Brookside Guide.....Season Forty Two.....
by the "Brookside Expert "
BROOKSIDE - SEASON FORTY-TWO (50 episodes)
[Episodes 1666-1715]
The episodes:
Episode 1666 (T 26-12-95 "Mince Pies") Written by Valerie Windsor - It is a quiet Boxing Day on the Close, except that there are members of two different households who want all the Christmas presents to be sent back to where they came from.
Episode 1667 (W 27-12-95 "Out For A Meal") Written by Peter Cox - Max has to cater for two parties of residents of the Close, but not everyone turns up on time. Bev and Lindsey both see potential stardom for their offspring. Jacqui receives a note from Shane.
Episode 1668 (F 29-12-95 "Fairy Stories") Written by Peter Cox - Mike's advertisement attracts considerably more custom than he anticipated. Lindsey tries to find out why there is friction with the Dixon family. Max decides that it is time to take drastic action, and two people who have had near-death experiences try to rationalise what happened to them.
Episode 1669 (T 02-01-96 "Maggots") Written by Julie Rutterford - Lindsey is amazed when Jimmy gives his blessing for Gary's fishing trip to Holland. Rosie and Eddie try to convince Max that he has made a mistake and shouldn't prosecute Lee.
Episode 1670 (W 03-01-96 "Up For The Job") Written by Julie Rutterford - Mike agrees to take Josh out for the afternoon, so he almost certainly has an ulterior motive. The Trading Post requires a new manageress, and fate takes a hand in determining the appointment.
Episode 1671 (F 05-01-96 "Friendship") Written by Julie Rutterford - Max's insistence on prosecuting Lee provokes a confession from the real thief. Lindsey makes the most of Gary's continued absence, but then he returns. Mick and Sinbad try to fight the flab, but both are finding it difficult.
Episode 1672 (T 09-01-96 "Not Wanted") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy tries to help Gary get back into Lindsey's good books, but she is making a date with someone else. Max notices that Shane has spent the night at Jacqui's, and disbelieves Eddie's explanation for Rosie's behaviour; but Patricia's attempt to clear the air just makes things worse.
Episode 1673 (W 10-01-96 "Drugs Awareness") Written by Shaun Duggan - As rumours circulate and develop about her, Rosie realises that she has a problem. Can Julia cheer her up with stories about the past? Jacqui wonders if Katie is pregnant, and Jimmy and Shane make a deal, but on whose behalf?
Episode 1674 (F 12-01-96 "Make Or Break Time") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy decides that he should take the next trip to Holland. Lindsey tells Mike she has had second thoughts. Mo tries to reconcile Eddie and Rosie, and Rachel notices that some of the girls' food is disappearing.
Episode 1675 (T 16-01-96 "Not A Word....") Written by Barry Woodward - Shane invites Jacqui to come to Australia with him, but there's something she doesn't know. Terry finds something unexpected going on in his "Trading Post" stock room. Sarah has two offers to decorate her flat, and Mick plans a surprise party.
Episode 1676 (W 17-01-96 "Obsessed") Written by Barry Woodward - Anxious to avoid his parents, Lee installs himself in Katie's kitchen. Terry loans his flat to Mike for the evening, but will he be able to make good use of it? Sarah chooses her new wallpaper, but Eddie is not pleased when the decorating gets underway.
Episode 1677 (F 19-01-96 "Not Right") Written by Barry Woodward - Jackie is appalled by someone she finds visiting the Corkhill home. Sinbad is surprised to find a gift waiting for him, and a birthday party all arranged - a week early. Katie also gets a useful present from Lee - spot cream.
Episode 1678 (T 23-01-96 "Stress Management") Written by Valerie Windsor - When they refuse to buy Easter eggs, Max and Patricia are given guidance in relaxation techniques. Jimmy discovers that a few unexpected things have happened while he has been in Holland. There are unwelcome revelations for both Jackie and Jacqui.
Episode 1679 (W 24-01-96 "Headaches") Written by Valerie Windsor - Lindsey tells Jackie how she feels about Mike, and is amazed by her reaction. Mick and Sinbad's garage gym attracts a few visitors, but Eddie is more interested in something he overhears, and warns Terry off Sarah. Shane appeals for Jacqui's help, and Lee continues to pester Katie.
Episode 1680 (F 26-01-96 "She's Dead") Written by Valerie Windsor - Although Jimmy's painting survives a hail of bullets through the Corkhills' window, not all of the household do. Lindsey is appalled to discover what has been going on, and blames her mother. Sarah confronts Eddie, and Max and Patricia receive postcards sent separately by David and Jean.
Episode 1681 (T 30-01-96 "All Heart") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Bev receives a letter from the advertising agency, but Ron thinks it may just be a con. Jimmy tries to make number 10 spotless, and tells Gary to dispose of the remaining drugs - but he agrees to make one last deal. Lee discovers Katie's secret.
