be the worst period in the shows entire 29 year history. Lucy will almost surpass Cameron Welsh's tenure as she is coming up to 5 years too many in charge. Yet John Holmes is the exec producer yet he has allowed the show to get into such a state.