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Weekly Reviews > Episodes 2733 - 2737 by Billy

Originally broadcast in 1996. UK Gold: Monday 28th April - Friday 2nd May 2003
Writers: Michael O'Rouke, Margaret Wilson, Helen MacWhirter, Jeff Truman, Sally Webb. Directors: Nicolas Bufalo, Tony Osicka

This week was a turning point in Neighbours history, with a ghost from the past making a return to Erinsborough. Elsewhere, Sarah's fiance turned up on her doorstep, Karl and Susan's finances weren't as rosy as they initially thought, and is Ramsay Street gaining new residents?

Undoubtedly, the biggest storyline this week was the return of none other than Harold Bishop to our screens. Marlene had seen Harold working in an op shop, unaware of who he is. When Helen saw him, she was convinced he was Harold. Harold, who called himself "Ted", had a vague recollection of Ramsay Street and Helen herself, but was unaware of what connection he had with her and the street in his past...

This has to be one of the biggest developments ever seen in the history of Neighbours. If Ian Smith and Anne Charleston - appearing next week - hadn't been asked to return to the show, who knows what state it would be in now. Harold and Madge really are classic Neighbours characters, and it's so important to acknowledge the show's past and rich heritage.

Anne Haddy delivered some great scenes over her encounter with Harold, and it was great how the family didn't know whether to believe her or not. Anne really did play out Helen's scenes well, however ill Haddy may be at the time, and she was, as always, a pleasure to watch.

Brett and Darren's brotherly relationship continued to be evident this week - with Brett supporting Darren, and helping him put his life back on track...

I thought this was done well, especially with Brett attempting to sort out Darren and Libby's relationship, when he himself holds strong feelings for Libby. Brett's return has turned out to be a good thing, as he has helped to lengthen out Darren's grieving process without them running over the same material over and over.

Elsewhere - several relationships have begun to hit the rocks. Casper broke it off with Hannah, after admitting he was moving to Queensland the following morning. Rather unconvincing, and a hasty way to get rid of a guest character. Likewise, I found it odd that this week, after sufffering a bout of depression the week before, Billy Kennedy is now completely over his break up with long term girlfriend Melissa, who was also ousted rather quickly the week before.

Sarah asked Luke to pose as her partner when her ex-boyfriend, an English Lord of all things (Neighbours sure does enjoy its stereotypes), turned up on her doorstep to see her. Danni was at first jealous, but after a chat with Marlene, went along with the idea...

Done before God knows how many times, and a rather predictable outcome followed - I really wish Danni and Luke would hurry up and leave. It's clear the characters, however good they may be, have run their course. This regurgitated "padding" is both unnecessary and relentless.

Karl and Susan's finances were addressed this week, which made a nice change from the usual relationship woes and idle back and forth storylines with Libby and Mal they've been having. After a trip to the bank, Karl's loan was not approved since he had recently quit medicine, jepoardising the Kennedy hold over Number 22, as well as their friendship with Lou. It rocked Lou's boat also, as he planned to use the money from the Kennedys to buy out Jo Hartman's share in the pub so he could own it outright...

I thought this was on the whole handled well, but Lou's nonchalance over losing so much money when Karl's loan fell through was rather unconvincing, but then again Neighbours is all about forgiving and friendships, so I suppose it got its message accross in that respect.

Lastly, the street could be gaining some new residents - the Wilkinsons. Ruth showed an interest in Number 32 and seemed to want to move immediately. Bringing in a new family at this stage was a good move, as it helped with the whole "cast overhaul" that was happening, especially as a device to fill in the gaps that Cheryl and Angie had left behind.

Notes: In episode 2734, the Wilkinson surname was explained in a scene in the Coffee Shop. When asked if they were the Hails family, Lance replied how they're "Wilkinsons now, mum's divorced". Elsewhere, Brett Stark was added into the permanent cast list and is no longer listed as a guest character; the Wilkinsons are also listed as regular cast members.