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Weekly Reviews >
Episodes 2747-2751
by Billy
Originally broadcast in 1996. UK Gold: Monday 19th May - Friday 23rd May 2003
Writers: Jenny Lewis, Hugh Stuckey, Rick Held, Lyn Ogilvy, Michael O'Rouke. Directors: Robert Meillon, Nicholas Bufalo.
Rivalries and relationships seemed to take up the bulk of this week's episodes, and Ramsay Street welcomed its newest arrival also...
As with the past few weeks, the action was focused around Harold and Madge's reunion again. There was a fantastic scene when Harold was invited to Lou's for dinner. After being served a jelly, Harold suddenly remembered how Lou used to taunt him at school, calling him names like "Jelly Belly" and bullying him. The whole scene was so weird and wacky, yet at the same time hilarious and both serious at the same time. I can't quite find the words to describe it, but it was a stroke of genius, and managed to be one of the few moments when Neighbours does incorporate both drama and comedy in one scene.
The performances this week from Anne Charleston, Tom Oliver and Ian Smith were a real pleasure to watch. The jelly scene was incredible, and one of the best scenes featuring those three in the history of the show, I'd go as far to say. They really captured the mood and the moment and provided one of those classic scenes that stick in your mind years and years afterwards. I'm so pleased the decision was made to bring back Harold and Madge - they have been amazing and I find I'm looking forward to the episodes much more than I normally would!
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The rivalry between Darren and Lou was also a focal point this week. Darren accused Lou of emotional blackmail, when he mentioned that his daughter Lolly needs stability, and wanted Darren and Marlene to move into Number 22 with him. I love how the writers have been continuing this side to Darren -- the fact he has yet to get over Cheryl's death is realistic and excellent viewing. The only downside is that in the following episode, Darren agreed to move in with Lou, after realising he needed to call a truce with him and sort things out for Lolly's sake. I think the abrupt end to this was a bit of a cop out, really, but having said that, I guess it has to come to an end sooner or later, especially to clear out Number 24 for Madge and Harold's return.
Mal Kennedy was dealing with relationship dilemmas woes this week. Trying to make Jo loose interest in him, Mal tried his hardest to shake her off, but she failed to take any of the hints. Catherine and Mal soon realised that they have more in common than they first thought, and enjoy each other's company. Catherine can't enter a relationship with Mal whilst Jo is still on the scene, so she asked Mal to be straight with Jo. I think this storyline was the normal one that rears its head every so often. Nothing particularly gripping about it, with a predictable outcome, but good viewing none the less, if only for Radha Mitchell's acting.
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Ruth and Lance welcomed a new arrival into their family - Anne. Anne admitted to Lance that she was unhappy living with her father, and asked Ruth if she could move in with her. We also saw Anne and Billy meet for the moment - and knowing how the pair end up together, makes the viewing all the more sweet. Brooke Satchwell's acting was wooden to say the least, but I'm looking forward to watching her improve into the fine young actress she has since become - the entire Billy and Anne saga will begin from now onwards. The couple were often billed as the Scott and Charlene of the 90s, so I'm looking forward to watching their relationship develop over the years.
The rapport between the three is already noticeable, and is clearly working already. Ailsa Piper, Andrew Bibby and now Brooke Satchwell seem to naturally gel together, and they have a very natural feel onscreen, which makes their scenes enjoyable to watch. I think the casting with the Wilkinsons has been perfect, and I'm eagerly waiting to see their relationships change and develop over time.
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Toadie, as usual, had the bulk of the comedy storylines - Karl found his pet mice under the house and forced him to get rid of them. Toadie decided to host a family meeting to decide the fate of the mice, and when it didn't go in his favour, it, as expected, lead to Toadie hatching up another scheme. He also has become infatuated with next door neighbour Sarah, resorting to writing soppy love letters to her. Ryan Maloney is great for the comedy storylines as he does them well, but I wish he would get something other than just silly hairbrained schemes. I'm not looking forward to the next year or so of this, that's for sure.
Notes: Anne's first appearance was Episode 2747. Her first words were: "It's okay, I'm only here for a couple of days, I can cope with it."
In Episode 2751, the credits were updated. Harold, Madge, Ruth, Lance and Anne have all been added whilst Danni and Luke have been removed.
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