Brookside Guide.....Season Nineteen.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON NINETEEN (38 episodes)
[Episodes 752-789]

The episodes:

Episode 752 (M 01-01-90 "Irresistible") Written by Allan Swift - Frank learns more of Marsland's plans, but is suspicious of his motives. Tracy is annoyed when Barry sneaks away during the night. Santa Claus arrives late at Davies-Townes, but Sarah isn't convinced.

Episode 753 (W 03-01-90 "Flamboyance") Written by Allan Swift - Jonathan is grilled by Sarah over Guy's motives. Sinbad takes unusual steps to impress Caroline, but James turns the tables on him.

Episode 754 (M 08-01-90 "Confidence") Written by Joe Boyle - Frank loses confidence in the cooperative's tender, but Sinbad has some good luck. There is unexpected news for Jonathan.

Episode 755 (W 10-01-90 "Criminal") Written by Joe Boyle - Frank is unable to tell Chrissy of his decision, and things go from bad to worse for him. Sinbad unsuccessfully tries to warn Caroline off James. Tracy moves the rest of her belongings out of the Corkhills'.

Episode 756 (M 15-01-90 "Dirty Dealer") Written by Catherine Hayes - Sinbad confronts Caroline with a video nasty. Sheila gets a dressing-down at the deaf school. Frank receives a tempting offer, but it means selling out.

Episode 757 (W 17-01-90 "Not Stupid") Written by Catherine Hayes - Growler and Bumper are both nervous as they prepare to go out on a double date. When Linda has words with Sheila again, Sheila has words with Melanie.

Episode 758 (M 22-01-90 "The Seventh") Written by Chris Curry - James threatens Sinbad if he continues to cause problems. Marsland reveals that the outcome of the tender will be decided on the same day as Frank's interview for the assistant transport manager's job.

Episode 759 (W 24-01-90 "Going Dutch") Written by Chris Curry - When Kim turns up for her date with Growler, she isn't alone. Sue is concerned about Danny, and calls a doctor. Billy wants Sheila to consider giving up her job, but she wants to keep it. Michael and Alison finally admit their true feelings.

Episode 760 (M 29-01-90 "Don't Tell") Written by Kathleen Potter - Sue and Terry are frantic, and Jonathan's suggestions are not well received. Sheila has an unexpected visitor. Michael makes a decision, and Chrissy is surprised to discover Frank's job application.

Episode 761 (W 31-01-90 "Shops") Written by Kathleen Potter - Harry discovers that some shops are to be built near the Close, and decides to start up a petition. Mick tries to convince Terry that they need to buy Ray's taxi and plate, but they only have £500.

Episode 762 (M 05-02-90 "Status") Written by Chris Curry - Terry continues to worry about Daniel, and Sue insists to Jonathan that he isn't told the truth. The Rogers' have an unexpected visitor. Billy and Sheila become irritated by the continuing presence of Sean.

Episode 763 (W 07-02-90 "Obvious Choice") Written by Chris Curry - Kathy tries to convince Sean to turn himself in, while Sheila consults Paul for advice. Harry's meeting is not very well attended, and Frank is offered the job of Assistant Transport Manager.

Episode 764 (M 12-02-90 "Lying To Yourself") Written by Susan Pleat - Kathy tells Sheila more about Sean's experiences in Northern Ireland, which makes her more annoyed that he is staying at the Corkhills'. Chrissy discovers that Sammy's schoolwork has been poor lately.

Episode 765 (W 14-02-90 "Brag") Written by Susan Pleat - When Paul arranges a meal at the Town Hall, Harry thinks the other residents are cutting him out. Stephen has a surprising proposition for Michael. Sheila receives her exam results, but Billy doesn't think there is much to celebrate.

Episode 766 (M 19-02-90 "Accidental Death") Written by Barry Woodward - There's good news and bad news for Mick and Terry regarding the sale of Ray's taxi. Meeting Kav's mother before the inquest creates divided loyalties among the girls, but, when giving their evidence, one of them tells the truth.

