Brookside Guide.....Season Forty One.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FORTY-ONE (48 episodes)
[Episodes 1618-1665]

The episodes:

Episode 1618 (T 05-09-95 "Recovering") Written by Nick Saltrese - Mandy refuses to let Sinbad call the police about Brenna. Everybody wonders what has happened to Mick. Rosie receives a reply from the hospital, and they haven't even spelt her name right. Dil issues redundancy notices to the staff of "La Luz".

Episode 1619 (W 06-09-95 "No-Win Situation") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick does his best to remain calm, but the arrival of the police doesn't help him as much as he hoped. Max does not like his choice of potential investors in "Grants" - a cowboy or an Indian.

Episode 1620 (F 08-09-95 "Eleventh Hour Appeal") Written by Barry Woodward - Carl notices that Jimmy's garden has suddenly gained several bushes, while Dil awakens to find Barry's is somewhat empty. Bev resigns from another job, to avoid being sacked for the third time in the same week. David wonders if he can help Max and Patricia.

Episode 1621 (T 12-09-95 "Don't Shoot") Written by Barry Woodward - Police reinforcements arrive, as the residents form their own theories about what is happpening in Mick's flat. Mike's videotape is impounded, Max feels resigned to defeat, and Peter invites Bev to a football match.

Episode 1622 (W 13-09-95 "Chance To Explain") Written by Shaun Duggan - Patricia arrives with champagne to thank David and Jean, but Jean has to be told why. Rosie is disappointed when she discovers who bought the dirty magazine she has found. Mick and Jenny tell very different stories of recent events, and Ron tells Bev they are moving.

Episode 1623 (F 15-09-95 "Emotionally Distraught") Written by Shaun Duggan - Janice plans to move in with Ron and Bev to be near Mick, but he finishes with her. Jackie advises Rosie to take legal action. Katie's efforts to help are not appreciated, and another of Jimmy's schemes backfires.

Episode 1624 (T 19-09-95 "Held In Custody") Written by Shaun Duggan - Eddie and Rosie visit a solicitor. Carl shows Sarah the new home he has rented for her, and Jimmy acquires a business from Dil. Bev and Janice plan a party, and Mick meets someone he believed to be dead.

Episode 1625 (W 20-09-95 "Travel And Adventure") Written by Valerie Windsor - A message from Jenny makes Mick concerned for Leo's safety. Ron tries to talk Bev out of going on holiday. The residents have their own theories about why Jimmy is installing a radio aerial on his roof. David and Jean have different ideas about travel and adventure for the over-60's.

Episode 1626 (F 22-09-95 "Glammed Up") Written by Roy Boulter - Mick doesn't want help from anyone. Sarah and Rebecca move into number 5 with Carl. Bev and Janice invite Peter to join them on holiday, without telling Ron. Mike needs some last-minute practice for his driving test, and Rosie is not amused when she finds Eddie wearing her fancy underwear.

Episode 1627 (T 26-09-95 "Too Clingy") Written by Roy Boulter - Mick continues to teach Leo and Gemma at home, and wonders who the mystery photographer is. David confronts Jimmy about his taxi business. Ron is caught out when he tries to make Bev feel guilty, and the lottery syndicate wins, but won't let the £10 change their lives.

Episode 1628 (W 27-09-95 "Relaunched") Written by Peter Cox - Mick lets Sarah reopen the pizza parlour, but won't come out of his flat. "Grants" is relaunched under the new ownership of the Farnhams, and Ron and David are baffled when a battered old caravan appears on the Parade.

Episode 1629 (F 29-09-95 "Fighting Talk") Written by Peter Cox - Ron finds out from Julia that Peter is going to Majorca, and warns him to keep away from Bev. David enlists Dil's help to remove Jimmy's caravan. Eddie and Rosie discover the sleeping arrangements at number 5, and Mick goes to court to find out the result of the bail application.

Episode 1630 (T 03-10-95 "Passion Killer") Written by Barry Woodward - Katie encourages Mick to go shopping. Patricia agrees to have supper with Susannah, but invites Dil as well. David wants to discuss lottery numbers with Rosie and Eddie, but they have other plans.

Episode 1631 (W 04-10-95 "Favours") Written by Barry Woodward - Susannah asks Max to help her to find a flat. Leo and Gemma are not enjoying their lessons. Ron and Rosie have different views on scratchcards. Mike is offered a job, but is reluctant to accept it.

Episode 1632 (F 06-10-95 "Contingency Plans") Written by Maurice Bessman - David asks if Rachel can stay with Patricia while he and Jean are in Bath, but she is worried by Susannah's continued presence. Katie offers to teach Leo and Gemma algebra, but they have other plans. Eddie is still finding it hard to please Rosie, but Jimmy may be making progress with Jackie.

Episode 1633 (T 10-10-95 "Sleepyheads") Written by Maurice Bessman - Ron decides to take Jimmy's caravan away to the wreckers' yard, unaware that it is currently being slept in. The Crosbies' holiday is livened up by some exciting news, but all may not be as it seems.......