Episode 1682 (W 31-01-96 "Dead Important") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Jimmy and Gary call at the Dixons', but they aren't looking for Lindsey. Bev's attempts to run the Trading Post meet with some resistance. Katie finds out that Lee saw her eating a box of chocolates, and tries to explain her actions.
Episode 1683 (F 02-02-96 "Drug Dealers") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Lee finds Rosie reading one of his love letters, but refuses to give anything away. Ron checks the books of the Trading Post, and isn't impressed. Jacqui is devastated to find that Shane has died of a drug overdose.
Episode 1684 (T 06-02-96 "Second Thoughts") Written by Barry Woodward - Eddie is not happy about the new sleeping arrangements at the flat, but Sarah wonders if he should move out entirely. Lee posts a letter to Katie, but has second thoughts and retrieves it. Gary discovers that Lindsey has not been staying with Jackie and Val.
Episode 1685 (W 07-02-96 "Rug Dealer") Written by Barry Woodward - Sinbad receives a letter from his mother, but is it good news or bad? Jacqui tries to get Katie a job, but she doesn't want it. Sarah and Eddie go bowling, while Gary invites Mike to the pub, and Lindsey wonders whether running away is the right thing to do.
Episode 1686 (F 09-02-96 "Cocktails") Written by Maurice Bessman - Gary receives several hoax calls for taxis, which Jimmy realises must be from Jacqui. Then the rat-catcher arrives....... Katie has a job interview, Julia goes with her, and they both end up sampling cocktails. Lee decides that he can't live with his mother any more - but how will Eddie react to him moving into Sarah's flat?
Episode 1687 (T 13-02-96 "Reap What You Sow") Written by Maurice Bessman - When his business premises are vandalised, Jimmy wants to call it a day, but Gary isn't convinced that they should. Rosie asks Eddie to come home. Lee paints his bedroom and invites Katie to come and see it, but what are his real motives?
Episode 1688 (W 14-02-96 "Sad And Single") Written by Peter Cox - Mike takes his fifth driving test, already facing the prospect of a first conviction. Sarah suggests a night out for Eddie.......with Mick, Sinbad and Terry. There is a tempting offer for a couple in trouble.
Episode 1689 (F 16-02-96 "Nothing To Say") Written by Peter Cox - Patricia reveals more postcards revealing that her parents are even further apart. When Jacqui goes to lay a wreath on Tony's grave, she finds someone else there. Lee tries to help a friend in need, Rosie tidies up the house in the hope that Eddie will come back, and funding for Mike and Lindsey's trip to Australia arrives from a very unexpected source.
Episode 1690 (T 20-02-96 "Frying Pans") Written by Shaun Duggan - Rosie tells Sarah that Eddie has found another woman. Mike reveals his plans to Ron. Max and Patricia'a advert appears in the press, but so does something else. The annual pancake race doesn't pass entirely without incident.
Episode 1691 (W 21-02-96 "Ketchup") Written by Shaun Duggan - Gary refuses to let Lindsey see Kylie unless she comes back to him. Sarah throws Eddie out of the flat. Max receives a tip-off about the identity of the mystery diner he needs to impress - but how good is the information? And how good is the ketchup?
Episode 1692 (F 22-02-96 "High Flier") Written by Shaun Duggan - Mick finds someone with nowhere else to go sleeping on his floor. Ron reads up on eating disorders, determined to help Katie, and appeals for Jimmy's help to reunite Kylie with her mother. An unexpected visitor could cause a few problems for Terry.
Episode 1693 (T 27-02-96 "Hold Your Plums") Written by Nick Saltrese - Katie is reluctant to go to a clinic, but Ron agrees to take her. Rosie tells Sarah that Eddie is back home, and thanks her for looking after him. Max is invited to a radio station for an interview, but finds it difficult to get there on time.
Episode 1694 (W 28-02-96 "Stitched Up") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sarah tells Eddie she is going home. Max reveals his "new image" to Patricia. Terry discovers that Helen wants him to give a talk to the university flying club. Mike and Lindsey prepare to leave for Australia, unaware that Gary has filled Kylie's teddy bear with drugs.
Episode 1695 (F 01-03-96 "Naughty Boy") Written by Nick Saltese - Ron is summoned to the police station, and Bev is furious when she discovers what he is accused of doing. Terry tries to reconcile Sarah with her in-laws before she leaves for Reading, with unfortunate results. Gary tries to undo some of the damage he has done, but he may have left it too late.
Episode 1696 (T 05-03-96 "It Wasn't Me") Written by Maurice Bessman - Just as Sinbad and Mick are telling Helen how quiet the Close is, another couple's clothes are being flung out of their windows. Jacqui has a lot of phone calls to make, but no-one is answering. Bev has an idea for a hobby to keep Ron active - gardening.