Episode 767 (W 21-02-90 "Judas") Written by Barry Woodward - Sue has had all that she can take of her mother's interference. Sean reacts viciously when he finds out that Kathy has turned him in to the police. Michael has to tell Jessica that he isn't taking her to Hong Kong, and Sammy suffers the backlash of her actions at the inquest.

Episode 768 (M 26-02-90 "Planning Permission") Written by Andy Lynch - Alison is annoyed with Michael. Jimmy and Sinbad plan to install a satellite dish for Billy, and one of the other residents complains to the council.......but who is it?

Episode 769 (W 28-02-90 "Conscience") Written by Andy Lynch - Sammy arrives home drunk again, and Chrissy realises that they must seek help. Mick discovers why Harry was so keen for him to move back in. There is an unwelcome visitor for Sheila, while another visitor causes Jimmy and Sinbad to take some hasty action.......

Episode 770 (M 05-03-90 "Troubleshooter") Written by Kathleen Potter - Harry wonders what he should get Ralph as a wedding present. Sheila finds out that Barry knew about Bobby's reversed vasectomy. Caroline allows James to investigate another imitation brooch.

Episode 771 (W 07-03-90 "Magnanimous") Written by Kathleen Potter - James returns from Amsterdam with news of who has been cheating Caroline. Unable to find a baby minder, Sue takes Daniel to work with her. When Sammy refuses to go to the doctor, Chrissy takes her place. The planning inspector returns to the Corkhills', and both parties get a surprise.

Episode 772 (M 12-03-90 "Inventory") Written by Chris Curry - Sammy's drinking problem is getting worse. Harry tries to avoid buying a new suitcase.

Episode 773 (W 14-03-90 "Just Testing") Written by Chris Curry - Billy receives his decree nisi. Sammy lashes out at Owen, and he can't even walk out on her. The identity of the "grass" is revealed.......or is it?

Episode 774 (M 19-03-90 "Professional Distance") Written by Valerie Windsor - Harry draws up a list of do's and don't's in preparation for the arrival of Mick's children, Viv thinks she knows what Guy is up to, and Caroline is frustrated in her efforts to investigate the forged jewellery.

Episode 775 (W 21-03-90 "Alleviation") Written by Valerie Windsor - Chrissy visits Dr O'Rourke again. Viv takes further action to try to extricate Jonathan from his predicament. Harry leaves for America.

Episode 776 (M 26-03-90 "Bottles") Written by Catherine Hayes - Chrissy confronts Sammy in the off-licence. Caroline has an unwelcome visitor. Mick brings his children to stay, but leaves them unattended near the pool in the back garden.......

Episode 777 (W 28-03-90 "Stress") Written by Catherine Hayes - Mick is punishing himself over what happened to Gemma. James becomes desperate for money, but Caroline won't be persuaded.

Episode 778 (M 02-04-90 "Retribution") Written by Susan Pleat - Alison tries to encourage Michael to help James and Caroline with their money problems. Sammy doesn't want to go to hear Katie playing the trombone at the school concert. Claire's behaviour is getting worse.

Episode 779 (W 04-04-90 "Disgrace") Written by Susan Pleat - Sammy tries to make amends. Mick finds babysitting too much like hard work. Caroline finds out the truth about James from Dave Smith.

Episode 780 (M 09-04-90 "Kite Flying") - Caroline gets a letter from James which makes her decide to move away from Liverpool. Sue has plans to make a baby with Terry, but Mick offers him the night shift. Leo and Gemma are desperate to find Monty, and a big white rabbit also seems to be on the loose.

Episode 781 (W 11-04-90 "Rogers' Rabbit") - Billy's final divorce papers come through, but Sheila is storming off to the Easter vigil. Monty is still missing, a kitten is caught in the trap, and the rabbit's in a flap.......

Episode 782 (M 16-04-90 "Overheating") Written by Joe Boyle - Billy's car breaks down. Tracy has an over-eager customer at the hair salon, which doesn't impress Barry. Jonathan hears that Sarah wants to dissolve their partnership.

Episode 783 (W 18-04-90 "Scare Tactics") Written by Joe Boyle - Monty has still not been found, and the kitten is causing problems for Mick. Chrissy and Joe have a romantic moment. Scare tactics are employed against the Giesling representative. Caroline prepares to leave the Close for a new job in London.

