Brookside Guide.....Season Twenty Nine.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON TWENTY-NINE (48 episodes)
[Episodes 1164-1211)

The episodes:

Episode 1164 (M 19-10-92 "Wiped Out") Written by Kathleen Potter - Anna has some big plans, but Jimmy can only survey the wreckage of his shop. Barbara has a surprise visitor.

Episode 1165 (W 21-10-92 "I Said No") Written by Kathleen Potter - Marianne takes Ellis shopping. Jimmy confronts George. Max returns early from his holiday and allows Anna's party to go ahead, with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Episode 1166 (F 23-10-92 "You Said No?") Written by Kathleen Potter - It is the last day of Peter's course, but he has other things on his mind. Jacqui gets a job at the petrol station. Diana confides in Julia.

Episode 1167 (M 26-10-92 "No Means No") Written by Valerie Windsor - Tracy calls Rod, but he won't come home. Jimmy is at a loose end, and Jackie considers buying Ron's Moby for him. Jacqui receives a letter from Paul.

Episode 1168 (W 28-10-92 "I Meant No") Written by Valerie Windsor - Diana is examined by a police doctor. Ron tries to drum up support for an objection to the liquor licence, and to tell a joke about a fish, but doesn't have much success with either endeavour.

Episode 1169 (F 30-10-92 "No I Didn't") Written by Valerie Windsor - George follows Mick home to find out where he lives. Ron finishes off his joke, but no-one finds it amusing. Terry insists that Barry gives Derek rent-free use of the vacant shop until Christmas. Peter is interviewed by the police.

Episode 1170 (M 02-11-92 "No Should Mean No") Written by Chris Curry - The rape investigation continues, and Patricia becomes involved. Paul comes to see Jacqui, but she wonders what she ever saw in him.

Episode 1171 (W 04-11-92 "Audition") Written by Chris Curry - Ron becomes the new compere at the Legion. Peter worries about what Max will tell the police. Mick is visited by officials from the immigration department.

Episode 1172 (F 06-11-92 "A Bit Dodgy") Written by Chris Curry - Mick comes home after being interrogated, and wonder who was responsible. George takes Ron to his local and introduces him to his "mates".

Episode 1173 (M 09-11-92 "Really Dodgy") Written by Maurice Bessman - Ellis finds out what happened to Mick, and tries to teach George a lesson. Patricia tries to reassure Diana. Derek opens a charity shop, but Ron brings him some bad news.

Episode 1174 (W 11-11-92 "Passion Wagon") Written by Maurice Bessman - DD interrupts Leanne and Paul at an extremely awkward moment. Diana considers whether she could go to court. Marianne is not sure that she can put up with Ellis's violence.

Episode 1175 (F 13-11-92 "Bleach On Germs") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jacqui thinks about changing her name again, while Katie has to do some quick clothes-changing. On his way home after his big night, Ron discovers George attempting to burn down Mick's bungalow.

Episode 1176 (M 16-11-92 "Defence Witness") Written by Barry Woodward - Peter discovers that he has an ally against Diana. Barry has an ulterior motive in offering to help Karyn with her charity work, and Max unwittingly helps him.

Episode 1177 (W 18-11-92 "Subdued") Written by Barry Woodward - Ron visits Jackie late at night, Barbara is worried that Peter will run away from his troubled, and Barry is being enigmatic.

Episode 1178 (F 20-11-92 "Winning Side") Written by Barry Woodward - Patricia encourages Diana to go to counselling, and press ahead with the rape allegation. Ron joins Mick and Ellis in an attempt to force George to see the error of his ways.

Episode 1179 (M 23-11-92 "Paint Job") Written by Peter Cox - Julia starts to clear the Corkhills' house, and enlists Max's help. George discovers that Ellis has redecorated his windows.

Episode 1180 (W 25-11-92 "Half Of Everything") Written by Peter Cox - Mick and Ellis need to talk to the police, but want to convince Ron to go with them. Tommo comes round to Diana's to collect some of Rod's belongings. George is forced to leave the garage, but not without making a final threat.

Episode 1181 (F 27-11-92 "Let Me Help") Written by Peter Cox - Tommo helps Diana move out of number ten. Terry asks Barry for money, but won't reveal why he needs it.

Episode 1182 (M 30-11-92 "That Way Declined") Written by Shaun Duggan - Diana is shocked to discover that someone has returned to number ten, then has an argument with Tracy and decides not to move in with Julia after all.