Episode 1634 (W 11-10-95 "Pierced") Written by Barry Woodward - Mandy and Sinbad return from their holiday; and so does Bev, but without Janice. Rachel tries to make amends for her mistake, but she may have left it too late. Max discovers that Susannah plans to share a flat with Dil.

Episode 1635 (F 13-10-95 "New Baby") Written by Julie Rutterford - Leo and Gemma are not willing to forgive Mick easily. Rosie and Eddie's good news spreads around the Close, despite their attempts to keep it secret, and David and Jean learn that they don't appear to have as much to celebrate as they thought. Mandy urgently needs a lift to the hospital - but who can help out?

Episode 1636 (T 17-10-95 "A Bit Awkward") Written by Shaun Duggan - Katie considers giving up dancing, and Jacqui offers her a job. Jimmy needs a lift for himself and a bear. Sarah goes to play bingo with Rosie and Mo, and finds an intruder in her loft when she returns. Mandy and Sinbad celebrate the arrival of baby Ruth.

Episode 1637 (W 18-10-95 "Peeved") Written by Shaun Duggan - Carl is annoyed to discover that Jimmy has spoken to Sarah, but pleased that he has removed the money from the loft. Jean has a plan, but David has his doubts about it. Max and Patricia have different views about Susannah's job offer.

Episode 1638 (F 20-10-95 "Doing The Right Thing") Written by Shaun Duggan - Mandy feels that she must go and visit a woman who has written to her. Rosie and Eddie plan a party, then find that nobody wants to come. Katie has an audition for a panto, and David considers taking legal action.

Episode 1639 (T 24-10-95 "Bigger Gamble") Written by Nick Saltrese - Carl asks Sarah to come to Dubai with him. Mandy receives a tempting job offer. As ill-feeling against Eddie and Rosie increases around the Close, David decides to "be economical with the truth". Susannah gives Max an ultimatum.

Episode 1640 (W 25-10-95 "Really Going?") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sinbad is looking forward to family life, but Mandy wants to take on a job at a women's refuge. Rosie finally finds someone on the Close who is still willing to talk to her. Eddie can't believe Carl's decision, but will Susannah want to do the same thing?

Episode 1641 (F 27-10-95 "White Flag") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sinbad finds that Mandy has gone out with Mrs Shackleton and left Ruth with Jimmy. The Crosbies and the Bankses both want to resolve their differences, but who will surrender first? Katie has a date with one of the dancers she is working with, and warns Jacqui to keep off!

Episode 1642 (T 31-10-95 "Chances") Written by Peter Cox - Peter tries to convince Bev to go out with him. Mike shows Rachel a video he has found. Patricia takes Alice for her tests, but where is Max? Jean is desperate to travel the world, but David just wants to redecorate the bungalow.

Episode 1643 (W 01-11-95 "Stimulation") Written by Peter Cox - Mike takes another driving test, but will it be second time lucky? Sinbad returns home to find some unexpected visitors. Max tries to make amends for missing Alice's check-up, and to be careful of what Patricia sees on the fax machine.

Episode 1644 (F 03-11-95 "Reason For Leaving") Written by Peter Cox - Unable to trust herself, Bev hands in her notice at the salon. Sinbad forces Mandy to be honest about her feelings for the job. Jean plans a round-the-world holiday, with or without David. Eddie suggests that he and Max hold a joint fireworks party, but who has the biggest rocket?

Episode 1645 (T 07-11-95 "Garage Sale") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Jean tries to clear out some old junk, while David and Patricia wonder why she is getting rid of so much of the family history. Jackie and Jimmy try to cheer Sinbad up, but only make things worse. Mike tries to find Rachel somewhere to live, and Eddie looks to Sarah for a shoulder to cry on.

Episode 1646 (W 08-11-95 "Best Off Knowing") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Max has to apologise for missing another appointment.......or does he? Rachel decides to move in with Jacqui and Katie, but there are some other people who want to look around her new accomodation. Mike thanks Bev for looking after Ron, but she is arranging another liaison with Peter.......

Episode 1647 (F 10-11-95 "Long Time No See") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Rachel leaves the Crosbies', albeit not empty-handed. Patricia tries to make her parents see sense regarding their holiday plans. Lindsey turns up at the Corkhills', and tells her parents that she has left her husband. Eddie follows Rosie, and confronts her about her gambling.

Episode 1648 (T 14-11-95 "Slip Away Quietly") Written by Julie Rutterford - Ron is having twinges, but Mike agrees not to tell Bev. Jean prepares to leave, and is led to believe that no-one will be coming to bid her farewell - but.......

Episode 1649 (W 15-11-95 "In Denial") Written by Julie Rutterford - David is already missing Jean, and tries to fill the void in his life, but no-one seems interested. Peter has problems with his lodgings, but Julia has a solution. Rosie pops out for a cheesecake, but buys more scratchcards instead.