Episode 784 (M 23-04-90 "Rug") Written by Sam Jacobs - Chrissy is fretting about how she will explain the next phone call. Alison and Hattie move in with Michael, but some ground rules need to be established. Sheila and Billy reach crisis point. Jonathan makes Terry an offer, but Terry isn't impressed.

Episode 785 (W 25-04-90 "Attention") Written by Sam Jacobs - Annabelle returns from France, but she isn't alone. Owen has to go to a party alone. as Sammy fears that she might end up drinking again. Sinbad provides a shoulder to cry on, and gets a bargain banquet.......or does he?

Episode 786 (M 30-04-90 "Signs") Written by Joe Boyle - Harry rings with the news that he is coming home early, so time is running out for Mick. Terry convinces him to raise money by hiring out Harry's car. Growler and Bumper are up to no good on the Close.

Episode 787 (W 02-05-90 "Sense Of Danger") Written by Joe Boyle - Liam is following Tracy, so a suspicious Barry is following Liam. Growler and Bumper's plans are foiled when Michael finds them some useful work to do.

Episode 788 (M 07-05-90 "Very Silly") Written by Andy Lynch - Michael has doubts about whether he should be leaving the NHS. Louise ruins Lucy's favourite jumper, then proceeds to cause much greater damage.

Episode 789 (W 09-05-90 "Family Pet") Written by Andy Lynch - Terry tries to prove that he's no dummy, but finds that one of his passengers has no way of paying him. Mick tries to train Monty to recognise Harry when he returns. Louise is caught shoplifting, forcing the Collins family to make a major decision.

There is no writer credited for episode 780, nor for episode 781, one of not many episodes in which all of the action is set during the very late evening and night.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Caroline Choi - SARAH LAM (752-756, 758, 760, 761, 770-772, 774, 776-780, 783)
Michael Choi (Choi Wing Foo) - DAVID YIP (758-760, 765, 767, 768, 777, 778, 780, 783-789)
Jessica Choi (Tam Hing) - ANNA SUNG (765, 767, 768, 777, 778, 780, 783-786)
Annabelle Collins (nee Harvey) - DOREEN SLOANE (785, 786, 789)
Paul Collins - JIM WIGGINS (761, 763, 765, 768, 769, 773, 782, 785, 786, 788, 789)
Gordon Collins - MARK BURGESS (785, 786, 789)
Lucy Collins - KATRIN CARTLIDGE (785, 786, 788 ) [Resuming the role temporarily played by MAGGIE SAUNDERS]
Billy Corkhill - JOHN McARDLE (752, 755, 756, 759, 761, 762, 764, 765, 767-769, 771-773, 775, 776, 778, 780-782, 784)
Tracy Corkhill - JUSTINE KERRIGAN (752, 753, 755, 757, 764, 767, 772, 774, 782, 786-788 )
Harold Cross - BILL DEAN (761, 763, 765, 768-770, 772-775)
Jonathan Gordon-Davies - STEVEN PINNER (752-754, 760, 762, 768, 770, 771, 773-775, 782-784)
Sheila Grant - SUE JOHNSTON (752, 755-757, 759-773, 775-778, 780-782, 784)
Barry Grant - PAUL USHER (752, 753, 755, 757, 759, 763-765, 770, 782, 786-788 )
Karen Grant - SHELAGH O'HARA (777, 778, 780, 782)
Claire Grant - AMY LYNCH (755, 764, 776, 778, 782)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (761, 766, 768-770, 772, 774-777, 779-781, 783, 784, 786, 787, 789)
Chrissy Rogers (nee Morgan) - EITHNE BROWNE (755-758, 760-773, 775, 776, 778-785)
Frank Rogers - PETER CHRISTIAN (752-758, 760, 762-764, 767-771, 773, 776, 781-784)
Geoff "Growler" Rogers - KEVIN CARSON (756-760, 776, 780, 781, 786, 787)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (760, 776, 778, 779)
Sammy Rogers - RACHAEL LINDSAY (762, 765-767, 769, 771-774, 776, 778-780, 783-785)
Sue Sullivan (nee Harper) - ANNIE MILES (757-762, 764, 766, 767, 770, 771, 773-775, 777, 779, 780, 782, 786, 787, 789)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (757-762, 764-767, 770, 773, 777, 779, 780, 783-787, 789)
Daniel Sullivan - SAM EVANS (753, 757-759, 766, 767, 771, 779, 782, 787, 789)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Nisha Batra - SUNETRA SARKER (766, 774)
Stephen Choi - KWONG CHEE LEONG (765, 785)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (768, 769)
Owen Daniels - DANNY McCALL (762, 765, 766, 769, 772, 773, 783)
Alison Gregory - ALYSON SPIRO (759, 765, 768, 777, 778, 784, 786, 788, 789)
Hattie Gregory - KATE BALL (768, 784-786, 788 )
Jane Harper - ANN BEACH (764, 766, 767)
Brian "Bumper" Humphreys - JAMES MAWDSLEY (756-758, 760, 780, 781, 786, 787)
Mrs Barbara Mackay - BARBARA PEIRSON (789)
James Markham - TOM MANNION (752-756, 758, 760, 761, 770, 771, 774, 777-779)
Clive Marsland - KENNETH HADLEY (752-754, 756, 758, 763)
Melanie - LORRAINE CATTARIUS (755-757)
Louise Mitchell - JENNY HESKETH (785, 786, 788, 789)
Monty, dog (768, 769, 775, 776, 779)
Pete - ADAM WARREN (762)
Kathy Roach - NOREEN KERSHAW (761, 763, 764, 766, 767, 769, 772)
Sean Roach - DEREK HICKS (760-763, 767)
Lenny Roberts - STEPHEN McKENNA (753, 754, 757, 760, 763)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (752-756, 758, 768, 769, 775, 785, 786)
Sharon "Coral" Stevens - SHARON BYATT (754, 771)
Sarah Townes - JULIANNE WHITE (752-754)
Ronnie (Veronica Williams) - CLAIRE ROBINSON (766)

NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Councillor Eric Brathwaite - RALPH WATSON (773) [ Dave Wilkins (571) ]
Deirdre - LORRAINE MICHAELS (771) [ Checkout Girl (419) ]
Johnno - DAVID LLOYD (754) [ Policeman (9) ]
Harry Pearson - JOHN JARDINE (774) [ Geoff Gee (60) ]
Woman - SUSAN TWIST (774) [Jean (255, 256, 258, 300) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (776, 779, 780, 783)
Leo Johnson - LEEON SAWYER (776, 779, 780, 783, 784)
Kim Maynard - LISA ROGERS (757, 759, 760)
Guy MacLeish - CHRISTOPHER VILLIERS (752-754, 774, 775)
Susan Morgan - STEPH BRAMWELL (769, 776, 782)
Dr Joseph O'Rourke - CHRISTIAN RODSKA (770, 771, 775, 778-780, 782, 783, 785)
Liam Riley - ADAM SUNDERLAND (782, 786-788 )
Dave Smith - JOHN HARDING (776, 779)
Viv Slater - HILARY DRAKE (774, 775)
Linda Spencer - FRANCESCA RYAN (755-757)
Donald Waterson - BRYAN REYNOLDS (753)
Brian Wynne - MICHAEL FLEMING (783)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Andy - MIK SCARLET (780)
Coroner - GARARD GREEN (766)
Customs Officer - GLENN CUNNINGHAM (775)
Dave - LLOYD McGUIRE (753, 754)
Davva - MARK HESKETH (787)
Dutch, Kim's dog (759)
Eric - STEVE SANGSTER (754)
Mr Evans - JOHN MIDDLETON (769, 771)
First Lad - PHILIP GERKEN (789)
Joanne - SUZANNE LEE (757)
Mrs Kavanagh - JAN DALE (766)
Dr Mills - ROMY BASKERVILLE (759, 777)
Second Lad - PAUL BYRON (789)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
D/C Carter (766)
Deniece, hairdresser (782)
Douggie the Dog's daughter (768 )
Gemma, pupil (756)
Mr Kavanagh, Frannie's father (766)
Maurice, the dodgiest accountant in Liverpool (774)
"Monty", lookalike dog (787, 789, 791, 793)
Mr Street (765)

John Middleton, appearing as a council official in two episodes, would later take on the long-running role of Rev. Ashley Thomas in "Emmerdale".