Episode 1697 (W 06-03-96 "Held Accountable") Written by Maurice Bessman - Max receives a police caution, but isn't satisfied with it. Terry feels a fool when he finds out that Helen has known all the time that he isn't a pilot. Jimmy finds Jackie doing his ironing, but she still isn't coming home. Mike and Lindsey are charged with drug-smuggling.
Episode 1698 (F 08-03-96 "Two-Off") Written by Maurice Bessman - While writing his food column for him, Patricia notices that Max seems to have something else on his mind, and Ron gives him even more to worry about. Eddie tries to make amends for the damage he caused. Jacqui returns to the Close with devastating news for the Dixons and the Corkhills.
Episode 1699 (T 12-03-96 "Needs Must") Written by Peter Cox - Jackie insists that Jimmy faces up to his responsibilities for once. Ron tries to contact the appropriate authorities, using Max's fax. Bev catches Katie out by accidentally sitting on her secret stash of chocolate.
Episode 1700 (W 13-03-96 "Working Nights") Written by Peter Cox - As his health deteriorates, Bev confiscates Ron's passport, and goes to the clinic with Katie. Mick offers to baby-sit for Ruth to let Sinbad catch up with his window round, in the dark! But he's not the only one who is out working nights.......
Episode 1701 (F 15-03-96 "More And More Worried") Written by Peter Cox - Ron tries to contact a solicitor in Bangkok, while Max may need one much closer to home, as he tells Patricia a story very different from the true one that ended with his arrest for soliciting.
Episode 1702 (T 19-03-96 "Change Of Plan") Written by Nick Saltrese - Patricia is still annoyed with Max, and refuses to write his column for him. Jimmy tries to sell the taxi business, but finds it difficult to attract buyers. Ron and Jackie visit a solicitor, but it seems to be a waste of time. Sinbad is reluctant to take Ruth back to Mandy.
Episode 1703 (W 20-03-96 "Page Ten") Written by Nick Saltrese - Everyone waits at "Grants" for the Crosbies to return, but will they? Mick tells Terry that Sinbad has long-term plans for Ruth, and overhears him telephoning Mandy to extend her stay. Patricia goes to the salon, unaware that there is something about Max that everyone except her has read in the local newspaper.
Episode 1704 (F 22-03-96 "Breaking Every Rule") Written by Nick Saltrese - New sleeping arrangements need to be established at the bungalow. Jimmy forces Gary to sign a confession at the police station, but P.C. Coban has to release him. Mick speaks to Mandy behind Sinbad's back, and the contents of the crate which has arrived at the Farnhams are revealed - but Patricia has other things on her mind.
Episode 1705 (T 26-03-96 "Food Rules") Written by Chris Curry - Jacqui, Rachel and Katie feel that they are now living in a police state, but Jacqui has plans to ensure Rachel's birthday party still goes ahead. Jimmy asks Sinbad for financial help - but, fearing it will be spent on drugs, Sinbad refuses. Katie's bulimia counsellor takes her for lunch.
Episode 1706 (W 27-03-96 "Pointing The Finger") Written by Barry Woodward - Max wants Patricia to accompany him to court, but she is not interested. Rosie receives a letter regarding her lawsuit against the hospital, and Eddie agrees to go with her to see their solicitor. Jackie's description of the unbearable conditions in Thailand finally prompts Gary into taking action.
Episode 1707 (F 29-03-96 "Lemonade") Written by Barry Woodward - Despite Bev's misgivings, Ron insists on taking up Jimmy's offer of a flight to Thailand. Katie invites Mark to Rachel's party, but he turns her down, and she reacts by bingeing again. Patricia's attitude to Max is not improved when Susannah reveals that he has been seeing her again.
Episode 1708 (T 02-04-96 "Orange") Written by Peter Cox - Eddie and Rosie have to decide whether to settle out of court, Bev comes up with a plan to improve sales of Easter eggs, Jimmy and Ron are stuck in Cairo, and David unwittingly brightens the mood of all the other residents.
Episode 1709 (W 03-04-96 "Moral Support") Written by Peter Cox - Max plans his defence, but without Patricia. Jackie insists that Bev is misleading her customers by not including a prize in any of her eggs. David calls Mark to try to encourage Katie to come out of her room. Someone arrives unexpectedly to help at the Trading Post, and shows no signs of leaving.
Episode 1710 (F 05-04-96 "No More Bets") Written by Barry Woodward - Bev leaves DD to mind the shop in her absence, then is horrified to discover that she has sold the egg containing the £50 note. Terry takes Sinbad and Mick to a casino, leaving Katie to baby-sit. Lee cooks for his parents, but leaves a pan unattended and nearly causes a fire. Despite Max's pleas, Patricia leaves for France.
Episode 1711 (T 09-04-96 "Enough's Enough") Written by Barry Woodward - Max cannot bring himself to go to work, or deliver faxes from Thailand to Bev. While cleaning up at Rosie's, Mo finds a stack of unopened mail. A former resident of the Close returns.