Episode 1183 (W 02-12-92 "Space Invaded") Written by Chris Curry - Barry assigns Jimmy the task of trailing Terry to find out what he is up to. Patricia finds herself invaded by the Corkhills. Ellis and Marianne seek Mick's blessing for a Valentine's Day wedding.

Episode 1184 (F 04-12-92 "Not Now, Eh?") Written by Chris Curry - Jackie and Ron take their relationship one stage further. Peter appears in court. Barry wrecks Jimmy's plans. Katie and Leanne try to discover whether Christmas is becoming more commercialised, but Leanne has something more pressing on her mind.

Episode 1185 (M 07-12-92 "Unlucky For Some") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Ellis lines up a special night for Mick. Diana visits her barrister to prepare for her court case. Ron's efforts to get closer to Jackie are frustrated.

Episode 1186 (W 09-12-92 "Guest Of Honour") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Mick's night out goes painfully wrong. Patricia discovers that all her guests have apparently had a sex change. Leanne takes a pregnancy test. Ron invites Jackie for a weekend away.

Episode 1187 (F 11-12-92 "Laying It On Thick") Written by Joe Ainsworth - The rape trial begins. Barry warns Terry that he can't keep his secret for long. It is the day of Patricia's fashion show.

Episode 1188 (M 14-12-92 "Trying To Woo") Written by Susan Pleat - As the trial continues, Max gives his evidence. Ron asks Jimmy to encourage Jackie to come back to work for him. Leanne takes more and more pregnancy tests in the hope of getting the result she wants, and DD finds them under Jacqui's bed.

Episode 1189 (W 16-12-92 "Pulling The Strings") Written by Susan Pleat - DD confronts Jacqui about pregnancy tests. Max suggests that Diana should go home to her father's. After Anna gives her evidence in court, Patricia gives her an ultimatum.

Episode 1190 (F 18-12-92 "Looking Good") Written by Susan Pleat - Terry convinces Fran to join him for Christmas dinner. DD is in a dilemma about what to do when Jacqui misleads her about Katie. Joe gives Barry a stern talking-to. Peter gives his evidence.

Episode 1191 (M 21-12-92 "Parental Advice") Written by Joe Ainsworth - John has some advice for Peter, but he might not want to take it. Diana needs to find somewhere else to stay, and Max gives a helping hand. DD confides in Lyn about her suspicions regarding Katie.

Episode 1192 (W 23-12-92 "A Day For Surprises") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Christmas Eve brings an unexpected visitor for the Farnhams. Margaret has an unusual present for Derek, and Frank discovers that all the wheels of his car have disappeared.

Episode 1193 (F 25-12-92 "Opening Up") Written by Joe Ainsworth - On Christmas Day, Frank gets his wheels back, Max has an extravagant present for Patricia, Peter tries to convince Diana to change her mind, and Jimmy has to decide who should be allowed into the nightclub, and who shouldn't, on its opening night.

Episode 1194 (M 28-12-92 "Threatening Behaviour") Written by Andy Lynch - Barry gives Fran and Terry something to worry about. Peter receives an unexpected Christmas card. Ron tries to persuade people to come to the Legion on New Year's Eve.

Episode 1195 (W 30-12-92 "Sneaking Away") Written by Andy Lynch - On New Year's Eve, Patricia is furious with Anna, Terry prevents Barry from talking to Fran, Joe gets a free hairdo, Leanne tries to lose her baby by drinking a full bottle of gin, and Peter refuses to leave the Close with John and Barbara.

Episode 1196 (F 01-01-93 "Lessons") Written by Andy Lynch - On New Year's Day, Tracy is suspicious of Brian and Joe, Marcia tells Sinbad what she has seen, and Patricia sacks Anna.

Episode 1197 (M 04-01-93 "Emotional Scars") Written by Maurice Bessman - Peter can't cope with Anna's romantic advances. Fran refuses to allow Barry to see his son. DD tries to make Leanne consider the options she faces.

Episode 1198 (W 06-01-93 "Pre-Occupied") Written by Maurice Bessman - A big event is arranged for the residents of the Close. John is not impressed when he returns and finds that Anna has moved in with Peter. Ron is not the only one who wants the vacant shop.

Episode 1199 (F 08-01-93 "Summation") Written by Maurice Bessman - It is the final day of the trial. Marianne has some news for Ellis about their wedding plans.