The storylines:

Torn between two job opportunities, Frank picks the riskier one, and doesn't realise that, when she isn't campaigning with Paul against the building of shops nearby, or trying to help Sammy with her drinking problem, Chrissy is seeing another man. He does, however, notice some of Growler's mischief, and that Katie has taken up the trombone. Sue is depressed when baby Daniel contracts meningitis, and even more so when she can't get pregnant again. She helps Jonathan to avoid being too deeply implicated with a money-laundering client, but this leads to the end of his partnership with Sarah, and to him having to sell one of his properties, possibly the one where Sue and Terry are living! Another house goes on the market too, as Caroline leaves the Close for London, following a few business difficulties and the death of James - who caused them - and Michael prepares to leave for America with Jessica and Alison. Sheila and Billy's problems include differing religious outlooks, disapproving relatives, unexpected revelations and the harbouring of the odd army deserter, but ultimately they decide to marry. While Harry takes a trip to America to attend another wedding - Ralph and Lana's - Mick loses his dog, Monty, and, after all else fails, tries to train up a lookalike replacement before he returns. Louise hopes the return of Annabelle from extended stays in Kendal and France will enable her to become part of the Collins family, but when Lucy comes home too, the prospect doesn't look quite as appealing, or as likely to happen.......

The dates:

It is a bank holiday in episode 752, 15th January in episode 756, 16th January in episode 757, and Chinese New Year in episode 759. It is February 7th in episode 763, as it is mentioned in episode 758 that the tender winner will be announced, and Frank's interview will take place, on that date. As this is "tomorrow" in episode 762, it must then be February 6th! It is Valentine's Day in episode 765, and March 1990 in episode 772. In episode 769 Harry says he is leaving for America on 21st March, which happens in episode 775. The letter Billy receives in episode 773 is dated 7th March 1990; and, based on dialogue in episode 776, it is Wednesday in episode 777. It is Lent in episode 780, and, based on dialogue in episode 779, Monday. Mick is told that Harry is coming back on 14th May, which is two weeks' time rather than three, in episode 786. It is April 1990 in episodes 786, 787 and 789; Wednesday in episode 787; and Bank Holiday Monday in episode 788.

Name-checks:

Laurel and Hardy (757); Bill and Ben (757); Kenny Dalglish (757); [Tom and] Jerry (758 ); Bros (760); Stock, Aitken and Waterman (762); Florence Nightingale (765, 784); Mother Teresa (765); David Owen (768 ): Mike Tyson (772); "Antiques Roadshow" (772); Marco Polo (773); Prince Charles (773); Harry Secombe (774); "The Invisible Man" (774); Betty Grable (774); Rachman (775); Maggie [Thatcher] (778 ); Shakespeare (780); "Hamlet" (780); Barry Manilow (780); John Lennon (780, 786); Buddy Holly (780); Bing Crosby (780); St Francis of Assisi (780); "The Accused" and "Communion", video films (781); Fred Astaire (781); Jive Bunny (781, 782); ["Elementary, my dear"] Watson (785); The Queen (785); Cecil Beaton (785); Genghis Khan (785); Ali Baba (786); Nero (786); Arnold Schwarzenegger (787); Bryan Robson (787); Paul Daniels (787); Mike Yarwood (787); the Christians (788 ); and Spielberg (788 ).

Locations:

All of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, except that there are some scenes involving Viv and Guy in Manchester Airport in episode 775.

Births:

None. We are told that Tracy is 19, nearly 20, and ten years younger than Barry (752); Billy is seven years younger than Sheila (752); Melanie is 13 (757); Ronnie is 17 (766); Sammy is 16 (767, 770, 773); it is Bobby's birthday in episode 777, which is "on Wednesday" in episode 776; and it is Terry's dad's birthday in episode 782.

Marriages:

None. However, Ralph is soon to marry Lana in Las Vegas (770), Chrissy implies that she was 20 when she got married (771), Billy's decree nisi is dated 7th March 1990 (773), and Sheila was married to Bobby for 30 years (775).

