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Weekly Reviews > Episodes 2738-2741 by Billy

Originally broadcast in 1996. UK Gold: Tuesday 6th May - Friday 9th May 2003
Writers: Luke Devenish, Scott Taylor, John Hanlon, Karyn Noble. Directors: Tony Osicka, T. Grant Fenn

Another week of great change and development for characters both old and new. Two old lovers were reunited, but their reunion was short lived, the Wilkinsons moved into Number 32, while Brett finally seemed to have had enough of his brother...

Well the highlight of this week was the continuation of Harold Bishop's return. Viewers got another fantastic surprise when Madge Bishop (Anne Charleston) returned after Helen phoned her telling her about Harold. Old flame Lou picked her up from the airport, and it was good seeing those two together again, after their failed engagement back in 1992 - a nice nod to their past relationship.

Despite being played largely for laughs, the frantic arrangement of getting the two together was edge-of-seat viewing - with Marlene desperately trying to get Harold to go into Chez Chez to meet Madge. After hearing of Harold's disapproval of Public Houses, they eventually met in the Coffee Shop - a truly amazing moment was the looks on both Anne Charleston and Ian Smith's faces when they saw each other again after so long. It truly was an incredible scene, a magic moment, if you will.

For the long term viewer, we were treated to ample past references - about their relationship, Harold running the Coffee Shop, Harold's first wife Mavis and other asides, all of which were welcome and appreciated. However, the reunion wasn't all sweetness and light. Madge suggested they meet again and Harold agreed, but at the last moment his courage escaped him and he couldn't go through with it, leaving Madge desperately worried about where he was...

Anne Charleston's performance in her return episodes was without a doubt, some of the finest acting I have ever seen from her. The line she delivered about how she's lost Harold once, and can't face losing him again was truly moving - she really did excel herself and put all effort into this, and it showed. Her scenes were a joy to watch.

Elsewhere, the Wilkinsons began moving into Number 32, providing more standard comedy storylines with Phil Martin and perhaps a hint of deeper feelings between him and Ruth...

I'm loving the rapport already developed between Ruth and Lance - it's really shining despite the fact they have only been working together for a short time. Another addition to the Wilkinson household arrived - in the form of Bonnie the dog. Toadie, Billy, Lance and Hannah found her dumped outside and Lance decided to take her in. Ruth and Lance's relationship was explored when she received a mystery call from a woman - she felt Lance was hiding something from her, and Ailsa Piper's portrayal of worry was very convincing.

After displaying the apparent patience of a saint in recent weeks, Brett finally caved and decided to no longer help out his older brother Darren get his life back on track after Cheryl's death...

This decision to put himself first is long overdue, and even I've been feeling like the Starks have been taking him for granted. Brett's return was welcome, and I am glad he stayed so long after Cheryl's death - but the character left in the first place for a reason. He simply had served his time and had nothing keeping him in Ramsay Street, so his imminent departure isn't worrying me so much.

On a similiar note, Danni and Luke have both been flitting around looking for storylines, and I'm glad that they are both due to leave in the near future - it's just a shame watching them in scenes with no substance. It's always disappointing seeing characters outlive their useful time and Luke is one of the most obvious examples. His trip to Erinsborough High to discuss his cancer experiences was interesting in places, though obviously shoehorned in like the sort of public service announcement the BBC and mid-1990s Neighbours is so fond of at times. The sad thing is, that while it's all very worthy, but there's no meaningful drama to draw from it. Big changes seem to be happening with the show, sadly not before time.

Notes: UK Gold did not screen an episode on the May 5th Bank Holiday.