Episode 1200 (M 11-01-93 "In The Clear") Written by Joe Ainsworth - The verdict is reached, and Jimmy is out for revenge. Ron discovers that DD is opening a florists' next door to the Trading Post. Sinbad has to choose a best man. Max brings Jean back from Spain, but David is determined to be somewhere else.

Episode 1201 (W 13-01-93 "Best Off Forgetting") Written by Shaun Duggan - Barry tries to ensure that Jimmy doesn't do anything stupid. Sinbad seems to have lost his mother again. Patricia tries to resolve the conflict betwwen David and Jean, and Derek runs out of toilet paper.

Episode 1202 (F 15-01-93 "Adultery") Written by Joe Ainsworth - There is a shock from the past for Patricia, while DD reveals the truth about Derek's Romanian job to Margaret. Diana steals some scissors from Tracy's salon, but it's not her hair that she plans to cut.

Episode 1203 (M 18-01-93 "Safer Hands") Written by Chris Curry - Peter is upset about Diana's attempt to commit suicide in his bathroom. Sinbad has too many best men. Patricia is reluctant to let David teach Margaret to drive.

Episode 1204 (W 20-01-93 "Will It Hurt?") Written by Chris Curry - Leanne has an abortion. Peter talks to Tracy about Diana. Terry asks Fran to move in with him. Margaret has her first driving lesson in Max's car, and crashes it.

Episode 1205 (F 22-01-93 "A Different Light") Written by Chris Curry - Leanne's parents find out about her abortion, and are not pleased. Sinbad's surplus of best men shows no sign of abating. Max may have found a buyer for David and Jean's Spanish apartment, but Patricia is not pleased at the price.

Episode 1206 (M 25-01-93 "Still Your Wife") Written by Valerie Windsor - DD tries to explain and justify her actions to Mrs Powell. Patricia talks to David about his affair. Several people consider offering Margaret the money she needs to go to Romania, and the best men find out about each other.

Episode 1207 (W 27-01-93 "Seals") Written by Valerie Windsor - Tracy convinces Diana that she needs help, and takes her to see a psychiatrist. DD does not intend to apologise to anyone for her involvement in Leanne's abortion. Derek disturbs Patricia while she is meeting a potential client.

Episode 1208 (F 29-01-93 "Dad's Privilege") Written by Valerie Windsor - Barry snatches his child, and Margaret puts on a brave face about Romania. Ron drops Lyn in it with Frank by revealing that she was involved with Leanne's abortion.

Episode 1209 (M 01-02-93 "Neutral Territory") Written by Allan Swift - Peter feels more guilty, and Fran gets Steven back. Max and Ron both plan leaving parties for Margaret and Derek, and neither of them want to give way to the other.

Episode 1210 (W 03-02-93 "Come One, Come All") Written by Allan Swift - Margaret and Derek have their farewell party. Terry realises how he can help Fran. Marianne is annoyed when Ellis makes some decisions without consulting her.