Episode 1712 (W 10-04-96 "Too Late For Sorry") Written by Julie Rutterford - Rosie has to confess that she has been spending the mortgage money, and now they face eviction. But can Eddie do anything? Katie agrees to look after Louise while Sammy is at work. Although David isn't in court for Max, there are other people present who know him.......but will his "star witness" arrive or not?
Episode 1713 (F 12-04-96 "Asking A Lot") Written by Julie Rutterford - Jimmy insists that Gary comes to see the local MP, while Ron tries to get people to sign his petition. But since it includes Lindsey as well as Mike, Eddie and Rosie refuse to sign - as does Max, who is feeling low after the court verdict and the reaction of his neighbours.
Episode 1714 (T 16-04-96 "Yellow Ribbon") Written by Nick Saltrese - Susannah suggests that Max finds a place for them both. Katie is surprised by who she meets in the park. Eddie and Rosie have to decide whether or not to accept the hospital's final offer of compensation. Patricia finds David hiding behind the bins so that he can avoid being lumbered with babysitting for Louise again.
Episode 1715 (W 17-04-96 "Madness") Written by Nick Saltrese - The tension between Jackie and Bev escalated into a cat-fight at the Trading Post. Patricia finds Susannah at "Grants" - but nothing Max does surprises her any more. Ron receives encouraging news from his MP. The building society still won't listen to Eddie - but Rosie has an idea.......
The cast:
RESIDENTS:
Eddie Banks - PAUL BROUGHTON (1666-1689, 1691-1696, 1698, 1706, 1708-1710,
1712-1715)
Rosie Banks (nee McGee) - SUSAN TWIST (1666-1674, 1676, 1680, 1683-1690, 1692,
1693, 1695, 1696, 1706, 1708-1715)
Lee Banks - MATTHEW LEWNEY (1667-1669, 1671,
1672, 1676, 1677, 1679, 1681-1687, 1689, 1690, 1696, 1707, 1709, 1710, 1715)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1666-1668, 1670, 1671, 1674-1680,
1694, 1697-1702, 1705, 1706, 1708, 1709, 1711, 1713-1715)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1666-1674, 1678-1689, 1691, 1692, 1694-1707,
1711, 1713-1715)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1703-1705, 1707-1715)
Sammy Daniels (nee Rogers) - RACHAEL LINDSAY (1711-1714)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O'Farrell) - IRENE MAROT (1709-1711, 1715)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1666-1671, 1673-1675, 1677-1683, 1690-1705, 1707,
1711, 1713-1715)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1667-1679, 1681-1687, 1689-1691, 1694-1702,
1704, 1705, 1707-1711, 1713)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1666-1678, 1680-1691, 1693-1697)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1667-1672, 1678, 1680, 1682, 1684, 1686, 1688-1694,
1696-1714)
Patricia Farnham (nee Crosbie) - GABRIELLE GLAISTER (1670, 1672, 1678, 1680,
1681, 1684-1686, 1688-1694, 1698-1710, 1713-1715)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (1702, 1706, 1707, 1712, 1714,
1715)
Thomas Farnham - KIERAN WARHAM (1690, 1705, 1708 OOV, 1710, 1715)
Alice Farnham - ANNA NORBURY (1678, 1681, 1690, 1710, 1715)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1666, 1668, 1669, 1671, 1673, 1675, 1677-1680,
1685, 1687, 1688, 1690, 1692-1697, 1699-1705, 1707, 1708, 1710, 1711, 1715)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1668, 1677, 1690, 1699, 1710)
Leo Johnson - LEEON SAWYER (1677, 1690, 1699)
Rachel Jordache - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (1667-1670, 1672, 1674, 1692, 1697-1699,
1701-1708, 1713)
Bev McLoughlin - SARAH WHITE (1666, 1667, 1669, 1671, 1673, 1675, 1677, 1678,
1680-1683, 1693-1703, 1705, 1707-1711, 1713-1715)
Josh McLoughlin (1670, 1681, 1695, 1696)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1666-1671, 1673-1677, 1679, 1681-1687, 1689-1693,
1695, 1697, 1699-1714)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (1668, 1672, 1673, 1675-1677, 1679, 1680, 1683,
1685-1688, 1690, 1692, 1694, 1695, 1697, 1698, 1702, 1703, 1710, 1715)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1666, 1667, 1669, 1671, 1672, 1679,
1680, 1683, 1685, 1687-1690, 1692, 1694, 1696-1705, 1707, 1708, 1710, 1714,
1715)
RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Sarah Banks - ANDREA MARSHALL (1666, 1668, 1670, 1673-1678, 1681-1686, 1688,
1690, 1691, 1693-1695)
Rebecca Banks - LAURA MANGEN (1668, 1673, 1675, 1677, 1678, 1681, 1683, 1684,
1686, 1695)
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1669, 1673, 1686, 1690, 1693,
1701, 1703, 1704, 1707, 1709, 1712)
Michelle Burton - DARRYL FISHWICK (1706, 1714)
PC Ian Coban - ANTONY AUDENSHAW (1697, 1704)
Shane Cochrane - RICHARD W NORTON (1669, 1671-1682)
Louise Daniels (1711-1714)
Mo McGee - TINA MALONE (1674, 1695, 1698, 1711, 1712, 1715)