Episode 1650 (F 17-11-95 "Chaperoning") Written by Roy Boulter - After discovering that Rosie has spent £14,000 on bingo and scratchcards, Eddie decides that action must be taken. Mick receives a letter from Jenny, and becomes worried that she will be free to torment him again. Bev helps Peter move into his new bachelor pad, while Ron ensures that Mike and Rachel aren't left alone together for too long.

Episode 1651 (T 21-11-95 "Lying") Written by Roy Boulter - Ron discovers from Julia that Bev has been lying to him. Eddie confiscates Rosie's cash-card, but she convinces Mo to make a withdrawal from their joint account. Mike tries to reassure David, and Jenny's father speaks up in her defence.

Episode 1652 (W 22-11-95 "Addictive") Written by Shaun Duggan - David thinks he has found the perfect tenant.......then he discovers who her parents are. Mick considers packing up and moving away, and Sinbad attempts to dissuade him. Bev proposes to Ron, but he feels that he can't believe anything she says. Rosie manages to retrieve her cash-card from Mo, but someone else then catches her spending the money.

Episode 1653 (F 24-11-95 "Between Ourselves") Written by Shaun Duggan - David's impeccable record of forty years' accident-free motoring comes to an end just minutes after he borrows Max's car. Mo reveals to Rosie that she knows exactly where the missing money is going. Ron's suspicions increase when Bev suggests that he amends his will to provide for her and Josh.

Episode 1654 (T 28-11-95 "V.I.P.") Written by Barry Woodward - Max receives a fax from Barry instructing him to pick up a V.I.P. from the airport. Ron and Mike attempt to use some of the very latest technology to obtain proof of Bev's infidelity. Lindsey's estranged husband, Gary, is not made welcome when he turns up at the Corkhills'.

Episode 1655 (W 29-11-95 "Not Like You Think") Written by Barry Woodward - To Jimmy's surprise, Jackie insists that Gary joins Lindsey to celebrate their anniversary. Someone is unexpectedly made redundant, and isn't pleased. Mike takes his driving test, and Ron and Jacqui congratulate him on what he tells them is the result. Then Ron hears something that makes him fear for his life.

Episode 1656 (F 01-12-95 "More Rent") Written by Barry Woodward - Patricia wants Max to get rid of their house-guest, especially when he puts up their shop rent. Mo decides to sell her car, and quickly finds a willing buyer. Ron's worst fears appear to be confirmed. Jacqui receives news which has devastating implications for Katie. Lee asks for money for Christmas presents, so Eddie.......finds him a job.

Episode 1657 (T 05-12-95 "Dead As A Doornail") Written by Nick Saltrese - Max has a double-booking dilemma, Rosie and Mo fail to scratch their way out of their predicament, a poorly attended meeting results in the appointment of an unlikely new BRA chairman, and there is at least one death in the Dixon family.

Episode 1658 (W 06-12-95 "Crying Shame") Written by Nick Saltrese - David is horrified at the first actions of the new BRA chairman, Katie feels that her life is over, Max is embarrassed at the restaurant, Rosie gets a part-time job, and the residents of the Close are shocked to hear that Ron Dixon is dead.

Episode 1659 (F 08-12-95 "Poor Ron") Written by Nick Saltrese - Christian confronts Katie, wondering why she hasn't rung work. David advises Max to change his attitude or risk losing his family, and Jimmy trains his new employees - some of whom are more willing than others.

Episode 1660 (T 12-12-95 "Being Positive") Written by Maurice Bessman - Patricia sees expansion possibilities in the untimely demise of her next-door neighbour. Rosie is still confident that she can replace the missing money, but Mo believes that she should talk to Eddie. Gary plans to turn his discovery to his advantage.

Episode 1661 (W 13-12-95 "Vultures") Written by Maurice Bessman - DD returns to the Close, and soon discovers that the newspaper coverage of Ron's death has not been totally accurate. Rosie appeals to Mo for help, but it may be too late. Patricia discovers that Max has poached her only member of staff.

Episode 1662 (F 15-12-95 "Donkeys") Written by Maurice Bessman - When Mo refuses to give Rosie a loan, she steals food from the restaurant. Bev can't bear to let Ron go. Jimmy buys the whole family expensive Christmas gifts.

Episode 1663 (T 19-12-95 "Raided") Written by Nick Saltrese - Max is having problems with stock control, and is prepared to sack the thief, even at Christmas. Jacqui is worried about Katie, and wants her to see a doctor. Peter is not prepared for the reception he gets at Casa Bevron, and there is a rude awakening for the Corkhill household.

Episode 1664 (W 20-12-95 "Hung") Written by Nick Saltrese - Realising that Max is going to be spending most of the Christmas holiday at the restaurant, Patricia decides to move there to be with him. Eddie discovers at a very awkward moment that his credit limit has been exceeded. Katie collapses on the opening night of the pantomime, and the hanging of a door requires more attempts that Gary anticipates.