Episode 1211 (F 05-02-93 "Off You Go") Written by Allan Swift - Terry takes drastic action to prevent Barry from gaining access to Steven. Everyone waves farewell to Margaret and Derek, but it is not too late for a last-minute change of plan.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Diana Corkhill (nee Spence) - PAULA FRANCES (1165-1170, 1172-1175, 1177, 1178, 1180-1183, 1185, 1187-1191, 1193, 1200-1203, 1205, 1207, 1208, 1210)
Rod Corkhill - JASON HOPE (1200)
Tracy Corkhill - JUSTINE KERRIGAN (1166, 1167, 1172-1174, 1177, 1181, 1191, 1193, 1195-1197, 1200, 1202, 1204, 1205, 1207-1209)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1164, 1165, 1167, 1169, 1182-1184, 1186, 1188, 1189, 1193, 1195-1197, 1200, 1201, 1205-1207, 1209)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1164, 1167, 1169, 1175-1178, 1180-1187)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O'Farrell) - IRENE MAROT (1165, 1166, 1169, 1171, 1174-1176, 1178, 1180-1182, 1185, 1186, 1188-1191, 1193-1206, 1210, 1211)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1164, 1166-1173, 1175-1178, 1180-1182, 1184-1188, 1190, 1193, 1194, 1198, 1200, 1203, 1205, 1206, 1208-1211)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1165-1167, 1169, 1170, 1172, 1173, 1175, 1176, 1179-1181, 1186, 1188, 1189, 1191, 1193, 1195-1197, 1199, 1202, 1203, 1205)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1173)
Tony Dixon - MARK LENNOCK (1169, 1175, 1176, 1181)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1165-1167, 1170, 1171, 1174, 1176-1179, 1182, 1183, 1186-1189, 1191-1193, 1200, 1205, 1207-1210)
Patricia Farnham (nee Crosbie) - GABRIELLE GLAISTER (1170, 1171, 1173, 1175-1178, 1180-1183, 1185-1187, 1189-1198, 1200-1208, 1210, 1211)
Thomas Farnham (1170, 1185, 1186, 1191-1193, 1198, 1201)
Margaret Clemence - NICOLA STEPHENSON (1165, 1174, 1182, 1186-1188, 1190, 1192, 1197, 1201-1208, 1210, 1211)
Barry Grant - PAUL USHER (1166, 1167, 1169, 1173, 1174, 1176, 1177, 1179, 1181, 1183, 1184, 1187, 1189, 1190, 1192-1195, 1197, 1198, 1201, 1202, 1204-1211)
Barbara Harrison - ANGELA MORANT (1164, 1166, 1169, 1177, 1180, 1183, 1184, 1187, 1188, 1192, 1195, 1199, 1200)
John Harrison - GEOFFREY LEESLEY (1164, 1168, 1169, 1171, 1172, 1177, 1178, 1180, 1181, 1184, 1188, 1191, 1194, 1195, 1198-1200)
Peter Harrison - ROBERT BECK (1164-1169, 1171, 1172, 1176-1178, 1183, 1184, 1186-1204, 1209-1211)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1164-1166, 1168-1172, 1174, 1176-1180, 1183, 1184, 1186, 1190, 1193-1196, 1206, 1209-1211)
Ellis Johnson - FRANCIS JOHNSON (1164-1166, 1173, 1177-1181, 1183-1186, 1190, 1193-1195, 1199, 1209, 1210)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1171, 1172, 1193)
Leo Johnson - LEEON SAWYER (1171, 1172, 1176, 1193)
Father Derek O'Farrell - CLIVE MOORE (1164, 1165, 1169, 1173, 1174, 1188, 1190-1192, 1201-1203, 1205-1207, 1210, 1211)
Frank Rogers - PETER CHRISTIAN (1174, 1175, 1178, 1179, 1189, 1192, 1193, 1204, 1208)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1167, 1168, 1171, 1172, 1175, 1176, 1179, 1184, 1186, 1191-1195, 1197, 1204, 1208)
Sammy Daniels (nee Rogers) - RACHAEL LINDSAY (1165, 1168, 1174, 1193)
Owen Daniels - DANNY McCALL (1193)
Louise Daniels (1165, 1193)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (1169, 1179, 1181, 1183, 1185, 1187, 1189-1192, 1194-1204, 1206-1211)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1164, 1165, 1168, 1172, 1193, 1196, 1199-1201, 1203, 1204, 1207, 1209)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Marcia Barrett - CHERYL MAIKER (1168, 1171-1173, 1193, 1195, 1196, 1198, 1199, 1201, 1203, 1205-1207, 1211)
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1164, 1166-1168, 1170, 1173, 1175, 1177, 1179, 1181-1183, 1188, 1191, 1193, 1199, 1200, 1204)
Karyn Clark - JOANNA PHILLIPS-LANE (1173, 1175-1177, 1179, 1180, 1184, 1187, 1189, 1192, 1193, 1195, 1198)
Mrs Anne Clemence - CHRISTINE MOORE (1210, 1211)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1192, 1194, 1195, 1198, 1200, 1201, 1203, 1204, 1206, 1209, 1210)
Jean Crosbie - MARCIA ASHTON (1200-1202, 1204, 1207, 1209, 1210)
Marianne Dwyer - JODIE HANSON (1165, 1173, 1174, 1177, 1181, 1183, 1185, 1186, 1193-1195, 1198, 1199, 1210)
Joe Halsall - SUSIE ANN WATKINS (1190, 1192, 1195, 1197, 1209)
Paul Howard - WILL MELLOR (1170, 1174)
Brian Kennedy - JONATHAN CAPLAN (1172, 1182, 1195-1197)
Lyn Matthews (nee McLoughlin) - SHARON POWER (1175, 1189, 1191, 1193-1195, 1197, 1200, 1204, 1208)
Alison Matthews - JENNY BEAVER (1193)
Gavin Matthews - CARL RICE (1193)
Matty Nolan - TONY SCOGGO (1177, 1179)
Fran Pearson - JULIE PEASGOOD (1184, 1185, 1187, 1189, 1190, 1192, 1194, 1196, 1197, 1199, 1201-1204, 1207-1209, 1211)
Leanne Powell - VICKIE GATES (1167, 1168, 1170, 1171, 1174, 1175, 1179, 1184, 1186, 1188, 1195-1197, 1199, 1200, 1202, 1204, 1205)
Keith Rooney - KIRK SMITH (1164, 1169)
Mrs Shackleton - MARIAN DIAMOND (1170)
Freddie Spence - PETER COREY (1191, 1200)
Michael "Tommo" Tomlinson - JOHN O'GORMAN (1165, 1172, 1174, 1180, 1181)
George Webb - KENNETH MacDONALD (1164-1167, 1169-1176, 1178-1180)
Anna Wolska - KAZIA PELKA (1164, 1165, 1170, 1176, 1178, 1182, 1185-1187, 1189-1192, 1195-1198, 1200, 1202, 1203, 1211)
Clerk Of The Court - ANTHONY BENSON (1184)