James Payne MP - COLIN KERRIGAN (1713)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (1707, 1713)
Gary Stanlow - ANDREW FILLIS (1667-1669, 1671, 1672, 1674-1688, 1690-1696,
1698, 1700, 1703-1707, 1711, 1713)
Lindsey Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (1666-1696)
Kylie Stanlow (1666-1668, 1670, 1671, 1675, 1678, 1680-1682, 1685, 1686, 1690,
1691, 1693-1696, 1705, 1713)
Ruth Sweeney (1688 VT, 1699-1702, 1703 OOV, 1704, 1705)
Cracker, dog - KELLY MALONE (1670, 1671, 1688, 1700)
Dawn, employee of "Grants" (1692)
Polly, cat (1679, 1680 body)
NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
James Forrester - STEFAN ESCREET (1702) [ Mr Chris Baxter (470) ]
Tom, doorman - GERRY WHITE (1682) [ Ronnie O'Keefe (815) ]
NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Linda Connors - MADELAINE MURTHWAITE (1693, 1700, 1712)
Lawrence Doyle - DAVID QUILTER (1697)
Dr Mark Smith - JOHN MICHIE (1700, 1703, 1705, 1707, 1709)
Warren Spence - RICHARD ALBRECHT (1709, 1712)
Helen Sutton - HELEN ATKINS (1692, 1694, 1696, 1697)
"Big Davey" Tilston - TIM STERN (1677)
Val Walker - PAULINE FLEMING (1684)
Gillian Westwood - MARGO GUNN (1712)
NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
P.C. Winstanley - TERENCE MANN (1700, 1712)
Chief Magistrate - ANN RYE (1712)
Coach Driver - STEPHEN MAHON (1702)
Diner - EAMONN CLARKE (1691)
Traffic Policeman - DENNIS BLANCH (1687)
APPEARING AS THEMSELVES: BILLY BUTLER and WALLY SCOTT (1693)
UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Mrs Ackbah, a salon customer (1669)
Billy, a taxi driver (1669)
Charlie, a taxi driver (1666)
Mrs Green, a "Trading Post" customer (1682)
Mark Jenkins, Information and Publicity Officer (1672)
Anne Smith, Mark's sister (1707)
Vincent, a waiter (1696)
The Magic Rabbits appear again, this time watched by Kylie, in episode 1680; and their music is briefly heard in episode 1693, while Eddie is flicking through a few different television channels.
The storylines:
Although orange dye proves to be a vital ingredient in the creation of one of the funniest episodes in twenty-one years of "Brookside", the first few months of 1996 certainly are troubled times for the residents of the Close. Katie loses confidence in herself, and needs to be treated for bulimia; Jacqui loses a boyfriend, as Shane dies after overdosing on uncut heroin; and Mike and Lindsey look likely to lose their freedom, arrested in Thailand for drug-smuggling after a jealous Gary gives Kylie a teddy that is stuffed in more ways than one. Jackie leaves Jimmy, after bullets are fired through their window; Sinbad realises he has no future with Mandy, and has to be persuaded to return baby Ruth to her after a visit; Max and Patricia look set to part, after Max accidentally gets himself an undeserved reputation as a kerb-crawler; David returns alone from his travels with Jean, and realises that they no longer want any of the same things; and Sammy leaves Owen and returns to the Close, probably after visiting a few pubs on the way. And Eddie and Rosie try to rebuild their marriage, after Rosie's addiction to gambling leads Eddie to want a future with his daughter-in-law instead - but they may be about to lose their home, unless perhaps Rosie can make a shrewd investment with the compensation money they receive for her hospital treatment.......
The dates:
It is Boxing Day in episode 1666; and, based on dialogue in episodes 1667 and 1668, and the date appearing on Mike's poster in the former episode, it is 28th December 1995 in the former and 29th December 1995 in the latter. It is a leap year in episode 1671; and it is a Friday in episode 1674. Based on dialogue relating to Sinbad's birthday, it is Friday 19th January in episode 1677, and it is Friday 26th January in episode 1680. "Valentine's Night beckons", according to Max, in episode 1686, and it is Valentine's Day / Valentine's Night in episode 1688. It is Pancake Tuesday in episode 1690; and, as the pancake races were "yesterday" in episode 1691, it must then be Wednesday. Based on dialogue in episodes 1690, 1692 and 1695, it is/was Tuesday in episode 1693 and it is Wednesday in episode 1694; and, based on the magazine feature seen and read in episode 1692, it is 1996. There is a March 1996 calendar on Bev's wall in episode 1696; and it is March 13th 1996 in episode 1700, based on dialogue in episode 1712. It is still March in episode 1704; it is Friday in episode 1707; and it is Good Friday in episode 1710. Based on dialogue in episode 1706, it is 10th April (which is "next week" in episode 1708) in episode 1712; and based on dialogue in episode 1714, it was Friday in episode 1713. In episode 1705, David finds an out-of-date item in the fridge which is marked October 15th 1995.