Deaths:

One - James Markham is killed in a car crash in Aberdeen in episode 780. Unseen characters mentioned who are no longer alive are: Mei Lin (765, 790), who died 15 months ago (765), Michael's mother (765); Sinbad's father (768 ); Frank's mother (771); Sheila's dad (772); Dr O'Rourke's mum (778 ); and Sue's dad (779).

Toilet visits:

Owen (762); Lenny (763); Barry (764); Hattie (768 ); and Jessica (785); and Sammy wets the bed in episode 773.

Mentioned, not yet seen, but guaranteed to turn up at some point:

Owen's father (762, 765), Owen's mum (783); and Josie, Mick's wife (769, 776, 777, 779).

Gone but not forgotten - seen previously and still mentioned occasionally, but not reappearing in this season:

Nikki (752, 753); Rod (752, 755, 757, 759, 760, 761, 771); Linda (752); Mrs Caston (756); Jessica (756); Ray (757, 761, 764, 765, 766 ["Roy"], 770); Terry's dad (757, 777, 782); Edna (761, 765, 769); Nisha's mum and dad (762, 765); Ralph (763, 768, 769, 770); Debbie (763); Kav / Mr Frannie Kavanagh (765); Mr Tony Hampson (765); Lana (768, 770); Bobby Grant (769, 771, 775, 776, 777, 778, 781, 782); Tim (770); Doreen (771, 772, 776, 781, 784); Bagga (779); Damon (782); The Pope (782); Cheryl (782, 784); Matty (784); Mona / Gran (785, 786); Gerald (785); Anthony (786); Louise's father (786); and Brian Lawrence (788).

And those that are also mentioned, but are destined to remain unseen forever:

Janice, Marsland's secretary (752); Melanie's mum (752); Mr Emmett, one of the businessmen selling to Guy (753); Harrison, one of the co-operative members (753); Alec Stevenson, an accountant on holiday in Kenya (754); Bumper's mum (755, 756, 757), his family: "She won't miss one, there's a lot of us" (756), his dad (757), and sister (760); McKenzie, a contact of Marsland (756); Austin Duncan, assistant transport manager leaving for his beloved West Sussex (756); Marie Cosgrove, Frank's first date (757); Denton, Frank's personnel officer (758 ); Kelly, who Growler speaks to on one of the numbers he dials trying to trace Kim (758 ); Pauline, at the clinic (758 ); Neil, who has a bottle-fed baby (758 ); Kim's mam (759); Caroline and Michael's uncle (760, 765, 778); Kim's little sister (760); Kathy's sister (762); Mei-Lin's parents / Jessica's grandparents (765, 767, 768, 778), Rob, (765, 768 ) / Hattie's father (788 ); Ronnie's sister (767); Nicky, one of Sammy's friends, and her dad (767); Douggie the Dog, the worst cat-burglar in Liverpool, with whom Jimmy was on remand (767, 768, 769); Dr Barlow, Chrissy's usual doctor (770), who is female (775); Graham Rowe, who telephones Jonathan (771); Martine from Sammy's school (771); Dr O'Rourke's children (771, 779); Mr Witherspoon, a client of Viv (774); Harry Pearson's wife (774); Gary in the storeroom, Eileen in the office, and Mr Walker, the manager, at Seren Design in Warrington (774); Jean le Tournier, a contact of Viv in St Helier, and his wife Pascale (775); Maureen, Dr O'Rourke's receptionist/secretary (775); Dr Bryant, a colleague of Dr O'Rourke (775); Dr O'Rourke's brother-in-law and niece (778 ); James's parents (779). including his father in Hong Kong (778 ); Angela, a nervous whispering student on Sheila's course (778 ); Ewan McDonald, a mate of Sue's dad who was in the Boys Brigade (779); Michaela, a contact of Karen (780); Jean, a possibly imaginary work colleague of Chrissy (784); Frenchman Jean-Luc, and the wife he wouldn't leave for Lucy (785, 786); Louise's mum (786); Davy, who worked with Michael (788 ); Tony, who is having Michael's car when he is away (788 ); Liam's half-Italian mother (788); and Joe and Karen Mooney, friends of Alison (789).