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Tom Ashby, Police Immigration Officer - PETER ALEXANDER (1171)
Adrian Gilchrist, Solicitor - MARTIN REEVE (1206)
Angela Heery QC - PAULA WILCOX (1185, 1187, 1188, 1190)
Mr Ted Powell - MICHAEL ATKINSON (1205)
Helen Wills QC - VIVIEN HEILBRON (1187-1189)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Detective Inspector Bridges - LEONARD PRESTON (1169, 1170)
Compere - PETE PRICE (1187)
WPC Jones - JO ????? (1168)
Judge Lowes - TREVOR BOWEN (1199)
Police Surgeon - PAM SCOBIE (1168)
Psychiatrist - STUART McGUGAN (1208)
Mrs Powell - LISA DAVID (1205, 1206)
Tommy - DAVID CRELLIN (1172)

APPEARING AS HERSELF: SARAH GREENE (1186, 1187)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Alf, George's mate (1172)
Eddie and Arthur, Legion musicians (1175)
Gloria, salon customer (1172)
Kath, Angela's secretary (1185)
Steven Antony Pearson (1187, 1192, 1194, 1195 OOV, 1196, 1197, 1199, 1203, 1204, 1207-1209)
Mrs Roberts, salon customer (1172)
Constable Sims (1170)
Stan, customer (1170)
Steve, barman (1185)
Tommy, bingo card checker (1175)
Nigel Vickers, potential client (1207)

Depending on which sitcoms they watched in the 1970s, viewers may well recognise Kenneth MacDonald and Stuart McGugan from the chorus line of "It Ain't Half Hot, Mum", or Paula Wilcox from "Man About The House".

Alexandra Fletcher's character, previously credited as "Jackie Dixon", is listed as "Jacqui Dixon" from episode 1165 onwards. She is seen watching "The Magic Rabbits" on television in episode 1175, when its music is heard again, although the creatures themselves are not visible.

A new opening titles sequence is used from episode 1191 onwards. This is similar to the one which opened only the previous 36 episodes, but features different images of the petrol station and parade, and has a few added skateboarders. It will begin no less than 660 episodes, which is more than any of the four previous sequences or any of the eight others that will follow.

The closing images of the Close are replaced in episode 1193 only with a view of the parade in which a small crowd is gathered, becoming larger as more of the "Brookside" staff, who are listed alphabetically on the credits for this Christmas episode, run in to join those already assembled and waving.

Rod Corkhill has no dialogue in a fleeting appearance in episode 1200, his last for several years.

The storylines:

The major theme explored in this season is date-rape, as an unseen bedroom encounter between Diana and Peter is the subject of much discussion and reflection, leads to a court case, and has a significant effect on the lives of the participants and on their relatives and friends. Meanwhile, Terry is determined to prevent Barry from becoming involved in his life of his son, Patricia's parents return, the nightclub "La Luz" opens, and racist attacks are fought and defeated. The Dixons' marriage looks unsteady, as Ron contemplates having an affair with Jackie Corkhill, while DD opens up her own shop and helps to arrange an abortion for Leanne without telling him. And a few other couples are making plans for futures together - Ellis and Marianne, Sinbad and Marcia, and Derek and Margaret. But is Derek asking Margaret to give up too much to be with him?