Name-checks:
"Geronimo" (1668); Justine Fleeshman, model (1669); "Sherlock" (1669); "Mystic Meg" (1669, 1682); "Miss Marple" (1669); Princess Margaret (1669); Kylie [Minogue] and Jason [Donovan] (1669); Cindy Crawford (1669); "Jack the Ripper" (1670); "Romeo and Juliet" (1670); Claire Rayner (1670); "Speedy Gonzales" (1671); Maggie Thatcher (1671); "Now Voyager" / Bette Davis (1671); Vincent Price (1671); "Fred" [Weatherman] (1671); Princess Di/ana, Lady Di (1672, 1703); "Cilla" [Black] (1673); "Love Story" (1676); Linford Christie (1677); "Arnie" Schwarzenegger / "Arnie" (1679 / 1708); the Queen (1680); Shirley Temple (1681); Robbie Coltrane (1681); Mother Teresa (1682, 1697); James Hunt (1683); "Skippy" (1683); "Fawlty Towers" (1684); "Masterchef" (1684); Egon / Egon Ronay (1684 / 1692); "Bluto" (1685); "Trumpton" (1685); Noele Gordon (1686); Tommy Steele (1686); "My Fair Lady" (1686); Harold MacMillan (1686); "'Arry" [Carpenter, in a Frank Bruno impersonation by Mick] (1687); Michael Schumacher (1688); Julia Roberts (1688); Mills & Boon (1688); Chris Evans (1690, 1693); [John] McEnroe (1690); Pilger (1691); "Shirley Valentine" (1691); Tom Conti (1691); "Basil Fawlty" (1692); Marco Pierre White (1693); Keith Floyd (1693, 1703); Terence Conran (1693); Mel Gibson (1693, 1694); Salvador Dali (1694); "Neighbours" (1694); Freddie Laker (1694); "The Little House On The Prairie" (1694); "Biggles" (1694); "Galloping Gourmet" (1695, 1710); "Bangkok Hilton" (1695); Percy Thrower (1696); "Billy Liar" (1697); "Ghostbusters" (1698); "Crimewatch" (1698); "Mr Spock" (1701); Rabbie Burns (1704); "The Queen of Sheba" (1704); Rod Stewart (1707); Einstein (1707); Johnny Rotten (1708); the Stone Roses (1709); Gary Rhodes (1710); "James Bond" (1710); "Flash Harry" (1710); Chris Eubank (1711); "Rumpole of the Bailey" (1712); "L.A. ["La"] Law" (1712); Graham Taylor [former football team manager] (1714); "Calamity Jane" (1714); Dawn [70's group] (1714); and John Wayne (1714).
Locations:
Most of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, the only exceptions being a few scenes in Manchester airport in episodes 1694 and 1711, and several scenes in Bangkok airport, Thailand - NOT actually filmed there! - in episodes 1695, 1696 and 1697.
Births:
None. Mick thinks that it is Sinbad's 39th birthday on Friday in episode 1675, and throws him a party on Friday 19th in episode 1677, at which Sinbad reveals that it's actually the next Friday - the 26th, which arrives in episode 1680. It is Rosie's birthday, which is "soon" in episode 1689, in episode 1698; it is Mick's 38th birthday in episode 1699; and it is Rachel's 17th birthday, which is "on Friday" in episode 1705 - in episode 1707. We are also told that Shane was 24 when he died (1683); Lindsey is 23 (1668); Jacqui is 19 / not over 21 / "16" according to a newspaper! (1673 / 1687 / 1690); Tony would have been 17 now (1679), having died when he was 14 (1683, and according to his gravestone, seen in episode 1689); Sinbad will be 40 next January / next year (1687 / 1707); Gemma is 8 (1687); Ruth is 4 months old / 6 months old (1689 / 1701); Frank was 47 when he died (1700); Kylie is 3 (1702, 1704); and Mark is 29 (1707). Less specifically, there is nearly 20 years of an age difference between Eddie and Sarah, and between Ron and Bev (1675); Katie is at least 3 years older than Lee (1676); Max is in his "mid thirties" (1700); and Julia's friend Dolly [Sparrow} is an Aries, like Rachel (1707). Unseen motorist John Heaton is 37 (1686).