Episode 1665 (F 22-12-95 "All Gone") Written by Nick Saltrese - There is an unexpected winner of the "Best Decorated House" contest. Mo is suspicious of Rosie when she finds Max at the house, and jumps to the wrong conclusion. Some of the residents are amazed to discover what they are getting for Christmas.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Eddie Banks - PAUL BROUGHTON (1618, 1622-1627, 1629-1647, 1649, 1650, 1655, 1656, 1658, 1661, 1664, 1665)
Rosie Banks (nee McGee) - SUSAN TWIST (1618, 1622-1627, 1629-1647, 1649-1654, 1656-1665)
Carl Banks - STEPHEN DONALD (1618-1624, 1626, 1627, 1637-1641)
Lee Banks - MATTHEW LEWNEY (1626, 1633-1635, 1639, 1640, 1652, 1656)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1622, 1623, 1625, 1626, 1628-1630, 1632, 1633, 1640, 1643, 1645-1648, 1650, 1652, 1654, 1655, 1663-1665)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1618-1634, 1636-1638, 1641, 1642, 1645-1647, 1654-1665)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1619-1622, 1624-1630, 1632, 1633, 1635-1639, 1641-1653, 1656-1659)
Jean Crosbie - MARCIA ASHTON (1620-1622, 1624-1626, 1628, 1629, 1631-1633, 1635, 1637, 1638, 1641-1645, 1647, 1648)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O'Farrell) - IRENE MAROT (1661, 1662)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1618-1635, 1645, 1648-1658, 1659VT, 1660, 1661, 1663, 1665)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1619-1621, 1623, 1634, 1636, 1638, 1640, 1641, 1645-1648, 1653, 1655-1665)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1618, 1620, 1621, 1623, 1626, 1629-1631, 1638, 1643, 1645-1660)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1619, 1621, 1628-1634, 1636, 1637, 1639, 1640, 1642-1649, 1654-1665)
Patricia Farnham (nee Crosbie) - GABRIELLE GLAISTER (1620-1622, 1624, 1628-1634, 1636, 1637, 1640, 1642-1648, 1654-1661, 1663-1665)
Thomas Farnham - KIERAN WARHAM (1653)
Alice Farnham - ANNA NORBURY (1631, 1632, 1634, 1637, 1642-1648, 1655, 1656, 1660)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1618-1627, 1629-1635, 1648-1656, 1664, 1665)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1619-1622, 1627, 1631-1633, 1635, 1664)
Leo Johnson - LEEON SAWYER (1619-1622, 1625, 1627, 1631-1635, 1664)
Mandy Jordache (nee Dutton) - SANDRA MAITLAND (1618, 1619, 1634-1644)
Beth Jordache - ANNA FRIEL (1642 VT)
Rachel Jordache - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (1632-1636, 1638, 1640-1642, 1644-1653, 1659, 1661, 1662, 1664)
Bev McLoughlin - SARAH WHITE (1618-1627, 1634, 1635, 1638, 1639, 1642-1654, 1655 OOV, 1656-1663, 1665)
Josh McLoughlin (1618, 1622, 1624, 1648, 1659)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1620, 1621, 1623, 1626-1634, 1636, 1638-1641, 1657-1665)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (1654-1656, 1658, 1660, 1665)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1618, 1619, 1634-1645, 1647, 1648, 1650-1655, 1657, 1662, 1664 )

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Sarah Banks - ANDREA MARSHALL (1618, 1624-1626, 1628-1630, 1636, 1637, 1639, 1641, 1642, 1644-1646, 1649, 1650, 1653, 1665)
Rebecca Banks - LAURA MANGEN (1626, 1641, 1644-1646)
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1625, 1626, 1629, 1639, 1647, 1649-1651, 1654, 1657, 1658, 1659 VT, 1660)
PC Ian Coban - ANTONY AUDENSHAW (1619-1623)
Cracker, dog - KELLY MALONE (1627, 1631, 1655 OOV, 1657, 1663, 1665)
Janice Evans - LYNDA THORNHILL (1623-1627)
Emily Farnham - VICTORIA BENNETT (1631, 1633, 1634, 1644)
Matthew Farnham - GARETH RYAN JONES (1631, 1633, 1634, 1644)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (1628, 1630-1634, 1636, 1637, 1639, 1640, 1642, 1644)
Brenna Jordache - GILLIAN HANNA (1618)
Kiev, chicken (1656, 1657)
Mo McGee - TINA MALONE (1618, 1634-1636, 1640, 1642-1644, 1650-1654, 1656, 1657, 1659-1662, 1665)
Milkman - JOHN WHITEHALL (1660, 1663)
Dil Parmar - GORDON WARNECKE (1618-1621, 1624, 1628-1630, 1633, 1636, 1637, 1640, 1655)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (1618-1621, 1626, 1629, 1630, 1635, 1638, 1639, 1642-1645, 1647, 1649, 1650-1654, 1655 OOV, 1656, 1657, 1659 VT, 1663)
Polly, cat (1637)
Mrs Shackleton - MARIAN DIAMOND (1634, 1639, 1641)
Gary Stanlow - ANDREW FILLIS (1654-1656, 1658-1665)
Lindsay Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (1647, 1650, 1651, 1654, 1655, 1659-1665)
Mr Stewart - JAMES AUBREY (1622)
Jenny Swift - KATE BECKETT (1618-1622, 1624, 1625, 1629, 1651, 1655)
John Swift - JOHN LINE (1624, 1627, 1651)
Mr Dick Thornton - GRAHAM SEED (1625)
Radio voice - ROGER PHILLIPS (1664)

