1994 Episode Discussion

[beau_t]

Yeah just did a big binge catch-up and can't remember half the stuff I was going to say.

I've been really impressed with the Tug stuff. I don't think the show ever really covered attempted suicide of a main character by depression before or since, it's pretty dark and being handled better than I'd have expected. I always thought 1994 was a "fluffy" year, guess I forgot about the Tug stuff. I'm glad he hasn't just recovered in the space of a few episodes, it's taken time.

I loved Damien speaking his mind to Tug and telling him it was time he faced up to things though. Very strong scene considering Damien doesn't usually talk that way.

Speaking of characters who don't usually talk that way, loved Irene and Ailsa's big bust up in the storeroom in Alf's store. I remember someone on here asking recently if Ailsa and Irene ever fell out, and I guess this would be the only time. It didn't last long, but it was a pretty heated row! I do like Ailsa and Irene's friendship, though it's hard to watch Irene always being the butt of everyone's jokes including Ailsa's. Knowing she goes on to become a much more rounded character, it's hard to watch her through 1994 eyes where she literally is just the comic relief. (as an aside, I can't believe it's just approximately one year until Marilyn's return).

Speaking of Ailsa, I didn't even notice she was gone, when it seemed like everybody and their uncle was welcoming her back. Wtf? Alf (and Nick, for that matter) were both offscreen for a lot longer and nobody really blinked when they got back, but everybody was falling over themselves to welcome Ailsa back when she'd barely been away. Weird.

Ah, Haydn. You stupid boy. But gambling addiction is an illness (just like alcoholism) so it's ironic to see Irene being so judgemental. I guess people were less informed back then. Pippa's anger at Michael bringing him back was understandable, but as someone pointed out to her, she'd do the same for Chris. She needed to hear that. It's a really sad scene where Haydn expresses his love and gratitude to Michael before shooting through at night. And earlier that evening when they were drinking champagne and giving speeches, couldn't they hear the doom music? Clearly this was not going to end well!

All the vague references to Haydn and Michael's "troubled past" but not one specific reference to Lois Crawford - the whole reason he left. The writers are brushing over it, making it seem like Haydn went through a wild teenage phase and he and Michael fell out. When in fact it was Michael who drove Haydn away because of his support of Crawford. Even a passing reference to this wouldn't have hurt instead of just vague re-writing. In fact the references to their falling out are so vague it makes me wonder if the writers really remember what happened. Considering Crawford was both Haydn's last storyline and Finlay's first, it would have been nice to see them talking about that too. The fact that Finlay arrived within minutes of Haydn leaving is also something that would realistically have been commented on.

Finlay going through the car wash - a classic moment but a lot less dramatic than I'd remembered!

Irene sleepwalking - every bit as funny as I'd remembered.

Irene and Donald's "blind date" also every bit as funny.

Nice to see  Shane becoming more mature - going to see Tug, thinking about his future, analysing his selfishness etc. A hell of a lot more mature than Angel these days to be honest. Sneaking out to nightclubs, and belittling and laughing at Shane for trying to "better himself"? I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot and Shane was laughing at Angel for doing the same, he'd be called all the sexist names under the sun.

Interesting, but also a big cringeworthy, to see the show trying to tackle dyslexia. All the references to it being "that thing where people spell words backwards" are awful, but I guess that IS what it was (and often still is) most commonly known for. At least Luke fleetingly mentioned that there's all kinds of forms of dyslexia.

And with Jack's arrival we can see what's become known as the "golden era" of the show distantly on the horizon.

Interesting that in Jack's first scenes, he is pushing Michael away, and in Michael's last scenes, Jack is desperately holding onto him. That's one hell of a character arc.

[CaptainHulk]

Wow, never thought of that last line like that.

[Trudy Heine]

Jack may have grown up by the time Michael died. He seemed alot more mature when he returned for Sally's wedding.

[j.laur5]

I just wonder did Marilyn run away from Summer Bay a lot in her 2nd run?.

[CaptainHulk]

Well, Jack's time away probably changed him whereas when Adam came back in 1999, he regressed a little.

[Guest]

So I missed last week's catch up and the episode Friday my TV needed to be retuned but I saw this morning's episode.

I get why Irene and Damian are angry that Finlay decided to go back to Hayden but I just hope he doesn't leave her again.

and the Jack/Shane feud is still going...

Jack ignored Michael when he was told to take the rubbish out and when Damian mentioned it Jack was like yeah what about it and shrugged it off.

I wish Tug would go back to school but glad he still has a job at the store.

In regards to last Wednesday's or Thursday's episode I thought Angel was already 18 or did I miss something?

Didn't she get Pregnant with Dylan at 14/15?

I know it was a bit childish but I thought the kick me sign Jack put on Shane's back was kind of funny.

I wonder if Damian didn't mention the movie was R18+ because Jack was in the room?

 

[beau_t]

I just wonder did Marilyn run away from Summer Bay a lot in her 2nd run?.

Yes. The first time was following her miscarriage. The 2nd time after Byron's birth and she suffered post natal depression. The 3rd time (off-screen) following Byron's death.

[Natasha]

Irene shouldn't be so judgmental of Hayden considering she's a former alcoholic? I would have thought she'd be more supportive but he did hurt her daughter.

[Guest]

Today's episode Jack uses a migraine to sneak out and meet Shane and Damian.

Shane's plan was to lock Jack In the boot and I think Jack knew that.

The end was kind of funny I was like no boys don't fight you'll break key in the lock like uh-oh Jack is truly stuck now.

Angel was not happy about the boys seeing an R 18+ film.

Don wants to bid for the beach house I can understand he wants to try and hold on to it for Sam but he's just 9 years old.

Tug gets his L's but might only have them for about a week.

Pippa has no idea Jack snuck out she thinks he's asleep and locked the door.

Sally worked out quick smart what movie the boys where seeing I wonder if they circled or put an X next to it in the paper when Sally told her Pippa didn't even bat an eye.

 

 

 

 

 

[Old H&A Fan]

Angel is such a strop, why is she getting so worked up about it (even Nick can't see what her problem is enough to take her ranting and raving seriously)