Goofs:

At one point in episode 766, Terry says "Roy" when he means "Ray".

In episode 787, Mick consults the list Harry left him to see what Monty's Wednesday meal ought to be, and finds that it is chicken and liver. Unfortunately, when Harry put together that list in episode 769, it was BEEF and liver for Mondays and Wednesdays, chicken for Tuesdays and Thursdays!

In episode 788, when Lucy is criticising Paul's approach to Louise, she says he keeps "taking her aside" instead of "taking her side".

Sue rips her calendar, originally seen in episode 786, off the wall and tears it up in episode 787; but in episode 789 it has magically been restored to its original position and condition.

Trivia:

Caroline's business, "Choi Industries" (772), is run by James, a trained accountant (753). The video Sinbad takes from his car boot and gives her to watch is "The Mutilator" (755, 756). Sinbad asks for three sugars in his tea (768 ), and claims, fictitiously, that he has a broker called Hugo (753). Having heard that Caroline is looking for new markets for her jewellery, he puts down a deposit on a stall on Paddy's Market, on the corner of Great Ormond Street (754). Shelley Style, based in Newcastle, contact James expressing interest (759); and he insists on answering when someone calls Caroline from Seren Design (760), the firm she later visits (774) and through which he is swindling her. After she leaves for London, Alison and Hattie move in, and Hattie puts up a poster of Jason Donovan (784). The Chois' "for sale" sign bears the name "G. Samuels" (the firm where Chrissy works!) and the telephone number 051 259 6971 (784, 786). [Maybe they changed their number because they were getting too many calls for Brian Lawrence....]

Chrissy was in Liverpool (783) on a teacher-training course when she found out she was expecting Sammy (775). Other tenders for the maintenance contract are from Macintyre Lyneham and Rutherford's, and other firms likely to be interested are Arlotts and Marshall Motors (753). The door of the managing director's office, which has been broken into, bears the name G.I. Thompson (754). Dave, a member of the co-operative, is married (754). Sammy is reading Shakespeare's "Hamlet" for general studies (780). Frannie (Kav) was Mrs Kavanagh's only son (766), which means that he must have been inventing the brother he had mentioned to Sammy in episode 724. She tells the court he had claimed the car that crashed was his brother's (766) - although he had actually said in episode 727 that it was his cousin's! Ronnie lives at 24 Skeffington Court, Manor Park (766), while Growler's girlfriend Kim used to live in Birkenhead (759), and most of Dr O'Rourke's relatives are in Canada (783).

Jonathan's "for sale" sign bears the name "Binenan Estates" and the telephone number 051 259 9106 (786). He asks for the "Marriott file" (771), while Viv is dealing with the "Gilmore case" (774). Jonathan used to play rugby with Guy MacLeish (774). Guy's business is the MacLeish Jersey Corporation (752, 775), and one of the businesses he bought - twice over - was H.G. Pearson (Builders' Merchants), Runcorn (774). Terry's dad used to help him make Airfix kits (777); Louise has never been to France, but did go to London once to see her mum (786); Harry met Edna on his 21st birthday (765); Barry reads the "Daily Mirror" (764); Susan met Bobby at a conference, and is now pregnant with his child (769); Linda Spencer, teacher at the school for the deaf, has no children (756), and Sheila tells her that she was late for work because there was an accident on Queens Drive (757); and Jonathan (754, 770), Billy (765), Harry (770) and Sue (775), are all right-handed.

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Mrs Mackay tells Paul, Annabelle and Gordon that if they are to foster Louise it must be a long-term commitment, not just an attempt to help her out of her current jam. Gordon doesn't want to abandon the girl, and Annabelle thinks they should think about it and sleep on it, although she is in favour of fostering her. But Paul is against the idea, and is certain that Lucy would be too.......

The final image of episode 789, which fades into the closing credits, is of Doreen Sloane, making the last of her 392 appearances as Annabelle Collins. The actress died of cancer on April 8th 1990, and it was announced before the original Channel Four broadcast of episode 785 on April 25th 1990 that it was the first of three recorded shortly before her death, and that she would be greatly missed by everyone at Mersey Televsion, and by her many fans.

Season Twenty.......