NEW CHARACTER PLAYED BY A RETURNING PERFORMER:
Detective Inspector Ferguson - MICHAEL ATKINSON (1663) [ Mr Ted Powell (1205) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Cathy Baker - SUSAN CORMACK (1638, 1643)
Colin Baker - MARK FLETCHER (1640)
Alison Baker (1638, 1643)
Laura Baker (1638, 1643)
Michelle Burton - DARRYL FISHWICK (1624)
Shane Cochrane - RICHARD W NORTON (1664)
Jocelyn Heall - SUSAN DERRICK (1622)
Kylie Stanlow (1647, 1655)
Ruth Sweeney (1635-1637, 1640-1642, 1644) [ Grandchild of the previously-seen character of the same name ]
Christian Wright - PHILLIP DOWD (1641, 1659, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1665)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Detective Inspector Jenkins - ELAINE HALLAM (1622)
Chief Inspector Wallace - NORMAN MILLS (1621)
Chief Magistrate - DAVID McEWAN (1624)
Defence Barrister - ROBIN HOOPER (1651)
Judge - HUGH WALTERS (1655)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Mr Bennett, of the Council (1634)
Brian, a guest of Max (1628)
Mrs Carter, a posh client (1619)
Chloe, a "Grants" employee (1637)
Dawn, a "Grants" employee (1637)
Diane, a salon employee (1637)
Elizabeth, a "Grants" employee (1628)
Emilia, a waitress (1619)
Evvo, one of Jimmy's drivers (1630)
Mr Fear, a bank manager (1658)
Mrs Howe, a salon customer (1620)
Jerry, a cab driver (1632)
Jim, a delivery man (1660)
Stella, a manicurist (1647)
Steevo, a druggie (1662)

The Magic Rabbits are seen again in episode 1619, watched by Leo and Gemma, and in episode 1643, watched by Cathy's daughters.

The storylines:

A lottery syndicate set up by the Banks and the Crosbies wins £500,000, and David and Jean go off on a trip around the world, once Eddie and Rosie are eventually convinced, largely through being ostracised, not to keep all the money for themselves just because Rachel forgot to give them their £2 stake. Unfortunately, Rosie promptly becomes hooked on bingo and scratchcards, and within months she has spent all of their winnings, and even started stealing to fund her habit! Ron dies - but only very briefly - after mistakenly thinking Bev is having an affair with Peter; Mike's new hobby seems to be taking driving tests; and Max is neglecting his family, and being tempted by Susannah, again. There are also a few arrivals, departures and relocations, as Jenny is arrested and imprisoned after holding Mick hostage at gunpoint, Carl leaves for a job in Dubai, Mandy and her new baby Ruth move to Bristol instead of marrying Sinbad, and Dil is replaced at La Luz by a rejuvenated Terry, back from overseas and now the owner of all of Barry's properties. Sinbad moves into number 5 with Mick; after a few weeks there, Sarah moves to a flat on the parade; and the bungalow is rented by Jacqui, Rachel and Katie, who is dumped by new boyfriend, Christian, after they both fear that they have AIDS. And Jimmy and Jackie are joined at number 10 by daughter Lindsey and son-in-law Gary, whose determination to become involved with Jimmy's drug-dealing instead of his new taxi business looks likely to create more than a few problems for the household.......

The dates:

Based on dialogue in episode 1615 and earlier episodes, it is Saturday 2nd September in episode 1618; based on dialogue in episode 1622, it is Tuesday in episode 1624; and based on dialogue in episode 1624, Friday 22nd September 1995, Jenny's next court date, is in the near future. It is October in episodes 1633 and 1637; it is "nine weeks till Christmas" in episode 1638, when "the clocks go back on Sunday"; and, based on dialogue in episode 1640, it is Friday in episode 1641. It is November in episode 1645; based on dialogue in episode 1651, it was Friday in episode 1650; and it is November, and December next week, in episode 1654. Based on dialogue in episode 1657, it is Friday in episode 1659; "Coronation Street" is 35 years old this week in episode 1658; and there are "a few more days" to go until Christmas in episode 1665 when, based on dialogue in episode 1664, it is Friday.