The dates:

Based on dialogue in episode 1162, it is Wednesday in episode 1165; and based on dialogue in episodes 1184, 1187 and 1189, it is 21st October 1992. Both Poppy Day and Bonnie Night are "next week" in episode 1167, when it is 1992, and soon in episode 1170. It is Friday night in episodes 1172 and 1175, Saturday morning in episode 1176, and the Queen's 45th wedding anniversary next week in episode 1177. Jimi Hendrix would have been 50 this week in episode 1180, and in episode 1182 it is 92 years to the day since Oscar Wilde said his last words! Based on dialogue in episode 1181, it is Monday in episode 1182; based on dialogue in episode 1182, it is Friday in episode 1187; and in episode 1188 it is a week before Christmas. It is Christmas Eve in episode 1192; it is Christmas Day in episode 1193; it is New Year's Eve, then New Year's Day, in episode 1195; and it is still New Year's Day in episode 1196. Based on dialogue in episode 1197, it is Friday in episode 1199; and, based on dialogue in episode 1202, it is Tuesday in episode 1203 and Wednesday in episode 1204. Based on dialogue in episode 1209, it is Wednesday in episode 1210; and based on dialogue in episode 1210, it is Friday in episode 1211.

Name-checks:

Churchill (1164); Davy Crockett (1167); The Beautiful South (1167, 1180); "Cinders" / Cinderella (1169, 1183); Guy Fawkes (1170); "This Is Your Life" (1171); the Three Stooges (1171); "Mississippi Burning" (1171); "Juke Box Jury" (1171); "The Royal Variety Show" (1172); "The Flintstones" (1172); Sweeney Todd (1175); "Going Live" (1175); the Queen (1177); Bob Dylan (1180); Paul Heaton (1180); Jimi Hendrix (1180); the Beatles (1180, 1194); Oscar Wilde (1182): [Peter] Stringfellow (1183); [Inspector] Morse and Lewis (1183); the Addams Family (1183); Philip Schofield (1186); Valerie Singleton (1186); Susan Stranks (1186); "Magpie" (1186); "Blue Peter" (1186); Mike Tyson (1187); Ebenezer Scrooge (1187); Dr. Spock (1189); Bonnie and Clyde (1190); Mother Teresa (1191); Mickey Mouse (1192); Nigel Mansell (1193); James Bond (1193); Steve Davis (1194); Dame Edna Everage (1200); Rambo (1201); Princess Diana (1201); Julie Andrews (1201); John Wayne (1205); "Viz" (1205); the "Scarlet Pimpernel" (1205); Grace Kelly (1206); "Home Alone 2" (1208); "Working Girl" (1209); Dr Spock (1209); the Clampetts (1209, 1210); Jack the Ripper (1210); Eamonn Andrews (1210); and Michael Aspel (1210).

Locations:

All of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool.

Births:

None - Although Fran and Barry's baby son, Steven, is seen for the first time, there are no clear indications of when he was born. We are told that it is a couple of months since Tony's birthday in episode 1169; it is Jackie's birthday in episode 1182, which is "next Monday" in episode 1181; it is Ron's birthday on Christmas Day (1191); and it is Sinbad's birthday soon (1206) / yesterday (1207). Leanne becomes pregnant in Paul's van in episode 1174, she is seven weeks pregnant in episode 1194, and has an abortion in episode 1204. She is 16 next month (1188) / 16 in a few weeks (1194, 1196) / 15 (1197, 1198) / 16 today (1202) / 16 (1203, 1204) / younger than Jacqui (1205). Louise is four and a half months old (1165); Jacqui is 16 (1167); Max is "at least 30" (1167); Marianne's unseen uncle Peter is 73 (1177); Thomas is 3 (1186); Katie is under 16 (1189) / 15 (1191); Margaret is 19 (1204); Claire is 8 (1204); Patricia is in her 30s (1205); Barry is 33 (1208); and Tracy had an abortion nearly three years ago (1208). Lyn's yet-to-be-seen sister Bev also had an abortion, after becoming pregnant at the age of 14 (1194).

Marriages:

None. Rod and Diana have been married for three months in episode 1166; it is Sammy's first wedding anniversary in episode 1174; David and Jean have been married for "30-odd" years (1204); and DD and Ron have been married for 20 years (1209). Marianne and Ellis plan to marry on 14th February (1183), then, as it is a Sunday, as close to it as possible (1198). Sinbad and Marcia then agree to marry on the same day (1199), and the date is set for a couple of days after Valentine's Day, which is in about a month's time (1203) / the week after next (1210).

Deaths:

None. Three unseen characters who are no longer alive are mentioned: DD and Derek's mother (1188); Lyn's father (1194); and Marcia's father (1201).