Marriages:
None. Eddie and Rosie have been married for 22 years (1674) / 23 years (1683). Jackie and Jimmy have been married for 23 years off and on (1674) / 20-odd years (1675) / 23 years (1679, 1680). Lindsey implies in episode 1693 that she has been married for five years to Gary, whose unseen mother and father are divorced (1677).
Deaths:
Two - Jackie discovers that Polly the cat was unable to withstand a hail of bullets through the window of number 10 in episode 1680; and Shane Cochrane dies of an overdose of uncut heroin in episode 1682. Tony died on 7th February 1994, according to his gravestone, and two years ago this week, in episode 1689; and Katie's father died two and a half years ago in episode 1700. Unseen characters mentioned who are no longer alive are: Winnie Howard, an old friend of Julia who committed suicide (1673); Winnie's husband, who had died some time previously (1673); Jimmy's mother (1691); Jimmy's father (1687); and Mark's younger sister Meg, who starved herself to death (1703).
Toilet visits:
Mike (1666); Bev (1673 and 1696); Julia (1673 - explaining that she needs to go every 20 minutes in the winter!); Kylie (1690 and 1694); Jimmy (1711); and Gary (1713). According to Jackie, Lindsey has had the runs for two weeks (1709); and, although Terry (1676), Katie (1677) and Mike (1685) also claim that they are going to the toilet, they appear to be using this merely as an excuse to be somewhere else.
Mentioned, so far unseen, but just possibly going to be glimpsed later: Tom, DD's boyfriend (1710, 1711).
Gone but not forgotten - seen previously and still mentioned occasionally, but not reappearing in this season:
Jenny (1666, 1688); Mandy (1666, 1687, 1688, 1699, 1700, 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705); Jean / Mrs Crosbie (1667, 1703, 1705, 1707 / 1702, 1704, 1705, 1708); Simon (1668); Tony Dixon (1668, 1679, 1681, 1683, 1684, 1690, 1698, 1699, 1701); Beth (1668, 1682, 1699, 1702); Carl (1671, 1676, 1680, 1682, 1684, 1685, 1688, 1714); Ruth Sweeney / Sinbad's mother (1672 / 1685, 1689, 1694, 1698); Billy (1674, 1675, 1677, 1678, 1687); Sheila (1674); Kathy from the betting shop (1677, 1698); Keith (1678, 1680, 1684, 1686); Tracy (1686); Renee [Doreen] (1686, 1701); Trevor Jordache (1687); Marcia, who Sinbad proposed to on Valentine's Day (1688); Mike's grandfather (1690); Owen (1692, 1711, 1712, 1714); Geoff (1692, 1700); Barry Grant (1692, 1714); Dil (1701, 1714); Josie (1705, 1711); Dolly Sparrow (1707, 1712); Uncle Clive (1709); the Pope (1711, 1715); Michael Parkinson (1713); and Janice (1713).
And those that are also mentioned, but are destined to remain unseen forever:
Billy, a taxi driver (1669); Sandra, his fare (1669); Mark, a drugs customer (1670); Mr Burke, Bev's Maths teacher (1670); Sally, Shane's manager (1672); Kelly Givlin, with whom Lindsey was at school (1672, 1673, 1676, 1677); Steve, who she is thinking of divorcing (1677); Gary's mother (1677, 1692); Gary's father (1677); Derek and "Old Cartwright", who Shane is going to have to creep to for missing a performance (1677); Shane's mother (1677, 1683, 1684, 1686, 1687, 1698); Mr Rooney, Keith's father (1681); Mrs Prescott, a "lovely" customer who owes £100 (1683); Shane's father / Mr Cochrane (1683, 1684, 1686, 1687, 1698 / 1684); Sinbad's uncle Jake (1685, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1694, 1697, 1698, 1699); 37-year old John Heaton, driver of a red escort which mounted the pavement in Queens Drive (1686); Maureen Georgeson from the Casa Mia restaurant (1691); Sarah's mother and father (1695); Aidan, of "Mersey Nite Out" (1698); Eric (1703, 1707) and Tessa (1703) - the Petersons (1704), retired teachers from Peterbrough with whom Jean is staying in Papua New Guinea (1703); Polly (1707) / Polly Sparrow (1712), Julia's friend; Jane, the lesbian in Jean's past (1708, 1709, 1714); Evvo, a mate of Lee (1710); Larry, a mate of Eddie (1710); Father Dickinson, DD's parish priest (1710); Dr Cook, Ron's doctor (1711); and the elusive Mr Thomas, of the Banks' building society (1715).
Goofs:
In episode 1690, Mike says that he and Lindsey are due to fly "a week on Wednesday" - which should surely be "a week tomorrow", because later on in the very same conversation he says they are going "in eight days' time".
In the same episode, there are contradictory indications of the order in which the three pancake races are run: Ron says that "We're gonna start with the ladies, then the fellas, and finally the kids", but when starting the men's race, Julia says, "Now to see who's going to join Jacqui and Gemma in the grand finale" - so the children's race has been run before the men's!