Name-checks:

James Bond (1618); Lady Di (1619); Yootha Joyce (1619); Percy Thrower (1619); Cecil B DeMille (1620); Zefferelli (1620); "Four Weddings And A Funeral" (1620); "News At Ten" (1621); "The Bill" (1621, 1663); "Die Hard 3" (1621); Janet Jackson (1623); Beethoven (1623); "Take That" (1623, 1649, 1659) and ex-member "Robbie" (1649); the "Chippendales" (1623); Lazarus (1623); "Mavis Riley" (1624); Brad Pitt (1624); Pamela Anderson (1625); "The X Files" (1626); "Wolfman" (1626); "Captain Mainwaring" (1627, 1638); "Dracula" (1627);"The Addams Family" (1628); the "Marie Celeste" (1628, 1635); "Baywatch" (1628); Nero (1629); Michelangelo (1629); "Mystic Meg" (1629); "Goldilocks" (1629); Lucretia Borgia (1630); Mother Teresa (1630); Bamber Gascoigne (1630); Enoch Powell / Enoch (1630 / 1646); "Crimewatch" (1632); "The Archers" (1632); Mike Tyson (1632, 1635); Methuselah (1633); "Reservoir Dogs" (1633); Ken Dodd (1633); Cary Grant (1635); Judith Chalmers (1635); "Casualty" (1635); "Batman" (1635); "Everard" (1635); Twiggy (1636); Mariah Carey (1638); "Hollyoaks" (1638); Cilla Black (1638); "Samir", contemporary Greek "Coronation Street" character (1638); Arthur Lucas, Rob Wilton and The Great Raymondo [vintage entertainers] (1639); Cast, Menswear and Blur (1641); Betty Boothroyd (1642); Florence Nightingale (1644); "Dr Finlay" (1645); Eva Braun (1645); Clement Freud (1645); Freud (1646); Hugh Grant (1646); the Queen Mother )1646); "Mr Motivator" (1646); Stretchy Armstrong [?] (1647); Sir Harvey Smith (1647)l Echobelly (1648); Courtney Hall (1648); Warren Beatty (1648); "The Poseidon Adventure" (1649); Judy Garland (1649); Delia Smith (1649); the Beatles (1649); "Sesame Street" / Bert and Ernie (1650); "Mastermind" (1650) "Rigsby" (1651); Julie Walters (1652); "Mrs Overall" (1652); the "Queen Vic" (1652); Kate Moss (1652); Larry Grayson (1652); "Neighbours" (1654); "Miss Brodie" (1654); "Ringo" [Starr] (1655); "Mr Bean" (1655); Richard Branson (1655); Damon Hill (1656); "Scrooge" (1656); "Inspector Morse" (1656); "Rachman" (1656); "Mickey Mouse" (1656); The Emperor of Rome (1656); "Coronation Street" (1658); Beavis and Butt-head (1659); Bing Crosby (1659); Stanley and "Mrs" Livingstone (1661); Burke and Hare (1661); Rudolph (1658 / 1662) / Donner, Blitzen, Dancer, Dasher, Cupid, Comet and Vixen, reindeer (1662); "Cagney and Lacey" (1662); "Stan and Hilda" [Ogden] (1662); "The Sweeney" (1662); "Starsky and Hutch" (1662); and "Ironside" (1665).

Locations:

There are scenes of David and Jean in their hotel room in Bath in episode 1633, although this room doesn't really look appreciably different from one that might be found in or near Liverpool, where the rest of the action in this season is set.

Births:

One - Ruth Elizabeth Sweeney, daughter of Sinbad and Mandy, is born in episode 1635, weighing 6 lb 2 oz (1637), despite being due in "two and a half weeks" in episode 1634. It is Leo's birthday in episode 1627; it is Jimmy's birthday soon in episode 1650; and Jackie celebrates her birthday, which is soon in episode 1654, in episode 1655. We are also told that Bev is 24 (1618); Rosie is 40 (1625); the unseen Kirk, subject of a radio dedication, is 5 today (1635); Rebecca is 5 (1637); Rachel is 16 (1647, 1648, 1649) / nearly 17 (1648); Mike is over 21 (1648) / in his early twenties, according to David (1653); Caroline was the same age as Katie (1657); and Ron was [is!] twelve years older than Max (1658).

Marriages:

None. Rosie and Eddie have been married for 22 years (1622) / 20-odd years (1631); Patricia and Max have been married for six years (1642); Ron and DD have been married for 22 years (1652), and it is Jimmy and Jackie's wedding anniversary, which is soon in episode 1654, in episode 1655. We are told in episode 1634 that Janice is engaged to the unseen Pablo in Magaluf; Julia implies that it will be 46 years since her wedding day in June (1650); Rosie claims, dubiously, that her unseen workmate Karen Jost is soon to be married (1647); and Jackie implies that she and Jimmy have been married for 23 years [she actually says that's how long she has been going through his pockets!] (1665).