Toilet visits:

Anna (1165); Gemma (1176 OOV); Jackie (1182); Ellis (1183 and 1210); DD (1185 and 1211); Margaret, Marianne, and Anna (1186); Peter, twice (1199); Tracy (1200); Lyn (1208); and Jimmy (1209). Max also intends to go in episode 1165, but is distracted by Diana and Peter; Sinbad says he was in the gents' at New Year in episode 1196; and Derek runs out of toilet paper in episode 1201. Although Margaret claims that she needs to go to the toilet in episode 1211, this would seem to be only an excuse to leave Derek. Or perhaps she mistakenly thinks that she can't use the one on the aeroplane while it is standing still!

Characters mentioned, so far unseen, but who will be appearing later:

Marianne's father (1165, 1185, 1186, 1198, 1210); Marianne's brother (1165); Marianne's sister-in-law (1165); Marianne's mother (1165, 1185, 1186, 1198); Marianne's sister (1165, 1185); Jackie's sister [Val] (1169); and Lyn's younger sister, Bev / Beverley (1175, 1193, 1194).

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

Hugh (1164, 1192); Mark Potter (1167); Darren (1170); Ron's father (1171, 1180); Sheila (1172); Giles (1174, 1197, 1201); Evelyn (1174, 1188, 1197, 1201); Matty's wife (1177); Renee [Doreen] (1177, 1179); Mr Shackleton (1177, 1179) / the Shackletons (1183); Billy (1179); Sue (1179, 1189, 1209, 1211); Danny (1179, 1209, 1211); Malcolm the Mountie (1183); Josie (1184, 1198, 1206, 1209, 1210); Geoff (1189); Chrissy (1189); Matthew (1191); Emily (1191); Susannah / Max's ex-wife (1191, 1205, 1207); Lyn's mother (1193, 1204); Terry's father (1197, 1211); Ruth (1201); Claire (1204); and the Pope (1205).

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

Marianne's grandmother (1165); "little Carmel" - another of Marianne's relative, probably her niece (1165); Jackie's sister's kids (1169); Karen's brother and his girlfriend, who works at the BBC (1173); Barney, raffle ticket seller (1175); Marianne's Uncle Peter (1177); Barney Chang and Ronnie Sims, business contacts of Barry (1179); Diana's auntie in Skene (1182); the twins' parents (1182); Mrs Dainty, Ron's bespectacled customer with a hairy mole (1184); Miss Benson, Katie and Leanne's teacher (1184); Jackie's mother (1184); Margaret's auntie Maureen (1188); Giles and Evelyn's parents (1188); Bob and Romy (1188); Simon Cass, who has invited Max for dinner (1189); Diana's mother (1191); Senor and Senora Vasquez, Spaniards (1192); the Pritchards, ex-pats (1192); Gary from Southport, who has split up from Lyn's sister Bev (1193); Agnes Finnigan, David's assistant chemist (1198); Marcia's brothers (1201, 1211) / five brothers (1206); Marcia's mother (1201, 1211); Marcia's aunts and uncles (1201); Sandra, Patricia's nanny (1202, 1204, 1206, 1207); Mr Simpson and Sam Graham, clients of Karyn (1203); Tony, who is now Josie's ex again (1206); and Esperanza, the Crosbies' Spanish cleaner (1206).

In episode 1172, Katie wants her hair done like Dawn's in "Meadowcroft Park", who we are told is appearing in a local panto in episode 1195.

Goofs:

In episode 1208, Terry and Fran are seen getting into a taxi whose door displays the telephone number 220 7777, but when they get out of it at the other end of their journey, the number displayed is 480 7777.

With hindsight, and with particular reference to a certain Anthea and a certain illegitimate daughter Megan, it is unfortunate that, when talking about having an affair in episode 1186, Ron says "I've never done anything like this before in my life".

Trivia:

Jimmy and Jackie live at number 100 (1188). Jimmy passed his driving test during the period he recently spent in Birmingham (1182). Jackie went to a Bob Dylan concert on the Isle of Wight when she was younger (1180). Julia implies that she worked in a biscuit factory when she was much younger (1167). The "For Sale" sign at number 10 bearing the name "Binenan Estates" and the telephone number 359 3600 has "Under Offer" (1171, 1177), then "SOLD" (1180, 1181) added.