Trivia:
Patricia is right-handed (1708), and so is Max (1702, 1708). He appears on Radio City 1594 AM, which is based in Stanley Street (1693), and encounters Linda on the way there in Wemmick Street (1693), in which he is later accused of kerb-crawling (1712). A newspaper article seen regarding this matter is entitled "AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTEUR ARRESTED FOR SOLICITING" (1703, 1705), while "Grants Restaurant Wins 'Mersey Nite Out' Award" is the more positive headline on the feature from that publication which is seen in episode 1692, revealing its 1996 choice. The obnoxious diner who Max mistakenly thinks is their representative is right-handed (1692), and so is PC Ian Coban (1697, 1704). Max is defended by Warren Spence [whose wife he has been seeing for quite a while, it will later emerge!!] who may well be from Bell, Mapson, Spence & Company, Solicitors, the firm that Eddie and Rosie consult regarding their case against the hospital (1706), which is settled out-of-court for £25,000 (1714).
Ron is right-handed (1692, 1701, 1711). His shop, The "Trading Post", is renamed "Bev's Trading Post" in episode 1671. He reads a book called "Herr Benny" [?] in episode 1673, and another called "Not To Be Scoffed At", by Ann-Marie Sapsted, in episode 1692, to understand more about Katie's bulimia. She is right-handed (1689, 1697, 1710), and her mother leaves in episode 1675 for Japan, where she is going to teach English as a foreign language (1673). Jacqui, who pretends to be "Mrs Kennedy" to order a taxi (1686), and asks Katie to get a top from Top Shop for Rachel's birthday (1705), is also right-handed (1669). Shane is left-handed (1669, 1671) and comes from Dubbo, New South Wales (1672). He played the character "Greg Brady" (1672, 1675, 1677, 1678, 1679, 1671, 1672, 1674), who was killed by a harpoon (1673) in the soap "Sunset Bay" (1669, 1672, 1677, 1678, 1682). His death is reported in the "Daily Star" with the headline "SMACK AND THE BEANSTALK - Panto Star's Last Performance" (1683), and the later article for which Jacqui is paid £5,000 (1689, 1690) is entitled "SHANE'S SMACK HELL - Scouse Sweetheart Reveals All" (1690).
Mike, who is left-handed (1686), reveals that he failed his driving test for the fourth time in the week before Christmas (1667). His fifth test is "next week" in episode 1686, and he takes - and passes! - it in episode 1688. His friend Keith is now working in Ankara, Turkey (1678), but loses his job after taking time off (1686). Lindsey is right-handed (1690), and Geography was her best subject at school (1695). Gary is right handed (1686, 1704), and left school ten years ago (1675). Lee did domestic science for a year (1676), and Bev came last in Maths (1671). Helen is a marine biologist (1688, 1692) who Terry met in Florida (1688). Mark Smith is a clinical psychologist (1697), and is right-handed (1700). He is also a manic Tranmere supporter known as the "Prenton Parrot", and editor-in-chief of a fanzine about the club, of which he gives Katie a copy (1700). Big Davey's height is 5'2" (1679), and Jimmy's favourite soup is chicken (1711).
Tony's gravestone, seen in episode 1689, reads as follows: "OUR DEARLY BELOVED SON AND BROTHER ANTHONY DIXON, TRAGICALLY TAKEN FROM US 7TH FEBRUARY 1994 AGED 14 YEARS. THE LORD BLESS THEE AND MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON THEE". A van bearing a logo "Pestilim Ltd" and the telephone number 0151 269 0815, sent to Korky Kars by Jacqui, is seen in episode 1686. Part of the "Gift Box" telephone number - 3626 - is seen again on Mick's van in episode 1685, and he is seen carrying another box of pizza bases bearing the brand name "Tolona" in episode 1699. According to a radio report heard in the background in episode 1676, "Bamson and Son" started ten years ago with a small business plan, making luxury recycled paper; and, according to another radio report heard in the background in episode 1686, there has been a pile-up in Queens Drive [not for the first time!].
"Blink-and-you-miss it" moments:
Jacqui's yellow-and-black car, seen in episodes 1671, 1674, 1681, 1682, 1683 and 1704, has the number plate YKA 168W.......which has previously made occasional guest appearances on the vehicle normally wearing AWA 40X!
Mike's poster, seen very briefly on-screen in episode 1667, reads as follows:
MIKE DIXON-S VIDEO SERVICES. Enhance your child's chances of being chosen for the forthcoming advert to be shot in Liverpool. Starts 9am 29th December 1995, 8 Brookside Close, Liverpool. Telephone 269 3826, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
The end-of-season cliffhanger:
Terry tries to persuade Rosie to change her mind, but she is convinced that she is going to win. Eddie frantically battles his way through the crowds in the casino, but he is too late. The whole of the £25,000 compensation they have won from the hospital has been staked, and the roulette wheel is already spinning.......