Deaths:

Two - Terry reveals in episode 1656 that Caroline Lewis has died of AIDS, caught from Simon, in August; and Kiev the chicken becomes Kiev the ex-chicken in episode 1657, after eating an organic meal that Bev had prepared for Ron. Unseen characters who are no longer alive but mentioned are: Mr Woods, a 59-year-old angina sufferer and friend of the Crosbies, who are on their way to his funeral (1628); and relatives of Julia - her uncle Ray (1639), her husband, Arthur (1650, 1658), her father (1650) and her father's mother, Grandma Roberts (1650).

Toilet visits:

Gemma (1615 OOV, taken by Leo OOV); Peter (1620, 1621 and 1657); Leo (1632); Rachel (1636 and 1647); Patricia (1636 and 1661); Dil (1636); Mandy (1642); Ruth (1642); Ron (1648); and DD (1661). Ron is also "bursting for a wee" in episode 1624, and "bursting" again in episode 1625.

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

Val, Jackie's sister (1623); Susannah's mother (1628, 1629, 1630, 1632); Christian's mother (1641); and Big Davey (1664).

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

Trevor Jordache (1618, 1619, 1620, 1635, 1637, 1640, 1644, 1657); Barry Grant (1618, 1619, 1620, 1621, 1622, 1624, 1626, 1637, 1653, 1654, 1655, 1656, 1657); Linda Hillarby (1619, 1620, 1622); Oscar Dean (1620); Penny ["Lady Penelope"] (1620); Bev's mother (1625, 1628, 1642, 1651, 1653, 1654, 1655, 1656); Bernie, salon employee (1626); Andrew, Susannah's latest ex (1628, 1629, 1631, 1637); Tony (1629, 1630, 1631, 1634, 1662); Renee [Doreen] (1629, 1649, 1650); Aunty Lou (1632); Little Jimmy (1632, 1646, 1650); Billy (1633, 1634); Sinbad's mother, Ruth (1636); The Shackletons, including Mr Shackleton (1643, 1644); Marcia (1645); Tina, salon employee (1648); Mrs Gagg (1650); Shaun Brookes (1653); Lily Savage (1654); Simon (1656, 1657, 1660, 1665); Caroline (1556, 1557, 1558, 1560); Daniel (1660); Frank Rogers (1661, 1662); and Terry's father (1665).

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

Carol McCarthy, the deputy head at Jenny's school (1620); Gina, a mate of Janice who won £300 out of a 50-member lottery syndicate (1625); Jenny's mother (1627); Mrs Morrison, a salon customer (1629); Russell, a mate of Lee (1630); Miss Dawson, Gemma's Maths teacher (1631); Tim Falconer, estate agent contact of Max (1631); Richard, quiz contestant (1633, 1651); Pablo, Janice's fiance (1634); Janice's mother (1634); Pablo's mother and father (1634); Aggie and Josie, Mo's bingo partners (1636); Elaine, beauty parlour employee (1638); Colin's mother, Cathy's mother-in-law (1640); Christian's father (1641); Peter's mother (1642, 1653); Karen Jost, who is leaving Rosie's work today (1647); Simon, a contact of Max (1648); Kev, a mate of Peter (1649); Avril, a mate of Bev (1650, 1651, 1652, 1653); Mrs Carr, a salon customer (1654); Mrs Andrews of 13 South Bank Road, and Mr Wood of 32 King George Street, who both want a cab (1659); Brian (1659), Tony (1659), and Lenny (1660), cab drivers; Eleanor, a poor worker at "Grants" (1660, 1662); Brian Parsons, Round Table Chairman (1661); Ken, contact of Jimmy (1662); Georgie at the pub, a druggie (1662); and Maria, who works for Max (1664).

Goofs:

Carl misses out "me" between "wanted" and "to" in episode 1622: "And here's me thinking you were just trying to get in my good books because you wanted to move in across the road, so you could stash your cash".

Susannah adds a second letter to her first word in episode 1630: "It really could do with getting ahead of the rest".

Although David is only going away for the weekend in episode 1632, he asks Rachel to record "Crimewatch" for him.......which airs on a weeknight!

The Banks' lottery win, with five numbers plus the bonus ball, is £100,000 - but in reality this would not be a round-sum amount!

The number on the front door of the house Jackie closes as she and Jimmy leave to move to the Close in episode 1633 is number 7, and she recalls that Lindsay took her first steps there. However, on the only previous occasion in which the Corkhills' front door was seen (in episode 1188, less than three years earlier) their house number was 100.

Katie either omits the word "hear", or replaces "of" with "to" in episode 1658: "I'm too frightened to what they'll tell me".

Max mixes up a couple of similar phrases in episode 1660: "Let's just keep things into perspective".