Terry knew Barry, who is left-handed (1207), when he was five years old (1169). Later, the school Barry went to was St Cuthbert's, at the end of Mount Park Lane (1177). He sends Jimmy to apologise to Karyn at the "Far East" restaurant, at 27 Berry Street, Liverpool, whose telephone numbers are 051 709 3041 and 051 709 6072, according to a business card he has, bearing the name Tony Cheung (1184). When Terry and Fran go to the cinema in episode 1208, the nine films from which they have to choose are "Dracula", "Bodyguard", "Raising Cain", "Chaplin", "Exorcist", "Blade Runner", "Midnight Sting", "A Few Good Men" and "Home Alone 2". Fran says the last film she went to see was "Working Girl".

Ron, who is right-handed (1169), implies that DD, who has an account with the Halifax Building Society (1206), used to live in Byron Street (1206). Among the acts Ron introduces at the Legion are the Jangle Brothers, a country and western act (1175). Having only recently changed the spelling of her name from "Jackie" to Jacqui" (1173), his daughter, who thinks Paul Heaton of "The Beautiful South" is gorgeous (1180), briefly considers changing it again to "Brooke" or "Kelsey" (1175). Leanne is in the same class as Katie at school (1168). Her family - including her father, security guard Ted - live at number 3 (1206).

Patricia, who is right-handed (1205), lived in Stratford when she was 9 or 10 years old (1202). She and Karyn, who regularly shops at Sainsbury's (1176), are seen visiting the premises of PSS, which used to be a Beatles museum (1180). Other clients of theirs include Prime Design (1206), McDonalds' (1208) and Feinstein Williams and Partners (1208). Max wrote a letter to Valerie Singleton when he was ten (1186), and receives a bill for £276.12 (£235 plus VAT) from Frank for the damage to his Cortina (1208). Max's divorce from Susannah was dealt with by Adrian Gilchrist, his solicitor (1205). Thomas has "Coco Pops" for his breakfast (1185). David used to drive an ambulance during his National Service (1200). Derek worked in South America for four months when he was a student (1188).

Peter Andrew Harrison is accused of raping Diana Mary Corkhill (1184). Fifteen years ago he damaged a music centre, then denied touching it (1177). He wears a shirt with the words "Moosehunters, Newbury 1992" (1184). Mick is 6'3" tall (1179) and has no passport (1171). The telephone number of "Pizza Parade", appearing on its van, is 051 269 3434 (1178, 1179). George Webb's local is the "Golden Lion" (1176). Lyn's sister Bev went off the rails when her father died. She became pregnant at the age of 14, and had an abortion without telling anyone, which came to light when she collapsed in school (1194).

"Blink-and-you-miss it" moments:

Although actress Sue Jenkins was visibly pregnant and about to go on maternity leave at the time of recording her appearances as Jackie in these episodes, carefully-chosen camera angles and/or strategically placed props ensure that this is never apparent. In episode 1183, for example, when Jackie is seen in a medium-length shot in the parade, she is holding a massive box of chocolates which Jimmy has given her as an apology for not keeping in touch while he was in away in Birmingham!

Two other moments from this season are worth highlighting. Firstly, from episode 1168, and the file marked "someone was bound to say it eventually", this exchange occurs on Brookside Parade:

Quote:
SINBAD: Doing a spot of empire building, are you, Ron?

RON: First one shop, then two, then the whole chain, mate. I tell you, there's gonna be a "Dixons" in every high street in England.

SINBAD: There already is!

And secondly, while there are other instances from 21 years of "Brookside" in which all is not quite as it seems, this one from episode 1194 is rather nice:

Quote:
ELLIS: It's up to you, Marianne. Only you can decide.

MARIANNE: I don't know, Ellis. It's a big decision.

ELLIS: Yeah, and you've got to make it. Now do you want to buy a house or not? I need to know now. Tell me. Straight away.

MICK: Don't bully her. She might not like the area.

ELLIS: There's a better area than Mayfair?

[We now see that the trio are seated around a "Monopoly" board]

MARIANNE [handing over money] : Go on, then - I'll have it.

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

As they are about to fly off to Romania, Margaret tells Derek that she feels sick and will have to go to the toilet. He realises too late that she is getting off the aeroplane and running down the gangway - a steward prevents him from following her, as the door is closing. In the airport, Ron jokes that he, DD, Patricia and Mrs Clemence are probably all waving to a plane bound for the Isle of Man instead of the one going to Romania. They are all yet to discover that, instead of being on her way to a new life abroad, Margaret has been given a hot drink and is sitting tearfully at a table in a small room elsewhere in the building.

Season Thirty.......