Trivia:

Jackie passed her driving test on her first attempt (1626). The house she and Jimmy leave to move to the Close is number 7 (1633). Jackie's sister, Val, once had swabs left inside her after a hospital operation, took the hospital to court and received compensation (1623). Lindsey and Little Jimmy used to have sugar puffs for breakfast (1650). Taxis bearing the telephone number 269 6699 from Manor Park Car Line (1625) / "Korky Kars" (1642) can be seen. Jimmy, who is left-handed (1629, 1646), instructs a driver to pick up a fare from 116 Mountford Street (1625). His home is raided as part of "Operation Toffeeman", in which, according to the headline of a newspaper report read by Jackie, "Dawn Raid Smashes Drug Dealers" (1663). A milk float seen in the Close in episode 1660 is from Harrison's Dairies, 27-29 Belmont Rd, L6 5BG.

The house where Susannah used to live, which was sold before she went to America, where Emily was in the "fourth grade", and Matthew was "about to start junior high" (1628), was in Colindale Drive (1631). She is seen getting into a taxi bearing the telephone numbers 480 7777 and 220 7777 (1637). According to Max in episode 1661, Brian Parsons, never seen but originally mentioned more than five years earlier as being a new member of the Round Table (in episode 991), is now its Chairman. Jean (1620), Leo (1627), Gemma (1632), the driving test examiner (1646), Jacqui (1646, 1653), Mick (1652), Julia (1654), David (1657), Lindsey (1659) and Gary (1661) are all right-handed, whereas Mo is left-handed (1651), and goes to "Rialto Bingo" on George Street (1651). According to a local radio news report, there has been a pile-up in Queens Drive (1653).

Eddie and Rosie are paying their solicitors £140 per month (1649). The first five lottery numbers drawn, all of which are on their winning ticket, are 24, 15, 33, 14 and 9 (1633). As the sixth number is the "bonus ball" drawn (1633), the prize is £100,000 (1634). Eddie borrows the video "Lovers and Loving" from Ron (1632), whereas Sinbad is seen with the book "Canal Dreams" by Ian Banks, which he has borrowed from Mike, and offers to pass on to Mick (1650). Mick's stalker, Jennifer Alison Swift, is sent to prison for three years (1655), although she is shown as "Jenny Swift" on a list of those due in court on the same day, which Mick studies in episode 1624. Also being charged that day are: Terry Melia, Thomas Summers, Gary Mayers, Thomas Murphy, Roy Rimmer, Robert Shaw, Colin Bott, Paul Dean, Caroline Marsh, Frank Boyd, Terry Murphy and Pauline Cooper.

When Bev claims, falsely, that she went out to a club somewhere on Cumberland Street, Mike suggests that it might have been "The Lomax" (1651). He is seen taking his first and third driving tests in cars from the Manor Park School of Motoring, bearing the telephone number 269 3404 (1626, 1652). During the first one, Julia gets into the back of the car while he is waiting at a junction in Dominic Road (1626). There is a Beatles poster in the room in her house which used to be Doreen's, and into which Peter moves (1650). She will have lived where she is now for 46 years this June (1650), and watches "Neighbours" (1654), whereas Rachel watches "Hollyoaks" (1638), and "Coronation Street" is Ron's favourite (1658). Shane is from "Meadowcroft Park" (1623), and also played Greg Brady in "Sunset Bay" (1638, 1664), in which there was a character called Cheryl (1638).

A plague reading "In loving memory of Sue and Danny Sullivan, who died tragically at this spot 4th October 1991" is erected in episode 1636 and seen again in episodes 1638 and 1655; and Mick's van, showing the pizza parlour's telephone number as 0151 269 2434, is seen again in episode 1627. His flat on the Parade is number 4 (1620, 1625, 1626), while Jacqui and Katie still have an "Oasis" poster on the back of the door to theirs (1623, 1626, 1641, 1647, 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658). Katie, who still has a poster of "Thelma and Louise" on her bedroom wall (1653, 1657) likes the music of Cast, Menswear and Blur, as does Christian (1641). Mandy was in labour for nearly two days with Rachel (1636), who has "Reservoir Dogs" on video (1633).

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

In episode 1650, Julia remembers the past: "When our Renee was little, I used to have her fed and in bed before my Arthur was even home from work. And Grandma Roberts lived with us. That's my father's mother. I had her to look after as well as run the home.". While this may sound inconsequential, it is actually quite a revelation - if "Grandma Roberts" was Julia's father's mother, then Julia's father was "Mr Roberts", and the young lady who married Arthur Brogan many years ago was.......Julia Roberts!!!

And, from episode 1663, could the following be a minor homage to a very famous scene from an episode of "Dad's Army"?

Quote:
DETECTIVE INSPECTOR FERGUSON [to Jimmy]: Are you James Corkhill?

GARY STANLOW: Don't say anything, Jimmy!

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Having found his stash of cash and drugs missing, Jimmy believes the police are about to catch up with him and is packing his things to go on the run, when Jackie comes home and reveals that it was she who found the drugs, and now she knows that he has been lying to her. He tries to persuade her that she should have realised all along, and won't apologise for now being able to give her everything she wants, reminding her of the much poorer quality of life they used to have - but she is still disgusted that everything is being paid for with money earned from selling drugs.

Season Forty Two.......